Back upstairs in her room, she sat in front of her mirror. The veins on her temples were blackened, but at least her hunger was satiated. She didn’t know her next move. But her children were punished for their ineptitude, and this gave her a fleeting sense of satisfaction.
Chapter 42
The sun’s rays filtered into the room. Not wanting to let him go, Sarma clung to Reinis. A knock on the door and dread darkened the room. Reinis opened his eyes and kissed her. Sarma wanted to cry, but she held back. She hugged him tightly as if that would stop what was coming next.
Reinis slipped into his ceremonial clothing and wrapped a black, silk robe around himself. “Remember what I said, Sarma. Hold tight to these words. Es tevi mīlu.” I love you, were his last three words as he was whisked back to the vault. Paralyzed with fear of the future, Sarma lay in bed for a while, unable to sleep, though they had not closed their eyes all night. Was it her imagination, or did she sense the beauty of their act developing inside her? After their first sexual encounter, she experienced nothing but illness. But tonight, a lightness filled her belly.
A light that terrified her. A light she couldn’t keep.
~ * ~
The elders required Sarma to stay in the manor until the New Year to observe her. The next two weeks would have been beautiful, if she were happy. The family served her huge delicious meals. Many vampires approached her, thanking her. She didn’t understand them, but Hilda translated. Daina, the young cousin who had cared for the children at Summer Solstice, accompanied the two of them. Sarma liked the way Daina looked, with a short A-line haircut, and three hoop piercings in the top of her left ear. Funny, she was shorter than most vampires.
Velta was friendly, but Sarma avoided her. Seemed like Velta got the hint because she didn’t hang around too much. Sarma drank the teas and ate the food Laima prepared especially for her.
In the first days of January, Sarma stood by the window. Snowflakes drifted to the ground in the afternoon sun. Instead of the days lasting forever as they had in summer, they spent most hours in darkness. She hadn’t seen Reinis again. Would the elders return her home? But she had no home. Though it made her a bit uneasy to stay in the manor surrounded by vampires, she also didn’t want to be sent so far away from Reinis. Someone knocked on the door as the last golden light faded against the white snow. Sarma opened it to Laima standing in the hall. She moved past Sarma and closed the door.
“I tried to convince the elders to allow you to stay in the manor,” Laima explained. “They refused stating that a human among them was too high a risk. There’s a chance that other vampires might find you or an inexperienced vampire could feed on you.”
Disappointment swept through Sarma. The idea of being alone in an undisclosed location bothered her.
“Don’t worry, you will be here in Latvia, and I will care for you. At least I was able to convince them to allow you to stay close instead of sending you back to California. Please pack your bags. We’re leaving tonight.”
Nestled in the woods, Sarma settled in a cabin, restless and isolated. They blindfolded her until they reached her new home. They seemed to drive around all night before leaving her there, and she had no clue where she had been or where she found herself now. Each day, snow piled up outside, and the temperature dipped. Frost formed in the shape of flowers on the windows. Reinis was the first person to tell her the meaning of her name. She imagined he brought her those blossoms though he’d prefer to gift them in person.
After three months, Sarma was grateful there was no sickness. Her body opened like a flower receiving pollen. The baby was a little Morning Star growing within her. Her days were spent taking walks through the surrounding forest, reading books that Laima brought her, and watching movies. She couldn’t imagine what Reinis was doing. He must be okay because the imprint was tepid. Most days, it felt as if she was trudging through a swampy mud. Reinis sent no word. How long would he be in the vault? How would he be able to come back to her? Was he strong enough in his convictions to stand up to the elders?
Although Laima dropped in every day, most of Sarma’s time was spent alone. Some days, Sarma wished she could return to the manor, confront the elders, and persuade them to let Reinis be together with her. The dream she had with Laima had to be right. She would explain it and show them the dreams always showed the truth. Reinis and she were destined.
During the visits, Laima brought food, more books, and movies to make Sarma’s stay more comfortable. She also placed her hand on Sarma’s belly to check the baby.
“Auseklis is gaining strength every day. I can sense him inside you, hear his heartbeat, and I know he is healthy. He’s growing as he should.”
“What a relief. And Reinis?” Sarma asked, pulling her sweater back over her stomach.
Laima averted her eyes. “I can say nothing. I wish I could give you news, but I am not allowed.”
Sarma sighed and sat up on the edge of the bed. “It doesn’t matter what things look like. We will be together.” She wasn’t convinced of her own words, but she uttered them hoping to make them real.
Laima remained silent and gathered her things, her back toward Sarma.
“None of you can keep us apart.” Sarma closed her eyes and mustered a grain of conviction to send through the imprint to Reinis. A subtle hum echoed back to her.
“I must go.” Laima lifted her bag and left Sarma alone again.
At night, as she snuggled into her comforter, the sense that someone observed her from outside the window made it difficult for Sarma to sleep. Sarma closed the blinds, curtains, and ensured the door and windows were locked. She never heard a sound, never witnessed anyone. Maybe her loneliness was playing with her imagination. After all, no one but Laima knew where she stayed. Or so, she thought.
~ * ~
“I demand you free me and allow us to be together.” Permitted to leave the vault but confined to the manor, Reinis stood before the elders. Nervous, he gritted his teeth, but he had no intention of backing down.
“You have no room for such demands. Sarma entered the agreement knowing what would happen. You know the past dictates our choices for the future. If we allow Sarma to live with you as a human, we will break our traditions and set a dangerous precedent. Other vampires could demand the same. The secret of our existence has been well kept for several centuries. If humans discovered our presence again, we could be massacred in a single night,” Aivars thundered.
“What good are traditions if they’re empty? Sarma and I love each other. How can you keep us apart? Sarma is not an ordinary human. She was shown to us in the dreams. That alone should make it possible for us to live together. I want her as my heartmate.” Reinis stood tall, meeting their eyes.
“Enough! There is no discussion here. Our decision is based on the collective needs, not on your individual selfishness.” Aivars stood up. Anger rode his face.
“My son is not selfish.” Laima leapt from her seat. “He wants the best for our coven, the best for the child. Reinis has been loyal in his duty, giving many children a life in our coven. He’s worked diligently to ensure our survival. How can you deny him this? What if the vampires’ survival depends on their unification?”
Aivars turned toward her. “How dare you, Laima! Fight against another elder?” Aivars clenched his fists.
Miervaldis sprang up from his chair. “Stand down, Aivars. Don’t speak to my sister in such a manner. My nephew has good points. Sarma isn’t like other humans. We should vote. What if their unification is correct?”
“It wasn’t in the dream,” Aivars bellowed.
“The dreams show but don’t always reveal,” Miervaldis shot back. “It’s only right we bring this to a vote. Every elder needs to have their say.”
Aivars surveyed the semi-circle of elders. No one spoke a word, but a few nodded in agreement. “I can’t believe any of you would call for this.” He bent his head down then glanced back up and scowled at all of them. “All for Reinis and Sarma joining
as heartmates raise your hand.”
No one moved. Reinis sensed their qualms, that like him no one wanted to question the hierarchy. Laima bravely raised her hand. Miervaldis followed. Two others held their hands up. Aivars peered at the remaining three who sat quietly. Deadlocked, four to four.
Reinis' heartbeat intensified with hope. Fear and pride filled those who voted against them, and he planned on meeting with them privately.
After their discussion, the elders locked him back into the chamber for two weeks as punishment for his protests. Laima and Miervaldis visited him in secret, whispering they would meet with the elders that voted against him and call another vote. He hoped the last elders would change their minds. He hoped for the impossible.
~ * ~
Sarma’s belly grew. When the Morning Star rose in the sky, Auseklis often kicked, waking Sarma. She would go outside and gaze at the star’s brightness in the dim morning light. Slowly, the snow melted bringing her into spring. She took short walks through the forest but dared not to venture far since the woods seemed to go on for miles. The sun’s rays briefly made her forget her isolation. Bracing against a tree as Reinis had taught her, she focused on the imprint and reached out to him. This time, there was no response. Hoping that Laima wouldn’t bring bad news, Sarma furrowed her brow as she walked back to the cabin. But with each visit, Laima refused to talk about Reinis. The elders prohibited it, and Laima obliged.
In the middle of June, Laima asked Sarma to return to the manor for the last few months of her term.
“What’s in it for me? I’m alone, but at least I’m comfortable here. I can’t see Reinis, anyway. I know some of the others don’t like me there.” Besides the elders, there was Velta.
“We’ve been harsh.”
“Harsh? That’s an understatement. Despicable is better word.” Sarma placed a protective hand over her round stomach.
“You’re right.” Laima squeezed her hand. “But Sarma, we’ve been fighting for your unification as heartmates. I didn’t want to say a thing until I was sure. All eight elders need to vote yes for it to happen. Six of us voted for you, but two are holding out.”
Sarma stared at the floor. Six voted yes?
“The elders are anxious for you to return.”
“Anxious for my return? I thought they didn’t want me there. As strong as you are, you do what they say, don’t you, Laima? Like I said, what’s in it for me?” Sarma pulled her hand back.
Laima shifted her weight. “Some of us never wanted you to leave the protection of the manor. We believe you and Reinis belong together. Having you with us ensures Auseklis’ health. I have done my duty as a vampire woman, which is the only thing I have ever known. I’ve never defied the elders or our decrees before . . . before this.” She shook her head slightly. “Reinis and I risked everything for your relationship. We put our lives on the line.”
Sarma sniffed the air. There was something different about Laima. “When did you feed last, Laima?” Sarma returned her hand to Laima’s.
Laima glanced up surprised. “You sense something in me?”
“You have a craving, a need . . .” Her voice trailed off.
“It must be Auseklis. I wonder if he craves blood. I’ve never been with an expectant human, and I never thought the mother would be aware of such a thing. It’s been too long since I fed, but I’ve been like this before, and you had no idea. Forget me. Reinis needs you close. He’s fought for the two of you. He’s been feeding again. But he isn’t the same.” Laima sighed.
“I want to see Reinis. Tell them we see each other, or nothing.”
“I’ll let you know what their decision is.”
“Laima, feed yourself. You can’t care for me in this state.”
Laima nodded and left.
Within a day, Laima arrived in a car. After packing a bag, she climbed in, and they covered her eyes with the blindfold again. Inwardly, she grimaced. That meant they still didn’t want her to know where they kept her. That meant she would be returning here very soon. Separate from Reinis with little hope of unification. Her heart choked as the car lurched forward.
Chapter 43
Sore from sitting in the same position, Sarma was uncertain how much time passed, but the trip took enough time for her to fall asleep then wake again. When they arrived at the manor, Sarma was permitted to remove the blindfold. Reinis was out front, a beaming smile on his face. He rushed to her, lifted her, and twirled in a circle.
“You’ll make me dizzy,” Sarma grumbled.
Reinis placed her back on the ground and rubbed her belly. “How’s my boy?”
Sarma peered up at him but said nothing. Reinis hugged her and she returned the embrace stiffly. She kept her focus on the dream. Now it seemed too good to be true.
Inside, Reinis brought her to the same room she stayed in last December. She lay on the bed and turned away toward the wall. He lay beside her and cradled her body.
“You’re not going to leave this time. Not without me. I made a mistake allowing you to leave last time. It won’t happen again.” He massaged her stomach.
“That’s what you always say. I can’t trump the elders, we both know that. I just want us to be together.” Sarma stared at the wall.
“I know Sarma. You’ve got to believe that I’m doing everything I can. Sarma, look at me.”
She held back stubbornly. Numbness threatened to enshroud her.
“I heard that, Sarma. You can’t think like that, I mean it this time. We are so close to being together. If the two elders vote against us, I’m going to gather the coven. Daina and Hilda are willing to help me persuade our coven to confront the elders. You have to believe me.”
Sarma flopped over. “The truth is that I do believe you. That’s what hurts so much. I believe you and then you’re gone. I need to be with you. I feel so close, yet so far away.” She closed her eyes, conviction returning to her heart.
Reinis kissed her lips, held her, and rubbed her stomach again. Sarma sensed the imprint shine in his chest. He pressed against her, and Sarma’s imprint responded, a pleasant whir between her breasts. Auseklis shifted as they embraced. She shuddered in his arms, not wanting to meet his eyes. Despite his pleas, two votes stood between them.
Daylight came, and the elders forced Reinis to sleep separately. Another mandate. Dread filled Reinis as he trudged to his room. Aivars and Agnese were the only two elders that held out on the vote. Agnese wanted to aid them, but she did as Aivars asked.
Reinis lay awake staring at the ceiling in his room. Sarma didn’t believe they could have a life together, and he couldn’t blame her. In reality, only a sliver of his heart felt it was possible. A human as his heartmate? The fight of his life was ahead with only one good ending. The impossible.
He tossed and turned, his jaw clenched. What the hell was he doing here in his room? His heart urged him to sneak down the hall to Sarma’s side. He listened to the manor. Almost the entire house slept. Fuck this. No one would know he was in her bed. He would go there now and leave before sunset.
Sarma stretched out on the bed, wide-awake. Her back ached from the weight of her belly, and she wasn’t used to sleeping during the day. Finding a comfortable position was difficult. Fear about the future streamed through her. She tried to bring back the sense of security the dream with Laima brought to her. She imagined Reinis stealing into her room, taking her by the hand, and whisking her away from all this loneliness and turmoil.
The door opened and shut.
Reinis!
A hand brushed her shoulder. Sarma turned to take Reinis into her arms. Even Auseklis wiggled in anticipation. Sarma’s throat and mouth dried up like a desert when she flipped around. As if she was trapped in a glacier, Sarma froze. Velta lurked over her, fangs fully extended. A scream lodged in her throat.
“I’ve been waiting for this. I’m supposed to be Auseklis’ mother.” Velta bolted so quickly Sarma didn’t see her move.
Velta sank her incisors into her throat
and sucked in great heaves. Agonizing pain seared from Sarma’s neck to her shoulder and through every vein and capillary in her body. Her body quaked. As if trying to escape, Auseklis turned in her belly. But Velta clung to her like a tick to its host.
Sarma’s vision dimmed. Again, she tried to scream, but she gurgled instead of shrieked. Velta’s weight squeezed the air out of her lungs. She wanted to claw at Velta, but her hands wouldn’t move. Sarma gasped at the acidic heat that spread where Velta’s mouth clamped. As the pain radiated up to her jaw, a cord within her snapped. Then she deadened. Below, her own body lay on the bed, arms limp and splayed to the side, the color drained from her face.
Whimpers like whispers filled the room with the slurping of blood from her neck. The urge to cry for help hit her again, but she had no control. Velta was killing her, and she could only watch as it happened.
Reinis crept out of his room. If he were caught with Sarma, he’d pay a high price. He no longer cared. He was ready to make his own way in the world with Sarma and their son.
The hall was empty, but every small hair on his body stood on end. He booked down the hall, burst into Sarma’s room, and flicked the light on. Velta was hunched over Sarma, latched on like a leech.
“Nooo!” Reinis screamed.
Velta craned around. Blood streamed down her chin. Her eyes were wide and shining with rage. He pounced and hoisted Velta in the air, slamming her against the wall.
Eyes closed, Velta slumped to the ground and didn’t stir.
“Mammu! Mammu!” He flipped Sarma around. White as a sheet, her vein was gashed open and inflamed.
Forbidden Darkness (Immortal Desire Series Book 1) Page 24