Wanted Box Set

by Karpov Kinrade

  Vlad smiled and then taking the coal from me, tossed it into the fireplace. After lighting the fire, he moved to a black, metal box near the wall, and using a pair of tongs, removed a silver bar.

  “Silver is deadly, my love,” he said, carefully carrying the accursed metal to the anvil. “To chimera, as well as ourselves.”

  "That's a bummer," I deadpanned. "You didn't mention I'd have to give up my silver jewelry. That might have been a deal breaker."

  He glanced up, and I grinned and winked.

  He huffed in annoyance. "I'll buy you all the gold and gemstone jewelry your heart could ever desire."

  I joined him, but the closer I got to the silver bar, sweat formed on my brow as a sudden nausea began to churn in my stomach.

  “Think I’ll just watch, for now,” I said, returning to my place on the wall.

  It wasn’t so bad to watch. He took off his shirt to man the bellows, and I enjoyed observing the way his muscles worked. Under any other circumstances, I’d have pinned him down and had my way, but the constant undercurrent of worry over the creature my father had become doused any such thoughts before they burned too hot.

  He worked quickly, using the tongs to heat the silver until it was red hot, and then poured it into the crossbow bolt molds.

  “How long do you think we have?” I asked as he worked. “You know, before…” I didn’t like calling a demon ‘my father’ or ‘dad.’ I didn’t want to claim any kinship. So, I finished with, “Before the Creature comes here?”

  Vlad looked up and his expression told me he understood. “He’ll likely feed first.” His gaze softened. “As you should.”

  Now that he mentioned it, I was thirsty. Or hungry? It was a sensation I'd never felt before. A burning in the back of my throat, dry and brutal. I'd been ignoring it, so absorbed by the Count and my new powers, but now it was all I could think about. Still, I wasn't leaving without him. No matter how much my throat begged for quenching.

  “I’ll wait for you,” I said, eying the nearly completed row of silver bolts. “Is there a way to detect the Creature, when it arrives? What should I look for?”

  “Leonard has the Shadows patrolling the grounds,” he replied, adding the last bolt to the pile with a chink that brought back a resurgence of nausea. “They’ll let us know.”

  That made me feel better, even though I didn’t really understand. “These Shadows. Just what are they?”

  “Sentient beings from another world. Protective. Dangerous. Yet, wanting love,” the Count replied. He paused and settling his gaze on me, he added in a voice that felt like a caress, “Just like the rest of us.”

  I smiled. God, if only we didn’t have to worry about some demonic creature coming after us. Would this be my life now? Or was this a one-off? Maybe we could get more of the Shadows to hang around. “Then, basically, they’re your average Doberman?” I asked.

  “Yes, somewhat like that,” he chuckled.

  Thinking of the shadows curled at Jeremy’s feet, I asked, “But how is Jeremy involved with this?”

  “Jeremy is a natural. It’s a rare occurrence for Shadowmasters to be chosen from the human world.” Vlad shook his head in wonder. “He needs training. At once.”

  His words made me realize that Jeremy needed to get back in school, but which one? And how could I ever answer calls from the front office if I slept like the dead during the day? I frowned. I’d have to deal. Somehow. “Don’t think they teach Shadowmastery at your average junior high,” I said.

  The corner of Vlad’s lip curled in a smile. “Not on Earth.”

  “You mentioned worlds before,” I said, popping that item off the stack of questions to be asked. Now was as good as ever.

  “And there are,” he answered as he calmly collected the crossbow and the newly minted silver bolts. “Jeremy belongs in the Otherworld, and you, as well. There, you need not fear the sun.”

  On the way back to the house, as my thirst became more distracting, I peppered Vlad with questions about this Otherworld. "Where is this place?" I asked.

  He held my hand as we walked, and I marveled at the smoothness of his skin and the firmness of his grip. Every detail, every sensation felt amplified.

  "No one really knows," he said. "It's a realm unto itself."

  "And we'll be able to live there safely?"

  He glanced down at me, a hint of sorrow in his eyes. "There is no true safety anywhere for creatures like us. But it does not hold the same perils as the human world."

  "Why aren't you there?" I asked. "Not that I'm complaining."

  "It is where Mary was murdered," he said.

  "Shit. I'm so sorry." We walked in silence for a few moments before I spoke again. "We don't have to go back if it's too painful for you. We can make it work in this world somehow."

  He paused and pulled me against his chest, holding me close as he spoke. "I would face anything to keep you and Jeremy safe. Memories cannot cause me harm. Not any longer. Not with you by my side."

  We kissed deeply, but it was cut short by a shout coming from within the house.

  I dashed in, my mind swirling frantically with worst case scenario thoughts. I slid to a stop at the kitchen door, Vlad by my side.

  Jeremy stood at the island, laughing as a shadow 'fetched' a raw chicken leg to scurry back and drop it at his feet. The news played in the background on Jeremy's laptop, but no one was paying attention to the program.

  "Very good," Leonard encouraged, a smile lighting up his face. "Now, give the command for him to eat it."

  Jeremy closed his eyes but did not speak. Still, the shadow seemed to understand. With an audible poof, it surrounded the chicken, devouring it through smoke and mist until there was no trace left of meat or bone.

  Leonard looked up at us, his glance landing on Vlad's. "He's quite powerful," he said. "Half of my clutch has bonded with him. I've never seen such a thing."

  "Is this safe?" I asked, worry warring with my relief at seeing Jeremy so happy.

  Vlad slipped an arm around my waist. "The shadows will protect him. He is safer with them than without, especially in this new world."

  I could hear the words he didn’t speak. That I had chosen to become a vampire, but if Jeremy were merely human, my new life wouldn't be safe for him. Now, with the shadows, he would be.

  Jeremy looked up finally, his face beaming. "Did you see, Kassy? He's a good boy."

  The shadow, as if in understanding, stood taller and seemed to puff out its chest in pride, even though it didn't actually have any discernable bodily features.

  "Make sure you listen to Leonard and do what he says." I tried to make my voice mom-like but I was too happy for him to sound very firm.

  Still, he nodded, his face serious. "I will. Promise."

  Then he looked more closely at me, and his eyes seemed to fill with shadows for a moment before his jaw dropped. "You're a vampire!"

  Vlad and I glanced at each other and Leonard raised an eyebrow. I had planned to tell Jeremy as soon as I could, but I wasn't expecting him to notice on his own.

  "How could you tell?" I asked, squatting down to eye level with him.

  He shrugged. "They help me see better."

  Okay then.

  "How do you feel about it?" I asked.

  "It's cool. And you look happier. I like it. But… " he frowned. "Does that mean you don't want me anymore?"

  My heart broke at his words, and I pulled him into my arms. "I will always want you, buddy. You're mine. Mine and the Count's." I looked over to Vlad, who nodded and crouched on the kitchen floor, wrapping his arms around us both, as shadows danced around our legs like puppies.

  Jeremy had tears in his eyes when we pulled away, and he looked up to Vlad. "You really want me too?"

  Vlad nodded, and I swear even his dark eyes glistened. "Very much. If that is amendable to you?"

  Jeremy's face split into a grin. "Very amendable."

  I took a deep breath, relief flooding me that our little family wa
s finally solid, but when the whiff of Jeremy's blood hit, I nearly choked. My fangs protruded and I panicked, pulling back.

  "Vlad," I said, my eyes wild, my nails digging into the kitchen countertop, creating deep wedges in the marble.

  He noticed my distress, as did Leonard. As Leonard placed himself protectively between me and Jeremy, Vlad used his speed to dash to the fridge and pull out a bottle of wine. When he uncorked it and poured it into a glass, I nearly expired right then and there. It smelled incredible. Now, I knew what the strange wine he’d always drank was. Blood.

  The shadows around Jeremy had become agitated, forming a protective circle. “Don’t worry,” he cooed to them soothingly. "She won't hurt me, guys. It's okay."

  I loved that he had such confidence in me, but right now, I didn't have it in myself. I needed blood. Badly.

  The instant Vlad handed me a glass, I yanked it from his hand and chugged it down, letting the smooth, viscous liquid slide over my tongue and down my throat. The relief was instant. With the extra boost of energy, my senses heightened even more as my body relaxed, vanquishing the dryness in the back of my throat. Once I drained the glass, Vlad refilled it, and I continued drinking until the bottle was empty.

  Then, I slumped against his chest, tears burning my eyes as my fingers shook. What if… what if… He brushed my hair back from my face as I struggled with emotions threatening to overwhelm me. "What if… " My throat caught.

  Vlad’s arms tightened, offering me silent support. "I wouldn't have let it happen. And it will get easier. Give it time."

  It would get easier. That made sense. Vlad didn't walk around acting like a drug addict desperate for his next fix. But he'd been a vampire forever. "How long?"

  "Quickly. It doesn't take long to adapt as long as you stay fed in the first few weeks. And I will make sure you stay fed." He paused. "And… if we feed on each other, you’ll find you need less and less human blood."

  His words inspired a wave of naughty imaginings that involved us naked, biting each other while exploring each other's bodies.

  Just as I was about to find an excuse to drag him to the bedroom to satiate all my hungers, the red blinking ‘Breaking News’ banner on the laptop caught my attention.

  "Jeremy, turn up the volume on your computer," I said, before realizing I didn’t actually need him to. I could hear so much now, and yet, it didn't feel overwhelming. It was easy to 'turn up' or 'down' anything I wanted.

  As 'Breaking News' continued to flash across the screen, the local newscaster began reporting on two women who had been found murdered in their own homes. In the same neighborhood my dad lived.

  "The police haven't released the details of the crime, but early reports indicate it was a brutal attack. The women's throats were violently ripped out and their hearts appear to be missing."

  Shit.

  We all knew what it meant.

  Vlad and I exchanged knowing glances as several shadows curled into little balls at Jeremy's feet. I really hoped his new little friends could protect him against this threat. A danger even Vlad seemed worried about.

  "Did Dad do that?" Jeremy asked, his voice small.

  "That's not Dad anymore," I told him. "It's something evil. A monster that wants to hurt us. It's not him."

  It was a weak argument, and we both knew it. Our father had always been a monster who wanted to hurt us. Now, this version had more power to do so. But the damage he'd already done to our hearts was worse than anything this creature could do to our bodies.

  Vlad's body stiffened beside me, and he shifted his head slightly.

  I was about to ask him what he’d heard when I heard it myself.

  A cry, like a howl, followed by an unholy hiss coming from somewhere outside.

  The creature had arrived.

  20

  “I shall return," Vlad said as he grabbed the crossbow from the counter and turned to leave.

  “I’m going with you,” I announced. I felt strong. Powerful. Unstoppable. And I wouldn't let him fight my enemies alone.

  He drew an admiring breath. “Come.” He held out his hand. “But if you find him, you will not take him by yourself.”

  “I promise.”

  Leonard followed us to the front door, his shadows dancing at his feet.

  Jeremy knew better than to ask if he could join. He returned to his stool at the island. “I’ll just play fetch and train them some more,” he offered.

  “Stay inside,” I ordered.

  As he nodded, Leonard raised a hand. At once, a shadow dashed out the door and came back so fast, even with my vampire vision I barely noticed it.

  “They detected something on the north side of the house,” Leonard announced.

  "Shall we run?" Vlad asked, a grin on his handsome, chiseled face.

  "Yes!" Despite the gravity of the situation, I looked forward to stretching my vampire wings, as it were.

  And so we ran. The wind whipped through my hair and I relished my newfound incredible speed and dexterity. I felt like a superhero and I knew I would never regret my choice to turn. Not only was Vlad worth it all, but this, how I felt, this incredible euphoria, it was worth anything I might have left behind. I'd never felt more alive than now, and the irony was not lost on me. My life truly began the moment my heart stopped.

  We circled the mansion a few times, ensuring nothing was out of place, just as a precaution, even though I knew Leonard and the shadows would watch after Jeremy.

  Then, we ran.

  After doing a complete inspection of the property, we paused by the rose garden.

  "Nothing," Vlad said.

  “False alarm?” I asked, not even a little out of breath.

  “There are many creatures of the night,” he said. “Not all are friendly.”

  "That's reassuring," I said dryly. "When this is all over, I'm gonna need some kind of crash course on this new life. Maybe ‘How to be a Vampire for Dummies’ or something?"

  He chuckled but stopped abruptly the moment we turned the corner of the house to see the front door standing open, light from the hallway spilling out.

  Then, I saw him.

  Leonard, lying in the driveway, lifeless.

  “Jeremy?” I screamed, dashing into the house. I hated to leave Leonard, but I had to save my brother.

  Halfway to the kitchen, I drew up short.

  Through the window to the backyard I saw Jeremy walking slowly towards the woods. He seemed hypnotized. Even his shadows behaved strangely, following him like lifeless snakes. I screamed his name, but he couldn't hear me through the double-paned glass.

  I dashed to the back door and threw it open, my eyes easily adjusting to the darkness.

  Jeremy had stopped before a figure standing at the edge of the trees in the moonlight.

  My heart leapt into my throat. It had been so long since I’d seen her face, that smile.

  “Mom?”

  “No,” Vlad hissed, wrapping me in his arms from behind, holding me back. Then, raising his voice, he called out, “Jeremy, stop. That is not your mother.”

  I felt sick. So, the creature could take on other forms? That would have been useful information to have. “Jeremy!” I screamed, “Come back!”

  I jerked out of Vlad's arms and ran outside.

  Vlad followed, his crossbow raised. “I can’t get a clear shot, not from here. Not without endangering Jeremy."

  I flew as fast as my new powers would let me, toward Jeremy and the creature. It looked so much like her. Her long dark hair almost glowed under the full moon. Every feature, down to her favorite blue dress and her heart shaped face were exactly as I remembered.

  Everything but the eyes.

  There was no soul in her eyes. Only evil.

  "Leave him alone!"

  The creature looked up and smiled, the cruel smile of a thing without conscience.

  I was so close, only a few yards away. “That’s not mom, Jeremy,” I hissed.

  He didn’t listen. It was lik
e he was sleep walking. As I watched, the figure reached for him, arms opening wide. And even though the shadows trembled at Jeremy's feet, he stepped forward into her embrace.

  Then, everything seemed to move in slow motion.

  The woman's arms turned into claws. Mutated body parts began to pop out from her neck, spine, and legs, transforming her into a hideous beast of mismatched animal parts that looked like it had been put together in Frankenstein’s lab.

  Suddenly, the claws slashed through the air.

  Blood splatter hit the creature's face as Jeremy's small body crashed to the ground.

  My heart froze. I couldn’t think. I could only stare in shock at his crumpled form lying in the damp grass.

  Time seemed to stand still.

  And as if I had been the one attacked, my life with my little brother flashed before my eyes. I relived all of our memories together in a fraction of a heartbeat, even as Vlad took his shot.

  As the silver bolt sliced the air straight and true, to pierce the very center of the beast's heart, all I could think about were the nights I'd spent reading Jeremy to sleep while he curled in my arms.

  As the creature screamed, falling back with a howl of anguish, the death cry of a wounded animal, my mine recalled cherished memories of teaching my brother how to ride a bike, and how much it hurt me every time he fell and bruised his knees. But he would just laugh and tell me he was tougher than he looked.

  As the creature staggered and dropped to its knees, I was lost in the memory of the Christmas I saved all my waitressing money to get Jeremy the microscope he had been hoping for. The look in his eyes made all the hours of sacrifice worth it.

  As the monster breathed its last breath, I stayed rooted in shock. I’d promised Jeremy I’d keep him safe. That I’d protect him. My heart tore at the impotence of my lie.

  Then, I was rushing to his side, hysterical tears blinding my vision. I fell to my knees and pulled him into my arms. Blood gushed from his throat, and his wide brown eyes began to gloss over as he tried to speak.

  “No! No!” I sobbed, trying in vain to stop the blood.

  Jeremy gurgled, spitting crimson.

  I had no choice. I had to make him a vampire. To save his life. In that moment, I didn’t even care if he wanted that or not. I wouldn’t let him die. I couldn’t lose him. My tears mingled with his blood as I prepared myself.