Forbidden Drink by Nicola Claire

for this you are mine Lucinda crap, but he still couldn't stop himself. It was a part of him that was so deeply ingrained he had no chance of stopping it when it started. Michel was just along for the ride, his jealousy and possessiveness took him on.
    “Not close. He just handed me the jacket when I said I was cold.”
    Michel's eyes flashed magenta. Ah oh. He knew I was lying, or at the very least not telling the full truth. This was just going from bad to worse, wasn't it?
    “Why is it that I don't believe you, my dear? Did he touch you?”
    I blew a puff of breath out in frustration. Michel was going to drive me crazy with all this ownership and controlling that he was lately exhibiting.
    “Nothing happened, Michel, just drop it.” And I pushed up out of the bath splashing as much water as I could muster over his super-expensive Armani suit. I hope it goes in your shoes.
    He stood up and back quickly. “Childish, Lucinda.”
    That's it, I'd had enough of this crap. “No, Michel. I'll tell you what is so damn childish. You thinking you own me. You thinking you can control me. You thinking you can demand explanations from me and make me feel guilty for something that did not happen at all. Why don't you grow up for once?”
    He looked a little shocked at that. I don't think he was used to someone challenging his authority. Michel tended to get his own way a little too often. So, for the real hammer blow.
    “I'm heading to Wellington tomorrow. I need to sort out my cousin who thinks he can be a quasi-Nosferatin and the humans are getting a little hot under the collar. Gregor lost vampires tonight. This is going to reach the Iunctio's ears, we can't just sit back and let that happen. I need to get down there and help make the vampires step back in line, there's no other Nosferatin available, so it's up to me. I don't want the Champion anywhere near our shores.”
    The Champion was the head of the Iunctio's council. She was formidable, scary as Hell and really wanted me dead. The good thing though, was that she couldn't outright kill me, my goddess of a mother Nut - we're descended from her apparently - made sure the Champion and I were connected to each other and she was now unable to snuff me out. A positive to be sure, but still, I had no intention of the plight of Wellington registering on her radar any time soon.
    Of course, I expected Michel to argue. Going to Wellington was not something he would normally condone, it put me within Gregor's grasp. But, I was angry enough to push for this if needed. Michel had to learn I was not his to control. So, I was surprised he stepped back and leaned against the vanity with a look of thoughtful consideration on his face.
    “I cannot go with you. I am not welcome in Wellington while a master is setting up his base. It would be considered a challenge.”
    Huh. “But you agree with me, that I should go?”
    He raised his eyes to mine, the magenta had gone, just traces of indigo and amethyst now in amongst the deep blue.
    “I agree Wellington is a problem and that there is no other Nosferatin available to stand stead, but I am not in the least bit happy about you going.” I could tell that quite easily. “I shall advise our pilot that you will fly out tomorrow evening.” Michel owned a Gulfstream G650 , handy for personal flights around the country and when summoned to the Iunctio in Paris.
    “I was thinking of heading out at first light.”
    He shook his head. “Erika can not travel to the airport in daylight. She will be going with you as your guard.” More like chaperone, but I couldn't argue. At least I knew she could hold her own in a fight.
    I nodded. At least I wouldn't have to drive, even if the BMW could have handled the ten hour drive effortlessly.
    He suddenly reached up and stroked my cheek with the back of his hands, his face softening. “ Ma douce , do have any idea how much you put me through?” I smiled and leaned into his hand. There goes that Karma