Twice Cursed

by Marianne Morea

  “Penny for your thoughts,” Ryan asked, his footsteps on the stone pulling her attention before he even spoke.

  She smiled as he came up beside her.

  He stood with his hands in his pockets. Pulling out a pack of Marlboro, he lit a cigarette, then lifting one leg to the railing, blowing smoke into the night air. He hooked his left hand into the front of his jeans and tilted his head her way. “I hope you know I was only kidding, earlier. A blind man could see you and Sean are meant to be together.”

  She smirked. “Guess the moon’s spell really is broken,” she said, sticking a piece of Nicorette in her mouth to squash the urge to ask him for a cigarette.

  He looked at her strangely.

  “The full moon,” she said, gesturing toward the sky. “It’s been the culprit behind all the physical cravings between us this week. Everything you felt, it was just the moon playing its monthly trick on the Weres of this world.”

  He exhaled another lungful of smoke, his shoulders relaxing. “Thank God. I didn’t know what the hell was happening with me. I’ve never been obsessed like that in my life. I wanted you so bad, I couldn’t see straight! Do you know what it feels like to think you’ve lost your marbles? I don’t even want to tell you what I did to myself to get through it.”

  Lily’s cheeks flushed with heat, and she tilted her head, her hair falling in curls along the side of her face. “You don’t say?”

  “No. I don’t say, or won’t, anyway. I’d never be able to look you in the eye again, and forget Sean…he’d kill me.”

  Lily glanced down at her hands on the railing. “No, he wouldn’t. Not when I’m just as guilty,” she looked back up at him, slightly embarrassed. “Though, based on the visual you just painted, I don’t think I took things to quite the same extreme,” she added, holding out her hand toward his. “Care to let me see?” She raised an eyebrow at him.

  “Nope.”

  She laughed out loud, dropping her hand back to the railing. An awkward silence fell between them. Ryan looked out at the expanse past the circular drive toward the woods and beyond, the only sounds the wind in the trees and an owl hooting in the distance, punctuating the unspoken.

  “Sean tells me you’re leaving. Why?” Lily blurted out finally.

  He inhaled the crisp air, flicking his cigarette to the wet grass past the gravel. He dropped his foot from the railing and stuck his hands in his pockets. “I have to,” he said with a shrug.

  “I don’t understand. You just got here. This is where you belong if you’re ever going to find out who you are,” she argued.

  He shook his head, but this time it was different. “Lily, I already know who I am. Finding out I’m a Were doesn’t change that. What we went through over the last forty-eight hours only proved the point to me even more. I have some things I need to take care of back in the city, but then I’m taking a leave of absence from the squad. I’ll be heading west. I’m going to look for other cougars. Sean says it’s something I need to do in order to phase.”

  She raised her hands in frustration. “Yes, but it’s not something you have to do right away.”

  He grabbed her hands and brought them together in his. “I’m not. It’s going to take some time for me to wrap up the whole vampire bloodbath thing with the department. We can both thank Sean for explaining the situation to Sébastien. The vampire provided more than enough evidence for me to give Shaw the report of his dreams, though I don’t ever want to know how he went about it. Shaw will get a commendation for this for sure. It’s not every day a cop gets to bring down a serial killer cult.”

  Lily’s eyebrows shot up. “A cult? Really? Will they buy it?”

  Martinez laughed. “Oh hell, yeah! And don’t worry, I’m making sure to include how integral you were in catching all the nuances we missed. You should be up to your eyeballs in business after this.”

  Lily gently pulled her hands from his, her gaze thoughtful. “Thanks, but I’m giving up the lease on my apartment and staying here from now on.”

  It was Ryan’s turn to raise an eyebrow. “Does that mean what I think it means?”

  She nodded. “I think so, but I haven’t discussed it with Sean, yet.”

  Ryan pulled himself up to sit on the railing, his legs dangling over the side. “I don’t think you’ll get much of an argument from him.”

  Lily laughed, pushing herself up to sit beside him. “Maybe, maybe not. I do tend to bring trouble with me wherever I go. You may have me knocking on your door yet, asking if you need a roommate.”

  He slid his arm around her shoulder and pulled her into a side hug. “Anytime partner, anytime, but I wouldn’t bet on it.”

  “When are you planning to head back to the city?”

  “Tomorrow afternoon.”

  Lily thought for a minute. “Us too…for the night. Maybe we could head in together. Sean can take the Ford F-150. We could secure your bike on the back bed. There’s certainly enough room in the cab for all of us, what do you say? We could grab dinner together and talk about California and what you should expect. Maybe Sean and I could even fly out and meet you, you know, for moral support.”

  “Fine with me.” He shrugged. “But why are you heading into the city for one night?” His eyes widened before she could answer, and he nodded slowly.

  The vampires.

  ***

  The fire burned in the grate, just as it had three nights ago when they’d last met, only this time the fire seemed inviting and the ambiance in the room welcoming, almost grateful. The vampire adjudicators had been gathered again, and their chairs turned to face forward in tribunal mode. The large hearth rug had been removed, leaving only the grey concrete underneath, and a large copper drain the size of a dinner plate at the center of the space.

  Sébastien poured a glass of cabernet into a wide mouthed wine glass, and handed it to Lily. “How was your drive from Maine, not tedious I hope?”

  “Fine. Luckily there wasn’t too much traffic,” Sean replied, putting a hand over his own glass when Sébastien moved to top it off. One glass was enough, considering. The task at hand was still distasteful, regardless of its justification, and the last thing Sean wanted was to participate in the party atmosphere the vampires had already set into motion. To them it was a celebration.

  Rémy walked over. This time, his attire mimicked Sébastien’s, having forgone his customary period clothing for a more GQ, Wall Street look.

  “And how are you my little witch?” he asked, tongue in cheek, his eyes dancing as he waited for daggers. Only this time, his nickname for her was greeted with a beautiful smile.

  Lily slipped one arm through his and raised her glass. “Rémy, I have decided from now until forever, I will be ‘little witch’ to you and you alone. Anyone else calls me by that name, and I promise their nether regions will get a visit from my boot.”

  At the look on Sébastien’s face, they both burst out laughing. Lily inclined her head, mostly out of respect, but also to stop the wine from snorting out of her nose from laughing so hard. “Present company excepted, Sébastien, of course,” she added quickly, wiping her mouth.

  The master vampire flashed a dazzling, fang filled smile. “Only you, my lady. Only you…”

  Across the room, Etienne motioned to Rémy that it was time. Lily dipped her chin once, acknowledging the vampire psychic, as Rémy took her hand to say goodbye.

  “When this is all over, please come back and visit. What I see in your eyes makes me forget the monster I see in everyone else’s.” Then the vampire with the ruined face leaned over and gave Lily’s cheek a sweet kiss.

  He walked to his seat, as the others took their places as well. When they were settled, Sébastien motioned for everyone else to sit, except Sean.

  “It has come to our attention that you have within your midst, a traitor responsible for acts of cruelty, injustice and treachery against the vampire community. How do you plead, Sean Leighton, Alpha of the Brethren?”

  “Guilty,” he answ
ered. “But only in that a Were of my clan has caused said pain and suffering to the Vampires of New York, and to you, Sébastien, in particular. In retribution, I have brought the guilty party as promised. Do with him what you will. He has been abnegated by his own, and is Were no longer.”

  Sébastien rose from his seat and walked toward Sean. The two clasped arms and the master vampire put his hand on the alpha’s shoulder. “We accept your offering of justice, and let it be known here and throughout my territory that no vengeance shall be harbored against the Alpha of the Brethren or any of his ilk. The matter will be settled tonight. Blood calls for blood, and blood shall have blood.”

  The other adjudicators nodded in agreement, as the master returned to his seat.

  Sean remained standing and raised one finger, earning the floor once more. “If I may, Sébastien…” he said, and then paused to turn toward Lily who handed him a beautifully engraved wooden box. “May I approach?”

  Sébastien waved him forward, and all eyes were riveted on Sean, their regard curious as he approached the master.

  Sean placed the box in the vampire’s hands. “You said blood calls to blood, and blood shall have blood. However, I promised you a heart for a heart, as well.”

  The master’s eyes widened and he ran his hands over the box’s carved wooden edge. “Is this what I think it is?”

  Sean nodded once, his face somber. “Yes. Jack Cochran was the puppet of the one responsible for this mayhem. He was the one accountable for Chen’s death. His heart is inside the box.”

  A new appreciation for the Weres was evident in every face, and an air of respect filled the room. Even Abigail grudgingly nodded her approval.

  “Perhaps the time has come for our species to have more than just a treaty of remoteness. Perhaps it’s time for us to form a true pact. An alliance for all supernatural beings.”

  Sean looked thoughtful. “It would certainly be something for the ages,” he replied. “And in the spirit of that notion, I vow that over the next week, a contingent of my hunters will be at your disposal to scour your shadow houses for others infected.” He fixed Sébastien with a look of severity. “I expect their safety will be guaranteed, yes?”

  The vampire spread his hands, as if the matter was au fait accomplie. “I will personally see to it myself.” A shadow passed over Sébastien’s face. “I am beside myself that so many of mine must be destroyed. Such a waste.”

  Sean exchanged glances with Lily, and Etienne nodded vigorously, catching Rémy’s eye. “You have more information for us, Sean?” The older vampire asked, curious as to what made their own seer so animated.

  “Yes, Rémy. The cure that may help save those whom you are loath to destroy lies in the blood.” The Alpha’s face was grim, as he gestured to the door and what lay waiting behind it.

  The misshapen vampire smiled, the intact side of his mouth curving up as understanding dawned. “Thank you again, my friend. We will make sure not to waste a drop.”

  Curious whispers vibrated throughout the room, and Sébastien raised his hand. “It is time. Again, we are indebted to the Weres for bringing us the one who has wrought such heartache.” With a wave of the vampire’s hand, Sean stepped back, and the master shifted his regard toward Lily. “My dear, you have suffered the most of any of us. Would you like Abigail to cleanse your memory and give you peace?”

  Lily’s eyes moistened at the considerate gesture, but she shook her head. “Thank you Sébastien. Your offer is kind and generous, but this is my world now, for better or worse. I accept it as it is, and I hope it accepts me for who I am in return. A friend once said, ‘If this is my world, then I have to see if there’s a place for me…as me.’ And he was right.”

  A warm gaze and an even warmer smile beamed from Sébastien’s face. “Clever girl. Oh, how you would make me smile every day if you would only share our blood.” He sighed, “Ah, c’est la vie,” and with a lighthearted chuckle, drew himself up from his chair. “Perhaps one day we will be lucky enough to see you change your mind…” He stepped forward, kissing Lily on both cheeks. “Until then, you are always welcome.”

  He then clasped arms with Sean once more, before returning to his seat. It was time.

  Sean turned, motioning toward the steel reinforced door at the entrance. It swung open, and he gestured for his hunters. The men carried Edward between them, bound and gagged. He struggled, his feet scrapping across the concrete floor as they dragged him forward. The hunters dropped him in front of the adjudicators, as instructed, and then immediately turned to go. Not a word was spoken.

  Lily hooked her arm in Sean’s, and with a final nod, they were escorted out. She glanced over her shoulder once, and what she saw would haunt her for the rest of her life. It was the true face of the vampire, and it wasn’t the polished, romantic image romance books love to paint. It was evil incarnate.

  She jerked her eyes away, keeping her gaze straight ahead and glued to the vampire leading them out. As the door closed behind them, the sound of Edward’s scream echoed through the hall. Justice had been served.

  ***

  Lily pressed her cheek into Sean’s chest as they sat arm in arm on the couch in her living room, her feet tucked up behind her. All she wanted to do was crawl under his shoulder and stay there forever.

  She had given her landlord notice, and by the end of the month she’d no longer be a New Yorker. Her choice had been made.

  “It’s really over isn’t it? Things can finally get back to the way they should have been in the first place, right?” she asked, her voice uncharacteristically small.

  Sean pulled her tighter against his chest and kissed the top of her head. “I hope so.”

  “I feel like I could sleep for a week,” she yawned.

  Tilting her chin up, he kissed her mouth. “You’re entitled. It’s been a tough one, hasn’t it?” She gave him a sleepy smile, burying herself even further into his chest.

  He glanced around the room, his eyes centering on all the pictures of her and Terry. “Are you sure you want to leave? You don’t have to, you know.”

  She looked up at him. “I know. And I’m not really leaving anything behind. Most of them are memories. Very portable.”

  “That’s not what I mean, and you know it,” he said, running his fingers through her hair.”

  “I know.”

  He shifted on the couch, pushing himself back so he could face her. “Did you mean what you said to Sébastien, that this is your world now?” he asked, drawing his fingers across her cheek.

  She took his hand and placed it over her heart. “In my heart, your world has been my world from the beginning, but you know me. My brain is stubborn, and it takes longer for awareness to sink in,” she said, tapping her temple with her other hand. “I want this, Sean. All of it. You, the Compound, everything.”

  “Does this mean what I think it means?” he asked, cocking his head.

  She nodded. “Yes.”

  He just looked at her.

  “What’s the matter,” she asked, suddenly nervous that her decision had come too late.

  “Nothing. I just have something I’ve wanted to do for a very long time.” He got up and went into the other room. When he came back, he sat on the end of the coffee table and took her hand in his.

  Into her palm, he placed a ring. It was silver in color, but from the sheen, Lily knew it was either white gold or platinum. The sides were scrolled, engraved with beautiful lettering, and at the center glittered a large, square cut diamond.

  “It’s gorgeous, Sean.”

  “It’s been in my family for over one hundred years. The lettering is an oath. It’s in Gaelic, so don’t ask me to pronounce it, but its literal translation is this—with my heart I love, with my body I protect, with my life I trade for yours, forever to keep.”

  “It sounds like a vow.”

  He closed her fingers around the ring, and then lifted her hand to his lips. “That’s exactly what it is,” he said, kissing her fingers
. “It’s very precious.”

  Lily kept her hand in his for a moment, not saying a word. When she gently pulled her hand back, she opened her palm and stared at the silver glinting in the light from the side lamp. The diamond sparkled like the tears in her eyes. “Maybe this should be in a safe place.”

  Horrified, her eyes widened the minute the words left her mouth, realizing how awful they sounded. She only meant this was New York, and leaving expensive items like that in her apartment... oh crap. She swallowed hard, hoping he didn’t take her meaning the wrong way.

  His lips curled in a soft, closed lipped smile, and he took the ring from her left palm and slipped it on her finger. “It’s right where it belongs.”

  She stared at the glittering stone on her hand for a moment, then looked at him. “How does this work? Is there a ritual or some ancient rite that has to be completed? I want to make sure we do this right.”

  Sean nodded. “Yes. It starts with a single question,” he said, slipping down onto one knee. “Will you marry me?”

  Heat rushed to her cheeks. “That’s some question,” she said, then threw her arms around his neck. “Yes!”

  He pulled her to standing and cupped her face, kissing her deeply. “I love you, Lily.”

  “I love you, too.” With a crafty smile, she pulled back from him, taking his hand. “Come on,” she said, tugging on his arm. “I’ve got a sudden desire to be on all fours.”

  He lowered his chin, a playful smirk at corner of his mouth “I thought you were tired.”

  “Yeah, but we’ve only got three weeks before the next full moon. Do you think you can have me ready to run with the moon by then? It might take some time and effort.”

  His smirk spread into a seductive smile and his eyes darkened with desire. With one fluid move he pulled her onto to his lap on the couch. “Maybe,” he growled, licking her bottom lip.

  Straddling him, Lily ran her hand down his chest, hooking her fingers into the waistband of his jeans. His breath hitched, and the rumble at the back of his throat took on a dangerous, untamed tone.