Can't Stop-Smoke

by Claudy Conn

  “But, nothing magical?” he pursued.

  “Not sure,” I answered truthfully. I didn’t feel obliged to tell him my grandmother was an uber witch. I didn’t want to talk about my father. “Now, I get to ask a question.”

  “Shoot,” he said.

  I smirked. “Why does all this matter to you? Why does it matter how I was turned? What difference does it make if I was willing or unwilling to become a vampire or if I had ‘supernatural’ tendencies before it happened?”

  “Do you believe in the Fae…or more properly, the Tuatha de Dannan?”

  Actually, my mother had told me that my grandmother was a ‘Sounder Seer Witch’. She was able to locate Fae artifacts and had helped the Fae queen recover one or two that had been hidden in New Orleans. So, now I had to decide how to answer him. Cautiously I said, “Well, Vampires, Lycans, and all sorts of supernaturals exist, so sure, I believe the Fae do as well.”

  The vamp that drained you, Whistler, works for a born-vamp named Vidal, a direct descendent of the first vampire, Dracula. Vidal is ancient and has acquired a great deal of power over the centuries. In the past, he was content to remain in Italy where he governed over a feudal type village in the mountains. More recently he has become obsessed with finding a particularly powerful Fae artifact. Vidal wants to dominate all supernaturals and humans alike. He believes this particular artifact will allow him to achieve that goal.”

  “Ooooh, sounds like a bad guy,” I said. “But what does it have to do with me?”

  “With us, Smokie, with us. We are linked by a little known prophesy…and according to that prophesy, we are the only ones that can stop him when the time comes and that time, is getting closer every single day.”

  A certain disappointment traveled through me. I had entertained the notion that this hunk was somehow attracted to me. Now, apparently, all he wanted was for me to fulfill some crazy prophesy to take down someone I was very certain could destroy me with a look.

  “A prophesy?” I said trying to appear unconcerned.

  “Apparently, when the Dark Fae King realized that some of the Hallows he created, (which were living things in their own right) had evolved into formidable weapons, he decided to disperse them throughout the earth. Fae cannot find their own Hallows—artifacts. He wasn’t worried about humans using them, as humans have no magic. I suppose The Dark Fae King didn’t think about supernatural beings being able to use them. The Dark King has always been a mystery, so we can’t fathom what he was thinking at the time.”

  “And the prophesy names you and me?”

  “Well, no, not by name,” he said frowning.

  “What then?”

  “Right, in its entirety which you would do well to memorize, it reads:

  She who was unwilling, died.

  She will become an undead guide.

  Inside of her, it hovers and waits,

  But he who rules will alter her fate

  It calls, she will hear

  It is floating so very near

  So begins the unholy pact

  Time dawns, time to act…time to…”

  He sighed and put up his hand. “That is all I have.”

  I laughed, eyed him with the disbelief I was feeling and laughed again. “That is the prophesy? It isn’t even finished.”

  He looked frustrated. “This is not funny.”

  “No? Sure it is. What kind of a riddle is that? Bad enough we have to figure it out, but it doesn’t even finish its last line.” I spun around in place and came back to wag my finger at him, “Damn, for all I know, I’m in a coma…having a never ending nightmare. This is funny.”

  “Listen to me. You were dragged into the dark…and now I’m going to drag you in deeper. All I can promise is to look out for you with everything I am,” he said earnestly. “This is all real.”

  That hit me. I had been perfectly normal, living a normal life the night I first witnessed Sharon’s fangs appear, the night she hissed at another vamp who had put his hands on her—the night she broke his neck. She hadn’t known I was there in the alley watching her. She had turned bright, startled amber eyes on me and cried out, “Smokie…wait.”

  I waited. Absurdly I said, “So, vampires are real?”

  She appeared to make up her mind, “Yes.”

  “Did you kill that vamp?” I remember I felt so calm, as though I had always known the vampires were real and roaming amongst the humans. As though I had always known she was a vampire. I had always known the truth. I believe now I always knew. After all, I was a descendent of a powerful witch, why not vampires and whatever else roamed New Orleans.

  “No, he’ll wake up in an hour or so. Come on, we have to get out of here.”

  That was only a few months before we graduated, only a few months before she turned me.

  Now, I shook my head as I sat contemplating everything Wilder had just told me.

  “Not in a coma. I know. Vampires are real, shifters are real, you are…” I pinched him—his eyes narrowed. “You are real. So now, what? I am part of this crazy prophesy? I am the unwilling in that little ditty?”

  “I am nearly certain of it,” he answered softly.

  I got up and paced. He followed and stopped me, “As am I, Smoke, as am I a part of it and not liking this anymore than you do.”

  “So…what are we supposed to do—save the world? How do we do that? Basically a newbie here, only a two year old vamp, and you…” I waved my hand over him. “Dark sorcerer…not the saving the world type, or so I am told.”

  He stiffened and slightly inclined his head. “Have a good day, Smoke. I’ll see you when I see you.”

  A black cloud formed almost instantaneously and he was gone.

  I was aware of a tremendous sense of loss.

  “Sure, just like that, puff in…puff out. Lay a whole saving the world on me, and vanish! Great.”

  I decided to go out for a run. I do it to clear my head as vamps as far as I know, stay pretty much as fit as the day they were turned. I should have changed into jogging clothes and running shoes. Didn’t. Vamp here, I can run in anything.

  It was breezy and a cool seventy today, and it felt good against my cheeks. I was just getting a rhythm on when a scent wafted through the air.

  I was surprised by it. Supernaturals are usually night creatures. Daylight for many paranormals doesn’t work, except for shifters and werewolves. Anytime was their time. Even witches and warlocks like the night. So, the scent surprised me and just as I was getting a read on it, deciding it was demon—male demon, he stepped in front of me and grabbed my arm.

  His eyes blazed red. He was enswathed in human Glamour but, I have always had the ability for some reason, to be able to see past the Glamour. I saw his many horns on his egg-shaped head—three horns. His flesh was green. His teeth were jagged and sharp. However, he looked downright amusing in his T-shirt and weathered jeans.

  So I pushed him off and laughed before I told him, “I don’t know what the hell you think you are doing…but if you are smarter than you look. Hands off, demon.”

  “You can see past my Glamour?” he sounded surprised.

  I didn’t tell him I have always had the gift of sight. No reason to tell him anything.

  “Out of my way,” I told him and pushed him again.

  I am unusually strong even for a vamp, and he traveled backwards quite a few feet.

  He jumped forward and rushed me. Growling in a series of grunts he said, “You are coming with me.”

  “Oh, as to that…I don’t think so,” I snickered.

  “He who rules, says to bring you. I must…you must come,” he said.

  “He who rules?” I thought of Grail Wilder. Was he talking about the Dark Lord? Why would the Dark Lord send a demon to fetch me? That didn’t make sense. “No…not going anywhere with you.” I started my run again.

  He reached and grabbed hold of me again and even as I pushed hard, something happened that caught my attention.

  That somet
hing happening was a swirling ring of power in broad daylight, with cars passing by on the street. A black hole the size of volley ball was forming and growing. Colors burst out of the damned thing, and I looked to see if anyone driving by noticed. They didn’t seem to, so I realized it must be shielded from human detection.

  The next thing I knew demon-boy was dragging me inside the black hole. Oh no, this was not good.

  Vamps are stronger than demons. I broke away from him, but the giant hole, which I immediately assumed was a portal, sucked me inside before I could put on the brakes. There just was no escaping its suction power. I bounced off its solid walls and finally landed with a thud in some dark, very dark and enormous chamber!

  ~ Three ~

  ALL I WANTED LAST NIGHT WAS a bit of fun.

  Just some music and a getaway from my humdrum life. As a vampire I had hid away from my friends and put aside all my plans to be an archeologist.

  When I made up my mind to check out the Dark Lord’s club, it was because I needed a bit of adventure. Nothing too wild, just a laugh or two. So, into Grail Wilder’s club I went.

  And now my life has gone to hell.

  This is totally not acceptable. How much bad luck can one girl have in the space of two years? Seriously.

  I was spit out of the portal with some force, and landed on my ass. I didn’t just get to my feet, I jumped into position, ready for an attack.

  Nothing. Absolutely nothing happened, so I peered into the dark chamber where I landed, looking for a clue as to where I might be. The portal had already closed at my back, so evidently this had been a one way trip. I would have to find another escape route. My first obstacle would be Mr. Demon who stood some distance at my back, cracking his knuckles. I grimaced and turned away from him since he didn’t seem to be on the attack.

  Someone else was in the dark room. I could smell him. Champagne and roses. Vampires always exude delicious aromas. It is part of their lure. Their victims are attracted by the scent and then compelled by the hypnotic stare and soft alluring voice.

  I saw him then.

  I could just make out the form of a tall, lean man at the far end of the room. I studied the aura I was getting off him. Evil, pure and unmitigated. Also, I could hear a confusion of thoughts, his. Words bumped into one another, like, compel, seduce, find out, sounder. I had no idea in what context these words worked in his mind, but more importantly, how the hell was I listening? Vampires can’t hear other people’s thoughts, so…was this my witchy DNA at work? All at once, he shut down his mind with a shield. He must have realized I was listening in.

  I was surprised when he finally spoke and I nearly jumped. “Welcome, young vampire,” he said.

  His voice was both deep and self-assured. His tenor held the air of command. I got the impression that he was very used to people taking his orders without hesitation, without demure or objection. I decided to buck him and throw him off his game. “Welcome? I was forced here, wherever here is, against my will. So…not feeling welcome.”

  And then I was surprised again, because, damn if the guy didn’t know my name, “But, my dear Miss Smokie McGuire, you would not have come had I extended a formal invitation.”

  “Yeah, well, where I come from a person, even a vamp, is given the choice with an invitation. I don’t call throwing me into a dark portal very friendly. So, let’s not bother with amenities. Who are you and what do you want?” I threw back at him, rarely at a loss for words when I am pissed. I looked over my shoulder, and yup, Mr. Demon was still there, his hands now folded into one another just above his crotch. Him I could take in two seconds. Demons are never a match for a vamp who has my strength. I arched a brow at the demon and then back at the man I couldn’t quite see yet, and waited for his reply.

  The vampire in the dark corner walked towards me then and snapped his fingers high in the air. A few dim lights gave me a view of the room. Not a dungeon as I had first thought, but a most remarkable and somewhat fashionable library. Where the frigging hell was I and who the hell was this guy? I picked up on the scent of dark power. He was not only evil, he was strong and intense. Besides that, I realized that he reeked of a recent meal. Blood. He had just fed from a live source. I was getting a really bad vibe. I couldn’t show fear. I had to keep my wits. No one was coming to my rescue. No one knew where I was. I had told Grail to go ahead and zap me, but I suddenly realized, I didn’t want to die at the hands of this awful wicked vampire.

  “Ah, a bit presumptuous of me. However, at times, one must take hold and do what is necessary to accomplish one’s goals. You and I…we need to talk,” he said.

  “Damn, what is happening? Everyone, all at once, wants to talk and thinks they can force me to it,” I said with a sigh that indicated I was exasperated.

  “Ah, Wilder has tried then to get you to talk about yourself. That is the very reason I brought you here. I wanted an opportunity to speak with you before you became more involved with Wilder. I believe we, you and I, have more in common and I believe what I can offer you will far outweigh anything he…”

  “Stop right there!” I interrupted him. “I am not bargaining with you. “I am not involved with Wilder, but if I were, that would be my business,” I snapped.

  “Ah,” he said and came closer. “Spirited. I like that. It will be fun breaking you.”

  I could see that he was by some standards, a handsome man with dark blond hair and amber lit glittering eyes. I assessed him quickly and also made a mental note to assess the power he was exuding. It was more magical than a vampire possessed. I had to get out of here. I had to keep him busy while I figured out a way to escape. One huge window at the far end of the room was covered with thick drapes, and a set of double doors that I assumed led to the rest of his establishment.

  “Oh, as to breaking me?” I clucked my tongue. “You see, you don’t know me. If you did, you wouldn’t have offered me that challenge. I will make certain I end myself before I cave to someone like you!”

  He frowned, “Apparently, you don’t know who I am, so I shall forgive your arrogance.”

  “There ya go. Don’t know you, don’t want to know you,” I said, but the truth was, I had a bad feeling that I knew exactly who he was. For all my bluster and bluffing, I could be in serious trouble.

  He inclined his head, “I am Vidal and you and I, Smokie McGuire will be great…colleagues, maybe more, for you are quite beautiful and I should like teaching you how to please me in my bed.”

  I closed my eyes. Yup. I knew it. I had already guessed who he was, but was hoping I was wrong. How the hell was I going to escape him? And being in bed with him absolutely grossed me out.

  Vidal was the legendary (among vamps) ancient. I hadn’t told Grail that Sharon had filled me in on Vidal and his unique power and rule over the vamps, not only in New Orleans, but worldwide. I am pretty certain there isn’t a vamp in the entire world that hasn’t heard of Vidal. He was nearly as well-known as good ‘ole Drac.

  “Not happening,” I told him as though he hadn’t just laid it on me that he was the most powerful vampire in New Orleans. “I do my own thing.” I pulled a face at him, hoping my cockiness would infuriate him. “I don’t partner up with anyone, not even you.”

  “You want manners,” he said in an amused voice. “I do not tolerate rudeness.”

  “I want manners? You bring me here against my will and intrude on my private life? Gimme a break,” I snapped. “Besides, manners…aren’t quite relevant here. You need me for something, so…you want to bargain. I don’t.”

  “I am Vidal,” he repeated as though giving me another chance to acknowledge him as a vampire God.

  “Yeah, so?”

  He waved a finger at me and said, “Is it possible that because you are a new vampire…a loner, I am told, that you have never heard of me?”

  He didn’t need to know what I did or didn’t know.

  I had to get out of here. That was all I knew. I surprised myself by responding, “Oh, I’ve heard
of you—born vampire, fancies himself King of the Vampires, and all that. But the thing is, I don’t live in your Kingdom. You said it, I am a loner. So I repeat, yeah, so?”

  “Careful child. I do not tolerate insubordination.”

  “Look, I have things to do. What exactly do you want from me?” I asked impatiently really trying to goad him.

  “Rude girl, as I said, your manners are non-existent, and I am just the right one to teach them to you. Manners and so much more.”

  “I don’t think so.” I purposely looked him over from his slicked dark blond hair, over his fancy grey and white print shirt to his grey silk pants and grimaced. “Not my type.”

  “I will be when I am done with you. For now, I am allowing you some license because you may not be aware of my rules and the punishment I dispense when my rules are broken.”

  “Look, I don’t travel with vamps. I don’t hang with them and I don’t bother with your class system or your rules. You want to punish me for that? Go ahead. Not afraid of dying. Didn’t want to be a vamp in the first place.”

  “Oh, I wouldn’t kill you, only make you wish you were dead,” he said and evil dripped from every word.

  I believed his threat but I needed him to be enraged. “Really. Well, already dead and wishing I wasn’t. Someone like you, would waste his time bringing me here just to get himself worked up enough to torture me? I don’t read you like that.”

  I could see he was angry. His eyes glinted. “No, at the moment I don’t wish to torture you, but you would do well to remember the lesson I am about to inflict on you.” He twisted his wrist in the air.

  Nothing. Absolutely nothing happened. He frowned and twisted his wrist again.

  “Well?” I taunted and wondered what the hell he was trying to do. He evidently believed twisting his wrist was going to cause me pain. Huh. It wasn’t working was it?