Envied

by Samantha Britt

  His mother led the way into the family dining area. It was smaller than their formal dining room but located closer to the kitchen. The trio preferred to eat meals in the quaint space, reserving the long, cherry oak table for when they hosted guests.

  Gregory sat in his usual seat. His father and mother brought the plates of food to the table before taking their own.

  His mother, still a practicing Catholic, said a quick prayer and crossed herself. Then, the family proceeded to eat.

  He was so hungry; Gregory devoured the meal without saying a word. His parents shared amused glances but did not comment on their son’s voracious appetite. They’d become accustomed to it during his teenage years, many decades ago.

  His father lifted a pitcher of blood, refilling his wife’s goblet. Some vampires hired humans to act as direct donors, but the Fang family always imbibed of the life-sustaining liquid indirectly.

  Gregory hadn’t thought much of it when he was growing up – it was just how his family did things. Now that he was older, however, he suspected the less-popular method was due to his mother’s ex-humanity.

  His father filled his own glass before speaking. “I trust you are performing your duties well.”

  Gregory swallowed the corn muffin in his mouth. “I believe so.”

  “Rumors say you have rooted out nearly all surviving rebels. I am sure King Alexander values your work ethic.” His mother said the words without emotion, but pride shined in her eyes as she gazed at her son.

  Gregory shrugged. He only did his duty, and, if he was being honest, his diligence the past year had been in an effort to distract himself from his humiliation, as well as serve his king.

  “Alexander informed us of your mission,” his father said, “but we expect your return home the moment it is over.” It was nothing short of a command.

  Knowing there was no way around it, Gregory agreed.

  Happy with his promise, his mother changed the subject. “Well, we only have one evening together. Tell us what has been going on. We heard all about the rebellion, but we’d like to hear what you have to share.”

  Gregory had been limited in what he could discuss with his parents over the phone. Though the coven financed the best security for their technology, the lingering groups of rebels, trying to resume their cause, made the need for caution and secrecy to continue.

  “Yes.” His father leaned back, donning a methodical and analytical expression. “Give us the details of the final battle. It took place in a pack’s compound, is that correct?” Calvin Fang might have retired from the coven’s combat and protective service, but his mind was still sharp. He could still enjoy a good mission debrief.

  So, Gregory told them about his involvement in the rebellion. He shared details regarding the various Alliance meetings he sat in, highlighting King Alexander’s involvement in their formation and progression.

  He spoke of Darcie as little as possible, only mentioning her name when discussing his duties as her personal bodyguard. He decided to skip over the parts where he and Darcie had been abducted by Adir. His mother was known to worry. Even though he, obviously, made it out alive, he didn’t want to listen to her fuss.

  “I’d like to meet her one day,” she said out of the blue after he finished talking.

  Gregory’s neck snapped up from his plate. “Who? Darcie?”

  “Yes. It is not every day a human is thrown into this world. I feel like we would have a lot in common.”

  There might’ve been a time when the idea of Darcie meeting his parents would excite him. Now, all it did was make his chest ache.

  “The king says she wants to visit the coven. Perhaps you will meet her then.”

  And, Creator willing, I will be far away.

  His father, ever the observer, noted his son’s rigid posture.

  “Did something happen?”

  “Happen?” He tried to sound casual.

  “Between you and the girl. Darcie.”

  Gregory cursed his body as his pulse picked up. He knew his parent’s enhanced ears picked up the change.

  His mother gasped. “Gregory. You didn’t.” He didn’t know what his mother was referring to, but her tone revealed it was nothing good.

  “I did nothing.” Gregory lied, running a hand through his dark hair.

  “Then what is it?” asked his mother. “Do you not like her?”

  “Of course not.” He liked her a little too much.

  “You always seemed so happy during our phone calls,” she said, thinking back to the conversations from over a year ago. His mother forgot nothing. “I thought you two were friends.”

  “We were. We are.” Though Gregory was avoiding seeing her, he still considered Darcie a friend. In the days following his unwanted kiss, she had been nothing but kind, trying to act like nothing happened.

  The task was easier for her to accomplish. She wasn’t the one who had revealed affection, only to have its hopelessness confirmed.

  Seeing neither of his parents were inclined to drop the subject, Gregory decided to reveal the truth. There was no other way to leave the subject behind. “I grew to care for her. I told her. She, obviously, doesn’t feel the same.”

  The reveal earned him expressions of sympathy and disbelief.

  “I am so sorry, Honey.”

  “You fell for Lord Des’ destined partner. What were you thinking?”

  His mother and father spoke at the same time.

  Gregory shook his head and answered his father’s question. “I wasn’t. It just happened.”

  “Something like that doesn’t just happen,” he chastised. “You were on duty. I never imagined you would behave so unprofessionally.” The reprimand did nothing but support Gregory’s decision to not tell them about his uninvited kiss.

  “Calvin,” his mother snapped. “Enough. Our son’s heart is broken. The last thing he needs is a lecture from you.”

  Gregory dipped his head to conceal his embarrassment. He might be a strong warrior and the coven’s second-in-command, but even he could be mortified by his mother. “My heart is hardly broken, Mother.”

  “That’s right. I’m your mother.” she lowered her own head, forcing him to meet her gaze. Her eyes filled with understanding and comfort. “And I know when you are hurting.”

  “I’m fine,” he tried to convince her.

  He failed.

  “I see and hear the difference in you, son. You were happy in Greece. Now, you look miserable.”

  “I told you, I’m just tired.” Gregory pushed his chair back and stepped away from the table. He’d had enough. He knew his parents meant well, but the subject was not one he wanted to continue. “All I need is a good night’s sleep. We can talk more in the morning.”

  His mother looked ready to object, but her husband placed a hand over hers, silencing her protest.

  His father turned to him. “Rest up, Son. We will speak in the morning.”

  With an appreciative nod, Gregory quickly escaped and moved across the home to his childhood bedroom.

  He stopped on the threshold. His eyes scanned the familiar bedding, television stand, and computer desk. Everything was the same. Not one item had moved in the time he’d been away.

  Gregory used to rent a flat in the city, choosing to stay there rather than with his parents, when he returned to headquarters. But after spending so much time away on missions, he had decided to not renew his lease. It was a waste of money. And, if he were being honest, it was relaxing to stay in the house where he grew up. After weeks or months out on the road, it was nice to come back to a space where you felt completely comfortable.

  He entered the bedroom and shut the door to change.

  He’d just tied the strings on his pajama pants when a knock sounded against the wooden frame.

  “Come in.”

  His father entered. “Need anything for the night?”

  “Nope. I’m all set.”

  Calvin crossed his arms and leaned against the wall. “Goo
d.”

  An uncomfortable silence descended. Gregory knew his father had a reason for being there, and he didn’t need to guess what it was.

  “Did mother send you?”

  The older vampire nodded. “She’s worried about you.”

  “I’m fine.” Gregory was beginning to lose count of how many times he said the bland words.

  “Even if you aren’t, you will be in time,” his father wisely stated. He met his son’s gaze. “I wanted to apologize for my reaction at dinner.”

  Gregory waved his hand. “It was a valid reaction.”

  “Still, you are my son. Sometimes I forget to treat you as such. Old habits die hard.”

  Gregory knew his father referenced his days working as King Alexander’s second. He’d been dutiful and self-sacrificing in the position. Gregory wasn’t surprised that his father could not understand how his son could have developed feelings for someone as inappropriate as Darcie. He sometimes had difficulty understanding how it happened.

  Not only was Gregory on duty during their time together, but Darcie was also the subject of his duty. Professionalism should have kept the feelings from growing. But it didn’t.

  “Don’t worry about it,” Gregory told him. “We are okay.”

  His father smiled and winked. “Good. Now your mother won’t make me sleep on the couch.”

  The two men shared a laugh. Claire Fang could be the sweetest person you’d ever met, but heaven help the person who made her angry.

  “I really should get some rest,” Gregory said. “It was a long journey.”

  “Of course.” His father pushed off the wall. “Goodnight, Son.”

  “Goodnight, Father.”

  The older vampire closed the door, leaving Gregory alone with his thoughts. He felt bad for leaving dinner so abruptly, but it had to be done. As he laid down on his childhood bed, he vowed to make it up to his mother in the morning. He suspected the promise of an extended vacation at home would do the trick.

  3

  The spring air was chilling, and the ground was covered in snow, leftover from a recent storm. Gregory shook off his combat boots, stomping them against the covered wooden porch surrounding the werebeasts’ headquarters. He was glad he decided to pack winter gear. Oregon’s weather could swing from warm to cold in a matter of hours, no matter the time of year.

  The vampire readjusted the strap of his duffle bag and knocked. His hearing picked up the sound of running feet.

  Suddenly, the front door swung inward and warm, familiar eyes filled his vision. “Hey there, Stranger. Long time no see!”

  Gregory chuckled and dropped his bag to the ground, holding out his arms for a hug. Paige stepped forward and threw herself into his embrace. It had been months since he’d seen the teenage werebeast – a fact he did not like at all.

  During his work with The Alliance, Gregory and Paige had grown from natural-born enemies to fast friends. They, along with Darcie, spent a lot of time together while searching for Adir across the country. He hadn’t realized it, but he’d missed spending time with Paige. She was great company, especially when she humored him and watched action films.

  He unwrapped his arms. “I didn’t know you would be here.”

  Paige smirked. “It’s my family’s territory. Did you think we wouldn’t come to try to solve the problem ourselves?”

  When she said it like that, Gregory felt dumb for not considering it. “My apologies. Of course, you would be here.”

  “I was just joking,” she said, dropping her teasing smile. “Come in, its freezing out here.” Gregory smirked as he remembered their time at the compound, at the base of the Rocky Mountains. Paige had complained about the cold nonstop.

  He picked up his bag and Paige led him inside. They moved through the rustic foyer and down a long hallway, stopping once they entered a wide room filled wall-to-wall with screens. The monitors displayed surveillance footage from several spots, in an unknown town.

  Before Gregory could ask about the videos, a familiar face broke away from the group huddled around the largest screen in the room.

  “Lucas,” he held out his hand to the alpha.

  “Gregory Fang,” the pack leader returned with a welcoming smile and firm handshake. “Thank you for coming. We are happy to have you.” The drastic change in the leader’s behavior towards Gregory did not go unnoticed.

  There was once a time when the werebeast would sooner snarl at a vampire than shake their hand. But working together with The Alliance had changed a lot of things.

  “I wish my visit was under better circumstances,” Gregory replied with a solemn expression. “King Alexander wished for me to convey his deepest regret and sympathy. He is horrified by the crimes being committed. He wanted to tell you that I am at your disposal for as long as you need me.”

  Lucas opened his mouth to reply when a voice facing the screens interrupted.

  “Like we need help from a vampire.”

  Gregory acknowledged the words were whispered, probably with the intent of not being overheard, but there was no mistaking the quiet insult. His gaze scanned the back of dozens of heads, but Lucas saved him from his search.

  “Preston Hill,” the alpha barked, sounding just like a drill-sergeant in the army.

  A brunette male spun on his heels to face the leader. “Sir?”

  “I will not tolerate your insolence or disrespect.” Hard authority covered the statement.

  “Sorry, Sir.”

  “If I hear of it again, you will be assigned latrine duty for a week. Is that understood?”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  Lucas jerked his head towards the door. “Dismissed.”

  The werebeast heeded the command.

  As the young man walked to the exit, Gregory watched his arm brush against Paige. It wasn’t aggressive…. more suggestive. Perhaps even a little possessive.

  Gregory’s eyes narrowed.

  Paige scowled and stepped away from the passing male. Once he was out of the room, she turned back around and met Gregory’s inquisitive stare.

  “What?”

  He shook his head. Now was not the time to ask Paige about the interaction.

  Instead, he turned his attention to the moving screens. “What are you monitoring?”

  “Silverton, about ten miles northeast of Salem,” Lucas answered.

  Gregory’s brain quickly reviewed the intelligence reports he’d read on the plane. “The bitten bodies were all found on the outskirts of Silverton.”

  The alpha nodded. “Yes. We suspect whoever is turning humans lives nearby. We tapped into the city’s police cameras to search for unusual activity.”

  Gregory approved of their resourcefulness. “I can ask my colleagues back in Pennsylvania to hack into the system as well. The more eyes, the better.”

  “We’d appreciate the extra help. Now, let me show you where you will be staying. The guesthouse is on property but affords more privacy than staying at headquarters.”

  “You didn’t need to go through such trouble,” stated Gregory. He spoke sincerely to Lucas. “I would make do with whatever accommodations you offer.”

  The remark was ignored.

  “I’ll take him,” Paige popped in-between her father and friend. “I was going to head that way for a jog around the lake, anyway.”

  Lucas observed his daughter for an extended moment before finally saying, “Alright, but be back for dinner.” He looked to Gregory. “Several of my council are arriving this evening to discuss the situation over a meal. You are invited to join us.”

  Gregory bent his neck. “I’d be honored.”

  Paige bounced out of the room, waving for Gregory to follow. Again, she wound her way through a long hallway until they exited the back door. Gregory would need time to study the passages in the pack’s main building before he could lead himself around.

  Crossing the large, snow-covered lawn, they came upon the guesthouse. It looked like any other home to Gregory. The two-story, wo
oden building sported a fresh coat of paint, and its porch light was a welcoming beacon.

  Paige withdrew a key and unlocked the door before tossing it to Gregory.

  Walking inside, he observed the fully-furnished common area, noting the hospitable feeling the space gave off. It was far better than he expected.

  “Here you are. Home sweet home.”

  Gregory dipped his shoulder and let his bag fall onto the coffee table. “It’s nice; almost too nice.”

  Paige shrugged, moving to the windows to open the blinds. Bright afternoon sunlight illuminated the living room. “Dad wanted to make sure you were comfortable. We figured that would be easier to accomplish away from the entire pack.” She moved and performed the same window treatment in the kitchen.

  Gregory followed her steps. “Don’t misunderstand, I am appreciative of your pack’s hospitality. I only hope I am not imposing on someone’s space.” He couldn’t imagine the guesthouse wasn’t in use. It would be a waste if it weren’t.

  “Not at all,” Paige countered. She returned to the living room and flopped onto the sofa. She patted the seat cushion beside her. Like a trained puppy, Gregory obeyed and sat down.

  “How have you been?” Her brown eyes scanned his face. “You look tired.”

  Gregory sighed. That was the second time someone made the comment. Did he really look that bad?

  “I’ve been working a lot,” he provided, “but I am well. And you? How have you adjusted back to pack life?”

  While they worked for The Alliance, Paige had often commented she’d spent too long living among Darcie and the immortals. She joked she’d become accustomed to the fancy lifestyle. It made Gregory wonder how returning to her normal life had been.

  She shrugged. “You know, same old same old. Just trying to live up to my father’s expectations,” she said with a poor attempt at humor. “I’m taking on more pack responsibilities, but it’s hard to juggle with school.”

  “School?”

  “Yeah, I’m part time at the University of Washington. Normally, I live over there, but Dad asked for me to come to Oregon to help solve the vampire problem.”