by Kailin Gow
“Do you smell that?” Alexis tilted her nose to the breeze and turned to peer into the darkness.
Sadie followed Alexis’ gaze. In the distance a dark shadow slithered along in an inhuman fashion.
“A vampire?” Sadie whispered. The scent was oddly familiar and evoked strong memories from the distant past.
“Definitely.” Alexis grinned, her eyes displaying her anticipation of a confrontation with this new vampire. “Come out and show yourself,” she shouted.
Sadie held her breath as the shadow emerged from the alleyway. It was tall, masculine and strong. Even in the dark of the night she recognized him, though her head told her it was impossible.
He stepped into the light, the flash of a grin bringing her back to her days of innocence.
“Ashwin.” Time and place ceased to exist as she ran to him.
He looked just as fabulous as she remembered. Though dressed in modern slacks and button down shirt, he still carried that regal air that had always made him so enticing.
Her hands played on his chest as she sought proof that he was truly there. Was this her imagination? Her desperate need to connect to her past?
He wrapped his arm around her waist and held her close.
“How can you be here?” Alexis said as she slowly approached. “You were staked. I saw it. I saw you. How…?”
He reached out for her. Though she seemed reluctant at first, she quickly succumbed and greedily took a place under his arm.
“The only thing that matters is that I am here now. I have spent years searching for you and you’ve no idea how I’ve longed to see you again.”
Alexis’ hands were quick to rediscover him. She unbuttoned his shirt and ran her hand over his chest. Sadie saw the hunger in her eyes and felt her own desire for the handsome lord rise. How could one man touch them so deeply? Leave them both so hungry for the slightest touch?
As vampires she knew their senses were heightened, almost excruciating. But the hold Lord Ashwin had on them was like no other.
“It’s been far too long, Ashwin,” Alexis cooed. “What kept you from finding us?”
He chuckled, a sound that immediately brought Sadie back to those long strolls on the beach. With an arm wrapped securely around each girl, they walked down the street, leaving the misery and destitution behind as they approached their more palatable neighborhood.
“Let’s just say I was detained.” He looked lovingly into Alexis’ eyes and stroked her cheek with his thumb. “It’s a long and dreary tale.”
Alexis’ gaze was intent and burning as she looked at him. For all the love she’d claimed for Keegan, the strong emotions that were now obvious in her eyes far outshined any adolescent crush she had on anyone else but Ashwin.
“I’d almost forgotten how good it feels to touch you, Alexis. Your skin, your hair, the sultry softness of your lips.”
A seductive growl rose from deep within her, curving her lips into a hungry grin while her eyes narrowed with desire. “Being a vampire is a constant aphrodisiac. My senses are heightened, elevated to a degree that is almost painful at times. I could smell you, even at a distance. And I can taste you, feel you filling me.”
“Still the artful seductress, I see.”
A shiver of discomfort shook Sadie. Being so close to so much passion only emphasized her own confusing emotions.
As though sensing her malaise, Lord Ashwin turned to her and gave her a tight squeeze. “And you’ve remained the sweet, adorable and contemplative little sister.”
Sadie didn’t know whether to be flattered or offended. “Do you have a place to stay?” she asked, hiding as best she could how she felt.
“And just as hospitable as ever.” His eyes shined with mischief and joy. “Don’t tell me you’ve resurrected Stoker Manor.”
“Well, it’s no manor, but it certainly is enchanted,” Alexis cooed as she pet his chest.
“We’re renting a small home just a few streets down,” Sadie clarified.
“Well, I’m presently staying at a hotel.” Though his eyes remained on Sadie, she could tell that his focus was on the working of her sister’s hand. “Of course I would love to visit.”
“We’d be honored,” Alexis whispered loudly into his ear.
**********
Lord Ashwin smelled the innocence and lack of politics as he entered their humble little home. The house lacked the darkness that often surrounded vampire’s dwellings. It seemed too… normal and human.
Do doubt that was Sadie’s touch. How hard had she constantly worked to counteract the effects of being a vampire? If anything, the home displayed an overemphasis of normalcy.
He gazed at her, as innocent and charming as she’d been the very first day he’d met her. Not an ounce of venom, hatred or vengeance. Just purity.
And Alexis. If anything the years had heated her passion, honed her seductive skills and made her all the more alluring and tempting.
“This is quite cozy,” he said as he glided in behind Sadie. “Very enchanting indeed.” He winked at Alexis.
The small house barely carried the scent of vampire. He gazed at them, astonished to see just how they’d remained so completely innocent all these years. They seemed entirely oblivious to the politics of vampirism. But the time for them to choose was now upon them.
Though they were clearly unaware of it, the time had come.
Chapter 20
“I’m going to go get out of these tatters and be back in a minute,” Alexis said, already pulling apart her shirt.
The moment she left the room Sadie felt Ashwin’s intent gaze on her. Her attraction to him was still there and the strong emotions, but there was something missing; something different.
He pulled her into his arms, his embrace hard and passionate. “I can’t believe how long it’s been, Sadie. Do you know what these years without you have been like? Not knowing where you are? How you are? The desire to hold you in my arms again almost drove me to the brink of insanity.”
She stared at him, wanting to believe him, wanting to feel his strong desire for her.
He kissed her, his lips instantly possessing her while his tongue slipped in to greedily taste her. “Now that you're a vampire, I don’t have to be so gentle. We can be together, Sadie. Finally together.”
Though she wanted to completely lose herself in his embrace, in his words, Keegan’s face came to her mind’s eye. She felt she’d finally discovered him. Knowing that he was a hunter explained so much; his incredible strength and speed. When he’d told her he couldn’t become involved with her, she’d been confused and a frustrated, but now it made sense.
As a hunter, the slightest distraction could result in his death. And if he was fighting vicious vampires like Strigois, his concentration had to be flawless. He had to remain focused on the task at hand.
The thought struck her suddenly, making her embrace of Ashwin all the more awkward and uncomfortable. While his hold was warm and his kisses passionate, something about him left her feeling odd; as though she was missing out on something.
Something was different about Ashwin. Of course years had passed and, just like Alexis and herself, there were no doubt he made adjustments in order to fit in with modern society. But it wasn’t just that.
Before she could figure it all out, Alexis emerged, freshly showered, smelling of sweet flowers and enticingly dressed in tight jeans and a clingy red tank top. Sadie barely had time to take a breath before Ashwin was releasing her and turning his attention to her sibling.
“I must say, Alexis, you sure do clean up well.”
“Why thank you, milord,” she said with her heavy British accent.
“This California setting suits you far better than Dorset ever did.”
“Don’t I know it?” She quickly resumed the American lingo she’d adopted.
“Can’t wait to see you out at the beach.” His tone was deep and hungry. “You have a body built for the sun, surf and bikinis.”
Alexis’
smile was triumphant. “You seem to be doing pretty well for yourself as well.”
Sadie felt like an outsider in her own home. As far as they were concerned, she wasn’t even in the room.
“I certainly am. Coming from the time when Dracule reigned over the world of vampires, I didn’t think I would fit into the American mentality. Like Delilah, the move out here had to be well-thought-out. I hear she’s been enjoying the beach life.”
Sadie turned to him, but Alexis beat her to the question.
“Delilah’s a vampire?”
“And she’s here?” Sadie added.
“Yes,” he said to Alexis before turning to Sadie, “and yes.”
“But…” Alexis seemed as dumbfounded as Sadie felt.
“How do you know Delilah,” Sadie finished.
Fitting right into their little home, Ashwin strolled into the kitchen and glanced around with vague interest. “I was the Romanian prince of a tribe when Dracule turned me. He was a strong leader, and he needed to subdue his enemies to keep them from overtaking the empire. While his name was spoken of throughout the land as that of a blood-thirsty and ruthless beast, he was able to accomplish just his task. However, there was another side to him and Delilah knew of this. Though she was his peer, she clung to her humanity like it was the most precious thing a vampire can ever keep. It set her apart, but it also made her stand against what is natural for a vampire. You do know where she is now, don’t you?”
“No, we didn’t even know she had survived the fire,” Sadie said. “Are you looking for her?”
“I would have liked to reconnect with her, yes; reminisce about those days so long ago. I just know she’s here in town and I would like to see such an old friend.” His smile seemed genuine, if lacking in warmth.
“I can’t believe Delilah could be here in town, in the same town as us, and not contact us. We were her darlings. Practically her daughters.” Though initially elated at the news of Delilah’s safety, Sadie was dismayed by the cold shoulder of her childhood guardian.
“Well now, haven’t you grown wise, Sadie?”
Through his pleasant grin, Sadie could see his displeasure at the question.
“We’ve grown up considerably these past centuries. Pity you weren’t around to witness it.”
Alexis shot Sadie a deadly glare, but Ashwin took the reproach in stride.
“If you survived that staking, where were you? Where have you been all these years as we struggled to come to terms with what you’d done to us? What kept you from us while we relied simply on our instincts in order to survive?”
“That’s the life of a vampire, my sweet Sadie.”
“I’m sure Ash is tired, Sadie,” Alexis cut in. “It’s late and we’re all tired. I’ll walk him back to his hotel and we can start out fresh tomorrow.”
“Fine,” Sadie spat. “Everyone knows what you’ve been waiting centuries to do with him anyway. You might as well get started.”
“Sadie!”
“Oh, don’t play innocent now, Alexis. No doubt it’s what brought Ashwin to our home as well, isn’t it, Ashwin?”
“My run in with you was completely accidental. I had no idea…”
“And why did you not have any idea, Ashwin? How could you not know where we were? You’ve had centuries to find us. Were we just two of many innocents that you turned then left without a word?”
“I tried to find you, but…”
“You didn’t try hard enough,” she shouted.
“I couldn’t.” For the first time Ashwin raised his voice. His face red and filled with age old anger, he took a step towards her. “I was imprisoned. I couldn’t do anything.”
“Easy to say.”
“The day I was staked, I knew I was to die and I was prepared for it. My day had come and I accepted that. But the hunters had a far worse fate in mind for me. Merely staking me wasn’t enough. Some of Skars’ men took me away and imprisoned me. For years I saw nothing of the sky and the sea and felt only the stagnate air of the deepest dungeon on my face. Everything possible was done to take away the slightest trace of humanity from my soul.”
For a long moment, Alexis and Sadie were struck dumb. Sadie felt his pain and the struggle he’d lived through and deeply regretted her strong words of accusation.
“Who is Skars?” Sadie softly asked.
Ashwin leaned against the kitchen counter, his eyes barely able to meet hers. “He’s one of the most powerful Strigois and the nemesis of Dracule and Delilah. Ruthless does not even begin to describe him. No doubt you’ve heard of his rampages, atrocities and slaughters. Nothing, no one is safe from his wrath.”
“How do you now come to be here?” Sadie asked.
“A lazy guard permitted me to slip past and escape. Life hasn’t been easy since then, however. Skars has many hunters, far too many, and they’ve rarely been far behind me. All are smart, strong, fast and with a keen ability to smell vampires out. They’re human, but don’t let that fool you. They can be just as powerful as most vampires. Be on your guard. If you cross one, you’ll be hard pressed to make it out alive.”
Alexis and Sadie exchanged discreet but concerned glances.
“Well, that’s enough about me for tonight. I think I ought to head back to my hotel.” Ashwin headed for the door with Alexis at his heels.
“Hang on a minute,” Sadie said. “I think I’ll go with you after all.”
While Alexis clung to one arm, Sadie held onto the other as the threesome headed to the sidewalk.
“It’s a beautiful night for a nice stroll,” Ashwin announced with pride.
Chapter 21
The night air was refreshing and Sadie relaxed as they maintained a steady stride into town. Though Ashwin’s hotel was in the heart of downtown, many undesirables littered the streets looking for handouts and a free meal.
“How about a midnight snack?”Ashwin pointed his chin to an old drunk sleeping on a park bench. “We could get ourselves an easy feed.”
“I’m in,” Alexis was quick to reply.
“I don’t think we…”
In a heartbeat, Ashwin was on the frail old man, Alexis right behind him. Just as he was about to sink his fangs into the thin, wrinkled throat of the man a dark figure emerged from the surrounding trees and pushed him off the still sleeping figure.
Alexis was also flung far from her victim, landing several yards away from her feeding spot.
“Hey, what the hell is going on?” the old man grumbled. He sat up and squinted into the dark night. “What do you guys want?”
Ashwin didn’t bother answering. Once he’d shaken off his aggressor, he returned to finish what he’d started.
Sadie didn’t know where to turn as more and more figures emerged from the shadows. Though every movement was frighteningly fast, the action seemed to roll out in slow motion, as though her brain couldn’t quite keep up with all that was happening at once.
Her eye caught on a raised stake and for a moment she feared for Ashwin. So intent was he on his feeding that he didn’t take note. Alexis, quick to rush to his rescue, sunk her fangs into his would be assailant’s hand and refused to let go. She took a firm hold of the stake and turned it into its owner.
Crying with agony, the assailant fell to the ground, his hands pressing into the wound where so much blood flowed.
“Alexis!” a strangled male voice called out.
Sadie immediately recognized the familiar voice, but judging by Alexis’ wild eyes and bitter growl, her sister saw only the figure of a hunter and not Keegan.
He rushed to her, his eyes filled with the horror of the scene that awaited him. His fellow hunter was on the verge of death and there was nothing he could do to help him.
Keegan grabbed Alexis’ arm, holding it high above her, but still she didn’t recognize him. She snarled and lunged forward to sink her teeth into him. His gaze was filled with disbelief as he stared into her reddened eyes.
Sadie considered jumping into the melee to try t
o make sense of it all. Her sister, the love of centuries past and the young man she’d grown so incredibly fond of were all colliding and the results were far from desirable.
Keeping a hold of Alexis only a moment longer, Keegan relented and released her, quickly retreating to the safety of his group of hunters.
Sadie wanted to call out to him, to beckon him. Couldn’t he see she wasn’t involved, that she was different from her sister? Please, Keegan, she silently begged. Look at me and see the real woman that I am.
His scrutinizing gaze swept over the scene in the park and only after a lengthy glare at Ashwin did he finally bring his gaze to Sadie. Bewilderment was quickly replaced with tenderness and caring.
Her heart melted on realizing he knew. His eyes were warm and lacked the hunting instinct that had been reserved for his attack on Alexis.
“Sadie,” he called out. He rushed to her and took her in his arms.
“Keegan,” she whispered as she clung to him.
“You're an angel in this hell.”
He grabbed her hand and turned to lead her out of the park, but then halted as Ashwin emerged from the darkness.
“Well, well, well.”
His voice was more menacing than Sadie could ever recall hearing. It droned, thick and deep, as though emanating from the depths of hell. Alexis stood at his side, relishing the anger Ashwin now directed at Sadie.
“So the lovely and pure Sadie Stoker is in cahoots with the world famous immortal hunter Keegan Knowles. How deliciously charming,” came a new voice dripping with menace.
Firm footsteps came from behind Ashwin and everyone turned to see the source.
“He is far more than just an immortal hunter.” The booming voice startled everyone, including Keegan who stared at the imposing figure with awe and disbelief.
“Skars,” Keegan said.
“I’m quite proud of what I’ve accomplished with this young human,” the tall figure went on. “When this whole adventure began, I didn’t think he’d stand the test of time, but he’s proven to be a remarkable investment.”
