by L. A. A. Law
“Now I don’t understand.”
“By the time of the accident, Andrew and I were already working together and I had already fallen in love with him, but he was fighting it so that this world wouldn’t touch me. Back then, we had no idea what I was.”
He features betray his surprised by my revelation. “I thought this hospital story was just a front to hide the community you formed up here. Are you telling me that this is really a hospital with normal humans that you treat?”
“Yes. This is really a hospital. Andrew is head of the terminally ill department and I help people whose lives have been devastated by the surreal. However, we don’t confirm this world to them, we just try to help them find peace with what has happened and give them a safe place to find solace where people don’t treat them as deranged because they talk about vampires or shadowy figures that killed their loved ones.”
Stunned he mechanically sits on the fallen log I am standing before. “How can they stand to be around people and not attack? How can they hide what they are from the patients? I have only heard of the watchers being able to control themselves against feeding on the human that they are guarding. I know that everyone isn’t as barbaric as David and his covens, but still...” Kneeling next to him, I know he’s talking to himself, but feel the need to answer him.
“There are many vampires who don’t kill, especially the ones here, they are committed to preserving human lives and protecting those that darkness tries to claim. The St. Cloud’s and their friends are truly amazing, Jeff, they have dedicated their existence to helping. This is not the only hospital that they have established and their friends are running and caring for people in the others.”
He looks up at me stunned. “They really don’t feed on their patients?”
“Oh no. Never. This is not a front at all and since our children were born, they have even set up a school here so that our children could learn how to use their strength to help others and grow up with families who want to ensure that their children don’t see what they are as a curse, but a gift, one that comes with great responsibility and one that can never be used in anger.”
He shakes his head.
“What’s wrong?”
“I’m just amazed. You fought so hard against everything medical in school and now, listening to you, you have really embraced it and sound as if you love it.”
“I do. Back then, you’re right, it was in no way what I wanted, but Andrew’s sister came into my life and showed me that there was another way to help in the medical field and she threw me a line when I really needed help.”
He mumbles to himself and his features reflect a profound sadness. “Why couldn’t our pack be that way?”
“I’m very sorry that your pack wasn’t there for you when you were going through your mother’s death, but it sounds as if you have found a home now.”
“It is better now.” His head whips around and he stares at me, a look of horror overtaking his features. “Mia, did you say Andrew’s sister?”
“Yes. Why?”
“They were converted together?”
“His whole family was converted, why?”
He grabs my hands. “Mia, families don’t get converted. Vampires usually only attack one or maybe two, we have only heard of David changing families.” Squeezing my hands tighter, his eyes dart to the children. “Are you sure you know Andrew? Mia, David’s coven is very clever, they have spent years lulling people into complacency only to hunt them viciously later.” His grasp tightens further and I cannot feel my hands.
“Jeff, it’s alright, let go, you’re hurting me.”
Before I even realize what’s happening, Jacob flies at Jeff, knocking him to the ground and is standing before me protectively. “Mom, are you alright?”
“Honey, I’m fine.” Turning him, I hug him. “Why did you do that?”
His features change from upset to confused as Jeff rises, rubbing his head. “You said he was hurting you, I knocked him off the log so that he couldn’t hurt you anymore.”
I’m stunned that he could even hear me. “Jacob, it’s alright. Jeff was just caught off guard by something I said and his hands mistakenly grabbed my wrists. It’s alright Jacob. I’m fine. Nothing happened. He wasn’t trying to hurt me.”
Turning to Jeff before I tell him to apologize, Jacob’s voice is timid. “I’m very sorry for knocking you over. I thought you were trying to hurt my mom, like that other man.”
“It’s fine. I would have done the same thing if I thought someone was hurting my family. You have quite a grip and great hearing.”
“Are you sure you’re alright? I know that I’m not supposed to do things like that, but I panicked. I don’t want my mom hurt.”
Putting his hand on Jacob’s shoulder, Jeff’s voice is reassuring. “I’m fine really and I didn’t mean to hurt your mom, it was an accident. She is very lucky to have you as a protector.”
“Jake why don’t you tell the others we will head back in about ten minutes.” Walking away, he keeps glancing back to make sure I’m alright. He is so much like his father at such a young age.
Turning my attention back to Jeff, “I’m sorry about that, so much has happened that he is afraid ...”
Jeff raises his hand. “You don’t have to explain to me. I understand and really he didn’t hurt me, I was just caught off guard. I didn’t mean to hurt you, but Mia how many of Andrew’s family are here?” Concern for this matter resonates strong in his tone.
“Jeff, Andrew was not created by David I assure you. Andrew and his family’s story is unique and has nothing to do with David or any of his creations. I saw what happened to his family. I assure you there is nothing cynical or deceiving about them. They are good people and all they want to do is help.”
He sits there, his mouth agape. Finally he pulls himself from whatever he is contemplating. “He was a vampire when I saw him. You couldn’t have seen his creation.”
“I didn’t see it when it actually happened. It’s a long story, but sometimes I can see histories or what happened when I am around the area where it happened and have items from the time period. On our honeymoon, Andrew brought me back to his home, where his family was attacked and converted. I saw what happened to them and despite how awful it was for them, they emerged a good, strong family. They have no connection to David and they are nothing like the vampires that you have described, I assure you. If they were, I would have never let Nicholas and Kayla come here, nor would I have fallen in love with him and had a family with him.”
Jeff backs up on the log, his eyes showing his absolute disbelief. “Are you telling me that Jacob and Nicole are natural born vampires, Andrew didn’t sire them for you?”
“Yes, they are our children, not his creation. They are not full vampires. They only have some vampire features.”
“Is that really possible? I thought that was all rumors and stories. We have heard about rare cases, but I always thought that was a lie.”
“It is rare, but it’s not a lie.”
Composing himself and moving closer to me, his tone returns somewhat to normal. “I’m sorry, it’s just that since what happened I have tried to learn all I could about them and now you’re turning everything that I have learned upside down. Good vampires who don’t kill to feed. Who would have thought?”
I laugh. “You would be surprised at how many I have come across since meeting Andrew and how much they really do band together to help each other and to ensure the safety of those who are in danger from other creatures of the surreal. Jeff please you need to believe that everyone on this complex, whether witch or vampire, is committed to the greater good and keeping their families in the light. It sounds like what you have learned is very one sided and I assure you that no one here is like that. Right now, we are all afraid of what will happen to Nicholas and Kayla when they transform and are committed to helping them through this so that my family can be united again. I’m sure your father told you what they went through
and what Paul and Julianne went through at David’s hands. All we want to do is help the children, including Paul and Julianne deal with the repercussions from that awful event and help them move on.”
“Grant did tell me what you did and how you were just as concerned for my family as you were for your own. He also told me how you turned yourself over to David to buy the others more time to join together and come up with a plan of attack. That’s why you have to allow us to help you with Nicholas and Kayla. You helped save my family. Let my father and I help you save yours. I know you haven’t seen me in a very long time and now know what I am and you don’t know Grant that well, but we can help, but you are going to have to trust us and believe me when I say that Andrew can’t be there. The smell of a vampire when they convert will make them violent. They will feel threatened and will not recognize Andrew as their father. They will only smell the danger from a vampire and will want to attack. You know they won’t even recognize you as their mother, but where you are not a vampire, they won’t see you as that type of threat.”
His words frighten me. “Will they always see Andrew and their family as a threat because of what they are?”
“Honestly, I’m not sure. I know when we convert, we do. However, that could also be because of our experiences with them. Your children may not have the same reaction to the smell of a vampire because they have been raised not to fear vampires.” Something seems to occur to him. “Mia, I am not being coy with you, it’s just that they have been raised different and there are so many factors now to consider, especially because of their most recent experience. Although they may not come to want to attack vampires because of how they were raised, they have also experienced terror because of David’s family that may play a pivotal role in their first conversion. Are they powerful witches as well or is that just you?”
“They have had powers since they were babies, but we have always restricted their use because we wanted them to grow up working for what they wanted and to grow as individuals first.”
He sits contemplating. “This may also change their conversion. Mia, when we saw the cabin with Andrew, he refused to allow us to install a cage for them, are you committed to that as well.”
I nod emphatically.
Despite his sigh, his voice is calm. “I can understand why and I’m not trying to be unreasonable, as I told Andrew, I agree that even if we were to put bars around the windows and doors, against his wishes, he is right that the walls would probably give way from the force exerted, but all of this is going to make it essential that Grant and I keep them contained. We won’t hurt them I promise, but we may do things that will upset you. Are you committed to coming with us?”
“Yes I am. We can’t put them in a cage, especially after what they have already experienced and I don’t want them going through a conversion alone, they have already been traumatized.”
His eyes turn understanding, but his tone reflects his concern. “It would be more traumatic if they killed you or someone in their family.”
“Will they really be that out of control that they can’t be contained by you and Grant?”
“Young werewolves are extremely strong and powerful. They are also very fast. Normally we have two on one and the others are alert, but ours have grown up knowing and being prepared for this. For those who have been bitten, we usually use the cell when they first convert and have two standing guard. In your case, I do understand why you don’t want to use the cage, but you need to understand that we are already at a disadvantage where your children have no knowledge of this, are not prepared, have already undergone a traumatic event which will make their conversion more unstable, their fear will contribute to heightening their need to run, more importantly, we don’t know what their witch powers are going to enhance or cause to interfere with their conversion.”
My heart rate spikes with each word spoken as anxiety creeps into every cell of my being. “Should we be searching for others to help us or should I get them further away?”
“Normally I would say yes to both, but Mia, this could be very dangerous where they have increased powers. I’m concerned that things could get out of control like they did causing your children to get bit in the first place if there are too many wolves involved who are also unfamiliar with each other and considering my men’s aversions, I do not even want to send for them. They may react too aggressively. We are already concerned when our own go through conversions, that’s why Grant refused Paul when he begged to help. In fact, I wish I could convince you not to come. You need to understand that their animal instincts will react to your fear.”
“Jeff, I have to be there. They need me and I’m hoping that I can connect with them to make it easier. Did Grant tell you at all about me?”
“He did tell me that you somehow could feel them and know what is happening, but he didn’t think you were communicating with them.”
“I wasn’t, but I did get through once and I’m hoping to try to do it again over the next few days. If I can somehow connect and they can feel me with them during the conversion, I can help contain them and calm them.”
As the children approach, we rise. Jacob inches over toward Jeff, once more. “Mr. Sheffield I truly am sorry for knocking you down.”
“Jake don’t worry about it, I’m fine. I would have done the same thing if I thought someone was hurting my mom and you can call me Jeff.” He smiles.
Jacob smiles and seems to relax as we walk back. Andrew and the others haven’t returned so I make dinner. As they are eating, I hear a knock, its Emma.”
“Where are the children?”
“In the kitchen, eating. Why?”
“Mia, we have placed various protections between the cabin and Sanctuary, each a little stronger, with the strongest here. If they get this far, we are hoping that this will knock them down as opposed to just repel them, but after speaking with Reginald, he didn’t want to put anything that could possibly make them lose consciousness because he didn’t know what that would do during the conversion. He wants you to see him. He has some repellant spells that you could use to try to keep them away from any doors or windows. He will also Patrol the area around Sanctuary just in case they break through our barriers.
“Would you mind staying with them? Where’s Reginald?”
“He’s at the terminal building with James. They are setting up some tests. Go on, I’ll stay until Andrew returns. Victor called. They are on their way back.”
Reginald is alone in the lab. When I enter, he puts down the vile. “Let’s go to the lounge.”
“Have you discovered anything?” I inquire on the way.
“We have tested some of Sebastian’s blood and the chemical makeup is definitely that of a human. There are some abnormalities and James is trying to follow those leads, but it sounds like we have a much greater issue to deal with first. The first conversion is difficult to watch and a little slower than the rest. You need to be prepared, not only for what you see, but to throw the spells I am going to teach you. I promise you that they will not hurt them, but I’m hoping that they will throw them back away from the openings. Even if they hit the wall or floor, it won’t harm them.”
As this thought flashes in my head, along with the feeling of being thrown against the estate walls by David, I shudder.
Noticing this, Reginald speaks firmly. “Mia, you can’t hesitate. In that moment, they will be gone. They are that fast. It would be better if you could keep them contained because in truth, our protective shields may not work. I’m concerned about the things we don’t know with such a mixed conversion and the effects on their already traumatized bodies to place certain things in the shields which may repel witches as well. What I’m teaching you will hopefully just keep them off balance enough to go through the first conversion without running anywhere.”
Listening intently, I try the spells with him. After about half an hour I feel extremely weak as if I am fighting against a riptide and fall toward the floor while tossing Reg
inald back. Surprisingly, he catches me before my head hits the table and guides me gently to the floor. “Mia, what happened? Are you alright?”
I try to rise, but my head spins violently and my stomach contracts. Helping me to the daybed, he goes to the kitchen and brings me back juice. Andrew enters as I’m still drinking and as he glances at Reginald’s worried face, his features turn concerned immediately. “Is everything alright?”
Clearing my throat in hopes of answering strong, I’m disappointed as my voice sounds uncertain. “We were just practicing some spells and I became a little tired.”
I catch the look passing between Andrew and Reginald. “Mia, it is more than just you being tired, isn’t it?” His tone is accusatory.
“I’m fine really. I just hadn’t eaten and with the stress, you know me. I become weak at the drop of a dime when I don’t eat.” I laugh, but their expressions remain concerned.
Andrew inquires of Reginald directly. “Do you think it is more than just exhaustion and hunger? Is there a possibility that she could still convert because of the bites or that there is something going on that we are unaware of?”
“I really can’t say. You know that everyone who is bitten either dies or is converted. I can’t explain why it didn’t happen. You should try to run some more tests and see if there are significant changes.” I shoot him an angry look, which I hope Andrew does not catch. “She could be right, it could be just her body is still recovering from the loss of blood. She should eat and you should at least check her out and make sure that physically she appears to be the same.
Looking down at my watch, I realize the children will be getting ready for bed. “We can do that later. I want to see the children before they go to bed and I still need to try to connect with Kayla and Nicholas.”
Andrew opens his mouth to object and I rise. “Don’t fight me on this please, you won’t win.”
Walking back, I am fighting to take every step, but try to appear un-phased not wanting to give Andrew any reason to give me trouble with what I have to do. When we arrive, the children are ready for bed and Gabriel and Martina are there.
