'You are conflicted because, once, you would have considered both prey.'
I nodded again.
'I think it reflects that you are changing in your views. It is a natural progression of your redemption. Aurealis is trying to teach you that the spirits you take are more than just a source of nutrition, they are individuals with personalities, thoughts, feelings. You are starting to recognise that.'
That made sense. Perhaps I was worrying for no cause. This change in my perception was just a step along my path to redemption.
'It is a logical explanation,' I agreed. 'You are settling here, then?'
Bastien paused, considering my changing of the subject, then accepted it, picking up his pen and returning his attention to the contract he was reviewing. He continued reading as he answered, at points he stopped and placed the point of the pen on the page before continuing to read. 'Thomas has established himself as Clan Leader of one of the districts in this region. When Amelia comes into her independence, he wants her in an area where he has acquired significant influence.' Bastien signed the document, then the page underneath. He folded the top one and placed it in an inner pocket of his coat as he rose.
'Thomas is wise,' I said. 'He asked you here, no doubt, to support him in these endeavours.'
Bastien gave me one of his predatory smiles. 'Well, in the very least to ensure no one impedes him. That is the only reason I would ask a friend such as you to do this. I do not conceal the fact, Therion, that in my culture, you represent considerable power. Lending the impression I can manipulate you leaves a foul taste in my conscience, but one you and I have discussed as being practical in achieving our various ambitions.'
'It does not mar our friendship. As you said, you are transparent about it, which is more than I can say for my masters.'
Bastien gave me a nod of thanks, closing his eyes as he dipped his head briefly. 'A compliment, yes, but in my opinion, when considering your masters, not very hard to earn.'
Bastien's attitude soothed some of the frustration I felt when having to comply with the many rules set out by Aurealis. His company was refreshing in comparison to the light-dancers and guardians, none of whom would hear even the slightest criticism fired in the direction of their god. It made me wonder what it would be like to have a yulari friend, like Jayden Emerline Thaneton, would she, too, be the kind of person I could appreciate for her fresh view and objectiveness? It would certainly make it a lot harder to kill yulari if I was friends with one. It made me wonder if my encounter with her at the ice rink was coincidental. Had Aurealis meant for me to meet her?
Bastien withdrew a mobile from his pocket and checked something on it, before returning his coat.
'New phone,' I noted. It was larger than the last one and had a different cover.
'You fried the other one, if you recall,' he responded a little archly.
I frowned. Oh, yes, I had. 'You asked me to try charging it,' I retorted with a shrug. 'I warned you I was still practicing.'
The vampire echoed my shrug, as if to say it was a fair point and then led the way from the room. I followed just a pace behind until we came to the entrance of the main hall. Bastien shortened his pace to make sure we entered the room side by side, as equals. Leading me into the room would imply he controlled me, but if I led, it would imply submissiveness on his part. This way, his peers would see that we were allies.
This was one of the few places in the earthly realm where I could retain my natural form, thus I strode forward with my wings sweeping proudly behind me. Curtains in alternating pairs of rich blue and green set a festive mood and crystal chandeliers cast rippling sparkles about the room. A small orchestra played Grieg. There were various groupings of seats and lounges for people to gather and a respectable crowd made use of the dance area. Waiters moved about the room with trays of food for the non-vampire guests and glasses of what looked like red wine. As one passed I felt the heat from the warm glasses near my bare arm. The glasses had garnishes of various fruits and I thought some were frosted with, I inhaled as another waiter passed and raised my brows. 'Are my olfactory senses correct? I am certain I can smell... chilli, amongst other things.'
Bastien glanced at me, flashing a grin. 'You can smell fine. Contrary to myth, we can tolerate some foods, but it has no substantial nutritional value, and, to understate it, we are very picky. Our main source of nutrition is blood, but often the younger generations experiment. At the moment blood cocktails have become popular, but not all our kind embrace such contemporary inspiration.'
Bastien was obviously not one of those who disdained the blood cocktails because he swept up a glass for himself with chilli frosting the edge of the glass and a strawberry on one side. Bastien always seemed very welcoming of the future. I was learning from him to observe the many social details entailed in interacting with various cultures. I found this education more relevant as my role forced me into greater contact with humans. I liked Bastien's style, and agreed with him about the collarless shirts, I certainly preferred the style he wore to the ones that fully enclosed the neck and throat. It was Bastien who had given me my first pair of modern boots and my first pair of modern, multi-pocketed pants. Since we were about the same size, Bastien had given me an open invitation to borrow anything from his wardrobe with the exception of one section that he preferred to reserve entirely for his use. It simplified matters for me in terms of not having to spend time buying clothing. Although, it is worth noting that Bastien does not do much shopping himself, he has his assistant obtain whatever he needs.
As we walked through the reception hall, conversations trailed to a halt, heads turned, and a few vampires even disengaged from their conversation group entirely so they could saunter closer, usually under the guise of tracking down a waiter for a fresh drink. Svaneh appeared but hesitated when she saw us. Bastien gave her a subtle nod to come forward.
'I have signed the contract and left it on your desk.'
Svaneh tried to focus on Bastien, but her eyes kept flicking towards me. 'Thank you, darling, that will aid in clearing up some officious paperwork.'
Suppressing some of his amusement, Bastien partially turned to me. 'I believe you remember, Therion.'
A radiant smile broke free from the petite woman's lips and lit up her hazel eyes, they had blue flecks in them, giving them an otherworldly quality, 'It is a delight to see you again.' She gave me a little bow and then murmured, 'Thank you… for everything.'
Stepping forward, I took her hands and bowed over them slightly. 'It is greatly satisfying to see you content.'
Svaneh beamed at me. 'I never thought I'd see you again, and there is so much I want to say, but I know you do not have time. Please consider me at your service if you ever need anything.'
'It is completely unnecessary,' I held up a hand, 'but if I do, I will not hesitate.'
'Good,' she said sincerely. 'I would have nothing, but for your intervention.'
She bowed again, gave Bastien a less-brilliant version of her smile and gracefully disengaged, moving towards the entrance to greet some newcomers.
'Being vampire suits her.'
Bastien looked at me askance as he moved me on. 'I've never heard it put quite like that before.'
'I mean to express how healthy she looks. The fear is gone from her eyes. She was beautiful as a human, but looks quite exquisitely lovely now, as I understand your standards of beauty.'
The vampire nodded thoughtfully. 'In a way, she is free.'
'It is not a perfect freedom, but I understand your meaning.'
Bastien seemed to have a destination in mind, but he spoke casually as we made our way towards it. 'Thomas will be pleased to see you, he was certain you wouldn't be able to get away from your duties.'
Just then we came to a halt. Thomas turned as those facing me stopped talking to stare. Smiling, he gave me a short bow of respect. Bastien openly claimed kinship with Thomas, but no one knew exactly what that kinship was. Kinship was different to begetting a vamp
ire, kinship, in the vampire world, meant actual family of some kind. To shape-shifters kinship could encompass anyone; family was more of an affair of connections, not bloodlines. Thomas certainly did not look like he'd inherited any of his elder's traits. While Thomas's hair is also blond, it's a dark, honey-gold, and kept short in what I assume is the latest style. His eyes are a deep green and remind me of the ethereal green of the aurora in Svalbard. His face, though narrow, doesn't have the sharpness of Bastien's, and compared to Bastien, Thomas's height of hundred and eighty centimetres or so looks positively diminutive. But one thing he absolutely shares with his 'kin' is charisma and bearing. And he doesn't give much away unless he intends it.
'Therion,' Thomas greeted. He glanced back to the vampires he'd been engaged in conversation with. 'Please, excuse us.'
That he did not introduce me was a bit of strategy. It made me not just mysterious, but inaccessible. In their culture it was not considered rude, in fact, to do otherwise and detain a person of import to merely introduce them around like a party favour was perceived as disrespectful. Svaneh was the exception because she was the host.
I offered Thomas a wrist for him to grip in friendship, and I know Bastien was pleased everyone saw Thomas take it and saw me return the hold. It was not just in passing that Bastien had mentioned Thomas was trying to establish a firm base of influence. Bastien wanted tonight to confirm his alliance with me as well as establishing, in the eyes of those attending and those who would hear of this event, that Thomas also held the favour of a therilgalen.
'You honour us with your presence, Therion. We are in your debt.'
I inclined my head, acknowledging the respect he offered in the words.
Already Bastien was moving us towards one of the balconies that led off from the hall on one side. They were perfect for the private discussion of plots and the progression of conspiracies as well as direct feeding, if one was so inclined. He was smooth in doing so, not making it obvious. He appreciated that Aurealis could summon me at any time. For me to suddenly shift out of the room would diminish the effect of my being here, thus the seemingly unhurried walk through and then a discrete exit.
'Ah, Thomas,' Bastien was saying, 'I have paid our debt, Therion needed aid earlier this day and I was able to assist.' He turned to glance at me as we walked, 'I trust you located your quarry.'
'I was entirely successful in my endeavours.'
'And the vermin that tried to escape?'
'Eradicated.'
'How very appropriate,' the vampire drawled, giving Thomas a look that said he would explain later.
Our path was abruptly blocked by a vampire couple. They looked belligerent and determined.
'The Lords d'Estrees,' the female greeted in a haughty tone.
For a moment I was confused, then I remembered, Bastien went by the formal title of Lord d'Estrees, and Thomas, being his 'son', would hold the same title. Something told me another forgery was involved, but no one would dare question Bastien's right to the title.
'Brought your pet with you, I see,' the male taunted.
Bastien received their intrusion with icy silence.
I mirrored his attitude, but rather than stare, I swept my gaze over them, flicked my wings in a manner to suggest a shudder of repulsion and stepped around them. I addressed Thomas as if the pair had never appeared, 'Amelia is well?'
Without missing a beat, Thomas broke away and joined me as he answered, 'Indeed.'
I caught sight of Bastien in my peripheral vision, he paused only long enough to give the intruders a wide grin that was both smug and predatory and then unhurriedly caught up to us.
We reached the curtained balcony Bastien had been heading for and Thomas drew the draping material aside to allow me to step through unimpeded. After Bastien ducked through, Thomas made sure the curtain was drawn over before joining Bastien to lean on the wall enclosing the balcony.
'Do I need to know anything about them?' I asked, referring to the interlopers.
'Those two?' Bastien shrugged, 'The female, Ainsley is the clan leader of one of the neighbouring districts. Her sidekick, who is also her brother, is Cyneric. It's actually amusing that it's not me they have a problem with in this case, but Thomas.'
'Cyneric wanted clan leadership of the district I have just acquired.' Thomas's green eyes reflected his amusement, although he did not quite smile.
'Speaking of your new status, Amelia is nearing independence, I hear.'
According to Bastien, Amelia looks remarkably similar to Thomas's real daughter, so it was no surprise that the mention of her name lit up Thomas's face with happiness.
'Not quite, she still needs to take a role of leadership.'
Ah, thus the acquisition of leadership over a district; not only would Thomas be able to provide a more stable political status, he could appoint Amelia into whatever position he deemed suitable.
'She is also adjusting to the move, a new country, and many new places and things to explore,' Thomas continued. 'However, she has been doing a remarkable job helping organise everything.'
He looked proud and happy. He had faced many challenges, both as a human and as a vampire. Like Svaneh, at the juncture between his two lives, he was forced into a decision that had meant great sacrifice.
'It is propitious, then, that you have found a district in which to develop a base of influence and stability.'
Thomas inclined his head modestly. 'The position as Clan Leader is not new to me, but,' Thomas threw a brief glance towards Bastien, 'we decided it was time to find a region where a Court appointment would eventually be accessible.'
That made me raise my brows. The Court! Thomas was aiming high. Yet, it made sense if he wanted a secure sphere of influence in the vampire community. I gave Bastien a long, steady look. 'And are you intending to join clan or Court this time?' I asked in a tone that clearly indicated I doubted I would get an affirmative answer.
Bastien let out a bark of laughter. 'Oh, I think you can be sure I would prefer not and so shall continue to be a rogue prevailing upon Thomas's hospitality as Clan Leader of the region I have settled in.'
I looked to Thomas. 'Rogue?'
'A vampire who has no formal ties,' Thomas explained dryly. 'Protocol dictates that if a rogue plans to be in an area for any significant period, he must seek permission from the Clan Leader of the area he wishes to stay in, as they will be responsible for him. They will also have a certain amount of authority over him.' Thomas paused to give Bastien a deadpan look. 'Not that he pays much heed to such details.'
At this point Bastien offered me his wrist. 'I promised it wouldn't take long. But I'm glad you were able to spend a few minutes with us; it has been quite some time since last we met.'
I grasped his wrist briefly in return. 'It certainly makes an agreeable change to be in your company.'
Just as I was about to shift through the planes, I paused. Both vampires gave me an expectant look. Bastien, I could see, saw my hesitation and tilted his head slightly.
I met his gaze. I had a brief inner debate about whether to say anything, but then I remembered Maya, her fear, her vulnerable soul made more vulnerable by Ceri-talen causing criminals to target her. I may not be able to divert from my assigned tasks, but Bastien had no such restrictions.
'This being a new region, you may want to look up Lena Exeter, she might provide you with some interesting leads regarding the eradication of vermin in this area.'
Thomas frowned in puzzlement, but Bastien received my remark with a slight nod.
'An infestation that needs dealing with, perhaps?'
'You could say that.'
Without another word, I shifted through the planes.
Em
'Will she be okay, Kaija?'
I'd known Kaija for several years, we both volunteered for the State Emergency Services. Being a paramedic, I'd also see Kaija as a part of my work on occasion, so I knew I could rely on her to not sugar-coat her answer.
'Just give
us a few minutes.'
I stood back, giving her room as she and her partner examined Jay. My daughter looked near death. Her hand had been cold and clammy when I'd first knelt by her side and her breathing was alarmingly shallow. Five other people had been in the room, four girls and a young woman who remained mute and looked like she was in a state of shock. Two dead men lay under brown paper. I glanced over to where they were, they'd been covered with a tarp at one point, probably while my attention was on Jay.
Stuart had, very reluctantly, allowed me to come in once tactical established there were no immediate threats. When they'd initially gained entrance to the building, they'd been expecting at least two people as there were two cars parked outside. But aside from a large room full of crates and an office with a kitchenette, the building appeared empty. Tien had remembered that at the Docklands Op there'd been a door hidden behind a wall hanging in which they'd found the crates with the children, and, sure enough, there'd been a wall hanging in the office. The entrance team found a short hall and another door, which had been ajar. They could hear voices but didn't realise one of the victims was standing in front of the door. Jay had been flung across the room. It was as Stuart was delivering this news to me that I brushed past him to go find my daughter. Stuart had followed me the whole way, finally agreeing to let me in as long as I did nothing more than watch over Jay.
Just then, Stuart re-entered the room. 'Is she going to be okay?'
'More than likely,' Kaija answered without looking back. She rose and turned to address us. 'She has at least two head injuries, one is older, but the other, a smaller one right next to it, was probably caused when she hit the shelves. I think she will be alright.' She held up a hand. 'But I can give no guarantees.' She looked directly at me. 'If I didn't know you as well as I do, I wouldn't even commit to that. She needs a CT scan at the very least.'
'But you don't think, in your educated opinion, to which I will not hold you accountable, she's about to die.'
Kaija gave me a curt nod. 'She probably has a concussion, two possibly, which is my main worry. There are lots of things that can accompany head injuries, and two head injuries, this close together.' She huffed out a breath, not willing to go into the details. 'Look, I'm not seeing signs of them at this stage. I,' she gave me a stern look, 'am not a doctor or a specialist and she will definitely need the former if not the latter. I'm going to get a back board so we can move her outside and when the ambulance arrives.' She looked at Stuart, 'You put a call in?'
Soul Taker's Redemption Page 13
