“Oh come now darling Aleksandr, you hate me enough that you won’t greet me properly? Come, come now child, should I force you to pay a penance for your behavior?” His dusky baritone timbre resonated across the room.
The threat was real and shivers raced down Aleks’ spine. It had always been Durac’s game to beat him into submission and for years he had never raised his voice let alone his hand to his maker. He knelt slowly and kept his emotions at bay, sensing instantly when he saw Durac that he was in the city for several reasons. The families looked the other way at Durac’s tortured proclivities as Durac was teaching their future leader, right? The thought rattled through his brain what he had to endure and what he’d escaped. Unfortunately the connection and blood bond was too strong for Durac to be able to hide but so many things, no matter the level of authority and his station over the region. Their bonding had been a necessary action and a requirement by their laws and while broken, the shared thoughts and visions remained. Yet Durac had the upper hand as Aleks had grown weak over the years. As he kissed the glowing ring, Durac reached out and brushed his fingers across Aleks’ cheek.
“Much better but I feel a rage burning within you. Surely it’s not directed at seeing me? You must have been well aware that I would find you. You’re a part of my life and my biddings for our people and one too valuable to let go but for so long. Besides, the time of Passing approaches and your destiny awaits you.”
“My destiny? You know how I feel.”
“Yes, we all do but you have backed yourself and your kind into a corner. If you don’t come with me willingly I’ll be forced to destroy the people you’ve grown to love.”
Hissing, Aleks knew Durac was goading him. Whether or not he was killing the boys to get to him was an aside. Granted, he couldn’t allow the murders to continue but he had to figure out his station and the reason that Jax Steele remained firmly planted as his future in his mind before he succumbed. “I don’t believe.”
“Then you’ll learn the hard way finally.”
Aleks rose and moved away. “While I certainly realize you’d like to coerce me back into your bed Durac, you and I both know that it can’t happen. If I return then you’ll be pushed aside.”
“Perhaps. Maybe I’m broadening my territory for the future.”
“New territory?”
“You don’t approve? Come now. You’ll be King. What will I have, lover?”
“King? Cut the crap, Durac. Suddenly dead bodies of my former models are turning up slaughtered in such a brutal way that the human cops cannot fathom who could do such a thing and that somehow occurs immediately around your arrival? I think that hardly a coincidence. I believe that you’re making your presence known.”
Durac laughed. “Isn’t that part of taking a new territory?”
“You know the behavior would be frowned upon!” Somehow Aleks wasn’t convinced he was the killer but he inability to read Durac was stifling.
“I assure you I’m not into doing anything barbaric right now. I’ve tasted but not taken, yet. You are well aware of my position. I’m not here to kill but to bring you back to the family.”
“I also noticed you at a certain club I frequent and partaking in a young gentleman. Is the boy alive?”
“Alive? Please. I enjoyed a taste of him and set him free.”
“I know what you hunger for, Durac. I know what you need. I dare say the city is not safe with you in it.” Rage was building within him and Aleks could easily see that Durac was hiding something.
“My, my Aleksandr, you seem so very bitter. Are you suggesting that I’m poaching your lovers?”
“Touché, Durac. What I’m telling you is that I know you too well. Remember? You do nothing without a purpose and one that has been thoroughly checked out. Stop attempting to dazzle me with bullshit and tell me if you have had anything to do with these murders? One way or the other I’m going to get to the bottom of this.”
Durac laughed. “I think my lover that your hormones are getting in the way of your judgment.”
“Damn it, Durac! Why the fuck are you here?”
He narrowed his eyes and inched toward Aleks. “One day I will bring you back into my personal fold and when I do, I’ll break you as the man and finally produce the beast that I need. You and I were destined to have everything that our families before us had and yet you chose to throw it all away because of your sensitivities. You nearly destroyed me when you left with your insolence and your lies. Did you know Aleksandr that the family considered me an outcast for years after what you did, after stealing the very heart of our society? Did you know that I was imprisoned for one decade in penance to your damning behavior?”
While Aleks knew what he had done to the family alone was considered blasphemy to their kind, he had no idea the elders would punish his maker. “I did not know. Is that why you’re here, revenge? Do you need a bit of my flesh to atone for what happened? You and I both know why I left.”
“Yes, we both do indeed and while you have chosen to hide from your true calling for these decades, I’ve been attempting to hold together an empire and one you want nothing to do with but you have no choice. You must see that now.” Durac scoffed.
“And what, you need me as your prize?”
“Do not flatter yourself. I’m here for reasons of business, Aleksandr.”
“Your business generally means slaughtering people.”
“Hear me Aleksandr. I came here to bring you back yes but I fear I may be too late to save many around you. I’m well aware of the murders which means we have another vampire in our midst and one intent on not allowing you to take your rightful place as our King.”
Aleks sighed. There was some truth in his words. If the Jicard family found out his whereabouts which he suspected had happened then they’d enjoy play using the methods of slaughter to remind him of their power. “Are you telling me a member of the Jicard family is responsible?”
“I…don’t know. In truth I don’t, Aleks. Rumblings told us of a search for you but the family had no idea they’d find you so soon. Your powers are weak. Their ability to hone in them is surprising. I came as soon as I realized.”
Could he trust the man that had taken him down a dark path? Searching Durac’s mind he realized he was telling at least partial truths. “I can tell there’s something else.”
Durac sighed and closed his eyes. “There’s been a theft from our vaults.”
“A theft?” A rumble in his chest told him what had been taken. Fingering his necklace, he fought a series of shivers. Perhaps they’d all been fools.
“Yes, Aleksandr and one that could bring our existence into the forefront of humans. I came here to also ask for your help, as I have been unable to find the one that took the piece.” Durac rose from the chair and walked toward the bank of windows, shaking his head.
“For you to be the one here must mean the theft is significant. Did the elders send you?”
“In a manner of speaking but you must see now that the time of Passing is real. Can’t you feel it in your blood?”
“Blood? You mean in my damned soul?” Aleks scoffed but he knew. The nightmares had begun weeks before as told in prophecy.
Durac inched closer and scrutinized his face. “You do know. I can tell. Good. Then you can’t deny who you are any longer. You belong to the soul of your kind.”
“Riddles Durac I don’t need. Out with what you need from me. What’s missing?”
“Dragarn Dumas.”
Aleks blinked, his fears solidified. “What?” For the amulet to have been taken from the very crypt that was guarded meant a significant operation from persons or vampires who knew the habits and holding of the family well and perhaps the beginnings of final war between certain regimes. This would mean to the death of one faction of their beings. The time of Passing was coming true. “Do you have any suspects?”
“Nay. The person or persons struck while we were at festival.”
“Human or vampire?”<
br />
“The scent was human but the hold was vampire. Whoever controlled the damning one knew what he was doing.”
“Which means someone in the family has betrayed us?”
Durac sighed. “Perhaps, Aleksandr. You belong with your destiny. If you deny now, many will die.”
Aleks cocked his head. No, there was more to the story. “What are you hiding?”
“You know me too well. There was a sacred scroll left in its place. The markings were that of Jicard family.”
“But you have doubts?”
Durac laughed. “I have doubts that there isn’t something else happening here. Unfortunately I honestly don’t know. While you disappeared I think the family rested on their laurels and allowed the enemy too close.”
Sadly that would make sense. Aleks walked toward him. There were many things that he had not been told during his time with Durac. It had simply not been his place. Something had happened to alter the course of the regions. “Why would the amulet have been chosen?”
Durac smiled and shook his head. “Because it’s the single piece that can destroy our kind. The amulet some say is from the very beginning of our people and is the single piece that will take us down if it falls into the wrong hands. There were charms set in place to keep one faction from gaining control easily. There is a key and only the rightful king can move up into the time of Passing. If that doesn’t happen then we expire. For the amulet to be taken, we could all be lost.”
Against his better judgment Aleks had to know more. “What else?”
“We’d heard rumblings of a possible coup attempt and I was stupid enough to ignore it. Imagine dear Aleksandr.”
“Tell me everything, Durac.”
After several minutes of silence, Durac began his tale and at the end, Aleks realized too many things. This was the first time he saw humanity in Durac and the first time he believed. Shivering, he thought about the detective and the case and his gut kicked in. As he had said before, there were no coincidences. His sworn enemies had arrived and the worst part about it was that his raging hunger had returned. Turning his gaze toward Durac he groaned.
“Don’t worry. I’ll take care of you before the rages grow,” Durac whispered.
Chapter Nine
From somewhere in the back of his hazy brain and the wretched dream he heard the doorbell. There was some understanding of what the sound was. “I…what?” Jax finally opened his eyes and moaned. His sandpaper mouth could barely open. As he tried to swallow, he realized his tongue was swollen. Somehow he stumbled to his feet but couldn’t feel them at all. His hands were shaking but as he grabbed onto the cold hard surface, he dragged himself upright. When he finally managed to open his eyes, he moaned. Dark circles surrounding his eyes accentuated the lines that crisscrossed his face.
He blinked furiously and tried to figure out what bottle he had dropped into. The doorbell dragged his attention from the wretched site and as he licked his lips and stared one last time he made mental note to never drink bourbon again. “Coming!”
Had he honest to God had enough to drink that he had slept in the bathroom naked? As he wrapped a towel around his waist, he stumbled down the hall and the stairs. The moment he opened the door he regretted it.
“Jesus fucking Christ buddy, you look like fucking hell. Whatcha been doing, fucking a race horse today?” Mike pushed his way inside, several bags in hand and turned briefly to stare at Jax. “What’s wrong guy? We talked about watching like the fuckin’ NBA finals mixed with a little Nascar? Remember buddy?” His eyes grew wide. “Amanda do that shit to you? Whew, I do need a woman but seeing you looking like this is just scary.”
“I don’t know what happened. I just went to take a shower.”
“Yeah right, buddy. You don’t gotta tell me but you look like bloody hell.” Mike passed him as he chuckled and headed for the kitchen. “Get dressed there guy please. You’re cute and all but seeing your naked body ain’t on the top of my list tonight. You with me?”
Jax stared after him and continued to try and piece the day together. Hell, it was dark outside already. As he slid his hand across his arm, he realized that every one of his muscles ached like hell. Maybe he was coming down with something. He stumbled back upstairs and made it into a pair of jeans and yet every move he made was a struggle.
Washing his face, he took a long look into the mirror. The reflection didn’t lie. He looked like the walking dead. “Holy crap. This is ridiculous.” Jax tried to piece together the last moments before everything turned to black but his memory was a blank. He also couldn’t remember just how long it had been since he had anything to eat. The answer was too long and yet the thought of food was nauseating.
Grabbing a tee shirt, he slowly made it down stairs and walked into the living room gazing at what was left of his life. Mike was consistent. The single piece of decadence that he’d allowed himself after the divorce had been the entertainment center including the flat screen. Mike had the sound system blaring as he switched from channel to channel. Somehow the roar of the engines cut straight to the growing echo in his brain.
“Much better dude. Grab a beer and settle in. Have some chips. These are barbeque.”
The moment the wafting scent of the greasy snack floated across his nostrils, Jax had to race to the bathroom. Bits of bile and blood mixed with his vomit in short spurts until the dry heaves took over racking his body. His heart raced through his body slamming the wild thumps into his ears. He had to be coming down with something.
***
“No! What do you think you’re doing?” John scuttled backwards, hitting the wall hard from the blow. He scrambled to get his footing as the keening whines fluttered from his mouth. “I…ddddoooon’t un…understand!”
“Of course you understand clearly. You play with fire child and you get burned so you’re getting exactly what you deserve.”
“I didn’t do anything.”
He laughed, the evil strike of his voice sending trails of panic across John’s face. It was exactly what he wanted and what the immoral little brat deserved. “What you have and haven’t done you’re well aware of.” He inched forward and grabbed him by the throat yanking him into the air.
John grabbed his arm, clawing at his flesh now wailing loudly.
He watched the boy squirm, relishing in his terror. The kid was much stronger than he would have believed and for some reason he enjoyed torturing him more than the others. “Hmmm…what shall I do with you boy?” It was that moment John kicked out, his arms flailing as a distraction and his knee connected squarely in the middle of the killer’s groin. Shocked, he released his grip and scuttled backwards for a mere second allowing John to scramble away.
Jerking and yanking, his legs kicking out as the adrenaline kicked in, John managed to stumble just out of his grip, now screaming loudly as he slammed into the couch and then the aluminum framed coffee table. Finally tripping on the edge and falling forward onto his face through the thin glass, shattering it instantly, a scream erupted from the force of the impact.
He raced toward the boy as the sounds of breaking glass mixed with his raging screams showering the night air with the anguished cries.
His shrieks turned into wails as John scrambled to get up, his hands and arms bleeding profusely from the shards of broken glass imbedded into his skin.
Hissing, he caught his leg easily enough and jerked him to a halt forcing another erupted scream. With a single blow he stopped the noise, crushing the boy’s throat in his bare hands. The killer shook as he stared down at the boy whose open mouth still screamed for the help that would eventually come but far to late to save his life. He cursed openly and glanced through the open window toward the closest house. A series of lights popped on sending glowing shimmers into the courtyard. “Damn it you little fuck, you’ve cost me everything. Now I have no time to play. For that, you won’t die quickly.”
John struggled in vain and stared at the monster, his eyes dancing back and forth acros
s the killer’s face.
He raised his hand, the tips of his nails glowing in the dim light and thrust his hand down and in a series of swift movements ripped open his chest exposing his heart. He licked his lips and glanced up into the horror that the boy wore on his face. How he loved to see their faces at the very moment they knew they were dying. As the smile curled across his lips, he lowered his head slowly to the pulsing muscle and bit down with his sharp incisors, ripping the tender tissue and sending the boy’s system into shock.
Unfortunately he picked up on the sounds of the street noise honing in on the woman who was headed toward the front door. He cursed, smelling her fear and concern and rose quickly moving with frantic speed toward the door. He knew he would have seconds to spare. As he ran outside and bounded over the railing, he heard her strangled voice as she called his name.
“John honey, what’s wrong? Where are you?”
The sounds of the snapping twigs as he jumped into the shadows drew her attention from the open door. She turned and stared into the darkened night searching for the cause, her mouth gaping open in perceived horror.
He dropped and waited sensing the others. Two men at least were heading in his direction. Opening his mouth, he hissed in her direction more from rage than to draw any further attention, yet the look on her face said enough. There was no way to know for sure whether she’d seen enough of him for a description but there was no time to dispose of her. Cringing, he heard the first sounds of her horrified shrieks that cut through the air followed by the sounds of the others. Finally, the commotion drowned out his footsteps as he faded away into the blackness.
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