Melabeth the Vampire

by Hood, E. B.

  He went over to his desk and grabbed a pen and paper. He wrote two phone numbers down; as he was doing this, he said, "The second number is to a man named Alex. He is a detective, and he is the one investigating the killings at the mall. He happens to be a friend of my stepdad."

  Oh my gosh, I forgot all about that. “So how much trouble are we in?”

  David looked at me kind of funny. “Not that much, but I thought you knew that. According to Alex, The Order is terrified of Alice. So this Alice called and told them that one of her children had a little accident. She told them she was sorry, and it wouldn’t happen again; I was told by Alex after a small talk that he wanted to talk to you. I don’t think anyone is going to do anything about what happened, but we better be careful, because I am sure they are watching us.”

  "I didn’t know that Alice called anyone. She never told me; I guess it is a good thing." I said with uncertainty.

  David said with a smile. "Well, lucky me; not being in trouble means I can start school."

  That made me think, "Where… are you going to school?"

  "Beaumont High, it’s right down the road. I will be going with my stepsister; at least I will know somebody."

  A plan was forming in my head, so I said to David, "look, I don’t have time to explain all the details, but one of my killers is a teacher at that school."

  David’s face was shocked. "No way, you never really told me what happened to you. You just said that you had to get revenge against the men that killed you."

  I could see the deep concern in his eyes. "I will call you later, and I will tell you everything, but for now you need to do one thing for me. See, before I can kill this man, I need info. I also need to see if he knows where a certain film is."

  "Film?"

  I didn’t have time or the heart to explain what was in this film. "Look you have more time with Carrie. I don’t know if I can tell you; ask Carrie to tell you the story."

  "Or ask me yourself." Carrie said from across the room.

  I laughed. "Sorry Carrie; you’ve been so quiet, I thought you left."

  Carrie stuck out her tongue. "Just trying to give you guys a moment, but I can't leave that far away from David, even if I wanted to." Sadness washed across her face. "Don’t worry, I will tell your story."

  "Thank you Carrie," I looked back at David. "There is a teacher named Devon Wright. I don’t know what he teaches; try to get him for a teacher if you can."

  "I will." David simply replied, "Without even knowing what happened to you, you have my help."

  As he said those last words, we were staring deeply into each other’s eyes. The rest of the world melted away; the only ones in this room were me and David. David reached up and pulled me into his arms.

  We then embraced each other; if I would have had a heart, it would have been beating against my rib cage. I could feel David's heart, and it was accelerating; I pulled my head up and we were face to face.

  "Maybe I should take a walk." Carrie announced, and, just like that, David and I both jumped.

  Damn her, that Carrie. She could have taken a walk quietly. David stood up, and he was nervous and a little embarrassed.

  Carrie was nowhere in sight. I wasn't going to leave without kissing him. I was almost killed, on the hour every hour. The next time I die, I will not have this one regret.

  I stepped over and pulled David to me.

  David started to say something, but I put my finger over his lips and shushed him. We moved our heads together; as I closed my eyes, our lips came together.

  At first it was slow as I took in his warm, wet lips. Then the pace quickened, and, at the same time, our arms grasped each other tighter.

  His hands rubbed around my back and down my sides. After a little bit we opened our mouths and let each others’ tongues explore the inside of our mouths. The taste and sensation of this was incredible; I didn’t think it could be more blissful; I was wrong.

  The excitement made my teeth slide out, and it only took a second for David’s tongue to find one of my sharp teeth. His tongue slid across one of my fangs; then the blood filled my mouth.

  David jerked but didn’t pull back. Instead he grunted in pleasure. It only took a second for my saliva to heal the cut on his tongue. I bit his tongue with one of my fangs, so the blood started again.

  Now our bodies were moving as one. One of his hands slipped up and cupped my breast. I moaned in pleasure. And then… I heard a horn honk twice quickly.

  I could hear the impatience in the horn; I knew it was Charlotte. I pulled my mouth away and then stepped away from our embrace. David’s eyes and body were full of passion.

  I said. “I got…to go. I would like to stay.”

  David said with a voice that sounded out of breath. “Yea… I know. Call me.”

  Then he stared at me for a minute; I was wondering what he was thinking and was about to ask him when he said, “Did I go too far?”

  I smiled, moved forward and gave him a big hug. I kissed him passionately but only for a minute. “I wish we had more time. Don’t worry, you didn’t go too far; it was just right.”

  With that I flashed over to his window and then hopped through it. I gave David a wink and said. “See you later, lover boy.”

  As I was moving away, David said. “Call me, tomorrow between 9 and 10… bye.”

  As I moved toward the front of the yard, Carrie reappeared before me. “Melabeth and David sitting in a tree…”

  A small laugh slipped my lips. “Bye, Carrie, take care of David; I will be back soon.”

  “Don’t forget me, and be safe,” Carrie said as I walked away. I turned from the yard to the sidewalk and headed toward Charlotte’s truck.

  I was happy, truly happy.

  Some part of my mind was still having trouble with the kiss. I kept trying to compare it to those men who forced their lips upon me. I shook my head and pushed that thought out of my mind. This was so much different; there was no guilt, just joy.

  I had some good laughs with David and Carrie, but this was the first time since I clawed out of the ground that I felt happy. In fact, I don’t think I can remember the last time I felt so euphoric. I had spent so much time living around drug heads and no one of my own age; I can’t remember being this happy.

  There was a great freedom in my life, yet it felt as if the rage I had would eat me alive. My rage will end with the death of my wrongdoers; hope filled my heart that maybe after I killed these men, there will be something more to my life.

  My head was replaying the kiss over and over again when I reached the truck. As soon as I opened the door, Charlotte turned over the truck. The Blazer had oversized tires and a lift kit. I was not that tall; I had to jump to get in.

  I looked up at the seat and thought about moving up to it. It was the thought, or maybe my frame of mind, but before I acted on what I was thinking, my body rose into the air, and, in one fluent motion, I slid into my seat.

  I just flew!

  Not very high, two feet, but still, I needed to start somewhere. This was turning out to be a great night. I realized there was a huge grin stuck on my face, and Charlotte was not happy.

  Charlotte looked at me with disgust, “I guess Peter Pan was right. All it takes is one little happy thought… and a little bit of David dust.”

  “Sorry, I don’t get it. Why are you so upset? I thought you wanted me to learn how to fly?”

  Charlotte let out a dry laugh as she threw the truck into gear and sped down the street. “Flying, good; kissing Necro boy, bad. I could feel your hormones four houses away. Why do you think I honked? And to think, you could be kissing Michael. I think that throwing you off that cliff was a bad idea; I didn’t realize that it would do permanent damage.”

  “Ha, ha, what bothers you about David, the fact he is a Necromancer? Or the fact that he is not Michael?” I challenged.

  With anger Charlotte said. “BOTH.”

  It was a quiet ride home. We parked in front of the house
when Charlotte finally spoke again. “I am not mad at you. Well I am not mad at you anymore. I like you, and I am kind of teasing you about Michael. You have some issues you will need to resolve before you can be with anyone. I just worry about you getting involved with a Necromancer. Their magic can hold power over us, and they are not known for their goodness.”

  I looked at her for a minute and tried to take in what she was saying. “Thank you for caring, and you are not teasing about Michael, nice try, and, for your information, vampires aren’t known for our goodness either.”

  A smile spread across Charlotte’s face. “Let me help you with your clothes, and, just for your information, Michael likes smart girls. Just thought a smart girl like you would like to know. We better hurry and unload the clothes. Ezra’s going to be in a mood; we have kept him waiting.”

  With that, she flew out of the truck, opened the back and started to unload. Charlotte was not going to give up so easily. Even so, I still found myself liking her. I am not even sure why; she’s kind of manipulative and mean.

  The woman could see into me with her power; she knew how broken I was, and still she loved me; she loved me enough that she wished her son for me. No matter how crazy she acted toward me, few had given me so much, for so little, and let me not forget about the clothes.

  “Lazy ass… help.” Charlotte interrupted my thoughts holding up bags in her hand.

  There was a smile on her face. Of course she knew what I was thinking. I jumped out of the truck and grabbed some bags.

  After putting the bags in my room, Alice came in, along with Lea. Lea was still limping and in pain. One arm was in a sling.

  Alice started off by saying. “You must model for us. I would like to see everything that you purchased.”

  “Maybe later; I need to get with Ezra; he’s been waiting for me.” Then, looking over at Lea who was leaning in the doorway with a less than happy look, I said. “Sorry for earlier. I had no right to attack you; will you forgive me?”

  Lea looked at me for a second before answering. “Whatever, no big deal. I just hope that Michael can forgive you. I would hate to see him pay you back.”

  Both Charlotte and Alice burst into laughter. Lea looked back and forth at both of them. “What’s so funny about that?”

  Alice, between giggles, said. “Oh, I am sure Melabeth will be losing sleep over that.”

  Charlotte chimed in. “Michael grabbing her and rolling around on the ground with her.”

  Alice spoke the next part, “Pushing all his weight down upon her.”

  Charlotte finished it, “The suffering, maybe Melabeth should go into hiding?”

  Lea’s face went from shock to anger. As she stormed down the hall still limping, she yelled back. “Michael thinks she is an ugly whore.”

  Alice and Charlotte burst into laughter. I was taken aback about how mean they were to Lea. “Why are you ganging up on her? You know her feelings for Michael.”

  Alice, still smiling, said, “Because it is fun. I will make her see you kissing Michael later.”

  There was a mischievous look on Alice’s face.

  Charlotte stopped laughing. “You’re probably right, Melabeth; I will talk to her. Alice, please don't do that.”

  With that, Charlotte left the room to chase after Lea. Alice was staring at me.

  “What?” I asked.

  “That girl hates you.” Alice said. “Why are you worried if we hurt her feelings?”

  “I don’t know?" I said with a shrug.

  Alice shook her head, “You have a funny mind. On one hand you would have killed her earlier, yet here you are coming to her rescue. I would still like to see all your outfits, so try them on.”

  “I am supposed to go meet up with Ezra.” I said as nice as possible.

  “Fine” Alice said; she stomped her feet and yelled. “I don’t want to be your friend anymore.”

  “I will try them on tomorrow, as soon as you get up.” I quickly promised.

  With a face hung low and a quiet voice, Alice said. “Ok then… promise?”

  "Promise."

  It only took me a minute after that crazy exchange with Alice to find the danger room. The danger room was the basement of the house; if I remember correctly, Ezra named it after some comic book. I hadn’t read it, so I had no idea what it was about, but Ezra had assured me that he had a large collection for me to read.

  As I went down the stairs into the basement, it opened into a large room. The walls of the room were completely covered in weapons; I guess that is why he calls this the danger room. There were swords, bows, axes, guns of all kinds and just about anything else you could think of. The floor was a flat white; the walls and ceiling were of red brick. The ceiling stood about twenty feet high so this area felt huge.

  Sitting Indian style in the middle of the room was Ezra. He was wearing sweats and a T-shirt. I was wearing a blue workout outfit that me and Charlotte had picked up.

  Ezra spoke first. “Most of the night is gone. Why have you kept me waiting?”

  “Sorry, it will not happen again,” I replied.

  I offered no excuse. I don’t think he really wanted one.

  “Good, let’s begin,” Ezra said as he rose to his feet.

  And then, with great speed and grace, he came at me.

  Chapter 11

  Dwarf and the Basilisk

  I awoke in Nicks’ library.

  The stars of the roof came into focus, I awoke in one of the tall chairs in front of Nicks’ fireplace. The fire crackled, and I could feel its warmth. Nicks was sitting quietly with a manuscript in his hands looking at me. When I looked over at him, he smiled.

  “Hello, long time no see.”

  Nicks laid a cup of coffee next to me, “It’s been a month since I last saw you. I cannot wait until you fill me in.”

  “I can’t believe it has been so long. I have been waiting for you in my dreams; I was getting worried.”

  “Sorry… things have come up.” Nicks stated, with a far off look on his face.

  “Things… things that keep you from entering my dreams? Tell me.” I demanded.

  Nicks’ face hardened, “No, I cannot. I do hope you will not be mad at me, but it is for your own protection. Instead, a story of The Dwarf and the Basilisk will have to suffice.”

  “What is: The Dwarf and the Basilisk?”

  Nicks smiled, then handed me the manuscript that he had on his lap. “It is a short story that I have written. I hope you like it.”

  It bothered me that he wouldn’t tell me where he had been, or what was happening with him. I guess I will try and be understanding. And I do not wish to be mad at him; I didn’t want to spoil our moment. Plus, there is so much I would like to share with him and so many questions to ask; it has been a month now living with the Whites, and things have been crazy busy.

  I haven’t been able to see David again. Our schedules are black and white. The only time I get to speak with him is on the phone. And that doesn’t happen every night. David's family only has one line at his house; and his sister throws a fit, if he is on for more than an hour. The only time I can talk to him is between 8 and 9 pm. Sometimes I can’t call him, and sometimes he can’t call me.

  I have only snuck out to see him once, and that didn’t even work out. At the last minute he couldn’t get out of the house. He was still hiding the fact he had anything to do with me from his family; they didn’t understand. At least that night wasn’t a total bust, because Carrie’s range was further now. At least I got to hang out with her that night. She can't stand David's family except for Lizzie. It was funny to listen to her complain.

  On another note Carrie let something slip about that necklace David was wearing. She believed it was giving David power. It worried me a little.

  Of course I would have rather been kissing David then hanging out with Carrie. I have been having dreams, dreams of the last time I kissed him and sometimes nightmares, nightmares of kissing David, then losing control and kil
ling him.

  I hope I have enough control not to hurt David or kill him.

  I had been quiet for too long. “What are you thinking?” Nicks asked.

  “David… I miss him. It’s been hard to find time to hang out with him.” I answered.

  “Why?”

  “Well… if I could sum it up in two words, the White’s and the Abbott's.” I said.

  Nicks laughed, and then asked. “They wouldn’t let you see him?”

  “Yes and no; the Whites don’t say I can’t see him, and then again they do everything in their power to throw a monkey wrench in my plans to see him. Of course the Abbott's, David's family would flip if they knew he was still talking with me.” I could hear the bitterness in my voice when I said this.

  Nicks looked at me thoughtfully. “The Whites don’t like him because he’s a Necromancer. Well, I think it is to be expected. They are vampires, and vampires have always disliked the Necromancers and not without reason. Let's face it, you'll find it hard to find acceptance outside of vampires.”

  “I know, but David’s different.” I kind of had the feeling that Nicks agreed with the Whites about Necromancers.

  Nicks gave me a tight smile and said. “I am sure that he is. Now what have the Whites done to keep you busy? I would like to hear all about it.”

  Well that sounds like a subject change to me, but I was happy to tell him. I didn’t feel up to fighting with him, about David. “Every night I have been training with Ezra. He says being a vampire makes training how to fight easier. Strength and speed come natural, so we don’t have to work at those things. Also we don’t get tired like humans. We run low on energy, but, until that happens, we can run at full speed. If we run low on energy, we can replace it quickly if we can find someone to feed on. Of course you probably already know all this.”

  Nicks nodded his head, “I do, but I still like to hear what you have learned. Go on… please.”

  “The only thing I need to learn is how to move my body, what moves counter other moves, and how to use different weapons. Our ability to heal has made our training realistic, and painful, but it only hurts for a minute. Getting beaten up every night is still nothing to look forward to."