The Secret He Keeps

(Blake)

My smile faltered while watching Candice walk down the aisle. I have lived for more than a hundred years but never in my life had I seen a woman as temptingly beautiful as her. In her immaculate white wedding dress, she was a picture of a woman every man would desire for his bride. She radiated warmth and life.

When our gazes met, her lips curved into that same sweet smile that I fell for.

I took a deep breath when Candice was just a few steps away from me. I could not wait to reach out and grab her hand. She was the most wonderful thing that had ever happened to me. She was my first love and my first everything.

But she was also the person who gave me my first taste of failure.

When Candice was only a step closer, I clenched my hands to stop myself from grabbing onto her at the last minute. Because her hand… was never mine to hold. I swallowed hard when I saw her walk past me as another man held her hand. The two of them headed towards the altar.

I met her first. I found her first. I was with her first. And I loved her first. But today proved that those ‘firsts’ never mattered at all.

“Candice, do you take Luke as your lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish until death do you part?"

“I do.”

I breathed sharply while watching them exchange vows to one another. Then and now, I believed that my place in the world was right beside Candice. But it turned out that her place was beside another man.

While looking at the bride, I, too, made a vow.

I may not be your groom but I promise that I will always be by your side, my love. I will always be your best friend. Whenever you need me, I will always come rushing. And that will never change. The pain in my chest disappeared for a moment when I saw the glimmer in Candice’s eyes.

Right. This was a joyous event. She was happy. And that was all that mattered.

As I watched them kiss to seal their marriage, I clapped along with the guests and smiled.

Best wishes, my love.

(Blake)

A SENSUAL smile formed on my lips when I saw the women waiting for me inside my room. There were two women lying on the bed while the other two walked towards me. They were mine for the taking. All of the women wore nothing underneath their short lace dresses, showcasing their perfect curves right before my very eyes.

The minute I opened the door, I was instantly aware of the countless dirty things these naughty women wanted to do with me. I could read their minds. And right now, as I stood there, I could feel their excitement in the wild heat of their stares. I could also smell their arousal. The women needed me to fill them in and I needed them to fill something inside me. That’s why I don’t mind giving them what they need as long as it benefits me, too.

“Happy birthday, Young Master!” They said in unison while flashing those seductive smiles of theirs.

I emptied the blood in my wineglass before answering, “It’s a happy birthday, indeed. And it’s all thanks to you, ladies.”

“We hope you like your birthday gift, Young Master,” Ashley said. She was a part of my team and she used to be my bed partner but that changed the moment I met Candice, the first and the last human whom I allowed to get close to me. The only reason why I started to give a damn about birthdays was because she used to be by my side to celebrate it.

Without Candice, everything seemed to be different.

Remembering her left a bitter taste in my mouth. It was almost twelve midnight. She was probably sleeping peacefully in the arms of her beloved husband now. Before my thoughts could wander even farther, I shook my head and tried to focus on what was in front of me.

Like a true servant, Ashley bowed her head.

“I have gathered the most capable women working in the Clan and brought them here as a birthday present for you, Young Master. We all wish you a prosperous year ahead. I hope this can somehow liven up your mood.”

When Ashley kneeled along with the three ladies, I reached out and caressed her head. I knew that was what Ashley wanted me to do. That was the way a night creature with a higher social standing in the Clan would show appreciation to his servants.

Before Ashley could open her mouth earlier, I knew right away that she was the one behind those ‘gifts.’ She had been working for me for eleven years now. I could see right through her without having to dig deeper in her mind.

The truth was I just wanted to sleep the rest of the night. That was the reason why I left the party downstairs which probably surprised most of the visitors. But since the ladies were here, looking so eager to please me, I didn’t mind welcoming this kind of distraction.

I tried to smile appreciatively. “I am very much pleased, Ashley. Thank you for this.”

“Anything for you, Young Master.”

Ashley lifted her head to unzip my pants using only her mouth as another woman removed my coat and unbuttoned my long-sleeved polo. Seconds later and my clothes were thrown off the floor. The only thing left was my boxers. The other two women took each of my hand and brought me to the bed.

I lay on the bed and for the first time, I allowed the women to take the lead. It would be my little gift to them. Anticipation filled their faces. I closed my eyes when I felt Ashley teasingly ran her lips outside my boxers before she completely got rid of them with the help of the impatient woman beside her.

“Slow down, ladies. The night is ours,” I said, now amused.

Both of them just giggled as they began to lick my shaft up and down while their playful fingers glided over it. They took turns squeezing it with their lips.

I indulged the other woman who took my hand and placed it on her breast. I fondled on her nipple and heard her moan as the other woman planted a soft kiss on my chest. I grabbed the head of the woman closest to me. I opened my eyes and was about to reach for her lips when Candice’s innocent face suddenly popped inside my mind again which made me push the woman.

“You… you could be the perfect husband, you know? You would warm me up with your embrace when I’m cold and would be there for me when I call.” For the countless time, I heard those words rang in my ears like a broken record.

“Will you marry me then?” I asked while wiping the sweat off her face. “I’d be there for you every single day of your life. I’ll take care of you forever.”

Candice chuckled. Her cheeks were redder than usual because of the liquor. “You really are a loyal best friend, you know. You’ve cheered me up. Thanks, Blake. You’re the best.”

I winced upon the memory. Damn. Who was I kidding? Things like this fill a void but only for a while. I could not even get my member up. Because even after all the women’s efforts, I felt… nothing.

“Young Master?”

The concern in Ashley’s voice cannot be denied. I ran my fingers through my hair, feeling more worn out than before. “I’m sorry. I don’t think I can do this after all.”

Fall in love, they said. It will be fun, they said. What a load of crap. How long will your memories haunt me like this, Candice?

I heard Ashley sighed. “If you are not satisfied with our service, shall I send more women here, Young Master? Shall I-“

Her words were interrupted when someone knocked on the door. I didn’t know whether to be grateful by the interruption or be bothered by it. No one would dare disturb me when I am inside my room unless it was a very important matter. I motioned the women to gather my clothes.

“Pardon my intrusion, Young Master. But I have urgent news to deliver. It was about Lady Candice.”

“Go ahead, speak,” I said while putting on my clothes as quickly as I could while my heart was pounding so hard. “What about Candice? What happened to her?”

“We received a report that the Rogues kidnapped Lady Candice, Young Master. Her bodyguards, along with her husband, were found severely wounded on a highway. The bodyguards said they were ambushed on their way somewhere.”

My jaw clenched. I could feel the color of my eyes quickly changing. Then and now, only one woman could bring out real emotions in me. In an instant, all the lights from the chandelier inside the room exploded. The women gasped as the windows cracked. I tried my hardest to control my anger to avoid alerting the guests downstairs.

The secret bodyguards whom I assigned to Candice were some of the top Knights who used to work for the Clan. But for this to happen indicates that the Rogues they encountered were no joke. Candice was an average human. She was no match for the Rogues. Hell. She was not even aware that Vampires exist.

In an instant, the door opened and I found myself standing before Raven, my right-hand man who quickly bowed after seeing me.

“Did you locate where those bastards took her? And what about Reynolds? Did our men take him to the hospital?”

“The Knights brought him to the nearest hospital. According to them, Mr. Reynolds is currently in the operating room. As for Lady Candice, we are still in the process of tracing her, Young Master. All we know is that they-“

“Send me a text message about the rest of the details,” I took out the weapons from my drawer. “I’m heading out now.”

Ashley and Raven ran towards the door and blocked my pathway just when I was about to leave. “You need to calm down first, Young Master,” Raven said. “We need to inform the Sire about this first. This involves humans that’s why there are protocols that we must follow and-“

“To hell with those protocols! This does not involve just any human, Raven. And you know that damn well. Candice is probably trembling in fear somewhere. Right now, she’s like a lamb trapped in the carnivores’ den!” My eyes narrowed in anger. “They must have discovered about Candice’s blood. I will make sure to send those Rogues straight to where they belong tonight!”

“I understand your rage, Young Master. I am worried about Lady Candice, too. But you must not leave alone,” Ashley insisted. “It will be too dangerous. Please bring the Knights with you at least and-“

“I don’t want to attract any unnecessary attention. This place is jam-packed with Vampires tonight. If I leave with my troop, they will notice. I will take full responsibility for my actions. Besides, I don’t want my men to be punished by the Sire for this. I can handle the Rogues by myself. I will meet those sons of bitches sooner or later anyway. I might as well meet them tonight.”

In a snap of a finger, the two dropped on the floor with their knees bent. I didn’t want to do that but it was the only way to stop them from blocking my path.

“Young Master, please don’t leave!” Ashley begged. I knew she only did that out of concern but I refused to listen.

“I will be expecting your call, Raven,” I said before leaving the Sire’s mansion. I dashed towards the parking lot. As soon as I got there, I received a text message from Raven. I stepped on the accelerator and drove my car as fast as I could.

Hang in there, Candice. I’m coming for you.