by Cas Martin
Yes, it was all coming back to her now.
She sat up as the strength returned. A surge of utter joy rushed through her as she realised she was happy to be alive. She had been prepared to never see another day. Now she was alive and there was a new feeling in her body. She knew she had the woman sleeping opposite her to thank for that.
She tried to get up without making a sound. The moment the couch creaked Elizabeth’s eyes flew open. Clearly a light sleeper. ‘Monica?’
‘Morning. I presume it is morning?’
‘It’s 6:30,’ Elizabeth checked her watch. ‘How do you feel?’
‘I’ve felt better, but I’ve felt a hell of lot worse as well.’
‘So it worked?’
‘I think so. I don’t feel like I’m dying anymore.’
‘Thank god for that,’ Elizabeth was cut off by a knock on the door. ‘I’ll get it. You still need to rest.’
As she walked over to the door, Monica realised Elizabeth was wearing her clothes. The jeans were an inch too long for her, but other than that they weren’t a bad fit. It could only mean one thing. Feeding must have got a little messy last night. She racked her brains for a memory that failed to come. The last thing she could remember was the agony of her teeth unable to descend.
‘Where is she? Is she alive?’ Dennis burst through the door, his suit torn and tie long gone. The guard followed hot on his heels, flustered.
‘She’s over there,’ Elizabeth pointed.’ She’s only just woken up. Go easy on her. Coffee?’ Monica watched as she moved into the kitchen and began to prepare a pot. She looked altogether too at home there.
‘Monica, thank god you’re alive.’ Dennis moved over to the sofa and knelt on the floor next to her. ‘I’m sorry I couldn’t get here any sooner. I got hurt. I had to feed,’ he opened his jacked to reveal a once white shirt stained dark brown with blood. Through a slash in the material Monica could see a smooth red welt vivid against his black skin.
‘What happened?’
‘I thought they’d left but some of them waited for me. Punishment for my insolence. But don’t worry about that now. How are you? You seem…’ he trailed off as he assessed the damage. Monica had no idea how she looked, but she would put money on it being better than when they’d said goodbye.
‘Better?’
‘Well, yes.’ He took her hands in his, turning them over and over. The injury from the bathroom had gone. Monica wondered how much she should tell him. She looked up at Elizabeth who shrugged her shoulders.
Dennis caught the movement out of the corner of his eye. He looked up at Elizabeth and noticed the bandage on her wrist for the first time. His eyes narrowed and Monica watched him put two and two together. It didn’t help that Elizabeth was standing there wearing her clothes. This was the very thing she had wanted to avoid and now it was too late.
‘Oh,’ was all he said. ‘I see.’
She would rather be in this embarrassing situation than dead. She had to remind herself of that while she waited for the floor to swallow her up. ‘I really need some coffee.’
‘There’s a pot on,’ Elizabeth pointed with a tight smile. Monica cursed to herself. They should have talked about this before Dennis arrived. Now it seemed like she was going to end up having the conversation with him first.
‘What happened?’ he whispered as Elizabeth busied herself in the fridge.
‘What do you think?’
‘I can’t believe you did it with her again.’
‘It wasn’t like that.’
‘Oh really?’ He raised an eyebrow. ‘She’s wearing your jeans and the whole apartment reeks of her blood. Nice try.’
‘You wouldn’t understand.’
‘Try me. I thought I was going to lose you. That you were going to die. I deserve more than this.’
‘I think I was.’
‘I thought there was no way back from the decline. I take it Harlan didn’t come through for you?’
‘No, but it’s not his fault. He’s doing the best he can. Do you remember last time?’
‘Last time what?’
‘The last time when I, you know,’ Monica nodded in the direction of the kitchen.
‘Are you saying what I think you are?’
‘Elverez says there’s something special about her. And her father. You can’t breathe a word of this to anyone. If word got out, she’d be hunted down. There’s nothing I could do to keep her safe. If I found out it came from you, I would end everything between us.’ Monica saw him tense. She hated to make a threat that would hurt him but he needed to understand. ‘She offered. I tried to say no.’
‘Of course you did,’ he snorted.
‘I did. After last time, I promised it would never happen again. And there was nothing I could do to make it better for her. I was too weak.’
‘Do you mean she felt everything?’ This time he looked to the kitchen, his eyes wide.
‘Everything. She still let me feed through the pain. I think. I don’t really remember. We haven’t had chance to talk about it this morning.’
‘I didn’t realise. I came as fast as I could. I hoped you would still be alive for long enough to say goodbye.’ He shoved his hands in his pockets and looked away.
Monica paused as Elizabeth walked back into the room with a cup of coffee. ‘Sorry, I could only carry one at a time.’
‘Thank you,’ said Monica as she leant forward to take the cup. ‘Dennis can get his own. And yours. Please, sit down. Here. Next to me.’
‘Okay,’ Elizabeth hesitated. Monica wondered if it was because of last night or because Dennis was there. She looked up at him and glanced over to the door.
‘Actually, I’ve got a few calls to make,’ he patted the phone in his pocket. ‘I’ll grab my coffee and head out into the corridor for a minute.’
‘Thank you,’ said Elizabeth.
‘What for?’
‘For whatever you did to make him leave.’
‘For all his faults – and there aren’t that many of them – Dennis can be a pretty good judge of a situation. I told him we hadn’t had chance to talk yet.’
‘What do you remember?’
‘Not a lot,’ Monica admitted.
‘I’m not surprised. Your body was responding but I could tell your mind was somewhere else.’
‘Did I hurt you?’ She reached out and touched Elizabeth’s arm. There could be no response that wouldn’t burn shame into her soul for the rest of her life.
‘More than I expected. When I tried to stop you, you didn’t put up any resistance. So that’s good, right?’
‘If you wish to see it that way.’
‘I needed to change. I borrowed some of your clothes. I hope you don’t mind.’
‘Was I that messy? Please tell me I didn’t turn into a slobbering idiot.’
‘I’m sure your technique was fine. The bleeding wouldn’t stop again. Like last time.’
‘That’s worrying.’
‘Why?’
‘You know that when we bite, our saliva stops the bleeding and promotes rapid healing.’
‘Monica, you’re not talking to a novice here.’
‘Well then, why does exactly the opposite seems to be the case with you?’
‘I don’t know. It doesn’t make sense to me either.’ Elizabeth tried to stand but Monica stopped her.
‘Look, that doesn’t matter now. I need to thank you.’
‘I did what I had to do.’
‘I know, but I know it can’t have been easy for you.’
‘At least now we know. Elverez was right.’ Elizabeth looked up as Dennis walked back into the room. He looked over at the two of them and Monica nodded. The conversation must return to business. The implications to their friendship must wait for another time.
‘So, Dennis, what happened last night?’ Monica couldn’t put off the inevitable any longer. Her family had been attacked and she had left them to it. There were going to be consequences, she was sure of that
. People would assume she was dead. Conversations would already be taking place about her successor. For a moment she allowed herself the luxury of imagining what it would be like to disappear. To go somewhere far away and start her life all over again. It would be lonely, but it would be less stressful. A nice dream, but one that could never become reality.
‘They didn’t manage to take the club. Both sides lost people until they issued their request. We already buried our dead. We burnt theirs that got left behind. William bought us some time. Between us we managed to convince them you weren’t there. Tonight, you’ll be expected to be. By them, at least.’
‘What is the council planning to do?’
‘I’m not privy to that. An emergency meeting is set for sundown. William has assumed temporary leadership until your body and the ring can be returned. Can I crash here until then?’
‘Of course you can.’
‘They think you’re dead.’
‘I got that from the body and ring speech you just gave.’
‘Are you strong enough to be alive?’
‘What does that even mean?’
‘Are you going to have a relapse? Are you back at full strength, or are you going to need more of your miracle cure?’ His eyes darted to Elizabeth who gave him an exasperated look.
‘I don’t know. I’m feeling more myself by the minute though.’
‘So you might not need to feed again?’
‘I hope not.’
‘Well, that’s a relief for me,’ said Elizabeth. She rubbed her wrist. ‘I’m not sure I want to be something you have to take twice daily until you feel better. Please consult your doctor if you experience any unwanted side effects,’ she added with a pained smile.
‘I get what you’re saying, but maybe it doesn’t have to be direct from you,’ Monica mused.
‘I’m not sure I understand.’
‘Bear with me. There’s obviously something in your blood that makes you different from other people. You’ve proven that twice now. If we could get Harlan to isolate what that was, then we could use it to come up with a cure.’
‘Excuse me?’
‘You have to admit, it makes sense.’
‘Just because it works in theory, doesn’t mean it will happen in practice.’
‘What have you got to lose? All we would need is a blood sample.’
‘Hello? There’s a bigger picture here. I’m not some kind of guinea pig you can use as part of a science experiment.’
‘I didn’t say that.’
‘You didn’t have to. We both know what you meant.’
‘What harm could it do?’
‘Monica, you’re talking about my blood. My body. Something that is the very essence of me. It’s not something you can take to use for your own purposes whenever you feel like it.’ Elizabeth stood up and grabbed her bag.
‘Elizabeth, listen to me. This could be the cure for my people. I need to know what it is.’
‘No, you listen to me.’ Elizabeth rounded on her and Monica backed away. The fury in her eyes took her by surprise. ‘Don’t make me think that what I did last night to save you was wrong. Just because you’ve fed from me doesn’t mean that you own me. You don’t have the right to my blood. You never have and you never will.’
‘I’m only talking a small amount. I’m begging you to do it. For me.’
‘Oh no you don’t. I’m not falling for that whole emotional blackmail crap. I have no idea what your vampire friends would do with it. What if they found out something they didn’t like? Or worse, use a part of me against myself.’
‘I only asked you to think about it.’
‘No, you didn’t. You’d already made the assumption I’d be ready and willing to go along with anything you suggested. Well, it’s not that simple Monica. I don’t belong to you. I’m not some pet you can play with.’
‘This is hundreds of lives we’re talking about. Maybe thousands. You’d give that all up for pride? I’m not sure your conscience would let you live with that.’
‘Well maybe you don’t know anything about me. What I’ve done or what I can live with,’ Elizabeth stormed over to the chair and grabbed her coat. ‘This conversation is over,’ she walked out the door. Monica winced as it slammed shut behind her.
‘Well,’ said Dennis dryly, ‘you handled that one well.’
‘Shut up Dennis. Now help me come up with a reason to convince her before it’s too late.’
42
Elizabeth didn’t know where she was going. She simply walked. It was all she could do until the rage subsided.
She hated feeling used. After last night, she thought things would be different. That it would put her and Monica back on an even footing once again. There had been no doubt that it was the right thing to do. But in the cold light of day, things had changed.
Elizabeth could see why Monica needed to protect her family. It was a natural thing for her to do. But understanding it didn’t mean Elizabeth was prepared to be part of it.
She hated that Monica assumed she would be willing. That she hadn’t stopped to question her own needs and wants. It was infuriating.
She slowed down to get her bearings. There was a coffee shop on the corner, where the line for breakfast had begun to build. Elizabeth needed food, caffeine and a neutral place to think.
Over a large latte and cinnamon swirl, she debated what she should do. The sugar calmed her down. Had she been irrational by storming out? No. Her blood was not something to be produced and handed over on demand. That was the fast track to indentured servitude.
What she needed was the opinion of someone she could trust. That was easier said than done. Garth wasn’t the right person to talk this through with. He knew too much about them both. Besides, an exploration of feelings wasn’t really his thing.
An idea came to her and she toyed with it for a few minutes. Would it be so foolish? After all, he knew a lot more than her and he would certainly be objective.
The downside was that it would require confession. Jack LeTraub had made his feelings clear on the subject of letting a vampire feed from you. She hated the thought of him judging her.
Perhaps if she called him, rather than met him in person, she would be able to get away with some little white lies. She took a fortifying sip of her coffee and scrolled through the numbers in her phone. She still hesitated for a good thirty seconds before she found the courage to press dial.
‘Jack, it’s me.’
‘How are you?’
‘I’ve been better.’
‘How is New York?’
‘How did you know?’
‘I have a way of finding out these things.’
‘Oh,’ Elizabeth paused but it became clear he had no intention of elaborating. ‘I need some advice. Can you talk?’
‘Yes. Although I’m not sure I’m the best person when it comes to giving advice.’
‘In this instance, you might be.’
‘In that case, what can I help you with?’
‘You were right about who’s behind it. I need some advice about what to do next. I need to know whose side I’m on.’
‘Sides? That sounds like a very tricky situation.’
‘More than you could possibly imagine.’
‘What do you need to know?’
‘What do you know about the Sekhmets?’
‘More than I could ever want to. Do you have a specific question?’
‘More like a scenario. I’m in a difficult position that could put me in danger some time down the line. But if I do nothing, then they may achieve their goals. What would it be like if they were the supreme family over here?’
‘It would be disastrous. They have no respect for the sanctity of human life. They believe in the ancient sacrifices. Here, they are kept in check by the power of the others, rather than an inherent civility.’
‘So you think I should do something if I can?’
‘Are you asking me if the sacrifice of the one for the benefi
t of the many is the right thing to do?’
‘I guess I am.’
‘On a theoretical level, yes. On a practical level, I can’t imagine condoning anything that would put you in danger. Your father would never want me to do that.’
‘I know. I’m trying to imagine what he would do if he was in my situation.’
‘And what have you come up with?’
‘My gut tells me he would. He would take the chance to stop the balance of power shifting too far in the wrong direction.’
‘You are most likely correct. He was always selfless in that way. But, much as I hate to say it, doing the right thing didn’t stop him from getting killed. In fact, it led to it happening. This isn’t a theoretical risk Elizabeth. It’s a very real one.’
‘I know. I can’t get that out of my mind. But if they take control of the city it will only be the beginning. They would want more than that. And one of the first things they would do is come after me. In which case, I would be dead anyway.’
‘It sounds to me like you’ve already made your decision.’
‘It’s more that I don’t feel I have a choice. I hate it. Doing the right thing should be black and white. Instead I don’t have any say in it at all. That makes me feel vulnerable.’
‘Vampires are very good at manipulating a situation. You have to remember that Elizabeth. Even those who appear on our side still hold their family loyalty ahead of any other. It is how they have managed to survive for so long. You must never forget that. You can develop a rapport with them, but you must never mistake it for friendship. That is the risk you take.’
‘I have to believe there is a chance at friendship Jack. Otherwise the chance of reaching a safe balance is no longer there.’
‘You sound like your father.’
‘I’ll take that as a compliment.’
‘His compassion clouded his judgement. You must remember that as well.’
‘I don’t want to fight about this.’
‘I distinctly remember you asked for my opinion.’
‘I know. And I do value it.’
‘But I’m not saying what you want to hear? Is that the problem?’
‘Perhaps. But I don’t know what the answer is, so I don’t know what I want to hear.’