by D. R. Rosier
There were fourteen piles of clothes, six of them were in shreds, as if someone had torn their bodies apart. Vampire bodies decay to dust quickly when they are killed. Not instant dust like in the movies, but quickly over about five minutes. I reached out with my power and decayed all the clothes as well, before someone official saw them. It was just a few minutes later when the cops and Hardin arrived just seconds apart.
I told them it was a hit and run, that the driver ran the light and I got knocked out. When I came to the truck was empty and no one was in sight. I left it at that, the vampires probably stole the pickup, the cops would never solve it, but would probably assume it was some kids, possibly a gang, out on a joy ride.
What Amy said to me did sink in, and I could see her point of view, I was desperate to believe it, but the fact remained that I was willing to steal portions of souls to stay alive. In truth, that did bother me a great deal, but not nearly as much as the fact I couldn’t be with the one I loved. No, I could only be a hunter, taking pleasure from strangers only.
I was really happy Amy was free, but I had never hated myself more than at this moment. I was bitterly conflicted, I wanted her to choose to stay with me, needed her, but how could I bear it if she did? The fact our souls were connected just made it that much more complicated.
Was she dependent on me? Would she die if I broke the binding, or if I simply died? Or would she become vampire again? I did something that felt right, but could have been a huge mistake. Granted, if I hadn’t we would both probably be dead by now anyway, it was a moot point, still, these were things I needed to find out.
“Are you alright Vince?” Hardin asked.
I shrugged, “I am well, I’ll be happier when this thing with Silas is worked out.”
“Interesting what happened to Amy, she called me with her mind you know. I almost jumped out of my body in surprise.”
I grinned despite myself, zombie humor…
“Yeah, I’ll need to figure out what I did, she is no longer a slave, or a vampire. But she is still bonded to me, and me to her.”
Hardin said uncomfortably, “Sir, there is something you should know. Something I found out.”
“Why so awkward?”
He shrugged, “It is not one of your favorite subjects.”
I sighed, “Go ahead and tell me.”
“Well sir, when you eat a part of the soul. It makes the human feel sick, uncomfortable in their own skin. They are even more likely to pick up a normal disease for a time. But I don’t think you are aware that the damage you do isn’t permanent. I don’t mean to say it isn’t a burden, but you aren’t doing as much harm as you believe you are.”
I muttered ungraciously, “And how would you know that?”
He said, “Well, we are bonded, all of us can feel your strong emotions and moods. It vibrates through your bonds.”
I frowned, I hadn’t known that either, but that wasn’t what I meant.
“No, how do you know it isn’t permanent?”
He said, “I heard it around, and although I can’t substantiate the rumor it makes sense. If demons are in hell punishing the wicked, and they eat souls for sustenance, well, they would pretty much starve in short order. No, they eat a part of the soul, and may I say while torturing a spirit, not giving them orgasms, and the soul regenerates. The soul is infinite my dear boy, all those people you have slept with are fine now, except maybe the ones from last week.”
“So?” I mumbled, being kind of a jerk, but I didn’t want to think about it.
“That means you aren’t doing irreparable harm, and could in fact revisit someone after enough time passed.”
That actually did make me feel a little better, I wouldn’t mind revisiting Kim, and a few others from the past that have stuck in my mind. I was still horrified with the thought of sleeping with Amy though. Perhaps I was just an overprotective fool, but I wouldn’t allow any harm to befall her if I could help it. Ever. Probably part of why she was so angry at me earlier, I knew she was more than capable of taking care of herself, hell, probably more capable than I was. But love doesn’t make sense really, it isn’t logical.
When we pulled in I took a shower for the third time that day. There was enough time before afternoon council for a quick lunch before we left. I was walking down the stairs when I ran into a very sexy and determined looking Amy.
She grabbed me with a speed and strength that would have challenged my demon side and pulled me into the softest, sweetest kiss I have ever had. This was so much different than any other kiss. I loved her and more I felt her love for me as a light connection between our minds was opened. She showed me what I showed her, how she felt about me.
It was so confusing, how much she loved me… I was so not worth it.
She broke the kiss and whispered, “It hurts too much. Now that I am free I need to be with you, it hurts too much to be in the same place, and not be able to touch you, love you.”
I was torn. Everything in me both wanted to give her anything she wanted, and at the same time shied away from giving her pain. It seemed I could not give her one without the other.
I said, “Can you give me time to..”
She cut me off with a growl and another kiss, this one hard, possessive, her hand running through my hair.
I said, “Wait, let me explain, I could never deny you, not for long. But for my sake, before I hurt you, can we look for a way to block my power. Maybe the witches or sorcerers know a way. Please.”
I held her hand and squeezed it, her face softened at the desperate plea in my voice and eyes.
“Okay, but I won’t wait long. I’ve waited long enough already… asshole.”
I said sarcastically, “Oh good, I would have missed the abuse, I’m glad some things never change.”
She giggled, because sarcastic or not, she read the truth of it. I would have missed it. I was kind of crazy after all.
“Let’s get lunch…”
She punched me, and it hurt, “You know I can’t eat.”
I grinned, “Are you sure about that? Do you need nothing to eat now, or did your diet change?”
Her eyes widened and she zipped down the stairs. I laughed as I chased after her to the kitchen…
Chapter 6 – Anise
I had stayed a little late, but still made it back to my apartment by nine. Unfortunately the moving truck didn’t get there until close to ten thirty. I was trying to be polite but it was close to lunchtime. I wanted to eat with the ladies, and I especially wanted to be there in the afternoon to see what happened with the demon… and my granddaughter.
I was trying to come up with a way to watch over my families better. Amy had been in slavery so long, captured by vampires. I could have freed her long ago, if I had only known about it. Instead I had been raising another family, then wandered aimlessly for a hundred years healing people.
Still, it wasn’t my fault, but I still felt I could have, should have, done something sooner. I also wished my furniture wasn’t here yet. I bit my lip thinking about last night. Maybe I could return the favor and drag Willa home tonight.
My phone rang and it turned out to be Tim, the vampire clerk. They were requesting aid and healing. It must be bad if the witches couldn’t handle it. Not every sorcerer learns to heal, it is a difficult process to learn, but I had nothing but time and sorcery is something I love to do.
I told the movers I had an emergency but they were adamant I couldn’t leave them alone for insurance reasons. I knocked on my neighbors doors until someone trustworthy answered, it took four different apartments.
“Hi, I’m sorry to bother you, but I have a work emergency, healthcare, would you mind supervising the movers while they put stuff in my apartment?”
The young man nodded, not taking his eyes off me. I smiled gently at him and handed him a spare key. I hoped he was eighteen, it was a close thing.
“Thank you, I’ll cook you dinner to pay you back? Or, return the favor some other way.”
> He said shyly, “Oh, I don’t mind, don’t worry about paying me back. I’m sure I’ll need your help one day. I’m Bill by the way.”
“Thanks Bill, I’m Anise.”
I showed him the apartment and introduced him to the movers and went down the stairs. I had no idea how bad the person was hurt, I’d be upset if someone bled out while I was playing meet the neighbor. I ran the couple of blocks, not willing to risk exposure, even for a life. It was a hard decision but in the long run I saved so many more lives if people didn’t know what I was.
I walked through and Tim directed me through the council room to a side door. I got my first look at the patient. No wonder they needed to call me. It was a young vampire, and he was missing half a leg. Witches could heal just about anything, but they couldn’t grow limbs. Lisa was there, I could see the magic she was working, some kind of pain blocker.
“Hi, so what happened?”
The vampire scowled, “The necromancer… actually it was Amy that did this, I managed to escape.”
I looked up at Lisa and she shrugged to indicate she wasn’t sure what the story was.
“So, why did you attack them then?”
He mulishly closed his mouth and I frowned. I crossed my arms and started asking questions to distract him while I grew out his leg. It was very advanced sorcery, molding earth, water and spirit into blood, bones, muscle, cartilage, and fat. I made sure to match blood type as well as the bones so what I did wouldn’t be rejected by the body. Although, as he was a vampire I didn’t have to be as exact, I was anyway.
“So why did you attack them? Who gave the order? Why did they give the order?”
He ignored me outwardly, and although I couldn’t read minds I could get the gist of things. It was obviously Silas again, but why give the order if they would be here in just a couple of hours anyway?
I realized I missed a vital question, just assuming they kicked the vampires asses, Vince should be as powerful as she was, but he was so inexperienced, “Where either of them hurt?”
The vampire said grudgingly, “Vince was hurt in the beginning of the fight, but both of them are fine. I lost a lot of friends today, why didn’t you ask about that?”
I shrugged and saw Lisa’s eyes go wide. I guess I could be a cold bitch at times, but I had no pity for stupidity.
“You attacked them, seems foolish. Although you and your brethren probably didn’t have a choice, so the fault lies with Silas. I’m sorry for your loss.”
I felt guilty now, the deaths of those young should be pitied, they were sent to their death by a fool. I was too close to it really, ancient or not, attack my granddaughter and I will act out emotionally.
Turning to Lisa I said, “You can let him go now.”
He frowned, “What about the leg?”
I winked and said, “Have a look for yourself.”
His eyes widened as he took in the fresh looking skin, almost like a newborn baby.
“Thank you.”
I nodded and the three of us walked out to the main council chamber. There were only a few more minutes before lunch break. Leanne waved me over looking happy to see me, so Lisa and I sat over with her. The vampire I healed disappeared out the back door. Silas was going on about the death of the vampires being a crime, and I agreed, it was his crime.
He was telling the truth, but in a way that twisted everything, I could even feel his compulsion lightly touching the entire room. I didn’t understand how he was getting away with that, but he seemed to be. Slowly the attack started making sense to me. If it succeeded he wouldn’t have anything to worry about. Since they fought off the attack, Silas now had more false ammunition against them. He was playing a dangerous game though, it was all lies, a veritable house of cards that could collapse on him at any time.
Yet, the others ignored it. I understood it was an internal vampire matter to a certain extent, but he was the one raising it in council. Of course he would need the others help if he wanted to fight a necromancer, maybe it was that simple but I still felt like I was missing something.
This is why I hated politics and usually stayed out of it. But I had failed my granddaughter enough in this life, I would do what I could for her if necessary.
He finally stopped spewing shit and the meeting broke for lunch.
We went to a nearby Deli for some hoagies and ate in the nearby park. I mentioned some of my concerns, and asked about the compulsion.
Willa rolled her eyes, “He isn’t fooling anyone I don’t think. Although I am ashamed to say he went behind my back and one of the other covens helped him with amulets this morning, without my approval. I’m honestly surprised the necromancer and vampire woman are still alive, they must both be very powerful. Still, I will not help Silas, and have taken the head of that coven to task for interference.
“I cannot act against him either, unless some way is found to make this a joint community issue. I don’t see how though short of nominating him into his own council seat. It could be argued that Vampires as undead belong to both groups which would open it to the rest of us as well. But no one else would go for it. I trust what you told me yesterday, but no one else will. It’s just too weird. Necromancers are cruel bastards who trap and enslave ghosts, especially us paranormals, they are not the good guys.
“I could challenge for leadership, but honestly I’m pretty sure he would kick my ass.”
I just nodded glumly, I hope my new friends, and lover, wouldn’t hate me if I had to act. There was one legitimate way for me to do so, to claim her as kin, but honestly I think I’d rather break the law than have to explain that.
We chatted about other things, they laughed when I told them about my young neighbor and teased me a bit. He was kind of cute, but it wasn’t going to happen.
“Do you ladies have any plans for tonight?”
Lisa shrugged and Leanne waggled her brows at me lasciviously. That kind of made my brain explode, I hadn’t considered one of my descendents being attracted to me before, it had never come up. I wonder if it really would be taboo after ten generations. That’s probably a greater genetic diversity than second or third cousins. Not that diversity would matter anyway, both being women. I was pretty sure she was just joking around though… I think.
Willa said in a conspiratorial voice to Leanne and Lisa, “We could go out dancing? Ply Anise with drinks until she forgets that her stuff arrived, then take her home and have our way with her.”
Lisa blushed but Leanne just said, “I’m in.”
Willa looked at me and said, “Sound like a plan?”
My voice cracked a bit when I said yes, I couldn’t tell if they were serious or not. Polyamory sounded good on paper, but hardly ever worked. At least not in the long run. Jealousy was an ugly and destructive emotion.
We finished up with lunch, fed the leftover bread to the birds and went back to the council building. I sat with Lisa and Leanne as Willa took her seat. Something was different today, I expected to feel discordance and anger from Vince and Amy, but that wasn’t it at all.
There was barely disguised joy in both of them, mixed with a little fear and uncertainty. It was strange. Amy’s aura was different as well, more powerful, but it was hard to read it with so many supernaturals filling the room with their power. It all overlapped and mashed together. What the hell had happened this morning?
Silas slammed his gavel twice and called the room to order before speaking.
“Vincent, I see that you have brought Amy before us so we can determine some things. However first there is the matter of the vampires you killed this morning.”
Vince narrowed his eyes and stood, “The ones you sent to kill us? Yes, we acted in self defense.”
Silas looked annoyed and completely ignored the accusation.
“Very well, Amy please approach so we can question you.”
The next words out of Vince’s mouth took me by surprise. I thought I liked surprises but I’d had too many the last couple of weeks.
> “There has been a change I am afraid, you no longer have a claim of any kind on Amy.”
Silas asked, “And why is that.”
Vince smiled, “Because, she is no longer a vampire.”
Silas looked annoyed and snapped, “Then what the hell is she if not a vampire?”
Vince shrugged, “I have no idea. But if anyone in the room has a claim on her, besides herself that is, it would be Councilor Willa.”
Silas spluttered, “Wait, you no longer have a claim? Willa?
Willa was staring Amy, like examining a puzzle.
“Well, I didn’t say I didn’t have an interest, just not a claim. She is no longer bound in my service. As for why Willa, simply put Amy is a witch.”
I wasn’t sure what Silas had planned, but apparently his train was derailing, he was on his way to turning purple and I almost giggled at the smug look on Vince’s face.
“So anyway,” Vince continued, “Unless you have more nonsense questions about a hit squad you yourself sent after me I’ll sit down and let Amy speak for herself, as it should be.”
Silas nodded his head and Vince went to sit. I saw it when she stood up, the bond between them, from soul to soul. It was something I had not seen in centuries. Vince had made Amy a lich, but not. With the servant bond in place she would have been a living extension of his will, a powerful puppet that could direct undead troops in battle, while the necromancer stayed at a safe difference.
But Amy was free. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing, this necromancer, this demon, had entrusted her with so much power and dominion over his minions. It didn’t make sense, at least not until I saw the look they shared, the squeezing of hands as they passed each other. The joy mixed with apprehension made sense now too. They were in love.
Amy’s soul was untouched as well, which meant the demon had yet to sleep with her. Perhaps there was a way I could make up my failures to her after all.
She strode up and nodded her head to the council, a grudging sign of respect.