William's Blood

by S S Bazinet

  Other Books by S. S. Bazinet

  The Vampire Reclamation Project Series

  Book One: Michael’s Blood

  Book Two: Arel’s Blood

  Book Three: William’s Blood

  Book Four: Brother’s Blood

  Book Five: Tainted Blood

  In The Care Of Wolves Series

  Book One: My Brother's Keeper

  The Madonna Diaries

  Dying Takes It Out Of You

  Sentenced To Heaven

  An Inmate's Tale from the Other Side

  Book Two: A Vampire In Heaven

  Copyright © 2015 by S. S. Bazinet

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the author, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in a review.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, businesses, organizations and events are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Published by Renata Press

  Albuquerque, New Mexico

  RenataPress.com

  Visit the author’s website: SSBazinet.com

  Book cover by Panagiotis Lampridis.

  ISBN: 978-1-937279-05-9

  To all of my family,

  those special beings who reside in

  the physical and the nonphysical,

  they are my constant support team!

  Acknowledgments

  I have so many people in my life who have helped to make this book possible. My appreciation and gratitude goes out to all of my family for their continued, loving support. Regarding the book’s content, Laura Christine has been my editing guru and guiding light. Gene has been an invaluable blessing as a copy editor. Anna Marie and Julia Ann have also been extremely helpful with their thoughtful support and additional copy editing. Gabriel is forever cheering me on!

  CONTENTS

  One

  Two

  Three

  Four

  Five

  Six

  Seven

  Eight

  Nine

  Ten

  Eleven

  Twelve

  Thirteen

  Fourteen

  Fifteen

  Sixteen

  Seventeen

  Eighteen

  Nineteen

  Twenty

  Twenty-One

  Twenty-Two

  Twenty-Three

  Twenty-Four

  Twenty-Five

  Twenty-Six

  Twenty-Seven

  Twenty-Eight

  Twenty-Nine

  Thirty

  Thirty-One

  Thirty-Two

  Thirty-Three

  Thirty-Four

  Thirty-Five

  Thirty-Six

  Thirty-Seven

  Thirty-Eight

  Thirty-Nine

  Forty

  Forty-One

  Forty-Two

  Forty-Three

  Forty-Four

  Forty-Five

  Forty-Six

  Forty-Seven

  Forty-Eight

  Forty-Nine

  Fifty

  Fifty-One

  Fifty-Two

  Fifty-Three

  Fifty-Four

  Fifty-Five

  Fifty-Six

  Fifty-Seven

  Fifty-Eight

  Fifty-Nine

  Sixty

  Sixty-One

  Sixty-Two

  A Thriller Fantasy By S. S. Bazinet

  One

  WILLIAM PAUSED AND listened. There was usually a hum of computers and equipment in the background of his laboratory. Now the lower level of his London home was too quiet. “Like a tomb,” he muttered. He placed a cover over the microscope, put two beakers back in a storage cabinet, and turned out the light in the work area. All his months of research had turned out to be futile. There were no new theories to pursue. Even if there were, he didn’t have the strength needed to continue working. His latest blood samples were swimming with inexplicable, crystalline anomalies. They resembled the samples taken from Arel, the person responsible for infecting him.

  Arel will be thrilled to know that science has failed.

  Arel lived in his own misinformed world. Even seeing William wasting away did nothing to convince the man that they were diseased.

  So I wonder how he explains the fact that I’m dying.

  He knew the answer. Arel was an idiot who was beyond thinking rationally. But William didn’t have time to think about Arel. He tried to take a deep breath and coughed. His lungs were laboring to keep up. With each day that passed, it was getting harder to breathe. That meant that he had to prepare for what was coming next.

  He started for the stairs and let out a gasping sigh halfway there. He was too exhausted to make the climb. He turned to his recliner instead. Its soft, leathery confines were a small comfort for his steadily declining state. It was also a place to take notes and record his current observations about his condition. But note-taking was becoming useless at this point. He stared at the dressing that covered his hand. After two months of meticulous care, his self-inflicted wound refused to heal. While Arel was visiting, he had insisted on one last parting ritual, a ridiculous and juvenile blood brother ceremony. William hadn’t wanted to slice open his palm, but he’d finally given in. It seemed to be the only way to get Arel to leave. Now, he was being punished for his foolishness. His hand was showing signs of an infection.

  He could have been enraged over his condition, but he refused to go that route. There had already been too many rants and ravings on his part, and none of his outbursts accomplished anything. How could they? He knew he wasn’t Arel’s victim. He was his own man and responsible for his life. If it was totally screwed up, he had to put the blame on his own head. It was a bitter pill to swallow on one hand, but liberating on the other. He had a choice in the moment, and he planned to make it one that served him. If he was going to die, he’d do it on his own terms.

  Two

  AREL SAT ON the sofa in the spacious, living room of his ranch style home. Subdued light streamed in from the large, front windows. Its gloomy flavor was offset by the warmth of heated air coming from the heating vents. The two elements came together in the room and created an atmosphere of winter coziness. But Arel didn’t notice the room. His attention and a forced smile were directed at his angelic friend, Michael. “Kauai was beautiful, but it’s good to be back in Chicago.”

  Michael was stretched out in a chair by the window. He was dressed in his usual attire, blue jeans and a white sweat shirt. Unlike Arel, who was on the slender side, Michael had a more robust frame. At six-foot, two-inches, he appeared solid and fit in his human form. “I’m glad you took Carey’s advice and got away from everything for a while.”

  Arel slowly rubbed the nubby fabric on the arm of the couch. His tanned fingers contrasted sharply with the white linen. “Taking Carey along worked out very well. I enjoyed his company, and I think he enjoyed surfing. He’s a natural.”

  “Did I hear my name?” Carey asked as he came out of the kitchen. He was carrying a dessert plate that barely contained his generous slice of apple pie.

  Michael’s gaze settled on the young man’s face. “Looks like you got plenty of sun too.”

  Carey grinned. “I almost lived on the beach the whole time we were in Hawaii. The water is incredible. Like Arel said, I loved learning to surf. Of course I got axed a few times, but hey, I’m still a beginner.” He gave Arel a teasing frown. “Arel should
have given it a try.”

  Arel stiffened. “I like the feel of something solid under my feet, but that’s just me.” He stopped rubbing the sofa arm and flexed his hand. For a long moment, he studied the thin scar on his palm. After his bonding ceremony with William, his hand had been a painful reminder of his visit to London. It finally appeared to be healed except for a burning sensation that wouldn’t go away, especially when he thought about William. He glanced up at Carey again. “Could you give us a few moments?”

  Carey shrugged as he forked a large portion of pie and waved it in Arel’s direction. “Sure. I’ll be out in the garage. I want to check on my bike. I’m looking forward to taking it out for a spin.”

  Arel’s brows narrowed. “Do you think you can do something about that oil leak?”

  “Yeah, sure.” A few crumbs sprayed from Carey’s mouth as he tried to answer without swallowing his last bite. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll work on the grease stain on the floor too.”

  “Thanks.” Arel tried not to sound irritated as he watched Carey exit the room, leaving behind his mark on the white, wool carpet. Arel had lived alone for a very long time and had always been fastidious about his space. When Michael became a houseguest, he was careful to follow Arel’s example. Carey was a different matter. He challenged everything without even trying.

  Michael shifted in his seat. “Don’t worry, I’ll vacuum the carpet later.”

  “Is it me, Michael, or is Carey a bit of a slob?”

  “He does seem very comfortable here. But if his actions bother you, talk to him.”

  “That’s just it. I want him to feel comfortable.”

  “He certainly loves to eat.”

  “Yes, especially sweets. Thank you for picking up a pie for his homecoming. When I’m shopping, I’m always looking at the desserts. I know they’re not good for him, but I keep picturing his face and how excited he is when he’s unloading groceries. It’s like Christmas when he spies a carton of donuts.” He paused. “I want to be a responsible friend, even a father figure, but I end up caving most of the time.”

  “You’re concerned about his happiness, that’s all. And when it comes to important matters, believe me, you don’t cave in to his wishes.”

  Arel’s smile turned genuine and playful. “I guess I do have my tougher side.”

  Michael’s smile slipped away. “Your face is getting thin again. Is William’s situation troubling you?”

  Arel’s golden eyes flared in Michael’s direction, but he quickly looked back at his hand and made a fist. “I’ve tried to take your advice and have faith in William, but I can’t ignore the feeling that he’s not long for this world. It’s hard not to feel guilty when I know that it’s all my fault.”

  “Your heart was in the right place when you tried to help him.”

  “That didn’t stop me from nearly killing him. Thankfully you were there.” He paused and stared at Michael again, letting his eyes soften. “Thank you for always trying to help, for never giving up on me.”

  “Don’t give up on William. Remember that you were nearly a goner when I showed up.”

  “Yes, but I was indestructible, wasn’t I, so you didn’t have to worry.”

  Michael shook his head. “That’s not true. You might have felt that way, but—”

  “Please, remember how I tried to starve myself to death and never succeeded? I was fine.”

  “You believed that. You thought you were invincible, however—”

  “Oh I see what you’re trying to say. As usual, I deceived myself, and you showed up before I did keel over. Of course, your help wasn’t foolproof either. Later, in that quaint little churchyard, I did have a fatal heart attack.” He let out a weak laugh. “It was a close call.”

  Michael sighed. “Yes, it was.”

  Arel’s hands closed on themselves, gripping hopelessly at what lay ahead as he contemplated the future. “What are we going to do, Michael? William is headed towards his own churchyard, and you won’t be there to save him like you did me.”

  “Perhaps one of my friends could reach out to William.”

  “An angel, helping William? That will never happen.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “He’d spot one of your kind immediately.”

  “Really?”

  “Of course. I can’t put my finger on it, but there’s something all of you have in common. None of you seem quite as down to earth as a real human is. William would see through one of yours in an instant.”

  “I thought I blended in quite well.”

  “Generally speaking, you do, but—”

  “Hey, Arel?” Carey called out. He stood in the doorway to the garage, wiping his hands on a rag. “Just wanted you to know that I think I stopped the oil leak.”

  “Great,” Arel called back. “There’s some cleaner on the workbench. Maybe you can get the stain up.”

  “I’ll get right on it,” Carey called back.

  Arel stood up. “I better go out and help him.”

  “I’m sure he’s capable enough.”

  “I don’t know about that. He’s still just a kid.”

  “Is that how you think of him?”

  “Carey tries his best, but when it comes to taking care of the basics, I have to say, he’s definitely an example of a real human and an immature one at that.”

  Michael laughed. “No halo or wings?”

  “No, just an endless appetite for pie and ice cream.”

  Three

  PEGGY PUT A plate of shortbread cookies on the kitchen table and pulled out a chair to sit down. With baby Sara upstairs napping, she could pay more attention to her guest. She flashed a sly smile in Carol’s direction and quickly reached out for a cookie. “You look like you have something on your mind.”

  Carol placed her tea cup on its saucer and stared back accusingly. “Don’t act like you don’t already know what’s going on.”

  Peggy giggled. “I’m sorry if I spoiled your surprise. But please, pretend that I’m clueless and tell me everything!”

  Carol’s face lit up as she smiled too. “It was all so unexpected. I was standing there at the kitchen sink, doing dishes, and Kevin came in. As soon as I saw his face, I knew something was going on. And sure enough, you know Kevin, when he’s hiding something he has to get it out.” She blushed as she picked up her cup and took a sip of tea.

  “Well, don’t stop there. Go on!”

  Carol didn’t look bullied by Peggy’s tone. Instead, she glanced over at the infant swing that was located a few feet away. Baby Ariel was contentedly chewing on a teething biscuit. With a rock solid, chubby body and full rosy cheeks, he looked older than nine months.

  Peggy tapped her foot, but she forced herself to let Carol tell her news in her own time frame.

  “Sorry,” Carol said as she brought her attention back to Peggy. “Sometimes, I find myself just staring at the baby. He’s so amazing.” Her green eyes flashed a little brighter. “And Kevin is a great father.”

  “But—” Peggy let out a sigh. “I feel like you’re holding out.”

  “But you know that we have had our ups and downs.”

  “Yes, of course.” Carol’s simple pronouncement made Peggy pull back. Her frown of impatience was replaced by one of worry. “I know my brother can be a dunce at times—”

  “Please, you know I’ve never liked it when you refer to Kevin like that.”

  Peggy blinked back a quick apology. “It’s an old habit. The fact is that I guess I’m sticking up for him. In spite of his faults, he loves you. He’s just so hopeless about expressing it sometimes.”

  Carol’s shoulders relaxed a little. “Well, he expressed it this morning. He announced that we’re going to Paris for a week. We’re going to take that honeymoon that we never had. He also said that you and Tim are going to take care of Ariel.”

  “And you agreed, right?”

  Carol nodded. “It sounds wonderful. Are you sure you don’t mind babysitting for a w
eek?”

  “Of course not. Ariel is very easy going. But you don’t seem as happy as I thought—”

  “I’m sure it’ll be great.”

  Peggy tightened the grip on her fragile, tea cup. She loved family. She loved her brother, and Carol was the perfect sister she’d always wanted. They’d been best friends for a long time. Now, they shared so much more. They were both new mothers. They lived close enough to visit each other almost daily. She didn’t want anything to happen to change that. But what control did she have when it came to other people’s lives. “So tell me more about going to Paris?”

  Carol shrugged. “What can I say? It’s a dream come true.”

  “Carol, if there’s anything going on in your relationship, you can always try a marriage counselor.”

  “Actually, we did.”

  “You did? You never said anything.”

  “We only went a couple of times, and Kevin just sat there. I know he tried, but he couldn’t seem to open up to the therapist any more than he opens up to me.”

  Peggy sat up straighter, needing to get everything back on track. “Talk to Arel. He’s a perfect counselor.”

  “We’ve already burdened him with too many of our problems.”

  “He loves to help. You know that. Please, Carol, if you throw Kevin out, he’ll be miserable forever.”

  Carol frowned back. “I’m not planning on anything like that.”

  “Really, are you sure? You did leave him briefly when you were first pregnant with Ariel.”

  “I just wish we could communicate a little better.”

  “When you come back from Paris, give Arel a try, okay?”

  Carol put her napkin on the table and smoothed it out, carefully straightening the bent edges. “This is so weird. We’re going on a honeymoon and listen to me. I should be the happiest person around.”

  “Couples can go through tough spots, especially when they’ve never had much time just for themselves.”

  “I guess you’re right. Plus I hadn’t dated for fourteen years when I met Kevin. Falling in love so quickly was a bit of a surprise. Then with getting pregnant, everything happened so fast.”