Dark Seeker

by Taryn Browning

  Janie sat in silence, staring at her mother, shocked by this new information. Isabelle never wanted to talk about Connor. The only tangible memory of him she’d taken with her during every move was the picture in the living room. All Janie had to remember her father by was a single picture in a plain wooden frame and distant childhood memories that faded as the years passed.

  Isabelle continued, her words and tone more severe. “I’m not comparing Connor to Kai. Connor was a human, and Kai is something entirely different. Remember—he is part demon, which means he is also partly evil.”

  “He’s not evil.” Janie sat up straight.

  “Janie, I already told you. I’m not going to tie you to your bed so that you can never see him again. I’m just warning you to be careful. I’m still your mother.” She pointed a long slender finger at Janie.

  “Fine.” Janie sank into a slouch. “I’ll be careful.”

  Isabelle stood to leave.

  “Mom—wait. I have something else to ask you. I’m afraid this thing with Matt has gotten worse.” Janie exhaled loudly. “He seems a little, for lack of a better word, ‘into’ me.”

  Isabelle shrugged. “He’s a high school boy, why shouldn’t he like you?”

  “Do you remember what you told me a few days ago? You said Matt was a problem, other than the problem of him possibly outing me to the whole school. You even brought up Dad.”

  She waved her hand dismissively. “I talked to Abram. I’m sure everything’s fine.”

  “Mom—” Janie knew she was hiding something. “Tell me what you know.”

  Isabelle’s hands found her hips. “It rarely happens anymore. Humans are more aware than they used to be. It’s not needed.” Janie waited impatiently for her to continue. Isabelle let out a puff of air. “Okay, I feared Matt may have been Imprinted.”

  “What does that mean?” Janie clutched her comforter in her fists. Whatever “Imprinted” was, it didn’t sound good. She suddenly pictured Matt as a baby duckling, a disturbing image she quickly dismissed.

  “It’s when a human falls in love with a Seeker because she has saved his life. It was meant to ensure secrecy back when no one knew vampires existed. If a human were in love with the Seeker, he would never tell anyone about the Seeker’s gift or about the vampire that attacked him. He forms an unwavering loyalty to the Seeker who saved him. Often, this comes out as a form of love.”

  “Are you saying Matt’s in love with me?” Janie’s mouth hung open. She didn’t even know what to say. The Junior Prom King, the star wrestler, the most popular guy in school—he’s in love with me.

  Isabelle sounded upset. “That’s exactly why I didn’t want to tell you. I’m not saying that at all. He probably just likes you. It’s a normal teenage crush. Teenage love can be intense.” Isabelle moved over to Janie and retrieved her inhaler out of her nightstand drawer. “You look like you might need this. Breathe, will you?”

  “I’m okay.” Janie flung her hand in the air, signaling she didn’t need her inhaler and stared at Jason Patric on her The Lost Boys poster. “Let’s just say you’re wrong. How do I stop it?” Janie returned to her mother’s warm brown eyes, hoping desperately for an antidote.

  Isabelle frowned. “You can’t. He’ll love you forever, or at least until he can find someone else to settle for, unless you fall in love with him, too.”

  Janie choked. “I’m not in love with Matt Baker. Besides, I’d have to kill a human if that happened.” Isabelle stared at Janie, clearly expecting an explanation.

  “Molly Hall. She’d never let it happen, and I’d be forced to kill her.”

  “Janie.” Isabelle furrowed her brow. “That’s not how you should be using your strength. I didn’t raise you that way.”

  “I’m just kidding, Mom. I’d only hurt her.” Isabelle’s brow didn’t straighten. “A little.”

  “Whatever you do, be nice to that boy. Imprinted or not, the poor thing was attacked by the undead twice.”

  “How will I know if he just likes me or really likes me?”

  Isabelle let out a reminiscent laugh. “You’ll know. He won’t leave you alone. And he may profess his love.” Isabelle’s features straightened. “I’m not trying to make light of this. It can have serious consequences on the human Imprint. Seekers can destroy Imprints without lifting a finger.” She paused. “But as I said before, it’s most likely just a teenage crush.”

  Great! Janie shook her head. What have I done? Most girls would dream of Imprinting the most popular boy in school. Janie just wanted to bury her head in the sand.

  Isabelle gave Janie a reassuring tap on the knee. “You’ll figure it out. Get some sleep,” she said. “It’s late.” She smiled and shut the door behind her.

  “You imprinted him!” The deep boom of Kai’s voice made Janie jump off her mattress.

  “Kai,” she said. “Stop doing that. Can’t you knock or something?”

  Kai whirled over to the side of her bed. “Answer my question. Did. You. Imprint. Matt?” He spoke slowly, enunciating every word.

  “No, I don’t know, maybe.” She shook her head, confused by his sudden anger and feeling slightly frightened by his temper.

  “That’s just great.” He removed a small blade from his belt and flung it to the opposite side of the room. The blade’s tip lodged in her closet door.

  Janie pulled her down pillow in front of her as if a pile of feathers could protect her from an enraged Daychild. “What do you care? You didn’t Imprint him!” How dare he?

  “That’s a good thing, since I’m not into dudes.”

  “Only witches,” she mumbled.

  His head shot up. “Are you jealous?” he said.

  “No.” She leaned back against her headboard and swallowed deeply. His outburst felt like an interrogation. All they were missing was the metal desk, solitary room and harsh bright lights.

  “I’m not with Albania. At least not anymore,” he said more calmly.

  “So you were?” Janie pushed, then realized maybe she didn’t want to know the answer.

  “Briefly. We realized we were better as friends.” He seemed slightly calmer since they weren’t discussing Matt.

  “Did you sleep with her?” she said. He didn’t answer. Janie wanted to take her question back. “You’re right; it’s none of my business.”

  Kai flopped down on to her bed. He hunched over his legs with his elbows resting on his knees. A chunk of white highlight fell into his face, obstructing his profile.

  Janie checked her clock. She was tired. It had been an exhausting day. “It’s late. You should go.”

  He lifted his head. The hard lines around his face had dissipated. “Or, I could stay?”

  CHAPTER 9

  Janie reminded herself to blink. He wants to stay over?

  “I’m not going to try anything,” he said. “Besides, you’re already spoken for.”

  “Shut up. I am not.” She smacked him in the arm with her pillow. “Where are you going to sleep?”

  “You have a queen-size bed.” He glanced over at the empty spot next to her.

  “You want to sleep with me?” She stifled the urge to hit him again with her pillow. Was he serious?

  His sarcastic guard lifted. His features appeared softer, unprotected, exposing the innately human side of himself. “Is it a problem?”

  “No.” She tried to seem indifferent. She had every reason to feel nervous, frightened in a way. Their relationship had changed. Her feelings for him were evolving into something completely foreign to her. “I have to get changed for bed.” As Janie slid off the bed to retrieve a T-shirt and flannel pajama bottoms from her dresser, her eyes caught his. She quickly looked away, embarrassed.

  “Go ahead—change.” His sarcastic smile returned.

  “Not right here—in the bathroom.” Her cheeks flushed. She wanted to cower behind a very tall object.

  “I’ll be right here when you get back,” he told her, masking a smile. She stepped into the hallway
and peered around the door. Unsteadily, she stumbled and closed the door behind her.

  When Janie returned to her room, Kai lay on her spare pillow with his arm propped behind his head. A lump formed at the base of her throat. It’s simple, just go lie down on your side of the bed like you usually do. She closed her bedroom door, swallowed and took hesitant steps toward the bed. His fitted tee exposed every hard line on his muscular chest. His legs were crossed and he’d removed his shoes. He looked so comfortable. She wished she felt the same.

  “Nice PJ’s,” he said.

  “What were you expecting, Victoria’s Secret?” She peered down at her cotton and flannel ensemble.

  “Maybe a little lace, but I guess the flannel will do.” He laughed.

  “I thought this sleeping situation was platonic. Anyway, I don’t do lace.” She slid under her covers. He lay on top of them, pulling the comforter tight against one side of her body. She squirmed to loosen the bedding.

  “Even black lace?” he said after a quiet pause.

  “Even black lace,” she repeated.

  Janie extended her arms over the top of her comforter so they weren’t constricted under the covers. She supported her head on her thick down pillow and peeked out of the corner of her eye. Kai lay about a foot away. Nothing on him moved. Not even the rise and fall of his chest. He didn’t need air to live.

  “Are you still awake?” she said.

  “Yes, your ceiling is glowing. It’s kind of distracting.”

  Janie focused on the collage of plastic glow-in-the-dark stars spaced sporadically over her ceiling, ranging from tiny to large yellowish-green glowing shapes. “Then close your eyes,” she said flatly.

  “I guess it’s better than focusing on your corny poster. That movie was lame.”

  “The Lost Boys is an eighties classic.” Nobody messed with her 80s movies.

  “You’re a Seeker. What are you doing hanging vampire movie posters on your wall?”

  “Coming from someone who has nothing on his walls.” She became serious. “Tell me about your family.” Janie rolled over to her side. Kai peered down at her.

  “Years ago, I’m not quite sure how long, at least twenty, I lived in Tucson with my parents and golden retriever, Max. The last time I saw them was my senior year in high school. I went into downtown Tucson with a few of my friends, and none of us made it home that day—” his voice trailed. Her night light created an eerie shadow around his face. His eyes appeared darker.

  “Do you miss your parents?” she said.

  “Of course, but I know I can never go back. I’m not the son they loved anymore. I’ve spent the last fifteen years thinking about what I would say to them if I ever got the opportunity to see them again. They are much older now, retired I’m sure. It doesn’t matter. I can’t even remember the exact year I became a demon.”

  “There are ways of finding out. Have you thought about looking into your high school records, or old newspaper articles about your disappearance? You can get just about anything online now. I could help you.” Janie reached out to touch his arm. He flinched, then relaxed. A warm smile crossed his face.

  “Fifteen years ago I made the conscious choice to never go back, that my life would start over fresh from that point on. It was the only way I could make peace with what I’d done.”

  “What exactly happened fifteen years ago?” Janie traced the scars on his forearm with her fingers. His face tightened. She wondered how long it had been since someone had really cared about him, and showed it. He started to speak, but only a breath squeaked out before his voice broke.

  “It’s okay,” she whispered. “You’re safe with me.”

  He nodded. His features relaxed. “I was very close to death. Albania took pity on me. She always says she saw something special in me, that I wasn’t like the others.” His lips formed a soft smile. “She brought me back to her apartment and healed me. After an agonizing twenty-four hours, I was no longer a monster.” He touched his heart, where the crisscross scar hid under his shirt. “She gave me a new human heart that beat human blood through my veins. I kept my ability, but that was all that was left of the demon inside of me. She removed the fallen angel who had taken over my soul so many years earlier.” He stroked the hand Janie had rested on his scarred forearm. “She couldn’t do anything about the vampire part of me. I still have fangs full of venom, and I only breathe out of habit.”

  “Can I see your fangs?” Janie removed her hand from his and touched his mouth. His lips parted. She ran her finger over his teeth. They were smooth, like hers.

  “They only come out when I’m angry or hungry.”

  “Is it hard. . .being different?”

  He paused. Janie waited patiently. “I’ve lived in this new body for fifteen years with the knowledge of everything I’d done as a Daychild.”

  Fear returned to his voice; it shook as he spoke, frightening Janie. He reached over and gripped her hand. His eyes appeared black in the darkness and pierced straight through her. “Trust me, if you knew what I’ve done, you wouldn’t be next to me right now. You wouldn’t be friends with me. You would’ve made sure you killed me the first time we met.”

  Kai shot up in bed, listening for something Janie’s human ears couldn’t hear. Her Seeker sense set in and Janie felt the vampire’s presence.

  There was a rap at her window.

  “Stay here,” Kai said. He extended his arm over Janie so she couldn’t move. “Don’t worry, he can’t come in uninvited.”

  “Jerome, I’ll stake you faster than you can blink,” Kai said sharply, glaring at the ghetto vamp.

  Janie hurried to her feet and sprinted over to the window. “I thought I told you I’d handle this.” Kai glared at her.

  “It’s my window.” She drew the curtain back.

  “Janie, invite me in,” Jerome said.

  “Forget it. What do you want?” Kai said, pulling the curtain out of Janie’s hands and blocking her view of Jerome. “Go back over to the bed. I’ll deal with him.”

  “I can answer him myself.” Janie yanked the curtain back and unlocked the window to open it. Jerome stood on the shingled roof below her window, sporting the usual red bandana, tank top and gold chains.

  “Janie, invite me in,” he said again.

  She cast him an icy stare. How dare he come to her window in the wee hours of the morning? Then she remembered—he’s a vampire. When else would he visit? He slept during the day and would burst into a pile of ashes in the sunlight. She answered him. “Forget it. What do you want, Jerome?”

  “That’s what he said.” Jerome eyed Kai.

  Kai smirked.

  “I agree with him. I’m not inviting you in,” Janie said. “Have you forgotten? I’m a Seeker. Why would I invite a vampire into my home?”

  “Seriously, do you think I’d travel all the way to the ‘burbs to stand outside your window all night if it weren’t important?”

  Janie turned to Kai. He shook his head vehemently, indicating the answer was still “no.” He’d never let Jerome have access to her home.

  She grumbled to Kai, “Why don’t we go outside, then. I’ve got stakes.”

  He didn’t even have to contemplate his answer. “No!”

  Jerome rustled outside the window. “You don’t need stakes. I just wanna talk.”

  Janie’s eyes swung back over to Jerome. “Okay, Jerome. We’ll be out in a sec.” Janie let the curtain fall, obstructing her view of the ghetto vamp leader.

  Kai spun her around to face him. “I’ll go,” he said. He moved over to her bed and slipped on his shoes.

  “So will I.” Janie stomped over to her closet.

  Kai moved next to her and hovered over her as she laced her shoes. “We don’t know how many are out there. It could be an ambush,” he argued.

  “So I’m going to let you walk into a possible ambush, alone.” She finished tying her laces and rose to meet his indignant stance. Without leaving his eyes, she unhinged her backpack fr
om a hook in her closet and slung the strap over her shoulder.

  The veins in his neck throbbed and he forced himself to speak calmly. “We need to rethink this.”

  Janie spoke through tight lips, afraid if she opened her mouth any wider her mom would here her yelling at Kai. “I’m a Seeker. I don’t back down. What’s your excuse for being so scared?” Janie pushed by him and marched to her bedroom door. He didn’t attempt to restrain her or follow. She spun around. “Well, are you coming?”

  He didn’t move from his place in front of the closet. “Don’t you see, this isn’t about me? I don’t care what happens to me.”

  “We’re in this together, as a team,” Janie said. “I don’t need a protector.” She reached for the doorknob, sick of arguing. He was being ridiculous. And what’s with the sudden act of chivalry?

  Kai rolled his eyes. “Fine, we’ll both go, but we’re not going out the door. I don’t need to take the chance of your mother catching me in your house.”

  Janie paused. Was she really going to? Yes, I am. She hurried over to him. Scared excitement coursed through her.

  “Are you ready?” He flipped her up into his arms. “You might want to close your eyes.”

  She clasped her arms around his neck. Her heart rate pedaled toward an alarming level. She dipped her head into his chest. “Wait—”

  He huffed. “What? It’s not like we haven’t done it before.”

  “But I didn’t know. This is different. I’m fully aware of what we’re about to do. Sorry if running through walls isn’t exactly standard for me. I’m fully human, remember?”

  He stared at her. “Are you finished rambling?”

  She tightened her grip. “Okay, go—”

  He took three steps back and sprinted forward. Like on the motorcycle, she felt cold air prickle her face in their descent. When his boots hit the earth, she opened her eyes. He placed her in the grass and she righted herself, like it was no big thing. Cool.