Blood Relic

by Lucretia Stanhope

  A familiar presence walked in and locked eyes with her from across the room.

  Her tears fell even faster at seeing the look on his face.

  Dearling. Even in her head the anguish Matthias felt was clear. I’m so sorry.

  She chewed her bottom lip and looked away. They couldn’t draw attention to themselves in any way that wasn’t to bait vampires. The ball continued to float.

  The vampire behind her relaxed his grip as the effects of her blood and tears finally settled his nasty temper. After a few minutes he shoved her out of his lap and onto the floor. He stood, stepped over her, and turned back. “Tomorrow we see who has the deeper pockets.”

  Alice brushed her hands together. She glanced up and watched as he brushed past Matthias on his way out. I’m fine. I’m going to get a room somewhere and go to bed. She wiped her face and pulled herself to her feet. With all the black mascara she caked on running into her eyes, tears continued to fall. Were mascara tears tasty? Probably not.

  She smoothed the tablecloth, replaced the ball in the center of the table and eyed the candy dish. Did she want to eat anything from this place? She may need a drop of blood from Matthias to heal if she did. There were candy bars in her purse.

  A vampire appeared behind her. “Would you like something to make you feel better?”

  The lewd tone made bile rise in her throat. “Thank you. Maybe tomorrow. I’m afraid our unkind friend drank a bit much.” At least her show gained some interest. It must have. Tears were supposed to be such a treat. The light witch who cries easily would cost a small fortune tomorrow night.

  “Shame that. I’ve never felt magic like yours.” He ran a hand along her arm. “I can make you scream with pleasure.”

  Eww, no. Stop touching me. “Terrible shame. Maybe I will scream for you soon.” That sounded as snarky as she felt. Fix it. She spun to face him and trailed her fingers down his jaw, letting her magic tickle him. “Or I can make you scream with pleasure.”

  He leaned in and sniffed her hair. “You even smell different. Come home with me. I’m generous. Money and hair?”

  “I’m sad to say, he drank way more than I’m used to.” She stood on her tiptoes and kissed his jaw, letting peaceful energy wrap around him. “Forgive me?”

  He growled low. “Have a good night, light witch.”

  That was possibly the kindest name any supernatural stranger ever called her.

  Between her and the exit, Matthias spoke in soft tones to a vampire. The look on his face was unreadable. If he’d seen or heard any of the exchange, it hadn’t alarmed him. They expected that kind of reaction to her.

  His night was bound to be nicer than hers had been. That was probably going to be the case from here out. He would need to sit and sip whoever was available, if anyone was left.

  She didn’t make eye contact as she moved past Matthias or any of the other vampires.

  On the way to the lockers no one said a word to her. She grabbed a candy bar from her purse and ate it all before she got dressed. In the grimy mirror what reflected back was a horror show. Black streaks ran down her face. Dried blood painted her neck.

  Alice licked her fingers and started to wipe away the makeup. Hard to believe the other vampire still wanted to take her home looking like that. He wasn’t interested in how pretty you look. A shiver raced over her. These are not men. They don’t love you like your killer does.

  Even the ones who would say they cherish you and show you pleasure can and will kill. Nathan had. Alone time with him ended up being harder to navigate than alone time with Reginald. A sweet death was still more dangerous than an aggressive feeding with a full room. Wasn’t it? No one stepped in. They would have. Wouldn’t they?

  She fished out the last candy bar and chewed it more slowly. The magic display was just as exhausting as the blood loss. A stop to the convenience store was in order before home. Matthias might have made sure she always had plenty of chocolate, but jerks like that one couldn’t care less.

  As she neared the exit, the doorman put a firm hand on her shoulder. “You okay to get home? That one is a rough one.”

  Kindness? Or was he fishing for a chance to walk her home and finish what the ‘rough one’ started? “Yeah. I’ll be fine. I’ve had worse.” She gave him her best just another night as a working girl smile and shrugged.

  He nodded and licked his lips. “Tomorrow then. Nice magic.”

  Piss off. “Thanks.” Outside she leaned against the building and let the dirty sensations of the place melt away.

  A cold presence moved closer. Great. Not even a second to decompress. It wasn’t the monster from earlier. She started walking toward a motel that she’d passed in the cab on the way there. “You didn’t come see me,” she said to the shadows. Did you send me there knowing the clients were awful, so that I might fall into your arms? Cautious. What signal was he waiting for?

  No response.

  “Soon, I hope.” She picked up her pace.

  A shower and sleep would help her think more clearly. There was something missing. Her plan to bait him at the park had worked, but they were still not at a place that dealt in relics according to Matthias. What was he waiting for? Something from her, or Matthias, or both?

  Another cold presence started to follow her. It was the monster from tonight. Shit. She sped up. Just a few more feet.

  By the time she reached the check in, she was out of breath from walking so fast after such a deep, aggressive feeding. All in a day’s work.

  The bell above the door chimed as she stepped in. The sound reminded her of a store entrance. She forgot to stop for more candy. “Can I have something near the office?”

  The man behind the counter frowned and tapped a finger against the pegboard behind him. Two keys with red triangles attached to them hung toward the bottom. “Sorry. I only have two rooms available. Both are in the back.”

  That was probably better, in case the stalker wanted her to go to another den. They would need access to leave a token. “That’ll be fine. Thanks.”

  “Take the hall to the end, go outside, and turn right. It’s the last one.” He handed her a key and took the bills she held out. Instead of making any notes on paper or the computer, he pocketed the cash. “Sleep well.”

  “Great. Thanks again.” As she walked the hall, she did her best to turn off all of her magic. The light is off tonight, boys.

  Alice stood under blasting hot water until it started to run cold. Still dirty. Cotton pajamas covered in daisies offered some comfort as she crawled across the rough, musty sheets.

  Not happening. She forced herself up again and stripped the bed, covering it with a few of her t-shirts to hide the smell.

  The stalker edged closer.

  “Good night,” she whispered and closed her eyes. Please don’t try to eat me until I’ve had a nap at least.

  Chapter Fourteen

  MATTHIAS FOLLOWED THE vampire, who’d waited at a distance for Alice to leave. He stayed well enough away not to brush Alice’s presence, but to still track the vampire who made her cry.

  The presence of the older vampire made it hard to focus on the other one. What was the old one up to? He hadn’t gone in the club. Still hadn’t tasted Alice. Still hadn’t approached Matthias. Tomorrow for that one.

  He waited as Alice ran into the lobby of the motel. The emotional link he had with her now that they permanently coupled fed his anger. She was down. Not beaten, but whatever happened had dulled her light, bravery, and happiness.

  The other vampire changed directions.

  As much as he wanted to go to her, cradle her in his arms and watch her sleep, someone had to pay for every tear. Matthias switched off his phone and tossed his tracker in the bushes at a spot he could grab it from later. Alice was safe and going to bed. This wasn’t work. This was personal. No one needed to be able to track him.

  Rage gnawed at his self-control as he felt Alice’s self-doubt race over him. The PPK required decades of him practicing poli
te snobbery, rather than ripping off heads and drinking from the severed arteries.

  Tonight, no such restraint would be possible. He followed at a slow pace. The ‘will I ever be good enough tears’ that had broken his heart when Alice came to terms with her parents, flowed tonight. Alice knew she was good enough now. More than enough. That any creature forced those emotions back into her was unforgivable.

  His steps fell silent even as his aggression bubbled up. When the vampire turned off at a house, Matthias picked up his pace, until he flashed beside him.

  The door started to swing closed.

  Matthias grabbed it with one hand. “Hello. I don’t believe we’ve formally met.”

  “What the hell do you want?” The vampire took a step back.

  “We need to have a fast chit chat.” Matthias shoved his shoulder, forcing him inside, and slammed the door.

  He regained his footing and took a wide stance. “This about that little witch? I see why you threw away so much money on her. Nice blood bag. Nicer blood. Those tears though. Her sadness is soul deep. A delicacy.”

  Red flashed across his eyes. Work first. “Do you happen to know where one with the proper funds might find a relic maker?”

  “Hell no. That’s illegal, buddy. Vampire could get burned or beheaded for that nonsense.” He rubbed his chin with two fingers. “I see the temptation. A sip of her every night. Witch like her could do it too.”

  “Right, see, that’s twice now you let mention of my witch cross your filthy fucking lips.” Matthias stretched his neck.

  “Your witch? Because you paid for it? Did the little tramp whisper to you about love?” He laughed and shook his head. “They all do when they see the money or think your parts are powerful enough. How about you go play with her. I’m done for now.” He stepped toward the door. “We can engage in a bidding game tomorrow. I’m thinking I might want her in a private room.”

  “I don’t play games.” Matthias grabbed his arm and drank from him in deep gulps, spitting the blood on the floor every few minutes.

  “Jesus.” The vampire wobbled, stumbled back a few steps and dropped to his knees.

  “Lucky for me my witch isn’t here to see this.” Matthias kicked the vampire in his face, sending him backwards.

  The vampire spun and crawled to his knees.

  All the rage over what happened with Nathan that he’d been forced to internalize busted free. Matthias grabbed his arm and pulled him up and then threw him into the next room.

  Dust and drywall shot out as the vampire crashed into the wall at the back of the room.

  A laugh came from Matthias that sounded more crazy than amused. He seized the vampire, his fingers pressing in so hard, his nails tore the flesh. He twisted, listening as the elbow popped. Another twist and a small piece of bone protruded. “Will you cry for me?”

  “You are dead.” The vampire swung with his other hand.

  Matthias cocked up an eyebrow as he caught the fist. He squeezed until the bones snapped and crunched. “Long time dead. Me and my humanity both.”

  The sensations that guided his nights before the PPK took control. He pummeled the vampire’s face until the skin on several of his knuckles split.

  Blood ran from the vampire’s nose, mouth and a spot on his cheek where Matthias hit so hard, he broke that bone.

  “You can have her.” The words were muffled gasps with red tinted spittle.

  “Can I? She’s mine.” He grabbed the vampire, tossing him over his shoulder and throwing him on a recliner in the living room. “Mine!” He drank again until the vampire passed out.

  In the kitchen, he tore out the drawers, tossing them on the floor. Nothing useful. The bedroom only had a bed. Rage continued to build as Matthias scoured the house for anything he could use to finish what he started. Rope and chains he found in the hall closet were covered in a thin layer of blood. Fitting.

  On their own they wouldn’t hold a vampire. Having drained him would have him weak enough for a few hours of vengeance. Alice deserved more, but he would make the most of it.

  The vampire groaned as he fell from the recliner.

  Matthias whistled to himself as he dragged in a chair from the kitchen. “Look at you. Where are you going?”

  “You…” He lifted his head and peered through barely parted eyes.

  “I am here to teach you manners.” He propped the vampire in the chair and tied him to it with rope. “Trust me, I know that most witches would kill us and scavenge the parts if we drank too much and passed out alone with them. I get that. My witch isn’t like most witches. As I’m sure you tasted, she’s filled with a pureness that the likes of you should never get to taste.” While he talked, he wrapped a heavy chain around the vampire’s chest. “All things considered, I would have looked the other way had you just taken your sip and scampered off.”

  The vampire’s head dropped as he slipped away.

  Matthias clicked his tongue against his fangs. “You didn’t do that. Now we have a problem.” After he was sure the vampire was secured, he went back to the garage and rummaged around.

  A small toolbox sat opened on a table against the wall by the door. A screwdriver, hammer, and a pair of pliers. It would do.

  He twirled the screwdriver around his fingers as he made his way back into the living room. “Wakey, wakey.” Matthias sat the tools down beside a small trash bag, and smacked the vampire hard across the face.

  “What the hell?” He struggled against the ropes.

  “Easy now, before you knock over the chair and get hurt.” Matthias lifted the creature’s chin. “What’s your name?”

  “Why?” He tried to turn away.

  “I need it for your epitaph.” Matthias gripped tighter and turned his head facing him.

  “You have no idea what kind of trouble you are in.” He squirmed against the restraints.

  Matthias laughed. “Are your maker or child near? What’s your name, youngin.”

  Silence.

  A pop was followed by a scream as Matthias cracked his jaw. “Name?”

  “Drew.” The word croaked out slowly.

  “Drew. I wish I could say it was nice to meet you. It’s been a pleasure letting my monster out for a run. I’m afraid it’s been far too long and it might be difficult to rein it in.” Matthias jiggled Drew’s jaw.

  “She doesn’t love you.” He yanked his head back. “Den whores don’t love.”

  “I see. Is that what happened? Did you fall in love and get your black heart broken?” Matthias held up Drew’s hand and ripped off a finger. He sat it in the bag. “I brought tools, but hands on is much more satisfying, isn’t it? What did you have ropes and chains for? Is that what you do with the ones silly enough to think they can collect your parts?”

  Drew spat in Matthias’ direction.

  “Nasty creature. You made my dearling cry. You know what that means, right?” Matthias twisted off another finger. “She can decide which parts she wants, nails, bone, whatever. Nothing is too much for her.”

  “Den whores aren’t dearlings.” Drew gnashed his teeth and pushed his feet against the floor.”

  “You call her that one more time and I am going to tear out your tongue.” Matthias ripped off two fingers at once, leaving the thumb on. “Be a shame since we are having such a nice conversation.”

  “What do you want?” Drew trembled as Matthias twisted his thumb. “I can send you in the right direction for a relic.”

  Matthias tossed the thumb in the bag and crossed his legs. “Can you? See, you said you didn’t dabble in that.”

  “I do.” He wiggled and the chair fell over.

  Matthias sat it upright. “Who do I speak to about the relic? Tick tock. Your fate might be at stake.”

  “If I give you names I’m as good as dead.” Drew’s fingerless hand shook violently as a spasm raced over him.

  You are as good as dead. “It’d be a hard road forward for a vampire who couldn’t entrance, don’t you think?” Matthias
leaned in and pressed his thumbs, one in each of Drew’s eyes.

  “Ambrose. Runs the den you want. He’s not into the relics, but the ones who are frequent there. They’ll ask. They ask anyone who spends like we do.” Drew pulled his head back as far as he could.

  Matthias let him. “Where is it?”

  “You’ll get the invite to Ambrose’s from the den on Central in Petreville.” He turned away.

  “Helpful.” Matthias stretched his neck. He had the invite for the den on Central already. They needed to get Alice there. One step away from Ambrose would shave off a few nights and save her more like this.

  Images of her crying pushed forward. Sadness came from her in waves. He balled his fists.

  Drew flexed and the ropes whined as they stretched.

  Matthias circled behind him and bit his neck, syphoning out several mouthfuls and spitting them on the carpet. “Disgusting. Did you know too much vampire blood can make you ill for days. Ask me how I know that?”

  “Fuck you. I told you what you wanted.”

  “That’s no way for new friends to behave.” He circled back around. “I’m still struggling to forgive how unkind you were to my witch.”

  “She liked it. They all do. It’s why they are there. The harder, the better.” He craned his head to try and watch Matthias.

  “Did you give her anything for pain?”

  “As if. Never.”

  Matthias threw the chair back. When it smashed against the floor, the leg busted. He grabbed the leg, glancing at the jagged edge. “You ever see a vampire get staked?”

  Drew kicked his feet, trying to loosen the ropes.

  “Best I can tell, it hurts like hell. Unless you hit the heart. That’s instant. No fun.” Matthias rammed the chair leg into Drew’s stomach.

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Now you are sorry?” Matthias pulled out the makeshift stake and positioned it over his ribs. “It’s a little late for that, don’t you think?”

  “Please.” Drew balled the fingers on his other hand around the rope.

  Matthias kicked off the other chair legs and sat the remaining chair, with Drew still fastened to it on the couch. “Now I have four. I wonder.” He slammed one of the legs into Drew’s shoulder. “How it would feel.” With the palm of his hand, he pressed another into Drew’s thigh. “If you had.” He stabbed a third back in the same spot in his stomach. “All four?”