The Rose Trilogy Box Set

by Tish Thawer

  Evie squeezed my shoulders and then made her way back around to sit behind her desk once more. "If you are in fact the one being triggered, I want you to know that I couldn't be happier or prouder."

  I sat stunned for a moment. Not because of her speech, but because I hadn't thought of that day in so long. It was going to take me a minute to shake the memories from my head. "I'm at a loss for words. Honestly, I feel like there has to be some mistake. I haven't shown any signs of being triggered and..." My words drifted off as I truly didn't know what else to say.

  "Actually, you have been showing signs. Remember in the private room when I launched myself at you? It was because you had commented on something that I had thought–not said. I was so shocked and surprised that I literally flew across the room to see if I had imagined things. But then we were interrupted and I couldn't explain."

  As I sat there dumbfounded, she continued, "Then there's the fact that when I was trapped in the comatose state, you just happened to know what the right thing to do was. I actually think that's because you are developing the psychic ability called claircognizance, which means 'clear knowing'. Then, when you were outside the office tonight, you had the most quizzical look on your face so I scanned you and found that you had heard Dax and my conversation by accident. I can honestly say that I have never experienced any of these things myself, but it leads me to believe that you are in fact the one being triggered." Evie sat there just looking at me with a smile on her face.

  I couldn't move. I sat there stunned then had to shake my head in order to knock my brain back into gear. "I just thought my hearing had been doing weird things. I have heard some people whisper a couple things, and then accidentally honed-in on your and Dax's conversation. And as far as the 'knowing'–I'm not sure how I knew how to help you when you were comatose. But really Evie, I don't see how that can equal me being triggered. I thought there were specific signs to look for." I was confused and a little nauseous. I just couldn't wrap my head around this. I couldn't possibly be the one.

  "I have been wondering that too, so when I spoke to Balam, I asked him if all Sires show the same symptoms when they are triggered. He informed me that each Sire is different. It's the fact that you are starting to display any new powers that identifies you as the one being triggered. Now, as to what those powers might be, that's something that is individual to each vampire. The scanning ability, the sedative of eternal life, and the poison of true death are all things that are passed between Sires during the Passing of Powers ritual, but each Sire usually has an additional power or two that they develop during their triggering. When I was triggered, I actually developed the ability of telekinesis. I could move objects with my mind." Evie demonstrated by moving a stapler from one side of her desk to the other. "It is not something that I use very often, and it's also something that only Dax and Balam know about."

  I must have looked comical to Evie because I was sitting there with my mouth gaping open and my eyes bugging out of my head. I couldn't believe the shit that was happening lately. No way could I be the next Sire. And I couldn't believe that she had never told us about her telekinesis. I also couldn't believe the amount of information and history that was being kept just between the Sires. Now I was really curious as to what other secrets Evie would be sharing with us later tonight.

  "Christian, are you okay?"

  When I finally looked up and met Evie's eyes, I could tell that she was worried about me. And honestly, I didn't know if I was okay or not. This was just so much to process and we hadn't even gotten to the situation with Terrance yet. I just wasn't sure if I could deal with this right now, and truth be told, I wasn't sure I wanted to become the next Sire. The one thing that I did know about becoming a Sire was that it meant I would have to leave the only family I had known for over 600 years. I couldn't imagine leaving my family or Rose. Wait...Rose. If I became the new Sire, I would be able to change Rose! No petitioning, no waiting, I would be able to change her and then we could truly be together forever.

  "Evie, if I am the one who's been triggered to become the next Sire, can you tell me how the consort bond works?" I couldn't hold back the excitement in my voice. This suddenly had the potential to become very good news.

  "I know what you're thinking Christian, and yes, you would be able to choose Rose as your consort. But, that is a very important decision and one that isn't without consequences."

  Just as I was about to push the subject, Dax opened the door and strolled inside to take the seat next to me. "Liquor board inspection is done. We're good." He looked between the two of us, and probably noticed that I was on the edge of my chair and Evie was leaning forward with her forearms resting on her desk. "Everything okay? You guys look a little tense."

  "Everything is fine. I was just explaining to Christian that I believe that he is the one being triggered to become the new Sire." Evie looked at him with a firm set to her chin.

  Dax pushed out of the chair and started pacing. "Dammit, Evie! I thought we agreed to not bring this up until everything was settled with Terrance."

  "If you recall my dear, I didn't agree to anything. I know you expressed that you thought it was for the best, but I never agreed to remain quiet. Plus, after what I have learned from Balam, I think it's necessary for Christian to understand what is happening to him. He may actually be of great use to us in figuring out what's going on with Terrance."

  Great. This sounded ominous, and not something I really wanted to be involved in. Like I had said, Terrance was an asshole and I didn't want to have anything else to do with him.

  Dax sighed, and the look he gave Evie wasn't exactly a loving one, but then he said, "Okay, Evie. Whatever you think is best." He then quietly left the room, closing the door behind him.

  "Why do you think I'll be able to help figure out what's going on with Terrance?" I really didn't want to know, but I thought it would be best if I knew exactly what Evie was expecting of me.

  "I'm not sure yet, but I feel that if we can keep tabs on your developing powers, especially the claircognizance, it might be of use in the situation." Evie rose from her chair and I followed suit. She hugged me then held my shoulders tight as she looked into my eyes. "Everything will work out Christian, you'll see. Just please come to me if you experience any strange sensations or if you have questions about what's happening to you. Again, I can't tell you how proud I am of you."

  As I headed for the door, I looked back at Evie and forced a smile onto my face. I wanted her to know that her pride in me was definitely something I appreciated, but I was sure that my smile only came off as fake. I didn't share her sentiment that everything would work out. As a matter of fact, whether it was my new found psychic ability or not, I suddenly felt that things were going to get a lot worse.

  * * * * *

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  Head East

  (Rose)

  I couldn't stand to watch my dad sit there with that bitch for a second longer. Now that it was obvious there would be no shopping and no movie in my near future, I pulled out my cell phone and dialed Jillian. "Hey can you please come pick me up at the northwest corner of the business district? I have to get out of here, like NOW!"

  Jillian started to question me about what was wrong, but I just didn't have the patience to explain it to her over the phone. After grasping my level of frustration she agreed to come pick me up right away.

  "I can't believe your dad is actually seeing someone and didn't even tell you about it." Her shock was genuine, but I was too mad to discuss it.

  "Can we just not talk about it?" I asked. "I would love it if we could just go for a drive. I'll pay for the gas. I just need some time to get rid of this angry feeling before I can process any of this."

  "You got it. Where do you wanna go?"

  "I don't care. Let's just head east I guess." I really didn't have a specific destination in mind, but it was beautiful this time of year, and the idea of taking in a little of the countryside sounded just about per
fect right now.

  Jillian hummed along to the radio as we drove and I stared out the window watching the trees go by. I kept thinking about all those overnight trips that Dad had made to Masen. It was pretty damn obvious that he had spent them with her, and I couldn't help but wonder how long it had been going on. It still pissed me off to think that he had just jumped into a relationship right after Mom had died, and I still didn't understand the statement he had made about me not knowing everything he'd gone through. What the hell was that supposed to mean anyway?

  I was lost in my thoughts as I tried to process everything that had happened since Meredith's visit: the way she had scooted closer to Dad on the couch, seeing him in that ridiculous "hip" outfit that was obviously meant to impress her, and then watching her comfort him at the café. But what had really struck me as odd, was the strange, almost angry look that Meredith had given me as I ran by her table today.

  I could understand that I probably looked a bit distressed, but then wouldn't you think that she would have had a surprised or concerned look on her face instead of an angry one? What the hell did she have to be angry at me about? She was the one who was secretly sleeping with my dad, so if anyone had the right to be angry, it was me! This line of thinking wasn't helping me calm down, instead I was starting to get even more pissed off, but then a bump in the road jostled my attention back to the present.

  "Hey, where are we?" I asked Jillian. I didn't recognize the road we were now traveling down.

  "I turned off the highway a little ways back. It's almost dark and this is the town Justin is from. I thought that since we were this close, I'd drive through and check it out."

  Jillian's answer surprised me. I had forgotten all about her new vampire boyfriend. Of course it hadn't surprised me that he'd made some sort of excuse to be unavailable until after dark.

  Thinking about Justin pulled my thoughts back to my incident at the apartment complex. After having my melt down at that pool, all the images from my first encounter with a vampire had started to replay in my head.

  It had been only about seven and a half months ago, right after I had started seeing Christian, when I had made plans with Mom to stay late after school in order to get some research done in the library. She was supposed to come pick me up after her swim lesson was over, but instead, she had called saying that her lesson was going to run late and that I should take the bus to meet her. She had given me the address of the training facility, and by the time I arrived, it was just barely after dark.

  As I approached the pool, I didn't hear anything, but instead saw thrashing waves in the pool. Once I looked closer, I saw my mom and a guy struggling underwater. Instead of throwing my bags to the ground and diving in like I should have, I completely froze. I couldn't move or scream, and after a moment the waves in the water started to clear. What I saw was enough to scare me into hiding. I ran back around the corner of the building and watched as the man climbed out of the pool carrying my mother in his arms with his mouth plastered to the side of her neck.

  At first, I had thought, "Holy shit, my mom is having an affair," but once I looked closer I could tell that he wasn't kissing the side of her neck. He had sharp teeth that appeared to be piercing her instead. I quickly realized that what I had first thought were sensual kisses were actually long drags of sucking. This man was drinking from my mother.

  I had sunk to the ground, not knowing what to do or think. I remembered feeling like I was going to pass out. But as I continued to watch, the man finally removed what could only be called fangs from my mom's neck. He then laid her on one of the chaise lounges next to the pool and gently brushed the hair out of her eyes. She sat up with a smile on her face and waved as the man started to walk away. I was so relieved to see that she was okay that I sucked in a quick breath. The man's head spun in my direction and he stared me down with intense, dark eyes.

  After a moment, he crooked his finger at me, indicating for me to come to him. I was still frozen in fear and literally couldn't move. The next thing I knew he was standing right in front of me. Only a split-second had passed and I hadn't even seen him move, but there he was, dripping wet, towering over me with a cocky smirk on his face.

  "Hi. You must be the daughter." His voice was deep and sexy, just like the rest of him. I couldn't believe that I had had those thoughts about a man who had just been holding my mother so intimately, but I couldn't deny reality. The guy appeared to be in his mid-thirties, with dark brown hair and eyes to match. He was tan and muscular, and probably about 6' 4". He looked like sex-on-a-stick.

  "Yes, I'm her daughter. Who the hell are you?" I had finally gotten myself under control and stood up to face him.

  "I think the question you want to ask is 'What are you?', am I right?" He had a mocking glint in his eye, and that damn cocky grin was still plastered to his face.

  "I'm not stupid. I know what you are." Whether I wanted to believe it or not, it was obvious that this man was..."You're a vampire."

  His grin widened. "Are you scared?"

  "Should I be?" I tried to bolster myself so that the fear I was feeling wouldn't come across in my shaking voice.

  He stared at me for a long time then gave a slight hmph. "No, beautiful, you have nothing to fear from me. One a night is all I can handle."

  I hated that his one had been my mom, but I was damn glad that he would be leaving me alone. "Did you hurt her?" Now that I felt somewhat safe, I had a shit-ton of questions that I was dying to ask him. Well, maybe dying wasn't the right word to use.

  "No, I didn't hurt her, and she won't remember anything about tonight," he explained. "What about you? Should I bite you and make you forget?" He seemed genuine in his question.

  I tried not to shiver, and the goose bumps his question produced spread up my arms. "No. I don't want to forget. Actually, I have a lot of questions that I would love to ask you. I'm a history major and I can't tell you what an amazing paper I could write with your help." Seriously, had I just asked a vampire to help me get a good grade on my history paper? So lame.

  He turned around and saw that my mom had gotten up from her chaise and was starting to gather her things. "Why don't you meet me back here tomorrow night and I'll answer some of your questions."

  "Really? Or is this some kind of trick to get me here so I can be the one you feed from tomorrow?" I was excited but not stupid. I wondered if crosses or stakes would actually work on this guy. Not that I'm Buffy, but a girl could try.

  "No trick. I do, however, enjoy the taste of your mother's blood. It's different than any other that I've ever experienced. So once you spend the evening with her and realize that I'm telling the truth and that I didn't hurt her in any way, as long as I can continue to feed from your mom...I'll be willing to answer your questions. Is that something that you can handle?" He extended his hand as if preparing to shake on a deal.

  "Okay. But if Mom shows any signs of being hurt or acting weird, then you'll never see us here again." It was a lame threat because he could probably just follow us home or find us whenever he wanted, but I had to make sure he understood that if he had hurt my mom in any way, the deal was off.

  "Deal." He shook my hand and then started to walk away. "Oh. One more thing. What's your name?"

  "My name is Rose. What's yours?"

  "Terrance. My name is Terrance."

  * * * * *

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  Bad Night

  (Christian)

  After we finished closing the club, we all gathered around waiting for Evie to share what she had learned from Balam.

  "What I have to tell you is going to come as quite a shock," she stated. "I'm not going to recount the entire history of the how's or why's, but what we've come to figure out is that a woman that Terrance fed from, the woman I saw in his thoughts, is a zôt–or what you would call a demon."

  Gasps and curses filled the room. Dax collapsed into a chair and Evie placed a hand on his shoulder. "The zôt's blood is the reason behind his odd
behavior. It acts like a poison and literally infects him. It's what is causing his memory loss and his thoughts to become fuzzy whenever he tries to think of her. Apparently the demon's blood has something like a built-in protection feature. It is how they have kept themselves hidden throughout history. It's also what is causing him to drift permanently dark." The sadness in her voice was the first indication that this was going to be a bad night.

  "So, if this is an infection, is there any way to cure him?" Bobby asked.

  "No, honey. Not that we know of." Evie's eyes filled with tears as she took a seat next to Dax.

  "Okay. If this woman is a zôt, or demon, or whatever, but we can't figure out who she is because of the automatic brain-fuck her blood causes, then how the hell are we supposed to find her? I, for one, do not want to accidentally feed on some goddamn demon." Tori's hair was drifting from light red to a seriously deep maroon color. She was pissed and had never been one to hold back her feelings.