Prologue

Summer 1759

Jaelle lay exhausted and sweat-slicked. Her grey eyes were tired and she appreciated the bed being so comfortable. Giving birth to her daughter was well worth the effort. She looked down into the grey eyes of her chubby-cheeked beautiful baby girl that she and Robert had brought into the world. Her hair formed little chocolate curls. She already had eyes that looked right into your soul. Jaelle felt the future for her darling daughter would be one of power. She knew though with power came the struggle.

She sighed with content knowing that her baby had many years before that would become an issue. Until then she would love and spoil her. Robert walked into the room with anxiety. When he looked into her eyes and saw their baby he was filled with awe and love. The maiden handed him the baby and smiled. “Robert, we must give her a name.” Jaelle sighed as her eyes gave in to sleep. “Jenai. Her name should be Jenai.” He grinned.

Autumn 1764

Yulian Vendega received an invitation to House Cordell. At first, he was hesitant. He had been enjoying the perks of having friends in different parts of the world. It allowed him to sample the many women he encountered. His father however insisted that he meet with Lord Cordell and learn about responsibility. Of course, before he could refuse, his father sent word ahead that he would be traveling to House Cordell.

When he arrived he was surprised by the sheer size of the Cordell home. He had expected something much smaller. It was very traditional. Large columns graced the front of the main house with a grand stair leading to the front door. It was pure white and was a stark contrast to the wooded surroundings. A man with dark short hair and a serious gaze came outside to greet him. “Lord Vendega, welcome to House Cordell. Lord Cordell has been expecting you. I am Blaylock. If you have any questions or special requests regarding your safety or security during your stay as a guest in our home do not hesitate to let me know.” Blaylock stared at the young Lord, he needed to be sure any visitor to House Cordell did not pose a threat to young Lady Jenai. She was his highest priority when it came to safety.

Yulian watched as his trunks were unloaded and carried into the house. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. He followed them to a room that was decorated completely in the exact Vendega green he was accustomed to. He was surprised to find the room so catered to his needs. The travel was tiresome but he wanted to explore the house and acquaint himself with his new surroundings. As he walked the halls he noticed it was very quiet. He expected more of a bustle like at his home. Cordell seemed to run a tight ship. He heard the sound of a child's giggle and headed in the direction. The very same man who escorted him in with such a stern expression was now sporting a smile as he ran in circles away from a small little girl. She seemed to find him quite entertaining. The man’s expression changed into a genuine softened smile. “Jenai, I must go back to my duties. My little Lady, why don’t you go inside and play some music in the music room.” Blaylock chuckled.

The little girl must have sensed him because she quickly turned on her heel and set her sights on him. Her little grey eyes looked straight through him it seemed. For a moment he felt as if she was reading him with that stare. She was just a child though. She smiled at him and ran away. Her eyes. Something about them made him think. It was odd. “That M’Lord was the daughter of my Lord and Lady. That little girl is precious to us all. She is a small force to be reckoned with.” Blaylock laughed. “She looked right through me,” Yulian stated in his observation. “She is like her mother. She can sense a person for who they are already. I suspect when she comes into her powers after transition she will be more powerful than M’Lady.” Yulian nodded at Blaylock's statement. He remembered Lady Jaelle somewhat. It was a bit blurred but he felt the Captain was right.

Yulian happened upon Lord Cordells office and knocked. “Come in.” Yulian saw him sitting at his desk. “Lord Cordell,” Yulian spoke formally. It was the way. Until the elder Lord broke formality or in other circumstances someone was disrespectful. “Yulian, have a seat. I am very happy that your father sent you here. I am always glad to share my knowledge.” Robert smiled. “Robert, I appreciate your offer to host me for some time and show me the ropes. My Papi does not think of me much as a leader. I believe he sees that more in my suelita. I don’t blame him. It would however be nice for him to see me as more than just a boy.”

Robert chuckled, “It doesn’t seem that long ago your father and I were just boys. Once you find your mate, young Vendega, it will change you. You will want to be a better man just because she makes you feel that you can be more. I did not ever think I would be a family man. Jaelle brought a light into my world. I did not think it could get any better until my daughter was born. I am going to give you a few tasks to do tomorrow to see where you are best suited.” Yulian shook Robert's hand then headed back through the house.

He heard a piano playing and followed the sound. Someone pounded their fists into the keys out of frustration. He heard the sound of someone crying. His curiosity led him into the music room where Robert's daughter sat rubbing the tears from her eyes. “Young princessa don’t cry.” Yulian knelt beside her as she sat at the piano bench her frustration and sadness seemed to flow into him. He used his thumb to wipe away her tears. “What is the matter?” He asked. “I cannot get this part in the song. I keep messing up. I should just quit!” She cried. “I know how you feel princessa. I have wanted to quit many times in my life but can I tell you a secret?” He asked and watched as her eyes perked up. “Yes Lord Vendega.” Yulian cringed. “Uh, how about while I am here to visit you call me by my name. I am Yulian.” Jenai smirked. “My mom says I should always use titles for those older than me.” Yulian nodded. “I am giving you permission to call me by my name. So that secret... Something my father told me and I will explain it to you in a way that fits you. He has always told me I have the blood of a dragon. That I am fierce, strong, and can do anything I put my mind to if I try. You, M’Lady, have the blood of a tiger. Tigers are elegant, strong, fiery, intelligent, powerful, and agile beings. You can do anything you put your mind to just like me.” He grinned as her face lit up with a smile. “Let me see the song you are trying to play.” He took the sheet music and smiled. “A pretty song huh?” Jenai smiled. “Yes.” Yulian set the sheet music back in its place. “May I help?” She nodded. He waited for her to set her hands on the keys and start playing. “Think of pretty things as you play. Do you like pretty things?” she nodded as she continued to play. “I saw the most beautiful blue butterfly in your garden earlier when you were playing with Blaylock.” He grinned and she closed her eyes as she played and was finally able to play the song through completion. “I thought of the butterfly.” She giggled. “Anytime you think you can’t do something, think of a tiger. It is who you are Jenai.” Yulian stood from the bench. “I never said my name.” She looked surprised. “Blaylock did.” Jenai jumped off the bench and wrapped her arms around him. “Thank you, Yulian.” Yulian chuckled. “You are very welcome princessa.”

Yulian stood quietly thinking that maybe one day he could be a family man. He wondered what his future held for him.

Jaelle watched as the young man destined to love her daughter took care of her. She knew that she needed to keep them on similar paths to align them in their fate. She had told the young man before that his future would be tied with that of her daughters. Today that was confirmed for her. Yulian Vendega was right where he needed to be.

Summer 1767

Jenai sat in the library reading a book while her father and Tylin Vendega discussed important matters. She glanced over the top of her book to find the warm brown eyes of Tylin peering at her. “Young one I imagine tagging along with this old man probably is less than fun. You are welcome to roam about. We have a music room and lovely gardens.” Jenai smiled widely, missing one of her upper front teeth. “Thank you, M’Lord.” She said with a bow. “May I go now, daddy?” She pleaded. Robert chuckled “How can I say no to a face as sweet as yours?”

Jenai swiftly ran into the gardens. She saw a boy who appeared to be her age. “Hi.” She waved at the boy expecting to make a new friend. “I don’t play with girls. Go away.” He hissed. Jenai was furious. “Why are you so mean and impolite?” Jenai spat. “I don’t like girls so either you go away or I make you.” He said with a slow turn. “I’m not leaving the Lor-” before she could finish her sentence the boy slammed her hard into the ground. Jenai caught herself and he pushed her again making her skin her knee. She looked up into the eyes of the mean boy and began to cry.

Just as she was about to get up, an older man but younger than Lord Tylin came over. It was the Lord that had visited before her mother died. He walked over with a look of pure anger in his eye. “How dare you lay hands on this young lady. I know your father and he would be very unhappy to hear of this misbehavior.” The man spoke sternly. “ Get out of my sight before I handle you myself.” He growled as he knelt down beside her.

“Thank you Lord Yulian.” Jenai whimpered as the discomfort stung from the gash on her knee. Teardrops began to trickle down her cheeks. “Princessa please don’t cry. Just Yulian. You remember me?” he winced as he felt pain. “ Yes.”Jenai whimpered. “I’m sorry L- i mean Yulian my knee hurts very much.” Yulian rose from beside her and disappeared behind a row of rose bushes. He came back with a cloth and some kind of liquid and bandage materials. “This will sting for a moment but then it will feel better. I am going to clean it and bandage it.” Yulian explained. He dipped the cloth in the liquid and pressed it to the scrape. As he did he felt the feeling of pain again. “I hate him! This hurts!” Jenai yelled. Yulian chuckled at her expression. “He was unkind in pushing you. I will make sure he never does that again. I can help with the pain once I bandage it.” After he tightened the bandage. He sat her on a nearby bench.”I will be right back.” He said disappearing again. When he returned he had a small glass of blood. “Drink this, it will help with the pain and help you heal faster.” Yulian handed her the glass. “Thank you Yulian. You are much nicer than most grown-ups to me. Your dad is nice too. I really like it here.” Jenai began to smile. “Much better princessa. I hate seeing you sad. Where did my father say you could spend your time?”Yulian asked. “ Oh, he mentioned a music room and these gardens.” Jenai beamed. “Follow me,” Yulian said, getting up from the bench and taking the empty glass from her hand.

Yulian spent the afternoon showing Jenai the gardens and showing her the location of the music room before returning to his office. He sat in his office a bit confused by the emotions he felt earlier in the day. The protectiveness that overwhelmed him and the relief he felt the moment she smiled. “Son?” Tylin’s eyes examined him. “Yes papi.” Yulian answered. “I have been saying your name for about ten minutes.” Tylin pursed his lips in thought. “Ahhh.. Papi I apologize I have been distracted today. Something strange happened.” Yulian sighed. Tylins' eyes crossed at the worry on his son's face.

Yulian paced the floor of his office. “A youngling pushed your friend's daughter to the ground in front of me. Not only did I think I felt her pain and anger but I had this overwhelming sense of protectiveness slam into me, Papi. I wanted to end the boy.” He sighed.

Tylin chuckled. “Boy, I taught you from a young age to respect ladies of all ages. So that is just your upbringing. As far as feeling her pain and anger goes, Jenai is the daughter of Robert and his wife was extremely strong in pathokinesis. She may very well have inherited her mother's abilities but at such a young age to be able to do so means as a woman she will be very powerful.”

Yulian chuckled. “Robert will have his hands full.” Tylin nodded.”I’m going to walk the grounds and make sure everything is to standard for their visit Papi.” Tylin grinned. He enjoyed seeing his children take responsibility. His daughter Tyleya had a knack for all things battle and war and being his first born was his choice to succeed him but his son would one day make a great Lord if he could settle down and mature. “ Robert and his daughter will be here for a few weeks. We are dividing territories between Misu and our families even Oleksi’s father has joined in pursuing territories here.”

~

Jenai had watched as the man with one blue and one brown eye walked off after showing her around. He had been very nice to scare off the mean boy. She was surprised that he sat with her until she stopped crying and then continued to show her around afterward. Most adults chose to ignore her but he made sure she was smiling before he walked away.

She was going to make sure today was a different day than the last. Lord Tylin had given her permission to use the music room. It was easy to find since Yulian had shown her where it was. The large wooden door creaked as she pushed it open. Her purple lace-trimmed dress fell almost at her ankles and had little black buttons trailing down the back. She wore matching gloves with the same lace trim on the wrists. She lifted herself onto the bench in front of the piano and took a deep breath. Her fingers naturally floated over the keys playing the melodies that she practiced constantly at home.

A knock at the door startled her into making an error in the song she was playing. “Sorry princessa. I didn't mean to give you a fright.” Yulian chuckled at the annoyance on her face. “Your father told me I could practice my music here, so I thought I would do that today instead of playing outside, Lord Vendega,” Jenai smirked knowing he hated being called by his title. Yulian inwardly cringed. “Didn’t I tell you to call me by my name? Being called by my title by a child makes me feel old.” Jenai looked back at the piano.”Okay Yulian, can I get back to practicing please?” Jenai asked, cutting her eyes back in his direction with added irritation. That just made Yulian laugh harder. “Yes M’Lady.” Yulian bowed and let another guffaw slip out. As he walked to the door she began to play, a chill ran through him.

Yulian went to his office to find a welcomed surprise. Petro sat in the oversize chair across from his desk. “Man I have been waiting here since before the sun rose.” Petro joked. “You and I both know that's untrue.” Yulian chuckled. “What are you doing here?” he asked. “I am in town on business, bruva. I thought I could get you to come out. Apparently you have been otherwise occupied. Who is the lady?” Petro waved his hand about dramatically.

Yulian rolled his eyes. “ No. Actually, my father has his friend in town and his little daughter has been quite the guest. I have been attending to her little whims I guess. I don’t even like kids like that. It’s strange. Papi says that she has the powers of her mother. Remember Jaelle?” Yulian said, squinting at his friend's confused expression. “Yes, I remember her. She was beautiful. She had strong empath and pathokinesis abilities. How old is her daughter?” Yulian shook his head and he couldn’t believe it. “Only eight. She fell from a servant boy's son shoving her and I felt her pain and anger.” Yulian said seriously. “You, Yulian Vendega are distracted by the little princess I saw roaming about this morning?” Petro asked incredulously, trying to hold in laughter.

“That is because her mother was very powerful as well notwithstanding her being under-ranked.” Tyleya chimed in as she wandered into the room. “Thank you for gracing us with your beauty m’lady.” Petro winked as he spoke in a joking tone. Tyleya laughed and smacked him in the arm. “If you were anyone else I might take that seriously.” She sat on the edge of Yulians desk and looked at her brother's face.

He seemed shaken by something. “What bothers you?” She questioned him. “Have you seen her?” He said changing the subject. “Yes, I could not stay with her long. She looks so much like her mother. It just reminded me of the loss of my friend.” She sighed. “She asked me to keep an eye on her before her death but I think her father is doing well to protect her. Yulian nodded. He knew Tyleya would soon leave. She never stayed long and the chill he felt leaving the music room was because Jenai had chosen to play a song he had only heard Tyleya play. It made him feel sad because he missed his sister. He did not know she was even home.

Spring 1775

(8yrs later)

Daddy why do you insist on dragging me everywhere with you?” Jenai protested. “Sweetheart you are my only child so that means you will probably be my heir. That being said, I need you to start learning more of what it means to have the responsibility of running a house.” Robert explained. “But why now?” she continued. Robert shakes his head and pinches his nose. “Because I say so. He grinned because the same expression of love and irritation Jaelle gave him manifested on her face. Robert smiled and hugged his daughter. “I love you so much my dear.” Jenai smiled back. “Love you too daddy.”

As they arrived at a familiar home. She sighed. She wondered if Yulian was home or off on another adventure. Her father warned her off about continuing to “get to know Lord Vendega” She had a mind of her own though and had already decided to do what she wanted. As she got older she noticed how handsome he was and wanted to spend more time with him. She rushed to the gardens to see the orchids. Yulian had found out they were her favorite and had put some in. They had turned out to be her favorite of all because they were the most unique purple and truly the most beautiful she had ever seen. “Good evening princessa.” Yulian grinned as he looked at how Jenai had grown. “Good evening Yulian” Jenai replied with a curtsy. “How old are you now? You are growing up into quite a lovely Lady.” He bowed. “Ahhh… Yulian is always the flatterer. I’m getting ready to turn 16 soon.” She smiled, waving off his compliment. “Well you are going to break all the Lord’s hearts when you are old enough.” He chuckled when she licked her tongue at him as he walked the garden with her. “What do you have for me?” She asked excitedly. “I’m sorry princessa I was unable to get you one this last trip.” His expression was apologetic. Jenai frowned but shook it off. “How was your trip though?” She asked the disappointment sneaking out in her tone. That made him want to quickly cheer her up. He hated to see her do anything but smile. Which was odd. He hadn’t experienced that with anyone. He always brought her sheet music from the places he traveled. “My trip was actually outstanding because I actually got you six.” He was happily rewarded with a beautiful smile as her face lit up. “Really?” Jenai asked, wishing hard that he was telling her the truth. “Yes M’Lady.” Yulian answered as he reached inside a satin satchel and pulled out the sheet music for her to see. “Thank you so much Yulian!” she shrieked happily, grabbing a hold of him in a happy embrace. He returned her hug looking into her eyes and saw and felt her joy and that was again a new experience for him. “Anything you ask princessa.” He smirked. A look of surprise crossed her face that changed to a muted smile. He wondered what she was thinking.

Autumn 1778

Yulian was sitting off the balcony in his room at house Rioja. “Bruv, what is this shit?” He said moving the different leather bound books and pages strewn about. “Sheet music I have bought over the years for Jenai when traveling with you.” He admitted. “You have got to be fucking joking. Are you still doing that? How did I not see it?” He asked. “I don’t know? No, I'm not joking. I just can’t help it. I like to see her happy. Music makes her happy. She’s a sweet girl.” He smiled. “What does this kid have that has you wrapped around her pretty little finger like a ribbon?” He shook his head. “I’m not she’s just she's a good kid and my friend …” Yulian sighed. Petro was right. He never went out of his way for anyone but Jenai. After her last visit he was even questioning himself. “It’s been years Yules you have not seen her in years and you still are thinking about her.” Petro insisted. “I don’t know Bruv...I can’t explain it.” Yulian picked up his guitar and started to strum.

Winter 1781

(6years since he had last seen her)

Yulian sat in his office knowing that shortly Jenai would be arriving at House Vendega with her father Robert. But this time years had passed since he had last seen her. It had been six years since he had laid eyes on her and she was now 22 years old. He had noticed how beautiful she was becoming when she last visited. He imagined she would exceed that now. He had asked that she be escorted discreetly to the music room on arrival as he had built up a collection of sheet music for her over the years. He had thought she would visit again sooner than this but he couldn’t help but to procure a new song for her everywhere he traveled. It was a habit at this point. He walked to the music room and picked up the nearest string instrument and began to strum a song he had last heard in Barcelona on his trip with Petro. They had really enjoyed the sights and the women. He and Petro had discussed whether they could see themselves with wives one day and quickly laughed it off. He enjoyed sampling the different ladies over the years he laughed, realizing he probably wouldn’t remember if he had bedded any of them more than once... time was something he didn’t dwell much on. Most of the time.

Jenai was nervous to see Yulian. It had been what felt like forever since she had seen him. He was so handsome to her. She enjoyed looking into his eyes. One was like a pool of blue water, the other like honey straight from a hive. The last time she saw him he had been sporting a goatee.

Her face and body had matured quite a bit since she had last visited. She wondered what he would think. She shook her head. Surely he wouldn’t notice her like that. She was way younger than him. When he last saw her he had kissed her but surely it was a pity kiss. There was no way that he could see her that way. Jenai stood quietly contemplating if she should open the door. Her waist was corseted and she wore a blue dress that showed off her new curves. It was a blue silk woven polonaise style dress that was low at her bust and flowed out from her hips. She had picked it up a few weeks before the trip in hopes that she would look attractive to Yulian even though she didn’t think it possible.

She thought she might faint and her heart pounded wildly. Just as she thought it might explode the door opened with her hand mid air ready to open it herself. “Jenai?” Yulian asked unsure because the woman standing in front of him was stunning. “Yes Yulian.” Jenai beamed. “Wow uh… eres hermosa...sorry...You are beautiful princessa.” Yulian saw a blush flash over her cheeks and quickly disappear. “Yulian once again...you are being too kind.” Jenai gave him a little shove in his shoulder. He laughed because he realised she probably hadn’t had a man properly tell her so. He watched as she curtsied before him and her chocolate curls fell over her shoulders making a curtain fall between his view of her face. When she stood though he realised he never really looked at her eyes and they were the most intriguing sparkling grey. It was almost shocking to him that he had never noticed before. “I am pleased to see you, M'Lady.” Yulian Bowed. “I never understand why you bow to me. I am younger than you and you are ranked way above me. I will always curtsy to you but, Yulian, you don’t have to show me that kind of…” He stopped her by putting a box in front of her. “How about instead of discussing something that doesn’t matter, you look at these.” He smiled widely as she realised what was in the box and then looked around to find over a dozen more. “You haven’t!” She almost leapt as she bounced around from box to box pulling out random bound sheet music. “This is amazing and you had them bound for me?” She asked. “Figured it would be easier to sort them that way.” He shrugged. Jenai giggled as she looked over the many varieties of songs he had snagged her; it was truly the sweetest gesture she had ever received.

Yulian sat back down and watched as her eyes lit up over and over as she looked over each song. “How will I ever thank you for all of this.” Jenai grinned. He watched her slide her hands over the bound music as she walked closer to where he sat. It was something in the way she walked that made him sit a little straighter. “Uh I couldn’t ask for a token from you Jenai. You being happy and knowing you will enjoy playing the songs is enough.” He cleared his throat hearing his accent breakthrough. Jenai was now standing right in front of him. Her hands no longer holding the music she was so excitedly perusing just moments ago hovering slightly over his own as he looked up at her.

Everything in him yelled for him not to but in that moment he caught her scent she smelled of vanilla and caramel. That wasn’t what threw him though it was distinct, she was aroused. His mouth parted and his breath hissed out. He realised it was mutual but he didn’t think Robert would appreciate his line of thinking. If he let himself continue his line of thinking he couldn’t promise that he would stop himself.

Jenai tucked a stray curl behind her ear and sat beside him. “Even though I'm not your age I would still give you a token of thanks.” Jenai whispered, placing her hand in his looking into his multicolored gaze that saw right through her and warmed her inside. The heat of his touch on her hand shocked her and she gasped. Her lips pressed shut to try and hide it but then butterflies raced in her stomach. “You don’t realise the restraint I am trying to use Jenai. What I want and what I should do are two opposite sides of a coin.” He groaned. That groan went right through her and her grip on his hand tightened as he watched her fidget in her seat.

Jenai tried to think about anything to lessen the building feeling in her body but everytime she tried he would rub his thumb over her palm in the lightest of ways making her want to shiver. Yulian knew that he should walk away. He knew he should go to his office or call Petro. He should do anything else. But he looked into her eyes and his lips instantly gravitated to hers. He let his hands roam over her curves as he deepened the kiss. She leaned into the kiss and her body pressed closer to his which made him pull back so he could see how she was reacting to his touch. When he did he felt his own arousal pressing against the material of his clothing and noticed her breasts rise and fall as she caught her breath.

He wanted to see what was under her dress but he knew that would be too far. “You are unhappy with me?” She asked, seeing that he had stopped touching or kissing her. “Not at all, love.” He touched her face gently. “Then…” She started to answer. “Am i the first man you have been this close with?” He asked. “ Since we last saw each other I have kissed other men but that is the extent. I have not been more intimate with a man.” She replied biting into her lip nervously. Yulian watched as a drop of blood formed on her lip and felt his teeth shift. “If we continue this conversation Jenai we are going to end up in my bed and I don’t think our families will be very happy with us.” Yulian tried to keep from inhaling her intoxicating scent. If he stayed in the room with her even a moment more he was going to sneak her into his bedroom and give her an experience she would remember. Before he could make up his mind to leave she leaned over him and used his shoulders to pull herself onto his lap. “Kiss me again.” she said softly. A request he couldn’t refuse.

He kissed her slower and deeper this time and was lost because when she kissed him back it was like no kiss he had experienced before. All he felt was her pleasure. His fingers dug into her hips and she moaned into his mouth as she tried to press closer to him. He found himself pulling her body taught against his and felt her nipples harden under the material of her dress. He was going to regret it because his father was going to kill him but he thought it was worth it in the moment.

He lifted the skirt of her dress up over her hips and loosened her undergarments revealing the smooth caramel skin of her thighs and heard the rumble of excitement in his chest as he looked at what he was about to delve into. “Jenai, are you sure you are ready for this? We can wait if you are not. He paused again. She looked at him with a flush across her cheeks and chest. “I want this Yulian.” breathlessly she replied. He stood helping her to her feet and straightened their clothes. “Did I do something wrong?” She looked confused. He placed a finger over her lips and hushed her. Peering around the door he checked to see if anyone was in the hall. He couldn't dematerialize because she didn’t know where to go. He pulled her quietly through the house and snuck her through the many hallways until they reached his rooms.

Yulian turned to see she was still excitedly following him. He pulled her into his office and walked her past it through another door leading to a candle lit bedroom. “Candles?” Jenai asked. “They set a better mood than lamps do.” He winked causing a soft giggle to escape her pink lips. He leaned down to kiss her again curious if it would feel the same as what felt like an eternity though it had only been minutes. He was wrong, it was stronger this time. He felt his hands fumble to untie the corsted part of her dress. She made him feel excited to be with her; it wasnt an act. He felt the last lace come undone and watched as her dress fell to her feet.

He removed his shirt and watched as her mouth fell open and her eyes examined every plane of muscle of his body from his arms to his chest and lower. He pulled her body against his and began kissing his way down her neck causing her breath to hitch in her throat. “Yulian that feels so good.” she moaned and then his teeth grazed her neck and she shivered. Her hardened nipples pressed against him and he laid her in his bed so he could get a better look at her. Two things kept him from burying himself in her body. What was remaining of his clothing and knowing that he had to take his time since it was her first time.

He removed what was left of his clothing and let her see him before he got onto the bed with her. She bit her lip again nervously. He was going to have to tell her to stop that because it was driving him crazy. “ Jenai, if you want this to continue to be all pleasure I am going to need you to stop biting your lip. Otherwise I may forget myself.” Blood trickled from her lip and he felt his body lunge. He kissed her, tasted her blood and almost came from the taste. “Fuck you are sweet.” He growled, kissing his way to her breasts. He sucked in her pebbled nipple and fought with the instinct to thrust inside her as he felt how wet she was becoming for him.

Jenai looked up into his eyes and felt her teeth shift in her own mouth for the first time. “Have mercy on me, woman.” Yulian tried to reel in his excitement; he knew that she couldn’t bite him. “No matter what you cannot bite me. Nod if you understand.” Jenai nodded and touched her hand to his face. He put himself in position to enter her and slowly pushed his way in until she adjusted to him and rubbed her clit to lessen the discomfort. Once he could see that it was becoming more pleasurable for her he started to thrust in and out of her body kissing every inch of exposed skin making her writhe beneath him all he could hear was her rapid breaths and moans as they got closer to coming he felt the intensity of her pleasure slam into him and an electric like spark that took them both over the edge. “Is it always like that?” Jenai sucked in a breath. “No.” He chuckled. He realised it had never been like that and he rolled off of her onto his back. He looked over at her and noticed her shiver. He pulled the bedding over her and pulled her close to him so that she was lying on his chest.

“I should get you to your room before we fall asleep and your father comes in here on a rampage.” He laughed, lifting her chin so that he could kiss her, sending another wave of arousal through him. “Fuck.” he groaned. She was making him aroused like he was in his double digits still. “Okay now. Let us get you to bed in your room before I end up keeping you here with me.

Jenai smirked. “What if that is what I want? she said, reaching beneath the covers touching his hardening dick. Yulian hissed. “Woman, you are going to get us in trouble.” He let her fingers linger a moment more then sat up grabbing his clothes off the floor and getting himself dressed.”Come let me help you get dressed so I can escort you to your room. After a few minutes she was properly laced and ready to go. “Let's go.” He took her hand in his and led her to her room. He filled her tub with water and rose oil and helped her undress once again so that she could get in. She winced but a few moments later relaxed as the water soothed the aches in her body. “Stay until the water turns cool and then dress for bed and rest. I will see you tomorrow.” He said kissing her forehead and then her lips one last time before dematerializing to his room.

The moment he did he realized that her scent still lingered and he had to get rid of it or he would never sleep. He called for his maid to come change his bedding and clean the room. He busied himself in his office trying to think about the things his father asked him to do but all he could think about was how her blood tasted and how it felt to have her legs wrapped around him. When he said Robert would have his hands full when she came of age. He didn’t realize the hands full would be his own. He adjusted himself as he sat waiting for his room to be clean. He needed to think about something less arousing but all he could think about was going to her room and having his way with her again.

He looked to the door of his office and realised his father stood still holding the door frame tightly, his eyes flashing from brown to red repeatedly. “What have I always asked you not to do boy.” He tried to breathe calmly but he saw heat rise off his father's skin which meant he was beyond furious. “Bed your friends' daughters? This was different though papi. I promise. I have no bad intentions for her.” Yulian tried to explain. “Despite what you say son I cannot even allow Robert to find out what you have done. I can smell her on you and all in here. Having your maid do a little cleaning is not going to hide what you have done or want to continue doing. The only thing I can do is conclude business early and arrange for me to do the visiting from now on... alone. You cannot see her again. The council will think the Vendegas are taking advantage of a young one. Yes I know she is of age but that means nothing of proper courtship in our rank. You will not see her again for the foreseeable future. I can’t believe this. It is taking everything for me not to strangle you at this very moment. All I can do is hope that distance will help her move on.” Tylin sighed. His son was going to get him killed.

The Conclave did find out and wiped the memories of both his son and Jenai and anyone outside of Tylin and Robert who knew of their involvement in hopes that they could stop a union from occurring. Power was something valued among the immortali and yet there was someone always trying to manipulate the power of certain Houses.

Spring 1860

It was a warm summer day. The breeze was cool. Her grey eyes watched as the road passed by. She was trying to forget about the subject at hand. Tapping her fingernail impatiently as she listened to all the reasons why she had to do as her father asked. The ride was long and the conversation longer.

Although Jenai had been on many travels with her father since the death of her mother, she would rather stay home and play music. She had acquired many sheets of music. Some were even bound. She however couldn’t remember how she got any of them. Her father said they were gifted to her but would never say who gave them to her. Her collection was vast and the ones that were bound were organized by her favorite composers. It had become her favorite pastime just to sit and enjoy music.Her father even allowed her to bring some of it with her. She could so clearly hear the sound of the piano play in her ears. It was as if her fingers were on the keys.

There was something so familiar about the roads they were on. As her father spoke with her, she thought about a pair of eyes that kept haunting her dreams. It had been happening since the very moment Robert had informed her of their trip. The eyes were kind and warm, one cool ice blue and the other a warm honey . They saw straight through her. She felt as if they watched her in her dreams. Her pathokinesis led her to believe the eyes meant her no harm. She just wished she could remember who the eyes belonged to. Robert interrupted her thoughts asking her if she had yet to make a decision on any of the suitors who had written to her.

``Father I know that you favor Caden, but I'm unsure if I could love him. He is so stuffy and old.” Robert smiled proudly at his daughter. She resembled her mother Jaelle more now than ever. He wanted the best for her. Robert was a man of logic. She imagined he found Caden was the most logical choice to The Conclave. He could be the man to tame her younger mindset. Although in doing so his house would be at a loss and Caden would be at a gain. She imagined he thought that with Caden she would at least be well cared for. Tylin, Robert's longtime friend, sent word that he needed to meet with him. Robert was highly suspicious of his long time friend. They fought many battles side by side. They had many near death experiences and saw the horrors of the wars of the immortali and the human wars. Robert felt there was some underlying intent toward his daughter Jenai. Tylin had asked for her to come to House Vendega as well. He had done plenty of business with Tylin since 1782 with out his daughter by his side; it had been quite some time since she had tagged along with him and it was a long journey to House Vendega.

“Jenai Please be on your best behavior, Tylin is a powerful man and a great friend.” Robert insisted. “Change of subject father?” Jenai smirked as she lowered her blue hood revealing her long chocolate waves and cool silver-grey eyes. She looked out of her window and smiled as they rode past several fields of wildflowers. “Can we stop so that I may pick some?” She pleaded with her eyes and a pouted lip. “Every time you make that expression you look just like your mother. How could I say no to you?” Robert laughed.

Jenai smiled as they came to a halt. The flowers were in full bloom and the scent of their perfume fragrant and jubilant. Jenai picked the flowers happily in a nice assortment. “Jenai we must be on our way.Tylin is waiting.” They quickly loaded into their vehicle and began the last of their long journey. Robert had an intuitive mind. Something told him that this trip had more to do with his daughter than him and the business he was told Tylin needed to handle.

Tylin Vendega sensed that his time was nearing. That he needed to tie up loose ends and make sure all of his business was handled for both Tyleya his daughter and Yulian his son. His son had spent years “sowing his oats” and he needed him to choose a suitable mate so that he may settle down. His daughter he sensed she was on her way onto her own dangerous path. He would expect nothing less than for her to find her way in life on her own terms. Knowing this and that she needed a challenge in life to keep her on her toes once he was gone. Robert Cordell and his good friend Chayton would aid her in handling the finances. He hoped to find peace in his offspring before his time came.