by Ally Thomas
The buzz around the House of G at that time was all about this girl. A daughter of Satan who rebelled against him every chance she got. Others followed her online postings religiously and I heard many of the stories over and over. She was an underground sensation so I was rather honored to be given such a responsibility by J. I did not know what J’s interest was in Rayea, but I knew it was important to him and his father, G. It was a part of a bigger plan that would be revealed to the world someday. I kept it simple and decided that I could do what I always did. I had been born a soldier. I would always be a soldier really. It did not matter what form I took as I evolved. And once I met Rayea, I knew who I wanted to spend my life with forever. That day by the river, she had picked up me, a scared hellhound puppy wandering around lost and had taken me home. After I was given the okay by J to rescue her from Hell, I let her see my human self. I let her believe I was an angel like many others in the House of G. I had to do that for my protection, and for hers. I did not want her to know too much. Like Ra and the others, I kept hidden the fact that I have been a celestial being for a very long time. But once she rescued me from the darkness, I shared with her as much information as I could. I sighed again when I read what I told her. She put it in her book. When I could not find a highlighter, I grabbed a pen instead and read her words again. I wandered back to the kitchen, searching for the exact phrase to underline:
“So this god thing, when did you become a god? Are you a wolf god? And more importantly, how freaking old are you really?”
Blick pulled me closer, letting me rest my head on his shoulders. “I think I should start it like this. When the world began, there were only animals. The lion, the wolf, the snake, and the dragon. They were born into a garden called the Summit and worked to help each other survive. As the population grew, each group of animals created a kingdom or house, as you’ve heard us call it. Once the first man was born into the garden, the snake grew jealous that he could walk upright. The snake had to crawl around, and she was very envious.”
“Mehen?” I asked.
“Descendants of Mehen, yes. We are all descendants of our different houses. Does that make sense?”
I nodded. That explained a great deal, I thought. One important reason being why my tats had been dragons and snakes fighting while Grace’s had been a lion. Those were our respective houses.
“There was no good or evil until Satan showed up on the scene. It was just life or death. But he seduced Mehen just as he seduced your mother. That’s how it began. You know the rest.”
“So the animal shifting stuff? What does that mean?”
“All gods, no matter what house they are from, can shift into the shapes of animals, large or small. If the person has the celestial spark, they can do it naturally. If they don’t have it, they can learn how to shift through magic.”
I swallowed hard before I asked Blick the next question. I was afraid I already knew the answer. “So my house is the snake or the dragon then?”
“Yes,” he replied, running his fingers through my hair. “If you go dark, you’ll belong to the House of the Snake. If you stay a vampire as you are now, you’ll remain in the House of the Dragon.”
“Hmmm,” I mumbled, closing my eyes.
Author’s Note: Above passage is from the chapter named ‘A Thin Line’ in The Vampire from Hell Returns (The Vampire from Hell Part 4).
***
I sent another text message to Ra. I also texted J’s old number. J too has been missing, almost as long as Rayea. With the chaos going on at Cloud.com and the break in security at the House of G, everyone had scattered to the wind. I notified G, J’s father, that I was taking an extended leave of absence until further notice. He did not object to my decision. After J’s disappearance, G was lost without his son. He was a walking shell of the small jolly man who had dressed in Hawaiian shirts, khaki shorts, and beige loafers.
I had told G I would continue to look for his son too. As soon as I had Rayea by my side, I vowed to do just that. I owed a lot to J.
I had been in a lot of trouble before J had given me sanctuary in the House of G. My brother, Seth had stirred things up and many of the houses were divided and fighting. I knew if I did not escape that my brother would kill me too, just as he had killed our parents before he took control of the House of the Wolf. With J’s urging, G had agreed to let Ra and I seek refuge with them. No one would think to look for us there. Once Satan had killed my brother, Seth, he had dissolved the House of the Wolf and had turned it into Hell. From that point on, I knew my destiny was locked with that demon. It did not matter that I had a less than great relationship with my brother. He was still my brother and my blood. I did not shed a tear when Satan had been destroyed. On the contrary, I celebrated the fact that it had been his oldest daughter who had done it.
The noise of a few punks on skateboards racing down the walkway caught my attention. I pulled my mind out of the past and glanced at the clock. The morning was gone. I knew I needed to get busy, but I could not put Rayea’s book down. Reading her words made me feel so close to her. Maybe if I read it a third time, I could calm down. I flipped through the pages again.
I re-read the email I had sent to her so long ago, underlining my favorite parts this time. It made me feel close to her. My words to her were still true. Despite the fact that I had told her to delete it, she had not. I smiled to myself. That was Rayea. She had probably deleted the email after she had copied and pasted the contents into her blog. She would do something like that so technically she had done what I asked. Deciding I could buy Grace and Demetri another bar stool, I picked the one near me up and splintered it into a thousand pieces of wood. If I had to wait one more day without knowing where she was, I thought I would die.
“When I took the time to surf through my inbox immensely filled with copies of various correspondences about the House of G activities including Blick’s instructions for logging into the new secure network, I discovered an email from Blick that was written on a more personal note. It wasn’t like him to send such an email. I was stunned by its content on many levels. I had been considering blowing off the meeting until I read his email. The email made me realize that facing Death was a reality, not some meeting I could skate my way around. It also made me realize that even for a vampire, I had many things to live for, such as meeting my mother! I’ll let you read his email. This is what it said:
“I never should have left you alone on Earth, but I didn’t want you to think that I didn’t trust you. I know how stubborn you can be. I had hoped, for everyone’s sake, that you could handle yourself, resist temptation, and survive without anyone’s blood for a few more months. I know now I should have been shipping you smoothies in the mail all this time, despite J’s orders. No, not soggy pink envelopes filled with smashed strawberries. But I should have figured out something then. I hope it’s not too late.
Ultimately as your vacation dragged on, we searched endlessly for your sister and I was tasked with getting the new network in order. You’ve probably guessed by now that we lost our trail of her in Purgatory and currently we don’t know where Stephanie is. J has several of his primary teams working around the clock and is considering bringing in Special Ops if necessary. We’ll find her. Don’t worry. I shouldn’t tell you about the SO thing, but you’ll learn plenty about that type of stuff in orientation once your vacation is over.
I’m not making excuses for my not contacting you. Okay, maybe I am. But I realize now that you needed me, and I was too wrapped up with work. We didn’t leave you with any options, so when temptation presented itself, you jumped on it. Michael and I both know that now. We knew it could happen, especially if you met that human actor you go on about. We tried to warn J, but he insisted that we not get involved.
Again I have failed you. I know we had that argument about the actor, and honestly it got me to thinking. I have so much I need to tell you. Over the years, I’ve ignored countless opportunities to tell you more, about myself and about
some things you have a right to know. And now it may be too late. That’s why I’m going to tell you a few things you should know.
When we heard rumors that your father wanted to create an army of vampires, we knew we had to act. He boasted about it many times. Lucifer needed a person who could handle the poison raging in his blood. He’s tried this before and each test subject has either died at the time of transformation or has been destroyed by J’s team later. J was certain that you’d die from drinking your father’s blood. He said the only way you could survive would be if you weren’t human. I thought the wine was diluted enough that it wouldn’t make you too sick. When your father added his blood to the glass, I knew we had to get you out of there no matter what. You were violently ill for several weeks. You probably don’t remember. Thankfully, Michael figured out a way to save you. That I’m sure you do remember.
I’m risking everything by sharing this information with you. You know that. But it’s very important you understand. J wants to know more about your firepower. He doesn’t understand why it is linked to your powers. It’s not a typical trait for a vampire to have. Not that I’m saying I know that much. J knows more about the subject than I do. What I’m saying is that I realize now, after talking with Ra, where the source could come from. Your mother.
I’m taking only Ra into my confidence. The others - J, G, Michael, and Death, I haven’t told them anything. At some point, we’ll have to. I owe J a lot and our alliance goes back a long ways. But for now, please don’t share any of this with anyone. We’ll explain it all when the time is right.
That’s why I’m sending Ra to meet with you. He will tell you a few things that you need to know about your past. I’ve also asked him to give you something you need. You won’t have to guess what it is. You’ll meet a man carrying a silver briefcase. That’s how you can recognize him. Obviously he won’t be in his dragon form. As I said, J doesn’t know about this. It’s a decision Ra and I made with your mother’s approval. Yes, she is alive, but I can’t tell you anything more in this email.
I guess you aren’t checking your messages, so when you do read this, I hope you are well, not sitting around feeling sorry for yourself. You’re better than that, Rayea. I’m sure you still have your phone and you’ll be able to read this, even if you don’t respond. I hope you do. I’d love to hear from you. I hope you can read this before the meeting, and try to understand some of what I’ve said. I’ve asked Ra to find you before Death does. It’s vital you see Ra first.
Listen to me please, Rayea. I know I haven’t always been there for you, but that will change from this day forward. I refuse to let you down again. If I have to kill every god on the Ancient Council, I will not let any harm come to you. You may not believe it, but you are the reason my heart beats. You mean more to me than anyone else I know. You are my best friend. You saved me from your sister and father’s clutches. I don’t want to know a world where you don’t exist. Not having you in my life is not an option for me. I promise you. I will not fail you ever again.
I know now that I can’t stand by and watch your fate be decided by others. There was a reason you were turned into a vampire, even if we don’t fully understand it yet. Someone out there does. We’ll find the answers together.
I know this is too much for you to get your head around. I regret I have to tell you like this, typing it out on a computer. Take the gift Ra brings you and use it wisely. Delete this email after you read it.
All my love, Blick.
Author’s Note: Passage from the chapter named ‘Bye, Bye Vampire’ in A Vampire on Vacation (The Vampire from Hell Part 3).
***
The ringing of my phone made me jerk and yanked me back into reality. Rayea’s book fell to the ground.
“What?” I snapped into the phone. My anger had reached new heights. Focus.
“Blick, get to your computer. Something was posted.”
“WHAT?” I turned on the speaker and placed the phone on the counter so I could hear Demetri’s voice, but not destroy the phone. As I rolled the book up in my hands, I held my breath and stuffed it into my back pocket. Please be okay.
“I’ll forward you the link. Maybe you can find it. Grace says Rayea is in a place called Valeria. Not sure what that is. It is not on my list. I’m searching for more info now. But she’s with Beelzebub I think. I’m not sure. Over the phone, Grace didn’t make a lot of sense. I’m picking her up now. We’ll meet you at the apartment. Okay? Blick? Blick? BLICK???... Fuck!”
[No response.]
Chapter 8
Conversation (Grace & Demetri)
***
“Always do what you are afraid to do.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
***
September 2
1:45 pm
After Lynn and I talked for many hours in the coffee shop, I bought a new iPhone and said goodbye to Lynn. She was headed to Barnes & Noble on Market Street to see if she could negotiate the start of a book tour for Rayea. Lynn had declared herself Rayea’s agent while I suppose I was her publisher. The one posting on Deadit.com had convinced Lynn that Rayea was alive and well, and she would be home very soon.
I had shared her infectious optimism immediately, but the more I read over the posting, the more I felt a sinking sensation in my stomach like my heart had turned to ash and was falling away in tiny bits, slowly drifting down to the depths of my soul. Something was going to happen. I felt it in my bones, and it was not going to be good. I wanted to find Rayea as quickly as possible, but something caught in my throat, making me think it was the stupidest decision I could ever make.
When I walked outside, Demetri was sitting on his motorcycle that I had driven to the coffee shop. “Let’s go,” he shouted as he cranked up the Harley. The thunderous rhythm of the pipes always excited me. Riding off into the sunset with this man was a dream I loved having while riding snuggled up against his body. It was not so much a dream as it was a reality. I knew I was one lucky girl. However, as the comprehension of where we were going settled upon me, I saw Demetri’s stern face. His laughing dark blue eyes hardened, his strong jaw clamped shut, his gaze penetrating my soul, yet looking beyond me. It was the rigid look he took on when business was at hand.
Standing frozen to the curb, I could not move. Fear paralyzed me.
He yanked off his helmet, ran his hand through his dark-blonde hair, and shoved the spare helmet into my hands. “Don’t think. I don’t know if she’s truly alive. It could be a trap. I just know we have to move. We have to go. Blick has gone after her. We have to find them.”
My eyes widened. Breathe, breathe, you have to do this, Grace. You have to. I heard my brain telling me the words. I often talked myself into a calm state because the alternative would be too much for those around me to endure. I had no idea how strong my firepowers had become, but I knew they rivaled Rayea’s.
Standing up on the bike and holding it in position, Demetri pulled me into his arms with his other hand. When he had left his job, he started wearing a tight white t-shirt, a black leather jacket, dark blue jeans, and black boots. His closeness made my heart leap.
I wrapped my arms around him and rested my head on his shoulder. “I’m not sure if I can do this,” I whispered.
“Grace, it’s okay.” He kissed me lightly on the inside of my neck, ignoring the fact that my long red hair blew in our faces. The day in San Francisco had turned into a blustery one with high winds whipping around the buildings. The incoming storm made me think of some chaos about to fall upon us.
“You don’t have to do this,” he said. “You haven’t been a vampire long, so I understand. She’ll understand. Do you want to stay with Lynn until I get back? I’m sure she won’t mind. I just have to go. Time is of the essence.”
As Demetri held me, my mind whirled with indecision. I could easily elect not to go. I could do that. But why was I hesitating? Why was I afraid? I sighed. “Am I ready?”
His disposition softened. Playfully he nipped me on my neck as
the bike leaned hard against my legs. “You are like her in so many ways. Sweetheart, you are ready. You were born ready. I love you and I know if you are with me, I can keep you safe. I don’t know what we are going to face, but you have the skills. Trust me, you’re a bad ass just like your maker.” He nipped me again with his teeth and winked at me.
When a ray of sunlight peaked through the overcast clouds, I felt the answer rise up inside me. My fangs throbbed in the roof of my mouth and I knew it was time to stop acting like a weekend-vampire. I had become something more than human. I needed to admit it to myself, and I wanted to see my maker again. I wanted her back. It was time I grew up. Demetri would need all the help he could get. It was about time that I started acting like fighting demons was no big deal.
“Five seconds. I’ll be right back!” I raced into the coffee shop, which was probably a blur to the people strolling down the street. Getting Sasha’s attention, I explained to her my dilemma. “Can I leave my backpack with you? I’ve got a hot date on a bike waiting for me!”
She glanced out the window near a table she was cleaning off.
I could have sworn her mouth dropped when she saw Demetri putting his helmet back on as he revved up the bike. The noise the bike’s engine made shook the windows slightly. I took the opportunity to discreetly remove my concentrated blood pills from the backpack and zip it up. I latched a small lock around the opening and snapped it shut.
“Oh my god, yes, honey! Go get that sweet meat!”
I shoved a twenty-dollar bill in her hands and smiled at her. “Thank you! I’ll see if he has a friend, okay?”
She laughed aloud. “Oh yes please!”
As soon as I hopped on the bike with Demetri, I shoved my pill bottle into a secure inside pocket in his jacket, minus the handful I had snagged. “Rayea will need blood too,” I yelled. As I fastened my helmet on, I crunched down on the pills, feeling the warm heat of the blood flood my mouth.
