by Kiahana
His smile was contagious. How cool would that be to realize you had the ability to communicate silently with your best friend. They only had each other.
“Aside from the eating of humans, I like this story.”
He chuckled at my lame attempt at a joke, trying to lighten the mood.
“We taught ourselves how to live, survive, feed from humans while keeping them alive and being inconspicuous together. Our mum disappeared again but we learned to track with the guidance of a much older vampire, and found her almost a year later and killed her. She was a vicious beast, almost tore us both to pieces before we were able to behead her. She'd become a full blown Pulpa by then, frenzied from all the blood. Afterwards we finally felt free, not waiting for her to pop back up and ruin our lives in some other tremendous way. But I lost it. Barely sixty years into my new found limitless life and I went crazy. I didn't see the point in living and purposely picked fights, murdered hundreds of innocents and even almost murdered Parker when I was in a blind blood rage. I didn't remember any of it until I sobered up two years ago. I stopped killing all my meals and could actually hold myself together. Remembering my whole day and not blacking out got easier with every passing hour.
“My eyes stayed red until about two months ago. That's when I knew I could start trying to confront Parker. His powers have increased greatly, more so than I expected since he doesn't drink his victims to death.” He turned to look at me and explain. “Typically Pulpas are stronger since they gain strength by taking the very life essence out of their meals, whereas Fangs gain strength with every passing year, keeping a steady feeding pattern. Parker is definitely smarter and has the most sense, but I'm stronger than him now since I binge drank for years before finally coming to my senses.”
“Well since your eyes are clear he knows he can trust you now, right? You obviously aren't still killing and I'm sure he's just as eager to go back to the way things were.”
“Possibly, but I'll never be able to forgive myself, just like he can never do for...” He gulped and shook his head, not finishing his statement.
“Of course you can forgive yourself. You've only been clear headed for a few months since your eyes changed back. It will take time. It's not like you don't have hundreds of years ahead of you to change.”
His lips twitched at the obvious statement.
“I know. It's still weird though. Me sitting here with a human, confessing to killing hundreds of your kind. And you're the one consoling me.”
We both chuckled at the irony, though I was fully aware how I could easily have been a victim somewhere along the line if Parker hadn't been watching me all this time.
“You're not evil. Your soul is still attached or you wouldn't be kind and caring, Francis. The fact that you care enough to worry about it proves that.” I used this moment to try and get some more answers. “Sam and I were talking last night and she told me the last person Parker killed on purpose was a man about to rape her.” He nodded to confirm it was true. “Then she said something about an accident that Parker never really got over.”
He lost eye contact with me and stood up, clearly not liking where this conversation was heading, piquing my interest even more.
“What happened?” I stood with my fists clenched at my sides, nervous of what he was about to tell me.
“That's not my story to tell, and I'll ask you not to bring it up. We'd crossed paths at that time in his life and two innocent lives were taken. He blames himself even though he had only been there because he spotted me and was trying to capture me. It's my fault it happened, but he still blames himself.”
“Sounds like you're both as stubborn as the other.” His features lightened when I didn't press him for more information. “Where are you going tonight? When will you be back?”
He got that hesitant look back in his eyes before answering me.
“I've got a hunch about something and it might all lead back to the same Pulpas that changed over our mum. They might've had a hand with recent events. Don't say anything to Parker. I want to have something solid to go on before I worry him with this. He'll be devastated, so let's just keep this between us for now.”
He hadn't really told me anything so I just nodded in agreement.
“Why didn't you want to give Brian to Sam?”
That sounded horrible but he knew what I meant. I didn't really think of Brian or me as property. I knew that's what Sam had been talking about earlier.
“It's very rare to give up first rights.” He shrugged. “I gave mine to Parker for you obviously, since you're his mate and all, and because he's my brother. Sam's been around since before I completely lost it. I care about her but giving up first rights isn't something one does for a mere friend. We let others feed off our own when they mean nothing to us, but to give her first rights would be leaving his life in her hands.”
Put that way, it made perfect sense. He was keeping my friend safe. His soul was definitely still intact.
He sat back down, silence filling the room while I was deep in thought.
“Who's Tiny?”
“He was our friend before we turned. Parker turned him to save his life, and he's been forever grateful to him. He's good at staying inconspicuous and getting information. He only works for Parker though, doesn't trust anyone else and has no other friends.” He smirked at some thought or memory about him. “Chap is terribly paranoid, though can't say I blame him. He was poisoned by his own wife and mother before Parker saved him.”
Wow.
“Poor guy.” Horrible family. “If Parker's meeting with him do you think he's suspicious about the same thing you are, since he's probably getting information?”
“I doubt it,” Francis scoffed. “He's probably getting information about me, even though I'd tell him anything he wanted to know. He's still wary of me.”
“I think you two should just hang out. Not worrying about protecting me or anyone and just go out and talk and hang out. When was the last time you did something like that?”
He tilted his head back with a smile while contemplating.
“It must've been 18...”
“Exactly. Years ago.” Eighteen hundred and something; years was an understatement. “You should take me home and do something with him tonight. I know you said you had to leave town but you could do that tomorrow, or just take him with you.”
“I...I don't know.” He stood up and the next thing I knew we were standing in Parker's room. “Alright. Get your things and we'll leave in five minutes. I've got to get things together before I tell Parker my plan.”
Giddy with anticipation of the after effects of my plan, I quickly threw some things in a bag and grabbed my purse before meeting Francis in the hallway as he ushered me out of the log cabin and into a waiting car.
“We're not flying?”
That seemed to be the choice of travel lately and I was finally starting to enjoy every second, rather than being mostly afraid of dying.
“I need to keep up my energy so I plan to stay out of the sun and flying would deplete a lot of my power.” He opened the back seat and threw in the bags I'd been holding, and hadn't realized he'd taken. “Unless you have some problem with getting into a car and driving for a half hour with me.”
He was openly challenging me not to trust him, like he expected.
Head high and smirking at Francis, I got into the black car with equally black windows and waited for him to get into the driver’s side. He was snickering when he appeared, starting the car and taking off just as quickly.
It was a short drive down the mountain and back into the city, only because Francis drove like a maniac. I closed my eyes before we were off the rocky terrain, counted to sixty, then opened them to find we were on the freeway and only ten minutes from my exit.
By the time he pulled into a parking space a block from my apartment, he couldn't stop chuckling and I couldn't stop sweating.
I uncurled my firm grasp from the center console and found fingern
ail marks that would probably never go away.
Grabbing my bags, he walked me to the stairwell then plopped me down outside my apartment with a satisfied grin.
“Eager to get rid of me?” I teased, opening my door and gesturing for him to come in. “Thanks for bringing me home, and not scaring the hell out of me.” I was still visibly shaking from our journey. “Go get ready and have fun with Parker. Just tell him to call me when you're done. Ok?”
“I'm sure he'll at least ring you before to make sure I haven't offed you somewhere.” His grin was weak and fake. “Expect him to stop by tonight.” He turned to leave again. “Thanks for suggesting this. And thanks for being understanding. You're going to make a kick-ass vampire and an even better wife.”
He left on that note, leaving me too stunned to move. Or think.
I'd make a great vampire? I hadn't even thought about becoming one or that Parker would want me to be one. I guess it made sense what with me aging every day. If I got gray and wrinkly there's no way he'd want me.
Still, it was an eye opener that I should've had the brains to think about before now.
SEVENTEEN
At two o'clock, practically on the dot, my phone rang. I assured Parker that I was at home and fine, though he still sounded skeptical.
At three-oh-five he showed up at my apartment, visibly shedding his tension when I answered the door, though I'm sure he could hear me before ever entering the building. He smashed me against his chest while inhaling deeply. Good thing I'd taken a shower.
After saying he just stopped by on his way to meet Francis, I gave him a knowing grin and told him to have a good time. It was hard to remove my grip from around his neck. I loved being in his arms. Smelling his intoxicating scent and unbelievable breath made me want to stay in that position forever, but I eventually let go and sent him on his way.
He promised to be back by tomorrow morning; not knowing what it was Francis wanted to do. I told him to relax and just have fun with him. We kissed in my open doorway, quite inappropriately, until one of my neighbors came out and interrupted us.
I spent the next few hours in high spirits, washing clothes and cleaning my apartment so I wouldn't be embarrassed the next time people came over.
Sam called around five and asked if I wanted to hang out. We agreed to meet at the corner restaurant-slash-bar after she assured me she'd already eaten and just needed some girl time.
We met at six thirty, me wearing a plain yellow sun dress, her in a fantastic fuchsia number, again making me feel like an ugly sack of potatoes. Her hair and makeup were done to perfection, while I'd just thrown mine up in a ponytail and was barely wearing lip gloss. She didn't seem as distraught as she was the other times about my lack of fashion skills. Her smile was contagious as she wrapped her arm around mine and brought me into the back where we apparently had our own private booth.
As soon as I sat down, pink drinks were placed before me while she continued to smile.
“It's the same drink Parker ordered for you. I figured you liked them.”
“Thanks.” I took a long sip out of one and couldn't help but grin. It was delicious. “So how was last night?”
“Amazing.” Her face got animated. “I haven't had that much fun in a long time. You're a sexy dancer and Brian wasn't as bad as I thought he'd be.” Her eyes got wide, revealing a fact she obviously didn't think she should. “I mean, sex with a human is considerably different than with a vampire, what with our speed and strength. It's just different.”
“I bet. I'm not judging you.” I winked and took another long pull from the tiny black straws in my glass. “Parker's amazing in bed, I can only imagine what it would be like between two of your kind.”
“Yeah he is.” She sat up straight and instantly lost the glassy eyed smirk on her face. “I mean...I meant vampires together are amazing.”
She kept looking around, too antsy, as if waiting for me to freak out or danger to pop up at any minute.
“It's ok. He told me about you two.” Her eyes got wide while I finished off my first drink. “Don't get me wrong, I was planning on hating you before I even met you, and then for sure once I saw how beautiful you are, but I can't. You're too nice of a person and you mean a lot to the Smith brothers.”
“The Smith brothers?” She cocked her head to the side in confusion.
“Francis and Parker.”
“Why are they the Smith brothers?” She seemed kind of upset about it.
“Isn't that their last name?”
Now I was confused, but she seemed less tense.
“We don't have last names. Vampires that is. But if they were to go by their human last names then theirs would be Dowling.” Her smile returned full force. “Isn't your last name Smith?”
“Yes. Why would they tell me that was their last name?” What the hell?
“Well didn't you first meet Parker in high school?” I nodded. “He had to have a last name so he probably just picked a common one.”
Simple enough.
“I guess.” I couldn't help but stew over this new piece of information. “Anyways, how long are you going to be in town? I've got to work all week but maybe we could hang out again next weekend.”
“I'd love that.” The way she said love was kind of elaborated. I wasn't sure if she was being sarcastic or if it was just in my mind. “Wait here, I think I just saw someone I know. Be right back.”
She stood and walked through the mass of people with the arrogance of someone who knows they can't be messed with, then out onto the sidewalk where she disappeared.
Alright, she was acting weird. I got out my phone and sent a quick text to Parker.
Out with Sam. What r u doing?
Sam reappeared moments later, smiling brightly while taking the seat across from me again. I looked down at my phone to see that the message hadn't gone through and said I had no signal. Well, damn.
“Can I borrow your phone? Mine always has service, but for some reason it's not working.”
“I didn't bring mine. Sorry.”
Double damn.
“That's fine. It's just weird.” Whatever, I'd just call Parker on my way home. “So are you going to be staying at Parker's all week? Maybe we can all go out for dinner, and we can invite Brian.”
“Not likely.” Her tone was sad, and an awkward smile remained on her face. “It's just that you two are soon to be mated, I don't think it's completed yet, and you're going to want your privacy. I can bunk at Francis' or another friends. No biggie.”
After finishing my second drink and some more awkward moments with Sam, I took out a twenty and left it on the table. She'd called me to hang out, but she wasn't really saying much. It was just awkward all around.
“Well, I better get back home. Thanks for hanging out.”
She stood and walked out with me, continuing to glance about.
“Are you waiting for someone else?”
“No. I just keep hearing things and when I look I can't find the person who's saying them.”
That was...weird. Again.
“Oh. Ok, well I'll see you later.” She released my arm and smiled before turning to walk in the opposite direction as me.
I immediately got out my phone and tried to call Parker but got a computerized voice telling me that my phone has been disconnected. What the hell?
I tried Francis', again got the same thing. Thinking twice before taking another step, I walked back into the bar and asked to use their land line.
Parker picked up on the first ring.
“Hey, sorry to bother your brotherly bonding time but for some reason I just have the creeps.”
“What's wrong? Where are you?”
“Sam called and I met her for a drink at the corner bar by my building. She was acting weird and said it was because she kept hearing something but couldn't find the person making the noise. And now my phone says it’s been shut off and I couldn't get ahold of you so I'm using the bar's phone. Anyways, I think she might be
in trouble or something.”
“Maybe. Francis just tried to ring her and she didn't pick up.”
“She told me she didn't have her phone on her when I asked to borrow hers.” I heard urgent whispers but couldn't make out what they were saying.
“We'll be back in an hour. Go straight home and wait for me.”
The line went dead.
I'm glad I called them. Something was obviously wrong. When I got home I was going to call my phone carrier and get this straightened out right away. Talk about inconvenience.
I quickly left and started back to my apartment with my head down, trying to think everything through. If Sam was in trouble, I'd feel horrible if something happened to her. I should've stayed longer with her, or insisted she come back to my place.
I was halfway across the street when I heard my name called out. Looking around, I couldn't see anybody waving or looking at me, so I continued on. When I stepped onto the sidewalk, I heard it again.
“Piper.”
This time it was loud and clear.
I glanced up and saw a tall figure leaning against the side of the building with a dark cowboy hat, arms crossed and looking to not have a care in the world. Red eyes glared into mine, lips twitching once he knew I recognized him.
My first mistake: making eye contact with him.
He pulled me in with his stare and held me there. I was unable to move though all I wanted to do was scream and run away. People continued to push past us without noticing the incredible danger playing out right in front of them.
“Don't scream, follow me as if nothing is wrong.” His tone was deadly.
I had no choice but to obey as he turned and started down the sidewalk the opposite direction from my building.
Shit, shit, shit. I recognized him almost instantly as Quinn, the beast that bit my leg while being chained to Francis' bed. Had he come for revenge? Did he nab Sam too?