The Guilty Innocent Read online

  “Xavier! It's okay!” I screamed, as I began to realize what had just transpired. Xavier seem to realize who he had in his grip A calmness seeped into his expression, he slowly released Sergio and stepped away. Xavier looked around the plane. I was still in awe of Xavier's impressive show of power and agility, talk about self defense! Both Xavier and Sergio were extremely vigorous and their speed was amazing!

  “I'm sorry, I did not recognize what was going, on.” Xavier said politely, he looked at Sergio. “My apologies.”

  “Yeah, no problem!” Sergio replied sourly. I could see the bruises left behind by Xavier's fingertips slowly vanishing from Sergio's throat.

  “Look, I said I was sorry. What the fuck do you expect? Last I checked, I wasn't in a coffin on a plane!” Xavier retorted I stood there watching the two men exchange words as they glared at each other. I decided now would be a good time to intervene. I stepped between the two men, (a brave thing to do, I know) and pressed my hand on Xavier's naked chest. I felt the blood rush to my face, my cheeks were burning. The moment was so intense, I forgot that he was naked...and furthermore, I forgot that he would be hungry and would need to feed! Xavier looked down at me, his eyes softened. His warm expression made me feel comfortable, I knew that I was blushing ridiculously.

  “Xavier, I had a vision,” I proceeded to update Xavier on all that had taken place since last night. Xavier listened intently to every word as he nodded his head. “We had to get to Russia, we really couldn't wait for you to wake up to do so.” I explained apologetically.

  “I understand, you did the right thing, Tasha.” Xavier said, then he leaned closer and kissed me softly on the lips. I could hear Devin chuckle from across the plane.

  “I was in such a hurry...I did not pack you anything... I'm so sorry. I didn't even think to buy you Synblood! Oh, I'm such an idiot!” I said, angry with myself that I did not think to better prepare for Xavier and John.

  “It's alright, don't beat yourself up over it. I'm sure I could borrow something of Sergio's.” Xavier speculated as he looked at Sergio, expectantly.

  “His clothes are too big, they won't fit.” Devin said slyly, his eyes plastered on Xavier's naked body. A lecherous smile spread boldly across his face. I stepped in front of Xavier and Devin frowned. “Aww, come on, you've already seen the goods!” Devin whined playfully. He was cute, simply adorable! I shook my head and chuckled.

  “I have something you could wear, but like Devin said, it will be loose on your less muscular body,” Sergio said mockingly.

  “I'd really appreciate it,” Xavier responded condescendingly. Sergio snorted then opened up his suitcase, he pulled a pair of tan drawstring cargo pants, a tan t-shirt and a pair of shoes that were slightly too big for Xavier. Xavier dressed quickly then settled on the sofa.

  “Well, now that the fiasco is over, things can get back to normal,” Elise said snobbishly. She settled more comfortably into the cushions then looked at Xavier. “Do not worry about feeding, Devin-”

  She was cut off by the quick and aggressive movements of John as he sprang forth from his coffin. Scaring the hell out of me and alarming everyone else. The next thing I knew, Xavier had John in his embrace before he could attack. John's fangs were out, luckily he began to realize who was holding him. He settled calmly in Xavier's arms, his fangs retracting. Xavier whispered something into John's ear and he nodded his head, then Xavier let him go.

  “Damn! You vampires are pretty serious first thing in the evening, aren't you!?” Devin chuckled as he settled back on the sofa.

  “Shit, I'm sorry, I didn't know what the fuck was going on.” John said, he frowned, then look at Xavier. “What the fuck is going on?!” he asked, perplexed.

  Xavier proceeded to fill John in on everything. After the briefing, John sat down on the rim of his coffin. He did not seem the least bit uncomfortable in the nude, or maybe it was the least of his concerns at the moment. He put his hand on his stomach and grimaced slightly.

  “I'm hungry,” he whispered softly. Xavier patted him on the shoulder reassuringly.

  “When we land, we'll hunt.” Xavier said, John nodded.

  “I'm afraid we don't have time for you to hunt-” Elise started but John interrupted her once again.

  “Look, I'm starving, I need to feed...I'm hunting!” he growled.

  I have to admit, it was getting a little tense and I felt uncomfortable about being tens of thousands of feet in the air during all of the arguing.

  “John, settle down!” Xavier said sternly. John turned and looked at Xavier, he nodded dejectedly.

  “Well, if I may continue!” Elise began, her hand on her chest as if she were appalled. “I have thought about your sustenance situation and I have brought along a willing donator,” she pointed to Devin.

  Sergio rolled his eyes upward and snorted. “I still can't fucking believe you're letting him be their feedbag. And even worse...” he looked at Devin disgustedly. “You want to be their feedbag!!!” I could tell that annoyed Sergio.

  “That's my decision, besides, I like it. Now breathe-back off me.” Devin retorted as he rose from the sofa.

  “You don't have to do this, Devin,” Xavier said calmly.

  I felt like I was watching a movie as an audience does, only it wasn't a movie...it was very real. I looked at Xavier, even though he was trying to stay in control, I could see that he wanted to feed, there was a look in his eyes that was a mixture of hunger and lust. It was definitely awkward to say the very least. I didn't know what to expect when I decided to do this, or the things that I would sec. I've never seen a vampire feed, let alone Xavier. Would I be able to handle it? I thought about running into the bathroom to hide out until it was all over, but then curiosity killed the cat (no pun intended) and I decided to bear witness to this side of Xavier. I figured it was simply another part of him that I was going to have to accept. Big brave me!

  “I know, Xavier...but I want to, now make it nice and sweet.” Devin chuckled.

  I looked at John, his breathing had increased, he looked like he would pounce on Devin if he came one step closer. Xavier must have noticed John's behavior, because he placed his fingers under John's chin, lifting his face to his own. Xavier peered into John's eyes.

  “Your thirst is stronger, you feed first, but be gentle.” Xavier cautioned. John nodded and began to rise from his sitting position.

  “No, don't bother rising stay right where you are!” Devin said lustfully. John paused for a moment, then he closed the coffin and sat back down on the lid. Devin did exactly what I suspected he would do. He sat his little hot-to-trot ass on John's lap. I shook my head and chuckled, I really liked him, he was a spontaneous little vibrant soul, there was no doubling that. I blushed as I watched John encircle Devin in his arms, he sank his teeth into Devin's neck.

  Devin gasped and arched as John's fangs broke though his skin. His arms wrapped around John's neck, small moans of pleasure came from him. I looked on in amazement. John's mouth was sealed to Devin flesh and I could hear the wet sucking sounds as John fed and I felt tingles down my spine. Sergio and Elise looked on as well, Sergio appeared to be on guard as i f he were prepared to attack in an instant, should something go wrong. I suppose he would pull Devin free if one of the vampires got out of hand. I thought that was sweet, that degree of protection for a loved one. Xavier watched intently, he held both anticipation and caution in his expression as he waited his turn. Devin's grip tightened on John as he cried out and began to spasm, John’s moans grew louder as his body began to tremble. After a short while, he pulled away, but continued to hold Devin against his chest as he licked the spilt blood from Devin's neck. Devin leaned against his chest, breathing slowly, deeply, his body still trembling every few seconds.

  “Is he going to be okay?” I asked, concerned.

  “He'll be fine,” Sergio groaned. “His body just needs to replenish the lost blood.”

  “Oh.” I murmured, this was truly new to me, continue to live and learn some
thing new every damn day. Devin sat up and began kissing John passionately!

  “Hey, volunteer feedbag? You've got one more bloodsucker to pump up, get on with it! I don't want to have to see this shit all night!” Sergio reminded Devin who was seconds away from an all out make-out session.

  I must say, I did want to see it, but then again I didn't...does that make sense? Devin pulled away from John's mouth reluctantly and rose from his lap. John was fully erect and I yelped when I saw him pop up like a jack-in-the-box when Devin rose. Everyone looked at me and I felt even more embarrassed. I could hear Xavier chuckle, I looked up at him, my face red. He smiled in his charming fashion.

  “Don't worry, darling. That is a normal reaction,” he explained.

  I nodded, but I was still embarrassed. Devin looked drugged, his eyes were glassy as he gazed dreamily at Xavier. Xavier turned from me and looked at Devin, he took Devin by the back of his neck, pulling him closer. Xavier tilted his head sideways and buried his teeth into Devin's neck. Devin gasped again, he gripped Xavier in a tight embrace as Xavier began to feed. The reaction appeared to be more intense than when John had feasted, I wondered why? Devin's body trembled in a seemingly uncontrollable manner. His hands pulling tightly on the tan t-shirt Xavier was wearing. Xavier's eyes were closed, a small crease between his eyebrows. Xavier looked as though he was about to burst with pleasure. Once again, Devin cried out in ecstasy, his body rippled with spasms until Xavier pulled away. Xavier's eyes were glossy, his expression-euphoric. I wondered what it must feel like for them to feed or to be fed on? Devin sat down in one of the chairs, I watched Xavier's body shiver slightly, then his eyes, which had seemed to reflect all of the colors in the room, began to become clearer, sharper.

  He looked down at Devin and smiled. “Thank you,” he said softly, as if it were a kiss.

  “Anytime.” Devin responded breathlessly as he lounged in the chair. He looked at John and smiled. “I could do something about that.” He said, as he gestured to John's semi-erect penis.

  I couldn't get over my amazement at the boldness of Devin.

  John glanced at his groin, then back at Devin. “Another time, I don't think anyone would appreciate us going off to have hot wild sex.” John chuckled. Devin smiled and nodded. John looked down at his nakedness, then looked at Sergio. “Did anyone think to bring some of my clothes when you stuffed me inside the coffin?”

  I fought the urge to laugh. “No.” I said guiltily, my face straining against the threat of laughter. I could feel the tightness, then I looked at Xavier and the laughter erupted from me. I should be ashamed of myself. I manage to pack enough clothes for myself for a week, but nothing for them. I suppose being an only child, I was used to looking out for number one, it was still not an excuse. John shook his head and looked at Devin, it seemed that he was mentally sizing Devin's form, possibly comparing it to his own.

  “I think I could fit something of yours...” John said, his voice trailing off as he watched Devin shake his head.

  “Nope, nothing of mine would fit you. You're going to have to remain as you are!” Devin said triumphantly. John smirked and raised one eyebrow at Devin.

  “May I please have something to wear?” he asked, he appeared to be slightly agitated.

  Devin rolled his eyes upward and rose from the chair. He walked over to his suitcase and fished through his clothes. After about two minutes of searching, he pulled out a pair of the tightest looking leather pants I've ever seen with a matching leather vest from the suitcase along with a pair of leather boots. He smiled as he walked over to John and extended the clothes. John looked at the leather ensemble, both eyebrows raised in disbelief.

  He looked at Devin. “You've searched all that time and all you could find was this S and M biker stud outfit?” he asked, gazing at Devin suspiciously.

  Devin gave him a wolfish grin. “Take it or leave it, doesn't matter to me, either way...I'll be pleased,” he winked at John.

  John rolled his eyes but smiled seductively. He reached out the took the clothes. In seconds he was completely dressed, and I was thankful. Don't get me wrong, both he and Xavier have excellent bodies, but I'm not used to men parading around naked...it was a little uncomfortable. Finally, after the two vampires were taken care of, everyone settled themselves comfortably. Xavier sat on the floor next to my chair, Devin sat in the other chair and John sprawled on the floor between Xavier and Devin. Sergio and Elise shared the double length sofa.

  “So what's the plan?” Xavier asked, breaking the silence.

  “Well, we're looking for Nikolai Lelikov, I don't know where he lives, does anyone have any idea how we can find out?” I asked.

  “Why don't you take a nap and see if you get one of your visions...that might help,” John suggested innocently. What am I, a narcoleptic, I have to actually be sleepy to fall asleep.

  “It doesn't work like that, John. I have to actually be sleepy. Besides, I'm too excited to sleep,” I said. It was true, my mind was racing with thoughts...uncertain thoughts.

  Xavier frowned. “What about the local vampires or shape shifters in Moscow...has anyone contacted them?” Xavier asked.

  “I don't think so, why?” I asked. I looked around, Sergio and Elise appeared to be contemplating, Sergio had a frown on his face, I took it as a bad sign.

  “It's considered rude, as well as a challenge to enter the territory of a vampire or shape-shifter uninvited. Considering the fact that territory is also hunting grounds for supernaturals. There is a certain etiquette that must be followed.” Xavier said then he looked at Elise. “I can't believe you two did not think of this!” he stated disgustedly.

  “Keep your accusations to yourself, I contacted the local wolf pack that resides in Moscow, but I decided to leave vampire matters to you. Besides, you are a vampire, that's your domain.” Elise said smugly.

  “So why don't you get to it.” Sergio added with a sneer.

  Xavier looked at them, an expression of sheer annoyance on his face. He rose in one smooth movement and walked towards the telephone.

  “So when we track down this Nikolai Leli-whatever, we beat the shit out of him, right? Make him confess?” John asked, his beautiful ocean blue eyes looking at me for confirmation.

  “Yeah, but we want to get all parties to confess, that's the only way we're going to save Darian.” I said, I looked at Xavier, I could hear him speaking Russian. I didn't know what he was saying but it did not sound good. He appeared to be frustrated as he spoke to the person on the telephone, then he hung up. He walked towards us and stood in the middle of the plane, his hands on his waist.

  “So, what are you going to do?” John asked as he gazed up at Xavier.

  Xavier's expression was causing me to become a little apprehensive. “What happened?” I asked.

  “Their Master wants a formal meeting,” Xavier said grimly as he looked at John. They seemed to have an understanding and I wanted to be filled in.

  “What does that mean?” I asked. I looked around, Devin shrugged and John looked displeased. I looked back at Xavier. “What does that mean!?” I repeated.

  “It means we're going to have to waste time with the local vampire master...he wants us to pay him Homage. Xavier sat down on the armrest of my chair, one leg crossed over the other.

  I was still lost and from the look of it, so was Sergio and Devin, though, Elise seemed to know what he was speaking of.

  “I'm not paying him Homage,” Elise stated coolly. “That's the problem with you vampires, so damn dramatic, so over-demanding, not to mention self-indulgent!”

  Xavier raised his eyebrows and looked at her. “Us vampires? Come now, you, yourself are just as self-indulgent as the next person and probably twice as demanding!” Xavier retorted. Sergio laughed outright, Elise glared at him.

  He looked at her. “Well, he was right,” he shrugged.

  I had to admit, I enjoyed watching Xavier put Elise in her place. Xavier seemed confident as ever when he spoke to Elise. He held a
certain level of patience, very little seemed to bother him.

  “Whatever! Just don't look to me to pay Homage.'“ She said, then she crossed her arms over her chest, turning to look at the huge television.

  “So, what do we have to do to pay Homage!” I asked, attempting to get all of the details.

  “Don't worry, I have arranged it so that only I will pay Homage. What that means is, he may want to feed from me,” Xavier said. “To allow a master vampire to feed from you, is a sign of respect as well as acknowledgment that they are your superiors. Only the really old-or overly cocky demand Homage.”

  Sergio snorted. “Does Darian demand 'Homage'?” he asked mockingly.

  Xavier looked at him, he took a deep breath, then released it slowly. Dealing with Sergio and Elise was bringing out emotions I've never seen in Xavier...he looked to be even more human than ever before.

  “Sometimes, if he feels there is the need for it,” Xavier answered.

  “Yeah, Darian doesn't do anything without a reason,” John declared proudly. Sergio smirked and settled more comfortably on the sofa.

  “I hope this master vampire doesn't want to sleep with you.” John spoke his thoughts out loud.

  “Sleep with you?” I looked at Xavier, who frowned. “Something tells me, you don't mean pajama party sleep-over?” I asked not really wanting to hear the answer, but wanting to know the truth. Xavier smiled as he shook his head.

  “No, he may want sex, but I will try my best to avoid it,” he said.

  “Can't you just tell him 'no'!?” I asked, I was becoming frustrated, all of these damn rules and shit was getting on my nerves.

  “Doesn't work that way, it is within his or her right as master to ask for Homage in any manner they may see fit. To refuse would lead to a Challenge of Authority.” He looked at me sternly. “And that is never good news,” he said.

  I was beginning to understand what he must do. I did not like it, I did not want Xavier to have to have sex with some asshole vampire. However, I knew he would if it would mean helping Darian. I nodded and we changed the subject to discuss a plan of action for when we find our targets.