by Lea Davies
Scene Sixteen - Training
The humidity of the past few weeks had been freshened by the previous night's thunderstorm, and the air felt significantly clearer. Matthew took her hand as they left the car and walked into the huge community park he had chosen for her to get acquainted with her new abilities. “Tell me what you can hear, Ruth,” he said, “close your eyes and concentrate; Hone-in on your surroundings.”
Matthew hid his smile as she stepped forward and tilted her head as if it would enable her to hear things clearer. “What's that noise?” She asked. His smile grew wider as he waited for her to recognize what she was hearing and laughed out loud when the penny dropped, “Oh,” she said, “there are people having sex somewhere in those bushes over there.” Looking a little embarrassed, she turned, but he was gone.
“Ruth,” he called, “I'm over here; come on, slowpoke.” She turned and clearly saw him standing by a group of trees around three hundred meters in the distance. In an instant, she was stood directly in front of him. “Wow, that was cool,” she said to thin air. Leaves rustled above her, and she looked up to see Matthew sitting on a large branch above her, swinging his legs. “Was it as cool as this?” he asked as he jumped down and landed safely next to her. “How did you do that?” She giggled. “Just jump,” he said. “Go on, try it and see for yourself.”
She jumped, but completely missed the branch she was aiming for and fell unceremoniously back down onto her bottom. He stifled a smile in case she took umbrage, but she laid back on the grass and laughed hysterically. “I can't believe that falling from that high up didn't seriously hurt me.” She said in wonder. Matthew grinned from ear to ear. “That's just one of the many benefits of being a vampire,” he said.
She held out her hand, and he pulled her back to her feet. “Let's go back to the car and test your strength,” he said, “want to race me?” She smiled cheekily, and before he knew it, she was gone. “Cheat.” He said as he joined her by the car. She smiled and stuck out her tongue. “You’re just a sore loser,” she said. “Don't forget, I'm not that sickly girl anymore, I can match you at everything you do now.”
Thinking that she was already at his level could get her into a lot of trouble, and he knew he had to set her straight. “Sorry, Ruth,” he said, “but you're a long way off from being anywhere near as experienced as I am. Don't forget; I'm hundreds of years old.” “Yeah, I know,” she said, “I promise I won't get ahead of myself again;
I'll do whatever you say, and be the best student ever."
He smiled."OK,” he said, “but all joking aside, you have to take this seriously Ruth; Even though all of your new abilities are already in place, you won't be able to master them overnight, It'll take time and a lot of very intense practice sessions to reach your full potential, especially when it comes to using your influence. As boring as it may sound, learning that these things can't be rushed is the first, and most important lesson for you to have.” Eager to continue with her training, she nodded that she understood.
He rubbed his hands together in excitement. “Right then,” he said, “let’s get back to business. Follow me." He walked around to the back of the car. "Bend your knees and put your hands under the chassis, and when you're ready, straighten your legs and lift the car." Ruth wasn't sure whether he was joking but did as she was asked. She laughed in disbelief as the wheels of the car rose from the ground as she lifted it, and Matthew beamed with pride. "Now be careful as you lower it back down," He said, "If you drop it, you'll ruin the suspension." She carefully lowered the car back down onto the floor and buried her face in her hands as she cried. "What’s wrong, Ruth?” he said worriedly. “You're not hurt, are you?" She looked up at him. "No, it's nothing like that, Matt,” she said, “in fact, it's just the opposite. I feel strong. I’m aware of the irony, but I feel so… Alive.”
Matthew grinned from ear to ear. "Don't get too cocky or you might land yourself in trouble.” He teased. His smile was infectious, and she smiled with him. "That won't happen,” she said, “I have you to protect me."
Scene Seventeen - Secrets
Ruth jumped the entire length of the stairs as she raced excitedly to open the front door for Callie. It was still light outside, so she took extra care to stand back as her cousin entered the hallway. They threw their arms around each other, and Callie cried with relief that Ruth was OK. "You’ve got to tell me everything," she said as if she were a giddy schoolgirl, "tell it like a story, and don't leave anything out." She took Callie by the hand and led her down to Matthew's basement bedroom.
As they entered, her eyes fleetingly glanced over to the door which led to the room where she had fed for the first time, and she flinched as she relived ripping out the monster’s throat. Even knowing that Wayne Thomas was a terrible human being, Ruth still felt sick at what she had done to him. She wondered if it might make it a little easier for her to come to terms with what had happened if she spoke about it with her cousin, but for now, she pushed the horrific memory aside; She had something more pressing to discuss.
She quietly closed the bedroom door and turned on the TV, increasing the volume to help cover up their conversation and whispered directly into Callie's ear. "Before we go on,” she said, “there's something I need you to help me with, but whatever happens, Matthew mustn't find out about it." Callie knew that vampires had a heightened sense of hearing, so only nodded in response. Ruth’s eyes narrowed. "I can't stop thinking about what Jessica Bartlett did to me,” she whispered vehemently, “and I'm going to make her pay." Callie nodded in agreement. "I'm not going to hurt her physically,” she continued, “even after everything she did to me, I couldn't live with her blood on my hands.”
The dreams she'd had of feeding on her and of being covered in her blood during the transformation period invaded her thoughts, and she shuddered. “But I am going to make her sorry for being such a bitch, not only to me but also to anyone else who’s life she’s made a misery." Callie nodded. "When?" She mouthed. "In a few days,” Ruth replied, “I need to learn a bit more about my new abilities first."
She heard footsteps approaching and smiled as Matthew entered the room. Callie, genuinely happy to see him, jumped up and threw her arms around his neck, then thanked him for saving her cousin. She wondered what would have happened if they hadn't met him in the club that night. One thing was for sure; Ruth would be dead by now.
He looked at Ruth and winked. "Have you shown her any of the cool new things you can...?" He stopped mid-sentence when he saw the look of horror on Ruth's face as she stared passed him at the image being shown on the TV screen. It was a photograph of Wayne Thomas, the man that she had killed.
Anthony Shore, the lead detective who had previously interviewed Thomas, was appealing to the public for help in discovering his whereabouts. He stated that after finding overwhelming evidence at his place of residence, this man was wanted for the murder of the Foster family and many others. He informed the viewers that he is considered to be a very dangerous individual, and was not, under any circumstances, to be approached by any member of the public. A telephone number for any informants to call in confidence, scrolled across the bottom of the screen.
In the blink of an eye, Matthew snatched up the remote and switched off the TV. Callie stared open-mouthed. "What's going on?" she asked.
Ruth squared her shoulders. "Matt, would you mind if I speak to Callie alone?" She asked. "Of course not,” he replied solemnly. “I'll be upstairs with Tori if you need anything.” As he closed the door behind him, Ruth, full of dread, turned to her cousin. "Cal,” she said wearily, “I think you might want to sit down."
Scene Eighteen - Scheming
Callie held Ruth as she cried, but her whole body shook with fear as the story of the first feed unfolded and planted itself firmly into her mind's eye. Sensing her awkwardness, Ruth held her at arm's length. "You're not afraid of me, are you Cal?" She sounded heartbroken at the thought. Callie knew she had no choice but to be honest with her. "I don't wan
t to be,” she said, “but should I?"
Ruth's face crumbled, and Callie hugged her closer. "I'm so sorry," she said. "but I don't know how I'm supposed to feel or react right now, this is all so surreal. Until just a few days ago, I thought that vampires were creatures that were just made-up to scare people on Halloween."
Still unable to believe they were real, and that she herself was one, Ruth understood precisely where she was coming from. "I completely understand Cal,” she said, “but I promise you that I would never hurt you; In fact, I can use my new abilities to protect you." Callie took a deep, steadying breath to calm herself. "I know,” she said, “and don't forget Ruth; this is still early days for both of us. I'm sure things will settle as time passes, and we get used to your new way of life." Ruth smiled, trying to make light of the situation. "Don't you mean death." She joked. Callie was stunned as the horrible reality of Ruth's comment hammered home. “Ruth,” she said, “you died. You actually died."
Her lip trembled, saying it aloud made it real. “I know,” she whispered, “and Jessica Bartlett is responsible.” Her face hardened. “She has to pay Cal; I can't let her get away with what she did to me.” The sinister tone of Ruth’s voice made Callie shiver, and goosebumps covered her entire body. Still, she knew without a shadow of a doubt, that her cousin was wholly justified to feel this angry, and wholeheartedly agreed that Jessica shouldn’t be allowed to get away with what she had done to her.
"OK,” she said, “I’m in; What do you have planned?” Ruth smiled. "I'll tell Matt that you and I are going out for the evening, but instead, we’ll drive to my old neighborhood, and see if she’s at Charlie’s; It’s her local nightclub.”
Her eyes drew into slits as she fantasized about what she was going to do when she saw her. “I'm going to humiliate her in front of everyone,” she said. “Just like she did to me all those times." Smiling, Callie nodded. "Could you dress for a night out and tell your parents that you're going out clubbing with Riley?” Ruth asked.
“And also, can you bring the outfit I wore when I met Matt with you?"
Eager to see Jessica get her comeuppance, Callie answered without the slightest hesitation. "Of course," she replied, "just tell me when, and what time you want me to pick you up?" "We’ll give it a few days,” she replied, “and the sun sets around nine, I think, is that OK?” Callie nodded. "of course."
Scene Nineteen - Power
Vampires lined each of the four walls with their backs as they stood shoulder to shoulder, and guarded the woman in the bathtub in the center of the room. They marveled at her beauty as she bathed in endless bubbles and drank red wine from a tall stemmed glass. Still, each and every one of them knew that it would be careless not to be afraid while in her presence, as her volatile nature was legendary. She had well and truly earned her reputation as one of the most dangerous creatures on the planet during the several thousands of years that she had walked the earth, and as a result, others of her kind were terrified of her.
She cared for very little in this world, but Matthew Welsh was one of them. She even loved him in her own way.
Isabella Marshond lifted the glass to her lips and drank deeply, appreciating the warmness of the rich, full-bodied red wine as it slid down her throat and gave her a feeling of utter contentment. She closed her eyes and thought of Matthew, and wondered why he hadn’t been to pay his respects since she had returned from searching for her mother in Israel. Over a year had passed since he had joined her there. They had spent many hours pleasuring each other before he had to leave and return to his role as her chief assassin, but since that time, she hadn’t heard a peep from him. Also, she had recently received several reports that, in recent months, he had been neglecting his duties, so she decided it was time to find out what was going on.
Small droplets of bubble-soaked water fell from her pale skin as she rose and elegantly stepped onto the deep shag pile bathmat. A thin, gangly woman approached her and hastily threw a huge towel around her shoulders, but she shrugged it aside and placed her hand at the back of the woman's head. She pulled her closer and kissed her passionately, and her fingers played teasingly along the woman's skin until her hand reached her most intimate area, and she stroked her there until she cried out in ecstasy.
Isabella smiled as she stepped back from the woman who swayed where she stood, still in rapture. "Today,” she said, “I have gifted you with the most beautiful orgasm you have ever had. What have you to say?" The woman struggled to regain her composure. "Thank you, Isabella." She stammered, bowing respectfully as she stepped away. "Thank you."
Isabella felt the sexual tension as she looked around the room, and deciding it would be an excellent way to spend the evening, she invited them to act on their impulses. Instantly, her devoted guards turned to each other and began to vent their lust in earnest. She beckoned to a young man recently transformed to approach. He reminded her of Matthew; Nowhere near as handsome, but he would do for now.
Scene Twenty - Brutality
Jerry Weller panted hard as he stood over Lesley Myers unconscious body lying on the bedroom floor. She bled profusely from the stab wounds he had inflicted on her during the attack, and Blood pooled around the four teeth that lay on the floor next to her face. There was a gaping hole in her right hand, acquired as she had held it up in an attempt to stop the blade from entering her cheek. She was unsuccessful.
Already well known to the police, he picked up a scarf from the chair in the corner of the room and wiped all the surfaces he knew he had touched. His fingerprints were on file, so If he were taken in for questioning for this, he wouldn’t deny that he knew her, or that he had spent time in this flat, but he didn't want to leave any fresh prints in case they showed any traces of her blood on them.
"Serves you right, you thieving whore,” he said through gritted teeth, “that'll teach you for not paying me what you owe. You should be fucking grateful that I'm in a good mood tonight." He smiled wickedly as Lesley’s breathing became more and more labored.
He picked up her mobile and called for an ambulance, giving them only the address and telling them that a woman had been injured before hanging up. He felt no remorse as he used the scarf to wipe the blood from his knife and then, to open the front door. He stuffed it into his pocket and smiled wickedly at his wiliness as he quietly left the flat, leaving the front door open for the paramedics. "I must be getting soft." He thought.
Scene Twenty-One - Seduction
1819 AD
Warmth spread across his chest as the whiskey it slid down his throat, and he sighed in appreciation of its exquisite taste. He almost spat it out though, when Isabella wrapped her booted foot around his as they sat next to each other at the dining table.
Jeremiah and Sarah talked about everyday things, but to Matthew, it seemed as though it came from a great distance as Isabella's hand had found its way to the inside of his upper thigh, and steadily moved towards his manhood. He felt his face flush, but he was powerless to stop her, nor did he want to. His breaths came faster and heavier, and he distantly thought it strange that neither his friend nor his wife, took any notice of his now very obvious growing desire. They seemed completely oblivious to what was happening across the table from them and carried on with the conversation as if nothing were awry.
He threw his head back and moaned with pleasure as her hand reached its target, and she gently stroked him. She slid her hand to his waistband, and he tightened the muscles of his stomach to allow her easy access, then her fingers crept under his clothing and made their way back to his manhood. She wrapped her hand around it and gripped tightly, and he grabbed the sides of his chair in anticipation, but she stopped abruptly and withdrew her hand as she stood and spoke to their hosts.
"Jeremiah, Sarah, thank you so much for your wonderful hospitality,” she said, “but I must be getting home." Panting and glassy-eyed, Matthew came back down to earth with a bump.
Isabella bit back a smile as she looked down at him. "Matthew,” she sa
id, “my carriage is outside, would you like my driver to take you home, or will you be staying here for a while longer?" He blinked rapidly as he came to his senses. "Yes," he said, clearing his throat. "Thank you, Isabella, I graciously accept your kind offer.”
Jeremiah whispered to Matthew as he escorted them to the front door. "Are you alright, Matthew?” He asked. “You look very flustered." Having regained full control of his senses, Matthew smiled mischievously and winked at his friend.
A knowing look spread across Jeremiah's face. "Good luck." He whispered as he waved them off.
Dressed in a dark top hat and cape, a tall man of slender build stepped forward and held open the door to the carriage that was as black as the horse that had been harnessed to it. Long lines to either side of his mouth gave him the odd appearance of a marionette, and his deep-sunken eyes did nothing to improve the sternness of his appearance.
He held out his hand to assist Isabella, and she nodded her appreciation as she took the single step that led to the small seating area inside. He bowed as she passed him and stood back as Matthew followed her in. He didn't utter a single word as he closed and secured the door behind them, and Matthew thought it odd that he had not been acknowledged as a guest of his employer.