William's Blood

by S S Bazinet

“Arel, are you busy?”

  He looked up and saw Annabel coming in from the hallway. “No, do you need something?”

  Annabel took a seat across from him. “You might want to go downstairs in a bit and help William back to his room.”

  “He’s better?”

  “Much. In fact, he was quite talkative. We haven’t had many conversations since you arrived.”

  “I wish I had that problem. What were you discussing, if I may ask?”

  “A lot of things, including the fact that he’ll never want a relationship.”

  Arel sat back, relaxing his shoulders. Maybe William wouldn’t get his heart broken after all. Things weren’t just looking up back home. London felt suddenly lighter too. Then he saw Annabel’s face. An angel’s expression usually projected a sense of calm or tranquility. Hers was blank. “How do you feel about that?”

  “I don’t know. Should I feel something?”

  “Let’s approach it from another angle. When you think about William, what’s the first word that comes to mind?”

  “He’s . . . confusing.”

  Arel’s shoulders stiffened. Angels didn’t get confused. “How is he confusing?”

  “Remember? He saved me when he was in a rage.”

  “Yes, he was being gallant, a surprising gesture for him, but one which I truly admire.”

  “Is that all it was? I heard his thoughts. They were very loud and forceful. He said he loved me.”

  “Was this after he stabbed himself?”

  “Yes.”

  “Well there’s a perfectly good reason for what you heard. He thought he was dying. His heart opened enough to admire the world one last time, and then he saw you. You’re a beautiful angel, Annabel. What’s not to love about an angel?”

  “Oh, I didn’t think about it that way.” She paused. “That would explain it.”

  “So, tell me, do you feel better now?”

  “I don’t feel much of anything except for—”

  “For what?”

  “I feel like humans hide things from themselves.”

  “You think William is hiding his true feelings?”

  “No, when he said he didn’t want a relationship, I knew he meant it. He’s very afraid of opening his heart to anyone.”

  “That’s why I was a little worried when you seemed affected by him.”

  Annabel gave him a puzzled look. “Affected?”

  “Yes, remember how we talked about your feelings once before?”

  “Oh yes, you became very upset when I kissed you.”

  “No, that’s not what I’m getting at.” Arel frowned, scratching at the spot of glue. “If it’s not William, who is hiding from themselves?”

  “You are.”

  “Me? You’re joking. Do you know how much purging I’ve done since Michael gave me his blood?”

  “Yes.”

  “So why would you target me? I’m not the one who stabbed himself.”

  “I’m not trying to upset you. If you don’t want to hear my thoughts, that’s fine.”

  Arel crossed his arms, hating that people and angels alike always wanted to give him advice. True, he often needed it, but he just wished he could get beyond the feeling that he would never measure up.

  Annabel reached out to him. “Arel, I think you’re doing a great job measuring up. It’s just—”

  He stiffened even more. “Yes, go on.”

  “You’re using everyone else’s situation to keep yourself occupied.”

  “So what?”

  “William needs you to be an example. He’s having a hard time, and you’re the person who can show him what it means to have an open heart. You can show him what it means to really make peace with one’s self and be happy.”

  Arel’s frown deepened. “Right, then he’ll want you.”

  Annabel’s bright, green eyes widened in surprise. “I didn’t think about it that way. From my point of view, I simply thought it might help to solve both your problems. But you’re saying that if William accepts himself, he’ll also want me in his life. Is that correct?”

  “No, absolutely not.” Arel uncrossed his arms and shook his head. “Please, don’t jump to conclusions.”

  “But—”

  “I just blurted that out. Forget it.”

  “But Arel, I can’t forget it. Thoughts are vibrations that remain—”

  “If you can’t forget it, think about something else.”

  “I don’t understand why you’re getting upset?”

  The first sharp pains of a headache shot through Arel’s brow. “Look, I’m trying to help you. Stop trying to think so much. It’s a very dangerous habit that humans have gotten into. Be your angel self. Go read a garden book like Michael does. Let yourself float around in bliss for a while.”

  “And what about you?”

  He stood up and gave Annabel his most sincere look. “I’m going to get William back to bed. Afterwards, I promise to concentrate on my own life. Maybe I’ll plan another vacation. In fact, you can help me. Forget about William. Make me your project. I’ll do everything you tell me. I’ll find a way to open my heart and be that good example for William. Then both of you can get on with your separate lives. You can be your beautiful, winged self, and William can slowly come to grips with his ability to be balanced and whole.”

  Annabel smiled. “No matter what William said, you are sweet. Thank you for trying to look out for me.”

  Arel sat down again, clasping his hands. “Not that it matters, but maybe I should ask you something before I go down to see William. Does he have a problem with me?”

  Annabel hesitated. “I’m not quite sure. Do you think he might be jealous of you?”

  Arel laughed. “Please excuse my language, but there’s not a chance in hell of that. Every woman who sees the guy practically throws herself at him. Sorry, but maybe he has that effect on angels too.”

  “I guess you’re right, but he did get a little defensive when I said some nice things about you.”

  “Nice things?” Arel felt his heart lift a little. “I know this is silly since you’re an angel and all that, but it’s reassuring to think that you see me in a favorable light. After you kissed me and made that blank face, I wondered if someone of the feminine gender would ever want—” He stopped himself and picked at the glue again.

  “Arel, as you just said, I am an angel, but I’ve observed lots of people and I know how difficult some people can be, but in your case, I think you have a wonderful, giving nature. If you can begin to see that in yourself, you’ll attract the perfect person for you.”

  Arel returned a timid smile. “I hope you’re right. I won’t go looking for anyone for a long time, not until I get my life straightened out, but someday, I think I’d like to have a woman in my life.”

  Annabel nodded. “I’m glad you have that attitude. It might take a while for you to accomplish that goal.”

  Arel stood up again. “Thank you. I can always count on your candor, can’t I?”

  Annabel frowned. “Did I hurt your feelings? If I did, I didn’t mean to. With William, I can be so forthright.”

  Arel started for the hall, but he paused and looked back at Annabel. “Allow me to let you in on a little secret about William and all men, Annabel. When it comes down to it, we all like a bit of coddling now and then. In my case, with my nerves strung out like harp strings, I can use a more sympathetic approach. Please remember that when you decide to be blunt.”

  * * * * *

  Rolphe noted Myra’s warm smile as she welcomed him into her apartment. He usually brought along a bouquet of flowers or some pretty bauble he’d found for her. On this occasion, he was clutching a cat carrier.

  “Is this the kitten you told me about?” Myra asked.

  “Her name is Dantela.”

  Myra took the carrier from him and ferried it to the coffee table in the living room. As soon as she opened it, she cooed happily. “I love kittens, and this one is so pretty.”

/>   Rolphe seated himself on the red and yellow, flowered-print loveseat. The thick cushions sagged under his weight as he got comfortable. “I appreciate your offer to care for her while I’m gone.”

  Myra held the small, black kitten close to her chest as she sat down next to him. “Look at how adorable she is. She’s already purring.”

  “Satan was a good friend, but this one is even more determined to worm her way into my heart.”

  “I’ll love having her, but I hope you’re not gone too long.”

  “I have to find an old associate in London. I lost track of him, and it’s very important that we connect again.”

  She leaned over and snuggled against him. “I’ll miss you.”

  Rolphe’s hand dwarfed Myra’s small face as he stroked her cheek. “I’ll come back as soon as I can, I promise.”

  “Good. I’ll put on my prettiest dress, and you can take me dancing.”

  Rolphe’s gaze filled with desire as he studied Myra. Tall and slender, she’d been a model in her younger days. Now, with a little age, she had matured and was more beautiful than ever. She responded to life and to him with an openness that almost frightened him. “I’m lucky to have someone who loves life so much.”

  “We make a good pair. You’re the artist, and I’m the poet.”

  He looked over at the nude painting he’d done of her. “I hope I’m more than just an artist to you.”

  Myra’s dark brown eyes sparked. “You’re also a rascal, but I can never resist your charm.”

  He caressed her face again, this time with more fervor. “I am your devotee, Myra. You inspire me to search for more than I know myself to be.”

  Myra smiled back. “Enough words. Dantela is ready for a nap, and so am I.”

  Rolphe stared at her knowingly. It was such a natural thing to make love to Myra, not like the many women in his past, but with real longing. He yearned to fill his heart with the excess purity that flowed from hers. If only he could consume her goodness and let it eradicate the sins from his soul, he’d be saved. “Do you believe in redemption, even when we go on sinning throughout our life?”

  Myra’s eyes melted into deep-set pools of warmth. “Yes, my love. I believe the Creator knows that we are misguided children, children who will someday leave behind their folly.”

  “I wish I had your faith. But maybe I’ve seen too much evil to believe that we’re worth redeeming.”

  Forty-One

  SITTING IN HIS bedroom, William put his book aside and listened. The house was too quiet. Annabel had gone out for a paper, and Arel was down in the lower level. After praying for solitude, he realized that he’d actually gotten used to having people around. That would soon change. After serious consideration, he’d decided he needed things to go back to the way they’d been. Even thoughts of being with Annabel had been shelved. Complications were something he didn’t need. He’d stabbed himself once. That was enough. If he resisted Annabel and temptation, his life would be perfect again, just like it had been for years.

  In the past, he’d spent so much time seeing the world, admiring all the beauty, and collecting artwork. Some of his treasures were displayed in his bedroom. The painting across from his bed didn’t have much monetary value, but it was very pleasing. The woodland scene featured a family of fox. He’d commissioned the artwork when he was a young, university student. The crystal, Lalique vase on the side table was a stunning piece, purchased recently. It wasn’t as exquisite or as costly as his favorite, the Tourbillons vase with black enamel etching. Arel broke that one.

  William sighed.

  I suppose it’s the price I had to pay. At least I’m getting better.

  But he knew that there were also extra, unseen costs involved. Visions about the twin boys were becoming commonplace. His dreams were also being hijacked. The one he’d had in the early morning was particularly disturbing. A blond, pregnant woman latched on to his arm, pleading desperately for his help. He was sure he’d picked up on one of Arel’s nightmares. Arel pretended that he had banished his worries.

  But we both know that’s a lie.

  Happily, after a call to Chicago, Arel confirmed that his friend was fine.

  And Arel is leaving in a couple of days.

  Smiling at the thought, William grabbed his book and began reading again. Two pages later, there was a hard knock at his door, the latch being turned and Arel appeared.

  “William, you were right!” Arel cried out. “Carol’s in the hospital. She was fine when I called, but a little later she started having pains.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that,” William said. It was a truthful statement. In the dream, he felt strangely drawn to the blond woman, almost as if they’d met before. Maybe he was picking up on Arel’s feelings. “Are you going back to Chicago?”

  Arel clung to the door jamb, staring at William with the wide-eyed stare of a traumatized, accident victim. “I’m getting the first available flight out,” he said in a weak voice.

  “Good idea.”

  “I want you to come back with me,” Arel blurted out.

  William humored Arel with a smirk. “You’re kidding of course. You don’t want me anywhere near your friends, remember?”

  “I’ve changed my mind. I think your dream was telling us something. Carol needs you.”

  “I don’t even know the woman.”

  “I realize that, but I have this gut feeling that you can help her.”

  “You’re the one that flies around the world rescuing people. Go home and perform your magic on this Carol person.”

  Arel let go of the doorjamb and took a step into the bedroom. “Do you think I’d ask you to help if there was any way around it?”

  “Sorry, but I’m not changing my mind.”

  “I knew you’d be this way.” Scowling, Arel came forward wearily, making his way to the side table by the wall. He used it as his new crutch, leaning on the table like a parched man coming out of the desert. “I’m asking nicely. Fly back with me.”

  William noted that Arel’s trembling hand was only inches away from his new Lalique vase. “Arel, please.”

  “I know, I know. You think I’m crazy.”

  “No, I just think you should come and sit down over here where we can discuss this calmly.”

  “Calmly?” Arel straightened up and glared back. “I’m worried as hell about Carol losing her baby!”

  “Yes, I can see that you’re under a strain.”

  “This isn’t about me!”

  “I want her best too, but—”

  “I don’t believe you!” Arel pounded the side table with his palm, making the table shake and the crystal vase wobble precariously. “You could care less about Carol!”

  “Arel, please—” William grabbed his cane and stood up. Keeping an eye on the vase, he slowly advanced towards the side table. “Tell me why you think I can help.”

  Arel rubbed at his face and sighed. “I hardly slept last night, and my heart is racing. If Carol needs help, I’m going to be totally useless in my present condition.” He sagged more heavily on the table. “I think that’s why you had the dream. Maybe you can do something.”

  William approached Arel slowly. “I’m sorry that you’re exhausted.”

  “Are you sure about that?” Arel’s left eye twitched as he worked his fist open and closed.

  “You’ve always worried a lot. It’s sapped your energy.” William put a hand on Arel’s shoulder to steady him. “Come and sit down.”

  Arel fired back a wounded look. “You’re one of the main reasons I’m like this.”

  William noticed the change coming over Arel. At times, when Arel was really upset, his eyes transformed into pure, golden orbs that were twice as bright as normal eyes. “What do you mean? “Why would you worry about me? I’m getting better,”

  “That hit man you contacted is coming to London. That’s why I’ve stuck around this long. He plans on hunting you down like one of those foxes you used to love.”


  The statement hung between them for a long moment. Finally William looked away, limped over to a chair and took hold of the back. It was his turn to steady himself, not because of the news about Rolphe, but because Arel’s gaze reminded him of his vision of the twin boys. Arel was the smaller of the two, but his eyes could be bright as fire in that life too. He had a fierce temper and fought like a possessed demon if he thought William might be in trouble. William was just as protective. “Let it go, Arel. I’ve always been able to take care of myself. It’s you that needs looking after.”

  Arel turned his attention to the vase and began to trace its flowing lines with a shaky finger. “I know it’s my problem, but I can’t live with the idea that someone will take you out, Will. So here’s the deal, come back with me to Chicago. Help Carol. Afterwards, you can recoup at my home. When you’re better, and I know you can handle this villain, you can come back to London.”

  William’s hands tightened on the chair. Arel looked like hell, but he still had the determination of a hungry bear going after beehive honey. Besides, there was something about the woman in William’s dream that affected him on a deeper level than he wanted to admit. “If I do this thing, will you forget about me, once and for all?”

  Arel nodded. “Yes, I promise.”

  “Got anything more reliable than a promise?”

  “I wish my word was enough. I hope that someday I’ll earn your trust again.” Arel stopped fingering the vase and picked it up to examine it more closely. “This piece has exquisite form, doesn’t it? Sorry about breaking the other one. I’m looking for a replacement.”

  “Good luck, I searched for years. Its color made it very rare.”

  “Years?” Arel jerked around, nearly dropping the vase as his eyes went wide with concern.

  “Careful,” William whispered as he returned to Arel’s side. He retrieved the vase, holding it firmly to himself, out of harm’s reach. “Now go and do what you have to. Buy me that damn ticket to Chicago.”

  Arel’s face became that of a choir boy caught drinking the communion wine. “Uh . . . I’ve already purchased it. We leave in a few hours. I better help you pack.” He went to the closet, was about to open it, but hesitated. “And about your sofa and that little place on the arm . . . the fabric glue seems to be holding.”