Blood's Voice

by Aine Massie

  “Um, no. You may not.” But I could not do anything but laugh too. “Declán’s my boyfriend and you will be nice, right? And Nicholas is my . . .” I looked at him blankly not sure how to finish the statement.

  He jumped in to help, “A mhuirnín just as Declán is the grá mo chroí.” He finished with a satisfied smile on his precious lips.

  “You are involved with them both?” asked Peony coolly.

  “It is a bit complicated from the outside, I know. But, they are both part of my life and heart.”

  Geoffrey looked at Nicholas oddly for a moment before Nicholas spoke. “I will say it out loud for Anya’s sake, though it is kinda neat having all three of us be able to read.” A wicked grin flashed across his face for just a second. “Yes, I know she loves Declán and Declán knows she is involved with me as well. Our relationships are not the same exactly, but we are both happy to be involved with our Anya. Though you referred to me as her guard, I was there earlier more for his protection than for hers. Declán is her bonded human, and yes, he knows what we all are.”

  “Anya, dear? I know you’re having fun getting to know each other up there, but you have company. Should I send him up or do you want to come down?” called Star.

  Oops, I forgot Declán would be worried. “Be right down.”

  “Please, excuse me for a minute. Oh, do you mind if I bring him up to introduce you all?” I hoped they wouldn’t mind, they would all have to learn to play nice if this is going to work, after all.

  They smiled as Geoff said, “Bring him up if he does not mind.”

  I practically flew down the stairs to meet Declán. “I am so sorry. I meant to call you earlier; we just got to talking. They’re fascinating!”

  He raised his right eyebrow as he spoke. “Really? They’re here? Well, are you going to explain any of this?”

  “Relax dear, please. The two that invaded our outing last night weren’t trying to cause problems. Actually, they were seeking me. You see, they’re both like Nicholas and me. They are upstairs and from now on will be living here. Come on, come meet them.” Pulling him along with me, I started up the stairs again.

  He pulled back a little stopping me. “Anya, is it safe, for me I mean?” He had an oddly pained look on his face.

  “Declán, you know I’d never allow anyone to harm you, right?”

  “Yes, but you said they were vampires too and well, most think I look like food.”

  “I said they were like Nicholas and me, as in they don’t kill humans. You will be able to see it easily when you meet them. By the way, Geoffrey will be claimed as my older half brother and Peony is his wife. Come.”

  This time he let me take him up to the room where Nicholas, Geoffrey, and Peony were waiting. It seemed Nicholas had taken the time to gather cushions for us to sit on – how sweet.

  Entering the room, I noted that Geoffrey and Peony both looked a little apprehensive, afraid almost. Nicholas stepped up to where we were, gesturing for everyone to sit.

  “Declán, this is Geoffrey and Peony,” I motioned to each of them as I said their names even though it should be obvious which was which. “Geoffrey is my long lost big brother, half brother to be exact, and Peony is his charming bride. Well, as far as anyone outside knows anyway. Guys, this is Declán.”

  Waving shyly, Declán said, “Hi. You’ll be living here and all?”

  I was rather curious what they sounded like to him. “Yes,” said Geoffrey in his deep, sensual voice. “We pose no threat to you and your kind, I swear. We’re joining your Anya, as part of her House.”

  Declán’s eyes were wide, almost awe like, as he cleared his throat to speak again. “Her what? I don’t really understand.”

  Nicholas mock punched his arm, thankfully he was careful. “Declán, it’s okay. Look at their eyes; they’re like us. You can relax now. They have no intentions to harm you or Anya.” Declán finally seemed to relax and settled his heart rate, a bit.

  Peony seemed confused as she asked, “Did you never explain the easiest way to tell if we are human friendly or not?”

  “Oh no, I have told him, but I think his nerves made him forget. It doesn't help that he has never seen one of us that is,” cough, “normal.”

  Declán spoke up again, “Well, sorry but meeting people that stories, and these two, say should want to kill me makes me nervous. And, I’m not sure how normal silver and violet eyes are.” He sounded a bit piqued by the end.

  “Our eyes were a bit unusual even when we were still human, like you. Mine were a steely, blue–grey and his were an odd shade of deep blue already,” Peony added. “But, as yours aren’t exactly normal for human either.” She kept looking at him curiously.

  Geoffrey started laughing again. “Well, I don’t have to worry about if he’s got the mental strength to handle it all.” Facing Declán directly now and sobering a bit, “Our eyes may be a bit odd in hue but trust me, if you ever saw one of the others you would know it. There is nothing like the traditional vampire eyes. Even we think they look sinister.”

  “Oh. Well, then I guess I’m glad that I’ve only met you four.

  “Wait, what do you mean about my eyes?”

  “I believe,” I interjected, “that she’s referring to your eyes, which are more sapphire-like than they were once. A side effect of the blood-kiss, I believe.”

  “Oh,” he murmured, letting the topic drop for now.

  Geoffrey smiled a confidant but gentle smile. “You have nothing to fear from us. I can hear the worries within you, but Peony and I will not harm any of the humans here; not just you and the ones directly connected to you. Peony isn’t as comfortable with humans, but she is just as dedicated to preserving human life as I am. Though,” looking pointedly at Nicholas, “we do not usually go out courting the defence of them.”

  I could see the confusion on Declán’s face, confident it was a mirror of my own. “What do you mean ‘courting the defence of’?”

  Geoffrey continued, “Do you not know what your friend here does? The reason we called him your guard?” He looked at Nicholas for a split second then continued, “He works to protect the humans here from harm. That’s why your crime rate is so low.”

  Declán and I both turned to stare at Nicholas. I seemed to find my voice first. “You what?”

  He just shrugged. “Well, I have all this power; I figure I should use it for something. I don’t hurt anyone, not even the bad ones. I can’t just sit by and do nothing,” he added defensively.

  “Is that why you show up at all sorts of strange hours?” Interesting, he’d been playing protector all this time but never told.

  “Are you two terribly upset with me?” Nicholas asked. He looked ill waiting for us to answer.

  Declán answered first. “No. I’m not upset, though I am kinda surprised. You superhero for us?” What is that look in his eyes? Wonder? Awe?

  “Neither am I, though I would have thought you would mention something like that.”

  Nicholas looked down as he spoke and shrugged. “Well, I didn’t want you to worry. You’ve had enough to contend with between your cryptic stalkers, your sire’s visit, and your forays into the world of human friendship and love.”

  Both Geoffrey and Peony giggled at us. Peony finally spoke, “You champion the humans, yet you worry that the human and your human-loving one are going to be upset? You are even stranger than she is.”

  Nicholas stuck his tongue out playfully, “Harrumph, well, it made sense to me. I can’t just order others to not hurt the humans like Anya can.” He glowered for a moment, but lost it, and was grinning again by the end.

  “Well,” Declán began, looking at our newest members, “if you’re going to be part of Anya’s family and all, I suppose that means you will, at some point, interact with the rest of our little band?”

  Geoffrey spoke up first, “Yes, I suppose we will. We wouldn’t want to be rude. Plus, we actually like minimal participation in the human world. We won’t hold up here all the ti
me.”

  ‘I think part of what Declán’s concerned about is that he’s the only one that knows the truth of what we are. Not even his twin sister knows.” I explained.

  “Ah! We can’t tell anyone without Anya and Nicholas’s prior knowledge and support,” Geoffrey replied. “She has prevailed upon us the importance she places on you. We will not endanger you.”

  He looked at me with suspicion in his eyes. “You used your voice didn’t you? That’s not entirely fair ya know?”

  I just shrugged and smiled.

  “Oh, Declán might be able to help with your remodel project,” I said looking back and forth between Geoffrey, Peony, and Declán. “He’s going to be an architect, he’s already very good.”

  Declán looked down, turning a luscious shade of red. Mmm, maybe making him blush in front of others like me wasn’t the best idea. I didn’t like the looks they all made.

  Composing herself first, Peony replied, “Really? We would be happy to have your help, if you are willing. We are actually something of patrons of the arts in our spare time.”

  “You have to get over this thing of the nerves, if you’re going to be a great designer, and if you’re going to live in our world,” Nicholas whispered at Declán.

  Chapter Eleven

  “Fine. I’m just going to have to accept that you and Skye are permanent aren’t I?” Liam said with amusement.

  – Knock – knock – knock –

  “Liam, I think Declán’s tired of waiting,” I said with a smile, not letting my relief show. He got up and opened the door.

  “Da, would you please return my girlfriend now?” He was trying to look annoyed, but I could see the amusement in his eyes. “We have things to do.” Liam laughed as Declán dragged me away.

  “We do?” I asked as I took his rough, warm hand in mine. “Where are we off to?”

  “Oh, the girls are up to something and want us, which wouldn’t worry me except they won’t tell me what we’re doing. I know Nicholas is in on it too,” he added with a slightly exasperated look.

  “Wait, so you’re annoyed he knows what they are up to or you’re annoyed that they won’t tell?

  “Yes!” he grumped. “Both, either, take your pick. First my da kidnaps you on your way in the door and then they pull this.”

  “Oh, relax. It cannot be too dangerous if Nicholas is going along with it, you know that. Let’s go find out what they are plotting.”

  He smiled again and seemed to decide that sulking was pointless. “Okay, okay, you win,” he added with a grin.

  Entering Kayla’s room, I stopped dead. One, two . . . Too many people. Not only were Kayla, Skye, and Nicholas here but so were Peony and Geoff. “Um, what’s going on?”

  “And why are you all in my sister's bedroom,” Declán added.

  “That too.”

  “Relax little sis, we’re all here because Kayla came up with an interesting idea for everyone. We’re all going to the party together,” Geoff said smiling at me. Nicholas had a confident posture and a wicked grin.

  “What party?” Declán asked. “We were going to a movie.”

  “Shh . . . big brother, we already have your outfits ready. Just go get changed. Your clothes are on your bed,” she added pushing Declán out the door.

  “As for you Anya.” Skye grabbed my hand and started pulling me out of the room too.

  Entering the large master bath, I found my clothes. An embroidered silver satin corset that tied up the back was laid out for me; it was a shorter type that would leave my lower midriff exposed entirely. Next to it was a long, silver satin hip-hugger skirt with slits up both sides to just above the knee. They even though of footwear for me; knee high boots with 3-inch heels, again in silver, sitting on the floor in front of the sink. I found the height of the heels funny considering my nearly six-feet of height. The silver set off my red hair perfectly.

  “Okay, we’re going out together, that makes me nervous enough, but why don’t we at least get to know the where?”

  Nicholas just smiled as he drove, “It’s a surprise, relax.”

  Declán patted my shoulder as his arm slid around me. His outfit was much simpler but still very nice looking. He was in a basic French-cuff button down shirt – the top and bottom two buttons were undone – with dark jeans. “I’m sure,” Declán said with a gulp, “that Nicholas wouldn’t take us someplace dangerous.”

  “I heard that, Dec, and no, you’ll be in no danger, other than of having too much fun. Now lighten up, we’re almost there.” Nicholas’s grin hadn’t let up the entire time. What are they up to?

  As we turned the corner, I noticed something new on the strip. A new club it looked like. To my surprise, that’s where we stopped. The sign said Club Eternity and it already had, it seemed, a large patronage tonight. “You said party, this looks suspiciously like a club.”

  “Well, it is a club. Eighteen and up, so you can get in,” Nicholas teased. “This is Star’s new toy; she wanted it to be a surprise. Besides, it is a party, an opening night party. Come on you two, smile.”

  Declán began laughing and shaking his head. “Come on Anya, it could be fun.”

  As the night wore on, we drifted, sometimes together and at other times alone around the club. It was something to behold, truly. The music was loud and just seemed to inspire dancing. The lights were vibrant, causing interesting reactions to not only skin like mine but also to the servers – who all seemed to be painted in some kind of shimmer spray – and some of the other patrons. There were two dance floors separated by the large bar.

  I spent a long time mingling and observing the humans. They were always so interesting to watch, especially when excited. Turning the corner to head to the larger dance floor, I noticed Declán talking to a girl I had never seen before. That wouldn’t have bothered me except that, at the same moment I saw her, I also caught her scent. Not human! Not wanting to cause a scene and draw unneeded attention to what I am, I chose – against my better judgment – to head over without calling to Nicholas or Declán.

  “Ah, ah, ah, I not be doing that if I be you,” the strange female streamed, where I could hear, but he never could have.

  “Get away from him,” I growled in return. She moved away a little but, relatively, stayed her ground. Moving in to wrap one arm around his waist, I pulled him behind me. “You are not welcome here and especially not near this one!” I was so furious I was vibrating.

  “A new pet,” she purred. “You’ve always been such a strange little creature, haven’t you? We just be talking.” She looked amused. Maybe she didn’t understand the danger she was facing. “Weren’t we, pet?”

  “Mmm, yesh ma’am,” Declán slurred. “Is okay Anya. We weres just talkin’.” Glancing back just enough to see his face I suddenly became aware of two things; first, he was dazed looking, and secondly, he had two small wounds on the left side of his neck.

  “You bit him?” I could hear the others converging on our position. “You will never bite anyone ever again!” I growled. I could feel myself losing control. I needed to get Declán away, quickly.

  Shifting into a half crouch, I felt Nicholas slide in beside me doing the same. “Geoff, Peony, take Declán. Get him out of here.”

  Nicholas put a restraining hand on my arm. “Not here.”

  Fine. “We three will go out back to talk,” I commanded. “Bog leat soith!” I snarled at the female. I could hear Nicholas sigh but didn’t have time to find out why right then.

  ‘She moved gracefully toward the back door without a pause. Her face kept the unfocused slack my voice often caused even as she turned to face us once in the alley. “This be totally unnecessary. I wouldn’t kill your pet.” I could feel my teeth descend without conscious command as I continued to growl; she finally appeared troubled.

  “Why are you here?” snapped Nicholas.

  “I be sent to observe her,” she said twitching her chin at me. “I be wanting to know more about her.”

  “She
bit Declán, Nicholas,” I hissed.

  “It just be easier for me to enter their mind and memories that way,” she answered. “It won’t damage him, don’t stress so, child.”

  “You are dead, do you hear me.”

  Lights started flashing around me for a moment, then I was no longer in the alley. Where am I? Looking around, I was in a strange octagonal room. I could feel panic and fear within but as a sort of residual, not quite real sensation. Walls, ceiling, and floors were all a rough silvery metal. I was restrained to the wall at my wrists, chest, waist, and ankles; there was also some kind of strange gag in my mouth. The gag wasn’t painful, but it had a protrusion that made it where my teeth were locked in one position. I could smell blood, fresh human blood, but could see no one but the same strange woman I was just growling at. Standing in front of me, she sneered.

  The only sound, other than our breathing was when she spoke. “You really should be more cooperative, child. It not be so painful if you behaved better.”

  Searing pain and light . . .

  “Anya, Anya!” Nicholas was shaking me and yelling my name.

  I couldn’t seem to find my voice; I just stared into his eyes, which reflected the horror I felt in my own.

  “What happened, Nic?” someone asked, the voice sounded odd in my ears. I could hear others. Star? Geoffrey? Declán?

  Regaining my bearings wasn’t easy. I slowly stood up and looked around. It was Nicholas, Star, and Jonathan. “Wha – Where did she go?”

  “How did you do that, Anya?” Nicholas murmured. He looked as if he might bolt any moment. Why would he look like that at me?

  “Do what? Why are you looking at me that way? Where’s Declán? Are Geoff and Peony still with him?” I could hear the panic still thick in my voice. I would have to calm before I could get anywhere with them.

  Deep breath.

  “Nicholas, what happened?”

  “Anya, you reduced her to ashes after snarling something I couldn’t make out. Then you screamed as if you were in pain and crumpled to the ground crying.”