Pratt was going to talk to dad before they left as he told me. Pratt smoothed out all the details with dad about the next few weeks of my treatment. The story would be that I was returning to Maine’s treatment center tomorrow.
I was to be there about two more months, and then I might be able to come home for an extended time. Dad was reluctant to agree, but Pratt was very convincing. I didn’t doubt he used his mind changing ability to help dad see things his way. Pratt was sure to tell dad, he could visit me whenever he wanted and I would call him every week.
Doc had given me a sleeping pill. I was having alot of trouble sleeping lately. Will was going to stay with me the whole night as usual. Sayann helped me to bed and Will curled up on the couch as he always did.
I was happy he was staying. I hated being alone. I knew I needed to sleep as much as I could. Tomorrow could End up being a very long day. I curled and listened to the wind howl outside. Will and I went to sleep very quickly.
The next morning was a whirlwind. Gran had come in early to talk to me, and wish me good-bye. It was hard not to cry as she hugged me. I knew it was highly possible I might never see her again after this morning. She was the closest thing to a mother I had ever had, and I thought of her as such.
I was comforted by the fact she had a vision the night before, and it fore told good things and I knew her visions were never false. Gran told me how happy she was about our engagement and our future together. I made her promise when Will and I married she would walk me down the aisle with dad. I was so happy she agreed with tears in her eyes, she said it would be her honor to do so. I hugged with all I had and promised to call her as soon as we got to the plantation house in New Orleans.
Sara and dad came in a few minutes later. Sara seemed chipper and had a stack of papers with her.
“Corrine darling, I got some wedding ideas for you to look over on the plane. I also got a hold of the wedding planner I told you about last night. I think we can book her in about two months for a meeting!”
I could see she was really in to all this. I didn’t know if it was her extending an olive branch, or just her trying to plan the social event of the season. I hoped it was the first, but it was hard to tell with Sara. Too much was going on right now in my life to waste time thinking about it anyway.
“Oh great, I will definitely look them over thank you.” I put on my best fake smile.
“It’s my pleasure; I love to plan things you know. One thing though, the planner did mention you and Will should set a date as soon as you can. It seems all the good reception venues book up fast, some even two years in advance.” She gave a dramatic gasp and put her hand on her heart to emphasize how awful that was. I smiled and shook my head.
“That’s insane two years?” I too acted applaud. “We will call you as soon as we know the date I promise.”
“Now Sara let’s not rush things, we want to get Corrine all better first and then we will get this.” He cleared his throat. “Rather large wedding off the ground ok?”
“Oh all right John, it’s just I want it to be perfect for them, that’s all.” She smiled sweetly at him.
It seemed that they were actually getting along, much to my amazement. The next few minutes dad made me promise to call each day, or if I was feeling bad to have Doc call him. Sara gave me a kiss on each cheek, European style, even though she was in no way English. Dad hugged me and kissed the top of my head, and he and Sara headed off to start their day. I was happy they didn’t linger to long. I didn’t want it to turn into a crying fest.
Doc arrived right on time; Roth loaded my bags into his black hummer or his “baby” as he referred to it. I laughed at how often he washed it, and had it detailed. Will said he had it for nearly a year now and it looked cleaner than a new vehicle.
I was feeling pretty good. I ate a small breakfast, and Sayann gave me a unit of blood, which made me feel stronger. I was starting to accept the fact I needed it to survive. I tried to block out where it came from, that was still a major issue for me. If I thought about it too much.
Will arrived with Lydia and Andrew; they too would be going with us. I was so happy to see Will. It had only been a couple hours, but I missed him just the same. The trip to the airport took longer than we would have liked, due to the heavy snowfall the night before.
The plane was Dr.Pratt’s private jet, so we didn’t have to worry about missing our flight at least. Three hours later after the run way was plowed for the second time, and the plane’s wings de iced three times, we got to take off. I dreaded the long flight, but I knew it was something we had to do.
It was nearing five now, and that would put us in New Orleans after dark. The flight was bad, despite Pratt’s veteran pilot of 30 years flying it. The weather was horrible. The wind turbulence was jerking the plane all over, and making us all sick. I got sick three times and Will was looking a little green himself.
I even saw iron man Roth, run to the little pilot’s room a few times, with his mouth covered. Doc and Pratt were fine; along with Lydia and Andrew, I hated them for that darn it all. We finally got to land. God only knows how many hours later, all I knew is it was land and my stomach was not lurching anymore.
I slept on Will, for the entire ride to the coven’s plantation house. It was dark so there was nothing to see and it was pouring down rain, a very cold rain. I woke up when we stopped. I heard Doc talking; we were at a huge metal gate of some sort. It was hard to see it through the rain-streaked windshield, but the words Parker were blended into the metal of the rod Iron Gates.
I saw two very freaky gargoyles perched on top of some stone columns on each side of the massive gate. I had recalled Will saying people were afraid to come out here. That would make me run away too if I didn’t know Doc. Doc was speaking into a little black box, attached to a pole next to the gate.
It was an intercom to the gatehouse. The ancient gates swung open when Doc got done speaking. The long winding drive was lined with what looked like turn of the century gas light posts. They probably were from that time period knowing its residence. I smiled thinking to myself.
Massive oak tree’s all likely over 200 years old lined the drive on each side, covered in the Spanish moss that was so common in the Deep South. The rain seemed to be getting harder, and I was unable to see anything as we drove on. I had to wonder how long the drive was. It had to be a half a mile at least.
“That’s ice.” Doc grumbled. “I had heard a weather report earlier about getting some, but I hoped it wouldn’t hit us.” I wondered why he was mad about it, since we had no place to go really.
“Why is he mad about ice?” I whispered to Will.
“It snaps the power lines down here, and it takes weeks to get the lines repaired. I think he’s worried the ones left to care for the house may not have maintained the generator. If this ice keeps up were going to need it for sure.” I nodded, understanding Doc’s annoyance now. I snuggled closer to Will, as the ice hit the car’s roof harder.
“Are you cold?” He asked rubbing my arm.
“Sort of, I feel like crap.” I groaned with a shiver. Sayann always on medical alert reached up from the seat behind me and put her cool hand on my forehead.
“Fever, no doubt.” She hissed. “Doc she has a fever back here.” I buried my head, great just what I needed another problem.
“I was afraid of that, all those guest’s at dinner, one might have had a bug, and Corrine picked it up.” He said keeping his eyes on the road, the wipers on high so he could see.
“We will start more antibiotic’s as soon as we get her settled, that will fix all that.” Pratt added confidently.
The house was massive, as we pulled up to a covered carport. My mouth fell open, as I looked up at it, it made my house look like a duplex. It was the picture of a typical southern mansion. It looked like something out of a movie or a history book.
Chapter 39
Deep South
The massive pillars on the front porch, a heavy wood
door with intricate carvings in the middle. It was amazing. I couldn’t imagine how many rooms it had to have. Despite the fact, the coven had not lived here in a very long time, it looked freshly painted and in pristine condition.
The rain let up as we waited to get out of the car and I studied the house. The ancient oak trees surrounded it, giving lots of shade, a key thing for a coven of vamps. They all could tolerate sun of course but that didn’t mean they liked it very much. Security lights came on at each corner of the house and I could see that just beyond the grass was the swamp. I read some about New Orleans and its mysterious swamps. I knew it was infested with hungry alligators and God only knew what else lived in there.
“It’s so huge and beautiful.” I said to Will as we waited for Doc and the others to make sure all was secure before we got out of the car.
“This is the house Doc’s wife picked out, a long time ago. He never had the heart to sell it. I think keeping this house and maintaining it, is his way of honoring her.” Will smiled as he looked up at the stately old place.
“I bet your right that sounds like Doc.”
“It’s very secluded too, so it’s always been a safe haven for the coven, from humans any way. It has always felt like home to me, even though I spent more time up north than here. My childhood home is just in town, if it’s safe I will show it to you later this week.” I leaned on his arm and squeezed it lovingly.
“I would love that.” I thought I felt him shake a little. I worried he was coming down with something too. “Are you ok?” I asked softly.
“Sure yeah, the flight’s got me shook up some. I’m fine don’t worry love.” He kissed me as Doc opened the car door.
“All clear kid’s its ok to get out.” I was so glad to get out of moving things, my stomach was uneasy and I was tired. Will and I quickly went into the house or mansion rather. It was dimly lit to my surprise, I knew it had electricity.
“They keep it like that; the elders that stay here are fond of the dim lights.” Will squeezed my hand seeing the odd look on my face at all the candles. I held his hand as we followed one of the coven members upstairs. When I say stairs, I think it must have been five flights. I was beat by the time we got to my room.
Will opened the door to a very lavish suite. I had a massive cherry wood four-poster bed, and my own bathroom and sitting room. The walls were covered in elegant floral wallpaper and the curtains were done in a heavy lace and pink velvet. It had its own fireplace and I was happy to see it was going since I was cold.
“Do you like it, if not we have many others to choose from.” Will smiled. “Doc wanted you closer to his rooms and mine so we can keep an eye on you.”
“Oh keep an eye on me?” I smirked.
“No, not like that, your health you nut!” He laughed.
“I know, I was kidding. This is perfect; it’s like a five star hotel, not a bed room.” I walked around the room, admiring all the pictures and decorations. “Are these antiques?” I asked looking at a hairbrush, which looked like it was never used, it had a carved bone handle.
“Yes, they are all original to the house, many over 190 years old, some even more because Doc brought them here.”
I sat down on the bed and sank right in; it was like a giant pillow. “Wow!”
“Down comforter.” Will winked at me. “Mom demands every room has one, she say’s we only sleep a few hours a day, so it better be comfortable.”
“I like that; this is the softest thing I have ever felt.” I laid back and sighed. Will took my hand and pulled me back up slowly. He took my face into his hands and stared lovingly into my eyes.
“This will all be over soon. I promise Doc will get all this figured out with Leo and the Dark coven.”
“I know. I just don’t want anyone getting hurt. I can’t stand the idea of any of the coven members getting hurt or worse because of me.” I looked down at my hands sadly thinking how I disrupted the entire coven, making them have to come down here.”
“No, don’t feel like that. It’s more about me and Doc. Leo’s after us and because I love you, he has dragged you into it.” He sat next to me and put his arm around me. “Heck, Vincent and Leo were angry with Doc and Lydia long before us; we just were in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
“I’m just scared, I feel like something’s going to go wrong. I have this bad feeling and I can’t shake it.”
“Don’t worry, were going to be ok.” I saw him take in a deep breath. For a moment, he winced and seemed to be on pain.
“Will, are you ok?” I whispered putting my hand on his arm. He didn’t or couldn’t answer, and that’s when I got scared. He was always quick to tell me all would be well, nothing was going to happen, and he didn’t this time.
“Uh… yeah, I’m ok.” He finally said has he exhaled slowly, he turned his head away from me and closed his eyes, obviously in pain. I knew he was not ok; he was digging his fingers into the bedspread.
“I’m going to call Doc and Pratt.” I said rubbing his arm.
“No I’m fine, just….” He gasped wrapping one arm around his chest and squeezing his eyes closed. I grabbed my cell, knowing it would take me forever to find Doc and Pratt if I ran around this place. It would be faster to call. I dialed and my hands were shaking, as I was afraid to look at the key pad and take my eyes off Will.
“Doc,” my voice shook. Will wasn’t even arguing with me calling now, he couldn’t speak. “Will’s sick, I don’t know what happened please hurry!” I cried, tears filling my eyes. “What is it? Is it your heart, your stomach? What can I do to help you?”
“Help me to the floor.” He gasped, in sheer uncountable agony. I helped him to the floor and on to the thick Persian rug next to my bed. I couldn’t bear to see him like this, it was horrible. I had no idea what was wrong, and no idea how to help him. It was a flash back to the horrid night of the Halloween party, the night we both almost died.
“What can I do?” I begged him.
“Nothing…” he whispered and put his head on to the rug.
“I have to do something, please Will what’s happening to you?” I cried and put my head onto his chest, his breathing was very shallow. I pushed his hair out of his eyes and put my hand onto his cool cheek.
Doc and Pratt nearly broke down the door as I jerked my head up to see them. Sayann was right behind them, with Roth and Lydia following. Doc knelt down next to Will, and I moved so Pratt could get to Will’s left side.
“William, William.” Doc yelled as he gently shook him. He briefly opened his eyes and looked at Doc. “Is it chest pain?”
“Yes.” Will replied weakly. Doc and Pratt looked up at each other, and I knew, they both knew what was wrong with him.
“Why did you not tell me about this Will?” Doc’s face was strained, as he had one hand on William’s wrist checking his pulse. Will took a staggered breath and closed his eyes before he began to speak.
“I thought I could get over on my own.” He gasped and took another shallow breath. “I didn’t want any of you to worry about me.”
“As I thought.” Doc sighed sadly. I sat back onto the floor watching, to afraid to move or speak. I wanted to help Will but I had no idea what to do for him. I worried Doc and Pratt didn’t either.
“Options here Pratt?” Doc asked his voice had a hard edge to it.
“God…well let’s see.” Pratt closed his eyes thinking hard. “He needs human blood, living blood right from the source it’s self. I don’t have any other ideas, its pretty cut and dried as far as the treatment for his condition.” He shook his head as he watched William still struggling to breath.
“It’s even more critical he get fresh human blood now, seeing as he hid his illness from us for quite some time. His body is breaking down, and he’s only going to get worse. I’m afraid he might go into shock or cardiac arrest if this goes on much longer.”
“I’ll do it!” The words flew out of my mouth, it was instinctive. I had to help him no matter what, h
e was the love of my life, and I would do whatever I had to do for him.
“Corrine you cannot, you’re nearly fully changed into a half blood just as he is, it’s not possible.” Doc seemed shocked that I even offered to give Will my blood.
“Nearly,” I basically yelled back. Will was running out of time and I was not letting him die. “I’m not fully changed, Pratt told me. I still need a small dose of venom to become a true half blood!” Pratt looked at me and took a deep breath, he looked baffled, but not surprised I remembered his words. He looked at Will and then back at me as if trying to decide if it was possible for Will to once again take my blood to survive.
“It… might be possible.” He said his voice tense and his eyes dark and serious. “Come closer Corrine let me check your pulse.”
I moved next to him right away and knelt on the floor to the right of William. Pratt pulled up my shirtsleeve and placed his fingers on my wrist. He then held my wrist to his mouth, closed his eyes, and took a long deep breath. I knew he was seeing if my blood was still human enough to help Will. The elder vamps could smell the difference in a human even without tasting the actual blood, only smelling the skin.
Ever After Page 39
