Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ A Matter Of Choice ❯ Acceptance ( Chapter 45 )

Acceptance

 

Tegan woke slowly, aware of the rise and fall of Torin's chest against her back. The feeling was comforting and she snuggled back into his embrace. His hand slid from her hip in response, snaking round her waist and holding her close. She lay happily in his hold as she began to wake up completely. Something was stirring deep inside her. She shifted a little as it grew uncomfortable, her lover accommodating the new position. Her eyes snapped open as a sudden pain spiked through her gut. Torin felt her tense having been awake for some time.

 

“Good evening.” He murmured into her curls.

 

She smiled. There was something in his voice, a complete ease that she found calming.

 

“Hungry?” He asked seriously.

 

Suddenly her tension was gone. Now that he had voiced the thought it was suddenly obvious. She felt a little sheepish.

 

“Yeah.” She replied softly, her consternation evident in her tone.

 

“Don't worry; I know that it feels different. It shocked me the first time too.”

 

He eased back, drawing her with him so that she lay on her back looking up at him as he smiled at her warmly. He was so glad to be by her side again, and to have her well at last. He nuzzled gently into the soft flesh of her neck making her hum at the pleasurable caress. Her murmur of enjoyment was cut short as a pang of hunger stabbed at her insides taking her breath away. Torin didn't miss the slight intake of breath and sighed. He had hoped to enjoy a little while with her first.

 

“Come on, you need to feed.”

 

Her eyes widened, the tone in his voice a little… off. His face was unreadable as he got out of bed and she sat up. Without thinking she bit at her bottom lip, a childish gesture and winced as her new canines pierced the flesh a little. The regret and guilt that had led to the mess she was in the previous evening resurfaced, sweeping over her in a wave. She swallowed hard as another hunger pang ripped into her. She closed her eyes as she felt tears begin to prick at the back of her eyes. Suddenly a gentle hand was lifting her chin and bringing her to look at him.

 

“You okay?” Torin asked smiling at her gently.

 

At that smile her worries seemed to melt away and she nodded in reply.

 

“Come on sleepy. We don't have forever you know.” He teased.

 

He took her hand and drew her to him and kissed her cheek before leaving for his own room to get some clothes. She found herself smiling at him. Had she really expected him to change? Still there was that tension within her, though his presence lessened it. She moved around the still unfamiliar room on autopilot. There were bags of her clothes at the foot of the bed, Torin having obviously been to the apartment. She dressed avoiding her reflection in the mirror. She wasn't ready to face her own image as yet; she hadn't quite accepted what she had become, though tonight she would have to face that head on. She took a deep breath; one step at a time.

 

“Ready?”

 

She turned sharply at her lover's voice, to find him leaning against the door smiling cheekily. It was a simple question and yet the answer was so complicated. She hadn't thought that she would ever be able to willingly do this, and yet here she was. Torin saw her hesitation and went to her, taking her in his arms.

 

“I know.” He murmured as he drew her into his chest. “It's going to be hard, but it will get easier, I promise.”

 

He kissed her hair and squeezed her gently. She sighed and pushed back from him gently.

 

“Let's get this over with.”

 

* * * * *

 

Torin had debated on where to take her. He was nervous; he had no idea how she would react. Yes she had already taken a man's life but it was more instinct than through conscious will. Yet she had drunk from his own veins with ease. Would she be so accepting now, now that she would actually have to hunt, and hunt to kill at that? He led her toward the red-light district knowing that the more nefarious the victim the more likely she would be able to accept the inevitable. For inevitable this was. Tegan would have to feed or return to the state she had been in when he had found her last night. He couldn't force her, but she would have to deal with this or go mad. He suppressed the shudder that the thought drew in him lest she see it. It was a fate he did not want for her, that she did not deserve.

 

The walk was long and they talked as they went. They had never been able to do this before, be out together in the open and they both savoured the time alone outdoors, despite the setting. They both tactfully avoided the subject at hand and Torin found himself smiling at the woman beside him. She was now even more beautiful than before if still a little thin. She had begun to relax and the two were smiling and laughing as they had in the golden evenings before Demetriov had gotten involved. She seemed to be herself despite her ordeal. Though he knew she was probably hiding a lot. He knew her, and she had a tendency to put up masks and hide her true feelings behind them. She was quite the little actress when she wanted to be, and he knew better to take her outward calm and ease as a given. But there was nothing more he could do than try and ease her into her new life.

 

They were nearing their destination now, walking past the first of the hookers lingering in shadows. Downtrodden women, haggard in revealing clothes, but it was their haunted eyes that revealed more about them. Hunger reflected within their dull orbs; drugs, booze, food, money, it was all the same. However these sorry individuals were not the intended target. As they walked along in silence now, the two felt eyes on them, pimps starting to show themselves now. Torin knew that Tegan would draw their gaze; in this environment she was like a pale rose in the desert. Tegan was beginning to feel uncomfortable under their scrutiny, stepping close to him. Funny, she was so strong, and even in life she could floor every one of them, had nothing to fear from them, yet she was reacting like a frightened girl. She would find her strength yet. But in reality it wasn't the eyes on her that had her uncomfortable, it was what she was about to do, and she was well aware of it. The reality tore at her, making her want to run away, but the hunger was strong, and she just could not go back to that helpless state from last night, she had to do this whether she liked it or not.

 

He brought her to a halt just out of view of a likely group and likely spot to strike. He sighed and turned to her to find her finger on his lips, quieting him before he could say anything. She wasn't sure she could stand to hear him say it. No words passed between them but they didn't need to say anything. They understood each other. She turned her back on him, closing her eyes and steeled herself for what she had to do. Her hunger was now an angry knot in her belly, one she could not ignore. She had to face the nature of what she had become or wither away, begging to be put out of her misery, and she couldn't face that, she hadn't the strength. With that she took her first step towards the group before them.

 

Three whores and two pimps stood in discussion blocking the street corner, Tegan eyeing the man with his back to her. She tried to calm her racing heart as she jammed her hands into her jeans pockets and put her head down as any self respecting lone woman would do in a district like this. She walked quickly trying not to think about what she was about to do, trying to convince herself that by killing one of these sorry souls she might actually be doing them a favour. Her conscience was screaming at her but nothing could be done, she was a vampire now, she had to survive, as the growing pain within her was evidence of. She already knew what ignoring it could lead to. But in her debating she had now reached the group, and it was too late to back out now as she `accidentally' bumped into the back of the man she had picked out on her approach.

 

“Hey!” He shouted rounding on her. “Watch where you're going!”

 

“S…s…sorry!” She stuttered meekly, backing away looking frightened.

 

She hurried away heading for a dark street to wait and see if they took the bait. Torin watched as the two men looked at each other grinning. The one she had bumped into stubbed out his cigarette and followed the retreating girl. Torin smiled and moved to make his own way to Tegan's destination, pleased that things were going smoothly. As soon as Tegan hit the darkness she slowed acutely aware of the man approaching behind her, letting him begin to catch up with her. She tensed as she heard his footsteps now almost directly behind her. I don't want to do this, but you must, but I don't want to, but you must! Her breath caught in her throat as he grabbed her arm.

 

“And where do you think you're going in such a hurry?” He leered as he pulled her round to face him, but was not expecting her response.

 

It came in the form of Tegan's left fist and it connected with his jaw, hard. He staggered back dazed and Tegan pinned him to the wall. She thought to silence him but he was already too dazed from the blow to be a problem. She knew she would be stronger as a result of the change but was surprised how easy it had been. Now she was faced with the dreaded moment. He wouldn't remain quiet for very long and had to take the opportunity now or knock him out completely. Now she had him pinned she wasn't sure she could do it, but the tight knot in her belly could not be ignored. Closing her eyes she grabbed a fistful of his hair and yanked his head back. When he moaned softly her eyes snapped open in fear only to lock onto the sight of the pulsating arteries in his neck. Her hunger hit her like a bomb going off, extending to encompass all of her very being, and she was undone by the sight.

 

Before she knew it she had bitten hard into his throat and the taste of his blood exploded on her tongue. She moaned between swallows; could anything in this life or the next taste better than this? As the blood hit her stomach the unbearable knot inside her disappeared, replaced by a radiating sweetness that spread through her like wildfire. Oh and it felt so good! She was lost in a state of bliss, drowning in his taste and warmed by an all encompassing pleasure the likes of which she had never known. It seemed she would never be able to get enough of it either. And yet sense prevailed as she became aware of his slowing heart. It had to end, of course it did and so she forced herself to stop.

 

She pulled away as his heart stopped, letting his body slide down the wall gently. She raised her arm, leaning against the wall, her head nestled in the crook of her arm, breathing hard. She heard herself moaning softly as the delicious feeling began to fade slowly, her breathing beginning to come back under control. Fuck! Had she ever felt this good? Her body was still humming with pleasure, every nerve ending seemingly tingling with sensation. She had never felt so alive! She was even more sensitive to everything than usual, entranced by the feeling of the brickwork beneath her fingers. She let out a long breath, gathered herself and stood upright. Unconsciously her tongue darted out to lick her bottom lip, and she shuddered as she lapped up a stray drop of blood.

 

Torin had watched all of this from the shadows, staying out of sight and out of her way, just making sure everything went as it should, ready to jump in should she need him to. He now approached her softly, cautious still as to her reaction to the situation. He placed his hand on her shoulder softly and she turned to him. He was relieved to see a genuine smile and in her eyes there was a look of utter peace.

 

“All good?” He asked.

 

“Yeah. I can't say it was what I expected, but… then again I can't say that I had any idea of what to expect.”

 

Torin nodded and admired her for a moment. She had finally filled out properly and was looking healthy and totally well for the first time in a couple of weeks. Months if you counted the beatings she had received from Demetriov. There was a slight flush in her cheeks that made her look so serene it almost broke his heart. But now the deed was done, the `mess' had to be cleaned up.

 

“Now for the unpleasant task.”

 

* * * * *

 

After they had dealt with the pimp's remains and Torin had also fed they headed back to the mansion. He couldn't help but look at his lover, she was positively radiant; he could not believe how well this had gone. Then again, he didn't think she could quite believe it either. He had a feeling they were now past the worst… But that was it wasn't it, he understood now. The fear was gone. She had faced her worst fears, Demetriov, her existence as a vampire and she had nothing to fear now. She had accepted things and now, she could be free. He smiled and corrected himself; they could be free. But what he didn't realise was that a lot of what he was seeing was euphoria, that she was almost high on the pleasure of feeding, entranced by the feeling. Had he realised he would not be so at ease, but so relieved at things having gone well he was blinded as to the true cause of her sudden `acceptance' of what she was.

 

As they entered the mansion he chased a laughing Tegan up the stairs, passing a bewildered Demetriov on the way. She was out of sight before he reached her room and when he entered he couldn't see her. He heard the door shut behind him and grinned. It seemed her playful side, one he had seen before and loved dearly, was in play tonight.

 

“What are you up to you little minx?” He asked as she stalked over to him.

 

“Nothing much.” She replied smiling and gently led him backwards.

 

As the back of his legs hit the bed he shot her a look that said that he didn't believe her. Nevertheless he went with it and she encouraged him to sit. However he couldn't help but laugh out loud as she straddled him.

 

“And what might I ask is so funny?” She asked, but no matter how she tried to look serious she couldn't hide the smile that was tugging at her features.

 

“Oh, well I was just thinking.” He replied, sliding his hands round her waist.

 

“About what exactly?”

 

“The last time you did this to me.”

 

“Really.” She smirked as his hands began to travel south. “Remind me, I seem to have forgotten what happened.” She murmured into his ear.

 

“Something along the lines of us making mad passionate love to each other and making so much noise you actually had the neighbours complaining.”

 

“Ah yes.” She sat back up. Her finger running pointedly down his chest. “I do recall it now you mention it.”

 

He smiled happily. The flush in her cheeks was still there but now it only served to make her look more enticing. He wanted to lose himself in her eyes, the new colour stunning in its purity. They both knew where this was going but Tegan didn't seem to want to rush things. However the heat in his groin suggested that he'd better move things along a bit.

 

“So are you planning a repeat of that little scenario?” He asked lazily, bringing one hand to creep under the front of her tank top and caress her stomach.

 

“Perhaps.” She whispered seductively.

 

She leant forward and captured his lips with her own. Torin sighed; yes this is what he wanted so much. His Tegan, strong and healthy and herself again, happy and in his arms. His tongue sought entry, gently teasing her bottom lip but she pulled back. He drew her back in and tried again, but she drew back once more. One more time but she evaded him once more. He'd had enough and with a growl swung them round until she was lying beneath him on the bed.

 

“Fuck woman, you know better than to tease me.” He breathed as he pinned her down.

 

“But you look so hot when you're hungry.” She murmured.

 

“Damn!” He swore as her words hit him straight in the groin.

 

He claimed her mouth, this time there would be no escape and his tongue plundered her sweet taste hungrily. Just for that comment he was going to make her scream! She squirmed beneath him, replying with equal passion, but he was the one in control of this fiery embrace now. He growled at her and bit at her bottom lip gently, sucking at a bead of blood from the tiny wound before pulling away. Before anything else he was going to get her damn boots off or they would have problems later. She laughed at him as he pulled them off, roughly throwing them anywhere, he didn't care, her laughter only serving to fire him up more.

 

Now he took to the task in hand with a will, the two lost in each other. Kissing each other hungrily, sucking at her throat, pausing as an item of clothing came off one of them, soft moans and pleasured groans filling the space. Naked against each other he set about arousing her to distraction. Hands slid over hot flesh, tongues and mouths caressed sensitive skin. Torin grinned as he forced a particularly wanton groan from her as he slid his tongue up the inside of her thigh. Oh yes, his little minx was going to vocalise a lot tonight, and if he had anything to do with it she was going to get very loud.

 

He almost got his scream as his tongue danced over the most sensitive part of her anatomy, but somehow she bit it back. Still her hands were in his hair forcing him back to repeat his ministrations. He obliged, taking her to the brink before grabbing her wrists, pinning them down and making his way back up her body. He pinned her hands above her head and gave her time to cool down a bit, loving the vengeful look in her eyes.

 

“Bastard!” She groaned, panting for breath.

 

“I've told you before not to tease me.” He grinned, catching his own breath.

 

He wasn't sure how long he was going to be able to keep this up. His own desire was near out of control, and damn it he needed her so badly it actually hurt right now. She writhed beneath him, anxious for more. He increased his grip as she nearly got loose, letting her become more and more frustrated. Suddenly he ground his hips into her making her cry out with wanton desire, her cry enflaming him all the more. He couldn't stand it any longer.

 

They both cried out as they became one, Torin letting go of her hands in favour of her hips, Tegan's hands grabbing insistently at his. He set a furious pace, striving to force louder and louder cries from her, Tegan obliging not realising his aim. Those stunning eyes were now half closed, glazed over with lust and nothing could get through to her now. He could feel how close she was now and changed the angle of his thrusts to turn things up a notch. That was it; they both went over the edge, and at the moment of release Torin got his scream, quickly followed by a stream of obscenities as the force of her orgasm rocked through her. He grinned in triumph, and watched happily as his lover slowly came back down.

 

* * * * *

 

Demetriov found he could not help but notice how well things had turned out for Tegan that night. After all, the whole mansion had to have heard them. He felt a tight knot of jealousy rise in his stomach but he pushed it away. Now was not the time. Tegan had obviously accepted her fate, and that was all to the good. She had taken the first step. Now he must let her ease into things before he began to intervene.

 

* * * * *

 

I suppose I should have been more worried by Tegan's easy acceptance of her fate. It was such a complete turnaround from her previous fear and loathing. I guess I was just so relieved to have her back that I brushed it off. I wasn't to realise until later that it was not actually going to be as easy as it seemed.

 

* * * * *

 

Tegan lay looking at her lover. Torin had collapsed exhausted after she had wrapped them in the sheets. He now lay sleeping peacefully beside her, a satisfied smile on his features. As dawn approached she could feel the same tiredness creeping up on her. She settled down beside him, taking his hand in hers, drifting off into sleep.

 

 

* * * * *

 

In the darkness deep within her the creature crept from its hiding place. Newborn and small it would not be noticed until it had grown. So it would sit and wait. It would wait for as long as it had to. It may take months, but it would grow strong. Once it was… well, then it would have some fun. For now it settled down to sleep along side its host. It had plenty of time.