by Ramz Artso
The words had barely parted his lips, when Corey, having picked up his magic scent, reacted by attacking him. Upon which there was a puff of blue smoke and Sigurd appeared thrusting him backward without having to even touch him physically.
‘Stop,’ I commanded at once, before things got worse, my glare fixed on Corey, ‘he’s a –’
‘What?’ Corey demanded, getting into an upright position and dusting off his jacket. ‘A friend?’
I did not miss the malice in his voice. ‘No, but neither is he our enemy.’ Calvin couldn’t help smiling to himself. ‘I take it Sigurd and you had something to do with the teleportation to our house,’ I said to him. ‘Am I right?’
‘Uh-huh.’ His kind eyes brushed against mine, and I suddenly felt my iron guard melt a little. I hoped it didn’t show. ‘You’re welcome,’ he said, once I ignored him and moved toward the driver’s door.
‘Out of my way.’
‘Hey, ‘he said with palpable disappointment and dissatisfaction, ‘this is the thanks I get for saving your life twice in the same week?’
‘I never asked for your help, did I?’ With that I shut the door and brought the engine to life. He knocked on the window and motioned for me to roll it down. ‘What do you want?’
He stared at me for a second, before saying, ‘I just wanted to get a good look at your face. You’re so beautiful when you’re angry.’
‘Are you done?’ was my reply, as I pretended to be completely insensitive to his compliment. Then a question popped up in my head, so I asked, ‘Know what? Why do you help me? You kill other vampires don’t you? Probably on a daily basis, too.’
‘Let’s get going already,’ Corey intervened, eyeing Calvin with something close to rage.
‘It’s my car. Don’t like something, get out,’ I delivered, before refocusing my attention on Calvin. ‘So?’
‘I already told you. I don’t wanna spoil negotiations between our people.’
‘Okay, but what about tonight? You just happened to be close by?’
‘Pretty much.’
‘In that case, goodbye.’ Without awaiting a response, I stamped the pedal and raced out of the underground parking and into the cold night. Barely a second had passed when he appeared in the rear passenger seat with Sigurd by his side. ‘Ah, excuse me, but you weren’t invited.’
‘All right, I helped you for an entirely different reason.’
I felt a jolt of happiness at these words. ‘Being?’
‘I-I think you know why, Ranka. I think I’ve made it clear enough already.’
‘I have no idea what you mean by that,’ I teased mercilessly, wanting him to speak the words.
‘You see, the thing is…’
‘Yes?’ I prodded him on.
‘It’s just that.’
Sigurd rolled his eyes, chiming in, ‘He’ll never find it in himself to say it.’
‘Oh shut up,’ Calvin snapped, looking betrayed. His eyes abruptly bore into mine, and that solid determination of his returned. ‘I like you.’
‘What?’ I said, pretending not to have heard him.
‘I said – I like you.’
‘Well, that’s too bad, friend,’ Corey once again felt the need to speak up. ‘She’s taken.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘He’s just being silly,’ I explained, not even deigning to his way. ‘Don’t listen to him.’
It was Corey’s turn to ignore me. ‘We’re engaged, Ranka and I.’
Sigurd whistled, but then corrected himself by saying, ‘Congratulations.’
‘Shut up,’ Calvin and I said in unison, then he continued in a panicky tone, ‘How come?’
‘Look,’ I replied, ‘we’re not engaged. Not even close to it. Our mothers had this foolish idea to bring us together, but it’s been a real nightmare so far. Besides,’ I added, glimpsing in the rearview mirror, ‘what do you care what I do with my life. You’re a sorcerer.’ He just held my gaze, knowing all too well that I was enjoying myself with all the needling.
‘It’s my fault, now, is it? Just like you, I was born this way.’
‘That doesn’t change the fact that if your seniors find about what you’ve done for me, your license to perform magic would be revoked. Nor does it change the fact that you and I are practically sworn enemies.’
‘I agree, but it also doesn’t change the fact that I like you.’
‘Hey,’ Corey stepped in, ‘watch it, man. She’s mine. Go find yourself a sorceress or something. You don’t stand a chance with her.’
‘Why don’t you zip it, bloody?’
‘Why don’t you make me?’ he countered, turning around.
‘All right, all right, tough guys,’ was my reaction, ‘easy with the testosterone levels in here. If you must know, neither of you two stand a chance. I’m not interested –’
‘In guys?’ Corey demanded, appearing afraid of what the answer might be.
‘In having a relationship, you idiot,’ I finished my sentence. ‘Corey, no offense, but you’re not my type. Although, I’ll admit you are good-looking and I at times bask in your attention. I mean, what girl doesn’t like a bit of attention? Calvin,’ I paused, before picking the right words, ‘we’re just not meant to be.’
‘Why?’ he said, leaning toward me. ‘Because you’re scared?’
‘Scared of what?’
‘You’re feelings for me. You’re afraid of the challenges and obstacles that’ll come our way, if you give in to your desires.’
‘Wow, dude. Don’t you think you’re jumping the gun a little? You could say we’ve only just met and we know nothing, and I mean nothing about each other.’
‘Yet you feel what I feel, don’t you?’
‘Look, man, I told you to lay off her,’ Corey warned, looking extremely cross. Then to me, ‘And what’s the matter with you? Why are you even talking to him? He’s a magician, for Odin’s sake!’
‘I know who he is, Corey. I’ve got eyes, in case you haven’t noticed.’
‘You think this is a joke?’ he said, looking really upset now. ‘If this becomes a friendship or, gods forbid, something more than that, then your mother could have you executed. Do you understand that?’
‘Awww,’ I said mockingly, ‘little mommy’s boy is concerned he’ll get caught misbehaving.’
‘Can you be serious for at least one second?’
‘You be serious, if you like. I’ll be fun.’
It appeared he wanted to say something, but bit his tongue at the last instant and voiced, ‘Then I’ll be fun, too.’
I stole a glance at him askance. ‘Why don’t you just go on being your annoying, boring self instead?’
‘Well, for one thing, we’ve already got someone who’s annoying.’
‘Look,’ Calvin barged in, ‘how serious is this whole engagement thing?’
‘Kindergarten-level serious. The only thing we forgot to do is exchange candy rings. In any case, we’ll be reaching my mom’s residence soon, so you better beat it.’
‘That’s right,’ Corey added, ‘get out of here before I kick your ass, punk.’
‘Yeah right, the only thing you’ll do to my ass is kiss it, bloody.’
At which point, there was a burst of light and he, along with Sigurd, vanished into thin air.
‘That’s a lot better,’ Corey felt the need to comment. ‘Who is that guy, anyway? And why do you hang out with him?’
‘He’s nobody. Forget about him. That said, he did save our lives. So we owe him one, which is exactly why you won’t breathe a word of this to anyone.’
‘He’s a freaking sorcerer, Ranka. There’s no code of conduct between us.’
‘You’re wrong. Didn’t you hear him? Sorcerers and vampires are currently trying to negotiate a peace treaty.’
‘So, the rumors are true after all.’
‘It appears so. That’s why we’ll make sure not to make things any more difficult than they already are and keep out mouths shut.’
‘Where have you two been?’ she demanded in a calm tone. ‘I’ve searched for you everywhere.’
‘For Odin’s sake, woman, can’t we get some time alone,’ I exploded, pretending to be frustrated. ‘We were chillin’. You know, just the two of us.’
Her pale face softened up at these words. ‘Oh, I see. That said, did I not order you to stay here and not go anywhere?’
‘We were just driving around the neighborhood, sis’. Relax. Nothing happened, right? We haven’t killed anyone, have we?’
‘Fine, I’ll let you off the hook just this once. Disobey me again and I’ll unleash Mom on you. Is that clear?’
‘Jee, brighten up a little.’
She left without replying. Only then did Birna dare to squeak up, ‘So sorry, guys, I tried to keep her busy, but you know how she is, Ranka – always scoping and searching. German Shepherds ain’t got nothing on her.’
‘I’m tired, I’m going to my room,’ I informed them, looking forward to some rest and reading. ‘I think we’ve had enough adventure for one night.’ I fixed Corey with a flat stare. ‘You, make sure you make it clear to your mother that we’re not a good match. I’ll do the same. Got it?’
‘I’m afraid I can’t do that,’ he announced, squinting at me. Birna nearly yelped at these words, brimming with jealousy.
‘Why not?’ I said, nearly slapping my brow.
‘I think there’s something there. You and I – I think we have a future together.’
‘Look here, retard,’ I said in the nastiest tone imaginable, ‘I didn’t wanna do this the hard way, but it looks like you won’t get any other way: There is no you and me. There will never be a you and me. Not even in a thousand years. I hate you, I hate your face, I hate your demeanor and I hate your voice. You’re like an annoying drum that won’t stop beating in my ears.’
‘That’s not true. You know some part of you likes me.’
‘Now, that’s not true.’
‘Then grant me one kiss.’
‘What?’
‘Grant me a kiss. Just one.’
‘I’d rather eat –’
‘What’s it to you?’
‘Who do you take me for? You should thank me for not slapping the crap out of you. I’m not that type of girl.’
And with that, I left Birna and him behind my back as I stormed off into the domed entrance hall – always filled with the noise of insatiable socialites – before climbing up to my bedroom. Grabbing my precious books, I ensconced myself on the roof and, heaving a huge sigh of relief, took to gazing at the twinkling stars. I tried to clear my mind and relax, but failed miserably as it automatically began replaying all the recent events that had taken place in my life, all the while trying to make sense of my entangled emotions.
Question – did I really not like Corey? No. In fact, I actually had warm associations with him. Maybe there was more of a buddy kind of relationship in the works, who knew? But no, on second thought, there was definitely more to it.
That aside, and more importantly, I had done everything I could to take the piss out of Calvin. Now, although I didn’t exactly like to admit it to myself, he was really something, that guy. The exact opposite of what a human being was supposed to be: weak, usual, not fit for anything but to be sucked out dry and eaten. He was a sorcerer, yes. But that did not define his character. There was something about him that just caught and held your attention. He was unique, and he made me feel the same way.
I was so engrossed in my own thoughts that I did not at first notice him materialize right by my side. Not until he whispered, ‘Hey, Ranka.’
I felt my heart skip a beat at the way he said. Why was that? Because something told me he never spoke to anyone with such a soft tone. That tone was exclusively reserved for me.
‘What is it again? Why are you stalking me?’ I delivered, trying to come across as annoyed.
He stayed quiet for a second. There was tense silence until his former bravery returned and he continued with, ‘Quit playing hard to get and kiss me already. Haven’t I earned it?’
‘You’re only making things worse, Calvin.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘You know exactly what I mean. Your brethren will never approve of this – of us – and my mother would sooner die than see me with a magician.’
His hand touched mine, and I suddenly began to feel nervous. That came as a huge surprise to me. I wanted him, but not as a victim or a meal. I wanted him to be a part of my life, and the feeling was growing by the second. I had to end it at once, before it was too late.
‘Leave me alone,’ I told him, looking up into his eyes and withdrawing my palm. ‘I seriously want you to leave me alone.’
‘You don’t mean that,’ he responded, now taking both of my hands. ‘You –’
‘Calvin, please,’ I surprised myself, a knot forming in my throat. ‘You have to leave me alone while we’re strong enough to end this. We don’t know each other. A few months will pass and it’ll be as if you never knew my name.’
He shook his head. ‘No, I’m too far gone for that. And even though it’s not the case, I feel like I’ve known you my whole life. Something inside me clicks when I’m with you. Your voice, your hair, your beautiful chin, nose and eyes. The way you walk, the way you frown and even breathe instills calmness in me.’
‘Stop that,’ I hissed, flying up to my feet and trying to smother the flame of emotions he was kindling in my heart. ‘Freaking stop that, Calvin.’
But he ignored me. ‘You make me want to be a better person when I’m around you, Ranka. You make me forget about everyone and everything. I’ll break any rule and I’ll disobey any law if you’ll only reciprocate my love for you.’
Pissed off at him for making me fall for his every word, I reacted the way any other person wouldn’t: I punched him. ‘Don’t freaking say stuff like that!’
‘Don’t say what? That I love you?’ I punched him again. This time in the face, but he did not react. ‘What’s the matter? You’re scared to admit you believe in love at first sight?’
I delivered a jab to his chin, which made him stumble back. Sigurd appeared to protect his master, but Calvin dismissed him with a quick hand gesture.
‘Don’t say you love me! Take it back!’
‘I love you! I love you! I love you!’
The third declaration of love was actually a shout, so I instinctively reacted by clamping a hand over his mouth. Much to my shock and surprise, he went on to kiss it. He then wrested my hands away from his lips and brought them behind the small of my back, before pinning me down to the roof. I could have easily resisted, after all I was much stronger than him. But I could no longer spurn his advances.
‘I love you,’ he susurrated, caging me in with his torso and muscly arms. ‘I need you.’
With those words, our lips locked in a steamy, passionate kiss that had me wanting to bite his warm flesh and pull at his hair, but I resisted the urge. My affection for him was much stronger than my thirst for his blood.
We were in the middle of an intense snogging session when Asvi’s voice came drifting from the balcony below. She must have heard Calvin’s yells and decided to check if everything was all right. ‘Ranka, you up there?’
‘Yeah, yeah,’ I said, quickly pushing Calvin aside and positioning him flat on his back, before getting up to wave at her. ‘Right here.’
‘What was that noise?’
‘What noise?’ I said, my nerves blaring in a manner redolent of sirens.
‘I thought I heard someone cry out.’
‘Maybe you did. But if you ask me, I didn’t hear a damn thing. Now let me read, all right?’
She lingered for a moment, peering into the darkness around us, then voiced, ‘You and your books. Enjoy the read.’ Boots clicking, she was gone.
‘Phew, that was close,’ I breathed, releasing a
sigh of relief, then felt Calvin’s arms wrap around me; his touch was so heartwarming and soothing. ‘What are we gonna do? We can’t live like this forever, can we?’
‘Maybe we should run away.’
I shook my head, savoring the moment. ‘I could never do that to my family. They love me too much.’
‘Yet, they would have you killed if they knew you were dating a sorcerer.’
‘You make them sound so harsh. Besides, don’t you have a family of your own? Wouldn’t you have second thoughts about leaving them behind?’
‘Sigurd is the only family I have.’
‘Sigurd is your slave, Calvin. Don’t try to sugarcoat it. Whatever happened to your family?’
‘First of all, Sigurd isn’t my slave. Sure, there are laws that oblige me to treat him in a certain way, but trust me when I say no other magician and genie are as close as we are. As for my family, my father died in a car crash and my mother of a heart attack about a year ago. I also had an older brother.’
I turned around to take in his handsomeness. ‘Had?’
‘He was killed by one of your coven members.’
I felt a pang of unease at this discovery. ‘See, that’s exactly why you and I aren’t a good match. There’s too much bad blood between us.’
‘Don’t talk like that. I loved my brother and I still do to this day. But it’s not you who killed him. You have nothing to do with it.’
‘Do you know the name of the killer?’ He stayed quiet, as if he hadn’t heard me. ‘Hello, I asked you a question, you know?’
‘I don’t want to talk about it. At least not here.’
‘Why? What’s wrong?’
‘I don’t – ’
‘Just tell me, Calvin.’
‘I’m afraid you won’t like what I have to say.’
‘It’s okay. You can tell me. I’ll deal with it.’
‘Promise?’
‘Uh-huh.’
‘It was one of your sisters.’ I felt my gut tighten and would have probably broken a cold sweat if vampires could perspire. I stepped away from him, shocked by the unexpected news. ‘Now, now, now, don’t act like that. Come here and give me a hug.’
‘Are you sure?’ I asked, paying scant attention to his words.
‘Yes. But please don’t let the past intrude on our present, okay?’