All That I Am

Chapter 8


Jean-Claude returned to the room wearing his usual blue silk pajamas, but without his shirt. My eyes roamed over his gorgeous body. I noticed that he still seem to have the “alive” look to him. Strange, I really hadn’t noticed that it stayed with him. “Jean-Claude?” I asked.

“Oui, ma petite, I know. I still look almost human. I thought it would have worn off by now….”

“I am not complaining, it’s just strange to see you like that. I feel Asher coming.”

Jean-Claude gave me a surprised look. I better stop surprising him tonight. I don’t know if vampires can have heart attacks, but by the way I keep shocking him tonight, he would be a prime candidate.

“Every since I took the fourth mark, I am very in tuned to vampires now... all of them. I can feel their presence strongly,” I explained.

“I have also felt my vampires’ presence much more strongly now, almost as if they are in the same room with me. You have given me much this night, ma petite. I cannot wait to explore the new powers that the fourth mark will bring,” Jean-Claude said proudly as he slowly climb up the bed towards me. I could feel his desire. I did not know whether it was a desire for the power we shared, me, or both.

“Don’t remind me. I am still dealing with the ardeur...hmmm…that’s strange. It hasn’t flared up all day. Maybe we took care of it earlier while you were giving me the fourth mark.”

“Whatever may come I will always be here to help you through this. I wish I could tell you what to expect, but as you know this is new territory for me, as well as most vampires. Necromancers were not, as a rule, made into Human Servants.”

“I am just glad I don’t have to do it alone. I am starting to realize that I just can’t do it all myself. I need help sometimes, and I need people I trust to rely on to give that help.”

“I am honored that you consider me on that list, ma petite,” Jean-Claude said turning towards the opening door.

“Am I on this list as well, ma cherie?” Asher asked, walking into the room. After all this time, Asher still took my breath away. He was wearing ice blue silk pajamas that match the color of his eyes. I could loose myself in his eyes all night.

“Yes,” I answered him simply. “You are at the top of my list, as well.”

I watched Asher make his way to us and onto the bed. My whole body shivered knowing that I had two gorgeous men in my bed, one either side of me. Life is good!

“Too bad it is so close to dawn. I think I could handle both of you for a little while,” I said smiling at the two of them.

“We have all eternity, ma petite,” Jean-Claude said flashing me a smile. “I am just surprised that you would like us both to sleep next to you. I know how much it bothers you to be near us after dawn.”

“I will try my best, you guys. I can’t guarantee anything, but I am willing to make the effort. I am on a roll now…I figured I should try to reach my limit.”

Jean-Claude and Asher got comfortable on the bed. Each turned and faced me, watching and waiting for the dawn to take them. I kissed each man on the lips and whispered that I loved them. I felt the dawn pressing heavily. Asher closed his eyes and shuddered. I watched as Jean-Claude’s eyes slowly closed and…opened again. I bolted upright. Jean-Claude’s eyes were open??

“Mon Dieu! I am still awake,” Jean-Claude stated with a mixture of excitement and confusion.

“So I noticed. Well there is one of the side effects of the fourth mark,” I said, chuckling at the look on his face.

“We must not let anyone know of this, ma petite. We can use this to our advantage if we keep it a secret as long as possible.”

I could almost hear Jean-Claude’s mind churning with the new possibilities, but I had to admit he was right in this instance. It was good to have an advantage over the other vamps for once – well, an advantage over *most* vamps. I remembered that the Earthmover could be awake during the day and even take a little sunlight, but most vampires still went to sleep at dawn. Life was looking better.

Jean-Claude stood up and moved around testing his mobility. “I move a little slower than I do at night, but it is a price I am willing to pay.” He sounded like a kid with a new bike. Chuckling at him, I let him have his moment.

“I hate to interrupt your excitement, but I have had all the excitement I can take right now. I am tired and need rest. We have an even longer day ahead of us.”

“You are right, ma petite. I will rest with you. There is much to be done later and we will need our strength.” Jean-Claude climbed back onto the bed and gathered me into his arms. “Rest. We will explore more of our new found powers tomorrow.”

I lay my head on his chest and put my arms around him. My eyes began to feel heavy, my breathing slowed, and my body began to relax and give into sleep. “Maybe I will actually get more than 5 hours” was my last thought before sleep had fully taken over.