Real Vampires: When Glory Met Jerry

by Gerry Bartlett

  I fell back, the brief burst of energy draining me. “Much worse. You could have killed me.”

  “I know. I’m sorry.” He took a cloth from Fergus and wiped away a trickle of blood. “I wasn’t myself. The blow to my head last night robbed me of my senses.”

  “Hah! Are you saying that was the first time you’d taken blood from me?” I was as far away from him as I could get, hugging the edge of the mattress.

  “No, I admit I’ve been taking your blood since the night we met. It’s what my kind does.” He tossed the cloth back to Fergus and I gasped. The cut made by the candlestick was healing before my eyes. “I see you are shocked. At this?” He pointed to the wound that was now almost gone. “That’s what your blood does for me, Gloriana. It makes me strong, keeps me--”

  “I don’t want to hear it!” I heaved the pillow at him but he caught it easily. “How is it I don’t remember the other times when you took my blood? How do you erase my memory?” This was something I could not and would not forgive. What few memories I had were new and precious to me. I couldn’t stand the idea that he could make any of them vanish at will.

  “It’s how I survive, Gloriana. I can look into a mortal’s eyes, your eyes, and make you forget what has happened between us. It is for your own protection.” He tossed the pillow aside.

  “Liar!” Oh, but I wanted to hurt him as he’d hurt me. I could hardly breathe with my rage. I slammed a fist on the mattress. “You protect yourself, Jeremiah. I could bring soldiers here, witch hunters, and it would be the end of you.” I couldn’t meet his gaze. I stared at my hands clenched in my lap. What did I care if he was burned at the stake? Handsome or not, he was an abomination.

  “Gloriana, if you left here shouting of blood drinking and vampires, it is very likely you would end up treated as insane and thrown into Bedlam in chains. Remember, I am from an old Scottish clan with deep ties to King James and well known at court. Who would believe you over me?”

  I knew better than to look at him. Would he be smiling at the truth of that?

  He stood. “Now be reasonable. I told you I enjoy your company. And, yes, your blood. I promise when next I take it, I will restrain myself. You will not be left frail as you were this time. Have you ever been weak before after you woke up?”

  I did not bother to answer. I knew he was reaching for me but I ignored him. I would sooner let a viper touch me with its fangs. I shuddered.

  “Come now. I would like for us to cry peace and make this work. The decision is yours. Will you look at me?” He used such a deep and seductive voice to woo me.

  I steeled myself against it. There was one thing I would not forgive or forget. He’d robbed me of my memories. It must have been when he’d looked into my eyes. I’d had that funny feeling and…

  “Only if you swear on your mother’s grave that you will not make me lose my memories, ever again.” He was right about my circumstances. My choices were limited. Fangs or not, he was better than many protectors I could have. I remembered being rapped by a cane and groped cruelly. To my shock, Jeremiah laughed.

  “My mother will live forever. She has no grave.” He was suddenly on my side of the bed and close, very close. He picked up my wounded wrist and unwound the cloth Fergus had used as a bandage for it. “Ma is a vampire as well, both my parents are. See how I trust you with my family secrets?” He frowned at my wrist. “I’m sorry I was such a beast last night. There is no excuse for this.” He pulled it toward his mouth.

  “No! You will not drink from me again now. I am weak from your last swill.” I struggled, desperate to pull away from him. God, but he was strong.

  “Relax, Gloriana. I am only going to heal this hurt. There is magic in my tongue. Watch.” He slowly licked the ragged edges of the wound and they sealed together, the skin turning pink then quickly becoming unblemished. It was as if he’d never torn it open in his hunger. “Do you see?” He laid my wrist in my lap.

  I couldn’t believe my eyes. Turning my wrist this way and that, I looked for any sign that it had been ripped open by his fangs. But he was right. He had healed me. Magic? Or the work of the Devil?

  “I don’t understand.” I peeked at him. He was smiling, quite proud of himself, I was sure. “I still don’t trust you.”

  “I will give you my word that I won’t attack you again like I did last night. Or erase your memory of it. But you must give me your word as well. That our secret stays with you. No one, not even your best friend at the theater, will hear from you what I am, or what Fergus is.” He stared at me, his handsome face serious. “I can read your mind, Gloriana, so can Fergus. If you cannot swear this in good faith, then you will not leave these rooms until I have cleared your mind of our time together. It will be as if we are strangers, that you never knew me, never slept in my bed. You will end up in the alley where I met you, richer and better dressed than you were before but with no idea how that came about.” He said it with such conviction that I had no doubt he would hold my head in his strong hands until he made sure I had no choice but to bend to his will.

  I could well imagine it. Fergus would leave me there with a bag of gold and a bundle of clothes. But then what? Wait for a man with crude tastes like Lord Sommers to come by and become his victim? Or worse, mayhap the MacDonald vampire would see his chance to take a woman who had served his enemy. I wouldn’t recognize him and would go along with a handsome man, having no idea he’d be attracted by my fine blood as well until it was too late. I plucked at the furs, more confused than ever.

  “Well, what say you?” Jeremiah was clearly impatient. Because he could read my mind, of course, and knew I was uncertain when faced with so many horrid choices.

  I glared at him. “Bastard. I knew you were in my mind. It, it is horrid. My every thought? Have I no privacy?” I clenched my fists, wanting to hurt him as he’d hurt me. But what good would it do? He would see my intent before I could even lift my hand. One glance and I read that in his face. Damn him.

  “It is not something I do every moment, Gloriana. You can have your privacy. But this is important. I must be sure you won’t betray me.” He watched me, waiting to see how we would go on. “I can promise you this—as we proceed, now that you know I am vampire, I can make taking your blood part of our pleasure together.” He grinned and actually ran a finger down my arm. I jerked it away.

  “You’re mad!” I glanced at Fergus, who was heading for the door. “No, don’t leave. I know you are his man but I’m not ready to be alone with him just yet. Perhaps never.” I leaned back when Fergus did turn and stand just inside the room at Jeremiah’s nod.

  “Blast! This is not how I thought being a man’s mistress would go.” My mind was too full of one bad choice after another. Did I leave only to face an uncertain fate? I had just learned that my judgement couldn’t be trusted. A handsome face could hide something I could never have imagined. At least here I knew I’d have a warm bed, beautiful clothing and lovemaking so satisfying…

  I gripped the bedding. “You bit me like a rabid dog last night. I would have died if Fergus hadn’t pulled you off.”

  “That will not happen again. I can take blood from you and make it painless, I swear it. When you are stronger, of course.” Jeremiah reached for my hand but I wouldn’t let go of the covers.

  “How can I believe you?” I looked away so he couldn’t see my tears. “You have betrayed my trust since the moment we met. You will never have it again.” Why had I ignored all the signs that I was dealing with someone not as he should be? I looked at Fergus. “Your shape-shifter has shown more concern for my welfare than you have.”

  “Is that so?” Jeremiah frowned. “I suppose I should be grateful that you are happy with his care.” He stared into my eyes as if deciding that erasing my memories might be best after all.

  “Stop!” I covered my face with my hands. “If you are planning to make me forget all that has happened, stop it now!” I pressed my face into the mattress. “Leave me. Please. I have had enough tortu
re for now. I need time to think.” I waited, praying they would heed my request. Surely with the lock on the outer door, they knew I wasn’t going anywhere. The idea that I could lose more memories was unbearable. Fergus knew that had happened to me once. Had he told Jeremiah my story? Would that persuade him to leave my thoughts alone? Was the man even capable of pity?

  I heard footsteps and the bedroom door close. I rolled over and looked around the room. Alone. But for how long? I had to decide on my future. And think how I could persuade these two men that I could be trusted with their secrets. My stomach rumbled. Then I noticed a bowl on the table next to the bed. Someone, and it had to be Fergus, had left broth there. I scooted closer and the smell hit me. Fragrant, delicious. I lifted it carefully and took a cautious sip.

  Mindful of how my last effort to eat had ended, I took my time drinking the broth. It was still warm and settled into my stomach like a comforting friend. I immediately began to feel stronger. God bless Fergus. He might be something strange, but he had a good heart.

  Was it possible that Jeremiah could also be more than a monster who drank blood? I tried to think of all the good things he’d done for me. But then he’d chosen me for my delicious blood, hadn’t he? And my body, of course. He’d certainly enjoyed that. He was a lusty man with two appetites. A rich man as well. I should be wise about this.

  I wondered how often he needed blood if he wasn’t injured. I had many questions as I drained the bowl and set it back on the table. Drowsy and sated, I lay back and stared at the rough stone ceiling above my head. I hoped they would give me time to think. To weigh my choices. Because my entire future rested on my next move.

  I was struggling into that same green velvet dress Fergus must have left out for me when there was a thundering sound and yelling. I finally realized it was someone knocking on the outer door. Who could it be? This was the first visitor Jeremiah had had since I’d been here. That I remembered.

  Oh, but I’d go mad if I started down that path with my thoughts, so I hurriedly pulled the laces tight and grabbed a shawl that had been left next to the dress. Then I carefully opened the bedchamber door. At least I hadn’t been locked in. A man was standing in front of Jeremiah. He was in tears.

  “They took her a few hours ago, just after sunset. She didn’t have time to shift and escape or didn’t bother. I wouldn’t know about this but our man who serves her came to me as soon as he knew where they took her. I tell you, it is true. Marin is in the Tower. I saw her through the bars.” The man was dressed in fine clothes but they were in disarray and, as I watched, he tore at his long blond hair then fell into a chair. “Mon Dieu!”

  “This makes no sense, Jean-Claude. Marin Marchand is the oldest vampire I know. How could she let herself be taken?” Jeremiah pulled up a chair and faced him. He glanced at Fergus who quickly moved to my side as if to force me back into the bedchamber.

  “Who is this?” The man, Jean-Claude obviously, pointed at me. His nostrils flared. “Mortal. Your blood slave. Can you trust her? I think Marin drank from someone who betrayed her. Yes, she’s old, ancient. And has talked of having lived too long. This careless behavior of late is part of it.” He sighed deeply. “Well? Answer me, Jeremiah. Is this mortal going to be a problem?”

  “Gloriana, come here.” Jeremiah stood and held out his hand. “We have nothing to fear from this woman. You know me. I am very careful. She will not mention this meeting or you to anyone.” He gave me a look that dared me to defy him.

  I realized I was outnumbered and that disobeying even this simple command would be foolish. I walked closer and took Jeremiah’s hand, dropping into a curtsy. “Gloriana St. Clair.”

  “French?” He broke into a spate of that language.

  “No, sorry. My husband took that name. He was an actor. I don’t speak French. Not a word of it.” I saw his face crumple in disappointment.

  “Of course. It is common enough. These English admire us, so they pretend…” He pulled a handkerchief out of his waistcoat and wiped his eyes. “My Marin. She became a true Frenchwoman after we met. So cultured, elegant. And now doomed!” He wept into the fine linen.

  “Now, Jean-Claude, surely we can think of a way to rescue her. Who is guarding her?” Jeremiah must have noticed how pale and weak I was as I tugged at his hand. I still hadn’t eaten a meal. “Gloriana, sit. Break your fast while we talk.” He released me so I could step away from him.

  “I brought you some berries and cream.” Fergus pulled me across the room to the table and gestured at a basket. “I remember you liked the strawberries. Perhaps you wish to go back to bed.”

  “No, I will eat at the table.” I was not about to miss learning more about these men and their plans. “Is Jean-Claude..?”

  “A vampire?” Fergus set a bowl in front of me then brought over a cup and saucer, carefully fixing tea for me with cream and sugar this time. “Yes. Marin is his mate. They have been together for centuries.”

  Centuries! I didn’t say what I was thinking. Why bother? Fergus stared at me and nodded, reading my mind of course.

  “Jeremiah told you his kind lives forever. Unless someone kills them. And that isn’t easy.” He shook his head as he poured cream over fresh berries. “I won’t tell you how ’tis done. I’m not that foolish.”

  I began spooning food into my mouth, too interested in the nearby conversation and filling my empty stomach to argue.

  “How could they possibly capture her?” Jeremiah had waited until Jean-Claude stopped crying to ask that but I could tell he was impatient.

  “She let them. Elle ne veut plus vivre.” The man looked about to burst into tears again.

  “Suicide? That’s madness.” Jeremiah gripped the other man’s arm. “I know you tried to talk her out of it.”

  “Mais bien sûr. I begged her to stop and think. But she is so tired of living.” He turned toward the fire. “Did you know she has over three thousand years? When I met her in Paris, she was already ancient. She was Egyptian in the beginning of her life, when she was turned.”

  “I had no idea.” Jeremiah got up. “Perhaps we should let her go. It is her decision if she wants to end her life.”

  “True. But not like this! When they carry her out in the sunlight du matin while she is still in her death sleep, you know what will happen.”

  “She will burst into flames as soon as the sun hits her. Not even a cloudy day can save her.” Jeremiah frowned at me when I gasped.

  “Yes, she will turn into ashes in front of everyone who is waiting to see her tried as a witch.” Jean-Claude stared at me. “Oh, yes, that’s what happens when we are exposed to the sun. He didn’t tell you that, did he?” He laughed bitterly. “There have been rumors about what we are forever. But recently someone is carrying tales anew, hoping to expose our secrets.” He pulled a paper from his pocket. “Have you seen this symbol?” He showed it to Jeremiah.

  I recognized it as the same as the one the man he’d killed in the alley next to the Globe had carried. “Jeremiah!”

  “Yes, I have seen it. What does it mean?” He frowned at the sign.

  “Vampire hunters and Catholics carry it. I have no idea how they find out who to target. The Catholics don’t care about vampires except that they think they are aligned with the Devil, if they do exist. Most don’t believe they do. But the hunters have heard rumors that there are vampires among the Scots with the king.” Jean-Claude eyed me. “Are you sure you trust this woman?”

  “More than I trust yours.” Jeremiah paced the floor in front of the fire. “Could Marin herself have done that? Passed on our names?”

  “No! She could never endanger me or her friends.” Jean-Claude grabbed Jeremiah’s arm.

  “Nor would Gloriana. I was attacked before I had even shown my mistress what I was, so no more talk of her betraying us. We need to find the real traitor. Stop these rumors.” Jeremiah glanced at me. “This is why I erase the memories from anyone whose blood I take, Gloriana.”

  I had nothing to
say to that.

  “Marin and I do as well.” Jean-Claude shook his head. “You must not think otherwise. But then she grew careless and was caught taking blood from a man in an alley by the night watch. Already there are whispers about what she is. Witch? Or something even more evil to those who know no better? Do we wish to show the world that vampires exist?”

  “No, of course not.” Jeremiah studied me.

  I held my spoon suspended above the bowl. My imagination drew a picture of a dead woman going up in flames. The smell of burnt flesh, the screams from the crowd of witnesses would make it into a nightmare scene. I shuddered. And of course those who had heard the whispers about these blood suckers would know then that the rumors were true.

  “What happened to the man she was using for blood?” Of course I had to ask. Had she left him dead drained of his blood? Like I’d almost been when Jeremiah had been out of control?

  Jean-Claude shook his head. “I wish it were so. Instead he is hale and hearty, serving as a witness for those who plan to burn my Marin at the stake. He is telling everyone who will listen that she looked into his eyes and made him lose his senses. Then she put her fangs into his neck and drank his blood. That is enough for any judge to pronounce her guilty of witchcraft.” He jumped up and walked toward the door.

  “They’ve had the trial already? In the middle of the night?” Jeremiah was close on his heels.

  “Who knows if they bothered? All I know is that they are already building a pyre around the post in the courtyard next to the Tower. Runners have been sent out, calling for a large crowd to witness what will surely be the execution of a witch caught casting a spell on a sober citizen.” Jean-Claude leaned against the door. “Did I tell you she selected a priest to dine upon?” He banged his head against the wood. “Oh, yes, this couldn’t be worse.”

  “Some say King James has gone soft on witchcraft lately. This will prove he will not tolerate such creatures in the kingdom.” Jeremiah exchanged a look with Fergus. “It is almost as if it is planned.” He walked over to drop his hand on his friend’s shoulder. “I’m sorry, Jean-Claude. What can we do?”