~ Gift or Curse ~
by Blackgrl71

Author's Notes: See Part 1.

Chapter 9

Back at Andy's Apartment

There were a few hard truths about herself that Andy'd been forced to deal with since she found that necklace in her Parents' garden: for some reason she was Fey and her Parents were not. Her Mom appeared to be just as bewildered (and a little scared) as she was because the Sachs were as "normal" as apple pie and basketball. After further discussion about possible ancestors and the gene pool, there appeared to be little evidence that this was passed down to her.

The obvious question is what the hell is going on and why her?

She was Fey - perhaps even… Sidhe. The symbol on the necklace--A circled serpent overlaid with a triple spiral, and a blood-stone in the middle-had resembled a Sidhe relic: A Fertility Goddess to be exact. Wouldn't Doug and Lily get a kick out of that?! This discovery should have been exciting to her as well, but Andy was tired. Tired of feeling like events were unfolding around her that she seemed to have no control over, tired of not knowing what was going on, or who she was! She needed answers! Answers that wouldn't come from a book. Real answers!

She'd come to feel more comfortable in her 'skin' -with all her other-ness, but she sensed that these magical manifestations were just the beginning. That sense of awareness had intensified when Andy came to consciousness after finding the necklace. The world had been fuzzy, but she remembered the blurry image of her Mother hovering over her. The latest development only vindicated her theory. She'd been feeling a buzz lately, almost like a mild electric current, humming along her psyche whenever she came across someone or something not human,
This had come into sharp focus when Miranda walked into the office yesterday. The humming had been so strong! Like sitting directly on a giant generator. She wondered if Miranda felt their connection. She had to, right? Andy sighed as she crawled into bed, exhaustion and sleepiness taking over her from such an emotional day.


****
Upper East Side

Miranda swirled the bourbon around in the high-ball glass. She was sitting in her favorite chair in her study, watching the amber liquid slide down like 'fingers' in the glass. A light perfume of sex and blood wafting in the air. She'd just finished working on the Book. Draining the glass before depositing it on the side table, she contemplated her current… difficulties. She felt like she was sitting on the precipice of something much larger, which, for vampires, usually meant nothing good. The fact that it had something to do with Andrea was irrelevant because she would do everything in her power to exclude Andrea from the coming events.

Her head fell back against headrest before she gathered the will to stand and head up to her bedroom. She needed to rest, she had a very long day tomorrow. Along with maintaining certain standards at Runway, her evening also consisted of attending to her Master of the City duties. There were a few "Rat-Packs" that were making a nuisance of themselves and the New York City Rodere (Rat King) had requested back-up in dealing with them.

Not to mention the local Nimir-Ra (king of leopards): her former husband Lucas would undoubtedly be asking for more visitation rights to their daughters - which she would, naturally, deny. He continued to make life difficult for her through his Pard. However, he failed to appreciate that in the world of Lycanthropes - the Wolves ruled, and with her Emily as Ulfric, making life difficult for her meant making life difficult for him. She made a mental note to instruct Emily to take care of this latest inconvenience.

In addition, she had to check into her various holdings throughout the City; Hades - a leather club; almost all Supernatural liked their kink, Lust Feeder - a Were strip club, their lycanthrope abilities allowed them to be much more flexible than the average human. However, more importantly it allowed her to feed the Ardeur and other… things. names were uninspiring, but then again, she probably shouldn't have allowed her daughters to name the establishments Alas, the indulgence of motherhood. Shaking her head, Miranda returned to her mental checklist, and reminded herself to send Nigel out to check her private blood banks.

In the meantime, she'd also need to start preparing for a visit to St. Louis while shoring up alliances. The life of the Master of the City of New York was never done. In midst of all this, there should be plenty of opportunity to fire Andrea in the near future and continue on with getting her life/unlife in order. Before she fell into the deep-dead-like-sleep, a flash of gold-copper-brown eyes appeared, taunting her. Damn her!


***

Chapter 10

Andy was awoken by the musical strains of Can't Get Enough of Your Love ringing on her cell phone, startling her into pushing the TALK button to groggily answer, "H - hello?"

"Why aren't you up?" a voice said with a clipped British accent. "You need to be here with Miranda's coffee! She likes it blistering hot, latte, no foam, with an extra shot. To get this wrong will immediately mean your demise. Next you have to stop by Hermes and pick up the scarves. And you need to do this within the hour." The voice hung up before Andy's brain could catch up.

She laid there for a moment, before realizing she had a very limited amount of time before launching herself from bed, dashing wildly to the bathroom. "Shit, shit, shit!"

Andy decided that trying to balance scalding hot latte, with a whole bunch of Hermes scarves, her purse, all the while answering the dozen phone calls with Emily screaming into her ear, was an intensely unpleasant experience. She bolted to the elevators, keeping up her balancing act, desperately trying to not spill more coffee on her. Finally, she arrived at the Runway floor.

She dashed through the double-glass doors only to have Emily immediately in her face, grabbing things out of her arms, "Thank God! Where have you been?! She's almost here, I've been manning the phones and I desperately have to go to the bathroom!"

"Why couldn't you just go and let it go to voicemail?" Andy hurriedly sat down to wait for further instructions after Emily re-appeared from Miranda's office.

"You must NEVER let a call go to voicemail. One time an assistant missed a phone-call from Valentino, when Miranda attempted to call him back he was already on a 23 hour flight to Australia! She's now working at TV Guide. Now man the phones until I get back!" She snapped then walked briskly away.

Andy was happy to have a few minutes of respite before the storm called Miranda appeared. She could feel the tension knotting at the back of her neck. Miranda. She'd had another one of those dreams last night. She knew she needed to get a grip on her emotions regarding Miranda otherwise her employment here would be a lot more difficult than she already suspected. But how did one ignore the way her skin leaps whenever Miranda's eyes tracked over her body?

How was she supposed to ignore her the dreams that she'd been having long before they'd formally met? Dreams where they were both naked, where Miranda pinned Andy's hands over her head and marked her even as Andy writhed under Miranda's ravishing tongue. Dreams where their bodies were lathered in sweat, nipples brushing against one another-stoking the heat that rendered them both breathless. Dreams, where Miranda Priestly claimed her. How?

Surely Miranda notices, right? She'll know what to do, Andy confidently thought.

Suddenly, the doors opened signaling the arrival of Miranda in sexy red Prada heels that looked dangerously high, sheer black stocking, a gorgeous black pencil skirt, with matching jacket. Andy could hardly take her eyes off the beautiful egg-plant colored blouse, dangerous framed cleavage and mane of gleaming silver hair. Today, Miranda's signature forelock looked especially delicious dangling attractively over her eye. Before Andy could open her mouth, Miranda threw her jacket and purse on her desk and sauntered into her office, while firing off instructions.

"I need you to call Patrick and tell him that those models from the shoot were deeply disappointing. Also I need 10 scarves from Hermes. Then I want you to call my Ex-husband and tell him, 'No, I will not extend the girls' vacation. I expect them back no later than a week from today exactly.' Then you need to tell Jocelyn that I need competent ideas for the Pony - not ideas that would, no doubt, make a 4th grader's reject pile. Then call the caterer for next week's soiree. that I want warm rhubarb compote - is that so hard? Am I asking for the moon? After that you need to collect the mock-up from James Holt. Has Demarchelier called?

Andy was in a complete daze, "Ah, D- ah, Demar-"

"Get me Demarchelier on the phone. Now."

Andy dashed to her desk, trying desperately not to hyperventilate.

Emily came back just in time to see the look of terror on Andy's face. She smirked. "What- "

"Oh, my god, she said something about a - a Pony, then something about a guy named Patrick and James Holt…" Andy was practically wringing her hands.

Miranda stuck her head out of her office, "Why isn't Demarchelier on the phone yet?"

"Look, just go to James Holt and Hermes, I'll take care of everything else. Now hurry!" Emily smugly pointed towards the bank of elevators.

****

Staring morosely into her beer Andy continued her summarization of her first day at Runway to her Lily and Doug. "It was horrible! She's so… mean and, and, condescending - you can practically feel the flesh peel off your skin after she tears into you!"

"And then, and then, there are these…clackers, who wear these impossible high-heels that make this annoying clacking sound as they walk behind you while making fun of…"

"Andy-girl, take a deep breath… it's just 'us' girls right now. Ain't no one here to talk shit about your wardrobe, or make you fetch steaming hot coffee or tell you how incompetent you are. That's the "Ground Rules." Lily patted her arm, before peering down at her watch, "at least not for 6 hours."

"And guess what? Not only is Queen of Mean, Fashion Empress Extraordinaire, she also the Master of the City!" she watched the twin looks of horrific surprise and awe appear on both her friends' faces.

"Well that figures. I can't imagine that woman being anything less than a major Alpha! Wait she didn't try to slip you some fang did she?" Lily grinned at her own cleverness. "Maybe those skinny-ass models look that way cause home-girl has her own stock of "blood banks?""

"No way. You don't stay HBIC (Head Bitch in Charge) for not being able to put her fangs away…" he snickered at that play on words. "Well Andy, can you tell she's this bad-ass Master Vamp?"

Rolling her eyes, she tried to not think about the icy-disdain Miranda had shown her throughout the day. "If you girls are finished, yes she's completely professional-Except frightening her employees to death does seem to fall into the category of 'scary vampire."

They were hanging out at Andy's apartment, pizza and beers serving as replenishment after a hard day at work. Doug sprawled on one those old-school bean-bag globs plopped in the near the side of Andy's over-stuffed sofa. While Andy and lily curled up in either corner on the sofa with the pizza and beer between them.

"But that's not all," continued Andy. "In fact, the whole office seems to be a total soup of mystical people: Edgy-Emily is a Were-Wolf, Nigel is a Master Vampire too, and this other woman named Serena is a Were-Tiger! Crazy huh?!" The excitement in Andy's voice belied her critical scrutiny of her 1st day at Runway.

The soulful twangs of Otis Reddings' These Arms of Mine echoed around the apartment. Next to Barry White, Otis Redding was Andy's favorite. She became a fan of Motown-ish music via her Dad. Every Sunday morning he'd bake up a storm, while the playing the funky, old-school music of Motown and other "Golden Oldies": Otis, Barry White, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye - and really were there any women groups more fierce in glittering cocktail dresses than The Supremes singing I Hear a Symphony?

Needless to say after a very personally trying day at her new job, she couldn't think of a better way to wind down. She thought back to all the fascinating people she met at Runway - especially Nigel. The energy he gave off was very powerful, different than Emily's or even Serena's, but definitely not as powerful as Miranda's energy.

She'd never met anyone who could remain so wholly unaffected by chaos, sort of like Forrest Gump's Boat during a hurricane. Whereas Emily seemed edgy and a bit crazed (which could in all likelihood be from hunger), Emily just hoped that things wouldn't come undone - Nigel knew they eventually would. Andy wanted to be just like Nigel when "she grew up."

As for Serena - well let's just say if her self-esteem hadn't taken a serious hit since starting here and her connection to Miranda wasn't so strong, she'd have no problem showing her what she'd learned from her days at Northwestern. Andy may be a 'fashion dud' but she knew her way around a woman's body. Her attraction to Miranda was almost involuntary. Miranda was beautiful, timeless and so deliciously powerfully she almost made Andy's teeth hurt. Serena, on the other hand was a hot-house of sensuality. Warm, inviting and very very uh…Brazilian.

***

Earlier that day

This gorgeous woman came through the glass doors towards Emily's desk. Later Andy found out her name was Serena. However at that moment, Serena was busy looking Andy up and down, as she strolled into the inner-sanctum. With a smirk and shake of her head, before heading over to an equally smirking Emily, "see I told you. I have no idea where she found that outfit."

Serena just smiled, with an enigmatic look at Andy, "English, perhaps she hasn't had the opportunity to flower, hmmm?"

But Andy had been frantically trying to figure out who Zac Prosen was (wasn't he in High School Musical?) when a beautiful pair of high-heels appeared in front of her face, held aloft on Nigel's finger. "I believe you're a size 8 1/2?"

Looking on in surprise, she replied, "Ahh… you don't have to do that. Miranda hired me. She knows what I look like." Andy responded.

She felt mildly satisfied at her response until Nigel drolly answered, "Do you?" Before insistently holding the shoes in front of her face.

Damn, do I really look that bad? She took a quick perusal over her clothes: blue sweater, plaid skirt, off-white stockings, and flat, comfortable, shoes… ok, maybe she didn't look like most of the people here but still… did he have to totally diss her?

Before she could offer a retort, Miranda called from inside her office, "Emily? Emily?" Andy looked around and realized that Emily hadn't returned from her break.

She was about to inform Miranda of this fact when Nigel chimed in, head bent over a magazine, "She means you."

She quickly grabbed the shoes, shoved her feet into them, before dashing around her desk to present herself to Miranda, "What took you so long? Do I need an Act of Congress to get you to move faster?" she paused before doing a slow perusal down Andy's body and back up into Andy's eyes, judging, finding… wanting.

It didn't mean that her skin didn't feel positively scorched after feeling those wicked eyes on it. Shivering Andy found herself a bit breathless with humiliation and yearning. Her own eyes drawn towards the creamy, decadent, skin of Miranda's throat, down to the cleavage peeking out from the beautifully contrasting eggplant Marc Jacobs blouse. She had the sudden urge to nuzzle her pulse point while wondering what Miranda would look like flushed.

The clearing of a throat reminded Andy that her attention was required elsewhere. She could feel the utter mortification sweep over her, her face burning like a hot plate turned up high in embarrassed humiliation. But those gorgeous blue eyes held her trapped, captivated, she couldn't say a word as Miranda visually eviscerated her outfit. She could even feel her magic wanting to respond, her marks slowly wakening, moving, but somehow she was able to tamp it down.

She suspected Miranda wouldn't tolerate a magical output even if it was involuntary. Gosh, if all these conflicting, intense feelings she'd experienced so far were anything to go by, she would be an alcoholic or moonlighting as a Muy Thai kick-boxer to work out her frustration in short order.

She minutely shook her head as if to clear it. "Umm, my name is Andy. You called me 'Emily' but maybe you meant The Emily-"

Narrowed blue eyes grew progressively colder, snidely smiling full lips respond. "Emily, I need you to re-schedule my lunch with Donatella tomorrow. Then tell Jocelyn that the run-through is this afternoon and that the dismal examples she set forth this morning had better of improved by then. Then call The Palms - I'd like my steak at precisely 12:15 and I want coffee in 10 minutes. That's all." she turned away, utterly dismissing Andy.

What the fuck?! Andy unclenched her hands, her eyes prickling with both unshed tears and magic, before high-tailing it out of the office like her ass was on fire, feeling the icy-heat from impromptu dressing-down she'd just received.

She quickly grabbed her purse, but not before noticing a smirking Emily, "Do try to keep up? While I don't anticipate you lasting here for much longer, I would appreciate it if you could stick around longer than say… a week? I dread having comb over inane resumes all over again," she added a faux sigh as if to indicate how 'put-upon' she'd feel.

Rolling her eyes, quivering in residual anger, and Andy dashed out the doors. Emily appeared to be eternally anxious, never letting an opportunity pass to needle her and while Andy found that supremely annoying, she thought that Emily was mostly harmless. Besides Andy thought it'd be totally satisfying when it turns out that she happened to be good at her job, maybe give Emily a run for her money.

Andy straightened with renewed determination - perhaps she could get Nigel to give her some pointers.


***

Chapter 11a

Nigel hurried back to his office - she'd been on war-path lately and Nigel was often caught in the line of fire when Miranda was being particularly… difficult. He made a mental note to feed tonight, given Miranda's mood lately he'd need it. He suspected it had something to do with the new Assistant - Andrea (Six). It seemed Miranda held him responsible for her seeming involuntary response toward Six.

He saw the looks Miranda gave Andy when she thought no one was looking. Andrea was less… subtle. The look of hurt or even (dare he say it?) betrayal seemed very real. But so were the looks of attraction and even outright lust. During the run-through at James' studio last week, Nigel actually had to discreetly clear his throat in order to bring Miranda's attention back to something James was saying. Good thing Miranda is a vampire because her embarrassment would have shown beautifully on her creamy skin.

To "color" him surprised would be an understatement - something was clearly going on, something… otherworldly. He thought that Andy was Fey, maybe even Sidhe, Those tri-colored eyes and her moonlit skin gave her away. While it wasn't the first time Miranda was attracted to a woman, it seemed more profound, intense, unlike anything he'd seen. You didn't live as long as either of them had without 'sampling' lots of different experiences. He sincerely hoped that Six would be something special, worthy of Miranda's attention, because with the Council nipping at their heels he wasn't sure how unscathed they'd end up.

As he turned the corner to his office, Nigel halted at the sight of none other than Six. Oy vey! Naturally it wasn't enough that he was doing damage control, he now had to deal with her -- what was she wearing?!

"To what do I owe this dubious pleasure?" He headed towards his drawing table to look over the latest proofs in hopes that if he appeared to be "furiously working," she'd leave.

"Nigel! I need your help--" Andy stood, wringing her hands before she was distracted by the gorgeous bag sitting on his desk. "Ooohh, what's that?"

Snapping his finger to re-direct Andy's attention, Nigel said, "Hello?! Focus Six! What do you want?"

"Oh, well… she's TOTALLY unreasonable! I try so hard -"

"Come on Six! You don't try. I mean, have seen what you're wearing?! Where people would give their life to be here, you only deign to work here. Wake up Six!" Nigel said, tapping Andy softly on the forehead. "This is a multi-billion dollar kingdom and Miranda is the Queen - her opinion is the only one that matters!" He Pointed his pencil at her for emphasis, hoping it'd finally sink in and more importantly, would send her scurrying away so he could concentrate on fixing the latest disaster.

Andy stood near the doorway, eyes looking off into the distance, contemplating, before turning her attention back to Nigel, "Ok, you're right, you're totally right. But I need your help -"

Nigel looked up in consternation, knowing exactly what she'll ask. "Oh no. absolutely not! I don't have -"

"Please Nigel! I want to do better. I need to do better because…" She gulped, looking away, seeming to well up with emotion. "… because I know I'm supposed to be here. I can't explain it… just that there's something here I need to figure out."

Nigel watched her tri-colored eyes begin to glow, a muscle jumping in her jaw, hands clenching, "Please Nigel… work your magic - besides, who loves dressing women more than you?!"

Sighing mightily, Nigel said, "Fine Six! But you owe me big time!" He proceeded to make a few calls to clear up his immediate schedule for the next hour or so, then ushered Andy out towards The Closet.


***

Like a puppy who found its favorite toy, Andy latched onto Nigel as a confidante following that transformative afternoon. Beautiful brown locks flowing beautifully along her shoulders, perfectly applied make-up that accentuated her tri-colored eyes, full pink lips, lush lashes, and exquisite lingerie cupping her most intimate places. Decadent suits of armor by Michael Kors, or Diesel skirts accentuating her well-toned ass. Juicy Couture jeans showcased her long legs, Stella McCartney, Fendi, Chloe, even Dior caressed her shoulders, flowed or fitted her muscled abdomen, while Christian Lou's, Ferragamo, graced her feet.

In all, the moment she walked through the glass doors towards her desk, interrupting a conversation between Emily and Serena, only to watch their jaws drop in wicked surprise was immensely gratifying. Emily continued to appear stunned. Serena only tilted her head, trailing her eyes slowly down Andy's body, to her sexy Channel boots in appreciation, before smirking in amused approval.

Of course, that feeling was nothing compared to the one that coursed through her body when Miranda noticed, and stopped, and stared. It was as if they were the only two people in the office. Miranda's eyes began to glow, glittering lightening-blue, taking an obvious amount of time scorching a trail down Andy's body and up again. Andy watched as Miranda's fist clenched, knuckling white, a muscle jumping in her jaw. She started to speak, before stopping to clear her throat.. Slowly removing her glasses, Miranda surprised Andy with the barest curl of her lips. It almost sent Andy into paroxysms of happiness, only to her joy subside as she watched those eyes grow cold again, shutting off all warmth.

"I simply cannot understand why it took you so long to arrive. Despite a vast improvement in your fashion sense, and your apparent desire to consistently inconvenience me, I need you to go to Mark Jacobs to pick up the proofs. Then if it's not too much trouble," Miranda's voice took on a sarcastic note. "I'd like you to arrange a meeting with Irv at an impossible time for him. Then I'd like you to pick up Patricia and drop her off at the townhouse. As for my meeting with that new designer, make it a lunch date for next Thursday. As for right now? Coffee. That's all." Waving Andy away in dismissal, Miranda turned back to her email.

Andy, felt as if ice-water had suddenly been dumped down her neck. Her tingling eyes dimmed dramatically, her inky patterns stilled as if stopped in their tracks or to ward off the cold. It was a most unpleasant sensation. She could feel her continued frustration grow, humiliation yet again, but the disappointment was worse. What could Miranda possibly want? What would it take to be seen as… worthy?

Worthy of what she wasn't sure she was ready to decipher. She knew there was attraction there, but she also knew that there was something much deeper. Considering Miranda's treatment of her thus far she wasn't quite ready to pursue this… connection. Instinctually though she wanted some kind of acknowledgement from her that she knew it was there, instead of this "catch and release" game Miranda seemed to enjoy.

But if there was one thing she 'inherited' from her parents, it was her stubbornness. It was what made her editor of her college newspaper, and garnered her awards for her articles. You didn't do well in journalism, move to New York City, and "survive" an interview with Miranda Priestly, without a big dose of stubbornness and perseverance. She was turning over a new leaf. In the end, she was determined to be a kick-ass Assistant, master all things Runway, make Nigel proud, while learning more about who and what she was. And most importantly, she would get the "girl."


***

"Nigel since when do you take it upon yourself to make-over my Assistants?!" Miranda hissed from inside the Mercedes, glowing blue eyes glaring in his direction, a gleaming white forelock dangled over one eye as she waited for a response.

A perfectly manicured eyebrow crawled its way up his head in mild surprise. "I wasn't aware there would be a problem. I mean you had noticed her dreadful wardrobe malfunction the first few days, no?" was Nigel's droll response.

He was looking to incite a response, to give him some idea of Miranda's awareness about Six. They were on their way to various Miranda's Master of the City holdings. He mused whether he should have invited Six to meet him for drinks. This would have served two goals: one, to access Miranda's reaction and two, to see how Six responded around a majority of preternatural entities. Perhaps next time, he thought.

"Nigel I won't tolerate insubordination." Nigel just looked at her - they'd been through too much for too long for Miranda to pull that card. And she knew it.

She sighed, turning away, watching the scenery passing by, "It's absolutely ridiculous! As long as I've been walking this earth to have… this 'girl' cause such disorder in my life is unacceptable! I find myself in a bit of a… quandary Nigel."

Miranda was frustrated with Andrea, but she found herself also harboring a strange sense of… respect for her 2nd Assistant. She'd hoped to have found an excuse to fire her by now, but Andréa had somehow thwarted all her efforts - not an easy feat. Then of course, there was the utterly confounded connection between them. It hadn't diminished since they'd first laid eyes on each in that hotel lobby.

"Well, unless you actually attempt to convey what it is exactly you're talking about then not even my sharp intellect will be able to assist you." His twinkling eyes gave away his slight amusement over Miranda's situation.

"Nigel I was sure I'd cured you of your tendency of being a bloody wanker long ago, but I see I still have 'work' to do." Nigel chuckled in response, "I'm talking about Andrea and our…, "she sighed again in irritation, shifting to cross her long legs, "My magic is steeped in Death, she is clearly a creature of 'Light.' How can there be such an intense connection between us? Not to mention she clearly has little understanding of who or what she is."


"Well I can tell you that Six is very aware of your connection and is confused about what she should do about it. In fact, she wasn't very clever or discreet about finding out your personal information. And let me be clear: she feels very strongly and she plans to do something about it."

Nigel stilled as only vampires could when Miranda turned intense blue eyes on him. "You know she does have some idea of what she is," said Nigel." She's Fey she hopes given our lovely city's diverse and lively population, she'll be able to find some answers. Perhaps meet other Fey."

"Hmph, well if she thinks that I'm going to allow a… relationship to develop between us she's clearly lost what mental acuity I thought she had."

Settling her chin in an elegant palm, she pulled out her phone, "Serena, present yourself at the Club tonight. I'm not interested in fending off the bottom-dwellers that are surely laying in wait."

Nigel was surprised. He knew that Miranda had been availing herself of Serena's services more than usual - something that surely had to do with her present 'circumstances.' But he knew how much Miranda can avoid self-awareness when it comes to emotional risk. Nigel rolled his eyes. this challenge would surely test his sanity. He just hoped it would all be worth it.


***
Chapter 11b

In all the years that Miranda had been walking the earth she had never shared her Marks, never mated and shared that mystical bond broken only by death. The risk had always been too great to contemplate. A mated Master Vampire would be so closely entwined with the spiritual essence of their mate that if her mate died, Miranda would die as well. Sure she'd been married a few times, even had long-term relationships with women, but she'd never been inclined to take that step.

Nigel thought that the older, more powerful Miranda became, the absence of a Mate makes her vulnerable. He's attempted to explain this to Miranda many times, only to have her scoff at the notion. It is believed in Vampire lore that all preternaturals were Imprinted on a Soulmate when they were Turned. Most never found their true Mates, but those that did underwent some kind of metaphysical transformation. At least that's what the legends say. None of the Council members were Mated - but then he couldn't imagine enough anti-venom in the world to tame that nest of vipers. But he knew that while Miranda had many strengths, her weakness lied in her inability to wholly connect with her emotional and spiritual needs.


It was why this almost involuntary attraction between Miranda and Andrea was… promising. He sighed, as usual he would have to take it upon himself to remain diligent and when necessary prod both parties into action. Then he would have a better assessment of what drew them together. Besides the tension between those two was driving him nuts!


***

Tonight was the Annual Runway Ball at the Met and Andy felt relieved to be excluded from the festivities. According to a gloating Emily Miranda's Assistants were required to memorize every attendee and their significant others in order to 'whisper' in Miranda's ear as she greeted them. It seemed tedious and more pretentious than usual. Plus Andy had major plans tonight. She was actually going to meet a Fey named Rhys. Apparently Lily met him when he attended one of her events at her art studio. Needless to say, Andy was practically writhing in excitement.

The office was quiet since Miranda already went home for today to prepare for the event tonight. Andy could only imagine how stunning she'd look in whatever gown she selected. Things had… evened out between them - the attraction leveled down to a simmer that was lower in intensity, though no less potent. When Andy wasn't frantically running from one errand to another, fulfilling impossible errands, she somehow managed to overlook how intoxicating Miranda smelled, or how her fingers itched to tousle that dangling curl into place.

However, her magic seemed to have a will of its own when it came to Miranda. She really wouldn't have such a difficult time reining in her magic if Miranda's own magic didn't respond so well to hers. It was downright distracting. Like that time a couple of weeks ago…

***
Miranda stood near the window, rocketing off a number of instructions that she would, no doubt, expect Andy to finish by the of the day. Unfortunately, Andy was busy being captivated by the way the sun seemed to capture her profile, encasing in almost an unholy glow, and hadn't written down a thing.

Miranda was wearing a baby-blue Carolina Herrara blouse that was a perfect match to her eyes. Unbuttoned just enough to offer a hint of delicious cleavage - Andy found that she was a slave to Miranda's cleavage, her full breasts straining just right. A Nina Ricci sand-colored fitted skirt, with an Ardienne Landau wide black belt, and gorgeous 5 inch black Prada heels showcased her beautiful, shapely, legs.

Andy was unaware of the lustful expression on her face, she hadn't realized that her not only did her eyes have that 'glowy-feel' to them, but her magical tattoos began moving, one even going so far as to form into a tentacle that was currently attempting to curl around Miranda's ankle.

It was only when she suddenly realized that Miranda had halted her speech, than Andy knew that in spite of her best efforts nothing seemed to dim her… connection to Miranda.

"Andréa get control of it! I won't have my employees becoming unhinged while on the clock. Do so at your own time." Miranda was also becoming aware that her own magic was awakening. She knew that her own eyes were glowing and that her gums ached. This would not normally alarm her, but she could also feel her Sabertooth-Tiger awakening for the first time in millennia; pawing at a mystical wall inside her. To say that she was disconcerted would have been an understatement.

She stepped closer to Andrea, her hands came up to grip her arms, not noticing her body pressed against Andrea's. She urgently hissed, "Andréa! Andrea! Concentrate!"

She noticed that more inky tendrils started to dance around her ankles and sliding up her legs. She gripped Andréa a little firmer,. "Andréa,, please! You have to concentrate! Focus on the magic, imagine you sucking in air… that's it. Good girl." Miranda could feel a bit of blood-sweat break out on her upper-lip, because she could feel the Ardeur also wanting to wake. It found Andréa very tempting.

Suddenly, Miranda felt Andréa's magic being sucked out of the air, leaving Andréa shivering. Miranda's legs felt a bit less shaky as well. It was as if she was released from some kind of mystical energy, "Get out! Go get me coffee or something…" her voice was an icy hiss. "And close the door." She turned away to gather her composure.

The click of heels indicated Andréa's departure - that and the feeling of energy being sucked out of the room. She gracefully sat in her chair, only to remove her glasses, and drop her head in her hands.

***

Andy remembered rushing out the door to the elevator, ignoring Emily's frantic questions and mild magical posturing - the feel of her lycan energy pulsing from her body. But instead of feeling scared Andy felt annoyed.

But mostly she felt… certain. Certain, that the connection between Miranda and her was real and powerful. Certain, that she was meant to be here despite Miranda's attempts to show otherwise. Certain, that she'd do everything in her power to get Miranda to acknowledge them.

It didn't mean that she'd deviate from her goal of gaining more information about her Fey heritage. Hence the reason she was looking forward to tonight's meeting, even though she would have loved to see Miranda all dolled up. Emily was off doing some kind of errand - she didn't really say, which was common. Their relationship is now one of 'barely tolerant,' which was too bad because when she wasn't being snarky or bitchy, Emily could actually be quite entertaining and funny. Plus Andy wanted to see her Change.

She mentioned this once when she, Emily, Nigel, and Serena all went for drinks one evening in between waiting for Emily to pick up the Book. Andy wasn't so insensitive to request Emily or Serena for that matter, to undergo a Change, but only wondered aloud about the experience. Emily, naturally, offered her analysis.

"Well we're not dogs for bloody sakes! We don't "perform" on command! If that was the case I'd do it now so that I could lick my twat!"

She talked about the different Lycanthrope genes, how or why some people get them and others, when bitten, aren't affected. She also talked about Packs and Dens. a little bit about her own background which passed down and that when it was passed down it often meant that that Lycanthrope was fairly powerful. She also talked about Submissives and Alphas - and other things that caused Andy to blushed terrifically. But she also mentioned how Master Vampires like Nigel and Miranda had what's called an Animal to Call. Nigel's was Wolves and Miranda's was Big Cats. It was a very enlightening evening to say the least.

Suddenly the doors whipped open and Nigel came storming through. "Six gather your things. You're going to the Met tonight."

"What? Wait! Nigel I can't, I have an important -," Andy stood from her desk, ready to defend her "position." She'd been waiting a long time to meet someone like Rhys.

"Really Six, haven't you learned by now? That your day or night can turn on a dime when dealing with Miranda. Now quit your whining and your rather unflattering imitation of a fish and grab your things."

"But where's Emily? I thought she was going?" she could feel her annoyance growing in leaps and bounds.

"Put that glow away Six. Christ! Haven't you learned to control that yet? Emily is still attending, but she's been… detained." Nigel began to usher Andy through the doors.

"Detained?! What does that mean? Nigel this was a really important night for me! I was going to meet that guy I told you about!" She was being dragged down the hall towards The Closet.

"It was some Wolf-emergency she had to deal with - much to the aggravation of our 'Fearless Leader' as you can imagine. Don't worry Six, even with your size I think I have the perfect dress," Nigel said as he tugged a reluctant Andy behind, "Oh… and you'll need to start memorizing names - I have the books in my office."

With each word, Andy began to realize the futility of having any 'life' outside of Runway. She was SOOO disappointed. But maybe she could have Lily call Rhys to meet some other time soon.

" Whoa! What a spectacular dress! This is beautiful!" said Andy, suddenly side tracked by the vision before her. "I'm wearing that?"

"With some fishing line and Crisco oil anything is possible," Nigel snarked in amusement.

"Ha - ha. Just give me a moment to call Lily to see if she can re-arrange something." She pushed the button to speed-dial Lily.

"Well hurry love, because time's a wasting." He pulled the dress out and was now hunting for the perfect shoes, and accessories to accompany it. He was setting a 'plan' in motion. He'd felt that not-so-little energy spike a couple weeks ago. He'd felt Miranda's energy because he was a part of her Line/ Kiss, but it was only after questioning Emily and finding out that it was Andy in the room with Miranda, that he finally had the answer to a couple of questions.

Magic steeped in Death, Vampire magic, only awakened in three instances: the Head of a Line called up the magic, a necromancer, and the very rare Fated Mystical Union. Mystical Unions so rarely happened because once mated, only in death could part them - and in the world of preternatural, sometimes not even then.

Nigel was starting to believe that this was the case between Miranda and Andy. Unbelievable really! Miranda had walked this earth since the time of Northern nomads and the opportunity for her to Mate was great. Instead she had settled with very muted imitations, not even opening her Marks to her lovers throughout the centuries.

But now, through some kind of mystical intervention, she had been… blessed for lack of a better word and she either didn't know it or was ignoring all the signs - a more likely scenario. Nigel wasn't about to let her ignore for much longer. He was determined to help Miranda reach her full potential. Starting tonight.

She'd be escorted by her sorry excuse for a potential husband - Stephen. Miranda always did go for the safe choices when it came to her marriages. They were utterly unworthy of Miranda's stature; it was why they always ended up tucking tail and running. Well perhaps this thing with Six would change all that.

The dress for Six was sublime; understated, but hot. Not so hot that it'd outshine Miranda's Valentino but a clear "second" and more importantly, designed to suitably distract Miranda… permanently. The dress was an off-the-shoulder Versace, a dark-eggplant that was so dark it appeared almost black. It cinched at the waist and helped emphasize the bodice, exhibiting a very sexy - yet- tastefully framed cleavage. Though the fabric flowed it the floor, it was snug enough to beautifully cup the shape of her ass very nicely. Elegant Jimmy Choo heels completed the look.

All in all, against that moonlit skin, Andy, was stunning. He could barely restrain himself from letting out a very unbecoming squeal in excitement.


***
Chapter 12

Andy was able to re-arrange her meeting with Rhys, but not without Lily letting out some of her frustration around Andy's general unavailability lately. "Andy come on, you promised you'd be here."

"I know Lily, but I have to go. You know I had every intention of being there but I was suddenly required to be at the function. Trust me, I've been looking forward to this ever since you mentioned him. Just please, do me this favor and I promise to snag you something really, really, cool from The Closet." Andy felt beyond disappointed about having to reschedule that meeting, but she felt even worse about missing out, on letting Lily down… again.

Sighing mightily, Lily said, "Ok, fine. But this is being added to the long list of I.O.U.s you've tallied since you started working at Runway. If I set this up again, don't let me down, deal?"

With a huge sense of relief, Andy replied, "Deal. I love you and I'll see you tomorrow." Andy hung up.

Now that she had a few moments to collect herself, she carefully laid her head back against the seat in the car. She was on her way to the Benefit, she was nervous, her stomach feeling like a school of butterflies were having a party in there. She pressed her hand against it, before sitting up once again. She couldn't remember a time when she looked… like this. She almost didn't recognize herself. She sincerely hoped that her magic didn't make an appearance. Although with Miranda around 'it' seemed to have a mind of its own.

Finally the car reached its destination. There were lights everywhere, the paparazzi interviewing, waiting for the next famous person to hit the red carpet. She grabbed her clutch and stepped out on the steps leading up the entrance. Straightening her shoulders, she gathered the courage to head up the steps, hoping to see someone from Runway. As she started up the stairs she heard a voice calling her name.

"Andy! Andy, over here - ," Andy turned her head to see Emily, resplendent in a beautiful Marc Jacobs gown. "My, don't you look so chic?"

"Thank you. You look wonderful as well. You look so… flushed - you haven't hit the champagne already? But seriously is everything ok? Nigel mentioned you had to deal with some kind of emergency." They ascended the steps together, Andy was glad that Emily was here - she'd of hated to enter the benefit alone.

"I'm fine. I had to deal with some naughty wolves… one in particular will no longer be howling at the moon. I mean how bloody dare he inconvenience me on such an important night!" Andy could feel Emily's energy prickling along her skin, almost like little fire ants.

"Well we're getting ready to go into the benefit, please tone down the energy you know it'll only irritate Miranda." And me, she thought, shifting uncomfortably.

Emily just smirked, as they stepped inside the beautiful room, filled with New York's elite. "All right, no need to get testy. It just takes me a… few to work off the excess energy."

They both snagged a glass of champagne from a server, "Now we wait for Miranda. I'm dying to see what she's wearing. I understand that Valentino came out of retirement to design her dress." Emily was practically trembling in excitement.

Andy rolled her eyes before continuing her perusal of the "glittering people" around the room. She wondered if she'd get out of here in time to maybe meet up with Lily and D-- Oh my God!

Andy was riveted. She knew that Miranda was attractive but this… vision was unlike anything she'd ever seen. She could feel her respiration increase and she struggled to dampen her magic which automatically flared as it sensed something usual in the air.

Miranda wore a beautiful Valentino that left her shoulders bare, gleaming and delicious. They looked strong - probably from the mysterious workout regimen that had Miranda leaving the office three times a week for an undisclosed location. She always returned with an intoxicatingly flushed look, veins pulsing as if they'd been strained under some unnamed source.

Her creamy, graceful neck was unadorned with jewelry, and her full breasts spilled out like a gentle bounty. Andy ached to nuzzle and lick, her way all over that bare skin. She could feel her eyes begin to glow and concentrated mightily so that her magical marks wouldn't begin acting out. It was her central nervous system, however, that was making itself felt: nipples hardened, the 'butterflies' in her stomach now performed a full "concert," her chest heaved, and her pussy moistened her thong.

Oh boy. This control thing was going to be hard.

"Andréa get a hold of yourself. She's on her way over here, we need to be prepared! Christ that's all I need is a 'magical melt-down at, oh, I don't know, one of the most important social events in New York!" Emily began walking towards Miranda. "Come on and pull yourself together!"

But Miranda had already noticed them, in particular she'd noticed Andy. Her penetrating stare was laser-focused on Andy with an intensity that belied her look of mild shock., Desire replaced the shock, and a beautiful flush crawled up from her breasts, to her throat, to sweep over her face. Andy felt paralyzed by that stare.

Miranda maintained a stillness that only vampires could do - like a predator right before it leaps for its prey. She only moved when she was tapped on the shoulder by a decked out Nigel who could barely contain his pleased amusement.

Andy's visual was interrupted by a patron stopping to talk to Miranda, they finally made it to her side and waited politely for Miranda to finish speaking. However, as soon as they finished, other patrons made their way over. Miranda tilted her head towards Emily to be briefed on who they were, while pointedly ignoring Andy. It didn't lessen her effect on Andy though. Now, instead of contending with her gorgeous eyes, Andy had to deal with the heavenly scent wafting from Miranda's skin.

"Well Six, I have to say, in these bright lights, I've out-done myself. Miranda certainly noticed didn't she?" Andy quickly looked at Nigel in surprise."You have to be deaf, dumb, blind, or Emily, to not of noticed the… connection between you too." Andy was stunned, but then realized that her obsession might not have been nearly as discreet as she thought, and was mortified.

He pulled Andy to side. "Don't worry Six, only those more… attuned to their environment would notice - and that isn't very likely at Runway. But you'll need to learn to control your magic. I'm having a damnable time trying to help Miranda control hers." His look suddenly turned serious. "Listen Six, I like you… unexpected, but true. So you need to really understand what and who it is you're attracted to. Not to mention the ramifications of that attraction because Miranda has powerful enemies looking to exploit any vulnerabilities. But this is something we'll need to chat about sometime soon. Ok?"

Andy nodded, glowing eyes wide in disbelief. "Thank you Nigel. See? I knew we were fated to be buds -"

"Don't get carried away Six. You're like a rambunctious puppy, that I've now been charged with potty training." Andy frowned at the analogy.

"Very funny," she said, rolling her eyes. "Well I have to get back to my duties, let's do drinks soon." She began walking over towards Miranda and Emily. "Oh, and you look quite dashing." She winked at him before continuing on.

"Cheeky girl."

It wasn't until later when Miranda 'released' them of their duties that Andy finally found the need for some air. She noticed some balconies earlier so she headed in that direction. She was in luck. The balcony was empty. She let the tension spill out of her with a sigh, lifting her third glass of champagne to her lips, looking out onto the beautiful lights running along Central Park.

She mulled over Nigel's words. She'd been reading up on vampires since her she'd started at Runway, more so since her "transformation". She knew almost nothing about Miranda other than how she liked her coffee, what her favorite restaurants that had that "duck" or "steak that she liked," were, and all the designers she dealt with on a daily basis. She knew Miranda lived on the Upper East Side, she had two twins from her Ex - who happened to be a Were-Leopard, and her preferred shade of lipstick. She knew all these things but she suspected that it was only a thimble of knowledge on such a complicated woman. It was fascinating and Andy couldn't help wanting to know more.

Suddenly the air behind her shifted and her magical marks moved. Only one person could do that: Miranda. Andy almost didn't want to turn around, her breathing picked up again. Her reaction to Miranda was pretty much automatic.

"Well I must say that Versace drapes quite well on you." She stood next to Andy, not looking in her direction, resting a hand on the railing.

"It's obvious that having you attend tonight's soiree was fortuitous since Emily can't be counted on to get a simple name straight."

Andy remembered that moment, leaning over Miranda's shoulder, fighting the urge to lick an earlobe, to whisper the Ambassador and his wife's names. In fact, her tongue pressed hard against her teeth, as if fighting to escape its prison. Miranda's perfume and natural scent almost had Andy swooning. An intriguing combination of vanilla, musk, jasmine, and cinnamon wafted from the woman next to her.

"Oh, so now you're talking to me?" Andy didn't know where she'd gotten this sudden courage, but she also realized that she was more than peeved that Miranda virtually ignored her the entire night.

"I have no idea what you're talking about Andréa. Honestly, I've had enough histrionics from this crowd I certainly don't need it from my Assistant -"

Andy couldn't believe that Miranda would deny their connection yet again! "Please Miranda," said Andy with a weary sigh, "I think you've figured out by now that I'm not a complete idiot, so do me the courtesy of at least acknowledging that."

"Andréa look at me! Whatever you think is between us," Miranda shot Andy severe look. "Will not - cannot happen. This is nothing"

Andy could feel her eyes glowing hotly in response, turning her body fully, stepping closer to Miranda, whispering heatedly, "You can pretend all you want Miranda. But your body gives you away. Even your magic gives you away. You think I don't notice the way your eyes scorch all over my skin when you think no one's looking? You think I don't notice the way your nostrils flare, taking in my scent, whenever I happen to pass you?"

She moved even closer to Miranda, her hand touching Miranda's on the railing, her fingers stroking over Miranda's knuckles. Her breasts brushing against hers - she could feel how rock-hard Miranda's nipples were - her own breasts felt full, aching.. Her skin felt stretched tight. She bent her head, almost nuzzling against Miranda's nose. Miranda's eyes had taken on that icy-glowy shimmer and the smell of roses wafted through the air. Miranda began to pant, sucking in air she no longer needed, her fangs glistening in the moonlight.

"Can you honestly believe that this is nothing?" Andy asked, pressing closer. "I can smell you Miranda. That musky-sweet scent-"

Suddenly Miranda moved, her hands came up clutching Andy's upper-arms. Not an inch separated their bodies. She could feel the heat emanating from Andréa's body, warming her like a hot summer day. The urge to bite that rapidly beating pulse in Andréa's neck was strong… so strong.

The Girl tried her in a way she hadn't encountered before. The smell of her was so intoxicating, rich… delectable. Andrea's own hands came up to her shoulders, and they nuzzled each other, hot breaths caressing full, pouty lips. Miranda's tongue came out to wet suddenly dried lips and Andréa whimpered - shredding the last of Miranda's control.

She reached up to cup the back of Andréa's head and crushed her lips to hers. So soft, so sweet. Slanting their heads to deepen the kiss, Miranda coaxed Andy's lips open to thrust her tongue inside, tangling with Andrea's, chasing, rubbing, causing her to moan.

Andy could feel her magical marks move on her skin, her other magic leaking out. She knew behind her closed eyes that her eyes bright and glowing. The smell of roses and… rain? permeated the air. God, Miranda tastes divine. Andy couldn't get enough. Her knees threatened to give out when Miranda suckled on her tongue, before withdrawing to suckle her bottom lip. Suddenly sharp pain echoed from her lip, a metallic scent wafted in the air. But Miranda only clutched her closer and groaned before sucking even harder.

The smell of rain grew, but if they'd looked they'd have only seen a clear night sky. It was the Ardeur waking, reaching out, wrapping its tendril around Andrea.

Suddenly Andrea was yanked out of her arms, and Miranda looked up to see Nigel standing between them. Her instinctive growl sounded less human and more animal, feral. Her possessiveness caught both Miranda and Andy by surprise.

"Miranda! there's no time for that!" Nigel glared. "Stephen," the name said with disdain, "is stumbling around in a drunken stupor, looking for you while making an ass of himself. Why are you even contemplating marrying that human?!"

Well this certainly answers any questions about a mystical connection between them, he thought before continuing. "Not to mention the magical output you're both leaking out is trickling all over the room, you'll have wolves baying at the moon any minute now!"

Miranda's eyes were almost completely bluish-white, glowing intently. Lips swollen, the blood from Andy's lip infusing her, flushing her skin pink, blood sweat dotted her forehead. Nigel quickly handed her a handkerchief for her to dab at her skin. Her hand was pressed to her stomach trying to calm the raging feelings and magic warring inside her.

Andrea seemed to be having no better luck. In fact she and Nigel would most likely have to help her control it. But Miranda didn't want Nigel or anyone else touching Andréa; physically or magically. "Andréa, concentrate!" said Miranda. "Please I can't hold it much longer, you have to concentrate. Nigel don't touch her!"

Nigel snatched his hand back, as if it was on fire, the movement faster than a blur. Hmmm, maybe things have progressed much further than I thought.

He made a mental note to contact the local Master Witch to gather more information on Vampire lore.. Nigel had a feeling that he might be in over his head. In the meantime, they had to figure out how to help Andy tone down, which seemed a rather dubious prospect anytime soon.

Andy was almost bent over from the sudden removal of the sensual haze and magical… joining. She could still feel her lips on Miranda's. Trembling, she brought her arm up, gently touching her fingers to her swollen, pouty, lips. The cut on her lower lip had already healed. She could feel her magical tattoos moving, caressing, her skin, almost like warm massage oil slithering over her body.

She had to keep her eyes closed because if she looked at Miranda right now, she wasn't sure there was anything on this earth that could stop her from dragging her back into her arms. Her scent painted the inside of her nostrils and her panting only took in more. Hands clenched, Andy tried to bear down, to concentrate. She felt like her skin was about to split in two, like something inside her wanted to get out. She didn't know what it was, but the urge to give in was almost primordial.

So she focused on that first, trying to stroke It, to calm It down. She could feel sweat trickling down her spine and her heart felt like it would beat out of her chest. Suddenly she felt a warm energy enclose her - almost like a mystical hug and a low, calming, voice sounded in her ear. "That's it Andrea… just relax and try to concentrate, focus in on your marks." The beast inside her responded to the warmth, and Andy felt it subside, leaving her surrounded by the comfort and calm of Miranda's magic.

Meanwhile Miranda was fighting a battle of her own - the Ardeur. The last time her succubus power had awakened was that moment in her office and she'd managed to wrestle it down. But for each time she denied It the worse It became the next time 'it' reared its head. A breaking glass nearby, forced her to shift her attention away from the Ardeur and Andrea.

"Miranda - where--, " a hick-up interrupted he slurred speech, "Where have you been? I see you have one of your delec- delectable, worker bees with you."

Leering is not an attractive look for Stephen, Nigel thought. But Stephen blathered on, "Most likely spraying the crowd with your arctic blast?!" Stephen laughed at his own cleverness. Nigel just rolled his eyes.

"Nigel please have Emily call for the Car and have her direct Stephen to it." Stephen attempted to resist, lurching out, reaching for Miranda only to land his hand on Andy. He suddenly felt his wrist captured in a crushing grip, bones threatening to snap.

"You might consider doing what she says Stephen," Andy said his name snidely, before she looked over at Miranda's enigmatic countenance. "I can't promise you that you'll remain unscathed if you don't." Then Andy let go of Stephen's hand .

Stephen immediately clutched the injured hand to his chest and said, "You bitch! You can't--" He was suddenly hoisted off the ground, with Miranda's hand around his throat.

"You'll do well to remember your place Stephen. You are expendable and touching what's mine will most certainly result in my… expending you." Watching Stephen turn an unattractive purplish color was interesting but she had other matters to attend to. She let him her power over him for a second longer before dropping her arm. Miranda looked on impassively as her fiancé fell on his ass, gasping for air. "Nigel please escort Andréa home." She shared a brief look with Andrea before turning away to once again stare out onto Central Park.

"Come on Six! Who knew you were so… butch?!" Silence greeted his attempt at levity and Nigel sighed. He gave Andy an awkward pat on her shoulder and said in a gentle voice, "Everything will work itself out Six. Things may seem… overwhelming but I'll be there to help you - especially since your fashion sense is much improved."

Andy's answering smile was incredibly watery, but at least it was there.


*****


Chapter 13

It wasn't until a few weeks later that Andy realized that not only did Miranda plan to continue to ignore the…connection between them - which in spite of Miranda, had only gotten stronger. But sometimes when Miranda appeared to 'lose' a little of her impressive control, Andy would catch Miranda glancing away, her cheeks stained pink, while she continued to create impossible tasks and making Andy's life as miserable as possible.

But then there were the very rare times when there was no one around. When Emily was off doing whatever Emily did, and the phones offered a brief reprieve from their constant ringing. Those times, Andy would look up and see Miranda staring… at her. But the stare was unlike anything she'd ever experienced. It was like a lion at the zoo. Everyone thought it was domesticated, but looking into its eyes you got a sense that at the right moment, at the right time, you could easily become prey. During those few seconds Andy could feel her own response - most of the time she wanted to fight but sometimes she wanted to purr.

But Andy wasn't anyone's prey. In those moments she could feel her eyes heat, her hands twitch, and her skin almost leap from her body. She never actually moved though. It was like she was frozen in Miranda's stare. Then suddenly normality would resume, and Miranda would turn away or continue whatever task she'd been working on. It was like being submerged in warm water and then suddenly yanked into cold air. While these moments were few and far between, they appeared even more often after the night of the benefit.

The general otherworldly atmosphere at Runway didn't help the situation much or really at all. Though, honestly, it wouldn't have been so disconcerting if Andy felt confident about who and what she was-beginning with her partner-in-misery: Emily. First there was the scent; Emily had an almost… feral scent about her - most likely because of her "wolfiness." It wasn't quite gamey and it wasn't unattractive. It was, in fact, sometimes down-right… stimulating. Particularly when something or someone pissed her off, her scent always became stronger.

Other times, Andy would come across an almost… metallic scent, blood-like, but not the scent of menstrual blood she was familiar with. It wafted from her co-workers and Miranda at the strangest times. Emily would appear as immaculately fashion-forward as ever, even if she seemed to have an unnatural obsession with blue or green eye shadow. Then there were her eyes… which often bled into an intense gold when she was angry, particularly, whenever she felt like Andy had committed some kind of "unthinkable" infraction. It was something Andy learned after what Andy privately referred to as the "disastrous book delivery".

***

Andy tried to calm her nerves as she got out of the elevator. Her first time delivering the book had been a train wreck and she really just wanted to melt into a pile of Andy-goo and die. Rubbing her face, Andy walked through the familiar glass doors of the office, and was unceremoniously dragged into the bathroom.

"Now you've done it! I specifically told you what to do, but instead you decided to take a 'tour' of her home! Are you insane? Why didn't you just climb into bed with her while you're at it?!" Emily visibly vibrated with agitation, and as she continued to talk, her voice seemed to get unnaturally deep. Her Power leaked out like hot needles, and her grip on Andy's upper arm became stronger. Andy knew she'd have bruises in a couple of hours.

But that wasn't what concerned Andy at the moment, "But the Twins told me to-"

Emily's grip tightened even further, her strength surprising. "The Twins?! Are you daft? That was a rhetorical question. When I tell you to do something, I expect NO deviation from that task! Are you having problems understanding simple instructions?" Emily's voice deepened further into a growl.

But Andy wasn't intimated, she could feel an answering physical response to Emily's posturing. "Take your hands off of me! It was a mistake! No one died, the Book was safely delivered, you-" Andy could feel her eyes burning, her expression rapidly darkening, and her posture straightening with a shift of…something.

The pulse in Emily's neck seemed loud, rapidly pounding away, the artery's blueness emphasized against Emily's pale skin. Andy could almost hear the blood rushing through it. Andy had a sudden urge to tear into that rapidly beating jugular at Emily's neck, to taste Emily's life essence on her tongue.

Emily's eyes widened in surprise, her nostrils flaring as she scented the air before staring steadily into Andy's eyes. "What are you?" She leaned into Andy's personal space even further, sniffing, mouth opening to scent even more.

Andy was rapidly falling into a rage. "Emily! You have ten seconds to take your hands off of me, or else -"

"Power down Andy!" said Emily with a scowl, "For cunt's sake I wasn't going to hurt you, you stupid bint! At least not physically! But you need to control it, now!" Of course, though Emily furiously, Andy couldn't just be a nice little Submissive Fey- she wasn't sure what she was - maybe even a Sidhe, but she knew that a confrontation to find out, when Andy appeared to have little to no control over it wouldn't be wise.

Little did Andy know that yet another Power had come online: precipitated by blood-lust. It came on with a suddenness that was breathtaking. Her magical tattoos came into sharp relief, one of them reaching out towards Emily, like a pool of tar morass.

"Andy! Andy! You need to get a hold on your rage!" said Emily, her voice edged with put-upon hysteria. Damn! Like I have time to be saddled with a powerful untrained… whatever she is! Emily quickly stood back from Andy, watching as Andy panted, trying to get control of the rage, the oily black tentacle paused in the air like a snake about to strike.

Andy could barely speak, the Power almost clogging her throat a she struggled to suppress it. On some conscious level she knew that whatever she was feeling couldn't be allowed to fully manifest itself right now. Plus it just down-right scared her - and she was already feeling anxious over Miranda's response from her "Book Delivery" mistake.

"I'm sorry," Andy said, her hands were clenched, nails digging so strongly into her palms that she left little furrows of blood. "The urge to rip your throat out is really strong. Maybe you should just leave me alone right now."

Emily narrowed, but she nodded once before stumbling toward the door. Miranda was going kill her for this.


***

Nigel was on his way to the reception area of Miranda's office before he felt it. What idiot is Powering up when Miranda is on her way in?! Well whoever it is….they're bloody fucking powerful! It wasn't Miranda because he'd know her Power signature anywhere. He continued on towards the double doors leading the reception area before the realization hit him… Six?! The lobby fairly reeked with the scent of her power. It smelled like… it smelled like… gingerbread! While he knew she was Fey he had no idea she was this powerful. Christ-on-a-bicycle! He wondered if Miranda knew. He hurried inside, immediately looking around. The door to the bathroom flew open and Emily hurried out.

"What in Hades is going on?!" he asked, looking at the slightly shaken Emily.

With a slightly sheepish expression in her eyes, Emily said, "I might have -"

"What is going on?" The icy tone echoed from near the reception doors.

Nigel and Emily whipped their heads around, staring at Miranda in stunned surprise and not a little fear, before Nigel responded, "I believe that's Six. I think she's having a few… issues. But don't worry I'll handle-"

"No, no. you've both wasted enough of my time with your incompetence. I will handle it. Emily don't you have phones to answer? Coffee to fetch? Nigel no one is to enter this area and have Roy on stand-by. That's all." And with that Miranda turned towards the bathroom, her own Power leaking out, the smell of thunderstorms and rain permeating the air.


****
Chapter 14

Miranda was hit by Andy's Power as she was heading into the building. She was like an electric tower about to over-load and as she got closer to the Runway floor, the feeling grew and grew. She knew it was Andrea because she recognized the Power signature from their little… encounters. It was all she could do to straighten herself before the elevator doors opened. For some reason her Power responded innately to Andy's.

Breath she no longer needed suddenly filled her lungs and her nipples tightened inside her lacy La Perla bra, scraping deliciously against the material. Wash-board abs tightened against the tornado-like storm gathering inside her. Her legs quivered so much it shook the vampire-like stillness she usually exhibited. Since she had recently fed, Miranda could feel a washing heat flow over her skin, making her usually creamy white skin slightly pink.

Blood-sweat gently beaded her upper-lip and she carefully licked it away. She couldn't do anything about it trickling down her back though. It was no doubt staining the white of her $1000 Escada blouse. She made a mental to get Emily to fetch her another blouse from The Closet. She found that she was almost… unsettled about the prospect of going into the bathroom. There was an internal acknowledgement that her life was about to irrevocably change, entwining with Andrea's. She'd been fighting it for weeks, but she strongly suspected it was about to come to a head. Mentally straightening her shoulders, she pushed the door open.

Immediately she was hit with the intoxicating scent of blood, before some kind of Power-wave flowed over her, instinctively calling on more of Miranda's Power. The smell of rain grew stronger and… cinnamon? Miranda could feel her eyes shifting, seeking prey before they landed on Andrea standing before the vanity mirrors, gripping the sink so hard, she could see that her fingers had cracked the porcelain.

"Andrea, you need to Power down! How many times must I tell you that I will not tolerate a metaphysical crisis while at Runway?" Miranda's voice had lowered to base-filled growl. She watched Andrea body glow like some moonlit essence, her body turned towards the mirror, her hair flowing as if wind was whipping through it.

"Miranda…," she panted. She had been trying to gain control, but it started to immediately unravel again the minute Miranda opened the door. She could feel Miranda getting closer even before she opened the door. What is wrong with me?! Andy suddenly wanted to go back to 'Normal Andy." If she had any questions about the validity of her Fey-ness, this unequivocally answered that. Her eyes widened as that crazy libido of hers reared its inconvenient head. Not now!

***

Miranda inhaled Andrea's scent, the smell of cinnamon and… roses? growing stronger - like a tray of ginger-bread cookies in a garden. The smell was delicious! She could see Andy's tri-colored eyes glowing like a star about to go nova. In response, Miranda could feel one of her more unpredictable Powers awaken… the Ardeur! Damn! She needed to control this situation - before it went beyond controlling.

Miranda gritted her teeth, trying to contain the Ardeur, but a wave a Power from Andrea made it too late. She tended to have iron-clad control over it but it was being prompted by something almost as powerful, and the Ardeur wanted what it wanted. She had been denying it and her response to Andrea for too long, regardless of her using Serena as a substitute.

The Ardeur wanted to be properly fed. Apparently now would have to do. Miranda quickly closed the door, reaching behind her, fumbling to lock the door before the Ardeur took control. It was difficult with Andrea having little to no control over her own… Miranda tilted her head - not the Ardeur, she thought, but something equally untamed.

Miranda's Ardeur was different than Belle Morte's. Granted she fed it through lust and sex, but she also fed it through power. Every battle she had slowly destroying that toady Irv, every maneuver where Jaqueline attempted (before she Blood Oathed to Miranda) bring her down that failed, every time she enacted discipline to either those in her Line, through her Master of the City duties, even at Runway, it psychically fed the Ardeur.

Of course, feeding through lust was… more delicious. Feeding it through power struggles was sharper - not as warm. And there was nothing like the feeding she got when she battled a Council member and won. It was why she was able to control it so much better than the vampires of Belle Morte's Line - or even Belle Morte herself, much to her severe displeasure. After all, her version of the Ardeur came from Marmee Noir (The Mother of all Darkness) so naturally it would be different because Miranda was her Childe.

Again, Miranda tried to gain control, but she'd never felt such a strong answering surge. The Ardeur could be called many things; uncontrollable desire, predator, succubus, power, lust…but for vampires like Miranda and Belle Morte, you simply could not exist without feeding it. What was astounding was that after two centuries, Miranda's control over It was masterful. It was why her current response was so… disconcerting.

Like an invisible cord reaching out towards Miranda, Andrea's… Fertility? seized her. It smelled… rich and warm, not dark and addictive. She had the sudden urge to revel in it, in Andrea. Miranda felt full, as if warm apple cider was comfortably settled in her stomach. Then Andrea turned around and their eyes locked and everything else became irrelevant, falling away like the world falling off a cliff.



***

Chapter 15

Andy's world was narrowed on one thing - the woman across from her, moving closer, stalking like the predator she was. Andy could see small beads of red dotting Miranda's forehead, her nostrils flared as the smell of blood and… arousal grew stronger. Suddenly the room grew dark, the smell of roses very strong, she felt sluggish. A sphere of light appeared in front of her, growing very quickly, stretching into form, until a… woman appeared, almost floating, before her.

Andy could only stare in amazement. She was bathed in this reddish-gold light. She felt her groin clenched and throbbed with tremendous desire.

"I know you are confused right now, but your destiny lies right in front of you. You only have to reach out and grab it." Her voice had a musical lilt, but it was no less powerfully amplified.

"Who are you? What's going on? And where's Miranda?" because Andy felt like she was stuck in molasses her words seemed mumbled, the effort to clearly enunciate too difficult.

"I am the Goddess Badb. I represent the cycle of Life and Death and Wisdom. It is for these qualities that I was selected as the first of your Patron Goddesses to contact you. Your journey began long ago. I am one of 3 goddesses who have designated you as our rightful descendent to carry on our will, an Avatar to the Fey. You are a full-blooded Sidhe and you are something else. For that you will have to ask the right questions from the right people. A quest is awaiting you - it will not be easy but you will not be alone. And you will certainly not be powerless" She tilted her head in contemplation of her charge.

"Wait, I don't understand. If I'm Sidhe then how can my parents be my… parents?" Andy felt mightily overwhelmed - "What quest? I don't have time to go on any quest. Have you seen my boss?!"

She felt more than she heard the chuckle coming from the vision in front of her, "Your will is your own. But know that many things lie in peril if you do not act. Your Life-Mate will assist you - but it will take some convincing from you to get her to see her worth in this journey."

If Andy didn't feel faint before, she was seriously starting to right now, "M, m- m Mate? Like significant other?" a flash of silver and whiff of rain ran through her senses. No, no, no…

"Your attraction to her is steeped in magic older than time; darkness to light; life to death: The Cycle of Life. What better than a vampire to be your consort? To compliment you, a creature steeped in Death? Your journey has just begun, but now you must look for the man with blue hair whom will lead you to answers that you seek. He will be your Guide to the world-between-worlds. Go forth my child, do not fight what you are - your destiny lies in wait. However, I leave you with a parting gift…"

And like falling through a hole in a tornado Andy was immediately transported back to the bathroom with Miranda holding her upper body in her arms while kneeling on the floor. She was looking down at Andy with concern colored by desire. Her beautiful icy-blue eyes lost a little of their glow but they were no less powerful staring into Andy's eyes.

"Well if you're through with your dramatics I think it's time to get back to you work." As Miranda started to let her go, Andy suddenly inspired, lifts her arm, to slide her hand up Miranda's arm to her shoulder before cupping her behind her head sifting her hand through beautiful white hair that was so soft, like sifting through silk.

She watched Miranda's eyes widen in alarm, "What are you -," Andy lurched up to press her lips onto Miranda's and nothing else mattered after that.

She forgot that she was on the floor of the bathroom at Runway, she forgot that Miranda was her boss, she forgot the Goddess, she forgot everything in that instant. Capturing Miranda's bottom lip between her lips, suckling it, whisking her tongue over it, before releasing it to slant her lips over Miranda's more firmly. And the smell of roses, cinnamon, and rain grew strong again. If she thought that Miranda would pull away that was immediately dismissed when Miranda opened her mouth to Andy's persistent nudge from her tongue, deepening the kiss, teeth clashing.

Andy thrusted her tongue inside the warm cavern of Miranda's mouth, before darting out like a tease, to swab at her lips, and then darting back inside again. But Miranda didn't remain passive for very long - like the predator she is she trapped, suckled Andy's tongue before releasing it to thrust her own in Andy's mouth, plundering, tasting, leaving Andy breathless. Slanting her mouth more firmly over Andy's, mimicking another action she'll take very soon, before capturing Andy's full bottom lip to suckle and nibble before Andy suddenly felt sharp twin pains, a metallic taste leaked in her mouth before Miranda's tongue once again swabbed up the taste, groaning in pleasure. She tasted so… divine.

Andy feeling the press of Miranda's fangs, still feeling the residual stinging from Miranda's nibble on her bottom lip, became intrigued. She gently explored Miranda's mouth, before settling on a fang, curling her tongue around it. Apparently, it was an erogenous zone because Miranda whimpered, tugging Andy more firmly in her arms, sliding her hands down her back to cup Andy's globes.

Andy could feel her chest heaving, trying to suck in air, the feeling heady, almost light-headed, her panties soaked with desire. But for Miranda it wasn't enough, she wanted to feel Andréa's skin next to hers, she wanted see if that scent of Andréa's arousal tantalizing her nostrils, tainting the air, tasted as good as it smelled. Feeling Andréa's nipples stabbing into her swollen, sensitive, nubs - she could feel her trying to rub more firmly against Miranda's nipples, causing her breasts to feel swollen and achy, while her nipples felt tight and engorged, the muscles in her abdomen jumping, building pressure in her pussy.

Miranda reached up into Andréa's chocolate brown waves, fingers cupping her scalp, pulling her head back to stare into those beautiful Fey eyes. Thick lashes restlessly lying against alabaster cheeks suddenly swept open, glowing tri-color eyes pulsed into her own glowing bluish-white orbs. Miranda's gaze lowered to Andy's swollen, slightly bloodied lips, open, panting in want. She watched Andréa's tongue come out swipe at her suddenly dry lips, suckling for a moment on her lower bloodied lip.

Miranda felt a stronger wave of the Ardeur come roaring back, bathing them both in its Power. Making her feel feral, she wanted to tear Andy's beautiful red blouse open, latch her lips and tongue on her neck - she watched Andy's pulse point visibly thudding under her skin, blue veins suddenly seemed more prominent, rushing Andréa's delicious blood through her body. It was wholly intoxicating.

Christ, and she was wearing a skirt - with Nigel's expert assistance in fashion, Andréa often wore these skirts that had Miranda visualizing about reaching her hand underneath, cupping her between her legs, rubbing and tugging on her lips, spreading her wetness over her fingers, on more than one occasion. Today's skirt was no exception. Her fingers twitched, wanting, needing, to feel Andréa more intimately.

Andrea's own answering Power was once again rising- but whereas before it seemed more… nebulous, it was now sharper, cleaner. The scent of roses grew so strong that the both lifted their heads to see actual roses suddenly sprouting along the walls of the bathroom, becoming so thick Miranda could no longer see the walls. A vine unraveled from the others, reaching out towards Andréa, leaping towards her ankle, wrapping around her foot. Andrea gasped, looking down, the pain registering, she almost reached down to tear it from her limb because of the thorns biting into her skin.

But the vine started moving again, reaching up towards Andréa's leg, but Miranda's Ardeur met up with it and the vine stopped, weaving like a snake as it lifted its thorny end, as if looking at the invisible 'wall' of the Ardeur. The smell of roses stronger, almost 'coloring' the air, magic riding on its scent, crackling the hair on their arms. Andrea's inky marks firming on her skin, before moving again, one seeming to split from her skin like taffy, another doing the same, like black ghosts released from a bottle.

More images spilled off her skin, almost leaving her skin pink and bare, circling Miranda and Andréa, until they could no longer see beyond the black cloud. Miranda clutched Andrea protectively close in her deceptively strong arms, knowing that this was magic somehow, but like nothing she'd ever seen. More rose vines, with roses in full-bloom spilled across the floor, punching through the wall of inky clouds, like aggressive ivy. Roses began to bloom the inky blackness, swirling, picking up speed, a black, perfumed, tornado.

Miranda tucked Andrea's head into her shoulder, one had cupping the back of her head, fingers sifting through glossy brown locks, the other wrapped around Andréa's middle. Andrea's arms clutched around Miranda's body, their legs entwined, hair whipping around their heads entangling, white with brown, one began where one ended. Instinctively, Miranda let more of her Power leak out, she knew her eyes had bled into her Animal to Call, her fangs lengthened, nails elongated into short claws. Andy looked up into Miranda's eyes and saw cat-like eyes staring down at her. But she wasn't scared… intuitively she knew that Miranda wouldn't hurt her.


****

Chapter 16

Suddenly the inky tornado was sucked up and Andy looked down to see her inky marks now permanent-looking tattoos on her arms, feeling Miranda give a start, she looked up stunned at their surroundings. They were no longer in the bathroom. In fact, they were no longer at Runway! They were in some kind of… forest? Lying on the green canopied-floor and… naked? Rose bushes spread out all around them, perfuming the air, tall trees standing over them, a gentle breeze caressed her skin.

"Well it appears we're no longer in Kansas anymore…" Andy quipped.

"Your powers of observation are stunning." Miranda drawled, she rolled her eyes, looking around them for any threats before looking down and realizing her own nudity and Andréa's close proximity. "I'd desperately love if the magical theatrics could desist for the moment." However, that didn't prevent her from taking her time looking over the woman's body in her arms.

Her tattoos looked startling against her pale skin, but somehow they fit. They were almost tribal but not as abstract. If she wasn't mistaken the one on her left shoulder looked like some kind of bird, a serpent-like animal appeared from around her ribs with the head pointing towards her thatch of glistening brown hair, and the one on her thigh resembled a horse with wings.

Her breasts were full, capped by eraser-like reddish-pink nipples, and were tightening before her eyes, making her mouth water. Her eyes traveled down a firm, muscled, stomach decorated by the inky tattoo that laid in stark contrast to her skin. Oh, surprise, surprise, "A belly-ring Andrea? How original."

She smirked as she continued on, before the smirk was suddenly wiped from her face as she saw the piercing nestled in pink folds, glistening in the sunlight. Perfectly manicured brown curls cradled the nestled along the jewel, a blue precious stone.

Her eyes immediately found Andréa's smirking, visage "Miranda… you should know not to 'judge a book by its cover.'" She winked at Miranda rakishly, before trying to sit up.

Miranda found herself compulsively doing something she hadn't done in… a very long time. Andy heard a musical, lusty, laugh, come from the Dragon Lady. She was captivated! Miranda's head was slightly tilted back, that silver forelock falling over her eye, laughing. Looking back, if Andy was asked at what point she fell in love with Miranda - she'd say it was at that exact moment.

Surrounded by nature, enfolded by a rose garden, birds chirping a musical chatter, sun rays leaking through the canopy of trees, the breeze caressing their skin. a laughing Miranda was a singular moment for Andy, like a crucial note to a symphony. Miranda's laugh trickled down to a chuckle and Andy could no longer deny herself, she reached up with both hands, cupping Miranda's s face, stilling her chuckle, her breath tickling Miranda's lips, and gently pressed her lips to Miranda's mouth. Nuzzling her nose with Miranda's, gently ghosting her lips over her lips, once, twice, before slanting her lips to press firmly against Miranda's once again.

And just like before it was wholly intoxicating and wonderful. But Andy knew with some kind of certainty that they would consummate whatever had been happening between them, on this forest oasis floor. She lifted her head for a moment to look into Miranda's eyes, as if looking for some kind of… sign. Then with some kind of 'knowing' Andy focused on something, the rose bushes rustled, vines started creeping towards them to wind their way up Andy's leg, pressing down, once again dotting her skin with blood, causing her to gasp. Another vine crept up her back to wind around her should and up neck, pressing down again, before retreating leaving dotted trails of blood behind.

All of which sent Miranda into an internal blood-frenzy, her nose flaring trying to take in the delicious scent. It was at this moment when Miranda realized that Andréa had been blessed by a fertility goddess. She'd heard the ancient stories and vaguely remembered that these roses and being bloodied by the magical vines was considered a blood sacrifice, and in return you were blessed by perhaps the Goddess Danu? But none of that mattered right now, the urge to take Andréa seized Miranda with vicious intensity, mixing with the blood-lust and growing desire. Her hands came up, to press Andréa down to the forest floor, pressed down by her own body, settling her hips over Andrea's leg.

She removed her mouth from Andréa's, to dip her head down nibble on Andréa's shoulder, laving her skin, licking up the droplets of blood. Andrea's blood tasted… Miranda closed her eyes, moaning, eyes rolling back in reactive pleasure. Her blood was magic, it was roses and cinnamon, it spread through Miranda's body like a thick, hot, toddy. Her 'dead' cells awakening, stirring, her heart beating once again after more than a millennia. Her gums ached, her incisors lengthening again. The Ardeur once again beating at its "prison" inside Miranda's body.

"Let it go Miranda - my Magic wants your Ardeur. It wants you. I want you." Andy was busy mapping out the glorious skin on display, stroking up and down Miranda's back, her strong shoulders, before moving to cup those glorious firm breasts, watching goosebumps erupt in their wake. Then Miranda let go.

Like a fire without its flames but instead of smoke the smell of rain, electric thunderstorms permeated the air similar to earlier but more intense. It washed over Andy, her back bowing, her hands moving, nails digging into Miranda's back. Andy lifted one of her legs to wrap around Miranda's thigh, opening, offering herself even more, painting Miranda's abdomen with her wetness, the smell of arousal strong in the air. Miranda shifted to press her thigh in between Andy's, more wetness smearing along her skin. But Miranda was busy licking the trails of dotted blood up Andréa's throat, before sucking on the mark left earlier on her pulse point, her tongue and mouth hot against her throat, the sounds of Andrea's pleas like music in her ears. Miranda opened her mouth wider, one hand glided down Andréa's stomach, while the other moved around her back to once again cup her bottom, squeezing, nails digging just 'this' side of painful.

It had been so long… so very long since she'd let herself go, let the Ardeur free, it was so achingly sweet, it almost left her breathless. But another need was becoming urgent. The need to Mark, to open, to… merge. She bit down, her fangs slid in like butter melting on hot-cakes. Andrea cried out, the icy-hot pin-pricks pleasure-pain, her back bowing once again, her breasts pressed into Miranda's, her nipples rubbing against Miranda's rock-hard nipples, seeming to get no relief. Siphoning the blood from Andréa's body - suddenly Miranda knew that no other would ever suffice from this moment on.

Her hand was now cupping Andréa's mound, then moving up a little to let her fingers slide over Andréa's pink folds, pinching her lips, smearing her arousal, tickling her folds, then glancing over Andréa impossibly hard clit that was jutting up like a quivering pink nub, worrying the pierced hood hiding the sensitive nub underneath. Andrea's cum coating her hand, fingers, making it easier to slide around, to move down to dip inside her just for a moment. Andrea's hips moved, swiveled around, searching for that pleasure-giving finger, her hole wanting to be filled, clenching, feeling empty, needing Miranda to make her cum. She's never felt this out of control.

Andrea was gushing wet, she could feel it sliding down the crack of her ass, her smell stronger, sharper as she felt an outrageous climax looming! It was almost too much, the feeling of pleasurable pressure, like a balloon filled with endorphins, building. Miranda continued to drink from the font of "life,' that was her Andréa. She'd never tasted anything like it - it was like their essences were mixing, while all the blood she was ingesting seem to be pooling down between her thighs.

Andrea's own hands were busy, claiming the mounds so tantalizingly rubbing into her hands. Cupping, kneading, squeezing, the pillowy mounds, before moving onto the her areolas, swirling around her nipples, hearing Miranda give a growlish-purr ratcheting the tension. "Please, Miranda, I need…" her fingers now twisting, pulling, rubbing Miranda's nipples.

Andy's head lifted from the ground to stare into Miranda's only to find that Miranda suckling like with an almost lustful-innocence from her pulse-point. Every pull seemed to cause her groin to clench in need.

Miranda finally slowed, retracting her fangs stained red, feeling Andréa's eyes on her, lifted her head, her eyes held no iris they were a whitish-blue, glittering into Andréa's tri-colored eyes, "Shhh… I've got you. You are delicious, I'm not sure I'll ever get enough of you. Mmmm, you've completely soaked my fingers Andréa, perhaps I'll have you clean them later. Right now though… right now, I'm going to make you cum for me."

She crushed her lips, stained with Andréa's blood, on Andréa's mouth, once again plundering, conquering. Her fingers then slippery began swirling, jerking, rubbing, Andréa's clit, causing her hips to jerk, her mouth ripped from Miranda's, cries spill from her throat. Miranda then shoved three fingers into Andréa's grasping hole, her walls grasping on the long digits, while her thumb continued to worry, rub, her engorged clit. She lifted her mouth from Andréa's lips to stare down, to watch her fingers rub, tickle, and then plunge into Andréa's grasping channel.

"Is this what you want Andrea? Hmmm? Your arousal smells divine, I can't wait to taste directly from the source." She suddenly pulled her fingers free, despite the gasping protest from Andréa, and painted Andréa's swollen lips with her cum, reaching down to swipe through blood before she placed them in her own mouth.

It is all she can do to keep her magic beyond the Ardeur from fully unleashing, with her Marks so open there's no telling the consequences. However, she nearly teared at this taste of ambrosia, before returning her fingers to Andréa's cunt to once again plunge with three, then four, fingers inside Andréa's snug, grasping channel, oily cum spilling around the fingers, the sound seemingly loud.

Andrea mewled and moaned, her own fingers now tugging insistently on Miranda's nipples. Relentlessly twisting, squeezing, rolling, the stiff peaks, the dusky peaks now red and tender, before dragging them away to hold onto Miranda's shoulders. Andy began kissing along Miranda's jawline, damp with Miranda's blood-sweat, down along her neck, before stopping to suckle hard, in response to Miranda twisting and corkscrewing her fingers in and out of Andy's cunt. Andy felt stretched, full. Miranda paused for a moment, stilling her fingers and then removing them, Andy protested with a cry, while her hips continued to churn, hoping to bring back those wonderfully long fingers. "Lie still for a moment darling."

Miranda shifted her body to lie fully between Andréa's, she reached down with her hand to open her own glistening lips, her large clit peaking out of the protective hood, before pressing down onto Andy's clit, "Oh- oh, goddess! Miranda!"

The pleasure increasingly tearing through Andréa's body, the feel of Miranda's clit rubbing along hers, her blood-cum mixing with hers, seemed to heighten her pleasure even more. Miranda's other hand reached around to cup Andréa's tight, shapely, ass, grinding their groins, their nubs intimately mating, heightening the pleasure. Miranda could feel Andréa's piercing adding another element of pleasure to this position, rocketing her pleasure. Andy couldn't breath, the sounds coming from her mouth were unrecognizable. She brought her mouth down to the crook in Miranda's neck and shoulder, sucking hard.

Miranda groaned, her movements languid, she wanted to draw this out as much as possible. Her hand moved to cup Andréa's breast, while the slid naughtily slid along Andréa's crack, toying with her smaller hole, tickling the crinkles. "I know you want to come, I can feel how impossibly hard your clit is. But you cannot cum yet Andréa. Don't disappoint me love. You're doing so well."

Like all vampires Miranda could move inhumanly fast, her hips began picking up speed, Andy's head no longer sucking on Miranda's neck, was now whipping back and forth, the pleasure building like a nuclear reactor. If Andréa had been human no doubt the power behind their thrusts would have hurt her, instead this pressure was exquisite, almost not enough. The blood-sweat began dripping down from Miranda's face to Andy's, other sweat smearing into Andy's skin. The diverse mixture of scents driving both women crazy.

Andy could feel her clit pulsating rhythmically against Miranda's rock-hard clit, fluttering in anticipation of an orgasm. Her wet channel, clenching, pulsating. Then Miranda lifted up slightly to slid those long elegant fingers inside her tight, gushing hole and began moving inhumanly fast inside, before hooking, pressing onto that spot that stealing her breath, Andy feeling like she was loosing all sense of reality. But Miranda appeared to of faring no better, she continued to grind her unbelievably hard and throbbing clit along Andréa's, pressing her down onto the forest floor. Her other hand came up to lock behind Andy's head, pulling her forward for another soul-stealing kiss. The Ardeur reaching out, waiting for the right moment to 'feed.'

"From this day forward Andrea, you are mine." Hips churning desperately. Both staring intently into each other's eyes, "No one else can have you, your blood is now my blood… my blood is now your blood. This is my will. Do you accept?"

Andy moved her head closer to Miranda's lips, knowing that she must maintain some equality in this partnership, but also knowing that she belonged with Miranda… just like Miranda belonged with her, "Yes, but you belong to me as well Vampire. I will be your partner, your lover, your confidante, your protector… your Mate. Do you accept me as your Mate Miranda?"

Miranda's hips jerked, causing Andy to cry out, at that word Mate. She almost wanted to say no, but she knew that it was too late. She'd been Imprinted, they were about to share Marks with each other. She also planned on Andréa never leaving her side, the thought of andrea experiencing anything like this with anyone else was untenable.

She stared at her marks on Andrea's neck, "Yes I do Andréa." She knew that these words held significance in way they never had before. A finality.

Andrea's eyes glowed even brighter, before she brought her head down, nuzzling into Miranda's neck. Miranda felt a pin-prick, realizing that Andréa had bitten down, and was now suckling Miranda's blood. It put pressure on her clit, causing her to grind down even harder, the pleasure-pain bringing the orgasm closer.

Her clit pulsated in time with Andréa's suckling… Gods! She's never felt anything like this! This outrageous climax coming light a looming locomotive. "Andréa… now Andrea, cum now!"

Andréa pulled back in time, the orgasm, the Ardeur, Andy's magic, all coalescing into one giant magical orgasm, sending both of them screaming as a huge ray of light came from Andréa's chest, through Miranda's, beaming straight up into the sky. Had they been able to look they'd of seen a huge green dog, the one from Andy's dream appear by their side, as if protecting them.

Cum gushed, spraying, bathing their thighs, the vines curling around both their bodies, the orgasm so intense they could only hold onto each other for the ride. It was like a power grid directly hooked up to them, was now spilling out after being blocked up. It was so powerful that as they looked into each other's eyes, screaming their pleasure and the magical output, that they could feel a blackness creeping along their consciousness, finally taking them over. And they knew no more.


To Be Continued...

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