Defiance

by Adrienne Monson

  When Tafari got close enough, he picked up Leisha’s arm and cut her as well. Blood drips echoed between the chanting. Both Rinwa and Tafari continued to escalate their pitches, almost as if they were possessed. Tafari cut Leisha’s arm more frantically until the slash marks matched the same pattern on his own arm. Suddenly, he stopped chanting and knelt. Tafari pushed Leisha’s arm over her bulging belly and then put his bloody arm over hers. He sat for one long minute, studying the patterns created by the spilled blood while Rinwa continued to tap her beat and chant at the top of her lungs.

  When Tafari stood, Rinwa stopped and looked up at him. “This is the prophecy child,” he confirmed, pointing to the bloody patterns around him and Leisha.

  Rinwa sighed and stood, gathering up her knife and drum from the floor. “Figured. I’m not cleaning this mess up.” She walked back down the hall and into the room she and Samantha shared.

  Swallowing, Samantha looked down at the blood on the hardwood. It made a pattern on the floor. It if hadn’t been blood, she might have stayed to study the beauty of it. Instead, she stood.

  “I will clean this up while you two go through all the things I just got you.” Tafari said as he helped Leisha to stand and kissed her cheek.

  “Come on, Samantha.” Leisha grabbed her hand and picked up the bags of merchandise. “We’re going to spend the day doing makeovers!”

  Tafari groaned as if it were a fate worse than death.

  Samantha took a few deep breaths to recover from the strange ceremony. Of course, everyone else around her took it in stride as if that were completely normal. It’s funny how abnormal I feel sometimes, considering what they just did.

  Two hours later, Samantha was struggling not to scratch at her skin. Leisha had helped her apply a self-tanning lotion. They’d had to put five layers on to get her looking tanned. Samantha knew she was pretty pale, but hadn’t realized how much work would go into getting her more bronzed.

  “I hope we don’t have to keep this up for long,” she murmured as she studied the odd color of her arms.

  “Hopefully not.” Leisha brushed a dark curl from Samantha’s forehead. “But you look pretty good this way. So it’s not all bad.”

  Studying her reflection in the mirror, Samantha decided that the vampire was right. Not only was her hair raven black, but permed into medium curls. It caused her fine hair to look a lot thicker and made her face appear more heart-shaped than her usual oval. The darker tint of her face contrasted drastically with her blue eyes. The problem Samantha had was that she simply didn’t look like herself. The person in the mirror was a stranger.

  Glancing back at Leisha, Samantha cracked a bittersweet smile. “I may look cute, but you’re absolutely centerfold magnificent as a redhead.”

  She’d helped the vampire dye her locks auburn. They hadn’t done anything to her skin, but the more vibrant hair had brought out a pinker tone to Leisha. And her emerald green eyes were even more striking than before.

  Smiling at each other, they walked out into the main room. Stopping in front of Nik, Samantha slowly turned. “What do you think?”

  Placing his book in an end table, he studied her closely. “It’s a very good disguise.” He put his chin in the cup of his hand. “To be honest, I think you looked better as you were, but this will keep you well hidden.”

  Samantha smiled shyly. She was glad he felt the same as she did. She went over to the window and peeked through the curtain. “Guess we have more time to kill until sundown.”

  “And what happens at sundown?” Rinwa inquired.

  Samantha glanced at Nik. “Nik’s going to take me on a date.”

  The vampire didn’t show any outward expression, but Samantha could see surprise flit across his eyes before it disappeared.

  “Do you think that’s wise?” Leisha was sitting next to Tafari on the couch, leaning against his chest.

  Samantha gave a half shrug and made the argument she’d been preparing. “I don’t see why not. After all, that’s why we spent half the day making me look like a local. And Nik knows his way through any city in the world. He’s the perfect person to take me out. I’ll be safe with him.”

  “If you insist on going out,” Tafari said, “then I can take you. I know San Cristobal like my own house.”

  Shaking her head, Samantha was about to argue further when Leisha spoke up.

  “Samantha, you’re old enough to make your own choices here. But I’d like to remind you that part of growing up has nothing to do with age and more to do with learning to make decisions with wisdom and foresight.”

  Brows drawing down, Samantha looked at her friend. “So are you going to support this decision I’m making, or tell me that I’m acting like a silly sixteen-year-old?”

  “Like I said, you’re old enough to make your own choices. I won’t stand in your way.”

  “I’m glad that you’re okay with this, but why do I get the royal treatment?”

  Leisha’s eyes danced with mirth. “Because I just realized that today is March twentieth.”

  Mouth popping open, Samantha stared. “No way.”

  “What happens on March twentieth?” Rinwa asked.

  Gesturing to Samantha, Leisha answered all three curious looks. “As of today, Samantha is seventeen.”

  “It’s your birthday?” Nik blinked.

  Rinwa rolled her eyes. “Just because it’s her birthday doesn’t mean we can let her make stupid decisions for the day.”

  “This coming from the person who encouraged her to drink,” Nik said with what Samantha guessed was annoyance.

  Tafari shifted as if he were coming to a reluctant conclusion. “He has a point, Rinwa. Nikita was trying to be the voice of reason at that club.”

  Crossing her arms, Rinwa stared at her father with wide eyes. “Don’t tell me you’re suddenly okay with Samantha dating a vampire?”

  “I did not say that. However, she deserves something special and I believe this date with him will provide it.” He turned his blue-eyed-stare on Nik. “So long as he behaves as a perfect gentleman.”

  The vampire stiffened. “Of course I’d be a perfect gentleman.”

  Giggling, Samantha suddenly felt light-hearted. Today, she was a year older and Nik would take her out on a date. “Let’s go.” She walked into the front entry before she remembered that the sun was still up.

  Biting her lip, she pivoted. “What I meant to say is that I’m going to take a shower and get ready for tonight

  Chapter 27

  Snuggled into Tafari’s warmth, Leisha tried to contain her smile as Rinwa chuckled softly.

  “Seventeen is so young,” murmured Tafari. “If I could give her a birthday gift, it would be to let her have more of a childhood.”

  Remorse touching the deepest part of her soul, Leisha nodded.

  Nikita rubbed his chin with his knuckles. “We may not be able to give her back her lost childhood, but we can try to make life more fun for her. I’ll make sure she has a good time tonight.”

  Snorting, Rinwa pulled her long hair into a ponytail and wrapped a strand around it to keep it in place. “Nikita, you’re going to take away even more of her childhood.”

  Sitting straight, Nikita glared at the blonde. “I told you, I don’t plan to deflower her,” he growled.

  “I’m not only talking about sex here.” The immortal’s gaze bore into him. “You’re a vampire and she’s fallen in love with you. That means she’ll do anything to justify your actions, to make you the hero, even though you’re not one. You’re the bad guy in this scenario.”

  Watching Nikita’s face, Leisha could see the impact of her daughter’s words. “That’s a little harsh, Rinwa,” Leisha said. “Nikita has saved both Samantha and me on several occasions.”

  “Sure.” Rinwa readily acknowledged. “Because he likes you two. While he’s nice to you and Samantha, his actions could be considered selfish. If he really wants to be a hero, then he has to stop whatever he may be doing to help a stranger
in need. As far as I know, vampires aren’t known for that kind of behavior.” Rinwa looked back at the vampire, her brows raised in challenge. “Am I wrong?”

  Face thoughtful, Nikita answered. “No, you’re not. But that doesn’t mean I’m a bad guy, either. I may have been in the past, but I’m changing. And one thing I know for certain,” he stood and sauntered towards the hallway. “I will always protect Samantha. I can make her happy while you like to make jabs at her for the fun of it.” He disappeared and Leisha heard him quietly close his bedroom door.

  Tafari shifted, making Leisha move off him. “I don’t disagree with you, Rinwa,” Tafari stated softly. “But he also makes a valid point. You have little respect for those around you.”

  Rolling her eyes, Rinwa pulled one foot under the opposite knee. “Don’t tell me we’re going to have this conversation again. I think I’ve made myself very clear.”

  Squeezing Tafari’s arm, Leisha gave him a small smile. “Will you make me something for lunch? Your cooking is divine.”

  Eyes dancing with indulgence, Tafari nodded and walked out of the room.

  Leisha decided that tact would be a waste in this conversation with her daughter. “So why do you have to be so rude all the time? You do realize that you come off as a sulking teenager even more than Samantha does, don’t you?”

  Placing both feet on the floor, Rinwa sat forward. “I’m not a sulking teenager. I just don’t bother putting on a show for people. They can see me for what I am, take it or leave it.”

  Leisha pursed her lips. “There’s a difference between being comfortable with who you are and being antagonistic to others.”

  “I don’t try to be mean.”

  Leisha scoffed.

  “I’m honest and direct.” Rinwa continued. “I just have a very sarcastic sense of humor. I’m really not going for rude . . . most of the time.”

  Raising an eyebrow, Leisha smirked. “Most of the time?”

  Expression lightening, Rinwa leaned back. “Well, you have to admit, some people are just asking for it.”

  Covering her mouth, Leisha was unable to contain a snicker.

  “See? You agree that sometimes my brutal honesty is welcome.”

  “Okay. But not always.”

  “Perhaps it’s a good thing there are people in the world like me. We cynical commentators keep others on their toes.” Rinwa laughed softly. “I remember when this guy, Willem, first joined the immortals. He didn’t know what to make of me.” Eyes glowing as she spoke, she grew more animated. “At first, he was polite and indifferent. Then, he’d try to draw me into his circle of friends. That didn’t work out so well, though, because most of the guys would pick fights with me.” She grinned. “I won every single one. And every time, I would taunt him and poke at him.”

  She wasn’t certain why her daughter was suddenly opening up. But Leisha loved how freely the conversation flowed between them and became wrapped up in the memory. “So what happened with you and Willem?”

  “After about a decade of me intimidating him, he finally challenged me. We fought in the sparring room with half of the immortals watching. I hadn’t lost in more than fifty years.”

  “And?”

  Looking into the distance with fondness, Rinwa answered. “He totally kicked my ass. I didn’t have a chance.”

  Watching her face, the vampire noted, “And you liked it.”

  The immortal glanced at her mother. “Who wants to hang around men who cower at the sight of you?” She shrugged. “Of course, I had to deal with all kinds of blowback. It didn’t last long, since no one else could best me. But I had to show Willem that he didn’t impress me one bit.”

  Eyes narrowing in confusion, Leisha shifted on the couch. “But I thought he did.”

  “Yes, but I couldn’t let him see it.”

  “Why not?”

  Running fingers through her blonde locks, Rinwa pulled down her ponytail. “Just because. I may be upfront and blunt about things, but it doesn’t mean that I’m going to let just anyone see my softer side.”

  Hesitating, Leisha debated her response. She knew all too well what it was like to have to prove she was untouchable but she also thought that Rinwa was sabotaging a chance at a great relationship.

  “How long ago was this?”

  “It’s been a while.” The immortal glanced at the ceiling as she thought. “I think Willem became an immortal around five hundred years ago. Maybe six hundred.”

  “And do you work well together?” Leisha asked in what she hoped was a neutral tone.

  Rinwa saw through the questions. “Yes, Leisha,” she said in a patronizing voice. “We work great together now. We even sleep together occasionally, if I allow it. But trust me when I say, I’m holding all the power in our partnership.”

  Becoming somber, the vampire licked her lips. “Be careful, Adanne. A partnership can’t be one-sided. If it is going to survive, you not only have to share power, you have to let go of the concept of power. If you push him away much longer, he’ll eventually give up—and there’s no telling when.”

  Rinwa looked mollified by Leisha’s serious statement. The immortal gave an uncertain nod.

  “Rinwa, I’ve always wondered something.” Leisha hesitated.

  “Well, I was just promoting the benefits of brutal honesty,” Rinwa said lightly. “May as well ask.”

  Watching closely, Leisha asked, “Why did Tafari turn you into an immortal? I saw the immortal council when we were there. They looked a bit… old-fashioned. I just can’t imagine them approving a woman to become an immortal even today, much less a couple thousand years ago.”

  Eyes dropping, her daughter pursed her lips to the side. “I’m not sure if you want to know.”

  “What does that mean?” Leisha’s eyebrows drew together. “I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t want to hear the answer.”

  “Well,” puffing out a breath, Rinwa glanced at her, “I grew up with a great love for my father. I knew that when he was away, it was to hunt down and kill vampires. Every time he came back, I’d ask him if he’d killed you yet.”

  “Oh.” Leisha’s breathing hitched, but she remained composed.

  Rinwa leveled a sardonic smirk at her. “Yes, ‘oh’ could be an apt response. Anyway, as I got older, I could see he didn’t have it in him to kill you. I began to fear for my father. After all, if he did find you, you could exploit his weakness and kill him.”

  “His weakness?” The redhead echoed.

  “You know, all the old feelings for you that he carried around.” She shifted her feet to the other side of the chair. “I should also point out that I wasn’t the most well-liked woman in our little village.” Rinwa picked at her chair. “I was a walking reminder that you left us all to become a vampire. Besides, from what I heard, you weren’t all that well-liked before all the paranormal drama entered the town.” She shrugged as if it were evident. “So I pushed Tafari to make me an immortal. I wanted to be there to protect him, and I wasn’t going to be missed by anyone in the village.”

  “I’m sure your grandpa missed you,” Leisha interjected.

  “He died when I was nineteen. There was no one for me but my father.”

  “Did it take much for Tafari to convince the others?”

  “A lot.” Rinwa huffed. “I had to challenge two immortals before I could join. But Tafari had been teaching me to fight since I was little—almost as soon as you left—so it wasn’t too difficult.”

  Leisha imagined the kind of life the girl would have had to endure. The men probably hadn’t thought of themselves as chauvinistic or sexist, but that was the mindset in those times. “It must have been a hard life with all those men judging you,” she said.

  The immortal waved her hand. “It’s what has made me so strong now.”

  The room grew quiet, each woman reflecting on the conversation.

  Rinwa cleared her throat, tilting her face in the direction of the kitchen. “I’ll see how lunch is coming along. I feel a
bit peckish myself.”

  Smiling after her daughter’s retreating form, Leisha felt her chest lighten. She hadn’t even realized it, but her muscles were always tense whenever she was alone with her daughter. Tonight, it felt like they’d had a nice, open discussion. It seemed to Leisha that Rinwa had actually enjoyed her company. She understood that it probably wouldn’t happen again anytime soon, but she’d take what she could.

  Chapter 28

  After swishing the fruity liquid around in her cup, Samantha drank the last of her Diet Coke. A smile touched her lips: she was on a date, with Nik. It tickled her that he was her date tonight. She’d tried not to overdress for the occasion and was wearing a yellow summer dress with spaghetti straps.

  “What are you thinking about?” Nik asked. He was sitting across from her at a table so small it was basically a glorified stool.

  Shaking her head, Samantha smiled at him. “Nothing in particular. Just how happy I am to get out and be with you.”

  Warmth lit his hazel eyes, and the vampire reached across the table to hold her hand. “I’m glad you’re having a good time.”

  And she really was. The sun hadn’t even set yet when Nik drove her into the city. They’d had dinner at an Indian restaurant. Samantha had asked for the hottest spices with her order and was glad she hadn’t worn mascara since her eyes watered through the entire meal. But the food had been delicious.

  Then, Nik had driven them to a club to dance. Samantha was starting to hold a special place in her heart for the combination of Latin and techno music they danced to. But something was off with her date. Nik acted the perfect gentleman and was incredibly attentive, but Samantha noted a tightness around his eyes the entire night. And his skin looked pasty as they danced.

  “I need a rest,” she said, knowing he’d keep going until she was done dancing.

  Now, they were sipping drinks in a local café. The place was not large, and a long line of customers kept it loud and busy.