by Sydney Addae
“So it is true? You will dilute the line?” she questioned.
Baron ignored her.
“The council will never allow it. You do your people a disservice, Baron,” she continued. “I wash my hands of you. You are unclean,” she yelled as a parting shot. She disappeared around the corner, hissing at Antwan and Kieran, who seemed fascinated with her uncovered parts. Lukian was on the floor assisting Rauff.
“What the hell is going on here Baron? I got a distress call from Rauff, he thought he was dying. I never thought you were his enemy.” Lukian stood waiting for an explanation. Kieran and Antwan stood nearby, waiting as well. Baron held up a hand for them to wait as he opened his room door. Simone stood in the shadows with her arms crossed.
“Simone, I need a few more minutes. I will explain everything to you then. I need to go over some things we found with Kieran and Antwan. Get some more rest,” he said in a quiet tone. The raised eyebrow she sent his way alerted him they would definitely be talking later. He sent her a smile and blew a kiss before closing the door. “Do you need Camilla to wait with you, while we converse?” Simone gasped, and marched to the bed, settling under the covers.
“I’m not a child, Baron, I’ll be fine. Just hurry up.” She yawned as sleep overtook her. He waited until he was certain she’d fallen asleep, then closed and sealed the door.
“Pick him up,” he instructed Lukian, pointing at Rauff. Lukian’s eyes widened at Baron’s tone. He leaned down and lifted Rauff. Baron teleported all five of them to the mountainside. Lukian’s eyes snapped wider as he backed up, almost dropping Rauff.
“What the fuck! Baron, we need to talk about all your changes –” he began, but stopped at the look Baron and Antwan sent his way. Baron had no intention of sharing any information with anyone about his transition. He realized it would be best to keep his improvements to himself. Vampires were a superstitious lot and may get some crazy ideas in their heads.
“Lukian is the Sentinel captain for this area. Lukian, this is Kieran and Antwan. They have been assisting Simone in the search for her niece.”
The wolves nodded at Lukian.
“What are the coordinates where her scent was lost?” Baron turned and asked Kieran.
Kieran looked at Antwan, who shrugged, and gave Baron the information. “Baron, this is my Alpha and brother, Antwan.” The two nodded. Baron transported them to the location. They spread out, checked for signs of anything they may have missed. The spot was rocky with sparse grass. It was slightly off the trail and it was easy to see how she may have rolled a short distance. There was stillness around them as they sniffed and checked out the area. Rauff stood silent and watched.
“Her trail ends here and Kieran thinks she may have been teleported,” Baron said.
Lukian turned to look at the wolves. They met his stare. He nodded and inhaled.
“I know you can pick up a trail, even after a couple of days. If a vampire has taken her, I need to know where. Can you tell me anything?” Baron asked Lukian.
“I will try.” Lukian walked around the area, searching, and then vanished.
“Baron, one day soon, I’d like to have a conversation about what happened in the hall,” Antwan informed him. Baron nodded slightly and began pacing. Looking up at the starlit sky, he hoped Lukian could find answers. Marissa had been missing too long. Anika was spiteful enough to get the council involved. And most importantly, he needed to get this new temper under control and decide what to do about Rauff.
After a while, night sounds began to return to the forest, performing an orchestra of appreciation to the One and his harmonious plan. Baron breathed deeply, allowing nature’s sounds to comfort him. Antwan and Kieran waited a short distance away. Sitting on a boulder, Baron waited.
Lukian reappeared. Antwan and Kieran crouched quickly, prepared to fight. The comical expressions on their faces amused Baron though he didn’t show it as he waited patiently.
“I don’t understand, Baron,” Lukian said, ignoring the wolves. “It appears she was moved and is in the Allegheny Mountain range, possibly Pennsylvania or in an isolated part of the mountains,” he added. “I sensed she is still alive, which is a miracle. But something is off here.” He looked into a small computer. Baron glanced at it as well, while reigning in his temper.
“There should have been something in the air to identify the carrier, some footprint. There was nothing. I have no idea what we are dealing with.” He passed the device to Baron, who pressed a few buttons and glanced at Lukian.
“Vemdoris, we are dealing with a vampire, Lukian. A vampire moved a small child from these mountains. This reading here.” He pointed to an icon on the device. “It indicates species. You were not asking the right questions. Now that we know it’s one of our own, we narrow down the search. Do you have the coordinates where she landed?”
Lukian shook his head while looking at the device. “Not the actual landing point, just the area. I’ll give you that information.”
Pivoting, Baron walked to Rauff, who had been leaning against a tree. Baron grabbed him by the shirt and gritted out, “Who did you tell about my change?”
Rauff’s expression changed from fear to surprise. He looked from Baron to the wolves and then Lukian. “I told a lot of people, Baron. I didn’t know it was a secret.”
Baron glared a moment longer and then released him. Stalking back and forth a couple of times before stopping, he looked up at the abandoned campsite. He rolled the ring around in his pocket. “What are the names of the vampires living in the Allegheny’s?” he questioned Rauff.
“The Allegheny..... I don’t know of anyone living, well, except Rugger and Orton. They moved their school there and a lot of their followers live in that region as well. Why?” Rauff glanced between Lukian and Baron, who’d both froze at the names he’d uttered. “Damn Baron,” Rauff said. “What the fuck is going on?”
Baron looked at him and began walking up the trail.
“Wait a minute, wait, Baron,” Rauff yelled. Everyone stopped as Rauff’s energy pushed. “Tell me what’s going on? First, you rape my mind for saying something that just a few months ago we would have both laughed over. You insult a Fem, which means she makes it hard for you to mate with any Fem. The council will be on your ass, based on what she says. You, who never believed in violence, kick my ass, over what, I’m still not sure.” He stopped, taking a deep breath. “What the fuck is going on? Tell me?” he begged.
“You were going to allow her to keep my offspring and raise it,” he accused Rauff.
“Of course, that was her idea. I thought it sound. You have never had any interest in anything outside a test tube or petri dish. At least someone would be responsible for your line.” His face fell as he spoke. He threw his hands out, “Are you saying you are going to allow your offspring to live with you?” he asked, eyes widening.
“It does not concern you, Rauff. You are not my manager or a pimp. I merely asked for names, not a date. I have not kicked your ass yet. If you proceed to interfere in my life, I will. You need to return to the club.” Baron hoisted himself further up the trail. Antwan and Kieran joined him. Lukian waved goodbye and walked over to Rauff.
“How will you get home?” Lukian asked, watching Rauff pull himself together.
“I need a lift to my truck,” he answered slowly.
Lukian nodded, grabbed his hand, and they disappeared.
Chapter 14
Rugger and Orton’s cave was nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, a perfect location for solitude. Spectacular views of the mountainside from two large separate areas provided a safe retreat.
Orton wanted to install electronic equipment like TV, radios, and computers. Rugger refused and wouldn’t even discuss it. They were at a stalemate. Rugger had no intention of allowing the interfering noises and contraptions of the twentieth century to invade his resting space. They’d been arguing for weeks. Other Vemdorians talked to Rugger regarding the benefits of the electronics, but nothing changed his
mind. Consequently, there were no modern conveniences in their abode. Their blood supply continued to be chilled in an underground stream.
“Hunters have captured the rogues. They were at a meeting upstate trying to stir up trouble and were caught unawares. Two were taken alive, three fought and lost,” Orton said, walking into the room.
The two Vampires had been together for centuries. Both had worked for the council. Orton had been Rugger’s superior. Together they developed the Sentinels, trained and strategized as a team. And when Rugger lost his position for almost killing a human by taking too much sustenance, they left the council together. They’d never discussed their bond, it just happened, and they had been partners ever since.
Blond with pewter gray eyes, Orton stood taller than Rugger by a few inches and was a tough trainer with a love of ancient weapons. In their training facility, he stored century-old pieces any museum would love to display. He also enjoyed mixing herbs and spent a considerable amount of time searching for and collecting them. Neither suffered fools, both were deadly, sharp and quick to correct a wrong. The two made a striking contrast, one light, the other dark. Together they were tough to beat in any combat situation.
Between their past and present students, Rugger had eyes and ears everywhere, very little got by him. The area in which they lived had the fewest vampire flare-ups in the country.
“Hmmm, yes, I figured as much. Seems the Hunters got to them before the Sentinels. They were targeted for termination for the damage they did further north. Killing helpless humans is beyond pathetic. I want no part of that madness. I’m glad they’ve been removed; they were a blot on our people. We’ll never be accepted with those types of abuses,” Rugger mused, taking a draw of blood from the container.
“True,” Orton agreed, throwing his container in the receptacle. “I’m going for a walk, get some fresh air, and look at the lower vegetation.” His long limbs moved fluidly as he picked up a cane that he used to dig up roots. “Don’t overthink the matter much. There’s not much that can be done to help anyone who draws that much attention to their deeds. It’s as if they wanted to be caught.” Moving closer to Rugger, he placed a hand on his shoulder, squeezed gently, patted his back, turned and left.
Rugger sat immobile thinking over the latest complication. There were five fewer Vemdorians in the world now. Granted, he would have killed them himself had he gotten to them first. In this, he could not fault the Hunters. The vampires had ingested too much impure or animal blood over time and it drove them crazy. His intention was to dispatch them before they did more damage to the cause. Unfortunately, they had been identified as members of the rebellion, which was not true. His followers were sane. Standing near the opening, he looked over the mountainside; its beauty always calmed him. Just as he started moving closer to the entry, he sensed Orton’s return. Surprised, he turned and frowned.
“What’s that?” he asked, retracing his steps.
“Not a what, a who. I found this little one lying on the mountain beyond. She appears hurt. Her arm is at an unnatural angle.” Orton walked toward one of the rear rooms. Rugger followed behind them. “Her head has some bleeding,” Orton murmured, laying her gently on the bed. Moving quickly, he picked up a cloth, dampened it, and gently cleaned her face.
“What was she doing up here alone? How is it possible?” Rugger asked, stepping around, craning his neck to get a better look. She was small, a child, no real threat that he could see, but humans were crafty. He and his followers were making headway against the hunters who indiscriminately tracked all Vampires. This little one could be a decoy, or wearing some type of tracker to alert others of their location. Children were being used in combat in other parts of the world. Rather than distract Orton, he kept his thoughts private for now. But he planned to watch the human closely.
“I don’t have answers, Rugger. Go check the area and see what you find,” Orton snapped.
Rugger drew back, wide-eyed at his friend.
Orton waved him out of the way as he walked to the shelf and grabbed a few cloths. “I need to set her arm and check to see if there are any other problems. I don’t have time to answer your questions.”
“Why?” Rugger asked, surprised by this turn of events.
“Why what?” Orton asked after tossing the cloth to the side and grabbing another.
“Why do you have to take care of her? Or set her arm. Or bring her here? Why?” Rugger asked, staring wide-eyed at Orton, who continued to clean the child.
“Because it’s the right thing to do. She’s a child. Human, yes, but still a child. And no child should suffer like this if we can help,” Orton snapped without looking at him.
Stunned by Orton’s tone, Rugger backed away, his head swiveling from Orton and the inert child. He had no idea what to make of the any of this. Orton was not thinking correctly. There was no way a child or adult could climb their mountain without their knowledge. Instead of helping the child, they should investigate how she arrived and why she was left for them to find.
“Fine, I will take myself off and search the area for her relatives.” He waited, watching Orton. “Okay, I guess I’ll leave now.” He glared at Orton, who hadn’t slowed in his care of the child.
“Good and see if you can find a small strong stick I can use to set her arm.” Orton carefully turned the child, resting her on her side. Moving his hands slowly over her head, he checked her scalp while watching her face.
Realizing he’d been dismissed, Rugger disappeared and materialized at the location Orton had sent him. Checking the air, the landscape, he inhaled. Nothing. The terrain was too rough for human travel. Shifters would have a problem reaching this close to the lair. The child had to be transported in by air.
Rugger frowned. When had she been left? Why? And more importantly, who was she? Like most Vemdorians, he did not believe in coincidences.
He searched the airwaves to hear if there were any warnings or hint of danger. No matter when the child had been delivered, and there was no doubt in his mind about that now, there should be a psychic footprint. Something. He opened himself up further, contacting Brieloff.
“Brieloff, there is a human child in the mountain. Have you heard anything?” he asked.
After a few moments, Brieloff responded. “No, but if I do, I will alert them. Where is the child now?”
“Orton has her and works to heal her cuts and arm. He is unsure of all her problems. She is alive and that is a miracle. I wonder how she came to be so far up the mountain. It seems strange to me,” Rugger said.
“I have no idea, Rugger. However, I am glad Orton found her and works on her arm. Keep me informed and if I hear anything, I will alert you.”
Peering into the darkened sky, Rugger wondered if it was an omen of things to come. He sensed a change in the air; it hadn’t been the first time. Nor would it be the last time something unusual came along signaling change. The best they could do was wait and be prepared.
Nodding, Rugger returned to his lair with the stick.
“Rugger, I need a few supplies. She’s resting now, but I need some antibiotics and fluids for her.” Orton stroked his chin. She also needs something to eat and something to wear,” he said, moving along the hall, gathering his jacket and stick.
Rugger’s eyes widened as he intercepted his friend. “Where are you going? You can’t leave me here alone with the child,” he huffed, meeting Orton in the hallway.
“Rugger, she’s asleep, bruised and battered. Surely you can’t be afraid of her,” Orton teased, turning to his friend.
The shadows mocked Rugger’s scowl. He grabbed his jacket as well. “You stay here, tell me what is necessary and I will retrieve it. And I am not afraid. Being this close to humans, even children, makes me uncomfortable. I have no interest in being blamed for anything. You of all people know of the problems we face that are of their making.”
Orton held up his hand in supplication. “No Rugger, I need to go. I can make quick decisions on the best
type of medicine if they are out of a particular type. You will merely come back without what I tell you if they don’t have it.” Orton moved around Rugger and looked back to the doorway that housed the small child. Stopping, he turned and offered a placating smile. “However, you are right. No doubt someone is looking for her and we don’t need to be involved. When I return we will discuss a plan to place her somewhere far from us. Hopefully, she will be reunited with her family soon.”
He reached out, touched Rugger’s face and left.
Chapter 15
As soon as Anika turned the corner, she looked behind her and teleported to her lair. “Did you find him?” Suri, another Fem, asked as Anika entered the large parlor.
Anika smiled and licked her lips. “Yes, I did. Rauff didn’t exaggerate this time. Every member in his line is embodied in that vessel. Are you sure taking his blood will enhance us?”
Suri shrugged. “It should. But if it doesn’t, he won’t die and no one will harm us, so what does it matter? It’s a harmless experiment.”
“He’s not the same as before and may not agree with you. Have you sent the servants to track him and bring us a sample of his blood?” Anika asked.
“Yes, they left after cleaning up behind the human.” Suri waved her hand and looked at her blood red fingernails.
“You’ve got to stop killing humans,” Anika said, taking a seat near her friend. “The Hunters will come after us.”
Suri shrugged. “The council will protect us; they won’t take a chance of losing breeders.”
“So it was a clean kill then?” Anika asked, stretching out while thinking of Baron. Being last in his line had created a vampire worthy of her time. She wanted him with a desperate ache and had to think of a way to get him.
“Yes, he was tasty.” Suri grinned, rolled over, and reached for Anika. The two embraced and kissed each other long and hard. “What’s wrong?” Suri asked.