In the center of the store, a table with two chairs sat with a fortune teller’s globe. “Please have a seat. I must tell you, I know where Tony is and you must hurry.”
“Wait, let me get this straight. You know my name and my husband’s name, how?”
“A couple was in here with him yesterday evening. He told me your name and described you. He told me to tell you he love you and don’t give up on him.”
“Did he look okay, I mean, he wasn’t hurt or anything?”
“No, he was in good spirits.”
“Do you know the couple he was with and where they could have taken him?”
“Ah, the couple, I do not. A hidden road lies five miles down the road. Take it.”
Getting up from the chair, I started for the door when she said, “You must hurry or it will be too late. I did not tell you anything. You understand?”
“I understand,” I agreed and went to my car forgetting my snacks and drink on the counter.
Watching my mileage counter, I slowed the car exactly at the five mile mark. If a hidden road was here, it was definitely hidden. Stopping the car, I got out and walked both sides of the road looking for any sign of a road.
Exactly where I parked my car, there were tire tracks leading past brush. Pushing the brush back with my hand, I saw the road, now concrete, going up the side of the mountain. Going back to my car, I backed up and drove through the brush to the top of the mountain. The road winding up the hill reminded me of a snake. Thick trees lined the road with a small opening about halfway up the mountain. A toll booth, of some sort, sat just before the clearing. Before I reached the booth a bar came down and I hit the brakes suddenly stopping within inches of hitting it.
Inside the booth, the guard, wearing a black robe, opened a small window and asked, “Who are you here to see?”
Looking up the road, I saw several black cloaks’ pass across the road and immediately thought of Thorment. “I’m here to see Thorment.”
“What is the purpose of your meeting with him?”
“Personnel,” I said without blinking an eye. With my legs shaking and my heart beating like a jungle drum, I held my composure not knowing what was in store for me meeting Thorment, but I had to talk to him and quick. The guard withdrew from the window and the bar started rising to let me pass.
“You’ll find him in the last building up ahead.”
Moving the car at a snail’s pace, the town resembled a medieval village. Looking around the compound, I saw a small child tugging at its mother’s robe whining as they walked to a building. The sign read: Bloody Apparel. Next door stood a tavern with a sign reading, Thirsty-Blood. The rest of the buildings were apartment’s making up the rest of the town. This was defiantly a vampire’s dream town. At the end of the road sat a castle surrounded by a wrought iron fence and gate. Pulling up to the gate, it opened and I drove to the front of the castle. Getting out of the car the double doors opened and a woman stepped out. “Hello, my name is Carmina. Welcome to Mortensin Castle. Please follow me,” she said holding out her hand toward the door. Carmina was strikingly stunning, wearing a very short mini dress in black which hugged every curve of her body. Her ebony hair hung below her shoulder and her eyes a shocking sky blue.
Entering the castle, Carmina took me downstairs to a dark hallway. Torches hung on the wall every few feet dimly lighting the way to another set of double doors. “Wait here,” Carmina announced.
Carmina entered closing the doors behind her.
Soon the double doors opened. Two black cloaks walked me arm in arm in front of a throne. “Wait here,” they stated in unison and then left. The throne room with marble relics from centuries ago laced in gold covered every square inch of the room and a chandelier hung from the ceiling made of cast iron. You could say; I was in a king’s castle from the décor hanging on the wall.
Carmina entered the room from a hidden door to the right of the throne taking her place at the throne followed by a dozen black cloaks and two smaller ones. Circling around me from behind and on both sides giving me the feeling I couldn’t or wouldn’t escape, but I wasn’t here to worry about escaping. I was here on a mission to find Tony and nothing or no one was going to stand in my way or stop me. No matter what the cost, I would be with Tony again.
“What is your name and what business do you seek from Thorment?” Carmina asked.
“My name is Jessica Mureaux. I’ve come to report my husband missing, Tony Mureaux.
“How can Thorment help you?”
“I’m not sure, but if I could talk to him, please.”
“That’s impossible. A missing person requires the police, not Thorment.”
“I have already spoken to the police, but a stranger told me to come here to look for him.”
“We do not commute outside of town, nor do we encourage it. Meetings are held in secret and only a vampire would know if and when a meeting is about to take place. You, young lady, are outside your realm. Now, go and do not bother us with a police matter.” Carmina commanded.
“I’m begging for Thorment’s help.”
Carmina stood. “Guards escort her out and make sure she leaves.”
The guards surrounded me when a thunderous voice spoke from behind the cloaks. “Carmina don’t be so hasty.”
“Thorment, we don’t allow outsiders. She could be a danger to us and the clan.”
“Guards, hold up,” Thorment boomed.
The smaller guards took my hand and walked back with me to the throne.
“Thorment, she’s asking for help which doesn’t pertain to us,” Carmina said.
“I’ll make that call, Carmina dear,” Thorment said and a door opened.
Thorment walked out into the throne room and I thought I was looking at the devil himself. Standing seven feet tall with bulging muscles on both arms and legs, two horns stuck out from his forehead and his eyes and lips were red as ruby’s. If I wasn’t afraid before, I was now. What have I gotten myself into, I thought.
Thorment walked to the throne taking a seat tapping his long fingers against his chin. “My dear child,” he spoke softly. “We don’t allow outsiders, but since you are here what can I do for you?”
“I need your help in locating my husband. This lady down the road told me he was here and to come.”
“Carmina, call the brood and their mates for a meeting.”
Carmina looked at Thorment for a brief moment, and then took off.
After Carmina left, Thorment spoke in a quiet even tone. “Now,” Thorment paused. “What is your name?”
“Jessica Mureaux.”
“Jessica,” he paused. “I remember a Jessica, so sweet, young and such a waste. My first love as I recall.” Thorment suddenly came back from his memories to ask, “How did you know about us?”
“My father-in-law and husband were in attendance back in March for a mandatory meeting for dhampirs. My husband, Tony Mureaux, wanted me to see Italy for our honeymoon and now he is gone.”
“I remembered your name and thought I could start by talking to you to see if you would help me find him when the lady down the road told me he was here.”
“Nosy old witch thinks she knows about us when she doesn’t know anything,” Thorment mumbled under his breath. In a calmer voice Thorment asked, “It wouldn’t happen to be the old lady from the Middle of Nowhere Store would it?”
“I didn’t pay attention to the name. I stopped because I was hungry and my car needed gas.”
The double doors opened with Carmina in the lead of seven black cloaks. They stopped behind the guards. Carmina came around to the throne and the cloaks surrounding me parted to each side making way for the brood to join them. They removed their hoods, standing at attention when Thorment bleared in a thunderous growl causing me to jump, “Where is Freda?”
No one spoke.
“Leviathan, front and center,” rumbled deep from within Thorment’s chest.
Leviathan walked up to stand beside me and said, �
��Yes, master.”
“Freda is your mate. Do you know why she’s not here?”
“No, master. I haven’t seen Freda for a month now. Fredrick told me last night he saw her, but only for a brief moment.”
“Why was I not informed about this?”
“I didn’t want to bother you with my troubles, master.”
“Everyone to the meeting room now, except for you,” Thorment pointed at Leviathan and me.”
The guards walked to a door to the left of Thorment’s throne.
“Carmina, call the town for a meeting.”
When Carmina left, Thorment got up and stood in front of Leviathan. Picking Leviathan up by his throat, he asked him, “Where is Freda?” and then put Leviathan down.
“Master, I do not know. She did not tell me where she was going. During the night she disappeared and I haven’t seen her since. Fredrick came to me last night with news about her arrival. I went to talk to her and she was gone.”
“Go to the meeting room and wait for me.”
“Yes, master.” Leviathan bowed and left the room.
“Jessica, it seems we both have a problem with disappearances. Let us move to the meeting room. Follow me.”
Following Thorment to the meeting room, my stomach sank into my knees. The oddest feeling came over me having to do with Freda and Tony. Surely it wasn’t here at the hotel with Carl, but my gut told me it was.
Chapter Thirteen
Thorment walked in first and I followed behind him. The meeting room was nothing like the throne room with a massive round table running its length, reminding me of a knight’s room with a round table but brightly lit with modern lightning. Carmina stood and announced, “Your master has arrived. The meeting will now begin.” Everyone stood and bowed as Thorment took his seat at the head of the table. I leaned against the wall watching the proceeding.
“It has come to my attention a member of our clan has gone astray. Leviathan, come forward,” Thorment ordered.
Leviathan stood, walked to the center of the room, and bowed facing Thorment.
“This man is now without his mate. If anyone has knowledge of Freda’s whereabouts, come forward.”
Looking around the room, I noticed Carl from the hotel in Modena. He glanced my way and immediately looked down at the table. Stepping forward I asked, “May I have permission to speak?”
Thorment nodded once.
“This man, I recognize from the hotel in Modena,” I said pointing to Carl. “He was with a woman whom I do not know.”
“I have never seen this woman before,” Carl blurted.
Whispers started in the room and Thorment growled, “Order!”
All was quiet.
“Melian, come forward,” Thorment demanded.
Melian rose and stood in front of Thorment.
“This woman recognizes you and Freda is missing. Truth be told, do you know where Freda is?”
“Master, I do not. I do not recognize this woman either.”
“Mrs. Mureaux, come forward?” Thorment asked.
I walked to where Leviathan and Melian, Carl, stood. Melian cocked his eyes toward me and then forward.
“Is this the man you saw at the hotel?” Thorment asked.
“Yes, he is. He was with a woman wearing a blond wig. They followed me and my husband. Now he is missing.”
“Melian, is Mrs. Mureaux speaking the truth?”
“No master, she is not.”
“May I say something?”
Thorment waved his hand and nodded once for me to continue.
“Melian, or as I know him, Carl, You’re going to stand here in front of everyone and lie? You know as well as I do, you were at the same hotel.”
“You can go to hell,” Melian growled.
“Silence,” Thorment ordered. “I see we have a dispute. Broods gather in my chamber for a private meeting. Melian, Jessica and Leviathan follow me. Colin, you’re in charge until I return. No one leaves. Understood?”
In unison the entire room said, “Yes, Master.”
Walking to Thorment’s chamber a piece of paper was placed in my hand. Sticking it in my pocket and continuing to the third floor of the castle, we entered a small room with a round table, enough for eight people, each one taking their seats. The last seat had Freda’s name, but I didn’t care. I took my seat and waited for Thorment to proceed.
“Melian, if I had no reason to doubt you before, I do now.”
“But Master,” Melian started to protest.
“Silence, Melian. You’ll get your turn.”
“As I see it, Jessica came here believing her husband was here and as it turns out, he is not. For Jessica to single out Melian causes me to believe there is more to her truth than be told. I am willing to wager all odds and keep an open mind. With that said, Melian you may speak.”
“Master, I have nothing to add. I have no idea who this person is and I don’t know anything about Freda’s disappearance. For all I know she could have decided to leave the clan on her own.”
“The night Tony and I went to the beach, you were there with a woman pretending to be lovers. You were on the same floor at the hotel and knocked on our door claiming to have the wrong room. I’m not stupid, Carl.”
“You must have me mixed up with someone else because I sure don’t recall being in Modena.”
“Then how do I know your name is Carl. Coming up the stairs when Tony went into town, I happened to lock myself out of my room. I remember hearing you and that woman discussing him being gone. What was that all about?”
“She,” Melian abruptly stopped.
I had caught him off guard.
“Melian,” Thorment thundered loudly. “You know the consequence for this. You’re best interest is to tell us everything you know right down to Freda.”
“Master,” Melian hung his head. “Freda promised I would be her mate if I obeyed her and helped her with her quest.”
A deep low growl came from under Leviathan’s breath.
“What quest would that be?” Thorment asked.
“May I start at the beginning?”
Thorment nodded.
“Freda approached me after the meeting back in March. She told me she belonged to no one, but pretended to be with Leviathan because she loved helping in the decision making of the clan. During the last three months she planned to start her own clan and needed bodyguards, singling out Mr. Mureaux. I didn’t know or realize she planned to actually carry out her plan until we were in Modena. By then it was too late to turn back. I pretended to be her lover and help her talk Mr. Mureaux into becoming her personal bodyguard, but Mr. and Mrs. Mureaux were never apart. I tried my best to persuade her to make me her personal bodyguard, but she had her eyes set on Mr. Mureaux and then she started talking about kidnapping. Immediately I protested and she banished me from her clan and I came back here.”
“Was it Freda who took Mr. Mureaux?” I asked frustrated.
“Oh, I don’t know. I left her in Modena the minute she banished me and came back here.” Melian quietly spoke.
Thorment stood, leaned toward Melian and growled, “It wasn’t Freda’s to offer.
Guards take Melian to the dungeon, he can wonder if it’s worth the trouble while I decide his fate.”
A shocked look came on Melian’s face. “Master, I swear I didn’t know her plans.”
Thorment nodded to the guards. Five guards surrounded Melian to keep him from escaping. Two guards took each arm with one guard in the front and two in the back escorting him to the dungeon.
“Master, I swear,” Melian called over and over until he was out the door. Thorment stared into the abyss without blinking an eye. When the door closed, Thorment turned to me. “Jessica, this mishap goes without saying, a troublesome matter for my clan. I apologize to you for Freda’s and Melian’s foolishness. They will be punished accordingly.
“Carmina, call the Devil’s Advocate Hotel and set Mrs. Mureaux a room for the night. See to it her n
eeds are met at once.”
“Yes, Master.” Carmina bowed and left the room.
Thorment got up and walked over to me. Placing his right hand on my shoulder he whispered, “Any one bothers you, come to me at once.”
“Okay.”
Thorment left through a side door. I stood among the guards without knowing how to get out of this room or the front door to the outside. “Excuse me, how do I find the hotel?”
“Follow me,” one of the guards said.
Down three flights of stairs and through the meeting room, I was at the front door in no time. Driving through town, I looked around to see where I might find this hotel. Not a black cloak was roaming the streets so I couldn’t ask for directions when an eerie feeling of an evil presence engulfed me. Overwhelmed with the presence, I stopped the car in the middle of the street. Looking at the sky, I saw several bats flying around when suddenly an oversized bat flew to the ground in front of the car transforming into a human. Eyes wide, I watched as an arm extended with its hand waving for me to come forward. With both hands on the steering wheel, I started to shake because the human started walking toward the car. Now, I was not sure what it was besides a transforming bat, I put the car in drive and took off looking in the rearview mirror. The human was gone.
On the outskirts of town, a red light blinking off and on caught my attention up ahead. Pulling up slowly to the front of the building the doors opened with no sign of anyone around, but the sign hanging on the outside read: Devil’s Advocate Hotel. Maybe, I should drive back to Modena and not wait until morning, but Thorment had welcomed me with open arms, so I felt obligated to stay the night regardless. Slowly getting out of the car, a bat circled up above. Not wanting to see the oversized bat again, I grabbed my bag and hurried into the lobby of the hotel. Carmina standing at the desk, greeted me when I walked in.
“Your room is around the corner.” Carmina pointed to the left side of the staircase. “Thorment has requested you to stay indoors. No matter what you hear, do not come outside. I’d rather you left, but it’s not up to me. Sleep tight and don’t let the vampire’s bite.” Carmina laughed an eerie laugh and then left the hotel.
Dhampir Love (Dhampir Secrets) Page 19