Blood Moon Rising

by Claire Marta

  “Our housekeeper’s meals are edible at least. I myself favour English cooking.” Their hostess’s thin mouth turned down with disdain.

  “When will you be going back to England, Caroline?” Mark glanced up from where he had his fork poised ready to eat. “I assume you have no intention of remaining here in Budapest.”

  “When things are settled.”

  “I’m happy to do that for you, if you find things too distressing.”

  “Thank you, Mark, but I prefer to be here myself and sort through my father’s estate. If left to others, things can easily go missing.” Tipping up her glass, she drained the contents in one go before pouring more.

  A short awkward silence followed. Heads down, they began their meal. Jasmine could feel the tension. It just added to the depressive feeling of the whole place. Taking a bite of the succulent meat, she tried to ignore it. Somehow, though, the quiet just made it worse as if the things in the museum were just waiting for all the noise and chatter to die away so they could come to life. Fuck, where had that come from?

  “The professor has a lot of interesting books on myths and legends from all around the world,” Ellen spoke up from where she sat as if she could no longer stand it either. “It’s fascinating reading. He always used to say there was truth hidden in unbelievable stories.”

  Spooning some rice into her mouth, Tabitha kept one tiny hand hooked on her box. She neither interacted or spoke. The normal boisterous behaviour you would expect in a six-year-old was so lacking it made Jasmine worry for her even more.

  “Are you a historian?” Eric’s gaze lightened with interest. Elbows on the table, he had his long, strong fingers steepled in front of his face.

  Colour stained Ellen’s cheeks. “Me? No. Bookworm and part-time blogger. I must admit, though, what John...the professor had acquired is an exceptional collection.” Plucking at the arm of her long-sleeved, baggy top the nanny smiled shyly at the vampire’s attention.

  “Fairy tales and nonsense just like my father used to feed me when I was a child. He was especially fond of Greek mythology,” Caroline cut in stiffly. “It was a waste of time, filling my head full of poppycock.”

  Jasmine shifted restlessly on her seat. If only she knew there was a vampire and werewolf sitting at the table with her. The poor woman would probably die of panic.

  “Some of these things are recorded in ancient books. How can we be sure they’re just stories?” Mark stretched out to lift the jug of cold water and refill his glass. “The world thought vampires didn’t really exist, but since they revealed themselves a few years ago, we know better.”

  None of the team was drinking the wine available. They knew better than to drink on the job and a hangover in the morning was not what any of them needed.

  “As I have never met a vampire and disbelieve anything the media try to feed us, I’m not sure they do. It’s probably just some kind of fad or a long running publicity stunt. We live in the real-world, Mark, not a make believe one. My father liked to tell tales about demons and monsters. Once your investigations are finished here, I’ll be selling every piece my father owned in this beloved mausoleum of his.” The tone in their hostess’s voice was full of hate and venom. It was obvious there was no love lost between daughter and father.

  “Have you seen anything of the City?” Eric abruptly redirected the conversation. There was nothing in his demure to betray his mood, yet Jasmine had the impression he was finding Caroline irritating.

  “No, we haven’t had a chance.” Pushing her half empty dish aside, Gemma wiped the corners of her mouth on her napkin.

  “Perhaps then, I can show you the highlights this evening? I am well acquainted with this Budapest and many of its sights.”

  A breath of fresh air, just what they needed. Unable to hide her smile of delight, Jasmine nodded her agreement to her friends.

  “We’ll all join you after we finish up dinner. We all need some down time,” Mark told him as he spoke up for the rest of the team.

  It was good to get out of the house. The atmosphere in the place was corrosive. As if a dark cloud hung over the place. Jasmine could feel it leaking into her consciousness the longer they remained. Learning the techniques Mark had shown her was something she needed to practise. She just had to find the time.

  Strolling through the streets, they mingled with the other tourists, exploring the boulevards. Some sat outside the many cafes watching the world go by. Others flittered from shop to shop, hunting out touristy trinkets and souvenirs. Pest was the urban centre of the city, which most people seemed to flock to. It was the cultural heartbeat of the place.

  Fergus walked with his arm slung over Jasmine’s shoulder as he continued the pretence of being her partner. It was kind of ironic. Especially as Jasmine could see Eric saw right through their deception.

  Two stately stone lions guarding either side of the chain bridge had greeted them as they had trekked across. Solid and safe, the arching elegant bridge was a union of stone and metal. Spanning the river Danube, it anchored both sides of the city together.

  Buda on the opposite side to where they were staying was much hillier and picturesque.

  Opting for the funicular, then hiking up the stairs, they all piled into the historical red and yellow cable car with the rest of the rabble. With a gentle jerk, it rose, taking them from the river upwards. Not one of them spoke as they drank in the beautiful sight of the city, bathed in an orange fiery glow as the sun sank low. With the panoramic view, Jasmine became more aware of the influences from different cultures, which touched the city through the centuries it’d been standing. A myriad of styles from fragile to massive, Gothic to deco. The polished and perfected to crumbling and aged.

  The click of cameras was the only sound. Jasmine knew Fergus crazily snapped shots on his smart phone for his Instagram account and his ongoing battle of who had the best picture with his mysterious brother none of them had ever met.

  Lips parted in awe, she pressed her palms to the glass, elated to have someone to share this moment with. This was part of the reason she loved travelling with her department. She had so many opportunities to see the world. Yes, most of it was scattered into saving the general public from mad men or devious plots, but it was worth every second of the peril.

  Eric hovered at her side. Although she hadn’t risked looking at him, she felt the weight of his gaze on her face. The urge to reach out to him was strong, yet Jasmine resisted.

  At the top of the hill, they found a popular walking vampire tour of the castle district. Jasmine had been reluctant at first, but Fergus and Gemma broke down her resistance. In the end, it’d been fun. Buda castle was magical, sitting breathtakingly on southern tip of castle hill. Even Mark enjoyed it. Smiling and enjoying the relaxed mood, he even bought a few souvenirs.

  The guides were all actors dressed up in Gothic attire, faces heavy with dramatic make-up. Not one true vamp was in their group, and it made the whole thing even more charming. Fergus, as ever enthusiastic, convinced them to have a group photo. Eric was courteous throughout. Each stop they listened to the history of a certain place or spooky story told with a flourish. Eric seemed to listen to all with interest. How vampires had roamed throughout Hungary in the dark ages and how many had returned to their old haunts as they now lived alongside mankind. Jasmine knew Eric probably knew more of what happened there than any living human. Had tales that would never be included.

  The vampire’s presence interrupted her thoughts. His big, broad body was towering over as they walked side by side. It left Jasmine feeling vulnerable. His presence was constant since they had left the museum, forever gravitating around her.

  “The moon will be full in two nights time,” Eric remarked as they meandered off the chain bridge safely back on the Pest side.

  “A red moon. Fergus told me it happens once a year.” Lights twinkled on the Danube river from boats. The murmur of happy voices and laughter was woven in with music from the people enjoying the late-nig
ht cruises.

  “Indeed. Not only will she shine down upon us mysterious and elusive, but her eternal beauty will be veiled in blood and madness. Queen of the night. Forever in her court of glittering stars.”

  “You make it almost sound romantic.”

  For a brief moment, he was silent. “I wish to apologise for my actions in Prague. I was swift to realise I had done you an injustice. I am sorry. I did not mean to cause you any pain. My only excuse…I was still under the influence of the medallion and was not myself.”

  “Fine, sure, apology accepted,” Jasmine replied tonelessly. Running a hand over the back of her neck, she lifted her sweaty hair away from her skin. The night was only slightly cooler than the day. Even without the heat of the sun, it was still uncomfortably hot.

  “Jasmine we must discuss the blood bond I initiated in Prague. There are things you must understand. Consequences that must be explained,” he continued, his tone firm and uncompromising.

  Jasmine felt her hackles rise. This male was in no position to demand anything, especially where she was concerned. She was also half terrified he was referring to her vampire bite addiction. Did he know? Have an inkling she was now an addict thanks to him feeding from her?

  “Look, Eric, just because you said sorry doesn’t mean it’s going to be like before. You changed all that. If you want forgiveness, you can have it, but anything else isn’t going to happen. As for what occurred in Prague, I’d rather forget about it.”

  “I am fully aware of that,” he replied stiffly. “But that is impossible.”

  Increasing her pace, Jasmine moved up beside Gemma, leaving the vamp behind. She wasn’t in the mood to talk to him. Spending the evening arguing was not something she wanted.

  “You okay, Jaz?” Fumbling in the pocket of her jean shorts, the huntress tugged out a handful of empty wrappers.

  “Yes, fine,” Jasmine told her as she watched her friend discard them in a bin. It looked like she was finally out of chewing gum. From experience, she knew this didn’t bode well.

  “Is he giving you trouble? Do you want me to decapitate him? I’ve spotted plenty of places we could dispose of the body,” her friend offered with a lethal sideways look.

  “Thanks for the offer, but no.”

  Fergus abruptly halted, causing Jasmine to squeak as she ploughed into the back of him.

  “I smell another wolf.” Cocking his head, he lifted his nose to the air and began to sniff.

  Throughout the evening, Jasmine had sensed the ebb and flow of other supernaturals as they explored. With so many living hidden among the population, it wasn’t surprising.

  “Where?” Mark asked, scanning the surrounding area.

  “Close...and he’s wearing his pelt.” Grabbing the end of his t-shirt, Fergus quickly stripped it off. Biceps flexing, he stretched his muscles as he stuffed it into the back of his jeans.

  Jasmine automatically became alert. A werewolf was stalking through the city in its beast form. Normally, shifters were a lot more cautious and stuck to less busy places.

  “I also sense another werewolf,” Eric stated behind them. Suave form tense, his attention was fixed on searching out the elusive presence that gained everyone's attention but as yet hadn’t set eyes on.

  Tourists were still drifting along the roads. Many probably still looking for places to eat or heading back to their hotels.

  “Jasmine?”

  “There’s more than one,” Jasmine confirmed to Mark’s soft question. The familiar collision of feral energy that only they could produce to her senses was dancing around inside Jasmine’s head, yet it was not alone.

  “I sense only one.”

  Narrowing her eyes, Jasmine took in the sight of the vampire’s cool, arrogant profile. “I know what I’m picking up. I’m telling you there are at least three,” she responded, experiencing a jab of anger.

  A movement caught her eye. Narrowing her gaze, she stared back towards the way they had come. Shrouded by shadows, a figure in black crouched, watching them. She was poised on one side of the bridge so close to the edge that it would only take a strong gust of wind to tip her over into the waiting waters below. Skin smooth and ebony, her bright purple hair was arranged in a loose bee hive. It was near impossible at that distance to discern any more details, but the smile that twitched across the woman’s lips was one Jasmine had witnessed the night before in her nightmare. A chill gripped her. This wasn’t possible.

  “We’re being watched.”

  “Where?” Pivoting around, Gemma’s keen eyes combed the area Jasmine had been watching. “I don’t see anyone.”

  Focusing on the spot once more, Jasmine was shocked to find the form had vanished. Before she could comment, a low growl rumbled from Fergus’s throat.

  Three large shapes streaked across the road. Horns beeping, the traffic, which was still snaking even at this late hour, skidded to a halt. Size of small ponies, the wolves were huge and lean. Jasmine noted the way their midnight glossy black fur was bristled in aggression. Rubbery lips curled up, saliva dripped from the incisors they had on display. Snarling, they didn’t stop.

  Screams erupted from the tourists around them. In a scramble, people panicked, trying to get away from the monsters that were suddenly among them. Ignoring them, the wolves were intent to get to Jasmine and her friends.

  “Incoming!” Gemma shouted seconds before the first of the pack was bearing down on her.

  Ominous bright hazel eyes fixed on hers, the second wolf padded towards Jasmine. Tail bristled, it quivered as it snarled.

  Without once looking away, Jasmine withdrew a few steps. Asier’s lessons had become like second nature. If this wolf thought she was going to be easy prey, then he was going to have a shock.

  Something of what she was thinking must have shown on her face.

  Ears flattening, it swiftly reared up on its back haunches. With an ease only borne from years of practise, the beast morphed into its humanoid form.

  Jasmine immediately fell into a defensive stance, just as Asier taught her. Jaws snapping wide, the creature went for her arm.

  Spinning to her left, she dealt a blow to the back of its knee. Not waiting to see the results, she smashed an elbow into the soft spot at his kidneys. Wolves were quick and tough. They still felt pain. You just needed to know the right places and supply enough of it.

  Roaring, it backtracked, trying to catch up with her. Its eyes were burning with an equal measure of pain and fury.

  Dodging and weaving, Jasmine circled it, landing a few well-placed punches. Her speed was her weapon. The werewolf might be big and hulking, but with her smaller size, it made her harder to catch.

  Just as she thought she might have the advantage; her sixth sense went nuts. With a ringing in her ears, she ducked just in time. The furry muscled arm went whistling above her. Concentration momentarily broken, she paused to catch her breath.

  This time she wasn’t so ready. As the back-handed blow caught her in the chest, Jasmine went flying. Pain stole her voice. Arms and legs flailing, she tumbled helplessly through the air. Hitting the water was a shock. It was like plunging into a vat of ice. Gasp leaving her lips, the freezing liquid flooded her throat as she sank. Shock held her immobile as her body struggled with the overwhelming sensations. The current had her in its grip, and she could feel herself being towed along.

  Then, with a jolt, self-preservation kicked in. Jerking her arms and legs, Jasmine pushed herself upwards through the murky grey depths.

  Breaking the surface of the water, she dragged in a deep breath. The bank seemed like miles away. Moving her arms, she began to swim towards it, but the undertow still had her in its hold. The more she moved though, the more her limbs felt heavy like lead. Panicking, she began to splash as her head bobbed beneath the deadly river.

  A vibration of power skipped across her senses.

  Eric.

  Bubbles of air streaming from her nose and mouth, Jasmine’s frightened gaze sought the surface. It
had begun to freeze solid. Movements uncoordinated, she clawed at the water in an explosion of desperation. She was going to drown. Before Jasmine realised what was happening, a solid hand had her by the scruff of the neck. Coughing and spluttering, she was lifted up, clear of the watery grave that had tried to claim her.

  “Jasmine, are you all right?” Eric asked, his voice sharp. Holding her tightly against his chest, his own clothes were quickly soaked.

  Unable to respond, she shivered. Without another word, and with quick light treads, Eric raced across the temporary icy path he’d created with his wintry powers to save her. The moment he set foot back on the safety of dry land, he deposited her gently on the pavement.

  “Jasmine, please respond to me.” Eric tried again as he crouched down beside her. “Are you all right?”

  Jasmine’s body felt numb. It was the bone deep. Sitting up slowly, she hunched over, arms wrapped around her torso. Teeth chattering, she couldn’t control the shivers. Somehow, she managed a jerky nod.

  Eric shrugged out of his jacket and draped it around her shoulders. Dragging the sides together, she burrowed deeper into its warmth. With it came the vampire’s scent. The ever-familiar smell of snow and pine enclosed her.

  “Th…thanks.” Jasmine managed to get out as her teeth rattled together. Without warning, she found herself pulled fiercely into a pair of sturdy arms. Eric held her close for a moment. In silence, he clutched her. Jasmine had the impression he was lost for words. Then, with what seemed like an effort, he let her go.

  Taking her hands, he rubbed them briskly between his own. “When I saw you hit the water, I thought you would not surface, but I am happy to see you can swim.”

  “Everyone in my department has to be able to swim. It’s part of the entrance requirements,” she replied robotically.