“Come on, get out of bed. I have a surprise for you.”
“A surprise?” I said, not wanting to move.
“Yes… Damn, you smell so good.” He kissed me seductively, distracted.
“Marcus, the surprise?”
He moved his hand to the small of my back. “You know what, we can do that later.”
“Oh, we can, huh?” I smirked as he pulled me to him hungrily, lying me down.
“Oh, yeah. Way later…”
The Surprise
“Bikes?”
There were two red one lying against a small shed in the yard.
“Yes, this is our transportation while we are here.”
“Cool,” I said, enjoying the smile on his face. “So where are we going on them?”
“You’ll see when we get there.” He looked over at me grimly. “Alixia, get out of my head!”
“Sorry.” I leaned over my handlebars, kissing him. “Forgive me. I promised. I won’t do it anymore. Well, at least today,” I said, putting on my best sad face.
“Let’s go!” he said, laughing.
I could smell the sea as we followed an eroded sheep path to the bay. Marcus was comfortable being out in the open. The sky was overcast, making the scenery beautiful. The cloud’s mist had a gray effect on everything around us, bringing out a certain mystic eeriness and making me think of the swamps back home.
“This way, Alixia.” Marcus went to the right. I spun my bike, seeing him going down a small hill. Following him, I stopped short of an old stone pier. Bobbing in the water below him were several small sailboats.
“We are going sailing?” I asked, loving my surprise and walking my bike onto the pier.
“If you want to,” he said hopefully.
“How wonderful! What made you think of this?” I asked, giving him a kiss.
I just thought it would be nice for you and me to sail away into the sunset and forget about everyone and everything.
“That would be nice. If only we could.”
“I know. Come on, let’s check out our boat.”
The water in the harbor was calm as we pushed away from the dock. Marcus got the sail up and, catching a small breeze, we were on our way. I snuggled up against Marcus’s chest as we followed the shoreline and took in some of Ireland’s haunting beauty.
Sailing for a while, I gazed up at him and asked a question that had been bothering me since the reception.
“Can I ask you what you said to your brother at the wedding? He sure came back quiet.”
He shifted the rudder.
“Oh that? We had a little scuffle when I tried to talk to him.”
“You fought him?”
“Not really. He tried a few times to get in a punch until I stopped him by knocking him against the wall.”
I moved to face him, irritated.
“Marcus, you could have hurt him.”
“Not a chance. I restrained myself.”
He looked at the top of the sail, judging the breeze.
“But he was freaked out a bit by everything, and threatened to go to the police.”
“Why would he do that?”
“Because he is obsessed with you being in danger, and he also knows now that there are more of us in Paris, so he is afraid for his family, too.”
“That’s not good. He can’t go to the police.”
Suddenly, I felt terrified.
“Marcus, you’re not going to…”
“Of course not. But, others might feel better with him out of the way. I warned him of that, if he went through with his threat.”
I let out a sigh, looking down at the water.
“Should I talk to him when we get back to Paris?”
“There is no need, now. He knows the consequences if he does, and he agreed to keep our secret for now. Unless…”
He paused for a minute, shaking his head.
“Unless what?” I asked, having no patience and wanting to jump in his head. He put a cocky smile on his face.
“Marcus, tell me!”
“It’s about you.”
“Me?”
“Yes. He said if I ever change you.”
I reached over, hitting him on the shoulder.
“Really, you had me thinking the worst!”
“Hey, you should be happy that he is so devoted to keeping you safe from me. It’s saving his life.”
“I agree,” I said, letting out a sigh of relief. “That’s a good thing. Do you think he will keep his word?”
“Yes, I do.” He tugged playfully on my arm, bringing back our good mood.
“So, is there any more Family stuff you need to talk about, or can I get back to enjoying my honeymoon?”
I smiled.
“No, there is nothing more,” I said, snuggling back into his arms and looking up at him.
“Good.”
He moved me around to face him, kissing me passionately. Our cravings took over again and we soon forgot everything around us for the rest of our honeymoon.
Returning Home
We landed at the private airport in Baton Rouge. Leaving the plane, Marcus followed me into the night air. I saw the bright lights of our limo coming toward us.
“She’s here,” Marcus said, taking my hand.
“I know. I sense her. I really didn’t want to deal with this tonight.”
“I know,” he quickly kissed me. The car stopped in front of us. He reached for the door handle, opening it.
“Alixia and Marcus, I’m glad you are home. We have been waiting for you,” Mother said with a sedate smile. I slid in next to her as she gave me a hug.
“Where’s Charles?” I asked, as Marcus moved in next to me.
“He’s with Phillip in New Orleans.”
“Oh,” I said, a little downhearted.
I won’t be seeing Phillip tonight.
“So,” she said, squeezing my shoulder. “How was the honeymoon?”
“It was beautiful,” I said, turning my head slightly and giving Marcus a telling smile. I went on to recount the highlights of our trip. However, in the back of my mind was heartbreak. Soon, I would have to say goodbye to her again, as I took her life.
The house was all lit up, and Families from both sides were standing on the porch and grounds, awaiting our arrival. Stepping out of the limo to cheers and congratulations, Marcus took my hand and walked me into the house.
Mother followed behind us, whispering to me that after the party we needed to talk. I drew in a breath.
“We will talk, Mother, but let’s just enjoy the party for now.” I kissed her cheek with sadness, and then joined Marcus and the guests.
Mingling, Marcus and I moved through the Families, hearing concerns about the Pure Ones still wanting James. They wanted to hold a Gathering to decide what to do about the situation. That worried me. I heard their thoughts, and most wanted the child returned, to end the conflict between them.
They will never take Millie’s baby…
“Phillip is here,” I said, seeing him walk in. Marcus took my hand.
“I see that.”
I looked up at him.
“Be good, now.”
Phillip walked up to us. He and Marcus were not delighted to see each other again. I stepped between them.
“Alixia,” Phillip said and took me his in arms, looking back at Marcus. He gave me a quick kiss on the cheek and then stepped back.
“Marcus, I suppose you’ve heard about the Pure Ones?”
“Yes. It seems to be the main topic on everyone’s mind here,” he said, taking me back into his arms as if I needed protection.
“That’s why my uncle and I came back tonight.” I looked past him.
“Charles is here, too?”
“Over by your mother,” he pointed.
They were intimately huddled in the corner of the room. Phillip brought my attention back to him, his voice laden with frustration.
“This has to be addressed on all sides.”
Marcus nodded in agreement.
“They will keep using their black magic on us, until the child is returned to them.”
I moved away from both of them, infuriated that they were thinking like the rest of the Families.
“James is staying with Millie,” I said firmly.
“Alixia!”
“No, Phillip, I will not betray her.” I walked away from them, heading for the front door. Marcus grabbed my shoulder.
“Wait!”
“Let go of me!” I said, pushing his arm away. I went toward the garden, mumbling to myself and using a few obscenities. How eager they all were to throw her to the wolves!
“Alixia, wait for me.”
I sensed Mother behind me, but I kept walking. She moved up in step with me.
“You have to stop being so difficult. You are the Supreme. You have to protect the Family, even if you have to sacrifice one of your own.”
I promised Millie…”
“You shouldn’t have done that, and even she is aware of that.”
Suddenly, fear took over.
“Millie is coming here, isn’t she?”
She lowered her eyes.” Yes.”
“Why?” I feared the answer.
“She was told.”
“Told?”
“Yes, that more are being taken. It is her choice.”
“This is not a choice, it’s a sacrifice!” I stepped up to her. “Did Marcus know about this?”
“No, but he does now. Charles just told him.”
I sat down on the garden bench, sickened. I put my hand up to my forehead, closing my eyes and seeing the Gypsy child again. Mother sat down next to me. I looked over at her.
“You know Millie will not be separated from her child, and they will not accept her after killing their own.”
“I know.”
“Then, why are you letting her come back?”
“To end this.”
“This is not right.”
Mother turned her head,
“Lucida,” Charles called out, waving to her to come. He was standing with Phillip.
“I have to go.” When she kissed my cheek, the coldness stung my skin.
“We will talk tomorrow night, before the Gathering begins. Millie will be here by then.”
I watched as she and Charles got into his car. Phillip paused before getting in, looking my way.
I missed you.
I know.
I got up and walked toward the orchard.
“Where are you off to?” Marcus asked, coming up behind me.
“Nowhere in particular. I just want to walk.”
He kissed me.
“Mind if I join you?” I took his hand.
Walking through the trees for a while, Marcus tried to comfort me about Millie, saying she would be safe.
“She is not safe, and you know it. I don’t even know why she would jeopardize herself coming here. ”
He stopped, leaning up against a tree.
“Charles and Lucida told me that it was Millie who decided to return.”
“When did she decide that?”
He kicked out at the dirt.
“When we were in Ireland, I guess.”
I stared at him, mistrusting all of this.
“Something is not right.”
He pushed himself away from the tree and came over to me.
“Well, we’ll find out tomorrow, when she returns.”
“I want to be there.”
“We will both be there to watch over her. Charles says the Pure Ones are invited into the Ambrosine sanctuary for the Gathering, so we need to make sure she stays in control.”
“Now I’m scared for her, Marcus.”
Fear
Marcus snuggled up to me after we made love in the Baton Rouge townhome. He was kissing the back of my neck and shoulders when I turned to face him.
“Marcus?”
“What?” he asked, brushing my hair away from my eyes.
“Are you sure they will be protected, getting here.”
“Yes. Both of our Families will be with them from Paris to here. You have to stop worrying.”
“I can’t,” I said, moving out his arms and reaching for my robe. “I keep seeing that vision of her. Something bad is going to happen. I know it.”
“It will be okay. When they land, we will be right there.” I let out a long sigh in frustration wishing Millie had stayed in Paris.
“I’m going to take a bath.”
“Alixia…”
“I know. Don’t worry.”
I walked away, grumbling under my breath at his naïve trust in everything.
Turning the faucet on and adding some bubbles, I got into the tub. I splashed water on my face, trying to calm down. I closed my eyes, leaning back for a few minutes, until I felt the water warming.
This is ridiculous. I should be able to stop this heat. Mind over matter that’s all it is.
I reached inward with everything that was in me concentrating and trying to make the temperature go down in my body. Nothing.
“I can do this,” I said softly, not willing to give up. Closing my eyes, I concentrated harder. And then I felt a slight coolness.
Was it working?
“Alixia,” Marcus said, coming into the bathroom and breaking my focus. He was talking in his sweet, apologetic voice.
“I didn’t want you to go away mad.” He came over and sat on the edge of the tub. “I was just trying to ease your mind.”
“It’s okay. I’m not mad at you. You are right. She is being well protected, so I shouldn’t worry. Still, I can’t see why she would want to bring herself and the child back here as an offering, after the last deception.”
I bit down on the corner of my lip.
“As I said, something is just not right.”
He reached out for my hand.
“Well, in a couple of hours we will find out. But until then…”
He kissed my hand. I smiled, knowing what he had on his mind.
“Wait, I have something to show you,” I said. I turned on the cold water, letting it run.
“Watch this,” I said with excitement. Shutting off the water, I sat there.
“Yeah?” he asked, raising an eyebrow and looking at me as if I had lost it.
“Marcus, it’s not warming up! The water, I can control by body heat now.”
He rubbed the side of his face, trying to control a small smirk.
“What?” I asked, splashing water at him.
“I was just thinking that the hot chick I married is, well, just ordinary now.”
“Come here!”
I reached up for him, taking him into the tub with me.
“Oh, I’m nowhere near ordinary.”
Millie’s Arrival
Marcus and I went headed downstairs to meet Charles and Mother. Walking into the living room to get my keys, I froze hearing Millie cry out.
“No! Marcus!”
“I hear her too, let’s go.”
Driving into the airport, we ran toward the hanger. I stopped short as a stench of death wafted its way through my nostrils. Walking in, I went to my knees.
“No!” I cried, seeing dead blackbirds covering the lifeless body of Family members.
“The Pure Ones,” Marcus said, showing his full teeth in revulsion.
We moved somberly to their bodies, removing the dead birds that had attacked them. The mutilation of their blood-gouged faces and bodies made them hardly recognizable to us.
Leaving Marcus, I went to the last body, hesitant in case it was Millie. I knelt down, pushing the blackbirds away, and turned the body over. I let out a gasp. It was Julia.
“Marcus,” I cried. “It isn’t her! Where is she?”
Panicked, I closed my eyes, trying to get an image. All I could see was darkness, but I could sense her.
“She is alive, Marcus. I can feel her.”
“Then we will find her. I promise.”
He came
over, helping me up and looking down at Julia’s body.
“I can’t believe they took her. She was innocent.”
Suddenly our attention turned to headlights coming toward us, fast. It was Charles and Mother. The car screeched to a halt and the door opened.
“Where is she? I heard her cries,” Mother said with fear.
Marcus went to them.
“We don’t know, but she is not one of these.”
They walked into the hanger and looked down at the butchery.
“Can you sense her, Marcus?” Mother asked, picking up a dead bird and pulling a few feathers from it. She put them in her pocket.
“No. Alixia did though, and she is still alive. We need to go to New Orleans, to the Pure Ones.”
Mother said something to Charles in French, and then turned to Marcus.
“You need to go to the Ambrosine mansion. They will be at the Gathering.”
“What about Millie and the baby?” I asked, watching her move around the bodies and drop white powder on them.
“Alixia, if they have her, you will find out. They can’t keep you from their thoughts.”
“Then why can’t we go to the Pure Ones sanctuary now? We don’t need the Gathering. If they have her, she would be there.”
She looked over at Marcus.
“Because Marcus will end up like these poor souls. Being a vampire, he doesn’t have the power that you have to defeat their black magic. Now go, we will follow after we take care of these bodies. They need to be returned to the light.”
“Let’s go, Alixia.”
“Just a second.”
I went over to mother, speaking quietly.
“Why did you pull the feathers off the bird?”
“They will tell me who did this.”
I look at her, perplexed.
”But, don’t we know?”
She smiled and kissed my cheek.
“Find Millie.”
Millie’s Deception
Leaving Baton Rouge for New Orleans, we traveled by car and stopped at the edge of the Ambrosine sanctuary.
“Come on. They won’t attack you, I promise,” I said, taking his hand. Walking up the driveway, I could feel his tension. He didn’t trust the reception waiting for him and frankly, neither did I. Looking out, I saw a few Family members standing on the veranda. I sensed their loathing for him.
“No!” I cried, seeing Elijah from the East jump at us, going for Marcus. I moved in quickly, knocking him to the ground. I turned and saw two more coming.
Path of Descent: Ambrosine Page 28
