“You should change.”
She nodded weakly, surprised that she’d cheated death. If it weren’t for him…she didn’t want to think about it. She headed into another room off the hall. It looked like an unused bedroom, with a lone bed and a single floor length mirror. She stood before the mirror, staring at herself. She looked no paler than normal, but her dark hair was a mess and she pulled it aside, curious to observe what Liam had done.
She exposed the nape of her neck where he’d bitten her. She swallowed, tracing fingers over the two white pinpoints. There was no blood, nothing but barely visible scars. It was a reality shock, but one she needed. She was a vampire and refusing to acknowledge it was detrimental.
God, this is hell.
Madison peeled the blood soaked shirt off and replaced it with his black one. It hung loosely, so she tucked the ends into her pants and returned to Liam. Cleaning up could wait, she needed answers.
As she tailed him outside, she felt strength coursing through her, a calm assurance that she could defend herself. She took a seat, looking over at Liam. “What else can I do? I know I’m strong.”
“Healing abilities, immortality. Not a long list.”
Madison studied the profile of his face, taken by how sexy he looked and the mystery that still clouded him. “When were you turned?”
“Too long ago. The Council don’t allow relationships between those they sired. As a member, I’m fully dedicated to them.”
Her eyes widened. His face remained taut, unrelenting. “Anything between us is forbidden?”
Liam smiled. “Rules can be broken and when it comes to you, I’m breaking all the rules.”
His admission allowed her to relax, and then his hand closed over hers. A reassuring touch, the only solidity she had. She turned her gaze to the night sky. “Why’s the sun dangerous?”
“The sun is natural, we’re forever unnatural. Creatures that belong in the shadows, buried deep underground. Death has claimed us, but we still exist among the living. Anyway, I need to take you to the Council. You must be approved by them. It’s a process due to being sired by me.”
Madison drew in a breath. All of this was monumental, threatening to overwhelm her, render her speechless. She struggled to grasp onto some semblance of regularity within this madness. “Any tests I have to pass?”
“Because I’m part of the Council, you’re privileged. You get to meet them unlike those who are sired by non-members. There are rules you need to follow, but they’re simple restrictions.”
“Of course. Can’t have me going on a mass murder spree.”
Her sarcasm made him frown. It almost sounded like he was worried. About what? The thought of feeding made her apprehensive, as did the upcoming meeting with the Council. But it was Liam himself that tormented her, and that troubled look in his eyes.
Chapter Six
They drove past the alleyway where Liam abducted her. Madison flinched at the memory, but knew she could trust him now. His intentions hadn’t been dangerous and she owed him for saving her from death. She’d submerge herself in anger later.
“What made you choose me? If you’re turning a woman every month or so, why me?”
“I haven’t turned a woman in years. I wanted to resist turning you. There’s something I had to be certain of.”
“What is it?”
He hesitated. “I’ll spare you the details for now. Registering for the Council is important, they’ve requested to see you. You can endure two days without feeding, so as soon as the meeting’s over, you need to feed. I’ll take you to my regular spot.”
“Where do you feed?”
“Brooklyn. Currently making my way through a group of druggies.”
“And it doesn’t affect you to drink from them?”
“Not unless you’re alive.”
She hesitated, perceiving a sadness when he mentioned being alive. She longed to understand every part of him. Pain seemed to haunt him, maybe from his past or the guilt in turning her - an invisible barrier that hovered between them.
“When will you tell me more about yourself?” she wondered.
“Once you’ve fully accepted your state. It’ll take time.”
Madison studied the bridge of his aristocratic nose, the curve of his lips. He had an air of influence and assurance that heightened her interest. She remembered how tightly he pulled her against him while tasting her. She wanted to feel that intimacy again. It’d been hot foreplay and she wasn’t satisfied. Judging from the furrow of Liam’s brow, he was on edge as well.
They pulled up before a row of abandoned buildings. “This is the Council building.”
Madison stepped out. No street lights illuminated the exterior, but she recognized it as a former bank. The windows were boarded up, the building itself only two stories high, made of pale stone.
“We keep it inconspicuous. The hunters never learn of its location. Remember, we may be supernatural beings but humans outnumber us. We’d never win in such a war.”
As she followed him up the steps, she took note of the graffiti on the sides. “Looks like a target for the homeless.”
“They enter, but don’t emerge.”
Liam knocked on the heavy wooden door. After a moment, it opened. Deep red carpet lined the corridor. There were no furnishings, nothing but darkness. But naturally, she could see clearly.
He gave a brisk nod to the vampire who’d opened the door. It swung shut behind them as Liam led her down the corridor. “Welcome to the Council. You may never need to come here, but it’s the safest place for our kind.”
Our kind. It sounded hollow. Madison doubted she’d ever accept this change completely.
They walked to the end of the hall and Liam opened the final door, leading the way down a series of steps. As they passed under a doorway, they entered a wide room that resembled a church with rows of seats and three large chairs situated at the front. There were a few vampires scattered within the room, talking in hushed tones and staring curiously.
She stood with Liam awkwardly, wondering if the Council members knew of their arrival. The other vampires continued talking as though her presence didn’t deter them. They were dressed casually, and looked completely human. Normal.
She felt drawn to Liam as he stood beside her. She watched his chest rise and fall - such a human reflex. My kidnapper. My savior. My sire. Glancing up at the chandelier, her gaze returned to the chairs in front of them and she jumped at the sight of three vampires sitting there innocuously.
“This is the one you’ve turned, Liam Dalton?” The vampire sitting between them said. His hair was grey yet his eyes were sharp. She studied the others, a woman with curly brown hair and another man with perfectly styled black hair. They were dressed in dark grey robes.
“The process was interrupted by hunters,” Liam replied.
“We understand tradition had to be broken for this occurrence,” he said, his eyes falling on her. “But now we welcome you to a life in shadows, and your unlimited potential.”
“As the one Liam has sired, you are bound to him. He’ll answer any questions you have,” the woman said. “Have you fed?”
She hesitated, glancing at Liam but his expression revealed nothing. Looking at the Council vampires, she couldn’t lie. “Not yet.”
“Then you must,” she said. “But first, introductions are in order.”
“Normally you would learn of us from your sire,” the other male said. “But due to Liam’s stature, consider it a privilege...?”
After a bout of silence, she realized they were waiting for her name. “Madison Stevens.”
“Madison. Young, with much to learn,” the woman said with a smile. “There is pleasure to be found within the immortal life of our kind. It comes with a price, and that will be made clear in time.”
“Which we don’t have much of,” the dark haired male said. “We have our own duties to attend to, and can’t linger on a Newborn. That is our term for a newly sired vampire.�
�
“But to introduce ourselves,” the center male announced. “We are known as the Old. I am Ricardo.”
“Hannah,” said the woman.
“Daniel,” the black haired man said and gestured at Liam. “Liam is a valued member of the Council. He may be unavailable to you while attending his duties, but be assured all of us are here to support you and integrate you into our society.”
“There are multiple Council buildings across the country,” said Hannah. “One in each state. Since all this information’s not easily memorable, we give to you a piece of technology.”
She gestured to someone. As Madison turned around, a blond haired vampire approached, brandishing a new phone.
“It contains the Guidelines. Everything you need to know,” Hannah continued. “Now, this meeting is adjourned.”
Madison turned it on and raised her head to see that the Council members had vanished. “Where’d they go?”
“They’re there, but don’t wish to be seen or heard. It’s a power known only by those who’ve existed for too long,” Liam said. “An ability the eldest of our kind can master. It signifies they don’t have enough time left.”
“Vampires aren’t immortal?”
“The human body cannot sustain us, and in the late hundreds, it turns to dust. There are the usual methods of meeting that fate: stake, fire, sunlight. Even though we are immortal, our flesh and blood bodies aren’t.”
Madison pocketed the phone and trailed him outside. At the car, she hesitated. Her hunger couldn’t be denied but she didn’t welcome the thought of killing. The more she repressed it, the stronger it became.
“The Council seem detached. I understand the comparison to a human government,” she mused.
“They’ve been through centuries and seen wars. They’ve fought to stop any for our kind. Our increasing reliance on technology has been a recent addition but not welcome.” Liam hesitated as if embarrassed. “I was one of the few to vote against it. Using it has its dangers, especially with humans having the ability to track us.”
She opened the Guidelines and skimmed over statements detailing the regimes of vampire life, regulations for feeding. “Two pages. Is this a joke?”
“There’s little left to learn.”
She turned it off. “The Council don’t seem worried about us, despite the forbidden aspect of our relationship.”
“They trust I won’t forsake my duty. But when it comes to you, I couldn’t care less what they think.”
She swallowed. He’d made many sacrifices for her and it left her flustered. The emotional connection she had with him threatened to amplify and she needed to avert her attention. She couldn’t let the Council assume they were nothing more than civil.
“Have hunters tried to reveal our existence?”
“No one believes without proof. They try to capture us on film, but that’s one part where technology fails them.”
Liam started the engine and they left the Council. As they maneuvered through the city, she caught sight of Rachel’s house, her best friend, and hesitated. “Can I ever return to my former life? Attempt to see my family, my friends?”
“You can’t deny what you are.”
Anger burst forth. “Last week I went to a basketball game with my mom, she still hopes the Knicks will win another NBA, but do you expect me to give up on her, leave those I love hanging?”
“Far from it. I’m allowing you the chance to see them but you must sever all contact after. It’s easier that way.”
She caught a cautious tone in his voice and hesitated. “What aren’t you telling me?”
“A lot. I’ve never allowed this before. With you, I’ll make an exception.”
She looked away. He’d forfeited again, but he’d have to do a lot more to make this up to her. “Thanks. I appreciate it. Can we head there now?”
“No.” He paused before motioning with his head to the lightening sky. “Sunrise.”
The curtains at Liam’s home were already drawn, shutting out the warmth and light. Madison crossed the living room, observing as Liam pulled his dark jacket from his body, exposing muscular arms. A thrill ran through her to picture the rest of him all naked and hard.
She went to the phone on the wall and punched in her mom’s number. On the three hour drive back, Liam had given permission to make a call.
She answered. “Madison? Where are you calling from?”
“It’s a long story. I’ve met someone new. Can I come see you tonight for dinner?”
“I’ll make it for two. I’ve been worried about you. I’m sure we can work something out about your college fund, and there’s a place downtown we can look at together.”
“Okay. See you at seven?”
“See you then, dear.”
Madison ended the call and turned to see Liam observing her. He smiled. “Taking me to your parents so soon?”
“You’re there for…security.” She walked over to the couch and took a seat. “Besides, it’s only my mom. My parents divorced three years ago. My father cheated with two women. I guess being a pilot away from home often made it easy. It still hurts Mom like it happened yesterday.”
His eyes passed over her with keen perception. “And you? Do you still hurt?”
She felt a deep twinge, the significance of her salvaged humanity not lost on her. “The pain’s still strong.”
“I wonder if circumstances in your life would’ve tempted you to embrace becoming a vampire.”
Irritation hit her with full force. “No. I didn’t want this.”
Liam leaned close. “Neither did I. Too late for both of us. But I don’t regret having you by my side.”
Her breath caught in her throat. He cupped her chin and guided her close. When his thumb trailed slowly across her skin, she shivered beneath him.
“What if I do?” she murmured.
“I’ll have to convince you otherwise.”
He slammed a kiss against her, his lips firm, pulling her into a deep chasm of desire. She felt lost within his kiss, consumed with a need that almost made her want to tear off her clothes and take him. When he broke it, she stared at him, taking in the gleam in his eyes. Her gaze lowered to the bulge in his pants. She wanted to touch him. Badly.
“But I thought we can’t…”
“Don’t concern yourself with the Council. I should explain why I wanted to resist you.”
Madison stared into his eyes, aware he was finally opening up. While his reticent behavior had been alluring initially, she wanted to feel closer to him. “What about the other women you turned? Did you resist them?”
“I chose those who were already lost, turned them, released them to the Council. But you…Madison, there’s a myth that runs between our kind known as the Awakening. It’s why the hunters are tracking me. Some consider it a myth, others a prophecy. It tells of a connection between two vampires in love, a connection so strong it’ll restore our humanity.”
Her eyes widened. “You think that’s what we are? A connection based on some myth?”
“Meeting you was enough to make me let go of my restraints and abduct you. I had to be sure, but now I fear we’ll cause this prophecy to pass. I caused this because I simply desired you.”
She swallowed, stunned by his admission. At least she understood his reasons for not wanting to turn her and he’d truly sacrificed everything to have her. He was selfless. She didn’t know what to make of his passion, but it warmed her.
“I’ve always analyzed my actions. I’ve never met someone who gives in to feelings so easily,” she admitted.
He grinned. “You’ve never met a vampire before me.”
That made her laugh until hunger constricted her voice. “I have to feed soon.”
“Yeah. You’ll get used to doing it.”
She lowered her gaze. Liam was a killer, all vampires were. Soon she would be. It was the harsh truth, and like her mom said, truth is undeniable in the court of law and life.
He slid
his hand away. She thought of the prophecy, the one thing standing between them. “Does the Council know about our potential?”
“They’d kill me for suggesting it. The Awakening is serious, not many believe it but are fearful of what it represents. What it could lead to.”
“It could be any couple. It’s pretty vague.”
“Most myths are. The connection is said to bring balance between all, to allow vampires and humans to coincide in peace.”
“But it’s a myth, not a prophecy.” It was obvious Liam didn’t know which was true, and she struggled with the revelation of the vampire’s allegory. “Peace amongst humans and vampires should be welcomed, not feared.”
He ran a hand through his hair. “The Awakening would reveal our existence. The very notion that one powerful bond can restore humanity to a vampire is what terrifies many. We are no longer human. The Awakening would change everything, bring the dead to life.”
“There’s nothing bad about that.”
“Can you be certain? Vampires are natural killers and that sentiment will follow many into humanity. There’ll be thousands of bemused former vampires, hungering for death. The Council refuses to believe but the concept distresses them.”
She bit her lip. “It’s not comparable to the end of the world.”
Liam shook his head, sadness creasing his chiseled face. “Not all things dire lead to death.”
Before leaving, Madison changed into blue jeans and a white blouse which hung loosely, one size too big. Women’s clothes were at the house, a reminder that Liam likely killed whoever lived there. How could she accept that? It left a bitter twinge in her gut.
She shifted her hair to hide the bite marks on her neck, forever a reminder of him tasting her. “Will these fade?”
“Never. It’s a mark of the one who claimed you.”
“Does every bite stay?”
“Only the first.”
After a brief drive, she closed the car door and looked at her home. It was as large as Liam’s house, but the sale sign at the front drew her back to reality. This was her only chance to linger in her former life and Liam had allowed it, thankfully.
Awakened by the Vampire Page 5
