Primeval fic: Bathed By Blood (13/16)
Title: Bathed By Blood (13/16)
Author: knitekat
Word Count: ~2540 (of a total ~47955)
Characters: James Lester, Tom Ryan and a cast of RPs, OCs and OHs.
Pairing: James Lester/Tom Ryan
Rating: 18
Disclaimer: Primeval belongs to Impossible Pictures. Certainly not me. Writing for fun and will replace.
A/N 1: Part of my AU Bloodverse series. Continues from Part 12 and continues in Part 14.
A/N 2: Contains details of historical fact, several individuals in the fic are based on real historical people.
A/N 3: Thanks go to Fred for the beta. Cheers, m'dear.
Warnings: Dark!fic, bloodplay, blood and gore in general (graphic descriptions), angst, hurt/comfort.
Of course, it had to end and I knew my household had been worried the day I announced I was returning to London. I was both well rested and relaxed and I still had a murderer to track down. This time, however, I would let Ryan shoulder more of the burden, even if he could only support me and hold me through the night as I dealt with another murder. I knew Ryan did not want me to become involved again, but I knew I must. There had been no murders while we had been away at my estate and I could not risk My Lady making any more comments about me or mine involvement in the murders. I had to find the murderer or risk losing everything to her plots and plans, whatever they might be. The letter that had waited my return did not surprise me; I had expected a summons to the Council as soon as they had learned of my return.
“Do not go, my sire.” Ryan went down on his knees to beg me to stay away from the Council.
I caressed his face. “I know you still fear for me, my love, but ignoring this summons will not help. The Council would take it as an admittance of some guilt and order my capture and, indeed, even torture to discover what I am hiding.”
Ryan's head shot up at my words and he clung to me so tightly. “Let me come with you.”
“No!” I barked out and felt Ryan flinch as he rested against my legs. “I will not risk you, my dearest. If something should go wrong, I want you to promise me you will travel to Paris and to Christiana. Tell her all that has occurred and she will guide your steps.”
“No.” Ryan shook his head firmly. “I will not leave you.”
My heart filled with love for him. “Sweetheart. My dearest, dearest Ryan. I will not come to any harm.”
“Then why do I need to promise?”
Ryan sounded so sullen that I had to smile, even though that earned me a glare from him. “So I do not worry over you, my love.” I drew him in for a kiss, gentle and searching and stared deep into his eyes until he nodded in reluctant surrender to my will. “Thank you.” I needed his promise for I was not as sure as I had told him for the Council could be capricious when the mood suited it. I could not help but fear this might be such a moment, for punishing me would serve to scare all other vampires into submission of the Council's will. I could only hope that the Council was more interested in discovering the true identity of the murderer than in exercising their power.
****
Charlie had been even less happy than usual on our journey to Black Hall and I knew he would pace agitatedly until I emerged from that dismal place. It generated such a warmth in my long-cold heart that my people cared about me, even knowing that I was one of the damned creatures of the night.
That warmth bolstered my spirits as I walked into that death-shrouded estate and heard the frost crunch under my boots. Winter had come early to this forsaken land. I found myself standing in front of the Hall's door far too quickly for my liking but still rapped it with my cane as waiting would only delay the inevitable. I did find my mind idly wondering if the same butler would answer the door as very few ever lasted more than a month or two before displeasing My Lady in some way. I believe one had had the audacity to pour blood into her glass before she had given him leave and had spent the rest of his short, miserable existence in some considerable pain. I had heard acid had been involved.
The creak of the door jolted me from my less than pleasant thoughts and I blinked at the butler who stood before me. His skin was a smooth black, the black of high quality coal, while his hair was bone-white. His yellow eyes burned from deep under massive brows. Something was off about him until I realised his body was the size of a child's while his limbs gave him the height and reach of an adult. I might not know what he was but I did know he was not human and I wondered who he had annoyed to be sent to serve the Council and the well-known vicious temper of My Lady.
I notice that he seemed to glide along the floor, soundlessly and unhurried, before I threw those irrelevant thoughts from my mind as I followed him through the halls to the council chamber. He opened the doors and stood aside for me. I did not hesitate at the threshold as showing fear would only reflect badly on me, instead I strolled proudly and confidently into those chambers and waited for the inquisition to begin.
“So, the prodigal son has returned.” My Lady swept into the chamber and took her seat.
“My Lady.” I bowed politely to her as I waited for the axe to fall. She was not happy with me.
“There have been no murders since you departed London so hastily.”
“So I have been informed, My Lady.” I kept my answers simple and polite. I did not want to give her ammunition to use against me, at least, no more than I already had. I was most relieved that I had refused Ryan's request to summon Dr Hunter after our bout of violent sex. It would look extremely bad for me - for both of us - to have engaged in such bloody love-making when there was a mad vampiric murderer on the hunt in London. Even the fact that we were both men would have been used against me, twisted from a love of men to a hatred of women. Of course, that had not been my only reason for not summoning the good doctor, I had reluctantly had to add him to my list of suspects for he had both the skill and the ability to dominate.
“How do you explain that?” My Lady's voice interrupted my musing. She leaned forward and I could not help my thoughts turning to the punishment she might have planned for me.
“I can not, My Lady.” I truly did not know and knew better than to pretend I did.
“And you still claim not to know the identity of the murderer?”
“I do, My Lady.” I stood straighter. I would not face my fate as a cowering coward.
“Why should I believe you?”
“It is the truth, My Lady.” I wished I could look around to see who else was present at this meeting. To check if the other Council members were present or if Cyril Greene and others of My Lady's Line were there. I would like some warning as to my fate, even if I could do nothing to avoid it. I certainly had no wish to be at Cyril's mercy, for the man had none. He was also on my list of suspects - how could he not be? Not only had he been a butcher by trade as a mortal but now he served My Lady as her torturer. Truth be told, Cyril was at the top of my list, I had heard enough of My Lady's punishments and witnessed a few to know just how inventive Cyril could be.
“I believe him, My Lady.” I almost breathed a sigh of relief as I heard the tones of My Lord. “I have never known Jamessss to lie. Not to the Council.”
“There is always the first time. How do we know he is not the murderer?” My Lady's words had my hand tightening around my cane even though I refused to draw the concealed blade within and demand satisfaction. One did not when faced with My Lady. She had obviously noticed my reaction as she smiled coldly, “Or maybe your young man. Ryan, isn't it?” My hand clenched until my knuckles turned white, until I took a deep breath and consciously relaxed my hand. “Well, James?”
“I am not the killer, My Lady. Ryan is not the killer.” I dropped to my knees and bared my throat to her. “If you do not believe me, test me.” I had taken the only choice I had and had given her a direct challenge, to prove her speculation or to withdraw it. She would not forget my actions.
I felt My Lord's hand on my shoulder as he spoke. “Jamessss. Would you ssssubmit yourssself and Ryan to being quessstioned by a Sssseer?”
“I would, My Lord.” I knew Ryan had nothing to hide and neither did I... nothing if the Seer only asked me if I or Ryan was the murderer.
“I would appear that we musssst sssssummon a Ssssseer than, My Lady.”
I could not decide whether to curse My Lord for angering My Lady, or kiss him for forcing her into allowing a Seer into London.
“Agreed.” My Lady did not sound at all happy. “The Seer will arrive in two days. You and Ryan will be questioned. If you are innocent, you may ask her your questions.”
I nodded. “My thanks, My Lady.” I held my temper at her admittance that the Seer was that close, that she had deliberately not summoned the Seer when all of London, all of England and even the Continent and beyond was awash with news of the murders. However, I kept my tongue still, for I could not risk upsetting My Lady any more than I already had.
****
I did not talk to anyone on my return home although I could sense the worried looks exchanged behind me. I strolled purposely into my study and poured myself a glass. My hand shaking so much that the bottle tinkled against the glass. I did not resist when Ryan took the bottle from me and poured both of us a glass, pressing mine into my hand and helping me to drink. I downed the blood in one, not even tasting it and held out my glass for another. Ryan allowed me one more glass before he pulled me against him and held me against his broad chest.
“Sire?” I could hear the worry in Ryan's voice. No doubt he feared all the good of our time in the country had been undone by one meeting with the Council.
“I...” My voice cracked and I took a deep breath. “I am fine.”
Ryan's harsh laugh had my head snap up to look at him. His fingers caressed my face and I leaned into them. “Do not lie, my sire.” He stepped closer and kissed me softly. “Please. Tell me what has happened.”
I sighed. I had hoped to avoid this conversation for this night. “My Lady accused me of being the killer.” As Ryan tensed against me, I held him tight. “She also accused you of being the killer.”
Ryan swallowed and I could see the merest hint of fear appear in his eyes. “What happens now, James?”
I pressed a kiss against his forehead. “I challenged her to prove it and My Lord suggested I... we are to be tested by a Seer.”
Ryan snorted. “So, we finally get a Seer to help us.”
“Yes. My Lord is rather sneaky when he wishes to be so.” I rested my forehead against Ryan's, holding him tight and not wanting to let him go.
“Sire?” Ryan's voice was worried and I lifted my head to look into his concerned eyes. “We are innocent, what still worries you?”
I sighed. I should have known Ryan would have noticed my reaction. “I have kept information from the Council. Some of the witnesses saw more than they remember.”
“So you said, my sire.” I could hear the confusion in his voice.
“I could have broken though the domination.” I closed my eyes as I remembered what had happened when I had tried that. How Harvey had shivered and convulsed and I tried to pull free of Ryan's arms as bile rose in my throat.
Ryan refused to allow me my freedom, instead holding me tighter and rocking me gently. He pressed kisses to my lips, to my closed eyes, to any part of my face he could reach. “No, sire. That almost broke you. They cannot blame you for that.”
“They could.” I did not hide the fear I felt, not so much for myself but for Ryan.
I felt Ryan tug me up the stairs and into our bedroom, he stripped us both with a sure touch and pushed me down onto the bed. He felt so good as he covered me with his body and pressed me down into the bedding, searing my skin as he pressed hot kisses over my skin. I could not help but buck and wriggle for more of his mouth, moans of need dropping from my lips as I urged him on. I groaned in disappointment when his lips left me bereft and I opened my eyes to quirk an eyebrow at him. “Ryan?”
“Make love to me.” Ryan kept his gaze lowered as he made his request.
“How could I resist you?” I turned on my side so I could see all of him. My breath was once more taken by the flat planes and smooth muscles that filled his frame, to his leaking cock that jutted so enticingly from his dark blond curls.
As I shifted to reach for the oil, his hand gripped mine. I looked into his eyes, blazing with need and sending that fire racing through my own nerves. “No, James. Take me. Now. I want to feel it.”
I swallowed. Ryan could not mean what I thought he did. “We agreed to go slowly, Ryan.”
Ryan pulled my captured hand down to his satin-sheathed steel and then further down to his entrance. “I want to know what it feels like. To have you tearing into me.”
I swallowed hard. Not so much from his comment, although those words went straight to my cock and had it thrumming in need. No, it was that Ryan thought I feared the worse from the Council and desired this act for me. I could not do it. “No, my sweet Ryan. After the meeting. I promise.” I pulled Ryan into my arms and canted my hips so that our cocks rubbed together. I could not risk penetration, firmly convinced as I was that Ryan would seek the pain I had promised him felt so good. I needed to convince him everything would be fine. Even if I could not convince myself.
Author: knitekat
Word Count: ~2540 (of a total ~47955)
Characters: James Lester, Tom Ryan and a cast of RPs, OCs and OHs.
Pairing: James Lester/Tom Ryan
Rating: 18
Disclaimer: Primeval belongs to Impossible Pictures. Certainly not me. Writing for fun and will replace.
A/N 1: Part of my AU Bloodverse series. Continues from Part 12 and continues in Part 14.
A/N 2: Contains details of historical fact, several individuals in the fic are based on real historical people.
A/N 3: Thanks go to Fred for the beta. Cheers, m'dear.
Warnings: Dark!fic, bloodplay, blood and gore in general (graphic descriptions), angst, hurt/comfort.
Of course, it had to end and I knew my household had been worried the day I announced I was returning to London. I was both well rested and relaxed and I still had a murderer to track down. This time, however, I would let Ryan shoulder more of the burden, even if he could only support me and hold me through the night as I dealt with another murder. I knew Ryan did not want me to become involved again, but I knew I must. There had been no murders while we had been away at my estate and I could not risk My Lady making any more comments about me or mine involvement in the murders. I had to find the murderer or risk losing everything to her plots and plans, whatever they might be. The letter that had waited my return did not surprise me; I had expected a summons to the Council as soon as they had learned of my return.
“Do not go, my sire.” Ryan went down on his knees to beg me to stay away from the Council.
I caressed his face. “I know you still fear for me, my love, but ignoring this summons will not help. The Council would take it as an admittance of some guilt and order my capture and, indeed, even torture to discover what I am hiding.”
Ryan's head shot up at my words and he clung to me so tightly. “Let me come with you.”
“No!” I barked out and felt Ryan flinch as he rested against my legs. “I will not risk you, my dearest. If something should go wrong, I want you to promise me you will travel to Paris and to Christiana. Tell her all that has occurred and she will guide your steps.”
“No.” Ryan shook his head firmly. “I will not leave you.”
My heart filled with love for him. “Sweetheart. My dearest, dearest Ryan. I will not come to any harm.”
“Then why do I need to promise?”
Ryan sounded so sullen that I had to smile, even though that earned me a glare from him. “So I do not worry over you, my love.” I drew him in for a kiss, gentle and searching and stared deep into his eyes until he nodded in reluctant surrender to my will. “Thank you.” I needed his promise for I was not as sure as I had told him for the Council could be capricious when the mood suited it. I could not help but fear this might be such a moment, for punishing me would serve to scare all other vampires into submission of the Council's will. I could only hope that the Council was more interested in discovering the true identity of the murderer than in exercising their power.
****
Charlie had been even less happy than usual on our journey to Black Hall and I knew he would pace agitatedly until I emerged from that dismal place. It generated such a warmth in my long-cold heart that my people cared about me, even knowing that I was one of the damned creatures of the night.
That warmth bolstered my spirits as I walked into that death-shrouded estate and heard the frost crunch under my boots. Winter had come early to this forsaken land. I found myself standing in front of the Hall's door far too quickly for my liking but still rapped it with my cane as waiting would only delay the inevitable. I did find my mind idly wondering if the same butler would answer the door as very few ever lasted more than a month or two before displeasing My Lady in some way. I believe one had had the audacity to pour blood into her glass before she had given him leave and had spent the rest of his short, miserable existence in some considerable pain. I had heard acid had been involved.
The creak of the door jolted me from my less than pleasant thoughts and I blinked at the butler who stood before me. His skin was a smooth black, the black of high quality coal, while his hair was bone-white. His yellow eyes burned from deep under massive brows. Something was off about him until I realised his body was the size of a child's while his limbs gave him the height and reach of an adult. I might not know what he was but I did know he was not human and I wondered who he had annoyed to be sent to serve the Council and the well-known vicious temper of My Lady.
I notice that he seemed to glide along the floor, soundlessly and unhurried, before I threw those irrelevant thoughts from my mind as I followed him through the halls to the council chamber. He opened the doors and stood aside for me. I did not hesitate at the threshold as showing fear would only reflect badly on me, instead I strolled proudly and confidently into those chambers and waited for the inquisition to begin.
“So, the prodigal son has returned.” My Lady swept into the chamber and took her seat.
“My Lady.” I bowed politely to her as I waited for the axe to fall. She was not happy with me.
“There have been no murders since you departed London so hastily.”
“So I have been informed, My Lady.” I kept my answers simple and polite. I did not want to give her ammunition to use against me, at least, no more than I already had. I was most relieved that I had refused Ryan's request to summon Dr Hunter after our bout of violent sex. It would look extremely bad for me - for both of us - to have engaged in such bloody love-making when there was a mad vampiric murderer on the hunt in London. Even the fact that we were both men would have been used against me, twisted from a love of men to a hatred of women. Of course, that had not been my only reason for not summoning the good doctor, I had reluctantly had to add him to my list of suspects for he had both the skill and the ability to dominate.
“How do you explain that?” My Lady's voice interrupted my musing. She leaned forward and I could not help my thoughts turning to the punishment she might have planned for me.
“I can not, My Lady.” I truly did not know and knew better than to pretend I did.
“And you still claim not to know the identity of the murderer?”
“I do, My Lady.” I stood straighter. I would not face my fate as a cowering coward.
“Why should I believe you?”
“It is the truth, My Lady.” I wished I could look around to see who else was present at this meeting. To check if the other Council members were present or if Cyril Greene and others of My Lady's Line were there. I would like some warning as to my fate, even if I could do nothing to avoid it. I certainly had no wish to be at Cyril's mercy, for the man had none. He was also on my list of suspects - how could he not be? Not only had he been a butcher by trade as a mortal but now he served My Lady as her torturer. Truth be told, Cyril was at the top of my list, I had heard enough of My Lady's punishments and witnessed a few to know just how inventive Cyril could be.
“I believe him, My Lady.” I almost breathed a sigh of relief as I heard the tones of My Lord. “I have never known Jamessss to lie. Not to the Council.”
“There is always the first time. How do we know he is not the murderer?” My Lady's words had my hand tightening around my cane even though I refused to draw the concealed blade within and demand satisfaction. One did not when faced with My Lady. She had obviously noticed my reaction as she smiled coldly, “Or maybe your young man. Ryan, isn't it?” My hand clenched until my knuckles turned white, until I took a deep breath and consciously relaxed my hand. “Well, James?”
“I am not the killer, My Lady. Ryan is not the killer.” I dropped to my knees and bared my throat to her. “If you do not believe me, test me.” I had taken the only choice I had and had given her a direct challenge, to prove her speculation or to withdraw it. She would not forget my actions.
I felt My Lord's hand on my shoulder as he spoke. “Jamessss. Would you ssssubmit yourssself and Ryan to being quessstioned by a Sssseer?”
“I would, My Lord.” I knew Ryan had nothing to hide and neither did I... nothing if the Seer only asked me if I or Ryan was the murderer.
“I would appear that we musssst sssssummon a Ssssseer than, My Lady.”
I could not decide whether to curse My Lord for angering My Lady, or kiss him for forcing her into allowing a Seer into London.
“Agreed.” My Lady did not sound at all happy. “The Seer will arrive in two days. You and Ryan will be questioned. If you are innocent, you may ask her your questions.”
I nodded. “My thanks, My Lady.” I held my temper at her admittance that the Seer was that close, that she had deliberately not summoned the Seer when all of London, all of England and even the Continent and beyond was awash with news of the murders. However, I kept my tongue still, for I could not risk upsetting My Lady any more than I already had.
****
I did not talk to anyone on my return home although I could sense the worried looks exchanged behind me. I strolled purposely into my study and poured myself a glass. My hand shaking so much that the bottle tinkled against the glass. I did not resist when Ryan took the bottle from me and poured both of us a glass, pressing mine into my hand and helping me to drink. I downed the blood in one, not even tasting it and held out my glass for another. Ryan allowed me one more glass before he pulled me against him and held me against his broad chest.
“Sire?” I could hear the worry in Ryan's voice. No doubt he feared all the good of our time in the country had been undone by one meeting with the Council.
“I...” My voice cracked and I took a deep breath. “I am fine.”
Ryan's harsh laugh had my head snap up to look at him. His fingers caressed my face and I leaned into them. “Do not lie, my sire.” He stepped closer and kissed me softly. “Please. Tell me what has happened.”
I sighed. I had hoped to avoid this conversation for this night. “My Lady accused me of being the killer.” As Ryan tensed against me, I held him tight. “She also accused you of being the killer.”
Ryan swallowed and I could see the merest hint of fear appear in his eyes. “What happens now, James?”
I pressed a kiss against his forehead. “I challenged her to prove it and My Lord suggested I... we are to be tested by a Seer.”
Ryan snorted. “So, we finally get a Seer to help us.”
“Yes. My Lord is rather sneaky when he wishes to be so.” I rested my forehead against Ryan's, holding him tight and not wanting to let him go.
“Sire?” Ryan's voice was worried and I lifted my head to look into his concerned eyes. “We are innocent, what still worries you?”
I sighed. I should have known Ryan would have noticed my reaction. “I have kept information from the Council. Some of the witnesses saw more than they remember.”
“So you said, my sire.” I could hear the confusion in his voice.
“I could have broken though the domination.” I closed my eyes as I remembered what had happened when I had tried that. How Harvey had shivered and convulsed and I tried to pull free of Ryan's arms as bile rose in my throat.
Ryan refused to allow me my freedom, instead holding me tighter and rocking me gently. He pressed kisses to my lips, to my closed eyes, to any part of my face he could reach. “No, sire. That almost broke you. They cannot blame you for that.”
“They could.” I did not hide the fear I felt, not so much for myself but for Ryan.
I felt Ryan tug me up the stairs and into our bedroom, he stripped us both with a sure touch and pushed me down onto the bed. He felt so good as he covered me with his body and pressed me down into the bedding, searing my skin as he pressed hot kisses over my skin. I could not help but buck and wriggle for more of his mouth, moans of need dropping from my lips as I urged him on. I groaned in disappointment when his lips left me bereft and I opened my eyes to quirk an eyebrow at him. “Ryan?”
“Make love to me.” Ryan kept his gaze lowered as he made his request.
“How could I resist you?” I turned on my side so I could see all of him. My breath was once more taken by the flat planes and smooth muscles that filled his frame, to his leaking cock that jutted so enticingly from his dark blond curls.
As I shifted to reach for the oil, his hand gripped mine. I looked into his eyes, blazing with need and sending that fire racing through my own nerves. “No, James. Take me. Now. I want to feel it.”
I swallowed. Ryan could not mean what I thought he did. “We agreed to go slowly, Ryan.”
Ryan pulled my captured hand down to his satin-sheathed steel and then further down to his entrance. “I want to know what it feels like. To have you tearing into me.”
I swallowed hard. Not so much from his comment, although those words went straight to my cock and had it thrumming in need. No, it was that Ryan thought I feared the worse from the Council and desired this act for me. I could not do it. “No, my sweet Ryan. After the meeting. I promise.” I pulled Ryan into my arms and canted my hips so that our cocks rubbed together. I could not risk penetration, firmly convinced as I was that Ryan would seek the pain I had promised him felt so good. I needed to convince him everything would be fine. Even if I could not convince myself.