Ch. I Waiting for His Return
The floor vibrated like an unsteady heart under my boots as I walked across the dance floor. Strobe lights flew across the room revealing only a flash of people's expressions before covering them again in darkness.
The new style of music, "Pop", has never appealed to me, nor has its dance styles. I prefer a graceful ballroom dance or even square or line dancing compared to this mess.
But I'm not here for the dancing. I'm here to see someone. I refocus myself and push my way through the dance mob.
At the back of the club a narrow entranced of stairs leading to a room above hid behind a black cloth and guarded by two sentinels—or better known as "bouncers" today—dressed in black suits.
As I approached, I took a deep breath in smelling who the sentinels are. Vampires. Good, he has the vampires working tonight. Humans would have stopped me and I hate having to explain my fraud relational status with my affiliate.
As I approached, they bowed their heads slighlty in respect and allowed me to pass. I nodded, acknowledging them, and continued on my way walking upstairs.
"Angel," one of the sentinels grabbed my arm pausing my progress. I turned and looked down at him.
"He has company with him."
I nodded. "Thank you, Harrison."
Harrison gave me a quick nod that would have appeared to be a slight neck spasm to a human, and then returned to his job.
The stairway is a narrow pathway colored a tint of green-white, with dim florescent lighting guiding the way. I walked up the short distance and turned to walk the few steps into the room; my boots echoed off the walls—I made sure they did.
The old door stood out of place, like something the late 1950s Twilight Zone series would have put. Its color was a dark purple maroon, and the knob was a darkened brass knob.
Grabbing hold of the knob, I quietly turned it opening the old door to a dark room dimly lighted by darkened tableside and hanging lamps. Light streamed in from behind me, revealing half of a man's figure sitting upon the center couch surrounded by two women who were showering affection upon him.
I knew he was ignoring me.
Without hesitation, I moved into the room and slammed the door.
The two women jerked back and looked over in my direction. A sigh was the only thing that came from the center figure.
"Uhhh, who are you?" The one on the left asked; she's a brunette, I could tell that much. That and her voice annoyed me.
"Yeah," the other joined in though her voice was obviously not as brave.
"Is there something you want, Angel?" A British voice rang out clear. Its owner was the one whom I sought.
The one on the left—the brunette—gasped. "What? She gets a nickname and I don't? I've known you for, like, way longer."
"Doubt it." I heard him mumbled across the room, far too low for human ears to pick up. "It's her name, my dove." He then added loud enough for the shallow minded woman to hear.
"I would like to speak with you, Abel . . . without your soiled doves."
"Hey!" the one on the right perked up yelling.
"Shh, you don't want to anger her, trust me." Abel whispered into the one on the right's ear.
"Why not?" she snapped back.
"Because it will make my life very, very miserable." Abel sighed knowing he would have to ask his ladies to leave him. "I'll see you girls tomorrow."
"I think we can—"
"No," Abel forced. "Leave me, now!"
With his order they immediately got up grabbing their purses and coats. They casted glares at me through dimness as they moved to the door. I ignored them, keeping my focus on Abel.
They left slamming closing the door behind them.
"Do you honestly make an effort to ruin my life?" Abel accused the second the door was closed. "Or does it come naturally?"
I smiled and began to walk across the room; my boots are muffled by the plush purple carpeting.
"Is this what you call a club?" I asked taking an old fashioned chair. "I would call it a house of ill repute."
"It's what I call a living." He replied not bothering to hide his irritation from me. He slouched into his couch glaring off in front of him.
"You're not alive."
"And neither are you. But this helps pay for all your wild endeavors so I wouldn't complain if I were you."
"Wild endeavors?" I asked offended.
"Your car."
I gave an exhausted sigh and leaned back into the chair. His argument held a fair point.
"What do you want, Angel?" his voice took on a desperate tone. Apparently he had already forgotten how I had just "ruined" his life. "Honestly?"
"I'm bored."
"So you come and call on me?"
"You're fairly entertaining; especially when you're angry."
Abel gave a loud exasperated sigh burying his head into his hands. "Don't you have some battle to fight? Some conflict to be involved in?"
"I used to; however, my dear love has erased those bringing us a great peace which we can now enjoy." I smiled at him.
He looked up from his hands, narrowing his eyes spitefully in response. "I loathe you."
"Feeling is mutual." I leaned back in the chair. "Of course, I ought to pity you. After all, you are a well trained soldier who had lost against a bunch farm boys with guns."
He hissed. "Must you bring the Rebellion into every discussion we have?"
"It's the Revolution, and yes."
A moan escaped him now and he sunk further into his couch. "When is Cammidius returning?" he cried.
I shrugged. "He went to visit his nephew."
"His nephew is taking a trip to the upper west coast."
"So rumors say." I murmured.
Abel's head turned to me. "You don't believe them?" he asked sounding surprised.
I shrugged. "I hear rumors so often of the Volturi's arrival; it's already old news by the time it reaches my ears."
"Yes, but there has been a rendezvous at one of the Olympian covens; an organized attempt to halt the Volturi's attack."
"The Olympian coven? The hippies? What on earth have they done worth being killed?"
"Their crime is that they have created an immortal child."
I chuckled darkly. Figures the northern covens would want children. "And why are they arguing against their punishment?"
"They claim that the child is half human and is growing . . . ."
This turned my attention towards the conversation.
"Hybrid?"
Abel nodded.
"And you think Cammidius went there along with his nephew?"
"He should arrive with them tomorrow. Why don't you join them?" There was so much motivation in Abel's voice, I could have laughed.
"Thought 'bout it." I replied pouring myself a drink of whatever was in the bottle on his center table. "Then I remembered that I'll probably end up join'n the defendant side and ruin the whole thing not to mention irritate Cammidius in the process. Plus, The Volturi are not too fond of me."
"Wonder why?" Abel stated dryly, then added, "I would attend only to watch you ruin the Volturi's plans. Watching Aro and Casius' reactions to you never fail to amuse me." he reached over and picked up his drink.
"What are you talking about? They adore me." I added sarcastically.
Abel chuckled behind his glass. "They adore you as much as I do." He chuckled again at his own joke then took a drink.
I couldn't help but smirk. It was a cute joke. Abel and I are in eternal loathing of one another. We forever will be. It's our secretly sworn duty.
"You could make it. It's tomorrow." Abel continued to push.
"No, that's on the other side of the country."
"You have that Viper."
"Even going at top speed, I couldn't make it in less then twelve hours."
"Now that type of mentality is what is going to loose the war."
I scoffed. "What war? If there was a war I wouldn't be bored. I wouldn't even be in this building." I took a drink and wrinkled my nose. Vodka. I hate vodka, give me a good brandy, scotch, or wine. Just not vodka! I put down the drink and leaned back into the chair.
"When are you going to be on History Channel?" Abel's question surprised me. He never cared what I did in my free time.
"Within a few weeks." I replied simply. "I'm look'n forward to it."
"You love seeing yourself?"
Laughter went through me. "That and they had GHI—"
"Who?"
"GHI, Ghost Hunters—please Abel keep up with the modern times."
"Excuse me." Abel muttered taking a drink of his vodka.
"Anyways, GHI came and looked through the house to see if it really was haunted or not."
"And you gave it a good haunting?"
A peel of laughter escaped me. "Course. I'm interested in see'n what they caught."
"Probably you masquerading around."
"Probably right." I stared at the wall looking at the portraits of famous generals of England's past. The beat of the music from below faintly hummed through the walls.
"Are you entertained?" Abel asked hesitantly.
"More or less."
"Good."
I arched my eyebrow surprised. "Good?"
"Yes. Now Get. Out."
I laughed at the order. As if he could order me. However, I really did need to get back to base.
"It's almost dawn." I excused standing up. I began to walk away, hating that my boots were suffocated by the carpeting.
"Thank you!" Abel called over to me, referring to me taking my leave.
I left the room, pretending I hadn't heard him, walking down the stairs. When I neared the sentinels I voiced my thoughts. "Make sure you get back to base on time, you two."
"Yes, ma'am." They replied in harmony as I left the club through the mob. I pushed my way through and to the exit.
Amongst the pick-up trucks, rented Cadillacs, and other rented sports cars stood the prized beauty. A fully suite, black with bright red strips down the center Dodge Viper rested.
"Hello beautiful." I whispered to it unlocking the driver's door. I always unlocked her by hand. Tradition.
I climbed in and then started the engine, feeling her roar around me. "Let's go, beautiful." I whispered backing out, and then gunned it into the desert.
My base was only fifty miles from nearest civilization. Planned it that way so my coven and I had easy access to highways, that way we could get to one side of the state to stop an advancing force easily. And my second reason was for my coven: easy access to blood. A strong army needs nourishment; and our nourishment comes at a cost of life.
I gunned the engine, it roared loving to be pushed to its max.
Fortunately for the humans, we had discovered a way to clone blood and genetically alternate it so that it made us even stronger then natural human blood ever would. Yet, a few still enjoy the rustic taste of human blood—Cammidius included.
I took my foot off the engine and let the Viper slow from two-hundred miles per hour. It didn't slow in time, so I applied the brakes and took the corner of my driveway at fifty; and, then went over the red gravel road much more slowly.
The road would have continued on for another few miles and looped back to another part of the highway. However, I wasn't going to continue on the road. The entrance to my base was hidden underground, camouflaged by what appeared to be a simple bridge.
A deep ravine, that runs dry most of the year, cut through the land. We had a solid bridge built into the crevasse, cutting the ravine in two.
In this bridge we dug through clay to create an entrance into the ground so we could get our vehicles into and out of our base.
I stopped the car and pulled out of my pocket a device that looked like it belonged to a garage door. Pushing the button, I watched as a portion of the thick metal top of the bridge pulled back away from me slowly; revealing a gentle slope followed by a sharp incline into the earth. I tapped the accelerator and the Viper advanced into the earth. I left the garage door opened, knowing it would close automatically a few minutes after I left.
The tunnels are dimly lit with low lighting; enough for us to see, yet not enough to warn you about the sudden twists and turns in our hand made road way. I took them, of course, fast and quickly; having them all memorized.
Our second defense was a maze of underground compacted dirt roads that anyone, who didn't know the way could easily get lost. The right path, led to an underground garage where the coven kept their vehicles—most are being army.
In a few minutes I found the garage which was brightly lit and had a smooth cement floor and cement walls and ceiling. I found an open place amongst the vehicles and parked my Viper. I cut the engine and got out.
As I closed the door I heard a drop of water splash on top of the hood. My eyes cast upwards finding a large crack in the ceiling. The earth was shifting again. Bad thing about building underground in Texas, the earth shifts constantly.
My eyes quickly moved around to find an open place where a crack in the ceiling wasn't present. Finding one, I then got back into the Viper and started her again, moving her to the location I had found.
Once again, I got out but double checked the ceiling and finding it satisfying.
Gently closing the door, my hand stuck the into my jacket's pocket and walked toward the large, thick sliding door that allowed entrance to the actual base—another security feature.
As I approached it began to open, hissing as air escaped through. I felt the gush of wind run past me, its fingers running through my hair.
When it opened enough for me, I continued on my path down the hallway of our base. The hallways connecting the distant rooms are white walled, with grey tiled flooring. The lighting was florescent that brightened everything.
"Found a spot you liked?" I heard a voice through a speaker.
I smiled, turning to my left. Along with our hidden entrance, maze tunnels, and thick steel door, we had security cameras set up throughout the garage and maze to monitor who was entering through.
The man who ran the ship went by Joel. He sat in an office most of the time. The office could see into the garage through a camouflaged window and into the neighboring hallway by a large clear window. His room is set up like a control center. Camera screen are placed in various areas, and millions of buttons, levers, and joysticks covered the L-shaped desk. This gave him control over the whole base's security.
"There's a crack in one corner. Earth is shift'n." I replied.
"You're not going to risk your new trophy?"
"Hell, no." I replied crossing my arms in front of me.
"Huh," I could see Joel lean back in the rolling chair that he used in there. "I'll talk to Harrison 'bout fix'n it. He says there's a new technology that helps prevent cracks from start'n."
"We'll invest in that. Hate to see this building crumble down."
Joel gave short laugh. "I speak for us all when I say, we all do, Angel."
A faint smiled crossed my lips. "All right, then." I replied looking down the hall. "I'll see ya later, Joel."
"You too, ma'am."
With that I ran down the hallway and turned, continuing on my way through a more ordered maze of hallways towards my room which resided on the far side of the building. As I neared my room, I could feel the floor begin to angle upward until I came to the end of the hallway, my door.
A small notch blended into the wall. I lifted it revealing a touch-screen keypad. After entering my combination, my door slid open revealing my bedroom. I left the keypad, the little notch snapping back into place.
My bedroom resided above ground. It had giant windows to the right of it, looking over the west side of Texas. The most beautiful view come sunset.
The walls are, for now, a light forest green. The rest of my accents are in shades of brown including my comforter on my king sized bed. I've always loved earth tones, they put me at ease and brought back a feeling of home with them. Thankfully, Cammidius didn't mind.
I walked towards the windows to gaze out. The sky began to turn a light blue as the sun rose from the opposite side.
I closed my eyes and focused.
"Are you here?" I asked quietly.
Immediately I felt a gentle, comforting presence at my back and what—in my mind—arms wrapped around me. I gave a soft sigh and leaned my head back into nothing.
"Cammidius." I whispered.
Cammidius, my soul mate, my lover, my superior, my ally, and my other half. The oldest existing vampire on the face of this desolate earth and the most powerful in strength and ability. Though centuries of practice, he has fine tuned his abilities to almost to the point he had mastered them. His ability is mind boggling; he is able to sense the presence of other beings—especially vampires. When he engages another vampire, he is able to sense where they shift their weight to move, exactly where in their body are they tensing in their body in reaction to things. When fighting, he is able to judge how his opponent is going to attack and respond before his opponent realizes what he is doing. When he closes his eyes and concentrates, he has learned to use his ability to become his sight. In this state, he is able to travel extraordinary distances without ever moving his body.
He once described it to me as being similar to an "out-of-body-experience" but the world is black and outlined in white; as if someone had only outlined the shapes of things in white. The more he focuses the clearer and three-dimensional his physic vision becomes, and he's able to add touch . . . just as he is now.
I could feel the ghost of his strong arms around me from his ability. I could feel his thumb rubbing my arm gently.
"I miss you." I whispered to him. He could hear me, though he couldn't reply back verbally.
I felt a gentle pressure on my neck—his lips. It was his way of saying, "I miss you too."
"Will you return to me soon?" If the answer were a yes, I would feel a pressure around my left hand as he folded his hands through it. If it were a no, I would feel the same for my right hand.
I felt pressure around my right hand.
I gave a disappointed sigh. "'Bout how much longer?"
I felt a ghost tap on my shoulder then at my elbow. This meant a month.
"How many?"
One tap on my elbow was the response.
"All right." I mumbled. About one month. "Come back soon then."
I felt a pressure on my cheek as he kissed it and then his presence slowly disappear. He could only stay like this way a short while otherwise it left him exhausted for several days. He is becoming stronger, but not strong enough yet.
"Goodbye." I whispered.
When I could feel him no more, I leaned forward against the giant windows. The sky is lighter, much lighter as the sun began to rise from the other side. Time to check on the rest of the gang.
I began unbutton my blouse and take it off as I walked to my wardrobe. Quickly choosing another shirt—this one just a plan old white shirt with a V-neck. I closed the doors to the wardrobe and walked out of my room to the garage again.
"Going back out so soon?" Joel's voice came through the microphone.
"Yup." I shouted over the opening of the door to the garage. "Can you open the north door?" I added.
"Sure thing, ma'am." He replied. "I'll wait for you approach it."
"All right." I replied entering the garage.
In the garage, I pulled out my key and found the Viper again. I traced my hand gently over her hood. She had just begun to cool down.
"Ready, beautiful?" I asked opening the door and getting in. "We have some travel'n to do." I stuck the key into the ignition and she roared to life.
Today had a list of places to be at; first the mother-daughter bakery in the north-east. I pulled the Viper out and in front of the north door. The north door faced directly north and eventually led out into a random driveway that then connected to the highway. It is our main highway connecting Cammidius' northern base to my southern one.
The Viper stalled in front of the north door, grumbling against about not moving.
"Come on, Joel." I mumbled leaning back into the leather seat.
I heard gear whirl and then, as if on cue, the north door opened horizontally and allowed the Viper to scream past it . . . .
I pulled into on of the empty spaces in the pavilion in the parking lot. My windows are tinted dark so sunlight couldn't get in making my skin glow. Unlike other vampires, my skin didn't turn into thousands of sparkling diamonds; but, instead contained a very bright glow that stood out.
I walked up to the entrance of the bakery which was a yellow Victorian fashioned home had been converted into a bakery. I opened the door and entered. The inside had been remodeled for more of a restaurant feeling. A little less then half of the house was the kitchen, while the other half was arranged with chairs and tables created for a serene dinning area. The whole thing is run by a mother and her daughter.
"Hello?" I called in. "Anyone home?" though it was obvious someone was.
A girl of thirteen with dark brown hair, pale skin, and brown contacts to hide her red eyes, stood up behind the counter stopping in the middle of what she was doing. An expression of surprise crossed her face.
"Boy howdy!" she exclaimed gathering the attention of the guests.
I couldn't help but laugh at the expression, "boy howdy." It is such a mid 1900s say'in.
"Mama!" she called to the kitchen.
"What is it sugar?" a woman called back.
"Miss Angel's here!"
"Miss Angel?" a dark haired woman came out from the kitchen with an apron on and flour stuck in splotches everywhere. Her hair was braided back revealing a beautiful older face. She turned to me and smiled. "Boy howdy," she said. "we weren't spect'in you!"
"I apologize," I replied stepping in. "I should've called."
"Forget apology." She walked over to me, and I walked over to her. We met in the middle with a hug.
"How've you been, Heather?" I asked.
Heather and her daughter, Anna, are very similar in appearance, the only thing separating them is the age and wisdom in Heather's face; and the shinning youth in Anna's.
"Good, good."
"Business?"
"Do'in fine. Yourself?"
"Can't complain." I replied. My eyes shifted over to Anna. "How've you been Anna?"
"Mighty fine."
"That's good to hear. You helping your mama out?"
"Course." She replied.
Heather smiled to herself wrapping an arm around her daughter. "Best help I could ever have."
"Good to hear."
"Like something to eat?" Heather asked.
"I don't need—"
"On the house, I'll get you a biscuit. I know you like those."
She had me there. I loved their biscuits with butter.
"All right." I surrendered.
"Hold on a few minutes and I'll get you one. They're just out of the oven and gotta cool."
"Mmm, they smell delicious." I commented. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed all the customers returning to what they were doing previously.
Once Heather went back behind the kitchen, Anna leaned closer to me. "Is that apart of you be'in special an all?" she whispered, barely moving her mouth.
"What is?" I replied in the same fashion.
"You be'in able to eat."
"Oh, yes." She was referring to me being only half vampire.
She nodded quietly to herself.
Though Heather and Anna had been apart of Cammidius' coven for about eighty years, my abnormalities were still new to them and most of the members of the coven.
"Here ya go." Heather said coming around from the kitchen. She found me standing next to the counter. "Anna? Why didn't you show Miss Angel to a seat?"
"It slipped my mind, I'm sorry ma'am." Anna stumbled through, obviously embarrassed. I had a feeling if she could still blush she would have.
"It's all right," I excused. "And please don't call me Miss Angel."
"You're our leader." Anna explained a fact I already knew. Respect for you leader was ingrained deeply into Southern vampires. It seems that as soon as a young vampire is made, it has already been ingrained into them to give their leaders all the due respect.
I still shook my head. "And friend. Nobody calls me Miss Angel."
"As you wish." Heather consented.
"Thank you." I looked down at the large biscuit. It was already cut in half with butter melting on top. "Smells good." I repeated. Which it did, making my mouth water.
"Hope it is." Heather said pushing me the plate on the counter.
I lifted half of the large biscuit to my mouth and took a bite. A satisfied groan escaped me as butter and the sweet bread melted in my pallet. "That's good."
"Our prize winner."
I quickly finished the rest.
"Where are you go'n to today?" Heather asked.
"I can take you at the register, sir." Anna said walking towards the register as someone came up to pay for their meal.
"I going to stop here, then go to all the farms and see what's new with them. Head west and see what's going on in the panhandle, then El Paso." We both gave a moan at the thought of dealing El Paso's many problems. "If I get sometime, I'm going to check out the border bases; but, I gotta head back in time to watch the plantation with Chelsi"
"I said today."
"That is my day."
"A week?"
I nodded smiling. Time is meaningless after a century.
Heather shook her head. "I have no idea where Cammidius found you or won you."
"I don't think it was so much of a conquer, as much as a surrender on both sides." I admitted remembering.
Heather laughed as Anna finished checking the customer out.
"Well whatever caused it, I'm glad it occurred. Now, good luck on your travels."
"Thank you." I replied, touched by her caring words. I took a step back to leave then remembered something. "Do you know where I could get gasoline?"
"Yeah, there's a good place just down the road."
"All right, thanks. I'll see all y'all later."
"Bye, God bless!"
"Y'all too!"
"Bye, Miss Angel!" Anna called out.
"Bye, Anna!" With that I left following the covered pavilion to the Viper. I got in and then drove over to the gas station Heather had referred me to. After filling up I pointed her further east to check out all the other businesses in the areas owned by different members of Cammidius' and my covens before heading west.
I finished filling up my tank again. The Viper drank gas for breakfast and spat it out a few moments later. It cost me about at least two-hundred every time. Suddenly I felt thankful for Abel's house of ill-repute.
I put up the pump and paid the bill. Then I got back into the Viper and drove her home. The Texas night sky flew past me as I crossed the dessert. El Paso had put me in a sour mood for the rest of my trip. News from there wasn't comforting. Never was. Mexico is always trying to break the border lines. Why couldn't they accept that north of the Rio Grande is ours and south is theirs. We rightfully and fairly won it about two centuries ago.
I gunned my engine harder still angry at this almost two-hundred year old war.
The border towns were able to hold their own a little better; but, even they were even reporting more attacks from the other side.
I breathed a sigh, releasing a gust of air.
Cammidius and I will be forced to defend our borders once again . . . .
A smile crossed my face. War? My fingers flexed as the memory of battle came back to them. That's just maybe what I need . . . some action.
I gunned the Viper further, she sped home as if she was tired to being on the road.
An hour later, I was near the turn off for the Southern Base. I slowed the Viper down and took the turn onto the dirt road. After going down through the secret passage and through the maze, I made it into the garage. I parked the Viper and got out heading towards the inside of the base.
"Back so soon?" Joel teased as I passed him. I had been gone for a week and a half.
"Not soon enough." I replied and then ran to my room.
In my room I ran towards the old fashioned phone that rested on Cammidius' bedside table. I picked up the receiver and then quickly dialed the number. It buzzed and rung connecting to a number across seas.
"Buongiorno?" a female voice called on the other end.
"Cammidius Valens please." I didn't bother translating into Italian.
"I'm sorry but he's not here." Thankfully the woman caught on and spoke English. "May I direct you to someone else?"
"Aro, please."
"One moment please."
I was put on hold followed for a few moments until the phone was picked up again.
"Hello?" a smooth accented voice spoke.
"Aro, where is Cammidius?"
"Angel? Long time with no word, how have you been?"
"Good, where is Cammidius?"
"It's been fine here." Aro continued ignoring my request. He's doing this on purpose; I juts know it. "We were just in the States; but, you've probably already heard about it."
"Yes, I have. Where is Cammidius?"
"We saw old friends of ours, they're doing well. Two of their members have created a hybrid child who is half mortal and half immortal. Have you ever heard such a thing?"
I have, but I needed to get a hold of Cammidius. "Aro. Cammidius. Please."
"Oh, Cammidius, he actually just left for the States fifteen minutes ago. You just missed him. He should be home within a day at least."
"Thank you." I hung up. I hate talking with Aro; he always tried to control the conversation and was impossible to get a straight answer from.
Sharp pain hit my head. With a slight gasp I collapsed onto the bed, my hands on my head. I hated headaches. This one came from not enough sleep or nutrition.
"I need a drink." The words came out unconsciously.
Slowly getting up, I left the room running to the opposite side of the base.
The opposite side of the base is where we held our social gatherings, training rooms, and battle planning rooms. To get to there, I ran through the long hallway until it ended in a T. If I went right, I would go to our headquarters where we trained and discussed battle tactic plans.
If I took a left—which I did—I would go to a giant room painted black with wood flooring and lights everywhere. It is where we held our dances and had our drinks.
I entered the room and found it to be line dancing night. Country music came and hit me. A smile crossed my face and I began to walk around the dance floor, my hips swaying to the steady beat.
In back is the bar area where refreshments of various sorts were served. I took a chair and leaned over.
"The usual." I told Nick, who was bartending tonight.
He gave me a curt nod and then got a glass and opened a refrigerator taking out a sealed container. He removed the cap and poured me a glass.
"One cloned blood drink." He said sliding the glass towards me.
I caught it and took a drink. The texture is far more liquid then normal blood, but I didn't mind. Its added nutrients helped revive me.
"You look like you've been through hell." Nick commented after I had downed the drink. I slid it towards him for another refill. "When was the last time you drank?"
"'Bout a month and a half ago."
Nick gave a sigh while refilling my cup. "You need to drink more oft'in. Just 'cause we're in peace don't mean you can stop drink'in."
"I know." I began with the continual replies.
"Cammidius won't stand for any of that." He slid the glass down to me.
"I know." I mumbled before downing it.
"We're you've been for the past few weeks, huh?" He asked walking over to me, bringing along the pitcher of cloned blood.
I passed him the glass before replying. "All over. Went over to the north east chatted with people there."
"How are they all do'in?" he asked refilling it and then giving it back to me.
"Heather and Anna are doing well, so are the farms.
"Good, good." he replied.
I drank this glass more slowly. I never needed a lot of blood to suffice me.
"So you went to the east, and then where?"
"I stopped in Dallas before heading over to El Paso."
"And how are they all do'in?"
"Arguing over politics again. Same old, same old."
Nick laughed.
Nick, properly known as Nicholas, is one of the few who have been with me since I started my own coven . . . since Tombstone, Arizona.
"What's new with El Paso."
I shrugged tired. "They're scared. There's talk about Mexico invad'in again."
Nick shook his head. "All the other bases can take care of themselves. San Antonio has even been good . . . well, ever since the Alamo. The border towns tend to quiet things so quickly that it's not even worth get'in cited 'bout. El Paso however, they're just as helpless as a new born calf."
I laughed at his analogy. "Well, they need help again. Mexico is 'bout to attack and they want back up."
"I think they have enough to take care of it."
"One would think; however, the border bases are worried about the same thing."
"An invasion?" Nick asked skeptical.
"Yeah. More raids are going on down there even. One started to occur while I was visiting."
"Bet that one lasted long."
I chuckled darkly and drank some more blood.
"How do you feel about another war?"
My fingers involuntarily flexed.
Nick caught them and smiled. "Should've known." He said refilling my glass. "The question is better phrased, 'Do you think there's going to be another war?'"
"Don't know."
"Will you start one?"
My eyes flashed but I didn't say anything.
He chuckled knowing my answer.
I rolled my eyes and took another drink. "Where is your girl?"
He nodded out to the crowd. My eyes followed the direction finding a dirty blond girl in the middle of a line dancing. She is wearing a short jean mini skirt, and a tight pink ribbed shirt. A giant brown belt came around her waist. Light blue decorated cowgirl boots went knee high were her heels for the night.
"She looks good." I said to Nick turning back to him.
"She sure does." He replied dreamily. His girl, Stella, is my closest friend. She has been with me forever, even longer then Nick has though not by much longer.
"Why aren't you dancing with her?" I asked.
"Someone's gotta tend the bar."
I scoffed. "Set it up to manual for everyone and go and dance with her."
"Ehh, I don't dance." Nick excused.
"Boy," I turned to him, squaring up. "You turn this bar to manual and get on that floor and dance with your way-too-hot-wife, ya hear?"
Nick chuckled. "Sounds like you want to dance with her more then me."
I gave him a look.
"Fine, fine. How 'bout you?"
"I'm going to finish this glass then go to bed. Tomorrow I go to Chelsi's."
"To watch your plantation on television?"
"Yup. Now go get out there."
"I am, I am." Nick complained running around at blur speed to put the bar on manual. "Okay, done. See ya."
"See ya. Have fun!" I watched as Nick ran off to join his wife. Everyone made room for him on the dance floor. I smiled and shook my head.
"Is this what you call a club? I call this a house of ill-repute."
I turned my head finding Abel approaching me.
"I call this a good time. What brings you to this part of the woods?"
"I like a change of variety in scenery." He sat down in a bar chair. "And tonight is this scenery." He held out his hand referring to his surroundings.
"It's a better one then that club of yours."
"That club is a living. This," he motioned all around us. "is just for our entertainment."
"We need to unwind . . ." I looked over at the crowd "stay busy so we don't go crazy."
Abel sighed and leaned back into his chair. "I hate to see what the world would become if we didn't keep have a couple hundred vampires entertained."
"I hate to too." I closed my eyes and the image briefly fled across my mind. Death. A lot of death would follow if the vampire warriors got too bored. "I'm going to bed."
"Night." Abel replied. "It's good to see you back."
I stopped and turned around facing him. "Watch it, Abel. If we're not careful . . . we may just become friends."
Abel made a horrified face. "Hate for that to happen!"
I smirked and turned around leaving him in among the dancers.
I ran all the way back to my room and then found it. I punched in the code for my room and entered. Immediately, I glanced over at my windows finding that it's still night. Comforting, I quickly changed into my night gown and then walked over to my side of my bed and crashed absolutely exhausted. It had been weeks since I last slept, and now I welcome it freely.