Chapitre 141: 21. Go To Sleep.
I was sitting in a limo, with Colin beside me. He asked, "Are you okay?"
I replied, "Not too bad. Like I said, I can handle Damon's cock in my ass without any problem, so your jelly plug is nothing new to me. It actually arouses me a bit."
Colin blushed at my response. He was trying to act like a doctor, but he seemed more like Doctor Lust or maybe Doctor Anaconda. The jelly he had inserted into my ass as a long-lasting painkiller felt delicious and made me even more prepared for whatever was going to happen. Of course, we had to keep up the act at this party, which was going to be a banquet. We would sit, eat, talk, and later mingle. I had brought several bottles of my milk again, so I was ready to go in case I had a chance to give some to Wulfe. It was heartbreaking for me to feel so helpless in trying to get him out. I felt like I was letting him down, but only time would tell where we were headed and what this whole thing would require.
I was a neurotic mess, even though I could clearly feel Adam and Charles. I saw Lepard in my mind, though he was not fully manifested yet. It gave me a glimmer of hope that maybe I could get some of them out and pull this off together. But I had to be the strongest one, the power battery. Once again, I realized I was not only meant to be the power battery for the pack but also for my hive. I had many uses.
I was in my usual vampire form, but it occurred to me that under Salvatores, Mariella's, and the wolves' vampire forms would be significantly weakened. No wonder he didn't allow me to keep my vampire form out. I was too strong for him. I had to be the strongest this time, as there was no other choice in this situation and in whatever was to come afterward. I had no fucking idea about it. Things would not get easier, according to Dresden and Constantine, those two hungover wizards. Number four was the one who was supposed to kill Annaliese.
Once again, it seemed like the same old thing - me killing Damien. But this time, it was enough for just one person to hate the target, and that person had to be the one that she had created. It was different from the Book of Thousand Lives; there was no need for Damon to blow himself up. We just needed to make his hatred strong enough, infuse it into the dagger, and be done with it.
However, it was probable that Annaliese might be aware of our plan. She would do everything in her power to stop it, even trying not to make the Salvatores hate her. She wanted to appear like the good one, while making me look bad. Since Mariella and the wolves weren't here, it was up to me to figure out which Salvatores we could bring in. Every member was important; our hive needed to be strong. It wasn't just about boosting number four; he would tap into the hive's power, my powers, to enhance his hatred. And when, or if, Annaliese died, her powers would leak into the dagger and into the hive. I needed to be prepared to handle the influx of powers, and for that, we needed more Salvatores and Wulfe.
We had a plan, but executing it was a whole different matter. No one knew what would come out of it, and it felt so distant. But fuck it, we had a plan, and I had to stay focused on that and keep pushing forward, no matter what.
As we walked in, the space was dark and vampiric. Candles illuminated the area, and the walls were lined with dark panels. The floors were also dark, with some rugs on the walls. The furniture was heavy and bulky, not the way I would decorate things. It was pretty much the opposite of my style. The air was stale, filled with the scent of old perfumes, blood, sweat, and the stench of sex - just like every vampire party. I had gotten used to it.
Colin spoke up, saying, "I will taste everything. Meaning, I will feed you. It won't make you look weak, but worshipped. Understand?"
I nodded, not willing to risk getting poisoned. I remembered our vampire wedding, and Annaliese might know what could harm me. I couldn't take any chances. She had already revealed her cards, so it was time to be cautious. Murdock and Dexter were on high alert, noticing everything and anything.
It wouldn't be impossible for Annaliese to call upon a few fear demons as well. The gel in my ass had a few ingredients to help with that, acting as a sedative but allowing me to act normally. It kept my mind calm. It was a tranquilizer, so everything was under control, and I had my team taking care of me. We had to be prepared for anything.
As we entered, I could sense Charles and Adam, Lepard and Demon, pushing hard to join the hive. They were on the verge of success. I offered them my love, letting them know I was there and that we would unite. Charles gave off an oppressive aura, as if someone was suffocating me, making me understand what it felt like to be under Annaliese's power. In response, I sent him my love, trust, and positive memories, trying to uplift him and give him strength for the last hurdle.
We walked towards the table, taking seats near one end where the elders were eating. It seemed to be one of their parties or dinners, with food to be enjoyed, including blood. But I was fine; I had a plan. Annaliese was not seated as close to the elders as I was, once again highlighting who had more prestige in their eyes, and the eyes of the ancient vampires. Wulfe appeared almost drugged, with drool dripping from the corner of his mouth. Annaliese noticed this too and became irritated, snapping at one of her lackeys.
Number two was seated next to Annaliese, while Adam, Charles, and the boys kept their expressions neutral, though I could sense their tension. Number four stared at me intently, as if waiting for something, and I suspected it was my cue to act. Only time will tell what unfolds.
As the first course was served to us, Colin tasted my food, producing small bottles from his pockets and adding a few drops to the soup, whatever kind it was, before handing it to me. It was safe to eat, and quite delicious. I ate calmly and in a civilized manner, despite my hunger.
Number four continued to gaze at me intently, practically screaming, "I'm next. Choose me!"
Wulfe wasn't given any food, which earned scoffs from the elders and caused Annaliese to lose face in front of them. She was sabotaging herself, and I didn't have to do anything. The same scenario played out with the next course. After Colin tasted it, he had to remove some herbs and add drops, still not entirely satisfied. The elders appeared puzzled, and Annaliese grew even more irritated. I could feel Charles, Adam, and the boys fully immersed in the hive. Annaliese noticed this too, further worsening her mood.
Charles greeted me with a smile, and I could feel his love enveloping our hive. He had truly missed me. In my mind, Lepard took the form of a leopard and found his way to the control center of the hive, curling up there to sleep. Demon looked at me intensely, causing several vampire females to feel jealous. Adam's desire to protect me and keep me safe, as well as his burning need to hold me in his arms, were palpable. Somehow, I had a feeling that I might find myself in someone's arms in the coming weeks, no matter what I was doing.
All four of them explored the hive, discovering its meaning and the extent of its power. They also got to know the other members of the hive.
When the third course was brought in and Colin had to do a lot of work for it, one elder asked, "What is wrong with the food? We gave the list to the kitchen, and they assured us that the food was safe for the queen to consume."
Colin replied, "Well, someone tried to poison her. You see, the two worst things she can ingest are coriander and tomato."
He handed a piece of beef to the elder to taste and continued, "There is coriander oil and tomato extract in there, as well as at least five herbs from that list. She has enemies, and they are desperate. It seems so."
The elder tasted the beef and nodded. He then looked at me and said, "I am so sorry. It seems our security is not up to par. I am sure we will find out who poisoned you."
I nodded and replied, "No need to think. We all know it was you behind this, Anneliesel, right?"
I purposely mispronounced her name, causing her to bristle even more. Although she had no title, she was an old vampire, meaning she could not lie. She could twist the truth, but my question was perfectly formed. The elders watched and waited for Annaliese's answer. She remained quiet, trying to think of how to respond without looking guilty, but it was proving difficult.
Finally, she admitted, "Fine. I ordered my people to add something extra to your meals, just to see if the rumors were true. To see if you, the mighty hive queen, could be brought down by mere herbs."
Another elder chimed in, "You would be wise to remember, young one. That vervain, which can affect you, is also a mere herb."
His sharp eyes fixed on Annaliese, bursting the bubble she was trying to create.
The other elder expressed their disapproval, stating, "We don't appreciate newcomers like you attempting to harm our esteemed guests. We have the ability to make your life quite difficult."
It was clear that Annaliese was extremely angered by being referred to as a youngling or upstart, rather than the powerful vampire she was. As for me, a mere fledgling in comparison to her, I was considered one of the esteemed guests. However, the situation was what it was, and there was nothing she could do about it.
The elders gave a few sharp orders to prepare a whole new meal for me, and they were angry at Annaliese. I maintained a politely neutral expression while Colin sat right next to me. At that moment, I felt a strong sense of possession and jealousy coming from the four of them, especially Charles. It was enough to make me roll my eyes internally, but I understood their feelings. After all, I had been there for them, just as they had been there for me. In the hive, we felt each other's emotions more intensely, and it made everything feel more significant. Well, vampires do tend to experience everything more intensely.
I managed to find some safe food for myself, but Colin still made sure it was safe for me. I suppose he's a bit of a control freak when it comes to me. Being in my presence, one learns to be a control freak sooner or later. Throughout dinner, we discussed various topics while Annaliese glared at me, more or less.
I was trying to see if there was another Salvatore aside from number four that I could try to turn, but they all had more or less robotic expressions. They didn't look at me, but they didn't worship Annaliese either. I thought number two might be an excellent candidate. He was strong, almost as strong as number one. If I could get him enough oozing into the hive to join us, it would provide us with a powerful Salvatore. Of course, number four was still on my list as well.
I had several bottles of milk with me, but considering how drugged Wulfe was, I wasn't sure if he would be able to function at all.
One elder spoke up to Annaliese, saying, "Do you want us to intervene, or will you stop drugging one of the most powerful wizard vampires in the world? Your antics are not amusing."
Annaliese remained silent for a moment before responding, "I do as I please with my slaves. If I want to drug them, I will. And you should remember that I have several loyal and doting Salvatores by my side. They can take you out, too."
I couldn't help but interject, "You call them loyal? I would say they're forced to obey due to a sire bond, not doting. You might want to choose your words more carefully. It's insulting to listen to your fabrications, especially since you're not vampire enough to say it out loud. I have my hive. We are a hive, but I don't force them. I protect them. And this is an invitation to anyone who wants to be part of our hive. Come to me, come to the hive."
Annaliese fell silent.
The elders nodded, and one of them spoke in a quiet voice that was strangely ageless, not like that of an old man. "We are considering your kind invitation. Your hive is the first one we've encountered, so it's new to us."
These elders seemed stronger than those who had originally married us.
I glanced at them and the vampires nearby, maintaining a steady and calm voice as I said, "It's essentially a vampire pack. Vampires are typically solitary, but I can create a hive rather than more lone wolves."
I locked eyes with Number Two, noticing a flicker of something that broke my heart. He was taking a page from my playbook, sacrificing himself, and believing he wasn't worthy of being saved. I wasn't sure how long he planned to continue, but I suspected Annaliese had pushed her powers to their limits on him. Regardless, I would find a way to set him free, too.
After dinner, it was time to mingle and talk. Many approached us, considering joining the hive, but now I had four more vampires around me. Charles kept me close, his arm draped over me most of the time, while Lepard and Demon surveyed the scene to see if they could find an opportunity to bite the Salvatores or give Wulfe a few bottles of my concentrated milk.
Charles looked tired, and I could sense his relief at being free from Annaliese's control. However, I knew there was still a victim trapped under her, and it pained me to know that it would take time to save them.
We walked and chatted, and at one point, Lepard spoke to me in my mind, saying, "Mimi, I need you. I'm bringing in number four, but I need a boost. As the queen, you have the most influence. Come and bite him too. Demon and the girls are keeping Annaliese occupied by targeting the other Salvatores, while Adam is trying to reach Wulfe."
I nodded and turned to Charles, handing him the bottles of concentrated milk. "Try to give these to Wulfe in any way you can. He's drugged, but if these can provide him with some kind of boost, I'm about to help Lepard bring in number four."
Charles nodded, and Murdock and Dexter walked beside me as I slipped into the shadows. I didn't say anything as I sank my fangs into the other side of number four's neck, feeding and pulling with all my strength to bring him in as much as possible. It was incredibly difficult, almost too much for me to handle, but we succeeded in getting him to join us, despite the intense pain that exploded in my mind. It confirmed that he was truly joining us, oozing into the hive as quickly and brutally as possible. Now, with the pain taking its toll, I wasn't sure if I could handle anyone else at the same time.
Charles offered his support, whispering to me, "Are you okay? I can give you something with my fangs."
I shook my head and replied, "No need. I just have to endure it. This is what it is, and maybe I'll be able to handle it better once I get used to it again. It might even make me stronger, and more capable of accepting more people in our hive. Plus, Colin gave me a painkiller in a fun way."
Curious, Charles asked, "What do you mean, a fun way?"
I explained, "It's like jelly that doesn't melt in my ass. It's not too bad, it just makes me feel aroused and needy, like I'm full but not satisfied. And as I walk, it shifts..."
Charles grinned and said, "Well, that does sound fun, but is it enough? I can add to it."
I assured him, "No need. Let's see what we can do. Go help Adam. I'll be fine."
He nodded and moved away, not wanting to undermine my leadership but starting to question me, as many people were watching us.
I continued walking, even though the pain was almost unbearable. I had to try. I saw number Two.
He saw me approaching and said, "Don't bother, baby. Walk away. I'm a lost cause. You can't save me."
Determined, I responded, "Don't give up. You hear me? Don't give up. Now, come on, let me have you."
He looked at me, puzzled, and asked, "What do you mean? How do you do it? How do you win us over and bring us into the hive?"
In a dimmer corner, I pressed him against the wall, sank my fangs into his throat, and drank his blood with desperate intensity. The pain made me tremble, but I had to give it my all.
Out of nowhere, a powerful force forcefully pulled me away from him. I felt him slipping from my grasp, frustrated that I hadn't brought him deeper into my hive. It seemed like I was being held by an invisible force, one that felt strangely familiar yet corrupted. I soon realized that Annaliese had somehow tapped into Wulfe's power, showing that she wasn't inherently strong herself but could harness the abilities of others. Desperate to break free, I struggled against the unseen restraint.
The sound of approaching footsteps indicated the vampires were now watching our situation, too afraid to intervene, even the elders. Annaliese approached, accompanied by some of her men who were dragging Wulfe between them, with Salvatores flanking them.
She came closer to me and spoke, "You dared to steal from my men, so now I will show everyone here tonight the consequences of crossing me."
With that, she produced a syringe, a 5 ml one filled with a mysterious substance.
She informed me, "This is M99, etorphine, with a concentration of 10mg/ml. The required dosage to immobilize an African elephant is 15-20mg. But I have 50mg here. How about I demonstrate what happens to someone foolish enough to mess with me and steal from me?"
Using her powers, Annaliese froze everyone in their tracks. She tightened her grip on me, turning me so that Salvatores and the others, including Wulfe, could see me clearly. Without hesitation, she plunged the needle into my heart and pushed the plunger all the way down. An icy pain rapidly spread throughout my body, swiftly robbing me of consciousness. I slumped to the floor, my eyes still open but my heart no longer beating and my breath ceased. The hive queen had fallen, leaving my hive struggling to function.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone