Blood Haven

Blood Haven.

(Prologue)

The state of Louisiana was known all over the world as The Big Easy. Let the good times roll, and may they never came to an end. People took life by the horns and lived as richly and deeply as they could. They had good reason to, because one never knows what the next moment may bring; what dark and untold dangers waited at the next corner or what the price of the next breath of life would be.

If Louisiana was the big easy, then New Orleans was the drum that kept to the rhythm of the heart. The daylights pulsed with the reverberating beat of a thousand souls and the nightlife was an endless carousel. Beauty was a by-word because the very air blew with the redolence of splendor.

Yet underneath the extravagance and the open and oft surprising generosity of spirit among the people, lay an unfathomable depth and darkness that could not be mistaken. There was emptiness, and an undying hunger that pervaded the very air. There was a subtle ring of danger and menace that could not be ignored. Even at the height of the galore people found themselves hesitating, a sixth sense awakening, a faint tingle of the spine that lasted but for a few moments before disappearing, masked again by the distraction of the moment. Those who were born on the land knew it and knew it well; In Louisiana, 'tread carefully' was no trite advice. In Louisiana ran every spectrum, and all the paradoxes of humanity. There was light, and darkness, and all the shade of gray in the middle. There was life and death, and every kind of existence in between.

It was in the middle of summer, in the year 1920. For the rest of the world, it was the beginning of the end. For some, in another world, it was the end and a beginning.

It was raining ‘like there was no tomorrah’, a native would say. The winds drove on furiously, thunder and lightening holding a frightful display of nature’s power in the sky and on land. The cold drove into the bones, chilling the very marrows of life.

Yet the nightlife went on as usual. The clubs and speakeasies still held their nightly ritual; for as they said, a little rain and wind ain’t gonna stop the bosses from calling. The traffic on the streets wasn’t quite as heavy because people, determined as they were, had to brave through the driving winds to get to their destinations. Tomorrow they may pay the price for their debauchery; they may lie in bed stricken with illness and even death, but tonight there was still life and life was for the living.

It was a club like any other club, standing amidst a row of other household establishments, in a street much like every other in New Orleans. The lamppost blazed with a welcoming light while slow and familiar blues could be heard from within. The sign read 'Blood Haven' and it was open for business on this rainy evening. Except that the clientele was quite unique. In fact, it was one of very few clubs in the whole country with such a make up of customers. Its existence was an open secret in the quarters; for as long as there has been a history in New Orleans, the people have had knowledge of their presence.

The were-shifters, who resembled that of any other person except in the light of the full moon; the Seelie who were also known as Faerie folk; and the undead who walked among the living. Blood Haven was made more unique by the fact that this was the only place where one could find all of the population who were not quite human. Only the expert eye could decipher and read the symbols etched on the door post and lintel, written in a language long dead and lost, yet innately understood by all. It was a binding and magical code to which all were expected to adhere.

All were welcome in Blood Haven and no one was ever turned away. It was a refuge wherein there was no prejudice or persecution. There was no violence or oppression, no fear of the prey or predator. It was just a place where everyone, living and undead, human or otherwise could stop running. Blood Haven was built as a sanctuary and was recognized and protected by those in the corridors of power. Friends and bitter foes alike could sit eye to eye on the same table; outside of the club was another case, but while within they would respect the rules of the house.

No one could walk into the club and differentiate it from any other club. The atmosphere was relaxed and pleasant, the band at the corner blasted out a lighthearted tune and the star of the evening belted out a deep rich bass, serenading those dancing on the floor. Stylishly yet scantily clad waiters and waitresses waltzed around the expanse of the halls carrying trays laden with all sorts of beverages. The diner in the far end of the club was already filled with hungry customers, while the gambling tables at the far right were fully running and merrily swindling their customers. There was no way to tell anything about the crowd, except that they were all having a good time.

Upstairs was reserved for the management of the club. Here, money was counted and sorted; the right hands are greased, and a few choice rooms are let for very important personalities among the clientele. Also the upstairs was the room reserved for the joint-owners of Blood Haven.

Allana Devereux lounged in an oversized leather chair, a cigarette holder in hand, and her mind eons away from the jamboree below.

She gazed through the darkened window into the inky blackness outside and had a memory of a rainy night like this, in the not so distant past. Her full red lips curved in a faint smile at that because there was nothing similar about both circumstances. Now she was lying in a dimly lit room, surrounded by all the luxury life could provide, but back then she was facing her enemies in a fight to the death. Her smile widened, revealing teeth that gleamed even in the darkness. 

Her slender fingers reached for the wine glass on the table and brought it to her lips just as the softest rustle behind alerted her of another presence in the room.

“I’m not too pleased to announce that we’ve got a jackpot winner tonight at the tables.”

Eryk Monessen was one of the four managers that reported to Allana, and he was in charge of the gambling tables. He blended almost completely into the darkness in the room, only the soft glow of his blue eyes revealing his position. Allana nodded casually and rose to her feet in a graceful motion.

“How much is it now?”

He gave her a mock painful look as he replied. “I’m afraid it stood at twenty thousand dollars.”

Allana smiled in understanding; one of the reasons she had hired the Seelie was for his thriftiness and extensive knowledge of gambling that continually reaped profits for the club. Twenty thousand was more than a king's ransom.

She followed him out of the room, leaning casually on his offered arm and stepping into the hubbub outside. “Come now Eryk, we have to show appreciation of our customers once in a while. It’s always good for business to be generous.”

As she said so Allana passed a measured eye over the club. She felt a sudden sense of impatience at the rowdiness below. Although she had built Blood Haven for just this purpose, Allana couldn’t help but be displeased at the paradise she had helped create. There they were, indulging in all the pleasures of life, rid of all their cares and burdens once they walked in through the door. She had to open the doors them night after night, playing the perfect caring hostess, even when she couldn't care less.

Allana shrugged off the moment and started down the sweeping stairs, a perfect vision in bold red silk. Her dark burgundy hair flowed past her shoulders in cascading waves, creamy skin glowing under the soft light, green eyes acknowledging those around her. A small crowd gathered by the gambling tables waiting for her to present the cash prize to the lucky winner. Allana smiled as she handed over the small carpetbag full of money to the excited man.

“Well congratulations sugah, you sure hit the big one.”

As she spoke, the doors into the club swung open with a loud crash. It vibrated along the walls, silencing all background noise and throwing everyone’s attention to the figure in an overcoat standing in the rainy darkness. There was an awful flash of lightening and it illuminated the mirage for a second, casting a silhouette against the floor. Sudden noises made people jumpy, especially in illicit establishments where they shouldn't be.

The silence within lingered and lengthened. Allana raised a perfectly composed eyebrow as the person stepped into the light and gave the hall a cursory glance, taking in everybody in before finally resting on her.

“I see nothing has changed since I was here last.”

Her voice was low and husky, tinged with amusement. Allana stepped forward and pulled the hat off her head, and out tumbled a mane of silver/black hair. She put her arms around the newcomer’s neck and drew her into a long kiss. The tension in the club immediately dissipated, as her identity became known.

Darrin Hartford grinned at her lover’s welcome and kissed her with just as much enthusiasm. Then Allana stepped back and grasped her face.

“You’ve been gone for too damn long.”

Darrin nodded, weariness becoming plain in her stance. “Damn long, but I’ll be gone no longer.”

Allana inclined her head, surprise and relief etched in her features. Darrin nodded and looked around the club, their club, with a sigh of homecoming. Then she grinned and her eyes brightened. “It is good to be home.”

****

Darrin’s presence eclipsed every other concern Allana had in the club. She led her lover up the stairs and to the privacy of their room. Darrin sighed and took off her long coat, revealing a frame that was a seamless blend of muscled strength and voluptuous femininity. Allana sat beside her, tucking her legs under, and laid her head against flat plane of the latter’s stomach. They stayed that way in the darkness, unconscious of all passage of time, with only the rhythmic sound of Darrin’s breathing punctuating the silence. They were both lost in thought, thinking about the same thing. How far they had come.

Darrin ran her hands through the silky smoothness of Allana’s hair, stopping to caress her neck and shoulders. “I can't believe how much I missed this.”

Allana chuckled softly. “The last time we were together you were leading Artemisia Shappiro out of New Orleans, away from Blood Haven, away from me.”

Darrin winced at the name of a woman they both knew and hated. Artemisia Shappiro was one of the deadliest vampire killers in North America. She had single-handedly brought the end of many vampire masters and had been a sworn enemy of Allana. Artemisia was determined to bring she and anything related to her down into the dust.

When word had spread that she was hunting in the vicinity of New Orleans, Allana knew it would only be a matter of time before her archenemy came seeking her out. Unlike others, Artemisia probably would have paid no regard to the law in Blood Haven and their battle would be sure to cost a lot of innocent lives. Darrin turned the tables by interfering with Artemisia’s stalk and brought the fury of the hunter upon herself. The only way out was for her to continue baiting Artemisia until the latter lost all interest in Allana and came after Darrin. It had worked, only that they had been separated for almost a whole year.

Allana cupped Darrin’s face and looked into her eyes, betraying for the first time any kind of anxiety. “ What about Artemisia, where did you finally lose her?”

Darrin’s eyes briefly shadowed as she thought of their foe. “She’s gone. Artemisia won’t be bothering us or anyone else for that matter. She challenged me to a death match and lost.” She quickly continued upon seeing the look that crossed Allana’s face. “Don’t worry about her cohorts looking for revenge, it was all fair and square. She called me out and she chose the weapons, witnesses and everything, unfortunately she underestimated me. Everyone always underestimates us humans."

There was a dark and decidedly dangerous edge in her voice with her last statement, but then Darrin looked into Allana's eyes and grinned. “So, what have you been up to while I was away?”

The vampire’s face had returned to its usual neutral expression now that she knew her lover was safe. “Well the club is running isn’t it? And you don’t see the customers complaining. You could’ve been gone for eternity and nothing would change.”

Darrin laughed and drew level with Allana, so that every inch of their bodies was meshed deliciously together. She reached down and licked the latter’s neck with a familiarity that was reserved only for her before replying. “Yes, except for the fact that you’d have gone crazy from missing me. We both know I’m the only one who has what you want and knows how to give it to you good.”

Her tongue trailed a wet path from Allana's throat to one breast, licking her through the thin silk while her hand tormented the nipple of the other breast. Allana smiled and moved suddenly, pinning Darrin under her without even trying. She grazed her lover’s throat with her razor sharp fangs, applying pressure just enough to break the skin if she wanted. “Really? Sometimes you forget that I’m the predator here, and you can just as easily become my prey.”

Darrin laughed and extended her thighs, creating room for Allana in the middle. Her hands skimmed over Allana’s dress, searching for the zipper. “You know I just let you to keep thinking you’re the boss.”

The vampire raised an eyebrow as her dress slipped past her shoulders and gathered around her hips. She wiggled gently and it fell past her ankles, pooling on the floor. “Then why don’t we find out who is really in charge here?”

Allana tormented Darrin with her kisses, tickling all of her sensitive places until she begged for mercy. Then she looked down and their eyes met. Hers were glowing, reflecting the primitive need that she had kept at bay. But she waited for the sign to go on; the vampire would never slake her thirst without her lover's consent. They played a battle of wills for several long moments. Darrin teased with a coy smile, savoring the tightrope of power between them, savoring the iron control behind that green eyed stare even as her pupils steadily bled black. For how long could she dare to push this? Seconds, minutes ... eternity. Eventually she lowered her gaze with a tiny nod, and that was all Allana needed. She settled her lips against the bridge of Darrin’s shoulder and bit hard, moaning in pleasure as warm blood gushed into her mouth. Allana drank deep of her lover, however taking care not to drain Darrin than was necessary. She pulled away almost reluctantly and smiled at the dreamy expression on the latter’s face, snapping her fingers to bring her back to focus.

“What, didn’t think I’d shorten your punishment now did you? We’re not done yet, far from it, I’m going to keep you up all night.”

Darrin smiled and reached up to kiss Allana, their tongues meeting in a lingering dance. “Then it’s a good thing the night is still young.”

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Well, that was different...