by Benson, SF
“I’ve heard enough from you. I’ll let you know when I’m ready for you to speak.”
I close my mouth and lower my eyes.
“There are reasons for everything, and I had hoped to keep some of those reasons quiet. I thought it best you didn’t know them. I was wrong.” Mom stops pacing and sits on my bed. “You know the stories of Keleva, the Ancestor?”
“Yes.”
“I never told you what really happened to her. I didn’t tell you that Draven, her lover, was a vampire.”
My eyes widen.
“I didn’t tell you that the couple was cursed. There was a powerful sorceress named Morcana who wanted Draven for herself. He refused her, and she became irrational. Morcana sent out her spies to find the creature who had won Draven’s heart. When she learned it was a succubus, she cast a spell. It doomed both species forever. Any vampire who bit a succubus would succumb to an overwhelming hunger. Eventually he’d beg for death.”
“And the succubus?”
Mom shook her head. “This is the important part, my child. The bite of the vampire would leave the succubus barren. She’d never experience Genesis.”
I gasp.
“Do you see the problem? The Najex expects to see his line continue. Colt agreed to this match thinking you’d give him heirs.”
My eyes water. Any consort matches are no longer possible for me. “Mom, I’m sorry.”
“Too late for that.”
Wait a minute. This is just as much her fault as it is mine. “Mom, why did you keep this from me? Had I known this could have been avoided.”
“No, it wouldn’t. You have always been determined to do things your own way. I’ve told you, and I’m sure your brother has told you this: Lilin don’t fall in love. The curse is why we don't. You wouldn’t have accepted the simple truth. You were determined to find out for yourself.”
“It’s a silly rule, Mom. What about Aunt Lilith? She loved.”
“And it was disastrous for her. When that human dumped her for another human she was devastated.”
I slump on the chair. “So, what happens now?”
“We deal with the wrath of the Najex. Worst case scenario, I’ll have to service him for a time.”
I force down the bile threatening to erupt. That’s an image I don’t want in my head. “Best case scenario?”
“He forgives you.” The doorbell rings, and Mom pushes to her feet. “Don’t count on it, though. Sybil said he’s never forgiven anyone. Ever.”
Mom left me in my room to let the person in. Minutes later, someone knocks on my door. When I don’t speak, the person opens it.
“Can I come in?” It’s Colt.
“If you want.”
He sits beside me. “I heard what happened.”
“Cash?”
“Yeah. I won’t say I’m not disappointed.” Colt reaches for my hand. “I was looking forward to it.”
“Why? You don’t know me.”
“No, but you’re a beautiful girl. I would have been honored to have you on my arm.”
I yank my hand back. “But now I’m damaged goods.”
“Your words, not mine.”
He may not have said them, but his icy glare confirms his sentiment.
“Does your father know?”
Colt exhales loudly. “Yeah. He’s pissed.”
“What’s going to happen?”
“Well, he sent a car for your mother. She’ll be entertaining him for the next month or so.”
Crap!
“Don’t worry. Most succubi enjoy his affection, provided they don’t make trouble. It’s not the first time Cyrena has been in debt to the Najex.”
“What are you talking about?”
“He’s the most powerful creature in town. Nothing happens without his ultimate approval. When you wanted to go to a human school, it was my father who gave permission. Your mother had to service him for a year.”
My heart sinks. I feel like a fool. All this time I thought Mom cared more for Cash. Not once did I ever think that she might be making sacrifices for me. I’m so stupid. “Does he deal with every aspect of Council?”
“Unfortunately, for you the answer is yes. If you want to continue this sordid affair with your vampire,” he says sharply, “I suggest your mother be prepared to service him for a lot longer than a couple of months.”
I’m a little surprised to find the study empty when I arrive. I pour myself a glass of Luc’s favorite blood red, a little mix of AB and O negative, and settle myself before the fire. I sense the presence of multiple bodies, and I know I’m not alone.
At least I have a few moments of solitude before the onslaught begins. I hold up the crystal goblet and stare at the crimson fluid. This substance has been my kind’s problem. We’re so tempted by it. So willing to put aside common sense for a moment of pleasure. The divine nectar of the undead. Honestly, we’re no better than human alcoholics. In the throes of addiction, humans will do whatever it takes to get their next drink. Vampires aren’t a helluva lot better. I proved that tonight with Kelsie.
“Yes, you did,” the barbed, baritone voice comes from behind me.
“It didn’t take long for you to return,” I say without looking at him.
The towering vamp takes the vacant seat across from me. Luc reaches for the decanter on the nearby side table and pours himself a glass of red. He takes a long sip, licks his well-shaped lips, and studies me like a specimen for dissection.
Luc sets the glass down. He takes a painfully drawn-out minute to wipe the liquid from his mouth, examining the residue before licking it off his fingers. Finally, he clears his throat and utters, “Do you realize the trouble your disobedience has caused me?”
“Are you really going to make this about you?” I say.
“When you’re head of the Coven, you’ll understand. Every action you take reflects on me. As the leader of the Council, it’s a lot worse.”
“Speaking of Council, I need your permission.”
Luc steeples his fingers and leans back. “Of course, you do, but why should I give it? You and your little succubus broke the rules. This can’t go unpunished. We can’t let anyone think I’m weak when it comes to you.”
“You can do whatever you want. You’re supposed to be the leader.”
“True. But this matter also concerns the Najex.”
I swear if I hear that demon’s name one more time, I’ll rip out somebody’s throat. “Why does it concern him?”
“You defiled his son’s consort. The Najex will want to weigh in his opinion. If he thinks you should be punished, I can’t go against him.”
I set my glass down. “And that’s that? He wins?”
“In a matter of speaking.” Luc takes a sip from the glass. “You should get some rest. We have lots of work to do tomorrow to fix your problem. I don’t know what I’ll be able to do, but I’ll do what I can.”
I pick up my glass and head for the stairs. If only alcohol still tasted good, I might be able to forget my predicament for a few hours.
Luc conveniently left out pertinent details last night. Surely, he was aware of what lay ahead for me. My agony began with the rising of the sun. Intense pain, like fire, radiates through my veins. I haven’t felt this since I first became undead.
I lie back on my bed and try to focus. I can’t even make out the voices in the house. It sounds like a jumble of sounds, each getting louder and louder. The noise is mild compared to the raging hunger. I’m so famished that my muscles quake like an addict in need of a fix.
On the nightstand is the decanter I keep for early morning feeding. My gray hand shakes trying to pour a glass. Screw it. I turn the bottle up to my quivering lips.
The liquid scorches my tongue as soon as it hits. I spit out chunks of blood.
What the hell is wrong with me?
I try again with worse results—my throat closes as if it’s refusing the life-giving fluid. The smell turns
my stomach, and I’m dry heaving. Each convulsion threatens to rip apart my insides. I scream for Beaumont within my mind.
In seconds, the door to my room bursts open.
“What is it, Master Victor?”
I can’t speak. Pain grips my body, and it caves in on itself. I’m too weak to raise my head.
Beaumont’s footsteps approach the bed. “Ahh. Tell me you didn’t feed upon the succubus.”
It’s not a question. If it is, I don’t think he’s waiting for an answer.
“Try to lie still. I shall return.”
An eternity seems to pass before Beaumont returns. The sweet smell of ambrosia rouses me from my stupor. The mattress dips beside me, and a hand grasps my elbow. I can only assume it’s him helping me to sit up. My vision is too blurred to make out any details.
“Here, drink this.” He forces a shot glass of crimson into my hand.
I look at the swirling liquid. Slowly, I lift it to my mouth and take a sip. It doesn’t curdle. It doesn’t burn. Instead, its delicate flavor is smooth like silk. I inhale the heavenly aroma. This is like drinking in sunshine.
“Many years ago,” the Ancient begins, “I met a creature, a succubus, unlike any I had ever encountered. I was entranced by her, like you with your succubus. I desired her so badly that I dreamed of her every night. My days were filled with a longing to be with her.”
Beaumont notices my empty glass. He removes the stopper from a Gothic crystal decanter wrapped in silver wire and pours me a refill. “My Elders warned me that her blood is extremely addictive. One drop changes a vampire into a fiend, craving Lilin blood constantly until you plummet into insanity.”
“No one warned me.”
“I told you to leave the succubus alone.”
“You should have said more.”
He shrugs. “Perhaps. In the past, however, when I gave you details about what you shouldn’t do, it only served to make you determined. I tried a different tactic this time. I failed.”
I sip again from the glass. I close my eyes and savor the rich decadence. “So, what happened with you and the succubus?”
“I didn’t heed the warning. The next time the succubus attempted to seduce me I allowed her. I sunk my fangs into her delicate neck and drank heavily. I became a raving lunatic the following day. An Elder saved me from the torture with what you’re drinking there.”
I lick my lips. “What is it?”
“A blend of succubus and vampire blood, but it isn’t a cure. The only remedy for this curse is killing the girl you tasted. If you don’t kill her, you’ll have to turn her. Only then will you lose the craving.”
I grip the glass so tight it shatters. “I can’t kill her.”
“Then, you’ll have to try to turn her.”
“Try?”
“It’s not easy to turn a Lilin. Their DNA fights it. At best, you might end up with some type of hybrid.”
“Will that be enough to end this suffering?”
“That remains a mystery.”
“What about your succubus?”
Beaumont places the decanter on a tray and walks to the door.
“You didn’t answer me,” I remind him.
“I wasn’t in love with her. I did what I had to do. You should be thankful that I did. She contributed to the cocktail I gave you.”
Cash is waiting for me when I come down for breakfast. He sits at the kitchen table with his hands wrapped around a cup of coffee. His head is lowered, and there’s no sign of Mom.
“Cash?”
“If you’re looking for Mom, stop. She’s with the Najex.”
“Still?”
“She called an hour ago. She’ll be staying at his lair. Don’t worry ‘bout her. He’ll make sure she’s replenished each day.”
I pour myself a cup of the dark brew and sit across from him. He passes me the cream and sugar. “I didn’t intend for this to happen.”
“I don’t wanna talk ‘bout it, Kels.” He takes a sip. “You mind fixing some breakfast?”
“What’s wrong with your hands?” I ask, getting up from the table.
“I think you owe me that much, seeing that your boyfriend broke my arm.”
“And your witch friend fixed it.” I cross my arms over my chest.
“It’s not what you think. Edwina and I have known each other for a few years. We do favors for each other.”
I raise my eyebrow. “And you’re criticizing me?”
“Like I said, it’s not what you think. And I’m not discussing it.” He pushes his cup away. “Can you scramble some eggs?”
“Whatever,” I say and open the fridge. “Anything else your highness?”
“What did Colt say to you last night?”
I place the egg carton next to the stove and pull a skillet from the overhead rack. “He’s disappointed. He said he looked forward to our match.”
“I told you Colt was a decent guy. The Najex has been on his back ‘bout an heir. When I told him you needed a match, he thought it would solve his problem.”
“So, I screwed things up royally.”
“Understatement, sis.” Cash takes a bowl out of the cabinet and passes it to me. “I guess you still need to train.”
I start cracking eggs. “Why do you guess?”
“Depends on your boyfriend. If stories ‘bout the curse are true, he should be in some deep pain this morning. Serves him right for what he did to you.”
I drop the fork. “What type of pain?”
“Hunger, Kels. A hunger so intense he should feel like he’s losing his friggin’ mind.”
“How does he stop it?”
Cash takes over mixing up the eggs.
“Answer me,” I demand.
“You don’t have to worry ‘bout it. I won’t let the vamp near you.”
I place my hand over my brother’s. “If you don’t tell me, I’ll find out who else in this town knows about Edwina’s powers.”
He grinds his teeth together before speaking, “He either has to kill you or turn you. Neither is happening on my watch.”
“That’s not the only way,” a deep voice says from the hall.
Cash and I turn toward the sound.
Heavy footsteps echo across the floor.
Nathan, the Soul Assassin, is standing in the kitchen. He removes his sunglasses and tucks them into his suit jacket. “There is a third way if you’re interested.”
“How’d you get in here?” I ask.
“Kels, he’s a reaper. There isn’t a barrier that can stop him.”
“Very true, Cassius.” He smooths his tie. “Would you like to hear about the third way?”
I look between the two beings. “Wait a minute. Let me get my phone. Victor should hear this.”
“Actually, Victor is most likely in a lot of pain. You should check on him. If he’s able, he should come over,” Nathan says. “Cassius, I’ll have my eggs scrambled with a little cheddar. There’s some on the second shelf of your fridge. Don’t bother with the cream. I’ll take my coffee black.”
Cash shakes his head. “I guess I should crack more eggs.”
I leave the two of them alone and go upstairs to collect my phone.
I decide to call Victor instead of texting him. It takes forever before he picks up.
“Victor, it’s me.”
“Yeah, I know.” His voice shakes.
“You okay?”
“Not hardly.”
“Can you come by my house?”
“Not if your family’s home.”
“You need to come over. Nathan is here. He wants to tell us about how to help you.”
“I already know. I’m not killing you, and I’ve never turned anyone.”
I hear the pain in Victor’s voice. It hurts listening to his agony. “Nathan said there’s a third way. Will you come over?”
“I can be there in fifteen minutes.”
“Good. See
you then.”
Thirty minutes later, Victor finally arrives. At least I think it’s him. The creature on the other side of the door barely resembles the vampire I know. His bloodshot eyes and gray skin have to belong to someone else. It’s like Victor’s dark side slithered out and took over.
“Victor?”
“Yeah.” He tries to smile. Instead, it comes across more like a macabre grimace. “It’s me or a reasonable facsimile.”
“I got him,” Nathan announces behind me. He pushes the door wider and steps out. Victor collapses against him. The reaper resorts to carrying Victor inside.
“Just put him on the sofa,” I say and run to grab a blanket from the hall closet.
Victor takes it from me with a shaky hand.
I sit beside him and turn to Nathan. “Okay. Finish telling us about this third way to help Victor.”
“Let me preface it by saying there’s no guarantee. Reapers don’t save souls.”
“What are you talking ‘bout?” Cash asks.
“Patience, Cassius. Some things can’t be rushed.” Nathan faces Victor. “My friend, have you ever turned anyone?”
“N-no,” he stutters. “And I’m not turning Kelsie.”
I touch his hand. It’s colder than usual.
“Get over your aversion to it. The only way to stop your torment is for you to turn her.”
“Wait! I thought you said there was another way,” I interject.
Nathan holds his hand up. “Just before you lose your grip on mortality, I’ll bring you back.”
“How is this any different than my sister becoming undead?”
“It’s different in that she won’t die. The undead must die first before they come back.”
“Consequences?” Victor asks.
“I can’t attest to them since it’s never been done before,” Nathan starts. “In turning Kelsie, I do know that you’ll create a bond between you.”
“A bond?” I ask.
“You’ll hear his thoughts. Feel everything he does. And vice versa.” The reaper looks around the room. “This isn’t my function in this world. Just because I intervene doesn’t mean that Kelsie won’t completely turn. She may still end up becoming a vamp or something close to it.”