Exsanguinate (15 page)

She stared at my hair with a faraway expression in her eyes, still as a stone, hairbrush in mid-stroke. Not quite sure how to respond, I reached for a robe draped over a chair.

Amicula animated back to life. “What have you decided?”

“Is there a checklist to fill out to see if I qualify? I don’t want to die, but I’m not sure about this whole vampire thing either. I don’t get it. I feel fantastic, but I’m dead. How am I going to be able to see my family and friends, my dog? Am I going to want to eat them? What about my job?”

With what seemed like sincerity in her voice, Amicula plastered on that practiced hospital smile I knew all too well. “You already have better faculties about you than ninety-five percent of the ones who were bitten. I don’t anticipate any problems with your new lifestyle. Your assigned caretaker will help you adjust to this new life. Not an awful lot will need to change, especially since one of your dynamics allows you to be in the sunlight. More than anything, you’ll need to learn how to manage your appetite and fly low under the radar. Vampyre have been doing this since the dawn of mankind.
The Vampyric Canons
actually state that mankind were placed here for the Vampyric race to feed upon. But somehow Lilith and Adam couldn’t figure out how to make it work, and Cain took over. But that is entirely an altogether different story.”

I thought about her words.

Whoa - humans were placed on the Earth to feed Vampyres? I can’t think about this right now.

I shook my head and dropped the towel. My reflection in the gilded mirror revealed no scars anywhere on my body. I was stunning. My eyes drifted to Amicula’s reflection. “Why can I see us in the mirror? What happens with my life now? Do I have to live in a towering castle, wear tight leather pants, and chase werewolves or something?”

Amicula fell over the bench in a coughing fit of laughter. “Now that’s one I haven’t been asked before. Absolutely hilarious. You’re certainly one to keep around just for entertainment, if no other reason.”

“Glad to keep you in stitches. So your job in this coven is the local vampire welcome wagon lady. Instead of delivering flowers and cookies, you deliver sucklings to your Lord?”

Amicula stopped laughing as her eyes flashed fire at me. “Tsk … tsk … there’s no need for snarky unkindness. I appreciate your frustration. All your questions will be answered by
The Vampyric Canons
.”

Not satisfied by her answer I opened my mouth to protest. She held her hand up to quiet me. That sickening sweet smile returned. “Just so we have complete transparency between us, Cheyenne. It was my decision to allow your life to be spared.”

I swallowed hard and looked toward the floor. I sat on the vanity seat not sure of anything anymore. Had I just insulted the woman who saved my life?

Lovely.

T
he clothes Amicula
had left for me on the bed couldn’t have fit better if they had been custom tailored. Obviously wanting to have fun at my expense, she’d given me a pair of black leather pants and a halter top. All I needed was a katana and a long black leather coat and I’d be that chick in my favorite books. The silk lining allowed the leather to glide on and not cling to my skin. In Florida, it’s was too hot to wear anything like this. Just now thinking about it, I realized I hadn’t been either hot or cold since I woke up in the hospital.

Someone knocked on the door. I heaved a deep breath and opened it. A tall man with raven black hair as straight as a pharaoh’s stood in front of me. His eyes emanated a verdant glow. He looked at me as if he’d seen a ghost. Tall, dark, and pharaoh opened his mouth and then closed it. He stared at me. I looked at him, turned my head behind me, and glanced around the room. Was there another person who had caught his attention?

Finally, he cleared his throat. “Good evening. My name is Khaldon Seters.”

Even though I was wearing high heels, he towered over me.

Why did every woman I know insist on making me wear heels?

I stared up at him. “I’m not on the menu tonight, am I?”

“Not that I’m aware.” His face softened. “However, things do tend to change at a moment’s notice around here.”

Butterfly nerves fluttered through my insides. I had a sudden urge to run to the bathroom.

“Please, Miss O’Cuinn, follow me. Dinner is ready.” Khaldon offered his elbow. “We don’t want to keep Lord Stovall waiting.” His eyes were mesmerizing as if he could see right through me. For all I knew – he could.

Still unsure if I was the guest or the meal to this dinner party, I walked alongside this Egyptian god. My fate was yet to be determined. Perhaps I might become both if I didn’t roll the dice in my favor.

Would I be deemed acceptable with this crowd? Will they eliminate me if piss them off somehow?

The cozy dining hall didn’t seem too ominous. No hanging chandeliers, no gargoyles in the corner, or blood fountains hanging off the walls. In fact, it looked nothing like what my simulation developers made their gothic castles out to be. The yacht had a normal nautical flare complete with fishing nets, buoys, and starfish hanging in nets on the wall.

Khaldon guided me to a seat next to the head of the table where a man in khaki cargo shorts was sitting. Amicula sat next to him across from me on the other side. I looked at the guests. Most everyone had on normal Floridian attire. Shorts, polos, even flip flops. I was the only one in high heels and tight leather pants. Several other people, or vampires – hell I couldn’t tell – seemed amused at my appearance. I became hyper-aware Amicula might not be one to trust regardless of whether she saved my life or not.

As Khaldon drew out my chair, the male vampires stood. The entire table sat after I was seated. This came across totally surreal. I mean, who did that anymore? I liked it, but had never been in a position to experience it firsthand.

“My dearest, Miss O’Cuinn.”

A man whom I guessed was head of this clan turned to me.

“My name is Lord Stovall, and these among you now are my high counselors. No need for names until a decision has been made on your part.” Stovall gestured with his hand down the table.

I looked at each person and greeted them with a courtesy nod.

“Please, let us enjoy our meal,” he continued. “You are acquainted with Amicula. You’ve met Khaldon. I take it your treatment since coming aboard has been accommodating?”

“Yes. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.”

That sounded lame.
I just want to get on with this and get the hell out of here.

“You have been an odd case for us, Miss O’Cuinn. Amicula has been in charge of the Interspecies Human Relations unit. That’s why she was at the hospital as your nurse. She needed to watch over you while you made your transition.”

I nodded and tried to smile at her, secretly wanting to strangle her with these leather pants.

“Khaldon is currently a member of the abstergers team, but his specialty is in computer technology. I understand you’re a computer software programmer, correct?”

I nodded and looked at Khaldon.

“You two should get along handsomely.” Khaldon gave a sheepish shrug.

That’s like saying just because we work on computers, we must know everything Google and be lifelong best friends.

“Thank you, Lord Stovall.” I nodded at Amicula. “I am very gracious for your hospitality and … um … clothing.”

Khaldon tried to hide a smile under his hand. Amicula sat back with her arm draped across the back of chair next to her.

“If I may, Lord Stovall, I have made my decision. I have two sisters who are missing since the night I was attacked. I want to live, regardless of what new capacity, in order to find them.”

“Excellent! Now we won’t need to eat you.” Stovall’s voice boomed as tensions seemingly lifted in the room.

That could have been my own nervous perceptions. My eyes felt as large as silver dollars at his last statement. I looked at Khaldon. He shook his head at me and grinned. I shrugged my shoulders and returned his smile.

Stovall clapped his hands. “Let the meal begin.”

I heaved a huge sigh of relief. Large trays filled with cheese, fruit, and vegetables were set in the middle of the table. Steamed baskets of crawfish and fried catfish were placed in front of each of us. Our glasses filled with iced tea, water, or wine. No blood anywhere that I could see.

“What’s the matter, Cheyenne, are you not hungry?” Lord Stovall spoke with a piece of French bread half in his mouth. “You looked confused, my dear.”

I looked at Khaldon and then at Amicula and then finally back to him. I leaned over closer, hoping only he could hear me. “Well, to be honest, I kind of expected – more blood.”

“I told you she was blunt.” Light chuckles and small titters of laughter were almost drowned out by my ‘friend’ Amicula’s hearty laugh. “She’s pure Hollywood cliché, let me tell you.”

“You see, my dear, we do crave and require a certain amount of human blood every day. A diet of only one course is unhealthy over a long period of time, no matter what species you are.” Stovall picked up his tea. The ice sparkled in the glass. “And to be honest, it is dreadfully boring to have only one food source. We need nutrients from all the food groups as they are now known, for our bodies to thrive and not simply exist.”

I looked at Khaldon for a hint of truth from Stovall’s words. He picked up a grape and popped it into his mouth. He bit, chewed, swallowed, and smiled. I grinned at his warm-hearted humor.

“In fact, one of the most common myths about vampires comes directly from a diet consisting solely of human blood,” Stovall continued.

Khaldon added to the conversation. “We learned our susceptibility to any direct sunlight occurred when our ancestors succumbed only to the blood cravings. Our varied diet allows a moderate amount of exposure to ultra violet rays. If we are malnourished, we can be reduced to almost mortal qualities with too much solar exposure. We live but do not necessarily thrive as well as we do at night. That being said, normally there is a blood chalice at each setting. A dessert, if you will. Everything in moderation.”

Servers appeared carrying an ornate chalice for each person seated at the table. A younger man filled the cups from a great amphora. My mouth sucked in the saliva which had pooled in between my cheeks and gum. Here was the blood I had been waiting for.

After each chalice had been filled, Lord Stovall stood, followed by everyone else. He turned toward me. “We have to observe certain formalities. Cheyenne O’Cuinn, you who have become Vampyre, must now make a choice to live or perish. Do you wish to live, learn, love, and embrace your immortality? Or do you wish to be set free from the confines of this existence?”

Immortality? I hadn’t even thought about that. How will this affect Roxas?

My sisters were still alive – I could feel it in my guts. If it meant staying alive forever, I needed to do everything I could to save them. I squared my shoulders and stood taller in my heels. “Yes, I accept this new life and will embrace my immortality.”

Lord Stovall drank deep from his chalice. Then he handed it to me and invited me to drink. I looked at Khaldon and Amicula. Khaldon encouraged me to accept. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. With a swallow, I bound my agreement with immortality. I licked my lips. The most delicious crimson silk coated the inside of my throat plunging the bond deep into the depths of my soul.

More, I want more.

The blood tasted like pomegranates. It was the most remarkable flavor I’d ever experienced. I drank deep, gulping swallows. Not very ladylike I was sure. I heard laughter from all around me. Satiated, I brought the chalice away from my lips. Everyone at the table cheered. We enjoyed the rest of the meal full of succulent crab, lobster, shell fish, and fruit. I ate and drank as if I never would enjoy such a meal again.

Thank the gods and goddesses they didn’t make me sacrifice a virgin or summon a demon.

As we stood up to leave the table, Lord Stovall turned to me. “I’ve decided that Khaldon here will be your pedagogue.”

Amicula gasped in shock.

Stovall raised his hand to quiet her objection. “Normally, I assign a same sex tutor of sorts, but yours is quite a unique situation, Miss O’Cuinn, which may require an additional skill set, so to speak.”

“I would be most honored, My Lord.” Khaldon bowed and then stood taller than I had seen yet.

I nodded at the two men who just determined my fate, still not sure what all this pedagogue business was about. I just hoped it had something to do with more comfortable clothes.

Stovall walked us upstairs out of the galley and onto the bow of the ship. A brilliant sunset with red blazing hues crossed the sky into orange melding into a deep indigo. The sun would be below the horizon soon. We sat on chaise lounges. Stovall lit up a cigar and offered me one. I declined but instead picked up a chocolate truffle offered to me from a crystal tray. An explosion of amaretto, almonds, caramel, and blood oranges danced in my mouth. Never had chocolate ever tasted so divine.

“Pretty good, huh?” Khaldon laughed at me.

Grabbing another chocolate before the tray went away I moaned in delight answering his question.

“Your sisters.” Puffs of smoke circled Stovall’s face and head. “What do we know of them?”

“That’s just it, we don’t.” I licked my fingers. “The police are stumped. Clueless. They weren’t in the same place where I was attacked in the theme park. As far as I know all three of us were in separate locations.”

“That’s odd. It’s as if each of you were set up,” Khaldon said. “Do you know of any reason why you would be targeted?”

“No. Not at all.” Shaking my head, I asked, “Have you had any reports on humans being taken anywhere by these rogue vampires? How many of them are out there?”

“We have not,” Stovall softly spoke. “Truthfully, we do not have many rogues in this area. They tend to live out west. Most rogues do not bother a soul and simply want to live their lives in peace - away from any current political climes. There have been whole families who wish to be left alone.” He leaned forward and placed his elbows on his knees. “However, our dear Queen Civetateo,” Stovall pointed to Amicula who was gazing into the water, “Amicula’s Auntie, does not concur. She wishes each and every vampire be accounted for and under her rule.”

“Where is this Queen?” My eyes darted over to Amicula. I whispered to Lord Stovall. “Does she live on the same planet as us?”

“That’s rich. Now we’re vampires in space.” Amicula laughed at loud. “What movie is that from, Cheyenne?”

Obviously, there was no such thing as a private conversation around vampires. She seemed to have the same sense of hearing that I possessed. “
Lifeforce 1985
.” I held my head up high. “Vampires in space arrive in London and infect the planet. It starred Patrick Stewart.”

“Seriously. I was joking.” She chuckled again, but this time a little more guarded, while others looked at her.

“Look it’s okay if you want to make fun of me, dress me up in
UnderWorld
clothes, whatever. I’m thankful you chose to save my life, but truthfully right now I don’t give a rat’s ass how much entertainment value I am.” I stood up and faced Amicula, mimicking her practiced smile. “I need to locate my sisters and take care of my family. That is all I care about.”

“Here’s what we’ll do for you, Cheyenne.” Stovall stood up and looked pointedly at Amicula and then back at me. “We will make every concerted effort to determine if your sisters are with vampires. If they are not, we will help you flush out the human scum to rescue them. We cannot pretend they are still alive. You must be ready to face whatever predator may be holding them. If I were you, I would ask Mr. Seters here about learning a few of the finer vampiric arts to help you understand your new dynamics.”

I gave Stovall a puzzled look, but he responded, “There is much for you to learn, Miss O’Cuinn. Please keep in mind – we are also your new family.”

Set in my place, I listened.

“I’ve made the right decision. Khaldon here will assist you on your journey and hopefully can help you uncover your sisters’ whereabouts.”

“There’s a big storm coming up out of the Gulf tonight. Looks to be a doozie.” Our time on the boat drew to a close when Stovall put on a windbreaker and boat shoes.

I gave a head bow to him and reached out to his arm, “I didn’t mean any disrespect. Thank you for your kindness and hospitality. Am I free to go now? I’m anxious to get home to my father.”

“I’ve seen to his safety. But yes, you should go now. We’ll be in touch when we learn more about what is going on in the area. Communications will be issued to learn if other clans have unregistered activities.”

I smiled at him. My heart full of joy, I stepped toward him and wrapped my arms around his neck nd planted a kiss on his cheek. “Thank you for not killing me. I don’t understand why all this happened, but you’ve helped me feel closer to finding my sisters than anyone has.”