by Gerald Lopez
“That one, the Civil War before it, World War Two, and Vietnam.”
“Despite the atrocities you’ve seen, you have a soul that is at peace with the world.”
“Thank you, Janelle. You do as well—have a peaceful soul.”
“Women aren’t always called upon to fight.”
“Maybe not in the same way as men do, but they keep the home fires burning. They provide the sons who go to war and they mourn for those that don’t return.”
“That’s very true,” Janelle said, then turned toward the fountain and looked at the water. “I’m glad Veronique left. She needs a little rest for a while. Cesare told me that sometimes Veronique lives too much or rather too hard—with such exuberance that she exhausts herself.”
“I’m more of a homebody myself,” Samuel said. “Give me a quiet corner and a good book and I’m happy. When I get wanderlust I hit the road and explore the small towns and hidden byways.”
“There are still some nice small towns. I’ve enjoyed touring some of them. I’m actually quite fond of southern architecture.”
“I still live in the cottage where I grew up. I’ve had to replace some of the wood through the years and do upkeep, but it’s essentially the same building.”
“How nice to live in a home with so much family history.”
“I remember it being a happy home when I was young and it’s my sanctuary today.”
“Does a person actually live in a sanctuary or merely sit in one and contemplate?” Janelle said.
“I live, contemplate, and pray in it. It’s home, safe place, sanctuary, church—all those things to me.”
“You’re a lucky man to have that. I’ve managed to keep the home where my mother gave birth to me,” Janelle said. “I loved living there as a little girl. It’s small, but feels just right.”
They were still talking when Cesare interrupted to suggest Samuel take a nap before their guests arrived. Arm in arm, Janelle and Cesare showed Samuel to a guest room on the upper floor. It had only a bed, dresser, and attached bath, but contained everything a man or vampire needed, with no wasted space. After his host and hostess had gone, Samuel realized how tired he felt. He lay down on the bed and started to think about Veronique then he fell asleep. Samuel continued to think of Veronique as he slept.
Amadeus ran around the yard and barked loudly.
“What is it boy?” Samuel said then looked around.
He’d been working alone. His sister and brother were at their own homes with their families. Both had not only spouses, but also children. Amadeus continued barking so Samuel buttoned up his shirt and pulled up his suspenders that hung loose on his shoulders. He’d been trimming the confederate jasmine that grew on the front fence and had stopped to rest a while. The shoes he’d been wearing were on top of one of the fence posts. His rifle, that had once been his father’s sat on the ground next to him. Since Amadeus still barked, Samuel picked up the rifle and headed to see what had caught his setter’s attention.
She appeared in a cloud of dust once Samuel had walked out to the road. Riding a large black horse and dressed in a formal riding habit, she seemed both strong and beautiful.
“My name is Veronique. I’m afraid I’m a bit lost and quite parched. Would you be a kind gentleman and offer me something to drink?”
Cesare was shaking him gently on the shoulder when Samuel opened his eyes.
“I’m sorry to disturb you, Samuel, but you were sleeping deeply and our guests are here.”
“I didn’t feel them come,” Samuel said. “I still don’t sense their presence.”
“You wouldn’t in this room. It’s a special sleep chamber made to block out anything that would keep a person or vampire from sleeping. I only use it when someone I trust is here, otherwise I’d be vulnerable to a surprise attack.”
“I should think,” Samuel said, sitting up.
“Sometimes even we need some good uninterrupted sleep. Refresh yourself then join us.”
Once Cesare had gone, Samuel got up from bed and went into the bathroom. Vampires had no need for the facilities, but Samuel walked to the sink and splashed water in his face. He looked in the mirror, ran his hands through his hair, then went to greet the new guests.
The moment Samuel left his room he could feel the presence of two vampires—one of them significantly older than the other. The older vampire had a sense of calm about him, but his feelings and thoughts were kept guarded. Flooding the younger vampire’s mind were hundreds of frantic ideas and visions. Most of which were dark and desperate in nature. He could smell his brother’s bloodline in him. But he didn’t allow sympathy or anything else to enter his head.
“I’m fixing everyone some refreshments,” Janelle said. “Please come in and join us.”
Samuel walked into the living room. It had grown dark outside.
“My name is Vasilius,” the older vampire said, then stood from where he sat on the couch and walked toward Samuel.
The two shook hands. Samuel studied him as he walked back to his seat. He was an inch or two taller than him and skinny. Vasilius had his long, wavy, gray hair pulled back into a ponytail. He possessed golden, hazel eyes that shone as if a fire burned within them.
“In the past I’ve been told I have my mother’s eyes,” Vasilius said. “She died before I really knew her. My mind forgot her face ages ago.”
He’d picked up on Samuel’s thoughts and had chosen to be polite enough to let him know. Another vampire might’ve taken advantage and continued to pry.
“The man next to me is William, a recent recruit of ours. He is anxious to join the new group we’ve formed in the States.”
“Hello, William,” Samuel said, then looked at the man.
“I’m also told I take after my mother,” William said.
Both men were dressed in black shirts, slacks, and sneakers—a sensible way to dress for viewing a hunt. Janelle walked back from behind the bar, where she’d gone, and handed Samuel a glass filled with blood. The others already had refreshments in hand.
“Will you be joining the hunt, Janelle?” Vasilius said.
“No,” Janelle said. “I’m leaving you men to it tonight.”
“She’d put us all to shame, William,” Vasilius said. “You see only her beauty and grace, but I know she is also a great warrior.”
William stared at Samuel and didn’t respond.
Cesare’s cell phone rang and he reached into his pocket. After removing the phone and looking at it he addressed the group.
“Our hunt is about ready to begin, gentlemen. Vasilius, Remember that you and William are only to observe.”
“I understand,” Vasilius said. “Thank you for the honor of allowing us to watch your hunt.”
“You’re most welcome,” Cesare said.
“Good hunting,” Janelle said.
Chapter 13
The Hunt
BEFORE LEAVING THE living room, Cesare and Samuel stripped out of their clothes until they were completely naked.
“Is it absolutely necessary to remove all your clothing?” Vasilius said.
“It’s the way my maker taught me,” Cesare said. “Remove all constrictions so as to move freely and quietly. It also keeps us alert at all times.”
“Did he believe it gave your opponents a fighting chance?” Vasilius said.
“Oh no,” Cesare said. “My maker knew nothing would do that. But even as vampires we must be careful not to get careless and blunder.”
The four walked to the balcony then downstairs where one of Cesare’s attendants waited in the garden.
“The men have been set loose and have a five minute head start,” the attendant said.
“William and I will remain hidden in the shadows where we will merely look on unless you call for us,” Vasilius said.
“As our guests, it’s only good hospitality to invite you to feast with us when we are victorious,” Cesare said to Vasilius and William then looked at Samuel.
“
That will be acceptable,” Vasilius said. “William will follow Samuel… and I you, Cesare. We will share in our ally’s victory at the end of the hunt.”
“Good luck, gentlemen,” Cesare’s attendant said.
SAMUEL TOOK A couple of seconds to get his feet used to the wet and muddy ground. Foliage in the backyard jungle had been allowed to grow wild. Plants were so close together that branches would hit him in the face or snap at his body as he walked. But he barely felt those things, instead he focused on picking up his opponent’s trail. The movement coming from even the smallest animals could prove to be a distraction, so Samuel deliberately sought out only the man.
The man moved in a clumsy fashion, clearly unused to the woods. His steps were heavy enough to send vibrations out along the ground. Even a human could hear the noisy rustling sounds as the man pushed branches and bushes out of his way. Samuel heard two loud thumps and knew the man had fallen at least twice. His prey’s heart beat fast and the sound of it hit his ears as if he were right next to him. Samuel knew William followed at his heels but couldn’t spare a thought for him at the moment. It wasn’t completely out of the realm of possibility that a human could overtake a vampire. So, it wouldn’t do to be careless, as Cesare had said earlier. Stopping for a moment, Samuel lifted his head and sniffed the air. The man hadn’t gone far. He could smell his sweaty body and the fear in him. The adrenaline flowed in his prey as it did through him, and created a strange exhilaration in the air. Being barefoot, his feet could feel the uneven ground and branches that stuck out. With heavy shoes on he might not have noticed such things and tripped as the man—the child molester had done. The molester grew desperate, Samuel could sense that. Desperation and guilt combined with an almost feverish need to survive were strong emotions which Samuel could home in on.
The molester turned in all directions looking around him. Every small noise or movement distracted him. He held a large branch as a weapon, but it wouldn’t be enough to help him beat back the man slash creature that gave chase. No way would he be able to survive tonight. Not against what hunted him.
Why do they always head to the nearest clear spot? Samuel thought. If it were him he’d have remained hidden in the thick brush and trees. He took advantage of the moment, ran, and leaped on top of his would-be victim. Samuel had him pinned down when William appeared.
“Give him a quick second to repent,” William said, asking more than demanding it.
“You’ve got one second to repent, monster,” Samuel said into the molester’s ear. A second later, he’d torn through half the man’s neck with his fangs. Vampire’s fangs manifested themselves when food came near. After drinking his fill of blood, Samuel wiped his mouth, looked at William, and waved him forward with his hand.
When William had finished, Cesare’s attendant from earlier appeared and carried off the molester’s body.
“How will they dispose of him?” William asked.
“They’ll put his body in Cesare’s incinerator,” Samuel said.
“Thank you for giving him a moment to make his peace,” William said.
“A moment would have been too long,” Samuel said. “Never give an opponent the advantage of time, they might surprise you.”
“Then why did you give him even a second,” William said. He felt Samuel’s mind open to him and he knew the answer. “You did it for me, because we’re family. That’s why she made me. Because we’re related. It didn’t have anything to do with me or who I am.”
“We have a shared bloodline, William. Our common relative being my brother whom I loved very much and miss dearly.”
“Why didn’t you turn him into one of us? Or is he? Maybe he is… there’s no reason I should be privy to that info, is there?”
“He’s not,” Samuel said. “I offered our way of life to him but he refused.”
“Life?” William said. “What we have isn’t life.”
A deep grief emanated from him and Samuel put his hand on William’s shoulder.
“I wasn’t allowed to choose this life,” William said. “She made me without asking.”
“She thought she did the right thing saving a member of a family she loved.”
“I didn’t know her before that moment… Veronique. She’s beautiful, but that didn’t give her the right to do what she did. Samuel, you’re my relative but I don’t know you either.”
“Would it help if you had known me?”
“I don’t know. Probably not… I’d still be a total fuckup. But… I went there, you know.”
“Where?” Samuel said.
“Heaven or at least the entrance to it,” William said. “I saw him, felt his presence and it was unlike anything I’d ever felt. So all-encompassing and… and he loved me. I’d been raised a Christian and I prayed and knew Jesus existed. But that love is so intense, more than even my dad loves me.” He looked at Samuel then continued, “Veronique took me away from that.”
“Cesare told me the timing has to be just right when you turn someone.” Samuel could feel intense longing in William to go back to Heaven. Mixed in with it were also feelings of fear and confusion. “I’m sorry about what Veronique did to you. But malice didn’t factor into why she did it.”
“That still doesn’t make it right.” William grabbed Samuel’s arm. “I have to go back there, Samuel. See, I made it once. Somehow I made it… but now—”
“Now what?” Samuel said.
“I wasn’t perfect before. Because of the drugs and shit… and I won’t pretend I’m the ideal son. My dad has always been my world and I didn’t let the few other guys that entered his life stay. I messed things up for him every time. He’s given up a lot for me. But I swear to you Samuel I loved him and Anna… and my kids.”
“Loved, as in the past tense?” Samuel said
“I’m not sure how I feel about anything now. Before, I knew right from wrong and thought the only one I hurt was myself. Now I feel my morality slipping. That bad guy we just fed on—we killed a real monster. But I almost felt like I could enjoy drinking his blood. Then wouldn’t that make me a bad guy too?”
“Maybe it’s the idea of justice finally being served that you enjoyed. The man got away with molesting young, innocent kids for years.”
“If I had to I think I might be able to kill a child to survive,” William said. “I’m worried that I would.”
“We’d better head back, William,” Samuel said. As they walked he talked. “It’s best not to dwell on such things as who you have to kill to survive. Of course we try our best to limit our kills to people who are morally corrupt and villainous at heart, but the survival instinct is strong. If need be you could feed off a child without killing him or her.”
“When you’re hungry and thirsty it’s hard to fight the urge to take until you’re full,” William said.
“Were still at least partially human and not animal. We can fight and control our urges.”
“Not all of us. I’m a drug addict remember.”
“Yes, I remember.”
William could see inside Samuel’s thoughts again and what he saw made him happy. “You don’t judge me for that.”
“I’ve seen a lot and try not to judge people.”
“But you’ll kill me if you have to. Don’t worry, I didn’t pick that up from you. Vasilius told me what you might have to do. I know I’m not right, that there’s something wrong with me as a vampire. So many thoughts race through my mind and it’s hard to maintain control.”
“Vasilius wasn’t lying to you about any of it.”
“I forgive you ahead of time then,” William said. “I’ve been out of control before… as a human. But this time it’s gonna be worse because of what I am now.” He reached out for Samuel’s arm, so he’d stop walking for a moment.
“It may not come to that,” Samuel said.
“That’s not what I hear,” William said. “I want you to stop me… need for you to stop me if it comes down to it. You have to help me get back there to h
im—to Jesus. I can’t fuck it up. Please.”
Samuel saw William begin to tremble and pulled him close. He then embraced him tightly.
“Do what you have to when the time comes,” William said in Samuel’s ear. “For family’s sake, do it. And promise to forgive me for whatever I’ll have done to warrant your killing me.”
Samuel held him even tighter. “I promise,” he said.
William had just experienced a moment of perfect clarity. Probably one of the few he’d ever had or would have in his life. After a few seconds they began walking toward the house again.
“Can’t say I’ve hugged many naked men in my life,” William said. “You’re the first actually.” He chuckled as did Samuel.
“You’re more of a ladies man, huh?”
“Something like that,” William said. “I’m sorry about turning Anna and the guys. They weren’t the nicest people but they were my companions and deserved better.”
“You turned them into vampires?”
“Yeah. Well me and Vasilius did, he told me I wouldn’t be able to turn them on my own. Is what we did unusual?”
“Yes,” Samuel said. “For more reasons than you even realize.”
Chapter 14
Mysterious Ways
“WHY DO YOU SAY that?” William said.
“It’s highly unusual for newly turned vampires to help in turning others into vampires,” Samuel said. “Too many complications can arise.”
“I guess Vasilius felt bad for me and tried to be nice.”
“Maybe” Samuel said, but he didn’t believe that for a minute.
“Anna and the boys shouldn’t have gone to your place, Samuel.”
“I didn’t know who they were to you,” Samuel said.
“Would it have mattered?”
“No. She and her friends were out for the kill and we had to defend ourselves.”
“I told them not to go,” William said. “But not because I had worries about you. I knew Anna and the guys weren’t strong enough to win. Yeah, there’s a huge adrenaline rush when you’re a vampire—it’s like you can conquer and dominate anyone, but that’s really a big lie, isn’t it?”
