“I’m fine.” He gently pushed her hand away and cleared his throat. “But if you could get me another glass of water that would help.” In a blink of an eye she rushed out of the room, returning later with a full glass. She held it up to his lips and he sipped gently.
“You should go to the doctor,” Anastasia said. “Or we could bring one here for you.”
“No doctor.”
“You aren’t getting any better.”
“No doctor.”
“You heard the man,” Remy added. “He doesn’t want a doctor. He doesn’t want our help.”
Anastasia sighed. “Have you thought about vampire blood?”
“No.” When he finished with his drink, Hallie placed the half-empty glass on top of the mantel near the fireplace. “My health can wait. We need to figure out exactly what Amenirdis is going to make you do and if she already has Maris.” He wiped the water drops from around his mouth. “Remy, I also think going to San Diego is unwise.”
“I’ve made up my mind.” He gracefully bowed. “I’m out.” He turned for the door. “Have fun, kids, and don’t stay up too late.”
Before he left, Hallie ran to him. “When are you coming back?”
He winked at her. “Not sure.”
“You should stay. Please.”
“You’re old enough to buy your own cigarettes now.”
Anastasia continued to watch silently as he said his goodbyes to her. The chance that he would return was small, yet he made it appear that Hallie would see him again. He cradled his hand underneath her chin and her face warmed in response.
“Be good and watch your back.”
“Remy.” Anastasia stepped forward. “You don’t have to go.”
“You know I gotta’.”
During their first few years together, she considered any Deamhan an enemy. It took staying under the same roof with him for years to tolerate his annoying behavior. Although she hated him as much as he hated her, she didn’t want to see him go.
He opened the front door of Blind Bluff Manor, saluted, and walked out into the night.
1
DECEPTION. DEAMHAN CHRONCILES #3
CHAPTER TWELVE
Remy’s departure caused Hallie to sink into a mild depression. She turned inward and for a few hours, she kept her head immersed in journals that she laid out on the floor in Nathan’s study.
Anastasia stared out the huge paned window in the study. The idea of feeding—and soon—continued to cross her mind. The wind picked up, slapping against the window glass and her hearing also picked up on the sound of cars driving down the road from miles away. For a brief moment, the noises occupied her, allowing her some room to think about the crisis looming over their heads. With Remy gone, she was the only qualified Deamhan who could protect their sanctuary, if it ever came down to that. But she was just one woman and, regardless of how old she was, she couldn’t hold back a group of bloodthirsty Deamhan or Dorvo vampires.
Hallie took a break when her hunger called on her to feed. This time she didn’t want to go into the city. She decided to remain close to the manor and she didn’t want Anastasia anywhere near her.
She left the manor and disappeared around the house. Anastasia opened her ears, hearing Hallie’s slow footsteps becoming fainter as time progressed. When Hallie returned empty-handed, she offered to venture out farther for a suitable human.
“I don’t need your help.” She stood in the front yard.
“But you do need to eat.” Anastasia watched the tree branches wisp from side to side in the warm breeze. She moved forward in Deamhan speed, following the road ahead. She had to be extremely careful. Killing wasn’t like it used to be.
The breeze heated the left side of her face. The clouded sky above her hid certain parts of the environment in complete darkness. She stopped by an embankment and watched a vehicle drive by. After concentrating on the driver’s thoughts, she stepped out onto the road. The car swerved uncontrollably to the right, and slammed head first into a large tree.
She approached the vehicle. An unconscious male remained slumped in the driver’s seat. Anastasia ripped the door from the car and pulled him out. She then pushed the car away from the tree and farther into the brush to hide any evidence.
She remained careful on her trip back to the manor, scouring each and every suitable path. She had to make sure she didn’t leave any trail for anyone else to follow. She returned to Hallie shortly after, carrying the unconscious human over her shoulder. Anastasia expected that once she noticed that she went after a human anyway, her feistiness would awaken, and she’d be forced to calm down the young Deamhan.
“I’ll stick with the animals.”
As she suspected, Hallie wasn’t too keen on the idea. After witnessing her devour a small, defenseless rabbit, Anastasia questioned how she could stomach those animals so easily.
“I had no choice, remember?” she replied. “You wouldn’t let me leave the manor.”
How foolish I was, Anastasia thought to herself. “I thought it was the best choice for you.” She laid the male on the ground. “What Remy said before, about feeding on humans, was correct. You can’t survive off animal blood alone.”
“I know.” She tossed the animal over her shoulder. “But I don’t want your meal.”
“I know what you’re feeling now. I know how difficult it is to process what’s going on.”
“You have that Pure blood inside you!” she said. “Why didn’t you tell us before?”
“It’s my problem to deal with.”
“I don’t know.” Hallie slapped her hands on her thighs. “Maybe it’s because of your age or the fact that you’re stuck in your ways. Wake up, Ana! We’re in this together. No matter how much you want to hide the truth from me, you can’t anymore. I won’t allow you to.”
She had never called her ‘Ana’ before. The only other person who ever did was Remy.
“I don’t need coddling!”
Anastasia agreed. Hallie wasn’t a defenseless, baby Deamhan anymore. She had enough knowledge to take care of herself. “Maybe now is the right time for you to leave Blind Bluff Manor.”
“What?” Surprised, her eyes widened. “I’m not leaving Nathan alone with you. Now that you have the urge to eat anyone around you.” She turned and headed back to the manor. “Just because I’m not as strong as you doesn’t mean I can’t fight.”
Anastasia viewed her meal. He began to stir and his moaning tempted her hunger. Her fangs appeared but before she bit into his neck, she took a moment to glance into his thoughts, like Hallie suggested back in Minneapolis.
The images represented themselves in movie clips. He didn’t have an immediate family and he grew up in adoption centers. However, he had goals and ambitions. On his free time he volunteered at local food shelters and donated to orphan-based charities. He planned on opening up his own charity to help those who couldn’t help themselves.
What woman would she be if she took it all away? Her decision would send ripples throughout the communities he proudly took part in. She wouldn’t be a woman at all. Just a Deamhan.
Hallie’s meal—a rabbit, was barely alive. She snatched it, placed it up to her mouth, and fed. After draining the animal’s blood, she picked the human up in her arms and, in Deamhan speed, she ran back to the road where she deposited him back in his car.
Moments later she returned back to the manor. While she stood on the porch, a particular and familiar scent swam into her nostrils. After scanning the horizon, she saw Lambert in the distance. He walked up the pebbled driveway, wearing a long, thick trench coat that extended to just above his knees. He wore thick, dark sunglasses (unusual for nighttime) and knee-high men’s boots with standard-height heels that clacked with each step he took. He’d only visited the manor one time in the past. This unexpected visit drew worries.
“What are you doing here?”
He stood on the bottom step. “I expected you to attack first and ask questions later.”
“Yes, I can see that from the dried blood on your lips.”
She tolerated Lambert. He was a vampire that had more connections in the city than any Deamhan she knew. He helped in dethroning Kei and keeping the city’s vampires in line. Plus Nathan considered him a close friend. Now she didn’t know what position of power he held in the city, if he still held one at all.
“May I come inside?”
She nodded, turned, and walked to the manor. When she entered, she turned back, seeing him standing just outside the door.
“The owner of the home has to invite me in.”
The rule never crossed her mind. It wasn’t something Deamhan had to deal with. She called out for Nathan who soon came to greet his friend with a hug.
“It’s good to see you.” Lambert pulled away.
“What are you doing here?”
“We need to talk.”
After inviting him in, they headed to the study. Lambert pulled up a chair and sat directly across from Nathan.
“So, how are you?”
Nathan smiled. “I could be better. How are you?”
Lambert took a second to reply. “With everything that’s going on, I’m surprisingly fine.” He continued to stare at his friend. “Are you sure you’re doing fine? You look ill.”
“I’m fine. I assure you.”
“So what’s going on out there?” Anastasia asked.
“A lot.” Lambert shrugged off his trench coat and draped it on the back of his chair. “I’m sure you’re all aware of what’s taking place in the city.”
“Yes,” Nathan said. “Anastasia has been keeping me updated.”
“No offense, but she only knows what’s on the surface.” He briefly smiled at her. “The most complicated things run much deeper, like the Dorvo Coven.”
“Yes. Remy already told us.”
“Oh, that reminds me. Is he here?”
“No,” Nathan replied. “He left about an hour ago.”
“Will he be back anytime soon?” After Nathan shrugged, Lambert sighed. “Oh. Perhaps he’s headed to my club.” He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out an envelope full of cash. “He stopped by the other night, asking questions about The Brotherhood headquarters. I tried to convince him not to go but he wasn’t having any of that. He’s determined to rescue Veronica, who he calls his ‘plaything.’ He wanted some money for his trip to San Diego. I told him I’d come here before sunrise. Apparently, he couldn’t wait.” He stuffed the envelope back into his pocket.
“He’s hardheaded,” Anastasia said.
“If that’s what you want to call it.” Lambert eyed her, intrigued. “Anyway, those annoying Dorvo vampires are taking root within the city, attempting to put who they consider rogue vampires like myself in line. I suspect that in a week, they’ll have full control over the city.”
“Including you?” Anastasia asked in disbelief.
“I go where the business is. Dark Sepulcher is my life. It provides stability. For my club to do so, my customers need to remain happy.” He paused in thought. “They now consist of vampires and Dorvo vampires. Not Deamhan.” He looked to Nathan. “Deamhan of any kind are not wanted in the establishment. They aren’t wanted in the city. As of now, the Dorvo vampires are organizing themselves, establishing hierarchies and rules just like Deamhan did when they first came to Minneapolis. Any Deamhan seen in the city will be tracked, captured, or killed...especially any having to do with the past events.” He turned to her. “That makes you a prime target.”
Worried, Nathan asked, “Do you know how many?”
“Not sure. The newer ones aren’t branded so it’s hard to tell.”
“So what are you suggesting?”
“Maybe it’s time that you consider relocating.”
“I’m not leaving.” Nathan stood his ground. “This is my home.”
“Not for long. Forgive me for saying this, my friend, but staying is an ignorant choice. Soon I won’t have the resources to help any of you. Even my own Alexis is being forced to turn against me. I can sense it.”
“That shouldn’t be any surprise to you,” Anastasia said.
“Don’t comment on things you don’t understand. She is more loyal than a Deamhan sire would ever be to their offspring. I’m sure you know a lot about that.” His comment quickly silenced her. “There are still a few of your kind in the city. I know of a group of orphaned Deamhan living in a home in South Minneapolis, just shy of the 35W freeway. If you’re thinking of building an army, of sorts, you may want to start there.”
“Orphaned Deamhan?” Anastasia immediately thought of Enlai, the Lugat she and Hallie ran into in Minneapolis.
“Yes, a group of them. I told Remy, but he wasn’t interested.”
“And neither am I.”
“Well, whatever you decide to do, you must do it quickly. All it takes is one human with one unbelievable story about monsters with fangs and our whole hidden world will be turned upside down.” He stood up from his chair. “I have to get back before those Dorvo vamps suspect that I’m part of the problem.” He looked back at Nathan. “Please tread carefully and let me know if you change your mind about leaving this place.” He bowed. “Take care of yourself, my friend. I’ll show myself out.” He left the study and seconds later, they heard the front door open, then gently close.
At that moment, Anastasia began to think, trying to find the right words to say to squash their shallow thoughts about the situation. Again, faced with the question of leaving the city, she couldn’t find it in herself to do so.
“What’s on your mind?” Nathan asked.
She ignored his question, for now, and turned her attention to the idea of meeting with the orphaned Deamhan. Lambert’s suggestion of creating a small army to combat the rising Dorvo Vampire population was unbelievable. The idea just couldn’t work! There were no Deamhan in the city who trusted her before and whoever remained wouldn’t trust her now.
“Where’s Hallie?”
Nathan shrugged. “When she came back in, she headed upstairs to her room. Why?”
“I think she knows one of these orphaned Deamhan Lambert talked about.” She walked out of the study. “And so do I.”
1
DECEPTION. DEAMHAN CHRONCILES #3
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
With his bag draped over his right shoulder, Remy cautiously approached the front doors of Dark Sepulcher. His Deamhan hearing didn’t pick up on any noises coming from inside the venue. Instead he heard nothing and that troubled him. While on his way, he prepared himself to come into contact with Dorvo vampires and vampires all willing to make this night the last night of his life. But when he arrived he didn’t see any security guards or a line of patrons waiting to get inside.
He raised his hand to knock on the door. It could be a trap but why would the vampire, whom he had a love-hate relationship with, want to trick him now of all times? It wasn’t good for business. His doubts weren’t enough to make him turn and walk away. He needed the money to get to San Diego. So he knocked again until he heard slow footsteps approach the door from the other side.
When it swung open, he came face to face with not a human security guard but Alexis. She placed her hand on the opened door and leaned lazily against it. Her full lips formed a small grin. She wore a white shirt with a black, long skirt. Remy took notice that her evening wear didn’t resemble what he was used to seeing her dressed in.
“Why is the club closed?” It was the first question that popped into his mind.
Alexis shrugged. “Because it is.” She never failed to give a valid explanation of the club’s handlings. “What are you doing here?”
“Didn’t Lambert tell you? I’m on his VIP list.” He moved forward, but she blocked his way.
“We’re closed.”
“I can see that.” He slithered by her and walked inside. “Where is your trusted consor
t?” He stopped short of the black curtains separating the front from the main portion of the club.
She strolled over to him. “You need to leave.”
“He’s expecting me.” The thick smell of vampires caked his nostrils, but this wasn’t unusual. After all, they now made up 95% of the attendees on a busy night. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“I’m not going to fight with you. Not this time.” She held out her hand, offering him a chance to leave Dark Sepulcher. “Now please go before you piss me off.”
“Please? You’ve never pleaded before.” He contemplated her bizarre hospitality, if he wanted to call it that.
“I’m not pleading anything. Go.”
“After you.” He copied her stance.
She sighed and slammed the front door. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” She locked it. “I don’t understand why you like coming here. It’s a vampire club. Deamhan aren’t wanted here.”
Unsure of her point, he rolled his eyes. “There’s a lot that your dimwitted mind can’t comprehend.”
“Oh, but I get it now. You have a death wish.” She deliberately bumped her right shoulder into him as she walked and disappeared behind the curtains. Remy chortled under his breath and followed her.
He wasn’t expecting what awaited him after she pulled back the thick velvet cloth. The vampire scent in the air wasn’t just leftover remnants of last night’s jubilee. On the dance floor he saw a group of Dorvo vampires, standing in a line, behind an empty chair. He suddenly recalled the conversation he had with Lambert about the coven.
“Am I interrupting something?”
“I warned you.” She folded her arms.
He suddenly regretted not heeding her advice.
“Lambert isn’t here. It’s just me and the boys.”
Quickly the Dorvo vampires moved forward, aiming to harm him. He dropped his bag. His eyes turned black followed by a burst of energy, allowing him to jump over his attackers with ease. He wrapped his forearm around a tall male and in one quick motion, snapped his neck and pushed the wobbling body toward the group.
Deception (Deamhan Chronicles Book 3) Page 12
