Scarlet Masquerade

by Jett Abbott

  “Can I get you something to drink? Do you eat?” A.J. looked embarrassed as she motioned to the frig, “I mean, food or…well, you know.” Shrugging her shoulders she leaned against the bar. “I don’t know how long it’s been since you’ve taken care of your need, or how you do it, but I can offer—”

  “I don’t drink human blood. I haven’t in a long time.” Clarissa blanched at the thought of biting another human to satisfy her needs. Urges were something else, and she knew how to handle those.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to imply anything. I merely was offering to…I mean I don’t feed anymore either. It’s rare, I mean.” A.J. ran her hand up and down her arm nervously trying to explain herself.

  “Then how do you survive if you’re not the blood sucking killer I once knew?” Clarissa stared at A.J., waiting for her to fly off the handle. She knew she was provoking her and she wasn’t sure why. But she was somewhere between caring and hating at the moment and right now it was easier to hate A.J. than care about her. To care meant to forgive and she still wasn’t sure she believed A.J.’s version of the truth about her family. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that.” Scrubbing her face she relaxed back into the soft leather and closed her eyes, “Yes I did, I meant it to sound that bad.”

  “I’ve never killed to live, only to survive, to protect my own and keep what was mine, Clarissa. Perhaps you have me mistaken with that animal that brought you over.” A.J.’s skin prickled at the accusation and her temper flared. “Besides, if I was that animal, you would be my slave and not his.”

  Clarissa opened her eyes to find A.J. gripping the sides of the chair she sat in, staring down at her. The look in her old lover’s eyes bore no malice, no hatred, just pain. Pain, Clarissa was sure she had caused when she made A.J. promise not to turn her all those decades ago, only to find her living here in the world A.J. thought she was alone in. Clarissa stared back into the murky darkness of A.J.’s soul and saw the wanting she had seen before in her lover’s gaze. A tingle coursed through Clarissa at A.J.’s nearness. She could feel the soft breath against her face and she turned away as she tried to distance herself from the need that flowed off of A.J. in waves.

  I never stopped loving you. The thought drifted into her mind.

  “Stop it, Alexandra. I won’t let you control me like that. Invade my mind without my permission.” Clarissa stood pushing A.J. back, but A.J. grabbed her hands and held them to her chest. The beat of A.J.’s heart surged between her fingers.

  “Tell me you don’t love me. Tell me you believe that I would hurt your sister, Michelle.” A.J. grabbed Clarissa’s head, forcing Clarissa to look at her. “Look into my eyes and tell me you think I’m the same as De Marcus. Tell me and I’ll let you walk out of here and never bother you again, but tell me you believe that.” A tear and then another, followed by more, slowly released themselves as A.J. waited for Clarissa’s answer. “Is it easier to tell yourself that I’m a monster? Is that how you’ve survived all this time, Clarissa?”

  Clarissa reached up and grabbed A.J.’s hands and pulled them from her head. She had thought about a night like tonight over and over again. Now faced with the opportunity for the confrontation she dreamed about, she was at a loss for words. Had she truly believed De Marcus when he told her Alexandra killed her family? Or had she just given up and lived his lie? It was easier, wasn’t it? To believe the reason Alexandra hadn’t saved her from De Marcus was that she was running from her own evil deed. It all had seemed so clear at the time and now Clarissa knew in her heart she was wrong. Alexandra hadn’t abandoned her, in fact, it was the opposite. She had abandoned Alexandra.

  Clarissa’s heart sank at the sudden realization. Life had taken turns that could have put her closer to Alexandra yet she purposely had taken a different path. Clarissa dropped A.J.’s hands and walked to the window. The lights flickered as rain began to tap against the window. From the penthouse Clarissa could see for miles and yet the fog in her mind kept her from seeing anything, only feeling A.J.’s pain. She rested her forehead against the glass and sighed. She had been running for a century and now she could walk out of the penthouse and into De Marcus, if A.J. was right. Or she could face her demon and deal with A.J. The choice had to be made, now.

  Tell me. Strong arms wrapped around Clarissa and held her tight. Tell me you don’t love me. Tell me that Paris was just my imagination. But tell me something, Clarissa.

  Chapter Thirty Four

  Selene watched the ball start to wind down. She had fit in perfectly at the dance. Walking around, winking at the occasional wandering eye, but never taking her eyes off of Carol. She had to laugh. No one had thought to take her rapier away from her and she fingered the ball of the hilt, leaning back into the shadows watching. The room had a tension in it Selene recognized. The sexual tension of those about to be freed, the drunken laziness of those about to pass out and one undeniable frenzy about to be released. Scanning the room, Selene’s gaze moved from face to face. The lateness of the evening had induced everyone to take their masks off and in doing so, it allowed Selene easier access to search for De Marcus. Carol remained without an escort the remainder of the evening and Selene was worried that A.J. might have been mistaken about seeing De Marcus.

  A sudden chill hit the room and Selene felt it settle in her bones. A master vampire was close by. She rarely encountered the cool energy of a master and she shuddered as her skin felt like needles were stabbing her. Selene needed to control her own body right now or it would give her away and the advantage to De Marcus. Sgt. Gilmore hadn’t arrived yet so there was little she would be able to do if she did find De Marcus. Another cold stab went through her and she felt her knees might buckle at the onslaught. Spying Carol by the bar now talking to a couple, Selene barely caught the conversation. Something about grades and finals mingled with other conversations floating above the dance floor. Selene needed some air, but leaving Carol alone wasn’t an option so she needed to think fast.

  “Excuse me, Carol isn’t it?” Selene touched Carol’s arm and apologized to the couple standing across from them.

  “Yes, can I help you?”

  “Might I have a moment of your time?” Smiling at the couple again, Selene quickly escorted Carol to a door off the bar.

  “Yes, yes of course. Is everything okay?”

  “I wanted to let you know that it seems a few people have seen a suspicious person walking around the grounds. I don’t think it is anything to worry about, but I thought I should let you know since Professor Graham isn’t here.”

  “Oh, my. Yes thank you…and you are?” Carol offered her hand for a handshake and then looked at the rapier hanging from Selene’s belt.

  “Oh, Professor Grahamn didn’t tell you? I’m with the private security team she hired for the event. You can call me Selene.” Selene shook the offered hand then looked down at her weapon. “Oh it’s just a prop. Professor Graham wanted me to fit in with the crowd. She didn’t want to draw attention to Ms. Lockwood and the security detail she hired to protect her.”

  “Wow, I guess she didn’t want anything happening to our ‘big’ donor did she?” Carol threw up a set of air quotes as she smiled at Selene.

  “No, I guess not.”

  Selene felt the frigid cold slice through her again. Falling to one knee, she gasped as if she had been punched. She heard Carol gasp and then a deep baritone voice greeted Carol.

  “Carol, darling, there you are. I’ve been looking all over for you.” Selene looked up to see an average looking man sweep Carol into an embrace, his eyes never leaving hers. “What are you doing out here, darling?”

  Selene answered knowing Carol would blow her cover. “I’m sorry. I was having some difficulty.” Selene started slurring her words hoping Carol would play along. “Seems I over indulged a bit and well...I think I’m a little tipsy. She was just helping me to my car. Isn’t that right, Carol?” Selene stood and swayed over to Carol and flopped into her, pushing her away from De Marcus. “I–I�
�I think my car is over there.” Pointing in the opposite direction from the hall, Selene grabbed Carol’s arm and pulled her towards the parking lot. “This way, Mi Lady. I believe my horse is this way.” Selene giggled and staggered a few more steps pulling Carol along. “She’ll be right back, kind Sir. Won’t you, Carol?”

  Carol looked down at the staggering Selene, “It’s okay, John. Go inside and save a dance for me. I’ll just get her to her car and she can sleep it off.”

  Selene let her head sway but she never took her eyes off of De Marcus. The cat and mouse game would have to wait until Selene had Carol somewhere safe.

  “I’ll be waiting for you inside, darling,” De Marcus boomed, walking towards the loud music spilling out of the hall.

  Selene pushed Carol towards a few trees in the parking lot and then stood up.

  “What the hell?” Carol pushed Selene back, her hands on her hips. “What’s the big idea?”

  Selene pulled Carol into the trees and then looked back to where De Marcus entered the building.

  “Listen to me very carefully.” Selene squeezed Carol’s wrists to get her attention. “That man you just talked to is a trained killer. I don’t know what your relationship is to him, but you need to leave now. Get in your car and find somewhere to go. Do not go home. Do you understand me?” Selene hoped her tone would scare Carol. Just in case it didn’t, Selene now loomed over Carol imposing her full self over the petite woman. “He’s why I was hired. Do I make myself clear?”

  “Wait, I know him. John might be a bit strange but he has never hurt me before. Besides, I don’t even know you.” Carol tried to pull away, but Selene tightened her grip and pulled her back closer.

  Staring into Carol’s eyes she tried one more time. This time her tone was as menacing as it could be. “If you walk back into that room I can’t guarantee your safety. Now, you can wait until the police get here or you can,” Selene was so close, Carol’s hair fluttered as she spoke to the visibly frightened woman, “get your ass in your car and get the fuck out of here. Comprende?”

  Carol started to shake when Selene released her vise-like grip. Even in the darkness Selene could see the color drain out of Carol’s face. Clearly she had made an impression on the clueless woman, but it was for her own good, reasoned Selene.

  “Wait, I have—”

  “No, no waiting. No arguments. You have a spare key?” Carol nodded continuing to shake. “Good. Call Clarissa in an hour. Tell her where you are and when things are under control here she’ll call you to come back. Take the weekend and go on a road trip.” Pulling Carol back as she started to wander off, she added, “but do not go home. He’ll find you and kill you. I’ll walk you to your car to make sure you get out of here. Go out the back way so he doesn’t see you.”

  Selene watched tail lights fade into the darkness before she started back to the hall. Clearly, Sgt. Gilmore was taking his sweet time in getting to the university, so Selene texted him again to speed up his progress. Selene dropped to her knee again, the result of another frigid slice working its way through her body. As she was gasping for air, a pair of polished black boots stood in front of her.

  “Well, perhaps you can tell me where Carol has wandered off to.” Selene felt herself being pulled up by her hair. She tugged her head back but De Marcus had a firm grip buried in her black locks. Just as she stood, her rapier tip pricked De Marcus’ throat.

  “Perhaps you should reassess your tone my friend. I believe you have me mistaken with someone else.” Selene pushed the tip of her blade a bit further into his neck. De Marcus smiled at Selene, exposing his fangs. “I don’t frighten easily.” Her grip tightened on the handle of the rapier as her fingers lengthened and her own fangs dropped. She could feel her body start to morph, the crunch of bone echoing in her ears. Her blood started to surge pulling her head free from his grasp. A step back and she extended the distance just enough to push her sword further into his throat.

  De Marcus raised his hands and surrendered his position, briefly. Selene had underestimated his bulk as she looked at him further. His cape had covered his body effectively, hiding rather large arms and a broad structure that looked more like a brick building than an athletic man. She watched as he looked around the area. His eyes darted about, searching she was sure, for an avenue of escape. She needed to keep him focused on her until the police arrived.

  “Don’t even think about moving, De Marcus.”

  “Do we know each other? Perhaps in another life?” De Marcus licked his lips and smiled again.

  “No, I assure you we’ve never met, especially not like that.” Selene knew what he meant watching his gesture.

  “Well then perhaps,” his gaze roamed down her body and then back to her face, “in another way.”

  “Really? Please.”

  A shiver of disgust rolled through her at just the suggestion of any intimacy between the two. De Marcus twitched causing Selene to drop her shoulder just enough that the pressure of her rapier eased. He lunged at her, causing her to twist to the side, but he caught her shoulder with a glancing blow. His nails left three deep scratches across the front of her chest. Regaining her footing, she watched De Marcus lick her blood from his fingers.

  “Oh, young blood.” He said mockingly.

  Selene’s body surged and blood pounded in her ears. She took a deep breath and centered herself before she answered. “Enjoy it ’cause that’s the only taste you get.”

  “We’ll see,” he taunted again. An arrogant smile lingered.

  An explosion of movement brought the two together. There was a swishing of the rapier as it cut air, then flesh drifted through the air. A solid thud of a punch landing and an audible expulsion of air echoed. Another thud, the rapier cutting through cloth and the quick movements ended just as fast as they had begun. Selene found herself thrust upward at the end of De Marcus’ arm. Her breathing was quickly being cut off, but her sword was buried to the hilt in De Marcus’ chest. His grasp on Selene’s neck gave way as he reached for her hand on the rapier.

  Selene tumbled forward sending De Marcus onto his back, cushioning her fall. Landing on top of De Marcus, she felt a shooting pain in her arm. He had sunk his fangs into her forearm and held her against him.

  “Release me, you son of a bitch,” Selene shouted, pulling her arm from his clenched teeth.

  Selene could see the blade of her rapier had bent and stuck out behind De Marcus’s shoulder. Grabbing the handle she began to wiggle it back and forth opening the wound wider. While the blade was close to his heart, it wasn’t a fatal wound. Nonetheless, it would keep him down for a few days. She continued to yank on the blade, blood soaking his white shirt. The action finally caused De Marcus to release his grip on her arm and he began to scream.

  “I’ll kill you, you bitch.”

  “Stop screaming or I’ll continue to open you like a Christmas pig.” Selene jerked the handle again to emphasis her point.

  She could feel De Marcus try and toss her off, so she reached down and pulled the dagger she had hidden in her boot and pushed it into his throat. The tip instantly drew blood and she licked his throat. A tingle rushed through her when his blood hit her. She felt her body tighten and surge again. Setting her fangs to his jugular, a pair of red and blue lights caught her attention. Her back up had arrived.

  Chapter Thirty Five

  A.J. held Clarissa as they stared out into the night. The city looked different tonight. Maybe it was just having Clarissa in her arms, but there was a hopefulness tonight. A.J. felt her former lover relax in her arms. She sighed resting her cheek against Clarissa’s head. How long would Clarissa let A.J. hold her? A.J. thought about all the things she wanted to say to her, about all the things that had happened since their last meeting. She wanted to carry Clarissa into the bedroom and reacquaint herself with her lover, but. There was always a but.

  “Perhaps you would like to take a shower and change into something more comfortable?” A.J. released her, turning Clarissa t
o face her, finally. “I’m sure I can find some sweats that would fit you. Would that be alright?” A.J. asked, studying Clarissa’s face. A quick nod and a shy smile would have to suffice. “Okay. Um, my guestroom is that way.” A.J. pointed to the right. “I’ll bring you some clothes and you can shower in there. Fresh towels are in the cabinet, along with a toothbrush and a few other items you might need.”

  “Look, I don’t want to keep you from anything. I mean, it’s night and I’m sure you have stuff you probably need to take care of.”

  A.J. stopped and looked back at Clarissa. “What are you implying?” A.J. saw Clarissa visibly shake when she heard A.J.’s tone.

  “I’m just saying that, well, you know.”

  “No, I’m afraid I don’t. Please elaborate, Professor Graham, on your meaning of ‘stuff’. I’m sure you, as the literature professor, have an excellent command of the King’s English, so please enlighten me.” A.J. pulled Clarissa to the couch and sat down. “I fear, perhaps, you have an impression of me that’s no longer valid.” A.J.’s stilted cadence and tone clearly left little to wonder how angry she was at the moment.

  “I’m sorry. I can see that I’ve upset you. I just—”

  “Tell me what you think I am, Clarissa.” Her controlled anger seethed just under the surface and A.J. was having difficulty masking it. “This is a discussion that we should have now and not later. I don’t want there to be any misconceptions or lies between us.” Grasping Clarissa’s hands she slowly reiterated, “Please, tell me who you think I am.”

  “I’m sorry, Alexandra. I just….” The comment died on her lips as she stared down at their joined hands.