Time, Death & Scar Tissue...

To anyone who has read this far....first of all...Thank you! Second of all....i'm sorry it took so long to update, real life and another story intervened. Enjoy.

psyche b.

49. After the Ball

Just after eleven Kathryn was trying to think of an excuse to leave early. It was the first year that she could remember having a decent time at one of these things and that was due entirely to Lucien's presence. For the first time, she didn't feel like every move she made was calculated to appease one side of the family or the other. It was also the first year that she realized how tiring fun could be. She had finally convinced him that she needed a moment when Minerva approached her.

“Come to the Ladies room with me.” She took Kathryn's arm.

“Grandmother, I just sat down-” Kathryn got up slowly.

“I know that, I was waiting for you to finish your dance.” Minerva smiled at Lucien and tugged on Kathryn's arm. She followed obediently.

The vanity area of the Ladies room was decorated in shades of ivory and rose and Kathryn was mildly surprised that there were only three other women present, and two of those entered with Kathryn and Minerva. One who was in there already had obviously just finished her makeup and she left as they were entering, the other two sat on the opposite side of the room, speaking in quiet tones. Kathryn and Minerva paid no attention to them, although Kathryn did note that she had seen the younger one on an off all evening. It was a little early for a before-midnight make-up touch-up so she and Minerva were able to select chairs next to each other in front of the long mirrors. Minerva patted her hair and dabbed on a bit more lipstick while Kathryn watched in the mirror.

“You didn't want me in here to watch you do your make-up.” Kathryn said.

“Aren't women supposed to travel in packs when they go to the restroom?” Minerva asked, smiling at her granddaughter's reflection.

“You liken that tradition to sheep traveling in flocks.” Kathryn smiled slightly. Minerva stopped and smiled back.

“That's true, I do.” She reached into her bag and pulled out a black velvet box and slid it along the counter to Kathryn. “Since I like being non-traditional I suppose I should go all out.”

Kathryn opened the box and found a simple man's gold ring set with a star sapphire. She looked at her grandmother curiously in the mirror.

“I'm going to propose to Robert tonight.” A flush of color rose to Minerva's cheeks as she said it.

“Propose?” Kathryn whispered, her eyes were wide. “You mean as in propose marriage?”

“Yes.” Minerva smiled.

“But he's asked you to marry him and you've always said no.” Kathryn's head was spinning.

“I know, but I felt like you still needed me. Now, you have Lucien and it's time Robert and I made it official.” She looked at the younger woman curiously. “You are happy about this aren't you?”

“Of course!” She hugged Minerva. “I've always thought you two should get married, I just never thought that you would ask him. Though now that I think about that I'm not sure why.” She laughed.

“I didn't expect to do it myself until just before Christmas.” Minerva closed the box and put it back into her bag.

“When are you going to ask him?” Kathryn had moved from shock to excitement.

“Tonight. I've made arrangements for a suite for after the party. You won't mind having the house to yourself, will you?” Kathryn had never seen Minerva so nervous.

“Of course not! But you have to promise to call when he says yes.” She smiled.

“You sound more certain than I feel.” Minerva laughed.

“Well, you always say I have the family intuition.” Kathryn smiled and touched up her lipstick. “Besides, I've always wanted to help plan your wedding.”

“Most girls your age are planning their own weddings.” Minerva laughed and tried to make a curl behave.

“I never think about that.” Kathryn said after a moment of silence. “I can see myself being with Lucien forever. I just never thought of the whole white dress and church thing.”

“Being together is all that really matters. I wouldn't go through the fuss again, but the paper is very important to Robert for some reason.” Minerva smiled. “I think it's important to his children too.”

“You never mention his children.” Kathryn fixed her lipstick.

“I've only met them a few times and I get the impression that they see me as some kind of interloper. He has a daughter and two sons, all of them around the age your mother would be now.” Minerva began putting things back in her bag. “I suppose if this works out we'll have to bring the families together.” She grimaced slightly.

“That should be interesting.” Kathryn smiled.

“It will be a little slice of Hell.” Minerva got up and Kathryn followed her.

“Honestly Grandmother, I don't know how you maintain such a sunny attitude.” Kathryn laughed.

“A lifetime of practice, dearest.” She smiled led Kathryn back into the crowd. Others had filtered in and out as the two women had been chatting, but neither paid much attention. They didn't notice that the two they arrived with left immediately after them. All four were gone before the curvaceous woman with masses of dark hair piled on top of her head stepped into the vanity area with a look of calculating consternation on her face.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

LaCroix disliked letting Kathryn out of his sight even more than usual, but he saw they were followed by two of Barron's children and it did afford him an opportunity to check his messages. He found a quiet alcove and turned his phone on. He found a text message from Kellen.

“A arr w/o inc.” He looked at the jumble of letters and tried to fit them into words that made sense when read together. After a few minutes he worked out that Amanda had arrived in Chicago without incident. He dialed Kellen's number.

“MacCormack.” The hint of an Scottish accent gave his voice a soft, cultured sound.

“I believe I've broken your code.” He began without preamble. “Amanda has arrived.”

“Code?” He sounded a bit confused. “Oh! Sorry, I get so used to communicating in abbreviations.”

“A voicemail will suffice the next time.” LaCroix couldn't help but keep the smile that crept into his voice. Kellen was about to mark his one thousandth year and in all that time little gave him as much pleasure as learning the latest technology. It was one of the things that made him valuable to LaCroix, the fact that he had moved around a great deal was something else LaCroix appreciated. He knew just about everyone who was worth knowing and had a phenomenal memory for fine detail. “Would you happen to know anything about Barron Schultz?” Kellen was silent for a moment.

“He's not quite as tall as you are, slight German accent?” He said, finally.

“That's him.” LaCroix replied.

“He's been using his title as his first name since having one went out of fashion. He's been involved in no scandals or near scandals that were of his making, there was the incident in Prague, but that was hardly his fault.” Kellen said.

“Prague.” LaCroix tried to figure out precisely what bell was ringing, but it eluded him. “That sounds vaguely familiar.”

“It was a little more than a century ago and I'm certain he doesn't like to talk about it. You'll remember when Josef had his little breakdown.” LaCroix did remember. Mental breakdown was not unusual among the younger members of his community, but by the time one reached the stage of ruling a city coping mechanisms were usually well-established. LaCroix had been opposed to Josef's elevation because he didn't believe Josef had the personality to rule, but the vote had not gone his way. When Josef's actions threatened to expose the existence of the community, the threat had to be neutralized and someone had to be put in his place. Being that Prague was not in his corner of the world at the time he had only heard about the details second and third hand.

“I remember hearing about it.” He scanned the crowd with more than just his eyes, alert for any sign of Kathryn's return.

“Barron is the one who took the reins if the city before Christian was instated. From what I've heard, he managed well, but Christian called in a number of favors and the rest is history.”

“Remarkably accurate for gossip.” LaCroix responded. “How was Barron said to take this demotion?” LaCroix remembered now, but he wanted to know what other's said about Barron. Whoever was chosen must have some kind of respect to begin with, considering the circumstances.

“He expressed his upset, as anyone would, but beyond that he took it in stride. I know most people were impressed, some said he wasn't ruthless enough.” LaCroix heard him sip something. “About Amanda, she's asking to work in club.”

“Doing what?” He was a bit surprised. Work wasn't something that most young ones were eager for.

“She doesn't seem to care. She just feels as though she needs to earn her keep somehow. I told her it was too soon.”

“Good. She has better control than you might expect, but I don't trust her yet.”

“When will you be returning?” LaCroix saw Kathryn and Minerva re-enter the crowd.

“The night of the fifth. We'll talk further then.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

They left the party at a little after three and even though it had truly been a night to remember, Kathryn was ready to go. She remembered getting into the car but the ride back to her grandmother's was a pleasant blur of the motion of the car and Lucien's scent. She stepped out of her shoes in the hall and he helped her off with her coat. Her head spun when he picked her up.

“My shoes.” She protested.

“The housekeeper will take care of them.” He started up the stairs.

“Bridey is at her sister's until after we leave, but I guess they're not going anywhere until tomorrow.” Her arm tightened around his neck.

*~*~*~*~*~*

Freeing a woman's body from constraining layers of clothing was a pleasure that had largely disappeared. LaCroix was not one to let opportunity pass him by, besides, he wanted to give the others time to secure things before his arrival. He had walked into chaos before, but he preferred not to.

“Sit.” Kathryn sat on the edge of the bed while he took off his jacket. He knelt and raised her skirt and petticoat and rolled her thigh high stockings down over her slim legs.

“You don't have to-” She still blushed when he undressed her.

“Hush.” He took her hand and Kathryn stood again. He turned her so that her back was to him and he unzipped the dress. “There was a time when a young woman of your station would have had a personal maid to help her undress after parties.” He pushed the dress down over her shoulders and then over her hips. Kathryn stepped out of it obediently. “Of course she would also have been dressed by the same maid.”

“I don't know if I would like that.” Kathryn said, her voice sleepy.

“Why not?” He unhooked the waist of the petticoat and she stepped out of that as well. He laid it on top of the dress on the loveseat.

“I think I would feel strange having someone else waiting up just to do what I could easily do for myself.” Kathryn held the front of the corset over her breasts. His fingers unlaced the back slowly. He heard her breathing deepen and a small sigh escaped her lips as he eased the restraint on her ribcage. He reached around and started opening the hooks in the front.

“You're very tired, aren't you my Kathryn.” His tone had changed only slightly but the little shudder that went through her body told him that she understood that this wasn't a casual question. Her heart began to beat a little faster. He took the corset away and tossed it next to the dress. Kathryn kept her hands over her breasts.

“Yes.” Her voice was quiet. He pushed her panties down over her hips and urged her toward the bed. He pulled the covers back and moved behind her to unpin her hair.

“Then you should sleep.” He focused on her heartbeat and, tired as she was, she began to fight.

“Not without you.” She was starting to shiver. He unclasped the necklace last.

“Kathryn.” He stroked her shoulders gently, he could feel her resistance dissolving.

“I sleep better with you near me.” She relaxed back against him. LaCroix moved her hair and kissed the side of her neck softly. Kathryn trembled.

“I will be near you.” He cradled her carefully, her heartbeat was slowing, her breathing deepening. “You'll sleep deeply, without any bad dreams or frightening memories to wake you.” His lips found her tender skin again. This time he couldn't resist making a small wound, Kathryn barely whimpered. Her eyes closed fully while he drew her champagne-sweetened blood. He laid her down against his pillows and covered her with the blankets. He could tell she was sleeping.

“You're going to sleep until I wake you, or until tomorrow evening.” His barely audible voice caressed her unconscious. “Either way, you'll wake feeling well-rested and safe.” He kissed the shell of her ear, picked up his jacket and left the house silently. Outside, he found Barron and his children waiting. He saw to it that they had their instructions before he left the party so he only nodded in acknowledgment. Barron and the others melted into shadows outside the house. He disliked trusting others with Kathryn's safety, but he didn't feel comfortable leaving her completely alone either. Because of Barron's subtle efforts Elsbeth's best efforts to separate Kathryn from the group of party-goers had been thwarted. The look of pure hatred on her face as she left brought a small smile to LaCroix's lips. No sense in giving her an opening now.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

LaCroix smelled the carnage in the house long before he entered. The stench of blood, rot and fear that permeated the air outside Elsbeth's brothel was far too faint for a human nose to detect. To a vampire though, it was the same kind of sticky miasma that settled over a corpse-littered battlefield that had begun to bake in the sun. He forced the look of disgust off of his face and tried the door. Finding it unlocked he entered.

The smell was worse inside, but he had expected that. The silence that hung over the interior of the house was almost a palpable presence. He left his winter coat, jacket, waistcoat and tie on a clean hall chair and started to walk further into the house. With the new proximity his nose told him that there were several mortals among the recently dispatched.

“FUCKING BASTARDS!!” Elsbeth's curse shattered the silence. He walked more quickly toward the back of the house and found her in a small room. She was bound to a St. Andrew's cross still wearing the dress she had worn to the party. It was the worse for wear, as was her hair. They were alone in the room, as he had ordered.

“That tongue of yours, Elsbeth.” He approached her and she strained at the cuffs that were holding her, snarling, her fangs bared. “Though I suppose I shouldn't mistake you for a lady. Nice set-up you have here. Very convenient.” He glanced at the canes and paddles that decorated the walls.

“You've made your point, LaCroix.” She hissed, straining against the leather straps and ropes that held her.

“My point?” He walked around her slowly, watching her try to turn her head to keep him in view. She fought against the restraints again.

“Yes. Your point. Call off your dogs.” She whimpered.

“Does this response surprise you?” LaCroix asked. He took out his cufflinks and rolled up his sleeves.

“What did I do? She's still alive, isn't she?” She was trying to get her emotions under control. The seductive look she was attempting was marred by the bright amber of her eyes. He pulled on a pair of leather gloves.

“Not for lack of effort on your part, you were simply inept. You rearranged your life specifically so you would cross paths with Kathryn, even after I told you that I expected you to leave her alone.” He picked up the long wooden stake that had been left nearby. “Was that such a difficult request?”

“I didn't!” She managed to look very sincere.

“You've no reason to lie now, though I know it's against the nature of whores to tell the truth.” He hefted the stake, and saw genuine fear pass over her features. She arched her back and struggled again.

“PLEASE!” He watched her begin to cry. “I'm sorry, I swear I'll do anything you want-”

“It's too late for that, Elsbeth. What I asked of you was simple, and not only did you go out of your way to disobey me, you bragged about it.” She looked stunned, he leaned closer, his eyes fixed on hers, the pointed tip of the stake holding her chin still. “Amanda was a most valuable source of information and she keeps excellent records. You know, keeping your young ones TOO hungry isn't wise.”

“That BITCH!” She arched again.

“Yes, well, a lesson learned too late.” Before she could respond he pushed the long stake up under he ribcage, through her heart and out her back near her shoulder.

“Please,” Her pained whisper reminded him of wind whispering secrets to dry leaves. “I swear I'll leave her alone.”

“Of course you will, Elsbeth.” She struggled weakly. He leaned close. “Perhaps I'm not so weak after all.” With his eyes fixed coldly on hers he twisted the stake, drawing a pained moan from Elsbeth. She struggled for several minutes before the unnatural animation went out of her eyes. He picked up the long, curved blade that had been laid out for him. He moved behind her and severed her head in a single, practiced stroke. He took it as far as the office and tossed it into the room before dressing again.

“Burn it.” He said. Before the door closed behind he he could smell the accelerant, he saw the explosion from the safety of the air, though he didn't stop to watch. He found Barron and the others exactly where he left them.

“You have a plan, I presume.” LaCroix said to him.

“I do.” Barron smiled slightly.

“Then I suggest you implement it. There will be a vote in three months. If you make a success of the transition, you will have my support.” LaCroix responded, eager to get back to Kathryn.

“You will not be sorry.” Barron bowed slightly again.

LaCroix merely nodded and went back inside, folding away the horrors in his mind, cutting them off from the rest of himself.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Kathryn had kicked the covers off and was curled up in the middle of the bed, shivering. He stroked her hip gently and pulled the covers up over her again. She sighed and stretched out again. He showered and then joined her. She snuggled close against him and he tightened his grip.

“You may wake when you wish, my Kathryn.” He whispered, a trembling sigh escaped her lips and she arched against him. His hands wandered slowly over her body and even though she was asleep she pressed against him, her lips brushing the front of his chest. For a few minutes, he simply enjoyed the way she felt in his arms, he was starting to drift off when the phone rang and shattered the silence. Kathryn was struggling to wake, so he answered.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Kathryn heard a phone ring, but the sound seemed very far away. She heard Lucien's voice and she felt him start to rub her shoulder and the world slowly came back.

“Everything's fine.” He reassured whoever was on the other end of the line. Kathryn sat up, feeling more awake. “Hold on.”

“Is that Grandmother?” She reached for the phone. He nodded.

“What happened?” Minerva asked, Kathryn could tell she was upset.

“Nothing, why?” She asked, trying not to sound too out of it.

“Because this is the fourth time I've called. No one's been answering. Didn't you hear the phone ring?” Minerva was calming down now.

“I'm sorry, I guess we were both sleeping so deeply we didn't hear it.” She sat up, the blanket held over her breasts. “Well? What did he say?” She was genuinely excited to know.

“We were thinking of a small ceremony, close family and friends only.” Kathryn could picture the smile on her grandmother's face. She was smiling too.

“Congratulations! I knew he would say yes.” It was all Kathryn could do to keep still. “You're going to be home tomorrow?”

“Yes. I'll give you all the details then. I hope you can get back to sleep now.” Minerva sounded a little concerned.

“We'll be alright. Sleep well, or have fun, whichever.” Kathryn smiled a little.

“You're positively wicked.” Minerva laughed. “Goodnight.”

“Night, Grandmother.” He took the phone from her and she settled against his chest. “I don't understand why we didn't hear the phone.”

“It was a long evening, and I think we both enjoyed more champagne than usual.” His hands floated lightly over her back and Kathryn felt herself melting against him.

“True. It was a wonderful evening.” Her eyes were closed. “Thank you.”

“You're welcome, dearest.” He kissed her forehead gently. “Minerva is alright?

“I forgot to tell you at the party. She proposed to Judge Thayer tonight.” Kathryn couldn't help but smile a little when she felt the surprise move through his body.

“I think it'll take me awhile to get used to your family.” He chuckled softly.

“Good luck. Grandmother surprised me too.” She laughed a little, then kissed the spot over his heart.
“Were you sleeping well?” He asked.

“I don't know.” She yawned and let him shift her body so that he could lay behind her. “It was like I was in bubble. There was something outside trying to get in, but I don't know what it was.”

“I'm sure it was nothing important.” He kissed the shell of her ear softly. At that moment, responding didn't seem important to Kathryn either, his closeness was all that mattered.