Dragon pt 5

I was greeted with a cheerful smile as I entered the room. Violet changed outfits again. She’s at least enjoying some part of this. I have this feeling we shouldn’t stay in the same hotel for very long. Keep moving. Isn’t that what happens in scary movies, they stay put and something horrific kills the group?
We start to eat our dinner. I keep thinking I should have gotten more food in case Grey was really hungry from whatever it is he was doing all day.
“We’re going back to the manor tomorrow morning. Early.” Violet stated as she was finishing her meal.
“What?” That just didn't make sense to me. Go back to the place the bad guys just pushed us out of?
“Just thought I’d let you know. It’s more of a fort than you realize. It’s just that we didn’t know who it was coming after us. Now I think we know. We have to make a quick trip before home, but you know, we’re ending up back home. We have a vague idea who’s after us. Either descendants of Haymo. In which case, they’re pretty wimpy. There’s probably still a dragon out there without a tongue because that’s all he had the courage to take. I mean, who believes that having a piece of dragon tongue means the dragon is dead. Probably had him in his mouth and all he could slice at was tongue...”
“Violet.”
“Yeah, yeah. The other possibility is Yorimasa. In which case we could be in serious trouble. He actually killed a dragon, so he took over the powers. He has a sword called the King of the Lions. It’s killed at least three dragons. So, that means he’s pretty powerful. I’ve never seen him. Some descendant of Orion. You know, the constant battle in the stars? Crossing each other’s paths and trying to kill each other. Or Samael.....okay, so we just have it narrowed to the fact of who it isn't. We don't go around killing people as a rule. We just try to protect ourselves. We don’t hunt them because we'd rather be neutral and.....Oh no. I’m rambling again.” She gave a sheepish smile. “My bad. It's just really confusing to anyone who has no idea,you know?”
“Okay, so long story short, someone’s after you both to kill you and take your powers.”
“Well, kinda. Mostly just me. Mine are untapped energy that even I have no idea how to use or control. Grey knows magic to lock his up from others using it if they kill him. Something or other he learned from the Druids he knew. Something else from Sandalphon. Some information that will help us. Did you know our cousin helped put the rocks in place at Stonehenge?”
“Neat. Why doesn’t he just teach you to use whatever you have so you can protect yourself?”
“Something about basically using it while learning sends a signal out to baddies to pinpoint my location so they can kill me. It’s a vicious cycle. Like how you can’t get a job without a car, but can’t buy a car without money from the job. I can't learn to use my powers to protect myself without letting them know where I'm at to kill me. Some seraphs teach each other, but in accident if we teach you guys..it sometimes turns out bad. Maybe in case I never fully become seraphs they don't want to risk it.”
“Well, I guess that makes sense. Not like any of this makes any sense to me. You aren't going to get killed for talking about it with me, hopefully." She looked at me with this 'puh-lease' smirk. "I take it we’re meeting your brother in the morning.”
“Oh yeah, we’ll all take the truck in the morning. He’s getting some supplies right now, the rest tomorrow and then back home for a battle. Again. At least I have self defense lessons and a few sword-fighting skills. Oh, and how to use a gun.”
“You have more than I do. Now I guess we try and relax and rest before tomorrow.” I picked up the empty food containers and threw them in the trash. I saw a timer on the little coffee pot and set it to start making coffee at 4am. I figure I’d better be up, packed and ready so Grey wouldn’t have anything to find to gripe about. I had most of my stuff gathered around and Violet went into her room and closed the door between us after saying goodnight. I not only locked and bolted my hotel room door, but I moved a heavy chair in front of it for good measure. Just put a chair in front of the adjoining door. I guessed she locked hers from her side. I have no idea what we're up against, and kinda wished I'd never gotten into the car.

Damn these dreams. He’s here again. The smell of him puts me in a mixed state of fear and arousal. The feel of him makes me shake in my soul. I wish I had control over my dreams. I’m worried someone is almost here. Time to go, time to fly. I know he’s coming closer. Not sure if he’s my savior of the one who will ruin me. What do I know of dragons after all? They could be the bad guys. Something in my gut tells me I’m trusting the right people though. His hands are warm. I can feel them. They’re scaring me now. Nothing fun, no happy feelings. Just hot. Like an unwanted heat searing me. It seems like I can smell the dragon of him. Burning. I hear the coffee pot finish and smell it filling my room. I start to wake up as I realize where I am. My eyes open but I still feel the hands. I can’t see. Too dark. My heart nearly stops in this moment when I know something isn't right.
“Grey?” I half whimper, half whisper. I hear nothing but a growl. I don’t know what I’m dealing with. I can feel hands on me still....and a body behind me.
“Weren’t you warned to lock all ways into your room?” Something was odd about this voice. It sounded as if multiple people were speaking at once. Echoing through me. I wasn’t even sure it was Grey. No, I’m sure it’s not. I try to jump out of bed but he grabs me - one arm around my waist, one on my wrist. I feel him touching and smelling the bracelet on my arm. The same one that Violet had on earlier. We switched I think when it was on the table. They looked the same, we didn’t think about it. “Descendant of Cassiel. You aren’t the one I’m looking for, little one.”
“Grey, Fortis!” I’m surprised I had the guts to yell at the top of my lungs. Grateful that my voice didn’t freeze on me. Fortis poofed in again while the door from Violet’s room crushed open sending a chair flying.. The lights instantly came on. I heard a hiss from whatever or whoever was behind me and then he was gone. Cameron was looking past me to where the evil thing was and Grey...well, he was staring at me. I gave him an odd look and then remembered what I wore to bed. Oops. I grab the blankets over me.
“Um, hi. Thanks.” Seemed to be all that fell out of my mouth. They looked to each other finally. There seemed to be some kind of communication going on between them that I couldn’t understand. It was annoying. Like when you’re shopping and you hear someone look you up and down and then talk to each other in a foreign language. It’s just rude.
Finally Cameron nodded and was gone. The poofing thing is really cool. Of course, so was the brute force of busting through my door. I look to the man in front of me.
“How’d you get here so fast? I thought you were in a different room. Is Violet alright?” He just walked to the window and examined it.
“She’s fine. She switched rooms with me to cover her trail. Your window must not have been latched. He must’ve gotten in through there somehow. I thought hotels weren't allowed to have windows that opened. I checked the doors. You have them locked well. He’d have broken it anyway I’m sure. Just as I did. It just slows him down a bit.” He lifted my arm and inhaled at my wrist. I looked at the bracelet. “Must’ve picked them up from someone working for them. It has an odd smell. The smell of a female dragon about to realize she is one. Did you switch with my sisters?” I took my hand back and smelled. I got nothing. His eyes trailed down to where the sheet was barely covering me.
“Maybe. I don't remember. That doesn’t really answer how you got here so quickly. And what did he mean about a Cassiel, what's that?” I’m not sure why I was hoping for some revelation from him. He let out a sigh of resignation. Did he fly, can he teleport? Sue me, curiosity was getting me good.
“Your dream. I was.....listening.” His eyes were at the floor and then my sheet dropped in shock, and they were on me again. I knew something big was coming. "He said 'Cassiel'?"

Red- Dragon part 4

Mmmmm. Good dream. Grey’s leaning over me in this huge bed. I know it’s him because he has that raw male scent of seduction oozing out of him. I want him closer. Skin on skin would be wonderful. I can almost feel the full weight of him on me. Ah, what it would be like to feel him inside. I wonder if he would look different naked since he’s a dragon. My dream, I’ll find out. Too groggy to move my hand in my dream. Damn it. I can feel his stubble on his face graze my cheek. Why is that always so intoxicating to me? He was nibbling my ear. I can hear myself say how much I needed this. Good feelings everywhere. Don’t wake up yet. His lips crush down on mine. He must be as hungry for this as I am. I can feel his warm hand tracing down my neck and then my corset loosened. Ah, deep, needed breaths. The kiss broke and so did my dream. I’m awake. Great. I hear what sounds almost like a low growl. I try to get up but I’m pinned down.
“It’s okay.” It was Grey’s gravelly voice. “It’s just me.”
“I was... why are you on top of me?” Not that I’m going to complain. I wouldn’t mind if he stayed there and lost the clothes between us. Especially with that I’m-going-to-eat-you-up smile he has right now. The intoxicating weight lifts off me. Damn. He made that annoyingly charming chuckle again.
“Sleep as long as you can.”
“Wait.” I felt so tired My eyes were heavy and I was struggling to stay conscious - to try and feel him again. His lips brushed mine and all turned black.

Ugh. The sun. Uh oh. Add one perky voice and it all came back to me. Violet. She’s chattering as I’m rubbing my eyes trying to wake up. I sit up slowly.
“What?” I ask, hearing my voice all raspy.
“We’re going shopping!!” she squealed, tugged my arm and flashed a credit card. “I only have a ten thousand limit. We can’t max that out in this town. But come on, let's try!”
I’m standing and still fully clothed. Corset was looser, thank goodness. Breathing was an option. She’s right about needing to shop. We do look silly dressed like we are. Well, me more than her.
“You know where the mall is?” I just nod in response. We’re in Lima. Victoria’s Secret first. After all, we can’t wear regular clothes with this kind of underwear. That was my reasoning anyway. I’m a sucker for cute undies and as long as someone else was buying...why not? We had to make a quick stop in Old Navy - for my sake. I didn't want to wear this thing all day. People might just shoot me. You never know. But it wasn't her style and she was eager to move on to the "panty store" as she called it. It didn’t take us long to get there and Violet’s eyes were in shock when we entered the store she saw the products on the rack.
“This is just scandalous!! Don’t tell my brother what I buy here. I’m going to get one of everything!” She did let the lady help her with her size - apparently corset sizes don’t go by numbers and letters. So that was fascinating to her. From there on, things were just dumped onto the lady’s arm for purchase. I did advise her not to get too much since we had to carry it all. Six bags later - two for me - we were headed out. “Where to now?” She asked excitedly. I was on my way to take us to a Hot Topic type store - just to get under ole Grey’s skin - when I see someone approaching us. He looks.... determined.
“You know him?” I ask. She scans the people and looks back to me.
“Don’t sense it, don’t see it. Just people.” She sits down in front of the directory and starts looking for which stores are just clothes. “Oh, so many to choose from! Macy's? Should we go there?”
He’s striding towards us so fast that before I can turn and call Violet, he’s right in front of me. He stopped, though. Not invading my space or close enough to snatch us.
“She can’t see or hear me.” He had a velvet smooth voice and gave an almost sinister chuckle. “Or feel me.”
“Who, Violet?”
“What, Bianca? Macy's not a good idea?” I shake my head and sit down next to her, pretending to look at the directory also for a plan of attack. He stares at her momentarily. Feral. I have two seconds of feeling like I need to protect her from that look. “Hm. I feel feverish. All warm and tingly. Must be that shopping adrenaline.” He just smiles and turns back to me.
“Ask her to stop going through that bag.” Was snapped out quickly. I hadn’t noticed she was re-examining all the cute little things we just bought.
“Violet, not here, someone may want to jump you just because of what’s in your hands.” Her mouth formed an O as if she hadn’t even realized what she was doing.
“I’m great at reading lips, if you don’t want to freak her out.”
“Good.” I mouth.
“My name is Cameron Fortis. Grey’s on the hunt for whoever tried to take Violet last night. Not that the bastard ever listens to me. I think they were after both of them. Grey has more power, but Violet’s trainable and innocent. They can teach her, or force her, to be so much stronger and then use her against Grey. I don’t want to see that. I’ve been following a few leads myself. But you need to stay safe. Hidden. Hurry up and get what you need. No more than two hours, please. Get something to eat at the hotel and don’t have anything you purchase sent there. Buy it and take it yourselves. They’ll track where you sent it if they pick up your trail of where you’ve been. I’ll be helping guard you at the hotel. Just yell Fortis if you need me. Any questions?”
“Well,” I look to Violet and stand up and start following her to get to the next store. “Why don’t you want to be seen by her?” I mouth.
“Not my choice. Trust me. Hurry.” I caught the sadness in his eyes before he turned and disappeared in the scurry of people.
“Alright, hon. I have this feeling we need to shop fast. We’ll get some basics and beyond that, we’ll have to set another shopping date.” I grab her hand and we pick up the pace. Thankfully no one will notice in this holiday crush.
“I don’t sense anything off.” She scanned around and blanked out for a second staring into space. “Oh, you want to be back when Grey comes back?” She winked.
“What? No.” I said too quickly. Fine, go with it. Get her shopping, get her back. “Maybe a little. But, don’t tell him. He’s already too stuffy, that head of his might explode.” We went to a dozen or so shops and she sure knew how to speed shop. Just pick her size, yank off the rack and try on later. I’d never thought of shopping like that, but then again, I’d never had so much money to blow. We even bought some nice dresses just for fun and gobs of jewelry we probably would never wear. Shoes were a bonus, we got about five pairs each and I still have no idea how we carried it all to the truck. But thankfully, it was a truck! It had one of those snappy covers which was really convenient. Traffic wasn’t too bad and we made good time getting back. It took us a little over two hours, but good ole Fortis would have no complaints within fifteen minutes I’d think.
“We should have one of those bellboy guys help us out.” She winked. But I had that feeling we shouldn’t. I was about to comply when I saw Cameron at the entryway shaking his head no. Hm. strange. I look around to see what car he was driving. Didn’t see one. I look back for him and he’s gone.
“No, it would be better if we carried them ourselves. We made it to the truck just fine. That way we can just dump it all on the bed and go crazy playing dress-up. I’ll order us some food and go pick it up downstairs so we don’t have to worry about whoever coming to bring us our food being a bad guy.” I’m pleased with that answer. She nods and gets in the elevator. We hit the floor below ours and it heads up. Violet blanks again. It’s kinda freaky and her eyes get cloudy. “Violet?” She gasps and collapses. “ You okay?”
“Fine. Just, an odd vision. Too powerful.” Violet gave a weak smile and headed to our room. We unloop all the bags from our arms onto the bed. Thankfully I had the good sense to buy a little suitcase for each of us to try to stuff it all in - just in case we had to run. I start taking off tags and putting stuff in the suitcase. She still looks dazed.
“Violet. What aren’t you telling me?”
“I could sense him again. I hate it, but I love it. You must think I’m terrible.” Agony. Poor girl was seriously conflicted. “I keep seeing him. Holding him. I know I shouldn’t and that I can’t. But he just draws me to him and I can’t move.”
“Who?” Tears silently streak down her cheeks.
“I can’t see that. Just that he’s dangerous. And I could get hurt. I will get hurt. I can see that. Oh, Bianca, I can’t see him. I can see what’s happening to me, but not who he is. I just keep getting overwhelmed with desire and I get strong, but weak. Oh, it doesn’t even make sense to me. But I feel him. Almost every night. I have this theory that I’m not supposed to feel him. Yet, I can. Does that make any sense? Even though it’s dangerous, I want to be there. So badly.” I thought of Cameron, but he didn’t seem like he’d hurt her.
“You have to trust your heart because I don’t know who it is in your dreams. Once you know who it is, it’ll be easier for you to figure it out.” We spent the next few minutes in silence as we went through our bags for what to wear now and put the rest away. Surprisingly, she went for a tank top and a low cut sweater, jeans and tennis shoes. Hm. Practical. I thought about the shoes. Sneakers would be great in case of a getaway. I pulled out the cute Sketchers I bought, jeans, and a deep V sweater. I opted for no tank though. Sue me. I’m old, I can show off what I have while I still have it. I set out a lacy little slip under my pillow for tonight. I am addicted to lingerie. I’d wear it all the time if I had the money. Which is probably why I stocked up today.
“Hungry?” Violet asked.
“Sure, you order, I’ll go pick it up.” She called and I noticed two bracelets on the bed. They were silver with bone or something. Like little charm bracelets and one necklace that had a little silver dragon with etched wings. I heard the phone hang up. “Where’d you get these?”
“Not sure. I was kinda grabbing and going. I think we each need a bracelet. You can have the necklace, though. Not like I need another dragon hanging on my neck.” I heard a smacking noise and realized she put on chapstick. I put the dragon on and thought that it even looked like I imagine him. Not the dragons out of books exactly. Different. Regal, a protector. I put on the bracelet. I can’t see it under the sweater, but I know it’s there. I’ve never really gone shopping with a friend and done anything bonding. I have to admit, it was fun. Ten minutes later I was on my way down. Violet said there was no bad guys out there, but I was still careful. I got down to get the food and then was in the elevator holding the bags.
“Smells good.” The voice was in my ear and arms around my waist. It sounded invasive. Unnatural. The bags of food dropped.
“Fortis!!!” I shouted as loud as I could. Still had a few more floors to go and my heart was pounding. To my surprise he poofed into the elevator. Is poofed a word? But he did. Smoky and then he was there.
“Greymalkin.” He regarded him almost as if he’d fight him if he needed to. He looked to me, back at him and something registered in his eyes. I was released and turned to look at Grey. Why hadn’t I realized it was him? “Maybe now you’ll understand a little better.” He looked quite meaningfully to me again and then back to him and then disappeared.
“What in the hell was that?” I demanded. He looked unsteady for a moment. As if he were registering something about what Cameron just said.
“How do you know him?”
“You first. I’m trying to keep Violet safe and you’re out scaring the shit out of me. I’ve never felt more terrified than just a second ago. What the hell is going on and what kind of creepy voice was that? It’s not how you usually sound. And I’m very glad I met Cameron, because if you were evil, or are and I’ll call his ass back, then I feel safer.”
He ran his hand through his hair and took a deep breath. As if trying to control himself. “Fortis is a...friend. He helps protect Violet and doesn’t ask questions about it. I don’t think he’s a dragon. I can’t tell what he is. He may be a dragon - or have powers of one at least. But his powers are so strong, he doesn’t show himself very often. You might say he’s the invisible man. For centuries he’s helped us. That I know of, anyway. He scared Violet once. I suppose in way you just were. She said she felt almost like when he talked he was trying to take over her somehow. Something in her changed and the dragon side of her locked up in a way. For most it naturally releases, for her it didn’t. It was right after she saw him and then he went away for decades. At the time, we couldn’t decide if he was a man trying to help, a dragon, or someone trying to claim her powers, so he doesn’t show to her. He made a vow to us after the incident. She can’t tell he’s there.”
“Yes she can.” I said quite plainly. “Anyway, you mean he scared her the way you just scared me. Not that I know you too well. But I felt safe with you even after you killed someone. That’s saying something. But right now. Just then. I was scared for my life. I felt like you were taking my soul out or something. I didn’t like it.” After I said that, I could see pain in his eyes. It reminded me of the Beast from Disney when Belle didn’t recognize him. Hurt to the core.
“I’m sorry. I can’t promise it won’t happen again.” He seemed to be trying to control himself. “I will do my best to control this. There are so few of us left that we don’t always know or remember how to control our magic.”
“Well, you do that.” I wasn’t sure what else to say. A few moments went by and he was holding the food for me. I just stared at the doors until they opened.
“What do you mean yes she can?” Now he looked worried.
“We were shopping in the mall and he came up to us. She couldn’t see him, but she changed. Not in a bad way, but she could sense him there. Said she was warm and had an adrenaline rush.” I shrugged my shoulders and looked to the lights at the top that weren’t moving. I hadn’t noticed he had stopped the elevator. When did that happen? We started moving again and the doors slid open. I felt his hand on the small of my back and it seemed to spread warmth everywhere. Such a light touch and so intimate.
“You should lock all your doors tonight. Don’t let anyone in.” We had stopped in front of my room. I use the key and open the door just a crack.
“Is that against other people, or just you?” He started to turn away, but I swear I saw a lopsided grin.

Red- Dragon story pt 3

“Bianca, do you know how to drive a stick?”
“Hell yeah. Farmer girl here. Can’t live on a farm and not know how.”
“Good. Back door, take Violet anywhere but here. This is her credit card and ID card. Call me when you get there. Go!”
Violet grabbed my hand and we ran down the stairs to the back of the house. I really want my jeans back right about now. And some freaking tennis shoes. Oh goodness. I look at the green 77 Ford High Boy. You’ve got to be kidding. I look at my dress and take no time gathering it up all around my waist just to get into the thing. Violet’s already in it waiting.
“Wow, that was so easy to get up here!” She exclaims. I roll my eyes at her comment. “Where do we go?”
“I don’t know. We’ll find a road, hit a town and find the most expensive hotel your brother can get us. And in the morning - we’re going shopping.” Toledo? Lima? I ask myself. What IS the nearest town. Where am I? I started the truck which couldn’t have been stock. The sucker barely made a sound starting up. Probably for a quick, silent getaway. “Honey, I don’t know how to tell you this, but your brother killed someone. They might be cops.” I started down a dirt road and hit pavement half mile later. She wasn’t saying anything. Was she in shock? “Violet, did you hear me?” Silence. She was staring ahead into the road. Not a good sign. I get on the highway and see those wonderful green signs that are pointing me towards civilization and city lights ahead. 309? Is that Elida road? I pass the Knight's Inn because I see a Marriott sign. Not sure about the princess over there, but she may like roughing it for a couple days. Marriott's good enough for me.
“You’re going to have to put it on your credit card when we get in there. I don’t have enough cash on me for that.” Please talk, chick.
“I just hand them the cards, they hand them back, and I get stuff. I know. I’ve been told by Grey a million times that if something happens, that’s what I need to do. Kinda stupid that he doesn’t teach me how to drive. If you weren’t there he’d have just taken me and called Cameron to fight off the goons.”
“Who’s Cameron and why does he always cover for your brother?”
“Saved his life once. Cameron feels he’s indebted to him or something. Listen, we aren’t insane. Our life is just very crazy. People are after us and have been for decades.” She let out a big sigh as I parked the truck. As soon as the engine was off, she was out of the car and walking towards the entrance. I practically fell out of the truck and had to race to catch up to her. She was at the desk ordering a room.
“Thank you, Miss Drak. Here are your keys.” The gentleman slid her the keys and her cards back, then looked at me with confusion. Oh, yeah. The dress. “Do you mind my asking why it’s just a photo ID and not a license?”
“Not at all.” She deliberately looked to me and back to the man. “When you’re rich, you don’t need to drive. That’s what she’s for. She does whatever I ask. Even whatever clothes I pick out. So, it doesn't matter, right?” The clerk said nothing. Then she winked and turned around to me. “Let’s go.”
“You know, I’m still not sure if you’re a total bitch or just very keen on how to get your way.” I don’t know what the snort meant, but she handed me two of the card-keys. “Those are to your room. I got two adjoining rooms and a single. There wasn’t anything penthouse-ish, but they’ll do. I’ll give Grey his when he gets here. I’ll call him from the room. I'm sure protocol hasn't changed.” She pushed the third floor button. Since there was only a few floors to get through and my guess was that it was three or four a.m., I figured there would be no stops.
“You know, it may be the police after him.” I fidget with the cuff of my coat as I stated that again. “I saw him kill a man earlier today. Er, I mean yesterday.”
“Sh. We’ll talk upstairs.” This is getting weirder by the minute. Witness relocation program? And she didn’t seem a bit shocked about him killing someone. Not the first time, I suppose. Maybe they were part of the mob. But, in OHIO? I look at my room number on my key as the door opens to the elevator. But we were on the second floor, not the third. “We’ll go up the stairs from here just to be sure. They could be waiting at the elevators.”
“I’m guessing you know that from history.”
“Yeah, I can’t think straight right now for some reason. I can’t see if they’re waiting.”
“Well, when we get up the stairs I’ll look and see if there’s anyone in the hall. They won’t recognize me, right?”
“Probably not.” Up the single flight of stairs we go. At this early in the morning with no sleep, it was a challenge. I put my hand out to tell her to stay. She nodded. Not a soul in the hallway.
“Okay, come on.” She practically ran down the hall as I found the room and started to unlock it. I never could figure out why people had problems opening the door with the cards. One swipe and I’m always in. I didn’t even question her pushing me into the room. I should have known. She locked the door and looked through the peek hole in paranoia. “I’m sure your brother’s okay.” She backed away from the door and fixed her gaze at some distant spot on the wall.
“He’s a little banged up, but alive. He won’t get here for another hour or so.” Violet blinked and then looked to me. “You better have a seat on the bed. We have a lot to talk about.”
“Why do I get the feeling this isn’t about jeans, boys or lipstick?”
“Look, we’re different from other people because we are....seraphim. You know that picture of Saint George and the Dragon that you saw in your room. That’s Grey. He was getting even with the bastard who killed our father. It’s said that when we’re in Dragon form we have so much power in our blood that if someone were to kill us in that state, we would pass our magic on to them along with our longevity. Which you can imagine, is a long freaking time. I wasn’t born until the sixteenth century. So Grey is my very older brother. We don’t really age in human form either and can hardly live out life in dragon form here. That’s why we move all the time. We’ve actually been at this house for about a couple hundred years. I still think the next house we build or buy should have secret passage ways. Anyway, I don’t know how to turn into a dragon. And I don’t think Grey wants to teach me so he doesn’t have to worry about me as much. You know about Satan, right?" I nod. "Well, 'that old dragon' was once a seraphim. was and still is a dragon. Not a good one, but still a dragon. Get it? Seraphim, dragons. Angels who can take on human form. Well, dragons when not in human form and 'angels' when in human form. Some dragons are good, some obviously bad. Questions?”
“Yeah.” Besides the fact that she practically said all that like a run-on sentence, my mind was having problems digesting the information. “Does your brother kill people to eat them for powers or what?”
“Oh. Who you saw him kill? Those are slayers. You’ve seen the movies. People, Seraphim and anyone else kill dragons for fame, money and power. St. George, Michael, you know big dragon killers. See, if you kill me, you become like me and if someone kills you, then they end up with it. Usually it’s assassins hired by someone to kill us. We’ve been trying to trace who’s at the root of it for eons now, but can’t pin down who is in charge. It would be easy to just say Suriel, but he's covered in what he's doing. Whoever it is has a million minions. Did you know the word minion used to refer to a man’s feminine ‘man-friend’? Like the more feminine gay guy? Probably because lots of seraphim are genderless - like some frogs, you know. Until human form takes.”
“Okay, do you have ADD? You need to slow down. So he kills people in self defense because some baddy keeps sending people after you. Can you ever get rid of the dragon/magic thing? How in the hell do angels fit in?” I’m asleep. I have to be. This is crazy.
“ Well, your idea of stupid cherubs is bullshit. But as far as a Seraphim, you can give it up out of free will, but you had better truly trust the person you’re giving it to or they could seriously abuse it. And then you're human forever. You don’t dare just release it to no one. Every dragon or seraphim has different powers. It’s like how you have blue eyes and I have green, but they mine are really orange, it was an analogy. Long story short: Genetics. I can’t tell you what Grey’s is, but I’m kinda psychic. I can see what might or is going to happen. But I can do something about it - change it. I get little flashes of visions and can’t actually see anything but the vision. I walked right into a wall once.”
“Well, that explains some things. Especially the dragon obsession in the house. But I’m having a hard time believing that it’s true. Actually, I’m having a hard time figuring out why I’m involved in all this.” I peel my jacket off and fluff a pillow to lean on. I’m not psychic, but I can feel her watching me. “What?”
“Why did you get into a car with Grey after you saw him kill someone?” Her arms crossed and her brow turned quizzical. I lost my breath for a minute. Why did I? I don’t even know that one.
“I’m still trying to figure that out. Violent, criminal men are not my type. I seem to go for the geeky science freaks in my class. Of course, they never....oh for goodness sakes, I just don’t know.” My eyes are struggling to stay open. “You better call your brother.”
“I did. In a way.” I shake my head. I’m too tired to bother with asking how. “You go ahead and sleep. I’ll be one door away. I won’t lock the adjoining door in case you need me. See you in the morning.”
Morning, right. Wasn’t it morning already? I shed everything but the corset and my thong and look at the hotel alarm clock: 6:21a.m. Maybe if I go to sleep, I’ll wake up and be home. Wherever that is.

Red - Dragon story pt 2

I noticed the keys were on a table next to the bed. At least they weren’t planning on locking me in. A clock in the hallway struck eleven. It’s not that late. I figured I should look around. I got to the top of the stairs and saw Violet coming up the stairs.
“What, not sharing his room?” Snappy little bitch. She eyed me.
“Obviously not. What’s your problem?”
“Him. Freaking Greymalkin knows all, does all and baby sis has to stay in the damn house.”
“He does have a stick up his ass, doesn’t he?” I started to walk past her when she grabbed my arm and stopped me from walking by. “You’re going to deny it?”
“No, I’m gonna offer you a cappuccino and some food. Girls night?” Well, who knew, I have an ally.
“Only if you tell me where you get those awesome clothes from.”
“Ugh, got a trunk full of them and two closets. I don’t get to do my own shopping. So, what’s your name?”
“Bianca. So what do you do in this place all day? And, do you go by Violet?” She locked her elbow around mine like she was afraid I’d leave.
“Go out of my mind. And yeah, Violet. No shorter version. Sorry I was such a bitch. I thought you were after him. Like, a million girls are.” Her black locks bounced as we walked down the stairs. “I don’t get what the big deal is anyway. Grumpy ole man. He’s getting up there in age you know.”
“So am I.” We hit the bottom of the stairs and she giggles. “No, really I’m an old maid. Twenty-seven. He said something about how you’d be married off if it were centuries ago. Doesn’t that piss you off?”
“Yeah, but I’m the last of his family that’s not cremated, you know? All I have is movies. Apparently the local channels could rot my poor little mind.” We entered a large room that was painted in a deep crimson red. Violet picked up a remote control from the coffee table and a large picture of a castle and dragon went up into the ceiling to reveal a television. I’m not great with tape measures or anything, but the sucker was at least ten feet wide. No wonder it was on the other side of the room. She sat on the couch and pulled a rope that was to her right. I sat down on the other end of the couch. Pretty soon, there was a servant asking what we “required”.
“Cheesecake?” I ask hopefully.
“From scratch or from the freezer?” Violet is asking me.
“Um, people make them from scratch? I always use a box mix for all my baking.” I look from her to the lady whose peppered hair looked a little frazzled on her plump little head.
“Miss, to do a cheesecake from scratch shall take hours. I’d suggest something quicker.”
“Boxes it is! Yeah, please, Tilly. Brownies and cheesecake. Both from those box mix things.” Violet was way too excited about that. And then turned to me. “Those boxes are magical!”
“Sweetie, you really need to get out more. Why don’t you ever sneak out?”
“Can’t drive.” She shrugged her shoulders and hit a button that displayed a list of movie titles. Apparently that was the end of that. “What you wanna watch?”
“Underworld? Isn’t that a little fake with vampires and werewolves and crap?”
“It’s not so unbelievable. We exist and some people think that’s unusual or freakish.” She flipped to the end of the titles, apparently quicker to go bottom to top now.
“What do you mean ‘we’ exist.” Violet flipped up a few titles and paused on Titanic as if contemplating it as a choice to watch.
“You know, the filthy rich.” She kept going. It had to have been fifteen minutes and we were only on S. “Why is there never anything new in here?”
“Mind if I ask a couple questions?”
“Sure. As long as you don’t freak at the answers.” The brownies arrive along with two glass bottles of milk - one white, one chocolate. We’re told the cheesecake is on it’s way.
“Do you have the internet here?”
“Yeah, but I don’t know what to even look at or look for. If I want to read, I’ll go to the library. If I want to watch something I have this,” she sighed and shoved a brownie in her mouth. “Besides old fire-breath makes me have supervision. My mind might be warped or something.”
“You’re a legal adult, does he know that?” I pour chocolate milk into the delicate wine glasses that were provided. “And what’s with the wine glasses?”
“Oh, so you can hold the stem, not the glass so the milk stays cold. Kinda the same concept with some wine. ‘Only the best’ says big brother.”
“Ooh, Pirates of the Caribbean! Johnny Depp is hilarious in that.”
“Yeah, well, I don’t like watching those old clothes anymore than I like wearing them.” She snorted and I swear that she even had steam coming out her nose. “I wish I could fly.”
“Because you can’t drive?” I ask.
“Something like that.” She flipped the tv off and turned toward me settling into the couch. “Obviously we aren’t going to watch anything we agree on. Why don’t you tell me everything there is to see in the world.”
“You aren’t seriously that sheltered are you?” I only had to look into her sad eyes to get an answer for that. “Okay, that’s so wrong. I don’t know where to start with that. What size are you?”
“Shoes or ass?”
“I meant dress size, but yeah.”
“I’m a seven. Why?”
“Do you have anymore dresses like that?”
“Yes. Definitely yes. Come with me!” Obviously she was thinking what I was thinking. Down the hall and up a flight of stairs, we run - yes, we’re running - into her room. “Pick one. Your hair’s sandy blonde so it will go with just about any color. I have some from different eras and cultures. Though, you wouldn’t look as good as a Spanish rose with that hair. Here. Victorian age with minimal bustle action. I have to admit corsets are the only things I actually like. I mean, after I eat all those brownies, if there wasn’t a corset, I’d eat more. Plus what fat I do have, no one would ever notice since it’s sucked in here.” She pulled out a light pink corset and handed it to me along with the dress. “You can put everything on in place in the bathroom and then come out for me to lace you. Unless you’re able to lace them yourself. Then you deserve a medal.” I went in the bathroom that looked Victorian itself and pulled off my jeans and top. I don’t even know what happened to my coat. Did one of the servants take it when I got here? I can’t remember. Surprisingly, my boots didn’t look too shabby peeking from underneath the dress. I came out to find Violet in her undergarments with eager hands out to try on jeans.
“Oh! This is going to be so fun. You have to send me a pair if you leave. I’ll give you the address.” She was pulling them on over bloomers of some sort. “Hm. Not really comfy, huh?”
“Do you have scissors to cut those things shorter?” I motioned to her bloomers. They went down past her knees. No wonder there’s discomfort. She needs a serious shopping spree. She searched a drawer on her vanity - I didn’t think people even had vanities anymore.
“How short?” the scissors were in her hand and ready for use. She put the scissors halfway up her thigh. I motioned it a little higher until it was boy-short length. Mental note: she also needs to shop Victoria’s Secret for real unders. She made a little shriek as the last bit of fabric fell to the floor. She ran to the jeans and pulled them up. “Scandalous!” After admiring herself in the mirror, she turned. “I need a top and...oh you need laced, turn.” I did and she had the sucker laced up in seconds. Obviously when you deal with them all the time, you must get good at it. I looked to my top. Did Victorian dresses really reveal this much chest? I all of a sudden recall the dresses buttoned to the chin.
“You look great. It’s not quite authentic. I begged for that cut, but never ended up with a chest after all these years. I’ve given up on them. What do I do for a top?”
“Wanna make your brother freak?” She nodded. I looked through her drawers until I found a short-sleeved shirt.
“That goes under a dress.”
“Not today. Put this on, leave it untied and put the corset on over it. Trust me, it’s more modern than anything you have here. Madonna fashion.”
“I don’t think the Madonna wore anything like this. It was more like layers and layers of robes.” Her head snapped up. “We’re in trouble.” She pulled on her boots and sloppily laced them so they’d stay on. Before I knew it, she grabbed my hand and started down the hall.
“Violet!” Grey shouted down the hall, he was running towards us.
“I know!” He threw coats at us. I didn’t question, just put it on. He stopped and looked me up and down. In shock, I suppose. “They’re coming down the drive and are going to come in the north windows and front door.”

A day not mine

Paris. It's true. They are rude there. But the land.... the land welcomes you right in. If you ever get a chance to watch a sunset from any bridge in Paris, it will sing into your soul and forever alter your outlook on life. Real cups. I love the real cups at the cafes here. Not like america with the plastic/styrafoam/get out of here as soon as possible kind of cups. Even the cups welcome you. If you happen to meet someone and your accent is very well faked, they may be nice to you. I met a lovely young lady at the salon de thé. About as short as me but with one of those perfect poet style bodies and the best haircut you could ever see. Black hair. Crystal blue eyes. I'll bet they spend lots of money on haircuts -the women usually look so well put together. As if they have a great pride in who they are as opposed to here where it's for pure vain reasons of trying to impress someone else. I tried the Mont Blanc. Chestnuts and merengue. So delicious.
Walked along the Seine later. It's no wonder Monet was inspired. I bought about eighteen postcards. Not sure why. I'll never send them. But the peddler was so kind in helping me choose the "best" ones. I couldn't resist. Perhaps they aren’t so rude. Yes, I have to say most of my money was lost on the bouquinistes. I'm staying in the hotel Amour. Silly, I know, but where else to write a romance novel?? They have the old cast iron tubs still. I soaked and read a book. The fixtures and walls are older, but the painting - the walls looked to me like a Dali painting, but in black and white. Leave it to the french to perfectly mingle old and new.
I'm sure someone will ask, no. I did not go to the Louvre. I don't like the crowds. Instead I went to the Petit Palais. Not nearly as impressive, I'm sure, but I enjoyed it all the same. I liked the medieval panels and the ceramics the best. Well, i'm sure you're bored with my little trip. So I'll end the writings for today. Until the next trip, au revoir.

lack of love poems

I try to slip from the memory
The memory of you
I know it shoudn't be so hard
It's something I can't do
I wonder if you feel the same
Is your mind so haunted
By the face and by a name
Searching, I'm undaunted
Got to shake you from my mind
To leave mem'ries of you behind

*****

A man once so delicious
Has become malicious
How'd you change, sugar
From the handsome cougar
Into some strange rebel
Who became my devil

*****

Felt only half alive with him
Dull things he'd say and do
Another story - that was Tim
I have LESS fun with you
You said every time you came
That we're a perfect match
You said love is a large flame
My heart never did catch

*****

My sky becomes a darkened gray
In disbelief that you won't stay
Love and I it seems are hexed
What in life will screw up next
Laying sprawled out on the floor
Think of him whom I adore
Eat favorites from the chocolatier
Staring at my chandelier
Without the light it is so plain
You left, my light inside will drain

***

You tell me that you love me
Your broken record's tune
"I'll spend all day with you my love"
And then you leave by noon
I try to understand your ways
My heart aches, but it's just
That every time you lie to me
I lose a little trust
In your eyes you could be right
All day means two short hours
No matter what you promise me
I heart steps back and sours
I never guessed that in this love
That I could be alone
Every time a promise breaks
My heart turns into stone

*****

This torment going on inside
I want to run, I want to hide
Press emotions deeply down
See a smile, but feel the frown
Which is left, which is right
Do i flee or stay and fight
One to sweep me off my feet
I worry he is, as we meet
Love's torture, sweetness and pain
Please God, is it love again?

****

Red - Dragon story part 1

Red. The color was so vibrant. I’ve never seen blood fresh from a dying body before. I watched him slay the man from a distance. I hadn’t imagined that such refinement and regalness would be the exterior of a killer. I thought I was far enough away to slip back the way I came unnoticed, but he turned and looked right at me. As if he knew I was there the entire time. I froze. Most people would have started to run if a murderer started towards them, not me. He’s moving like a predator, but doesn’t have that fear instilling look about him. I freeze unable to think of what to do or say.
“Don’t worry, you don’t deserve the same end. In many minds he deserved worse for the ones he killed.” His voice was deep and had a gravelly edge. Sounds odd and accented. Nothing like I’ve heard. His suit was dark, I couldn’t tell if it was navy or black. Black would be my guess. The white shirt beneath had traces of blood spattered across it. Almost artistic in a way. I remember his hands. No blood there. Even those hands had muscles that were visible. His eyes. I could feel them on me as I looked him up and down. If he was going to kill me, I at least wanted an eyeful first. He turned away and walked halfway to the dead man and bent to pick something up. I hadn’t seen it in the snow. It was getting dark and all I could see was a shimmer of reflecting light as he picked it up and placed it in his pocket. I watched in my dumbstruck state. You should be running, my lady. I would have believed it was my own mind saying it, if there wasn’t that “my lady” at the end -and that accent. Who speaks that way?
He stops only inches from me. Hmm. Maybe he’ll seduce me before he kills me. I hear a car door open as he releases a deep chuckle. I didn’t even realize I was standing next to a car. Yes, the passenger door to some kind of classic Mercedes is open and waiting. I’m staring blankly at the seat. Stupid. It would be so stupid to get into a killer’s car. He was getting in the driver’s seat and leaned over, holding his hand out as if he were going to help me into the car so I don’t fall. Decisions like this should be a no-brainer. But I have no family and who wants to take the final on quantum physics tomorrow anyway? I take his hand and get in. Deep breath.
Snowflakes were falling in some eerie serenity. We didn’t speak. I don’t know how long we were driving. My mind couldn’t help but wonder if there was another passenger in the trunk. Okay, starting to second guess myself now.
The street turned from pavement to gravel and I realized we were hell and gone from Napoleon. I would’ve been scared, but at the end of the road was a mansion with numerous lights on. Someone would hear me scream. There looked to be four stories and I assume there will be some creepy butler waiting at the entrance when we get there. Addams Family style. I had good ole Lurch pictured in my mind. Engine off and he was around to my door before I could find the handle to open it myself. Creepy. Chivalry was dead wasn’t it?
The massive wooden front doors opened and revealed not an old butler, but a teenage girl who was dressed like she belonged in the eighteenth century.
“Oh, come on. Grey, if you bring home one more...” She stopped mid-sentence and looked at him. “Ugh. Whatever.” And she turned to leave. Weird. So, she was wearing old clothes, but definitely was with the times with her mouth. Damn sassy teens. I sigh. Maybe there’s some costume ball or something coming up.
“I know. A shame our culture no longer speaks properly.”
“You related?” I asked because they had the same eyes.
“Shamefully so. My sister. Not quite.... eighteen yet. Centuries ago, she’d have been married off and out of my hair. I keep reminding her of that.”
“Gee. And you wonder why she talks like that to you.” My heeled boots clicked on the marble floor. “So, you just kill people for kicks because you’re too rich to have a job or what?”
“I’d appreciate you refraining from discussing that when Violet could be within hearing range.” Okay, I laughed.
“She called you Grey, right?”
“That’s correct.”
“Oh.” I roll my eyes and begin to look around at the various pieces of art.
“Was that oh pertaining to me? What were you just about to say before you got distracted by all the fineries?”
“Oh, nothing. I just had a hypothesis on how you have so damn much money. Grey, Violet. Did your parents own Crayola?”
“Now that’s just insulting.” Yet there was a smile that showed all the way to his eyes. I think he somehow enjoyed that jab. “Right. Enough sparring, let’s get on with a tour. Did you have somewhere to stay for the night? Or perhaps someone expecting you?”
I didn’t, in fact. All my things were at Rachel’s house, but she was having family home for the weekend and I wasn’t about to go back to Toby’s after that horrendous breakup. I actually planned on renting a hotel room for a couple of nights and soaking in a hot tub for hours.
“You’re too kind to offer me a place to stay and you know nothing about me. Maybe I’ve been sent here to kill you.” Yeah right, like I’d even know where to find the switchy thing on a gun to make it shoot or be able to devise any way of ‘offing’ anyone. All I knew about weaponry came from movies. Yeah, great education.
“Well, you don’t seem to be a threat except for the lapse in mental judgement. You have to admit not many would willingly get into a vehicle with a stranger whom they saw kill another man.”
“Whoa.” I’m seriously trying to control my laughter - out of nervousness, I tend to make jokes of everything. “Sorry. You could be a deranged madman, and I shouldn’t be laughing, but did you say ‘whom’?”
“Yes. Now this way to your room. I daresay it’s warmer than any hotel room and has a tub large enough to swim if you desired.” Creepy. How did he know that’s what I wanted? Well, what else would a woman want on a cold, snowy night: A chilly room and no bathing? I walk in. Paintings everywhere. I could write some serious poetry just based on the faces of the people in those painting. I think creepy has become my general word to describe the entire place. Okay, the door is burled wood and has a skeleton key. He unlocked the room and opened the door. I don’t think there are rooms like this in the most expensive hotels. At least if I die tonight, I’ll be doing it in luxury. There was a fireplace with a roaring fire keeping the room warm. I won’t even say the word, but the fact that it was lit and the door was locked - let’s just leave that one alone. The bed looked like it had a tapestry over it. Stained glass windows showed a glint of moonlight shining in. The tub was Olympic size. The kind that you could have an orgy in. Maybe he’s a vampire. Not a bad way to go. Suck my neck, get some nookie and be undead. Okay, I’ve been reading my sister’s vampire books too often lately. I got closer to the tub to look at the faucet. I have no idea what kind of creature was the spout....wait, Dragon?
“It’s a dragon’s head. The feet holding the glass beneath are the claws of the dragon and the handles are the horns. See, the metal wrapped around the side are wings. Once you get your water good and hot the metal seems to help keep it that way.”
“What, it doesn’t breathe fire to keep it warm?”
“It could if there wasn’t water running through it’s throat, I’m sure.” I looked at his eyes again. Almost an orange. Fire. His eyes looked like fire. Aaaaand he’s looking away from me now. Guess staring made him uncomfortable. I almost asked him to join me in that tub just in case the wings wouldn’t work for me. He could truly keep a woman warm all night. Or all weekend, in my case. If he doesn’t kill me before then. I noticed an ink drawing, just above his head. Trying to break the tension, I opened my mouth.
“Hey, that’s St. George and the Dragon isn’t it? Just as he’s about to kill the beast.” Sinister - whatever grumble that came out of him, it was evil.
“What makes you think St. George is going to win?” At just that moment, I could almost see him on top of me with that feral sound. Our eyes locked. I wanted nothing more than wild animal sex when he looked into my eyes like that. Okay, kill me now before I find that no other man will ever satisfy me again. He only broke eye contact when he moved behind me. I could feel his breath in my ear. My eyes closed instinctively. I felt something around my neck, was it fabric, metal, I couldn’t think with him so close. Going to die now. Damn, no sex. I felt his hands brush over my neck and down my back. “The dragon always wins.” I heard him say it right next to my ear, but when I opened my eyes, he wasn’t there. How long did I stand here that he had time to leave?