Undying Vengeance

by Burnham, K. L.

  Armani felt shame in admitting to Simone that he planned to kill the guilty ones. “I hope you can forgive me and understand that this is something that I need to do for you and for me.” Armani kneeled, placed his hands on the ground and kissed Simone’s tombstone. “I love you, my angel in the night.”

  Armani stood, reached inside his shirt and pulled out the necklace with Simone’s ring attached. He kissed it, tucked it in his shirt close to his heart. The hawk sat in the tree, not once taking its eyes off him.

  The north wind picked up, whistling and whirling around him while he walked toward his car. He fastened his coat and walked faster. Armani stopped a few steps from his car door when he heard a whisper in the wind.

  He assumed it was his imagination playing tricks on him, took a few more steps opened the car door. This time he heard the voice clearly like someone was whispering in his ear.

  “I understand and I love you, Armani.” Simone said her voice soft.

  Armani fell beside his car, curled up in the fetal position, and wept. Simone’s voice so near broke his heart into a million little pieces. Armani was lost in darkness and despair, unaware of anything around him including the black hawk standing a few feet away.

  Chapter Twelve

  Donovan watched Armani mourn for Simone and his heart went out to him. He feared he would lose him to the blackness of death soon if he didn’t help Armani cross over and become a vampire.

  “You incompetent fool!” Victor raged.

  Donovan jumped. “Sir, I am busy watching Armani through my friends eyes.” Turning his head he glared at Victor. “Can this wait for a few minutes?” He asked. Donovan turned back to his crystal globe. The globe was his connection to his hawk and he used this to see things the hawk saw.

  When Victor had mentioned Armani and the need for him to become a member of The Dark One’s, Donovan jumped on the opportunity for a number of reasons. The first was that Armani made him feel human again, instead of a vampire. The sad reality was that Donovan wanted to be human again and this enraged Victor. Victor stuck to the belief that once you cross over and join the Dark Ones, your heart becomes black and human feelings such as love should be a thing of the past. For Donovan this wasn’t the case. Victor tried to brainwash him, but it was to no avail, because Donovan would always believe in love.

  Victor was behind him in seconds. Donovan felt the cold steel blade of a knife on his neck. “I’m starting to think I should have let you die that night.” A gut wrenching dark laugh escaped him. “You are worthless as one with me. Do you know why?”

  Donovan moved from the cold blade and stood to face Victor. He blocked his thoughts so Victor couldn’t read his mind. “I’m sure I can give you an answer.” He said his heart racing.

  Victor slid his tongue over his protruding fangs like a hungry animal at feeding time. Donovan had never seen him look so evil. It was like staring into the eyes of the Devil.

  Victor threw the knife down and stared at Donovan. “You bore me! Answer my question. Do you not remember the rule? When I ask you a question, I expect a direct answer.” Victor threw his cloak behind him. “Not in a minute, right now!”

  Donovan stared into Victor’s eyes. “I know exactly why. It’s because I have my own way of handling situations and people.” He paused and continued before Victor could interrupt him. “I’m not going to rush into Armani’s home and force him to cross over. He needs time to mourn, say good bye to Simone, and be ready for me to help him realize that becoming a vampire is the right choice . . . .”

  Victor screamed. It sounded like a high-pitched squelch. “You are to do things the way I see fit for you to do them. Why do you have sympathy on this man? He means nothing to you. All that should matter is that we are building an army of vigilante vampire’s called The Dark Ones. We both know Armani is a perfect candidate. The evil is within him. All he needs is for you to release him from his pain.”

  Victor flew to the ceiling and circled Donovan. “I’m hungry,” He seethed through sharp fangs.

  Donovan tilted his head, looked at Victor and was met with a blow that threw him on his back. His head hit the wood floor. He opened his eyes and Victor was on top of him staring at him. Donovan tried to move his arms but Victor had them pinned down.

  “Let me give you an ultimatum, son,” Victor began. “I want you to talk to Armani in two days and convince him to cross over. If you don’t, then I will do it myself.” A smile played on his lips. “And you know what that means.” He laughed, rolling his head back. “If he refuses me, I will take him by force and I’ll come back here and kill you. So, the choice is yours, Donovan. You have two days to meet Armani and convince him to join the Dark Ones. I’d really hate to kill you, but I’m sure your blood is sweet.” He smiled. “I will drain you dry and then burn you.”

  Victor stood, extended his hand to Donovan and helped him to his feet. “I know you’ll do the right thing.” He walked toward the door, stopped halfway turning his head to the side. “You know it’s not all about you anymore. Your friend, Armani, is close to death. He has been contemplating suicide for a time now and if you don’t act in the next couple of days, it will be too late.”

  The door closed and Victor was gone. Donovan knew what had to be done. He believed Armani needed more time to mourn, but time was something he had no control over. Victor was a man of his word and if he were to get involved with Armani’s cross over, they may as well both be dead. Victor was not one to reckon with.

  Donovan’s heart raced. How could he do this in a gentle way? How would he convince Armani to cross over of his own free will? He had so many unanswered questions he felt he was going to lose his mind.

  Donovan was a fortunate vampire in many ways. Although he was lonely more often than not, he still had a conscience and a heart of compassion. Many of the members of the Dark Ones were emotionless. Their soul desire was vengeance. They thrived on the blood of humans and took delight in tormenting their victims before drinking the blood. Most members of The Dark One’s didn’t kill the innocent, but a few drained them to near death which was dangerous because it could easily go too far and allow rage and hatred to devour them. Once a vampire took an innocent’s life they escalated from vigilante to predator. Donovan vowed to never do this no matter how strong his desire for human blood was.

  Donovan heard a rustling and turned to see his faithful companion perched on the window ledge. The hawk used its sharp beak and pecked the window when it arrived home from a mission Donovan had sent him on.

  Donovan opened the window and said, “Hello there, my friend. You did well. Thank you for watching Armani. He is a hurting soul and needs our companionship.” Donovan walked to the aquarium filled with white mice. He lifted the cover, caught two of them and placed them on the floor.

  The hawk eyed them, swooped down and using his powerful talons grabbed both rats.

  “Those poor mice don’t have a chance with you. What an awful death to be swooped up by a powerful bird such as you, torn apart and eaten alive.” Donovan shuttered. It was an awful death for the little critters.

  The hawk tore their flesh apart, its head twisting and turning, white fur flew in the air like a pillow fight gone bad.

  Donovan thought about Armani. He had to visit him in the next two days and his plan was to do this tomorrow evening. He hoped Armani would be home, because God have mercy on both their souls if Victor interceded.

  Victor sat perched high in a tree beside Donovan’s house watching him and reading his mind.

  “I’m sorry, Donovan,” he said, “but if you don’t do this by tomorrow night, I will kill you.”

  The sun set in the distance, his stomach told him he had sat longer than he expected. Hunger plagued him. Not only hunger for food, but a burning for the blood of a human. Victor knew he was losing the battle with evil. Killing had become an adrenaline rush for him like hunting wild game. In the past he had only drained his victims of blood to the point of unconsciousness and he always erase
d it from their memory. Not any more. That Victor was gone forever. He enjoyed the look of terror and the smell of fear in his human victims when he ascended upon them. The blood mixed with fear tasted sweeter. There was no turning back once a vampire craved humans that way. The only way to end that compulsion was for a vampire to kill himself, and Victor refused to do that. He’d hide what he really was from Donovan and the others who would join The Dark Ones.

  Victor stood on the thick branch and extended his arms, feeling so much freedom. Why wouldn’t any human want to be a vampire and possess these powers? He couldn’t answer that and didn’t care to think about it. It was time to hunt for his next victim.

  He swirled his black cloak around him, soared into the sky and scoured the streets listening to people’s beating hearts.

  “Ah, sweet music to my ears,” Victor said blissfully.

  Victor decided to hunt at Manhattan Park. It was the perfect place to find an unsuspecting victim. Tall trees lined the park’s pathway and benches were scattered throughout. Victor scanned the grounds and admired the beautiful stone sculptures. He loved the statue of a large black horse rearing like the black stallion. Victor smiled. This is the spot where he first saw Armani. A spark ignited within. He knew Armani would one day be a member of The Dark One’s. One sniff and he sensed the monster lurking within Armani’s soul.

  Armani must become one of them. Victor sent for Donovan and the hawk to be the guardians for these two mortals. Victor wanted Armani and he always got what he wanted. Unfortunately, Simone had to be killed by malicious men who would soon meet their own deaths at the hands of Armani. Victor was looking forward to watching Armani kill the two men who did this.

  Victor sighed and sat on the bench near the horse statue. A few people were walking through the park; couples holding hands, people walking their beloved dogs, and a few loners.

  A grin spread across his face. There she was. He licked his lips, his mouth salivating.

  “Perfect,” Victor said, his black heart beating wildly with anticipation of the kill. In an instant he was behind her, watching and waiting, like a predator stalking its prey.

  The little dog turned and growled, pulling on its leash trying hard to break free and come to Victor.

  “Stop it!” The woman exclaimed. She turned to see what the dog was looking at. “I’m sorry, sir. My dog tends to get a bit over excited and growls at people.” She bent over and picked up the dog holding it close. “Have I met you before?”

  Victor wondered why she would ask such a stupid question. He smiled. ‘Pick me up, if you dare, my dear.’

  “No, I don’t believe we have met.” Victor said his eyes flickered. “My name is Victor and you are?” He extended his hand and held hers.

  The woman blushed. “I am Katrina. I come here just about every day to walk my dog. It’s so beautiful here, even in the cold of winter.” She smiled her bright blue eyes sparkling like a glassy sea.

  Katrina was a beauty. Maybe he would rethink killing her and just take her to his home to feed on from time to time. Make her his slave of love, to do as he wished. And the steady blood from her would be a godsend when he didn’t feel like hunting. ‘Well, sweetheart, this may be the last time you see this park for a long time.’ He thought. Victor smiled his eyes like ice. Having crossed over from human to vampire at the age of 34, he remained that age although he was hundreds of years older. Would he cross this young beauty over? The thought excited him. He had so many things he could teach her.

  “May I interest you in joining me for a cup of coffee?” Victor offered. The anticipation of the hunt excited him, such an adrenaline rush. This was proving to be too easy. ‘Stupid, stupid girl, I’m surprised you’re not dead already. So naïve,’ he thought with a shake of his head.

  Katrina blushed and looked at the snow covered ground. “I’d love to, but I need to bring my dog home and freshen up a bit if that’s ok?” She stated, meeting Victor’s gaze. What a handsome man. This stranger was tall with long raven black hair, mysterious cold green eyes that lit up when he smiled. Looking him up and down she noticed he was decked out in black from head to toe. “Are you in a gothic band or something? What’s with the black cape?”

  Victor rolled his head back and laughed. “That’s funny, but I’ll take it as a compliment since you took me up on the offer to go out for coffee.” He stopped laughing and put his hands on her shoulders. “No, I’m not in a band, but I guess you could say I am a gothic guy, if that’s what you call it nowadays.”

  A chill ran down Katrina’s spine. His touch was cold. “Yes, that’s what we call it. You should know that since you dress the part.” She stepped away from Victor. “Well, I’ll be going now. Where do we meet?” The dog growled.

  Victor stared at the dog wanting to kill the half pint rat. It’s whining and growling was wearing on his last nerve but people walking and talking as they passed by reminded him to act like a decent man. “Let’s meet right here.” He stated, pointing at the park bench.

  Katrina twirled her hair around her finger. “That sounds great, see you then.” She smiled and hurried off with her dog in tow.

  Victor watched her walk away listening to her heart beat precious life blood through her veins. The hunger pangs for blood gnawed at him. Victor knew what he must do in the next hour to sustain himself until he got Katrina to his home. “Time to find a victim to feed on,” he said, a wicked smile on his lips.

  The wind whistled through the trees as the sun set. A few snowflakes danced in the sky. People scurrying through the park made it easy for him to spot his next meal. A short fat girl sat alone on a bench a few feet away. Victor noticed she had been watching Katrina and him with envy and jealousy. Her soul was black and full of hate. He made eye contact with her and she quickly averted her gaze to the ground. ‘That one doesn’t deserve to live,’ Victor thought. In a flash, he was sitting next to her on the wooden park bench.

  “Excuse me,” the girl said. “I’m waiting for someone.”

  Victor laughed. “I know. You were waiting for me. Don’t bullshit me, girl. You are waiting for no one or you wouldn’t have been staring at me while I talked to that lovely lady. I see inside your cold, empty, lonely soul.” He grabbed her hand with his icy grip and dug his nails into her flesh. Fresh blood dripped from the wound.

  “Ouch!” She exclaimed, trying to pull her hand from his. “Let me go!” Tears streamed down her chubby cheeks.

  Victor shot into the sky, holding her hands and scanned the park for a safe desolate spot. The girl kicked and screamed trying desperately to free herself. “Please don’t hurt me!”

  Victor found the perfect spot, descended and thrust her onto the ground. “Shut up. I have no patience for the likes of you and begging for your life only excites me more.” Victor crossed his arms and stood over her. “I am a predator and you are my prey.” He swirled his black cloak in front of his face and slowly lowered it exposing his fangs.

  The girl screamed and sobbed. Tears fell down and she curled in the fetal position. “Please, let me go. Don’t hurt me,” she whimpered.

  Victor dropped to his knee and held her face in his hands. “I do have a question for you, my dear.” His stare shot daggers into her soul.

  “W-w-what?” She stuttered. “Just let me go home.”

  “Too late for that, so stop your begging. I don’t like it. It only infuriates me more.” He wasn’t playing games. “I’m hungry and thirsty. Now, how old are you?”

  Victor pinched her cheeks so hard her lips shaped like a fish’s. “I’m 31, sir.”

  Oh, the tears, the endless tears. What drama these humans went through to try to get themselves out of a jam. The human race should win an Emmy Award for their performance to please only to get their way. Victor loathed people like this. He preyed on them. He knew his food supply would never run short.

  “Nothing will save you now.” Victor threw his cloak aside, grabbed the girl’s head, tilted it and sunk his fangs deep into her jugular v
ein. He sucked, enjoying the bittersweet taste of blood. She fought him, screaming and hitting but after a few minutes she twitched and ceased to move. He knew she was dead and his bloodlust was satisfied.

  Victor picked up the girl and threw her aside like yesterday’s trash and wiped his mouth with a cloth. It was time for him to wait for his new angel, Katrina.

  The park was enveloped in darkness, street lamps illuminated the sidewalks. Victor inhaled, enjoying the sweet smell of the night air mixed with blood. He felt like he was in Heaven, which held no place for him.

  His keen sense of hearing made him turn his head. There she was, Katrina, his piece of Heaven walking toward him, a big smile on her beautiful face. For the first time in his long existence Victor felt nervous and happy for a brief second but the rage and hatred returned just as quickly with force.

  Katrina was going to be his prisoner forever! If he didn’t kill her in time, he would turn her into a vampire. He swallowed hard, his mouth salivating, adrenaline rushed through his veins. Victor stood, his black cape swirling in the wind. He flashed a sexy smile at Katrina and walked toward her.

  Katrina smelled like fresh flowers. What a delightful sweet aroma.

  “Hello, my dear,” Victor said and kissed her hand. “You look stunning.” His eyes devoured her from head to toe.

  “Thank-you, Victor,” Katrina said, smiling. “Well, shall we go?” She took a few steps in front of him and tried to ease the nervous butterflies dancing in her stomach.

  Victor watched her walk and yearned to taste her blood. Katrina’s hips seductively swayed, her long brown hair cascaded down her back, the petite frame, so fragile. ‘My God, her appearance is almost identical to Armani’s beloved Simone.’ He thought.