A Heart Whose Love is Innocent

by Spikeskat

She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes:
Thus mellow'd to that tender light
Wich heaven to gaudy day denies.

She Walks In Beauty

~*~*~*~*~

October 18, 1764 

I think I am finally in love.  And, I just know he feels something for me too, even though we’ve yet to actually meet.  The way he stared at me from across the room as if I were the only one there, not even caring about the old biddies who whispered behind their fans at the bold, lust-filled gaze turned my way. And, neither did I, care, that is. I liked it actually. He made me feel alive in ways I can’t even begin to describe. 

Since over two years have passed from me being placed on the marriage block, I had resigned myself to spinsterhood.  But, maybe, now is my chance.  My one chance at love.  The kind of love my parents shared and the kind I wanted for myself.  After witnessing first hand the adulterous affairs of many of the ton these past two years, I had decided on nothing less than what my parents shared. 

Mama… 

I wish you had allowed his introduction.  I know you think he is completely wrong for me, but can you not see?  Like you, I must follow my heart.  I know you want what is best for your little girl, but he is…this yet unnamed man.   

But, I do not despair, for our paths will cross again. 

We are fate…destiny. 

You will see, mama.  We are meant to be together. 

Renee

~*~*~*~*~ 

Jocelyn Renee Allen had no trouble walking into the club – The Cavern – bypassing the hellacious line of young twenty-something’s waiting for their chance to see if they’d make the cut.  Dressed in black knee-boots, a skirt that clung to her hips and defied attempts at shifting upwards, and a blouse that barely covered her breasts – dual links that looped around her neck and lower back kept the contraption in place – she sailed past the door bouncer with a knowing look and a slight wave.  Her five foot six inch frame was lean – almost like a fighter’s – yet curvy enough to tempt a saint.  Her raven locks fell to her waist in riotous waves indicative of her mood. 

She was on a mission.  And, after two years – two long, lonely years of searching the world over – thanks to the inheritance left her after her grandmother had died, she was finally closing in on her quarry.  Determination lacing every muscle in her slight frame, she ignored the appraising looks cast her way by most of the men – and several of the women – crowding the popular night spot. 

Tonight was the night, and nothing would sway her.  

~*~*~*~*~ 

Renee was bored…eternally so.  Part of her wanted to give up…take her place with the man who had left her so long ago.  Without him, she’d moved through life but never really felt alive – like she had been those few short years with him.

Jared… 

She sat back in her customary seat, eyeing the occupants of the club, inhaling deeply the scents that flooded her nostrils and awoke the demon within.  Maybe she’d call it an early night.  Companionship wasn’t what she was seeking, and maybe the thrill of the hunt would shake this melancholy mood she’d slipped into these past few weeks. 

Oh, she knew why she was feeling this way.  July was always the same – just as January seemed to leave her feeling less than her best.  Not that she’d felt her best in a long, long time… 

Something – a movement of some kind – tugged at her periphery and she turned amber-colored eyes to see what had awakened her curiosity.  Her back was to Renee, but there was a familiarity about the girl…the way her long, black hair cascaded down her back teasing the hem of her skirt; her movements, coiled and precise as if waiting for an occurrence that might force her to use the tightly leashed power in her frame.  And, power the girl had; although…not Slayer power.  Her demon would have sensed that a while ago.  But, for a human, this girl seemed strong…her slim form and eye-catching figure easily fooling the casual observer. 

But, Renee had been around far too long to not notice the toned muscles buried beneath the package.  ‘A nice package at that,’ she thought to herself as she slipped from her corner and moved to follow. 

The girl tensed slightly, sensing her presence, and Renee’s respect for the dark-haired girl went up another notch.  She obviously wasn’t here to lose herself in the mind numbing activities that were customary at The Cavern.  This girl had her wits about her, and she found herself feeling intrigued despite herself.  It had been awhile since she’d been this enthused about anything…or anyone. 

~*~*~*~*~ 

Jocelyn ducked behind a wall, away from the hustle and bustle of the main part of the club and waited.  She knew she’d provided just enough of a tantalizing glimpse to intrigue the woman hiding in the darkened corner of the club, knew she’d get up and follow, if only to appease her curiosity.  She’d learned a thing or two over the years about vampires…knew their sexual appetites weren’t limited to just the opposite sex, or even the single partner. 

Surprisingly, she didn’t find herself put off by the notion. 

She leaned back against the wall, hiding her face in the shadows, but leaving just enough of her attire visible in the waning light to snag her attention – although she was quite sure the vampire would be able to find her without so obvious an indicator.  But, she didn’t want to play the cat and mouse game…after all this time…this meeting was long overdue. 

No more being alone in the world. 

As she waited for the other to draw close, Jocelyn could feel her heart beat increase in rhythm and had to will it to slow to a more normal rate.  She was excited – not scared, for although she was about to have an encounter with a “creature of the night” she was not afraid.  She knew Renee wouldn’t hurt her. 

If her research proved fruitful, the vampiress would welcome her. 

~*~*~*~*~ 

As Renee neared her quarry, she smiled to herself.  She could hear the girl’s heartbeat beating within her chest and silently applauded her attempt to calm down.  The vampiress didn’t know what kind of game she was playing, but turned the corner and paused.  She couldn’t see the girl, hidden in the darkened corner as she was… yet she refused to allow her demonic features to the fore.   

Instead, she slowly – seductively – walked forward, towards the figure that had teased her senses and pushed away the pensive mood she’d allowed herself to sink into.  Now, this girl had given her a zest for life…well, unlife.  She just hoped that it would last past this meeting. 

Just as she was about to take that final step and join the girl in darkness, she watched as the figure pushed away from her semi-reclining position against the wall.  Then, the girl took two steps forward and Renee felt her world shift as the light washed over her features.  She – master vampire, two hundred plus years old – was struck dumb at the vision walking towards her…could only stare as the girl stopped before her, leaving about two feet between them. 

Her jaw dropped and she lifted a shaky hand to trail her fingertips along the girl’s face…and felt like she was looking in a mirror.  Standing the same height – although Renee had the advantage since her heels were slightly higher – the girl gazed back at her with the same unusual amber-colored eyes she possessed…even in her human state.  It was a source of amusement she and Jared had once shared.  The same black hair; same shape of brow; the full, wide lips that offered neither smile nor frown as Renee gazed at her. The only real difference lay in the complexion of their skin – Renee’s having faded to a pale hue centuries ago, while the other girl’s bore a slight tan, as if kissed by the sun.  

The vampiress drank in the other’s features, gazed into her eyes at the emotion barely held in check within their depths. 

She didn’t know how, or why…just knew on some instinctive level that this girl was hers.  Her hand stopped its lingering path and cupped the girl’s jaw; she watched as the other’s eyes fluttered closed, a single tear escaping to slide down her cheek. 

“Renee,” she whispered, and if she weren’t gifted with preternatural hearing, she would have missed it.  “I’ve finally found you.” 

“Sisters,” the vampiress spoke softly, drawing the other into a hug. “We could be sisters.”

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