Lionel looked over the page and realized it was written in a script he could not understand. “I cannot read it.”
“I think it’s Aramaic or perhaps some lost language. I’m not sure. It isn’t Latin. I don’t recognize all of the characters. See these S shapes and some of the crosses here? It looks like it’s almost a combination hieroglyphics and phonetics but to my knowledge there is no language that exists matching this.”
“We’ll have to consult a Greek or Jewish scholar to see if we can find someone who can read a portion of this text.” Lionel turned the book around and noted the characters looked more familiar by reading them upside down.
Marcus chuckled, watching him move the book back and forth. “Now you see the problem I’ve been having reading this? Just when you think you’re getting to something you can understand it goes all crazy. It’s like the messages are hidden within the book itself.”
“I wonder if there is a key somewhere. Is there any mention of this?” Lionel asked.
Marcus showed him what appeared to be a table of contents, but the order of the chapters didn’t match the order of the chapters in the book.
“There is mention of a great civilization surrounded by ocean which disappeared or was destroyed. It gives no clue as to where this land exists today,” added Marcus.
“Do you have any idea the time span under which this book was written?” Lionel asked.
“Not really. It refers to a lost civilization, but it isn’t clear whether it occurred before or after the time of Vinkus. But this time is very significant. I find references to it all throughout the book.”
Marcus rose and poured them each a brandy. The aged liquid burned all the way down Lionel’s throat and was oddly soothing.
“You know it appears to me,” Marcus began, “that this great king or ruler, led his people on some sort of sexual expedition or journey.”
Lionel agreed. “Whatever caused the affliction or illness during the age of sorrows the cure seems to be the sexual act itself.” Lionel considered what he just said and added, “The opposite of sorrow is joy. Or could this mean that he was leading them to a journey of self-discovery and sexual pleasures that brought joy to a population that no longer had it? Could that be the affliction or the disease?” Lionel wondered.
“I think the chapter containing the book of sorrows is one of the keys here. I’m going to see if I can find amongst some of my Jewish friends, a rabbi who might be able to help decipher parts of this chapter. I’ll start there, at least.”
“That’s an excellent idea Marcus.”
They studied the book until the early hours of the morning shortly before Lionel would need to take his restorative sleep. Marcus had been yawning and as the Brandy continued to flow, at one point he fell asleep in his chair.
Lionel made some notes as he flipped through the pages. He examined sketches and pictures of pyramids, temples with rounded corners and archways. He knew the development of the arch was something that hadn’t occurred until much later in time, yet these temples clearly had them.
As Marcus continued in his slumber, Lionel leafed through pages, discovering a chapter written in Arabic. He also discovered several pages written in what appeared to be an Egyptian hieroglyphic text. He wondered where he and Marcus would find such a learned scholar to be able to translate the book since it would require somebody with knowledge of ancient texts from several parts of the world.
At last Lionel saw the pink light of sunrise peering through the large windows in Marcus’ study. He gently tapped his host on the shoulder.
“Marcus, I need to retire. I also suggest that you put this book away, and perhaps we can do further study tomorrow.”
“Very well. I can’t say that we’ve discovered anything, but I suspect it will take us quite a while to find the correct path. We’ve made a good beginning.”
“I agree. Perhaps amongst your circle of friends or family you can find scholars who can assist us.”
“But I’m not going to show them the book. Only a handful of us are allowed to know about its very existence,” Marcus said as he closed the thick leather binding and placed it back in his wall safe. He then slid a bookshelf across it which was built to hide the safe from public view.
“I agree. Until tomorrow then. And thank you for the Brandy.”
The house was coming alive as Lionel made his way to their chambers. Several gardeners had pulled up in two separate trucks, unloading equipment in the predawn minutes before their day would begin. Two cooks also arrived, unloading shopping bags from the back of their car.
The rest of the house as well as their mortal protectors were still in bed. Phoebe had spent the night sleeping all during the time Marcus and Lionel were researching, plowing through the great book. She was still in bed and smiled as he arrived.
“I am so sorry husband. I guess I needed the rest. Was your session with Marcus productive?”
“It was.” Lionel shed his shoes, shirt and his jeans. He left his boxers on and climbed into bed, wrapping his arms around his wife. She nestled her head just beneath his chin. “The more time I spend with Marcus the more I appreciate him as head of the household. We are learning together about the history of your species. These are things I didn’t know existed.”
“You say my species but what about yours?” she asked him.
“We can’t be certain, my love. But I am tired. I’ve had too much Brandy. And I need my restorative sleep. Are you going to join me or are you off today?”
Phoebe sat up and looked down upon him, her dark caramel-colored hair cascading around her shoulders and demurely covering up her chest. “I think I am off to Healdsburg today. The town. Lucius wants to show me some stores. Is there anything you desire?”
Lionel grinned. He played for Phoebe several erotic scenes in his own mind and watched her face blush.
“I like that we have this feature. It’s so efficient. And so completely yummy.” She bent down and gave him a kiss. Then his lovely wife dashed off to the bathroom while he snuggled in his bed and prepared to fall asleep.
Several hours later he awoke, showered, then prepared to dress for the party. He looked for Phoebe upstairs and then searched the kitchen and library downstairs as well as Marcus’ office. She was nowhere to be found.
Marcus entered through the kitchen door carrying a load of firewood which he placed in the living room on their stone hearth. “I see you are up, Lionel. Where is your better half?”
“I was hoping you could tell me. I’ve not seen her since early this morning. She said she was going shopping, getting some last-minute things for the event.”
Marcus stood, checked his watch and frowned. “Anne is upstairs with the baby. I did not hear the car, so I presume they have not returned. I honestly thought she was with you Lionel.”
“Who was her protection detail?” he asked.
“Now you have me worried.” Marcus picked up his cell phone which had been clipped to his belt and placed a call. “Ransom? This is Marcus. Do you know where Lucius, Phoebe and the others are at this moment?” He listened while being given information. “Well I want someone to find them immediately. And I want to know on who’s authorization it was that they would remain on an errand when nightfall has hit. That is not what we set up. I’m not happy about this at all.” He listened briefly and then hung up.
“So there is a problem, is that what you’re saying?” Lionel was beginning to become agitated. He reached out to Phoebe sending her a message. “Where are you?”
Marcus placed another call when Lionel received back the message from his wife, ‘I have met my parents in downtown Healdsburg. I have just been visiting them and should return soon. It was quite by accident. I’m sorry I didn’t let you know.’
Lionel held his hand up. Marcus stopped his phone call mid-sentence.
“She’s in town with her parents.”
“That is not the arrangement,” Marcus shouted. “You need to explain to Phoebe that she is n
ot to alter the plan. Her protection detail is supposed to follow certain protocols. They are supposed to contact me if things are not followed according to that protocol.”
“I will have that conversation sir.”
At last they heard the car arrive, and Phoebe, Lucius, one of the wait staff and the two protectors entered the foyer. Marcus rushed to intercept them.
“You had us worried and you put Miss Phoebe and Lucius in danger!” Marcus screamed at the two mid twenty-year-old protectors who had escorted Phoebe and Lucius. He threatened to fire all three of them, even the kitchen helper.
When Phoebe came to their defense, Marcus turned on her, his face bright red in anger.
“I have made a solemn vow to your parents Phoebe that you are to be protected. I cannot do this if you do not abide by my rules. If you find that this is too restrictive then perhaps you should go back to Tuscany and live with your parents. I will not be responsible for something happening to you unless you follow our instructions and guidance. That doesn’t mean the rules you fancy, it means all the rules. Do you understand me? You have to take this seriously, child.”
Phoebe began to cry. She buried her face in her palms. Though it saddened him, Lionel knew it would be a mistake to comfort her. He also agreed with Marcus that Phoebe’s lack of attention, while it may not lead to her own peril, could endanger the lives of Lucius or any of the other people in her detail. He sent her a stern warning telepathically. She looked over her shoulder at him and glared.
“You too? For goodness sake, Lionel, I was with my parents!” She pleaded with Marcus. “The very people you have sworn your vow to. Honestly, you expect me to tell my own parents that I can’t see them because the Lord of this house has set in place the rules for how I am to engage?”
Marcus tried to sound calm, but Lionel could see he was way beyond boiling. He spoke through clenched teeth. “It is a strange world, Phoebe, and getting stranger by the minute. There are lots of creatures out there, with new hybrids coming out every day, it seems. Some you can see and some you cannot see. Phoebe, in your vast experience, your nineteen years of living, have you ever seen a shifter? Have you seen a body thief?”
Phoebe’s cheeks blushed red as her eyes continued to shed tears. She began to shake. Slowly, she turned to Lionel. ‘What are these creatures, husband?’ She asked telepathically.
Lionel answered her verbally coming to her side and placing his palms at the sides of her face. He spoke to her softly so as not to scare her further. “Our world is not nearly as safe as it appears, my wife. These creatures are very devious and extremely dangerous. And they only prey after sunset. So we would have given you a different detail. These men understand this and disobeyed Marcus.”
Phoebe fell into his arms.
The two former special ops protectors apologized for their mishandling of the situation. Marcus elected to give them one additional chance but warned them.
“This is how it happens,” Marcus began. “Just like when you were serving in the military. It is quiet for long stretches of time, almost boring, right? We forget to be careful. Somebody does something unexpected, and all of a sudden, we have a problem. A big problem. Or, one of us is lost. It happens in the blink of an eye, gentlemen. It happens so fast, your life or someone you care about can just be gone!”
Lionel spoke over Phoebe’s shoulder. “My wife is never to be escorted after sunset by anyone but myself or one of my two brothers, is that understood?”
“Yes sir,” the two protectors said in unison.
“And where are the other Jett brothers?” Marcus wanted to know. Lionel could tell that unless Jeb and Hugh appeared soon, they’d catch a bit of Marcus’ wrath.
“We were to meet here, at the house.” The protector looked down and shrugged his shoulders. “But we were to meet them before dark.”
Just then the front door burst open. Both Hugh and Jeb were covered in dark brownish-red blood. Sweat stained their shirts. Jeb’s hair was littered with twigs and dried leaves like they’d been wrestling in an alleyway.
“You had five,” Hugh held up his fingers to show the number, “dark coven teenagers following after all of you. They were in the bookstore. One of them served you coffee, Rory,” he said as he addressed one of the protectors, “and they were delighted to have discovered two Golden mortals they were about to make a meal of.”
“Fucking slimy bastards,” the other protector spat. “I knew there was something wrong with that kid, that barista with the green hair. I just knew it.”
“Well there you have it. You boys owe your life to these two brothers. You’re very nearly sacrificed Phoebe out of your own ignorance. Consider yourselves lucky to even be in my employ. But don’t expect I will trust you with this much responsibility again.” Marcus then ordered them out.
Lionel followed Phoebe up to the bedroom. He locked the bedroom door for good measure but didn’t expect anyone to interrupt them. Phoebe was throwing her clothes in the corner whispering and mumbling. Lionel was beside himself not knowing exactly what to do. He was so relieved with Phoebe’s current safety, he found it difficult to be mad. But his agitation was still boiling. He held back, due to Phoebe’s lack of worldly experience. He didn’t want to be disconnected to her and her thoughts, which were confusing him.
“Phoebe, if you’re going to be upset just come out with it. Just swear. Let me hear it!”
“Because I don’t want to swear at my husband. How could you do this to me?”
“Do what?” He tried to read her mind and found she’d blocked him.
“You didn’t back me up.”
Lionel was stunned. “Did you hear nothing of the conversation? Did you not see Hugh and Jeb covered with some dark coven vampire’s blood? Do you realize what it takes to do battle with—with—” He was momentarily left speechless by the realization that Hugh and Jeb had actually battled members of his own race. They had killed their own kind, and Phoebe seemed to not have an opinion or consideration about it.
“Yes. I understand and I appreciate their sacrifice. But the sun was only down for less than a half an hour. It’s not like we were wandering around the community. We sat in the lobby of the old hotel there. My parents and several of the other Monteleones were having cocktails. I chanced walking by when it was still light. I went inside and had a drink with them that’s all Lionel. That’s all!”
He had to make her understand. “So where is it written that these nasty teenagers won’t attack you if you were merely visiting your parents or getting a cup of coffee?”
She ran straight for him and drew her hand back to slap him across the face, but he grabbed her wrist and held her. His beautiful wife was but a child. He could see in her eyes the anger she had not learned to control. He worked to sound reasonable, even though he was holding the wrist of the woman he loved, who wanted to strike him for it.
“Think. Calm down and think, Phoebe.” He could feel her pulse quickening. His own breathing was deep and ragged. He had never before encountered a woman, vampire or mortal, or otherwise, who attempted to cause him physical pain. It was as though they had crossed a new threshold.
Lionel saw in her face the rigid determination of her ancestors. He saw Maria’s face, stubborn, racked with pain as she lay dying on the bed and later in his arms as he held her at the beach under the stars, watching her lifeforce slip away. He saw the stubbornness of Phoebe’s soul which was identical to Maria’s. He had lost Maria because their two worlds did not mix. Now he was staring back into the face of his beloved and realized for the first time that perhaps once again he was in a different world than the woman he loved.
Perhaps there was no way out.
He released her wrist and turned his back to her. He did not want her to see that his eyes had filled with water. Even without the slap, her wounding was deep, and he understood how vulnerable he was.
She took two steps and then touched his shoulder. He shrugged her off and moved away, mumbling, “Don’t touch me.”
The party was a welcome distraction to the frostiness between Lionel and his wife. They tried not to look at each other. But he snuck several sideways glances her way, until he felt her turn toward him. It felt like the evening was all about showing each other how cold they could be to one another. He had no appetite for the bone broth that was served at dinner, or for the home-baked bread. He drank four glasses of Claret, while she had nearly an entire bottle of champagne.
Lionel endured the stares and whispers they incurred by the other party goers. The conversation was muted. It was not a festive occasion. Even Marcus seemed to be mentally off on some distant planet. The celebration to welcome family members from Tuscany was anything but a pleasant affair.
Thankfully, the entire event was over in less than two hours. He gave a chaste kiss to Phoebe’s mother and shook her father’s hand without making eye contact. His stomach was churning, and he felt he might even be sick. But he did not allow Phoebe to be unprotected, and as she moved from room to room, was always nearby, although never at her side.
With most the partygoers gone, she announced that she was tired and wanted to turn in. He followed her silently upstairs. He opened the bedroom door and then dutifully closed it behind him. But instead of readying himself for bed, he collapsed onto the gold-colored settee, crossed his legs and stared at the floor. Phoebe soon took up the seat across from him.
“So is this what married life with you is going to be like?” she huffed.
“It will be if you don’t behave, Phoebe.”
“Do you understand how disgusting that makes me feel? To behave? To follow your prescribed rules?
“They are not my rules Phoebe, they are Marcus’ rules.”
“But you agree with them. You just told me that I must obey.”
He flashed her and angry sneer. “There was a time you used to fantasize about obeying my every command.”
“Unfair. I call foul, husband.”
“You don’t understand how dangerous it is and what kind of peril it puts us all in when you do not abide by practices and protocols that have been put in place for your own protection. What about that don’t you understand? You not only risked your own life, but that of Lucius’ as well.”
Midnight Bite Page 7