Whispers in the Dark

by Niranjan K

  “And why Jon hates O negative and Aiden O positive.” Alistair said. “You used to hate A positive when you were my fledgling.”

  “Exactly, now the sire has B positive blood, and he has turned someone with B positive blood, but can't stand to be around them; he tries to use the bond to help them, but the fledgling’s in the feral stage and the bond can only do so much.”

  “They need the presence of their sire.” Alistair said.

  “They know it's their smell. It's hard to mask those things in the bond.”

  “So, they're killing what smells like them.” Alistair muttered. “Including their sire.”

  “Which brings us to another interesting conundrum.” Ray said, his eyes sparkling. “We have seven victims so far. They were all killed on different days. Magnus came to me after the fourth murder. The grocery store owner. I think he was the sire. There was more than one juniper item in his house. He had no family, and the house was owned by him. The neighbours were put to sleep every night in their memory, that to them it's pretty much the norm.”

  “So, after the first three deaths, the council asked him to control his fledgling, and he tried, but was killed instead. Now, they have a feral fledgling in the wind, and no way to find them.”

  “So, they came to me, lying, and thinking I'll find the vampire and hand them over to them.”

  “Aren't you going to?”

  Ray nodded. “That's the agreement, but since Magnus lied, I think I am entitled to change the terms. So, do you think I should confront Magnus?”

  “The council will know his identity,” Alistair said. “Confront him. I'll come with you if you need me.”

  “Nah, I'm good,” Ray said. “He should have remembered I was a Haspel. I was hunting from my cradle, almost.”

  The words should not have made him feel so, but they did; send a jolt of want through him. He was on Ray in a moment, pinning him to the mattress and kissing him. Ray laughed and kissed him back, freeing his arms with almost ridiculous ease; not that Alistair was holding them that tightly, but even then Ray shouldn't have been able to free himself so easily. “If I'd known all I needed to get in your pants was boast about what a great hunter I am, I would have done that years back.” Ray teased.

  “Shut up and kiss me.” Alistair ordered and Ray obliged, still grinning.

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Alistair woke slowly, but completely. It was perhaps just before sunrise. Ray was fast asleep next to him. Alistair studied him, the lashes that swept the cheeks, the firm chin, the high cheekbones, the snub nose, the body that was fit, but not overly muscled, the powerful legs. It was so hard to believe that they were here, that he was here, in Ray's apartment, in his bed, that Ray was here, that they were together.

  Alistair leaned forward to press a soft kiss on Ray's forehead, carefully sweeping away the locks of hair that had fallen on to his face. Ray's breathing and heart rate were both regular and steady, but that meant nothing. He was a hunter. It was rarely that he allowed his body to take control of his brain. It was so incredible, this feeling of having Ray near him, in his arms, and he felt an immense swell of gratitude and love.

  He untangled himself carefully from Ray's limbs, and got out of the bed. He didn't need food or beverages. Most human food made them sick. The old ones were able to hold it in till they were private before throwing it all up. But drinks were a different matter. They could drink anything, from shakes to juices to alcohol to milk to tea and coffee. Having a coffee in the morning was more habit than anything at this point, but the work helped him.

  Mornings were not easy for him. Their bodies were attuned to being nocturnal, and having to adapt to human schedules was difficult, but making coffee, cooking, such things helped. Ray used to ask why he cooked when he couldn't eat, and Alistair had never been able to give a satisfactory explanation other than that he liked it, that it helped. He had never given it much thought till Ray had kept asking him.

  It had to be the motions, he decided. The routine, the repetition, that sort of grounded him? Plus, he liked drinking coffee. He couldn't feel the taste, and it did nothing to his system, but he liked how the scalding heat of it burned its way down. Ned always used to say he didn't know how he could drink it so fast. Ned used to love his coffee, enjoying each sip, and taking his time over it.

  Alistair pushed Ned out of his mind. That was the only way he could go on. If he allowed himself to mourn everyone he'd lost over the centuries, it would never end. Grief was not something he could afford, even if he were an immortal creature. Because the humans he lost… they all had other humans, and their grief had always seemed more important than his. The people they left behind had their lives irrevocably altered, and they were mortals, and what difference did it make for him ultimately?

  No one is indispensable. But some people are irreplaceable.

  He started grinding the coffee beans by hand. The fragrance and the action both calmed his mind. He was glad Ray had an old-fashioned kitchen. No gleaming modern gadgets that would give coffee at the touch of a button or at a command. He put the percolator on and started on breakfast.

  Ray used to love toast and poached eggs back when he was human. There was not much to be done, to be honest. It was the simplest thing he could make. He also decided to make some muffins. Ray used to love muffins when he was human. There was a whole watermelon in the fridge. He left it untouched.

  He had just put the muffins in the oven when Ray walked in, hair sticking out every way, and stifling a yawn with the back of his hand, dressed in a pair of shorts and a tank top.

  “You made coffee? Thank you.” Ray poured himself a mug, and started drinking in large sips and gulps.

  Alistair chuckled. “Did Ned never tell you off for disrespecting coffee that way?” he asked. “He used to give me hell.”

  Ray laughed. “All the time. Mom used to scold him, telling him he should let everyone have their food the way they wanted.” He looked at Alistair, a soft smile on his lips. “You made breakfast too.”

  Alistair nodded. “It helps,” he said. “Doing things with my hands. This... We're not made to be diurnal.”

  Ray nodded, comprehension on his face. “And you're baking muffins for the same reason.”

  “Also, because you like them. Used to, I mean.” He had no idea what Ray liked now.

  “I love them,” Ray smiled. “I haven't changed that much.”

  “So, when are you contacting Magnus?” Alistair asked as Ray put the pieces of toast and the eggs on his plate. He was glad he had made enough. Ray had a huge appetite.

  “I sent him a text just now,” Ray said, in between mouthfuls of food. “Now the ball's in his court. I'm expecting he'll either visit or call.”

  Alistair nodded. “He'll know about us. Vampire senses.” The scent of sex was so hard to get rid of.

  Ray got it, and he shrugged. “I don't see how that's any of his business.”

  “It isn't. I just... I wasn't sure how it feels to you when every vampire knows when your family doesn't.”

  Ray made a face. “I guess I need to call Mom. But... What do I even tell her?”

  “I can't tell you that,” Alistair said. “You know how I feel, but... What this is, is up to you.”

  “I'm in this for the long haul,” Ray said, his eyes meeting Alistair squarely as he placed his plate on the counter behind him. There were only a few feet of space separating them.

  “So am I.” Alistair managed to say past the lump that threatened to choke him.

  Ray surged forward, and Alistair caught him around the waist and their lips met in a kiss that was messy and sloppy.

  The doorbell rang.

  “Must be Magnus.” Ray muttered, not moving away. They were still close enough to be sharing air. “I should probably get it.”

  “You should.” Alistair murmured, his hands dropping away as he cursed Magnus. He had shitty timing.

  Ray stepped away and went out of the kitchen, leaving Alistair to catch hi
s breath and follow at a more sedate pace. Ray's breathing and heart were back to normal and Alistair had himself well under control by the time Ray opened the door. Magnus' eyes flickered to him, but there was no change in his expression. He would have heard him before they ever opened the door. He lifted his phone with its display towards them and the message Ray had sent visible.

  “Impressive, Mr. Haspel,” he said. “I didn't think you would do it. I underestimated you.”

  “I think you did.” Ray said. “How about the truth now?”

  “His name is Melton Todd. He worked as a mechanic. I don't know how he came to know about us, but he did. He was obsessed with vampires all his life; you know the online places where all kinds of weird theories are born?” Ray nodded and Magnus continued. “He was fairly active in those. Becoming a vampire seemed to have been the pinnacle of his ambition. He approached Burt, who obliged.” He paused. “I don't exactly know what happened. Burt had had fledglings before, and none of them had ever gone off the deep end, but Burt said he couldn't somehow bear to be in the same room with him. Something to do with how he smelled.”

  “Tell him your theory Ray.” Alistair said.

  Ray explained and Magnus nodded slowly. “It would make sense. The scent of vampire blood is more intense than that of human blood. That would explain why Burt wasn't so repulsed by Todd when he was human. And he wouldn't have been able to predict what would happen.”

  “Give me everything you have on Todd.” Ray said. “I also have a condition.”

  Magnus shifted, but nodded, his face tight.

  “He is not to be harmed.” Ray said. “It is not his fault. You will find a way to help him.”

  “Ray,” Alistair started. He loved Ray for wanting to help Todd, but it just was not possible.

  “It is impossible to help him without his sire.” Magnus said. “I'm sorry, but without the bond, there's just no way of bringing him back.”

  “Yes, there is.” Ray said. “Turn him back, and if he wants to be a vampire again, find him a sire who will not reject him!”

  “Mr. Haspel,” Magnus said softly. “I'm the head of the Vampire council. What you ask for isn't as simple as it may seem to you. He killed seven vampires. There are vampires out there who lost their fledglings, and a few who lost their sire. All of them want blood. They won't be satisfied with anything less.”

  “As I said before, in that case, you can find him yourself. Since he isn't hurting humans, I don't feel the need to involve myself in this.”

  Magnus sighed. “I have to take this to the council. I can't make a decision by myself.”

  “I'll wait.” Ray said.

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  He closed the door and turned to Alistair whose expression was so indescribably fond that he felt his knees go weak. “Do you think I'm a fool?” he demanded, his voice coming out hoarse.

  Alistair stepped into his space and caught him, pulling him flush against him. “I think you're the kindest, the most amazing person it's been my privilege to know.”

  “And to bed?” Ray couldn't help teasing, but he loved seeing the desire kindle in Alistair's eyes, setting the blue eyes ablaze.

  Alistair made a sound like a growl as he kissed him, and Ray clung to him, his mouth opening and his tongue demanding entry in Alistair's mouth. He lost himself, and lost track of time till the sound of the timer going off in the oven jerked them both away and his lips were tingling.

  “We could ignore that.” Alistair whispered against his lips.

  “All right.” Muffins weren't as important as this. “You're wearing far too many clothes.”

  Alistair's hand had found its way down his shorts and was stroking Ray's erection. His mouth silenced Ray's moan. Ray didn't realise they were in the bedroom till his back hit the bed. His hands were everywhere. He just couldn't stop touching. The sound of the doorbell broke into the pleasant haze, and Alistair let out a noise of frustration which Ray agreed with completely.

  “It's Jon.” Alistair said, as he pushed himself up. “Bastard.”

  Ray giggled, unable to help it. The tone of his voice and the expression on his face was just too funny. Alistair shook his head, but said nothing as he got dressed. Ray followed suit, more slowly. The bell rang again and Ray winced. They went to the door together with Alistair opening it.

  Jon looked strange, looking shabby and his usually immaculate hair disarranged as if he had been clutching it in desperation. “Alistair.” Jon threw himself on to his brother's arms, breaking down.

  Ray sighed and rolled his eyes before saying, “Come inside, Jon.”

  Alistair half carried, half dragged Jon across the threshold and placed him on the couch, but Jon clung to him and wouldn't let go. Alistair held him and gave Ray an apologetic look. Ray shrugged, squeezed Alistair's shoulder before moving into the kitchen. What do you give a vampire who was having a breakdown? He had never seen Jon like this and it hurt him to see the pain and anxiety in Alistair's eyes.

  He opened the fridge and took out the bottle of artificial blood. He didn't know if Jon had any preferences or dislikes, which made artificial blood the safest option. He poured two glasses and took them to the living room. Alistair mouthed a thank you as he took one and coaxed Jon into drinking a bit. He asked no questions, just made Jon drink. Ray sat on his other side, not touching him.

  Jon hiccupped. “I'm sorry,” he whispered. “I had no one else to go to.”

  “It's okay,” Alistair said, his tone soothing. “You can always come to me.”

  “Haspel,” Jon asked. “Do you have any... You know the stuff that knocks us out? I think I need that.”

  “It's going to knock you out for 6 to 8 hours straight.” Ray said. “Sure you want that?”

  “I need that.” Jon said.

  “What happened?” Ray asked. “Tell us that and I'll give it to you.”

  Jon glared at him with tear stained, red rimmed eyes. The effect would have been comical if not for the fact that Jon was so obviously devastated. “Hamilton Fade was my fledge.”

  Ray felt the air whoosh out of his lungs, and Alistair's arms went round his brother with a soft, “Oh Jon!”

  Ray rose and went into his bedroom, opening the shelf which held his hunting equipment. The pill Jon asked for was made from wolfsbane with a dash of rose. It would knock any Vampire out. He shook one on to his palm and took it to Jon, silently handing it to him along with the second glass of blood. Jon downed both and said, “Thank you,” before he was out like a light.

  “You can put him in the spare bedroom.” Ray said. “It's more comfortable than the couch.”

  He went to the kitchen and opened the oven door. The muffins were done, a bit burnt, but he ignored it and bit into one, even though it scalded his mouth. He sat on the kitchen counter swinging his legs and eating muffins. He was still there when Alistair found him.

  “I'm sorry about Jon.” he said, sitting next to him. “And thank you for allowing him inside.”

  “Was that how it was for you when I became human again?” Ray asked.

  “Ray-”

  “Damnit Alistair!” Ray looked at him. Why couldn't Alistair just tell him? What was the point in all this if this was there hanging between them?

  “Ray, it's in the past.”

  “I need to know!” he said, his voice rising and he dropped it. “I love you. Nothing is going to change that. But I need to know. How am I a part of your life when you won't share things with me because you think it's going to hurt me?”

  “Because I don't want you to feel guilty about it!” Alistair said. “Ray, I love you. And what happened... We both suffered because of it... But it was my choice... Believe me. I let you go because I had to, because I was already in love with you, and I wanted you to have your life back!”

  “Was it like that for you?” Ray asked, relentless.

  “Yes.” Alistair's voice was tight, his whole frame taut. “It was.”

  Ray placed a hand on his knee. “I
t was like that for me too when I turned back.”

  Alistair hugged him and Ray held him. It was awkward, their position with Ray on the counter and Alistair standing, but Ray didn't care. “We still need to talk,” he said.

  “I know,” Alistair kissed his hair. “We will.”

  “About what I did to you when I forced you to turn me,” Ray whispered, kissing him, ignoring Alistair as he muttered Ray's name, “and about Dad.”

  “What about Ned?” Alistair asked softly.

  “How long are we going to pretend you didn't just lose your best friend?” Ray asked. It hurt to think of Dad, and to talk about him, but they both needed to. “You've known him longer than any of us. You watched him grow up. You watched him grow old. Don't tell me it's not hurting you to lose him because I won't fucking believe you.”

  “It did.” Alistair whispered. “It does. I miss him so damn much. It's... I can't believe he's gone.”

  “Me neither.” Ray whispered, clinging to Alistair even more tightly.

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  In the middle of chopping up vegetables for lunch, Ray stopped, breathing out as he tried to imagine how Alistair must have felt in the days after he had turned back. It hurt so fucking much. At least Jon had Alistair.

  “Did you have anyone?” he asked, one hand gripping the knife and the other gripping the edge of the counter where the chopping board was.

  “Hmm?” Alistair didn't take his eyes off the stovetop on which a pot of crustacean stew was cooking

  “When... When I turned human, did you have anyone to go to?”

  “Aiden knew something was wrong,” Alistair gave the pot a stir, and closed it, lowering the heat and turning to Ray. “And there was Jon.”

  There was a time even the sound of Jon's name would have caused Ray to feel a prickle of annoyance, but that was before. Now, all he felt was a wave of pity. He had no doubt it wouldn't last. Jon was Jon after all. “Did you go to Jon?” He asked.