Chapter Two
Jaheira was sprawled out on the leather couch, resting her head on the armrest. Raki Kala was by far her favorite hideout. She had bought it with over a million dollars, which she had acquired by doing a few jobs for Gabriel, and even a couple for Jaguar. Vampires were well-known for flaunting their money, and spending it recklessly. After all, they could always get more. For a vampires, making humans think something was as easy as shifting in space. Too easy for Jaheira, which was why she had worked some jobs for other vampires intstead.
Raki Kala was a large mansion located on one of the Hawaiian islands. It was surrounded by trees and a waterfall, and from the master bedroom, Jaheira could see the beach and surf. It was a house she had owned for little over a year, though she had been looking at it for a while before then. In the living room, which was where Jaheira was now, the walls were made of glass, and she could see the moon through the glass. It was a small sliver, and a tiny star hung just below it. A beautiful sight. And Jaheira was happy that she was the only one who had ever witnessed it from this spot.
Jaheira allowed her mind to wander, and she travelled through her memories to a time long ago, when she had been a normal teenage girl. That had been in the eighteen hundreds. So long ago, even in Jaheira's memory. That was the time when she had been truly happy. She was not happy anymore.
Jaheira thought of the time Lanai had brought home her newest boyfriend. He had a tan, with dark black eyes and pure black hair. His attire was the common for that day and age, but he had a different way of walking and speaking. He walked with proud steps, and he spoke with a slight lilt that suggested he was Enlish, or had grown up in England. Lanai had been so proud of him, showing their father and beaming brightly. But Jaheira had not liked him. He was filthy rich, and he acted it. Not that her family was poor, but they didn't flaunt their money like he did.
He had smiled at Jaheira, and she had shivered, turning away and going into the dining room, where her mother was speaking to one of their servants. As Jaheira had approached, her mother had sent the servant away, and turned to her older daughter. "Mother, I despise him. Lanai is so happy, but I can't help but hate him. He acts like a snob, and he is much to...oh, I don't know what he is, but I know that he is not someone I want near me."
Her mother had frowned, nodding. "I understand what you mean. I felt that as well. But your father seems to think that he is a resonsible man, and a good suitor for Lanai. If I had any proof that he was up to no good, I would take it to your father, you know. But I have nothing of the sort, and if Lanai genuinely loves him, then I refuse to interfere."
Jaheira had shook her head angrily, "But he is dangerous! Did you not see it? He carries a knife in his belt, his fingers are itching to wrap around it, and use it. When he smiles a chill runs down my spine, and I loathe him for it. None of Lanai's previous suitors have made me feel so uncomfortable. Please, please convince her to leave him be!"
Jaheira's mother had shook her head sadly, "I cannot, you know that. I have no reason but my instincts, and your father is not likely to listen to what he calls 'women's rambling.' If I could convince him, I would, I assue you I would. But there is no way for me to do such a thing. Keep an eye on that man though, if you find anything else curious about him, I will try to help. Now go and be sociable. I have things to finish."
Jaheira let out an angry sigh. It was that stupid boy! He was the one who had caused the whole misfortune that was her life from that point on. Without that boy, Jaheira would have grown to be an old woman, instead of the monster she had become. A monster, yes, that was what she was. She knew it. Jaheira was ashamed of it, and she blamed herself for not noticing sooner. But now she was a monster, plain and simple. There was nothing she could do to change the past.
-----
Lanai spun around, coming face to face with the person who had said her name. Gabriel stood behind her, smirking. He brushed a strand of her hair away from her face, and gently kissed her. Bram had had plenty of practice kissing over the years.
"Lanai, why'd you dash off so suddenly? You almost knocked me over when you ran out."
Lanai shrugged, saying, "I wanted to get out before Jaguar started trying to find out where Jaheira went. You know him, he is very persistent. And he usually doesn't let up until he knows exactly where she went, and I wasn't in the mood for Twenty Questions tonight. I'm way too tired."
Gabriel nodded and looked around the bar, before turning back to her. "So what're you here for? Human date?"
"More like a human buffet, but..."
He laughed, "Well, then I supposed I'll see you tomorrow. Bye." He turned and disappeared into the crowd. Lanai ordered a drink, and sat at a seat at the bar. She hoped to find a suitable meal here, but you never knew with clubs like Ritoni. It all depended on the selection.
"Hey," a man said from beside her. She turned to him and nodded in return. He held out his and, and she shook it firmly. "I'm Brian."
"Laurie," Lanai lied with a smile. Lying had become easier with so many years of practice. "Do you come here often? Or am I just lucky?"
He laughed, "I'm new in town. So I guess neither. I just moved here from Canada. There's a lot more action here."
Lanai nodded and sipped her martini. She pondered whether or not to feed off this human. He seemed to be as good a choice as any. After all, he was new in town, didn't know anyone, including who she was. It would give her an advantage. Yes, she finally decided. He would suffice.
"Want to dance?" he asked. She nodded and let him lead her onto the floor. the music was pounding into her ears, and Lanai wanted nothing more than to cover her ears and run. But she danced with Brian, and was asked back to his house. It was amazing how quick some men were to allow her into their house.
Lanai frowned slightly as Brian opened the passenger side door and let her inside. There was something odd going on. She shook off the feeling and ran her fingers through her hair, as Brian started up the car and turned on the radio. The station was rock, and some popular tunes were playing. He turned up the music, resting his hand on Lanai's knee. Stupid human. He was getting too close, and she didn't like it. Physical contact this soon? Not something most mortal men did.
"Here," Brian said, stoping the car outside an uninhabited-looking house. He unbuckled Lanai and she opened the door. Then they walked up the sidewalk, her stilettos clicking against the concrete. He unlocked the front door, and stepped inside. Lanai followed after him.
But the second she stepped in the door, she knew she had made a big mistake.
~~~~~
Aubrey sat up suddenly, his heart pounding. There was silence in the house, which meant Jessica was out hunting. Good, she needed more blood to keep herself strong. But something didn't feel right. What was it? He had been dreaming--which in itself was curious, as vampires rarely dreamed. It had something to do with...someone close to him. Someone he cared for more than he would have liked to admit. And, she had screamed. In pain, maybe?
"Oh, no," he whispered into the darkness. "Lanai." Aubrey stood from the couch where he had been dozing and started pacing. In the dream she had been somewhere strange, yet vaguely familiar. He had been there before. But when? As he paced, he worried. Lanai had been closely connected to him since they had met. They shared a mental link of some kind. But that often happened with those who had been changed.
"Aha," he said suddenly. "Duvour Street. Number three, private property, odd scent." Aubrey recited the facts. He had visited the house, and had been lucky to escape with his head still intact. The house belonged to a group of...fanatics, or something of the sort. He still wasn't too certain on the details of the people living in the house, but he knew that there was something odd about them as soon as he had entered the house. Aubrey had picked up one of the women at a local bar, and she had taken him the that place. Then they had knocked him unconcious, and when he had awoken, his clothes had been removed and there were burns on his shoulders. It was definitely not a place one would enjoy going to.
And that was where Lanai was. So he had to go to her. He was obliged to go to her. It would be paying off a debt. Aubrey nodded in agreement with himself, and walked out of the house.
******
Jaheira heard something. A piercing scream that had ripped through her body and jerked her into conciousness. She had to do something. The last time this had happened, Lanai had been cornered by a shapeshifter. And now...well, now Lanai's life--or afterlife--might be in danger. Jaheira knew she had to save her sister. Family bonds were a powerful thing, even for vampires.
But Jaheira had no idea where Lanai was. For all she knew, Lanai could be in Russia, freezing her butt off. Yet Lanai never whined about a little cold, or something trivial like running out of wine. If she was calling Jaheira, then...something must have happened to her. The thought of it made Jaheira shiver. Her little sister was in trouble. Lanai needed her help.
The moment Jaheira thought this, there were footsteps in the front hallway--but the door had neither opened, nor closed. Jaheira leapt lightly from the couch and walked silently to the entrance hall. Looking through the curtain of darkness, Jaheira could see nothing. She looked all around her, searching for the intruder. Then she caught a scent--cologne. Very heavy, very intoxicating cologne. Jaheira smiled inwardly. Aubrey.
He knew she was somewhere in the house too, but he didn't know where. Jaheira fought the urge to laugh, as she silently thanked that she hadn't used any perfume. Now, all she had to do was find out where he was. At that moment, something fell, and Jaheira heard a muffled, "Damn it."
Aubrey was in the living room, and he had just knocked over her chair. She stepped quietly into the room and immediately spotted him. His back was too her, and he was rubbing his shin. She tiptoed up behind him, pulling a knife from her boot. Jaheira's hand shot out, grabbing his neck and forcing him backwards. She pressed the blade to his skin with her other hand and let out a laugh.
"Aubrey," she said through her laughter. "So nice of you to come. Please use the door next time, though. I was almost worried until I realised that I could kill anyone who came in without my permission. Why, if you don't mind my asking, are you here? This isn't your house, is it?"
"Jaheira," Aubrey said, "your sister. She's been caught by...some people. I don't know why, but I was caught by them two, one time. I barely got out of there in time. She needs your help. And mine. So please, let me go and I'll take you there."
Jaheira took a moment to ponder this thought, before slamming her knee into his back. Then she kicked his legs out from under him and laughed as he fell into a kneeling position. She stopped laughing finally and sighed, replacing the knife in her boot.
"She doesn't need your help," Jaheira hissed. "The only thing you ever helped her with was killing herself. And actually, you just killed her. She didn't even want to die. Lanai was perfectly happy living like a normal person." Jaheira shoved him onto all fours and left the room, returning in a few seconds with a faded and blurry photo. Thrusting it into Aubrey's face, she hissed, "Doesn't she look happy?"
"I can't really tell. It's all blurry."
Jaheira backhanded him. He took it gracefully, refraining from breaking her arm as he would normally have done.
"Tell me, when you met Lanai, was she happy? Did she smile? Did she laugh often?"
"Yeah, she seemed moderately happy. She smiled at me, she laughed at my jokes."
"Well, guess what? She never laughs anymore. All she does is smirk, or sneer, but she never laughs. Lanai isn't happy anymore. And you did that to her. When she was alive, she laughed everyday. Now, hardly ever. How is that fair to her? How is it fair to me?"
"It's not fair to either of you. But right now Lanai is in trouble, and I want to help her. So will you help me, or won't you?"
Jaheira shrugged. "I guess I don't have a choice."
Jaheira was sprawled out on the leather couch, resting her head on the armrest. Raki Kala was by far her favorite hideout. She had bought it with over a million dollars, which she had acquired by doing a few jobs for Gabriel, and even a couple for Jaguar. Vampires were well-known for flaunting their money, and spending it recklessly. After all, they could always get more. For a vampires, making humans think something was as easy as shifting in space. Too easy for Jaheira, which was why she had worked some jobs for other vampires intstead.
Raki Kala was a large mansion located on one of the Hawaiian islands. It was surrounded by trees and a waterfall, and from the master bedroom, Jaheira could see the beach and surf. It was a house she had owned for little over a year, though she had been looking at it for a while before then. In the living room, which was where Jaheira was now, the walls were made of glass, and she could see the moon through the glass. It was a small sliver, and a tiny star hung just below it. A beautiful sight. And Jaheira was happy that she was the only one who had ever witnessed it from this spot.
Jaheira allowed her mind to wander, and she travelled through her memories to a time long ago, when she had been a normal teenage girl. That had been in the eighteen hundreds. So long ago, even in Jaheira's memory. That was the time when she had been truly happy. She was not happy anymore.
Jaheira thought of the time Lanai had brought home her newest boyfriend. He had a tan, with dark black eyes and pure black hair. His attire was the common for that day and age, but he had a different way of walking and speaking. He walked with proud steps, and he spoke with a slight lilt that suggested he was Enlish, or had grown up in England. Lanai had been so proud of him, showing their father and beaming brightly. But Jaheira had not liked him. He was filthy rich, and he acted it. Not that her family was poor, but they didn't flaunt their money like he did.
He had smiled at Jaheira, and she had shivered, turning away and going into the dining room, where her mother was speaking to one of their servants. As Jaheira had approached, her mother had sent the servant away, and turned to her older daughter. "Mother, I despise him. Lanai is so happy, but I can't help but hate him. He acts like a snob, and he is much to...oh, I don't know what he is, but I know that he is not someone I want near me."
Her mother had frowned, nodding. "I understand what you mean. I felt that as well. But your father seems to think that he is a resonsible man, and a good suitor for Lanai. If I had any proof that he was up to no good, I would take it to your father, you know. But I have nothing of the sort, and if Lanai genuinely loves him, then I refuse to interfere."
Jaheira had shook her head angrily, "But he is dangerous! Did you not see it? He carries a knife in his belt, his fingers are itching to wrap around it, and use it. When he smiles a chill runs down my spine, and I loathe him for it. None of Lanai's previous suitors have made me feel so uncomfortable. Please, please convince her to leave him be!"
Jaheira's mother had shook her head sadly, "I cannot, you know that. I have no reason but my instincts, and your father is not likely to listen to what he calls 'women's rambling.' If I could convince him, I would, I assue you I would. But there is no way for me to do such a thing. Keep an eye on that man though, if you find anything else curious about him, I will try to help. Now go and be sociable. I have things to finish."
Jaheira let out an angry sigh. It was that stupid boy! He was the one who had caused the whole misfortune that was her life from that point on. Without that boy, Jaheira would have grown to be an old woman, instead of the monster she had become. A monster, yes, that was what she was. She knew it. Jaheira was ashamed of it, and she blamed herself for not noticing sooner. But now she was a monster, plain and simple. There was nothing she could do to change the past.
-----
Lanai spun around, coming face to face with the person who had said her name. Gabriel stood behind her, smirking. He brushed a strand of her hair away from her face, and gently kissed her. Bram had had plenty of practice kissing over the years.
"Lanai, why'd you dash off so suddenly? You almost knocked me over when you ran out."
Lanai shrugged, saying, "I wanted to get out before Jaguar started trying to find out where Jaheira went. You know him, he is very persistent. And he usually doesn't let up until he knows exactly where she went, and I wasn't in the mood for Twenty Questions tonight. I'm way too tired."
Gabriel nodded and looked around the bar, before turning back to her. "So what're you here for? Human date?"
"More like a human buffet, but..."
He laughed, "Well, then I supposed I'll see you tomorrow. Bye." He turned and disappeared into the crowd. Lanai ordered a drink, and sat at a seat at the bar. She hoped to find a suitable meal here, but you never knew with clubs like Ritoni. It all depended on the selection.
"Hey," a man said from beside her. She turned to him and nodded in return. He held out his and, and she shook it firmly. "I'm Brian."
"Laurie," Lanai lied with a smile. Lying had become easier with so many years of practice. "Do you come here often? Or am I just lucky?"
He laughed, "I'm new in town. So I guess neither. I just moved here from Canada. There's a lot more action here."
Lanai nodded and sipped her martini. She pondered whether or not to feed off this human. He seemed to be as good a choice as any. After all, he was new in town, didn't know anyone, including who she was. It would give her an advantage. Yes, she finally decided. He would suffice.
"Want to dance?" he asked. She nodded and let him lead her onto the floor. the music was pounding into her ears, and Lanai wanted nothing more than to cover her ears and run. But she danced with Brian, and was asked back to his house. It was amazing how quick some men were to allow her into their house.
Lanai frowned slightly as Brian opened the passenger side door and let her inside. There was something odd going on. She shook off the feeling and ran her fingers through her hair, as Brian started up the car and turned on the radio. The station was rock, and some popular tunes were playing. He turned up the music, resting his hand on Lanai's knee. Stupid human. He was getting too close, and she didn't like it. Physical contact this soon? Not something most mortal men did.
"Here," Brian said, stoping the car outside an uninhabited-looking house. He unbuckled Lanai and she opened the door. Then they walked up the sidewalk, her stilettos clicking against the concrete. He unlocked the front door, and stepped inside. Lanai followed after him.
But the second she stepped in the door, she knew she had made a big mistake.
~~~~~
Aubrey sat up suddenly, his heart pounding. There was silence in the house, which meant Jessica was out hunting. Good, she needed more blood to keep herself strong. But something didn't feel right. What was it? He had been dreaming--which in itself was curious, as vampires rarely dreamed. It had something to do with...someone close to him. Someone he cared for more than he would have liked to admit. And, she had screamed. In pain, maybe?
"Oh, no," he whispered into the darkness. "Lanai." Aubrey stood from the couch where he had been dozing and started pacing. In the dream she had been somewhere strange, yet vaguely familiar. He had been there before. But when? As he paced, he worried. Lanai had been closely connected to him since they had met. They shared a mental link of some kind. But that often happened with those who had been changed.
"Aha," he said suddenly. "Duvour Street. Number three, private property, odd scent." Aubrey recited the facts. He had visited the house, and had been lucky to escape with his head still intact. The house belonged to a group of...fanatics, or something of the sort. He still wasn't too certain on the details of the people living in the house, but he knew that there was something odd about them as soon as he had entered the house. Aubrey had picked up one of the women at a local bar, and she had taken him the that place. Then they had knocked him unconcious, and when he had awoken, his clothes had been removed and there were burns on his shoulders. It was definitely not a place one would enjoy going to.
And that was where Lanai was. So he had to go to her. He was obliged to go to her. It would be paying off a debt. Aubrey nodded in agreement with himself, and walked out of the house.
******
Jaheira heard something. A piercing scream that had ripped through her body and jerked her into conciousness. She had to do something. The last time this had happened, Lanai had been cornered by a shapeshifter. And now...well, now Lanai's life--or afterlife--might be in danger. Jaheira knew she had to save her sister. Family bonds were a powerful thing, even for vampires.
But Jaheira had no idea where Lanai was. For all she knew, Lanai could be in Russia, freezing her butt off. Yet Lanai never whined about a little cold, or something trivial like running out of wine. If she was calling Jaheira, then...something must have happened to her. The thought of it made Jaheira shiver. Her little sister was in trouble. Lanai needed her help.
The moment Jaheira thought this, there were footsteps in the front hallway--but the door had neither opened, nor closed. Jaheira leapt lightly from the couch and walked silently to the entrance hall. Looking through the curtain of darkness, Jaheira could see nothing. She looked all around her, searching for the intruder. Then she caught a scent--cologne. Very heavy, very intoxicating cologne. Jaheira smiled inwardly. Aubrey.
He knew she was somewhere in the house too, but he didn't know where. Jaheira fought the urge to laugh, as she silently thanked that she hadn't used any perfume. Now, all she had to do was find out where he was. At that moment, something fell, and Jaheira heard a muffled, "Damn it."
Aubrey was in the living room, and he had just knocked over her chair. She stepped quietly into the room and immediately spotted him. His back was too her, and he was rubbing his shin. She tiptoed up behind him, pulling a knife from her boot. Jaheira's hand shot out, grabbing his neck and forcing him backwards. She pressed the blade to his skin with her other hand and let out a laugh.
"Aubrey," she said through her laughter. "So nice of you to come. Please use the door next time, though. I was almost worried until I realised that I could kill anyone who came in without my permission. Why, if you don't mind my asking, are you here? This isn't your house, is it?"
"Jaheira," Aubrey said, "your sister. She's been caught by...some people. I don't know why, but I was caught by them two, one time. I barely got out of there in time. She needs your help. And mine. So please, let me go and I'll take you there."
Jaheira took a moment to ponder this thought, before slamming her knee into his back. Then she kicked his legs out from under him and laughed as he fell into a kneeling position. She stopped laughing finally and sighed, replacing the knife in her boot.
"She doesn't need your help," Jaheira hissed. "The only thing you ever helped her with was killing herself. And actually, you just killed her. She didn't even want to die. Lanai was perfectly happy living like a normal person." Jaheira shoved him onto all fours and left the room, returning in a few seconds with a faded and blurry photo. Thrusting it into Aubrey's face, she hissed, "Doesn't she look happy?"
"I can't really tell. It's all blurry."
Jaheira backhanded him. He took it gracefully, refraining from breaking her arm as he would normally have done.
"Tell me, when you met Lanai, was she happy? Did she smile? Did she laugh often?"
"Yeah, she seemed moderately happy. She smiled at me, she laughed at my jokes."
"Well, guess what? She never laughs anymore. All she does is smirk, or sneer, but she never laughs. Lanai isn't happy anymore. And you did that to her. When she was alive, she laughed everyday. Now, hardly ever. How is that fair to her? How is it fair to me?"
"It's not fair to either of you. But right now Lanai is in trouble, and I want to help her. So will you help me, or won't you?"
Jaheira shrugged. "I guess I don't have a choice."