Immortal Suffering

by Shana J Caldwell

  I finish pouring half and pass it to him.

  “Thank you, it means a lot for you to do this. That’s a cool power by the way.” I remark as I put my vial back in my bag. He puts a lid on his and slides it back under his desk.

  “Yes it’s rather handy in this field of work, amazing how much you spill things. Is that all you needed? I have another job I need to be working on.” He stands as he says this, straightening his jacket.

  “Yes it is; thank you. I’ll be back in a month or two too see how you’ve come along. I have a dead line of three months, so I can’t be messing around,” I say seriously, pulling the bag back over my back.

  “Yes I assure you I will get started immediately, once the king gives me the green light. Thank you for stopping by Allison, have a good evening.” He smiles and nods once; I nod back and leave the room.

  I leave the building fast, not wanting to hang around any longer. Once Kal knew I’d been here he would come looking for me. I didn’t want to be found right now. I just needed some time to clear my head and figure out if he is what I really wanted, even after everything he’s done.

  I sigh and head towards the platform again; a night or two camping in the woods should do wonders for me. I could even stay in Yolanda’s old town if I wanted more security. As I near the platform a backstreet catch’s my eyes, a deep red mist swallows the end of the alley; deep thumping music echoes and drifts towards me. I stop in my tracks, vampires and their blood humans mill in and out of the street, making sure to step around me.

  A black door hangs open, the source of where the music comes from. Instead of hiding in the forest I could just hide down there, I know this would piss Kal off even more than being in the forest alone.

  I walk down the overcrowded street, keeping my head down and try to ignore the ever growing fear that’s sitting deep inside my stomach. I hold my bags straps tightly as I squeeze through the door, if I wasn’t part vampire I wouldn’t have been able to see the stairs that spiral down only a few steps in front of me.

  I cough slightly at the mist; the thumping music grows louder the deeper I descend. The vampires bop their head along to the music as they leave and enter. It’s a constant flow of vampires coming and leaving.

  Not one of them looks sideways at me or points out the markings Kal had given me. I was a ghost here, almost fitting in with them. I reach the bottom of the stairs and move out of the way for the vampires behind me as I look around.

  Red lights sit in every corner, the mist a thin layer at my feet. The open space before me is full of vampires dancing with one another, the ones on the outskirts socialise with one another.

  I look over to the bar; I walk through the crowd and take a seat on the red stool. A female vampire stands up from under the counter, her pale skin is covered in tattoos; her red dreadlocks sit in a high pony tail, exposing the shaved sides of her head.

  “What can I get ya?” she yells, raising a pierced eyebrow at me. I look around for a menu and come up empty.

  “Something to take the edge off,” I yell back, placing my hands on the sticky counter. She pulls a large glass out and begins to pour dark red liquid into it. She places a small umbrella in the slush and passes it to me.

  “How much is it?” I ask, taking it hesitantly.

  “Nothing, it’s free Friday night specials. Enjoy.” She flashes me a fanged smile before heading down further to serve others. I take the drink and stand back up; I make my way to one of the more secluded back corners and take a sip.

  Immediately my senses are flooded with blood, but not human. I take another gulp, my body begins to hum. I finish the drink off with another few gulps, I’d never drunk before and right now it’s all I wanted to do.

  I move back to the bar and place the empty glass down. I take a seat as the bartender comes back to me.

  “Can I get another two?” I ask as she begins to make one.

  “Sure. Your first time?” She asks as she shakes a bottle.

  “Yes it is. What’s in it? It doesn’t taste like human blood.” I look around the bar; more vampires had come forward to get drinks. A man takes a seat beside me.

  “It’s deer blood and alcohol, it’ll make you buzz but be careful not to drink too much. You’ll have a killer hangover tomorrow if you do.” She passes me my two drinks and continues on. I take both and leave, I find an empty table and take a seat. I polish off my second drink, loving the humming it was giving my body.

  The room around me begins to blur at the edges, either the room is moving or I’m swaying something fierce. I giggle out loud at the thought as I begin to sip on my third drink; forcing myself to go slow.

  I feel my fangs emerge, the blood driving my senses wild. I put my bag on the table and finish my third glass. I need to dance. I shimmy onto the dance floor, my body sways to the music. I close my eyes and throw my hands in the air, the smell of blood and sweat drowns out anything else.

  Bodies move against mine and I open my eyes as hands wind around my waist; pulling me against a hard body. I lean back into them and lower my arms, putting my hands over theirs.

  “You’re a pretty little thing,” he purrs. His breath hits my neck and sends chills through me. Kal had held me in a way similar to this, except this didn’t feel nearly as good. The rational part of me knew I should get out of here before I did something I’d regret but the alcohol in my system threw that out the window.

  “Mmm human and vampire.” his tongue licks the bare skin under my ear. If he was on the other side of my neck he’d see the marks.

  “Do you want another drink?” he asks, I nod as I sway with him.

  “I’ll be back.” his hands leave my waist as he disappears. As soon as he’s gone I’ve forgotten about him. A few other vampires come and dance with me, not caring or knowing who I am.

  I’m being led away from the dance floor by a female vampire. I’d forgotten where she said we were going and the room is spinning around me. She pulls back a black curtain, revealing a red love seat. The male from earlier sits on it, two glasses sit on the small glass table.

  “Remember me?” he asks, reaching a hand out to me. I reach out and take it; he pulls me onto his lap so I’m facing the female vampire that led me here. Her features are a blur as I try to focus on her. They begin to talk to one another.

  Where the hell are you!

  I jump in his lap, not expecting to hear Nardia’s voice.

  “Where are we?” I try to say, not knowing if the words came out in a coherent sentence.

  “The Beat,” the male says, his hands skim up and down my waist.

  The Beat.

  You are in so much trouble.

  I snort at her comment. I could do what I want.

  The female vampire sits beside us and opens her purse; she pulls out a small bag. She makes three white lines on the table, I’m not sure what it is but it looks tempting.

  She snorts the first line, scrunching her nose up once she’s finished.

  “It’s your turn love,” she says, leaning back. I go to lean forward; I had nothing to lose so I may as well. I lean onto the table, trying to steady myself, the lines blur in front of me.

  I lean down to a line, in a swift move I do my best to snort the powder.

  I cover my mouth as I begin to cough, she giggles beside me. I haven’t finished the whole line. I move from the guy’s lap and squeeze in beside them; my head feels a million miles away from me.

  He leans forward and finishes it off. He sits back and throws his head back, I notice his fangs out. I reach up and feel my own out.

  I frown, unsure of how I got here. What had I just taken?

  “What was that?” I ask, rolling my head to look to the female vampire.

  “Just a mild drug, nothing harmful,” she murmurs. I look back towards the black curtain; the music is slightly muffled by the curtain.

  “It makes you feel really good and everything you experience is a thousand times more intense,” the guy says. He sits up and gr
abs onto his drink.

  “I can’t believe you wanted to try it, hard core lil fox.” the girl begins to giggle and I find myself joining in. I can’t believe I’d wanted to try it. I have no idea who these people are.

  “Are you two a couple?” I ask. I look down at my hands and begin to move my fingers. My body doesn’t feel real.

  “Eh, something like that,” she says. I look back to her. The drug has taken away the harsher effects of the alcohol, so I can see her more clearly. Her blonde hair is cut in a bob, her dark eyeshadow exaggerates her large, plump pink lips.

  “Do you care I’m human?” I ask.

  “Nope,” they say in unison. We all join in laughing, my sides begin to hurt and my face aches from the smile I can’t wipe off my face.

  The curtain is pulled back and a large male steps in. I turn my head to the side and I’m hit with his scent.

  Kal.

  I stand and stumble over to him; I throw my arms around his tense form. I nestle my head into the crevice of his neck, his arms wrap around my waist.

  “What are you doing?” he growls.

  “Having a good night. It’s free Friday, have a drink with me,” I whisper. I begin to pepper kisses along his neck, tasting his sweat. He must have run here.

  “We’re leaving. Now.” he lowers his hands to my ass and pulls me up into the air; I wrap my legs around his waist but lean back so I can see his face.

  His expression is masked but I can see the anger under the thin façade.

  “Bye guys, thank you so much!” I lean back and look at them upside down, they’re making out with each other. The female pulls away and smiles at me before going back to the male. I pull myself up and watch Kal’s face as he leaves the small room.

  “You know you need to lighten up. I’m fiiiiine.” I drag the word out, whining. I want to dance. I begin to wiggle in his arms.

  “You are not. What did you take?” He asks, his jaw twitching. I shrug, I had no idea.

  “Can we dance? Please? Then I’ll come.” I raise my eyebrows a few times.

  “Your pupils are dilated,” he growls. I bite my lip as I smile.

  “Does it look cute?” his eyes flicker to my fangs.

  “No.” he manoeuvres through the crowd, right through the dance floor.

  “Please Kal, one dance,” I beg, shaking his shoulders with my hands. No vampire paid attention to us, or the fact their King was down here with a mortal girl.

  “One,” he grinds out. He places me to the ground and helps steady me, my hips begin to sway to the bass that’s thumping through the speakers. I turn in his arms and lean back against him; I raise my hands above me and wrap them around his neck. I grind back against him with my hips, his hands go to my waist as we sway together.

  “You’ve been a very naughty girl, Allison.” he whispers into my hair, his voice lights my body on fire.

  “Do you have to punish me?” I purr, rubbing back against him harder. Feeling his skin against mine is mind blowing, I didn’t know it could feel this good.

  “I’m afraid so.” he nips at my ear and I moan low in my throat, a few vampires look our way. He growls at them.

  “We’re leaving now. I don’t like people seeing you like this.” In a quick movement I’m cradled in his arms. I lean my head against his shoulder and sigh.

  “Don’t forget my bag,” I murmur, my head feeling suddenly heavy.

  “Nardia has already retrieved it.” he begins to climb the stairs. The cool air chills me to the bone and I begin to shiver. My teeth chatter as we leave the club. Nardia stands there with a coat over her arm. She throws it over me and tucks it in.

  “You’re so silly.” she shakes her head but I catch the small smile she gives me.

  “We’re going back to my apartment. She’ll freeze before we reach the castle. I’ll see you in a few hours when she’s asleep.” he nods once and begins to walk. I look up at the black sky.

  “You need stars.” I say.

  “Yes we do.” he mumbles.

  “Why are you so grumpy? I’m okay,” I say, looking up to his face. His eyes flicker down to me.

  “I was worried about you. I had no idea where you went; I thought I was going to be too late when I arrived,” he says softly.

  “I needed to forget for a bit, it worked. I had fun.” I giggle, bitting my lip again. I love to dance.

  “We’ll get you showered and into bed, we’ll talk tomorrow.” I close my eyes and nestle into him.

  “Alright Kal, just wake me when we arrive.” I yawn, my body feels heavy but my mind is alright and alive. I give into the needs of my body.

  Chapter 31

  Kalabhiti

  I manage to open the door without waking Ali, her small form reeks of blood and alcohol and I can’t believe she’d let herself get this bad over one argument and whatever dark thoughts plagued her.

  I close the door behind me and walk down the small hallway of the penthouse apartment, it opens up to a large spacious area where the king size bed sits flush against the back wall to. In front of me it’s glass windows that reach from roof to floor and the glass door that leads out to the small balcony. I didn’t bother with curtains, not with the constant night and being on top of the apartment building.

  I turn left and pass the small kitchen, the lights turn on with my movement; causing the white kitchen bench to shine.

  I go down another small hall and open the door up into a large bathroom, Ali stays still in my arms; breathing heavily. I was going to have to wake her up soon, hoping she’d be able to stay conscious enough for a bath.

  The large spa takes up the back wall, large enough for eight or more people. The small sink and mirror to my right are spotless; a black towel sits on the sink bench.

  I gently place Ali down on the wooden bench that sits opposite the sink; I plug the spa and turn the water on; pouring a small concoction of coconut soap into the water. I go back to Ali and sit her up, her eyes flutter as I hold her up.

  “Ali darling, I need you to wake up for me,” I say softly, I reach up and run a hand down her face; brushing the hair out of the way. She’s so warm to touch. So painfully human. Her hands spread and she helps support herself on the bench. She opens her eyes, only a sliver of the red that I’d come to adore is left from her blown pupils.

  In this moment she is vampire. Her fangs prod her bottom lip; she blinks slowly as she looks over me.

  “Kal?” she mumbles. She reaches up and rubs a hand against her eyes. I lean back, keeping my hands on her knees. I rub them back and forth to help warm her up.

  “Yes, it’s me. You’re safe now,” I say and she slumps back against the wall and groans. I stare at the mating mark I’d left her with; I know mine would be showing as well.

  “We’re going to get you in the bathtub and then I’ll put you to bed, you’ll hopefully feel better in the morning.” I cringe as I say it, after taking the drug you didn’t feel better the next day; you felt worse. I’d learnt the hard way.

  “But I feel my best now,” she whispers, her words almost a slur.

  “Yes well enjoy it while it lasts. Come on, bath time.” I stand up and hold out my hands for her, she grips them shakily as she stands. She sways back and forth.

  “I can’t bath myself.” She raises an eyebrow at me, pointing towards the bath. “I’ll drown,” she clarifies; the unformed question in my head evaporates.

  “Are you sure?” I ask, hesitant. I didn’t want to make her feel uncomfortable with me being here. I know we’d both seen each other without clothes but I feel wrong staying in here when she’s in such a vulnerable state.

  “Yes I’m sure. It’s either your company or death. I chose you.” she huffs, letting go of my hands. She reaches out a steady hand and undresses herself; I force myself to look away.

  I hear water splash and look back over, she’s sitting against the front of the tub; her small face resting on the edge.

  I take a seat on the bench and watch her. She blinks slow
ly as she looks around.

  “I was taken from my family when I was little,” she says, I raise an eyebrow at her statement. She diverts her eyes to the floor.

  “All because I wasn’t registered. If I had just been able to get that stupid chip I’d have been able to stay with them.” She sighs as she sits back, lowering herself into the water. The water and bubbles finish just below her shoulders.

  “I’m sorry.” she waves her hand at me, sloshing water.

  “Dad said that one day I’d understand why, why he never let me get chipped. I don’t know what could be of such importance that he’d lose me rather than have me know.” she looks up at me with sad eyes, her bottom lip quivers.

  I sit back and think, I’d been hibernating when she was born. Only recently being resurrected again.

  “Do you think it’s because they would have picked up on your vampire blood?” I ask, that was most likely the reason. If her dad gave in and got her chipped, she might not be here today. Humans are cruel things; something as small as her having mild vampire blood in her veins would be enough for them to execute her.

  “Yes, maybe. I’ll never see them again; I can’t even remember what town I was born in. All I know is Penrith and its cruel ways. I want to change that, more than anything.” I stay silent as she talks, no words I could say would bring her any comfort at this time.

  “Like why does it have to be vampire versus human? Why can’t we just co-exist with one another? There’s no equality. I know there would be deaths but it’s in both our natures to kill. I’ve seen what the humans in my town have done, I know what vampires do. I don’t know how to go about shoving them together and making it happy ever after.” She swishes her hands back and forth in the water, deep in thought. An idea comes to mind.

  “Are you really serious about wanting to change this world?” I ask, leaning forward to look at her. She meets my eyes and although I know she’s most likely in another world her eyes are clear as she answers.

  “Yes. More than anything.”