Fic: Gift or Curse Chapter 46
X-Over: DWP with Laurel K. Hamilton’s Merry Gentry & Anita Blake ‘Verse
Rating: NC-17 - Some violence, definitely a few sexual interludes. If this is your ‘cup o’ tea then read on.
Summary: What if Miranda was a powerful Master Vampire and Andy was blessed by a Faerie Fertility Goddess, prophesied to be together, all while running a fashion empire? Neither will be prepared for their ‘worlds’ converging or being unwitting pawns in a power-struggle in their supernatural/magical worlds.
Characters: Miranda, Andy, Lily, Doug, Nigel, Emily, Serena; Merry Gentry Series’ Characters; Anita Blake Series’ Characters
Shout-Out: Thanks to my betas - Jackalopetrope, Seelyfey, Punky_96, and Melanacious. I definitely couldn’t have done it without y’all. Also thanks to the Laurel K .Hamilton Fan Sites: Gentry & Blake which were lifesavers in terms of research.
Disclaimer: Devil Wears Prada characters belong to Lauren Weisberger and 20th Century Fox. I make no money off of this and I intend no infringement. Also, I don't own Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake and Merry Gentry universe and I mean no infringement there either, I make no money from this.
Spoiler Alert for Merry Gentry Series
*****************************************************************************************
Chapter 46
****
1 Week Later
Andy and Miranda stood before the stunningly gorgeous Queen Andais.
* Tall, well over 6ft, with long, gorgeous, gleaming blue-black hair, gleaming tri-colored eyes, broad shoulders, breasts that somehow defied gravity throughout the ages, and legs for days, made for an imposing, yet majestic presentation. However, it didn’t diminish the instinctual feelings of menace emanating from her. Of course, the slightly serial-killer-like smile didn’t help. You weren’t sure if she was going ‘welcome’ you or kill you. A year ago, if you had told Miranda that she’d essentially be the new Queen of Vampires she would have sneered in response and maybe requisitioned a little blood donation as payment for such a bad joke. The fall-out was still being felt by all of them.
****
Flashback
Marmee Noir was locked inside an eternal prison of stone and magic; her Powers siphoned into Miranda, similar to some kind of Christmas tree whose lights represented every Preternatural and Vampire soul. This Power weaved, dipped, dispersed this or dispersed that, and suddenly everyone was just as they were… with tad bit different ‘flavoring.’ To say such “esteemed” killers as the Council members like the Dragon or the soul-sucking bitch Belle Morte were unhappy to be… tenuously linked to Fey magic was an understatement.
However Belle Morte was somewhat soothed after she was designated as Council Regent; Miranda was the Queen-which made Belle Morte more than a little uncomfortable. In addition, she appointed Senura as her Hand-of-Goddess and will head up a new Harlequin (Vampire police/boogie-man). This made Belle Morte downright fearful. Especially since one of Miranda’s first acts, was destroy the scheming, yet incompetent, Padma. He’d been preparing to kill Emily to get to Miranda, but little did he know that Miranda already knew about his ridiculous plans.
As part of Miranda’s new “upgrade” Marmee Noir’s Power began to fill Miranda; like a fast-moving film; the ‘lives’ of the Council member’s flashed through her head, weakening her knees. So much history, plotting, cruelty, violence, and blood; it was breathtaking. Emily, along with her new friend Sylvia, paid Padma a visit. He’d been holed up in a swank hotel in St. Louis. However, recalcitrant Emily, who was not allowed to kill Padma, was somewhat mollified with the end results. By the time Senura and the newly appointed Harlequin arrived--Padma was more than a little worse for wear when he dumped, minus a few body parts, at her feet. It was somewhat made up for when she was allowed to kill his Lieutenants-whom surprisingly seemed… relieved.
Miranda already feeling the effects of unfiltered Ardeur and Post-Battle lust was nearly driven into a frenzy for Andréa. Quickly and decisively she dragged them to another set of gaudily appointed rooms within the Circus to sensually sate their need. Afterwards it was languid Andréa who dealt with the rather unpleasant Anita. As a Necromancer she would no longer have sway over Master Vampires because of the stronger current of Fey magic running through their veins. Fey magic was ‘Living magic’ and it ran very strong within Miranda’s veins weakening the Powers of a Necromancer, making Anita very unhappy. Apparently she was rather adverse to major change in St. Louis when she wasn’t directly consulted.
Before Miranda or Jean-Claude could correct her, Andréa still feeling the effects of the Post-Battle lust herself, along with her growing dislike of Anita Blake, verbally lit into her. When it looked as if Anita was widening her stance in preparation for a physical altercation and a thinly veiled threat to Miranda (which Miranda secretly found amusing), quicker than anyone anticipated Andréa’s fist bloodied Anita’s mouth. After being helped from the ground, Anita began to pull one of her knives from her wrist-sheath, but before either Miranda or Andréa could respond, Jean-Claude and Micah intervened. With a fierce glare from Micah, along with some help from Nathaniel, Jean-Claude made appropriate apologies to Miranda, as Anita was led away.
Holding up a hand to prevent Jean-Claude’s apologetic groveling; Miranda indicated that they needed to speak discreetly. Soon they were in more private settings, with Nigel standing behind her, while Andréa sat with a casual air of indifference nearby. However, Miranda knew she was keenly listening and watching everything that occurred. Miranda renewed Jean-Claude’s allegiance through a Blood Oath; indefinitely tying him to her, in exchange he would never disclose that Miranda was the new Queen. They would perpetuate the current “story” that Miranda caused Marmee Noir to fall into another Great Sleep. Subsequently, it didn’t explain the new… Power running through the Preternatural world’s veins; but it was the belief of many that the fight involving Miranda and her Sidhe might have had something to do with it.
She also explained to Jean-Claude that Nigel would be the new Council representative for the U.S., as such, should Jean-Claude need additional assistance, Nigel would be the person to contact. It was only in the instance that it involved the Fey or nothing short of the world-ending should he beg for an audience with her. As for the rest of the Master Vampires: perpetuating the status quo would suffice: Belle Morte as the Council Chair, while “Mother” slept.” Belle Morte of course, will be answering to Miranda-but not too often and certainly not anytime soon.
Miranda had to dispense with some Vampire Justice upon learning that Belle Morte had been gearing up for an attack on Marmee Noir. It was her plan to destroy Jean-Claude to replace herself as Anita Blake’s Mistress (she thought with some disdain) and become the new Queen. Her pathetic scheming could not go unpunished. Her screams were still ringing in her ears, she thought with no little… delight. In her earlier years, she would have reveled in them, but now, she realized that her love for her Daughters and Andréa have given her a slightly different perspective these days.
Once business was taken care of Miranda needed considerable sleep to recover, the ancient and potent blood running through her veins were causing discernable differences in her body. However, there was nothing more satisfying than a few hours spent slaking the Post-Battle lust and then curling around her Mate for a rather fortifying sleep. She awakened later to discover that Andréa was no longer next to her. After placing a call to her Daughters with reassuring phrases regarding their welfare, she hunted down her beloved in the bathroom, dressed and putting the finishing touches on her make-up.
Andy paused before applying her mascara, “Hey sweetie! Did you get enough rest?”
Sliding her arms around Andréa from behind, Miranda nuzzled her lips against her Mark. “And where, pray tell, do you think you’re going in this stunning outfit?”
Turning around, laughing, bringing her still-swollen lips against Miranda’s, she replied. “I see you forgot my plans for a night out with Nathaniel, Jason, Rhys, and Nigel. But no worries - since I’m madly in love with you I can forgive you for almost anything.”
Miranda gave her trademark look that sent one silvery-brow towards her hairline. “Is that right? Where are they taking you?” since Nigel was a part of the group, her worries for Andréa’s welfare diminished. To fail her, Nigel knew would have rather unpleasant consequences. “Are you sure you’re all right? You took quite a beating.”
“I’m fine sweetheart. Since coming into my Powers I heal pretty fast. Besides we won’t stay out too long because we’re going to the Sithen (Mound) tomorrow.” She leaned in for another kiss, deepening it, their tongues gently battling against each other, Andy wanted to take Miranda’s taste with her. But she knew if she didn’t stop soon, they’d end up going another few rounds - which wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, even if she did have a ‘posse’ waiting for her.
“They’re taking me to a place called Dance Macabre; I get to wiggle my ass for a couple of hours. Too bad you can’t join us.”
With a hmph Miranda rolled her eyes and fondly slapped and squeezed Andréa’s ass. “As long as you remember who this ass belongs to, there shouldn’t be any issues. Besides I have entirely too many things to attend to here regardless of how much I’d dearly love to join you.” she stepped back to once again run her eyes over Andréa, nodding her head at the Jimmy Choo strappy heels, her long legs encased in a pair of dark-denim Diesel jeans, and a glittering Betsy Johnson halter, completed a very sexy picture indeed, thought Miranda.
She might have to re-think about joining her later. “In any event you look splendid. However, I’m going request some additional security to accompany you,” holding up a hand to stall any protests she explained. “Along with Caroline and Cassidy, your well-being is not something I am willing to compromise on.”
Pouting her delectably full lips Andy replied. “Fine. But only because you’ve explained so sweetly.”
After that Miranda watched the pre-party proceedings with exasperated amusement as “Andy’s Boys” examined her from head to toe, whistling at the very attractive picture she made. After a few drinks and extracting promises upon death over Andréa’s safety Miranda was left to a silent suite. Naturally this didn’t last long. She could feel Senura approaching. Miranda sighed because she knew why; she was going to request that she be formally based in America because of her budding relationship with Emily. While Miranda needed Senura to be her ‘eyes and ears’ throughout Europe and the Mediterranean, the thought of having her close was appealing. They were in essence, “Siblings” and her absence particularly after the True Death of Khalid was felt keenly by Miranda.
In addition, with her new status it might be advantageous to have as much… firepower nearby as possible. She also felt Emily; and thought back with savage delight, to the thrashing Emily gave the incompetent and weak-minded local Ulfric.
Rating: NC-17 - Some violence, definitely a few sexual interludes. If this is your ‘cup o’ tea then read on.
Summary: What if Miranda was a powerful Master Vampire and Andy was blessed by a Faerie Fertility Goddess, prophesied to be together, all while running a fashion empire? Neither will be prepared for their ‘worlds’ converging or being unwitting pawns in a power-struggle in their supernatural/magical worlds.
Characters: Miranda, Andy, Lily, Doug, Nigel, Emily, Serena; Merry Gentry Series’ Characters; Anita Blake Series’ Characters
Shout-Out: Thanks to my betas - Jackalopetrope, Seelyfey, Punky_96, and Melanacious. I definitely couldn’t have done it without y’all. Also thanks to the Laurel K .Hamilton Fan Sites: Gentry & Blake which were lifesavers in terms of research.
Disclaimer: Devil Wears Prada characters belong to Lauren Weisberger and 20th Century Fox. I make no money off of this and I intend no infringement. Also, I don't own Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake and Merry Gentry universe and I mean no infringement there either, I make no money from this.
Spoiler Alert for Merry Gentry Series
*****************************************************************************************
Chapter 46
****
1 Week Later
Andy and Miranda stood before the stunningly gorgeous Queen Andais.
* Tall, well over 6ft, with long, gorgeous, gleaming blue-black hair, gleaming tri-colored eyes, broad shoulders, breasts that somehow defied gravity throughout the ages, and legs for days, made for an imposing, yet majestic presentation. However, it didn’t diminish the instinctual feelings of menace emanating from her. Of course, the slightly serial-killer-like smile didn’t help. You weren’t sure if she was going ‘welcome’ you or kill you. A year ago, if you had told Miranda that she’d essentially be the new Queen of Vampires she would have sneered in response and maybe requisitioned a little blood donation as payment for such a bad joke. The fall-out was still being felt by all of them.
****
Flashback
Marmee Noir was locked inside an eternal prison of stone and magic; her Powers siphoned into Miranda, similar to some kind of Christmas tree whose lights represented every Preternatural and Vampire soul. This Power weaved, dipped, dispersed this or dispersed that, and suddenly everyone was just as they were… with tad bit different ‘flavoring.’ To say such “esteemed” killers as the Council members like the Dragon or the soul-sucking bitch Belle Morte were unhappy to be… tenuously linked to Fey magic was an understatement.
However Belle Morte was somewhat soothed after she was designated as Council Regent; Miranda was the Queen-which made Belle Morte more than a little uncomfortable. In addition, she appointed Senura as her Hand-of-Goddess and will head up a new Harlequin (Vampire police/boogie-man). This made Belle Morte downright fearful. Especially since one of Miranda’s first acts, was destroy the scheming, yet incompetent, Padma. He’d been preparing to kill Emily to get to Miranda, but little did he know that Miranda already knew about his ridiculous plans.
As part of Miranda’s new “upgrade” Marmee Noir’s Power began to fill Miranda; like a fast-moving film; the ‘lives’ of the Council member’s flashed through her head, weakening her knees. So much history, plotting, cruelty, violence, and blood; it was breathtaking. Emily, along with her new friend Sylvia, paid Padma a visit. He’d been holed up in a swank hotel in St. Louis. However, recalcitrant Emily, who was not allowed to kill Padma, was somewhat mollified with the end results. By the time Senura and the newly appointed Harlequin arrived--Padma was more than a little worse for wear when he dumped, minus a few body parts, at her feet. It was somewhat made up for when she was allowed to kill his Lieutenants-whom surprisingly seemed… relieved.
Miranda already feeling the effects of unfiltered Ardeur and Post-Battle lust was nearly driven into a frenzy for Andréa. Quickly and decisively she dragged them to another set of gaudily appointed rooms within the Circus to sensually sate their need. Afterwards it was languid Andréa who dealt with the rather unpleasant Anita. As a Necromancer she would no longer have sway over Master Vampires because of the stronger current of Fey magic running through their veins. Fey magic was ‘Living magic’ and it ran very strong within Miranda’s veins weakening the Powers of a Necromancer, making Anita very unhappy. Apparently she was rather adverse to major change in St. Louis when she wasn’t directly consulted.
Before Miranda or Jean-Claude could correct her, Andréa still feeling the effects of the Post-Battle lust herself, along with her growing dislike of Anita Blake, verbally lit into her. When it looked as if Anita was widening her stance in preparation for a physical altercation and a thinly veiled threat to Miranda (which Miranda secretly found amusing), quicker than anyone anticipated Andréa’s fist bloodied Anita’s mouth. After being helped from the ground, Anita began to pull one of her knives from her wrist-sheath, but before either Miranda or Andréa could respond, Jean-Claude and Micah intervened. With a fierce glare from Micah, along with some help from Nathaniel, Jean-Claude made appropriate apologies to Miranda, as Anita was led away.
Holding up a hand to prevent Jean-Claude’s apologetic groveling; Miranda indicated that they needed to speak discreetly. Soon they were in more private settings, with Nigel standing behind her, while Andréa sat with a casual air of indifference nearby. However, Miranda knew she was keenly listening and watching everything that occurred. Miranda renewed Jean-Claude’s allegiance through a Blood Oath; indefinitely tying him to her, in exchange he would never disclose that Miranda was the new Queen. They would perpetuate the current “story” that Miranda caused Marmee Noir to fall into another Great Sleep. Subsequently, it didn’t explain the new… Power running through the Preternatural world’s veins; but it was the belief of many that the fight involving Miranda and her Sidhe might have had something to do with it.
She also explained to Jean-Claude that Nigel would be the new Council representative for the U.S., as such, should Jean-Claude need additional assistance, Nigel would be the person to contact. It was only in the instance that it involved the Fey or nothing short of the world-ending should he beg for an audience with her. As for the rest of the Master Vampires: perpetuating the status quo would suffice: Belle Morte as the Council Chair, while “Mother” slept.” Belle Morte of course, will be answering to Miranda-but not too often and certainly not anytime soon.
Miranda had to dispense with some Vampire Justice upon learning that Belle Morte had been gearing up for an attack on Marmee Noir. It was her plan to destroy Jean-Claude to replace herself as Anita Blake’s Mistress (she thought with some disdain) and become the new Queen. Her pathetic scheming could not go unpunished. Her screams were still ringing in her ears, she thought with no little… delight. In her earlier years, she would have reveled in them, but now, she realized that her love for her Daughters and Andréa have given her a slightly different perspective these days.
Once business was taken care of Miranda needed considerable sleep to recover, the ancient and potent blood running through her veins were causing discernable differences in her body. However, there was nothing more satisfying than a few hours spent slaking the Post-Battle lust and then curling around her Mate for a rather fortifying sleep. She awakened later to discover that Andréa was no longer next to her. After placing a call to her Daughters with reassuring phrases regarding their welfare, she hunted down her beloved in the bathroom, dressed and putting the finishing touches on her make-up.
Andy paused before applying her mascara, “Hey sweetie! Did you get enough rest?”
Sliding her arms around Andréa from behind, Miranda nuzzled her lips against her Mark. “And where, pray tell, do you think you’re going in this stunning outfit?”
Turning around, laughing, bringing her still-swollen lips against Miranda’s, she replied. “I see you forgot my plans for a night out with Nathaniel, Jason, Rhys, and Nigel. But no worries - since I’m madly in love with you I can forgive you for almost anything.”
Miranda gave her trademark look that sent one silvery-brow towards her hairline. “Is that right? Where are they taking you?” since Nigel was a part of the group, her worries for Andréa’s welfare diminished. To fail her, Nigel knew would have rather unpleasant consequences. “Are you sure you’re all right? You took quite a beating.”
“I’m fine sweetheart. Since coming into my Powers I heal pretty fast. Besides we won’t stay out too long because we’re going to the Sithen (Mound) tomorrow.” She leaned in for another kiss, deepening it, their tongues gently battling against each other, Andy wanted to take Miranda’s taste with her. But she knew if she didn’t stop soon, they’d end up going another few rounds - which wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, even if she did have a ‘posse’ waiting for her.
“They’re taking me to a place called Dance Macabre; I get to wiggle my ass for a couple of hours. Too bad you can’t join us.”
With a hmph Miranda rolled her eyes and fondly slapped and squeezed Andréa’s ass. “As long as you remember who this ass belongs to, there shouldn’t be any issues. Besides I have entirely too many things to attend to here regardless of how much I’d dearly love to join you.” she stepped back to once again run her eyes over Andréa, nodding her head at the Jimmy Choo strappy heels, her long legs encased in a pair of dark-denim Diesel jeans, and a glittering Betsy Johnson halter, completed a very sexy picture indeed, thought Miranda.
She might have to re-think about joining her later. “In any event you look splendid. However, I’m going request some additional security to accompany you,” holding up a hand to stall any protests she explained. “Along with Caroline and Cassidy, your well-being is not something I am willing to compromise on.”
Pouting her delectably full lips Andy replied. “Fine. But only because you’ve explained so sweetly.”
After that Miranda watched the pre-party proceedings with exasperated amusement as “Andy’s Boys” examined her from head to toe, whistling at the very attractive picture she made. After a few drinks and extracting promises upon death over Andréa’s safety Miranda was left to a silent suite. Naturally this didn’t last long. She could feel Senura approaching. Miranda sighed because she knew why; she was going to request that she be formally based in America because of her budding relationship with Emily. While Miranda needed Senura to be her ‘eyes and ears’ throughout Europe and the Mediterranean, the thought of having her close was appealing. They were in essence, “Siblings” and her absence particularly after the True Death of Khalid was felt keenly by Miranda.
In addition, with her new status it might be advantageous to have as much… firepower nearby as possible. She also felt Emily; and thought back with savage delight, to the thrashing Emily gave the incompetent and weak-minded local Ulfric.