A siren’s call echoed deep within the cells coursing through my veins. It called out to me. I could choose to ignore it or not, so I turned toward the backyard and leaned against the railing to study the dark ledge. The rocky outcrop shot upwards like a giant fist paused overhead on the verge of smashing the house into pulp. A slight chill passed through me as I stared beyond the ledge into the future—my disheartening future. I glanced once more at the ledge. This time a shiny object caught my attention. Odd. Not overly concerned, I’d check it out tomorrow.
A dry breeze carrying my name blew across my face. The steady onslaught of summons beguiled me. The urge to seek out this predator became so intense I could no longer resist. Under a moonlit sky, Sabree perched atop the ledge to beckon me.
Eric asked, “Where are you going? Join us for a toast. It’s almost midnight.”
“What’s so special—oh yeah, Happy New Year. I’m going for a walk.” I ambled toward the demon perched on top of the ledge. My good old Merrell hiking boots sidestepped along dislodged stones and briars.
30
FLAVOR OF THE MONTH—GHOULISH
S abree breathed in slowly and on purpose. The richness of Brian’s sweet blood teased his nostrils. It intensified with every step the ghoul took up the ledge, awakening every sensation in his withered body. Counting on the prized nectar he so craved, left him with no choice but to stake claim near the twins’ abode.
Within the mutated blood flowed a rare element that replenished his health, peace of mind, and appearance. After he consumed the vials of Brian’s blood confiscated from the DanJal complex, his skin glowed and his hair danced as though alive. Without question, he had become dependent on the twins, or rather their blood—a substantial price to pay for breaking Caderen law.
Sabree jumped off the ledge and landed partway to greet his guest. His foothold wobbled in his deteriorating state. He smiled—a devilish grin—pleased his dominion over the ghoul still thrived.
“Sabree?” Brian asked. “What are you doing up here? Don’t you have some New Year’s party to attend?”
“Look at me!” Sabree spat his disgust and stepped into the moonlight. Tears inflamed his zombie-gray eyes when he saw the shock on Brian’s face. His reflection in those amber eyes revealed he had lost his angelic appearance once again. His ashen face amplified by the dark circles under his eyes and the dull, listless hair clinging to his scalp resembled a corpse. “It’s only been two weeks since I rescued you. Your mutated blood did this to me!” Sagebrush rolled across his path, blew aside as though his aura alone reached out like a blustery wind.
Arms crossed over his chest, Brian stood his ground. “Aye, you look like hell. But why blame me?”
The reflection sickened Sabree; yet, he could not pry his gaze from the wretched image. His pupils constricted to reveal more of the crimson fire fueled by Brian’s aloof attitude. He spoke in an icy tone. “What about your blood wrecking my livelihood don’t you understand? You are a disease, a plague. Your blood is as addictive as demonic alcohol.” The words rolled off his tongue as he circled the accursed ghoul.
“You were warned not to drink our blood.”
Warned, yes, taken heed, no. His own fury prevented him from accepting blame, easier to scold Brian instead. “You and your sister are abominations. You exist only to contaminate the Fallen.” He had always suspected Brian and Ariane were Turian’s zygotes. Too coincidental not to be truth. Then he recalled his vow to Turian. He had failed his friend, letting a rogue wearing blue goggles steal the zygotes from his hands. They were pure until Duncan Colton mutated the twins with human DNA.
“Contaminate?” Brian repeated. “What are you talking about?”
“I see no way of stopping you, unless I can keep you under my thumb.” Sabree snarled to direct his dominance over him.
Brian stumbled over a tumbleweed in his haste to back away. “Stop me from what?”
Sabree ignored the question and drew closer until near enough to grab and pull Brian against his body. He yanked Brian’s head back to expose his neck. “Ah, flavor of the month—ghoulish.” Aroused by the sweet nectar, his fangs grew to full length as his tongue slithered across the cool flesh until it sensed the palpitations of the jugular. His teeth punctured skin and sank deeper. The cool, sanguine fluid quenched his thirst. The fountain of youth could do no better. His teeth tore flesh when Brian collapsed from the loss of blood, the weight of his body leaning against him for support. Sabree flung him aside like a rag doll.
An inner warmth invigorated his entire body. Sabree regained composure as the beast within transformed into the gentleman, tamed by the rich ghoulish blood. He knelt beside Brian and touched his neck. A weak pulse revealed the ghoul had life left in him. Brian’s breaths shallow, his lids fluttered as he fought for consciousness. He had not drained enough blood to endanger him—but surely enough to cripple him for the night.
“Perhaps I should take control of Eric’s will too; then I shall have complete domination over both your roommates.” He smeared the fresh oozing blood with the dusty residue as the puncture wounds healed.
Normally mindful of his prey, rage had forced Sabree’s ruthless attack, this time drawing on a more violent end to his feed. He blamed no one but himself for disregarding Caderen rule number one: do not consume the twins’ blood. Thus, a curse condemned him forevermore because the mutated DNA tainted his blood. Sabree yearned to plunge his teeth into Brian’s neck again and this time, suck the ghoul dry, but it would only deprive him of the one thing that guaranteed his vitality. Brian’s words replayed in his mind: All three of us did make an invincible team like the good old days in Scotland.
“Auld Lang Syne indeed,” Sabree said before he misted atop the ledge. As he materialized, supremacy flowed through his veins. He glanced down at Brian as he climbed to his feet and stumbled. His gaze reached beyond to the dark outline of the ledge. Brian stood still until rage refueled his adrenaline. He flipped him the bird, daring him for a rematch.
Sabree waved him off. Patience would reward him. Brian doubled back and climbed over the railing onto the deck. Ariane and Eric had long since retired.
Before Brian entered the French doors leading to his bedroom, he glanced at the ledge again. “Damn you,” he whispered, “You won’t get Eric. I’ll see to it.”
Sabree laughed. Who needs that dimwitted cave dweller?
31
JET LAG’S A DRAG
D ays later, I stepped into the kitchen with one intention in mind—announce the third scavenger hunt. I wandered inside and snooped around the stove, lifting the lid off a large pot of stew. The succulent aroma of slow-cooked roast roused my appetite. The couple who planned to share a romantic dinner eyed me with keen interest. “It's time to go after the next flash drive,” I said to Ariane. “Scotland, in fact.”
She choked on a sip of wine. “Not again,” she said as though growling out the words. “I think I’ve lost my appetite.”
“Guess you figured out the anagram.” Eric’s eyebrows arched as though impressed by my skill.
“Aye, it read, ‘Edinburgh vault behind Tron Square Apartments off Old Fishmarket Close, Eric Tripper,’ so we need your help, Mr. Spelunker. You know I canna find it alone.”
Eric puffed out his chest while Ariane paled a shade of gray. “We can’t afford plane tickets. What about work?”
I dropped the spoon into the pot, splashing gravy on the stovetop. “I saved for the trip. Besides, Duncan’s account is now our own.” I glanced her way, wishing for a hint of approval. Blank eyes stared back, so I sat next to her and popped a pea from her bowl into her pouting lips. “The only thing you two will need to bring is enough clothes for a few days. Well?”
Ariane spit the pea at me, launching it into my hair. “Why bother. You’ve already lost two drives.” She stuck out her tongue and then nudged Eric. “What do you think?”
Eric grumbled a curse and after a moment, ran his hands through his hair. “What the hell. I better go,
since I’m the idiot who hid the drive in the catacombs. You’re right; you’ll never find it without me.”
No disguising the bitterness in his words. I smirked, recalling Eric’s disappointment over not being included in the last hunt. Perhaps he wasn’t conspiring with Wayde. Even so, an uneasiness spooked me enough to dismiss all trust in our so-called friendship. Any reservations would have to be set aside until we found the drive. “Good, then it's settled. We’ll leave first thing Saturday. Just tell me what to pack for spelunking.”
“We’ll have to rent the majority of equipment in Scotland. Airport security might complain about a pickaxe inside your carry-on.” Eric rolled his eyes and then whispered, “Duh.” He cracked a smile when Ariane giggled.
Bugger on them. See if I cared if they made jokes on my behalf. Who needed the lousy gear? Hey, not me, but now wasn’t the time to brag about my newly acclaimed skills. I mocked chuckled instead.
Whistling, Eric pointed at the glass doors. “Check out the sunset.”
The huge orange ball sat low on the horizon. I leaned against the French doors and wheeled around to express my approval, expecting them to join me. Instead, Eric rested his chin on her shoulder. I walked outside to have a closer look at the view, sensing the lovebirds needed time alone. Nice sunset, although not the best, curiosity about the neighborhood loiterer pulled me outside instead.
A chill curled the hairs on the back of my neck. Fevered eyes glared at the ominous ledge, which for notorious reasons rattled the tranquil moment. I brushed the discomfort aside and sprawled out on a lounge chair to let the setting sun warm my soul. As usual, my intuition was dead on: Sabree was perched on his roost.
3 3 3
So, the lovely trio was off to Scotland again. Bored with listening to the twins plan their next adventure, Sabree grabbed the binoculars for a looksee. He spied Brian lounging on the deck, spied him flipping him the bird again, and then he moved the eyeglasses to zoom into the kitchen. Empty. He spanned the rooms next and froze when he saw the couple in Ariane’s bedroom. Eric pulled off his tank top and removed Ariane’s shirt. She kissed his shoulder as he unfastened her bra.
Sabree’s groin burned from not having a relationship in ages. He used to be a great lover, but since his dependency on the twins’ blood, he was damned to live a parasitic existence. His breath had fogged up the lens. How he wanted Ariane but feared his desires were frivolous. Not only had Turian been his dearest friend, but also his uncle. If Brian and his sister were birthed from the zygotes, they’d be cousins.
Prior to the exile of the Fallen, close relations meant nothing to the Malakhim way of life. Now accustomed to human mating protocols, incest appalled him. Still, for the first time in his long life, he was lonely. “A parasite cannot thrive on his own,” he vowed to the inhabitants below.
3 3 3
Apart from the snow sprinkled across the rolling hills and jagged crags, Scotland’s landscape had not changed since Ariane last visited. From the passenger window, the scenery rushed by as the plane descended for arrival in Edinburgh. If not for the journal, she had vowed never to return, disappointed in herself for breaking her promise so soon. However, as luck would have it, Eric hid a flash drive in the Edinburgh vaults, instead of deep within the Arizona cave systems.
The redeye flight overseas had been eventless and quiet. Too quiet. The empty seat next to her brother allowed him to sleep. She and Eric sat together across the aisle. Guilt never came into play for enjoying first class. Her brother had the right idea to ask for secluded seats. “Vamps and crowds don’t mix,” he had reminded her. Money talked and she planned to learn the language.
Eric gabbed the entire flight, taking a breather to eat or watch a movie. She usually enjoyed chatting with him; however, every time he interrupted her thoughts of Sabree, she found his incessant babble annoying. Insecurities about their relationship had recently developed. How could she imagine living a normal life when she had feelings for a monster? Eric, on the other hand, was human, the safe bet. But where was the fun in playing it safe?
After a restful morning and a late afternoon tour of Edinburgh Castle, Brian and Eric dropped her off at the hotel. Staying at the mansion was out of the question. Brian had placed it in the care of a realtor to sell it ASAP. Ariane could kiss her brother for the brilliant move. As soon as the boys left, she grabbed her coat and slipped out into the night to follow them. She, too, craved action, tasting the sweetness on her lips, ignoring the bitter bite of sound advice.
Thick clouds obscured the glow of the full moon. A dense fog rolled in along with the cool air. Steam churned from the ancient sewer vents and billowed across the single lane road made of brick. Ariane hugged the buildings as she tiptoed on the narrow flagstone sidewalk. The damp air weighed heavily on her breath as she trailed the weary scavengers, barely able to detect the dark figures ahead.
In search of the precise landmark, she noticed how Eric led the way, stumbling on loosened bricks hidden beneath the mist. She fought the urge to giggle every time he tottered. Then she noticed how her brother fell back. Did he hear her faint footfalls that echoed his every step? He kept glancing behind. She hugged the wall every time his pace slowed.
Clang!
The sound of metal bouncing off cobblestone made her jump. Her heart skipped a beat before it thumped against her chest. She paused and saw Brian spin around to confront an imaginary stalker. His darting eyes scanned the vacant street along with the dark crevices. The only movement was the fog swirling across the path he’d taken. Ariane anticipated her brother drew on his enhanced senses, using his telepathic sonar to smoke out any of the Fallen or Wayde’s men in the vicinity. While she risked the onset of a slight migraine, she amplified her own shield. Her resistance worked. Brian stared a moment longer, pulled his jacket collar around his neck, and spun an about-face.
He hollered to Eric, who was now well ahead. “Hey, wait up.”
Ariane squinted and barely made out Eric’s form as he stirred up the fog. He appeared quite gruesome in his long dark coat until he spoke. “Jetlag’s a drag, but nothing a few brewskies can’t cure.” She suppressed a giggle.
“No pubs until we get what we came for.” Brian glanced behind again. Fog clung over the narrow road, settling from his hasty disturbance. He prodded Eric onward. “You sure it’s this way?”
Not good. It seemed Eric had forgotten the way. Wait! Ariane eyed the dark alley, realizing she had company. She leaned against an inlet and held her breath to block the Fallen from detecting her. Nothing moved except for the mist mingling with her recent movement.
3 3 3
“Wait, this looks wrong,” Eric muttered. “It’s been a while, you know. Blast this fog.” Eric stopped to let me catch up. “I met Professor Colton through an acquaintance who offered to make me a rich man if I agreed to join his team to excavate an ancient tomb. The team had analyzed the strange metal that fused the stone slab to the tomb, dating it at about three thousand years old. He asked me to lead the descent into the tomb, relying on my expertise in geology and spelunking.”
Something sparked a recollection. Had I met the younger Eric before? Despite the revelation, trust in the tour guide continued to decline. I coughed when my vision cut through the thick mist to spot an old brick building. A faded sign advertised, “Flats for Let.” The fancy crest bore a symbol of a lion playing bagpipes exactly as Eric described earlier.
Eric pointed at the Sin Bar and Lounge, another landmark he mentioned earlier. I peered around the corner and followed him down the narrow brick road. Midway, we reached an alcove filled with trash.
“Found it,” Eric said, exhaling a breath. “I see no reason to postpone our pub stop because of my poor sense of direction.” His foot kicked the trash bin aside. He hesitated and stooped over to enter the tapered cavity. His flashlight lit the steep staircase descending to the labyrinth below.
Intuition kicked in. I glanced behind once more before I followed him inside. How I wanted to confront the
individual who shadowed my every step; however, the path that led to the drive beckoned me more. The narrow passage’s long, dark throat yawned wide enough to devour all who entered. I sensed Eric’s dread, but the expert spelunker had no choice but to guide this expedition. When he aimed a flashlight at the entrance, I poked my head inside. After a brief inspection, I turned again to check on the entrance to the alley.
“Are we being followed?” Eric’s voice sounded shaky.
“Not sure, maybe one of the Fallen.” I waved him on. “Let’s go.” Together, we descended the constricted stairwell downward into the bowels of the city. While my guide lit the steps ahead, I kept checking behind.
32
I’M TEAM BRIAN
S abree spent the entire afternoon at a realty office but excused himself every so often, explaining he had a weak bladder. Inside the restroom, he would mist back and forth to keep an eye on Brian and Eric. After the contract for the purchase of a particular mansion was finalized, Sabree joined the scavenger hunt. From a distance, he hid behind a post as Eric and Brian disappeared into a hole in the wall.
Stealth his secondary Fallen gift, he had kept his guard up to prevent Brian from detecting his presence. Why did the ghoul keep glancing behind him as if he suspected someone nearby? Sabree almost blew his covert stakeout when he stepped on a loose manhole, announcing his presence to the world. The loud clang made him jump. As soon as the scavengers continued on their way, Sabree followed, unaware he, himself, was prey to another.
Amongst the Fallen Page 20