A few minutes passed before he noticed me. He blinked a few times and cleared his throat. “Uh, hello.” It was more of a question than a greeting.
I stiffened. “Hello.”
His eyes lit up in recognition. “I’ve seen you before. Downstairs, at the bar the other night.”
I racked my brain for words, but my voice betrayed me.
He leaned forward. “Did we…you know? I mean…you are stunning.”
My cheeks burned. “We did not. Do you remember anything about last night?”
Aldric shook his head. “Not much. Had some crazy dreams, though. Like, really weird shit.” He chuckled and reached for the bottle of bourbon.
I jumped up, snatching it away before he could get to it. “You need to pull it together. Take a shower. Eat some breakfast. Change your clothes.”
He chuckled again. “In that order?”
He started to stand up, but his legs buckled. His eyes landed on the letter. Picking it up and reading it again, his face paled. The realization that last night was not a dream began to sink in.
His brow crinkled. Beads of sweat formed. “Did you write this?”
I nodded, holding my breath. The awkwardness of the situation was sinking in.
He stood up, bracing himself against the back of the couch. “Just my luck. All the pretty ones are bat-shit crazy. I’m going to need you to leave darlin’.”
Aldric tensed as I stood up without warning. “I’m not crazy. If you’ll just let me explain…”
His eyes shifted toward the front door as he gripped the back of the couch, his heart rate beating through the roof.
I sat back down, in hopes of appearing less threatening. “If you really want me to leave, I will, but I need you to hear me out first. Please.”
Still clutching my letter, Aldric’s eyes continued to dart back and forth between me and the door. He swallowed hard. “Alright, I’ll humor you. But then, you really need to get going.”
Relief swept through me, but also, fear. Would I be able to convince him?
I cleared my throat, my lips quivering. “My name is Gray, which you already know from the letter. I’m not sure how to say this. It sounds absurd when I say it out loud. Well, it sounds crazy just thinking it too. So, I’m just going to come out and say it. I’m an immortal who feasts on human blood. A Dhampir. I’ve been one for over four hundred years. I didn’t choose it. I’ve been hunting the ones who made me. The Consilium. I’m here because I need your help.”
Aldric’s eyes narrowed, then widened. “Are you on medication? Is there someone I can call for you?”
He spoke as if I were a mental patient. I couldn’t blame him. To humans, my world only existed in fairytales and nightmares. We were campfire stories told in the middle of the night to strike fear into children. How could he even begin to fathom that these tales might be true?
“I know it sounds unbelievable, but the Consilium have discovered a way to link Witches and Dhampirs using blood magic. They’re creating a new breed, an army of them, turning humans against their will. If they get their way, they will take over your world. I need your blood to help me stop them.” My hands trembled.
Aldric took a deep breath, running a hand through his blond hair. “Look, I can see that you believe what you are telling me, but that doesn’t make it true darlin’. Now, why don’t we go downstairs and make some calls. Try to find some help for you.”
Desperation clawed at me. I sprang to my feet. “For the last time, I am not crazy. Haven’t you ever wondered why you felt different? Or why your Aunt Elemi never looks any older?”
Aldric’s face flushed bright red. “How do you know about my aunt? Have you been following me?” His hand tightened on the chain around his neck.
“Your aunt is a Bannister Witch. That magic runs through your blood. You’re even wearing a crescent moon necklace. I bet she gave that to you, didn’t she?”
His skin was pale, clammy. He shook his head. “This is insane. We don’t live in a world where any of that is possible.”
“Yes, we do. You just didn’t know it existed.”
I stood still and silent, waiting for Aldric to respond. Would he make a run for it? Run out screaming into the streets like a madman? I would.
He sat down and poured himself a drink. “A part of me wants to believe you. That’s what’s crazy.” He stared into the glass before knocking it back.
My heart fluttered. “I can prove everything. Give me a chance to show you. What have you got to lose?”
Aldric chuckled. “My sanity.” His shoulders relaxed slightly.
I let out a sigh of relief. There was a mischievous gleam in his eyes I hadn’t noticed before.
“So, how are you going to prove it? You’re not going to bite me, are you?”
I rolled my eyes. “I didn’t come here to attack you, Aldric. We can go to the Wolf and Crescent. It’s in the bayou. The other Witches are there. They’ll show you who you are.”
Aldric took a swig from the bottle. “I’ve been to the bayou a hundred times. I’ve never seen or heard of this place.”
I chuckled. That’s the point, I thought. “The Wolf and Crescent is cloaked from humans. Your magic hasn’t been awakened yet, so you wouldn’t be able to see it. If you don’t believe me, call Elemi. Although, doing so could put her in danger.”
He raised an eyebrow, alarmed. “I don’t understand. Why would she be in danger?”
There was so much he didn’t know. “She has gone to great lengths to keep you hidden from the Consilium. You’re the last human descendant of the Bannisters. Let’s just say, they wouldn’t be pleased with her for keeping you from them.”
His apprehension hovered in the space between us. He sighed. “I still think this is nuts, but I’ll play along.”
Now, I just had to convince the Witches to awaken his magic. They weren’t too pleased with me the last time I showed up.
Rummaging through his closet, I found a pair of sneakers and tossed them to him. “Put these on. It’s a long walk.”
He shook his head but did as I asked.
Aldric watched me like a hawk as we made our way through the marsh. I hadn’t been this close to a human in a long time. He fascinated me. His body was strong, yet fragile at the same time. He stiffened every time I made the slightest gesture. I couldn’t help but chuckle.
He stopped, throwing his hands up. “What’s so funny? Oh wait, never mind. I almost forgot, you’re a crazy person.”
I burst out laughing as we exchanged a playful look. He was lovely to look at. He couldn’t help but be charming. It was in his nature.
“To answer your question, I’ve never had a man fear me for not being a Dhampir. I find that very funny.”
That mischievous gleam in his eye returned. He shook his head, unable to keep the smirk from forming. There was an ease about him I enjoyed. I couldn’t remove the grin from my face as we walked.
As we moved closer to the Wolf and Crescent, the scent of smoke hit my nose. Faint at first, but sharper and more pungent as we neared. Uneasiness formed in the pit of my stomach. Something wasn’t right.
I spotted flames leaping out from behind the trees. I broke into a sprint. Aldric called out behind me. Smoke poured out in every direction, filling my lungs. The Wolf and Crescent was on fire.
Aldric caught up as I sank to my knees, shaking. He pulled up the edge of his shirt, covering his mouth and nose with it. “Gray, we need to get help.”
I couldn’t hear a single heartbeat but his. Fear rattled through me. “Trust me, there is no life inside.”
Plopping down next to me, we sat in silence and watched it burn.
Night fell upon us. The flames began to smolder out. The dampness of the swamps kept the fire from spreading, but the Wolf and Crescent was no more than sticks and a frame.
I moved toward it to get a closer look. Aldric followed, tugging at my arm. “Be careful. This structure isn’t safe.”
I nodded. His chivalry se
nt a warm rush through my veins, but only for a moment. He still had no idea what I was capable of. That I couldn’t be harmed the way he could be.
Creeping along the base boards, I scanned the wreckage. I wasn’t sure what I was more afraid of—finding the Witches dead…or alive. To my relief, it was neither. I let out a sigh. “They got away.”
Aldric crinkled his brow. “I don’t get it. Why wouldn’t they come back with help? What would make them just desert their home?”
I shivered. “Not what, but who is the real question. I have a pretty good idea.”
We sifted through the rubble, searching for anything that could tell us what happened. There wasn’t much left, just ash and dust. Picking through piles of burnt wood, something caught Aldric’s eye. He fixated on it. With trembling hands, he bent down and picked something up, drawing in a sharp breath. It was a crescent moon hanging from a silver chain, identical to the one he was wearing.
I touched his arm. “Do you believe me, now?”
Aldric shook his head in disbelief. With white knuckles, he clasped the necklace in the palm of his hand. “This isn’t happening. This…can’t be real.” His eyes scanned the room, darting back and forth between me and the floor.
“Aldric, breathe. You’re as pale as a ghost.” He was in shock.
“Ghost? Do those exist too?” His knees wobbled. I feared he might pass out.
“No. I don’t think so. I mean…I don’t know. Look, we have to go. Whoever did this will be back. And if they’re working for the Consilium, then we’ll be outnumbered. It’s not safe here anymore.”
Aldric was disheveled. His icy blond hair matted against his forehead. His eyes were cracked, dry, and red from the smoke. He flinched as I reached for his hand.
I sighed. “You have to start trusting me. I’m not going to hurt you.”
He nodded, unsure, staring off into the distance. There was a battle raging within him. A struggle to grasp this new reality. I backed away, giving him a moment to collect himself.
The smoke and ash fell over us, coating our skin and hair. Aldric wiped his face with his shirt. “I need a drink. I feel like my head is going to explode.”
I licked my lips. “You and me both. First, I need you to take a deep breath and close your eyes.”
He stepped back. “What are you going to do? Drink from me?” His chest tightened, pulse racing.
I chuckled. “Not that kind of drink, Aldric. I meant, I need a real drink. Whiskey.”
His heart pounded like a drum beneath his chest. I had never traveled with a human before. Not the way we travel. The force and speed could tear them apart. But Aldric was different. He was a Bannister. Human or not, Bannisters were not easily destroyed.
“Relax. I’m going to get us out of here. Just don’t resist and don’t let go of my hand.”
Aldric grumbled, rubbing his temples. “Fine. Nothing to lose, right?” His tone was sharp. Annoyed, he grabbed my hand, hard.
A spark shot up my spine. His eyes widened. He felt it too. The energy between us cracked and sizzled. His pulse quickened. He grazed the back of my hand as our fingers touched and interlocked. I felt light and tingly.
I pulled him close. “Close your eyes.”
He nodded but his eyes lingered on my lips. His breath was warm and heavy.
I reached up and pushed down his eyelids, gentle and soft, letting my fingers trace the line of his jaw. His heart beat faster as I guided his arms around my waist. His body leaned into mine as he exhaled, shoulders dropping. It was now or never.
I tightened my grip. “Hold on tight. This is going to hurt.”
Seven
The dawn was breaking over the horizon as we skidded to a stop outside of Lafayette Cemetery. I spun around, bracing Aldric as the world snapped back into focus.
The first time I used my demon speed was back home, in England. I was hunting for food in Pendle Forest. In the beginning, I had panicked when I found myself surrounded by a vicious pack of wolves.
I could have ripped them apart with my bare hands, but unaware of my strength, I ran. Afterward, I was disoriented for hours. Like being drunk and hungover at the same time. It took me decades to master the laws of my own equilibrium.
Aldric fell to his knees. His hands shot out in front of him and slammed onto the ground. I grabbed his shoulders to steady him. Dry heaving, he struggled to catch his breath.
“My head. It won’t stop spinning.”
I stroked his hair. “Deep breaths. In and out. There, that’s it. Open your eyes. Let them adjust.”
The effects of the run were amplified by a thousand for a human. I felt horrible, but I was relieved that he was in one piece.
His breathing steadied, his heartbeat returning to normal. I wiped the sweat from my brow and sank down beside him.
He looked at me wide-eyed. “How did you do that?”
I shrugged. “It’s just something that I can do. We all can.”
He shook his head, amazement in his eyes. He chuckled. “Incredible. I hope I wasn’t the first person to almost pass out on you.”
I looked down. A pang of guilt shot through me. “No. You were just…the first.”
Aldric’s eyes widened. “You’ve never done that with anyone before? How did you know it wouldn’t kill me?”
My cheeks were hot. Nausea crept up. “I didn’t.”
He burst out laughing. “Thanks for not killing me. See, you are crazy.” He nudged me playfully.
My cheeks got hotter. “I’m sorry. I should have warned you. Sometimes I just do things…”
Aldric touched my arm. “Hey, I’m good. Still in one piece. Don’t beat yourself up about it.” He waved his hands around, wiggling his fingers to show me they were all still there.
I forced myself to meet his gaze. It flickered with a thirst for adventure, infectious and sparking something in me that had long since been put out.
I pulled him gently to his feet. “We should head back to your place.”
We were exposed, out in the open. Anyone could have been watching.
Racing down Pirate’s Alley, toward the Three Blind Mice, my thoughts drifted to the Wolf and Crescent. Where had all the Witches gone?
Approaching Aldric’s bar, a figure lurked outside, petite with a mass of ruby red hair. Valentina. She paced back and forth, nostrils flared. Her eyes matched the color of her hair.
“Val, what’s wrong?”
She sucked in a sharp breath. “After you left last night, I went for a walk. I wandered into the Quarter. I was so caught up in the festivities, it took me a while to notice I was being followed. At first, I thought it was one of the Witches, but then I smelled blood.”
Dhampir. My fists clenched, sweat forming between my fingers. “Who was it?”
She shook her head. “I don’t know. I was able to lose him eventually. I thought I covered my tracks, but when I got back to the house, it was on fire.”
My stomach dropped, knocking out my breath. First the Wolf and Crescent and now our house. The Consilium was sending us a message.
A faint prickle traveled up my back. “We have to get off the street.”
Once inside Aldric’s loft, I went straight for the whiskey. It soothed me and coated my throat like medicine, but my hand still trembled with each sip I took. Were we even safe here?
Aldric, who had been quiet since we arrived, broke the silence. “Why are these people…I mean, Dhampirs after you?”
Valentina and I exchanged a loaded look. A look that held centuries of secrets between us. I took a deep breath before knocking back the rest of my drink.
“It’s complicated. The Consilium made us this way against our will. Well, technically, my mother made me. She was working for them. Now they think we belong to them.” My voice trailed off, overcome with anger and sadness.
Valentina squeezed my hand. “They have my brother, Dragos. He’s on their side. They’ve taken everything from us. So we’re going to take everything from them. Or die t
rying.”
Dragos. I longed for the day that I would get to wrap my hands around his neck. I gripped the arm of my chair, the leather cracking under my fingertips.
Aldric fixated on my hands, his voice unsteady. “Where do I fit into all of this?”
Seeing his beautiful face, pained and twisted in agony, my heart sank. He was an innocent in all of this, but part of it, nonetheless.
I cleared my throat. “Centuries ago, Dhampirs hid in the shadows. Outcasts, feeding on animals and fresh corpses. They feared humans. Saw the destruction they caused. One day, a Dhampir discovered it was humans who were the weak ones. Tasting fresh blood, power surged through him, making him stronger.”
Aldric leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees, giving me his full attention. I poured myself another drink and continued.
“The Dhampir’s name was Tobias Wynter. He showed his new strength to the others and they worshipped him. But it wasn’t enough. He wanted more. He wanted to live outside of the shadows.”
Valentina chimed in, rubbing her temples. “He stole an ancient spell book, the Sang Magi. In it was a spell linking Dhampirs and Witches with blood magic. He found a Witch to link to and created the Consilium. So now we no longer hide in the shadows from humans. We just hide from each other.”
Aldric crinkled his brow and scratched his head. “I still don’t understand what this has to do with me.”
A lump formed in my throat. “The Witch that Tobias linked with, the one who helped him form the Consilium…his name was Nicholas Bannister.”
Aldric’s mouth dropped open. His eyes burned into mine. The weight of my words hung over him like a dark cloud.
I pressed on. “You see, I need your blood, Aldric. That, along with recovering the Sang Magi spell book, will give us the power to go up against them.”
Sitting in a room with not one but two Dhampirs, the realization of his new reality was beginning to sink in. He was the missing piece of the puzzle. The key to defeating the Consilium.
My heart thumped, pulse racing. What if he didn’t have it in him? They were still his family, regardless of what they had done. And he was still human, with all the emotions and sentiments that go along with that.
Blood and Magic (Blood and Darkness Book 1) Page 5