by P. A. Lupton
I flashed him a genuine smile as a feeling of relief overtook me for the first time since I’d discovered his secret last night. “Okay. But I want you to ask the Elders for permission to show me around the facility.”
“Agreed.”
“I was wondering something else,” I hedged, a smile forming on my lips.
“And what is that?” he asked cautiously.
“The council of elders... is in Colorado?” I asked skeptically.
Nathan chuckled. “Why do you find that so hard to believe?”
“I don’t know. I guess I expected them to be somewhere exotic like Transylvania...but Denver?”
He laughed a deep, throaty rumble. “Brianna, have you never questioned why you felt so drawn to Denver? Why there are so many mysterious, unexplainable crimes in the area?”
“What do you mean? What does that have to do with Denver?”
“Have you ever heard of Ley Lines?”
He lifted a brow and I almost lost my concentration at the sight. “No.”
“Ley Lines are lines of power that are spread sporadically throughout the world.” When he noticed my confused expression he continued. “The only way I can think to explain them is to have you picture the human circulatory system. The vast web of blood vessels in the human body carries nutrients and energy throughout, providing nourishment. The same is true of Ley lines. Only they are the magical vessels of the earth, carrying an abundance of energy and power through them.” He kept focused on the road, but spared a brief glance in my direction.
“Magical vessels?”
“Yes. There are a few rare areas in the world where the lines converge and create a nexus of magical power. These areas in particular draw witches and vampires because they are able to tap into, and harness the power of the nexus. Denver is such a place.”
“Huh. Ley Lines? Wow.” While I sat quietly digesting this information, I noticed that we had pulled off the main road. When I took in the sight ahead of me, I was momentarily dumbfounded. We pulled up a long winding driveway that ended at a colossal, three-story, stone Gothic Mansion. It was surrounded by acres of meticulously landscaped grounds, and looked like something taken straight out of a Bram Stoker novel. A spontaneous, but brief burst of laughter tore from my mouth.
Morrison and Nathan looked at me strangely. “What’s so funny?” Morrison asked.
“Why don’t they just hang a sign on the road that says Dracula lives here?” I bit out sarcastically. “For a bunch of vampires concerned with exposure—they sure aren’t very conspicuous.”
Morrison laughed, and I noticed Nathan’s mouth twitched slightly at the corner.
“Entering the mansion, my attention was drawn away from the lush interior. The moment I stepped inside a crackling of power filled the air and literally stole the breath from my lungs. The intensity of the sensation was unlike anything I’d been exposed to yet. The vampire and witch auras I’d sensed so far were nothing in comparison to what floated in the air here. It would be like comparing a sloping hill to the Rocky Mountains. This was an immeasurable and vast force of energy.
Morrison, who was completely new to the vampire world, and his newfound senses, stopped brusquely the minute he entered the grand foyer. “What...is...that?” He asked breathlessly, and more than a little mesmerized by the phenomenon.
“That...is pure, undiluted power.” Nathan responded.
“My God, Nathan. How old are these vampires?” I probed while acclimating myself to the strange feeling.
“Marcus is the eldest, although no one knows his precise age. Only that he was one of the first vampires turned after the original. It is said, that he was born during the first century. Antonius and Lucius are considerably younger. However, both were born before the first millennium.”
The information stunned me into silence and my mouth dropped open. We were led by two vampires into a large ballroom. It was like a primeval Roman court. Ancient reliefs depicting images detailing the creation of vampires spread across the stone walls. The space was made up of rectangular naves lined with ornate columns. The center of the room descended into a miniature amphitheater designed for spectators.
“Holy shit. What is this place?” I whispered to Nathan as we followed our guides into the pit.
“This is where we hold court.”
“It’s—” I had no words to describe it. I had never seen anything like this. At this moment I could vividly picture what life was like in Ancient Rome. “Big,” I finished lamely.
Nathan chuckled quietly and laced his fingers through mine. He was so calm, or at least he appeared to be, and he wasn’t projecting a single emotion right now. He was locked up tighter than Fort Knox.
Although the room could have held a large audience, the only ones present at the moment were the three vampires standing in the center of the great hall. Their skin was radiant. Pale, but luminescent still, making them seem almost ethereal.
Two of the men were exactly what I’d have expected from the décor. Stiff, utterly still, with a menacing air about them. They wore identical black pants with a button up black shirt that hung loose over top. Both men had short dark hair. Intimidating, almost black eyes followed our every movement like hunters just waiting to attack. The smattering of scars over their exposed flesh gave the overall impression of danger. The third man however, he was nothing like I expected. The first thing I noticed, he was more approachable with a warm smile that lit his young, angelic looking face. “Nathan, a pleasure to see you again. If only it were under more pleasant circumstances.” His accent was rich and mellow, and he smiled with genuine warmth and friendliness as he walked toward Nathan. I was startled when he embraced him as though they were long lost friends.
Though, the thing that surprised me most about this man. He looked like a twenty year old rock star. His features were innocent and angelic, but counterbalanced by multiple piercings. His soft, golden waves were worn long and disheveled. His body was lean and athletic and covered with tight leather pants, a short sleeve shirt, and heavy combat boots. From what I could see of his exposed flesh, he was covered in tattoos. This man in front of me was the last thing I would expect of a thousand year old vampire.
“Lucius, it is good to see you as well. May I introduce Brianna Reece, and Todd Morrison.” He gestured to Morrison and me. I reached my hand out in greeting.
He reached for my outstretched hand, and at the precise moment our skin made contact, a reaction settled over me that was impossible to describe. There were no words capable of articulating the feeling. It was as though I were suddenly sucked into a bubble—voices, sounds, and even emotions, all of the things that constantly surrounded me on a daily basis—none of that existed while I was touching Lucius. It was as if the world just...stopped, and yet I felt connected to nature in a way I never thought possible. I felt the life force of absolutely everything around me. It was as if energy from every living thing was being funneled through Lucius, and while I maintained a physical connection to him—thorough me as well.
I’m not sure if it was fear, or shock, or possibly just the perplexity of the experience, but I abruptly jerked my hand back out of his reach. All at once, the world around me sharpened and reality suddenly rushed back.
Heat rose in my cheeks. I was mortified by my blatant social gaffe. “I’m sorry. I was taken aback for a second by your power. I didn’t mean to be rude.” Not only was I embarrassed, but also, I was horrified with myself for insulting one of the men who would decide Nathan’s fate.
“Not to worry my dear. It is a pleasure to meet you, Nathan has told us a great deal about you.” He fixed a beatific smile on me. I couldn’t restrain the sardonic laugh that escaped at the absurdity of this young looking Adonis referring to me as dear. Nathan gave me a confused look at my inappropriate outburst, but before I could say anything Lucius responded to his unasked question. “Do not fret my friend. She simply finds it humorous to be referred to as dear from someone who appears much younger.”
I narrowed my eyes at Lucius. “How did you—”
“Brianna,” Nathan interrupted. “Lucius can hear people’s thoughts.”
Great, I thought sarcastically.
“That’s a useful gift.” I attempted to hide the annoyance I felt at having someone able to intrude on my thoughts and invade my privacy in such a manner. Despite the sincerity of my tone, his knowing gaze told me he knew exactly how useful I considered his gift.
“Enough with the pleasantries. Can we get down to business?” Marcus’ booming voice cut into our conversation and his tone brooked no room for argument.
Nathan became serious and turned to face the men who would decide his fate.
“Nathan, as you are aware we have summoned you before us to answer to the charge of siring a fledgling vampire without permission—and a mortal at that. You may present your defense before we render our judgment.” Marcus’ words were said matter-of-factly, as if we weren’t discussing the possibility of his execution.
Nathan recounted the entire story to the Elders. He detailed the murders of my family, my kidnapping, the murder of the two vampire bodyguards, and the attack that left Morrison bleeding to death.
“Agent Morrison’s death was imminent had I not acted to save him. Since his injuries were the direct result of a vampire attack, I felt I owed it to him to save his life.” He said.
After he finished retelling the specifics, Marcus and the other vampires sat together discussing the matter inaudibly. After a few minutes Marcus stood and turned toward Nathan. “We understand why you were provoked to change agent Morrison,” Marcus hesitated with a solemn look on his face before continuing. “However, humans die every day. As much as we would like to change every one we cannot interfere. That is why we have laws to prevent such occurrences.”
“Oh, that is such bullshit!” I yelled, angrily before I could stop myself.
Marcus turned his indignant gaze on mine. “I presume you have something you would like to add Miss Reece.”
“Agent Reece. And yes, I do.” I glanced at Nathan’s shocked expression. Judging by the look of disapproval he shot me, I assumed it was unusual to question an elder. Well screw that. I wasn’t about to sit by while they decided to kill the man I loved.
“You say humans die every day, and that’s right they do. But do humans die protecting innocent witches and vampires from other vampires? No. I glanced affectionately at Morrison while I spoke. “Agent Morrison is an honorable man who refused to back down to a predator he knew he wasn’t strong enough to face, just to protect me. He sheltered a witch, and avenged the deaths of other vampires, because it was the right thing to do. Not many humans would be as courageous. Nathan was right to change him. It’s rare to find the kind of loyalty he possesses.”
“Agent Reece—” He started again, but I interrupted.
“I would also like to point out that one of the reasons your laws were created was to prevent the overpopulation of vampires. Two good vampires were killed while hunting this killer. And when I finally escaped the bastard, I destroyed him as well. So, by my count you still have two less vampires in the world, even though Nathan changed Morrison. I’d say you’re more than even. No harm no foul.”
I tried to project a calm, laid back stance, but I was prepared for anything. I didn’t really care what they decided; I wouldn’t allow them to touch a hair on Nathan’s head.
He looked me over for a moment before his mouth twisted in an amused grin. “Lucius can hear your thoughts Agent Reece and he can share those with me,” he warned. “If we decide that Nathan will be executed for his crime, there is nothing you can do to stop it.”
To impress on the truth of his words, he waved his hand at me and sent me flying through the air. I crashed, painfully into a marble column before slumping to the ground.
“Brianna!” Nathan yelled and began to run toward me.
“Stop!” Marcus boomed, pointing his finger at Nathan and forcing him to drop to his knees with merely a thought.
Nathan’s face was red with fury. “Your quarrel is with me, please do not harm her.”
Marcus ignored the remark.
Seeing Nathan forced to his knees was my last straw. Now I was pissed. I stood slowly and stretched out my gift toward Marcus. The power that flowed through his veins rolled off him like a sonic wave. Recalling how I absorbed John’s power in the barn, I attempted to do the same thing with Marcus. However, this was remarkably different. Marcus' power was much more potent than John’s, intoxicating in fact. Still, I realized I was successful when I felt the intense energy course through me. Narrowing my eyes at Marcus, I waved my hand back at him, the gesture identical to what he’d just done to me. And just like me, he went sailing through the air and smashed into the wall behind him. There was a thunderous clap of noise, and when he fell to the floor I noticed a large crack in the stone.
I turned away and walked to stand beside Nathan who was upright again. He and Morrison stared at me, wearing identical masks of disbelief on their faces.
“It is true then, she is the one we have been waiting for. Astonishing!” I heard Marcus’ distinct, tenor voice but it was inside my head, not spoken aloud.
“What do you mean you’ve been waiting for me?” I asked him cautiously. I noticed that everyone in the room looked at me curiously when I spoke, unaware of his silent communication. When Marcus stood up I prepared myself to fight him, but instead he laughed. “That was merely a test Agent Reece. I have no intention of harming you or Nathan, you can relax.”
Nathan nodded his head and I heard his thoughts in my mind, as clearly as if he had spoken aloud. “Brianna he speaks the truth, you can relax.”
I was a little unnerved by the fact that I was hearing voices in my head. I realized I must have channeled all of their powers when I absorbed Marcus’, because according to Nathan, Lucius was the mind reader not Marcus. Nathan’s silent assurance calmed me slightly. Although I was still guarded, I stopped channeling their power. Marcus walked over to the other two elders and they began speaking in hushed voices. “Excuse me. I hate to interrupt your little powwow over there, but could you please explain what the Hell is going on.” I said impatiently.
The three of them turned and looked at me, but it was Lucius who spoke. “Brianna, we ask your forgiveness. We only wished to see for ourselves the extent of your capabilities. We provoked you into using your power on us.” He shrugged unapologetically. “We agree with you. Nathan will not be punished for the actions he took in saving Agent Morrison. You are correct that Agent Morrison is a good man and deserved to be saved.” He smiled at me and I felt the tension drain from my body as I was overcome with a swelling sense of relief.
“Thank you.” I sighed.
“Do not thank me yet.” He warned. I felt my shoulders stiffen in response. “I am hoping that we can convince you to join us.”
I had no idea what he meant, but I suddenly felt Nathan’s consternation. “No” he said, “it is too dangerous.”
“What is? What am I missing?” I directed the question to Lucius because I sensed he would be more forthcoming.
Lucius sighed. “We have imposed laws to protect our races, both witches and vampires. The use of evil and dark magic threatens our kind with exposure, harms innocents, and simply cannot be tolerated. As Nathan has explained, our enforcers capture and punish our criminals, such as the one who murdered your family. Nathan supervises our enforcers.” My head whipped around to Nathan and I felt slightly annoyed by his omission.
Lucius continued. “We face a frustrating quandary. The enforcers are principled, law abiding vampires that never use dark magic to increase their power base. Contrarily, our enemies have no such reservations. They mercilessly pursue power, and as such, they are quite often stronger than our enforcers. It places them at a serious disadvantage and their lives are in constant danger. We have lost numerous enforcers these past few years.”
He cocked his head and narrowed his eyes. “It is a c
onundrum. How do we hunt these evil beings without employing their evil methods?” He looked at me meaningfully, and I understood what he was asking of me.
“So, if you had a witch who could absorb their power and use it against them, without having to use dark magic to accomplish it, it would put you on equal footing.” I finished for him.
“Exactly!”
I was considering the request when Nathan interjected. “Brianna, you do not understand.” He said anxiously. “It is extremely dangerous. The danger you have been exposed to recently, you would face that danger constantly.”
I walked over to Nathan and reached out to him. He pulled me tightly against his body and held firmly, as though he didn’t want to let me go. “I could not bear it if something happened to you. I was so close to losing you already once,” he whispered pleadingly, his breath whispering against my hair. My heart clenched at his admission. I didn’t want him to have to worry, but this was something I vowed to myself a long time ago, to protect the innocent. If I had a particular gift that would help me do that, how could I ignore it?
I glanced over to the elders. “Could we have a moment alone? Please.”
They nodded and filed silently out of the room, Morrison followed. Nathan stood there holding me, his chin resting on my head. I enjoyed the feel of his arms around me for a few minutes before I spoke.
“Nathan, I’ve never told you this, but I was attacked and almost raped when I was eighteen years old.” His body stiffened and his grip on me tightened, but he remained silent. “That was the first time I ever used my gift to stop a killer. The man who attacked me was a serial rapist and murderer, and I would have died if I hadn’t discovered my abilities that night. I killed him using my power, and something inside of me changed at that moment. I believe that we’re given these gifts for a reason. That night I vowed to myself that I would use my abilities to protect other innocent people who couldn’t protect themselves.” My voice cracked and a single tear streamed down my cheek at the memory.