“I’m not going to die. This is simply researching and asking some questions. Nothing more.” Colette tamped down her reservations. “If it was anything else, you know I’d ask for help.”
“Listen to me, sistermine. I know you say that, but I also know that on a whim you’d go off if you thought it was the right thing intuitively.” A heavy sigh came over the slightly crackly phone line. “I’m not saying you’re wrong, but I am saying that sometimes your heart moves faster than your logic does. Please do me a favor and don’t go out to the pyramid without a vampire or another druid with you.”
“I will try not to, Ri. There is no rush in getting through anything.” Colette hesitated slightly. “I spoke with Cicely. I have Tony’s notes and a copy of the texts he found.”
“And?”
“They speak of Xilan and how to open the portal between the Mayan Underworld and here. Something about him being an unspoken Lord of Xibalba.”
“I see.”
“Tony was killed by vampires.”
“I see.”
“Do you see, Riana? Or are you not getting the point?”
“Have you found the vampires in question?” Riana’s voice lowered slightly. “Have you questioned the people who reported he was killed by vampires or is this supposition?”
“This is per Cicely and the reports from the Council.”
“The Vampire Council? Who investigated?”
“Some guy named Jan.”
“I see. I want copies of the reports. What about the official police reports?” Riana was now all business.
“I’ve got those, too.”
“Get me names. Do not take the vampires out until I get confirmation, understand?”
“Is that an order?”
“If it means you’ll obey—then yes. There are things about Tony and Cicely that you don’t know. Things that have to be dealt with delicately, even in the preternatural world,” Riana explained while Colette clicked on the radio.
“Understood. Are things now cleared up between us?” Colette let her voice show her tiredness and emotional pain.
“Yes. They are. Just remember, Col, I’m not doing or asking this of you because I think you’re incapable. I think you’re more than capable, but I’m doing this so you don’t lose yourself in the bloodletting. Think of the myths of Sekhmet and even of Morrigu. Please. Just don’t get into the blood lust.”
“It’s okay, Sis. I do understand. It’s something that Davyd warned me about. That natural Helsingers are often a step from being as bad as those they hunt. I’ll be careful. I’m not a callous murderer like those who killed my family.”
“He wasn’t lying about that. Those Helsingers who go over the edge are taken out, Sis. Completely and utterly.” Riana swallowed audibly. “I don’t want to lose you or have to ask someone to deal with you if you lose yourself, Col. I love you too much for that.”
“Understood, and I promise it won’t happen. Consider me warned and nervous about it, too.” She watched Kymaera turn on her left turn signal. Looking at the small, unassuming home, Colette was a tad bit concerned over the fact that it sat alone for many miles. “I best go. We’re at our destination and I need to sleep.”
“Okay, be safe, and may the Goddess keep you safe in this endeavor.”
“Love you and may your healing be blessed by the goddesses of Avalon.” Colette clicked off the phone and pulled in behind Kymaera’s bike. After turning off the motor, Colette grabbed her bags and got out of the car. The door shut with a loud slam and Kymaera chuckled.
“We’re here. This is a safe house.”
“Safe house for vampires or from vampires?” Colette looked around. “Some vampires don’t necessarily like Helsingers.”
“This is a safe zone for vampires, humans, Helsingers, and others. It has marks that are visible only to various preternaturals that anyone in this house is under the keeping of the gods and by the blood oaths. C’mon this way,” she said, unlocking the door, tossing the keys back to Colette. “The house isn’t huge, but it’s clean, comfortable and is stocked with food.”
“Then it’s perfect. I don’t need anything more than that. Will I be alone?” Colette’s gaze took in the dusted furniture and the cleanliness of the small house. “This looks like it’s got a couple of bedrooms.”
“You’re in here, if you wish. It’s the largest bedroom.” Kymaera turned on the light. “No one else is scheduled to be here. But on occasion we’ll have a couple of people in one house depending on the situations. However, you’re only two miles from the nearest town, so it isn’t too bad. No one I know has said anything about bringing anyone here either.”
“Great. Thanks so much for this, Kymaera.” Colette dropped her bags and sat on the bed. She tried to stifle a yawn but couldn’t. “Today has been unbearably long.”
“Flying from Ireland to Mexico, driving a couple hundred miles, and on top of that, trying to figure out what’s going on? Yeah, I’d believe it was too long.” Kymaera smiled, her face looking younger than the many hundreds of years Colette knew her to be.
“I have a question, Kymaera, and I realize you might or might not know the answer. Riana said something about Helsingers being eliminated if they go into the blood lust. Is this true?”
Something passed over Kymaera’s features before settling back into passivity. “It’s true. There are those among the vampire community, and trust me the Helsingers are part of it, that enforce the Vampire Codex. Those are laws that vampires, those who live among them, like the Helsingers, and those linked to them live by. There are certain behaviours that are against the Codex. If a Helsinger delves into the blood lust, killing for the sake of killing and not for a purposeful reason, then they’re put on the hunted list and taken out.”
“Who makes this decision?”
“The Council. Usually friend or enemy lodges a complaint. It’s investigated and then the order is executed. Sometimes it’s shown to be a false charge, other times it’s not. The person is asked to step down and back off. Sometimes that’s not possible for them to do, thus they die. Does that answer your question?”
“Yeah.”
Colette lay back on the bed and yawned again. “I’m really truly exhausted.”
Kymaera nodded. “I don’t blame you. Why don’t you take a nap? While you sleep, I’ll prepare you some food so you can just heat it up and eat later on. I’ll go walk around the perimeter before I take off for the night.”
Colette’s eyes widened. “You’re not staying?”
“Tonight? No. I have some issues to take care of in Cancun, but I will be back by morning, okay?”
“Yeah, you’re sure I’ll be okay?”
Kymaera smiled. “Yeah, I’m positive you’ll be fine. You’re under my House protection. No one would dare harm you here.”
Colette nodded. “Okay. I do appreciate this. I know I probably sound like a broken record, but it’s just so damn hard to know who or what to trust when things aren’t normal anymore.”
A chuckle emanated from deep within Kymaera. “Oh, honey, you just don’t know. Nothing is ever normal once you’ve been brought into the world of the preternatural. You probably should’ve stayed with the Maraighs. They have an ability to make the paranormal normal around them.”
“You know I was with Owain?” Colette asked suspiciously.
“Sweetheart, gossip travels faster among vampires than it ever does around mortals. Plus, you have a singing bird of Rhiannon in your life.”
Puzzlement crossed Colette’s features then understanding bloomed. ‘Riana. Yeah, I should’ve known. What I don’t get is how come Riana knows more of the preternatural world than other mortals.”
Kymaera’s chuckle filled the room. “Oh, you have no idea about how much Riana knows or why. I don’t think anyone knows the extent of knowledge she possesses, including Riana herself. There’s more to Riana than meets the eye. I think she’s one of the most bold, brave, and closed mouth individuals I know.”
“Riana? Riana Sinclair? Are we talking about the same woman? You know, the blonde with a mouth on her that doesn’t quit?”
“Yup, the one and same. Just because Riana talks a lot doesn’t mean she says everything. I’ve seen her bamboozle people with her chatty self where they’ve told her everything she wanted to know and really, she said nothing.”
Colette considered that for a few moments. “Perhaps you’re right. I’m so used to getting answers and being spoken to, at, from, that I guess I don’t see her interact with others. Makes me
wonder what else I don’t know about those I love.”
“Probably as much as you don’t know about yourself, actually.”
“What do you —“ Colette paused. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. I’m doing something I’d never consider doing before my life changed so dramatically.”
Kymaera sat next to Colette, taking her hand and holding it. “We all grow and change, in many ways, we become one with our essence as the nonessentials are burned off. Sometimes it takes something radical to force us out of a rut and truly see ourselves clearly. Vampires, in a way, have that done to them or they’re born that way. We don’t always have the luxury of cloaking ourselves in tons of fanfare or mundane things.” She gave Colette a reassuring smile. “Sometimes we hate to admit when we’ve found our true calling, our true love, and doing the right thing because it would mean admitting our true essence and need. This I give free of charge, Colette. Do yourself a favor and don’t give up what really makes you happy just because you think you need to prove or even deny your true self. It makes you no less of a person to do so. Otherwise, you’ll end up like me—bitter, alone, and wishing for what I walked away from.”
Kymaera kissed Colette’s cheek and rose from the bed. “I’ll be around for the next hour or so. I’ll lock up everything when I leave and see you in the morning when you get up again.”
“Thanks Kymaera. If you ever have need of me or my services—“
“Will do, Colette. Get some rest.” Kymaera shut the door behind her, leaving only the low light coming in from the windows.
Colette thought about the wise vampire’s words. Was she running from her true essence? From her true nature and love? The idea tore at her heart. She thought about the possibility of losing Owain forever and her actions scared her more than she thought possible. Grabbing her cell phone, she pulled up Owain’s number and debated. Should I call him? Should I tell him I love him and what I’ve planned? Would he understand?
Pressing the talk button, she waited. It rang three times then went to voice mail. Hesitating, Colette spoke haltingly. “O, it’s Col. I’m near Chichen Itza. I love you, I miss you. I’m sorry I ran, but I thought I could help and protect you. Things are more confusing and convoluted than we ever thought. Please come to me if you can.”
Having done that, Colette slipped out of her jeans and slid under the covers of the bed. Laying her head on the soft down pillows, she let herself relax and trust in the safety of Kymaera and the house.
Chapter Eleven
>Owain listened to his voice mail as he landed at Cancun airport. A small smile played on his lips. She loves me. Hot damn, there is hope after all. I do wonder at the cost she paid for doing so. Closing his eyes for a brief moment, Owain made a decision to let her know how he felt. After their time together and now this time apart, no matter how brief, it only proved to him that the torc now sitting in his bag had been correct. She was his soulmate. The one whom he’d give the world for and at the same time, needed her to give the world back. Without her, he was lost in more ways than just spiritually.
Dialing a number, he waited until they picked up.
“Kymaera? Owain. I’m at the airport, grabbing my baggage and making my way to the car rental area.”
“Turn around. I’m behind you. Colette is safe and sleeping.”
Owain turned around and saw the blonde vampire standing there shaking her head. Closing his phone, he slid it down into his jeans pocket. He put out his hand and took Kymaera’s. “Good to meet you in person. It’s been a damned long time. Where’s Pyotr?”
“He and I are no longer together. He’s gone his own way.” Her tone was flat for a moment. Her dark eyes looked haunted then cleared. “It’s good you’re here. Let’s get your stuff and I’ll drive you to the safe house where Colette is.”
“She knows it’s a safe house?”
“Oh yeah, and agreed to stay once we cleared up the misconceptions of Helsingers in vampire society.”
Owain smiled. “You’ve got to admit, they don’t fit well. She’s doing okay, though?”
Kymaera shook her head while laughing. “What is it with the two of you? Do you not talk clearly with one another? What happened to the straightforwardness that all Maraighs are known for? She’s fine. Had her self-righteousness shattered, but she’s fine.”
Owain narrowed his gaze. “Let me guess, Dr. Kymaera gave her the lowdown on her actions. Does she have any idea that you’re the one who helped Freud and provided the basis for the field of psychiatry?”
“Nah, but I knew my points hit home. When she woke from her nap, we talked more while she ate. She also let me look at Tony’s notes. We’re beyond fucked, Nosferu. Why did you start this origin searching for anyway?”
Owain said nothing while he grabbed his bags. When she led him to the parking area, he sighed as the warmth of the springtime air hit him. “Honestly, it’s been my thing for a long time. Having Elathan helping me collect the myths worldwide and then correlating the data from them. My concern is not about those who choose to become vampires, Kymaera. My concern is about those who are turned against their will.”
“You mean the sharing and such. I agree. There is a problem of forcing conversion. So what were you trying to do?”
“Find a cure.”
“Oh shit, Owain, do you have any clue about the problem that brings?”
Rolling his eyes at the House of Sekhmet, Owain responded. “What do you think?”
“Fuck, Owain. It’s bad enough you and your two brothers were formed outside of the vampire convention, but searching for a cure without notifying those who are heads of the Houses or the High Council is fucking suicide.”
“Is there a cure?”
Kymaera hesitated. “I can’t talk about things of that nature. I really can’t. One, it’s not my place without permission. Two, sometimes things aren’t how you wish.”
“So something was tried, but not successful. Hmm, I’ll have to think about that then,” Owain said, sliding into the passenger seat of the car. “Let’s get to Colette before she wakes up. I need to tell her a few things.”
The car ride wasn’t overly long, but long enough to make both vampires antsy. They talked shop and about some of the changes handed down through the High Council of Vampires. Kymaera also shared with him what she knew personally of Xilan.
“Honestly, Owain, you’re not going to like him.”
“You’ve seen him?”
“All of the heads see him. It’s part of the package deal. You’re head of the House, you see the Lord God Xilan.” The way she pronounced it was with the “ch” sound for the “x”. Owain knew she’d have the name pronounced in its ancient tongue. “Each House has one to donate blood on the spring and fall equinox. The Serpent of Quezacoatl comes when it’s time.”
“You mean Kulkulan pyramid? El Castillo?”
“That’s just a physical manifestation of what happens on the other level. You know what it’s like having walked the Otherworld as a Druid. Same thing here, you know. What happens on one level occasionally manifests in this realm.”
“So we get the sunrise and the snake crawling up the pyramid or down the pyramid depending on the equinox in question.”
“Yup. In reality, the snake comes out the night before and taps the people to come for their annual gifting of blood and bond to Xilan.”
“I want in on this year’s.”
“You are not.”
&nbs
p; “With or without your permission, I’m going.” Owain looked determined. “I want answers, Ky. It’s not hard to imagine if I gift my blood to the damn god, I could get some kind of answer and perhaps some peace from this.”
“Who did you turn unintentionally, Owain?”
“What?”
“Who did you turn that shouldn’t have been turned?” Her voice was soft and understanding.
Owain sighed. “Our sister.”
Kymaera’s blonde brow lifted but said nothing. Owain released a breath he’d been holding for a long time, perhaps even centuries. He knew that Kymaera wouldn’t judge him, but in many ways he judged himself and found himself guilty.
“Does your sister find you guilty?”
“No, in fact she says it was something meant to be. Yet, at the same time, I wonder. She should have the choice to be mortal if she wanted. I took it unintentionally. I had just been changed thanks to Morrigu and I was trying to control my hunger.”
Kymaera nodded, listening. She said nothing more, but could empathize completely with the new hunger, the hunger that hit differently than a hunger for food. It was something to be battled, she knew. And on some level accepted, as it helped reduce the cravings.
“My sister came over from Ireland to see us. She hadn’t known that we’d been changed to our new preternatural forms. I was the first she saw, as she and I were the closest. Fiona was so thrilled; she grabbed me from behind and hugged me. I reacted with my new instincts, moving her around and biting her. Then once I felt the blood in my mouth, I couldn’t stop before she was almost dead. Then realization kicked in. I had to save her. I had to. I cut my wrist and fed her my blood. When she started coughing and gagging, I instinctively started reaching for her essence, giving it a kick. Somehow the blood exchange and the jumpstart to her soul did the trick. I could feel the changes in her as she began to get her colour back and recover. She hadn’t asked to be made a vampire. She never complained when I begged forgiveness and told her what happened. It is, however, my fault because I didn’t have enough control to prevent it.”
Call of the Wylde Page 12
