Life's Blood (Pulse Book 2) (PULSE Vampire Series)

by Kailin Gow

  By the third night, they walked together in the ruins of the Baths of Caracalla, and Kalina even consented to take his arm. She felt his presence powerful beside her, a strength she found – if not desirable – than nevertheless without realizing it a part of herself.

  “Being a vampire,” Octavius was saying, “does not mean sacrificing one's humanity – not entirely. Qualities like decency, like loyalty, honor are highly valued – mercy less so, for otherwise we would not survive.”

  “How can you live without mercy?” said Kalina, thinking of how harshly he had treated the Greystone brothers for defying him.

  “I do what I must,” said Octavius. “I do have a code of honor. I do not believe in the turning of children – I believe you have encountered some vampire children in your adventures.”

  “Yes.”

  “It is abhorrent – I do not turn the unwilling. I do not turn those who will never get a chance to grow into something like maturity. Even Aaron – I would not have turned him, had his mother not begged me to. Marilee. She had tried to turn Aaron, but lacked the strength – she had drained him, nearly dry, nearly to death, but her blood – as a recently-turned vampire herself – was not enough to turn him. I stepped in to save him.”

  “Marilee,” Kalina remembered that name. The first time she had met Stuart and Jaegar, they had been arguing about a “Marilee.”

  “Yes – a good woman. Beloved of your friends' father, Gerard. And, it is rumored, of Stuart and Jaegar as well. Before their murder.”

  “Murder?”

  “Yes, both of them.” Octavius sighed. “Not a pretty subject. Let us continue on.”

  They continued wandering through the ruins.

  As they walked and talked, Kalina felt more alive than she had in weeks – cloistered in dark rooms with stakes and holy water, terrified of being eaten whole at any moment, terrified of her thoughts, her feelings. Unlike Jaegar, Stuart, and Aaron, Octavius did not pressure her – did not demand her love or require that she declare her feelings right away. He had made his intentions clear, but beyond that he seemed to be courting her as much as a friend as a lover; he was kind and romantic without his affection ever seeming cloying.

  Funny, she thought to herself as they walked. He might have kidnapped her – in a manner of speaking – but she felt freer with him than she had in weeks of Stuart, Jaegar, and Aaron fighting over her. She mentally compared the brothers' attitude on the video monitor – so anxious to protect her that they had forgotten her right to protect herself – with Octavius’ skillful diplomacy, his desire to protect her nevertheless restrained by his respect for her autonomy. He even allowed her full liberty to go out alone during the day - “you're my guest,” he said – although he none-too-subtly left a stake on the hallway side table.

  She refused to admit any attraction to herself, but at last she conceded that, as far as vampires went, Octavius really wasn't so bad.

  That night – it was really early morning, nearly dawn, by the time she got to be – she slept deeply, curled into a mass of satin sheets. In her dream she was wandering a luxurious garden, trailing with bougainvillea flowers and orange-blossoms, the scent of citrus sweet upon the air. The sun was strong and white all around her.

  Kalina. It was Octavius’ voice. She looked down to discover that she was dressed in the finest white satin, spilling down from the curve of her breasts to the end of her ankles. Can you hear me?

  I can hear you.

  This didn't feel like a dream. It felt more vibrant, somehow – more real.

  What is this? She looked up, but could see nobody there.

  We are linked now, said Octavius. Linked in our minds.

  Vampires know telepathy?

  Only the strongest, said Octavius. Jaegar – sometimes. But I use it far more. I find it a more respectful manner of using my powers than compulsion. You look beautiful, by the way.

  Kalina blushed.

  May I come in?

  So, vampires needed invitations to enter dreams, too.

  Kalina smiled. Perhaps tomorrow night, Octavius.

  As you wish.

  She woke with a start, curled about her pillow. Twilight was flooding in through the window. At breakfast – served just as the sun was setting over Trastevere – she asked Octavius about the dream.

  “Yes,” he said. “I'd hoped you'd hear me.”

  “I didn't know vampires could do that.”

  “I apologize for intruding.”

  Kalina smiled. “It's okay – I didn't have to let you in!”

  “I must say,” he said slowly. “I am surprised.”

  “Why is that?”

  “I have...never dreamwalked with a human before. Only with vampires.”

  “Why not?”

  “Vampires and humans have different brainwaves – that is to say, humans have brainwaves. Vampires don't. But with you – it's different. I've heard of this connection being made before – but it is rare.” He sighed deeply. “Very rare.”

  Kalina sipped her tea. “What does it mean?”

  Octavius laughed darkly to himself. “If I didn't know better, I'd say...” His voice trailed off; his smile vanished.

  “What?”

  “Nothing,” he said, and Kalina thought she could detect a spot of color at his cheeks. “Nothing at all.”

  Chapter 12

  Later that evening, Octavius announced to Kalina that he would have to leave her alone for a while, that he had some business to attend to and that it was necessary for her to remain inside. It seemed uncharacteristic of Octavius, who had previously been so careful to allow her to preserve her autonomy under their arrangement, that she immediately asked what it was about.

  “There is a vampire consortium in Rome that requests my presence,” said Octavius. “For obvious reasons, I don't feel comfortable bringing you into a den of vampires.”

  “But they're your friends, surely?”

  “Friends. Companions. Trusted colleagues. But also vampires.” He sighed. “And you are safest here...”

  “Technically, I'm safest in Vatican City,” said Kalina. She wasn't going to let him be so evasive that easily. “Not one vampire can get in there.”

  Octavius conceded the point.

  “Besides, I want to go with you.” Kalina stood up. “I want to meet other vampires – are these as old as you are?”

  “Mostly Renaissance vampires – Florentine, Venetian, Genoan. Some older than I – one or two.”

  “Is this meeting about Life's Blood?”

  Octavius nodded. “The other vampires have cottoned onto the fact I am holding you. They will allow me to keep you – but it will be costly.”

  “Keep me?” Kalina exploded with rage. “Costly?”

  Octavius sighed. “Please, it is vampire politics. Do not take anything personal by it.”

  “By the fact you're buying me?”

  “I am...” Octavius sighed. “I am arranging a treaty.”

  “And I suppose I don't get a say in it.”

  “In the eyes of other vampires, I'm afraid you don't.”

  “How much are you paying?”

  “Half my fortune. In return, no vampire in Europe or America with any allegiance to the Consortium – anyone, in essence, that knows what's good for them – will harm you or make any effort to take your blood. And – this may actually intrigue you – the Consortium will promise its full powers to protect you from any...rogues.”

  “Let me guess – if you fail to pay up, I'll conveniently wind up drained in some alley somewhere.”

  Octavius nodded.

  “I'm touched – I guess.” Kalina put her hands on her hips. “On one condition. I want to go to this meeting – and sign the treaty myself. I agree to protection; I agree to serve you or be yours or whatever – but I want to be at this meeting.”

  “Kalina, I don't think that's a very....”

  “You don't get to buy me,” said Kalina, squarely. “And if these vampires can't be trusted to k
eep their fangs off me at a meeting, what makes you think they won't suck me dry after you pay a few million euros.”

  “Billion,” said Octavius.

  She almost spit out her tea.

  In the end, Octavius agreed to Kalina's demands, conceding that they were sensible – if not entirely wise. He dressed her in what he deemed appropriate vampire attire – a high-necked black gown that reminded her of portraits she had seen of nineteenth-century maidens – and together they sped out into the night.

  The meeting was held in the Palazzo Sticci – a Baroque palace right in the center of the city. Octavius spoke a password – some quickly-muttered Latin Kalina couldn't make out – to the sentry at the gate. They were escorted through the gardens, up the marble staircase. Kalina was amazed at the opulence of the place – even compared to Octavius’ villa. Red velvet curtains hung down from the windows; shimmering candelabras lent flickering lights to the shadows in corners. Portraits of what she could only assume were famous vampires hung upon the walls, staring her down. She held more tightly onto Octavius’ arm, and began to feel a little afraid.

  They were escorted into a large chamber – clearly a converted ballroom – where five vampires, three men and two women, sat on varying sofas. They were the most beautiful beings Kalina had ever seen – with glimmering fine white skin and long, lustrous hair, and smiles that betrayed their inner confidence and power. Kalina looked down at her dress, which seemed so shabby in comparison, and blushed.

  “Octavio!” A clear voice rang out from one of the women, who swooped over to embrace him.

  “Maria!” He greeted them all in turn by name, as much for Kalina's benefit as for anything. “Constanza! Donatello! Lorenzo! Sandro!”

  They kissed him on both cheeks, one after the other.

  “What have we here?” The vampire called Maria approached Kalina, looking her up and down with an unsettling lick of her lips.

  “I'm Kalina,” she said quickly. “I'm Octavius’...ward.”

  “His ward, eh?” She raised an eyebrow. “She smells...distinctive, Octavius. Far more interesting than Olivia. Is she the...”

  “She is the Life's Blood,” said Octavius tersely.

  “Your boyfriend has expensive tastes,” said Maria. “But a treaty is a treaty. Some say that Life's Blood is priceless, Kalina. But we at the Consortium know the violence such a thing engenders. And I think we would all, when it comes to it, rather have ten thousand years to spend your boyfriend's money than risk dying altogether in all-out war. You see, vampires are very civilized creatures.”

  “I can see that,” said Kalina.

  “That said,” said Maria. “I think it fair to inform you that there has been another offer put in for the Life's Blood.”

  Octavius stiffened.

  “Malvolio has made it clear that he is interested...and willing to pay double your amount.”

  “Mal? Hasn't he...”

  Maria shifted nervously. “He does not like to be refused.”

  A palpable sense of fear fell over the room. Kalina got the impression that this Malvolio was not somebody to be toyed with.

  “Very well,” said Octavius.

  “What?” Kalina shouted.

  “I leave it to Kalina. She is, after all, the subject of the treaty. I will not sign without her consent – but it is her right to determine it.”

  “What?” Maria scoffed. “A human? Even a pretty human like this one doesn't deserve...”

  Kalina could see what Octavius was doing. “I want to stay with Octavius,” she said. “If you sell me to anyone else, I swear to God I'll be dead – and bloodless – before they get to me. And I don't think this Malvolio person would want to pay billions of euros for a worthless corpse.”

  “She's got fire,” said Constanza, amused. “Keep her, Octavius.”

  “You see,” said Maria, “We do not wish to accept Malvolio's offer. He is not trustworthy; we know this. But if we refuse?”

  “The Consortium is an honorable institution,” said Octavius. “It does not negotiate with vampires such as Mal.”

  “Even if it means death? For you – too – if he has his way.”

  “Bring out the treaty,” said Octavius.

  It was duly signed by the five vampires of the Consortium and then by Octavius. He gave a loud “ahem.”

  “What is it, Octavio?” asked Sandro.

  “Kalina must sign it as well. I have agreed – I will not buy her as I would a vase or a diamond. She has the right to agree to this.”

  “What an eccentric you are, Octavio!” Maria handed the parchment to Kalina. “Here you are, little girl.”

  Kalina winced as she signed. She wasn't too keen on signing herself over to anybody. But at the same time, she appreciated Octavius publicly giving her a say in the matter – and she would rather be loyal to him and under his protection than under that of this mysterious “Mal.”

  No sooner had Kalina finished signing the parchment then there came a knock at the door. She had never seen vampires afraid before, but with the harsh, hollow sound of the knock all five vampires froze in terror. Even Octavius looked afraid.

  “Who could have gotten past our sentries...” Lorenzo whispered. “Unless...”

  The door burst open with a bang. Kalina gasped. Rushing in and around on all sides were the largest, most powerful-looking vampires Kalina had ever seen – men and women of six or seven feet tall with bulging muscle and, most intimidating of all, preternaturally sharp teeth.

  “Kalina!” Octavius’ hand gripped her wrist.

  “So,” their leader spoke. He was at least seven feet tall, his face obscured by a hooded robe. His voice was deep and threatening. “You refuse my offer. I was fully prepared to be civil. But if you deny me the legal route...”

  Kalina could see by the expressions of the other members of the Consortium who this was. It was Mal – Malvolio – the vampire that had cut such fear into the heart of the other vampires. The strongest, most evil vampire around. She swallowed. Hard.

  “Get back!”

  The members of the Consortium were all retreating, their hands flying to the stakes at their sides.

  “You swore an oath.” Octavius' voice was like thunder. “You swore not one minute ago to protect this girl. Will you hold to your vows?”

  Vampire promises, Kalina knew – and thanked God silently for – were unbreakable. Though she could see the fear evident on their face, these were warriors: men and women of honor. In a flash each had sprung forward, stake held high, to fight off Mal's men.

  “Sacrificing your lives...” Mal cackled with disgust. “Because of a promise? How very noble of you...”

  Octavius bounded forward. “Run,” he said. “Run – to Vatican City – you'll be safe there. Cross the river and head right – keep going.”

  “I won't leave...”

  “Now!” Octavius drew his stake. “I am your protector.”

  “Drink me!” Kalina heard herself saying. “It will keep you strong! Please!”

  Octavius turned back towards her, his eyes melting with kindness. “Not for all the years in the world, Kalina. Your blood is your own – go!”

  There was no time to argue. Kalina scrambled through the window, protected by the wall of vampires fighting on her behalf. She leaped onto a tree through the window, climbing down. She fingered in her pocket for Holy Water. She doused herself thoroughly, then made her way to the garden, running as fast as she could through the darkened streets of the city.

  Her footsteps echoed behind her as she crossed the Tiber River, at last passing under the arch that signified her entrance into Vatican City. There she stopped, shaking. Her heart filled with fear. What had happened to Octavius? The others? Her heart swelled as she remembered their kindness, their courage. They had signed the treaty – all of them – and they all protected her; even Octavius had been willing to forego her life, and her blood, in order to do the right thing.

  She remembered the telepathy. Octavius! She
called into the night. Octavius can you hear me? Come in...

  For what seemed like hours, she received no reply.

  Finally, she heard his voice. Kalina. Meet me at the Sant' Angelo Bridge.

  She rushed to the bridge beneath the Castel St. Angelo, lined with marble angels. Octavius – haggard, worn, bloodied but still alive, was slowly coming up the path.

  She rushed to meet him. Before she could stop herself, she was running to him, her arms twining around his neck, and then she was kissing him upon the bridge, exhausted with her relief, with his arms encircling her and his lips sweet like wine against her own.

  Chapter 13

  They could not stay long in Rome. Octavius told her what had happened to the other members of the Consortium – all five killed by Mal and his men after hours of fighting. All Mal's men had been killed, too – but once weakened by his soldiers, the Consortium members had been unable to counter Mal directly. They had telepathically ordered Octavius to flee to protect Kalina, sacrificing themselves one after the other to stave him off from pursuit.

  Octavius was in evident pain – both from the harsh lights of the sun and from his wounds – and it was with difficulty that Kalina helped him back to the Villa Borghese villa. Octavius’ servants had already packed their things; there was no time even to say goodbye to the place Kalina had come to love before they boarded the first train across the French border.

  They passed the day awkwardly in a first-class compartment. Both were well aware of what had happened between the two of them on the Castel St. Angelo Bridge, but neither spoke of it. Kalina herself wasn't sure what to say. She had been so overcome by emotion, by her fear and desire and been so powerfully moved by Octavius’ bravery – she had kissed him! He had promised not to make the first move, to give her time and space, to let her come to him – and she had come to him!

  Kalina couldn't make sense of herself. She couldn't sleep; Octavius slept, swaddled beneath heavy black blankets. She couldn't look out the window – for obvious reasons she had to keep the blinds and curtains as drawn as possible. She could only pace through the tiny cabin, seeing in every thud and thump of the train the presence of that hooded figure whose menacing voice had filled her blood with venom and her heart with fear.