Twice Bitten

by Aiden James

  The exotic melody along with the soft crash of the waterfalls was further enhanced by a myriad of birds singing from the upper branches of immense coconut palms that surrounded us. We soon arrived at a table under a tasseled umbrella, and Mercel stood by a wooden chair already pulled out for me. Attired similarly to Racco, he lacked the skittishness I saw the last time he prepared a meal for me, at Xu Zheng Palace’s ballroom on Christmas Eve. He seemed perfectly at ease, despite the presence of dangerous big cats on the loose nearby.

  “We had a little batter left over from yesterday…would you like a freshly baked crepe?” said Mercel, motioning to a small stand set up next to the table. “It could be the last one for a little while, until we get our first shipment of cooking supplies and other necessities from the Indian mainland in a few days.”

  “Sure, why the hell not!” I added a playful smile while I handed him the empty plate set before me. “I’m feeling really hungry this morning, so if you don’t mind I’ll take a couple. Oh, and can we get something for Alaia…is there anymore formula available from the plane?”

  “Mademoiselle, you are in luck,” he said. “Racco made sure we brought extra formula and powdered milk….”

  I completely missed whatever he said after that. Following a slight nudge from Racco, who had taken his seat next to me, my attention was drawn to the harpist located directly across from us, on the other side of the narrowest section of the lagoon.

  “No fucking way,” I whispered, as I watched him gracefully work the strings, relying on obvious supernatural skills to move his fingers so swiftly across the strings that it was nearly impossible to define the pattern. It made better sense to focus on the face and not the blur…the face of one of the young male vampires from last night. “Shouldn’t he be exploding into flames at any moment?”

  “Didn’t I tell you these vampires are different?” taunted Racco—turning impish once I shot him a warning look. “They can stand some daylight, but only in small amounts before they have to switch places with another.”

  “How can they do that if only one of them is out here in the sunshine?”

  “Shush! ...They are already preparing to make a change. Abhaya is getting ready to relieve Aadi,” he advised, while taking his traditional half crepe from Mercel. I could almost hear him go ‘oink-oink’ when he looked at the two hefty crepes laden with crème and mango slices on my plate.

  “Where is Abhaya?…I only see the lone vampire,” I said, taking a small bite from my crepe. As if that would somehow make me seem daintier. Meanwhile, Mercel left to prepare a bottle for my baby girl. I was about to say something smart-ass about Racco’s middle-aged eyesight when I noticed the vampire named Aadi had started to look uncomfortable. Light steam rose from his body as if he was being cooked at a hotter temperature than our French pancakes. “What the fu...?”

  I couldn’t even finish my ‘unladylike’ comment. Nor could I say anything else, at least until the transformations I witnessed had fully registered in my brain.

  Before Aadi could begin to combust, the white jaguar climbed down from its perch and trotted over to the where the harp sat, and by the time the feline reached it the jaguar had disappeared…and the vampire Abhaya took its place. The shift took place so fast that my human eyes couldn’t discern how it happened, only seeing the finished transformation!

  Meanwhile, Aadi had somehow disappeared. But I was pretty damned sure that he had shifted into an albino cheetah that soon climbed atop the marble pedestal that Abhaya in his jaguar form had vacated moments earlier.

  “That’s unbelievable,” I said to Racco, who smiled proudly in response. Abhaya began to play a new song, and he looked at us knowingly as he worked his musical magic upon the harp. This time I did recognize the piece…one of Mozart’s piano concertos. “It’s all so incredibly un-fucking unbelievable!”

  “They are the ultimate vampire family, since to my knowledge these are the only ones who are afflicted this way,” he said, after nodding thoughtfully to my ruffian observation. “Nearly thirteen hundred years ago, Koimala searched the entire world for others like himself. Most of the vampires are sort of locally grown, so to speak.” He laughed. “The warriors and his lover, Mohini, came from an island in the Pacific that has long since been underwater, and was once the capital province for the lost continent of Mu.”

  Mercel arrived with a bottle for my baby, which curtailed this discussion for a few minutes. After Alaia was content and I had a chance to make a bigger dent in my breakfast, I asked the foremost questions I’d been thinking about.

  “So, I assume the rest of the felines across the way are Koimala and everyone else, correct?”

  “Yes, of course,” he said.

  “Can you tell me who’s who?”

  “Well, let’s see…. The lions of course, are Koimala and his queen, Mohini. The tigers are Bhima and Chatur, and the black jaguar is Ravana. The rest often interchange with one another, but they are the girls and boys in the group.”

  The male lion, which had been staring at us for the past few minutes, jumped down from the highest pedestal. It roared mutedly while shaking its mane, and then it rubbed noses with the lioness. I turned to Racco again to comment on the love connection between Koimala and Mohini, when suddenly Koimala appeared before us under the umbrella. I glanced across the way, and the lion had disappeared.

  “Txema, how wonderful to see you!” he enthused. “I see that Racco is bringing you up to speed on how things work around here!”

  I just happened to notice he was entirely naked, which I should’ve figured would happen after Abhaya shifted from his panther self to a stark nude young stud.

  “If you’re out here all day, how do you sleep?” I desperately needed something to keep my gaze from falling below his waistline.

  “We don’t often rest,” he said, glancing over his shoulder at the other cats that all had their heads pointed at our table. “Racco doesn’t need much rest either, and I’m sure he has at least told you some of why that is. But with cat-shifters that are also vampires, we often go months without resting. Speaking of which, it’s almost time to see who’s getting thrown into the lagoon today!”

  He winked, which made me worry that he meant me.

  “He’s teasing you, Txema,” said Racco, who shared a knowing smile with Koimala. “At least about throwing you in the water. As far as going for months without stopping, that’s definitely true. The cell regeneration for these vampires far exceeds mine, and is also vastly superior to any other vampire group upon this planet. At least if Ralu or Huangtian Dadi ever did find our hideout, you would still have twenty-four hour protection with Koimala’s vampires.”

  “You’ve got the best protection in the world—guaranteed—right here, Txema!” said Koimala, and then he smiled wide enough to reveal his fangs and canines again, just before disappearing.

  “He’s right, my chérie amour,” said Racco. “You should stay right here for as long as you can. If you’ll do that, you won’t ever have to worry about something unfortunate happening to Alaia or to you, Txema…. And, that will hold true even if you decide there is no place for me in your heart or life.”

  He seemed both sad and at peace with his words as he said this. Racco might have his faults like any other man—eternal or standard mortal. At least he was trying to do the right thing by me and Alaia.

  After we finished our meal, Racco invited me to walk with him along the beach. I didn’t realize at the time that I had slept late again, and it was already past noon. I worried that it might turn into a romantic situation where I’d be overmatched against centuries of experience versus nineteen years on earth—the number one thing I always fret about when dealing with Racco. But instead, it was a very enjoyable stroll around the island, never staying on the beach or in the shady jungle areas for too long. We talked about so many things, including the island’s history, his plans for rebuilding his beloved castle in France, and my eventual dreams of finishing my college degree that I
had barely started. We also discussed me eventually spending quality time with my beloved family—if we could ever meet somewhere safe, far away from Richmond.

  Even though we talked for hours, neither one of us broached the painful subject of Peter, or even the ongoing costly war between our vampire friends and Ralu. And, as much as I wanted to ask Racco about his daughters, Jacqueline and Marissa, I never mentioned them that afternoon. Instead, I decided to hold off until that night, when I could get a woman’s perspective….

  I could hardly wait to speak with Chanson.

  ***

  When darkness arrived at the palace, and I had yet to see my four female companions, I started to worry something was amiss. Normally, whatever nocturnal creature was in my vicinity would make their presence known before the last vestige of daylight disappeared on the horizon.

  But that moment came and went on this particular night. Maybe it was the fact I chose to eat my dinner earlier than usual, which was something still lingering from the pair of transcontinental/transatlantic trips in less than three days. It would take most of the next week for me to get back into a rhythm.

  “You can hang out with us, if you’d like,” offered Racco, who had volunteered to watch Alaia while I sought a private audience with my vampire cousin. Alaia had a certain glow about her whenever she was near Racco, and having him around as a father figure would be good…at least for her. Maybe after speaking with Chanson about her relationship with him, I’d have a better feel about things between him and I. At least I hoped for something to help me decide if I should give him the chance with me that he desired, or if I should continue to hold off his advances.

  “I might do that if she and the others don’t show up tonight,” I said, and as soon as the words left my mouth I began to seriously worry…what if something terrible happened to them on the hunt last night, and no one wanted to relay tragic news?

  “Oh, they’ll be here—I guarantee it!” he said, confidently. “As a matter of fact, look what the big cats have dragged in!”

  He laughed quietly while pointing to the southern doorway to the reception area. We had been sitting on the same Roman couch we shared during my emotional crisis the night before, and I fought the urge to run up to Chanson and say ‘Let’s go talk—come on!’. While I didn’t want her to know how consumed I was about her fling with Racco from centuries ago, I realized the issue wouldn’t simply disappear from my head on its own.

  For better or worse, it needed to be plainly defined so I could move on. Hopefully, it wouldn’t open old wounds for her in regard to him. Surely such pain must’ve existed at some point, based upon the facts I did know. But no love relationship ends well…. Even in my brief experience on earth, I had heard and personally learned that the best result two people can hope for is a mutual understanding and respect as they part ways romantically.

  “You’ve been waiting for me, cousin!” Chanson announced, smiling knowingly as she and Nora followed Adripathi and Aadi through the tall marble archway separating the reception area from the main palace corridor. Tyreen and Raquel lingered in the corridor with one of the other young males from Koimala’s family. “You forget how easy your thoughts travel—especially when you worry.”

  I have no doubt that my face turned beet red from embarrassment, made worse by Racco’s knowing smirk.

  “I guess I really need to work on that, huh?” I told her, once she and Nora joined us.

  “I doubt it can be helped, dear,” said Nora, smiling compassionately. “Unless you put into practice the Buddhist teachings you learned in Nepal.”

  “I second that idea,” said Chanson, eyeing me lovingly but with some amusement—much as I imagine I’ll look at Alaia some day when she starts to date boys and deal with the emotional roller-coaster of young love. “I’ve been expecting this conversation to come up for quite some time. Don’t fret any longer about it…. Before the night is old, I’ll gladly answer any and all of your questions.”

  “Are you sure?” I worried she might not realize the depth of my questions to come. “In no way do I wish to jeopardize the way you look at me, and if things get too intense, I swear I’ll drop whatever questions I have.”

  Racco’s expression at this point was priceless, as he had been wearing the same ornery smirk until he started to understand my scope of questions most certainly would involve him. With so much hanging in the balance for him, in terms of our budding relationship that was once again on hold, the smirk melted into a thin hard line…and then finally a worried grimace on his face.

  “Allow me a moment to speak with our host and hostess, and then we can go for a little walk,” said Chanson, and then she disappeared.

  Since I had an idea where she might show up next, I looked toward the last spot I had seen Koimala and Mohini, which was near a pair of golden thrones next to the taller of the two indoor waterfalls. Our host and hostess were still in that general area, and an instant later Chanson reappeared before them.

  “Hey, sister, what’s up with those loud thoughts of yours?”

  I whirled around to find Tyreen standing next to me, ready to scold her for sneaking up on me like that. But then Raquel snuck up behind me and whispered ‘Boo!’ in my left ear. It was the first time since last year that my birthmark tingled for a few seconds. Such a familiar sensation from my youth told me how my blood must have been calling her. The feeding upon me would resume very soon among my protectors. Even as careful as I knew they’d be, it still freaked me out a little.

  “When we get time, preferably very soon, me and Chanson will show you how to turn down the volume,” said Raquel. “Because your head is definitely fucking with my beauty sleep!”

  Actually, she looked as striking as ever, without any sign of the lack of rest she complained about. They all looked stunning that night, dressed in colorful sarongs that matched each of their personal tastes in the choice of dominant colors. Tyreen always looks fabulous in green, and Raquel acts as if she owns the international trade rights to anything crimson. Nora had chosen dark purple and Chanson sapphire blue. All of their sarongs included softer shades that were accented with an orchid print, which surprisingly worked well for all of them.

  “Were my thoughts really that loud?” They both nodded emphatically. “I’m so sorry about that.”

  “Perhaps we can clear some of those nasty worries out of your mind tonight,” said Chanson, who suddenly rejoined us. “Let’s go somewhere private where we can talk freely to each other.”

  She wrapped her arm around my waist, and before I could draw in a preparatory breath, we were already flying through the air. We moved past the wondrous garden and lagoon I visited earlier that day, and I soon found myself stumbling upon the first beach I visited with Racco that afternoon.

  The full moon was four days past its prime, and yet it cast enough light upon the ocean waves to where they looked even more magical than the night before. An especially soft breeze blew around us, and I realized my cousin’s normal frigid presence and body temperature were much warmer tonight. She had obviously fed, which may have been the reason they were all late arriving at the palace. I tried not to think about what my four chaperones’ had for dinner.

  “Nothing that would offend you,” said Chanson, motioning for me to walk with her on the beach. “Koimala brought us to a native tribe living in the Seychelles Republic, which are a chain of islands southwest from here. As part of their religious ceremonies, they allow ‘peaceful’ gods and goddesses to feed on their blood. They achieved their state of ecstasy, and we took enough blood to satisfy our hunger.”

  I was impressed with how matter-of-factly she answered my first unspoken question.

  “They must’ve tasted so good last night that you went back for seconds tonight, huh?” I hoped my lighthearted joke wouldn’t be perceived as aggressive cynicism.

  “That’s actually pretty funny,” she said, smiling wryly. “Koimala told us last night that we could feed like this for three days, and then we wo
uld need to move on to a related tribe on a different island. So, that’s what we did. Next question.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me that you and Racco were once lovers long ago?” I cut to the chase while keeping my tone respectful. “I would’ve never come near him if I had known that information.”

  She didn’t immediately answer me, and as we walked along she slowed down slightly as if collecting her thoughts.

  “I thought about telling you, but decided not to do it,” she said, finally. “Instead, I made sure he didn’t alter what needed to happen between you and Peter. It might surprise you, but I have no sexual interest in Racco, and haven’t for hundreds of years…. But I once loved him more than any man I’ve ever known.”

  “What happened to that love you once felt?” I settled on one question after several new ones bombarded my mind at once. I also sought to ignore the initial sting from learning that Peter and I had been selected to breed a vampire blood supply baby. Maybe it’s a bit harsh, but that was my initial reaction.

  “I became a vampire,” she said, and her tone told me those four words fully defined her answer, with little need to elaborate. I’m just glad she did. “When someone moves from human to undead, their entire world and the way they look at things changes. The myth about colors, smells, sounds, and so many other things becoming amplified a hundred times is true. It can be an incredibly fulfilling experience…and yet also be one that is the loneliest a merciful God could ever concoct. A true double-edged sword.”

  “Is that why you’re no more keen about Garvan’s romantic interest in me as Racco’s?” Really, I had a slightly different question in mind, but believed this one would get me to the same place.

  “Garvan loves you, Txema,” she said, turning to study me. My cousin’s face was filled with such compassion, and devotion. “But it isn’t a sexual love, although there are romantic overtones. What I mean to say is he can’t consummate a union with you any more than a human can do that with a domestic dog or cat. Well, I guess a human can do that, but even you know such a relationship is highly unnatural and unsustainable.”