Dissension 1

by Katie Salidas

  “She’s here,” George answered for her.

  “Hey, Mira,” the man taunted. “How’s it feel to get put on your ass?”

  That was all she needed. On top of the migraine and as tired as she was, now she had Tegan’s gloating to deal with.

  “Screw you, Tegan,” Mira yelled.

  “Everyone gets a taste of their own medicine once in a while,” Tegan responded. “It’s how you handle it that makes you a real warrior.”

  Shocked and a little surprised, Mira had not expected a seed of real wisdom from the hulking Neanderthal of a vampire.

  “I hear ya. Still licking my wounds,” she answered back.

  “Live to fight another day,” he shouted again, his voice sounding more congenial than taunting.

  “Let’s hope so.”

  “Losing might have been a good thing for you, you know.” George said.

  Was everyone happy to see her lose a battle? “Really? How?”

  “Don’t take this the wrong way, but you’re a bit of an ass. And no one likes a cocky bastard. Especially one who never gets their comeuppance. You walk around here like your shit don’t stink.”

  She’d love to wipe the smirk off of his face, but for now she settled for giving George a ‘shut the hell up’ glare.

  George’s smile faded. “Other people think this. Not me.”

  “And what exactly is your point?”

  “Well…this time, you got a taste of defeat, and you’re being cool about it. That makes you likeable. People respect that.”

  “And you’re saying this because…”

  “It’s always good to have friends.”

  “I have you…”

  “You know I’m a lover, not a fighter.”

  “I think with the right motivation, you could be both.”

  “Let’s hope we never have to test that theory.”

  A loud clip-clop of heels on concrete ruined the otherwise perfect sentimental moment. Mira dreaded having to speak with her Owner. That woman infuriated her more than words could say.

  “Have a good time at the spa?” she snipped at Mira.

  “Oh, lovely. Had the works: hair, nails… you know how we girls love all the pampering.” Mira’s voice dripped with sarcasm.

  “Cut the bullshit. What were they doing with you?”

  “You mean besides punishing me for losing? Nothing.” Mira wasn’t about to let on that she knew more.

  “And how did they go about that?”

  “Chemical warfare.” Damn, she was nosy!

  “Meaning?”

  “I don’t know. Poison. Whatever it was, they fucked me up good. I can’t even get up.”

  Mira hoped that would be enough to satisfy. She didn’t want to let on that she was healthier than she looked, or that her Owner was being kept in the dark about what was really going on.

  “I don’t want to hear your crybaby excuses. I’d have you in the lightbox right now if it weren’t for the fact that your Patron has requested you.

  “Not sure I can get up to see him. I’m so weak.”

  “You’ll get up and you’ll serve him in whatever manner he wants. Do you understand me? You keep that man happy and satisfied with you.”

  “I can’t do much without blood.”

  Her Owner huffed. “I’ll have a ration sent down early. But it’s coming out of your dinner supply.”

  “I appreciate your generosity.”

  “I’m certain you do.” Her tone was dangerous, but Mira wasn’t worried. Olivia might despise her and desire nothing more than to make Mira’s life a living hell, but because of the money she earned, Olivia couldn’t give up such a prize stallion as Mira. No matter how bad an attitude she had.

  Chapter 16

  Eager to get some answers, Mira rushed though the prepping routine before meeting with her patron. Even cuffed and escorted, Mira managed to quicken everybody’s pace up to the suite, and when the door opened and Lucian greeted her, she almost ran him down to get into the room.

  “Someone is eager today,” one of the handlers laughed as he uncuffed her hands and feet.

  Mira smirked but did not rise to the taunt.

  As soon as the door closed behind her handlers, Mira turned on Lucian. “You want to tell me what happened back there?”

  “Well now, you’ve certainly gotten bold, haven’t you?” His tone was a precarious balance of annoyance and amusement, but Mira wasn’t in any mood to play the ‘nice’ game. She wanted answers… real ones.

  “Don’t screw with me.”

  His usually congenial smile turned hard. “And don’t you take that tone with me. Helpful and tolerant as I have been, I am still Regent of this city.”

  The power play card, so like a human. “You nearly killed me.”

  “I did all I could to save you.”

  “You were the one in charge of the experiment.”

  “I was under the Magistrate’s command. He was watching every move I made.”

  Passing blame, the oldest trick in the book. Lucian was certainly playing his part well. “That’s no excuse. You damn near killed me.”

  “If it weren’t for my stepping in on your behalf, you would be dead.”

  They could go round and round on that topic for hours, and Mira knew neither of them would relent. “Fine… what happened is in the past.” She flopped down on the couch with a frustrated sigh. “Tell me. What did you do with my blood?” Mira really hoped that she did not know the answer to that question.

  “We used it… on a patient.”

  “To heal them?” She arched an eyebrow.

  “Not exactly.”

  “And the result?”

  Lucian eyed her suspiciously. “Inconclusive. Why? Should he have healed?”

  Mira shook her head in response, trying to keep her face neutral. She didn’t want to let on that she knew what was happening. The humans hadn’t learned how to use vampire blood. Thank the gods! They couldn’t have done it right if the results weren’t immediate.

  Lucian joined Mira on the couch. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. Mira saw the battle going on behind his eyes – the mental struggle between conscience and status. Finally, after a few moments, he said, “I’m going to be straight with you, Mira. I really do want you to trust me, and I know nothing short of total honesty is going to do it.”

  She hadn’t expected him to say that. But still, she had to keep her guard up. Pleasantly surprised, though, she was glad he was trying.

  Lucian took a slow breath, preparing himself to spill the big secret. “What I am about to tell you is going to make you mad. Justifiably so. But please, let me explain before you pass judgment on me.”

  The sincerity in his voice was almost off-putting. “Why do you care what I think?”

  “Because you’re not what I expected. You’re not what I was raised to believe. And… if that is wrong, then…”

  “Then you’re going to feel like a royal dick for going along with things for all these years?”

  “Eloquently put. Yes.”

  “It is a lie. When my kind came out in the open, we were not your enemies. It was you, and your people, who turned on us.”

  “That’s not what our history books say, and no human is alive from that time period to say otherwise.”

  “And you’ve made sure any vampires that were old enough to remember were exterminated.”

  “Again… that is not what I was raised to believe. And that is why I care about you trusting me. You’re proof of the lie.”

  Mira’s bullshit meter was blaring in the back of her mind. He didn’t care about her. He cared about appeasing his own conscience. “Okay, so what is it that you have to say that will make me mad?”

  “It’s no secret that the Magistrate loves the games.”

  “And so does the rest of the country.”

  “Regrettably so.”

  “Your point?”

  “You vampires are a dying breed.”

  “B
ecause you’re making us kill each other.”

  “Well, when you’re gone, more games will still be demanded…”

  “So? Fight among yourselves.”

  “I agree. But…” Lucian appeared at a loss on how to continue.

  Mira could see he knew the answer but didn’t want to admit it, so she answered for him. “Humans just can’t bear to watch humans get killed!”

  Lucian’s shoulders slumped. Uncharacteristic for a Regent. For a moment, Mira saw the vulnerable human behind the title and status. “They don’t take it as well, no. So the Magistrate is introducing a new program to the Senate for approval. He’s going to propose we turn prisoners in order to bolster the vampire population.”

  She’d known where things were heading before he said it, but to learn the extent of the plan was a whole new issue. Turning one or two humans was one thing – farming out prisons and creating cattle for the slaughter was just plain barbaric. And he, her Patron, the Regent of the city, had been going along with this plan the whole time? She wasn’t sure what was more disturbing. “You can’t be serious? How is that any different than humans killing humans?”

  “New vampires are more savage. They would make for bloodier and more exciting battles….” He held up his hands fearfully. “The Magistrate’s words, not mine!”

  “That’s what you were doing down in the prison that day. You thought you would check out the vampire stock and see who was fit for breeding?”

  “No… well… not really. I wanted to see for myself what vampires were really like, how you live, that kind of thing.”

  “And, what did you see?”

  “Never had I imagined it was so bad. And now to learn what you endure… I can’t with good conscience let it continue.”

  She knew all of that ‘trust me’ stuff was bullshit. He didn’t give a damn about her or her kind. He was just feeling guilty. But at least guilt was a starting point.

  “So that’s why my blood was taken. I was fit for breeding.”

  “I had to say something to prevent the Magistrate from having you executed. And your reputation for being a strong fighter helped.”

  Strength was only part of the equation, timing was the biggest part; but Mira was not about to let on. “You know, you humans have tried for years to get the secret of turning someone from us. Who told?”

  “No one. We guessed that a full transfusion would work.”

  He was almost right. But it had to happen quickly. Mira assumed they tried to replace what they had taken over time. The tube leaving her body must have been going straight up to his. What they’d done was worse than torture to that poor bastard. A botched turning was not a pretty sight. His body would have literally destroyed itself from the inside out.

  “I’m guessing by the repulsion in your eyes that we did it wrong.”

  “Has the patient died yet?”

  “Last I saw, no.”

  “Kill him.”

  “I can’t.”

  “He won’t live anyway, but whatever time he has left will be in pure agony.”

  “Why? What did we do wrong?”

  “That, I cannot say. I don’t really know,” she lied. “But if you had done it right, he would have transformed quickly.”

  “So how do we fix it?”

  “You don’t. He’s a dead man. It’s just a matter of time.”

  “The Magistrate will not be happy.”

  “Poor him.” Still worried about what the Magistrate wanted and how he felt over the pain and suffering of others. Lucian’s heart might have been heading in the right direction, but he was still an Elite. He had no real concept of how bad things were. And she was not sure he ever would, either.

  “I didn’t mean it to sound like that. The Magistrate… he’ll demand we do it again and again until we do it right. If I don’t bring results, he’ll find someone else to do it.”

  “You can’t. You’re not a vampire.”

  “Then will you do it?”

  “That’s it, isn’t it? You want me to trust you so that you can use me as you see fit. No. Hell no. I’d rather die than create more slaves for you.”

  “That’s not what I am asking.”

  “Then what?”

  “Help me.”

  “To do what, exactly?”

  “To put a stop to this craziness.”

  That was not what she had expected him to say.

  “You’re the Regent. Do something Regent-like.”

  “No matter what I do, I am still beholden to the Magistrate.”

  “Is that what you’re asking me to do? Kill him?”

  Lucian put a finger to his lips. “I never said that.”

  “You did understand that I do not like to have to kill. I do it because you all force me to. And this is how you want me to help solve that problem – more death?”

  “If you have a better suggestion, I’m all ears.”

  The com-link on Lucian’s bracer beeped softly. “If you’ll excuse me a moment.” He stood and walked towards the adjoining room to answer the call.

  For the briefest of moments, Mira wondered if killing the Magistrate would actually be enough to stop the madness. Probably not. Humans loved the games. The way they packed in the arena each week to watch, the way they screamed for death… They were more bloodthirsty than she had ever been in all her years as a vampire, even those first few years when she’d felt she would never be sated. No. Simply killing the Magistrate wouldn’t solve anything.

  “Damn it!” Lucian yelled as he returned.

  “I’m guessing the patient did not make it.”

  “You knew that would happen.”

  “Yes. I told you, you did it wrong.”

  “Then how do I do it right? Wait. You know what? I don’t want to know. I never wanted to be part of this project in the first place.”

  “Easier said than done, I assume.”

  “You don’t know the half of it. He’s furious. And will take it out on both of us.”

  “Why you?”

  “Because I failed.” There was no hiding the desperation in his voice. Mira caught it quite clearly and it perplexed her even more.

  “But you’re the Regent. Surely…”

  “I’m replaceable.”

  “So am I. Welcome to my world.”

  “You see now why killing him might be our only choice?”

  “Sure. We could do that. But what about the rest of the people who love the games? Will they just suddenly decide that vampires are people too? Especially after one kills their leader?”

  “No. Especially when you put it like that.” Lucian’s eyes spoke of the sheer desperation he was feeling far more than his words did. It was almost heartbreaking.

  “I agree things need to change, but the how of it is the part we need to work on. Much as I would love to spill his blood, it has to be done in a way that does not implicate my kind further.”

  “Agreed.”

  “But I don’t know how to go about it.”

  “We’ll have to think quickly. He returns to the capital city when these games are finished.”

  “I do my best thinking on a full stomach.” Not entirely true, but Mira wasn’t going to pass up an opportunity to get a few more rations.

  “Of course. I’ll be sure to send down extra rations for you… so you can be at full strength for your next battle.”

  So much for her rest. She should have expected it, though. Rest was not a luxury she could afford, high-ranking Patron or not. “And when would this be?”

  “Magistrate’s order. You’re to appear again in the arena tomorrow.”

  “And would I be facing the infamous Mitchell again?” Glutton for punishment as she was, Mira wouldn’t mind another chance to prove herself against that warrior.

  “No, he’s already bested you. You’ll fight someone more your speed.”

  Mira’s gaze turned dark. “I’m not quite sure how to take that.”

  “From where I sit, it’s a good thing.
Easy win for you. But the Magistrate wants to shame you for losing.”

  “And that means?”

  “An unfair fight of course… from his perspective. But I know your abilities. Weaponless and armorless, you can still beat this guy.”

  “I appreciate the vote of confidence, but the blood will do me more good than that.”

  “And what blood would suit you best?”

  Dare she dream to taste what she truly desired? “Human. Hot, fresh, and straight from the vein.”

  She expected to see fear or revulsion in his eyes, but there was none. In fact, Mira had the sneaking suspicion that he might actually want her to drink from him. She decided to cut him off before he could say something so ridiculous.

  “But… seeing as that is illegal here, and something I would never do to you, whatever you can scrounge up will be fine.”

  There was a hint of disappointment in his mossy eyes. They drooped slightly with sadness, yet his lips did not betray his feelings. Pulled tight over a clenched jaw, he appeared to be trying hard to remain neutral about the whole thing. “I’m sure I can come up with something suitable.”

  “Are we done here? Apparently I have training, if I’m to fight tomorrow.”

  “Be careful. Stay alive. And please, try not to get into trouble.”

  “Your concern is comforting.”

  Lucian led Mira to the door and placed the cuffs around her wrist. “We need to work together. I think you understand that. I cannot do anything for you if you’re unwilling to work with me.”

  “I’ll be on my best behavior.” Mira gave him a toothy grin, flashing her sharp fangs.

  “I’ll bring you back here again soon.”

  The door opened and Mira’s handlers, armed with UV torches, stood ready to receive her.

  “Take me home boys!” Mira winked playfully. “Oh, sorry, one of you is a girl… I can never tell with those masks.”

  “Move it,” the female handler grunted, and aimed her torch at Mira.

  “Ta-ta, Regent. Let me know when you want seconds.” Mira waved both her hands and headed down the hall to her cell.

  Chapter 17

  Mira walked slowly back towards her cell, casting sidelong glances at each of the other vampires imprisoned with her. Some she knew. Some she’d been jailed with for twenty-plus years and still didn’t know their names. They were not in the same fighting class as she. And others she’d bested, but they’d been allowed to live. No matter who they were, they were all her kind. Vampires deserving of their freedom. Not cattle waiting for the slaughter. The thought of it sickened her. She herself was awaiting her fate in the next arena battle. Sure that the Magistrate had something special planned to shame her for her loss in the previous match as well as the failure of her blood in the experiment.