60 BC
"You look beautiful…" A hoarse voice stated as the frosty morning air blew through Quinn's long flaxen hair.
Tears formed in Quinn's dark hazel eyes as she looked at herself in a piece of polished metal. Flowers clung to her hair which swept over her porcelain shoulders. Dark, cold eyes greeted her in the polished metal as heavy footsteps made their way close to Quinn.
Most girls dreamt of this day…
"Your husband will be so please"
Heavy hands grasped Quinn' shoulders as the once dark, cold eyes now wrinkled. A proud smile caressed the older man's face as his eyes traced over Quinn. Quinn's bottom lip started to quiver as her legs started to give way. How could her own father expect this of her? All just to merge strong blood lines?
VIKINGS….
Yes… her father was cursed to only have one daughter, but to marry that one daughter of to some warrior. Okay… He was not just some warrior… he was the strongest, bravest warrior; blessed with the title of Dragon. A berserk warrior… A bloody-thirsty thane. He had riches, women and fame… yet the Dragon craved the one thing he shouldn't have… Quinn. But Quinn's father had finally given in… breaking Quinn's wishes because of pride and tradition.
"Please…" Quinn whimpered as her emotions started to claw through her chest.
"Not again Quinn..." Her Father pleaded in vain "I thought you'd be proud to do your duty"
Quinn closed her eyes as she moved her hands up to clutch a silver pendent around her neck. Her duty? As woman… A High Chieftain's daughter?
Love…
What a pathetic thought. A hopeless dream…
Yet…It always seemed to wedge its way into Quinn's existence somehow…
"I'm sure she is Ulrich. Most probably just feeling pre-wedding jitters" A sultry female voice said, sending Quinn's stomach into a typhoon of butterflies.
There Love does it again…
Shelby…
Did Quinn Love her? Perhaps…
Or Lust…. Quinn did not care. All she knew was that every time Shelby was near her, Quinn's body crumbled with ease.
"Your father is right though little one. You look beautiful"
One problem? Shelby would always think of Quinn as a little girl.
Shelby was everything Quinn longed to be. Strong, gorgeous, talented… respected. And Quinn knew it wasn't right to crave another woman sexually but every time Shelby looked into Quinn's eyes…. Hmmmmmmmmmmm… Sexual energy practically radiated from every inch of Shelby's body.
Or Quinn could be completely wrong and Shelby wanted nothing more than friendship from Quinn…
Then why all the lingering stares and lip biting?
"She addresses you Quinn. Show some respect" Quinn's father hissed softly, making a small smile appear on Shelby's lip and a blush to stain Quinn's cheeks.
Quinn turned around slowly. This couldn't possibly get worse. Two pairs of dark eyes looked at Quinn as she stood in front of them, dressed in fine linen to show her high rank within the Viking community. Quinn watched as Shelby's eyes roamed across her body, practically undressing Quinn with a mischievous smile. And Quinn couldn't help but smile back as she tried to still the raging typhoon in her clenched stomach. Shelby's dark hair hung onto her shoulders, circling her strong yet beautiful face. Quinn secretly wished that Shelby had come here to save her… but Quinn knew that Shelby was only here on her father's request.
"Thank you Shelby" Quinn finally said, before Quinn looked up at her father which stood almost three heads taller than her.
The fiery rebellion which ran through Ulrich's bloodline should've prepared him for Quinn's stubborn reaction to the wedding, but Ulrich secretly hoped that Quinn would see that this was in her best interest. Ulrich would not be here forever so he had to ensure that his daughter would be taken care of….
"Ulrich would you mind giving me and your daughter a second? I would like to speak to her privately" Shelby said as a warm, friends smiling gracing her lips.
"Ofcourse" Ulrich said without a second thought.
He reached out for Quinn's hand before pulling it to his lips, kissing it gently. If only Quinn knew how much he loved her. Maybe Shelby could make Quinn see that this wedding was a blessing… not a curse. Ulrich didn't exactly want to drag his daughter down the aisle. Both women watched as the burly Viking walked out of the room, leaving them both to their own thoughts.
"You make a beautiful bride" Shelby finally stated, interrupting Quinn's thoughts.
Quinn smiled once more unable to think of anything intelligent to say. It was rare to silent Quinn but somehow Shelby managed it with ease. Quinn had come to accept the effect which Shelby had on her ever since they had first met when Quinn's father moved his campaign to this new land. Shelby had been a local native and wealthy land owner within these lands. Ulrich and Shelby had come to an agreement to avoid unneeded raids and war. They had become friends throughout the process though…. So Quinn had to come to terms with her "Little crush".
"You do know your father is just looking out for your best interest" Shelby said as she saw that Quinn was not very forthcoming with conversation.
Quinn rolled her eyes before turning around once again to look at herself in the mirror. Quinn couldn't believe Shelby had just sided with her father.
Silence followed before Shelby made her way to Quinn. Shelby ran her fingers over Quinn's shoulder as they stood in silence. Shelby couldn't explain her draw to this young girl but all Shelby knew was that it was unhealthy to feel such desires. Quinn tried to hold her composure as she felt the feathery touch of Shelby's on her skin. Quinn had always dreamt of such an intimate moment, she just didn't expect it to be on her own wedding day.
"Though sometimes Fathers' see their ambition and pride as your best interest" Shelby whispered before laughing softly.
Quinn could see Shelby in the polished metal in front of her. Quinn couldn't help but once again praise Shelby's beauty internally, secretly wishing that Shelby had come here to declare her desires for Quinn…. But that was nothing more than a young girl's fantasy. Quinn let out a sigh before turning around to face Shelby once more….
"It's my duty" Quinn said, her tone filled with morbid death.
"Your duty?" Shelby whispered as she let her hands wonder to the silver pendent that Quinn wore. "To be married to a warrior who will have no regard for you? Because you are nothing more than a trophy to be collected like the deer heads on his wall?"
Quinn found it hard to concentrate as Shelby's fingers started to trace Quinn's skin around the pendent instead of the pendent itself. But even through Quinn's clouded thoughts she knew that Shelby was right.
"I will do what my father commands" Quinn said with heartbreaking finality.
Shelby's eyes shot up to meet Quinn's dark hazel eyes before a small smile graced her lips once more.
"Or you could come with me" Shelby whispered, catching Quinn off-guard.
Go with Shelby? To where? Ulrich would hunt them both down and punish them for their treachery. Could Quinn take the risk? Risking not only her life but Shelby's aswell?
"I can't" Quinn replied before moving her hands over Shelby's trying to stop the fire which now stated to course through her young body.
"I don't think I could stand sharing you someone else" Shelby stated plainly, reminding Quinn of a stubborn child.
"That would imply that I belong to you" Quinn answered.
"Some part of you does Quinn. I've seen you look at me… Longing in your eyes"
Shelby moved closer to Quinn, closing the small distance between their bodies. Quinn couldn't help but let a small sigh escape her lips as every fantasy she dreamt of came true before her. Yes, Shelby had flirted with her occasionally but to propose such deceit was unheard of.
"My father will kill us for such treachery" Quinn whispered as her eyes danced between Shelby's eyes and lips.
Would it be so wrong just to wish that Shelby would kiss her?
"Then I will give you immortality" Shelby mumbled
Immortality? Was Shelby losing her mind? Immortality was only held for great warriors in Valhalla and those with virtuous deeds. This was far from virtuous.
"Immortality to ponder on how I betrayed my family?" Quinn stated as a tingling sensation started to course through her body the closer Shelby's lips came to hers.
"Immortality to be with me" Shelby whispered against Quinn's lips before their lips found each other in a soft, yet passion-filled kiss.
Quinn couldn't help but moan as fireworks started to explode throughout her body. Never had her body felt such pleasure or want… but Quinn knew this was wrong. Every fibre of her body screamed out it out, but desire numbed her common sense.
"Come with me" Shelby breathed out as she pulled away from Quinn's lips.
"It would be wrong" Quinn finally said, trying to talk herself out of her desire to leave with Shelby.
"The guilt will disappear over the centuries" Shelby argued, irritation evident in her voice.
Why couldn't Quinn just say yes? Shelby refused to share Quinn with anyone… Why couldn't Quinn see that?
Quinn pulled away as Shelby's words started to scare her. Immortality? Centuries…. Shelby had to be mad to even believe in such things. No human was suppose to be live forever…. Not amongst the living anyway.
"I cannot Shelby. My place is with my father." Quinn stated with finality "And my husband"
Fury gripped Shelby's body as she pulled away from Quinn in anger. Was Quinn listening to herself? This was stubborn stupidity and Viking grooming… nothing more. What was honour? Nothing more than a term thrown around so that people would follow blindly. Shelby had had enough of this…. Quinn would go with her. Willingly or not…
"Then I pray you forgive me one day for this" Shelby replied.
Shelby's figure moved to quickly for Quinn to grasp what was happening. What sorcery was this?
"Hmpft" escaped Quinn's lips as Shelby grasped her body in a tight hold suddenly.
Quinn struggled with all her might to break-free from Shelby's death hold but it was in vain for Shelby's strength rivalled any warriors Quinn had ever felt. Quinn tried to scream for help but terror dumbed her tongue. Where was the beautiful woman which had just kissed Quinn… Quinn did not know. But what now stood before her was a beast, a monster. Shelby's face had contoured into a demonic beast with long teeth and amber eyes. Could this be the beast which her father had told her stories about? Before anymore thoughts could run through Quinn's mind, a sharp pain exploded in her throat. Shelby teared at Quinn's throat with little regarded making Quinn cry out in pain. Shelby muffled Quinn's cries though before darkness started to grip at Quinn's consciousness. Quinn could feel her blood leaving her body as sleep beckoned her to the darkness. Quinn wanted to fight. Wanted to push Shelby away but…. Her body went limp in Shelby's arms.
"You'll thank me one day" Shelby whispered softly as Quinn finally closed her eyes.
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"AAAAAHHHHHHHHHH"
Pain exploded through Quinn's body as high pitched cries sounded through her head, making her grip her head. Every inch of her body burnt as her body contoured on the satin covered sheet slung to her body. The last thing Quinn remembered was Shelby's attack and then she had found herself locked away in this room. She had not seen anyone since she had awoken… that was three hours ago and since then? She had been crying out in pain as spasms and headaches wreaked havoc on her body. Quinn couldn't define the burning pain which course through each one of her veins, all she could define was the dark hunger which seemed to consume her. Tears ran from her eyes as her nails clawed into the mattress of straw under her. What had Shelby done to her?
Finally the pain subsided… leaving Quinn panting on the bed. Sweat covered Quinn body and matted her hair against her skin. Was this the immortality which Shelby spoke of? The Immortality which Quinn refused? Was this Quinn's punishment…
"I'm glad to see you're awake" Came the sultry voice of Shelby's
How did she get in here? How long had she been in here?
Quinn's wild eyes search the room until they finally fell onto the beautiful figure of Shelby's. Quinn instinctually tried to escape but Shelby got to her before Quinn could even move a finger. Shelby straddled her effortlessly, pinning Quinn to the bed.
"Don't make this harder than it has to be Quinn" Shelby purred.
"What's happening to me" Quinn gasped as her throat burnt.
Shelby brushed Quinn's matted fringe away unconsciously.
"You are turning" Shelby said plainly before looking down at Quinn.
Turning? Turning into what exactly? When Shelby saw the confusion on Quinn's face she smiled slightly. Shelby remembered how naïve she had been when she was turned. Shelby would just have to give Quinn a bit of time to comprehend the change.
"You are turning into an immortal my love." Shelby continued.
Quinn turned her face as she realized the meaning behind Shelby's words. After a few moments of silence Shelby let out a laboured breath.
"You know. You could show some gratitude" Shelby growled like a child, obviously not impressed that Quinn stunned her for her decision.
"For turning me into a monster?" Quinn whispered as self-loath started to fill her head.
"For turning you in a god" Shelby sneered.
"Do you know the price I will pay for such treachery?" Quinn growled. "I know the stories of your kind. Blood-thirsty killers which fed on the innocent"
Shelby got off Quinn with lightning speed as Quinn's words dealt a brutal blow to her. How dare this young girl judge her so quickly?
"And you think your father's campaigns don't kill the innocent Quinn?" Shelby growled. "I'm just giving you a chance to live up to your Viking heritage. You'll be a cold-blooded killer like they were."
Shelby made her way to the locked door before suddenly coming to a halt.
"Perhaps that would be beautiful poetic justice. You need to feed…. Perhaps you should slaughter your brethren as they have slaughtered countless others. You'd finally earn your Father's pride as a Viking woman." Shelby sneered before disappearing out of the door.
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Night-time fell over the lands as Quinn stared across her small roof to the door. The pain from the transformation had disappear completely only to leave a hunger which could not be satisfied by water or wine. Quinn feared that Shelby would hold true to her word, releasing Quinn onto her own kin to feed. Quinn would refuse though… tame the hungry beast within her. Quinn was more than happy to rot away in this dungeon.
Knock Knock
Gently wrapping on the door stirred Quinn slightly before a small girl walked into Quinn's room. She couldn't have been older than Quinn, but the maturity in her eyes told a different story.
"Shelby asked me to get you washed and dressed for this evening" The girl spoke as her brown doe eyes traced over Quinn's body. "I was wondering why My mother chose you. You are quite beautiful"
The warmth in the voice of the small little brunette caught Quinn by surprise. Was she a monster like Shelby? Quinn couldn't tell but Quinn needed a friend.
"My names Quinn" Quinn mumbled before getting up.
"Rachel. I'm Shelby's daughter" the small brunette said, smiling gently at Quinn. "We should get you washed up for dinner tonight"
The thought of dinner seemed to send a sickening feeling into Quinn's stomach as she remembered Shelby's words. Quinn would rather die than feast on her kinsmen.
"It's not as bad as you think Quinn" Rachel whispered before taking Quinn's hand. "Now let's get you cleaned up. My mother will not be impressed with you being late"
When they got the baths, Quinn undressed slowly and submerged herself in the warm water. The water eased her tensed muscles as she started to relax. Rachel grew silent as she watched Quinn with interest….
"How did you become one?" Quinn asked after a few moments of silent contemplating.
Rachel stayed quiet for a moment before taking a deep breath.
"My mother and her two brothers were cursed by a witch because of my grandfather's lust for power. They became monsters filled will bloodlust with an unending hunger. A plague struck down my village because of the evil which walked on the earth. The plague killed my father and my mother realized the fragility of humanity. When the plague attacked me… my mother turned me."
Quinn was surprised at how quickly Rachel had opened up to her. Why though? Was Rachel as lonely as Quinn was? Or was she just trying to create an illusion of friendship and trust.
"I'm so sorry" Quinn whispered.
"Don't be. My mother was just doing what she thought was best. She is ruled by her emotions but I know she loved me enough to save me." Rachel replied before getting up. "She is impulsive and ill-tempered but she does it out of love not cruelty"
Quinn found herself silent once more as only the sound of water filled the grand marbled hall of the bathing room. Even the sound of Rachel's footsteps had disappeared. Quinn savoured the feeling the solitude….
"I hope I'm not interrupting"
The sultry tone of Shelby's voice woke Quinn up from her idle thoughts before she felt hand start to massage her back gently.
How did Quinn not sense her? In the stories Ulrich told Quinn… After turning you became faster, stronger… the perfect predator. For once in her life… Quinn felt pathetic. Even with Supernatural powers… Quinn was always the damsel in distress.
"Something wrong?" Shelby whispered
"Why did you do this? What am I….. What the hell is going on Shelby?"
Quinn was furious at Shelby but would losing her temper help? It's not like she could go home right? And Rachel was right… Shelby was just trying to save her from a life she didn't want. But would this life be any better? Quinn couldn't help but be cranky though as every thought in her brain cried out in hunger.
"I did it to spare you from a life you didn't want. What are you is a bit harder to explain" Shelby said plainly.
Quinn moved Shelby's hands from her shoulders before turning around. A bit hard to explain? Did Shelby think this was a joke? Quinn's thoughts fell short though as soon as she saw the beauty in front of her. Shelby's hair hung loosely around her as royal blue fabric clung to her body which left little to Quinn's mind. What the hell was wrong with her? Did Quinn seriously still want Shelby… after everything that happened? Quinn turned her eyes away from her desire.
"I am a vampire" Shelby continued "You are between human and vampire. You need to feed to finish the transition. When the sun rises tomorrow and you haven't fed… You will die"
"I will die? THIS I HOW YOU SPARE ME?" Quinn cried out as she turned back to look at Shelby. "This was your amazing idea"
Shelby took a breath before running her hand through her hair.
"Quinn" Shelby said before looking around the room.
Shelby gracefully slid into the bath, keeping her eyes focused on Quinn who crossed her arms around her chest in vain. Trust Quinn to act the perfect little virgin in the strangest of situations.
"I gave you my blood so you could live" Shelby stated as she moved closer to Quinn who once again dropped her head in thought. "I want you to live."
"So I have to fed… On what exactly?" Quinn asked
Quinn could feel the water stir around her until she finally she felt Shelby's hand caress her cheek.
"Blood. human Preferably"
Disgust filled Quinn as she looked at Shelby once more. How could Shelby expect this of Quinn? To become a monster?
"I refuse" Quinn growled, trying to pull away from Shelby.
"Please don't make me do this" Shelby said before Quinn heard another set of footsteps enter the room.
"You can't force me" Quinn cried out as she saw an attractive middle aged come closer to the bath.
Was this Shelby's plan? She was going to force her to feed.
Shelby pushed against Quinn against the wall gently causing Quinn to growl slightly as a new found instinct played through her head. She wanted to dominate Shelby; conquer her. Almost as if her animal instinct was conquering her humanity. Every emotion seemed to intensify as Shelby pinned her… Lust, hunger, anger and bloodlust.
"Calm down young one" Shelby purred in Quinn's ear making Quinn's lust height once again.
Shelby pulled back slightly. This one was going to be a hard one to tame…. Shelby knew what she was getting herself into though. Quinn's strong bloodline would ensure a strong vampire, all Shelby had to do was tame her correctly.
But first….
Shelby looked over her shoulder to the human.
"Please bring our guest some blood Cynthia"
Shelby's eyes then once again returned to her new fledgling, who eyed the human like a born predator. She would have to teach Quinn control of her emotions as she saw lust and hunger floating to the top of Quinn's irises. Shelby could see how the beast took over Quinn's mind. Quinn had no remorse, no guilty… at this very moment… Quinn just had hunger.
As the human drew closer Shelby saw how Quinn tried to fight her instinct, But it was useless…. Shelby knew… Shelby didn't agree with the act of human slaughter though. As the human got closer Quinn got stronger. Shelby had not expected this….
"Calm down Quinn" Shelby stated before Quinn's eyes looked to Shelby defiantly.
Was this a mistake? Shelby questioned as she realised that perhaps she did not research Quinn's bloodline correctly. Newborns were never this strong during transition.
Quinn bared her teeth to Shelby's attempt at domination as her breathing quickening, trying to smell the human. The human's blood….
"Quinn!" Shelby growled before showing her teeth to show dominance.
Quinn retreated from her companion slightly before her eyes fell on the human again, The blood lust evident in her body language.
Shelby pinned Quinn against the wall once again, a bit firmer this time. Vampires were creatures of instinct…. Quinn would have to learn respect before feeding. Shelby couldn't risk a rouge vampire in her domain. Many would think this is strange… but Shelby had become so lonely after all the centuries. Quinn was the first mortal to stir Shelby once again. Was this love? No…. Lust? Perhaps… Shelby just knew that she needed Quinn by her side. And Shelby always got what she wanted….
Quinn closed her eyes in an attempt to calm herself but Quinn could feel the hunger clawing at her mind… her body. The power which jolted through Quinn's body was supernatural as it set alight. Quinn didn't know if she was more turned on or hungry anymore.
Finally the human was close enough for Quinn to touch her and handed Shelby a glass of red liquid. Shelby had spent centuries learning how to control her bloodlust and refused to kill a human. Quinn would learn that too. Quinn eyes the glass curiously before turning back to the human.
"You may go now Cynthia"
Shelby's household was filled with human servants…. And Quinn would have to learn that they were not to be fed upon.
Once Cynthia had disappeared Shelby released Quinn. She handed the glass to Quinn…
"Drink…" Shelby commanded
But Quinn turned away. Once the human had left, Quinn humanity took over once more. Quinn looked horrified at her outburst….
"I cannot be a beast like you" Quinn whispered as tears started to form in her eyes
"Don't make me use your instinct against you Quinn" Shelby said as she started to pull away.
Shelby got out of the pool before turning back to see that Quinn had still not drank her blood. Anger started to gri[ hold of Shelby. Why did Quinn have to be so difficult? Shelby was giving her a gift…. Is this how Quinn thanked her?
"Cynthia!" Shelby yelled out, making the human run into the bathing room.
The human's eyes were wide with worry from her mistress' tone. What had she done wrong? Was the blood sour? As soon as she reached her Mistress, Shelby grasped her tightly before sinking her teeth into Cynthia's neck.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOO" Quinn shouted out in horror.
What had Shelby done?
Shelby pulled away, her mouth coated in glistening red liquid which called to Quinn. Quinn watched as Cynthia's eyes grew glassy.
"I tried to make this easy Quinn…. But I am the master here. You will do as I command" Shelby stated in a cold tone before dropping Cynthia's body to the floor.
The smell of fresh blood sent a euphoria of scents through Quinn as Quinn drew closer without thinking. Shelby watched her intently as Quinn looked up at her... Quinn's eyes radiating in a dark forest green. Quinn nostrils flared as the scent of blood filled her nose…. It was glorious…
Shelby bent down of the baths edge, threading her hands through Quinn's hair. The dark crimson blood which clung to Shelby's lips called in Quinn as she moved close, running her tongue over Shelby's lips tentatively. But hunger took over her once more as Quinn pulled Shelby into a demanding blood-filled kiss…
When Shelby pulled back, Quinn's eyes moved over the still bleeding human's body. Without any hesitation, Quinn attacked the human's body in hunger. Once Quinn had satisfied her bloodlust she turned to Shelby….
Shelby herself couldn't help but feel aroused by the blood which now dripped from Quinn's pouting lips. Shelby was a vampire after all… Just because she had learnt to control her urges didn't mean that she wasn't a monster.
"Is this what you wanted?" Quinn said, her voice thick with malevolence.
Shelby nodded as she felt her body's give into her one desire…. To have Quinn. Before Quinn could utter another words, Shelby's lips found her. Shelby didn't care if Quinn was angry or hated her… Shelby had finally gotten what she wanted. Quinn….
Quinn pinned Shelby to a marble pillar forcefully before she kissed Shelby back. Making Shelby moan in pleasure…. Quinn would make Shelby pay for this. But all that ran through her brain currently was satisfying her desires…. All of them.
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2012
My Life was perfect. Almost surreal… but that's what you would expect from a popular, smart and beautiful Cheer Captain. Right? The hallowed halls of my High School were my dominion. I was praised and worshiped, loved and respected… well feared anyway. I was the Queen… and ordered regular slushy-assaults to insure that no one challenged my ever-ruling hierarchy. All of this would've come to an end though… eventually. I was accepted into University, excited to take on whichever challenges Life chose to throw at me….
But Life is a cruel circus and Fate, a menacing Ring-master.
Even in the last minutes of my dying breathes… Memories of my life play in front of me like twisted, ill-versed movie. The pain in my neck is the only reminded that Reality is still clinging onto me, proving that I'm not dead.
Not yet anyway…
The burning on my throat seems to keep me awake as the feeling in my legs start to disappear. The numbness starts to crawl through my veins, up my torso and through my chest. I can feel my lungs start to restrict as every one of my last few laboured breathes burn with each exhale.
Finally the end of my torture was at hand….
The beating of my heart slows…
5…
Coldness grips my chest as I feel ice crawl up my throat, across my jaw.
4…
Over my lips…
3…
Only the warm touch of metallic liquid still stirred my now brain-dead thoughts.
2…
The warm iron taste caressed my throat.
1….
This was my death.
Silence…
Darkness…
Emptiness…
Or it was suppose to be.
….
My name is Santana Lopez and this is my story….
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