by Kendra Ashe
The anguish I heard in his voice pulled at my heart. I was tempted to bombard him with a storm of questions, but I refrained. I wanted him to finish his story and if I interrupted, he might be tempted to stop talking.
“Mason ran the vampire off, but by then it was too late. I was already next to dead.” Sighing, Wren leaned back against the car. “He gave me some of his blood to keep me from dying, but even that wasn’t enough. I was too close to death. When my body died, I was reborn to be what I am now. That’s what happens if you die with a vampire’s blood in your system.”
“So now you’re telling me that you are also a vampire?”
“I am.” He nodded. “But I don’t feed on humans. I get my nourishment from animals or blood bags. I am always searching for a way to end this cursed existence. That’s why I joined the Seekers. They believe the same as I do. There’s a deeper truth to what we are. We want to find the answers.”
I was too stunned to say anything. All I could do is stare at him with my mouth hanging open. If it hadn’t been for my recent experience with the Book of the Dead and our office ghost, I’d have thought he was insane.
But after what I’d witnessed with Marie, I had to at least consider the possibility that there really was more to the world than what most people knew.
“You don’t have to say anything,” he chuckled. “I can see it in your eyes. You think I’m crazy.”
After a long pause, I finally found my voice. “Maybe not crazy. Imaginative might be a better word.”
“I could show you what I am, but it would scare the hell out of you,” he said.
“Are you sure you’re not just playing me?”
“I’m not joking. Haven’t you noticed anything strange about me at all?” he asked.
I had to admit, Wren did have a few vampire traits or what could be considered vampire traits. He never went out during the day and he sure didn’t eat much. When he did eat, his meals usually consisted of a lot of red meat.
“You eat human food and you also drink,” I exclaimed, grasping at all the different things that I was sure eliminated any chance of Wren being a vampire.
“We are flesh and blood, and although we must feed on blood, we can eat solid food and we still need water. I also like coffee and beer,” he explained.
“Vampires are dead. They don’t need food and water,” I pointed out.
Wren laughed. “Very true, if you’re in Hollywood. Not so true with real vampires.”
I was losing patience. All I was getting were bits and pieces of information. I wanted to get down to the meat of it.
“Then what exactly is a real vampire?” I asked.
“I think that’s something we all want to know,” he sighed. “All we know for sure is that it’s a virus that causes death, but then it reanimates the victim. We must feed on blood to live. The sunlight will make a vampire sick and can kill us if we are exposed for too long, but we don’t turn to dust like you see in the movies.”
“What about garlic and crosses … and breathing? Dead people don’t breathe.”
“You’re right. We don’t need oxygen, but if we go without it too long, or if we don’t feed, we desiccate. I doubt you’d like what you saw if that happened. That nonsense about the garlic and crosses is all myth”
He opened his shirt to show me the crucifix he was wearing. “I always wear one.”
Stepping away from the car, I started pacing back and forth. “Well, even if this is real, Mason doesn’t seem to have the same beliefs that you do.”
“You said something about a wolf. Are you going to tell me that werewolves are real too?”
Wren walked around to the driver’s side. “I don’t want to stand around here. Let's go get some coffee.”
“Okay, but I want to know more.”
Without realizing it, I’d let myself be drawn into his world of darkness. I didn’t realize it at the time, but the life I’d known it up to that point, was over. My new reality would be much darker and far more dangerous.
Chapter Eight
The River Belle was one of my favorite French Quarter cafes. It was quaint and offered a fantastic view of the Mississippi.
The chocolate pecan pie looked and smelled delicious, but I was too nervous to eat. If there was ever a time I felt as if I’d fallen down a rabbit hole, this was it.
Everything I’d believed about the world had been turned upside down.
“So you were telling me that Mason wasn't always a jerk.”
Nodding, his mouth twisted into a frown. “There was a time when he wasn’t so negative. Mason spent a long time searching for the same answers we seek. He says there are no answers or secrets, but there are answers. I’m sure of it.”
Mason’s odd behavior wasn’t the only thing bothering me. I wanted to know about the wolves.
“You mentioned wolves. Are there werewolves?”
An amused glint appeared in his eyes. “So many questions. How can I relate a decade of acquired knowledge over a cup of coffee?”
“Do you blame me? A few days ago I was a normal person, doing my best to make it in a screwed up world. Now, I find out the world might be a lot more screwed up than I ever imagined. I feel like I’ve stepped into some kind of twilight zone.”
Shaking his head, Wren overtly motioned toward the waitress making her way to our table.
“Do you two need a warm-up?” she asked, lifting the coffee dispenser.
“Thanks.” I nodded.
“Let me know if you need anything else,” she said before moving to another table.
“You’ll have to learn to be discreet," he told me when the waitress was out of earshot.
Of course, he was right. Learning to watch what I said in front of others would be a challenge. I didn't always have a filter.
“There are wolves.” Pausing, he sipped his coffee. “There are two types. There is a species of shape-shifting wolves. They are born wolves and can shift. Then there are the actual werewolves. These wolves are humans that have been infected with a virus.”
“That's interesting. How come I've never heard of this virus?"
“You have, in a way. Werewolf legends have been a part of human lore for generations.”
He was right, but it just seemed that there might be more of an uproar over something as spooky as a werewolf virus. I had tons of questions. The more I learned, the more questions I had.
“You look confused," he laughed.
“That's a slight understatement."
Leaning back against the cushioned bench seat, he folded his arms. “Maybe it will help if I start from the beginning.”
“You think?” I said, my voice dripping sarcasm.
“Keep in mind, all I know are the legends,” he said.
“Okay.”
“Thousands of years ago, there was an advanced civilization. In fact, there were a few advanced civilizations of different species. They say the original vampires were one of these species. Not all of these people were vampires. As I said, there were others. Essentially, the old gods and monsters were more fact than myth. The vampires were the gods of Sumer.”
“So you’re saying that vampires are a species and that it isn’t a virus?” I was totally not getting it. What he was saying went contrary to all the legends.
“There were beings that needed to consume the blood of other life forms to survive. They are known as the original vampires, but I’m getting to that.”
“Okay, go on,” I said before taking another bite of the chocolate pecan pie. I figured if I kept my mouth full, maybe I could stay quiet long enough for Wren to finish.
“According to my research, there were some species already here. The wolves were one of them. One of these advanced civilizations decided to use the wolf shifter DNA to create a virus.
They were trying to create super soldiers for war. The virus is transferred the same as most blood pathogens. From what I can tell, the werewolves are the result of this virus. The changing with the full mo
on has more to do with the moon’s gravity pull than moonlight. Those infected with the virus have episodes that start before the moon is completely full. It’s just that they can only make a full transformation during a full moon.”
“That’s crazy!” I said, fully engrossed in what he was saying. If this turned out to be some nutty story, I was going to feel so stupid. “So it’s possible some of the people in mental institutions aren't really crazy, just sick with this virus?”
Wren smiled. “I think it’s more likely that the government has special facilities for these people.”
“So this vampire species created a virus too?”
“Yes. It’s somewhat similar. The originals used their blood to infect early homo sapiens. They were trying to create the perfect hybrid species. What they did was create the mythical vampire. The virus causes physical death and reanimation. Our allergy to the sun is caused by a buildup of porphyrins in the blood.”
“None of that explains the immortality of vampires?” I pointed out.
“That’s true. Technically, we're already dead but I suspect the immortality aspect has something to do with the original vampires. As is indicated in the ancient texts, the gods of old lived hundreds and sometimes thousands of years. They are telepathic, proficient in telekinesis and psychokinesis. They also have enhanced senses. Some of those traits were transferred in the virus to the new hosts. The older the vampire, the stronger their abilities.”
“This is just fascinating. Have you ever thought of publishing this information?”
Wren laughed. “No one would believe it. Besides, most vampires and other supernaturals want to remain in the closet. It makes life easier.”
“You said supernaturals. Are there more than just vampires and werewolves?” I asked.
“Let’s put it this way. All the mythical beings you've heard about either exist now or did exist at some point in the past. Witches are a good example. There are plenty of witches with varying abilities. These are people born with the ability to tap into and use the energy of the universe. These abilities run in families in much the same way as psychic abilities. In fact, most psychics are probably descended from witches and don’t even know it.”
“So if there are vampires killing people, why doesn’t the government do something about it? Do they even know about these supernaturals?”
“They know.” Wren nodded. “The governments of the world have their own reasons for keeping the existence of the supernatural population secret. Public knowledge of these beings would upend their efforts to push their own agendas and mythologies. They tried putting supernaturals in secluded communities, but over the years, many have migrated out of those areas. They still exist, but now the supernaturals are free to leave without consequence, in theory anyway. They were never able to control the vampires.”
Remembering what he’d said to Mason in the crypt, I asked, “So what did you mean about me?”
Wren’s eyes strayed to the window. He seemed to lose himself in the darkness outside.
His reluctance was obvious but I was willing to wait. Over the last few months, I’d gotten to know Wren pretty well - at least I thought I had. Other than this over the top, secret world that I was just now learning about, Wren was usually a straight shooter. The fact that he seemed to be avoiding my question was a little disconcerting.
The minutes ticked by and he still hadn’t answered my question. My patience was starting to wear thin.
“Come on, Wren! What did you mean? Tell me everything.”
Wren turned away from the window to look at me. “Where did you come from? I don’t mean the city, but who are your parents? What do you know about your family?”
It was my turn to stare out the window and not answer. As the moments ticked by, I did my best to focus on the people passing by and not his question.
How could I talk about something I knew almost nothing about?
My father was long gone. He’d disappeared not long after I was born. I’d never even seen a picture of him.
My mother remarried when I was still young and had another child with her new husband. Before long, he was gone too. My stepfather had been on his way home from work one afternoon when he was in an accident on Interstate 10. He died at the scene.
I’d never been close to my stepfather, but there was one thing I was thankful for. He and my mother had given me the best little brother in the world. Sure, Johnny had been a total pain in the ass sometimes. He would constantly get into my stuff and make a disaster zone of my bedroom. I couldn’t go anywhere without Johnny wanting to tag along. From the time he was old enough to walk, Johnny had been my shadow.
Tears pooled in my eyes. All I had to do was think about that little angelic face staring up at me with so much trust and my heart shattered.
Some days, he would drive me totally nuts with all his questions. Little Johnny had been curious about everything under the sun.
Why do bees sting?
Why can’t we see the moon during the day?
What happened to my dad?
He’d had more questions than I’d had time to answer, but now I’d do just about anything to have just one of those days back.
“Are you okay?” Wren asked. “Why aren’t you answering me?”
I couldn’t look at him. My grief was something I preferred to keep to myself and if he saw my tears, he’d start asking questions.
Clearing my throat, I turned back to look at him. “There’s nothing much to tell. All I have is my mom.”
“What about your father?”
“He left when I was young. I don’t know where he’s at,” I admitted with a shrug.
“I think you should try to discover as much as you can about your past. There’s something different about you. It’s almost like you have an inner light that repels darkness.”
“Maybe it’s my bright smile,” I joked, hoping to lighten the mood a little.
“There’s something you need to understand. Because you do have this unique quality, vampires will be attracted to you. They’ll prey on you because they crave the light they sense inside of you. They’ll want to understand your power to resist their compulsion.”
“Is that why you hired me?” I asked.
“Partly,” he admitted, “but I think there’s a reason our paths crossed, and part of that reason could be that you can help us find answers. I can sometimes read your emotions, so I know you are a good person.”
My eyes narrowed. “I don’t think I like my emotions being read. It’s like an invasion of privacy.”
“It’s okay. I’ve never done it on purpose, and I don’t pry,” he assured me.
“I hope not,” I said, still glaring at him.
“What I need is for you to convince Mason Romero to help us find the vampire or vampires who are out there killing people. Eventually, he’ll reconsider joining against Kieran and others like him, but for now, I just need to catch whoever is doing all the killing. The truce we have with the police won’t last long if people keep dying.”
“And just how do you propose I do that?”
“You have to talk to Mason. Convince him to go to Kieran and find out who this rogue vampire is?”
“Mason is way too scary,” I said, shaking my head. “Besides, he told you not to contact him again.”
“Claire,” he sighed. “He likes you and I can tell by your blush, you like him.”
Wren had picked up on my shameful inner thoughts, or self-betrayal, however one wanted to view my traitorous body’s reaction to Mr. Romero. Maybe my boss really could read emotions.
Still, I wouldn’t go so far as to say I liked Mason Romero. True, he had eyes to die for, and a body built to satisfy, but like was a strong word, especially considering he was a vampire.
I was never going to admit any of this to Wren. “You’re probably off on your reading this time. But if he really is a vampire, it wouldn’t matter if I liked him or not.”
“Yeah right,” he laughed.
<
br /> “No seriously. I don’t like him. He’s way too forward.”
“Just don’t let yourself fall for him. Mason likes to consume his ladies,” he warned with a cryptic smile. “In more than one way.”
I wasn’t sure if I should take him seriously or not. After all, he’d said it with a smile.
“Well, that’s a nice thing to know about the notorious Mason Romero,” I muttered.
“Claire, I know you’ve lost someone important to you.”
When I didn’t respond, he continued. “If what I have been told is correct, you just may get another chance to see your lost loved one, but that’s only if we can get the information from Kieran. There is a secret valley that’s been hidden for generations. This is where many of the supernaturals retreated generations ago. According to the stories, there are power spots in this valley that lift the veil between the living and the dead.”
“Why hasn’t anyone heard of this place?” I asked, doubtful. His story just kept getting more fantastic and less believable.
“I’m going to be honest with you. I’ve never seen this valley, but there is talk. The strongest and most pure of the supernaturals live in Shadow Valley. The dead that most people encounter are earthbound spirits. It’s much harder to contact those that have gone into the light. This could be your opportunity.”
“That’s not fair, Wren. You are using my emotions against me.”
“I would do this myself, but Mason doesn’t believe anymore. He gave up a long time ago. The reason Mason doesn’t want me to contact him is that doing so could attract attention from the wrong people – the kind of people determined to keep this information from the rest of us,” Wren said.
“Where is this valley supposed to be?”
“I’m not sure but I think it’s out west. The valley is hidden by strong earth magic. This is what’s kept their world so pristine. They live much the same as we do, but better. People say they have scientists searching for a cure to vampirism and that their witches have the ability to cast spells that allow vampires to live in the light.”
As I watched Wren talk, for just a fraction of a moment, I thought I caught sight of the creature within. It was in his eyes. They had a strange sheen to them that I hadn’t noticed before.