Living in Darkness (Bloodbreeders)

by Robin Renee Ray,

  Men were running in every direction, doing all kinds of things. The commotion normally would have been distracting, but not tonight. All I could do was stand and watch the shore as it slowly disappeared. I won’t lie, I was somewhat afraid, first time being on a boat and all, but the breeze in my face and the night sky helped make it all very worthwhile. The air was so fresh, I found myself closing my eyes taking in several deep breaths before leaning my head back to notice that the stars were so graphical compacted, I couldn’t even make out the Big Dipper. The water was very calm, and black as coal. It all made me forget, for the time being, what had happened to get me here. And for that small moment, I was grateful. Hours passed with me standing on that very spot, before Rebecca eventually came over and stood by me.

  “Renee, why don’t you come inside? Let me show you where you will stay when the sun rises.”

  “I was going to ask if you had ever seen anything so beautiful before,” I said to her, smiling. “But I know you said you’ve done this many times before. You are a good woman, Rebecca.”

  “Come, before we both tear up again.” She smiled back, taking my hand.

  I followed her down two different levels, and the deeper we went, the louder it became. I wasn’t sure how these boats worked, but I just assumed that the sound must have been some kind of motor. We kept walking until she stopped in front of an oval-shaped, metal door and began turning the wheel that was in the center. After a few spins, it opened. She stepped through first, and then I did the same, having to bend down to avoid hitting my head. The room we were in was not that small, but with all of the crates in it, there wasn’t much room left. Pushed into a far corner were a small, square table and four metal chairs. As far as I could tell, the only place to sleep was either bunched up on the floor, or on top of one of the long crates. Just the thought made me miss the wonderfully large bed I had slept in at the beach house.

  “The captain has asked that we stay below deck until his crew has retired for the night,” Rebecca explained. “He thinks it will be best for his men.”

  “Yeah, I could see the fear on their faces when we were loading our things from the dock.”

  “He also asked that we stay in our own area down here. Not to be looking in the other rooms, and such,” she continued.

  “Sure, anything,” I said. “He’s doing us a great favor, and I am thankful.”

  The ride wasn’t much to talk about, everyone going about their own business. When I could, I stayed up on deck, thinking about the things I left behind, and the things I was about to experience. Cuba was going to be so different from anything I had ever known. I didn’t know the land, the language, and to be quite frank, I was horrified to meet the people. I wasn’t that innocent young woman back on my family’s farm anymore, and I better get used to that thought. All I truly wanted was to wake up to the smell of my mother cooking in the kitchen, and me finding all of this to be a very nasty nightmare.

  The third night out Omar, and Ronny, got into a fight down in the area we slept in. When I came in, Omar had Ronny by the throat, saying, “I’ll do as I damn well please, and no little man like you is going to stop me.”

  “What’s going on?” I asked. “Omar, let go, you’re hurting him.”

  I must have been standing a little too close to Omar, because his free hand came at me so fast, I only saw it seconds before it slammed into the side of my face. I flew backwards, knocking over several crates as I landed.

  “Omar, what are you doing? Put him down, now.” I heard Rebecca demand.

  “This isn’t over, mama’s boy. It’s not over by a long shot,” Omar spat the words into Ronny’s face. He released his grip, and Ronny slumped to his knees, holding his throat, coughing like he could hardly breathe.

  “Omar, you fool,” Rebecca yelled when she saw me trying to push myself up. “You could have really hurt her.” She came and kneeled beside me. “Are you okay? Can you stand, child?”

  “I think so,” I replied, spitting blood to the floor.

  “Damn it, Omar, did you have to hit her in the face? Look what you have done, she is already swelling. Did he knock out any of your teeth, Renee?” she asked, examining my mouth.

  “No, I don’t think so,” I said. “Don’t worry, Rebecca, I’m fine.”

  She walked over to Omar and backhanded him so hard that it echoed.

  “What were you thinking?” she asked disgustedly, backhanding him again. He stood there taking the punishment, never once raising a hand to stop her. “You could have ruined everything. Did you ever stop to think what would happen if we failed?”

  I didn’t have a clue what they were talking about, but I did notice that Omar was now looking in my direction.

  “Later,” Rebecca said smoothing her hands down the front of her blouse. “Now get out of here before I do more than hit you.” Omar just continued to stand there, looking at me. “Now,” she screamed, as he looked at each of us one at a time.

  “Fine, I will go,” Omar complied. Then through clenched teeth, pointing at Ronny, said. “But keep that boy away from me, or I will kill him.” Before he left, he threw a look at me that said he would do the same to me if given the chance.

  When Omar was gone, Rebecca turned to Ronny and me. “Come, both of you, sit at the table,” she said. “Let me get a better look at you, Renee.” I got to my feet, and shakily made my way to the table. When I sat down, she asked again, “Are you sure you are okay? Let me see your teeth.” It seemed like an odd request, but I obliged, baring my teeth like a growling dog. “Very good, none have been broken. You are very lucky, Renee, he could have broken your neck. Looks like you are only going to have a black eye, but it should be healed by the time we reach Cuba.” Why should that matter? I thought to myself. I was in worse shape than this when she found me. She seemed more concerned about my appearance than about the situation that had just occurred.

  While she continued to inspect me, she asked Ronny. “What started this? What did you do to upset him like that?” Ronny looked to me, and then put his head down. “Well? I’m waiting,” she said impatiently. “So, tell me what happened between you and Omar,” she asked again, clearly getting annoyed at his lack of answers.

  “I would rather not discuss this in front of Lady Renee,” he said reluctantly.

  “I can go back up on deck,” I said. “I don’t mind.”

  “Yes, maybe that would be best,” Rebecca replied without hesitation. “Just stay clear of Omar until he calms down.”

  “I think I’ll be keeping my distance no matter what,” I said. Before I could get up to leave, Ronny grabbed my hand.

  “Thank you for trying to help me. It was very brave of you.” I acknowledged his appreciation with “You’re welcome,” and headed out the door.

  Although I told Rebecca I didn’t mind leaving, curiosity got the better of me. I had to know what had started that fight. I tried to eavesdrop, but the boats noises were much too loud. I had to get so close that I could feel the cold metal against my cheek before I could make out anything they were saying and then I was having a hard time understanding. I was able to hear bits and pieces of the conversation, but nothing complete. I heard something about Omar wanting to feed, and not from a goat. So, that’s what caused the fight, I thought. Then, I heard Ronny say clear as day, “He wants her.” Her? As in, me? I was thrown off enough that I missed what was said next, something about spoiled goods, that Omar knew that. My mind must have been playing tricks on me, because none of what I heard made sense. I was going to try to hear some more, when someone behind me cleared their throat. I spun around, startled.

  “Oh, God, Marcos, you scared me.”

  “My apologies,” he said. “What are you doing out here?”

  “Oh,” I replied looking back at the door, trying to seem inconspicuous. “I was just going up on deck, that’s all.” I knew good and well he could tell that I had been eavesdropping, but to my surprise he didn’t say anything about it.

  “What ha
ppened to your face?” he asked, genuinely concerned. “Looks like you’ve been hit with a bat.”

  “Close, I tried to step in between Ronny and Omar, and Omar knocked me on my butt,” I said, adding a little humor to the situation.

  “What were they fighting about?” he asked.

  “I don’t know,” I shrugged. “I walked in and found them at it. Omar had Ronny by the throat. I guess if you want to know why, you’ll have to ask them.”

  “Well, I will let you go on up now, I’ve kept you long enough,” he said then reached for my shoulder. “Would you like for me to come with you?”

  “No, thanks,” I said. “I’ll be fine. The fresh air will do me good.”

  As I went up, Marcos went into the room I had left. Surely Rebecca will fill me in on what happened when she gets a chance, I thought. I stood on deck until I could see the horizon start to change, before I decided to go back down. By that point, everything appeared to be normal, because the three men were playing cards at the table, laughing. Rebecca was lying atop one of the crates, and waved me over.

  As I got closer, she said, “You already look better. Sorry you had to see the boys like that. Next time, stay out of it.” Then she whispered, with a little wink, “You know how men can get when one is jealous of the other.” I just gave her a little nod of agreement, but never fully believed it had anything to do with jealousy.

  Chapter 9

  The nights passed without any more trouble. It was like nothing had ever happened, and I was glad. We fed every other night, and being we were down to our last goat, I knew we must be getting close. As if reading my mind, Rebecca said, “We will arrive in Cuba tomorrow night.” as Ronny sliced through the last animal’s throat, with Marcos holding it still.

  “I can’t wait,” I said. “I don’t think I can take much more of this boat.”

  “I know what you mean,” Marcos chimed in. “I hate these damn things.”

  Ronny gave a sigh of relief when he finished with the goat. He laced his fingers behind his head, and leaned back in his chair. “Ah, only one more night, then we’ll all be sleeping in soft beds.”

  “With soft women by our sides,” Omar added, with a smirk. By then, we were all laughing, basking in the anticipation of our arrival.

  The next night, I was up on deck as soon as I awoke. I was anxious to see this new land that was going to become my new home. At first, I saw nothing. Then I heard one of the crew yell out, “Land Ho!” I spun around fast, and sure enough, there it was. A light flickering in the distance and within moments I could make out the shape of the land.

  I went down to tell the others, but the door was locked. I knocked, and spoke through the closed door, “Hello? We are almost there. I can see land.” I heard the door unlock, and Rebecca came out.

  “Sorry about the lock,” she said. “Some of the crew has gotten nosy, and we don’t want them to know our business.”

  “I just thought you would like to know. Can I help with anything?” I asked.

  “No, no, go on back up. We have seen this all before, enjoy yourself,” she said with a smile. I smiled back, and quickly made my way back up the stairs.

  I could now see the dock, but Capie turned the boat and went around the beach to what looked like an old deserted pier. There were four people standing there, all holding lanterns. The crew men were rushing about, getting ready to bring the boat inland.

  “We are finally here,” said a voice from behind me. I jumped, having not heard anyone come up. It was Omar.

  “You scared me,” I said, a little breathless. “I didn’t know you were behind me.”

  “You have no idea of what scared is,” he implied looking at me with sinister eyes. “But you will.” He continued to glare at me, and then began to laugh.

  “Excuse me?” I asked, taken aback. “What exactly do you mean by that?”

  “Omar, don’t you have work to do?” Rebecca asked coming around to stand in front of me. He laughed again and walked away.

  “What did he mean?” I asked Rebecca.

  “He is a fool, pay him no mind. He has been treating us all the same,” she said. “So, are you excited to see your new home?”

  “I’m a little afraid to be honest,” I said. “It’s all happening so fast, but I am glad to be getting off this boat.”

  “I could not agree more,” she said. I noticed that we were completely ashore, and the crew had begun to unload. “Come, let us leave the men to their work. Nothing says we have to stay aboard. Let us put our feet on Cuban soil.”

  She took me by the hand, and led me off the boat. None of the men that were on the dock were normals, they were all our kind. No one spoke as we stepped off and left the dock, but as we reached the beach, a woman came up to us. She was dressed very proper, in a beautiful high-wasted black satin dress, with her hair pinned up in a bun. She walked as if she were gliding on ice, her hips swaying as she moved. She came up and kissed Rebecca on both cheeks.

  “You have done well,” she told her. “It is good to see you.”

  “Thank you, my lady,” Rebecca replied. “It is good to be back. Please forgive me, this is Renee. Renee, this is Annabel.” That’s when she came to face me.

  “Welcome to our country,” she smiled looking me over from head to toe. “It is always a pleasure to provide a sanctuary for those in need.”

  She seemed to be very nice, but there was something about her that breathed power. She exuded confidence and pride just by the way she spoke.

  “Come, let us go to my carriage. I am anxious for Renee to see her new home, and the mistress has been awaiting your return for months, Rebecca.”

  “I think she will be very glad to see the things I have brought her,” Rebecca replied, seeming to be nervous all of a sudden. “I think it was worth the wait.”

  “You are not paid to think,” Annabel snapped around so fast that it made me jump. “I would hold that tongue of yours before someone tears it out.”

  “I meant no disrespect, my lady,” Rebecca said, with her head so low she was almost cowering.

  In an instant, Annabel returned to the composed lady she was when she first walked up on the beach.

  “Very well,” she said. “Let us be off. The night will not last forever.”

  We climbed aboard the carriage, but to me it was more like a topless stagecoach. Every inch of the interior that my eyes could see was covered in smooth black leather, and the trim was polished brass. It was sure nicer than any carriage you would see being used in the small community that I was raised in. Most either rode a horse to town or pulled a small buckboard. This was something from a fairy princess story that I use to make up at night to help get my little sister to sleep only unfortunately I was daydreaming.

  “So tell me about yourself, Renee,” Annabel said. “Who was your maker?”

  “His name is Martin Lebrun,” I replied clearing my throat.

  “Oh yes, I know of Mr. Lebrun. He is a renegade, the type that goes by no rules other than his own.” I didn’t know what to say, so I just sat there silent. She then asked a question that shocked me. “Did he force his manhood on you?”

  “No, never,” I immediately responded, feeling the blood rush to my cheeks. “Why would you ask something like that?”

  “No reason,” she said, and nonchalantly continued on. “Did he hurt you in any way?”

  “Not physically, no,” I replied with the first thing coming to mind was Johnny. “But what he did do was unforgivable.”

  “Please tell me, I would really like to know,” Annabel inquired leaning forward slightly appearing almost too intrigued.

  “What does it matter now? I’m here, and I would rather not talk about it, if you don’t mind.”

  “He made her kill her baby brother,” Rebecca said bluntly.

  “You must hate him very much for that,” Annabel added. “It is very good they found you when they did.”

  “I really can’t talk about this right now,” feeling the lump
form in my throat. “It’s too hard to even think about.” Then for the first time since leaving the states, I cried.

  Annabel moved to sit beside me. She put her arm around me, and began to rock very slowly. “Let it out, child,” she said softly. “We are here for you. He cannot hurt you anymore. You were not at fault for what happened. Cry for your brother, but do not hold guilt for something you had no control over.” She was very kind to say what she did, but I knew the guilt would be with me forever. She handed me a handkerchief.

  “Here, dry your face. You don’t want the mistress to see you upset. She would want to know why, and you will tell the story when you are ready, not a moment sooner,” she added rubbing my back.

  “Thank you,” I said, patting my face dry. “I don’t know why you are so kind to me, but I am really grateful for everything.”

  “I’m sure Rebecca told you what it is that we do. There is no need for thanks,” Annabel replied smiling over at Rebecca. She then looked up to the front of the carriage and announced, “We are here.”

  We were driving up a road that had tall trees on each side, toward a house that sat off in the distance. The closer we got, the bigger it became. This was no house at all, it was a castle. It was the biggest home that I had ever laid my eyes on. The entire building was comprised of stone, and centered in the front was a huge wooden door. Our driver came to a stop in front of the door, and I noticed two very well groomed men standing on either side of it. They were dressed in black suits, and they were both wearing white gloves. They came to the carriage, and offered to help us down, as if we were ladies of high society. Rebecca and I couldn’t hold a candle to Annabel, yet we were treated like we were in the same category as she. I thanked the gentleman for the help, and went back to staring at the house. It was like something out of a Cinderella story. I couldn’t believe I was about to go into a place like this, and I was nowhere near ready for it. Me, in the dress I had worn for a week. I could only guess what I must look like. A dirty beggar to anyone who would live here, I’m sure.