Remembrance

by Avery Kloss

  Damn. Even invisible, I could not hide from him. “Your men will … eat me.”

  “No. Dougray, Felix, and Sean are away at the moment.”

  “What about Serena?”

  “You have been listening carefully.” A hint of a smile appeared. “Show yourself, you little minx. I want to see you.”

  “So you can turn me into what Reese is?”

  “That’s not the plan. What happened to Reese is … an unfortunate accident.”

  “How do I know I can trust you?”

  “I saved your life, just in case you can’t remember.” Anger flared in his look. “You jumped to your death. You were dead, for all intensive purposes. I saved your little ass. I could’ve just let you die.”

  He did have a point there. “I don’t want you taking a bite outta me.”

  “I don’t like you sneaking around my bar. What are you doing here?”

  “I … I'm here for a friend. I wanted to help her. That’s her sister in there you’re holding hostage.”

  “For her own good, for the safety of the public at large. Do you have any idea what trouble she’d get into, if I let her go right now? She’d leave a path of destruction straight through Clatskanie. She wouldn’t care who she killed, men, women, children, and even pets. Anyone in her path would die.”

  “Then you shouldn’t have done that to her. It’s your fault.”

  It looked like he ground his teeth together. “Reveal yourself, Brie.”

  “You promise not to attack me?”

  “I make no such promise.”

  I sucked in a startled breath. “I have to have some guarantee you won’t attack me.”

  “I give you my word. That’s all I have.”

  “But you just said you’d make no such promise.”

  “Reveal yourself!” he shouted. “I tire of this argument.”

  Everything I had seen tonight left an indelible impression, the overall effect more than horrifying. A blood-thirsty vampire resided on the other side of the door, waiting to pounce on anyone, eager to tear into the throat of its victim. I came tonight to assure Maven her sister was well, but what would I tell my friend? Reese was out of her mind at the moment, out of control, and chained to a wall.

  “I’m waiting, Brie.”

  “I’m scared,” I whispered, worried I might end up just like Maven’s sister. I could not imagine a worse fate.

  Some of the anger left him, his stern features not as severe. “I won’t hurt you. I promise you that.”

  “You better not.” Although, if he wished to strike me, there would be nothing I could do about it. He could harm me now, even in my invisible state, and there would be no one to stop him. “Okay.” I twisted the ring around my finger, and wished to be seen again, although I probably should have just run. I glimpsed my fingers then, and the rest of me appeared a moment later. “Are you happy now?”

  A frown thinned his lips. “No. Don’t do that again.”

  “What, go invisible?”

  “Come here in that state, skulking about.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “You know what it means.”

  Reese screeched behind the door, the sound of chains jangling. “It stinks down here.”

  “Let’s go up.” He motioned for the stairs. “After you.”

  I passed him, but he grabbed me and dragged me near. “You promised not to hurt me!” Alarmed, I found myself far too close to him, the fingers around my forearms like bands of steel. “Let me go!”

  “You want to test your new powers, I know this. You’re curious about it all. You want to know more about me as well, don’t you? Even though it’s highly dangerous and stupid, you came here tonight. This isn’t a game, Brie. No sane person voluntarily enters a vampire’s den.”

  “Is that what t-this is?” I stammered, trembling. “I t-thought this w-was a bar?”

  “You know what I’m talking about.” He pushed me towards the door. “Don’t do it again.”

  I raced up the stairs, and nearly stumbled at the top. We emerged into the hallway, where I saw two women enter the bathroom. I contemplated fleeing, and prepared to sprint, but Gabe’s firm hand stopped me.

  “Let’s take a walk, shall we? I’m sure you could use a breath of fresh air.”

  I had held it deep in my chest. “Yeah.”

  27

  Gabe guided me through the bar, where music and smoke swirled around me. I felt the pressure of his hand on my lower back, as he propelled me towards the door. Once outside, I sucked in a clean gasp of air, although something rancid lingered in my lungs.

  “Where’s your car?” He eyed the parking lot, where a noisy motorcycle droned on, its rider preparing to leave.

  “I … parked it a ways away. I walked.”

  “I see.” He nodded, although his attention shifted to me. “Let’s take a little walk.”

  “I should probably go home.”

  “You came here to snoop. I told you not to return. I’ll not risk my business by having an underage person in the bar. If I say we walk, we walk.”

  “You don’t have to be pushy about it.”

  “You’re a particularly stubborn breed, Miss Thompson.” He grasped my arm, and hauled me into the woods behind the establishment. Once out of earshot, he muttered, “Most humans don’t deliberately seek out vampires. You’ve no idea how … dangerous that is. You’d think you would’ve learned your lesson the other night. I was the only reason you didn’t end up being a meal for my men.”

  Indignant about the rough treatment and his condescending tone, I pulled my arm free, and nearly stumbled over a root. In the darkness, I saw little beside the shadows of the forest, a tree with barren branches overhead.

  “I saved my own ass. I went invisible. You had nothing to do with it. Don’t take credit for something you didn’t do.”

  “And there it is again, that stubbornness.”

  We seemed to be on some sort of path. “Where are we going?”

  “A nice waterfall.”

  I stopped in my tracks. “Look, I don’t need a scenic tour right now. I came tonight for a specific reason. I wanted to know what happened to Maven’s sister. Now I know. She’s a smelly, bloodthirsty vampire. From what I saw, she’s no better than an animal. You have to keep her chained in the basement, otherwise she’d run free, eating people like a lion in a safari tent.”

  A gap in the branches brought in a hint of light from the glimmering orb of the moon, whereby I could observe my opponent better. The man now sported a crooked smirk.

  “You’re pretty proud about that, you and your undead friends. I’ve seen ‘Twilight’; I know you guys are the top of the food chain. I’ve also read ‘Dracula’.” I poked his chest. “You can die in sunlight, can’t you? You’re not totally invincible.”

  “You and whose army will drag me into the light?” Grasping the offending finger, he bent my arm around my back, and drew me near. Pressed to the cold, hard length of him, I shivered. “You’re not grateful at all I saved you. I could’ve just let you die.” His cool breath drifted over my face. “I don’t know why I gave you my blood. I took pity perhaps.” He seemed to change his mind about that. “No, not pity. You … fascinate me, which never happens. Ever.”

  He fascinated me as well, his mere existence astounding. “We don’t have to be enemies,” I whispered.

  “Who said anything about being enemies? If you were a foe, you’d be dead now. In truth, I find you … amusing. You might be useful as well.”

  “Because you want to get into my house?”

  “You’ve overheard plenty then.”

  I pushed against his chest, whereby he let me go. “What will happen to Reese?”

  “She’ll eventually settle down. She’s been this way a few months. It shouldn’t take much longer.” We turned for the path.

  I kept up with him, although his strides, soundless and light, were far longer than mine. “Why can’t you tell Maven where she is?”

&
nbsp; “That should be rather obvious. Firstly, the newborn might not recognize her. Then there’s a real possibility she’d try to feast on her.” A hard gleam appeared in his eye. “I’d like to spare family members that experience. Once Reese is … improved, she can make contact with her family, if she wishes to.”

  “Do you have family?” Then I caught myself for asking such a silly question.

  He side-eyed me. “They died long ago, Brie.”

  “Yeah, never mind.” The sound of rushing water resonated in the distance. “There really is a waterfall.”

  “Indeed.”

  We followed the path in the darkness, although it opened up a moment later to a glistening pool, with a substantial waterfall. Moonlight reflected in the waves that lapped along the edges towards the embankment where rocks formed a barrier.

  “It’s probably pretty in daylight.”

  “It’s beautiful now,” he murmured. A serene smile lingered upon his lips. They thinned then, the sound of someone talking breaking the spell.

  “There are people here.”

  “Unfortunately.” Someone stumbled out of the bushes, seemingly unaware of us. He appeared slim, with long, messy hair. Gabe said, “Good evening.” The hint of accent in his voice made him sound like a character in a horror movie.

  The man froze, his eyes darting back and forth. “Who’s there? Barry, is that you?”

  “No, it’s not Barry.”

  I would never venture into the forest in the dead of night like this, especially on the outskirts of town. With Gabe, I did not fear the unknown in the least, because the man was powerful enough to protect me.

  “Dude?” He stepped into the moonlight, exposing a sallow-looking face. Glassy eyes drifted over me. “Hey, what’s goin’ on? You guys cops?”

  Gabe, clearly annoyed now, grabbed him with one hand, while he passed another before his face. “Drugs are a scourge, young man. You’ll waste your life, if you keep to this path. You no longer want them. Now, get outta here!” He pushed him away. Then he reached for me. “Let’s go, Brie. I thought the waterfall might be nice, but there’s a crack den lurking here.”

  “Uh, okay.” I glanced at the man, who gazed around startled, his look confused. “What’ll happen to him?”

  “He might change his ways. Then again, he might not.” Gabe shrugged. “I really don’t care.”

  “Where are we going now?”

  “Against my better judgment, I think I’ll take you home.”

  “Home?”

  “To my house.” A grin emerged. “Don’t you wish to see how I live?”

  “Actually, I do. You’re not going to chain me to a wall, are you?”

  “How perverse, no. You’ll not be one of us; I won’t allow it.”

  He walked so quickly; I had to run to keep up with him. “Why would I want to be a vampire?”

  “You place yourself in danger every time you go to the Bad Bone. I’d suggest staying away, but you don’t want to listen.”

  We followed a path along the river, but lights glinted up ahead. “I told you why I was there.”

  “You could’ve just asked me.”

  “How can I do that? I don’t see you. You never gave me your number.”

  “And I won’t.”

  “Then what do you expect me to do?”

  “I’ll give you tonight. You may ask whatever you want. I may not answer everything to your satisfaction, but you may ask.”

  “You’re so arrogant.”

  “With good reason. Like you said, you’ve figured out where you are in the food chain. You know where I am.” He pressed his lips together, appearing smug. “Need I say more?”

  “Jeez,” I muttered. “Whatever. You just said you won’t make me a vampire, so you’re basically pretty harmless.”

  Laughter filled the air. “Now, there you’re mistaken, my dear. I won’t turn you, but that doesn’t mean I’m not tempted to have a nibble or two.”

  I hadn’t expected that, alarmed. “I’m not your personal blood bank. Don’t even think about it, buddy.”

  He grinned. “You are fun, I’ll give you that.”

  We emerged from the forest to a river that flowed towards what appeared to be some sort of old factory, although I doubted it was operational. “Where are we?” I squinted into the darkness, and wished I could see better.

  “My home.”

  “What kind of house is that?”

  “I’ve converted a lumber mill for my particular use.”

  “Oh.”

  He led the way, but slowed so I could catch up. “I bought it ten years ago. It suits my needs rather well.”

  A security light came on, the effect nearly blinding. This allowed me to see what had once been a parking lot and another building across the way that appeared rundown. The main structure loomed before us, a windowless, concrete fortress with a slanted roof. A dark wood door stood in the middle, flanked by black wall lanterns.

  He unlocked it, having produced a set of keys. “Here we are.”

  I hesitated for a moment, worried about what I might find in a vampire den. “Is it safe?”

  “Never.” He grinned.

  “That’s not really … comforting.”

  “I won’t harm you.”

  “So you’ve said.” I found him dangerous—compelling. His dark eyes glinted with mirth, because he teased me.

  You’re not having a crush on a vampire, Brie. Nope. No. Just no.

  “A penny for your thoughts?”

  “I’ll go in, but … I don’t want to stay long.” I brushed past him to enter the building. With the flick of a switch, scattered recessed lights shone down upon a polished concrete floor. I saw a comfortable seating area before a large stone fireplace. A table and chairs occupied the dining room, while a modern, metal staircase led to what appeared to be a bedroom loft. “Wow. Nice.” The door slammed behind me, which made me jump. I turned to stare at Gabe, suddenly worried about my welfare.

  He grinned, flashing two vicious-looking teeth. “Welcome to my lair.”

  28

  I was about to twist the ring around my finger and go invisible, but Gabe laughed it off. He approached the fireplace, where he flipped a switch. A blaze suddenly flickered along fake logs, the space feeling cozy.

  “Can I interest you in a drink?”

  I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Um … sure.” I trailed behind him, entering what appeared to be a kitchen, although there wasn’t a stove or a microwave. The refrigerator blended in with the white cabinets, and Gabe pulled a door open. I glanced inside, seeing three shelves filled with what looked like hospital grade blood bags.

  “Is that what I think it is?”

  “It is.” He glanced at me. “Soda, perhaps? I can’t imagine you’d want what I’m having.”

  “That’s disgusting.”

  “Would you prefer I … take a bite outta your neck instead?”

  He’s trying to get a rise out of me. “You said you hunted deer.”

  “I do, but I also have a good friend at the blood bank who, for a price, will provide my favorite drink.” He gave me a can of soda. “Here.”

  “Great.” I popped the lid, having a sip, while I eyed him cautiously. He withdrew one of the bags, bringing it to his lips, where he sunk his teeth into the plastic. “You like it cold?”

  He nodded, his eyes rolling into his head. The plastic contracted within seconds, a drop of blood remaining on his lips. He licked it away, smiling. “I’ll take it any way I can get it. Of course, I prefer blood warm, but I can’t be too picky.” His gaze darkened, as it lingered on me. “Unless you’re willing to let me feed on you. You smell delicious, Brie. I’d love a little taste.”

  “I don’t know you well enough for that,” I quipped, watching his nostrils flare. “I’m just joking. No, you can’t feed on me. I’m not on the menu.”

  He sighed. “That’s too bad.”

  I sipped the soda, suddenly feeling awkward. “Do you live here alone?�
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  “I prefer it that way.”

  “Oh.”

  “Let’s sit, shall we?”

  “Sure.” We settled before the fireplace, the sofa soft behind my back. I stared at the space, impressed by the height of the ceilings, the walls painted white. A tan rug with a black and gray design felt plush beneath my feet. “You’ve been here ten years?”

  “That’s when I converted the lumber mill. I’ve been in and out of town for decades.”

  “Do you pay taxes?”

  He chortled, “I do.”

  “Doesn’t the government wonder why you’ve been alive so long?”

  “I … reinvent myself every fifty years or so, sometimes less.”

  “How do you do that?”

  “I pretend to die, then I’m born again. I assume someone else’s identity.”

  “Can’t they catch you doing that?”

  “I’ve practiced the art. I hire people for these things. It used to be easier, but technology’s made everything that much worse, although, sometimes it’s better.” His hand rested on the sofa behind my back, and his fingers played with my hair. “I’ve never invited anyone over.”

  “Never?”

  “No.”

  “Not even other vampires?”

  “I keep a low profile. The less people I’m seen with outside the bar, the better. We all have our own places. If one of us is caught, then the others remain hidden. If we were to live together, we’d draw attention.”

  “That makes sense, I guess.”

  “I’m used to it. If I desire company, I need look no further than the bar.”

  “And what a fine bunch of people you have there,” I murmured sarcastically. “Drunks, losers, and … vampires. Awesome.”

  He frowned slightly, clearly not appreciating the putdown. “It’s a life that works for me. I can hardly take a day job, can I?”

  “Have you always run a bar?”

  “No. I once managed a brothel. I owned a speakeasy back in the day. I ran a theater in New York City for a while. I lived on a sailboat for a few years, but that was my least favorite hiding place.”

  “How can you avoid the sun that way?”

  “Indeed. It sank in bad weather, killing everyone onboard. As luck would have it, the accident happened in the dead of night. I feasted on their bodies. I left almost nothing for the sharks. Then I held a piece of debris over my head and swam for the nearest landmass. It was … ” he made a face, “less than ideal.”