VAMPIRE TEMPTATION

The Only Option

Edited

Klaus

Hey. Ruby, look at me. You need to stay calm. You can’t move while Mai has a scalpel in you, or you’ll just end up getting hurt.”

I need it out, Klaus” she whimpers.

I know. Just do what Mai says and you’ll be ok.” I nod to Mai as Ruby relaxes a little.

It’s now or never.

Mia speaks soothingly, drawing Ruby’s attention.

Close your eyes. The chip isn’t below the sternum, but it is under some muscles that I’ll need to either cut through or go around.

“It’s going to look pretty gruesome, and I don’t need you freaking out.”

I quickly put a hand on Ruby’s cheek.

“Just look at me. Mai will have that thing out of you in no time.”

I watch as Mai makes a small cut. She pulls the skin apart with her forceps, but Ruby suddenly flinches.

Mai pauses. “Are you in pain? Do you need more anesthetic?”

“It’s not there, it’s further down. Here…”

Ruby trails her hand down her chest and to her stomach, wincing. “It’s like something is moving inside me.” She clutches my hand tightly.

“It’s ok, just try to breathe slowly.” I keep my eyes on her, but I can see Mai bringing the scanner closer.

A gasp tells me that something is wrong. What?” I tear my eyes away from Ruby.

“The chip is moving. It’s going deeper. From what I can tell, it’s embedded itself in Ruby’s liver.”

“This is beyond my skills, Klaus. She needs a trained surgeon.”

Then that’s what she’ll get.”

“No.”

I snarl at Katherine, dropping into a crouch in front of Ruby.

“We will not sit by while this thing harms her!”

Klaus, use your head! The chip moved once when it was threatened. The last thing we want is giving her a huge surgical wound to get to her liver, only to have the chip move again.”

As much as I want to ignore her, I can’t. Katherine is probably right. “I’m not leaving her to die.”

Katherine looks away. No one wants to say it, because they know I’ll bite their head off.

I grit my teeth and force the words out. Does anyone have Elena’s contact details?”

***

Klaus

The meeting doesn’t take long to set up. By the time Mai is finished stitching the small wound in Ruby’s chest, Elena has responded with a location.

Of course, she has. She was expecting this. She probably activated that chip the moment she realized Ruby and I were gone.

Katherine offers to come with me, but I turn her down. She’s already put herself in enough danger for me. Ruby demands to come with me, but I flatly refuse.

I am not putting you at risk again. Look what happened the first time.”

“It’s my life that’s at stake, Klaus! I should get a say in it.”

“You’re not going within five miles of Elena.” If it was anyone else, that would be that, but I can hear Ruby’s hurt and fear in her thoughts, and that doesn’t sit well with me.

“Look, how about I wear an earpiece? That way you can hear everything that’s happening.

Ruby sighs. “I suppose that’s the best I’m going to get, isn’t it?”

Don’t worry, I’ll be back soon. Once Elena turns that chip off for good, we can have it removed by a surgeon.”

I kiss her, lingering on the touch of her lips. I have no assurance that Elena will actually come alone. She could have her coven grab me the moment I’m in sight.

I have to do this, though.

I can’t watch Ruby die.

**

Klaus

I make the short drive to the café Elena named. She’s already there, smiling smugly at me.

I sit down opposite her, glaring. “Tell me how to get that thing out of Ruby.”

“That’s very simple. All you need to do is make an alliance with me. As your ally, I would happily hand over any feeder humans you desire. If you want to take the chips out of them, I can make that happen.”

Do you want an alliance? Fine, you are officially my ally. Now turn that chip off.”

Her smile widens. “You know that’s not how this works. Alliances without matings to back them are weak.”

“I’ve already told you, I won’t be your mate.”

“Then your feeder will die.”

“Her name is Ruby!”

“Elena shrugs. “Whatever.”

She looks at her watch. “In ten minutes, that chip is set to turn onto kill mode. Even with a healer, I doubt your feeder will live more than a few minutes. Decide now.”

I want to scream. I want to run. I want to tear Elena to pieces.

None of that will help Ruby.

I desperately don’t want to mate Elena, but if it’s the only way to save Ruby… The mating bond can’t be undone.

I’d never be able to be with another vampire, physically. It’s impossible to become aroused for anyone but your mate once mated.

Humans are an exception, as we need them to feed, but how could I be with Ruby as a human, knowing that the moment I turn her into a vampire, I can’t be with her anymore?

Or I could not turn her, and watch her age and die.

Either way, your relationship with that feeder is over. Whether she dies now or goes on to live a full life is up to you.”

The words feel like a coffin closing.

I thought I could be happy with Ruby. I guess that’s what you get for wishing for Something so impossible.

I take off the earpiece and crush it. This is the only option.

If I’m going to do this, things will have to change.

Our covens will be aligned, and you know my views on humans. You will have to adopt my policies. No hurting humans, no enticing them, no feeding from them without pre-given, written consent.”

“You’re no fun,” Elena pouts. She considers for a minute. “What if the humans want to be hurt?

If that’s what they’re into, then I won’t object, but you’ll have to have them detail everything they agree to have done to them in the pre-given consent.”

Another minute of consideration. I’m sitting on the edge of my seat, all too aware that Ruby’s time is swiftly ticking down.

Deal. But we do this now.”

I manage not to flinch, but it’s a near thing. I won’t even get a chance to explain to Ruby, a chance to say goodbye.

“Agreed, but turn the chip off first.”

I listen as Elena calls her coven, telling them to deactivate the chip, then follow her back to the place I just escaped from.

Elena leads me to her bedroom. It’s elaborate, with huge purple velvet hangings around the bed.

I have no desire to draw this out. I strip quickly, gesturing for her to do the same.

Neither of us has any illusions about romance.

This is an alliance mating. Simple mechanics.

Unfortunately, both of us have to come for the mating to take. I close my eyes and start kissing Elena, trying hard not to think of Elena.

Even though my mind is in agony, my traitorous body responds.

Elena is beautiful. I run my hands down her sides, letting the feeling of her body slowly harden my cock.

She kisses me expertly, drawing a moan out of the back of my throat. I pull her so that she’s flush against me. Her breasts are large and fit perfectly in my hands.

As I rub them, the nipples harden pleasantly.

My mind flashes back to how Ruby’s nipples feel when I touch them. They are softer and wider than Ruby’s and feel like ripe raspberries under my fingertips.

At the thought of Ruby, my growing erection softens.

I bite back a groan of frustration.

I have to do this.

If I don’t follow through on my word, Verity will re-activate the chip, and Ruby will die.

Elena smirks at me and reaches down for my cock. She takes it in her hand and starts stroking firmly. I kiss her again, willing myself to get lost in the moment.

I’ve slept with people I don’t have any feelings for before. I’ve had to, in order to feed. I can do it again.

Elena lies back on the bed, spreading her legs. “Touch me, Klaus.”

I wish she’d just do it herself, but arguing will hardly get either of us in the mood.

I start fingering her clit, letting myself be guided by the noises she makes.

By the time Ruby is squirming on the bed, her pussy leaking and ready, my cock has softened again.

Fuck.

Elena raises herself on an elbow to see what the problem is.

Her expression darkens.

“You think you’ll be able to get out of this, Klaus? Stall until your healer has removed the chip? It’s not going to happen. Either you follow through with this mating, or you can say goodbye to that feeder forever.”

The Only Option

Edited

Klaus

Hey. Ruby, look at me. You need to stay calm. You can’t move while Mai has a scalpel in you, or you’ll just end up getting hurt.”

I need it out, Klaus” she whimpers.

I know. Just do what Mai says and you’ll be ok.” I nod to Mai as Ruby relaxes a little.

It’s now or never.

Mia speaks soothingly, drawing Ruby’s attention.

Close your eyes. The chip isn’t below the sternum, but it is under some muscles that I’ll need to either cut through or go around.

“It’s going to look pretty gruesome, and I don’t need you freaking out.”

I quickly put a hand on Ruby’s cheek.

“Just look at me. Mai will have that thing out of you in no time.”

I watch as Mai makes a small cut. She pulls the skin apart with her forceps, but Ruby suddenly flinches.

Mai pauses. “Are you in pain? Do you need more anesthetic?”

“It’s not there, it’s further down. Here…”

Ruby trails her hand down her chest and to her stomach, wincing. “It’s like something is moving inside me.” She clutches my hand tightly.

“It’s ok, just try to breathe slowly.” I keep my eyes on her, but I can see Mai bringing the scanner closer.

A gasp tells me that something is wrong. What?” I tear my eyes away from Ruby.

“The chip is moving. It’s going deeper. From what I can tell, it’s embedded itself in Ruby’s liver.”

“This is beyond my skills, Klaus. She needs a trained surgeon.”

Then that’s what she’ll get.”

“No.”

I snarl at Katherine, dropping into a crouch in front of Ruby.

“We will not sit by while this thing harms her!”

Klaus, use your head! The chip moved once when it was threatened. The last thing we want is giving her a huge surgical wound to get to her liver, only to have the chip move again.”

As much as I want to ignore her, I can’t. Katherine is probably right. “I’m not leaving her to die.”

Katherine looks away. No one wants to say it, because they know I’ll bite their head off.

I grit my teeth and force the words out. Does anyone have Elena’s contact details?”

***

Klaus

The meeting doesn’t take long to set up. By the time Mai is finished stitching the small wound in Ruby’s chest, Elena has responded with a location.

Of course, she has. She was expecting this. She probably activated that chip the moment she realized Ruby and I were gone.

Katherine offers to come with me, but I turn her down. She’s already put herself in enough danger for me. Ruby demands to come with me, but I flatly refuse.

I am not putting you at risk again. Look what happened the first time.”

“It’s my life that’s at stake, Klaus! I should get a say in it.”

“You’re not going within five miles of Elena.” If it was anyone else, that would be that, but I can hear Ruby’s hurt and fear in her thoughts, and that doesn’t sit well with me.

“Look, how about I wear an earpiece? That way you can hear everything that’s happening.

Ruby sighs. “I suppose that’s the best I’m going to get, isn’t it?”

Don’t worry, I’ll be back soon. Once Elena turns that chip off for good, we can have it removed by a surgeon.”

I kiss her, lingering on the touch of her lips. I have no assurance that Elena will actually come alone. She could have her coven grab me the moment I’m in sight.

I have to do this, though.

I can’t watch Ruby die.

**

Klaus

I make the short drive to the café Elena named. She’s already there, smiling smugly at me.

I sit down opposite her, glaring. “Tell me how to get that thing out of Ruby.”

“That’s very simple. All you need to do is make an alliance with me. As your ally, I would happily hand over any feeder humans you desire. If you want to take the chips out of them, I can make that happen.”

Do you want an alliance? Fine, you are officially my ally. Now turn that chip off.”

Her smile widens. “You know that’s not how this works. Alliances without matings to back them are weak.”

“I’ve already told you, I won’t be your mate.”

“Then your feeder will die.”

“Her name is Ruby!”

“Elena shrugs. “Whatever.”

She looks at her watch. “In ten minutes, that chip is set to turn onto kill mode. Even with a healer, I doubt your feeder will live more than a few minutes. Decide now.”

I want to scream. I want to run. I want to tear Elena to pieces.

None of that will help Ruby.

I desperately don’t want to mate Elena, but if it’s the only way to save Ruby… The mating bond can’t be undone.

I’d never be able to be with another vampire, physically. It’s impossible to become aroused for anyone but your mate once mated.

Humans are an exception, as we need them to feed, but how could I be with Ruby as a human, knowing that the moment I turn her into a vampire, I can’t be with her anymore?

Or I could not turn her, and watch her age and die.

Either way, your relationship with that feeder is over. Whether she dies now or goes on to live a full life is up to you.”

The words feel like a coffin closing.

I thought I could be happy with Ruby. I guess that’s what you get for wishing for Something so impossible.

I take off the earpiece and crush it. This is the only option.

If I’m going to do this, things will have to change.

Our covens will be aligned, and you know my views on humans. You will have to adopt my policies. No hurting humans, no enticing them, no feeding from them without pre-given, written consent.”

“You’re no fun,” Elena pouts. She considers for a minute. “What if the humans want to be hurt?

If that’s what they’re into, then I won’t object, but you’ll have to have them detail everything they agree to have done to them in the pre-given consent.”Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Another minute of consideration. I’m sitting on the edge of my seat, all too aware that Ruby’s time is swiftly ticking down.

Deal. But we do this now.”

I manage not to flinch, but it’s a near thing. I won’t even get a chance to explain to Ruby, a chance to say goodbye.

“Agreed, but turn the chip off first.”

I listen as Elena calls her coven, telling them to deactivate the chip, then follow her back to the place I just escaped from.

Elena leads me to her bedroom. It’s elaborate, with huge purple velvet hangings around the bed.

I have no desire to draw this out. I strip quickly, gesturing for her to do the same.

Neither of us has any illusions about romance.

This is an alliance mating. Simple mechanics.

Unfortunately, both of us have to come for the mating to take. I close my eyes and start kissing Elena, trying hard not to think of Elena.

Even though my mind is in agony, my traitorous body responds.

Elena is beautiful. I run my hands down her sides, letting the feeling of her body slowly harden my cock.

She kisses me expertly, drawing a moan out of the back of my throat. I pull her so that she’s flush against me. Her breasts are large and fit perfectly in my hands.

As I rub them, the nipples harden pleasantly.

My mind flashes back to how Ruby’s nipples feel when I touch them. They are softer and wider than Ruby’s and feel like ripe raspberries under my fingertips.

At the thought of Ruby, my growing erection softens.

I bite back a groan of frustration.

I have to do this.

If I don’t follow through on my word, Verity will re-activate the chip, and Ruby will die.

Elena smirks at me and reaches down for my cock. She takes it in her hand and starts stroking firmly. I kiss her again, willing myself to get lost in the moment.

I’ve slept with people I don’t have any feelings for before. I’ve had to, in order to feed. I can do it again.

Elena lies back on the bed, spreading her legs. “Touch me, Klaus.”

I wish she’d just do it herself, but arguing will hardly get either of us in the mood.

I start fingering her clit, letting myself be guided by the noises she makes.

By the time Ruby is squirming on the bed, her pussy leaking and ready, my cock has softened again.

Fuck.

Elena raises herself on an elbow to see what the problem is.

Her expression darkens.

“You think you’ll be able to get out of this, Klaus? Stall until your healer has removed the chip? It’s not going to happen. Either you follow through with this mating, or you can say goodbye to that feeder forever.”