Dark Days (The Childe Series, #2)

by Kunz, C. A.

  “Hey guys, I think it’s about time I apologize. I know I’ve treated you all like crap, and I’m really sorry. You guys didn’t deserve this,” Cat stated.

  “You’re sorry? We haven’t seen or heard from you in three weeks! Three weeks! We’ve never gone longer than a day without at least a phone call. But no, you didn’t care that we were suffering. Matt even cried!” Amanda yelled, her face turning red.

  “Hey, I didn’t cry, you did! Just last night, in fact,” Matt stated glaring at Amanda.

  “Please, guys, don’t fight. Sit down and let me tell you what’s been going on.” Everyone took a seat except for Amanda, who continued to stand in front of them with her arms still crossed. “Amanda, come sit down,” Cat said, patting the cushion next to her on the couch.

  Amanda plopped down heavily beside her, “This better be good, ’cuz right now I’m really upset!”

  “On the last day of school, when I got home, I walked in on my family talking about me. I found out I’m…adopted,” Cat said quietly.

  “Aw, Cat,” Elle murmured breaking the silence. Matt sighed, at a loss at what to say next.

  “Is that all?” asked Amanda impatiently. “You put us through all of this hell for that? I can’t imagine what you’ve done to your parents!” Cat turned red with total embarrassment at the truth in Amanda’s blunt words. She had hurt her family. She had hurt her friends.

  “I know I’ve been a jerk. And yeah, you’re right I’ve hurt you guys. And I guess I’ve been selfish too, not thinking about your feelings either, but I want to apologize. I really hope you can forgive me,” she pleaded, looking at each one of them. Cat was immediately enveloped in Amanda’s arms, and she could feel her shaking. Pulling back a little, she saw tears running down Amanda’s face.

  “Don’t you ever, ever, do this again, Catherine Colvin! We love you and will always have your back,” she sobbed. Julie and Elle came over and joined the two with tears of their own.

  “Geez, girls. Ask me again why I put up with all of you,” Matt quipped.

  “Because you love us!” Elle reached over and grabbed him, pulling him roughly into the group. Cat swore she saw a tear in his eye, too.

  “Michael, do you have any garlic? I can’t seem to find any,” Ròs asked standing in the pantry.

  “No, I got rid of it, like I did the crosses. I figured you couldn’t be around that stuff.”

  “Hollywood and their crazy made, up myths. For your information, the first vampire coven was Italian. Take an Italian’s garlic away, and you’ll start a war,” she stated looking at Michael’s grin.

  “I guess I have a lot to learn. I should’ve realized that. Cat really loves garlic, and she often helps me in the church. I feel like such a fool.”

  “Don’t fret over it, Michael. Up until a few days ago you had no idea that we even existed. In real life I mean. Some legends are true, though. Old vampires, for instance, cannot be exposed to sunlight, because we receive much more than a tan. Oh, and a well-placed stake through the heart can do us in as well. And there is always the old-fashioned burning method. Or, of course there’s also beheading,” she said matter-of-factly, stirring the pot of delicious smelling marinara sauce on the stove. Michael cringed at the word beheading. “Oh, and don’t worry about turning into one of us if we get a little peckish. You’d have to drink our blood after to change,” Ròs said as she laughed.

  Michael laughed nervously. “Well, I guess that’s kind of a relief…kind of.”

  Ròs laughed again. “Your dinner is almost ready, and Cat should be here soon. We should probably start setting the table.”

  Michael watched as the beautiful woman moved gracefully around his kitchen. For a vampire who didn’t eat food, Ròs was a wonderful cook and always insisted on making every meal.

  After the first night, Michael had offered for them to stay with him until Cat made up her mind. He really liked the Cowans. They were great houseguests, always helping out around his little cottage. He had given Emma, the church’s housekeeper, two weeks off to go and visit her family just in case Ròs or Trevor did anything suspicious. He needn’t have worried though, because most of the time he forgot they were vampires.

  “So Ròs, Trevor, do you still plan on taking Cat from us?” Michael asked, worried about their response.

  Ròs laughed. “As if Cat would allow us to just take her. She’s quite the strong-willed girl, that one. Just like her parents were. No, she shall make up her own mind and we’ll act accordingly,” Ròs replied while removing the bread from the oven.

  “Besides, she seems to be well taken care of here,” Trevor interjected. Michael smiled and was relieved to hear their answer.

  “Hello, anybody home?” Cat’s voice came from the hallway. She moved into the kitchen and stood in awe at the scene before her. Ròs was standing at the stove with her long red hair tied back, wearing a bright red apron, stirring a pot. Trevor was setting the dining room table for two and Michael was exiting the pantry with a bottle of sparkling apple cider in tow. It looked like a normal family getting ready to sit down for dinner.

  “Oh Catherine, don’t you look lovely tonight. We’re just about ready. Just have a seat, and I’ll be right there,” Ròs’ soothing voice had her moving to the nearest chair.

  “Do you need any help?” Cat asked.

  “No sweetie, your uncles and I have it all under control.”

  Cat watched on as everyone continued setting up for dinner. The one odd thing that she noticed as she scanned the space was there were blankets covering all the windows. Hmmm, I guess those block out the sunlight, she thought. As everyone joined her in the dining room, Cat found herself sitting across from her aunt at the head of the dinner table, with her uncles on either side.

  “Cat, you look different,” Michael commented as he noticed his niece’s happier demeanor.

  “Yeah, I finally sat down today and told my friends.” Cat jumped when Michael dropped the fork he was holding onto his plate. “Oh, no, I told them I’m adopted, not the other thing. I’ve kind of been avoiding them since school let out, but they forgave me. I still can’t believe I was so stupid.”

  “Of course they’d forgive you. You’re a wonderful young lady who would only surround herself with compassionate friends. I’m so happy you took that step. What about your parents?” Ròs asked

  “I’m going to talk to them when I get home. I realize I’ve hurt them too. And before you ask me, I haven’t made my decision yet. Please give me a few more days, okay?”

  “Of course, Catherine. We understand how hard this is for you, and we’re very patient. I mean, we’re immortals after all. Now you two eat. You men just talk too much, and the food is getting cold.” Ròs and Cat laughed at their dinner companions’ puzzled faces.

  Two hours later, Cat pulled into her driveway. Her stomach was tied in knots thinking about the conversation she was about to have with her parents.

  “Yoo-hoo, Catherine. You’re cutting it a little close to curfew, aren’t you dear?” a sickeningly sweet voice called out.

  “Great, just great! Nosy Maude and little Fredricka, just what I need,” she murmured to herself. “Hey Mrs. Roberts. Almost, I’ve got about 25 minutes still,” she said out loud, pasting a smile on her face. Fredricka, her annoying little poodle, lunged forward making Maude stumble. Maude grabbed hold of the spare tire on the back of Cat’s Jeep to stop herself from falling.

  “Fredricka, bad girl! You almost made Mummy fall,” she chastised the small pooch who had grabbed Cat’s shoelace, and began pulling it with all her might.

  “So, who does this ugly orange contraption belong to?” Maude asked. Cat knew Maude had seen her driving it, but Maude just needed confirmation.

  “It’s mine. Isn’t it gorgeous? I love orange, such a warm color, don’t you think?” Cat replied mockingly.

  “No, I think it’s positively dreadful. Definitely not a young lady’s vehicle, that’s for sure. I don’t know what your parents were thinking
when they bought it for you. It’s not even your birthday. And also with you being on restriction and all. That’s what’s wrong with the younger generation today, spoiled rotten you are,” Maude rambled on, not noticing that Cat’s attention was centered on the small poodle that was determined to eat her shoe. Cat gently nudged her away, which Fredricka didn’t like, and reacted by viciously growling at her and clamping down on the front of her sneaker.

  “Fredricka! Leave Catherine’s shoe alone,” Maude demanded, pulling at the leash, causing the little animal to let go of Cat’s shoe and growl at her. “Do we have to go home and have a talking-to? You don’t talk back to Mummy like that, wait until I tell Daddy.” To Cat’s surprise, Maude turned around and made her way back to her house, apparently forgetting Cat was even there. She knew that Daddy, Mr. Roberts, couldn’t care less about Fredricka’s bad behavior.

  Cat’s thoughts were interrupted by Taylor’s car entering the driveway. She smiled as she saw her brother’s girlfriend, Trish, sitting in the passenger seat. The beautiful brunette’s usually spunky demeanor was absent, as she stared back at Cat with an uneasy smile. Cat realized she hadn’t seen Trish since she found out she was adopted, and not wanting to make things awkward, she knew she had to put Trish at ease.

  “Hey guys, where have you been?” Cat asked as the two exited the vehicle.

  “Went to the movies. Hey, what are you all dressed up for?” Taylor asked.

  “I was visiting the aunt and uncles for an early dinner. You know with the whole curfew and all. We had a really good time.”

  “What did you guys talk about?” he asked, not sure if he really wanted to know.

  “This and that. I was just going in to talk with Mom and Dad, so you might as well join the party.”

  “I guess I should be heading home right about now anyways. Don’t want to interrupt family stuff,” Trish said.

  “Let me take you home,” Taylor stated.

  “No, that’s alright. I just live right around the block, and I’ve got about ten minutes until curfew. No big deal. This is important, Taylor. You should go,” she replied and then kissed him on the cheek. As she began to walk away she said, “I’ll see you tomorrow, Taylor. See you later, Cat.”

  “Bye, Trish.” Cat waved to her, feeling bad about her walking home alone.

  “Well let’s get this over with,” Taylor replied, as dread settled in his stomach like a huge rock.

  As they walked into the house, they heard their parents’ voices coming from the study. With Cat leading them, she pushed open the door, revealing their mom and dad sitting on the overstuffed leather couch, Sam’s arm was around Rachel.

  “I need to talk to you,” Cat blurted out, causing worry to spring into Rachel’s eyes, and a frown to appear on Sam’s face.

  “Of course, honey, come in and take a seat. Oh Taylor, come in and have a seat too.” Taylor sat down next to Sam as Cat leaned up against her dad’s desk, willing her legs to stop shaking.

  “Today, I decided to fix things with my friends, it was way overdue…I also realized that I’ve hurt you all the most…I’m sorry.” Cat saw her mom was about to speak and shook her head. “No, Mom, let me finish. When I found out I was adopted, I felt like my life had been a lie. It’s hard to explain, but in my head I became an outsider, belonging to no one. I felt alone. I’m sorry it took me this long to figure out what you’ve done for me. You’ve given me a home, and so much love, and I’ve been selfish by shutting you out. All I want is your forgiveness.” Cat watched as a tear rolled down her mom’s cheek, and her dad swallowed hard as if something was stuck in his throat. The room was quiet and the grandfather clock in the foyer seemed unusually loud. Aided by a gentle shove from Sam, Rachel stood up and put her arms around Cat, hugging her close.

  “We love you so much, Cat. There’s nothing to be sorry for. I wish we had told you the truth sooner. But the real truth is, you’re our daughter and always will be.” Rachel held her, gently stroking her hair.

  “I guess I even like you a lot. Ow, what was that for,” Taylor said looking at Sam after he elbowed his son in his side. “Okay, but you know I hate all that mushy stuff. I guess I love ya too,” he said, grinning at Cat.

  “Cat,” Sam began, then took a deep breath, “Oh hell, come here and give me a hug,” he demanded, to which she promptly obeyed. They all began laughing as she fell onto her dad’s lap and everyone piled on top.

  Several minutes later, with Cat sitting between her parents, she cleared her throat. “I want to stay with you. But if it means that it’ll put you all in danger, I’ll go with Ròs and Trevor. I couldn’t bear the thought of any of you getting hurt because of me.” Sam sighed, looking at Rachel over Cat’s head.

  “We don’t want you to go, and don’t worry about our safety. We’ll be just fine. I’m so happy. I could just eat a gallon of ice cream,” Sam shouted.

  “Now Sam, you know it’s bad for your cholesterol.” Seeing his unhappy expression, Rachel said, “Well, maybe half a gallon.” Cat giggled as her dad jumped up and did an impromptu dance in the middle of the floor. The three looked at one another and rolled their eyes as he danced out of the room on his way to the kitchen.

  Taylor asked how Cat’s friends had reacted to her apology, and she eagerly told them all the details from when she called Julie until she came home.

  The following day, Cat sat in her dad’s study with everyone gathered. All eyes were on her as she stood in front of them. “I’ve made my decision. I don’t want to hurt your feelings, but I can’t come with you,” she said looking at Ròs and Trevor. “I thought long and hard about this, and I belong here. I know by staying I could place myself and my family in danger, but this is where I feel I belong. Please don’t be mad at me. I’m so glad I got to meet you, and now know where I come from. Of course it’ll take a while for me to accept the whole vampire thing, but for right now I’m just plain old Cat. I have a rare blood disorder, and that’s how I want it to be. Do you understand?” Her eyes pleaded with them as she waited anxiously for their answer.

  “We knew what you were going to tell us today. I cannot say that we’re not deeply disappointed, but we understand. The Colvins have taken such great care of you, and for that we will always be grateful,” Ròs said glancing at Sam and Rachel. “I know if William and Erika were here today, they’d be very proud of you, Catherine.” Digging in her dark green, leather coat pocket, “I brought something with me that I want to give to you.” Ròs handed Cat a small wooden box. Inside she found an ornate gold locket.

  “It’s beautiful, Ròs,” Cat said as she examined it.

  “Try opening it,” Ròs said. As Cat popped the clasp open, she found a picture of an extremely handsome man and a beautiful woman inside.

  “Is that-”

  “Yes, it’s Erika and William.” Ròs pulled a gold chain from around her neck and showed it to Cat. “I also wear the same locket. If you look at the back, you’ll notice an intricate Celtic knot. That is the sign of our coven in Ireland, the Dearga. Now, this locket is very special, please take good care of it,” she explained with a smile.

  “So, this might be a dumb question, but how is there a picture of my father in the locket? I thought vampires didn’t cast a reflection.”

  “Ah yes, well you’re mostly right. A vampire has a way of controlling what they want others to see. Most vampires hate to be seen or known to exist, so they remove their reflection,” Ròs explained.

  “I wish I would’ve known that like five yearbook pictures ago.”

  Ròs laughed. “Oh no, your vampire powers have only fully manifested in the last year or so, Catherine. You were still mostly human up until the day you turned sixteen. Besides, a Childe is different from a regular vampire anyway. You generally have no control over what the outward world sees. Your vampire side does, and sometimes you might find yourself fighting it for control. Kind of like a split personality.”

  “Great, that’s all I need right now…a split personality,”
Cat groaned.

  “But you have nothing to worry about because you’re on quite the appetite suppressant, or so I’m told. I’m not sure how I feel about those pills they make you take, but if they stop your vampire side from completely taking over, then I guess it’s a good thing you take them.”

  “So, are there any other things that I should be made aware of? You know, just so there are no more surprises?”

  “Not that I can think of now,” Ròs replied, searching her memory, with her hand about her chin.

  “Well, we best be off, got a lot of ground to cover you know,” Trevor stated while wrapping his arm around Ròs’ shoulders.

  Cat smiled. “I don’t know how to thank you guys. I hope you’ll keep in touch with us and come back to visit,” Cat said, looking at them hopefully.

  “Rest assured, Cat, we shall return,” Trevor replied.

  Cat stood on the porch watching as Michael’s car pulled out of the driveway, and made its way down the hill. She felt sad until she turned and found her parents standing in the doorway, looking so happy. Yes, I’ve definitely made the right decision.

  Standing in the Parliament’s Great Hall, Andrei tried to control his temper and avoid the eruption of his fangs. The impossible woman before him made it a difficult task.

  “So, when did you arrive back at the castle?” Lisbeth inquired.

  “A few days ago,” Andrei replied.

  “And you are just now seeking me? What news do you bring from your trip to Astoria?” she asked, her patience wearing thin.

  “I still have no leads on the Childe, if that is what you are asking.”

  “What do you mean you still have no leads on the Childe? What have you been doing this whole time?!” she asked in frustration, and bared her fangs. Andrei gave her a withering look. “What of my brother Lucien then? Has his condition improved?”