End Game

Chapter 1 - I'm Coming For You

GUMUHIT ang sensual na ngiti sa mga labi ni Claude nang makita ang mga babaeng naghihintay sa kanya sa loob ng kuwarto niya. May dalawang babaeng nakahiga sa kama habang may dalawa pang naglalakad palapit sa kanya. And they were his for the taking. All of the women wore nothing underneath their short lace dress, showcasing their perfect curves right before his very eyes.

The minute Claude opened the door, he was instantly aware about the countless dirty things these naughty women wanted to do with him. Nababasa niya ang nilalaman ng isip ng mga ito. And right now, as he stood there, he could feel their excitement in the wild heat of their stare. He could also smell their arousal. The women needed him to fill them in and he needed them to fill something inside him. That’s why he didn’t mind giving them what they needed as long as it would benefit him, too.

“Happy birthday, Young Master!” halos magkakasabay na sinabi ng mga ito kasabay nang pagguhit ng mapang-akit na ngiti sa mga labi.

Sinaid ni Claude ang lamang dugo ng hawak na wineglass bago sumagot, “It’s a happy birthday, indeed. And it’s all thanks to you, ladies.”

“We hope you like your birthday gift, Young Master,” sinabi ni Ashley. She was Claude’s assistant and she used to be his constant bed partner for years but that changed the moment he met Isabella, the first and the last human whom he allowed to get closer to him. The only reason why he started to give a damn about birthdays was because she used to be by his side to celebrate it.

Without Isabella, everything seemed to be different.

Sa naalala ay biglang pumait ang panlasa ni Claude. It was almost twelve midnight. Isabella was probably sleeping peacefully in the arms of her beloved husband now. Malakas na ipinilig niya ang ulo bago pa man kung saan maglakbay ang isip niya. He tried to focus on what was in front of him.

Like a true servant, Ashley bowed her head.

“I have gathered the most capable women working for 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.”

Nang lumuhod si Ashley kasabay ng tatlo pang babae, nilapitan niya ang babae at hinaplos ang ulo nito. He knew that was what Ashley wanted him 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, Claude knew right away that she was the one behind those ‘gifts’. Halos eleven years na silang magkasama. He could see right through her without having to dig deeper in her mind.

The truth was Claude just wanted to sleep the rest of the night. Iyon ang dahilan kung bakit maaga siyang umalis ng party sa ibaba na alam niyang ipinagtaka ng karamihan sa mga bisita. But since the ladies were here, looking so eager to please him, he didn’t mind welcoming this kind of distraction.

He 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 his pants using only her mouth as another woman removed his coat and unbuttoned his long-sleeved polo. Seconds later and his clothes were thrown off the floor. Ang naiwan na lang ay ang suot niyang boxers. The other two women took each of his hand and brought him to the bed.

Nahiga si Claude sa kama at hinayaan ang mga babae sa gustong gawin ng mga ito sa kanya. For the first time, he allowed the women to take the lead. Anticipation filled their faces. Mayamaya pa ay mapanuksong ibinaba ni Ashley ang garter ng boxer shorts niya gamit lang ang bibig nito. Pero ang katabi nitong babae ay para bang hindi makapaghintay na mabilis na nag-alis ng boxer shorts sa kanya.

“Slow down, ladies. The night is ours,” amused nang sinabi ni Claude.

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

Claude indulged the other woman who took his hand and placed it on her breast. He fondled on her n****e and heard her moan as the other woman planted a soft kiss on his chest. Inabot niya ang ulo ng pinakamalapit na babae sa kanya. He was about to reach for her lips when Isabella’s innocent face suddenly popped inside his head which made him 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, those words rang in his ears like a broken record.

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

Tumawa si Isabella. 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, Claude. You’re the best.”

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

“Young Master?”

Hindi maikakaila ang concern sa boses ni Ashley nang magsalita ito. Frustrated na naisuklay niya ang mga daliri sa kanyang buhok. He felt more worn out now 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. Until when will your memories haunt me like this, Isabella?

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

Nahinto ang dalaga sa pagsasalita nang makarinig sila ng tatlong magkakasunod na katok sa pinto. He did not know whether to be grateful by the interruption or be bothered by it. No one would dare disturb him when he was inside his room unless it was a very important matter.

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

Kumabog ang dibdib ni Claude.

“Go ahead, speak,” sagot niya habang mabilis na nagbibihis. “What about Isabella? What happened to her?”

“We received a report that the Rogues kidnapped Lady Isabella, 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.”

Nagtagis ang mga bagang ni Claude kasabay nang mabilis na pagbabago ng kulay ng kanyang mga mata. Then and now, only one woman could bring out real emotions in him. In an instant, all the lights from the chandelier inside the room exploded. Napasinghap ang mga babae nang sabay-sabay ding nag-crack ang mga salaming bintana. He tried his hardest to control his anger to avoid alerting the guests downstairs.

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

Sa isang kisapmata ay nakatayo na si Claude sa harap ng kanang-kamay niyang si Raven na maagap na yumukod matapos siyang makita.

“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 Isabella, 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.” Nagmamadaling kinuha ni Claude ang kanyang mga armas. “I’m heading out now.”

Palabas na siya nang nagmamadali ding humarang sina Ashley at Raven sa pinto.

“You need to calm down first, young master,” ani Raven. “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. We are talking about my Keeper here! Isabella is probably trembling in fear somewhere. Right now, she’s like a lamb trapped in the carnivores’ den!” Naningkit ang mga mata ni Claude. “They must have discovered about Isabella’s blood. I will make sure to send those Rogues straight to where they belong tonight!”

“Naiintindihan namin kung bakit ka nagagalit, Young Master. Kami man ay nag-aalala din. But you must not leave alone,” giit ni Ashley. “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. ‘Might as well meet them tonight.”

Sa isang kumpas ni Claude ay agad nang napaluhod ang dalawa sa sahig. As much as possible, he didn’t want to do that but it was the only way to stop them from blocking his path.

“Young Master, don’t leave!” nakikiusap ang mga matang sinabi ni Ashley. He knew she only did that out of concern but he refused to listen.

“I will be expecting your call, Raven,” sa halip ay sinabi ni Claude bago lumabas na ng mansion. Nasa parking lot na siya nang makatanggap siya ng text message mula kay Raven. Sumakay siya sa kanyang kotse at pinaharurot ang sasakyan.

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