by Avery Kloss
“You really don’t know you’ve been missing six months?” asked Maven.
“I … no. I was just here yesterday. I … do remember Serena biting me, but that’s about it. The rest is blank, until now.”
Maven sniffed, as tears welled in her eyes. “I’ve missed you. You’ve been gone a long time. I’m so glad you’re … okay. I guess you’re a bloodsucker now, but at least I can talk to you. Mom’s gonna freak out when she sees you. She’s in a bad way. All she does is drink.”
“If that’s true, I’m sorry. I really don’t remember anything. It feels like just one day to me.” She glanced at her hands, black dirt beneath each nail. “I have been here a long time, haven’t I? I don’t think I’ve ever been this dirty.”
Gabe patted her shoulder. “Then as soon as you’re clean, you can have a meal.”
“But I can’t … do that to my sister, can I?”
Maven took a step back.
“No, Reese. We should go over a few ground rules, but first, you need to shower.” He made a face. “It’s pretty intolerable.”
The shower did wonders for Reese, and I left Maven with her, Flint enjoying a beer at the bar, unaware of everything that had happened. I found myself outside with Gabe, the man leading me into the woods to talk, his footfalls eerily silent.
“That went better than expected,” he murmured.
“For sure. I thought she was gonna be like she was the last time. She was terrifying then. She’s almost normal now.”
He took my hand, as we approached a secluded spot behind the establishment, the sound of laughter and music quieter here. A small seating area appeared with a bench and a table.
“I saw your comment on my note.”
I grinned. “Yeah, I thought it appropriate. I had no idea you’re so conflicted about me.”
“It’s your welfare I’m concerned about, Brie. It’s not safe for you to be around me. You shouldn’t be at the bar. There are a bunch of reasons why that’s a bad idea.”
Sitting next to him, my knee touched his thigh. “This is peaceful. I love the dark. With you, I’ve nothing to fear.”
“There’s the rub, though. Because of me, you’ve everything to worry about. I attract trouble. I don’t know what it is, but … something always ruins whatever pleasure or peace I find.” His eyes drifted over me. “I like being with you too. I avoid humans like the plague, unless I'm feeding on them or dealing with them on a business level. I’d never encourage a personal relationship—ever.”
“And yet, here we are.”
“Because you’re willfully disobedient.” He offered a wry smile, which negated any anger. “I really shouldn’t encourage this. I’d never forgive myself if anything happened to you.”
“But, you said I’m not human. Because of Suzie, I’m different. I’ve been thinking about stuff, and I doubt I’m here by accident. My whole life’s been moving in this direction. Mom bringing me to Clatskanie wasn’t a coincidence. We were led here.”
“Maybe.” He nodded, his face in shadow. A branch swayed over our heads, the wind damp and cool. “The mystery continues, but it’ll eventually be solved. I just don’t want you or your mother hurt in any way.”
“I’m careful.”
“No, you’re not,” he laughed. “Hardly.”
“I’m going to find out what Suzie wants. I haven’t seen her in a while. I’ll break into Anna’s house too. I’m making plans, Gabe. I want answers like you do, but you have to stop ignoring me. Pick up the damn phone.”
He let out a long sigh, sounding entirely human in that instant. “That negates me not getting any closer to you, Brie. Even hearing the sound of your voice stirs stuff up. It’s not a good idea.”
“I stir stuff up?” I scooted nearer, resting my head against his shoulder. His arm went around me. “Tell me more.”
“You’re determined to push my buttons, aren’t you?”
“I guess. Tell me about yourself. Tell me about your life, Gabe. What were you doing before you became a vampire? How’d you get this way anyway? What was the world like a hundred and sixteen years ago?”
“We’d just come out of the prim and proper Victorian era. It was before the Titanic sank and after they built the first car. It was a dirty, smelly time, where people hardly bathed. I’m sure you’ve heard of it.”
I giggled, “Yes, but you were there.”
“I became a vampire rather young. It was my fault, actually. I never should’ve gone to that brothel in Vienna. I found out a little too late the madam was a vampire. She … took a liking to me.”
“Where are you from?”
“Dorset, on the channel coast. My parent’s had a house there.”
“That’s the accent then.”
“It’s been watered down over the decades, I’m afraid.”
“I want to know all about you.”
“I’m not that person anymore. I left it all behind when I came to America.”
“It’s still fascinating.”
He leaned in, dipping his head. “You’re fascinating.”
“Hardly. I’ve never been anywhere. I’m boring.”
“I’d never call you that. You’re wearing a ring of Welsh gold. You communicate with a ghost. You’ve the ability to disappear for any length of time you see fit. I can’t drink your blood, and that’s never happened before.”
“I’d rather talk about you.”
“I’m a simple man, who’s found himself in some … challenging circumstances. I never asked for this life, but it’s who I am now.”
“If you could have anything, what would that be?”
“I’d … like to be human again.”
“You would, why?”
“Because I’ve missed something important, Brie.”
“What’s that?”
“To truly love a woman. I’ve never had a family or children of my own. No amount of bloodlust can make up for that. You’d think I wouldn’t feel it so keenly, especially after an entire century, but I do. If I could go back, I’d have avoided that brothel and stayed in Dorset. I would’ve married and had a normal life.”
I thought about that. “So, you can’t have sex at all?”
“No.”
“Bummer.” I snuggled into him further, although he provided little warmth. “Thank you for telling me about yourself. I still want to know more.”
“I’m not a monster. I have killed, but … I try not to. It’s not always easy.” He held me tightly. “You need to go home, Brie. I’m sure your mother’s worried about you.”
“Flint’s having booze. He really shouldn’t drive.”
“I’ve a car. I’ll take you.”
“I’d rather stay with you. I don’t want to go home. I like your house.”
“No, my rebellious one. You can’t stay at my house. I’ve no food for you.”
“I’m not hungry.”
“I am.”
I sat up, and glanced at him. “Oh, boy.”
He grinned, flashing glistening, elongated teeth. “I’ve a meal to procure. Let me take you home, or I might try to feed on you again. You smell … delicious.”
I giggled, and jumped to my feet. “Not a chance, buddy!” I dashed through the forest towards the bar, emerging into the parking lot, where a couple kissed by the side of a car. I smiled into the night, suddenly elated to be alive and in love, the feeling wondrous and special. I never wanted it to end.
34
“Where are you going this time?” I glanced at my mother, as I sat on the sofa before the fire.
“Out.” She flashed a smile. “Hot date.”
“With Mr. Dairy Aisle guy?”
She laughed, “Yeah. He’s taking me to dinner.”
“That’s like three times this week. That’s a lot … of food.”
“I’m sticking to salad with no dressing.” She patted her belly, although it appeared flat. “I’m gonna need to find a gym at this rate.”
“I guess so.”
�
�It’s a work night, so I won’t be out long. He’s good company.”
“You seem to like him. You sure got over Clark pretty fast.”
“It was never really serious between us.” The sound of a car caught her notice. “He’s here. I’m going. Lock the doors after I leave.”
“Yeah.” She donned a coat. “Have fun, Mom.”
“I will.”
“Don’t worry about me. I’ll just starve,” I teased.
“I’ll bring home leftovers.” She opened the door. “You’ve got the fridge and a microwave. You can manage.”
“I guess.”
“Bye, honey.”
“See ya later.” The door closed behind her.
I slid from the couch, and approached the windows that flanked either side of the door. The headlights of the vehicle illuminated a row of tall, perfectly manicured bushes. Jack assisted mom into the car. The man then glanced over his shoulder at the house. I stepped away from the window to not be seen, annoyed that he seemed to know I watched.
After they left, I slipped on a pair of boots, and retrieved a jacket from the closet. I spoke with Gabe earlier, and he knew about my mother’s plans for the night. He agreed to meet me, although he could not come any closer than the backyard, because of the salt barrier. Stepping from the house out the kitchen door, I gasped, startled to find Gabe there.
“Oh! I thought … what’s going on?” We stood on the wooden deck, where mom put a few wicker chairs and a table.
He grinned disarmingly. “I had no problem crossing the yard. The salt wears off. She’ll have to do it again to keep its effectiveness.”
“Can you come inside?”
“I doubt it.”
I opened the door for him, waiting. “Try. Maybe that wore off too?” I glanced at him hopefully.
He took a step towards me, his foot at the threshold, but it paused there. “No. I can’t go further. That’s a different sort of spell. That one’s permanent.”
“Which is why you’re here. Let’s check it out, okay?” We planned to snoop around Anna’s house, to ascertain what needed to be done to break in. “Come on.” I reached for his hand. “Mom’s gone.”
“Who’s she dating again?”
We walked across the yard, the night air cool against my neck. “It was Clark, now it’s Jack.”
“I’d like to meet your mother.”
I blinked. “You would? Why?”
He had to think about that. “I don’t know. You’re right. I … don’t need to meet your mother. That’s an entirely human thing to do, isn’t it?” He smiled sadly. “Being with you … it makes me yearn to be normal.” He seemed to shake himself out of a daze. “Miller’s right.” He murmured, “I need to get a grip.”
“I’d love it if you met my mom. She’d like you.”
“Never mind I said anything.”
We ventured through the trees, as the outlines of a house emerged, its gabled roofline looming darkly. Despite the chill in the air, the walk proved brisk, warming me. I had seen Anna’s house in daylight before. It was a little newer than ours, what mom described as Tudor. Brick and stone ran along the bottom, with a half-timbered upper façade.
Lights shone from the first floor windows. “Someone’s home.”
“This brings back memories.”
“Have you been in there before?”
“Crystal used to live there. She wasn’t all that fond of vampires. I bet it has a million and a half spells to ward off supernatural creatures, especially vampires. I expect a salt perimeter.” He inched forward, his feet encased in black boots. “Like right here.” He stopped. “I can’t go any further.”
“Great, but I can.” Or could I? Was I now a supernatural creature?
He nodded. “I doubt they left doors unlocked. It won’t be easy getting in there.”
“Then there’s the problem of not knowing what the heck I’m looking for once I do.”
“Most witches can’t remember every detail about hundreds of different spells. They have to write that stuff down somewhere. If you can find the notes, it would be helpful.”
“Okay.”
“We just have to figure out how to get you in there. You’ve the ability not to be seen, so there’s an advantage.”
“I’ve never broken and entered before. This’ll be a first.” I grinned, finding the prospect wickedly exciting. “I'm game.”
He grabbed my arm, bringing me to him, all humor gone. “It’s not a game, Brie. There can be serious consequences to getting caught. Don’t let the little bit of magic you have make you overly confident. I can’t help you if something goes wrong. I can’t get any nearer than this. If they catch you in there, whoever’s in the house, they might … they could … hurt you. Suzie died because of Crystal.” Undisguised pain glimmered in his eyes, although it vanished in an instant.
I touched his face, and felt the coolness of his skin. “I’m careful.”
“No, you’re not. You’re here with me. It’s like running into traffic and expecting not to get hit. I’m not someone you should be with, Brie. You may think you’re safe because I can’t feed on you, but there are others out there who’ll harm you because they know … I’m fond of you. I should just leave town. It’s better for everyone if I go far away.”
“Please don’t. You said yourself I’m not human anymore.”
“But, we don’t know the true extent of your powers. We can’t be overconfident. That could be fatal. That’s one risk I’m not willing to take.”
“They won’t know I’m there. I’ll look for the notebook or whatever it is, and then get out.”
“Can you pick a lock? Because I doubt they just left the doors open.”
“Let me check it out.” I appreciated his concern, finding everything about him appealing, even the coolness of his skin. On impulse, I kissed him, his lips soft.
He returned the favor, drawing me nearer, an arm around my back. His mouth by my ear, he said, “I’d never forgive myself if something happened to you.”
“I’m not a weakling. I’m not overconfident either. I’m not reckless.”
“You just lied three times in a row.” He pushed me away gently, smiling. “Go on then. Go test the doors. Be careful.”
“I will.”
Keeping to the shadows to avoid the light that poured from several windows, I approached a backdoor, and gave the knob a try. It was locked. I worked my way around to another, this one locked as well. Gabe stood at a distance, although he followed me to the front, where he waited by the trees, not being able to get closer. The only door that remained untested was this one. Light shone from tall, mullioned windows, the design of the house impressive. Bushes flanked each side of the porch, where a heavily carved door awaited, the hardware made of polished brass.
I grasped it, the knob cold to the touch. It turned then, which shocked me. Waving to Gabe, I nodded and smiled. I could not shout to him for fear of being overheard. He stood beneath the trees, a mysterious figure in black. His face shone whitish in the moonlight. Not wanting to waste this unexpected opportunity, I played with the ring, and wished myself to be invisible. My body began to tingle from head to foot. Glancing at my legs, I no longer saw them, the magic of the ring taking effect.
Opening the door, I entered a two-story foyer, my boots cushioned by a thick throw rug. An ornate mirror hung over a dark wooden sideboard, littered with knickknacks. The house smelled of lemon and eucalyptus, possibly from a diffuser somewhere. Mom liked to freshen the air that way too, although we had not plugged ours in since moving. Venturing to the mirror, I did not see myself in it, although I stood before it.
“Mom!” called a voice, which made me jump. “The show’s about to start!”
“I’ll be right down.”
At least two people occupied the home, the aroma of popcorn lingering. The stairs suddenly creaked. Someone was coming! I slipped into the next room, and stood in what looked like a dining space, with a table and six chairs. Boxes and piles
of books and magazines covered the table from one end to the next. A woman passed by the doorway, and disappeared into another room.
As quietly as possible, I made my way into the hallway, but took a moment to glance into each room. I hoped to find anything witch-related or something that looked like a work notebook. A laundry room stood to the left, then a bathroom, with the kitchen near the center of the dwelling.
Two women spoke, laughing, with the sound of a television on in the background. I headed towards them, and peered into the family room, where Anna sat on the sofa in her nightgown, while her mother occupied an upholstered chair.
“God, that’s the world’s dumbest commercial,” commented Anna, tossing popcorn into her mouth. “You want a soda, Mom?”
“I’m fine.” The older woman petted a cat, the animal on her lap.
Glancing at the room, I did not see anything that looked out of the ordinary, no artifacts a witch might employ to cast a spell. The cat meowed then, and sprang from the chair. It glanced in my direction, and screeched loudly, before it darted into another doorway and disappeared.
I backed away at once, concerned now that they might have perceived me. Hurrying for the stairs, I needed to check the second floor, although a step or two creaked beneath my feet. On the verge of panic, I stood on the landing and listened, worried they might come after me. Those noisy steps needed to be avoided on the way down.
The sound of laughter resonated, the women enjoying their TV show. Breathing a sigh of relief, I resumed the search, and glanced into the first doorway, which was a bedroom. I went from room to room, until I spied a door at the end of the hall that opened it to a small set of stairs. It appeared as if they led to an attic. The space smelled of incense.
“This has to be it,” I whispered, climbing gingerly, worried about being noisy. I found a small room with dormer windows, the light from a streetlamp streaming in.
Needing to see things better, I flipped a switch, which exposed a workroom, with a large table and a cabinet, the table filled with odd items, such as candles, a silver goblet, a black-handled knife, several bowls and a basket of small metal bells. My attention settled on a black cauldron that held a smelly concoction of some sort. It sat on a hotplate.
