by Alex Dire
“Juda, Adrian. Thank you.”
Felicia rose, healing from the bloody encounter. She stoked the grey wolf. “We missed you.” She smiled.
“What about them?” said Macmanus who held pinned two humans against the wall by the throat. The people looked wild-eyed as if waking from a nightmare.
The others lay about the ground, wounded and scratched. They’d heal, but the scars would last forever.
“I’ll take care of them.” Norman dipped his head and honed his focus. Their orbs floated before him, wild arcs providing many places to grip. He reached out with his will and grasped. He had them. But something was different, like tiny static sparks between their wills and his, repelling him. They wouldn't escape, though, not like the group earlier. This would be the easiest part of the night.
13
The herd
Juda and Adrian emerged from the bedroom in the condo wearing Norman’s clothes. Juda shifted and rolled his shoulders, adjusting the fit.
Adrian’s face was red. He moved with quick stiff steps to Norman, finger pointing. “I don’t like this.”
Norman retreated back a few inches. These wolves had an effect on him that humans did not. Their words carried more weight.
“We don’t attack humans. Ever!”
“Ease off,” said Juda, placing a hand on his brother’s shoulder from behind.
Felicia snapped to her feet from the sofa. “Listen to him.” She leapt over the back of the couch, landing with clenched fists.
Adrian growled and showed his teeth.
“Adrian!” said Juda.
The snarling wolf turned to his brother. His shoulders relaxed and his lips unsnarled.
“Mr. Bernard,” said Juda. “We have a long-standing truce with humans. We never commit violence against them.”
Norman wondered how such a truce could have ever been struck. “Are there any humans still around who know about it?”
“It doesn’t matter,” said Adrian, the edge off his voice. “It’s gone beyond that, though. We don’t just avoid harming them. We watch out for them. We protect them.”
Norman marveled at the balance of it. One race preyed upon humans. Another protected them. Like sheep. Ironic the wolves protected the sheep. “Really?” said Norman.
“We’re natural herders, Norman. We’ve become…domesticated.”
“And this city is your herd.”
“It was, until…” Adrian looked over at his younger brother
“Norman, I know you and your kind have had your troubles over that last few years. Centuries, really. But now we’ve got a war of our own.”
“Then what are you doing here?” asked Norman.
Adrian dropped his gaze to the floor. “It’s in our nature, now. It’s bred into us. You’re part of our herd. We still watch and protect. If we ignore that and just fight each other, then we’re as bad as…” Adrian lifted his eyes back up to Norman.
“Then you’re as bad as us,” said Norman.
Felicia huffed out a breath through her nose. “Who’s out there fighting then?”
“The fighting has calmed. The sides are dug in. We’re waiting for another attack and we're planning. I suspect my cousin, Eric, is as well,” said Adrian.
Juda shifted in his place, pursing his lips.
“And you’d rather be fighting,” said Felicia.
Juda looked up at her and opened his mouth to respond.
Adrian silenced him with a stern glance. He held it there until Juda relaxed his jaw, and became thoroughly submissive.
“Norman, what happened in the alley. We can’t let that happen again. We’re supposed to protect people from you, not the other way around,” said Adrian.
“It seems, though, that people have become the real threat, and we’re…an endangered species,” said Norman.
“You’re going to have to fix that,” said Adrian.
“I’m just a teacher.”
Adrian shook his head. “You’re also the most famous vampire in the world. Use that. Teach them.”
“I never wanted any of this. I just want to go back to my Night School,” said Norman.
“It’s too late for that,” said Adrian. “It’s too late for any of this.”
Was it really too late for him? Was his simple life really over? So much had happened. He’d hoped to put an end to his adventure and simply run his school. He looked upon each of the nymphs. He had so much to teach them. How could he leave?
Norman’s glance fell to the floor. The events of the last few days streamed through his head. The wolf attack in the gym. Felicia’s encounter in the alley. The mob from the night before, reinforced by Skeete’s minions. Just when Norman thought he could guide his nymphs through a new safer world, it became more dangerous. Not only did he need to protect them against vampires, but a skeptical general population. And there were billions of them. He couldn’t glamor them all.
Norman looked back up. “How? There are too many people. If they decide they hate us…we perish.”
Adrian remained silent.
Norman already knew the answer to his own question. “Nebulous wants me to join Walsh's ticket.”
Adrian raised a confused eyebrow.
“What?” shouted Felicia. “We should take that asshole out, not join him.”
“Not we,” said Norman. “Me.”
“That’s shiite,” said Macmanus. “That bastard’s got it in for all of us. I told you. He wants to round us up.”
Norman stepped toward Macmanus. “And that’s exactly what he’ll do, if…”
“But he’s still down two points, why would you join him? Help him win?” said Adrian.
“Because he’s going to win anyway.” Norman let the idea sit with the wolves and the nymphs. “And if I’m on the inside, I have a chance to influence him.”
“Why you?” said Tyreese. “Why not Garcia. He’s human.”
Tyreese usually spoke few words, but he was so observant, so aware. Norman knew he hadn't completely figured this kid out.
“That was my reaction too,” said Norman. “But Garcia would never be acceptable. He’s a kook and everybody knows it. So many bizarre skeletons in his closet. Crazy floor speeches.”
Tyreese nodded.
“But he’s not crazy,” said Darius. “He’s right.”
“It doesn’t matter what he is. It matters how he seems,” said Norman.
“I’m not sure you’ve found the right answer,” said Adrian. “If you do this, vampires will see you as a traitor. So will a significant portion of my pack. You’ll have no allies.”
Norman met each pair of eyes in the room, one by one, ending with Felicia. “I have no choice.” He slid his phone out of his pocket, and tapped a number to speed dial. The name “Matthew Barnes” came up on the screen and he raised the device to his ear.
“Mr. Bernard, no,” said Felicia.
“He’s right,” said Tyreese.
The other end of the line picked up. Norman heard Matt’s familiar voice. “Hello, Mr. Bernard.”
“Matt. Tell Nebulous,” he looked around the room. He had everyone’s full attention. “I’m in.”
14
Skeete
Skeete pushed her way through the briars toward the entrance of the cave. These dogs live like animals, she thought. Disgusting. She suddenly found herself flanked by two large wolves, both in human form. She hadn’t heard them. She hadn’t even smelled them over the pervasive canine odors. They have their uses, though.
The wolves escorted her in without a word. Skeete walked with quick confidence to the great door that led to the Circle. She reached to grip the handle, but stopped, spotting a glint of silver just before she touched it. She looked at her escorts. “If you please?” she asked.
One of them grasped the silver handle and pulled the door open.
Skeete held his eyes for a moment and then entered.
The damaged furniture had been removed and a semblance of a functional chamber had been re
built. Eric sat in the chair at the peak of the semi-circular table, the space reserved for the alpha. He spoke with a woman off to the side in whispered tones. His eyes flicked toward the door. “Ah. Skeete. I trust you have news to report?”
Skeete sauntered into the room. They think I’m afraid of them. I own them. By the time this is all over, I’ll put them all in their graves, too. They don’t even know it yet, but they’re an endangered species. I think I’ll keep Eric’s head on my mantle. Disgusting dog. Even the alpha of a pack is still just a disgusting dog. “The news is good. Walsh is with us. He drafted the bill and a group of congressmen have already co-sponsored it.”
“What is the public’s reaction?” asked Eric.
Annoyed, Skeete responded, “Don’t you dogs ever watch TV? There’s a whole world of information out there.” Skeete looked around the ancient chamber. “Get an outlet installed. It’s not the fourteenth century anymore.”
One of Skeete’s escorts shoved her closer to Eric. “Out with it blood sucker.” Old antagonisms died hard.
“Easy, Lawrence. Skeete’s with us. We want the same thing.”
Lawrence stepped back. His stone face nodded once.
“Vigilante groups have formed. They walk the streets. It’s happening all over the country. If only they realized how few of us there are,” said Skeete.
“What about resistance?”
“Did you hear what I just said? God. You are so ignorant. You really don’t start to become intelligent until you’ve been around a few hundred years.”
Lawrence and his companion growled through their teeth.
The woman at Eric’s side spoke. “We may not be very old in your years, but there are a lot more of us than you.” Her eyes narrowed to slits. “Age isn’t everything, you know.”
Skeete shook her head, “Yes! And that was my doing! Now I’m going to finish the job. The dots are there if you connect them. I’m getting tired of doing it for you.” Old antagonisms died hard, indeed.
I can’t wait to kill every damned one of them. Her mouth watered at the thought of their blood running down her throat. She slowed her breathing. Focus. “We’ve all but won.”
“I thought you said the bill was just gaining congressional support. It still needs to pass,” said Eric.
“It will pass,” replied Skeete. “Fear is a powerful thing. Once it passes, it’s over.”
The wolves all glared at Skeete, with skeptical eyes.
She let out a sigh. “If they resist roundup, the humans will take up arms against them to make them comply. If they don’t…well we’ve got them, then, don’t we? Once the bill passes, there’s no way forward for them.”
“And what about you?” said Eric.
Skeete clenched her face into a malicious snarl. “Don’t. Worry. About. Me.” Her muscles morphed her pursed lips into a smile. “Friend.”
Two more women entered the chamber through the silver handled door. More wolves. Now that Skeete knew they existed, she could pick them out anywhere. Everything about them said dog.
The two stopped when they spotted Skeete. Their bodies became rigid. They looked to Eric.
“Maude, Sarah. It’s okay. She’s with us. What have you learned?”
One of the women, with short spiked black hair snapped an angry glance at Skeete. Skeete smiled back, lifted her hand and wiggled her fingers in a mocking wave.
The woman looked back at her alpha. “Sarah heard it firsthand.”
“Then out with it, Sarah,” said Eric.
Sarah, her red hair tied in a bun dangling off the back of her head looked between Skeete and Erik. Then she strode around the semicircular table and bent to Eric’s ear, whispering.
Skeete chuckled to himself. So stupid. I can hear their whispers.
In breathy tones Sarah reported, “Norman Bernard has joined Walsh's ticket.”
Bile rose in Skeete’s throat as she heard his name. It was followed by rage. “What?” Skeete stormed in long steps to the table opposite Eric, slamming her palms against the surface and leaning in. Through deep quick breaths, she barely restrained her voice. “What did you say?”
Sarah stood and looked to Eric.
“Well,” said Eric, “That’s an interesting turn of events. The anti-vampire candidate takes a vampire onto his ticket.”
Norman was always smart, although Skeete would never admit it in front of him. Much smarter than these beasts. “He’ll ruin everything.”
“I don’t think so,” said Eric. “Walsh is crafty. He’s bound to be getting something out of this.”
“What do you mean, he’s ‘joined the ticket?’” said Skeete.
Eric nodded at Sarah.
“Technically not on the ticket, but he’ll be Walsh’s Secretary of Education.”
Always the teacher. Skeete’s brain wrapped itself around the new information, trying to follow it into the future, see where it ended.
“He can’t possibly put that bill up now that he’s got a vampire on his ticket.” Eric locked eyes with Skeete. “Looks like you’ve made a deal with the wrong side.”
“Please stop talking,” said Skeete. “You’re just making yourself seem stupid.”
Eric growled through clenched teeth.
Skeete sighed. “Yes. You’re very subtle.”
Eric’s growl trailed off. “Well then. I don’t see as we need you anymore.”
“Don’t be a fool. You need me more than ever. There’s now a vampire on the inside. He will appeal to the sympathizers. This will push Walsh over the top. It’s too late to take back the bill. It’s already in the house. It’s got co-sponsors. But…”
“But what?” said Eric.
“Don’t you see what this means? If Walsh wins? With Bernard on the inside?” said Skeete.
Eric blinked. “Enlighten us.”
“He’ll glamor his way right to the vice-presidency. A heartbeat away…”
Eric’s eyes relaxed.” He twitted his glance between his minions as if looking for answers.
“And I’ll bet even you can guess what happens then.”
“I see your meaning.” Eric stared for a moment. “What do you intend to do?”
“I’ll take care it. Norman Bernard will not stand in my way this time.” Skeete rose up, her hands dropping from the table. “I shall take my leave.”
“Sarah, Maude, why don’t you go with our friend. I’m sure she could use your assistance.”
Maude shot back. “With her? I don’t take orders from vampires.”
“Even if I ordered you to kill a vampire?” Skeete smiled at Maude. How could she resist?
Skeete turned and left the Circle through the open door. Maude and Sarah followed.
“Look at us,” said Skeete making her way back out to the cave entrance. “Three ladies of the darkness. What man could resist?” Certainly not a mere teacher.
15
Press Conference
Norman stood inside the large entrance doors to MLK Night School. Through the metal he could hear the crowd. His hands produced a thin film of sweat and he swallowed through a dry throat. Even though he knew most of the assembled people were his students, it still felt like his first day of school, a long time ago.
Walsh had wanted the press conference to happen at night, when the kids were there. They would make an excellent photo op. He’d get to make his play for vampire sympathizers plus footage of him with poor inner-city kids. Double win.
The campaign advisor had told Norman that Walsh would arrive with his Secret Service detail through the back. It would just flow easier and safer that way. Norman wondered if the Secret Service had made preparations for vampires. Footsteps echoed from behind. Two figures approached. Neither of them was Walsh.
Adrian and Juda walked toward Norman with quick strides.
“Wait,” said Norman as they reached him. “I thought we agreed he stays out of this.” Norman pointed a finger at Juda.
“I insisted,” said the young werewolf.
&
nbsp; Norman held his gaze on Adrian.
“Too late to change the plan now,” said Juda.
Norman didn’t like this one bit. His only goal was to influence Walsh, to make the world a little safer for vampires, especially his nymphs. Although Juda was not a Nymph, Norman felt the same affection for him. He was his student, and he had saved Norman’s life. He owed Juda. Getting him killed protecting a vampire was not in his plan. However, Juda was right. The press conference began in five minutes.
“Stay at the back. Behind Walsh's entourage and Secret Service,” said Norman.
Juda gave a reluctant nod.
More steps echoed down the hall. Walsh approached, flanked by three larger men with dark glasses. Norman wondered if they were required to wear the glasses even at night. Plain clothes men would certainly already be planted outside.
“Norman,” said Walsh. “Great to see you again you. Here we go.”
Walsh reached out a hand as he approached. One of the agents stepped out in front, blocking him.
“Who are they?” The agent tipped his head toward the werewolves. “We were only expecting you.”
Norman honed his focus. He saw the floating orbs, the wills of Walsh and his guards. “It’s okay.”
The guard lowered his arm and nodded at the others.
Walsh shook Norman’s hand. “Don’t worry about Brady. He’s a bit jumpy.
Brady’s face remained stoic.
“Big day. Ready?” said Walsh.
This was a very different creature than Norman had seen at the state capital all those months ago. That man was brash, sarcastic, intolerant. This version was plastic, smooth, fake. Norman didn’t like either. He nodded to Walsh.
“Now in a moment, we’ll hear Superintendent Shawbrin introduce us. He’ll go on about education and some togetherness stuff. Then we come through the door. I give a short speech. Then it’s your turn. I hope you’ve kept it to less than five minutes.”
Speech? Norman had not prepared. Of course he’d be expected to say a few words. He’d have to wing it. “Sure.”