Forty-One…

Forty-One: Purgatory

Purgatory: a temporary condition of torment or suffering.

Warning: Contains very explicit sexual content and language.

Whatever Hunter wanted to talk about, he never brought it up again. And Aubrey never asked.

She’d soon wish she would have.

As the weeks passed, Aubrey learned more about Hunter and his history. For instance, she found out he’d completed eight years of college and med school… even though he didn’t look like the stereotypical doctor.

Hunter confided that eventually he wished to use his training and make a career in the medical profession.

In 1999,  just a few months after graduating medical school, he was assaulted by a vampire and forced to transition. 

Lately Aubrey wondered when Hunter was going to leave the manor. He never broached the subject, and she was afraid to. After all, she didn’t want to hurt his feelings. But deep down inside, Aubrey knew that wasn’t the only reason she didn’t ask. Frankly she didn’t want him to leave. She was lonely without Vaclav. Selfish or not, that’s how she felt. And she enjoyed Hunter’s company.

Furthermore, it didn’t look as if Vaclav would be getting out of prison anytime soon.

As for Lucius, he stayed away for weeks at a time attending to the necessities of war.

“Shawn called me a few weeks ago. He said he’s in France.” The words exploded from her mouth like… vomit.

“He did? He said he’s in France?” Hunter asked; then quickly looked away.

“I wonder if I should I tell Lucius and Vaclav,” she said.

“You should do whatever you feel is right, I guess.”

Katerina squealed, sucking on her fingers.

Aubrey sighed. “I just wish this shit would end.”

“Yeah. Don’t we all.”

                                                             …

The next evening, all four lounged upon the floor. Junk food was scattered along with toys and other clutter.

Trouble is a Friend by Lenka (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HtJdmgzPw8) played repetitively on the laptop in the office. The song drew strong parallels to Aubrey…

Kat pounded her fists on Hunter, but he neither noticed nor cared.

Aubrey marveled at his patience with children. Only a few hours earlier both toddlers were screaming, and Hunter was the one who managed to calm them down.

Kat climbed on Hunter, a mischievous look on her face.

The butler stepped into the room with a disapproving scowl.

Aubrey knew he hated Hunter being there; as if Hunter was trespassing on Haas territory. Actually, he was.  

Reznik glared up at the butler…

who didn’t notice the plastic cup whizzing toward him.

The cup smacked against him and Pepsi exploded all over his face.

Reznik smiled.

Grumbling incoherently, the butler rushed from the room.

An hour later, Hunter ran into Aubrey as she headed to the basement.

He just stared at her. The music thumped in Aubrey’s ears, she had a sudden insatiable urge to turn it down.

♪ ♫ He’s there in the dark, he’s there in my heart, he waits in the wings, he’s gotta play a part. Trouble is a friend, yeah trouble is a friend of mine, oh oh! ♫ ♪

“What?”

“Your kids are great. That Reznik, it’s awesome how he uses that telekinesis shit.” 

Aubrey’s heart skipped a beat.

“You have a great smile.” Did I just say that?

“You have a nice smile too.”

♪ ♫ So don’t be alarmed if he takes you by the arm, I won’t let him win, but I’m a sucker for his charm. ♪ ♫

Awkwardness abounded.  

“But the Big Bad Wolf is getting hungry, so Little Red Riding Hood better run away while she has the chance,” he teased.

“You shouldn’t joke about things like that.”

“What makes you think I’m joking?”

Aubrey bolted.

Of course, she knew he was just bullshitting her.

…or so she hoped.

Breaking out in a fit of laughter, Aubrey skidded to a stop next to the pool.

“Wolves can’t swim, can they?” she asked.

She jumped in. A resounding splash followed as white foamy rings floated outward.

Aubrey swam to the other end of the pool.

“Wolves can swim,” he called.

So come and get me.

“Gimme five seconds and I’ll be there!” 

Then he dove in.

He rushed toward her. Before she realized, he dragged her beneath the surface.

Water rushed in her ears, chlorine stung her eyes, the silence was deafening. It was like a different world underneath.

Instinctively, she was drawn to him, drawn to his lips… she went with it.

Their lips met. His were cold but sensual.

♪ ♫ He sees what I see and he knows what I know, oh oh. ♪ ♫

Aubrey hoped Vaclav didn’t ‘see’ her kissing Hunter. Vaclav was like the eye in the sky…

Barely a peck, and Hunter jetted to the surface.

She must’ve made him uncomfortable… but then she understood.

Morning light glistened on the bubbles. He was hurrying to beat the rising sun.

Aubrey got out, relieved to know Hunter didn’t leave the pool because of her.

Still, he seemed a little aloof as he rushed off.

Particularly since they just shared a kiss.

Aubrey tried to get some rest but couldn’t. She fetched her clothes out of the dryer and dressed.

Then she found herself outside the guest bedroom where Hunter slept.

She tapped on the door.

Silence.

Maybe he won’t get mad if I come in for just a minute.

Great. Now I’m a creeper, watching over guys as they sleep.

                                                              …

She sat on the edge of the bed, careful not to awaken him.

She brushed her fingers over his cheek. She never realized how incredibly handsome he was until now.

She nestled beside him.

Wow, if there ever were a cure for loneliness and heartbreak…

She fell asleep. Hours later Hunter awakened in Aubrey’s arms.

Embarrassed, Aubrey rushed from the house to see Vaclav.

It was time to get her head out of the clouds, forget about Hunter and try to get Vaclav out of his desolate prison.

This time, he was shirtless and wore jeans. Aubrey’s pulse quickened.

“Has Lucius tried to get you released early yet?” she asked for the millionth time that month.

“Lucius is working on it.”

What does that mean? she thought frowning.

Vaclav turned to the guard, who watched over the two like a hawk. A very annoying hawk.

Vaclav suddenly lost his patience.

“Let her inside my cell!”

He chortled.

Vaclav’s eyes blazed with fury.

“Let her in here or I’ll break out of this cell and twist your fucking neck until your head falls off!” Vaclav lunged one arm through the bars, warping them.

“Don’t fuck with me. I may no longer be the leader, but I can still command Lucius to cut off your balls.”  The gap grew larger as Vaclav’s muscular arm manipulated the bars. Then he gripped them and rattled the entire iron frame.

The noise was horrifying.

“Alright! I’ll open the damn doors to let her in. Just shut the fuck up and stop making so much noise.”

Vaclav settled down, but paced to and fro.

He stepped over and unlocked the entry to Vaclav’s cell.

The guard leered at Aubrey as she sashayed past. Vaclav’s piercing eyes also followed her. Hunger reflected in them…

Sliding one arm behind her, he yanked her into an embrace.

“I haven’t held you in forever,” he said. “I haven’t touched you in forever. I haven’t kissed you…” His eyes stared deeply into hers. His mouth opened wide revealing his fangs and emerging tongue.

Greedily, he worked his mouth over hers, his cold tongue thrusting.

Aubrey felt the guard’s eyes on them.

Awkward much?

She also felt something hard pressing against her.

Vaclav’s lips went to her neck and sensually sucked the flesh. Goosebumps flourished along her body.

He grunted, grinding against her.

That familiar rush of excitement swept throughout her tummy.

“Oh, dear God I love you,” he cried. “I want you… so bad… right here, right now. Please.”

He lapped at her neck; then ran his tongue up to her earlobe and teased it. His hand glided up her skirt and rubbed her rear.

Aubrey could hear the sound of her own rapid breathing, becoming faster…

“Come on. I need you,” he pleaded.

“What about the guard? He’s watching.”

“Screw the guard. Just pretend he isn’t here.”

Aubrey noticed his crucifix necklace on the floor. She picked it up and put it around his neck.

He smiled; then unzipped his jeans.

After lowering his pants, he backed her up to the bed and pressed her against the mattress. 

Then he got on top. With trembling fingers, he raised up her skirt and entered her.

Aubrey grinned, savoring the feeling of him inside her.

It’s been a long time…

She closed her eyes.

Vaclav didn’t waste any time. He went fully after it; softly moaning as he rode her.

The old, crappy mattress and bed groaned, squeaked and squealed. The incessant noises made Aubrey uncomfortable and self-conscious. She knew the guard was still watching.

Nevertheless, she couldn’t help but enjoy Vaclav’s lovemaking. He knew how to do it well, and do it right.

Fifteen minutes passed. Streaks of sweat glistened on her thighs.

His fullness grew harder. He was going to climax very soon, but he showed no sign of pulling out.

“Wait,” she said.

Instead of stopping, he only moved faster.

What is this? Why are you pulling a Jakub? Aubrey squirmed beneath him.

Too late.

Vaclav slammed into her body as he came.

“Ah, Aubrey,” he cried out, clenching the sheet with one fist.

She wanted to cry, but not from pleasure.

He still moved it, seemingly oblivious to her anguish.

A few minutes later…

“Why did you do that?”

“I’ve reason to believe you’re seeing someone else.”

“I’m not… but even if I was, what does this have to do with that?”

“I want to get you pregnant so he knows who you belong to, and perhaps he’ll be more inclined to leave you be. By the time you have the baby, I could be out of prison. You’re mine, and you’ll be mine for eternity. I’ll do what I have to do to ensure that.”

“You’re just like Jakub was!” she shouted. “And you trying to get me pregnant is like a dog pissing on its territory!”

“Don’t you understand? I love you! I declared war over you! I’d fucking do anything for you!”

“This is what you call love? Seriously? I don’t want another baby! Not now, not ever again!”

Vaclav looked away as Aubrey cried.

Meanwhile, the guard chuckled.

                                                             ****

Vaclav’s gotten grumpy since being a jail bird.

Also, he ‘saw’ a flash of Aubrey kissing Hunter underwater. Obviously that’s why he suspects her. In his current twisted way of thinking, he thinks the Shadow won’t want Aubrey if she gets pregnant by Vaclav.  Vaclav is a little desperate of late, feeling like he’s losing control since being imprisoned. This is his way of trying to gain it back, crazy as that is.

Of course he could just tell Lucius to kill the dude. But I thought maybe this plot line would be a little more interesting, and besides I don’t want to kill off Hunter. XD  Also, Vaclav is torn between his desire to let Aubrey be happy (allowing the Shadow to keep her company) and his jealousy and possessiveness.

Sorry to ramble, and thanks for reading!! 😀