by D McEntire
With a mental shake of her head, she waited as Tank opened the driver's side door. Brat landed on her lap, and she grasped him in her arms, thankful for the distraction right now and during the drive home. Home?
Sonya soothed her nerves by stroking Brat's fur as she felt the car move forward.
"How are you doing?"
Tank's voice in the quiet SUV was smooth as velvet.
"I'm okay."
"I know it wasn't easy going back there."
No, it wasn't, she thought. Not only because David had attacked her there. It reminded her of her old life. The life she'd lived peacefully until David had changed it all. Sorrow, anger, it all mixed together. She wanted to scream. She wanted to cry, but she'd do neither. Not here in Tank's SUV.
"How long have you worked at the school?"
Now, that was a topic Sonya didn't mind discussing. She was inwardly thankful he'd brought it up. "Twelve years. I started right out of college. I feel blessed to have been offered the position. I enjoy working with the children and each year is a new challenge, especially when new ones join the group."
Sonya caught herself. Her mouth was going a mile a minute. "Sorry. As you can see I love talking about the children."
"Not a problem. Your face lights up when you speak about them. I like that."
Another compliment, she thought. Pushing it aside, she found herself wanting to know more about him. Though the girls had told her a little, she wondered how much he'd divulge of himself.
"Did you grow up in Louisville?"
The question, though innocent enough and part of any normal conversation, stirred memories from the past Tank hadn't talked about in quite some time. His Cell-mates knew his story, and he knew each of theirs. Or, at least he had thought he'd known Rayne's story, one of the Cell-mates who'd recently relocated to Indiana. The revelation the Watcher was also a Skinwalker and had the ability to turn into a golden hawk at will had been one hell of a surprise to them all. The fact Dr. Olivia had known all along hadn't been a surprise.
The Cell-mates had to trust one another, so they'd agreed long ago there would be no secrets. Nothing hid in the shadows within the Cell. Trust was of the utmost importance when your life was on the line every time you set foot out of the building each evening.
Gathering his thoughts, he pressed the button on the SUV's stereo. When the classical music CD Marie had given him for Christmas began to play, he lowered the sound so the music remained in the background. He felt it a soothing balm to his soul, which was what he needed at the moment as he allowed memories to resurface.
"I was born in Nigeria in 1749, thus the unpronounceable name."
Tank heard a small noise from Sonya. He turned and saw the astonished look on her face. "Yep, that's right. I'm two hundred and sixty years old."
Sonya was quiet for several moments. Tank wanted to laugh at her expression, but he didn't because he wasn't sure if surprise or horror kept her silent.
Out of the corner of his eye, he watched her open her mouth, close it and open it again. Finally, she spoke. "Wow. You don't speak or act like someone over two hundred years old."
Tank didn't hold back his laughter that time. "No, I guess I don't."
"So, how did you come to be in Louisville, Kentucky, and as...a vampire?"
Sonya shifted in her seat. Tank knew she still tried to come to terms with her change. He understood. After his change it had taken him a while to make the adjustment.
"When I was sixteen, my village was raided. All the young men were taken as captives. Some of the women were as well. The ones they didn't want were killed."
The noise Sonya made this time was quite audible. She held a hand to her throat.
"That's horrible. I've studied history and know those things had happened, but to hear it from someone who'd been there and had lived through it, just makes it all the more real, more horrific."
Tank covered the hand she rested in her lap with his. He wasn't going to allow himself to believe her upset was over him and his past. It was because of the atrocity itself and the many others like it that had played throughout history.
"I'm sorry. Please continue. What happened?"
Tank removed his hand and returned it to the steering wheel as he slowed to a stop at a red light. "I was taken to the coast and put on a slave boat. Many died along the way. I watched as the deceased were removed from the chains and taken topside, then I heard the splashes when their bodies were thrown overboard for the water to claim them. I was very sick, but I vowed not to let that happen to me."
The light changed to green, and Tank pressed the accelerator. "When we reached what they called The New World, I was dragged off the ship and placed on the auction block with the rest of those who'd survived the trip."
Tank flipped on his turn signal, then slowly rounded the corner and proceeded to drive down another street. "A man began talking to me. He had a very thick accent. At first, I couldn't understand him. Suddenly, it was like a door in my head opened, and I understood every word."
"Who was he? One of the slave traders or buyers?"
Tank shook his head. The memory of his conversation with Dr. Olivia made him smile. The man had given him a new life.
"No. His name is Dr. Stephanus Olivia. He's the one who started the Watchers. He asked me to join him." Tank shrugged. He knew Sonya couldn't see it, but it was an unconscious gesture. "So, I did."
Tank caught Sonya's confused frown.
"You were human, right? Did he do to you what David did to me?"
The mention of the Rogue's name had Tank's fangs elongating and a growl left his throat before he could contain it. Sonya shifted, and he knew he'd either frightened or had made her uncomfortable with his outburst.
"Sorry, Sonya. It's just...when I hear that man's name I want to rip his heart out for what he's done to you."
Tank almost butted his head on the steering wheel. He was digging himself deeper where his mannerisms were concerned. Growling and threatening to rip a man's heart out in front of a woman was not the way a man should behave.
Sonya chuckled and shook her head, seemingly amused at his struggle to contain his alpha nature and present himself in a more civilized manner in her presence.
"Stop apologizing. Please, tell me more."
His heart lightened. She was laughing at him, but that was a good thing, he told himself.
"No, Stephanus didn't..." he was going nowhere near mentioning David this time. "Stephanus took my blood and gave me his, of course not until he'd explained everything, and I had agreed to join his army. I knew what I was getting into. He'd made sure I understood all of it."
"Two hundred and sixty years. You must have seen a lot."
"Yes, I have." Tank heard the sadness in his own voice. He didn't try to cover it because it was genuine. He'd seen a lot in his lifetime and much of it was not pleasant. He'd witnessed wars and atrocities that had mirrored those in his own country. He had firsthand experience at how truly evil man can be.
Not everything could be laid at the foot of man's actions, he thought to himself. He'd even seen famine and natural disasters. All had bore the same results--death and destruction. Also, he knew not all of history's darkness had been the work of human hands. Vampires had their own black marks. They'd done their share of killing humans and their own race.
Which is why you became a Watcher, a voice in his head reminded him. He'd vowed never to be a victim again and to step in for those who couldn't protect themselves.
"I'm bringing up some harsh memories, aren't I? I guess it's my turn to apologize."
"No, no. It's okay. It is what it is. You know what I mean? The past happened, and all we can do now is look to the future and hope for the best."
Sonya nodded. "I guess you're right."
She was quiet again for several moments, staring out the window as if taking in the scenery. Suddenly, she turned her face to him.
"Tank. How long do you think I'll live?"
Tank re
played her question in his head and the way she'd asked it. He tried to discern her tone. Was it sadness he'd heard? Yes, it had been there, mixed with worry. He didn't want her to worry about her future. He wanted her to be happy. He wanted her to experience the future with him at her side, but that was up to her. He knew his attraction, but did she feel the same about him?
"Only the powers that be can make that decision. I can tell you vampires live much longer than humans. I believe it's because of our healing abilities." He shrugged again, not realizing he'd done so. "We aren't immortal as some humans believe. I think they watch too much television."
Sonya's smile was small, but it was there nonetheless, and he hoped he'd eased her mind, at least a little.
"Watchers. What you and the other guys are. May I ask how many of you there are? Or is that a secret?"
The quick changing of the subject didn't go unnoticed. Tank understood the reason, but what bothered him was that he didn't want Sonya to think anything pertaining to him was a secret to her. He wanted her to know everything about him, just as he wanted to know everything about her. Though the what and when was up to her. He just hoped there would come a time when she felt comfortable enough to share.
"I have no secrets, Sonya. Especially not from you." Tank waited a moment, letting his statement sink in. He noticed her hands fidget in her lap and hoped she did it out of embarrassment and not discomfort or unease. He was definitely flirting, putting his feelings for her out there. He prayed at some point she'd do the same.
"I'm not sure of the actual count, but I can tell you there are Watchers based all over the world."
"Wow, Dr. Olivia really gets around."
Tank laughed. "Yes, he does, but he's not alone when it comes to recruiting and training. Though he gives the final approval, potential Watchers are brought to the training center at Headquarters in Texas for evaluation. They are advised what's expected of them as well as what it means to be a Watcher. It's a lifelong commitment, and it's not as glamorous as some might think." No, it wasn't. Even though the reason behind it is honorable, hunting and killing every night was far from glamorous.
Sonya took in everything Tank said. Even though the girls had told her he'd been alive in the mid-seventeen hundreds, she still couldn't believe his age. The parts of him she had surveyed with her hands in his bedroom and again in her own surely hadn't felt like it. His body was hard, rock solid. She hadn't felt an ounce of sagging muscles or leathery skin.
She was also not going to divulge he'd been the topic of conversation between her and girls. The last thing she wanted was for him to think her nosey, but she couldn't help but be curious where he was concerned.
Quickly, her mind switched gears. Watchers everywhere, and she hadn't had a clue. The idea stunned her. Then again, her blindness kept her in her own little world. One she rarely dared venture beyond.
"Sonya, do you mind if I ask you a personal question?"
Tank's anxious tone had her worried what the question might be.
"Sure."
"What's the deal between you and...David?"
Sonya found herself waiting for another growl after Tank said David's name, but it didn't come. He must have held it in this time, she thought.
"There's nothing between us. There never was. I don't know how he's gotten into his head I had feelings for him. He accused me of denying them--hiding them from myself and everyone else. I haven't a clue as to what I may have done to put those thoughts in his head."
"I'm sure you hadn't done anything. People like him see things differently than what really is. Actually, they see only what they want to see. They live in their own dream world, which makes them dangerous. Their reality is more than slightly blurred."
Sonya didn't need for Tank to tell her David was dangerous. She knew the fact well. The man had been a little off since they'd first met, but something had definitely pushed him over the edge into full insanity. He had to be found and placed behind bars before someone else is hurt, or killed.
"Do you really think you can find him?"
"Yes. I do. You don't have to worry about him anymore. He'll have to go through me as well as three other Watchers to even get a look at you."
Tank's statement should've made her feel at ease, but it didn't. She'd heard David's voice in her head. After replaying it through her mind several times, recognition had finally set in. She only hoped not to hear it again. What really worried her was his ability to call to her in that manner. Had it meant he was close-by?
Sonya wondered if she should tell Tank, but decided not to. He already seemed pretty amped tonight, and she didn't want to add to it. Besides, after having the discussion on insane vampires, she didn't want him thinking she'd lost her mind by telling him she heard voices.
The vehicle turned a corner. Sonya placed a hand on the dashboard to brace herself. Wandering thoughts and the attempt to process everything she'd learned tonight sucked at her energy. Perhaps she just needed another cup of Rosa's delicious coffee. The thought of coffee entered her mind so suddenly she almost smelled it.
The hum of the garage door opening told Sonya they'd returned to the home he shared with the others.
After Tank parked, Sonya unfastened her seatbelt and situated Brat in her arms. Before she could grab her cane, the door opened.
"Here, I'll take him."
Brat was quickly plucked from her arms, his warmth and the vibration of his purring immediately disappeared. Sonya took a deep breath and clasped her hand around her cane, fighting the urge to use it on Tank if he didn't stop mothering her.
Another vehicle pulled into the garage as Sonya slid from the seat and placed both of her feet on the ground. The engine went silent, followed by two doors slamming shut.
"I'll take Sonya upstairs. Then we'll head out to the sanatorium."
"I'll get her bags."
Sonya heard Kern grumble as his footsteps approached the rear of the SUV. The rustle of a plastic bag and the grunt he made told her he'd been stuck with the task of cat essentials retrieval. She started to apologize, but was ushered forward before she could open her mouth. Tank seemed to be in a hurry to get her upstairs, but she didn't know why. Had she said something wrong?
Her cane tapped lightly on the floor as she stepped out of the lift with Tank's hand on her arm. She could hear his grunts and finally realized why he was being so impatient. She could almost picture Brat trying to extricate himself from the man's arms, and Tank doing his best to hold on to the squirming overweight feline.
"Did you get everything you needed?"
Robyn's voice held sunshine, and Sonya couldn't help but smile each time she heard it.
"I think so," she answered. "I have my cane, which will help me get around."
"Where do you want these, Tank?" Trigg cut in.
Now was her chance. She needed to take some time to figure out her situation and what she to do next. "Is there a spare room where I can stay?" She turned to Tank who stood beside her. "I don't want to push you out of your bedroom."
Silence. Unable to see his face, she had no idea what Tank was thinking or about to say.
"Uh, yeah, there's a guest room down the hall from Tank's," Robyn answered, though sounding very reluctant to do so. "It has an adjoining door to the other guest room, which is where Si and Mya will be staying. We hadn't put them in there yet because we were worried they'd be afraid to sleep alone in a strange place, but with you next to them, I'm sure they'd be fine."
"Robyn, you want to go up and get the door for me?"
Trigg sounded as though the bags were beginning to weigh on him. Sonya felt guilty for delaying the relief of the burdens with her questions. Cane in hand, she counted out the steps to the stairs, following Robyn and Trigg to the room.
After placing her bags on the bed, the pair left and she heard the door ease shut.
Sonya explored the room with her hands and her cane, getting a mental picture of its layout. When she returned to the bed, she sensed Tank standi
ng in the doorway. She hadn't even heard it open. Immediately, she busied herself with unpacking and prayed he didn't ask for an explanation as to why she wanted to stay in another room.
What am I thinking? Sonya positioned the bag in front of her, telling herself Tank probably wasn't bothered in the least about the new arrangement. She mentally scoffed at how she once again jumped to conclusions about a situation. This one was cut and dry. Tank had brought her here to see her through the conversion and was in no way, shape or form obligated to do more. They were not a couple, nor did she know if he had any feelings for her whatsoever. Sure, he'd kissed her in her bedroom, but did that really mean anything? No, her mind stated loud and clear. She'd fallen, and he'd caught her. They were two adults alone in a bedroom with their hands on one another. He'd gotten caught up in the heat of the moment, and so had she.
With a hard tug, Sonya unzipped the side pocket of the bag, pulled out her toiletries and placed them on the bed. Deodorant, body lotion, toothbrush, toothpaste, disposable razor and dental floss. Wait. Did vampires floss their fangs? Guess she'd soon find out.
Grasping an armful, she straightened with the intent of taking them to the bathroom, but had only made one step forward before several slipped from her arms and fell onto the floor. The heavy bottle of lotion struck the top of her foot causing her to hiss in pain.
What is it with heavy objects falling on my feet?
"Here, I'll help you put all that stuff away."
Sonya raised an eyebrow. Stuff? Did he just make a reference to her much needed personal items as stuff?
He must have ignored the look on her face because she felt one item at a time being taken from her arms.
"Don't move. There's some on the floor. Let me pick them up first."
He was treating her like a child again. A blind child. Don't move, sit here, stand still, blah, blah, blah. She tried to tell herself he meant well, but his overbearing, over protecting, was grating on her nerves. She closed her eyes. One, two, three...
"Is something wrong?" Tank's voice sounded concerned.
Sonya opened her eyes and shook her head. "I'm just tired, I guess."