I had an answer from Winkler when I was done. He was asking why it took so long to write back.
Dad grounded me and I just got my computer back, I replied. Man, having a parent at forty-eight sucked. Yes, I was a year older now. My birthday had come and gone without any fanfare, last year in May. In two more months, I'd be forty-nine. My driver's license said twenty-three. I wondered if the Council issued new ones now and then, so we wouldn't be questioned about our ages. I also wondered what Merrill's looked like and how old his license said he was.
* * *
"I got a reply to my email," Charles picked up the stack of papers Wlodek had signed.
Wlodek focused dark eyes on his assistant. "What did she say?" He was very curious but didn't want Charles to know.
"She said she didn't think she'd have the courage to try it a second time."
Wlodek rubbed his temples as if he had a headache. Lissa would be a Queen if she weren't susceptible to compulsion. If she weren't, he didn't know what they could do. She might want to go after every rogue herself and there wasn't any way they could control her. He sighed, grateful for small favors.
* * *
Gavin came back two nights after the Council meeting. I hadn't tried to call and neither had he. He had some issues to work out; I understood that. And my toes and fingers were better but still not whole. No sign of stubble on my head, though. I wasn't an old vampire, like Gavin. His hair had grown back in record time.
"Honey, are you all right?" I asked him. He'd come into the room where the pool and hot tub were as I was reading. I'd wrapped myself in a long, fluffy white robe after soaking in the hot tub for a while.
"I am well," he sighed and lifted me up to sit on his lap.
Dropping my book on the floor beside us, I pulled his head down for a kiss. He pushed the hat off my head, stroked my face with gentle fingers and kept kissing me. I had no idea if the pool might need cleaning after Gavin and I got into it that night. Thankfully, we weren't interrupted.
Gavin was sent on assignment two days later and Lena came back the day after that. She brought a batch of fresh strawberries with her so she, Franklin, Greg and I made my version of a special strawberry dessert. "They sell this every year at the Arts Festival in Oklahoma City," I said. I just wished I could still taste it. Greg was in heaven, I think; he loved it.
"This is quite good," Lena was smiling as she ate her portion.
* * *
My fingers and toes were almost back to normal. I was only waiting for my nails to grow back. I hadn't tried to extend my claws as yet and since I didn't really need them, I didn't make the attempt. Merrill and I covered Vampire Law number eight later in his study. It involved what he called the Companion Vote.
"If a vampire wishes to take a human as a permanent companion and does not choose to turn them or the human does not wished to be turned, then they must petition the Council for approval," Merrill said. My legs were tucked under me in my chair. I only had socks on and Merrill didn't seem to mind.
"The Council has to approve it?" I asked. "How often does that happen?"
"Those women you saw at the annual meeting last year?" I nodded at his question. "At least a fourth of them are approved companions," Merrill informed me. "The vampires normally do not choose to attempt a turn on a female because the odds are very high that the turn will not be successful, as you know."
"Yeah. Lucky me," I grumped.
"As you say," he nodded. "Therefore, the records on the human, both female and male as the situation dictates, must be submitted to the Council by the requesting vampire. The Council has a subcommittee that reviews the records and makes a decision most often from those. If the Council approves, the vampire places compulsion on his companion not to reveal the race and for any other pertinent thing that might crop up."
"And if the Council does not approve?"
"As you may realize, requests are denied immediately should the human be famous or engaged in a high-profile position such as politician or film star. Those situations are only asking for trouble. There are other circumstances, which if present, will also result in a rejection. If the human has a criminal record, has too deep an involvement with close family who might discover the truth or is generally unsavory in character, those situations often require extensive investigation before a decision may be made. The full Council must vote on those."
"Wow," I said. "How often do these requests come in?"
"Wlodek says he gets an average of three per month. You must realize that some vampires change their companions often. Others keep companions for their entire life span and even provide for them if they become ill or disabled. It depends upon the vampire, just as it depends upon the human."
"And if the companion is not approved? I'm assuming that in some cases the human already knows what the vampire is?"
"In most instances," Merrill nodded. "Therefore, the human's memory must be altered with compulsion and the vampire is forced to let them go."
"Sounds like trouble brewing if the vampire truly cares about the human." I was watching Merrill's face and wondered yet again about the photograph I'd seen on his bedside table. I wasn't going to ask. Uh-uh. No way.
"Yes. Definite trouble at times. If the vampire refuses to give the human up, then they are both declared rogue and someone is sent to eliminate them."
"Oh, good grief," I muttered. "They're killed just because they love somebody?"
"The race must be protected. That is a higher law and much more important as a whole. Now, Wlodek and I have been wondering for a while just how it is that you know Anthony Hancock. We decided only two years ago that we would participate in his little experiment when he wished to form a special division within the FBI. Wlodek also monitors this closely and receives regular reports from the vampires who are employed there. I'm sure Mr. Hancock is aware that this happens and has not discouraged it. Weldon Harper also receives reports, I'm sure. In fact, Hancock notified Wlodek through channels of the attempt in New Mexico. We received certain information from him that was quite helpful. Weldon Harper was also notified and had people on standby as well. Then there you were, Lissa. You were kept ignorant purposely because of your youth and the potential volatility of the situation, yet there you came, leaping right in the middle of things."
"I see I'm a gigantic disappointment to you," I muttered, lowering my eyes.
"Lissa, did I say that?"
"Not in so many words. I had no idea if you knew anything, Merrill. What was I supposed to do? Sit there and wait after fooling Mr. Vampy and his bitch squad and hope you and Weldon came back? Is that what you think? I sure as hell couldn't call the police."
"I am upsetting you when all I truly want to know is how you met Anthony Hancock." Merrill's eyes were hooded.
"I met him in Port Aransas," I grumbled. I think I was pouting a little, too. "He was there on vacation. I met him at a bookstore. I went out with him a total of three times. Is that a crime? Gavin certainly thought it was and he and I didn't have a relationship at the time."
"Did you sleep with Hancock?"
All right, that was plain insulting. And none of his business on top of that. "No, I did not sleep with him!" I shouted, flinging out a hand. "And if you want verification, you can ask Gavin. He was checking!" I stalked out of Merrill's study.
* * *
Merrill watched Lissa walk away and sighed. As soon as he knew she was headed toward her bedroom, he pulled out his cell and called Wlodek.
"Yes?" Wlodek answered on the second ring.
"She didn't sleep with Hancock," Merrill said.
"Then it likely wasn't from a lack of desire on his part," Wlodek returned dryly. Merrill gave Wlodek information regarding Lissa's initial meeting with Anthony Hancock in Port Aransas and their three dates.
"And now he's calling her almost every day on her old phone," Merrill said.
"I have received requests through our vampire contacts in Hancock's department, asking for her assistance as w
ell," Wlodek went on. "Hancock has something for which he greatly desires her help, and I have been toying with the idea of having him present it to me first. I only consider this because we owe him for his assistance and the information he provided on Saxom's turns in New Mexico."
"Do you think it will place Lissa in danger if we allow her to go?" Merrill asked. "I just offended her by asking if she slept with Hancock."
"We both know there are more of Saxom's turns out there. We also know one of them was sent to collect Lissa in New Mexico. It is most fortunate she managed to escape. Should they learn what her talents truly are, they will attempt to capture her again. And as she is susceptible to compulsion, they can force her to do terrible things. They could bring our race and every other race on this planet to its knees, if not destroy it outright. She is enough of a Queen for that." Wlodek wasn't mincing words. "If we send her to Hancock, it may remove her from potential danger—they will expect us to keep her hidden away after the incident in New Mexico. I hear Mr. Hancock only wishes to make use of her scenting ability and to provide an extra guarding presence for him. Xenides and Saxom's other whelps may attempt to search her out and take her, and they likely realize she is here, In England. You know that as well as I."
"Yes, I do know that," Merrill sighed. "How is the investigation proceeding in searching out Xenides and Saxom's other turns?"
"We don't have enough Enforcers or Assassins to cover the globe. These rogues could be anywhere, preparing to spring the worst sort of trap against us. This is the calm before the storm, I believe."
"I worry as well, and Griffin is more tight-lipped than usual on the matter."
"That is why we must take care if we send Lissa out again," Wlodek agreed. "In the meantime, Henri and Gervais are requesting a meeting with her. They wish to see if she can teach them how to mist more quickly. I doubt this is possible but it cannot hurt to allow her to try and perhaps it will bring her around a little."
"When?" Merrill asked.
"In two nights; Gervais will return from France tomorrow and Henri is asking for the night after, if we permit. They were also asking if Gavin's permission was needed, but as he is out on assignment, I will decide this for him. Bring her at nine. I will have the misters here by that time. She may spend the day as well."
"I'll have her pack a bag," Merrill sighed.
* * *
"Lissa?" Merrill knocked on my bedroom door. I was sulking on the sofa in my sitting area and the television was on but muted. I wasn't really paying attention to it, though—I had my own thoughts chasing through my head.
"Come in," I muttered. He heard of course and opened the door. My fingernails and toenails were growing in one thin layer at a time and I was rubbing the toes on my left foot, my knees pulled to my chest as Merrill strode in.
"Lissa, I apologize for offending you earlier. It's just that Tony Hancock has left message after message on your old phone and we have to be sure of his motives." Merrill walked toward me.
"And mine as well, I'm sure," I snipped.
"As you say," Merrill inclined his head slightly and settled on the sofa beside me.
"And it's not annoying or anything that you're monitoring my phone calls. I hate being treated like a child."
"Lissa, to us, that's exactly what you are. A young vampire who is still learning." Merrill wanted to place an arm around my shoulders, but as he wasn't sure of the reception he'd get, he held back. Just as well. I certainly wasn't in the mood.
"So, you want me to be Miss goody two-shoes," I said. "Do everything you say and never question a thing. Yet you send me out to guard the Grand Master and leave me blind. Or send me to Florida because you might need a mister. You don't send a six-year-old after thugs or terrorists, Merrill. You can't have things both ways. Feel free to pass that on to Wlodek. I warn you, though, beat me again and you may as well kill me. I won't submit to it." I stood and angrily walked away to pace at the foot of my bed.
Silence grew uncomfortably between us for a moment before Merrill spoke. "We know about your father, Lissa. And about your mother." Merrill's quiet statement stopped me in mid-stride.
I whirled to face him. "Is that why you beat me? Is it? Is that why that fucker Sebastian hit me in the head there at the end? I don't believe this." The tears came; I couldn't stop them. My father, or the one who'd been listed on my birth certificate anyway, had always claimed I wasn't his and there at the end he'd killed my mother and then did his best to kill me with blows to the head, shoulders and back.
Merrill got up but I held a hand out. "No, just stay away," my words were choked.
"Lissa, we didn't know at the time. We didn't find out until later. Let me hold you."
"No. Get the fuck away from me. I don't have a father. Have never had one."
"Lissa, that's not true. I care about you. As a father should. The beatings are generally accepted, the vampire recovers after a night or two, the lesson is learned and we go on."
"Merrill, if you say that to me again, I swear I'll find a way to take myself out and you won't be close enough to do anything about it next time. Don't ever try to justify a beating to me. Ever." I left my bedroom then, turning to mist as I ran out while Merrill was shouting behind me. I went straight to the roof. I didn't need to go out a crack and I'd only just realized it. I went through the ceiling, then through the attic and right through the roof. Rematerializing, I sat on the roof for almost half an hour, sobbing at times, before Merrill came to find me. He sat down nearby but didn't touch.
"Lissa, I was only trying to explain why beatings have been given in the past. There wasn't anything to justify what was done to you, either this time or during your childhood. Charles has managed to pull the court records of your case. We have the testimony—all of it." Merrill's blue eyes were begging me to understand.
"That's just great," I wiped tears off my cheeks with newly formed fingers. "Now everybody fucking knows."
"What do they know, Lissa?" Merrill's voice was gentle.
"That I got my mother killed," I wept. "My own fucking father claimed I wasn't his so he beat her, the whole time. Then, if he had any strength left, he'd start on me. If she tried to leave him, he'd beat her harder until that last time, when he finally hit her so hard he killed her. He beat me, then, blaming me for making him kill her. Explain that to me, Merrill. You're the old vampire. Tell me why people do this." My voice broke on a sob.
He sat there for a long time, silent. "I don't know," he said quietly. "Sometimes people look for someone else to bear the blame for their own mistakes or shortcomings. That blame can turn to anger and the anger to violence. Unfortunately, it is often leveled against the helpless and the innocent. Monsters exist in every race, Lissa. You have seen more than your share of them already. Gavin and I would never have agreed to the beating if we'd known what we should at the beginning.
His admission made more tears fall. They'd agreed. No wonder Gavin hadn't approached me for days. At least he felt guilty over it. After the fact.
"On another note," Merrill said, changing the subject, "Henri and Gervais, the two Enforcers who are also misters, wish to meet with you in two nights. They are intrigued with the way you turn to mist so quickly, and would like to speak with you about this. They desire to make their changes faster. Wlodek has given permission for this meeting to occur and has requested that you work with the brothers during an entire evening. Therefore, you will be spending the day as well."
"Perfect."
"Lissa, Wlodek will not allow you to huddle in a corner or wallow in self-pity. You must lift up your head and go."
"Until I'm as hard as he is?" My sleeve served to dry my face. The King of the Vampires required my presence, two nights hence. I didn't care how good he looked in a suit. He'd watched while I was beaten and I was naked, at the time. "At least he could have let me keep my clothes on." I didn't tell Merrill that someday, Sebastian and I might have a showdown. I could walk into the sun afterward if it was necessary. There was a tai
nt about him, too; it just wasn't from being Saxom's get.
"Sebastian wasn't supposed to hit you in the head but the removal of clothing is customary," Merrill murmured.
"And how many females have they beaten?" I asked sullenly. Merrill didn't answer for a long moment.
"None until you," he replied. He stared straight ahead, unwilling to meet my gaze.
"Did it make them feel proud? Did they get their titillation, watching a naked female get beaten into the ground? Did it?" I was upset all over again and that wasn't what Merrill intended, I could tell.
"Lissa, I can't speak for the others but I was horrified. Horrified, too, that they let Sebastian perform the beating. None of the others wanted anything to do with it. Radomir flatly refused and he was the one Wlodek approached first. When Sebastian hit you in the head and knocked you unconscious, punishment was given to him, then. He disobeyed Wlodek."
"Yeah? I'll bet he got a hard slap on the wrist."
"Wlodek assigned him one blow in exchange for the one to your head."
"Oh, whoopee," I muttered.
"Gavin delivered it. One blow, to the back of the neck. It knocked Sebastian out and broke several vertebrae, according to Derlin.
"Fucker," I said.
"Gavin?"
"No. Sebastian. You need to watch him, Merrill. There's something wrong with him." I stood up, brushed myself off and then ran down the slope of the roof before Merrill could stop me, leaping off the edge and turning to mist before I ever hit the ground. If Merrill had a heartbeat, I figure it would have stuttered over that stunt.
* * *
"She frightens me," Merrill informed Wlodek the following evening. He described how Lissa had come off the roof the night before.
"Then place compulsion not to do those sorts of things," Wlodek replied.
"I am hesitant to place any compulsion on her at the moment. There is such fragility there and some of it is my own making."
Wlodek cursed a little in Greek. "What should we do, then? The law is the law."
"We didn't just punish her. We humiliated her. She thinks everyone there received some sort of sexual gratification from her beating."
Blood Sense (Blood Destiny #3) Page 4