SURRENDER

Lacey opened her eyes then waited for her vision to clear.

Her head pounded and her ears rung; she stared at the wall opposite.

This was some hospital, never had she been in one with such comfortable beds, crisp sheets and tasteful décor.

Turning on her side she moaned softly as pain shot through her, she felt as if she'd gone ten rounds with Mohamed Ali.

Although she couldn't remember she had an idea of what happened, her unit had been sweeping for mines, they had been ambushed.

She guessed by the dark room and lack of light coming from the curtains it was evening or early morning.

Gingerly she rolled onto her back.

She glanced round the room then studied it more closely, from the looks of things she was in a house.....but where?

Was she a patient in some swank private hospital or was she a prisoner?

Listening for any sound; any clue as to what was going on but all she got was silence.

Lacey reached up to touch her chain and found it missing, a feeling of dread washed over her, where the hell was her tags?

Carefully she sat up; the pounding in her head grew worse and the ringing in her ears increased in volume.

Looking round she spotted her uniform sitting on a chair.

Sliding out of bed she grabbed the side table to steady herself, her body screamed, every inch hurt.

Turning the handle on the door she found it unlocked, cautiously she peered down the hall, all clear.

Dressing as quickly as her limbs allowed she took little time to study the neat row of stitches across her stomach.

Lacey sat for a moment to regain some strength, she grimaced at the reflection that stared back, her face was pretty beaten up; she had been stitched well so hopefully she would not scar to much.

Using the table for support she hauled herself up then shakily made her way to the door.

In the hall she listened for any sign of life, nothing, the hall went in one direction so she followed it till she came to a staircase.

As quietly as she could she made her way down the stairs.

She was definitely in no hospital but it didn't seem to be a rebel hideout.

A large door stood before her, guessing this was the way out she headed straight for it.

Sébastien watched as the girl went for the door; she was useing all her energy to get this far, he doubted she would get much further.

"Going somewhere?" the girl stopped "You'll find the door locked" he waited for a reaction, she was in fight or flight mode, waiting to see what he did before she made that decsion but she was in no condition to fight and even if she could he was no match for her.

"Am I a prisoner?" She wondered what a Frenchman was doing in a Military Zone.

"No"

"Then I would like to leave" slowly turning round to face him she placed her hands on her hips hopeing she would more formidable than she felt.

"Very well Mon plutôt soldat"

"What did you say?" 

"Where am I"

Again the man didn't answer, moving towards her Lacey stepped back her eyes darting from left to right looking for an escape route.

"There is nowhere to run besides you are quite safe her"

"Who are you, what do you want?"

"My name is Sébastien and you are at Chevalier Châtaux"

The pounding in her head was growing with every second and the ringing in her ears was almost drowning out the mans words.

"Lacey!"

How did he know her name "I am Sergeant Harrison of the Royal Artillery number 01561831"

"Sergeant Harrison" his voice lowered, became husky "You are in no condition to be standing let alone fight, let me take you to you're room"

Lacey rubbed her temple, fought hard to remain upright; shaking her head she tried to stop the room from spinning.

"Where am I "

"France"

At her side in an instant Sébastien’s movements were so fast that Lacey wouldn't have seen him coming, if she was conscious.

Lifting her into his arms he made for the satirs.

Coming round Lacey tried to protest "Let me go.....put.....put me down"

"You shouldn't have got out of bed, you're much to weak"

"I have....to......get back" her eyes closed again.

Solemly he caried her to her room, this was not supposed to happen.

Was he going to have to keep her door locked, he hoped not as that would only cause the girl more anxiaty.

Placing her on the bed he went in search of Susan.

Later he checked on his guest, To his relief she was sleeping.

He hadn't paid much attention to Susan when she read the girls name from the paper but the womans reaction had.

Susan was horrified by the report, missing in action, presumed dead but she sensedthe girl was alive.

She knew where she was had pleaded with him to go get her, save her before it was too late.

Finally he had agreed and with Pierre had got into the hideout and brought her here.

The girl was in a bad way, the bullit had almost killed her, the Doctor having removed her spleen had stopped the bleeding but he couldn't guarantee she would make it.

That was a week ago, she'd been unconsious since.

Susan asked him to give her some some of his blood but he had drawn the line there, the girl would have to recover on her own.

The following night Sébastien went to Susan "How is the girl?"

"She is doing well; the Doctor said he saw no reason why she shouldn't make a full recovery"

"And what then?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, what do we do with her, what we did will raise a lot of questions, and you, will you tell her?"

"NO!" Susan shreiked "I don't want her to know, ever"

"That might be difficult but I will agree for now, we will have to decide what to do with her"

Susan hadn't thought of her actions, seeing the name in the paper she had reacted on instinct only....now.

 A woman called Jackie would see to her during the day then an older one called Susan saw to her at night.

The questions she asked never got answered so all she knew was she was in France.

As each day passed she grew stronger and getting back to her unit became more important.

The Doctor insisted it was too early and that it could be a month or more before she was well enough.

Everyone seemed nice but she was suspisious, what did they want?

She was allowed out of bed but was not to leave the room 'This is a large house, it would be easy to get lost'

The view from her room was nice but it's monotony was getting to her, she was going a little stir crazy.

Jackie had agreed and late that afternoon she had led Lancey into the garden.

Now she sat in the warmth listening to the birds sing and the sound of water falling from the fountain.

The sun was getting low when Jackie returned "It's getting dark, I should get you inside"

"Pleae not yet, just a little while longer"

"Ok, but not to long"

Lacey leaned back in the chair, even with the setting sun it was still a beautiful June evening.

Closing her eyes she fell asleep.

"Jackie should have taken you inside long ago; it can get chilly here at night"

Startled Lacey jumped and immediately winced.

"I'm sorry; I didn't mean to frighten you" Sébastien joined her "You are getting better!"

 "Yes thank you, I'll soon be able to go back to my unit" the shadow that crossed his face made her nervous "I should thank you for saving my life, how did you do it anyway"

"Votre bienvenue, it was nothing and I'll tell you sometime, when you're better"

"Is all this yours?" Lacey asked indicating her surroundings.

"Yes, the Châteaux has been in my family for centuries"

"It's beautiful, Jackie and Susan they are family?"

He knew what she was doing, fishing for information "No, they work for me; they live here with me also"

"I see" Lacey's mind whirled; if they only worked for him maybe she could get one of them to help her escape.

Sébastien smiled "They are very loyal; now let's get you back to you're room"

Rising to her feet she was hit by a wave of dizziness, reaching out she inadvertently grabbed him.

 "Let me"

Sébastien lifted her off the ground then carried her across the lawn, in the door and up the stairs to her room, not once catching his breath.

Lacey was grateful for the help and surprised by his strength, she knew no one in her unit that could carry someone that distance with ease.

"Are you ok, shall I fetch the Doctor?" he asked concerned as he laid he on the bed.

"No, no I'm fine"

He nodded "Susan will be up shortly" bowing slightly he left.

Lacey leaned back and closed her eyes; the fresh air had knocked the stuffing out of her, she could sleep for a week.

His employees were loyal, that meant she had no hope of help from them, she would have to find another way out.

She wondered who this Sébastien was, his English was very good and from the looks of this place he was rich.

She had to admit he was also very good looking; she could not overlook the tingling in her body when she was in his arms, she had tried to ignore the rippling muscles under his shirt although he did feel a bit cold.

Jackie and Susan seemed friendly enough but looks could be deceptive, they were all nice......for now.

Susan entered quietly and placed the tray beside the bed, turning she went to the leave.

"Thank you"

Turning she smiled at the girl on Lacey's lap she sat and waited for the girl to eat.

"Do you do all the cooking?" Lacey asked between mouthfuls.

"Most of it, I've always enjoyed cooking"

"It's very good, he, the owner told me you work for him?"

"Sébastien, yes I have worked for him for years, among other things I am the housekeeper"

"And the other woman, Jackie?"

"She is his security and Pierre is his aid"

Pierre, she had not seen him "What is it he, Sébastien does?"

"He has several business; mostly computer software, he was in oil but sold up several years ago now he helps finance wildlife protection"

"And he's never married?"

Susan shook her head.

"And you are English?"

"Yes, now if you'll excuse me" taking the tray Susan quickly left.

The next morning Lacey woke early.
Jackie arrived with breakfast "Good morning Lacey"
"Morning, it looks as if it's going to be a beautiful day, I was hoping to sit in the garden again"
"I don't see why not"
"I don't fancy the idea of being in a state of near undress but I can't find my uniform"
"It needed repair and a wash, it'll be returned when it's ready"
"I see it's just that I can't spend all my time here in nightclothes"
"No problem, I think I might have something that will fight" disappearing out the door Jackie soon returned with some clothes "Here try these"
Once she had eaten Lacey padded across the hall to the bathroom, filling the bath she took a long soak.
Back in her room she picked up a dress Jackie had brought; from the looks of things it was going to be a hot day.

Sitting at the table she made out that she was enjoying the sun, just in case someone was watching.
Her eyes scanned the view before her; the large garden was a mix of formal planting and abandonment.
Glancing at the house she decided it was all clear, slowly she walked round the stretch of lawn.
After a while she moved a little further away then further more, once and a while she would stop and smell the flowers or study a bush.
Walking the length of the garden she found nothing that could be a way out, her body started to complain.
As she turned back she spotted some tall hedges, looking round then she found two tall neatly clipped trees, each standing either side of an opening.
Stepping through she found a small car park with a few expensive looking cars and after that.....freedom.

Jackie watched as Lacey emerged from behind the hedge, it was only a matter of time before the girl found it.
She would have to get Pierre to keep an eye on her when he got back; she couldn't spend all day babysitting and work as well.
Why Sébastien had gone to so much trouble for a girl he didn't know was beyond her but he had his reasons and she wouldn't ask.
With the girl safely back at the table Jackie went back to the computer.
The discovery of the exit had lifted Lacey's spirits and tonight once everyone was asleep she was getting out of her.
Lacey went indoors for lunch then went for a lie down; she would need all the energy she could muster.
The sun was going down when she woke again.

Jackie explained to Sébastien what had happened that morning and he wasn't happy.

It wasn't the thought of unwelcome questions but the fact they were a hundred and sixty kilometres away from the nearest village and high in the mountains, there was no way she would find her way down.

He was regretting his actions more and more.

"From now on her door will be locked at night"

"It will make her more suspicious"

"It can't be helped, we can't have her wandering the mountain, for her own safety"

"It would be easier if she was allowed down to join us, we can keep an eye on her and she might realise we are no threat to her"

Sébastien nodded "Raffiné but if she runs again her door will be locked"

The châteaux was in darkness.

With everyone asleep Lacey slipped out of bed and grabbing jeans and a tee quickly dressed.

Creeping through the hall, down the stairs and out an open window, her army taining kicked in and she stealthily crossed the lawn, staying low and in the shadows.

Slipping round the hedge she passed between the trees and into the car park.

She thought of tacking one of the cars but changed her mind, the noise of the engine would give her away.

She looked round, if she went right it would lead her higher into the mountain but left seemed to be heading down, she couldn't keep to the road......

"If you go left the road will take you to Annonay"

Lacey spun round, she hadn't heard him coming and how did he know?

Sébastien stepped from the shadows "Come, we will go back to the house"

Reluctantly she followed, she was a prisoner.

Back at the Châteaux he led her to the living room.

"There is no point in running; the mountains are not easy to navigate, you would never make it"

"What do you want form me, I have no information to give, I'm just a soldier"

"You were in trouble, I helped and that's all"

"Yeah right!"

"When the Doctor says you are well enough I will take you home myself till then you are my guest"

"And the Doctor happens to work for you!"

He smiled "He is a friend yes but he is honest, he will tell you when you are ready"

Sébastien listened as he mind race, quickly coming up with ideas the just as quickly dismissing them.

All her idea were useless for one reason or another, she would stay put for now.

"Being as you do not seem to be tired perhaps you will do me the honour of keeping me company for a while?"

Lacey nodded, did she have a choice?

"You said this place has been in your family for centuries, how old is it?"

"Three hundred and forty"

"It's in remarkable condition, is Chevalier your surname?"

"It is" she was fishing and two could play at that game "And you, how long have you been in the army?"

"Since I was sixteen"

"Your parents would not have been pleased"

"I guess"

The army was her family.

After her dad's disappearance she was placed in care and bounced from foster home to foster home, never staying longer than a month in any of them but then she hadn't given them much of a chance.

As a kid she was stroppy and argumentative, then as she grew older she got mixed up in a gang and her attitude worsened.

Staying out all night, fights shoplifting and alcohol caused more than one visit from the police.

Finally at sixteen she was on her own.

Social workers got her a place in a bed and breakfast but it was only a place to sleep, wandering the streets she past the army recruitment office and thought why not.

She had been in the army seven years now and it was her home, the guys her family.

The guys......how many of them had lost there life that day, she had to get back.

Sébastien sat quietly and listened, she had no secrets to offer him and even if she had he didn't want any, Susan was the only reason she was here.

"You are sad, thinking of the others?"

"How many........?"

Sébastien sighed "I do not know, you were they only one I saw" 

Lacey nodded sadly "My tags are missing why"

"I do not know"

"Or maybe you have them and want to show them to my superiors as proof of my capture"

"Now why would I want to do that Mon plutôt soldat?" almost bursting into laughter at her next thought, she was not in any danger.

Lacey walked to the window but could see nothing; the blanket of darkness had hidden the outside world.

She was in trouble and for the first time in her life she was not in a position to deal with it, she wanted to go home, back to her world where orders were her life, either following them or giving them it did not matter, her day was structured, routine, even on her days off she rarely ventured far from the barracks.

He watched as the soldier, so strong so sure now looked like a lost child.

Susan had wanted to help all those years ago but couldn't; now she had and it was bringing nothing but misery.

He felt her weakening, the regimental thoughts and decisions were wavering, she doubted him the others and herself.

Going over to her he put his hand on her shoulder "Believe me, neither I nor the others are dangerous, we only want to help"

She faced him her eyes pleading "Then let me go!"

"In time, when you are strong" he felt her crumble inside.

A tear ran down her cheek, reaching up he wiped it away....

Lacey felt it again the tingling sensation she had felt when she was in his arms, she had read about this, had learned about it in classes, the captive feeling compassion for their captors.

Sébastien moved closer "Vous êtes de toute beauté" his lips hovered over hers......."Go to bed"

What was he thinking?

Only by the grace of God had he resisted, pulled back and sent her to her room.

The night he found her he'd been attracted to her, even in the condition she was in he found her beautiful.

He had never met a woman like her, she was trained to fight, to kill but he felt the desire, her life was one of desertion, abandonment and she had built a wall round herself to prevent it happening again but he could feel it, hear it, the need to be wanted, to be loved......and he wanted to be the one to give it to her.

He still had no idea what to do with her, he could brain wash her give her memories that never happened.

It still didn't answer the question of how she got here but he could work on that.

When she was near him he felt alive, bewitched, keeping hold of his emotions was getting harder every day.

Lacey was getting better as each day passed, taking up a small exercise routine to partly pass the time but mostly due to having nothing else to do.

Climbing out of the pool she was greeted by a cheerful voice.

"Well what do we have here, a new member!"

"Hello"

"Hi I'm Pierre"

"Harrison, Sergeant Harrison of the British Royal Artillery"

"Good to see you and in better circumstances than the last time we met"

"I was told you helped"
Pierre burst into laughter "My dear girl if it wasn't for me you would still be back there"

"Then I guess thanks are in order"

"Indeed" he turned towards the house "I will see you at dinner"

At eight Jackie knocked on the door.

Seated at the table she noticed the place settings "Three?"

"Err yes, Sébastien and Susan ate out this afternoon, they will join us later"

"Boy am I beat" Pierre burst through the door "Remind me to ask Sébastien for a pay rise, flying half way round the world......

Jackie laughed "You get paid well for it and you know it!"

"So, all this flying is not in my contract" turning to Lacey "I spend most of my time with my derrière on a plane seat"

"Pay no attention to him, he's trying to gain sympathy which he does not deserve" Jackie stuck her tongue out at him.

Lacey listened to the banter that crossed back and forth over the table; they were obviously fond of each other.

Jackie saw to the clearing up refusing any help so Lacey joined Pierre in the living room.

"So, what are you doing here?"
"I, I don't know"

Pierre grunted "Sébastien does not bring strangers to the house without a reason"

"I guess he has his reasons, I just don't know what they are"

"Believe me he's a good man, he's not like the........"

"Pierre thanksggiving suffisamment" Sébastien stood in the doorway.

“J'étais unique proverbe”

“Elle sait rien autour de nous”

Pierre looked at Lacey nervously then back at Sébastien “Je regrette”

Lacey looked at them and wished she'd paid more attention in school?

The room fell into a nervous silence, Lacey watched as Sébastien took a seat.

"I was wondering if the Doctor had said anything about me being fit enough to leave"

"I think I'll leave you two to it, I have a lot of unpacking to do" Pierre announced as he disappeared out the door.

Turning back to Sébastien Lacey pressed him "Well has he?"

"Not yet Mon cher but when he does you'll be the first to know"

She doubted that "I think I'll go for a walk"

Sébastien stood "I'll join you"
Lacey laughed "Don't trust me?"

"Non"

The feelings mutual, she thought.

Damn, that had messed things up.

She had hoped on doing a bit of recon but there was no chance of that with him tagging along.

Sébastien escorted her out the door, you had to be one step ahead with this one but he enjoyed the game none the less.

Together they walked in silence, Lacey tried to look relaxed but his presence had her more wound than a clock.

"It's a beautiful night"

"Yes, yes it is" she wasn't in the mood for small talk "I think I'll head back"

Turning to quickly she crashed into him "Sorry"

Instinctively reaching out for her Sébastien felt the affection and the confusion she had towards him.

Lacey waited, wished he would let her go, looking up she found his face inches from hers, those golden eyes burned into her.

She stared at him, wondered what it was like to have those handsome lips against her own....

Sébastien held her gaze as his lips met hers.

He heard the sharp intake of breath; sliding his arms round her waist he pulled her closer.

Lacey felt weak, she clutched him tightly.

NO, this was wrong, it shouldn't be happening......but it's ok, it's only natural, common to react like this in times of anxiety, your under a lot of pressure Lacey girl but.......oh my isn't this wonderful.

She could feel the tingling right down to her toes, her heart thumped wildly, her chest was so tight she could hardly breath, she felt as if she was floating on air.

He felt the division in her, the war between common sense and desire, the passion in her was setting him alight, his blood boiled.

“Je veux vous” he murmured before letting go "You should go inside"

Lacey was numb, without a word she turned back to the house, how could she be so stupid, never again would she allow that to happen.

Sébastien watched as she went back to the house, if she was confused what was he?

No, he knew what he wanted and why but it still made it wrong.

As soon as she was well enough he would send her home, he would make sure she never remembered anything about him or this place.

He wished he had never agreed to this, wished he’d left Lacey where she was to…..

Susan, if only you knew the heart ache you were causing.

But Susan didn’t know, would never know, just as she insisted he kept her secret so would he keep his….from her.

It was impossible to have a relationship with her anyway, how would Lacey react to the news, dumb question, how would anyone react?

Pierre had nearly blabbed, spilled everything, poor lad didn’t know what to do when he learnt she knew nothing.

A reddish coloured smoke emerged from nowhere; Sébastien disappeared only to be replaced by a bat.

With a screech and a flap of it’s wings it vanished into the darkness. 

Coming down the stairs to silence, the Châteaux was empty, for Lacey this was a good chance to run but was it a trap, was someone watching out there, the daylight was a disadvantage so instead she took the change she did some Intel, or simply put snooping.

Wandering from room to room she found nothing of importance, all tastefully decorated the odd room empty but nothing that gave her any idea as to what was going on.

Several rooms were locked, two upstairs at the other end of the house and one downstairs, she tried picking the locks but as her training did not include tact she was useless at it.

Normally any locked door she came across if there was no answer it was kicked down.

Finally giving up she turned to the door downstairs, maybe that one would be easier.

She was wrong, after trying for twenty minutes she had to admit that this too would not open.

In the living room she flicked through the books, finding a romance story she headed to the garden.

Sébastien rested.

His mind full of her thoughts smiled at her amusement in the book, the Sinicism in her beliefs.

She was a fighter, her strength and will had kept her alive long enough to be found but behind the wall, behind the fighter lay a kid, a small insecure child that craved love.

Stretched out on the grass Lacey flicked through it’s pages, not really her thing but it was something to do.

It was idealistic and mushy the characters hating each other but you know the sparks are flying.

So far from real life Lacey wanted to laugh, life was not like that, get close to someone and get hurt, ok so that’s not strictly true, there was a lot of happy couples out there but Lacey married, forget it, strong independent and happy she liked it that way.

The Army was her life and always would be, the only way she’d leave is when they carry her out or retires. 

Something was happening.

The heat of the afternoon drove her to her room were she fell asleep, now she seemed to have walked into chaos.

“It’s Sébastien’s birthday” Susan explained seeing Lacey’s expression.

“I see”

“Yeah, cake time” Pierre added, rubbing his hands “I make an awesome cake”

“Isn’t he a bit…..”

“……..Old, Sébastien work’s hard and has been very good to us, he doesn’t like big parties and such, dislikes fuss so we make a cake, our way of saying thanks”

“Like Susan says” added Pierre “Tie is required but it’s not formal, just an excuse to dress up and have some fun”

“Right, that’s it, back to work, Lacey come help” Jackie ushered her into the hall. 

Sébastien knew what was on the other side of the door before he opened it.

Every year for the last five they had celebrated his birthday, the first time was a surprise and he had felt awkward but over time he had gotten used to it to the point of near enjoyment.

So he looked thirty five, he was….once, honestly he was three hundred and one, he was born in this house and hoped, when his time came he would die here.

Opening the door to the sounds of happy birthday he smiled at his colleges, his friends….his family.

Lacey stood in the corner, unsure what to do, what does one say to their captor.

With the others in full voice she chewed her bottom lip and stared at the floor, it was all too weird, too surreal.

Sébastien handed her a glass “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine”

Taking her hand he pulled her towards the table “Come”

Jackie handed a knife to Sébastien who promptly blew out the candles then cutting the cake handed a slice to everyone except himself and Susan ‘As they didn’t eat cake’.

Lacey let the conversation flow over her, the teasing of the ‘birthday boy’ and the jokes to each other.

“So who’s next” Pierre piped up “The next victim of my cake”

Everyone laughed, each yelling out their birthdates.

“What about you Lacey, when’s yours?”

“Mine, oh I don’t……”

“Nonsense” Jackie butted in “We all have birthdays?”

“It’s err…….”

“……twentieth of August”

“Congratulations, you win, the next cake is yours” Pierre laughed.

Lacey paid no attention, her eyes fixed firmly on Susan who was desperately trying to avoid looking at her, How…….?

Sébastien watched as Lacey turned white, he nodded to Pierre.

“Right lets dance” Pierre announced whisking her into the living room with the others following behind.

Lacey smiled her laugh hollow as the others revelled, her mind raced, several times she tried to speak to Susan but each time she was thwarted.

With the music turned up and the furniture shifted the party was soon in full swing.

Taking her chance she slipped out of the room.

She stared at the water, how does Susan know, she was sure it hadn’t been mentioned and it wasn’t on her tags, even if they did say they were missing.

What the hell was going on, what else did they know about her and why?

She was as she said, an ordinary soldier, no secrets and of no importance so why keep her here?

Lacey was starting to doubt she would ever get out, alive that is.

Even her background was unimportant, her mother died of an illness and her dad, a drunk that one day walked  out on her.

Sébastien had seen her leave and followed.

Susan had said it without thinking, immediately regretting her remark, nobody had noticed, except Lacey.

The look on her face was one of pure horror, sending Pierre over had distracted her for a while.

“Lacey!”

“How….how did she know?” her voice barely audible.

“You told her”

She shook her head.

“Lacey, look at me”

Turning to him Sébastien stared into her eyes “You did, earlier you mentioned to them your last birthday, remember!”

“I didn’t”

“Remember Lacey, you did”

Jumping up Lacey screamed “I didn’t tell Susan, you or anyone” she turned to run but Sébastien grabbed her hand,

“I want to go home”

“I know”

“Now, take me home now…..please?” her voice wavered “I know nothing, let me go?”

A mesmerising always worked, at least it always had in the past.

He felt her distress, if he could make it better, explain but he had promised Susan and if anyone was to tell it would be her.

“I'm chute pour vous”

Lifting her head she stared at him “Sorry?”

“Je veux vous à tenir” he whispered hoarsely.

The shiver that ran up her spine was one of pure longing, she had no idea what he said but she would gladly listen to his voice forever.

Inhaling sharply as dozens of emotions rushed through her at once she looked away, scared of what she may reveal.

Sébastien’s hand reached for her's. 

He could hear the pounding of her heart, every breath she took.

He felt each emotion as it coursed threw her, desire, fear, confusion, lust; they were all there intermingled but each one acting alone.

Lacey knew what was about to happen, knew he was going to kiss her, she braced herself…

Her thoughts of pushing away of fighting quickly vanished, this was even better than the first.

She moaned softly as her arms slid round his broad back.

Sébastien felt his own body react, the fire in him threatened to burst through the door of his control but he couldn’t and didn’t want to stop.

They were in the open to close to the house and it’s possible eyes, lifting her of her feet he backed into the trees.

For Lacey his lips, his touch, his entire being was having an effect on her that was so very very sweet.

Safe in the knowledge of no prying eyes his kiss deepened, his hand caressed her exposed flesh sending shivers of delight through her.

Lacey gasped at the swelling pressed against her, to feel so aroused by just a kiss stunned her but also  enthralled her.

A warm breeze brushed against her skin, the trees rustled softly almost in a whisper as if they too were keeping their secret.

Sébastien pulled the clip from her hair letting it fall loosely over her shoulders; slowly he slid to the ground his fingers grasped her hair and gently pulled at her with him.

Lacey felt the fire in her roar as his hands explored her every curve, cupping her breasts he gently squeezed as his lips again came down on hers.

Lacey groaned.

Sébastien reached for her zip and slowly pulled, her dress slide off easily revealing a pair of Army issue shorts

His hand slid up her thigh then stopped, he watched as she squirmed with desire her body begging for more.

He always had a way with woman, like a moth drawn to the light all the while knowing it would be their doom but trapped under it’s brilliant spell, woman were drawn to his kind the same way.

Lacey was different, he felt it the first time he’d seen her, had carried her to the helicopter, this time the tables were turned.

Removing his own clothes he grabbed the waistband on her shorts, pulling at them till they slide over her ankles.

His eyes fell on her wound; gently he ran his finger across the stitches then leaned over and covered it in tiny kisses.

Lacey gave a small moan; her body was on fire, his touch intensifying the flames.

He rolled her onto her side, gently entering her from behind till she wrapped herself round his manhood completely.

Lacey felt the coolness of his skin, his muscles twitch and flex with each movement, the muscle within her bringing her closer and closer to what she badly wanted.

She didn’t see his eyes change colour or the fangs that appeared, dropping with the thought of blood.

Sébastien held her tight as each thrust brought them closer to release.

He knew his other self was showing, the part of him that allowed him to live so long, to sense emotions, to read minds.

His body yearned to bite, to taste the sweetness of her blood but he held back, closing his eyes he concentrated on bringing them to there desired end, refused to look at her or the vein that throbbed so close to him.

Slowly it moved up, the sensation that washes over you making your limbs tingle and go weak, your body wanting to stop but at the same time wanting more.

Lacey’s whimper grew as the feeling intensified till she buried her head in her arms and let out a muffled scream, she felt his movements become desperate, frenzied till he too felt the bitter sweetness of release.

So caught up in her own wave she never paid any attention to the sound that escaped him, the sound the told you that something wasn’t quite right.

Curled up in a ball Lacey waited for her body to recover, her mind to make sense of the situation, Sébastien wrapped himself round her not wanting her to see him till his inhuman part had gone dormant.

Neither of them spoke, what could they say, that they were sorry, it was mistake, they didn’t know why just new they had too.

Lacey didn’t feel ashamed, embarrassed yes but not ashamed, she should be but for some reason she felt happy.

Her hand caressed his arm that held her close, the feel of his body threatened to excite her once more, he still felt cold and she should really find out why but not tonight, for now she just wanted to be with him and sleep.

Sébastien listened as her breathing slowed; her heart began to beat to the rhythm of sleep, reaching for his shirt he gently placed it over her then stood and dressed.

She stirred slightly then fell silent her sleep sound, he watched for a while, her tussled hair fanned out on the ground with the odd leave stuck in it, instinctively he reached over and plucked the debris from her.

The sky was changing, the colour that was gradually spreading across the sky like a tin of spilled paint signalled the start of a new day, he had to go, to return to his sanctuary till darkness fell once more.

Gently picking her up her carried her to the house. 

The sun streaming in the window woke Lacey.

Someone had been in, the curtains were open and her breakfast try sat on the side table.

The tea was lukewarm but drinkable.

Susan’s remark had thrown her and for all Sébastien’s insistence she knew she hadn’t told anyone.

Sébastien, last night, Jesus what had she done!

Her attraction to him was strong but to..... she had wanted too had enjoyed every minute of it, just the thought of his touch made her body ache for more.

Her appetite gone she placed the toast back on the plate and looked round the room, her uniform sat neatly folded on the chair in the corner.

Jackie heard the boots echo through the hall, as for the uniform you couldn’t help but notice.

She was a soldier first and foremost, she may be trapped here till she could escape but she was still a soldier, her duty was to be seen and act like one.

Whatever had possessed her last night was over, she felt the barrier go up as she finished dressing, doing the button on her trousers she had stood at the mirror and studied herself.

Lacey felt protected in the uniform, it was her shield, nobody saw a young girl or even a girl for that matter, in this they saw a soldier and she liked it that way.

Maybe that’s all Sébastien would see now, a soldier.

Lacey’s hopes of seeing Susan were dashed as the woman was again away all day.

She could hear the clacking of the keys from the other side the door; Jackie was busy on the computer and Pierre had business in Paris which meant she was on her own again.

Outside Lacey wandered the garden; going round the side of the house she found four headstones.

They looked old but in very good condition as if they were being looked after, she could read out the names on each, all were from the Chevalier family but Amorette and Edgard were buried in the same grave, obviously the parents of Jacques who was buried beside them, the poor lad had only been ten when he died.

Coming to the last one she read aloud to herself “Sébastien Chevalier born seventeen thirty nine, died seventeen ninety nine”

Lacey stared at the engraving; it must be a relative, some distant cousin.

She wondered what happened, from the dates on one the parents had died naturally but the lad and the uncle, they were young.

Having seen death more than she would like to remember she still felt sadness when they had gone at such an age.

If it wasn’t for Sébastien and Pierre she wouldn’t have made it either….just how did they get her out?

Maybe she hadn’t been saved, maybe they worked for the enemy, that had to be it….there was no other way they could have got into the enemies hide out and got out alive.

Things started to make sense, the supposed rescue, the missing tags and the fact she was unable to get away without being spotted.

Carefully she looked around, there had to be someone watching her or cameras, searching the outside of the châteaux she found nothing, no cameras or cables, nothing that would indicate any type of security system.

Night fell and the sounds of life started to fill the châteaux; Jackie whose typing could be heard all day locked the door of the office had headed upstairs.

She was worried about Sébastien; his attraction to their guest was obvious even Pierre had made a comment and he was normally the last to notice such things.

At his age he was capable of taking care of himself especially with his powers but all the same…..it wasn’t jealousy that had her wound up, he had always been a Brother to her that was why she felt concern, one day Lacey would be gone and what then?

Sébastien had his fair share of woman but they were always passing through never serious but this time it was different Lacey seemed to have him hook, line and sinker and either she was that innocent she didn’t know or she was very good at acting.

Either way she would keep quiet for now, as close as they were he was still her Boss and he never took to people nosing into his business.

At dinner Lacey was informed that Sébastien was out of town for the night, strangely she felt disappointed almost sad that she wasn’t going to see him.

It was wrong of her but Jackie had to say something that would stop the relationship from going any further and hinting to the girl he was with a woman would hopefully do the job.

After dinner Lacey went to her room, curling up the fire she tried to work out what was happening to her, the feelings she had for this stranger for that’s what Sébastien was, a stranger.

She knew nothing about him but it didn’t stop the thumping of her heart or the tingling feeling she had every time she saw him.

Sébastien stood on the path and looked up at Lacey’s window, he couldn’t wait a second longer, his need to see her was so strong that he had flown straight back after the meeting.

The Chateaux was empty, Pierre was still in Paris and Susan wouldn’t be back for several hours yet which left Jackie, as it was her night off she would be in town at the cinema or club so that left him and Lacey.

A red smoke appeared from nowhere and engulfed him; a bat emerged from the smoke and flew through an open upstairs window and along the landing.

Hovering at Lacey’s half open door the smoke appeared again and Sébastien stood before it.

He hesitated briefly before knocking.

“Come in” Lacey turned towards the door and was surprised to see Sébastien entering “I thought you were out of town?”

“The meeting finished early”

Lacey turned away and stared at the wall, why was he here, what did he want?

Shit, what was he doing, close the door and walk away.

Stepping inside he closed the door behind him, his desire for her was to the point of hunger, she constantly invaded his thoughts.

Even in sleep the type of sleep that merged death she appeared, her voice would echo through the darkness of his mind, her scent would wash over him and when he was almost at the point of madness she would emerge.

Lacey stepped from the shadows naked, her hair fell softly concealing her breasts and with her arms outstretched she would call to him.

Sébastien obeyed, almost run towards her and when he got close enough to touch her she would disappear.

Falling to his knees he would let out a cry that was so haunting it would make the most hardened of men cry, the sound so full of passion of longing and pain would echo round his mind.

Her body ached at the thoughts that ran through her head.

Lacey sat quietly and waited for his next move, unsure of what he or even herself wanted only that he was here and she wanted him.

Thoughts of him with another woman ran through her mind, she tried to block it out but it tormented her, picked at her piece by piece.

Joining her on the floor he sat and watched her, the shadow that crossed her face concerned him, entering her mind he understood, Jackie was worried for him but to lie like that was wrong.

“I’m investing money into a wildlife safari, this one will concentrate on the breeding of rare animal and hopefully we can prevent any more extinction”

“I see”

Sébastien moved with such speed she had no time to react.

His touch made her heart thump wildly, her breath caught in her chest a heat coursed through her, she yearned to reach out and touch him, to feel him close to her own body overwhelmed her.

“Now why are you so mad, jealousy perhaps?” Sébastien’s deep husky voice rattled her more.

“No!” her voice came out almost in a squeak “Why would I be jealous besides as you say, it was business”

His hand caressed her arm intensifying the heat within her more “If it was the opposite, you were the one I would be very jealous”

Lacey could see the passion in his eyes, could feel the sparks between them, she couldn’t hide her desire, her need for him.

Sébastien’s kiss was cool but sweet; his lips slowly planted small kisses across her lips, down her jaw and round her neck stopping as he came to the fevered beating of an artery.

Closing his eyes he resisted the urge and travelled up “Je te veux!” his voice echoed in her ear, then brushing her hair to the side he moved back down repeating in English “I want you”

The affect he had on her was tremendous “Yes”

Each of them removed the clothes from the other, their hands exploring the bare flesh underneath, Lacey stared at his nakedness, his abs revealed a man that looked after himself, that exercised regularly, her eyes travelled down to his waist then lower resting on the long thick muscle that stood erect.

Sébastien could feel the hunger in her, could see the excitement in her eyes, he couldn’t wait any longer he had to have her.

Their movements were not the slow deliberate act of lovers but desperate, demanding, both driven by an unseen force, a need to consume all they could from the other.

Sébastien knew his eyes were darkening, changing to the inhuman red colour of a hunter, he felt the sharp points of his fangs, he couldn’t stop it, had no control over it, he hoped the dim light would conceal his change..

Entering her caused her to squeal with delight with rapture , burying his face in her hair he hid the monster in him, each thrust of his hips driving them more and more wild.

Lacey’s mind and body was driven only by passion, driven by the feeling of him inside her, his movements.

She moaned as his lips moved across her back and up to the nape of her neck, she felt his lips press against her skin then felt his teeth.

His action caused the flood gates to open and Lacey cried out at the feeling of fulfilment, grabbing her arms he pinned her to the floor.

His teeth dug deeper and her moan turned to a whimper then a scream as she climaxed again at the same time Sébastien roared with his own release.

Rolling onto his side Sébastien pulled Lacey close.

Together they lay in silence, neither one wanting to be the first to speak, to break the spell.

Finally Lacy turned towards him, for a brief moment she thought she had seen redness to his eyes, probably the lighting “I know so little about you?”

“What would you like to know?

Lacey thought for a moment “I don’t know everything I guess?”

Sébastien told her, he told her about his parent’s his childhood, how he got into conservation and about his dreams.

He told her things he never told anyone, things that normally he would have been ashamed of, oh; he left things out, dates, his brother, things that would give his age away and raise questions.

Lacey talked about the Army, her years with her dad followed by the years in care but she held back, some things she could not talk about.

Sébastien listened to what he heard and read what she didn’t say.

Her teen years, the trouble she caused not because she was bad but because she was testing, proving a point.

She did, when the going got tough, the foster parents had any trouble with her they sent her packing, back to the home for some one else to look after.

It was always the same, the would be parents wanted Barbie kids, look good be good, in reality kids were kids, would they be so keen to give up if the child was their own?

The rules and regulations in the home were meant to be broken and boy did she.

Finding the Army had been her saviour, you were part of a whole, the Army, a division, a unit, they were her family, together they worked, played and fought.

Deep down she wanted more, every so often it would push to the front of her mind, creep into her thoughts when least expected or wanted…..what of affection, of love?

Sébastien’s hand caressed her thigh, he planted tiny kiss down her back sparking the fire within her again.
They moved to the comfort of the bed, this time they went slow, the ravenous hunger of earlier sated, now they explored, teased and loved.

After Lacey slept, her hair damp with sweat, her cheeks flushed, she was still not at full strength and tiredness had finally defeated her.

Lying beside her he listened to her breathing, watched the rise and full of her shoulders and inhaled the scent of life.

It had been so long since he did those things that he no longer remembered, to breathe fresh air, to feel temperatures to feel your own heart beat…..

Sébastien did none of those things, the last time he took a breath was his last gasp before death and the sound of his own heart was now only a memory.

Some say life is a bitch, in that case what was death?

For him it was purgatory, hell, he hadn’t wanted this, to be this beast….a hunter, a killer but he was and the only way out was to die all over again.

Death was not easy now, no old age, illness or accident, the only way to die was by fire or sunlight and he could not bring himself to do either….he was a coward.

He had time to think, hundreds of years to realise back then he was an idiot, a spoilt brat that had no care or thought for anyone else, till he met her…..

Adéle, the love of his life or so he thought, he fell for at first sight, her pale beauty, her green eyes and blond hair, she was fascinating, exciting and dangerous.

He was besotted, would follow her like a puppy, to think a grown man, a man in his thirties could act like an ass but he did.

The night he proposed he was knocked back by laughter “pourquoi devrais-je vous marier, vous êtes un jouet d'abandonner quand je alésage de vous” why would I marry you, a toy to drop and those words hit him like a brick.

He had pleaded, begged but she brushed him aside, it was then he made his mistake.

Nobody said no to him, anger and embarrassment had filled him, exploded like a bomb, he swore, cursed and insulted her, she in turn made him this.

As quickly as his temper hit it vanished at the sight of her eyes, her fangs, his love was a monster, a beast from the bowels of hell.

He felt her fangs dig into his neck, felt the blood flow from him, with a final thump his heart stopped.

Stepping into his coffin he remembered the first time he woke to find himself in it.

Now times had changed, he had changed, no longer the selfish spoilt brat, he had become strong, cold and aloof, even the others rarely got to see the real him his compassion, it had back fired on more than one occasion Jackie being one.

No he was not the man he was all those centuries ago, even so it had been a hard way to learn.

Jackie was again in a foul mood; sitting at her desk she banged the keys on her computer.

She knew where Sébastien had been the previous night and didn’t like it, time this woman left.

Susan popped her head round the door “dinner is ready!”

“I’m not hungry”

Susan stared at her, closing the door she sat in a chair near by “What’s wrong?”

Jackie stayed silent not wanting to say too much, what the hell surely Susan would agree with her.

“Miss Harrison”

“What about Lacey?”

Jackie picked up the affection in the other woman’s voice “See, she’s even got you, little miss action girl……”

“Come now, what has she done wrong?”

“Have you not noticed, seen the way he looks at her, Sébastien is falling for her…believe me the girl is trouble”

Susan had noticed, she felt the confusion in him over Lacey, knew about their night of passion but what could she say, “Sébastien is a grown man, he has the right to live his life the way he see’s fit”

“The girl is trouble, when she leaves she could blab, tell everyone what she knows”

“Which is what?”

“Ok so she doesn’t know much but she could still have the authorities here snooping, digging into Sébastien’s past”

“He is well aware of the situation”

“And what if he falls for her, you know, is in love with her what then, he couldn’t tell her she would take to the hills plus when she does leave he will be heart broken”

“As I said before, he will deal with the situation when the time comes……”

Jackie refused to listen “Why did he bring her here he didn’t know her, he should have left her to die”

“SUSAN! You don’t mean that”

“I do”

“I asked Sébastien to get her and bring her here”

Jackie gasped “What, why?”

Rising Susan studied the picture on the wall; she had to tell before Jackie caused trouble “Lacey is my Granddaughter”

“Your…..” Jackie was stunned “You never mentioned you had family”

“I don’t at least not now” Susan took her seat again “The last time I say Lacey she was three, her dad was a drunk, Lacey’s mother tried as best she could looking after them both and working, there was a killer going round, raping and killing lone woman, one night he got…..” Susan’s voice cracked as she relived that dreadful night.

“Susan, I never knew, I’m so sorry….”

“Lacey’s dad was in no fit state to identify the body….I did it……my poor beautiful Wendy……I was filled with grief and rage, the loss of my only child and inept police, vowing to hunt him down I wandered the streets at night with a gun hoping….one night I came across Sébastien” Susan laughs weakly “Imagine my shock at seeing him, the fangs and red eyes, the blood, in panic I raised my gun and fired, falling to the ground he lay motionless for a moment then got up, I shot him again and again”

Jackie too was shocked at first by Sébastien’s life state “So what happened?”

“It was Sébastien that made me stop” Susan giggled as she imitated his voice “Mme Rogers, could you please stop shooting me, it will not do you nor me any good”

Jackie giggled “Yep that sounds like him”

“He read my mind, told me what I was looking for and that I would not succeed, wiping his victims memory he let him go and we talked, for weeks we would meet and talk, why I didn’t know at the time, I guess he was lonely”

“I convinced him to turn me, make me a Vampire, it took some persuading but finally he gave in and agreed, I knew the dangers that I would never see my family again but it was ok, Wendy’s husband was off the drink and had promised to stay dry”

Jackie nodded, knew what was coming “He broke the promise”

“I don't know, he left Lacey with a neighbour one day and never returned, the poor woman didn't know what to do so called Social Services"

“Lacey was on her own and you could do nothing to help her?” Jackie added.

“Exactly, how could I raise a child as I was, I helped as best as I could, invested money for her to inherit at twenty five, sometimes I would watch her then when she joined up I stopped”

Susan paused, a shudder ran down her as she remembered the headlines in the morning paper “Reading the English paper one night I found out, I knew she was alive, felt it and with entering her mind found out where she was”

“It was me who persuaded Sébastien and Pierre to fetch her, to bring her here but Lacey knows nothing”

Jackie understood, any loving grandparent would do the same “So what now, are you going to tell her?

“No, how can I, she knows nothing and to find out she has a relative, a grandmother…...”

Hearing the door open they stopped and turned.

Lacey stood in the doorway.

“That’s how you know about me, how you knew my birthday why didn’t you tell me, come for me all those years ago”

Susan stepped forward, how much had she heard? “Lacey I can explain….”

“Explain why you abandoned me, ignored me all my life” Lacey stared at the woman, her Grandmother; instinct took over, her fist hit the woman bursting her lip.

The old woman sprang to her feet with an agility that surpassed her years, the cut healed, her eyes turned red….

Lacey stepped back, she had seen it before…in Sébastien, she thought it had been the light, her mind but it was real and this woman could do the same.

“What the hell!” Lacey backed towards the door “What are you, what’s going on?”

“Lacey please!”

She kept moving, getting closer to the door, now was a good time to run, feeling someone behind her she turned.

Sébastien blocked her way “I’m sorry, I wanted to tell you…..”

Lacey swung for him.

Sébastien moved out her way so quickly it stunned her for a moment, regaining her composure she went for him again.

Grabbing her he held her in a vice like grip “You need to listen to us”

“Like hell I do and let go of me”

Sébastien released her and watched as she backed herself into a corner, the horror on her face when she looked at him, saw the red eyes “I’m sorry” he told her softly stepping forward.

“What are you, all of you stay the fuck away from me”

“Lacey…..”                                          

“NO, no you are not my Grandmother and neither is this happening”

Moving closer Sébastien inadvertently left the door way, Lacey took her chance and ran.

Taking the stairs three at a time she just made it to her room, jamming the door once inside.

The others called her, begged her to open it but as dawn approached Sébastien and Susan moved towards the locked room.

Jackie ate breakfast on her own, let Lacey cool down, get over the shock then when she was ready they could talk.

Putting the dishes in the machine she switched it on and went to the office, Lacey would be down when she got hungry.

Lacey didn’t show, at lunch or dinner, Susan filled Pierre in .

Pierre whistled “Poor kid is she alright up there?”

“She’s fine, stubborn but fine, now that night has fallen Sébastien will get in, one way or the other”

Sébastien returned straight after feeding and made for Lacey’s room, after talking through the door for half an hour without a reply he had had enough.

His hand on the door knob he pushed, the sound of would splintering echoed round the hall as the door came of it’s hinges, pushing the dresser away he stepped inside.

Lacey was gone.

Sébastien hadn’t been kidding when he said the mountain was dangerous.

At first light she had climbed out the window shimmied down the drain pipe and ran.

First she headed up the mountain, the one thing they wouldn’t expect, then after a few hours she changed direction and headed down.

By the time night fell she was several miles from the châteaux, as it was now too dark to continue, Lacey finding a cave settled down for the night.

Huddled close to the rock she lay listening, the slightest sound caused her to tense expecting Sébastien or someone to appear and try to force her back.

It was ridiculous, how could anyone see in the dark plus how would they know which direction she took.

The heavy black clouds that hovered above the peak threatened to burst open; Lacey hoped they wouldn’t as her descent was difficult enough.

She froze at the sound of a rock falling, holding her breath at the sound of more rocks falling, someone was nearby…..

Her scent grew stronger as he approached the overhang.

He knew she was there “You were lucky to get this far but you have to come back, at night the temperature plummets on the mountain, you could freeze to death”

Lacey didn’t answer, scouring the limited view she saw a possible way out.

Lying flat on her stomach so quietly crawled to the far side of the overhang, picking up a small rock she threw it past Sébastien.

The rock fell to the ground just to his right, turning towards the sound Lacey took her chance and bolted.

Scrambling over the rocks she made her way up, away from him.

Sébastien yelled at her to come back, he knew this mountain well, had flown over it countless times, he knew the dangers, knew she was heading for trouble.

Lacey kept going, stumbling as she climbed further up.

The mountain levelled out, falling Lacey quickly regained her feet.

Hearing a sound behind her she turned to find Sébastien just feet form her, how was he so fast?

“I’m sorry you found out that way, sorry we…I wanted tell you but I had promised Susan”

Lacey stepped back “Stay away from me, that woman is no relation of mine, my family is dead….do you hear me….DEAD!”

“Please believe me, we tell the truth, we only want to take care of you” he stepped forward only for Lacey to step further back “Stop, don’t go any further”

“How did you get me out?”

“Pierre and I went for you”

“LIER!”

“It’s true; I went in and rescued you while Pierre manned the helicopter” he missed out the part the all her captors were now dead.

Did he honestly expect her to believe that, he would have been shot to pieces? 

He could rush her, with his speed he would easily grab her but she had had enough shocks for on day, “I have….. abilities and was easily able to gain entrance”

“What kind of abilities?”

How do you tell someone without coming straight out with it, ‘Actually I’m a Vampire’ “I am capable of doing certain things, that is all I can say”

“Bull shit!”

Sébastien stepped forward once more his arms outstretched towards her “Please come back with me, I will tell you everything then”

Lacey took another step back but this time it was one to many, behind her was a drop, the rocks at the edge unable to hold her weight crumbled.

Sébastien rushed forward as she vanished out of sight, jumping off the edge he tried to catch her; there was a sickening thud as her body hit the ground.

The blood that pooled at the base of a rock told him it was bad, lifting her head he felt the large gaping wound, the swelling under her scalp.

Holding her close he hesitated, if he did nothing she would die but if he helped her it could back fire.

The last person he had tried to help was Jackie, she had worked for him for two years before she found out what he was, she was loyal to him and had stayed.

Gardening one afternoon she had cut herself, the wound was not bad but the infection that entered was, she refused to see a Doctor, by the time she agreed it was too late.

Calling him to her room one night she asked him to help her.

He had refused, as much as it pained him he could not risk her living like him, but she insisted, knew he could bite enough to heal and not turn.

His fangs penetrated her skin, the plan was for his saliva to heal her, but it had gone wrong.

Like Vampire Bats his kind had Draculin in their saliva this prevented the victims blood from clotting.

But unlike their Bat friends they also contained an element to turn their victims, this had entered Jackie…..

Jackie had recovered but at a price.

She acquired the ability to heal herself, her aging slowed down and worst of all her eyes became the warm amber of a Vampire, why she didn't full turn he couldn't answer.

He swore then he would never do it again, never risk a human life, to curse them as he was cursed.

Lacey was different….he loved her, he never thought it possible but she had worked her way through, warmed the ice that surrounded his dead heart, had brought it almost to life.

His eyes turned red, the fangs that stayed hidden most of the time now dropped their points almost glinting at the promise of blood.

Carefully he punctured her skin; let her warm blood spill from her causing his own blood to course through him as it demanded more.

He fought hard to prevent the desire to drain her, allowing only a minute amount of his saliva to enter her.

With a roar he pushed her away and fell back.

Back at the châteaux he made sure Lacey was comfortable then sat and waited.

Almost instantly after his bite the wound started to heal, the gash vanished but it would take a while for the swelling in her brain to go down.

Only time would tell if it had gone well, the small puncture marks would never vanish, his bite the last time had only taken a small amount of her blood, preventing his own fluids to pass through so the marks had vanished, this time he had sent some of himself into her, this time the marks would never fade.

He would have to tell her everything now, tell her the truth and hope she believed him, hoped she wouldn't turn on him in horror.

Opening her eyes Lacey found herself back at the châteaux, the sun’s rays bounced round the room casting odd reflections.

Springing from the bed she ran to the window throwing open the curtains.

The bars across the outside was the cause of the shadows, Lacey's heart sank.

Going to the door she pulled the handle, it too was locked; sinking to the floor she buried her head and for the first time in years, cried.

Finally pulling herself together she came up with a plan.

As night fell she waited for the sound of the door unlocking, hiding behind it with the fire poker she waited.

Sébastien walked into the room, instantly sensing danger he turned, his eyes red his fangs bared.

Lacey looked in terror at his appearance, the horror films she had seen hinted at what she was looking at but it was too late, her attack already in motion.

The poker pierced Sebastien's stomach and lodged itself there, a small amount of blood pooled at the bass of the iron rod.

Lacey’s terror became almost hysterical as she watched him pull the object from his body and toss it on the ground.
The blood oozed for a few seconds then stopped, the wound gone.

Lacey pushed herself against the wall “What, what the hell are you?”

“I have much to tell you” reaching out he tried to take her hand only to have it fiercely pushed away.

The voices from the old black and white films ran through her head ‘they are the undead, cold creatures who’s eyes turn red, fangs protrude from them as the feed on blood…human blood’

“No, it’s not possible, they don’t exist!”

Sébastien had been scared of this moment, deep down inside knew she would react this way “Lacey, do you know what I am?”

“Yes….no, Vampire, you’re a Vampire?” if she wasn’t witnessing it herself she would have scoffed at her words but there he, it stood, a monster man.

“I wanted to tell you, explain what I was but I couldn’t find the words, every night I vowed to tell you the truth but the words wouldn’t come out”

Lacey watched in almost a fascination as he eyes returned to normal and his fangs disappeared “And Susan, she is one?”

“Yes Susan is one, that’s why she couldn’t help you, it broke her heart”

“Ha!” Lacey thought of Jackie.

“Jackie is sort of a Vampire; it’s a long story….”

“And Pierre?”

“No, Pierre is all human”

“What do you want of me, now that I know?”
Sébastien sat on the bed “That depends on you; I will do whatever you wish, just hear me out first”

Lacey listened as he told her, the awful attitude he once had, the belief that he was better than everyone else, that he always got what he wanted.

How he had fallen for a woman only to be spurned, that his immature self got him into trouble, the woman was a Vampire, loosing her temper at his spoilt brat behaviour she turned on him.

It was his grave that lay outside, his parents had died of old age, his little brother drowned in a swimming accident not long after his death.

At the time he believed his brothers death was a punishment, that his condition brought wrath but as the centuries passed he came to realise it was just a tragic accident.

He had a long time to learn that things were more important than money than possessions, he watched as man systematically tried to poison the world, animals he saw as a kid no longer existed “As a kid I used to hear the wolves howl at night now you only hear them in a zoo”

Lacey almost laughed aloud, a Vampire with a conscience…

“I know it’s hard to accept but believe me when you have been around as long as I have, see the destruction as I have…..maybe it’s my way of making amends”

“But you kill humans?”

Sébastien smiled “Wrong, I never have and never will take a human life, oh it doesn’t mean I don’t need blood, I do but I move from one person to another, taking a small amount each time after which they have no memory” he didn't count the deaths of her captors.

“But you still hunt man!”

“True, I have tried, over the years refused to drink human blood I have even tried animal but my body demands human, I can’t help or control it, it’s a constant battle to stop myself from draining the person dry” he shrugs his shoulders “I guess that’s the monster in me, the side that acts as an animal, I control it, it’s not easy but……” 

“So how did……?”

“Susan will tell you herself, it’s only right as for Jackie….it was an accident”

He tells her about Jackie and answers the questions she has then stands “That’s it, what else can I say that will convince you I will not harm you or anyone”

He moves in close and reaches out to her, Lacey turns her head to one side not wanting to look at him but the fire that burns from his touch drowns the fear in her.

“There is one more thing you should know……I love you Sergeant Harrison, I think I have done from the very first night, from the moment I first saw you”

Lacey doesn’t respond, dropping his hand he steps back “Pierre will fly you back, he will drop you not to far from your base……when they ask questions what will you tell them?”

“What can I say; I was rescued by a Vampire, that my grandmother is one….they will lock me up straight away”

Bowing Sébastien left the room.

Her legs felt weak, slowly she slide down the wall.

Five months later everything that had happened felt like a dream, only it wasn’t.

The tiny puncture marks on her neck tell her it was real, the Doctors that examined her believe they are hypodermic marks of some kind.

After a full medical and interrogation from her Commanders she was back on duty, her story of remembering nothing till waking up and finding herself in the jungle was believed.
Whatever reason her captors had saved her life captors kept her alive would never be known but it's believed that there plan had gone wrong and instead of killing her they dumped her in the jungle hoping that would finish her off.
Lacey was back, the rules and regulations, the strict regime that had been her salvation all those years ago was now back in her life.
It didn't stop the feelings, the desire she felt for Sébastien but she ignored them, most of the time.
The dreams were the worst, alone at night she would stare into the darkness terrified to sleep but eventually dropping off.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

That’s when he came, her body would tremble, her heart ached, he would speak to her in French.

She didn’t need to understand what he said; his husky voice warm and full of promise told her what he wanted.

He would lie beside her and hold her tight, she could feel him against her, smell him but something was wrong, she didn’t know what but the feeling was there tormenting her.

Waking in a cold sweat she would wipe away the tears she had shed in her sleep. And find herself alone.

She hardly looked in a mirror these days, all she saw was a ghost someone that looked like her but wasn’t.

The dark circles, the hollow cheeks and dull eyes, if it wasn’t for her breathing she would have passed as dead.

After a while her commanders noticed, sent her back to the Doc’s for another check, she told them she was having trouble coping with her time in captivity, the lack of memory worried her.

Her commanders gave her leave, insisted she went away, anywhere were she could relax and recover.

Packing her bag she thought of where, stupid question really, there was only one place she wanted to go.

The train journey was uneventful and tedious, trees and hills flashed past her in a blur, Lacey was having second thoughts, maybe she should get the next train back.

The fairy tale she had read as a child came into her head, Beauty and the beast, only she was no Belle and the beast would never become a man.

But in a way he was still a man, she blushed as she thought of their time together locked in each others arms, yes he was defiantly a man.

At the desk the manager handed her the keys to her room “Welcome to Annonay” he smiled cheerfully.

After bathing the maid appeared with a light snack which she surprisingly ate, lying on the bed she watched as the gray clouds of winter rolled over the town.

Her eye lids felt like lead and unable to keep them open any longer she drifted off to sleep.

She was in a dark tunnel “Lacey Venez à moi!” the voice pleaded, “Come to me!” it called over and over again she tried to obey but everywhere she turned hands grabbed her, stopped her from going further, faces followed her laughing in menace, hands came from the walls, they dragged her away from  the voice, from safety.

Finally releasing her she fell to her knees the voice no longer there.

She was confused as blood started to seep from the walls, her confusion turned to panic as she realised it was her blood.

Suddenly she felt someone with her, cold strong arms wrapped round her and held her close, instinctively she buried her head in his shoulders 

Her eyes snapped open, dressing quickly she left the hotel.

Huddling into her coat she hesitated.

Nothing had changed but than had she expected it too, she turned to leave, this was a mistake she should never have come back.

“Lacey?”

She stopped at the sound of his voice.

“Why did you come back?”

“I…” she shook her head “I don’t know”

“It is cold come inside”

“No, I best be going”

“Come in for a moment”

Ignoring him she kept walking.

“LACEY!” Sébastien’s called his voice desperate “Please!”

Taking her coat Sébastien lead her to the living room, pouring her a glass of brandy he handed it to her “This will help warm you up”

Lacey took it with a shaking hand; his closeness was having an effect on her.

“Where are the others?”

“They are out for the evening” he explained as he offered her a seat “We knew you were coming”

Lacey looked at him with wide eyes “How?”

“Our kind can read minds” Sébastien told her sheepishly, afraid the admission would send her packing again.

So that’s how he’s in my dreams, it was a trick.

“No trick, we can read minds but cannot manipulate them from a distance, we have to have eye contact”

“So that’s why I’m here, you brainwashed…..”

“NO!” Sébastien roared “I would never do that to you, I tried once…..tried to give you a memory of how you escaped your captors but it didn’t work, I don’t know why, maybe it was your injuries”

“So you tried and failed, it still means…..”

He ran his hand through his hair in frustration “I tried to do it for your sake….I felt something towards you, thought it would be better if you forgot me, this place…..damn it Lacey I love you" 

“So why are you constantly in my head?”

Sébastien couldn’t answer “You are as much in my head as my heart, I used to wish for sunlight, to walk in it’s warmth but meeting you changed all that, I detest the sun, hate what the day brings, the dreams…..to have you in my head and nothing else is torment”

He was telling the truth, the look on his face, in his eyes told her so “Why me?”

Instantly he was at her side “Maybe it’s your blue eyes, or those perfect lips, the way the light falls on your hair turning it to mahogany, maybe it’s the way you feel in my arms or the fact that even a soldier needs love, Christ…maybe it’s none of those of those things or all of it but the one thing I do know is I love you with a fierceness that is frightening…..If I could I would be completely human for you”

“But your not human….your Vampire!”

Sébastien turned and face the fire “Yes I am Vampire, I will never age, cannot give children even death for me is difficult but one day you will be gone from this earth I will be left…..” the thought if being without her filled him with dread.

Her heart almost broke at the site of him, the desolation in his voice, the shoulders slumped in defeat.

Leaving the sofa she walked towards him.

She wrapped her arms round him, her face pressed hard against his back, he was cold would always be cold, his heart did not beat nor did she hear the sound of breathing, in effects he was dead.
But the dead did not feel like him, did not love or make love like him, did it really make that much of a difference what he was, if this was love true love then it was worth more than any human man could possibly offer.

Sébastien felt her shock, felt the flood of emotions rush over her, the realisation that she loved him deeply.

Turning he cupped her face and stared into her eyes, he understood her fear it was not every day you met a Vampire and fell for him but Lacey had, she had met a Vampire, she had fallen for him in fact the thought of walking away of leaving again filled her with sadness.

“Stay, stay here, stay…with me?” he pleaded.

“My job the Army….”

“……I will see to it”

“And what happens when I grow old, what then?”

“We will bridge that when it comes…..”

“No, the knowledge you will always be as you are, will watch As I wither and die, that we will be parted for good, no” Lacey knew what she was going to ask was a lot but she couldn’t leave him for any reason.

Sébastien read her mind as was shocked by her thoughts “Do you know what you ask, life with not be the same you will not be the same… cursed”

“It will not be a curse, we would be together forever how could that be wrong, I love you Sébastien but I will not stand by and watch my time with you grow shorter, I cannot”

What choice did he have, he didn't want to loose her in any circumstances.

“Very well but not yet, I insist you think about it for twelve months, if you still wish it then I will do it”

Lacey nodded “Deal”

“Till then, will you stay?”

Lacey pressed her lips against his, one arm slide round his waist the other travelled down, did he really expect her not to, wild horses couldn’t keep her away.

Sébastien groaned at her touch, his question answered it left only one thing…..

Sweeping her off her feet he carried her to the bedroom.