Embrace The Dawning (The Covenant Series Book 1)

by Betty Shreffler

  In front of her near the edge of the rooftop was now a pile of ash. The breeze swept through and gently lifted the ashes into the air. Some flecks flew in her direction. She raised her arm to block the ashes from getting into her eyes. She sunk down onto the rooftop, overwhelmed. She sat there alone, silent and still, while the sun continued to rise.

  Chapter 11

  White linen curtains caught in the cool night breeze, swaying through the balcony doors of Danika’s suite. She pulled away from Reece’s neck, arching her back as she straddled his naked body. Blood smeared her lips and fangs. Bite marks were healing all over his chest, arms, and abdomen. Reece aggressively grabbed Danika from her backside and flipped her over, pressing his weight against her slender frame. He bit down hard, breaking the flesh just above her breast. He eagerly lapped the blood that poured out from the open wound.

  Moments later Danika gripped a clump of his hair in her fist and pulled his head away from her breast. She had decided he’d enjoyed enough of her. She pushed him onto his back and leaned one lengthy leg over his legs as she sat up on her elbow and looked down at his obvious satisfaction.

  “You’re an adequate lover, Reece. Arguably the best vampire I’ve ever created.”

  Reece reached over and pulled Danika closer to him before offering her a rough and passionate kiss. Danika gave into the kiss for a moment and then intentionally pulled away.

  “Don’t try to make me soft,” she said with a growl.

  Reece smirked at her and then laid his arm behind his head in a relaxed position.

  “Have you received the intel you were hoping for?” Reece asked.

  Danika smirked, revealing her shiny white fangs. She ran her nails across Reece’s chest, following the pattern of her fingers with her eyes.

  “Indeed I have,” she answered with obvious pleasure.

  She continued to twirl her nail in shapes around Reece’s chest while dreaming of her plans.

  “Eva has begun participating in the Dawning. Her participation is infrequent. Nonetheless, she goes alone. The rumor is that Eva is growing weary of being the Covenant leader. There are whispers among the Covenant of who would take her place. There is one member of the Covenant who would like to see a change in leadership sooner rather than later. Even if removing Eva is for their own selfish desires, it still gets me one step closer to taking down the Covenant. Then I would have a lesser problem of either killing or working with my new partner. They do have similar ideals—that vampires have lived in submission for long enough,” she declared, discontented. “Perhaps their skills could turn out to be valuable. We shall see.” Danika shifted her legs to the edge of the bed and reached for a black sheer negligee.

  “Have you found an adequate building yet?” Danika inquired.

  Reece leaned up on his elbow, watching Danika dress. “Yes. As a matter of fact, we have. Max and his team are working on acquiring the equipment we’ll need for the reunion.” Reece smirked.

  The left side of Danika’s mouth raised into a half smile. “Excellent. I’ll continue to work with my new partner on Eva’s demise.”

  ***

  Kayci leaned back in the hot bath water, delighting in how the silky water glided across her skin. She closed her eyes and let the steam loosen the deepest parts of her muscles. After soaking for several minutes, she opened her eyes, dried her hands on the nearby towel, then reached for the book she had rented from Rosemary.

  Kayci skimmed through random sections of the book. She was impressed with the amount of knowledge the book offered on the anatomy and physiology of vampires. It concerned her though how this information may have been collected. She shuddered. Kayci shook the gruesome thoughts from her mind and returned to the first page and tentatively read an excerpt written by one of the authors;

  Vampyrs are indeed alive. They have heartbeats just as humans do. They are not dead, but undead. Brought back to life through some sort of soul rebirth. The demon they refer to as Nybbas (also may be known as Nibhaz, Nebahaz, and potentially Nabu by other cultures during Assyrian and Babylonian culture). The demon Nybbas had many powers, and when combined with a mortal man’s body and soul during death, those powers caused the creation of what I now know to be the Vampyr (blood monster). The Vampyr requires human blood in order to survive. He feeds mercilessly and seems to have no remorse for his actions.

  June 5th, 1871—Data collected from Patient 1:

  Became a Vampyr at age 22.

  Has lived 14 years as a Vampyr.

  Was turned into a Vampyr by another older Vampyr. He will not share her name. Declares that he is immortal.

  Declares that transformation into a Vampyr can only take place if the human dies after their blood has come in contact with Vampyr blood or that they have consumed Vampyr blood before dying.

  June 8th, 1871: It has been three days since Patient 1 has been provided any blood. He has hunger pains in his lower abdomen. He is irritable and quickly becoming uncooperative.

  June 12th, 1871: It has now been one week since Patient 1 has been provided any blood. Patient 1 no longer speaks to me. His eyes have transitioned to a solid gold color. Before, his eyes were blue. Fangs have extracted where his maxillary canines were. He attacks the cell as I approach. Dark circles are forming under his eyes. Patient 1 struggles with sleep.

  June 19th, 1871: It has now been two weeks since Patient 1 has been provided any blood. Patient 1 transitions between short bouts of sleep, manic pacing, and frequent attacks to the cell door. I have had to reinforce the cell door with three chains and padlocks. Patient 1 has lost signs of human intelligence, problem solving, and an ability to properly communicate. Patient 1 is becoming animalistic.

  June 21st, 1871: Patient 1 was provided 8 oz. of human blood. Only after two hours of consumption, Patient 1 has already shown signs of his humanity returning. He speaks clearly and shows signs of problem solving and intelligence. Patient 1 describes his drink of blood as revitalizing.

  June 23rd, 1871: Patient 1 is deceased. Means of death ~ sun exposure. Vampyrs cannot sustain life while in the sun. The sun is their weakness.

  June 24th, 1871: I have kept 24 oz. of Patient 1 blood. I struggle with the desire to consume the blood and turn myself into a Vampyr. The research from my point of view would be substantial.

  June 31st, 1871: Vampyr blood is like a disease. It spreads and uses the host body to transform the host into a new species. My body has undergone drastic changes. I can go longer periods of time without sleep and can sleep less hours. I have become significantly stronger. As a man I was able to lift 120 lbs. Now as a Vampyr I can easily lift over 500 lbs. I am faster and can run as quickly as a horse.

  I can see in great detail. Colors are brighter, causing details to be seen more easily. Certain colors are attractants and more visibly stimulating, such as red, orange, and yellow. (I have not yet discovered why this is so.)

  I can leap to great heights. It takes great energy but can be done. My hearing is more acute. Voices and sounds are louder and at times uncomfortable. My sense of smell has increased. I can smell blood from a great distance.

  My body no longer requires that I defecate or urinate, nor do I secrete fluids of any sort. I no longer cry, vomit, or sneeze. Conceiving children is no longer possible, not without the capability of excreting semen.

  I require the consumption of blood frequently. The blood I consume appears to regenerate my body and give it life. Without it I am weaker and feel as though I am decaying. Animal blood sustains the body but does not revitalize like human blood. Certain animals are not favorable, such as reptiles, bats, or birds. Cats are very wary of me. They are quick to scatter when I approach.

  My emotions are elevated and similar to when I was a boy in puberty. My appearance has changed. My eyes have transitioned to a bright golden hue. This feature allows me to see in the darkness with ease. The transition can be controlled by maintaining a calm disposition. Most times this is difficult due to elevated emotions and heightened senses.r />
  During my transition, my maxillary canines grew longer and sharper into fangs similar to a predatory mammal. These fangs can now retract and extract depending on my control and my hunger. However, there have been several instances that my fangs extract beyond my control.

  Living as a Vampyr is a combination between having human sophistication and characteristics combined with animalistic needs. This is not much different than the human. The primary difference between a human and a Vampyr is that the human life revolves around reproduction and improvement, while the Vampyr’s survival requires sustainability.

  I am enlisting the help of my dearest friend, Doctor Harold Cummins, to continue the research on the species, Vampyr. He has agreed to help me study my condition and assist with provisions that require daylight to accomplish.

  Doctor Edward Allis

  Kayci’s toes had turned to raisins. The water had gone cold. She had been so captivated by the book she had lost track of time. She set the book aside. No wonder Rosemary said the authors had firsthand experience. One of the authors had turned himself into a vampire. She wondered if Edward Allis was still a living vampire. If so, he’d be just a little younger than Adrian but would probably look older, since he was a successful doctor. She imagined a doctor being older, but maybe not. She laughed at her frivolous thoughts as she wrapped the towel around herself. She could simply ask Adrian. He’d know. He was from that time.

  Kayci grabbed the book and set it on her nightstand as she walked into her bedroom. She was putting on comfortable clothes to relax in, when the doorbell rang. She jumped in surprise. She grabbed her moldavite necklace and quickly put it around her neck. Her guard went up as she walked down the stairs and headed toward the front door. She wasn’t sure who to expect. She quickly looked out the window before opening the door to an attractive blond-haired guy. Mentally she was prepared for him to be a regular guy or a vampire, considering the late hour. She opened the door and stayed back far enough to be out of arm’s reach.

  “How can I help you?” she asked cautiously.

  The blond-haired mystery man smiled and tried to extend his hand out to her, as if to shake her hand. His hand couldn’t pass the threshold. Her suspicion was confirmed.

  “I do apologize. Vampires can’t enter unless invited,” she said casually.

  “Clever dievča.” He spoke with a slight Slavic accent. She didn’t understand the last word he said, but she caught the clever part. She couldn’t help but smile a little.

  “What are you here for? Did Danika send you?” she asked irritably.

  The vampire’s eyebrows turned downward in puzzlement. Danika hadn’t sent him.

  “What are you here for?” Kayci asked again.

  The attractive blond vampire straightened his back and comfortably placed his hands together in front of him. “You’ve been officially invited to meet with the Covenant. I suggest you come willingly.” The last few words sounded like a threat, yet he said it politely.

  “And if I choose not to come with you?”

  The vampire smiled, baring the tips of his pearly white fangs. “You can’t hide inside this house forever. To come on your own volition is better than arriving by force.”

  It startled Kayci how elegant and courteous the vampire represented himself. Perhaps she needed to take him seriously.

  “How do I know you won’t hurt me once I come outside?”

  “You don’t,” he replied casually.

  “Can I at least change my clothes?”

  The vampire nodded his head, gesturing his consent.

  Kayci returned to her bedroom and gathered a comfortable outfit to wear. She didn’t know if she would to need to defend herself, so flexibility was priority. She tucked her knife into her boot and then reluctantly made her way back downstairs. The vampire showed no irritation with the time it took her to get ready. He smiled at her politely and waited for her to step outside. Kayci picked up her wallet, phone, and house key, then slowly walked out her front door, unsure of what would happen next. Relief swept over her when all the vampire did was gesture toward the silver vehicle parked in front of her house.

  He motioned for her to walk ahead of him. Kayci couldn’t help glancing back at him a couple times to ensure he had no plans to attack her. As they neared the car, he quickly moved ahead of her so he could hold the rear passenger car door open. She couldn’t help smiling. He was at least a gentleman. He seemed to have no intentions of hurting her. She stepped into the vehicle, with the blond vampire following behind, taking the seat next to her. He said nothing, but nodded for the chauffeur to drive. As the car pulled forward, a knot developed in her stomach. She hoped he wasn’t taking her to her death.

  The vampire adjusted his suit jacket. He didn’t look at Kayci as he spoke.“What’s your name?” He asked with his distinct accent.

  Kayci watched him stare forward. Finally, he turned his gaze toward her when she didn’t respond. His stunning light-blue eyes stared at her expectantly.

  She stared back. “My name is Kayci.”

  “You’re quite brave, Kayci.”

  “Thank you…” She indicated she wanted to say his name but that he hadn’t told her it yet.

  “Vladimir. My name is Vladimir.”

  “I don’t know how this works, because I am new to the vampire world, but I’m curious…”

  “Yes?”

  “How old are you as a vampire?”

  The corner of Vladimir’s mouth raised into a half smile. He returned his gaze forward once more. “I’m five hundred and thirty-two.”

  Kayci’s eyelids shot up.

  “Are there Covenant members older than you?”

  Vladimir looked back at Kayci with the same half smile. “Your curiosity is endearing. I see why Adrian is so fond of you.”

  Kayci blushed. She didn’t expect Vladimir to be familiar with her and Adrian’s relationship.

  Her tone became sharper, more concerned. “Has the Covenant met with Adrian?”

  “Yes.”

  “Is he still alive?” Kayci’s throat went dry. Her stomach tightened.

  “Yes, he is.” He seemed to approve of her immediate relief.

  “To answer your question about the Covenant members, yes, there are members older than I.”

  “It’s unbelievable that vampires have survived for centuries, let alone millenniums.”

  “It is, isn’t it?” Vladimir agreed.

  “Vladimir, what should I expect at the meeting?”

  “A lot of questions.”

  Kayci sat quietly the remainder of the ride, worried about the outcome of the meeting. She hoped that the Covenant wouldn’t see her as a threat. She hoped the members were all like Vladimir. He seemed reserved yet tolerant and kind.

  The car pulled up to a high-rise building and then drove under it into a parking garage. Once stopped, Vladimir stepped out of the vehicle and held the door open for her. As she stood, she noticed the vehicles in the parking garage were expensive. She assumed the building they were about to enter was even more elaborate than Adrian’s building. She wasn’t wrong.

  As they entered the building, they came into a great foyer. Kayci immediately noticed the floors were made of cream-colored marble and shined brightly beneath the giant, white floral crystal chandeliers. The furniture consisted of high-end aqua-colored sofas that had backs shaped like a peacock’s fan. The chairs were smaller samples of the same style, with matching round ottomans in front of them. Large well-attended magnolia trees were set out on each side of the sitting area. An extravagant water fountain dominated the center of the room. The peaceful sound of the trickling water eased her anxiety.

  Vladimir stepped toward her to regain her attention. He motioned for her to follow him. He led her to a massive elevator with giant platinum doors and walls with shiny-coated burled wood. Her nerves were amassing so quickly that she knew her eyes were golden. Vladimir, who hadn’t looked at her often, now eyed her with interest.

  The elevato
r rose nearly to the top floor. When the doors opened, two vampires stood in the corridor. Guards? Vladimir nodded at them as they passed by. Kayci felt their eyes on her. It only rattled her nerves even more. Vladimir led her down the short hallway to a set of two colossal wooden doors. He opened one and motioned for her to enter. Kayci held her breath as she moved across the threshold.

  The room, filled with warm colors of reds and browns, had a moderately sized wood fireplace lit on the far end. There were numerous dark-red high-back chairs and a marble coffee table in front of the fireplace. Several vampires filled the seats. She immediately saw Adrian, and her heart skipped a beat. He started to rise but was stopped suddenly by a vampire much larger than him. Adrian’s expression gave away his irritation.

  As soon as Adrian saw Kayci, he wanted to be by her side. Wanted to protect her. Florence was intentionally keeping him contained like a dog on a leash. His eyes transitioned, and his fangs extracted. He narrowed his eyes at Florence. Florence took his hands away from Adrian yet still lingered, reminding Adrian to stay seated. Adrian realized the Covenant had intentionally brought Kayci to meet them before giving him the chance to speak with her.

  Eva observed them closely. She could sense the connection between Adrian and the half-breed vampire. Clearly Adrian cared deeply for the young woman. She found it interesting. Eva motioned for Kayci to take a seat.

  “Please, don’t be afraid. Come, sit with us.” The woman’s voice was gentle. Vladimir led her over to a chair but stayed close enough to make Kayci feel like he was hovering.

  The woman smiled at Kayci. Her smile was charming and seemed sincere.

  “My name is Eva. Myself and the other vampires here are a part of the Covenant. Perhaps Adrian has told you of us.”

  Kayci glanced at Adrian. She wanted him to be next to her, instead of Vladimir.

  Kayci nodded to Eva. “Yes, you control the vampire laws. You protect the whole vampire existence.”