- Oh, really?
And all of a sudden I imagined Mechislav next to a huge Ussuri tiger. A redheaded predator's skin rubs against a vampire's thigh. The honey and gold hand caresses the thick fur. Long sharp fangs are shining, ears are pinned... I saw all the details of the painting so clearly that I had to squeeze for a few seconds.
- I can order them to throw anything off a cliff, and they must obey me. Although with the same bears, this experience will be much sadder. And I will fly off a cliff. Not only that, they'll tear it up and bury it.
- It's more or less clear. Are you saying that Andre ordered them to attack us?
- That's right, curly.
- And who else do we have in town?
- Werewolves are usually congregations, Curly. The head of the community is the so-called leader of the pack. All werewolves of this species obey him. He also decides such issues as the interaction of the community with the rest of the undead of the city - vampires, elves, Kikimors, wizards - and all the others.
- Why, do elves exist too?! - Nadia was admired.
- Yeah, but they're not in your town. There's nothing for them to catch. They're more in capitals, fashion magazines, catwalks, movies... As for werewolves, your city has communities of wolves, bears, tigers and foxes. That's why I chose this city. Tigers are a fairly rare population of werewolves in general.
- That's very nice. And what do you intend to do next?
- Next I'll wait until night and go to Andre's to break his neck.
- If you get there, Nadia answered.
- What do you mean?
- Danielle is an artist, Jane is not a fighter. You're on your own. And who's to stop him from burying you under a fence and taking revenge on your friends?
- Actually, nobody. Except for the emissary of the Council. In his presence, even Andre wouldn't dare break the rules.
- Yes, but the Emissary hasn't arrived yet! And when he will be, we don't know!
That makes sense. Well done, girlfriend. I told her everything right, I would have thought of that much later. When it would have been too late.
- Let's find out! Where's the phone?
Mecislav ran his fingers through the buttons.
I watched his hands with intense attention.
The vampire listened to the beeps for seconds. Then there was a short conversation. I did not hear the vampire's opponent, but Mechislav spoke with short chopped phrases.
- Hello?
- This is Mecislav. When will the emissary arrive?
- Will it never work out before?
- It's not too good.
- Thank you for the information.
I looked at him carefully. The vampire turned and smiled at me.
- The Emissary will not arrive until tomorrow, Curly. Until tomorrow night, we are on our own. And we must survive somehow. How do you evaluate our chances?
- Above zero, but below one," I answered.
The vampire jumped off his stool in one motion and slipped on his knees in front of the table. He was right in front of the table. So close, I could smell him. And I craved to touch his shoulders with my hands.
- Why is there such a longing in your voice all of a sudden, Curly? I don't recognize you! Where's that girl who wasn't afraid of anything and argued with me, kneeling in the snow?
- She's tired.
Mechislav took my hand and brought it to my lips.
- Life is beautiful, girl. Give me a smile.
Warm lips slipped on my palm. The tongue tickled the delicate skin on my wrist, touched a healing cut, and I trembled with pain. Isn't that a bastard?! Glue me in front of my boyfriend! Hooray for the bastard!
- Let go of me! Let me go now!
Green eyes on golden skin glowed like two emeralds.
- It's late, my little one. It's too late.
- Hey, guys, are we redundant here? - Nadia called us.
The fog in my mind has finally collapsed.
- Not superfluous," I brushed off. - On the contrary!
The vampire pulled away from me and sat back in his seat.
- Danielle, why don't you change his head and ass? - A friend was surprised. - That asshole's hitting on your girlfriend, and you have henna!
Danielle didn't even get away from the drawing.
- I trust my beloved woman. Jane doesn't need Mecislav.
- I don't understand it," Nadjushka shaken her head. - Jane, can you explain it? If my boyfriend had eyes like that, I'd rip on rags, and he...
Mecislav sat on a chair overlooking an English lord and mockingly looked at us.
- Girls, you can see that Danielle is not jealous of me. But you don't consider us vampires. You judge us as human beings by your, uh, human standards. That's deadly stupid.
I didn't think it was stupid. If Danielle had gone as far with some other woman as I did with Mieczysław, I would have scratched both their eyes! But come and understand these vampires! However, until my eyes are scratched out, I agree not to understand them. Only if I could use them for the benefit of my homeland and its individual best representatives (I mean me, if anyone didn't understand).
- And why is that? - Nadia didn't get it.
- Vampires aren't jealous at all. And then, me and Japya didn't have sex.
- And what wasn't enough?
The vampire shrugged his shoulders. A graceful, even graceful movement toothache. The muscles rolled in waves under a snow-white sweater. White suits him much better than Dushke - black. Why did I think of that? Beautiful face was calm and serene. His lips moved apart in a light smile. From his movements, even from his presence, the room was filled with sexual energy - and Mechislav was well aware of his attractiveness. And he was not shy about using it for his (exclusively "noble") purposes.
- Not to him. When you've lived for centuries, feelings don't dull out, but become different. Our feelings are much sharper and stronger than human feelings, but they awaken slower. You haven't been together long enough for Daniel's feelings to become real. - The vampire raised his hand, warning me of my objection. - Don't argue, curly. I'm willing to admit that your feelings for Daniel are more than real. But I also know my friend. For now, you are his friend, mistress and muse, but not the love of a lifetime. And Daniel's behavior is understandable. Vampires prefer to have fun without burdening themselves with moral problems. Which is what danielle proves by his behavior. He won't be jealous.
Now I didn't understand anything. Won't you be jealous? And yesterday, you mean this morning? Jealousy - or a grudge that someone else is playing with his toy? I don't understand anything!
- Okay. Danielle's not jealous. What about you? Back there in the car on the way here?
The vampire measured me with a mocking look.
- My jealousy would be nice to you, huh, curly?
- I'm not gonna argue what's the point of lying if they don't believe you anyway. But there are different ways to tell the truth, right? - I love Daniel, but your jealousy would make me very happy.
- I'll have to disappoint you both," the vampire smiled without showing his fangs. It's a kind of art. - It wasn't jealousy on my part, either, but a wounded ego.
- Now I don't understand anything," Nadia intervened. I safely dropped the conversation in the car, and now it was about those words. - Jealousy? But jealousy is hardly without love. And wounded ego - without a certain sympathy?
- It seems to me that Mieczyslaw was not used to a woman who had already given up a part of herself, refused him and went to bed with another," Daniel's calm voice sounded.
There's a fourth drawing on the table in front of me. Dolphin and mermaid. Beautiful. Sea, waves, night, moon and even the moonway on the waves. And two flexible silhouettes - a mermaid jumping out of the water and caught in a moment's jump, and a dolphin in the corner of the drawing looking at it with longing.
- It's very beautiful. You're a genius, Danielle. However, geniuses in everyday life are worse than the plague, - said Nadia. - I'm tired of being with you. It's not eating, it's no
t drinking...
- Nadia, - I spied. It's always like this: only if you believe that a man has brains - and he immediately hurries to upset you. Well, who pulled her tongue?! Now Danielle will be upset!
- Jane, two words about jealousy, - Danielle didn't seem upset. Instead, he looked like an amateur naturalist - with curiosity and a little carnivorous. - You know, I'm amazed at your fortitude towards Mečislav.
- Just because I didn't want it, is that fortitude?
- Yes. Especially after the First Seal. I expected you to have sex, but that didn't happen. And it was you who kept your temper. What's more, you've already picked me out on a sober and clear head. And I'd really like an explanation for what you did. If you know exactly what you did.
- What the hell did I do?! - I just woke up. - Yeah! You chose one over the other?! Oh, yeah?! But you can't tell your heart!
- The First Seal unites bodies rather than souls," Danielle explained. - And if the surname and your feast are of different sexes, and often even if it's the same, it ends in bed.
I remembered how close I was to the bed, and I blushed. If I couldn't resist last night, what would have happened then? Well, it's clear, though. Some delightful nights. But they can't replace a lifetime. And I would have lost Daniel forever.
- I've never had anything like people.
- That's no excuse, Curly.
- There will be no other! Why do I have to make excuses anyway?!
- That's right," Nadia put it in. - Gentlemen vampires, leave my friend alone! She, unlike you, has lived in the world for nineteen years and often cannot understand herself. But I can answer your question. An old and wise owl.
All the attention was immediately turned to Hope.
- It will be interesting to hear," I strained her with my eyes.
Nadia didn't even lead with her ear in my direction.
- Well, listen to this. I understand from your story that your... satellites have seen your Catherine yet?
- We saw it. So what?
- And they should have remembered her well. Isn't she beautiful, gentlemen?
The question was kind of in space, but Nadia was looking at Daniel. And the vampire nodded, sprinkling dark chestnut strands on her shoulders.
- Yes, I can tell you as an artist that she's very good.
Nadia pretty smiled and looked like a big cat.
- I saw the pictures. She was charming as a child, too. - A friend was looking at the stain on the ceiling, classically holding a pause. - Our Jane just didn't look right next to her. And their families were friendly. And the girls spent most of their time together. And, of course, Jane always lost in front of her friend. She was prettier, smarter, more successful...
- Easy with the scalpel," I warned you. A little more and I'll rip my girlfriend's head off for such historical and psychological paintings.
- I'm almost done. Funny as it may seem, Mr. Mieczysław, Jane rejects those qualities that attract other women to you. Mind, beauty, strength - she can fully appreciate all this, but does not want to return to the unpleasant memories of childhood, when everyone first looked at Katya and said: "Oh, what a cute little girl. And then translated the look at Jane and exaggerated politely added: "And this child is very cute ... too". Even a part of life in the shadow of Jane's friend was enough for her eyes. Try it a second time? Fire! From this point of view, you are a danger. Danielle is not that kind of danger.
- So I'm supposed to conclude that I'm a weak, stupid freak? - Danielle had a funny thing to say.
Ceremony with the vampire Nadia wasn't going to. Whether or not he painted a portrait from her, the truth is more important.
- You're an artist. I don't think it's any different from your characterization.
Mieczysław's face was perfectly calm, but for some reason I knew that in his soul he rolled with laughter. And evil looked at him.
- These people are funny, aren't they?!
- Terribly funny, curly. And your friend is adorable, with her childish desire for truth and justice.
- Come on, diagnostician," Nadia snorted.
- No worse than you. Somehow I think that's only half the reason. Right, curly?
I put my eyes down. Half? Well, hell knows it! I can't figure out how I feel! No, no, no, no! That's enough!
- I don't know about you gentlemen vampires, but I've got your word in my liver! Loves, jealous, spits, kisses... More like spitting from head to toe! You know, we have other problems, too. And there are friends who aren't with us right now.
- Boris and Vadim? - Medislav's voice was absolutely calm. I shook my head sharply.
- Boris and Vadim. I was thinking about them.
- Don't worry too much, Curly. They're alive.
- How do you know that?
- I am their protector. Their master. And for Vadim, I am also their creator. They both made me a vow of blood. If they had died, Curly, I would have known about it immediately.
- Then you'll have more problems.
A vampire pulled by a hair like a painted brow.
- Problem, curly? What kind of problems?
- Andre has them.
The vampire smiled wildly. Seeing a smile like that in a dark alley at night would give you a heart attack. I wasn't afraid. On the contrary, I felt good about it. His smile did not bode well for our common enemy.
- I don't even doubt it. But tomorrow night, I'll rip his head off and it'll be over.
- Are you sure?
The second eyebrow repeated the movement of the first, and the vampire became even more like a huge cat.
- What do you know, Curly, that I don't know? And where's the information from?
- From the forest, vestimo," I snapped. But I had to continue: "While you were asleep, I called Snegirev.
- And why?
The vampire's face remained as nonchalant, but I felt his anger as a warm wave running through his skin. And I shuddered at the new sensation. Is it an interesting movie, he'll be flattened and sausage, and I'll be dragged and sucked? That's not how I play it!
- Take it easy. I feel bad enough without your emotions!
The vampire was so surprised that even his rage subsided a little.
- Excuse me, curly? What does that have to do with my emotions?
- Your anger," I explained. - I can feel it, and I don't like it.
The Fury of Mieczysław started filling the kitchen again.
- You're not gonna like this anymore, Curly, unless you explain immediately what you did and why! Our position is already too shaky!
I looked at him evil. And there's no way I'm gonna get burned like a brainless girl! Hum!
- I have a cell phone. You can pick up calls from it, but not from where it came from. I figured I'd find out what was there and how. I got an answer from a werewolf.
I recapitulated our conversation briefly. The vampire listened carefully. Then there was silence in the room. And I couldn't stand it first.
- Why aren't you talking?! Is it that bad?!
Mecislav raised his amazing bright green eyes at me. Such eyes are never found in people. Only cats can have such incredible greenery, almost like a child's marker.
- It's bad, curly. In chess, it's called a stalemate situation. I can't give you up, but I can't leave my vampires either. I'm afraid they'll die.
I slammed my eyes. The vampire was as calm as a rock. No emotion on his face or in his voice. Even the anger had gone somewhere. The Bigfoot King's cold indifference.
- Just like that?
- It may be difficult, but what difference does it make? You wouldn't agree to be in Andre's hands, would you? Not even for ten minutes?
Even one thought made me shiver. Ten minutes?! Even two seconds is too much!
- I'm not crazy yet!
- And so did I," smiled a vampire. - Anyway, I put the First Seal on you. Your death, Curly, may well be my death.
I hadn't thought about that.
- And as for Daniel... I wouldn't ask him to do that
. And I have no right to order it. Officially, he's not from my vertical. And that says it all.
It wasn't said anything to me, but I didn't ask for clarification. I'll get over it. It's temporary.
The vampire stared at me and smiled.
- Imagine, Curly, how I suggest Daniel voluntarily go back to our friend Andre. What would you say to me?
- A lot of things. And not necessarily in words.
Yeah, that would be a tough argument to make. Vases, plates, holy water bottles...
- I only had one choice, curly. I had no doubt Andre would try to bargain with me. I was really hoping he wouldn't succeed. But you ruined all my plans.
I was ready to fall through the ground. It's understandable. I'm an idiot. If I hadn't called, they'd have given us an ultimatum. And as long as the words aren't spoken, everyone's safe. They were.
- Now Andre can say that I don't care about my people. I can change that in one way. You're my last name, curly. But not completely yet.
Not completely. I looked the vampire in the eye. There was something about them... Something that made me open my mouth.
- You want me to...
- No. Not now. But I would like to put a Second Seal on you.
I put my head down. To put it mildly, I didn't want to. Hardly speaking, I really wanted to jump out the window and run from all legs. If I could run away, too...
- What difference does it make? - I tried to talk my way out of it. - One or two? But it won't change anything for us. I have to serve you one way or another.
- If we're bound by two Seals, that's a lot more. I'll be much stronger. I'll be able to share power with Boris and Vadim. And it will be more convincing for the emissary of the Council of Elders.
I was terribly ashamed. It was disgusting. And if there was anything I could do to make things right, I will. I'll even fly to the moon. The vampire just took advantage of my guilt. Some cold, sane part of my brain, I understood that, but I couldn't refuse. There's no giving up on other suggestions. But before I opened my mouth...
- What the fuck are you?
Nadia? I don't understand anything!
- Just give me your finger, you'll get your hand on your shoulder! What are you pushing, toothpick? Are you completely charming?
- What are you doing, girl?! - A vampire got mad.
Ring of Madness Page 44