Abby's Road Part 1

by Anne Wentworth

  "I don't get it, how close does a vampire or revenant need to be to know I have this...blood condition?"

  "They would have to be right next to you. It's a good thing, like a built-in safe-guard to protect you. Nix found out when he was trying to recruit Rein. The only way to know for certain is to drink your blood. There is a word for what you are; we call you a power-blood."

  My head was spinning with all the twists and turns. This couldn't be happening. I had believed Nix when he'd said he loved me.

  "He does love you, Rachel, that part is true, but he's getting much more from you than he's giving back. Your blood can make him more powerful than Caspian and Rein." Yuri pointed over to the boardwalk. "Let's sit for a spell."

  "Are you on Rein's side in all this?" I couldn't contain my anger. I'd finally believed I was going to have a wonderful Christmas and birthday and the bubble had been burst.

  "No, I'm not on Rein's side or Nix's."

  "Then whose side are you on?"

  "Yours Rachel, I came here to be on your side, to protect you as best I can."

  I leaned back, a weariness overtaking my body. I wanted to curl into a ball and sleep. I wanted to wake up and find everything had been a dream...

  "I can't just leave. If I go home, anyone can find me there. Beatrice and Ronnie are away, not that they could help me, but I'd be completely alone."

  "That's true. I will do all I can to get you in a position where you can get the protection you need." Yuri gave me a weak smile. I sensed there was more and I wasn't going to like it.

  "There is someone who can protect me?"

  Yuri nodded his gaze wary.

  "Marion can protect you from all of them." He waited, giving me a moment.

  "I know she's vile, but hell, don't you think that's pushing it a bit far?" Was he kidding?

  He shook his head. "No, that isn't what I meant. It's the ring. When she took that ring back, she started to wear it and it has powers. Rein's father left that ring for her. As long as you're with her, no one can hurt you."

  No words came. I laughed and laughed, the tears running down my cheeks.

  "You must be joking, as long as I'm with her? Have you lost all your senses? The woman hates me, there is no way she'll protect me. How on earth did you arrive at this?"

  "I did some research. Did Rein tell you much about his father?" Yuri held out a handkerchief for me.

  I took it, dabbing at my face. "No. Rein said he left and I've often wondered if that was a cover-story. I think Marion might have eaten him."

  Yuri pulled back, startled. "What?"

  "Like a preying mantis. Rein said he left, but I suspect otherwise." Oh, the look he gave me.

  "You have more in common with Marion than you'd ever guess. Rein's father wasn't from here, and that ring isn't either. Marion had an affair with someone she met while on vacation and fell in love. She got pregnant and her father refused to allow her to marry Rein's dad. He left and her heart shattered. The only thing she had was the ring he'd given her and that was why she freaked about Rein giving it to you."

  "And does this mystery man have a name?"

  Yuri stared at me for a few seconds, contemplating. Another bomb was about to go off.

  "Yes, Lennox, and he was a vampire."

  A vampire? Marion had given birth to a vampire's son?

  "I don't get it, are you saying she didn't know?"

  Yuri shook his head. "He's gone, Rachel. Lennox was Caspian's brother and he was...removed."

  Silence followed and I had to regroup my thoughts.

  "Tell me everything. I don't want to have to pick this apart, just lay it out." This was too much. I was in deep, over my head and I had no idea how I'd ever get back to the surface.

  "Marion had no idea; he didn't reveal it to her. When she became pregnant, Lennox wanted to marry her and settle down."

  "Is there something wrong with that?"

  "Yes, when you're the brother of a senior member of the sect, marrying a human woman is forbidden. Caspian was livid that Lennox not only fell in love with a woman, but that she was carrying a child by him. He told Lennox it had to be kept secret and that he must encourage Marion to get rid of the baby."

  I was shocked. "Are you saying Caspian wanted Marion to—?"

  "Yes, but Lennox had no intention of that. He lied to Caspian, telling him he'd taken care of it. Lennox broke it off with Marion, and she was shattered, having no understanding about what was really going on. Caspian didn't find out about the baby until after Rein was born. He was furious with his brother, but couldn't do anything about it without bringing attention to the situation within the sect. He decided to keep the secret and allow Rein to grow up, knowing he'd try to recruit him at some point in the future."

  "Rein was born a vampire?"

  Yuri shook his head. "No, he was born a human with vampire attributes. In other words, his system was primed to be turned. This is why he was so sought after. He will be extraordinary as a vampire, unlike those who are brought in from a regular human state."

  There was only one further question and I had to ask it.

  "And what happened to Lennox?"

  "Caspian removed him." Yuri absently scratched along the side of his head.

  "What does that mean?" My heart raced, a part of me already knowing.

  "He took him out of existence. It's the final act when a vampire goes against the rules of his sect and Lennox broke a big one. I believe Caspian erased him to tie up any loose ends and prevent the truth from ever getting out."

  "How do you know?"

  "I knew Lennox. He reached out to me after I was made into a revenant. We ran into one another by accident and became friends. It's twisted and crazy and convoluted, Rachel, but there you have it."

  "So, nothing I was told before was the truth?"

  "Part truths, that way it is believable. I know this is quite a bit to digest. With our kind, there is always layer after layer, until you finally get far enough into the past to know what really happened. Caspian is an elite member of the sect and he doesn't tolerate anything that threatens his power."

  "Even erasing his brother?"

  "There is only one thing Caspian loves more than keeping his power, and that is getting more of it. He isn't about sentiment or honor; he is a cold killer and will do anything it takes to keep his position. Lennox did break a significant rule, but Caspian had no intention of trying to help or defend his brother. He was the one to take care of the issue before anyone else got wind of it, and that, Rachel, is no easy feat when you are talking about vampires."

  "Don't they know? Aren't they able to hear your thoughts?"

  Yuri shook his head. "No, and that would be because Caspian has put a psychic blanket over it. I wouldn't be having this conversation with you if I thought it could be picked up by anyone here."

  I panicked. "But now I know. What if they read my thoughts?" I pointed back to the hotel. Had Yuri just sent me to the wolves?

  "That is why we are going to leave. You are going straight to Marion and no one, not even Caspian, will be able to touch you."

  "I don't get it. What is it about that ring?"

  "It's old, Rachel. Caspian would have loved to have had it, but it was given directly to Lennox and he gave it to Marion. You see, no one can simply take it. It has to be given; otherwise the ring will bring darkness."

  "Given?" And I'd thought I'd seen and heard it all.

  "It was passed down along generations of an ancient vampire family—theirs. It went to Lennox and he gave it to Marion to eventually give to Rein. He gave it to Marion to protect her until Rein would be able to, but she didn't wear the ring. When Caspian erased Lennox, a residual energy lingered that changed Marion, causing her to become a bitter person. Rein gave it to you; although I don't believe he knew what it was other than it had been left from his father. Now that Marion has it back and is wearing it, no one can touch her. She's been wearing the ring since she took it from you. If she embraces you back i
nto her life, you will also be protected. Because Marion took it from you, the ring will still see you as its rightful owner and protect you. At this point, I have no idea what Rein knows. It's rare, but he may have accessed his father's life energy and memories while in transformation."

  "Rein..." I'd said it aloud, but my thoughts were swirling. When he'd appeared on the peninsula, he'd wanted me to go to Marion, to be with her. Had he found out about the ring and that it had power, or had he simply been worried about Marion?"

  "That ring will be working its power on Marion. You might find her changed—significantly." Yuri stood, motioning me to follow.

  "No, wait, I need to know more about this component in my blood." Did he really think I'd let him off the hook so easily?

  "Statistically, you are one in billions. You are rare, which is why you've never been harmed. It is a freak of nature that your blood can increase the power of a vampire. It would be like finding the fountain of youth."

  "That doesn't make sense because vampires are eternal."

  "Yes, but being eternal doesn't mean they don't get rundown or lose their zest for living. Nix suffered from that and you've seen what a little of your blood has done for him. Your blood will increase a vampire's power over time. Have you noticed that Nix is looking younger these days?"

  "What am I, some kind of battery he's draining?" Where would all this leave me? Would I eventually be drained to the point where I'd age and whither?

  Yuri shut his eyes, as if what he was about to say was painful. "Yes, you will be drained and whither. He will feed off your blood until you are of no further use to him. It isn't a happy ending for you, Rachel."

  The fury hit like a rogue wave, taking me down until I gasped, trying to breathe.

  "Nix is draining my life to keep young and strong? Is that it?"

  "Yes, that is it. You will age faster and though he will give you the world, you are a mortal and will eventually succumb and die."

  "But he could make me a vampire and then I'd live forever."

  Once again, Yuri shook his head. "That's just it; he won't make you a vampire, no one will. Your blood will lose the component during the transformation process. Nix must keep you human in order to benefit from your blood. The price is high, for you."

  "How can I win?" I searched Yuri's face.

  "There is no winning, you need to escape and be protected."

  "What are we to do? I can't leave without some explanation to Nix."

  "Rachel, a war could break out at any moment. Vampires aren't kind when they're threatened. I need to get you out of here as quickly as possible. I've already got a plan in place. If I've done my homework, Marion will already be checking into the Betherington."

  "What? Are you kidding me? You've brought her into a nest of vampires?"

  "They can't touch her and if you are with her, they can't harm you. The ring will sense you and keep you safe; it's a win-win." A satisfied little smile crept over his warped mouth.

  "How did you..."

  "Leave it." His curt reply did nothing to alleviate my current anxiety level. "Believe me, it wasn't easy. That woman is the most difficult human I have ever dealt with. Lennox must have had some saint in him." He cringed after, realizing what he'd said.

  "If not saint, then certainly charity and unending patience. What is it they say about love? It's blind, deaf and as far as I'm concerned, renders the person an idiot."

  Yuri shook his head. "Still cynical, that's what I love about you, Rachel, you hold on tight."

  Chapter Three

  "The note said they'd come here, to the Betherington Mansion Hotel. Look, I must see her; I need to speak with her. Please tell me if she is staying here."

  I'd recognize that voice anywhere—Marion Butler. Yuri and I had made it to the lobby. I stayed back by one of the larger potted plants, should I need a place to duck and hide. Unfortunately, Yuri had other ideas and without warning, pushed me out and into the middle of the lobby. I got my balance just in time to see Marion turn to see what the noise was.

  "Rachel? Rachel is that you?" Marion left the clerk to rush over to where I stood. I searched for Yuri, but he was gone.

  "Yes. What are you doing here?" It was all I could manage. I tried not to sound nasty, but the woman had been such a bitch to me over the years it was impossible not to have my feelings bleed out in my voice.

  "I came here after I received a note. Rachel, I need to speak with you. I know I've been horrible to you and you have every right to be angry, but please hear me out. Is there somewhere we can talk?" Marion's gaze held something I'd never seen before, fear.

  I spied Yuri over by the entrance to the lounge. He did a little head jerk to get my attention.

  "Let's sit in the lounge and have some tea." I gestured for her to go first. Marion blinked, as if she couldn't believe I'd agreed to talk. But I had the advantage in that I knew what was going on and she didn't.

  We sat and immediately Oscar came over to take our order. His composure slipped when he took in Marion. I watched him fighting his reaction, trying not to stare at the ring, but it was obvious.

  "Do you have cake?" Marion asked.

  "Yes, anything you'd like." Oscar briefly raised his brows at me.

  "What kind of cake would you like Rachel?" Marion smiled at me and it was genuine. She'd never smiled at me before, not once over the years. I'd become used to her scowls and the simmering anger that filled her eyes. The color of her eyes had changed, softened. That cold steel blue was washed through with tenderness and feeling. It was like meeting someone after they'd returned from a long journey and you could see life had touched them.

  "Chocolate with extra frosting, I have a big sweet tooth."

  Where was Nix? Every few seconds I'd glance about, trying not to be too obvious.

  "I know you're here with him. His name is Nix?" She left it at a question although I had the feeling that note she'd received had contained enough information to arm her properly.

  "Yes. He offered for me to come here for Christmas and my birthday. I've spent far too many Christmases alone and I couldn't face another sitting by myself, listening to the radio." There, was that pointed and acidic enough to make Marion understand?

  Marion sat back in her chair. She was close to tears; my knife had gone in deep. Strange, but my causing her pain hadn't made me feel any better about the past wrongs. I'd wanted to do that for years, stick the knife in her, deliver the same hurt she'd given me over the years, but it hadn't landed quite the way I'd expected.

  At that moment, Oscar came with the tea and cake. He set it down, not making eye contact. I got the impression I'd landed on the bad side of the ledger. After he left, Marion spoke.

  "I'm sorry, Rachel. I owe you more than an apology, I owe you healing and I know I'll need to earn your forgiveness. The way I've treated you over the years is deplorable. I'm ashamed and I've come to ask if you'll allow me to make amends to you."

  And all the air in that balloon I'd been filling with my hatred for this woman simply came undone; deflating until the shriveled remains was all I had left in my grasp. No way would I allow her to waltz in here and erase all the hurt. Marion playing nice wouldn't make me forget how badly she treated me. I'd start blowing my venom into that balloon. I wouldn't permit a free pass. She'd cost me too much and the new Rachel wasn't going to let anyone push her around.

  "You have much to make up for. I'm beyond trying to be polite, Marion. You were cruel when Rein was dying. I loved him, and you made it so difficult. I get that you're his mother, but I was part of his life. You didn't even invite me to the funeral."

  Chills went over me—talking about Rein as if he were gone when I knew another truth. But it still didn't excuse how she'd treated me. For Marion, Rein was dead and she'd behaved like an asshole. I hadn't known what Rein's decision was, and when he'd died, it had been real for me. It was only after at the beach when I'd found out the truth, about his decision.

  "Rachel." A voice came from no
where. Nix stood beside the table, his expression less than pleased.

  "Nix, this is Marion Butler, Rein's mother. Marion, this is Nix Vicar." From the fury burning bright in his eyes, I guessed he'd figured out what was going on.

  "Mrs. Butler." Nix inclined his head. "Rachel, I've been searching for you, I was worried."

  I actually felt his gaze land on my neck where his branding should have been.

  "You seem to be missing something." He smiled, but it was forced.

  "I ran into an old friend at the beach and then Marion here in the lobby. We're having tea and some cake." I made no move to invite him to join us. Marion and I needed privacy. We had a history that went beyond Nix and I wanted to hear what she had to say.

  "I'll be in our room." Nix had stressed the word our, as if to make a point to Marion. "Mrs. Butler."

  "Mr. Vicar." Marion's sour note wasn't missed by the tall vampire.

  What a bizarre charade this whole thing was. I was in an old mansion that had been made into a hotel for vampires and revenants to use to access other dimensions, sitting with Rein's mother having tea and cake. If a white rabbit came up to our table it wouldn't surprise me. The road had turned, and I couldn't see ahead.

  Marion waited until Nix had left the lounge.

  "Rachel, are you okay? I know I'm not your favorite person, but if you need help, I'm here." If there'd been any more sincerity in her voice and on her face...

  "Nix is in love with me, but I'm still trying to heal..."

  "I'm sure he is. It isn't hard to figure out why Rein was. You are an extraordinary person, Rachel. I was blind for too many years, but I've opened my eyes. I don't know why it's all hit now, but since Rein passed..."

  She broke, tears sliding down her cheeks. I reached, handing her a clean napkin.

  "Sorry. It's really hard to talk about—I miss him." She paused, sipping her tea. "Are you in love with Nix?"

  Her question caught me off guard. I knew Nix loved me, but with Yuri's timely information, I wondered how much of it was due to what I provided him with. I loved the money, the protection, the way he swept me off from my narrow life, but love? Yes, physically he'd ignited me, but having the hots for someone wasn't love.