Valley of Dust (8 page)

L
UCIAN, FOR THE first time, felt lost. He knew he couldn’t hurt his brother for all the wrongs he had done, but to make matters worse, he was now going to parent Anton’s child. Anton was his brother, and he loved him even though he had betrayed his trust. Selene he had always loved, so he knew being a father for this child would be easy for him. He felt guilty for taking Anton’s right of fatherhood away from him, but he also knew Anton was not a good person to begin with. After the attack by Anton, he was worried for the unborn child and Selene. Selene would need more energy to feed this child, and he wondered how she would go about consuming it. His garden had just been sodded, and the trees had been planted, but he didn’t know what would happen in the next nine months to it. He also worried for the child. He knew that when live strigoi are born, they don’t have powers. The child would be weak and have no defense against Anton. He hoped they would do the right job in parenting Anton’s child. If the child turned out like Anton, it would definitely spell trouble for the mortal world. He had too much to worry about, but he knew he needed to introduce Selene to the council sooner rather than later. He just hoped that Anton would not show up to the meeting and cause any more conflict. Lucian was always favored for his power, but he knew some strigoi on the council wanted more freedom to hunt as they pleased. Lucian had always been a strict leader and wanted to make sure their society was always kept secret from the mortals. If Anton had been in charge, he knew he would bring mortals to their knees and control them like cattle. This confrontation in this time would not be beneficial since they had never encountered a nuclear weapon. The new-age weapons frightened many of the council, and they had chosen to support many anti–weapons of mass destruction in the United Nations since the cold war. A simple bomb, he knew, would not kill them, but he was not willing to chance a nuclear bomb. That is why since ancient times they had crept into the shadows, why the Gypsies always thought they were scared of the light. Stealth kept their world a secret from the mortals. He hoped Selene would realize how much weight they had on their shoulders to raise this child in appreciation for both societies. He knew it was time to talk to Carla. He needed to find a doctor or midwife who could do all the necessary appointments here in the mansion. Selene was in a fragile state, and he knew taking her out of the house might bring some unwanted attention toward them.

Lucian then called Alexander to set up the next council meeting. They both decided in three months’ time it would be the perfect time to introduce Selene into their society. There was much to discuss with the council, and he was sure they would be happy to hear they had one more live strigoi on the way. This also meant they would keep tabs on him even more. Sadly, for now he and Selene would be acting as a couple, but he hoped in time she would open up to the possibility of more. He felt like an idiot, but Selene had changed him ever since he first saw her. He wanted to protect her and let nothing hurt her. He had already failed her twice. He knew he had to do everything in his power to help her get through this difficult time. He knew when she was a child she would have a difficult time growing up, especially after how she was treated by her family. He visited her many times in her dreams so she could remain strong. He wished he had gone himself to protect her instead of sending Anton in his place. Not only did her family abandon her but she had his seducing brother scar her from loving properly. One thing he was thankful of was Carla. She had always accepted someone no matter what they were. He never hoped for someone becoming an undead strigoi, but he did now. He knew if Selene lost Carla it would be too painful for her to bear. Carla had become family to Selene, and she had not known how easy loss was for an immortal. Soon she would realize the sadness that comes with it.

I
T WAS ALMOST time to meet other live strigoi like myself. Lucian had told me it would be in less than a week. I had lessons every day, from eating properly to the history of our kind. Almost three months of knowledge was squeezed into this brain of mine, and I still was nervous that I would make a fool of myself. Lucian had been my rock; it felt like our friendship was blossoming into something more. I had never believed in soul mates, until the last three months with Lucian. He was so compassionate and understanding; my mood swings didn’t even make him flinch in hate toward me. Though Carla would poke fun at my moodiness, even she was proving to be a better friend than I could ever want.

The doctor had informed Lucian, Carla, and I that the child was a boy. I couldn’t believe what the doctor told us. “No, it cannot be a boy, you must be mistaken,” I said. “Miss, this child is a boy whether you want him or not,” the doctor said. Lucian intercepted, “Don’t worry, Selene, a boy is wonderful news.” I was worried but I didn’t want anyone to know about my dreams.
They must be just nightmares
,
I thought. That’s when Carla chimed in. Carla was ecstatic; she had designs for all different types of rooms for the baby, and when she found out the sex, it now was time for helping her decide what color scheme she should use. I knew she would be the perfect person in helping me design my child’s room; after all, she had designed my room, and it was perfect. Lucian had asked to pick out his name. I was taken back a bit since naming was such a big thing to me. I didn’t know if I wanted someone else in charge of naming him, but part of me was excited to hear some names he might pick out. Carla and Lucian were really getting into having a baby. The air in the mansion was nothing but overjoy about the news. They sometimes would even fight about who would feel the first kick. Which naturally I knew I would win.

Things were really turning around for me. There was no sign of Anton anywhere, and Lucian had assured Carla and I that he would be on the lookout. There were whispers Lucian had told us that Anton was not in North Carolina. Lucian didn’t share much of his intel, but I could tell he was just as worried as Carla and I. I knew he felt some pain since it was his brother and they had been together for over a thousand years. I could tell he worried for him even if he didn’t show it. Lucian was a man truly devoted to family, something I had never really experienced. Carla tried assuring me that everything would be fine; she had total faith in Lucian, and I was starting to see why. Every time I started worrying, Carla had some form of distraction for me. One of her and my favorite pastimes was getting measurements for more maternity wear. I was starting to get used to my baby bump, and we both knew that my elastic band trick wouldn’t work for long on my jeans.

There was one outfit though I dreaded having tailored. It was a gown meant for a Greek goddess. The empire-waist gown set perfectly over my little belly; it was truly a beautiful dress. The dress was almost finished, and that meant the meeting with the council was almost here. Lucian had decided to make our introduction to the council a party. I didn’t know if this was supposed to make things less stressful or not, but I was definitely scared. I didn’t know how I would manage this event; there was way too much on my mind. Lucian had assured me he would be by my side the whole way, but something felt wrong, and I didn’t know what.

The day the council would meet had finally come. Carla had hired a makeup artist and hairstylist for the event. She kept reminding me that she would not be there to help me, so I needed to depend on Lucian for guidance if I was in trouble. It was sad knowing Carla could not come, but it was for her protection. We didn’t want Carla to be a main course for one of the council members. I knew I could handle it though. Knowing Carla was out of harm’s way and we wouldn’t have Anton there to hurt her was a relief.

When all the makeup and hairstyling was done, I caught a reflection of myself in the mirror. I was astonished at how I looked. I couldn’t believe how different I looked after being done up by professionals. That’s when Lucian came in. “Wow, Selene, you look beautiful.”

“Thank you, Lucian,” I said while blushing. Then he looked at Carla, and I knew it was time for her to leave. “Carla, I am sorry to do this, but do you mind staying in Selene’s room? Some of our guests have arrived, and I wouldn’t want any harm to come to you,” Lucian said. Carla smiled and replied, “See, Selene, you’ll have me to normalize you after the party.” I smiled and said, “I will see you shortly then, Carla.” With that Lucian and I headed out of my room hand in hand prepared to meet the council. The time had finally come to join my kind and hopefully be welcomed.

As strigoi arrived, I realized how small the population of women were. To be exact there were three women in total, including myself. Lucian had explained early in my lessons that women live strigoi were rare and coveted, I just didn’t know they were this rare. The party was going great and without a problem. We had many people congratulating us on our child, and the council was glad to have a meeting that wasn’t only about business. They of course would meet later for the real meeting, but luckily Lucian had told me I did not have to bother coming. He said with a smile that I had a great excuse, and I knew that excuse was my little bump. I was excited for the party to be finished, then I could relax into normalcy with Carla.

That’s when something unexpected happened. We had about adjourned for the evening when there was an unexpected guest. It was a surprise but not a good one for Lucian or I. It was Anton. He came in gliding like he belonged here even though he had no invitation. His entire body looked fully healed from what had happened last time when I tried to kill him. The only thing that was different about Anton was his beautiful hair. It was short now, and I knew my little fire on him had something to do with it. I smiled at the thought that he couldn’t recover everything to how it was. “Well, well, Lucian, where was my invitation? And, my Selene, can’t believe you moved on so quickly. You truly are a whore.” Anton smirked. Those words burned into my soul. I was seething in anger, and I wanted him dead. How dare he judge me especially when it was false. He was the only one I had slept with, and I still regretted my choice. Lucian and I hadn’t even kissed; if anything, he was the perfect gentlemen. “Anton, you are not invited here, and please do not disrespect my future wife, Selene,” Lucian said. I could see Lucian was angry. His fists were turning colors from clenching so hard. “Soon-to-be wife, you say? Well, Lucian, if we had another brother, I would tell you to watch out. It seems she likes our blood line,” Anton said while laughing. I couldn’t handle it anymore; before Lucian could say a thing, I screamed, “Enough, Anton.” I could feel the energy in the garden, and I knew I wanted it all. Within seconds I could feel the energy coursing through my body. I wanted to burn him, but this time I wanted to see him dissolve into nothing but ash before he could recover. That’s when I started to hear the council members gasp as I opened my eyes. I had destroyed, yet again, Lucian’s two acres of garden. This time I knew I wouldn’t need to conserve energy for Carla. I saw Anton’s face, he had fear in his eyes. I knew deep down I could kill a live strigoi now. Lucian had told me it hadn’t been done before, but I could feel the power edging me on to finish him off. Then I felt a soft touch on my shoulders. Lucian was beside me, “It’s not the time, Selene, please calm down.”
Damn it,
I thought. I walked off arrogantly from Lucian and close enough to be in arm’s reach of Anton. I wouldn’t kill him, but I would do what he had done to Carla. I focused my power into the air and sent Anton flying up into the brick wall. That’s when I smiled to Lucian and walked off.

I ran up to my room screaming at Carla the whole time about how embarrassed I was. She helped me undo my dress and take down my hair. She listened to everything Anton had said and done. I knew she would take my side, and she was shocked that Lucian allowed him to set foot in the mansion, but he was a part of the council and by right he was allowed to come. She was brushing my hair as I cried and told her how humiliated I was. She offered only words of condolences. Everything that came from her mouth was just what I wanted to hear, and it felt like nothing was a lie. She then helped me lay down because I was shaking so uncontrollably. Carla was so comforting; she knew everything to say to get me to calm down, and while I lay in my bed she rubbed my back till I fell asleep.

This time my dream was pure white, like I was on a blank sheet of paper. That’s when I saw the other me; she came and grabbed my neck, “You should have killed him,” she screamed. Pushing myself free from her hands, I said, “It wouldn’t have worked, and Lucian would be devastated.” She spit when I said Lucian’s name. “Screw Lucian, he has no idea what loss truly means,” she said. “Why are you visiting me? What are we?” I asked. “You will soon find out, but by then it will be too late. You will regret tonight for as long as you live.” Carla jabbed me awake, “Are you okay, Selene? You were saying weird things.” I looked at my surroundings and realized I was in my bed. I was sweating and shivering, and I knew Carla could see past my facade, but all I could muster to her was, “I am fine, Carla. It was just a nightmare.”

T
HE COUNCIL HAD started earlier than Lucian wanted, but he knew the reason for this was Selene. Anton had left in a rush, and there were outcries for the council to start. Alexander was the first one to speak. “Lucian what is your fiancée, Selene? What happened in the garden, and is she dangerous?” This is what Lucian had feared; he wasn’t sure the extent of Selene’s powers, but he knew it was elemental. He knew it was now time to explain this to the council. He especially wanted to get it through to them that she was not a threat.

“Alexander, my fellow council members, she is not a danger to us. I am not quite sure what the full extent of her powers is, but I do know she can control the elements,” Lucian said. That’s when Anton’s friend Sebastian spoke, “How could you keep this from us? She is uncontrollable! Look at what she did to Anton with such ease. She didn’t even look like she had used much power to cause that much damage to him. How do we know she cannot kill us, the live strigoi?” That’s when people started to murmur, and Lucian knew he had to silence the crowd. “Quiet, all of you, if she can kill us, then she will have the exact opposite power I do. You don’t fear me, and you know me to be the type to keep the peace. I have always done exactly as the council decided. If and when I say she can kill us, then she will do it justly with a trial as I have done for the undead,” Lucian said. “Lies, how can we trust you? It seems you have gained more power with her and plan to put us all in fear of our lives,” Sebastian said. “Silence, Selene is pregnant with my child, and her actions toward Anton were just. I will not hear people bad-mouth my future wife.” Then Lucian saw Alexander’s face, and that’s when Alexander spoke, “Council, let’s have faith in Lucian. He has faith in Selene and will be there to guide her in our ways. I do not believe Lucian or Selene plan to harm us.” “Thank you, Alexander,” Lucian replied. “With that I would like to adjourn till our next meeting. If there are further worries, please direct them to me.” Lucian then left the room and headed to his office. He had so much to think about. He had seen the flicker in Selene’s eyes; he knew if he hadn’t stopped her, she might have killed his brother. He shivered at the thought of how the council would have reacted if that had happened. Anton was another concern for him entirely. He had an ally in the council. Sebastian was a man who could spin a lie and spread it far and wide. He was thankful that the previous leader Alexander had done some damage control, but he knew it was not enough to prevent the council from talking. For the first time since the Gypsies figured a way to curse live strigoi, the council was truly scared. No one had found a way to kill them. This new threat and finding out it comes from one of their own was even more unheard of. The curse of killing the undead strigoi was a curse. The Gypsies had placed it on him so he could never take a mortal to be his. If he created an undead, he knew it wouldn’t be long until something happened and he absorbed the person. Selene’s power, however, was not a curse but mother nature’s natural selection. Lucian knew he needed to visit Selene even if it would interrupt her time with Carla.

When he got to her room, he overheard Carla and Selene talking. He knew the best thing to do was knock. Carla had answered the door, and he knew she knew what had happened. “Carla, I need to speak to Selene, do you mind?” Carla smiled and said, “No problem. Selene, I will be in my room if you need me, Lucian is here to see you. Good luck.” “Thank you, Carla.” And with that, Carla was gone. He entered Selene’s room and realized she was no longer wearing her ball gown; instead she had on a striking red pajama suit. He smiled; even in sleepwear she looked beautiful. “Lucian, before you say anything, I am sorry, I was just so angry at Anton,” she said.

“It is okay, Selene.” Then she jumped on her bed with relief. He laughed at how cute she could be after realizing he was not mad at her. “How are you feeling? You must have a lot of energy left as I no longer have a garden anymore.” “Ha ha ha, sorry, I did not mean to. I was trying to be on my best behavior, but hearing Anton spit those vile lies made me want to kill him.” Lucian sat down on her bed, and he knew he needed to ask, “Selene, could you kill him? I mean to say, do you have that power?” “Lucian, all I know is at that moment I felt I could turn him into ash before he got a chance to regenerate.” The thought of his brother turning into ash in front of his eyes made Lucian cringe. “Selene, promise me you will never use that power unless your life depended on it. In our society, there are rules.” “Rules? Lucian, how? We are surrounded by death. Look at how Anton acts. What order do we have?” “Selene, my power is that of sucking the life force out of the undead strigoi. When an undead strigoi is found guilty of crimes against our society, they are found and sent to me to be disposed of. I can only do this to criminals who unnecessarily expose themselves to the human world. I keep an order in our society, a balance.” “So, Lucian, I guess my power is nature’s response to keep order to the live strigoi then?” “Yes, Selene, you can, but only if their crimes deserve death. This is unheard of, being able to kill a live strigoi. The council is terrified of this new threat. Please do not give them an excuse to take action on you.” Selene smiled and then did something he never thought could happen: she kissed his cheek. Lucian couldn’t hold back his shock, but in that moment he hugged her. “I know this is sudden, Selene, but I have always loved you. I will do anything for you and our child.” He felt her embrace him back and harder. He had never felt so many emotions. The feelings were overwhelming him; before he knew it she was kissing his neck and then his mouth. He gasped at this; it felt so good he wanted more. She had started peeling off layers of his clothes until he felt he had to stop her. He pushed her back a bit. “Are you sure, Selene?” but she didn’t answer. She used her body as an answer and continued kissing him. He reached for her red tank top and lifted it off. She was striking. Her skin felt so good against his, and in that moment he felt the closest he had ever been with Selene.