by J. J. Bonds
My heart goes out to Keegan. It sounds horrific. I can only imagine the terror he must’ve felt.
“I was too weak to fight him,” he continues, his eyes clouding over. “Then Gabriel bit me, infecting my body with his poison. He didn’t have to do it. He did it because he enjoyed it. Gabriel was a sadistic creature. I learned just how twisted he could be over the next couple of years. Unlike born vampires, we don’t always have the freewill to do as we please.” He leans on his pitchfork, allowing it to support the weight of his body.
“Gabriel had sired others before me. He had a strong mind, and his grip on my psyche was strong. He knew every time I even thought about running and punished me for it. Eventually I learned to shut him out of my mind. And when I did, I killed him. It wasn’t easy. He was a pureblood. He was older than me and stronger than I could ever hope to be, but I had help.”
I’m shocked by this revelation. Not that Keegan had killed his sire. I could care less about that. Keegan probably did the world a favor from the sounds of it. But what about this psychic connection? Could this be true? How is it I’ve never heard of this before? It has to be bunk. But Keegan doesn’t look like he’s messing with me. I decide to ask Aldo about it when I call him later.
“Anyway, the rest is history. I came to the United States and drifted around for a while. I found out the hard way that it’s not easy for a lone vampire who’s accustomed to city living to come by an easy blood supply. Not without killing. When the job here presented itself, I couldn’t say no. It gave me the opportunity to return to the trade I’d learned as a child and easy access to fresh blood. As you said, you know why I stay.”
I lean my pitchfork against the wall and take a seat on a nearby bale of hay. “I don’t know what to say.”
“What’s there to say? You wanted to know my story and now you do.”
“The world can be an ugly place,” I say somberly. I wish I could share something back with him, but there’s nothing I can share that would compare to his story.
“Aye, it can. That’s the one thing that hasn’t changed in all my years. Probably never will.”
**********
“Katia?”
It’s Lissette who answers the phone. I’m disappointed. I’d wanted to speak with Aldo. I need to ask him about the stuff Keegan told me. I can’t very well ask Lissette such things. “Yes, Lissette. It’s me.”
“Darling! It’s so good to hear your voice. I feel like we haven’t talked in forever.”
“I know,” I say sincerely. “I can’t wait to see you and Aldo over the holidays. When will you be arriving at Crossroads?
“Bad news, Katia.” She sounds deflated. This can’t be good. “The Council has been unusually active the last few weeks. I’ve barely seen Aldo myself. He’s been travelling a lot and plans to visit each of the Elders personally before the end of the year. We’ll be there for the New Year’s Eve ball, but I don’t think we’re going to make it in time for Christmas. I’m so sorry.”
She sounds disappointed. Lissette probably wanted us all to spend the holiday together as much as I did. Mentally I run through the home locations of the other twelve Elders: New York, L.A., Rio, Cairo, Beijing, Milan, Athens, Berlin, Paris, London, Tokyo, and Saint Petersburg. Yes, Aldo would be quite busy. I wonder what is so pressing that personal visits are required.
“Don’t worry about it,” I tell Lissette, trying to hide my own disappointment. “We’ll be together soon enough.”
“I’m so looking forward to it,” she tells me, her voice perking up. “Did you get my surprise?”
“I did, thank you. I should have called sooner. The gown is beautiful. Anya has excellent taste as it turns out.”
“Good! I can’t wait to see you in it. The boys will be beside themselves.”
“I wouldn’t go that far,” I say smiling. That is so Lissette. Of course her first concern is my love life or, rather, lack thereof.
“Have you met anyone?” she asks suggestively. Lissette is an open book. It’s difficult for her to understand my need for detachment or privacy.
“No one special. Is Aldo around? I’d like to say hello to him before I get back to studying.”
“No. He left yesterday for a meeting with the Paris coven.”
It seems my questions will have to wait.
Chapter Fourteen
It’s Sunday afternoon, and I’m feeling very productive. I’ve finished my work detail with Keegan, fed, studied for my Anatomy midterm, and now I’m ready to train. I’ve been warming up, practicing with the bo as I wait for Nik. He’s running late which isn’t like him.
“It’s about time,” I tease when he finally shows up. I’m the one who’s not sleeping, and I always manage to get here on time. “What gives?”
“Sorry,” he calls out, heading straight to the wall for his bo. “I was packing. Anya and I are leaving this evening for the holiday break. We’re meeting our parents in Boston.”
“We could’ve cancelled. I didn’t realize you were leaving.”
“Neither did I,” he says. “That’s why I’m late. It’s just like my parents to spring this on us at the last minute. I wasn’t expecting to see them until New Year’s. Fortunately, I finished all of my midterms this week.”
I stand at the ready. I know that Nik could end this conversation and attack at any moment. The distance between us is nothing. I’ve seen him leap the entire length of the mat with a good running start. Just another advantage of vampire strength. I have to be prepared.
“You’re learning,” he comments approaching slowly.
“Yeah, I’m a quick study.” Getting my butt kicked on a regular basis will do that, I think wryly. Not that I’m complaining. With the combination of group and one-on-one training, I’m advancing steadily. I wouldn’t be nearly so far along without Nik’s help. My confidence is growing and I’ve decided to ask Nik if he’ll recommend me for a more advanced MMA class in the spring.
He begins to circle me, but I hold my position. I’m getting better at anticipating his moves, so I don’t need to keep my eyes on him at all times in order to react. I know he’s glad to see this progression. He continually reminds me that a day may come where I’m facing more than one opponent and will not have the luxury of line of sight on both.
Nik charges from behind, but I’m able to dodge him and duck below the arc of his staff. I swing my bo wide and catch him behind the knees. Nik goes to the ground, and I leap into the air descending upon him viciously. Showing no mercy, I lead with the end of my bo. He rolls away just in time, and I stab only the mat.
We both step back to regroup. Nik charges again, and we face off bo to bo this time. The solid wooden poles crash together over and over, neither of us able to land a worthy blow. It’s obvious neither of us is going to gain the upper hand by the use of the bo alone. I surprise myself by dropping my weapon and letting Nik strike my shoulder.
Although painful, the move allows me to transition into a reverse kick putting the full force of my leg straight into his stomach. He stumbles backward and I pursue. I attempt a spinning back fist, but he manages to block me and evade the powerful maneuver. Nik grabs my extended arm and flips me onto the mat. I spring back to my feet, showing my teeth. It’s been a while since he’s managed to throw me. I’m pissed that he’s done it again.
“Don’t take it personally,” he reminds me, bending to scoop up my bo. “You need to keep a level head.”
I know he’s right, and I suppose I should be glad that he’s maintaining his role of teacher when he knows that given the chance I might very well tear into his throat. He throws me the bo. “Again.”
I charge at Nik reaching full speed and launch myself into the air. I catch him in the chin with a spinning hook kick and the end of my bo. The aerial assault proves successful, but it only slows him down. Nik does a forward roll landing behind me. Before I can raise my bo in self-defense, he lashes me across the back with his own. It hurts like hell, and I’m pretty sure he’s draw
n blood. We don’t stop though. The injury is not ideal, but it’s a price I’m willing to pay to elevate my skill level. Mostly I’m annoyed that I’ll be throwing yet another bloody shirt in the garbage.
We practice for another hour. Nik is far more comfortable with the bo than I am. He’s able to use it as an extension of his body instead of as a tool. As a result, I only manage to best Nik once. It’s extremely frustrating. I feel like he’s better, faster, and stronger. I’m starting to wonder if I’ll ever be good enough to beat him.
While he returns the bo’s to the wall, I pour us each a cup of blood from the cooler. This downtime is becoming a part of our routine. It gives us a chance to talk while we replenish our bodies. When we’re in the gym, I feel like I’m with a different Nikolai. He’s more serious here beyond the watchful eyes of his admirers.
“You did well today.” He joins me on the bench as I offer him a cup.
“Well enough that you’ll talk to Garcia about bumping me up to a more advanced class for spring?” I ask hopefully.
“Yes. Well enough for that,” he commends me. “You deserve it. You’ve been working really hard, and you’ve come a long way in a short time. Your Uncle would be proud.”
“Thank you,” I tell him. “I couldn’t have done it without your help. I don’t say it often enough, but I do appreciate all of the time you’ve spent working with me. I hope we can continue in the spring if you have the time.”
“Definitely. We’ll work something out after the holidays. I enjoy working with you.” He reaches under the bench and pulls something from his bag. I’m horrified when I see what it is.
“What is that?”
“A gift.” He looks nervous. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Nik look nervous about anything. “An early Christmas present.”
He holds the box out, but I don’t take it. He’s apparently taken great pains to wrap it. The slim box is covered in shiny silver paper and is topped off with a red satin bow.
“I can’t,” I protest. I don’t know what’s in that box, but I can’t accept it whatever it is. I’m not sure what to do. It never even crossed my mind to get him a gift. I just don’t see Nik that way. I don’t think of him as a friend, but as an instructor. To me he is a means to an end. Why is he doing this I wonder? He’s going to mess up everything.
“Please,” he says quietly. “I want you to have it.” He thrusts the package into my hands, leaving me no choice but to open it. I gently pull the ribbon loose and remove the lid from the box. Inside there is a black velvet pouch. I glance up at Nik and find him watching me intently. He’s waiting to see if I like it.
I gingerly remove the heavy pouch from the box and peel back the flap. Inside is the most stunning dagger I’ve even seen. It’s impossible to suppress the smile that spreads over my face.
“Oh, Nik. It’s beyond words.” I pull the dagger from the pouch so that I can see it in the full light of the training center. It’s about eight inches in length and has a delicate gold hilt which has been encrusted with rubies. The blade gleams under the bright lights. It’s exquisite and I can tell he’s pleased with my reaction.
“I’m glad you like it.”
“Nik, I love it, but I can’t accept this. It’s too much,” I tell him laying the knife gently on the bench between us. I have no clue what something like this is worth, but it looks very old and very expensive.
“It’s a gift, Katia. I won’t take it back. It’s yours now. You can do with it what you want, but I hope you’ll keep it.” It’s clear he doesn’t understand my reluctance to accept the gift. “It was in my family for a long time. I can’t think of anyone I’d want to have it more than you.”
I stare at him blankly. I have no words. My brain has totally failed me.
“Merry Christmas, Katia.” He stands up and grabs his bag from the floor. I still sit speechless on the bench. He leans down and gives me a kiss on the forehead.
“Thank you,” I whisper. It seems insufficient, but it’s all I can manage before he disappears.
**********
Midterms come and go. I don’t need to see my scores to know that I’ve passed although I’m sure my performance won’t be top of the class. Studying paid off but not to the extent it might have if I’d been sleeping more. I promise myself that I’m going to get the dreams under control and rest up before New Year’s. I don’t want Aldo to worry, and I know I can’t go on like this much longer.
The campus is quiet. Many of the students have left for holiday break and won’t return until New Year’s, if at all, before the semester starts up again. It’s eerie being at Crossroads when the school is so quiet. There’s no laughter in the hall, no slamming doors, no horse play in the dining hall.
Christmas passes uneventfully. I stay in bed all day and watch holiday movies: It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Miracle on 34th Street, A Christmas Carol. I’ve seen them all before, but they remind me of past Christmases. I look at old photos and think of my life before Crossroads, before Aldo. I know where I’d spend the day if I weren’t restricted to campus. Since I can’t leave, I gorge myself on blood instead.
As I lay in bed, I stare at the colorful miniature Christmas tree Shaye dropped off before she left for break. The lights twinkle in the dark, casting little rainbows here and there on the wall. I’ve placed Aldo and Lissette’s gift under the tree. This is the only area of my room that will pass for festive today. Everything else is pretty bleak, including my mood.
While it was really thoughtful of Shaye to bring it, the tree is just another reminder of my isolation. I’m jealous of Shaye. She’s spending the holiday with her parents in Colorado while I’m stuck here by myself.
Aldo and Lissette call to wish me a Merry Christmas, but we only talk briefly. I’m feeling melancholy and don’t want to bring them down too. I still don’t get a chance to ask Aldo about the connection between a sire and a mixed-blood. It doesn’t seem right to be discussing such things today. Christmas is supposed to be a day for family and tranquility, neither of which I am experiencing this year. Mostly, I just feel alone.
**********
I’m beside myself with excitement, as I wait for the car service to deliver Aldo and Lissette to Crossroads. Although they will be staying at a hotel in town, I’m hopeful that we’ll be able to spend the better part of their trip together. I’ve been sitting on the front steps for half an hour waiting for them when I finally see a limo pulling up the drive. I jump to my feet certain that this is the car I’ve been waiting for. There will be many others arriving tonight and tomorrow for the ball, but this morning things remain quiet at Crossroads.
As the limo glides to a stop at the bottom of the steps, I race forward and open the rear door not bothering to wait for the driver to come around. My haste pays off, and I’m greeted by the smiling faces of my surrogate family.
“Katia!” they cry in unison. Both look well. Better than I do for sure. Aldo gets out first wearing a long wool coat over a black pinstripe suit and white dress shirt which is unbuttoned at the collar. As usual his shoes are highly polished and send off a bit of shine in the mid-morning sun. I note he’s had a haircut recently. His gray hair is buzzed unusually short, most likely in preparation for tomorrow’s ball. He’s also grown a goatee since the last time I saw him. It draws the eye and makes his square jaw even more prominent. Aldo’s face is a strong one, weathered by years of service to the council.
As I extend my hand to help him out of the vehicle, I see that he’s wearing the bloodstone ring. His amber eyes go straight to its mate hanging around my neck. He smiles, pleased to see that I’m wearing the pendant. We hug briefly, and he turns to assist Lissette.
Lissette is also dressed in a suit today. Hers is a charcoal gray that sets off her honey blonde hair nicely. Always having her finger on the pulse of the fashion world, Lissette has livened up her ensemble with a red leather belt and matching shoes. I have no doubt the matching bag is in the car.
Their travel clothes are a blatant reminder of the fact that there are always watchful eyes about. It’s important for the Lescinka’s to be mindful of their image at all times. And this is what Nik’s parents want for him? Thanks, but no thanks.
I hug Lissette, and she plants a kiss on my cheek, squeezing me tight. Her display of affection makes me a little uncomfortable. “Darling! How we’ve missed you!”
“I’ve missed you guys too!” I tell her hooking my arms through theirs and leading them into the school.
“Will you give us a tour?” Lissette asks excitedly. “I’ve never been to Crossroads, but I’ve heard wonderful things about it from Anya. I want to see everything!”
I give them the grand tour ending with my dormitory. When I open the door and enter I’m alarmed by the sight that greets me: presents, presents, and more presents. The driver must have brought them up, and, as usual, Lissette has gotten carried away. I can’t even begin to imagine what might be in all of those boxes.
“Oh, Lissette! What have you done?” It’s not possible to keep the dismay from my voice. I look helplessly at Aldo who just shrugs as if to say, “What could I do?”
“I told her you would not like it,” he tells me smiling. Despite his placating words, I suspect he was a willing participant in this craziness.
“Did you try to stop her though?” I challenge doubtfully. He’s hardly intimidated by my inquisition and ignores my indignation entirely.
“Don’t talk about me as if I’m not here!” Lissette huffs playfully. “Besides, it’s Christmas, and Katia deserves to have a wonderful holiday. So, I might have gone a little overboard, but what’s the harm? I wanted to make up for leaving you all by yourself,” she tells me affectionately.
“It’s really great of you,” I tell her. “But you didn’t have to do all of this. Just seeing you and Aldo is enough for me.”