Amaranthine Special Edition Vol II

by Naylor, Joleene

  From that point on, he said, things were a blur. At first they fed him and drew blood, rendering him helpless with a gas. Then they starved him for the last four days, only feeding him his own blood, which didn’t nourish him.

  As he spoke, Rachel’s hand tightened on his shoulder and her jaw clenched. The others made appropriate noises of outrage, except Jorick who looked even more interested.

  “What gas?” he asked.

  Joseff glared. “Does it matter?”

  “It might. If they already have a gas that can stop a vampire…”

  “You think they’ve studied vampires before?” Oren asked.

  Katelina shifted in her squeaky chair. She’d read crazy things before that said people had captured everything from aliens to Bigfoot. What if they really had experimented on a vampire before?

  Alex looked thoughtful. “If they have a knock-out gas, for lack of a better word, that explains how they were able to subdue Kale and abduct him. But, how did they find him?”

  “That’s the question,” Oren agreed. “Who else knows the location of your den?”

  “The Guild must, if they summoned Kale to the Citadel,” Jorick said. “If they know, it wouldn’t be too hard for someone who wanted the information to get it.”

  Kale looked concerned. “There was that messenger, while I was at The Guild.” He caught Joseff’s eyes. “The one who left an address in Florida and wanted to know where Kateesha’s possessions were.”

  “A ruse, maybe? Sent to make sure of your whereabouts?” Jorick suggested.

  Kale shrugged. “But who? If it was someone with a personal vendetta, why didn’t they just kill me? Why hand me over to humans?”

  Rachel interrupted, “Whoever is responsible didn’t want you dead. They wanted you to suffer, and we both know who that is!”

  “No,” Kale said softly. “It wouldn’t be.”

  When no more information seemed forthcoming, Jorick asked patiently, “I don’t suppose you’d like to tell the rest of us who you have in mind?”

  Without meeting Kale’s eyes, Rachel answered, “Thomas.”

  The name was familiar and Katelina whispered to Jorick, “She doesn’t mean Anya’s brother, the one who spied on us for Kateesha’s coven and then tried to blame you for it?”

  “Yes,” Rachel cut in. “The one who betrayed you and the one who made me.”

  Kale growled low in his throat and the air palpably thickened with unease. “It wasn’t him.”

  “How do you know?” she asked. “You remember the things he used to do, Kale. You know what he’s like!”

  Katelina thought suddenly of the makeshift trial, when she’d been exonerated of willful sabotage by murdering Kateesha. Afterwards, Thomas had said something about Kale… Something like, “You might be surprised what I have the balls to do. Why don’t you ask Kale about that sometime?” With that memory came a new curiosity.

  Jorick cocked an inquisitive eyebrow. “Why does Thomas have a grudge against Kale?”

  “Yeah, I’d like to know that,” Yaul said, looking from one to the other.

  Kale sighed and Rachel visibly steeled herself. “Thomas and his sister had a lot of money once. They lived in a large plantation house. My family was poor, so when they took me on as a servant my parents was elated. I worked there for a short time before I discovered what they were,” she glanced to Saeed, but he didn’t meet her eyes. “That happened a lot back then,” she explained, looking at Katelina. “Vampires weren’t as careful because no one listened to what slaves or servants said. Anyhow, Thomas took a liking to me and he turned me.” She faltered. “He wasn’t the kindest of masters. I met Kale at a ball. He was in attendance with Claudius, and we…” Though she trailed off, the pink tint to her cheeks told the rest of the story.

  “After that he tried to convince Thomas to free me, but he refused and turned even crueler. When Kale had had enough of it, he came for me.”

  Yaul poked Joseff in the ribs, “Did you know that?”

  “Yes,” he answered testily. “I helped rescue her.”

  Rachel met Jorick’s eyes. “That night, Thomas swore he’d get revenge, that he’d make them suffer. He joined your fight against Claudius readily enough, and now he’s looking to make Kale suffer.”

  “Except he didn’t,” Oren said. “Neither he nor his sister were interested in the war with Claudius. They didn’t join me until afterwards. It was Kateesha and The Guild they wanted to fight.”

  “Or so they said,” Rachel insisted. “It had to be him. There’s no one else.”

  Joseff nodded, his angry eyes burning. “Thomas is the only one who’d do such a cowardly thing.”

  “Works for me!” Yaul slapped the table. “So when do we wipe them out?”

  Kale sighed heavily. “I’m not sure it was Thomas.”

  “There’s no one else.” Rachel took Kale’s hands. “I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t think it was true, you know that. I don’t believe in vengeance for vengeance’s sake. But Kale, if he’s trying to hurt you...” her voice cracked. “If he’s hurting you, then I want him hurt.”

  “I know.” Kale’s hand strayed up to her cheek, and he wiped away an errant tear. “All right, Thomas it is.” He turned to Oren. “The deal we discussed earlier?”

  “Deal?” Katelina whispered, and Jorick just shrugged.

  Oren nodded. “I keep my word.”

  “Very well.” Kale stood. He leaned on the table and let his blue eyes sweep over the assembled vampires. “Last night, Oren promised the help of his coven to fight whoever was responsible for my imprisonment, if we assist in his battle with The Guild. I accept his offer.” He straightened up and looked to Oren and Jorick. “When can they be here?”

  Katelina groaned silently.

  **********

  Chapter Four

  Alex said the house was being renovated. Katelina thought “previously abandoned” was a better phrase. Only the downstairs was furnished. The upstairs room she and Jorick were sent to had only three rickety chairs and a pile of mouse eaten boxes.

  She watched through the dingy window as Oren borrowed a cell phone and moved from tree to tree in search of a signal. “Why doesn’t he ever have his phone?”

  “He leaves it with the coven while he’s away,” Jorick answered. “Telephones are harder to get than you think. They want credit ratings, or some such thing.”

  He was right, so she changed topics. “Are we staying to help Kale?” An ominous silence followed. “It’s almost Christmas! You promised we were going somewhere tropical!”

  “I did say after Christmas.”

  She rolled her eyes. “You can’t keep your nose out of Oren’s wars, can you?” Jorick didn’t reply, and she leaned her forehead against the cold window. Below her, Oren stood under a tree, half invisible in the darkness. He waved his hand emphatically as he spoke. Apparently he’d reached someone.

  She closed her eyes. “Do you really think Thomas did it?”

  Jorick took a moment to answer. “If so, he’s waited a long time to get revenge. The action fits him, allowing the humans to do the dirty work and torture Kale. But there’s been no gloating, which seems unlike him.”

  “You’re willing to kill him anyway? What happened to all that ‘vampires’ lives have meaning’ crap?”

  “I never said they had meaning. Thomas encouraged Alistair to murder you. He deserves death for that alone. It’s only delayed justice. Not to mention, I owe Oren a favor. That was the only way I could get him to accompany me to the Citadel when that redheaded idiot took you!”

  “I know, but-” she stopped abruptly. If Oren cashes his favor in now, that means…

  “Yes,” Jorick agreed to her thoughts. “If I help him with Kale and Thomas, the favor is paid and he can’t use it for his attack on the Citadel.”

  It was small comfort, but it was something. “Fine. I guess.”

  A soft smile played on Jorick’s lips. “I’m glad to have your permission.”

&n
bsp; “You should be.” As if he sensed her scrutiny, Oren’s face turned towards the house. “Maybe he’ll get killed fighting Thomas, then he won’t need to attack Malick to commit suicide.”

  Jorick raised his eyebrows at her cold tone. “Or perhaps his new recruits will talk some sense into him.”

  “I doubt it. If he won’t listen to you, why would he listen to them?”

  Alex suddenly appeared at the door. “It will be morning soon. We’re trying to sort out the sleeping arrangements. We didn’t have a big enough vehicle to haul coffins from the underground war den and we didn’t want to draw attention by stealing them locally.” He cleared his throat. “Yaul and I built boxes from the scrap lumber we found. They’re not much, but we’ve covered the basement windows, and it seems to work.”

  Katelina stifled a groan and Jorick responded politely, “I’m sure they’re fine.”

  “The problem is we only have six. Rachel and Kale have volunteered to share, but that only leaves one free for three of you.”

  “Katelina and I will share.”

  She wanted to shout, “No, no, no!” but it was pointless. Being stuffed in a box with Jorick was better than sleeping alone in a house of unknown vampires.

  Alex shrugged. “That still leaves Oren.”

  “There are two boxes in the van,” Katelina suggested.

  “Why didn’t you say you’d brought your own!”

  Jorick shrugged. “They’re bolted to the floor.”

  Alex checked his watch. “We might have time to get one of them loose, if we hurry. Come on.”

  Jorick and Alex left and Katelina watched through the window as they worked. The sky to the east was starting to brighten when they carried the box inside and slammed the door.

  She met Jorick downstairs in the dining room. He caught her hand and they followed their hosts to the cellar where six wooden boxes were arranged around a furnace and a pile of old lumber. A bare light bulb in the middle of the ceiling threw strange, harsh shadows. The contrast of dark and light lent a sinister air to the vampires who stood around.

  Katelina felt a set of hostile eyes and looked to see Joseff glaring at her. Unlike most of the vampires she’d come across, who slept fully dressed, he wore only a pair of loose pants and socks. Scars on his chest and stomach matched the ragged one across his cheek. She looked away from him quickly and noticed that Alex and Yaul were dressed in sweatpants and t-shirts. Kale wore only a pair of loose pants and Rachel a long flannel nightgown. Vampires in pajamas. It made as much sense as anything else.

  Since they’d only brought in one box from the van, they were two short. Kale and Rachel shared one box, and Jorick and Katelina took the other. Katelina made mental notes as Kale and Rachel climbed inside. When it was her turn, she tried to imitate Rachel’s smooth movements, but failed. When Jorick tugged the lid shut, she was uncomfortably wedged half beside him and half on top of him.

  Despite the discomfort, sleep found her quickly. She didn’t care if it was because she was exhausted or because Jorick intervened. She only wished he would do something about the dreams.

  It was the same nightmare she’d had over and over since Alistair bit her. It was the scene from Kateesha’s war den, but it was through the wrong eyes: his eyes. She could see Kateesha in the throne room, her fangs bared, and then she watched herself attack the vampiress. She heard Alistair’s scream and felt the heartbreak rip through her chest as he realized Kateesha was dead - then the scene changed. It was Jorick in Kateesha’s place and hovering over him was…Thomas?

  Katelina jerked awake to find Jorick soothing her. When she was calm, he pushed the lid aside so she could climb out.

  Their first stop was the bathroom. Jorick stood sentinel while she had a fast shower and took care of her “disgusting human habits”, as he teasingly called them. Dressed, she pulled on her hat and coat to follow Jorick outside to feed.

  When they exited the bathroom, Saeed appeared like a massive shadow and announced, “Kale wishes to speak to you.”

  They followed him to the dining room where Kale and Alex hunched over a laptop. Oren stood behind them, squinting at the screen.

  Kale glanced up as they entered. “We’re mapping travel routes.”

  “To what?” Katelina asked.

  “Oren’s den for a start.” Alex whistled low. “It’s a ten hour trip. If you plan to get there tonight, you’ll have to leave soon.”

  “Which brings up a question.” Kale glanced from Oren to Jorick. “What exactly is the plan?”

  “I spoke to Fabian last night, though the reception was questionable. I don’t foresee anyone in my coven refusing to help, though I can’t speak for Traven. He refused to commit.”

  Alex tapped a few keys. “If Traven is correct about Anya’s location, then it’s only six hours to her den.”

  Before anyone could answer, Rachel walked in with Joseff on her heels. Snowflakes melted in her coppery hair, and her cheeks were pink. She gave Kale a kiss and asked, “What’s he looking at now? Another chat club?”

  “It’s called a chat room.” Alex pushed his glasses up. “But no, I’m looking for maps. The site will plan the whole route out for you.” He jabbed a finger at the screen. “See?”

  “Takes the wind out of planning, doesn’t it?” she asked good-naturedly. “You probably saved a lot of time, but what are you going to do with the rest of the night?”

  Alex gave an exaggerated sigh. “Just like a woman, never satisfied.”

  Kale caught her hand and brought it to his lips. “I don’t know. I often leave her satisfied.” Her cheeks flushed and she playfully swatted at him. “It’s true. Just last night you said-”

  Oren coughed loudly. “As I was saying, we’ll need the van to haul the boxes from my den, so I’ll have to head back tonight. Since the trip is ten hours, the soonest we could return would be the day after tomorrow.”

  Rachel frowned. “The day after tomorrow is Christmas! You can’t wage a war on Christmas!”

  Oren choked.

  “Of course you can,” Alex said. “They won’t be expecting it.”

  Rachel shook her head. “I’m all for surprise attacks, but not on Christmas. I won’t have it. We have plans, and I’m sure Oren and his coven do, too. If it’s a ten hour trip, then they can leave the day after and we can attack Thomas on the twenty-seventh.” She met Kale’s eyes and held them. “Right?”

  “Rachel-”

  “No! I’ve only just gotten you back in time for Christmas and I’m not about to waste that. Four days won’t make that much difference. And if you want to surprise them, then why not attack them first thing in the evening?”

  Kale was patient. “By the time Oren drove ten hours to get here, we wouldn’t have time to drive another six to Thomas. We’d have to travel the following night and then find somewhere to sleep the next day so we could attack them first thing.”

  Jorick cleared his throat. “Unless Katelina drove.”

  Everyone gaped at Jorick as though he’d sprouted antennae. He blinked back, unruffled. As if to back him up, Rachel asked, “Why not?”

  Joseff snorted. “Maybe you’ve forgotten, but there was a question about whether or not Jorick told her to murder Kateesha.”

  Katelina’s hands went to her hips. “Why is it murder if you think I did it, but a war if you guys do?”

  Instead of answering, Oren snapped, “That was settled!”

  Joseff crossed his arms over his chest. “By you. I don’t believe it was as innocent as Jorick claimed.”

  Before Jorick could stop her, Katelina snapped, “And if I recall all of you were on the other side during that battle and tried to kill us, so what’s your point?”

  Jorick squeezed Katelina’s hand. “Whether you believe it or not, the charge was that I ordered her to do so, so I’m the one you should be concerned about.”

  “And who said I’m not?” Joseff glared at Jorick with open hostility. “Some of us may want to play forgive and forget, but you’
re responsible for killing quite a few of my friends, including my Master!”

  “And look what Claudius did to him,” Rachel argued. “If Oren’s coven had kidnapped me, wouldn’t you have helped get me back? Wouldn’t Kale have demanded his blood?”

  “That’s different!” Joseff snapped furiously, though defeat was in his eyes.

  Rachel saw it and countered quickly, “How? Because she’s a human? Or because she was on the other side at the time?”

  “They stole Arowenia! And they killed her.”

  Jorick said coldly, “Michael and his brother took her, and Kateesha killed her.”

  “That isn’t what Michael said! He said you and your friends took her and that he only showed you the way in!”

  “Enough!” Kale cried. “We’re not here to argue what happened in the past.”

  “In the past? It just happened! His blood’s barely cooled!”

  “It was cold enough for you to join Kateesha,” Alex murmured. “I don’t remember you making a fuss to her.”

  A dangerous growl sounded in Joseff’s throat. “There are laws, and we follow them.”

  “Then try doing it now,” Alex suggested neutrally. “We swore loyalty to Kale and it’s his decision. He trusts them enough to let the human sleep with us, so what right do you have to question it?”

  “I won’t put my life in her hands!”

  “But you already do,” Alex said. “She could kill you anytime during the day.”

  Joseff made a wordless sound of frustration, then spun around and stormed away.

  Alex turned to Jorick. “You’ll have to excuse him. He’s overly passionate about a few things.”

  Jorick nodded stiffly, then looked to Kale. “As he said, the choice is yours. If you’ll excuse us, we need to feed.” He tugged on Katelina’s arm and they left, Oren on their heels.

  They were barely outside when Katelina exploded, “You should have left him there and let The Guild have him!”

  “Kale is no more responsible for Joseff’s words than I am for yours.”