Bella Vita

by Jesse Kimmel-Freeman

This close to him, I could smell the blood. There were deep gashes in each of his legs. He won't be standing on those for a long while. I kept inching him out, trying not to think about the flames getting closer and closer.

  With one last shove, I pushed him out and then squashed out to grab him by his collar.

  Grandpa, I need you to grab hold of my neck. It didn't want to shift back into my vampire form because I would be higher in the smoke and more endangered by the fire.

  He weakly wrapped his arms around me and I started stepping out of the War room- dragging him behind me.

  Emma! Dominic's voice vibrated with worry.

  Dom, upstairs in the War room, trying to get Grandpa out... help. I was losing my strength. It was slipping away with each tug.

  I kept tugging regardless- even when I knew we weren't moving anymore. Just as the world began to tilt, I felt his presence and knew we were saved.

  “Emma... mia bella, stay with me...” I don't know if he said more because the world shifted into utter blackness.

  Chapter eleven

  The first thing I realized when I came to was that I was completely and utterly nude. But my embarrassment was shoved violently aside by my anger.

  “Where the fuck are those that would threaten our people?” I snarled as I lurched forward, only to be caught by Dom and pushed back down.

  “My little Emma bird, you must calm yourself.” Dom's words swirled in the red the haze that was coursing through me.

  It took all my strength not to send currents at him for stopping me from my quest for vengeance.

  “Is Grandpa okay?” I stared up at him- daring him to tell me something that would fuel this rage further.

  “Yes. He will be fine. He'll be weak for the next few weeks... but he is fine. I believe he was more concerned for you. What were you thinking, Emma?” His shock was clear.

  “That I had to save my grandfather and the people that were trapped inside... our people.” My eyes turned to slits, I couldn't control this anger much longer.

  “You know when you're this enraged, you glow... not just tattoolike the rest of us. You know this, right?” He shook his head as he stepped back.

  “Does it matter? I've always been odd.” I snorted at him.

  “Well, before you go supernova on me... your skin is glowing like you were dipped in radioactive goo, and your beautiful eyes could be glowing street lights. I suggest you calm yourself before you have the media in here to hear our reaction and our plan.” He turned with his shoulders slumped as he walked out.

  My fuse blew out and I felt alone and empty. A tear streaked down my cheek.

  Em? Mike's voice fluttered through my thoughts.

  Yeah? I knew even my mental thoughts would sound empty.

  I heard about the fire, and Grandpa... and... well, everything that's been going through you. I'm sorry, sweetheart. I promise any assistance the wolves can offer. I could feel his calmness slide through me.

  Thank you, Mike. I don't know if I should allow that information out or keep it under wraps for now. What do you think? My worry was chasing itself like a dog chasing its tail in my head.

  Do what you feel is right. I've already talked to the wolves, we stand firm on this. They will not play us against each other- instead we'll unite against whatever it is and take it the fuck down. He didn't have my rage behind his words, instead it was stated as a simple fact.

  Thank you, again... for everything. I pulled myself away from our connection.

  I sat up slowly. I felt fine- a little lightheaded, but otherwise fine. I stood up and slipped the robe on. It was time for me to stop being all hellfire to those that wanted the same as I did and to start planning the next step.

  Dom, I'm sorry. Can we talk now? I sent the message as I walked out of the room I was in to find Yasmin.

  “Yasmin, I need to know where we will be having our temporary War room while repairs are being done to the damaged areas.” I found her directly outside the room.

  “We have several decoy rooms set up this time, Emma. The room you're looking for is at the center of everything- very hard to attack, however, seriously lacking on the view. And, may I suggest putting on a little more than a robe- there are several smaller meetings happening in there. I believe that in your current state you won't be making the statement you want to make.” She smiled at me kindly.

  “Um, right. Thank you, Yasmin. Please inform the smaller groups and my husband to be ready to meet with me in about twenty minutes.” I turned and went back to my rooms.

  Choosing the outfit was really hard. I knew it had to be powerful, confident, sure, but not overwhelmingly so. It had to be perfect.

  When the devil did choosing a damn outfit become so stressful?! I shouted at myself.

  I slipped on my looseish black suede pants, if they would expect pantsuits and pressed shirts they had another thing coming. I pulled on my soft leather hunting boots with the special knife and gun pockets hidden in the backs. My red thermal was more for the power of the color than the warmth of the material. The final piece of clothing I shrugged into was my thick leather utility vest- complete with weapons, ammo, and anything else I might need in battle. I left my hair down. Around each of my eyes I drew black liner with red eye shadow. My final touch was to put on deep red lip gloss. My fangs slid back down as I smiled at my reflection.

  In that second I finally realized where all the images of the scary vampire came from- because I looked badass! The hunter was present more than the tough act. I decided that it worked best for this situation.

  I slinked into the room and stood along the wall. I was covered by a shadow and no one noticed my entrance. I didn't know if I should be worried at their lack of notice or be impressed by my stealth. I decided worried.

  I silently slid my knife from the back of my boot, and readied myself for what I was about to do. A point needed to be made and I was about to scare the shit out of everyone in the room- but so be it. I could feel my inner wolf beginning to be released again, to truly frighten them, but I knew that wouldn't help me push the idea that the wolves were behind this away.

  While they bickered away at each other- so loud that they couldn't notice their surroundings, it became time to act. I silently climbed up the wall- my nails making small dents with each thrust. I was well above them and stuck to the wall- the knife still in my hand- I launched myself and executed a perfect flip in the air- landing with a gentle thud in the middle of the table. My knife was inches from Dominic's throat.

  “Holy Hell! Emma!” Dom gulped for air.

  “While you're all busy henpecking each other over small nothings- you leave yourselves open to attack. I could've killed you Dominic- you who can sense my very presence, didn't even notice my entrance into the room. Why? Because you don't understand the enemy nor how they will slowly pick us off if they deem so. You choose to argue about starting a war, building an army, who's to blame, how they will pay... etcetera, etcetera. Let me explain this to you as simply as I can. There is a war. The wolves are our only allies right now. We don't need an army- we need the trackers and the elite fighters. We could ask for help from the witches, but I haven't ruled them out yet. They will pay, period... and it'll be a decision made by Dominic and I.” My words bounced around the room.

  “Your Majesty, you can't seriously be suggesting that we allow this to create panic?” One of the many people at the table said.

  “You can't lie to the people... you can prepare them for what's ahead... and you can ensure that they know to protect themselves... you can also let them know they shouldn't fear the wolves. So yes, yes I can expect to create the right amount of panic to keep our people alive.” My eyes turned stone cold as I gazed at this vampire.

  “Our people have not experienced the fears of war, Milady.” A rounded woman looked at me.

  “We are natural-born killers; we feed the nightmares of most humans on this Earth; we're built for battle... and you're telling me that you don't want our people to stan
d up for themselves, rather that they should be destroyed one by one- in silence!” I could feel the red haze coming.

  “Is war the best answer?” She continued.

  “War is never a nice or pleasant answer, but sometimes it's the only answer. Tonight I shall hunt. Tomorrow Dominic and I are sworn into this royal place... and we will let our people know that we will not be cowed. We will not be a populace ruled by fear.” I jumped off the table and walked from the room- my temper was palpable.

  Emma? Mike's voice filtered into my thoughts.

  What? I snapped at him.

  You wanna tell me what's wrong and what crawled up your butt and died?He was trying to keep his wolfish short temper in check.

  I'm sorry. It's just that they don't want to go to war... that it's a rash action... I can't fucking believe that they want our mighty people to cower and pretend that this isn't happening... what about your people? I needed someone to support my thoughts.

  We agree. We are going out to hunt tonight, see if we can dredge up anything. I assume you're doing the same thing? It was barely a question.

  Duh, why be a sheep for the taking? I felt upset.

  Don't go out alone, okay? Have some sort of backup in place... alright? His concerned softened the hardness I had wrapped myself in.

  Mike...

  “Emma!” Yasmin's brisk clicks of her heels were coming up unusually fast behind me.

  “Yes...” I turned and saw that she was pale, “what's wrong?”

  “Your grandfather is taking a turn for the worse... we can't explain what's happening.. his body is not accepting the blood as it should...” I no longer heard her words, I took off as fast as my vampire speed could carry me.

  Em, what's wrong with Grandpa? Mike's words bounced around in my mind- I couldn't answer him, couldn't think that something might be truly wrong with him. I felt him slide more into my consciousness, I could only guess it was to be able to experience what was happening around me.

  “What's wrong?” I pushed through the gilded door.

  “Mistress Emma... we don't know. We have sent for outside healers.” The doctor at his side paled as I turned on him.

  “What do you mean you don't know! I was just informed he would improve in days!” My voice raised to the danger zone that meant I would lose control.

  EMMA! Both Dominic and Michael shouted at me.

  I snapped my head to the left and right, but neither were in the room with me.

  I went to Grandpa's side. I could feel his struggle. He was being poisoned in a way we had never encountered before. It was more magic than medicine, but still rooted enough that I knew what would cure him.

  “Michael.” I said it aloud.

  Em? He was trying to see what I had decided but couldn't latch onto my floating thoughts.

  “I need wolf blood.” I heard the gasps from the room.

  Anything you need, you'll have- I'll be there in a few hours. I felt him pull away from my mind.

  “Um, excuse me, Milady, did you just say you needed wolf blood?” The doctor barely whispered at me.

  “Yes. This is no longer your concern.” I snapped just as Dom stepped into the room.

  “Mia bella... he'll be fine.” I knew he saw the worry on the doctor's face.

  “Your Majesty, may I have a word with you?” The doctor asked Dominic, I whirled.

  “Do not cross me on this. I know what will heal my grandfather, I will not have any superstitious bullshit that was meant to keep us apart from other evolved beings brought into this room and slowing down the process. Now. Get. Out.” My fists clinched.

  “I suggest, Doctor, that you listen to my wife.” Dom's voice was cool and collected.

  “As Your Majesties wish.” The man bowed out of the room.

  “Now, I can only assume that you wish to give him werewolf blood.” I knew that he could feel the answer, but he wanted me to say it aloud.

  “Yes. It'll heal him. Wolf blood is better than anything else we consume. It'll heal him. If this isn't done, he will die.” My words were full of certainty I didn't want to exist regarding Grandpa's life.

  “Then it shall be done.” Dom's words were simple, and made me feel better.

  “Grandpa... I'm not sure if you can hear me in the state you're in, and I'm too afraid to go poking around in your head... but I love you, and help is coming.” A tear leaked out from behind its lashy prison.

  Come, mia bella. Dom took my hand and led me from the room.

  I sat in the dining room waiting for the news on Mike's plane, when I heard the car approaching I was at the door before it stopped in front of the house.

  “Mike!” I launched myself at him.

  “It's okay, Em. We'll fix him.” He kissed my cheek gently while rubbing my other one with his thumb.

  “Thank you so much for coming. I just don't know what I would do...” I couldn't finish the sentence.

  “Doesn't matter, you won't have to. I brought extra power from the wolf world.” He gestured toward the car- Acacia stepped out along with two other wolves.

  It took a great deal of strength for me to swallow my pride and greet her.

  “Welcome to our home, Acacia.” I held out my hand to her.

  “No need for the formalities, let us help your grandfather.” She brushed my hand away.

  I held out my hand to the other two, “Welcome, I'm Emma.”

  They shook it and gazed at me with curiosity and wonder.

  I heard Dom step up behind me and briefly greet everyone.

  “If the wolves giving blood could please follow me.” Dom gestured everyone back into the house.

  It took three rounds of each of the wolves giving blood directly to Grandpa before his vitals returned to normal and I could feel the spell break. I offered vampire blood for them, only Mike accepted- for the others I was able to procure vitamins and orange juice.

  “He will recover now. But Mike I need to talk to you.” I said the first half loudly and nearly whispered the second to him.

  “Acacia, I have a matter I must attend to for a few minutes.” He told his mate and you could visibly see the steam rise off of her.

  “Dom, will you excuse me, I trust you can see to our guests?” I pleaded with my eyes for him to understand.

  “Of course, mia bella.” He led them into the lower kitchen as I took Mike up to the widow's walk.

  “What's up, Em?” He stared out into the space of the landscape.

  “The reason why I couldn't heal Grandpa is because it was a mixture of poison and magic. I think we're being attacked on both fronts by some form of magic wielders.” I didn't want to accuse the witches- Kelly never seemed like someone that would use her craft in such a manner.

  “Do you think it could be the witches?” Mike was thinking, he rubbed his chin absently.

  “I don't think that they would use their craft and magic for such a thing.” I didn't want to tell Mike what I was thinking- he had to get to that point alone.

  “True... you don't often hear of dark magic being worked by the witches like Kelly. It could be... well...” His voice was reluctant.

  “Mike, whatever you're thinking, you can share with me... you know that.” I had to be patient.

  “Well, maybe it's a coven of dark witches. You know, like whoever spelled me... The attacks seemed to be targeted at keeping us apart... keeping us fighting. The general witch people are always willing to join us in whatever endeavor we've- either side- so I don't think they would try to keep us separate or killing each other. But what if there are evil witches that have formed a larger group, one that would want to see us destroy each other in order to get us out-of-the-way...” I could see the wheels turning in his mind as he tried to figure out so much.

  “It's possible. Are you sure no one detected that I released your magic?” I wasn't sure how to put that.

  “Em, I don't think I could tell you if someone did hack my brain... shit, I didn't even know it the first time around.” Mike frowned.<
br />
  “I think that if someone discovered that your power has been released, then these attacks could be a result of that... also meant to push us apart.” I really didn't want to make him feel bad.

  “Well, then we will handle this as a united front and crush them.” His eyes were dark with anger.

  “I think we should get back now. Unless... you want some of my blood?” I wouldn't force him, I wanted it to offer him earlier, but I knew that it wasn't proper.

  “As much as I know I should refuse, I can't.” His grin was wolfish.

  “It's wrong of me to say this, but I'm glad you can't.” I held out my wrist to him.

  “How impersonal.” He actually pouted at me.

  “Impersonal, but very practical.” I couldn't help the smile that slid across my face.

  He kissed the delicate flesh. His tongue licked and teased the blood to the surface. I could feel my pulse kick up a notch- he smiled as my body reacted to his caresses. I felt the sweet pleasure of pain that exploded behind my closed eyes as he finally sunk his canines into me. A small moan escaped my lips. My body pulsed and I pressed myself against him- completely without thought. I blinked open my eyes and my mind cleared instantly.

  Mike. My voice failed me.

  Yes, sweetheart. His voice had turned all growl.

  Stop. I knew as soon as the physical contact stopped I would be okay.

  He pulled back, his face a mask of confusion- yet he still managed to dip back in to lick the wound and kiss it.

  “What's wrong?” His words were husky.

  “We can't let things go far. I am bond to Dominic, just as I am to you. He knows of this, I'm sure of it.” The fuzzy feeling of lust and yearning cleared from my mind leaving me in a sad state of unrest.

  “You're right. Forgive me.” I watched as he bowed and stepped away from me, my body tried to lurch toward him.

  I let him leave. I had to steady my breathing when I heard the crack of a fist meeting flesh.