by SF Benson
I’m enjoying a few fingers’ worth of bourbon when the office door swings open. Mental note: lock the damned door behind me.
Victor whistles as he enters the room. “It’s over.”
“I’m guessing it went as we wanted.”
“It did.” He sits beside me. “I suggest you watch your back, Old Man. Luc is one pissed off vampire. He’s already warned me not to return to the mansion. He threatened to stake me and place me in a wall.”
“I won’t—”
“No need. Council heard his threat. Brice offered to run Luc out of town if he so much as looks at me wrong.”
Something still troubles me. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Shoot.”
“How did you know about the situation between Valenti Distributing and Luc?”
Victor rakes a hand through his hair. “I stumbled across it while doing the books. It seemed odd for every order placed to Valenti, the Temptation Club always received two cases less.”
“What happened to them?” I ask.
“Luc’s wine cellar. He made a deal with the Valenti family. Luc would make sure their bottled blood would be the only brand offered in Falls Creek. Not a big issue, but Luc went about it wrong. He charged vampires twice the market cost per bottle, making the Valenti brand an elitist product. Vamps who couldn’t afford the steep price either had to dine at the Temptation Club or off humans.”
“Or use the blood bank.”
“Exactly.” Victor glances at the floor. “Promise me you won’t continue Luc’s practice.”
“I won’t. The bottled blood will be offered at a fair price.” Turning up the last of my drink, I appreciate the flavor and realize this could become as addictive as the crimson vamps crave. I get up, place the glass in the sink, and take a bottle of water from the small fridge. Twisting off the cap, I ask, “What’s next?”
“Club opens in thirty minutes. How about I catch you up on how to run this place?”
“Sounds good. Can we start with a lesson on this contraption?” I point to the flat screen sitting to one side of the desk.
“It’s called a computer, and it’s not as hard as it looks. I keep the books there, and place orders from it. That’s it.” Victor walks toward the desk.
“Let’s get started then.”
I have a lot to learn and plenty of time to do it in. I only wish Antoinette wanted to be a part of it all.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Antoinette
It’s been two days since I’ve seen Marc. When I rebuffed him, I really thought I was doing the right thing. Life is emptier and far too quiet without him around. No one would have told me I’d end up missing the spirit who became a man. It still boggles me how a simple touch from him not only saved me but enabled me to see him in his true form.
Will I be able to see other supernaturals?
A scary thought.
What’s scarier is how much I miss Marc—his laughter, his conversation, his smile. It’s morbid, but on some level I long for Marc’s thoughts. Knowing that he thought about me, made me feel good. The biggest lie I’ve told to date was to Cherina. Marc never thought of me as a charity case, far from it.
The hospital discharges me under my parent’s care. Within minutes of getting the green light, Mom and Dad rush me from the hospital in a newly purchased van to their house.
“Was this necessary?” I ask him as he rolls me up the ramp toward the front door.
“It’s only money, sweetheart. You know we’d do anything for you.”
Sadly, my parents’ concern for my welfare doesn’t stop there. As Dad wheels me up the pathway, I notice the new wooden incline leading up to the porch. Mom runs ahead to unlock the double doors—another addition.
“Honey, we’ve done everything to make the house convenient for you,” she says as Dad guides me down the hallway.
I notice the mechanized chair at the bottom of the stairs to the second floor. Great. I get to ride like an invalid.
Dad stops at a widened entry into the guest room on the main floor. Near the window is an adjustable bed. “Welcome home, Toni! Your mom and I thought you’d be more comfortable down here.” He inches the chair over the threshold. “I had some work done on the bathroom for you too. We got rid of the bathtub and put in one of those curbless shower stalls. There’s a bench inside so bathing will be easier.”
Just what I needed—a senior citizen shower.
My father lifts me from the wheelchair and places me on the bed, positioned so I can look out the window to the front yard. Pain, like sharp needles, sizzles up my spine. I squeeze my eyes, and an unexpected low moan slips out.
“You okay, Toni?”
Breathing through the torture, I say, “I will be in a minute. It still hurts a lot. Can I have something for the pain?”
Dad grimaces. “You’re on a schedule for your meds. You were medicated before leaving the hospital. I’m sorry, baby girl, you need to tough it out for another three hours.”
Hell! Another consequence of trying to commit suicide.
“The doctor said pain is to be expected. He wants you to start moving around a few minutes each day starting tomorrow when the equipment gets here.” Dad pulls the covers over me. “I moved the furniture out of the dining room so you can have it for training.”
“You didn’t have to do that, Dad. I could go to the hospital.”
“Nonsense.” He perches on the edge of the mattress and picks up a remote. “This is a top-of-the-line bed. The salesman said it’s like sleeping on a cloud.” He points to buttons on the device. “Here’s the setting for massage and the one for the light beneath the bed to help you at night.”
I drop my chin. I’m sure this bed cost a fortune. All for me. Hopefully, Marc isn’t spending his money to do the same thing. I’m not worth it. “Dad…”
“No. Don’t say it. Your mother and I will be fine. Right now, we need to get you back on your feet. No expense is too great.”
A sad smile crosses my father’s face. Dark shadows frame his brown eyes. How much sleep has he lost worrying about me? “Dad, why don’t you get some rest? You look tired.”
He pats my hand and rises off the bed. “I will. I need to check on the construction crew. There are a few more renovations being done to the back deck. You need anything?”
I shake my head. He should be at work handling paying projects. How much building has stopped around Falls Creek due to my accident? “I’m good, Dad.”
“Okay.” He points to the nightstand. There’s something on it resembling a speaker. “It’s one of those smart intercoms. Lets you play music, make phone calls…all sorts of stuff. You can call me or your mom whenever you need us. I think she’s making lunch for you at the moment. Any requests?”
“No. Whatever she makes will be fine.”
Besides, what I want—who I want—can’t be found in the kitchen.
After a lunch of soup and sandwiches, Mom comes in to sit with me. I’d really rather she go about her daily activities. Her sitting by my side with a book in her hand makes me think of the sick. I’m not ill. Only broken. Hopelessly broken.
Mom removes a card-sized envelope from inside the book. In a matter of seconds, she takes out…yup, another fucking card. “This one comes from your grandmother. All your cousins in France are wishing you a speedy recovery.”
I offer a thin smile and then return to watching squirrels running up and down the tree. Naturally, I appreciate my family’s well-wishes, but did someone forget to tell them my recovery will be long and complicated? Maybe they’re optimistic along with the doctors who can’t believe how far I’ve come in a short time.
I’m about to close my eyes when a shiny gray pickup stops at the curb. A boulder drops on my chest, and I can’t breathe. I’m gasping for air while my throat aches, but I don’t dare speak. If I do, it will start an avalanche of emotions, crushing my spirit and will to go on.
“Antoinette?” The book snaps shut. “What’s wrong?�
�
The man who reached into my chest and snatched out my heart exits the vehicle. He goes to the passenger side, opens the door, and helps her out. He has the unmitigated nerve to hold her hand. Treat her as if she’s special. Why didn’t I get that kindness?
“Antoinette?”
The doorbell rings, and Mom rushes to answer it, leaving me alone to wonder why Rob would show up with his old girlfriend—the cheerleader he dumped for me. Regrettably, my pondering doesn’t last long.
“Honey, look who came to see you,” Mom says sweetly. She can’t help it. I never told my parents what happened with Rob.
Before coming into the room, he tells his ex to wait in the hall. The asshole walks in carrying my old black backpack.
“Toni, it’s good to see you out of the hospital,” he offers sheepishly.
“I’ll leave you two to talk.” Mom steps out and gazes at the girl in the hall, but they don’t exchange a word.
Thank God for small miracles.
I wait until my mother is farther down the hall before blasting Rob. “What the hell do you want?”
He holds up the bag. “I’m only returning the things you left at the condo.”
“And you couldn’t do that without bringing her?”
“Be nice. Jill and I are friends.”
“Since when?” I fold my good arm over my chest as if it could hold in my turbulent feelings, support my shattered heart. “If I remember correctly, you were only too happy to dump the slut when you met me.”
A muffled “Oh, no she didn’t” comes from the hallway.
Jill should be glad I can only speak my mind.
“Toni, I didn’t come here to fight.” Rob drops the bag on the bed near my legs and shoves his hands into his pockets.
“Why did you really come? It’s not like I’ll ever have a need for what’s in the bag.” All I left at Rob’s place were a pair of old toe shoes, leotards, and tights. It was my backup practice gear for those times I ran late and couldn’t stop by my place. Honestly, Rob could have thrown the bag into the trash.
“Well, I also thought I might get the key back from you. Jill needs—”
“Get the fuck out,” I holler. He wants that bitch to have it?
“Toni, it’s my—”
“I don’t give two shits! Get the hell out of my room!” How could he replace me so fast?
Maybe this isn’t new or sudden?
My mother and father run into the room. In unison, they ask, “What’s going on here?”
“Mr. and Mrs. Leoni,” Rob responds, turning to face them. “I only want the key to my condo, and I’ll leave.”
“Get out!” Dad points to the door. “If Antoinette has it, I’ll make sure the key is mailed to your parents.”
Rob is dumb enough to continue talking. “I kind of hoped I could get it back today.”
What the hell is the hurry? He can fuck Jill without her having the key!
Dad gives my ex a look full of venom as his nostrils flare and his hands clench. Unfortunately, Mom notices what might happen—Dad decking Rob—and steps between the two men.
“Young man, it’s best you leave now,” Mom warns and then places her hands on Dad’s chest. “Continue to stay here, and I can’t guarantee your safety.”
A vacant expression crosses Rob’s face as his eyes dart between my parents. Finally, he shrugs his shoulders and walks out. Ushering Rob and Jill to the door, Mom utters a slew of inaudible, angry words.
Dad glances at me. “Do you still have his key?”
“Check my bag of stuff from the hospital,” I say quietly as I watch the scene outside. Jill yells at Rob before yanking the door open and getting into the vehicle. He drags his feet around to the driver’s side.
Serves him right. They deserve each other.
“I’ll do it later.” Dad sits down and gently pulls me into his arms. “You deserve better than Rob Miller, baby girl. I know it’s not what you want to hear.”
“No, it’s not.” I sob into my father’s chest, inhaling the familiar smell of sweet tobacco and wood. The scent permeates every piece of clothing he owns.
“Well, I’m sorry. It needed to be said.” Dad rubs my upper back. “Your mom and I have never liked Rob. He walks around this town like his shit doesn’t stink because he comes from a little money. Hell, we have our own fat bank account thanks to my hard work, but you don’t see me strutting around like a damn peacock.”
An image comes to mind and makes me laugh. My father with his barrel chest, muscular limbs, and calloused hands is not the strutting type. He built up the construction firm with his friend and partner. Blood. Sweat. Tears. No crowing. “Dad, you could never be like Mr. Miller.”
“Keep that in mind, will you? Toni, never settle for a man who can’t show you true kindness.” Dad drops a kiss on the top of my head and walks toward the hall. “What happened to the man who visited you in the hospital? Your mom said he was the one responsible for calling the paramedics.”
“He was a Good Samaritan, Dad. No one important,” I lie.
My father places a hand on the doorframe before leaving. He turns toward me and says, “Keep your chin up, kiddo. There’s a good man out there waiting for you.” He winks and says over his shoulder, “Might be that Good Samaritan. You never know.”
Dad’s wrong. I don’t think Marc’s ever coming back.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Uraeleus
Days go by, but I don’t see Antoinette. I’ll admit it’s tearing me apart. She’s constantly on my mind. Every morning when I awaken, the woman is fresh in my thoughts. When I dine at night, I wonder what Antoinette is eating. And when I fall asleep, my dreams are of her.
Even as I renovate my house, I consider Antoinette. The first thing I did was turn the side porch into an entry with wider doors and a ramp. Although I’d like to believe she won’t spend her entire life in a wheelchair, I’m prepping for it. The bathroom and bedrooms are on the second floor, so I installed one of those motorized chairs. I’m also expanding the bathroom into an adjacent bedroom. The oversized shower will have a bench for her. Everything I’ve done in the house has been for Antoinette. Kelsie finds my efforts endearing. Victor thinks I’ve lost my mind.
“I assure you my mind is quite sharp, Victor,” I say as I thumb through some fabric swatches Kelsie insisted I look at. She has a kind heart but doesn’t understand she has free range in decorating schemes. “Would you not go the extra mile for Kelsie?”
“I have. More than once.” He lifts a dark bottle to his lips. “I find it amusing you’re doing these things. Have you thought about what happens—”
“If she doesn’t want to live here? I try not to think about it. If it happens, it happens. I won’t overthink it. I can’t.” Frankly, I’ve done nothing but consider it. I’ve tried to ignore it, but the truth is I want Antoinette with me. No one would have told me it was possible to miss her so much.
“Understood.” Victor places the bottle on the table. “Oh, I almost forgot. Be right back. I left something at the door.” He pushes out of his seat and leaves the kitchen. Seconds later, he returns with a leather box as long as my forearm and nearly twice as wide. “This wasn’t easy to come by.”
“I knew it wouldn’t be.” Flipping the antique lock, I open the box. Inside, resting on a red velvet surface, is a knife with ancient runes inscribed on the blade. The raised image of a snake wraps around the hilt while encrusted in the tip are blood-red jewels. Rubbing my thumb over the center one, a switch disengages and the six-inch blade disappears inside the handle. It’s now primed, ready to take a life.
“Care to explain this weapon?” Victor asks, sitting down at the black oak dining table.
I turn the surprisingly heavy blade in my hand, appreciating the feel and power of it. “I stumbled across this about a century ago in the cemetery and took it to Cherina. She told me it’s a blade capable of ending a vampire.”
Victor’s head rocks back slightly. “I didn’t know
Cherina was so old.”
“The good witch is full of secrets—some of them dark and deadly. This weapon is one of many things she knows about Falls Creek and its inhabitants.”
“Well, that would explain why Cherina hesitated giving it to me.” Victor’s eyes widen. “But how can a small blade do any damage, especially to my kind?”
“Decapitation, my friend. You haven’t seen the blade at its full length. Trust me, you don’t want to. Once released, it must take a life before it can be retracted.”
Speechless, my new friend rubs his neck. Something tells me I should ease his concerns. “I don’t trust Luc. If he were to catch me alone at the Club, I have no protection.”
Victor swallows hard as he looks at the item. “So, you’d kill him, knowing he’s my mother’s world?”
“Only if he leaves me no choice.” I steal another glance at the finely honed weapon and wonder if I could really use it if pressed. “Stop worrying, Victor. I swore I wouldn’t take another life after I killed my father.”
His gaze swings to me. “Maybe I should have a talk with Luc. You know? Make sure nothing happens.”
“That might be wise.” I return the blade to its box. Tonight, I’ll place it in the new vault I had installed at the Club. It’s not something I want falling into the wrong hands. “How’s it going with Council?”
“Surprisingly well. Everyone has been very helpful in rolling back a lot of Luc’s old rules. I’ve taken your advice though. Kelsie and I will wait a little longer before returning to Falls Creek. To be honest, we need to do it sooner than later.”
“Why is that?”
“She’s happy with the work she’s doing with you, but it’s not enough. Kelsie’s changing and not in a good way,” Victor says sadly.
I hate to tell him her change would happen despite their exile. Vampirism has a tendency to trump all other traits, but if there is any way to beat it, my money is on this couple. Sometimes love is enough. Victor and Kelsie make me think of my older siblings.
