Blood Crusade

by Billita Jacobsen

  My students went to her during a period that was my free time but I always accompanied them. I told her it was to help—make copies if she needed them and keep the students in control but really it was because I loved the music lessons. Hearing the students sing always gave me such joy. She seemed to tolerate my presence until the day the lesson involved “Peter and the Wolf.”

  While I loved the classical music that was written by Sergei Prokofiev in 1936, the propaganda of the story that portrayed the big, bad wolf was misleading to the children. So I took it upon myself to explain to them that wolves weren’t bad and were, in fact, good for the environment and a vital part of nature. Emily was clearly furious, and looking back, she had a right to be upset. I had overstepped my boundary lines in her classroom.

  Without saying a word, she had opened the classroom door and motioned for me to leave. Some of my students gasped. I walked out in embarrassment and never attended the music class again. In fact, that was the last time I’d seen Emily. It was shortly after that that the big, bad werewolf had turned me and I soon left school. Werewolves deserve their terrible reputation, wolves do not.

  “Hello Nola. I knew that was you! It’s been ages. I haven’t seen you since you dropped off the face of the earth. Why, you haven’t aged a day! I’d love to get the name of your plastic surgeon,” she blurted, every bit as rude as I remembered. “What have you been up to?” She inquired, as if I was going to stand by the pool and make small talk.

  “How on earth are you looking so fabulous?” she inquired, peeking out from under her large straw hat. She basically looked the same, only wrinklier. Impeccably dressed for a day at the pool, wearing a knee length, turquoise cover-up, her brown sandals showing off perfectly pedicured pink toes, she scrutinized me with a perplexed expression.

  “You have the wrong person,” I stupidly answered, unable to think of anything else.

  Heather looked at me, the clarity hitting her like a brick. “You’re using my mother’s name? Oh my God…you’re crazy!” She looked at me with her mouth open and it dawned on her that she had been betrayed. “Oh my God…Percy…everything he’s said to me has been a lie.” She turned and darted off.

  Seeing no escape from the words gushing out of her mouth, I pushed music teacher into the lazy river to be rid of her. She rose out of the water spluttering, “What is wrong with you, are you insane?”

  I ran after Heather. “Wait, let me explain,” I begged her.

  “What possible explanation could you have? You are out of your mind—my mother is dead!”

  “Heather, I wanted to tell you the truth. I’ve been searching for you for a long time. I am your mother. I left you for your safety—don’t you remember?”

  She stormed into the cabana and yelled, “You’re close to my age; how stupid do you think I am? Did you give birth before you were in first grade? Honestly! I don’t know if this is a scam to get my inheritance money but clearly, you and Percy are in on this together!” The hurt in her eyes broke my heart. “Open the safe so I can get my purse!”

  “You have money?” Was another stupid thing coming out of my mouth. Of course she had money; Rose and Sean must have provided for Heather. I silently opened the safe as instructed while trying to think of something to say that would resolve this rift before it prevented me from ever seeing my daughter again. Leaving the safe open, so she would have to take the time to reach in and get her purse, I pulled the cabana drapes together and blocked her exit. She backed into a corner, her anger replaced by fear.

  When in doubt, use the truth. “Look, I can prove it to you. Don’t be afraid, I’m going to show you what I’ve become and how it’s finally under my control. I had to leave you and your father because I was becoming a werewolf every full moon. Don’t you remember when we were attacked by that creature?”

  Shaking the water from the lazy river off my body, I attempted to turn into a werewolf and give Heather knowledge of the world that few knew. She stared at me as I keep struggling to change. I felt the hairs on the back of my neck go up but no fur would appear. Absolutely nothing happened; my body simply would not follow instructions and change into werewolf form. My subconscious would not allow me to change into something that would shatter my little girl. Still, I keep trying, putting my hands together, grunting and straining every muscle, trying to change into a werewolf.

  “Holy shit!” Heather swore, uncharacteristically, I’m sure. She grabbed her clothes and purse and stormed past me without changing from her bathing suit. “You and Percy better stay away from me!”

  I wanted to run after her but couldn’t since as soon as she left, my body complied and I became a werewolf. Music teacher, of course, choose that inopportune time to show up at the entrance to the cabana, soaking wet and ready to give me hell. The look of utter terror on her face when she saw my werewolf self was priceless.

  “The music in “Peter and the Wolf” is great but the story is bogus, bitch!” I growled at her. She ran screaming from the cabana and fell back into the lazy river. Her absolute fear would prevent her from bothering me again.

  Shifting back into my human form, I had to change into my clothes due to my bathing suit being ripped to shreds from my werewolf form. It was too late to catch up to Heather.

  There was no choice but to call Percy and tell him what happened. He knew right away that something went wrong since I never called him. I only had his cell phone number because Lance insisted it be kept in case of an emergency. We now had a crisis on our hands that qualified as a reason to call the brat.

  “Okay Jasmine, what’s up?” He asked, continuing my cover in case Heather was present.

  “Well, you can call me Nola since Heather ran away,” I explained, as if she was ten years old and had a tantrum. “We ran into someone who knew me from before and called me by my name. So I tried to tell Heather the truth and she thinks I’m crazy and she’s pissed at you too.”

  “Damn it, I knew something like this would happen! I warned you to stay away from her! You just couldn’t leave well enough alone!”

  “Listen Percy, please make sure she gets home okay. I think it’s best if you try and tell her the truth. She thinks we’re con artists after her money or something.”

  “Well unfortunately, Miss Know It All, I can’t do a damn thing until the sun sets, and you better steer clear of me from now on because you really fucked up this time,” he said, hanging up.

  It was hard for me to comprehend my misfortune. All I wanted to do was spend some time with my daughter and save humanity. I was always nice to everyone, with the exception of rogue vampires, and empathetic on all issues, yet they all treated me like shit. All I received in return for putting my life on the line for Camelot and trying to reunite with my child was utter contempt. They really didn’t like me…none of them.

  My anger walked with me, shrouding me like a blanket until depression descended like a dark cloud, a mixture of hail and rain. I was consumed by a mad, frightening whirl of emotions. Self-doubt rose to the surface and took over from depression. Why did I think my conviction of fighting Claudius would convince the knights to do the right thing? I had no power of persuasion; it’s surprising I can convince myself to do anything.

  I should have headed back to Lance’s estate. The Professor likely needed my help with the twins. Somehow the dread of going back where I was unwanted was simply too much. I walked aimlessly for hours.

  It dawned on me, after coming out of my stupor, that gambling would provide an escape from my troubles. Yes, I easily persuaded myself that playing some slots and having a few drinks was the way to go. It was a relief to know my influence at least worked on me.

  I stroked my scarab amulet, hoping for a feeling of security. My plans were to gift it to Heather later, after she’d accepted me as a friend and now that would never happen. For some reason, the necklace felt warm to the touch. It even seemed to me that the emerald eyes were glowing and the ruby sun was sparkling, a figment of my imagination I surmised
.

  A small, non-descript casino with blacked out windows beckoned me to deposit the money contained in my cruelty free, patent leather Stella McCartney handbag—funds that were going to be spent spoiling Heather. The casino had no attached resort; it was a place where locals went to drink and gamble within walking distance of their homes. My theory was that the slots would be looser there since they didn’t have large overhead costs.

  Two bulky, thuggish looking guys were by the front door but that didn’t bother me. I went right up to them. “Excuse me,” I said, wanting to open the door.

  “We’re closed,” said one, smoking a cigarette and shooting me a dirty look.

  “Casinos in Vegas never close,” I replied, making a simple, true statement.

  They looked at each other. Then they smiled. There was a key in the door. It seemed obvious now that they were guarding the door. “By all means…go right in,” the man laughed, flicking his cigarette. “And good luck.” He put his hand on my back and pushed me past the entrance. I stumbled in.

  It took my eyes a second to adjust to the darkness. The casino patrons, about nineteen of them, were huddled in shock in a back corner. Ten vampires, in full shark mode with teeth chattering, were slowly moving in on them. One of them glanced at me and yelled, “Fresh meat! She’s mine!”

  The casino only had two doors, the one in the front guarded by the thugs, and the back where the vampires must have entered. They had already devoured a few clients; their bloodied bodies were slumped in front of the slot machines they’d been playing. The vamps were creating their own casino buffet.

  My bad day just got worse. The humans were terrified and no doubt would freak out when I turned werewolf. For a brief moment I feared that the change might not even be possible considering my problem turning in front of Heather. We were all going to die in this casino that had become a feeding den. The vampires had become blatant beyond belief. They must all be aware that the apocalypse was close and no longer feared exposure.

  One of the women patrons came out of her stupor long enough to pull a gun from her purse. She started shooting at the vampires in vain. As a result, she became the first target. I would never reach the woman in time to save her since my own battle appeared in my face, snapping away. He was simple enough to handle; easily dispatched with a quick werewolf claw to his throat. I had turned without effort.

  “Werewolf!” One of the vamps shouted, pointing in my direction.

  The human screams now bounced around the room as they ran in all directions, trying to flee certain death. They pounded on the front door in vain; the thugs were there to prevent any escapes. A few of the vamps covered the back door, ripping out the throats of the humans who ran there. Most of the attackers began to surround me.

  I took out four of them using the best combat moves The Master had taught me. One claw through the heart, removing and throwing the black heart of the vampire at a wall where it landed with a thud and slowly slid down to the floor. I savagely twisted and bit on another until his head came off. I was then pinned down and kicked my back paws, like a cat playing furiously, until I was able to plunge my back claws through his heart. Now free for a second, my last kill was accomplished by plunging the vamp’s head through a slot machine and twisting with all my strength until he too was headless.

  That left five vampires in front of me. The blow to the back of my head came as a surprise. I was set upon by the two thugs who had been guarding the front door, it turns out they were also vampires. As I fell to the floor they all pounced, like hard line players on a football. I could only manage a feeble, “Run for your lives,” to the humans who now had an open front door as an avenue of escape.

  The ruthless vampires pounded and kicked and bit until I felt myself losing strength and turning human. There was no escape from their fury and hunger. As the blood flowed from my body, I wondered if anyone would miss me and closed my eyes. A wonderful aroma filled my nostrils and a warm, bright light filled my mind until I realized what I smelled. Why would my last thoughts allow me to smell Green Irish Tweed? “Damn it,” I said out loud.

  “Get off her!” he yelled in his wonderful Captain Jean-Luc Picard accent.

  My vision was blurry and the close vicinity of his gun firing made my ears ring. Their weight was now off me and I enjoyed, with hazy vision, seeing the tables turned as the vampires ran for their lives. One shot after another, fired with precision into their hearts, made ashes of all seven vamps remaining.

  He leaned down and scooped me into his arms. My head fell against his chest. “I don’t understand?” I weakly mustered.

  “Silver bullets, my dear. One can never be too prepared,” he said, explaining how he killed the vampires.

  “Okay, good. But I meant how are you here?”

  “Oh, I’ve been following you since the sun set. For some strange reason, you are on my mind and I’m able to sense where you are.”

  “So you’re stalking me?”

  “If that’s how you want to put it. Aren’t you glad that I did?”

  I fell in and out of consciousness. Somehow, Mark took me to his place, whether he hovered there or drove, I don’t know. He was tucking me in his bed when my latest round of consciousness hit. He held a glass of water to my lips so I could drink.

  “You really need a doctor but I couldn’t risk taking you to a hospital. Patients who’ve escaped vampire attacks usually don’t survive once they’re reported to Claudius. A friend of mine is a doctor who can keep a secret. I’ve sent for him; he’ll be here soon.”

  He gazed at me with true affection. “Nola, I’m worried about you, the wounds are severe. There’s a quick solution to your recovery and I want to offer it to you. I’ve been thinking we would make a good team. Would you like everlasting life? I need someone like you to join me in this eternity. All you have to do is drink a bit of my blood.” He slowly brought his face closer to mine, as if coming in for a kiss.

  I turned away. “I can’t do that Mark.” He seemed offended.

  “I don’t make the offer lightly,” he said. “I’ve never offered it to a woman before. Surely you must think of it. Isn’t that why you hang out with vampires?”

  “Mark,” I said, putting my hand on his arm, “don’t be cross. It’s just something I can’t accept. But thank you.”

  “Are you worried that you would be in danger? I would protect you from Claudius—you have my word. He’s learned to give me a wide berth. Also, I’m sure Lance would help ensure that you are accepted and not harmed. Or are you concerned about killing people? That doesn’t happen anymore with me, I’ve learned to pay for blood donations—we don’t have to harm anyone to feed.”

  “Mark, the answer is no. Believe me when I say that you have become my greatest friend. Please accept that I must refuse your offer and let’s not speak of it again.”

  He obviously hadn’t seen me as a werewolf during the casino battle or he wouldn’t have made the offer. Once a werewolf, you can’t be turned into a vampire. He must have come in after I was badly wounded and had returned to human form. However, he would know the truth if I remained in his bed and recovered too quickly.

  Part of me wanted to stay and talk my heart out to him. I felt safe and cared for in his arms. How ironic that the one individual I couldn’t stand would be so kind to me. How ironic that he would save my life when I once wanted to see him dead. How ironic that I could not linger in his bed, the one place I wanted more than anything now.

  He tenderly caressed my cheek. “Okay. I understand, you need time. I won’t bother you about it anymore. Let’s get you something to eat. I’m going to Nora’s Restaurant to get us some spaghetti with marinara, no meat sauce,” he said, smiling. “I’ll be back soon, you rest.”

  Mark had earned my trust and respect. He was willing to dine with me when he didn’t have to. Vampires are able to eat food to placate humans but their hunger was never satisfied without consuming blood. Tears flowed from my eyes as I went to his desk to leave him a
note after he left. My tears turned to laughter as I ran my hands over the custom built executive desk, made from exotic wood, non-sustainable of course. I did not approve and would have argued with him about the need to spend an obscene amount of money on a desk. Even his designer fountain pen was luxurious, made with 18 caret gold. I left my goodbye on his personalized stationary notepad.

  Dear Mark,

  Thank you for saving my life. You are my dearest friend and I will never forget what you did for me. I hope to repay your kindness one day.

  Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine. I need to leave now; there’s someplace I have to go, out of state. Please don’t follow me anymore. Let me contact you when I return to Las Vegas.

  Fondly,

  Nola

  I had struggled over writing love, sincerely, or fondly and fondly seemed like the perfect fit. I was now fond of Mark. I hoped to see him again. He had been there when I needed him, unlike Lance, who had shown me the door.

  Chapter 18: Return To Camelot

  The Professor was waiting by the door of Lance’s estate as I dragged my still aching body inside. “Where have you been? I was worried we would have to leave without you!” he shouted, a familiar pissed-off look on his face. That was before he got a good sniff.

  His werewolf powers were kicking in big time. He held his head up, like a dog sniffing a breeze; his nostrils flared, and declared, “Oh my God—you’ve been with him! His stench is all over you!”

  “Don’t jump to conclusions, Harold. I was attacked by vampires and Mark saved my life,” I said quietly. “In fact, he saved a lot of lives. Some vampires are becoming brazen about killing. They took over a small casino and were going to feed on every person unlucky enough to be gambling there. I’m pretty sure they weren’t rogues either; they just didn’t care since the end is coming anyway. Mark killed them all.”