Riding from the church to the cemetery was thankfully a short ride. Adriana found it awkward with a vampire in her front seat, even if he was helping her out. Pulling into one of the many spots that were always open at night, she turned the car off and climbed out making sure Gerard had gotten out before locking the doors. Popping open the trunk, Adriana got out her raising kit minus the chicken. “We should wait for Rhia, she is suppose to meet us here at the entrance.”

A hundred thoughts were going through her head, especially ones where everything went horribly wrong. Pushing out all ill thoughts she continued to the entrance. This was a time when she was happy she had no plans and was merely wearing a jeans, tennis shoes, and a t shirt that said “I want to peck your neck” with a pair of fangs on the front. It was a gag gift from an aunt of hers as a going away present and the one time she pulled it out of the closet she was in the presence of a vampire…great. “So Gerard, since you are running this circus, what would you have me do?” as soon as they reached the entrance to the cemetery.

Gerard rode in silence as only one of the long dead could do. If anyone looked they would think that Adrianna was transporting a dead body in the front seat of her car. He found no need to act human for her at the moment and instead was gathering his strength for what he was about to do. He had two goals this night one was to break the marks away from Rhia as he promised the other was he was going to gain a new animal to call. He knew that leopard was in his bloodline but it had yet to surface. Using the necromancer and the power of the leopard herself he would learn how to call them or destroy them all.

“I will go scout out a suitable location where we will not be disturbed during the ritual. Do you see that large tree? Bring her there when she arrives I will be waiting there for you both. I need to start preparing myself for what is about to happen. What you asked of me is not a light task.” He thought about her next question and responded. “I will want you to bring your tools and get into your element. I do not know how you work just yet and I will need to taste your power first then we will need to find a way to link together.”

Before she could ask another question he walked into the gate of the cemetery. He would mask himself upwind and in the shadow of the tree. He then gathered some of the shadow’s of the three and wrapped them around him to further conceal himself. Then he waited.

Rhia’s mind had been in a whirlwind since she had listened to her voicemail. The past twenty minutes had been filled with excitement and nervousness about what was to happen. There was no way that she could even think about driving, not with everything running through her as it was. Besides, she knew she didn’t want to go through this last part alone.

Sitting in the passenger seat, she squeezed Michael’s hands as he drove, following her directions to the cemetery. In just a few short days since she had started this path, it was all about to be over. Making a mental note to thank Justice profusely for inviting Adriana over for dinner, and then to send quite a bit higher than the agreed amount to Adriana’s bank account as a thank you, Rhia stared out the windshield as they pulled into the parking lot.

Her eyes scanned the area, seeing Adriana standing, with a bag in hand, at the gate. “There she is,” Rhia says to Michael, waiting not so patiently for him to park the car. Moments later, still holding onto Michael’s hand, she walked through the large gates, stopping in front of Adriana with a large smile. “I guess it was your day to learn something new,” Rhia says, still grinning. She probably would have hugged the woman, but wasn’t sure if hugging someone who was doing the job you were paying them for was appropriate.

Michael could not contain his own excitement when Rhia told him of the call. It seems that they finally had a true way to break the marks. It was not just legend and hearsay anymore they were actually going to do it. He had a smile on his face the moment she said something and agreed to drive. Her excitement was further contagious and he was having trouble concentrating on the road but the gentle squeeze of Rhia’s hand and her presence kept his mind focused. She was important enough to him that he could do this small step.

When they arrived and she pointed out whom Adriana was he just nodded. He had smelled the cloves in the pard house and knew it had to do something with the dark magic of necromancy. Though he had never actually seen one they went into the same box as vampires. He exited the car and found Rhia’s hand once again. He gave it one final squeeze before they arrived near the necromancer. “Hi, my name is Michael sense it seems in her hurry to be free that Rye here forgot to introduce us properly.”

He gave a fake flinch on what was about to come in reprisal from Rhia and offered the necromancer a smile. He did extend the hand that was not currently occupied as a leash for Rhia’s excitement and desire to be rid of the marks. “So what exactly is this going to be like? And if you don’t mind me asking why a cemetery?” He was naturally suspicious when it came to people being able to touch his mate. Even if they were not truly mated just yet.

Watching as a pair of headlights came in, Adriana glanced down at her watch. It should be Rhia, but it could also just be another animator. Watching as they climbed out of the car, Adriana was puzzled as to who he was, but that was quickly remedied. “Hi Rhia” taking Michael’s extended hand, “Nice to meet you Michael.”

Turning toward the tree Gerard had spoken of, she beckoned for them to follow. “Well, I am a Necromancer and an Animator, and I feel more at ease in a place I am familiar with and work a lot.” Answering only part of Michael’s question, “And, I am not quite sure exactly how this is going to work. I actually met someone who can channel power and break the marks, he is waiting by the tree.” Adriana could see the anxiety and happiness on Rhia’s face and it made her own heart soar knowing she helped put it there.

Gerard watched the set of headlights arrive in the cemetery as if own schedule. What he did not expect was there was another person exiting the car. He did not want to give away his position just yet by trying to feel who or what he was so he decided to wait. Waiting was something that Gerard could do. His patience bordered on limitless when it came to his own plans.

If Rhia brought anyone it would be another leopard. She did not drift far from her own species if his intelligence was correct on her. The only time she ever ventured out of it was with Sigurd. The very person she wanted to run away from now. Interesting.

Rhia turned, playfully slapping Michael on the arm. “Give me a break, ok? I’m excited.” Turning back to Adriana, she fell into step with the woman as she walked further into the cemetery. Her hand stayed comfortably in Michael’s, that small act enough to keep her beast quiet for the time being. She had finally been able to get the point across that her beast would never get what she wanted until the marks were broken. Apparently, the fact that they were about to do just that was enough for her.

“Well, lucky for us then that someone could help. Anyone I know?” she asks in a joking voice. It was probably some necromancer, world renowned, and unheard of to her.

Michael grinned and acted like that little slap hurt far more than it should. “ooooh hey watch is slugger you almost took my arm out.” He smiled and for once his beast was at peace with the closeness without trying for more. Perhaps it was the stern talking to that he had with it after a conversation with Rhia. They would not do anything until she was free from the vampire and if they did not respect that he was going to imagine rivers of water for the next year for the leopard to play in. He could only smile as Rhia attempted to make small talk. It would show to anyone who knew her just how excited she really was.

Walking up to the tree just put a smile on her face at seeing the two of them together. Adriana didn’t know Rhia too well, but this Michael guy had changed her mood dramatically. Well I am sure getting rid of the marks had something to do with it too.

Laughing, Adriana glanced back at Rhia, “Nah, I doubt you know him.” Stopping at the tree Adriana looked around. She cleared her throat even though she was positive he knew they were here. Looking around she put down her bag with miscellaneous herbs as well as a dagger in the bag.

Gerard stepped out of the shadows that he gathered to let the moon and starlight illuminate him completely. His usual white coat being flowing behind him as he moved. He let those crystal blue eyes falls on the two leopards. The irony was sweet to him. The moment she said she would not know him was the moment that it would dawn on the leopard that he was the friend that agreed to help her. Rhia knew that Gerard was a vampire of his word and if he said he would help with the marks he was going to do it. He continued to watch her and the realization fall upon her that this suddenly got far more complicated if she was not careful. He did not once let himself have a pleased look on his face but instead continued to act nonchalantly.

“Ms. Raggio, we will need a circle big enough for the three of us to move about unhindered. It would not do well to have anything interfering with what we will be accomplishing tonight. Without the blood of your chicken it will have to do with salt, water and power. We should be able to raise enough to make the circle complete. Before you finish we will need us all in the center. I will ask that your companion wait on the outside Rhia. I do not want his energies interfering.” Gerard was all business when he spoke. It was up to Rhia to decide if she was willing to risk another vampire to be rid of the marks.

Nudging Michael with her shoulder, she laughed softly as they continued on their way with Adriana at the lead. She simply nodded at Adriana when they woman turned back. Yeah, he was probably some well-to-do necromancer. Rhia only hoped that if he had offered to help, he was doing so for free, or at least not taking a whole lot of the money that she had offered to Adriana.

They stopped at the tree, and Adriana put down her things. Someone stepped out of the shadows, his scent filtering over to her. Her eyes widen as she looks at Gerard, the vampire speaking in a business-like tone. Rhia’s hand clenched a bit around Michael’s, showing her sudden anxiety. Gerard was the one who decided to help? “Woah, wait a minute here. Gerard, you offered your help? “

Rhia knew from what little she knew of Gerard, that he was one to always stick true to his word. It was a part of his strange code of ethics so to speak. But, the simple thought of not having Michael there with her was enough to break though the sudden shocked cloud in her head.

“No, no matter what else, I am not doing this without Michael being in here with me.” Rhia’s hand clenched again, holding tight to Michael as if he were the last solid thing on earth.

Michael saw the figure standing under the tree. He was obscured by the shadows there but was not outside of his realm of vision. He did not even need to shift to his cat eyes to see the man… no the coldness about him the lack of movement. He was a vampire. That one thought immediately caused the hair on the back of Michael’s neck to bristle. They were going to get help from a vampire. He trusted Rhia but not this necromancer or the vampire now. He wanted the marks off of her but what would be the price.

Obviously Rhia knew the vampire. Strike two vampire. Rhia did not see him which meant he was attempting to hide himself. She clinched his hand hard enough that had he been human she would have broken the bones in it. When he mentioned that he wanted Rhia alone with its servant he could only let out a very soft growl. He knew Rhia would hear it but no one else would be close enough.

“I agree with Rhia, She won’t be going anywhere without me. Even if that means finding another source of help for this. I will not have her risked despite your claim that it could interfere with the energy. We came together, we stay together. We will take whatever risk that it comes with it.”

Hearing the exchange, Adriana gave a smile, “Oh I guess I was wrong, you do know him.” Feeling a little awkward because she assumed they were all strangers. Feeling the tension rise in between the leopards and the vampire, Adriana stepped between the two groups…probably not the smartest move. “I don’t think having an extra set of hands will be a bad thing, if you are capable Michael?” The last question came out easy, she did not want to make a new enemy tonight.

Going to her bag, she took out the salt and water as well as her herbs and began crushing them into an ointment. Rubbing ointment on her face a bit she beckoned all who would come into the circle to do so now. “Once I make the circle no one can cross it, so if you are in it get by me now.”

Gerard could only smile as he let his senses wash over the two leopards. He knew what Rhia felt like to his power. It was foreign yet oddly similar to what the lions felt like. Like they were two separate languages built upon the same root. He should be able to enforce his will on her but the power was still beyond him. The other with her, this Michael, was a different story. Even his trained sense had to push more then was necessary to even feel what kind of shifter he was. He recognized it as leopard but to have to force such effort made him all the more interesting. He made a note of it and followed Adriana into the circle.

“Very well Rhia and Michael was it? If you are willing to accept the risk that the two of you inside the circle could cause. I will warn you both that if your beast’s attempt to bridge the gap between the two of you or attempt to stop what is about to happen then this will fail. Not only will it fail but it would get considerably messy inside of this circle. So think before you make such brash commitments to each other. I am not willing to die for the two of you but I did promise I would assist Adrianna.”

He stood relaxed yet ready to react should either leopard decide to want prevent him from fulfilling his promise to the necromancer. Besides, they had no clue what he was about to do and without that knowledge she would forever be bound.

Rhia watched as Adriana stepped between them, trying to calm the situation. She wasn’t sure in that moment if the woman before her was confident or overly stupid. Then again, if she trusted Gerard, she must have a reason to. Rhia, on the other hand, had no real reason to trust him.

“You may have given Adriana a promise to help, but I have received no such promise from you. I know that you seem to be a vampire who holds great stock in following through with your words, so I will not enter this circle with a promise of my own. I want to make sure that no harm will come to me or mine from you or yours, Gerard. Without that promise, I walk away and look elsewhere. And when I say har, I mean what I would think as harm, not what you would. I want to know that, even if it is only for this night, that we are safe.”

Rhia keeps her eyes settled on Gerard, focusing on the center of his forehead. She may still have the marks on her, but she wasn’t taking any chances on being rolled.

Michael was not sure what was going between the two but he did the only thing he could think of. He stood behind Rhia. He gave her the support of his body and his warmth leaning against her enough so that she would feel it. His beast wary of the vampire more so then trying to get his mate echoed the same feeling. Letting it brush against her just enough to know that it supported her as well.

The fact that she had to spell out the oath that deeply went far enough that she knew Gerard. That would make an interesting story when this was all over he was sure of it. If he was a vampire of his word and gave his oath he could relax. Michael would still be in the circle with Rhia to be sure that nothing would happen.

He amended the promise just enough, “To the moment we step forward after hearing your answer until the sun rises and you find rest for the day.”

Seeing as everyone was so cautious around Gerard, Adrian began to think about everything that was said between the two. Nah, everything was fine. “Please tell me Gerard won’t be the only one here in the circle with me. Rhia, do you want the marks gone? He said he will help you isn’t that enough?” Hearing them force Gerard’s hand and make yet another promise before they entered the circle, Adriana let out a loud sigh. Apparently they were being overly cautious for someone who is offering their help for them.

Gerard listened to the two leopards attempt at forcing his hand. It was amusing how they would back each other up and together they were a true force to be reckoned with. The promise was simple enough he would leave those that were hers alone. That went only as far as her leopards. No one else would claim to be owned by the leopard queen and that would be safe. “Very well Rhia if you need such assurances that I will not act in anyway against you or yours you have it. Though I do not find that these steps were necessary”

He paused and paced a bit in the circle. “In fact Adriana is right for someone who has volunteered to help you asking nothing in return from Ms. Raggio you are being awfully suspicious of me. If I had not given my oath to her I would not take such an insult to my honor. Do know that I shall remember this night when it is all over.” It was not a threat per say but it was a notice that he was displeased.

Rhia wanted to walk over and slap some sense into Adriana. Either Gerard had promised her complete safety, or she really was that trusting. Gerard then spoke, giving her his own promise, and some of the tension left her shoulders. “Do not take it as an offense, Gerard. But, due to my recent dealings with vampires, I felt that at least some promise was needed.” Rhia made sure to keep her voice calm and even. True that Gerard was one to keep his word, he usually didn’t do so unless he got something out of it. Or, at least, that’s what she had seen. He may have only been interested in Adriana or something she could offer, but it was always better to err on the side of caution.

Keeping her hand in Michael’s, she moved forward, stepping in close to Adriana as she waited for her to make the circle.

Seeing as they all were in the circle Adriana began walking the circle, which was a rather large circle for 4 people to maneuver easily, first with salt and then with water. Not exactly knowing what to do, for she had no experience with this type of ritual, she kept her mind on freeing Rhia form her marks. As she came back to the point of origin, Adrian took the ritual dagger and pricked her finger, placing it down on the circle to seal it. Turning to Gerard she didn’t quite know what to do, but she extended her hand to him to show he can begin channeling.

Gerard ignored the comment of Rhia instead watching Adriana. He felt the circle complete the moment her blood hit the two lines of water and salt. It was like a sudden wind erupted from under them and just as it came it was gone. “Forgive me Adriana but this is the only way that I know how to forge a proper link between us both. As a gentleman, if there was another way to do this I would.” He took her hand and pulled her softly towards him.

When she was close enough he picked her chin up and leaned down and placed his lips to hers. With all of the practice of an incubus of over a thousand years he kissed her like a woman was truly meant to be kissed. The ardeur flooded between them in that moment cementing the link of their two powers. It was not going to feed but only to find a common bridge so that the necromancy could follow. When he pulled away from her his eyes had bleed completely to sapphire blue. There was not a single white to them as his power melded with Adriana’s.

He continued to hold her hand and took a step towards the leopards. He used Adriana’s necromancy to find the marks to Sigurd. There were easy to find buried in her aura. He let the cold power of the grave wrap around those spots coiling around them ever so slowly. Then he held the necromancy at bay and reached out with his own power. The circle was filled with the smell of lion as he reached the only way he knew how to the woman. It recognized them but it would not respond to them. He gripped Adriana’s hand again and used her necromancy with his power to call animals slowly merging the two together. He used the marks as a bridge and funneled the smell and power to command lions until it turned into a new smell. It was like a key sliding into a lock as the power figured out what was in front of him. It was a leopard and it knew the way it tasted and smelled.

Gerard let his lips curl into a slight smile as his triumph. Combined with the weight of his own power and the guiding of the necromancy he pushed hard against the marks. The only way to describe how he was doing it now was brute force. The marks would either crumble or she would but either way she would be free.

Rhia felt a strange sort of tingling along her skin soon after Adriana pricked her finger and began to walk back towards them. Gerard turned to the woman, speaking softly before taking her hand and pulling her in close. His hand moved to lift her chin, bringing his lips to hers and kissing her like he would eat her from the mouth inward. So, that’s why she’s so trusting, Rhia thought inwardly.

When Gerard pulled away, she could see the glow of blue around his face as he took a step towards them. Rhia let her hand drop from Michael’s, standing straight. She felt something move within, an odd mix of two different kinds of cold, as well as a strange warmth. Suddenly, she could smell the jungle and she wasn’t sure why. The smell seemed to get stronger, overriding her other senses to the point that she had to close her eyes.

That’s when it hit her. The force of that power smacked into her like a truck against a wall. Her knees gave out from under her as she felt the marks within her flare bright for a moment. Sinking down to the ground, the marks began to crack, splintering and falling away in small shards. A scream was ripped from her throat as the pain within her flashed in a bright white light behind her eyes. She saw the marks leave her in pieces, just before she took a ragged breath and passed out.

Michael could not tell what was going on. He saw the vampire whisper to the woman before taking the girl into a kiss that caused even Michael to blush for her. He should have been impressed or taking notes from the man but instead he kept on his guard. The antics of the vampire and his concubine had no bearing on him. All he cared was that Rhia was going to be free. He felt a slight pull on him as the scents in the circle suddenly shifted from one scent to that of his leopards.

Michael was unsure of what was going on but the moment she screamed he had a good idea. He felt the pressure of Gerard’s power slam into Rhia and flow outwards filling up the circle like it was going to burst. Then Rhia fell to the ground and he waited for a brief moment as she fought for air to breath. Then with no regard to his own safety or that of the other in the circle he went to her cradling her in his lip. He brushed the hair out of her face whispering softly to her. “Come on Rye Bread, come back to me. Come back to me damnit.” He needed a sign that she was alive and it was done or no one was leaving the circle until he had that.

Adriana was momentarily confused by Gerard’s words, but the confusion shortly left as his lips hit hers. She at first was stiff in his arms, but she gave in giving him her power. When he released her, his eyes were a fiery blue and Adriana felt an immense power being directed toward Rhia. Feeling Gerard’s grip tighten on her hand as he navigated through Rhia pressing out the marks.

A gasp escaped her as she saw Rhia fall to the ground, but her concentration was never broken. It seemed they had succeeded and Adriana felt fine, she was a little drained but other than that she was ecstatic that they had succeeded.

The marks had been shattered and Rhia was still in one piece. Gerard saw more of what Sigurd viewed precious in this woman. Her will was almost indomitable to survive such a large press of power. He continued the scourging of her aura pulling out every last remnant of the marks before that accursed man stepped in. The moment he touched her the threshold necessary to push through her aura doubled. Thankfully he did not need to press anymore the deed was done.

He turned to Adriana the blue fire still in his eyes. “Adriana” that one word resonated with the mark that had formed in her own body. She could not channel that much of his power and leave the area unaffected. “There is one last step you have taken a mark by joining with me. I am going to remove it now.” He turned that immense wall of power to the necromancer. There was a part of him that just wanted to crush her under its weight to forever be done with this chapter. His promise still protected her this night. She was being employed by Rhia that made her technically hers and free from harm. So in accordance with his oath he was going to nurse her back to health after he finished tearing a new hole in her aura.

He pressed the power into her forcing the mark out of her aura. He held her hand still cradling he body so that when she too passed out from the stress that she would not hit the ground and violate his oath. He was a man of honor after all.

Watching Gerard take every remnant of a mark that was on Rhia was awe inspiring. When Gerard turned to her, her name out of his mouth, she knew something was different. He had marked her in the process, Was this on purpose or a side effect? was the last thought before the power that was thrown into Rhia was now upon herself.

With a scream of pain that would leave her throat hoarse, she landed in Gerard’s arms void of any conscious activity. She had passed out from the sheer amount of power that was thrown at her.

Michael watched the vampire turn on its concubine. Saying something about honor or what not, it really didn’t matter in the slightest. He took his attention off the vampire looking down at Rhia. He could still feel the solid almost pulse of power from the vampire directed at the necromancer. She experienced the same thing and there was a part of him that thought he would be next but that would mean the vampire wasn’t afraid to break his oath.

He touched Rhia’s hair and face softly one last time before he picked her up in his arms. He waited for the scream that he knew would come now and the flopping of the second body. She fell right into Gerard’s arms. Suitable place for coffin bait. He sniffed at the two of them indignantly. Feeling that the task was done he turned his back on the two of them. When he reached the line of the circle he smudged it with his foot to deactivate it. He may not know too much about all of this metaphysical shit but he knew how to get out of a circle.

He never looked back to give thanks or to inquire about the concubine’s health instead he brought Rhia directly to the car. Michael buckled her up in the front seat and drove back to the safe house. If any leopard was in his way when he arrived back with an unconscious Rhia he would simply growl at it and continue on not even stopping. He brought her straight up to her room, undressed her enough to be comfortable in the bed and tucked her in. Then he waited…

Gerard watched the leopards go and smudge the circle. The matter was done and for the moment he had no qualms with them. He would remember the oath that he promised Rhia and when the time came he would make sure to extract his own oath from her lips as recompense. He smiled softly flexing the new found ability within him. He had gained something far greater than just one woman tonight. He had gained power and all power was worth having. He picked up Adriana to fulfill his own promise and the moment the circle was broken he walked calmly back to her car.

“Give my regards to Rhia, Michael” Gerard’s voices carried across the night air. Though the leopard did not turn around he knew that he had heard it. Just because they were so different did not mean they could not be civil. He drove the little car back to his own manner house. When she was to awake she would be in a four post princess style bed. He had all ready alerted the servants to prepare a batch of fresh chocolate for his guest. When she awoke when the sun dipped low again she would be craving something and that would help her more than anything else.