Blood's Voice

by Aine Massie

  “You aren’t really worried about her hanging out with Geoff, are you?” he asked, looking puzzled.

  “No, that’s fine,” I said, waving off the thought. “I know Geoff would not hurt her. The worry I refer to is her feeling too comfortable around us. I’m just worried about the others out there hurting our more brittle friends.”

  “I thought of that too. I am not sure what to suggest though. And there is no way to take them completely out of our world now. I can tell you how far you’d get with Declán,” Nicholas chided.

  “Yes, I know. About as far as I would with you and he’s not even one of us.

  “I really don’t understand though. Why are they attacking but not killing them? Not that I want them harmed, but I simply don’t understand the reasoning. That and I also do not like this feeling of helplessness. I am supposed to be this lethal being, ‘Assassin’ as the one referred to me, and yet I cannot seem to keep them out of harm’s way.”

  He had me wrapped tightly in his arms, murmuring in my ear as he rested his head on my shoulder. “Anya, love, you need to lighten up some. They are both making great leaps of faith by staying with us; don’t discount their choices so easily. They realize that ours is a lethal world. They have both been touched by the violence and danger now. And, well, you cannot run away from this. It’s too late.”

  Landing silently in Declán’s window, I caught him pacing. His face was marred with worry, though I wasn’t sure why, yet. Nicholas did not seem to think it was something bad – not with that silly grin he had as I left – so why did Declán look like that?

  “Hello, a ghrá,” I whispered.

  He spun around startled to face me. “Oh! Um, hi, Anya.”

  “Nicholas said you wanted me to stop by after your parents were asleep. This is a first. What did you need?”

  Declán came over and pulled me into his arms gently, guiding me to the edge of his bed. “Sit with me?”

  “Always. What has you so troubled?” I asked, caressing his face. He still looked worried, or was that scared.

  “Well, I’ve been thinking about everything that’s happened lately and well . . .” Declán was staring at our hands, refusing to meet my eyes.

  “Declán, love, what has happened? I know you were speaking to Nicholas earlier, being he’s the one that told me to come over.”

  “It’s not what you think Anya. Relax. Nicholas and I were talking and well, we discussed the issues of our – Kayla, Skye and my –weakness and vulnerability. We both think it’s time that I became more useful in our protection.”

  “Oh no, you stay human! Period!” I could feel my temper flare. How could Nicholas have discussed anything that would have him changed? He knew how I felt.

  Declán began to shake, his eyes frozen wide in fear. He didn’t seem able to speak and just sort of squeaked in fear. I have to learn to stop doing that.

  “Sorry, a ghrá. Please, calm down. I didn’t mean to scare you, I just . . . the thought of . . .” I trailed off not sure how to finish without putting him back into fear mode.

  “No, no, no. That’s not what either of us meant. He pointed out that I’m not the same as your normal, everyday human anymore and wondered if maybe training me might not be a bad idea. I agreed, but well, I was afraid that you not want me to . . . learn that is.”

  He finally looked up, meeting my confused gaze. “I want to be a real partner to you, as equal as possible.”

  “You lost me. What do you mean ‘not normal?’ And, why would you want to fight? You are soft and warm and easily broken,” I said, wrapping my arms around him protectively. “You have never even seen me as Kayla saw Geoff. You belong in the human world.” Nicholas was insane! How could he put this idea in Declán’s head?

  “Anya, look at me.”

  “I am looking at you,” I said pulling back just enough to look him in the face carefully.

  “Nicholas says that your kisses, the bonding ones, have altered and empowered me somehow. I am still breakable, as you put it. But, don’t you see any difference in me? My eyes or my strength? My sensei has noticed a change in me, as have Kayla and Nicholas.”

  I pulled back more to look him over carefully. Well, his eyes were more sapphire–like than they were, I suppose. I vaguely remember noting a change in them the morning after our first blood–kiss, but still, he was too soft to be a threat to one of us.

  Gently tracing the circles under his eyes, I finally spoke again, “I suppose your eyes are more gem–like, but you’re still human. I cannot believe he put this ridiculous idea in your head!”

  “He didn’t exactly. I asked him about the changes I noticed. I didn’t want to worry you, so I asked Nic first. But, I think I should be trained like he mentioned,” Declán said firmly.

  “I don’t know, Declán. This isn’t some light, playground of immortals that are gentle and loving. Those you have met are very different from your average vampire.”

  “Anya, I realize that. And, I have seen more than you realize. Nicholas made a point about the difference, including taking a rather, um . . . frightening form in front of me.” He shivered slightly before he continued, “But I want to be able to help you. I want to be more than just some liability you have to worry about all the time.”

  Nicholas and I are going to have words when I get back tonight!

  “I will consider it; that’s the best I can promise for now. You don’t even have the ability to harm one of us. Do you know how to kill a vampire? You didn’t even notice something was wrong with that creature that bit you.” I worked hard to control my voice though I knew my face gave away my pure loathing of her.

  “That’s true, but if I was exposed to more, and taught, I would know these things. I mean, are you really planning to keep me soft weak for the rest of my life?”

  I didn’t like where his train of thought was heading. “You stay human, that’s not up for debate. But, I will consider the proposition of your being trained in some format. That’s the best I can promise.”

  “That’s enough then, for now. And Anya, I wasn’t suggesting changing into something else. I just want to be your partner, not someone you have to guard all the time.”

  Declán looked more relaxed though tired, as well. There was something else on his mind, however. I could see it in his eyes. “Alright, a ghrá, is that all you wanted to discuss? You need rest.”

  “I wondered if you would . . . stay.” He reached out and drew me back into his arms, holding me recklessly close.

  “I – I don’t know, love. Your parents would not approve.” Not that I would allow myself to be found here by them, but still.

  He kissed me gently, caressing my face as he did so. Softly, lovingly . . . no urgency or force to the kisses. “Anya, I am not asking you to do anything dangerous or wrong. I just want you close to me, here.” He continued kissing, as he pulled me down beside him. “Just let me hold you for a while.” He moved carefully so that he was curled up around me, one arm under my head and the other draped lightly across my side.

  “I love you,” he sighed contentedly and was asleep in a matter of moments.

  After school that afternoon, I dropped Declán off at his house and went straight over to Nicholas’s. I was still upset about what he and Declán were asking for permission to do. Declán is human, soft, breakable, and most importantly, mortal. How could Nicholas be encouraging this insanity? I had thought it was something I would be pleased with, considering how Nicholas had acted when he told me Declán wanted to see me.

  Pulling up in front of Nicholas’s home, got out, and before I had even made it to the door was already calling for him – sternly, but careful not to allow my feelings to flow through my voice. “Nicholas, I need to speak to you, now.”

  Nicholas, Amber, and Jonathan all appeared in the doorway. “What’s wrong Anya?” Nicholas said looking warily at me. “Has something happened?”

  “Hi Amber. Hi Jonathan.

  “Oh, something’s happened alright. How
could you put such ridiculous notions into Declán’s head? He’s a mortal, Nicholas, or have you somehow forgotten that?” I trailed off struggling to contain my temper. I had kept my thoughts in check all day around my human friends and classmates, but the fear, the terror of Declán fighting with us had me nearly shaking again.

  “Anya, please. What I suggested is not so outlandish, I promise. In fact, I have been discussing this very idea with Jonathan.”

  “Nicholas, Declán is very good at his form of combat . . . in a competition . . . with humans. He can’t compete with one of us.” Has he lost his mind?

  “Anya, if I may,” Jonathan interjected. “Would you allow me to speak with Declán? To assess him? Nicholas and I have been speaking and well, I think I have a theory about what he’s seeing within Declán. It also might explain some of the other oddities that he’s noted about your human.” Jonathan had that strange light in his eyes. The one that only happens when he’s unravelling some convoluted oddity.

  “Fine,” I sighed. “But what theory are you talking about?” I did not like this.

  “I would rather wait to explain it. Let me assess your human first, please,” Jonathan nearly begged. What could he be thinking? And, how could he be supporting this?

  “Very well. You can assess him, but he’s only human. He cannot withstand fighting with one of us. He doesn’t even have the ability to hurt one of us.” Turning to face Nicholas I continued, “And I am holding you personally responsible for this insanity!”

  “I can accept that.” For some strange reason, that I could not fathom, he looked perfectly at ease with my annoyance.

  “Fine,” I seethed at him. “I will call him and ask that he comes over to my place, you can speak with him there, Jonathan. Yes?” I wasn’t happy, but maybe Jonathan would have enough sense to stop this before it went too far.

  “Agreed.” Jonathan and Nicholas both looked satisfied, though Amber seemed concerned.

  It wasn’t long before Declán arrived at my home looking curious.

  “Anya, dear, what’s up?” Declán asked as he laced his fingers through mine, resting his forehead against mine.

  “Nothing good I fear. Jonathan is here to assess the changes in you and see if you and Nicholas are right.” I couldn’t seem to hold my voice steady, worry slipping through. “I do not like this idea.”

  “Jonathan? Why him?” he asked, confusion tainting his query.

  “Because he believes that he may know why you have changed and what it means. He’s very excited . . . as are Nicholas and Geoffrey.” I sighed. He is human, why can they not see that?

  “Relax Anya, you look practically green.” He laughed. “So Jonathan wants to look me over, big deal,” he added with a shrug.

  “It is a big deal if he sides with them and encourages this insanity. If anything happened to you because of this–” I choked, unable to continue.

  “Relax, dear,” he said with a smile as he pulled me toward the house. “Jonathan won’t hurt me.”

  “Harrumph!” was all I could manage as I trailed along beside him into my home.

  Standing in the doorway to the living room were Jonathan, Nicholas, and Geoff. I idly wondered where the girls were.

  Jonathan motioned for Declán to come over to where he was standing. Looking at him with severe, penetrating eyes – I had never seen any of them look like that before – he reached up carefully to take Declán’s face in his hands, moving it this way and that. “Hmm, his eyes have definitely changed.” His right hand suddenly shot forward at Declán as if to strike him, but Declán blocked aptly.

  “No!” I screamed without thinking. Both of them froze in fear, eyes wide. Poor Declán was shaking. “What are you doing?” How dare he try to hit Declán?

  “Anya, release them,” Nicholas whispered. “Jonathan was just checking his reflex speed. He wouldn’t have actually hit him, trust me, please.” Nicholas moved to wrap his arms around me, but for once, it was not comforting.

  “Fine,” I snapped. “Relax guys, I didn’t mean to harm or frighten you.” I worked hard to rein in my irritation and fears.

  Jonathan spoke first, having recovered a little faster than Declán. “Anya, I need to test him, to see if his reflexes and such are really as Nicholas describes. Please, control your voice or I cannot do this.” Looking to Nicholas he murmured, “Maybe we should not have done this here. Anya’s too protective.”

  “No, please continue Jonathan. I am sorry for yelling, I just . . . you tried to hit him. What was I supposed to feel?”

  “Anya, how did he block me? That strike was not the fastest I could have thrown, but it was far faster than a human could have swung. Also, how is his arm not now shattered? Think on that for a minute.” Jonathan suddenly looked wary again, “I would like to check how deep his changes have gone. But . . .”

  Declán and I murmured, “But,” in unison.

  “But that would require a small amount of his blood,” Jonathan whispered. I wasn’t sure if Declán could even hear him, his words were so soft. Jonathan looked at me with wide, pleading eyes as he waited for my reaction.

  “His blood?” I was going to lose my mind, or he had already. “How can you expect me to think that biting him is okay?” I was straining to maintain control of my voice.

  Declán looked at me oddly, “Bite who? Me?” No, he had not heard what Jonathan had said.

  “Yes, Jonathan wants a bit of your blood to check how far the changes go.” I tried to sound detached, but I don’t think I fooled anyone.

  “Oh, OH,” Declán said startled. He looked at Jonathan now, finally wary.

  “It’s not like that Declán,” Jonathan clarified. “I just wanted to see if you are just a little augmented or if you are actually one of the Guardians.” He said the last word with a strange sense of reverence and . . . trepidation.

  “What do you mean Guardian? You say it like some form of special title.”

  “Well, because it is Anya, though I thought they had died out long ago,” Jonathan said. He had not taken his eyes off Declán and the look he gave now was unnerving, frightening really. Guardian? What does that mean?

  “Well, I can’t give you permission to take his blood. And, I’m not sure about this even if Declán agrees.”

  “Declán? It is the only way for me to be sure. And, if you are one of them . . . that might explain some of Ashley’s behaviour that night at the club.” Jonathan was not going to give up now that he suspected that Declán was some Guardian, though of what I wasn’t sure.

  “Um,” he started looking between Nicholas and me. “If it’s the only way, I – I guess it’s okay.” Declán looked nauseous but sure. How could he so easily agree to this? Ugh.

  “No one will harm you,” Nicholas said looking at Declán. “You do know that, right?”

  “Yes, I know. I just . . . well, the last person to bite me Anya destroyed and I was ill for two days.” Declán was so cute when nervous. “If I let him do this, you won’t hurt Jonathan, right?” he mumbled towards me.

  “Ha–ha. No, I won’t. I don’t like this, but it’s your choice.” I choked on the last word.

  “Anya, I will not hurt him. I promise,” Jonathan whispered.

  I didn’t know if I could actually stand there and watch. Someone, even someone I trust, biting Declán goes against everything that is right and good in my mind. Nicholas’s arms tightened around me, this time as restraints, I was sure. I pressed my lips together harshly, trying to make sure that no sound would escape as it had when he tried to hit Declán.

  I watched; pain searing to my core as Jonathan moved around back of Declán. He gently placed his hands, one on Declán shoulder and one on the side of his head – bending his head to expose his neck more clearly. Slowly, Jonathan descended his fangs and carefully bent until they were barely touching Declán’s throat.

  Nicholas’ grip became more rigid as he whispered, “He’ll be fine, I promise.”

  I could not look away, though it p
ained my heart to watch Jonathan’s teeth pierce Declán’s skin. I could both see and smell the blood pool quickly around his teeth. Jonathan only took one sip and then released Declán, stepping back and motioning toward me.

  Nicholas released me, and I practically flew the few feet to enwrap Declán in my arms. I quickly bit my finger and carefully touched where the wounds were to heal them. In just a moment, there was no evidence of the fact he had been bitten – other than the fact his body was suddenly excited and his eyes slightly unfocused, like how they had described Declán’s behaviour that first time.

  Not releasing Declán I looked over towards Jonathan. He was standing across the room with his eyes closed, slowly shaking his head as a smile played at the corners of his lips. After a few minutes like this – me wanting to scream – Jonathan finally looked up at us and grinned. “He is one of the Guardians! You bonded a Guardian to you, Anya.” He began laughing as he clasped his hands together, the grin becoming even more severe. “Never, in all my years . . .”

  Geoffrey looked at Declán with the oddest look. “Jonathan, what does it mean that a Guardian has resurfaced and that he has fallen for and been bonded to a vampire? Especially one such as Anya?”

  “I have never heard of such a thing, not in any of the ancient tales. Guardians are the protectors of good, of innocents. They hunt down our kind and destroy those that kill humans.”

  Just then, Star appeared in the doorway. “Did I hear you call Declán a Guardian?” She looked back and forth between Declán and Jonathan with a strange glint in her eyes. “That’s not possible!”

  “Yes, Star,” Jonathan replied. “It is. There is no doubt that he is one, none.” He was still looking at Declán with a strange mixture of awe and dread.

  Star turned, looking extremely upset by this news and spoke to me, “Anya, I didn’t know. I would have warned you, I swear!”

  I felt my head tilt to the side as I tried to ponder through her odd words. “Warned me about what? I don’t understand why you’re all so stressed over this news. What is it that I’m not understanding? So, Declán is a Guardian – whatever that is. He is supposed to protect innocents and hunt those of our kind that kill humans. I understand that part but why are you looking as if you might cry? The guys all look happy.” What secret am I not in on?