Cursed Blood
Part Three
I must have watched every hour of the night come and go. I wasn't labeled a midnight walker for nothing; sleep wasn't something vampires indulged in unless some injury ails them. I still feel the sensation of fatigue over time but after a week or two, the feeling subsides.
I looked around at my lovely surroundings of some motel located a few miles away from Nicky's. It was quaint and probably hasn't been cleaned thoroughly in a few decades. I was sitting in the window seat overlooking the vacant parking lot; this place was not a very popular destination. I haven't seen anyone other than one businessman who left the second he wandered into a hotel room, everyone has their standards. I wasn't able to stay in any lavish hotel or resort these days; I was forced to pickpocket for what little money I had. Such a tacky means of getting money, but that's all I could do. It wasn't like I could stick around a town long enough to get a job. Besides, I would not be surprised if I was one background check away from getting a few interrogations by the police. Not interested.
I sighed loudly, I was already bored. It was still early in the day though, I was not going to be able to find Reid and Tyler this early in the day. They were probably on their way to school now. I had given thought to joining their school, but there again lays the issue of being a bit too close for comfort in the public eye. No, I'm stuck waiting. I hate waiting.
I stood and stretched and looked down and remembered that I was wearing the same outfit as yesterday. I had left the last town in such a hurry, that I had forgotten everything I had except for a wad of cash, my makeup and a silver pocket knife…you never know when you might run into a werewolf and those dog breath bastards are never interested in conversing with a vampire. They're more into the rip you to shreds first, talk second kind of routine.
So shopping was going to be the plan for today, well there could be worse things a girl could spender her time with. I did see a few boutiques on my walk through town last night; I guess that would have to suffice. I just hope I find something worth spending my last bit of cash on.
I had been wandering around this boutique for what seems like an eternity but haven't found anything that wasn't adorned in lace or as brightly colored as the summer sun. Neither were exactly my choice in style but there had to be something here.
"Not having much luck?" asked a voice. I turned from the rack of clothing to see a blonde standing behind me with a very kind smile on her face. Was this entire town so eager to strike up conversation with strangers? Apparently so.
"Not really." I replied before turning back to my hunt through the hanging garments.
"Me either. There's a place two buildings down from here I'm about to check out. You might find something there you like; you're welcome to join me." She added. Okay, I understand I don't exactly look like a dangerous threat to a human life but still; being invited to go shopping? Seriously? Perhaps I should have gone with the snake bite piercings or something, make me a bit less approachable.
I turned back to the girl, I could tell even with her hopeful smile that she was exhausted and her mind was heavy with thoughts. When you've been around as long as I have, you learn how to read people…a bit too well.
Before I could decline the invitation I felt the cell phone Reid had given me vibrating in my back pocket. I quickly pulled the contraption out and began trying to figure out what it was doing. I pushed buttons and tried to read the so called "incoming text message" but was going nowhere fast. I smiled awkwardly as I felt the girl's eyes now staring at my every move.
"Is that Reid's cell phone?" She asked; my eyes instantly widened as I looked back up at her.
"Um…yes it is. He gave it to me…well he's letting me borrow it while I'm in town." I smiled. Wonderful, I sounded like an idiot. I watched as her eyebrow rose slightly.
"You two must be close for him to let you borrow his new backup cell. I'm Sarah, are you new in town? You must be; have you enrolled in Spencer Academy yet?" She was firing question after energetic question. This was not what I had in mind when I ventured from my motel room. But she knew Reid, so she wasn't a complete waste of my time.
"I'm here just to settle some family issues. Reid was kind enough to help me out and give me a cell phone to use while I'm here." I said while finally figuring out how to read the text message that was sent to me.
It's Reid. Last night left me curious to say the least. Dinner tonight. Nicky's at 6.
I looked up to see that I was not the only one reading the text message. Sarah was standing, her jaw opened and her eyes wide.
"What?" I asked in confusion.
"Reid Garwin just asked you out to dinner, that's what! I'm just surprised, that's not his usual um…style." She said. I really can't believe my day, now I'm having teenage girl talk with a human. Goodness, I was so far outside my comfort zone I was beginning to feel the urge to run back to the motel room.
"So…you know Reid pretty well I take it?" I asked.
"You could say that, my boyfriend, Reid, Tyler and Pogue are practically brothers. Always together, I owe them all my life…" Sarah started until she allowed her gaze to lower to the carpet below. Bingo. Those must be the entire collection of the Sons of Ipswich, there's no doubt about that. So there are four of them, and I take it Sarah's boyfriend must be the Caleb guy that Tyler had mentioned yesterday. How very interesting and how small this town must be for me to run into yet another key in the Ipswich puzzle.
"Well…shall we go to the next store um…hey what's your name? I forgot to even ask before."
"I'm Madison, and of course, it sounds like…fun." I lied right through my teeth but I couldn't help but feel like I was accomplishing a lot in a short amount of time in this town. I still wasn't quite sure what my exact plan of action would be, but I had a feeling that becoming friends with this girl might be worth a few fake smiles and high pitched giggles.
We began our walk through the glass doors of the store and down the sidewalk as Sarah began to zone out at times; that along with her apparent exhausted appearance was enough to make even me curious as to what was on her mind. It was obviously something that kept her from attending school today.
"May I ask why you're not in school today?" I asked as we continued our walk towards the next boutique. Moments passed without an answer, she was trying to figure out how to put her dilemma into words…or she was trying her best to come up with an excuse.
"I needed some time to myself. These past few days have been difficult to handle." She said softly.
"What do you mean?" I questioned further. She looked at me and simply shook her head.
"I mean I didn't sign up for all of this craziness when I moved here. I-" She started until realizing her ramble.
"Look at me, unloading all of my drama and problems onto you. We just met! I'm sorry about that." She forced a smile. Man, talk about girl with issues.
"Well here's the store! You go ahead; I think I ruined your day enough! Plus I probably shouldn't spend any more money; my therapeutic shopping will put my parents in debt! But I'm sure I'll run into you at Nicky's tonight if you decide to go! Nice meeting you by the way!" She smiled before turning and leaving me standing before the doors of the boutique. I shrugged my shoulders and walked on into the store, what a relief it was to be alone once again.
After a surprisingly short amount of time within the store and dressing room, I managed to walk out wearing a new outfit. Black denim jeans, black heels and a black form fitting vest. I hated how cliché my taste in clothing was to be a vampire. But black looks good on me; always has, and seeing as how I will never change in my appearance due to age, it always will.
I checked my cell again after learning earlier that the screen also acts as a watch, how clever. It was nearing that time to meet Reid for dinner. I started my trek towards the bar and began twisting my long locks into a lose braid. I couldn't help but chuckle, it had been decades since I had been asked out to dinner by a human. Well I take that back, there was one young man who asked me to dinner a few years back but that was only to beg for me to turn him into a vampire. You could imagine my disappointment; I may be a vampire but I was still a woman who, at that time, still craved the normalcy of affection. Well that craving has long since disappeared; my attraction to humans was practically nonexistent in every sense of the word. But this was…different.
I wasn't interested in creating some supernatural romance here; after all, I was unobtainable even to a warlock. But, I couldn't help but feel drawn to that steady hum of energy within him. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't comforting to be around. I wanted to know more and part of me was even curious as to what would happen if a warlock was turned into a vampire. Imagine the possibilities! I don't think I could stomach the idea of turning someone else into what I am; passing down such a curse was hardly a gift to give someone. But still, whatever happens, happens. I think that's how they say it these days.
I marched myself into Nicky's and smirked at the few glances I received from school boys and biker men alike. I scanned the room until I saw that familiar head of platinum blonde hair. I made my way towards him until I sat myself across from his now smiling face.
"Wasn't quite sure you'd come." He said softly. I did forget to reply to his text message but I guess with us both here, it didn't matter much anyway. He looked quite handsome; he put a great deal of effort in his appearance tonight, how sweet. I knew well that a pressed collared shirt, despite his being black, meant that he regarded this as a special occasion. My sensitive sense of smell picked up on the hint of cologne as well; and not the cheap kind men tend to drown themselves in place of a shower.
"I didn't have anything better to do." I said with a grin. I then found myself relaxing in his presence as I leaned back and allowed my full attention to fall right into those eyes of his.
"Small victory, I'll take it." He smirked.
"What would you like to eat, my treat. Nicky's has the best bacon burger in town." He quickly asked. Disgusting, the thought of a grease filled burger made me want to hurl. Vampires never eat, unless keeping up appearances to surrounding humans. I suppose I should partake in that notion here tonight, didn't want to seem any different than I already did. My scene here in this very bar last night with my brother didn't help me in my desire to blend in. Max was never one for blending in.
"Do they have hot fudge sundaes here?" I asked. It was my only lingering food desire I had to cling to. Even when my taste buds withered away to the point that the only thing that catches their attention is blood, hot fudge sundaes still managed to spark a smile every once in awhile.
"Dessert for dinner? You're a full blown rebel." Reid smiled before standing and walking over to the large man standing behind the bar. Moments passed, Reid continued to wait for our food to come out, and he periodically would look back to me and smile. Very charming, but I knew he was ensuring I was still here.
"I knew I'd run into you!" I heard a familiar voice say behind me. I turned to see Sarah standing with a smile. She looked a lot better than she did earlier today, I think the tall and strikingly handsome young man with his arm around the small of her waist would be the reason why.
"Caleb, this is Madison. The girl I told you I met while I was out today?" She said while looking up at him excitedly.
"Thanks for spending some time with Sarah today; it was good to hear she wasn't alone the entire day. I'm Caleb, pleasure to meet you." He said while extending his hand for a handshake. How formal, I liked it. I gladly slid my hand into his for a quick shake before hearing plates being placed upon my table. I turned to see Reid sitting down, his smile had disappeared.
"Can't I ever go anywhere without you guys popping up? I mean damn." Reid muttered. I couldn't help but giggle, so much for Sarah's description of the boys being like brothers.
"Not tonight Reid, I'm not in the mood." Caleb said in a low voice. Sarah simply rolled her eyes.
"Then get lost!" Reid snapped back.
"I'll catch you later girl, when the children learn to behave themselves." Sarah said kindly before whizzing Caleb away.
"Is that your best friend, you two look like you get along great." I said sarcastically as I began to admire the dessert placed before me. The ice cream was slowly melting from the warmth of the brownie, oh this is fantastic! I quickly took the spoon and began to eat the delectable dessert.
"Hardly. What about you and your brother was it? Care to explain what the hell his problem was last night?" He asked while taking a bite of his burger.
"Oh, just a misunderstanding, it happens." I said quickly. I really didn't feel like pouring my thoughts and feelings about my brother onto the table for the blonde to see.
"Misunderstanding my ass; I watched you. You're terrified of him. That's a bit more than simple sibling rivalry." I guess I should take his curiosity as a compliment; but still, my business was my own.
"Look, I'm sorry he got in your face like that. Just let it go though alright, it won't do anyone any good for you to read much more into it okay?" I said a bit more harshly than I anticipated.
"Fine." He said coolly. We then sat in silence, not a word was spoken for at least ten minutes.
"You're not one for talking are you?" Reid asked.
"No. You sure are one to ask questions though aren't you?" I fired right back.
"Only when it comes to people I'm interested in getting to know."
"And how many people is that?" I said while licking the hot fudge from the spoon in my hand.
"At the moment…just you." He said while looking at me intently. I felt my cheeks grow warm with a blush. Was I really blushing from that comment? I quickly laid my spoon down into the bowl.
"Well aren't you the sweet talker." I said while leaning back into my seat.
"I can be." He smirked. What a bold one he was. I imagine he wins over every human heart with this routine.
"So tell me more about yourself, not to indulge that ego of yours but I have to say I'm curious." I said, hating how lame I sounded but it was the only way I was going to get any information on these warlocks.
"Not much to know, I'm a junior at Spencer Academy, only child, I smoke about a pack a day. I get everything I want but haven't found exactly what I want out of life, I have commitment issues, clowns scare the shit out of me and you happen to be wearing my favorite color. How's that?" He said before taking a gulp from his coke bottle. I chuckled, that was a lovely summation of himself on the superficial level.
"What about you? You're turn to shed a little light on the mystery that is Madison Greenwood."
"Hmmm, well let me see. I've been to every state at least twice, unfortunately a twin sister to an obnoxious tool. I have a weakness for hot fudge sundaes and Gone with the Wind. I'm not afraid of anything and I happen to be wearing my favorite color as well." I finished with a slight realization. I didn't share much, but I had just shared more about myself to Reid than I had to anyone. I was ambivalent to the idea that I might actually like the company of this smooth talking, blonde.
Before I could react I watched as Tyler scrambled to our table and crashed his fists onto the table.
"Dude, what the fuck?" Reid asked. But suddenly I felt my vision tunneling and my fangs slowly easing their way into position. I felt my heart racing as my eyes shifted to Tyler whose lower lip was split right down the middle. It was barely enough to notice but my senses had already started overwhelming me.
"Aaron! Fucking dick got a cheap shot in on me!" His words became muffled as all I could focus on was the beat of Tyler's heart. With every beat, a droplet of blood would roll further down his chin before he wiped it away with his sleeve.
Then it hit me. That primal instinct to sink my fangs deep into his neck started to take over. I shoved myself away, sending my chair flying back. I held my breath and dug my nails into the palm of my hands until my own blood was drawn. Pain was the only thing that could distract me. I staggered back; my breathing was so uncontrollably I know I allowed a growl or two escape my lips.
Reid, Tyler and a few nearby people were now staring at me with confused expressions.
"Madison? Are you okay?" I heard Reid ask. I shook my head wildly before turning and running towards the door. I crashed through the doors and forced my dizzy vision to see myself far enough away from the situation as I could go.
I found myself in an alley way before I crashed onto the cold cement below. My body was screaming in pain, my very bones became stiff and locked, unable to do anything but lay there under the rolling clouds. Every thought that was entering into my mind was how to make my way back to Tyler and ripping his throat out. God…that smell…so…sweet. The very scent of that crimson liquid was sweeter than any flower growing on this green earth. The intoxicating aroma was still tugging at my senses.
I felt sweat forming upon my forehead as my shaking hands continued to clench tighter and tighter. The pain was unbearable; I screamed through my sharpened teeth, praying that no one could hear me. A few stray tears fell onto the ground as I prayed to whatever was listening to a monster's prayers. Just let this end. Let the pain, the suffering…this cursed life of a vampire…come to an end. I can't take this anymore.
A/N: Got a few follows on this story! How exciting! I hope everyone enjoyed this update! Glad to read such awesome reviews as well, thank you!
Mari Claire Roemajji Celts: Hello my dear friend, you found my new story! It's already written for the most part; I'm just editing it as I go and having some fun bringing to life an old fic! Glad it caught your interest! Hope you enjoyed this update!
Sandflight: Welcome back to the story! Glad you found it and remembered it! The first chapters are still the same for the most part, kind of hard to rewrite introductions, but the big changes are to come! I hope you enjoy what I change and of course what's still the same! Thanks
Nemirel: Thanks for the review! Glad you like it so far, of course I will keep writing! Until the end! Hope to hear from you again!
