Jacob explains that our father is ill and our mother is caring for him.
“You must be so lonely without your mother, dear.” Mary places her hand atop mine. As soon as her skin touches mine, she forces a smile and slides it away.
“You get used to Anne’s hot skin after a while. Too bad she’s also hot-headed.” Will lifts a piece of fruit from the table and pops it in his mouth.
“I’m sure that’s not the case.” Mary chuckles. “How old are you, dear?”
“Seventeen, ma’am.”
“Oh, Emmett is seventeen.” Mary extends her hand as if she’s going to touch me again but withdraws it, letting it rest on the tablecloth. “You two may get on quite well.”
“Mary.” Eugene clears his throat and looks down his nose at her.
The meal is beef and potatoes. With the meat cooked all the way through, I’d rather be eating a shoe bottom but down a few bites each of the meat and vegetables. The wine, however, tastes of berry and oak, and my glass is empty before I realize it.
The men decide to meet the next day to walk our property boundaries and mark the Schmidt’s new tract. As dessert is served, Mambi, Jacob, Will, and I look between each other. Berries lie cooked in a pastry and, by the smell, are drenched in sugar. While humans fare well with such treats, vampires do not.
“How amazing does this look?” Mary leans into the dish. She lifts the serving spoon and asks us to pass our plates for a helping.
“I’m sorry. We don’t mean to be rude, but we don’t allow ourselves to eat desserts such as these.” Jacob holds his hand over his plate.
“Puritans, I take it?” Eugene looks down his nose at us. “I wouldn’t have guessed by your dress.”
“Naturalists. We try to keep our bodies free of refined or processed foods.”
“But you’re Christian, right? We’re Protestants and hope to start a church.” Mary’s eyes grow large.
“Of course,” Jacob supplies. “A church is not something we had thought of yet. It’s been a lot of work to build structures and plow fields, and we have only been here six months.”
“Six months? You must work fast. Emmett says there are several buildings on the property.”
“Yes, well, remember we have over one hundred able bodies.”
“I can’t imagine.” Mary lifts a spoonful of the pie to her husband’s plate.
Eugene and Mary start to eat their pie, but Emmett chooses against having the dessert.
“This is impolite,” Mary exclaims after a couple of bites.
“No, no, please, you have arranged such a beautiful meal, please enjoy.” I motion to their dishes.
“You’re so sweet and beautiful.” Mary places a hand on my bare shoulder. “And oh, so warm. I don’t think I’ll get used to that.”
I wonder if she’ll always feel the need to touch me and if I should state a boundary now. Not wanting to be rude, I hold my tongue.
When they’re finished with the dessert, we move to the porch. I’m not used to being stationary for so long, and walking feels good, even if it’s at the slow pace of humans. We practiced half the afternoon to make sure our movements would look natural. Of course, with only vampires to judge, the only test could be the dinner with our new neighbors.
The men discuss the details for the next day, and Mary pulls Mambi and me aside. “I hope we’ll be wonderful friends. It gets quite lonely without women to talk to.”
“Of course.” I force a sweet smile, remembering the sewing sessions from my childhood and praying she doesn’t intend for us to have knitting parties.
I feel a stare and lift my gaze to see Emmett’s eyes fixed on me. His face turns red, and he refocuses on Eugene. Mambi and I bid good night to Mary and walk towards our carriage.
“I think Emmett may be sweet on you,” Mambi whispers.
“That’s only one of a series of problems I see with humans living so close to us.”
“I’m not sure there’s any way to keep them from settling there.”
“I’m sure Jacob and Will have already thought of several.” My mind jumps to any number of scare tactics they could use to make the property seem uninhabitable, drained carcasses, animals torn to shreds, pagan symbols.
We bid good night to the Schmidts and climb onto our cart. On the ride, we discuss options. Wanting to fit in, acquiesce into society, we decide to seem as human as possible.
“You can’t let them touch you again.” Will points a finger at me as we enter our home. “Mary seems to have a soft spot for you.”
“She’s already trying to mate her son to Anne. What do we do about that?” Jacob paces to the window.
“We tell them the truth. My betrothed died in the old country, and I’m not ready to court again. Jacob, you have to take lead on that as my supposed older brother and head of the household while our parents are away.”
“What happens when they never come?” Will asks.
“Elizabeth may come at some point. She can pose as our mother. And we say father died,” I supply.
“What happens when people notice we’re not aging?”
“We move.” Will shrugs.
Nervous, I pat my leg and pace the room. “We’re endangering anyone in the vicinity. We could be targeted at any time.”
“We have our scouts. We’ll be prepared. We won’t have a battle at our doorsteps.” Jacob takes Mambi’s hand.
“It may be harder to convince the hundred others we share the land with that human neighbors are a good idea.” Will steps out the door. He sounds our high-pitched gathering call, and I hear a bobcat call in the distance.
Our comrades crowd into the great room until we are shoulder to shoulder. I jump to the hall table to make the announcement. Rumbling breaks out, and I call for quiet. Hearing all the concerns, we put it to a vote. In the end, most decide they like our home. The stragglers that prefer living outside of society volunteer for scouting positions.
“It’s decided then,” Will raises his voice. “Jacob and I will meet with the Schmidts tomorrow to walk the land, while Anne gives instruction on how to appear human.”
I imagine Will and Jacob being their most intimidatingly brutish selves. “I don’t believe that is wise. I’m coming.”
“Trudging around in the forest is not appropriate for a woman. A lady’s place is at home, teaching the children.” A smile spreads across Will’s face.
A huge laugh goes up, and someone starts an Irish tune on the piano. “May I, my lady?” Will holds out his hand to me.
“Fine, but no more talk of a woman’s place.”
“I promise, Queen.” He winks and whisks me across the floor.
We dance until the wee hours of the night and then break into smaller groups for hunting. Before dawn, I catch a few hours of rest and then rise to dress before the Emmett and Eugene Schmidt arrive. After some brief pleasantries, Emmett, Eugene, Jacob, and Will board one of our carts for a tour of the land. They return well before sunset and Emmett and Eugene take their leave.
Jacob and Will report they agreed on boundaries for buffer forest, planting, and positioning of buildings. The next day we wake to the sound of carts bumping along the road. I dress and use my horse to ride to the edge of our property. Three wagons bounce along the hard sandy ruts, two holding men, and the last supplies.
“Good morning.” Eugene stops his rig beside me and tips his hat.
“Are you building already?” I ask.
“Yes, the workers’ quarters first and then the main house. It should be finished within a month. Emmett and I will be sleeping here and Mary at the inn until building is complete. She would love some company when you go in for provisions.”
“Your workers will live on the property?”
“Yes, they all have references from friends in Europe. You have nothing to fear from them.”
“Thank you. I appreciate that. I’m glad you’re here with hired workers instead of another with other ideas of laborers.”
“You refer t
o slave ownership?”
“Yes.”
“We’re a Christian family. There’s no place for owning humans in God’s eyes.”
“Not all see it that way.”
“You’re right.”
"We will have you and your workers over for supper tonight.”
“Much obliged, and Emmett will be happy to see you.” Eugene looks back at his son who, with a reddened face, tips his hat.
“Well, I’ll let you get to your work. I was just out for my morning ride.”
“You be careful out by yourself, Miss.”
“I will. Good day.” I wave and nudge my horse, prompting him towards our estate.
That night, we prepare a big feast for Eugene, Emmett, and the thirteen workers. Twenty of us—some African, some Asian, some South American, and some European—gather to welcome them. The humans stand shoulder to shoulder as introductions are made, huddling together for safety, I assume. I smile but feel guilty watching them in the presence of so many vampires. It amuses me to hear their heart rates quicken and see sweat forming on their brows, knowing they have no clue why. I rebuke myself in the next thought.
“So, how did you come to know these people?” Eugene whispers when we take our seats.
“We met them in our travels. Father made sure we saw every continent before settling in this new world.”
“He must be a very forward-thinking man.”
“He is indeed.” I agree, realizing I hardly knew my father at all.
I prepared some well-cooked steaks for our guests and serve rare ones to my people along with vegetables and fresh berries. Stephanie of France became our wine maker, and I’m grateful for her talents.
The weeks tick by, and we watch as small square structures go up on the Schmidt property followed by a large plantation home. When Mary moves in, we host her, Eugene, and Emmett for another big feast. Mary’s arm hairs stand on end, and her heart rate doubles as she enters our home.
“I’m sorry. We haven’t had time for decorating. I hope you understand.” I take her hat as she moves from the front hall to the dining room.
My comrades, our makeshift family, mill about the outskirts of the room in various conversations. Mary’s eyes cut between the groups of vampires, and she tightens her grip on Eugene’s arm. Eugene and Emmett have grown accustomed to the group, and their stress, indicated by heart rate and body temperature elevation, diminishes with each visit. In my brain, I catalog all this information for future use. Humans, after several exposures, relax and lesson their flight reaction even in the presence of constant threat.
We take our seats and begin the meal. Mambi serves the first course of meat, and I bring in the second of vegetables and fruits. All the while, we keep the wine glasses full.
“Dear.” Mary leans over during the dessert course of fresh berries and cream. “We have noticed Emmett’s affinity for you, and he would like to call on you tomorrow afternoon.”
I’m ready with my stock answer. “I’m sorry, but my betrothed died, and I’m still in mourning.”
“Oh, you poor dear.” Mary reaches out but hesitates, lowering her hand to the table. “I can’t imagine. I’m so sorry. But please, let me know when your mourning has passed.”
“My brother Jacob has been assigned this task in my father’s absence,” I tell her.
“Of course, forgive me, the lack of society here has left me with no manners at all.”
“That is far from the truth, madam.” I hug her for a second. “You’re so sweet to befriend me. It’s hard to be a woman in these times.”
“And yet you’re still just a girl, without her mother no less.” Mary cups her hand on my cheek.
I am a girl. Except for the night with Will, killing Chief Crow, burning the bodies of my slaughtered comrades in Asia, and witnessing my aman cara’s heart resting atop his chest, yes, I’m a girl without her mother.
Weeks pass, and our lives on the plantation become pleasant. We train to stay strong and keep our sentinels coming and going to assess movements of different tribes. As summer wanes we harvest our first season, busy in the fields by day and scouting after sunset. One night in early September, I run through the forest, hunting alone. The air seems to hang with moisture, and the forest feels thick with the heat held by the trees. It’s harder to discern scents on such nights, and sweat pouring from my brow, I become frustrated. Stopping, I sniff the air, reach out with my ears, let the vibrations of the earth pulse through my feet. My eyes dart this way and that, and I pick up a new scent.
Human, Emmett.
Seeing Emmett some twenty feet from me, I freeze. His eyes are fixed in my direction. “Anne, I know it is you.”
Heart thumping in my chest, I lower myself from the branch and pad to him. “It’s hours before dawn, what are you doing on our property?”
“I could ask you the same.” His mouth forms a smile.
“I couldn’t sleep.”
“How many nights a week would you say you can’t sleep?”
“Several. Why?” I ask, wishing I had the gift of a psychic or a witch’s mind control.
He broadens his shoulders and straightens his back. His eyes hold my gaze. “I’ve seen you in the forest. The others too.”
“What do you mean?”
“I know you’re not like us.”
“What exactly have you seen?”
“You nearly fly through the air, jumping from tree to tree. You race through the forest at amazing speeds. You take down a buck like he’s a fawn.”
“You must be dreaming, perhaps sleepwalking.”
“How do you become the beings you are?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Don’t lie to me. I’ve been watching you for months. I’ve seen you sink fangs into a rabbit. Are you demons?”
“You’re not thinking clearly. Let me walk you home.” I motion west to his property.
“Is this why I can’t call on you because you’re not human? I sense that you like me.”
“You are a nice”—I almost say boy but think better of it— “man.” Fitting my hair behind my ears, I listen for others. I’m not sure how my comrades would react if they thought Emmett knew our secret. “Please, let me walk you to your property.”
He wraps his fingers around mine. “Your body temperature is higher than ours. Is that part of being what you are? You can’t eat sugar and like to eat animals raw. You have fangs like a snake, are fast as a deer.”
I yank my hand from his grip. “You’re not safe here,” I hiss. “I will escort you home. Please, I beg you. I’m not sure what delusions you’ve conjured up, but please right your mind before you speak of this to anyone.”
“Fine, I’ll let you walk me to our property. But know this, I have seen things, and I know I’m not crazy. I’m not going to tell anyone. I will keep your secret as long as you don’t hurt any of us.”
“You know we mean no one harm, right?” I peer into his eyes.
“It seemed like you were threatening me just now.”
“No.” I motion for him to follow. “Just warning you.”
“Will the others not like that I know?”
“No, they would not.”
“Then, it’s our secret.” He grabs my shoulders and presses his lips to mine. Backing away, he takes hold of my hands. “What you are doesn’t matter to me. I’ll be everything you need me to be. Just tell me you care for me, and I’ll do anything you say. We will be wed and have a beautiful family. I can make you happy.”
His grip on my hands feels uncomfortable, and I fight the urge to rip my fingers away. He’s such a dear soul. Being the savage that I am, I probably don’t deserve his love. “You misunderstand my friendship. Yes, I think you’re charming, intelligent, and nice. But we can never be more than we are.”
He shakes his head. “You’re wrong. Give me a chance to show you. Let me court you formally.”
“Even if I wanted that, and I don’t, to be clear.” I slip m
y hands from his. “It cannot be. Do you understand? More families move here all the time. You will find a wonderful wife. I know it.”
Half of me is trying to convince myself Emmett is sleepwalking, and the other half screams that this can’t be happening, that I must be dreaming. Never in a hundred years would I have thought he would find out. The air must be heavier than we realize. Our noses aren’t working as well as they should.
He walks towards his property line, and I keep pace with him. At the border, he stops. “Please just consider my offer?”
“Emmett, go home, and you must never speak of this again.”
“I just want you to tell me what you are, how you are this way, why no one knows of beings like you. I want to know my world completely. To live with my eyes open.”
I think of something to satisfy his curiosity. “Maybe one day. For now, please go home.”
Dashing away, I jump into the closest tree and climb up high to make sure he makes it home safely. I watch as he walks up the path and inside, then swing from tree to tree until I reach our property. My mind circles with more thoughts than I prefer. Have I gone soft, lost my hunter’s senses? Should I tell the others about Emmett?
I close my eyes, and the cicadas’ buzz reaches near-deafening level in my ears. I open my lids. Taking in a deep breath, I close them again, smelling the damp soil and sap of the pines. Inhaling the humid warm air, thick with the smell of the sea, feels like breathing soup, and I release the air from my lungs. I focus on the flora beneath my feet, the grass between my toes. I look to a tree and up the trunk, to the stars in the sky, so dense, they look like a blanket of candles.
Perhaps the coast isn’t a good place for us. Looking beyond the house, I watch the grasses blow in the wind, the marshes giving way to the sea. I listen for the waves folding onto the beach, the gulls calling over the ocean. Being in one spot has made me complacent. I should have sensed Emmett watching. Letting my guard down was not smart. Why did I think Mother Earth would give me a glimmer of peace?
Am I really mourning for what I can’t have with Emmett? I know the answer before the thought finishes. I grieve for Alec and our lost lives. Having a home reminds me of everything I won’t experience with him.
Kingdom of the Damned: Provocation (KIngdom Journals) Page 17
