She lifted her hand in protest. “Jessie, it’s all right, trust me. You’re one of us now, and what’s ours is yours. It’s been this way since our existence. We take care of our own. I’ll leave you to freshen up and get dressed for breakfast. Oh, you’ll find breakfast served in the Sanctuary. It’s the large building across from this one.”
“Thank you again, Dr. Karina.”
She gave me a soft smile, then turned and walked out of the room, leaving me to myself. It didn’t take me long to find the bathroom, which was so small I thought it was a closet at first. But it had a toilet, sink, and a one-person shower stall. A good shower would feel great, especially since I’d been out for three days. Gladly, I stripped off my pajamas and stepped inside. The hot water was nice and felt good against my skin. There was a little bottle of shower gel and shampoo on the stall shelf. They kind of reminded me of those small samples you’d see in the hotels. I remembered those from whenever I went on vacation with my parents. They always smelled nice. I popped open the shampoo sample and took a quick sniff. It was very nice—light, soft floral with a hint of citrus, and maybe something like vanilla. I wasn’t sure about the undertone.
After a good shower, I dried off and dressed in the clothing that fit me perfectly. I didn’t know why, but I’d half-expected my size to be off. I supposed they’d disposed of my previous clothes, because they were probably a mess after that horrid night. My thoughts drifted back to that night— it was a faded memory, like years had passed. The one thing I did remember was that creature, his red glowing eyes, and his rotten stench. For just a split second, my entire body tingled, and before I realized it, my hands clenched into two tight fists. I wanted to find it and rip out its heart—to kill it.
Before I realized what happened, a low, guttural growl rumbled from my throat. I froze instantly realized this aggression wasn’t me. The room around me looked different, like a hint or shadow of blue. I ran to the bathroom to look at my reflection in the mirror. I couldn’t believe it. My eyes—they were glowing a bright blue. I blinked, but it didn’t stop. I closed my eyes tightly, then inhaled a deep breath and slowly released it. I slowly counted to three and promised myself to stop freaking out. I could handle this—I had to learn to play with the cards dealt to me. When I opened my eyes, they were a normal crystal blue. I released a long sigh of relief, then turned and walked out of the bathroom. I figured it would probably be a good idea to make a mental note when thinking about monsters my eyes might glow. This could be problematic if I were in a group of people.
As I headed out of my room, I tried to take note of where I was so I wouldn’t have a hard time getting back if I needed to. It was pretty much a straight shot, the front door and outside to the large brick building located in front of the infirmary or hospital. The outside was beautiful, with exotic plants and shrubs elegantly planted on the edges of a perfectly manicured green lawn. Tall palm trees were scattered about on the grounds, which hinted I might still be in Florida, somewhere. A large brick wall surrounded the place. From the looks of it, it appeared to be a massive mansion-like estate, something you’d see movie-stars live in. It didn’t look like a college campus or anything like that.
Once I stepped foot in front of the two massive wooden doors, I felt as though I was walking through to the beginning and ending of my life—well, as I knew it anyway. I sucked in a deep breath and sought out what courage I could find, then clasped my hand on the black iron ring and pulled the door opened. Inside, there was a large foyer with a crystal chandler above. To my right was a library of sorts. To my left was another tall wooden door. The sound of footsteps moving quickly down the stairs in front of me caught my attention. Two girls dressed casually in shorts and a t-shirt, with long hair pulled back in ponytails, looked my way as they hurried to the tall door. When they opened it, I could see tables and people eating. This must have been the dining room.
“Well, come on, then.” The latter girl held the door opened for me, as her friend walked on ahead of us and grabbed a plate.
“Thank you.” I gave her a smile and moved inside.
“You must be new. My name’s Jenifer, but you can call me Jen.” She gave me a broad, friendly smile.
“Thank you. I’m Jessie,” I replied.
“Nice to meet you, Jessie.” Her perky little voice seemed to fit with her energetic attitude. It was as though she had a little bounce to each step she took. “Just follow me. They have the most amazing breakfast. It’s kind of a buffet setting, really. Toast, pancakes, eggs, and fruit. I love the fruit.” She turned to me so quickly I jumped. “I’m a vegan. What about you?”
“Oh, I, uhm, like meat—I guess.” I felt like I had just failed this girl’s friendship test.
She giggled. “That’s okay. I won’t hold it against you.” Then she pointed to the extensive buffet table before us. “Well, it’s all there. Here’s a plate for you, and forks are at the end over there.”
My first impression was: OMG—this was so elegant. The table was covered in a white linen tablecloth and a two-tier layer of various breakfast foods. The first table I came to was fruit, where my newfound friend Jen loaded her plate with melons and strawberries. In some ways, I smiled to myself and admired my new, strawberry-blonde friend. She had made a choice I couldn’t possibly make. I did enjoy my veggies and fruit, but I wasn’t going to pass up fish or poultry. I spied something that looked like sausages, and of course, I sauntered my way there with a plate in hand, like a vampire looking for its next meal. As I scanned the meat section, my heart was almost in dismay until I saw the turkey bacon and sausage.
“Hello again, Jessie.”
There was no need to turn around to know who that smooth, deep voice belonged to. My cheeks burned as I attempted not to turn and admit my shame. A smile that I couldn’t hide slipped out, and I immediately lowered my eyes. “Hello, Jacob. How are you?” I reached for the scrambled eggs and gracefully, if not perfectly planned, grabbed for the spoon and flipped it over into a section of diced potatoes. To my shame, I tried to pick it up and act as though it never happened. Of course, I had to give Jacob a sideways glance, I already knew he had witnessed my clumsiness, so my reasonings didn’t make sense. I was embarrassed to the fullest.
He chuckled, then carefully lifted the spoon from my hand. “Here, let me help you.” He scooped up a spoonful of the eggs and put them on my plate.
With my lips pursed together, I looked up at him. “What if I didn’t want scrambled eggs?” I asked playfully. Maybe it was a bit childish, but to see his smile, those dimples, and his brown eyes brighten—it was worth it.
He slowly motioned his hand around the room. “Then I would try every item in this room to find your heart’s desire.”
At that point, my face hurt from the smile that emerged. “Would you, now?” I teased. “I mean, you’ve only met me, like, once.”
“Twice. Not to mention, I did save your life,” he interjected quickly. “That does count for something.”
I frowned slightly, then moved slowly around the table until we reached the bread. “Wait a minute. Aren’t I the one who is supposed to swoon in your arms and be all love-struck?” I choose a slice of whole-wheat bread and put it on my plate.
Jacob looked very confused for a long moment. “Wait—you’re not?” He opened and closed his mouth as if he considered other options.
He looked so adorable, like a lost puppy. A second later, he laughed, which made me laugh as well. It was nice to meet someone who had that effect on me.
“Come on, join me.” He gently touched my elbow and motioned with his plate to a table where Dr. Karina, Gordon, and Mia were seated.
“My—uhm—” I looked around for Jen, but spotted her already seated with the girl who she was with earlier. “Friend—” My voice sounded like it trailed off, probably due to my disappointment.
“Come on, Jessie. I promise they won’t bite.” He gave me a gentle nudge forward. “You’ll get to officially meet my family. Well, except
for my dad. He’s in Italy right now on business. He’s due back sometime today.”
“Well, if you insist.” I wasn’t sure about the ‘they won’t bite me’ part. These days, anything goes when it came to the paranormal. What exactly were these people, and worse yet, what was I? Maybe it was a chance for me to get to know them, and ironically, I would get to know myself, and what I’d become.
Like a lamb to the slaughter, I followed Jacob’s lead to the long table where we had a seat with his family. Karina was the first to welcome me, followed by Gordon, who gave me a bit of a geeky wave as he continued to stuff his face with food. He even managed to show a half smile in-between bites.
The beautiful Mia was another story altogether. She sat tall and proper with her back against the chair and one hand in her lap. She took slow and methodical bites, taking care to wipe her mouth before taking a sip of her coffee or hot tea; I wasn’t sure which. Her eyes lazily met mine, but there was no warmth in them.
Jacob broke the unsettling awkwardness from Mia’s lack of response. I tried to ignore her and eat my food, but that proved a bit difficult—new body, but old nerves. Each delicious bite I took seemed to grow bigger with each chew. My stomach churned a bit and spasmed a few times before finally accepting the food of my choice.
“Mom, I thought I would show Jessie around this morning.” Jacob took a bite of his food and looked to Karina for a reply.
“I think that would be wonderful, Jacob.” Her attention turned to me. “Jessie, I believe your room should be ready today. Perhaps we can get you settled in afterward? I’m sure you still have many questions.”
I chewed quick, then swallowed before I answered, half-afraid these people wouldn’t miss a thing when it came to table manners. However, there was Gordon who—well—wasn’t the model boy for Table Manners Weekly. “Thank you again. I do appreciate all that you guys have done for me.”
“It’s nothing,” Karina added, then took a sip of her coffee.
“Dude, you should really bring Jessie by the gym. I think that would be a good place to start.” He nodded, then gave me a wink.
I lifted my brows and turned to Jacob for his immediate response. I wasn’t sure what Gordon meant, but I had a strange feeling it would be unusual.
Jacob chuckled. “I don’t know, man. I don’t want to scare her on her first day here.”
“Naw—she’ll get it. Trust me.” Gordon finished his plate, then wiped his mouth with a napkin and dropped it onto the plate. He stood, then directed his attention to me. “I’ve got a good feeling about her.”
“Jessie, would you like to try out the training?” Jacob glanced from Gordon to me.
“I guess.” Something told me that this was right, but the inner part of me didn’t like the idea of the unknown.
“Jessie, do you feel up to it?” Karina seemed a little bit concerned.
“I feel fine.” Honestly, I did.
Gordon smiled and pushed the chair under the table. “Excellent! We’ll take it easy on you.” Then he walked off.
I gasped, then turned to Jacob. “What does he mean, exactly?”
“Gordon is a High Guard.” Jacob replied, then took another bite of his food. “He trains Bloodbornes and High Guards.”
Suddenly, I didn’t feel so hungry. I cut the eggs and moved them around on my plate. “High Guards? What are they?”
“Well, High Guards are the Guardians to the Royal Family. Some Bloodbornes are destined naturally to become High Guards—we’ve discovered a link in their DNA. It’s kind of a signature that all High Guards have that sets them aside from regular Bloodbornes. It’s like a switch that’s turned on, which allows them to become better trained, faster, and more in tune with their surroundings.” I noticed a certain sadness in Jacob’s eyes, and his gaze dropped to his plate.
“Superior killing machines.” Mia’s voice clearly carried a certain amount of venom. She promptly stood and tossed her napkin on the unfinished plate. “I’m done.” She gave me a hard glare and looked to Jacob, then Karina, before she stormed off.
I sucked in a quick breath and felt remorse for even sitting with them. Mia had made it clear that something bothered her, and I honestly believed it was me.
“What’s her problem?” I looked from Jacob to Karina.
“Never mind, Mia. She’s got a few issues to be worked out.” Jacob’s words sounded a bit sour. He released a long sigh, then put his napkin on his plate and turned to me. “You ready to go?”
I nodded, then stood up and stepped around my chair. After I thanked Karina again, I turned and followed Jacob off for the tour. As we walked through the Sanctuary, he showed me the large extravagant room with two antique velvet sofas, a piano, and a large TV. Without guessing, I just knew this room was called the Common Area, or in some cases, a Common Room. Perhaps I’d seen too many movies to know this, but as it was, I was right. Next, he took me upstairs where the place housed the body of the Bloodbornes-in-training. It seemed more like a private school setting, which in truth looked more like a mansion that housed vampires. It was old in its design with the polished wood-paneled walls, and antique paintings. Everything about this place had, so far, spelled money.
“Who is housed here?” As we walked down the hall, I noticed a few girls who had seen us pass by. Their eyes closely watched Jacob, then their hands went up to cover their giggles. Jacob was hot, and even I could admit that, so I didn’t judge them for it.
“This is the girl's wing. I think we have a total of two hundred every year.”
“That’s fifty more than each house at Hogwarts,” I tossed in.
Jacob turned to me in surprise. “You knew that?”
I chuckled. “My head is full of useless knowledge like that. I guess you could consider me a dork.” There, I threw it out there. He might as well know me for what I truly am.
“Didn’t each one of those houses in Hogwarts have two hundred and fifty students each? If my math is correct, they housed one thousand students each year.” He gave me a wink, then a sly smile. “I guess I’m a dork too.”
I couldn’t help the broad smile that crept across my face. It was nice to meet someone as dorky as me, even if he was apparently the most handsome guy in this place. Well, that was, of course, my biased opinion.
Jacob motioned for me to go through another door, which was another wing to the building where the guys were housed. “The Bloodbornes you see here are enrolled at birth by their parents. They are brought here when they reach fifteen, enrolled in our school, and trained for their lives in the outside world. High Guards stay here and protect the Sanctuary. Over the years, the number of Bloodbornes has declined. Soon, there will not be enough of us to protect the Claybornes anymore.”
“Claybornes? Who are they?” We walked down the hall and down a flight of stairs leading to another stairwell that looked as though it led to the area underneath the Sanctuary.
“Claybornes are humans in the outside world. In our history, we are taught they were made from clay, therefore have been called Claybornes.”
“So the Bloodborne are the protectors of the Claybornes?” I pulled my hair back over my ear and gave him a quick glance before we turned down another hall and entered a large area that looked exactly like a gym. It had a multitude of exercise equipment to one side, and the large center was opened, almost like a basketball court, only larger in size.
“Yes. We’re borne to do this, as we have been for thousands of years. We have a controlling government, and laws to abide. But most of what we do is fight evil and protect humans.” He looked up, and I followed his gaze to see Gordon on a weight bench. Jacob threw his head back quickly, and Gordon put down the weights then wiped himself off with a towel.
“Are you ready, Jessie? Because I want to see what you’re made of.” Gordon’s smile broadened.
“I’m—uhm, okay, look— I have no idea what we’re doing,” I sheepishly replied and chewed at my bottom lip.
“Don’t let him intimidate you
, Jessie. He’s just going to do a simple test, nothing for you to be concerned about. It’s not a pass or fail test—all Bloodbornes go through this when they enroll, and it helps us determine how to provide the right training for them.” Jacob’s voice was very calm, but it really didn’t help my nerves that bundled my stomach into a variety of knots.
Gordon stepped directly in front of me and lifted both hands toward my head. Immediately I took a step back, and he paused.
“Jessie, let me explain how this works. I’m going to give you an energy boost that will charge your abilities. It won’t hurt, but you’ll feel a little tingle.” Gordon’s hands were covered in a blue stream of electricity.
“Wait—” I paused and took another step back. “What abilities?”
“Your fighting abilities,” Jacob interjected quickly, probably due to my lack of enthusiasm over the drill. “What will happen is that you will connect to Gordon and his fighting skills that will be— I should say, downloaded to your memory. We can test your reflexes and handling abilities.”
“I guess.” I took a reluctant step forward in the hopes I didn’t do something to embarrass myself. Perhaps being anxious that I would make a fool of myself would be a good reason.
Gordon motioned with his hand toward a long table next to the far wall. “Bloodbornes are given special talents with weapons for defense and killing purposes. What you do with your weapon will tell us where to place you.”
“Choose your weapon, Jessie.” A variety of weapons including daggers, knives, swords, and even a couple of Sais. I walked over to the table and looked over each one carefully. I didn’t know how to use any weapon, so I guess it didn’t matter what I chose. I’d seen movies with sword fighting, and they always impressed me. As soon as I reached for the sword, Gordon’s voice stopped me.
Bloodborne Awakened (Borne of Blood Book 1) Page 5