Ever After

by Heather McBride

  “Ok, thanks.” I walked toward the massive ancient four-poster bed. Bookcases lined the walls and I saw tons of very old black and white pictures in them mixed with tons of books.

  The nightstand was full of bottles and medical supplies. I stood there quietly watching him sleep. The steady beat of the heart monitor was the only sound; it was reading 44 beats per minute. I barely breathed as I watched him sleeping peacefully. His thick black hair was tousled and his eyelashes fanned out onto his pale cheeks. The tone of his skin was unusually pale. I could see that even in the dim light in the room. The lips that has kissed me so lovingly merely days ago were now parted.

  His breathing was labored. Doc and Pratt had an airline attached to his nose, so I guessed he was really having trouble breathing. I covered my mouth quickly as I started to cry. It was nearly too much to see my strong gallant William so weak and vulnerable. He had been there to rescue me, and support me so many times and I felt helpless just watching him.

  I prayed the blood I had given him would have just snapped him back to his old self, but it seemed he still had a long way to go. I wanted to hug him or touch him and let him know I was here but I was too afraid, so I sat down quietly. I gently put my hand over his, and was shocked to see how hot his skin was. He had to have a fever no doubt, he was on fire.

  I sat for two hours watching him until Sayann came and told me Doc and Pratt needed to see him. I reluctantly followed Sayann back to my room, the visions of my William so weak and ill burned into my mind. I knew I wouldn’t be able to rest or do anything knowing he was not ok. I was happy Sayann stayed with me, she sat down and began to look through a fashion magazine.

  “How bad is his fever?” I asked, almost not wanting her to answer me.

  “104 last night, it’s been going between 102 and 104 all week, it’s really weird. Doc and Pratt have been trying to control it but it’s not working.”

  “My God that’s high!” I gasped in shock.

  “Yes it is, especially for a half blood it’s really bad. I haven’t ever seen any vampire’s half blood or not run a fever like that.” I wished she hadn’t said that, as I buried myself in the heavy blankets of my bed. The wind was howling outside my window, and I suddenly felt a chill run through me.

  “I just hope Doc and Pratt can get him better, he looks so pale.”

  “They will Corrine, don’t worry. Doc and Pratt are the best; they will do whatever they have to do for him.”

  I knew she was right but it was hard to have faith in much of anything anymore. I would just have to try to believe they would save him, and the Dark coven wouldn’t come after us before he got better. I decided to try to sleep if it was even possible. I knew I no longer needed a lot of sleep as an official half blood, but I wanted to escape the horrible thoughts I was having.

  Sayann would not leave me as Doc had told me earlier. Will and I would be in the company of a full-blooded vamp at all times for our safety. If Leo sent one of his drones to get us, we would have some protection at least. I wondered where the rest of the coven was and what they were doing down stairs, as I laid there in silence.

  The next few days were stressful at the coven house to put it mildly. Doc and Pratt worked tirelessly to get William fully recovered. His fever broke two days after I myself woke up. The only problem was that he was still in a deep sleep. We all worried his lungs were permanently damaged despite all the medication he had been given. Lydia stayed by Williams’s side almost nonstop. I could see she was worried as she was not as talkative as when we first got to the coven house.

  Chapter 42

  The Unknown

  Leo’s meeting with Doc was a disaster as we all expected it to be and it lasted only a half an hour. Doc had gone to meet Leo only taking Roth and Taylor with him; they were Will’s two biggest cousins. Pratt wanted to go, but felt an elder needed to be here at the house to watch over the rest of the coven.

  The meeting was in a secluded area of the back woods not far from the house. The woods and all around it were still frozen from the ice storm. Leo refused all of Doc’s suggestions to find some peace between the two covens. Doc told us about the wild look in Leo’s eyes and how disturbed by it he was. It was impossible to talk to him Doc said, he was not willing to talk about anything. Leo demanded that Doc hand over William and me to him and the Dark coven.

  Leo told him that William and I being in a relationship was detestable and could not be allowed to go on. He was going to use us as examples to other vampires. He said that humans and vamps did not belong together and would not be allowed to share lives. Leo also wanted to even the score with the followers for killing two of his own, by taking us.

  Roth told us at the meeting Leo brought one vampire with him. This one wore a cloak with a hood and Roth swore when he turned to leave he saw Todd Downs face. I nearly threw up when he said this. Todd was dead he had to be dead. Roth said he could have been wrong, but he had a gut feeling that was Todd under that hood.

  Riley was quick to remind us all that Todd’s body was left in the woods that night Will found me. Roth was sure he got enough dead blood in Todd’s body to kill him. He did say though with Will freaking out he never checked him to be sure he was really gone.

  Doc was to meet with Leo and the rest of the Dark coven elders once again in two days. That was the only thing Doc got him to agree to do. The breakdown of each coven was that they all contained a head elder and a group of elders, they as a unit decided the rules for the coven. Doc demanded Leo bring the elder group with him to the next meeting. Doc felt he might have a chance to come to some agreement with the elder group there and not just Leo.

  The waiting began once again for the next meeting. It was mid January now and a cold rain fell and made everything seem even more depressing that it already was. A somber mood fell over the house as we all waited for the next meeting. I think we all knew, if this meeting failed it could be the beginning of a war between the two covens.

  If this happened some of us might not survive, and it was possible none of us would make it. I tried not to think of that, but it was hard not to. Leo was insane and so was his coven and that made it even more dangerous for us. The nightmare was continuing.

  Will was getting better finally, and that was the only positive thing going on in the house. He was still sleeping, but he was not running a fever anymore and his heart rate was back to normal. Doc and Pratt felt he was in a kind of protective sleep as his body protected itself as he healed. All I knew is I missed my best friend and my soul mate.

  It was late now the night before the big meeting. The coven was quiet. Doc and Pratt had been huddled up in his study with the rest of the elders meeting about tomorrow. The house was full, as we, all were instructed to stay indoors, but everyone was keeping to themselves. I was lonely so I tip toed into Will’s room.

  Lydia was down stairs talking to Emma and some of the other coven women. I never bothered her while she sat with William. It was near two in the morning now and his room was dark except for the small lamp left on by his bedside. I nearly tripped over my own feet when I saw him sitting up rubbing his eyes.

  “My God William you’re awake!” I squealed. I ran to him and wrapped my arms around him.

  “What?” He jumped. “And you’ve changed!” He gasped as I hugged him. “Remember you’re stronger now.” He smiled weakly as he laughed as I squeezed him.

  “Oh I’m so sorry, it’s just I've missed you so much. I woke up about a week ago and was fully changed, well at least to a half blood.” I smiled and shrugged my shoulders.

  “I can tell.” He smiled. “You look amazing and so healthy! I knew you could do it. I was afraid Doc and Pratt’s idea might not work.”

  “It did, but you hid the fact you were sick from me and everyone. Doc and Pratt were not too happy you did that, and neither was I.” I pointed a finger at him, but was smiling too.

  “Oh am I in trouble then?” He winked at me and gave me a devilish grin. “What’s my punishmen
t if I may ask?” I knew he was feeling much better, by how he was being his old playful self. It was so good to see him acting as he use to.

  “I’m locking you up and never letting you leave my side again.” I put my hands on my hips and stared at him.

  “Ok sounds good to me; lock me up as long as you’re with me.” I leaned over and kissed him, and my head spun as usual. I had missed the feel of his lips so much, and it was amazing to touch them again.

  “Ok… ok then, so how do you feel?” I sat on the bed next to him.

  “My chest is sore as hell. What did Doc and Pratt do shock me or something, with those paddle things?”

  “No” I laughed, “You had pneumonia really bad, you were barely breathing and had a crazy fever of 104 for about a week.”

  “Crap!” He whispered as he rubbed his neck, shocked my words. “I knew I was sick, but I swiped some of Doc’s antibiotics and was taking them. I was hoping they would work and this all wouldn’t have happened.”

  “Well it’s been pretty bad. Your mom’s been glued to your bedside since you passed out. Andrew has to drag her away to eat and sleep. She spent hours in here holding your hand, hoping you would wake up.”

  “Now I really feel like bad.” He sighed. “I just didn’t want you all to worry about me. I knew we had all this with the Dark coven going on, and Doc and Pratt were trying to get you better.” He looked down at his hands sadly.

  “It’s ok Will, we both made it. It will all be ok, you will get stronger each day, and we will be fine.

  “Oh I’m good.” He said as he slid down off the bed, his feet hitting the floor. He took three steps and grabbed onto the chair by his bed to keep himself from falling.

  “Crap” he fumed. “I’m so weak, this sucks big time.” He slid carefully into the chair, his cheeks were red.

  “The fever zapped you, Doc said it would. You will get your strength back soon.” Sayann announced as she stood in the open door way smiling. “You two are loud you know. Oh and welcome back William, glad to see you decided to join us.” She smirked.

  “Uh thanks.” Will sighed as he flopped back in the chair still annoyed by his weakness.

  “I will call Doc and Pratt; now that you’re awake they will want to see you.”

  “Ok sure.” Will rolled his eyes.

  “No walking ok? You will have to get your strength built back up before you do that.” Sayann warned.

  “Yes boss, don’t worry, I won’t try that again soon.” Will smiled.

  Doc and Pratt came up and were thrilled to see Will was awake. They pronounced that Will was well on his way to a full recovery. It would just take time for him to get back to his old self. They didn’t stay long as it was nearing three in the morning. It seemed many of the vampires in the house slept their customary two to three hours at that time.

  The ice was thawing on the grounds of the house, but now a cold rain was falling causing flooding. The rain pounded the old roof as Will and I sat there and watched television. We both just wanted to forget the past few weeks and relax.

  “I love this movie, it ends badly though. I would love to see the Grand Canyon someday.” I said resting my head on his shoulder, as we watched and old western movie. The satellite was out due to the storm, and it’s all we could find.

  “Uh did you forget what you are my love? Did you forget what you drank along with your supper tonight?” He teased.

  “Oh?” I giggled. “But we can’t go out in the sun for long. I’ve seen you all do it!” I argued. “That’s why humans never suspect you are vampires.”

  “Yes we can go out in the sun, but if we go out in full sun to long we get very sick.” He said in a matter of fact voice.

  “Oh well we could just drive by get out look at it and leave?” Will kissed my cheek laughing.

  “Yes, we can do that or whatever you like.” I leaned in closer as he put his lips to mine. His kisses intoxicated me, my head would spin sometimes. I laid my head onto Will’s chest and listened to his steady slow heartbeats.

  “I worried this day would never come.” I whispered. I was so afraid one of us or both wouldn’t make it through this.”

  “So did I, while I was asleep for apparently forever. I thought about you all the time.” He pulled me closer. “I could not think of life without you. You have shown me how to love and what it feels like to be loved. I would do all of this, everything single thing again just to be with you as I am right now.”

  “So would I William.” I smiled looking up into his beautiful blue eyes. I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep as Thelma and Louise drove their Cadillac off into the Grand Canyon.

  I awoke a short time later, the TV was still on, and Will was in a deep sleep. I looked around the room and thought about all the history in this massive house. It was built in the 1820’s and was listed on the historic homes registry. I had got to see the whole house thanks to Roth and Taylor showing me around the previous week.

  The house had twenty bedrooms; each wing of the house had five or six. Doc had a full medical lab in one wing and an office. The kitchen was very large but not used due to the owners tastes, of course. The place was grand and all the woodwork and much of the furniture was dated back to the early years of the home.

  It once was a working plantation ran by some of Doc’s ancestors. I had seen many pictures of them all over the house. I also learned Lydia and Andrew were married here many years ago. Vincent also once lived here as well in his early days as a vampire (that was disturbing). Doc had sealed off the bedroom he used after he banished him from the coven.

  The wing was the east wing, and nobody ever went there, the rooms had not been used in over 50 years. I tried to sleep but heard so many noises it was hard. The house was old, so hearing creaks and a sound was not unusual and the rain was causing the old wood to swell Doc told us. I couldn’t help but feel uneasy though, I strained to hear well. It sounded like hushed voices and movement.

  I slipped out of Will’s arms slowly so I wouldn’t wake him. I had to make sure nothing was going on and see where those noises were coming from. I wished as I opened the door I had grabbed my robe, this house was freezing. My frog pj’s weren’t the warmest thing in the world to be wearing. I slowly shut the bedroom door and tip toed down the mile long hallway. I froze when I heard voices one floor below me near the stairway.

  “You go up and get him, and bring him back down here. Use the chloroform or he will yell and wake up the entire house.” I froze in terror, someone was in the house, and was coming up here.

  “Leave the girl for Leo, he wants to kill her himself. I heard he’s going to make it brutal. I would love to get to watch that.” Another male voice said, a chill ripped through me as that voice seemed familiar to me. I couldn’t breathe; this was it right here right now. The attack Doc and Pratt had feared was happening right now.

  I had to stop it, I was the only one who knew and could save the coven now. I ran back to Will’s room thank full for my new vampire speed. I slipped into the room and jumped into my jeans and a sweater. I grabbed the skeleton key to Will’s bedroom, slipped back into the hallway, and locked his door to keep him safe.

  I had to make it to Doc or Roth’s room and warn them. I had to alert the house without letting the intruders know I knew they were here. I ran into Roth’s room thankful he didn’t lock his door. I was speechless when I saw a big black coffin in the middle of the room. The only other furniture in the room was a dresser with old black and white photos on it and some books. He jumped up when he heard me walking close to his bed or casket or whatever.

  “Roth?”

  “What!” He snapped seeing the shocked look on my face as I stared at his coffin. “I’m old school ok; it keeps me warmer than a bed… alright.” He grumbled.

  “Oh…. whatever.” I whispered quietly. “I think some of the Dark coven is in the house. I heard voices down stairs.”

  “What?” He jumped up still in his jeans, but no shirt. “Damn, this is bad,
hang on let me grab a shirt.” I watched him dash to his closet and follow me to the door.

  “You go back to Will’s room and lock the door behind you. I will gather the others, first I will get Doc and Pratt. Those pieces of crap aren’t getting Will, you or anybody else.” I went right to Will’s room as Roth ran back down the hall to Doc’s bedroom.

  I nearly dropped the key as my hands shook as I was trying to unlock it. I quickly went inside; terrified those creeps down stairs might try to follow me in the room. I saw Will was still asleep and began to tip toe into the room. I didn’t get a chance to pass Will’s bed before I felt a hand yank me down to the floor. I got the wind knocked out of me and coughed, someone held me down.

  “Don’t you die?” An all too familiar voice asked me. I looked up into the eyes of Todd Downs and I nearly passed out. I couldn’t believe my eyes; he was supposed to bed dead.

  “Don’t you?” I snapped back at him, as I easily jumped back onto my feet.