NightFall (NightFall: Book One)

by Anastacia Kelley

  “But after I threw them out, Annabel and I lived quite happily until her passing four years later.” Saldivar finished that last statement on a sad note. He looked pained to even say it.

  “They never even knew I was a vampire. Mainly because I would never partake of a friend’s blood unless they are to be transformed.”

  *

  Van knew Saldivar lived in the lap of luxury now. Women, single or not, threw themselves at him. He was not an egotistical man by any means but he did bask in the glow of all the devotion. Women were willing to stick their necks out for him. It seemed effortless for him. They would only remember the encounter as an erotic dream. Nothing more. The two tiny marks would have disappeared before they noticed.

  Saldivar enlightened him of this. He could take without force. Without provocation. Without injuring his prize. He could drink at his leisure. He was clever at not calling any undue notice to himself when he went about his nightly feedings.

  As for a mate, Van knew of none. But as time went on, he often wondered why. Wondered if Saldivar ever had any one special or just preferred his solitude. He figured that, eventually, Saldivar would want a female companion and mentioned it to him one day. Saldivar’s answer was simple but elusive. “One day, I will explain.” That was all he ever said about it.

  Van was more baffled than ever. Every one needed companionship. One person to complement the other. He, of all people should know what alone felt like. He could not conceive going four hundred plus years without a female by your side. He strongly doubted Saldivar could as well. But Saldivar held fast to his reply. He would tell his anecdote one day. Unlike Van, Saldivar had all the time in the world. Van would wait patiently. He knew there was a reason why Saldivar was closed-mouthed on some things. If he had explained to him about his life long ago before they were in his home, Van would have rushed to the busy streets, screaming like a lunatic that there was a vampire in the alley. Enter the men white coats. The asylum. Then death.

  Saldivar knew that that is what would have happened. He had to build some type of trust. If he did not, Van would have been put away, making it much more difficult to help him. It was hard breaking in to or out of the mad house. Being committed, however, was not too onerous. You could be thrown in simply for being antithetical. Society was a cruel and unjust mistress. Alas, a mistress to be taken seriously.

  Van pondered at is own life as well as Saldivar’s. Questions about the things he did hundreds of years ago. Did he fight for France? Was he an outstanding soldier during the Hundred Years’ War in the 1400’s? Did he ever marry? Is the reason he was alone today a reflection of a loss of a great wife or lover? Who was his family now? Why has fate brought them together at this very day and time?

  Too many unanswered questions left Van with a headache. He knew Saldivar had a place and time to tell. His guess was that only when he was transformed will all the questions finally be clarified.

  Did he really want to know that badly? Was living forever something Van could handle?

  Did he want to live?

  Just that easily, he knew the answer.

  Yes. Yes! He wanted life. No matter that it was eternal. What could he have been thinking? Dying in a few short years? Perhaps, even months or days? He did not want to die a no one. He did not want to die at all. He wanted to live and accomplish life itself. He wanted wealth, women and a home to call his own. Ultimately, he wanted a life mate, a woman to share his life with. For as long as she lived upon this Earth.

  That was the one thorn in Van’s side. On one hand, he would have a love. On the other hand, however, his life would go on and he would live to see her die. He feared he could not stand to lose countless loves. He could not see himself being able to handle even a single loss.

  Is that why Saldivar is alone? Is he afraid to lose a love time and time again?

  Unfortunately, there were pros and cons to any decision you make in life. Yours or someone else’s.

  Van opted to tell Saldivar tonight of his revelation. Saldivar had gone down to his resting place hours ago and Van was thoroughly exhausted thinking about everything that had happened and the thought of what will happen. Van went to his room and, though very tired, he slept fitfully. His head tossing and turning. Sweat beading on his forehead and upper lip.

  *

  “Vaannn,” the sultry voice whispered.

  Van turned his head toward the alley. Nothing but darkness and shadow.

  The shadow moved, formed into a bat-like creature with red eyes and huge fangs. It screeched so loudly Van covered his ears and screamed from the pain. No one heard. The streets of Paris were empty.

  Empty? It was only early evening. People were supposed to be out and about like he has always seen them. Where were they?

  The bat-like shadow creature screeched once again and flapped its enormous wings so fast the wind it produced knocked Van down.

  “Vvaaannnnn,” it called again. This time, it was much harsher. Almost grating in to the flesh and ears. “Come to me. It’s over. Give in to death. I am so very hungry.”

  Van’s eyes were as round as saucers. His mouth opened. Silence. The creature began to descend onto Van’s fallen body.

  All Van could do was cross his arms over his face.

  Before the shadow touch him, it broke apart into hundreds of little blood sucking demons.

  Van screamed and woke up before the demon creature had a chance to sink its teeth into his skin. His heart was beating out of his chest. He could not catch his breath. He could not swallow. Sweat poured from his pale face. He sat up, trying to collect himself. Calm his beating heart. Ease his rapid breathing.

  He went to the basin, which had cooled, and splashed his hot face with the cooling liquid. He cupped his hand into the water once more, bringing it to his dry lips, quenching his parched throat.

  Not being able to recall much of the nightmare now, Van went back to bed and fell asleep instantly.

  *

  Saldivar awoke with a jolt. It was not quite dusk yet. Van’s distress clutched his mind in a vice like grip and would not let go of its powerful grasp. He could feel Van’s mind racing as well as his heart. Both seemed erratic.

  Van is troubled. Saldivar feared this. He must have had that same nightmare Saldivar had centuries ago warning him that death is near, and soon, if not transformed, death would claim him. Saldivar predicted this. He knew what this meant. Van had to make a choice. For in two more days, he will draw his last breath. Saldivar felt a chill down to the very marrow of his bones.

  They have wasted far too much time. He will have to confront Van tonight and ask him once more. If he does not accept the gift, Saldivar will reluctantly say good bye and grieve for the loss. He would move on. It was the way it had to be.

  Saldivar once again closed his eyes and waited for nightfall.

  *

  Van was pacing the floor when Saldivar entered the room. He stopped mid-step and faced Saldivar with eyes of pure fear and pain.

  “You are in clear torment.” It was not a question.

  Van nodded silently. He could not reiterate the nightmare. Although he could not recall much, a surreal feeling passed through him. Even he thought, or perhaps, convinced himself it did no happen.

  Saldivar said one lucid word: “Nightmare,” but lucid was the last thing it felt like to Van.

  Van did not act surprised at Saldivar’s statement. He already knew of their strong mental connection.

  Saldivar could not play any part in persuading Van to change. He deliberately closed his mind off so Van’s decision would be his. He could not assist him in any way. He also could not read Van’s mind. He did not really want to know ahead of time what Van wanted to do. All Saldivar could do was hope for the best.

  Van tilted his head upwards and closed his eyes. He sucked in a breath through his nose. He straightened his head as he let out the breath and opened his eyes slowly. He spoke, his words unhurried and decided. “I feel death is so close that I can feel its
icy fingers at my throat. I am so young yet I feel like a sixty year old man. At this rate, the older man could surpass me any day. It is also very tough for me to admit that I have never known a woman or what love truly is. I am scared I will die never knowing of the true pleasures in life. The not knowing is scarier than death itself.” Van paused. He was gathering the courage for what he was about to say. It was now or never. It was either yes or dead.

  Van looked at Saldivar square in the eyes. “I want life, Saldivar. I know it is eternal but I have not even begun to live. Without your gift I will never get to experience what life has to offer.” He started walking around the room at a somewhat lazy pace. “Life has been rough for you then and now as you are and yet you live and thrive with a positive attitude. I have never had that…….ever.” He clenched his fists to his chest. “And I want it so badly.”

  Saldivar broke into a smile so big Van was taken aback. He had never seen Saldivar smile that way. It was a relief to see Saldivar pleased at his choice.

  “Your life was in an impasse until I came to you. Not any more. I cannot tell you the pleasure I feel in hearing that this is your choice.” Saldivar hugged Van in a fatherly embrace. “It is a wise decision, Van. You will not be sorry of your outcome. There will be no regrets. You are going to have a wonderful eternity,” Saldivar vaticinated.

  Saldivar’s excitement was contagious. It certainly had to be better than what Van was doing and how he was living now. A healthy life was the most important thing to Van. He had to face the facts. One: he was dying. Two: he had no life. Three: no family. Four: no home. Five: no friends. Did he want to live the few moments he had left like this?

  Saldivar had class, a gorgeous home, health, wealth, women, eternity and he hoped in him……a kindred spirit? He wanted what Saldivar could give him. He did not want to take it. He wanted to earn it. He did have some dignity left in him yet. The people that threw coins at him on the streets may have made a joke of his predicament but at least he had a soul and a heart that beats with feeling.

  That was the one thing Van feared most about changing. Would his heart become as cold and as lifeless as some of them?

  “You know better than to think of such ghastly things,” admonished Saldivar. “You have a kind heart now and it will not change once you are transformed. It will be enhanced. You will feel things much deeper. You have a great spirit. That will never waver,” he predicted.

  “If feelings are enhanced, what becomes of the ones with evil dispositions? Does the evil possess them even more so then?” Van wondered.

  “Unfortunately, it does. I wished it was not so but I cannot change what was there while they were still human. If you are born to evil then there will be an increase of said evil when the change takes place. There are rogue vampires out there, I will not lie. But that is true of every person, human or not. There is always a weed amongst the flowers; a thorn on every rose. It is unavoidable,” Saldivar lectured. “The only thing you can do is worry about your life and how to live positively with what you have or will get.”

  Van was struck by Saldivar’s philosophy. Given his age, he could imagine he had seen just about every type of person in the world. Saldivar was a mentor. His mentor. Actually, more like the father he really never had.

  “Yes, life will be richer. But I must warn you, do not think it will be perfect. Despite what others say, life is not better on the other side. Good and bad. New and old. But the important thing is, is that you will be alive to see it all,” Saldivar said with delight in his amber eyes.

  Van nodded then moved to the window. “I know life can never be perfect. But I feel it will be greatly augmented. It has to be.” Van firmly believed things will change for the better. He had a choice now. He did not have to beg for money or food any more. He did not have to walk miles just to find a safe place to sleep. Yes, he made the right decision. He could not turn back now.

  Van braved a cleansing breath and spoke evenly and irrefutably. “My answer is as clear as the evening sky. My life is now placed in you hands.”

  Saldivar nodded once and smiled.

  *

  At first the pain brought tears to Van’s eyes. No, it was not an excruciating type of pain but an unearthly sensation. Van had vetoed the idea of standing up for fear of falling to the floor at the sheer thought of what was really going on. He opted to sit on a small, armless chair. The headrest was soft and rounded so his head could fall back naturally while supporting the curve in his neck.

  Saldivar had explained to him what to expect but nothing could prepare Van for that first feeling of sharp teeth against the soft flesh of his neck. He could actually feel the puncture. His ears were alerted to the ‘pop’ of skin as Saldivar bit down.

  At once, Van felt he would panic. Did he make a mistake? Would Saldivar drain him dry? Was Saldivar the only escapee from the asylum and drinking blood was a way of ecstasy for him? He did seem to know about the reputation of the asylum. So, was it something sexual for him?

  And why on God’s green earth did Van start thinking of these issues now? It was too late for thought now. Besides, Saldivar had been nothing but nice to him. He had no reason to believe otherwise.

  Perhaps Van was just a bit disquieted. Van closed his eyes and concentrated on his breathing, hoping that it would calm his frazzled nerves. It would be over soon. A few moments later, Van managed to settle himself.

  When Saldivar lifted his head, signaling he was finished, Van realized it was not as bad as he presumed it would be. But it was only half over. Van could feel his stomach churn. He had to swallow hard several times in quick succession. His throat spasmed at the sight of blood oozing from Saldivar’s neck.

  Saldivar licked the blood from his lips. “It is too late to turn back, Van. If you do not partake of my blood now, you will die in a matter of minutes from what I took of you.”

  Van managed a meek nod and closed his mouth over Saldivar’s wound when he was presented with it. He drank, hesitantly at first. The second sip stunned him. It felt like millions of tiny sparks running through his veins. He felt power coursing through his blood. It was so sublime. A euphoric mood he had never before encountered. He felt………alive, brimming with unknown enjoyment.

  The hunger? He briefly remembered of a beastly hunger he could never squelch. This blood. This wondrous, life-giving blood. The beast was now mollified. In so many long and relentless years of suffering, the hunger ceased.

  Miracle of miracles, it was gone! Van was awash with relief. A few more sips and Saldivar pulled away with his hand to his neck and collapsed on the nearest chair.

  Saldivar needed a few minutes of rest to rebuild his strength before speaking. He spoke a little weakly at first but his voice grew stronger with each passing second. “You will no longer beg for anything. No longer will you live in squalor and uncertainty. The whole world is yours now. I will help you explore it with new eyes. As I have said, I will help you through your journey until you can walk it alone. Then I will take my leave.”

  Van’s eyes dilated in alarm. He wanted to speak but was still too frail from rebirth but Saldivar held out his hand and shook his head. “Do not worry. I will not abandon you. I will not leave you incapable and unsafe.”

  Relief softened Van’s face. He nodded his understanding.

  Saldivar continued: “Never again will you be vulnerable. Never again will passers-by stop and make snide remarks or belittle you. The old Van you once knew is dead and gone.” Saldivar removed his hand from his neck. The wound was almost healed. “Come. I have much to teach you, neophyte. That is the name much older vampires, including myself, will refer to you as. You are but a child. Now, you must learn.”

  Van followed Saldivar to the front door. Here was the threshold he must cross to the beginning of a new life. A much better life.

  The door opened and Van went with Saldivar into a world with a new path to lead.

  Van’s journey was just beginning.

  CHAPTER V

  Alab
ama.

  Present Day.

  Simone stepped through the door of her apartment, tossing her keys on the table with a loud clang and dropping her purse, letting it stay where it landed. Her pumps were the next to go. She picked up a leg and massaged her sore foot, then hopped to the other leg and did the same. She cranked up the air conditioning and collapsed on her chocolate/golden sofa.

  Today was a real scorcher. At one hundred degrees, she could’ve scrambled eggs on her head. It wouldn’t have been nearly as bad if the interview had taken place indoors. Being a journalist is what she loved and she would get her story if it meant she had to walk knee deep in a slimy swamp of Florida.

  Simone trudge to the refrigerator and grabbed a bottle of water, thinking of today’s little tếte-ậ-tếte. She had to laugh out loud now. She had to hold it in during her questions today. She had to admit that even though the guy sounded like a complete loon, it definitely broke the monotony that journalism sometimes brings. The man was a walking conundrum but he piqued her curiosity in all things wild and peculiar.

  Simone knew she had an insouciant nature; she had a weird side every now and then. But even she had to grant the guy was way out there.

  She chugged her water to the halfway point, put it back and decided to get a container of strawberry yogurt to take back to the living room. She sat down and spooned a large mouthful of the tangy treat.

  She swallowed then snorted. “Imagine. Vampires living and breathing here in the heart of Dixie. What a riot!”

  They even had an agency dedicated to finding vampires. The OVI or Organization of Vampire Investigations. Did they truly have to waste her tax money funding this crap? Her mother died of cancer. What about using that money for cancer research? AIDS? Diabetes? IBD?