CHAPTER ONE
John took in Gregory's words, they were equally terrifying as they were comforting. He resigned himself to the knowledge that while he still had his love, he was not a monster, so he stood, and closed the door. Gregory led him downstairs, into the war room, where he found everyone watching him with different amounts of respect, awe and even fear. But they weren't his concern, his was the one look of pure love, coming from the beaming smile of his Queen. She was standing in the centre of the room, so he approached, wrapping his arms around her. Taking in the very essence of her scent, he tried desperately to remember every detail from the silkiness of her hair, to the smoothness of her skin and finally the taste of her lips. He wasn't quite sure who melted into whom, but when they finally separated, he felt like a new man.
"John, the others have had a discussion, and I would like your input," Brittany said softly, "You need to heal, and Maree isn't getting better either-"
"There's no store of blood here is there?" John grumbled.
"No John, this wasn't a planned visit," Janet sighed, "Council headquarters were designed to be impenetrable in normal circumstances, we never suspected an all out attack, this facility here is Maree's personal bunker."
John sighed, "Let me feed Maree, then let me be with my Queen."
Brittany smiled, nodding sadly, she knew John would understand. Maree had been injured saving Brittany, something even John had failed at that point... He owed her everything, and this was the least he could do. Brittany lead John over the medical wing, where Maree was sitting propped up on a bed. John's assessment was that she was unconscious, but the moment they walked in, Maree turned her head towards them.
"Thank you... John." she gasped.
"No Maree, thank you," John walked up to her and took her hand, "I've been told you aren't healing."
Maree grimaced, somewhere between a smile and a scowl, "there's no blood here... I can't... Regenerate... I have no... Regrets."
"Maree, I would like you to take my blood."
Maree looked momentarily stunned, before scowling. "No... You belong to the Queen-"
"The Queen who watched you sacrifice your life for hers, the Queen who gives her blessing to feed on my beloved, the Queen who wishes for your continued loyalty," Brittany choked on her words.
Maree lay there for a moment, clearly lost in thought, "I... " Maree coughed up a wad of blood, clutching her chest, "I will honour you... Forever."
John turned back to Brittany, seeing her slight nod, John sat himself on the edge of the bed, beckoning over Brittany. He gently bent over Maree, wrapping his arms around her shoulders, he sat her up, cradling her gently. He manipulated her so her head rested against his neck. He couldn't help flinching, feeling her fangs touch his skin and she tried to pull away slightly. John just held her firm, reaching out for Brittany's hand. Maree got the message, this time she quickly found the spot, and bit down, causing John to groan. This time feeding was different, there wasn't a rush of pleasure, no emotional attachment, he found it comforting that he felt no desire, but the act itself was devoid of any real discomfort.
A few minuted later Maree detached herself, John helped her to lie down, watching her drift off to sleep, a content smile on her face. Standing quietly he faced Brittany, who quickly leaned forwards and licked the wet blood from his neck, that made him moan, for a different reason.
"It's your turn to feed," Brittany whispered into his ear.
Brittany lead John back to their private quarters, just two rooms, one with a bed, and the other with a large shower. Brittany had already made arrangements, and soon Grace knocked on the door. John decided to remain silent, but he could see her expression. Losing her friend obviously hurt her deeply... Ten minutes later, Grace handed John a blood bag and left without another word.
"You need to drink that, John." Brittany said softly, wiping away the small trickle of blood that wept from the puncture mark on her arm.
"Will she be OK?" John asked, ignoring her comment.
"... I don't know... But I need you well enough to do your duties, please drink."
John felt that familiar pressure in his head, and with a sigh, he punctured the corner of the bag with a pen. Taking a small gulp, his initial reaction was of distaste. Warm and coppery, it didn't go down easy, but under Brittany's insistence, he slowly worked his way through the bag. It was almost gone when John realised he was feeling different, he felt warm, energised, powerful. He quickly sucked down the last of the blood, now he felt hot... Too hot, his shoulder wound panged uncomfortably, and his skin began to crawl. Brittany could see something now, her concerned expression lead to words, words that John couldn't hear. Emotions rushed through him, happiness, fear, anger, loneliness, anxiety all flooded him at once.
Ripping his sword from its scabbard, John ignored Brittany's terrified expression, before he tossed the blade lightly to the floor at her feet.
"Get... Help..."
Brittany picked up his blade and rushed from the room, John lost his short term memory at this point, the rush of emotions sending him spiralling into psychosis, hearing noises that didn't exist, voices that didn't make sense, visions that flashed and faded. The feeling of a hand gripping his shoulder caused him to lash out. Grabbing the hand, he ripped it free, pulling it over his body, he felt someone tumble over him onto the floor, before realising in panic he was staring at a vampire. John lost control, spinning, he ran for the door, straight into the open arms of Brittany, she was vaguely familiar, but she too was a vampire, snapping his arm back to punch her, pain exploded behind his eyes, he fell to the floor, screaming, clutching his head, gentle hands quickly took his head, stroking his hair. The pain subsided enough he opened his eyes, he found himself face to face with that vaguely familiar vampire. Tearing himself free from her arms, he scrambled to his feet, turning about, his last sight was a long silver rod coming into view.
This was a familiar sensation... Even without opening his eyes, John knew he was in a hospital bed. He also knew the cool body wrapped around him was Brittany. What he didn't know, was why he seemed to be strapped down.
"What's going on?" he asked softly. Immediately feeling bad as he felt Brittany flinch.
"You're awake?"
John frowned... He didn't like that her words were phrased like a question. "Did something happen?" John said softly, opening his eyes, he turned and looked at Brittany... He couldn't rationalise how beautiful she truly was.
"Oh thank god..." Brittany sighed, burying her head into the crook of John's shoulder.
It took a moment for John to realise she was crying. "Brittany... Please tell me what happened?"
"You had a reaction... Grace thinks it's part of the change." She lifted her head, staring into his eyes for a moment. "You had some kind of psychotic break... Forgot who you were... You tried to punch me."
