Deamhan

by Isaiyan Morrison

  “Lambert told me that the Chapter was involved in his disappearance,” Veronica asked. “Is that true?”

  Nathan nodded. “Yes, and that Lucius was possibly killed by his consort. No one knows what happened to him. After he disappeared his consort, Kei, placed himself as leader in the city. Since then, the Deamhan have been out of control, killing each other, and burning sanctuaries.”

  Nathan walked toward the middle of the room and he stood in front of them. “I’ve been watching and documenting the Deamhan from my own home here. Those in support of Lucius are fighting against those in support of Kei.”

  “And where do you stand?” Sean asked.

  Nathan paused before replying. “My stance is not important.”

  “But you live with Deamhan here.”

  Nathan nodded. “And their stance is not of my concern. However, Lambert seems to be more vocal when it comes to Kei.”

  The smell of hazelnut coffee drifted past Veronica’s nose. “I could tell. When we spoke, I had the feeling that he didn’t like Kei and he didn’t like The Brotherhood.”

  “And he never will,” Nathan answered. “Lambert has lived in Minneapolis for a long time. He is like the head vampire in the city. Most vampires shy away from the Deamhan but he has somehow found a way to incorporate them and tolerate them.”

  “And you want to go back to Dark Sepulcher?” Sean whispered to Veronica.

  Ignoring his comment, Veronica continued to question. “Do you know where I could find Kei?”

  “I don’t.” Again Nathan’s response was quick.

  Veronica glanced at Sean. Their eyes met. He probably had the same questions flopping through his brain.

  “Do you know anyone who might know where he is?” She slowly turned back to Nathan. She watched Nathan fold his arms and exhale. His body language suggested that he wasn’t thrilled about Kei, like Lambert.

  “You don’t want to look for him, Veronica.” Nathan stepped in front of the glow from his fireplace. “You don’t want to find him.”

  It was the same reply Lambert had given her at Dark Sepulcher. Instead of scaring her, it fueled her curiosity.

  “Kei isn’t known for his hospitality,” Nathan added. “He is and has always been dangerous.” Nathan clasped his hands together. His body language immediately changed from being open and inclined to being uncomfortable and unsettled. He stared past them, his eyes glassy and nervous. “He will kill you or anyone he thinks is a threat to him. He’s killed humans, researchers, and Deamhan.”

  “He’s the only one that knows what happened to Lucius and my mother was researching him around that time, then maybe he knows what happened to her as well?”

  Sean reached over to Veronica. “It’s not a good idea, Veronica.” He lowered his voice. “You heard the man; he’s dangerous.”

  “Eh.” She snarled at him. “How ironic.”

  Sean pulled his hand back. “Veronica, please.”

  “It’s not like I can find Lucius without him,” Veronica raised her voice, getting Nathan’s attention.

  “Kei isn’t hard to find.” Nathan’s eyes slowly followed a mosaic pattern of the Roman Goddess, Ceres, surrounded by pieces of fruit, on the floor of his study. “It’s just that no one bothers to seek him out, especially a human. If a Deamhan like Kei can easily rid himself of his own sire, someone as old as Lucius—” He didn’t finish his statement. Instead, he returned to Veronica. “Imagine what he could do to someone like you, Veronica.”

  “If I could find Lucius without Kei, I would, but I need to find out about my mother and what happened to her.”

  Nathan rubbed his chin. “Lambert was right. You’re very determined.”

  “Damn right.” Veronica held her head high. “Deamhan don’t scare me.” She spoke against her feelings. The Deamhan did scare her but her desire for the truth weighed more on her apperception. A glimpse of her father resonated in Nathan. He had the same attributes that most researchers learned from the organization, including Sean. He didn’t take flak from anyone. He paid attention to her detailed statements. Many researchers from his time had to be. With Veronica’s father sitting in an influential position, she understood his signs of caution.

  “If it helps, I can look through some of my research I’ve accumulated over the years.” Nathan’s eyes drifted to the marble ceiling. “I might find something that can help you.”

  “Yes, that would help me a lot.”

  Nathan blinked and refocused his attention back toward them. “If you would like, we could meet tomorrow again to discuss these things.”

  “So you’ll help her?” Sean asked.

  “I can try.”

  “Tomorrow?”

  Nathan nodded. “Yes, tomorrow at Dark Sepulcher.”

  Veronica’s ebullient feeling halted when the words “Dark Sepulcher” exited his mouth. “I can’t go back to Dark Sepulcher,” she said in a panic.

  “I’ll talk to Lambert.” He smiled. “I’ll ease his worries about you.”

  “You have pull like that?”

  “I wouldn’t call it pull, Miss Austin. More like a favor.” He reached out his hand, a gesture to end their conversation. “Tomorrow. A little after sunset.”

  Sean stood up without questioning and shook his hand. “Thank you for your time.”

  Veronica also stood up, surprised at Sean’s quick submission to end the conversation. Nathan led them out from his study and to the front door.

  “I will do all that I can.” He opened the door, letting the brisk cold air into the foyer.

  “Thank you again, Nathan,” Sean spoke up. At that moment, Veronica felt a sudden glance from above. She looked up. A woman with medium black hair and strong brown eyes glared down at them from the balcony. Her stern and organized gaze made Veronica pause for a brief moment, causing Sean to look up as well.

  She knew the woman was a Deamhan but who she was became a question for another day. The feeling of superiority and the sense that she didn’t want them there at Blind Bluff Manor, oozed from the woman’s pores. Her eyes, now pinpointed directly at her, scowled at them. The woman placed her hands on the balcony as if preparing to jump and squash them both under her feet. Nathan looked up at her, then back to them.

  “Stay safe out there.” Nathan looked back at them.

  “Yes.” Veronica agreed again to their future meeting. She glanced up one more time at the balcony, but the woman had vanished. They walked out into the cold and approached the taxi.

  “Veronica, you seriously aren’t thinking about going back to Dark Sepulcher,” Sean said, pleading to no avail.

  “Don’t tell me what I can and can’t do.” She opened the taxi door. “I’m going. End of story.”

  “Do you really believe him?”

  “I don’t know, Sean. What I do know is that he’s shown me that I can trust him. Something that you, my friend, haven’t done.” She looked back at the mansion one last time.

  “Well I’m going with you, then.”

  “You can’t. They’ll read your thoughts before you even enter. Besides, I don’t think my father would want you to.”

  “Don’t.” Sean sternly objected.

  “No, I will. I don’t know any more, Sean. I don’t know what side you’re on.”

  “I’m on yours.”

  “Sure.” Veronica huffed.

  * * * *

  Nathan closed the door, and the silence of his sanctuary returned. He watched the taxi drive off his property and disappear down the road.

  He remembered the day Caroline Austin disappeared. It happened to be on the same day Veronica’s father ejected him from The Brotherhood. By that time, the stability of the Chapter edged toward breakdown. Lucius made it clear about how he felt when it came to The Brotherhood being in the city. He didn’t like it at all but that threat didn’t make Veronica’s father budge. He insisted that if The Brotherhood ran from every threat, there would be no Brotherhood.

  Lucius went out of his way to avoid
violence. For a Deamhan his age, he’d somehow relearned the human trait of negotiation. Under his reign, researchers remained protected as long as they remained out of Deamhan affairs.

  But it didn’t last long.

  In line to become the President of the Midwest Region at that time, Mr. Austin ignored Lucius’ simple demands and his wife suddenly became the outspoken figure of her husband’s undoing. She followed and researched on Lucius against his wishes, and when she finally came face to face with this dangerous Deamhan and survived, Samuel Austin had seen enough.

  Nathan heard her footsteps behind him, and he didn’t take notice. If the Deamhan he allowed to stay at Blind Bluff Manor wanted to creep up on him, they could easily do so.

  “Lambert explained her situation.” He chose not to face the female Deamhan.

  The figure stood behind him. He felt her stare on the back of his neck and he assumed her quietness was due to her attempt to listen to his heartbeat.

  “Even if she is protected, it won’t stop Kei or anyone who cares less, for that matter.” The female Ramanga stood next to him. She stared into his face and spoke within his mind.

  Your blood is racing.

  “I’m concerned for her safety, Anastasia. That’s all.”

  The male’s scent was nauseating.

  “You know I prefer speaking than telepathy.”

  Anastasia nodded. “The male can’t be trusted. He’s a researcher.”

  “I know.” Nathan referred to Sean. He looked at her, the old and sometimes calmed Anastasia. Her gloomy and bewitching presence still made him agitated but her awe-inspiring beauty made up for it. He trusted her, even if her nature called for her to turn on him without warning. He never forgot his status among the Deamhan who stayed with him in his home; her, Remy, and Hallie. But he trusted her judgment—if he could call it that.

  “He is spying on her,” she stated. “I tried to read his thoughts but he blocked them from me. But her thoughts were opened to me. She isn’t a researcher. What she says about looking for her mother is true.”

  Nathan licked his lips and blinked his eyes slowly. “Did you pick up anything about The Brotherhood coming back to Minneapolis?”

  “Yes, they’re making their way back to the city.”

  “Well, let the games begin.” Nothing he could do would change the fact that old organization was coming back to the city.

  “I can kill him, the researcher.”

  “No.” Nathan folded his arms across his chest. He always contemplated what would happen if The Brotherhood came back. How would the Deamhan react? What would the vampires do?

  “They’ll interfere again.” Anastasia read his thoughts.

  “Killing Sean won’t stop them from coming back,” he replied. “Plus you know how I feel about killing. I don’t tolerate that in my home.”

  Anastasia scrunched her lower lip. “Even if the female is protected and not to be touched by the Deamhan and the vampires, Kei will still try to kill her if she searches for him. You can’t save her. You can’t stop that.”

  “I know.” Nathan walked toward his study room. “But I can try, Anastasia. I can try.”

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Sean and Veronica remained quiet on the drive back to Minneapolis, their eyes concentrated on the scenery rather than talking about what she planned to do. During the drive Veronica glanced over at Sean wiping the condensation from the windows.

  They thanked the taxi driver for dropping them off in front of the apartment building.

  Only when they stood in the foyer at Palm Oaks did Sean make his first comment.

  “I don’t think you can trust him.”

  “Coming from someone who I thought I could trust? Really, Sean?” Veronica walked up the stairs and he followed. They reached the front door of her apartment.

  “Veronica, I don’t know how many times I have to say sorry.”

  “As many times as it takes.” She fumbled with her keys.

  “I’m sorry then.” Sean shrugged his shoulders. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” He dropped to his knees. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry.”

  “Get up.” Veronica shook her head. She watched him stand to his feet. She couldn’t stay pissed off at him forever, even though she didn’t mind the feeling. She knew eventually she’d have to get over it. Sean risked his position in the organization just by telling her and going with her to Blind Bluff Manor.

  “Veronica, I mean it. I’m sorry.”

  “I know.” She exhaled. “But you have to understand where I’m coming from, Sean.”

  “I do.”

  “So you know why I have to go to Dark Sepulcher . . . alone.”

  He looked at her uncertainly. Veronica didn’t know either, but she wasn’t ready to give up, just yet. She anxiously wanted to meet with Nathan again to find out what more information he knew. They heard Murphy’s door slowly open.

  “Hey, Veronica.” Murphy’s eyes moved to Sean. “Hey, man, what’s up?”

  “Hey, Murphy.” Veronica managed to find the right key, gently placing it into the lock.

  “Are you still up for tonight?” He opened his door further.

  Veronica had forgotten again.

  She caught herself, careful not to trip over any words she was about to exert. He stood in his doorway, revealing his new look. He had cut his black hair short into a buzz cut. He straightened his silver silk shirt and swiped the lint off his ironed blue jeans. His dark dress shoes gleamed in the dim light of the hallway. He looked like a corporate hedgehog than anything.

  “Tonight.” Veronica nodded. She turned the key, unlocking the door and watching Sean, who wasn’t worried about her predicament, walk into the living room.

  “Yeah, I’m still up for tonight. Um, what time did we agree on?”

  “We didn’t really agree on a time. Maybe seven or eight, or whenever you’re ready?” Murphy smiled back. “It’s only about a quarter to five, but I like to get ready early, anyway.”

  “All right.” She stepped into the apartment. “I’ll be over at seven.”

  “Cool, see ya then.”

  She slowly closed the door and turned back to Sean. He sat on her couch with his hands nestled behind his head.

  “That guy likes you.” His snippy comment followed his quick giggle. “Do you like him?”

  “I can’t believe I almost forgot again.” She walked over to the couch.

  “Well I can.” He moved over, making room for her to sit. “We just came from Nathan’s, Veronica. The last thing on your mind would be some date with a college weirdo.”

  “He’s not weird.” She defended him. “Well, not really. He’s kinda cute.”

  “No, he’s weird,” he repeated. “Oh come on, the guy seems to always know when you come home. Every time you take out your keys to get into your apartment, he’s right there, opening his door, trying to make conversation. That’s a weirdo.” Sean smiled. “Or a stalker.”

  “That’s not funny.” She jokingly slapped him on his arm.

  “I’m not trying to be funny. I’m just stating the obvious facts.”

  He placed his arm around her and carefully kissed her forehead. “Are you gonna go?”

  “Yeah.”

  “You sure?”

  “Yeah, I need a break.”

  “Well, I’ll be here when you get back. I might even raid your kitchen, if I manage to gather enough energy to do so.” He leaned his head back, staring at the ceiling. “If you want, you can call me or message me if your date ends up being horrific.”

  Veronica jokingly slapped him again, on his chest, making him flinch. “You’re bad.” She looked up at him as he sniggered.

  “Yeah, I know, Veronica.” The smile disappeared from his face, replaced by a worried stare. “Yeah, I know.” He swallowed. “If you want, I can also email Kenneth and lie and let him know that you’ve turned your search toward the sanctuary fires.”

  Veronica smiled briefly at Sean’s attempt to mend their friendship. This t
ime she didn’t think twice about trusting him. She hoped, for his sake, that he’d follow through.

  “Yeah, that’d work,” she replied. “That should get them off your back for a day or so.”

  Sean nodded. “I was supposed to check in a hotel instead of staying here. I think they’re onto me already.”

  * * * *

  Sean remained on the couch with his head tilted to the ceiling. He couldn’t sleep, nor did he want to. There was too much commotion occurring on the street below. Groups of drunken teens walked by Palm Oaks, screaming at one another in mid conversation. The noise of a police siren in the distance was followed by the blaring horn of a fire truck.

  When the noises finally subsided, the apartment went silent. He didn’t bother to turn on the television or browse the internet. He had to do something to make things right between himself and Veronica. He didn’t know what that was, just yet. He knew how to start it. He could explain everything to her from here on out; no lies. But fearing what The Brotherhood would do to him stopped him. It was a no-no to disobey rules, and it meant being ejected from the organization. Or worse. Sure, he was told of researchers who disappeared after being caught but he assumed they were kicked out after being reprimanded. But what if something worse had happened to them? It was a question that plagued his mind.

  His cell phone buzzed, and he instantly sprung to his feet. His phone beeped with an incoming text message from Kenneth. The message read “Bar 69” followed by x’s and o’s. He was not prepared.

  Sean pulled out a small piece of paper from his briefcase and scribbled one simple line, just enough so that Veronica would finally know the truth. He wanted to write more, to tell her that if he didn’t return or didn’t contact her in a few days, then something horrible had happened to him. He didn’t expect any sympathy from her, and he also wasn’t expecting her to forgive him that easily.

  He grabbed his briefcase, his laptop, and his jacket. He looked around Veronica’s apartment for a sharp wooden object, thinking maybe she had an extra stake hidden underneath the couch cushions. Unable to find anything, he grabbed a knife from the kitchen and without looking back, he left her apartment and walked down the street toward the bar.