Chapter 28

Leona couldn't walk around Hellsalem's Lot in her beast form at first. First, she didn't have any clothes to fit around her wings and tail and refused to do any alterations. She was either stuck wearing her default jumpsuit, or she wore shorts and halter tops. Fortunately, it was summer. Secondly, she attracted too much attention. Too much-unwanted attention. She had tried to go out twice. Two times she was kidnapped. The last time she was kidnapped, she had made it to the auction and was bought by some rich man from overseas! Of course, Libra saved her. They slipped into the auction incognito, dressed up in tuxedoes and dresses. The mission blew up when Klaus had seen her on stage, scantily clad, and being physically appraised by the buyer…

It was safer for Leona to stay at headquarters until she could change herself. It took much precious energy to cast an illusion around her. Her Eyes burned after prolonged use and her regeneration would be constantly healing her eye sockets.

Now, don't get Leona wrong! Her new body had its positives!

She was enjoying her deepened bond with Sonic. He and the other mach monkeys responded strongly to her form. Sonic, Frecks, and Sweets were more obedient than usual. They also loved to snuggle into her chest and in her hair. Before, Glitter was a little stubborn and had to be bribed to do things at times (and it was expensive to gain her cooperation). Leona had a few theories, one of them being they were both females. The other was Glitter was jealous of her. Sonic was her familiar. Sonic adored Leona. Their bond was sealed and entwined through Leona's bite. At most times, Sonic would flee from Glitter and hide with Leona. That didn't make Glitter happy. It had gotten a bit worse and a bit better with her new form. On one hand, Glitter responded to Leona's authority better. Leona was now a larger, stronger female "monkey". Her influence over Glitter had increased a bit. On the flipside, her form was threatening for it was attractive to Sonic and other male monkeys.

(Klaus had issues with that too. Leona had at times get caught in a Mexican stand-off between her boyfriend and familiar.)

Others could touch her wings and her hands. She was okay with Mr. Abrams and Dr. Estevez, who studied and touched her purely for scientific and medical purposes. It made Leona nervous when others would caress her arm-fur. Wings, she was a little okay and understood their fascination. So long as their hands didn't touch her back and around the base of the wings.

The tail was out of the question! No one touched that! It was attached to her butt, so it was an extension of the butt. Nope. No touch! Zapp was socked in the eye by her tail when he tried to make a grab for it.

Her hands were fine. Her pads or "black beans" as K.K. dubbed them were a source of entertainment and even stress relief for some of the members. Even Steven liked to press into the soft-plush texture. It helped him de-stressed.

Klaus had free-reigned over her body. He was her lover. It was a perk that Klaus enjoyed. When he embraced her, his hands would bury themselves in the thickest part of her feathers. They would travel to the center of her back and caressed the base of the wings, making her coo and ruffle her feathers in pleasure. Klaus was the ONLY person who could play with her tail! But only in private. Once, he had innocently reached out and stroked her tail in a firm-gentle grip from the base. Leona's knees had gone weak and she collapsed to the floor, her body flooded with a rush of endorphins. Both were embarrassed when the others would bring it up and teased them.

Steven counted that as a strike. Accidental or not.

Zapp had named her tail her "ass-dick". He used crude gestures of stroking his behind. Leona made his eyes cross for over an hour.

Petting her fur was also a private thing. Arms were okay to do in public. Her fuzzy thighs and legs… closed doors.

Klaus adopted K.K.'s term, "black beans", and liked to poke and touch Leona's pads. Leona had to walk barefoot. She tried to wear shoes, but they didn't fit because of the "beans". Curiously, Klaus liked the "beans" on her feet than her hands. He would pull Leona's feet to his lap and play with her feet and toes. Leona fell deeper in love with Klaus when he started massaging her feet. His hands worked miraculous wonders and made her body melt. One day, Klaus went further…

"I love touching your feet," Klaus confessed.

Leona moaned. She was wearing a tie-on halter top with comfy, cotton sporty shorts. Klaus was wearing a simple cotton shirt and sweatpants, his hair down without hair gel. It was a lazy Sunday afternoon on their shared day-off. Klaus sat on his end of the couch, sitting properly on the loveseat, back to the backrest. Klaus made a pleased hum and brought her toes to his lips.

"Such lovely toes. Adorable little beans…" he kissed each one.

Leona giggled. Her foot was lowered to his lap to used two hands to flex and pressed into the plushest part of the ball of her footpad. A current thrummed from the sole of her foot and to the top of her head. Leona arched her back off the armrest she leaned against. Her wings were half-open.

"K-Klaus?"

"Mmm?" He pressed his thumbs into a pressure point.

"O-oh….um…."

Leona whimpered. The heat of her core sparked to life. Tingling sensations tickled between her legs. Klaus grunted and dug into her foot. Leona had to hold on the seat's cushion to keep her sanity.

"Klaus…"

Klaus was lost to her foot. He was determined and completely focused on her foot. Until Leona's cry startled him. Brought back to reality, he whipped his head toward Leona.

"Leona? Are you okay? Did I hurt you…?" He blinked.

Leona whimpered and squeezed her thighs and knees together. Her feet were drawn away from him. Her head turned away from him.

"… Did I make you climax?"

Leona's flush increased. "I'm sorry! I'm weird!"

"No, no, love. I'm delighted! I like looking and touching your feet. I'm glad that you've let me indulge and I am assured that you enjoyed the attention. I'm sure you thought it strange that out of all parts of your body, I'm most attracted to your feet. Even with your new form, your feet are still number one in my eyes of beauty."

Klaus reached for her feet and stretched them out. He parted them to be able to crawl between her legs. Leona's heart raced as Klaus loomed over her. Her tail twitched nervously. Greens burned as they roamed over her body. Hot hands rested on the small of her waist and squeezed. The hands slid down. They outlined her hips and smoothed over the fur. Leona purred deep from her throat as his nails combed over the fur.

"I love your body, Leo. It's cute and tiny, and quite sensuous. My beautiful living doll."

"I'm more like an oversexualized stuffed animal…"

"I love your new extremities." Klaus chuckled, "So many new ways to please you."

Klaus pressed a kiss to her lips. He left her whimpering as he kissed down her face. He kissed and nipped along the line of her throat. Further down pressed his lips against her rapidly-beating heart. He nuzzled his face between her breasts. Leona laughed aloud when he shook his head vigorously between them. Leona pushed his head down, away from her breasts. Klaus kissed her bellybutton twice. He kissed along the hemline of her shorts. When he pulled away and stared between her legs, Leona remembered that she was wet and soaked her bottoms. She tried to hide it, but he held her open by her thighs. Leona trembled as Klaus kissed both sides of her inner thighs while keeping his eyes on her center. He licked his lips, his eyes turned hungry.

"Leona," he darted his eyes to her face.

His body was blazing.

"I want to make love to you. May we?"

"Hell yes."

A rush of wind woke Leona's from the hot and heavy replay of her first time with Klaus. Sonic squeaked as he clings to her shoulder. Leona was brought completely back to present reality at the horrendous sound of bones breaking. It was sad, that Leona knew exactly the sound of bone breaking. Living in Hellsalem's Lot, you start to recognize certain things by their sound. She blinked and saw a nearly invisible skyfish's long, heavy eel-like body crash in the middle of Gilbert's back. Her mouth opened and screamed at the sight of the poor old butler's spine shattered!

Leona cried and sobbed in the office. Sonic sat beside her as he held a box of tissues and held one out to her.

"It's all your fault, Miss 'All-Seeing-Eyes-of-the-Gods'!" sneered Zapp. "What were you doing? Daydreaming!?"

Leona's face was already red from shame and crying, she sobbed and grabbed a tissue.

"I'm sorry! I'm so sorry, waaaaaaah!"

"Now, now, Miss Leona. It's really not bad at all."

Gilbert stood with more bandages wrapped around him and a neck brace. He stood straight and tall. His gloved hands clasped behind his back.

"Please, Miss Leona, don't cry." His voice was soothing in its grandfatherly tone, "I'm fine…"

CRACK! Gilbert made a pained sound and collapsed to the floor. Leona and Zapp screamed, but, there was nothing they could do for him.

Within moments, Gilbert received a call on his cell. On the line was the Head Maid of the Reinherz Household. She had been informed of Gilbert's injuries by Klaus himself. Klaus had attempted to play it off, but he couldn't hide it from the maid. Despite the poor butler's protests, the head maid had already sent another butler to provide aid until Gilbert was fully recovered.

"PHILIPPE LENORE, AT YOUR SERVICE!"

Philippe Lenore was a much younger butler. He was around Leona and Zapp's age, with long dark hair, with a stylish flip of hair over his left eye. His voice boomed through the office. Leona's ear twitched. She had heard the window panes rattled. Of course, he wore a suit in addition to a bowtie and white gloves. The uniform of a butler. Gilbert welcomed his fellow butler warmly. The older butler intended for the young butler to merely assist him as he performed his main duties… but then, his back went out at the wrong moment and crumbled to the floor. Leona started to cry, Klaus wasn't sure whether to provide aid to his butler or comfort his distressed girlfriend. At Philippe's insistence, he was to cover all of Gilbert's duties. Gilbert's only duty was to himself and on recovery from his great injury.

"It is my job as a Combat Butler!"

Leona learned that Phillippe and Gilbert were from an organization of trained butlers or maids that not only aggressively trained to perform domestic duties with mistakes but were also trained to fight to protect their superiors. It was a job they took great pride. Which was why it being hard for Gilbert to let another butler takeover. In the end, so as not to worry his young master and to ease Leona's guilt, he consented and allowed Phillipe to take over.

Phillipe was very pleased with the opportunity to step into Gilbert's shoes. He made Klaus' tea. To the surprise of Libra, Klaus accepted his tea! Klaus didn't drink any other tea other than tea prepared by his trusted butler. Even Mr. Starphase was impressed. Leona understood. Gilbert's tea could never be duplicated… until Philippe's arrival. When Zapp crashed into the office with his wrist hanging by a thread of skin, Phillipe cleaned the injury and provided top-notch first aid until a doctor could be called. He was purely devoted to serving.

Unknown to the others, Philippe was not only there to help the young master. Back in Germany, before he had left for his flight to Hellsalem's Lot, Philippe was summoned by the head of the von Reinherz. Lady Bernadete von Reinherz. Her ladyship suspected that her baby son, Klaus, was acting weird. He was hiding something from her and not matter how much she tried to pry, Klaus' tongue didn't give away, but his body language gave it away and it bothered her greatly. She needed to know what her baby boy wasn't telling her. If he wasn't going to be honest with the woman that gave him life and had personally carried (literally) "Lucky" Abrams to save her darling baby boy, her precious Bärchen, then she was going to have to be sneaky! Bernadete ordered Philippe to find out what her baby boy, her baby Klaus, was hiding!

Of course, he couldn't say no. Philippe felt odd about having to serve two masters. What would Mr. Gilbert have done if he was in this scenario?

It was simple to simply watch Mr. Gilbert's charge. He had to tend to Young Master's Klaus' needs. He was familiar with the roster of Libra. There was Young Master Klaus' right-hand, best friend, and brother in arms, Mr. Steven Alain Starphase. Then there was K.K., who was like an older sister to the young master. She was happily married and delighted over her two sons. Miss Chain Sumeragi, who worked with the Werewolf Bureau. Zapp Renfro, the user of the Blood Dipper Style along with the strange man that was part fish, Zed O'Brien. However, Philippe became interested in the young woman.

Leona Watch, the holder of the Eyes of the All-Seeing Gods. Her eyes allowed her to see the truth, even abled her to see the names of Blood Breeds for the young master to easily seal them. Philippe was stunned when he had learned that Leona was a blood breed herself. He was told this by Gilbert and it was later proven when Leona had removed her hoodie to reveal her crimson wings. After he had been warned about her true nature, Philippe had to believe it when his sharp eyes noticed that Leona didn't cast a reflection. Being a part of the Reinherz household, nothing was secret from the servants. The Reinherz family trusted their servants and were treated like family. Philippe was aware of the incident that changed young master Klaus' forever and in so many ways. It was shocking to Philippe that the young master would trust a Blood Breed and allow her to be in his presence. The young master was very kind to the young, cursed woman. Very, very unusually kind. When she entered the office, the young master would stand and bow to her, with a soft smile. The young woman would return his smile and greeted him warmly. Philippe got to know Leona himself when Gilbert had her help the young butler run errands through the city. From the start, Leona insisted that he call her just Leona. No Miss.

Hellsalem's Lot was an incredible city. It was also incredibly terrifying. He was amazed that Leona and the average people could live in such a fantastic and chaotic city. Philippe learned about Leona and how she became a Blood Breed. He admired the woman who braved the abuse and retained her kindness and goodwill. Even after she escaped she tried to live her life as normal as possible, she didn't flee but stayed. Leona took him to her favorite eatery and place of work. He was introduced to her friend, Vivian (who was also Mr. O'Brien's lover).

"So, I see you finally walked out your limp," Vivian grinned impishly.

"Vivian!" Leona shouted and blushed.

"Hey, you were limping for days, with that big smile on your face! I guess the Lot helped you with your tolerance of pain in the best sort of way…"

"I swear if you don't be quiet!" Leona hissed.

Philippe coughed and focused his attention on the menu. So, Leona had a lover. Strangely, his name hadn't been mentioned. Philippe wondered if it's anyone among Libra. Mr. O'Brien was immediately crossed out. Leona was a small woman, so any man that is much taller than her would cause her to…limp. Zapp was not the one. Zapp was a crude man and often teased Leona mercilessly. Sometimes the young master, Mr. Starphase, or Miss Sumeragi would discourage him. Leona cared about Mr. Starphase and respected him. But appeared their relationship didn't go any farther than that. At times, Leona seemed cautious of the man or rather concerned about him. Was it possible that… no, not the young master. Perhaps her lover is someone outside of Libra. Then again, love made the young masters of the von Reinherz strange. The young masters were currently in relationships. The eldest is newly married and had children. There was a rumor that the oldest may propose to his lover soon. A few of the younger servants and some older servants had taken bets. Lady von Reinherz was very concerned for her youngest. She had feared that no woman would take the chance to get to know him despite his frightening features. Leona had shown no fear and is very warm to the young master. Could it be?

After they had left Dianne's they had bumped into a strange man. A Beyondian, the term for beings from the Beyond, Phillipe learned. He had roughly bumped in Leona and most rudely didn't apologize. Leona was not at fault, but she apologized.

"Hold it right there!"

"Huh, Philippe? Wait, it's no big deal!"

But the butler stopped the Beyondian, "Give back the lady her wallet that you had stole!"

Quickly, the Beyondian pulled out a gun from his trench coat, yet before he could point it. Philippe moved as quick as lightning. He disarmed the man, tripped him and put in him a hold, pulling his arm across the man's back. The Beyondian flopped about like a fish, slapping is free on the concrete.

"Alright, alright! I'll give it back!"

When the wallet was released, the Beyondian was set free and he scrambled away. Philippe presented Leona her wallet. Leona's smiled and gazed upon the butler in awe.

"Wow! That was amazing! You didn't have to do that really but thank you!"

Philippe fought his blush down. Truly, when Leona smiled it was quite lovely. It tickled him with pleasure of being praised by her.

"Of course, I had to do it. You are a member of Libra and that warrants my protection of you!"

"I do appreciate it, but…" Leona pulled out her pockets of her hoodie.

There were zippered pockets sewed into the lining, "I get mugged a lot, so I've learned to hide my spending money. My wallet has some pocket change, that's all."

Philippe stared in surprise. "But, you are a vampire! You're strong enough to fight nearly anyone off!"

"I can. Which is why I don't. Yeah, I can easily tear somebody apart, break their limbs, and what-not. But, I don't like hurting people. I'm still learning to control my strength. So, I avoid fighting unless it's a life-or-death scenario."

Leona was an amazing woman. She had the heart of a Reinherz!

At the end of the day, Philippe went to a bar for a drink. After Leona had shown him about the city, Philippe had returned the office and had come upon Gilbert sitting before a now hidden computer system. Philippe was no fool, he knew that it was there. Gilbert had been doing work for Libra. Philippe asked and begged for Gilbert to teach him! But the older butler refused. He explained to the young butler that if he gained any further knowledge of Libra, his brain would be worth millions. The world of Hellsalem's Lot was not like any ordinary world. There were beings beyond his imagination that could kill people who barricade themselves inside armor tanks and had their hearts removed. Philippe didn't have the necessary skills to survive in this city. He would become a victim of it. Like Leona. Mentioning Leona, he thought about her. She came to Hellsalem's to cure her young brother's eyesight and/or his legs. Even after she became a Blood Breed she stayed and joined Libra not just to provide aid to them, but also gain access for a possible cure. She was an admirable woman. Almost like Mr. Gilbert F. Altstein. Mr. Gilbert was a legend among combative butlers. He was able to serve the young master, who had dedicated his life to protect the world from dangers of the Beyond. Philippe wanted to of help to them, to be part of their noble goal.

But perhaps it was as Mr. Gilbert said. Perhaps, he wasn't ready…

Philippe passed out over the counter of the bar. When he had blacked out, the scenery around him turned to flesh and swallowed him. The bar he had entered wasn't a bar at all, but a Beyondian who was acquainted with the Beyondian Philippe had caught trying to steal Leona's wallet. The Beyondian that captured Philippe was able to read the young man's mind. At first, he was assisting the thieving Beyondian information, so he could kill the man, and all associated with him. To there surprised, they found out that he was a member of Libra! The Beyondian thief came up with a lucrative idea.

The Beyondian sold Philippe to a gang of Beyondians. After some surgery, they removed his brain and implanted device to control his body remotely. Using the information from his brain, they directed him to Libra's HQ. He passed Leona and Zapp, who were fighting over a burger. Zapp was taking advantage of Leona and had swiped her burger. Sonic would help but, he hoped that the burger would be dropped, and he'll be able to swipe it. Leona paused in their fight greet the butler. Leona took a second longer as she observed Philippe. He passed Zed who greeted him, but the butler didn't return the greeting. Zed noticed that something was strange about the butler as well. Philippe went to access the hidden computer when he was stopped by Gilbert who came from behind and tapped in a code on his back. Leona and Zed had warned Gilbert that something was wrong about Philippe, the older butler took over and investigated. Philippe's brain was held captive. Gilbert took it upon himself to save his fellow butler with the assistance of Leona, Zapp, and Zed.

A lot was revealed during Philippe's recuse. Gilbert revealed that he was indeed a legendary combative butler. More than that, he was a regenerator. Even after nearly being cleaved in half by a sword, Gilbert remained alive and disposed of the Beyondian that held Philippe's brain. Both Gilbert and Philippe were placed in the hospital. Philippe scolded Gilbert a bit. The old butler should have told the household that he could regenerate! Philippe's brain was restored; however, part of his face was reconstructed with an elegant metal plate. Philippe now understood that Hellsalem's Lot was truly not your average city and that it was incredibly dangerous. It took more than strength to be able to survive.

"Um, Mr. Altstein…?"

"Yes, my friend, what is it?"

"… There was another reason for me being sent here. Lady von Reinherz believes that her son is hiding something from her. I was ordered by her ladyship to find out what he is hiding. After some watching I have realized that could it be that Leona and the Young Master are lovers?"

"Oh, hohoho, they are indeed. They became an official couple on his birthday and into the New Year."

"I see… what advice do you have for me in this situation? I don't want to reveal something that the young master may want to keep secret… yet, I have my orders from her ladyship…"

Gilbert chuckled and laughed again, "Oh, my dear boy. That is a very delicate position. Hmm, you just have to find a way to keep both our lady and the young master happy. That's all the advice I'll give you, it's up to you on how to keep that balance between privacy and giving out information. If you do decide to tell her, I only ask that you omit that Leona is a Blood Breed."

Phillippe nodded, "I understand."

Leona purred as she watched Klaus at the kitchen sink of his home. There something strangely attractive seeing a man with his sleeves rolled up behind his biceps and washing dishes. Klaus hummed as he cleaned off their plates of a meal that he had cooked himself for their dinner. It was a deliciously delightful to learn that Klaus could cook as well! Klaus looked over his shoulders.

"Leona, you're purring."

"Yeah," she admitted with a grin.

"I'm glad that you've enjoyed my cooking."

"I sure did! Don't mind me! I'm just enjoying the view."

Leona opened her eyes and took Klaus' form before resting on his backside. Klaus blushed and with finesse placed the last dish in the dish racked. He dried his hands and leaned over the counter to be nose-to-nose with his girlfriend.

"Well then, my pet, now that dinner has been cleaned up. Are you ready for dessert? Mr. Kirishima had grown some fresh strawberries. He had given me so many, I'll need help eating them all."

"Strawberries, huh? I do love strawberries. They're so juicy and red."

"Indeed, they are, darling," Klaus growled low. "You do like red, do you not?"

"Mmmhmm, they remind of a big, red man that I love more than strawberries!" she blushed.

"Do you now?" Klaus shared her blush. "I love red too, from time to time, the love and light of my life, her eyes would turn red."

Leona giggled, "All this talk of red is making hungry again, Klaus. I'll be waiting for you and those strawberries," her eyes glowed in their favorite color.

Leona swayed out of the kitchen. Klaus watched her go until she disappeared. He snorted with excitement. He calmly took the cleaned and cut strawberries in a bowl out of the fridge and a tub of sweet cream cheese. With long strides of his legs, he made it to his room. The door was shut softly, and a squealing giggle and a rumbled chuckle were heard behind the door.