I nodded and inhaled deeply, closing my eyes. A light breeze brushed the stray hairs from my face, relaxing me.
“You will focus all of your energy into your fangs.” he coached.
Calming myself, I let the beat of my heart slow. My blood coursed through my veins, reaching every muscle and nerve in my body. I was highly aware of myself standing there, so small in the wide-open desert. My body was more than it seemed. It was the same as before, but not. I was stronger and faster, with inhuman abilities. I was no longer human. I was a vampire.
“Clear your mind. I can tell you are thinking,” Wilson said.
A stab of embarrassment crossed me, as though he knew what I was thinking. But I shook my head and cleared my mind again, focusing on the darkness. Feeling the cool breeze on my skin, I focused on the thoughts and memories flooding my mind. I mentally balled them together, compacting them into a little box. I imagined that box disappearing again, leaving my mind clear. I hung suspended in oblivion. Nothing surrounding me, as if I were floating.
Once confident enough, I directed my mind toward my fangs and they retracted sharply. My eyes flew open and I gasped.
“Good job, Ruby! Good job, indeed!” Wilson’s eyes twinkled.
I reached up and touched the smoothness of my teeth, two rows of perfect white pearls. I smiled, proud of my accomplishment, small as it may be. I just might be able to get the hang of this whole being-a-vampire thing after all.
Wilson patted me on the back encouragingly. Smiling, I turned and stumbled when I saw Guy watching us from inside the house. He stood at the sliding glass door, his strong form still, his expression unreadable. Our gazes locked and my heart tugged with emotion.
Wilson noticed the silent exchange, but went on as though he hadn’t. “Now I would like to test your speed. See the saguaro cactus over there? The tall one with two arms?”
I cast one last glance toward my savior, but found him gone from the door. I shifted my gaze into the distance, straining to see the cactus, but saw only darkness. I frowned at my failure and sighed.
“I’m sorry, Wilson.” Ashamed, I looked down at my feet. “I guess I’m not very good at this.”
Wilson turned to me and put both hands on my shoulders. “Look at me.”
I raised my gaze to his dark brown eyes, almost black, but full of compassion.
“You are good at this. And you will be great soon enough, I can tell. The progress I’ve seen from you tonight takes weeks, months even, for most Newborns to achieve. I’m quite blown away. I’ve never seen such strength and stamina. It’s as if you were never meant to be human. Like you were meant to be a vampire, all along.”
I couldn’t stop the blush from spreading to my cheeks. I also couldn’t help but find it bizarre that I received a sense of satisfaction from being told I was a good vampire. Like a dog retrieving his master’s ball.
“Basically,” Wilson said, “Vision is one of the easiest of senses to control. It’s leonine. Imagine your pupils narrowing, which will drive your vision further. Okay? Let’s give it a try.”
He turned me to face north, the spotlight’s yellow glow ending only a few feet out. The rest of the desert lay in darkness. I inhaled through my nose and focused my sight. I imagined my vision narrowing, reaching out into the distance, past the light. And instantly, as though a pair of binoculars had been placed in front of my eyes, my vision tunneled and elongated, projecting my sight to the lone saguaro cactus.
“I see it!” I exclaimed. I found it funny how excited I was to stare at a cactus. But I was enthralled, nonetheless.
Wilson adjusted his tie. “Good. Now run there and back, fast as you can. Ready?”
I nodded and Wilson glanced down at his watch.
“Go!”
With inhuman speed, I whizzed to the cactus and back in the blink of an eye, the stealthy motion exhilarating me. My feet had been so fast; it was like they’d hardly touched the ground. A cloud of dust billowed under the yellow light in my wake. I studied Wilson’s expression as he checked my time.
“Well, by God,” he said, highly amused. “You are damn fast, little lady. And if I’m right, I do believe you are the fastest vampire on record so far.”
“Really?” My heart swelled. I tried to stifle the goofy grin plastered to my lips, but couldn’t. Me? The fastest vampire on record? It was crazy. I’d never been very athletic in life and the fact that I could now fly like the wind was intoxicating.
Wilson laughed heartily. “Yes, darling. Yes. The legion is going to roll over in their caskets when they see what you can do!”
“The legion?” I asked, suddenly wary.
Wilson glanced up at me. “Just like humans, vampires are organized creatures. There’s a whole political system in place. The legion is the highest point of government, dealing with all factions of the undead. They have their own soldiers, scouts, guards. Amongst many other duties.”
“Oh.” I wrinkled my nose. I didn’t like the idea of being in a vampire militia or anything of the sort.
“But that’s beside the point.” Wilson waved a dismissive hand. “It’s obvious that we don’t need to work on your vampire skills as much as we need to work on your human skills.”
“Human skills?” I asked, confused. A loose strand of my hair whipped free and stuck to my lip.
Wilson shifted his stance. “Yes, Ruby. Oddly enough, the key to being a good vampire is being able to replicate a human. If you find yourself surrounded by humans, your best defense is to blend in, be one of them.”
I nodded, pulling the hair from my mouth. I was completely immersed in the lesson. I’d been a human for so long that it was strange having to relearn how to be one. Was it even possible?
Wilson gestured out into the desert with his chin. “Now I want you to repeat your run to the cactus and back. But this time, run like a human. Jog, even. Slowly.”
I nodded. “Sounds easy enough.”
Wilson checked his watch again. “Okay. Go.”
I thought back to a few short days ago, before I’d been turned. I recalled how it was to be human. I started my legs in a trot and casually ran to the cactus and back.
Wilson considered the cloud of dust rising into the night air from under the spotlight and frowned.
“Still faster than any vampire I know,” he said, studying me.
I flinched in surprise. “But I went so slowly. It felt like it took me forever.”
“Listen,” Wilson spiked a brow. “Why don’t we call it a night? You’ve worked extremely hard and I’ve seen a lot of progress. Now that I have an idea of what I’m working with, I can mold tomorrow night’s lessons to fit your needs. I do have to say though, that you are one of a kind. I’d even go as far as to say you’re a different kind of vampire. Something beyond the norm. Something never seen before.”
I smiled at his —what was it, a compliment? Anyway, I smiled and let him guide me into the house, all the while trying to figure out how to seem more human again. This was going to be an interesting journey, for sure.
TWENTY-THREE: RUBY
Exhausted, I leaned on the kitchen counter and took a sip of goat’s blood from my glass. I winced in gross expectation, but to my surprise, didn’t gag. My pallet was getting more accustomed to the thick red syrup, and in all honesty, it made me feel better. I didn’t know what I was going to do when time came for human blood— when it was my only option. I still didn’t understand why I was so opposed to it. Whether for moral reasons or that it just didn’t appeal to my taste —I hated the stuff.
I gazed out Wilson’s kitchen window, past a threadbare curtain. We’d been training for hours and, to my relief, were forced to stop because of our limitations. The sun was close to rising and I would need to go to sleep soon. I reached up to rub the sore muscles in my arm but felt a tingle of awareness on my neck, a presence. I knew who it was without even having to turn around.
“Good job out there tonight.” Guy’s voice rippled through me like soft thunder.
I turned slowly, trying to pace my movements as Wilson had taught me.
I’ll admit it; I wasn’t the most delicate of vampires. I recalled the doors, gates, fences, and chains I’d busted through in the past few days, before I knew my own strength. But I was getting better.
“Thank you,” I said, pleased by his encouragement.
Dark circles shadowed Guy’s eyes. He hadn’t been sleeping as much as he should. Our gazes locked, rushing a river of nerves through me. How was it that this man made me feel this way? I sighed, ignoring the thought and Guy took a step forward.
“Wilson says you’re already adjusting to your new body. Your movements are even more… graceful.”
Ironically, just as the words left his mouth, I thunked my cup down on the counter, the contents sloshing out to make a mess on my face. I froze, blood dripping from my nose… gracefully.
We fell silent for a moment before bursting into laughter. I laughed so hard, my belly ached.
“Who am I kidding, Faith?” Guy chuckled as he eyed me up and down. “You’re the world’s clumsiest vampire.” I looked at him with a playfully pouty lip. “But you’ll get there. It will just take time.”
Our amusement subsided when Guy grabbed a towel and gently wiped my nose and chin, his hand brushing the side of my face. Sparks ignited within me at his touch and I tried to resist being sucked into his slate grey stare, but couldn’t help it. We stood there silently in the kitchen, eyes locked, an unseen electricity buzzing between us. All I wanted to do was crush him in my arms and hold him forever. But after a moment— or ten— he jerked his hand away and diverted his eyes. I kneaded my hands together nervously.
“I guess it’s time for bed,” he reasoned.
I turned away, embarrassed. “I guess so.”
We both knew we’d be sleeping in the same room again like the last couple of days. But this time was different, more awkward. Maybe because of the feelings I was developing for Guy. I sensed he might be returning those feelings, as well.
“You take the bed,” he suggested. “I’ll make a pallet on the floor.”
Wilson had already retired to his room and I followed Guy through the dark house and down the back hall. We entered the room and he flicked on the lamp. I studied his face, his eyes dull and tired. Guy had been keeping the same schedule as me, staying up all night and sleeping during the day, though not very well I presumed. It warmed my heart to think of the sacrifices he’d made for me and I couldn’t hold back my gratitude.
“I know I’ve said it before…” I averted my eyes from his. “But thank you.” He shoved a pile of empty picture frames to the side wall. He didn’t respond, continuing to shuffle furniture and clutter aside to make a clear spot for himself on the floor.
“I can’t begin to understand how much you’ve sacrificed for me.” I grazed my fingers across a rough patch in the wall. “I will be forever in your debt.”
Guy unfurled a rolled-up mat and laid it flat on the stone floor. His face took on a look of appreciation at hearing my words but it quickly faded into coldness. The same distant look I’d seen on him before.
“I would’ve done it for anyone.”
My heart sank, but I figured since I’d brought up the subject in the first place, I had to say something.
“Of course.”
His comment stung. I’d started to think he liked me, or at least felt for me in some way. But when he spoke like that, it made me feel cold and alone again. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe his actions were just some self-indulgent, moralistic duty he had to uphold because of what had happened to his former love. From what I’d gathered, he had a lot of ghosts in his closet and I couldn’t blame him for being distant. But I still didn’t like it.
Without changing clothes, as I had nothing to change into, I climbed into the twin bed and pulled the quilt over my body. I glanced up to notice tin foil had been layered on the insides of all the windows to block out the sun. The silver of it glittered through the wooden blinds.
Guy turned off the lamp and crawled onto his mat. Within seconds, his breathing fell soft, sleep taking him quickly. I rolled onto my side and stared blankly into the darkness. My mind spun in circles, trying to grasp what my life would be like once I was taken to the other vampires.
Guy moaned in his sleep and I curled up into a ball. For the past three days— my entire life as a vampire— I’d depended on this man for my safety. I’d depended on him as a companion. I’d depended on him for everything, really. And that connection had brought us closer together. But I couldn’t let my feelings have their way with me. I needed to stay strong, like he was. I could not let myself get too attached to Guy. He was a human after all and I was an Unfortunate Soul.
Sleep quickly pulled at my fatigued body, my mind fading away from the conflicted thoughts. Yet again, I found myself slammed into a memory, the recollections of past days growing clearer each time they returned…
Screaming pierced my ears, my own voice pitching high as I lost control of the vehicle. Leaving the smooth road, the car bucked and heaved, tossing my body back and forth. Bouncing headlights illuminated a line of thick trees. Coming closer… closer.
My heart thundered. My fingers wrapped tight around the wheel, constricting the blood flow from my heart to my hands, fingers numb. Water washed across the windshield, bleeding mixed colors across the glass like spilled paint. I couldn’t see. My chest tightened, panic stricken. My foot slammed the brakes to no avail and the car swerved to and fro, cracking and grinding over rocky terrain. My breath hitched. I closed my eyes.
Impact.
Suddenly, my breath was knocked from my lungs. Metal crunched like breaking bones and glass shattered like splintered ice. Pain erupted through my body.
And just before everything faded to black, I recalled wondering if that would be the moment I met my death. The moment I met my maker…
TWENTY-FOUR: GUY
I rose from my pallet on the floor and quietly tidied my bedding. A pang of sorrow wedged itself into my heart like an arrow when I glanced down at Ruby’s sleeping form, for I knew this would be the last time I saw her that way. It was late afternoon and, in theory, she shouldn’t wake until after sunset. I would have a few hours to go into town and gather some supplies for our trip. Our time was growing short and I needed to make sure everything was in place. I’d come too far to cover my tracks and I couldn’t afford any hiccups.
I found Wilson awake in the living room, reading a book. All of the shades were drawn and, except for a couple of burning candles, the house was shrouded in darkness. I wondered if the vampire ever slept.
I stepped forward. “I’m heading into town. I need to get some supplies for the trip.”
Wilson didn’t flinch or even look up but kept his eyes firmly on the book. “Are you sure that is wise?”
Here we go again. I raised an annoyed brow.
“Listen. I’ve destroyed my tracker and, as far as I know, none of my men are stationed here in Tucson. It won’t be a problem.” One long moment passed while I stood there, just staring at him. Sometimes I think he did it to get the better of my patience. But I waited quietly for a response.
“I have everything one would need to survive,” he explained, keeping his eyes on the page. “You’re welcome to it. There’s no need to go out.”
One of the candles sputtered from a warm draft, but the flame held strong. I folded my arms over my chest. “Unless you have a closet full of ladies clothes, I need to go into town. At some point Ruby will have to change. We can’t have her showing up at the coven looking like a tourist.”
Wilson shrugged one shoulder, but still did not look up. “Suit yourself. But be fast. I don’t like this coming and going stuff. It’s not safe.”
I said nothing but bent over in an overly dramatic bow. Wilson eyed me sideways as I backed away in mocking subservience to my king. He shook his head, annoyed, and I smiled before letting myself out the front door. There was no better satisfaction than pissing off the old
vampire.
I revved the engine of the truck I’d ‘borrowed,’ satisfied when it roared to life. I sped west toward the afternoon sun and flipped down the visor to shade my eyes. Yes, it was true Ruby would need some new clothes but I’d left out the part about having another matter to attend. If Ruby had done anything for me, it was to show me that life was short and anything could happen. And I had some loose ends that needed tying up.
I raced up the ramp, merging onto the freeway toward Sierra Vista. My mind wandered, sinking me into a time I’d tried to forget. A time in my life that almost broke me…
A blaring car horn jolted me away from my reverie and back to reality. I hadn’t even realized that I’d been zoning out. Exhaling loudly, I corrected the wheel and waved out the window, apologizing for my lack of attention. Apparently, I’d swerved into the other lane. Get it together. I rubbed my eyes with the palm of my hand. I hadn’t been sleeping but a few hours a day and it was starting to get to me.
Before long, I took the exit that would lead me to my past, a past I didn’t want to dredge up. But it was time and I needed to go there. Not so much for Lily, but for myself. Trepidation crawled up my spine as I parked and made my way into the small cemetery.
I paced the headstones, my gaze flickering from one to the next, my heart thudding quickly in my chest. The grey sky hung with low clouds and the wind blustered around me. A monsoon was moving in. The few visitors in the cemetery hustled away in lieu of the oncoming storm, leaving me alone in my search. I sucked in a deep breath, wondering what Lily had been thinking before she died. I wondered if she blamed me for her death.
I came upon the grave I’d been searching for. It was small and simple. Nothing fancy, no shiny marble. No ornate details like the larger ones surrounding it. Just a squared slab of stone, the name Lily Brighton carved in plain letters. It sat beneath a large oak, whose wispy limbs curled into the sky. A bouquet of dead roses rested against the stone. Roses from someone that loved her and was still hurting to this day because she was gone.
Unfortunate Souls (Book 1): Unfortunate Souls Series (The Unfortunate Souls Series) Page 14