A/N: I'm so happy that my ch. got really long, and I wouldn't have stopped,
but then realizing this is a fanfic, not a bore-a-thon. The whole Charli
dead thing was a spur of the moment idea that Gavin never told her how he
felt. Don't worry all comes to a good end, well most of them. Not now
though. I just want to say how much I hate when writers kill off the best
of characters, but I love writing it, so I can tell where they're coming
from. It's a glorious rainy day today (God I love when it rains) anyways I
hope you like ch. 10...wow ch. 10 already. PLEASE review!!!
Just as an F.Y.I. when you read the *** that's a memory and when you read ~*~ it's just changing people. This is all because the italics won't work * grumble *
Disclaimer: I don't own anything from the Underworld novel, movie, comic, etc. I do in fact own anything that was not involved in the amazing process of Underworld novel, movie, comic, etc. I do fortunately own everyone not included in the above including Victoria, Gavin, Marlem, Griffin, Gabrielle/Elle, Connor, Charli, Yvenea/Jocelyne, Riea, Calvin, Craig, Bryant, Elyse and Keith, and the plot (especially Lucian's daughter grrr), and anything else I can't think of!
***
"I think we're going to be good friends Charli"
The man freaked her out, but she stood firm. He started putting on a thick jacket with a hood, "What the hell do you want?"
"You're father dead. I hear he's alive and kicking. And since him being dead isn't good enough I'll just have to go for his heart."
"I don't think it would be wise to fight someone who will kick your ass."
"Who said I would fight you," the man said calmly. "You see the sun is rising so I don't have much time. But these bullets will give me that time."
"Scary silver nitrate. You know you can't kill me with that," Charli said calmly with a bit of sarcasm.
"I know it only looks like silver nitrate, but in fact it's a virus. A virus that will hopefully piss off Lucian, and make you extremely ill."
Charli rolled her eyes, but every moment with this stupid vampire made herself a little less confident.
A full round of shots rang through her ears. The sound made her run on instinct. He missed the first few bullets, but the rest of the round knocked her straight out.
***
Charlize quickly moved through the hallway. Down the steps her feet led her out the door. Marcus watched her the entire time. She knew he wouldn't follow her, and thank god he didn't. She past the gates and walked away from the village toward the woods. The villagers said there were monsters that lived and haunted these woods, but Charli knew they were only humans that every once in a while changed into a werewolf.
She knew there would be none tonight. They had come back from a war with Moldavia, and were extremely tired, but there were those who had not fought in the vampyres war.
She tried using her senses to pick up his scent. She couldn't find him. Worry crossed her face. What if the vampires caught him seeking the manor? What if they were sentencing him right now? She finally reached the creek after twenty minutes, and decided to turn around only to meet a young man. She smiled. His shoulder length dark brown hair fell in his face covering brownish black eyes. He wore a light white long sleeved peasant top with soft brown pants and matching boots.
"Where were you I was looking for you?" He saw worry in her face. That made him smile.
"Sorry. I couldn't help, but look at you milady." He tone soft and weak. She knew he was not weak, she had seen him in action.
"Don't call me milady it's most irritating." He stepped closer to her, and she punched him hard. He looked at her startled, "You scared me. I thought something terrible happened to you." She whispered tears falling. She could never imagine losing him.
"Charlize." The young lycan quickly grabbed her holding her. She held onto his neck her cheek resting on his chest.
He never meant to make her cry. His stomach churned this way and that when he did see her cry. He wrapped his arms around her kissing her hair. Beautiful curls fell blocking her tan face.
He sat down pulling her with him. She let him. Her black square top dress spread out in the grass. Her elbow length hair did the same. The hill they were on was steep, but was letting them stay at a slant. His looked into her eyes. He knew those eyes yet that theory was impossible. It didn't matter now where or who she came from. He loved her and that was the end of the story.
"I'm going to kiss you." He said breath quickened.
"I'm going to let you," she replied to his demand.
His lips pressed against her mouth. His heart quickened. He had never felt this way before. Even when he was mortal; nothing made him feel this way. Her head collapsed to the grass; her hair falling again to her face. Gavin propped himself by his elbow, and swiftly as if she were glass he pushed her dark brown hair away. His hand now trailed to her cheek resting on the soft skin. He kissed her again. This time deep, and passionate. When he finally came up he smiled at her. Her eyes still closed enjoying his presence. He dug his face into her hair smelling every part in her. She moved her head to the side and let him peck at her lips till she groaned and he went in for the kill again.
Her hands trailed around his hair making invisible patterns along the way. No one had ever made her feel this way. Not in Egypt or here in the manor. No one got even close to kissing her, but Gavin was different. He truly cared about her. Not the vampyre side of her; nor the lycan side. He cared about Charlize.
She made him feel like he was king of the world. He never had emotions with anyone like he did with Charlize. Even though he was dying of cancer it didn't matter anymore. The disease was gone, and he could be with one who had made him the happiest lycan alive. He knew his time was short. Lucian wasn't going to stay long here, and he couldn't give away her secret. She had asked him not to.
But he let this night stay free of thoughts and worries.
***
~*~
Gavin felt his stomach want to come out of his mouth. Unfortunately that wasn't all. Michael banged the door loud and fast. When one of the lycans opened it Michael was in hybrid form, and had Selene knocked out in his arms.
"She's been shot." Michael panted out of breath, "A full round." One of the lycans offered to help, but Michael let out a growl. "What's wrong with her?" He yelled. Timothy, a lycan with an attitude and a gun, came out to see what the hell was going on.
Lucian took command quickly. "Timothy two down full rounds shots on each. One vampyre and the other hybrid. Looks silver nitrate, but both are knocked out and don't look like they're going to make it."
Timothy took in the news in a second and ordered them to be brought into his lab. The lycans were lucky that Timothy had worked with Singe, not only because Timothy was Singe's son, but because Timothy loved the study of medicine just like his father.
Gavin now not being able to stand it ran to Charli, and placed one hand on her back the other behind her knees, and carried her to Timothy's room Michael following so quickly that Gavin feared he might step on his heels and trip him. Once both victims were placed on beds Timothy took out what looked to be like large tweezers to take out the bullets.
"That won't work. It will take too long. It's killing them." Gavin said annoyed. He turned Charli on her back and with an easy movement he ripped her shirt showing a bloody back. "Some of them are gone; went straight through her. I would say new bullets; something I've never seen before." Gavin looked into the wound, "It looks like silver nitrate, but it doesn't react like it. Hopefully this stuff is sticky." Gavin said as he put his pinky in the wound. He felt liquid, other than blood, touch his skin. He smiled it was sticky. The feeling was weird. It burned Gavin's skin, but he ignored the pain. The liquid of the bullet seemed to grab onto Gavin's finger. The silver color changed to a snot green once it attached itself to Gavin's finger. Michael saw this and started doing the same though Selene's seemed to be on her stomach more than her back.
Timothy winced this was not how he did his work, but if it was quick and effective to hell with his work. He took a glass rod used for mixing ingredients, and took a sample of Charli and Selene's blood. Gavin not taking his eyes off from what he was doing asked, "Why are you doing that?"
"They may need blood," Timothy gave a wincing smile. How often had a vampyre and a hybrid needed blood? Then again he didn't know what the hell was happening to the victims. After about five bullets Gavin stopped knowing there were no more bullets. For the first time he noticed the room around him. Selene was on the other table Michael taking out the last bullet. Unlike Charli's half round of bullets, Selene had been shot with the full mag. Lucian knelt by Charli holding her hand and speaking in a foreign language.
Gavin didn't have time to listen to Lucian's prayers though Charli would need them. "What happened?"
Another black lycan stood up from a chair behind Gavin. He spoke in a deep masculine tone; "We were coming back from patrol when we found Lucian's Viper in the front. We didn't think of anything till we saw the girl inside the driver's seat. We thought she was dead at first then we smelt hybrid blood. Someone else obviously drove the car they left a note with one word." Gavin looked up at the muscular lycan.
He was almost afraid to ask. Almost. "What did it say?"
"Soon."
"That's it?" Gavin asked wanting more than that. The lycan looked at Gavin cautiously, and with a nod from Lucian the lycan handed a card to Gavin. The card was off-white, cardstock, about the size of an index card. In all caps read the words Soon. Gavin didn't let the looks fool him. He smelled the card as if it were going to give off a perfume scent. He took in the smell with total control. He had smelt it before. One word left his angry lips, "Marcus."
The few people who were in the room all gave confused looks. And Gavin spoke through gritted teeth, "Not specifically Marcus, but it smells of the manor."
"Oh shit." Lucian had been listening closely. "She was just there visiting." Many thoughts and ideas crossed his mind. "Something doesn't add up though. She needed to go. She trusted Marcus."
"And now she's dying!" Gavin roared. Anger spilt into his voice.
A moan from Charli made everyone go quiet.
"She's losing blood." Timothy said out at random.
"Well what type is she?" Gavin wanted to throw something.
"The vampyre is O positive. A common type. The hybrid..." Timothy took in a large breath pausing, making Gavin cling to every word. "She's AB positive."
"Shit." Michael said aloud not forgetting his many hours in the ER during his medical training. "That's going to be impossible to find a donor."
Gavin glared at Michael. To him nothing was impossible. Charli taught him that. "Find a damn person quick; donor or not." In quick steps Gavin took out a knife and cut right on an artery. Michael looked at him like he was crazy. Everyone knew if you cut an artery, blood pours for minutes maybe hours.
Immediately Gavin took one of the empty plastic blood bags, and poured in his blood. "Once this is full give it to the vampyre right away. She's losing it fast." Michael looked at Gavin. Gavin seemed to know this, "It's no use having two corpses here; better knowing one will live." He glanced at Charli. "She'll be fine for an hour or two, but we need to find the blood." He didn't bother mentioning the 'if we couldn't find it.' He knew that AB blood is the rarest type, and finding it would be hell, but he wouldn't give up.
It took Michael a few moments to comprehend Gavin's actions. Then it hit him, "Thank you."
"I'll check what the hell is really in these bullets." Timothy said breaking the silence. "Someone just go get the blood."
Lucian sat there the entire time quiet as a mouse. Gavin started giving orders to see if any of the hospitals had any blood. He didn't want innocent lives being taken. Lucian didn't hear a word since he had seen Gavin take out the bullets, and given his blood. Lucian took the knife Gavin had used, and cut his arm in the same spot as the other lycan had done minutes before.
"My blood will work." Lucian said quietly.
The lycans that were in the room gasped. Timothy was the only one to speak out loud, "You don't know if she's your daughter. Besides even if she was..." he paused, "You might not have the right kind."
Lucian looked annoyed, "I do." It had taken courage for Lucian to put a knife to his skin again, but this time it scared him because it was someone he didn't want to lose.
Not again.
Timothy would have kept their argument go on if he had not seen Gavin's eyes meet up with his. Timothy went over to the rolling chair, and started his research on the bullet.
***
The cops had arrived hours after the epic fight had occurred. They were held back though with a specials team from the U.S. CIA. Of course no one knew they were the CIA because it was all cover up. The few cops that got to see the real battle scene were those who were already part of the CSI (crime scene investigation) they were just undercover.
"Shit this place took in a hurricane." A male in his early thirties walked through the damp sewers. He had on a black suit while the other agents had on fully equipped navy blue and black uniforms representing the Hungarian army.
"You mean earthquakes, right? Because a hurricane could never do this kind of damage in the sewers." A woman spoke a loud. She put on black-rimmed glasses in a somewhat oval shape. Her dirty blonde hair was pulled back for this job. She had on black slacks, and a blouse.
"Ok guys you know what to look for." The man commanded motioning a forwarding hand signal and two by two they split up through the main part of the sewers. Whereas the commanding officer, and the woman stayed together and walked straight ahead. "So you really dig all of this stuff."
"Stuff?" She asked quizzical. "I hardly count chasing vampyres and werewolves 'stuff'"
The man rolled his eyes. "You know Elyse there's more to life than science and medical experiments."
Elyse replied, "And there's more to life than military push ups, and working for the CIA Bryant."
They both smiled as they walked into a large room with a murky water pool in front of them. A hole in the wall was made right above it. The staircase on the other side was about to collapse while two agents passed by the doorway.
"Holy shit. What happened here?" Elyse said aloud taking Bryant by surprised.
Underneath the staircase three average sized men in all black and leather were sprawled on the ground guns had been spread away from them. Two massive boulders were half sunken in the knee-deep sewage water along with other rocks that came from the huge hole in the wall above. An old man laid on one of the rocks half his head severed and lost in the water. His robes were soaked, and his upper body that was viewable had half a dozen scratch marks, and bruises. Next to him a sword seemed to find it's way to the rock. Beautiful gems covered the hilt with tracing lines of gold on the black handle.
Bryant quickened his pace and came in front of Elyse; jumping into the crimson stained water. He held his hand in front of Elyse motioning for a halt. She glared at him, and without warning jumped into the liquid herself. She tried her hardest to make a big splash hoping Bryant would get the message that no one ordered her around.
Bryant glanced at her in surprise.
Elyse took that, and backfired, "What? Think I'm too holy for this water? Let me tell you I did my time at Church," she commented leaving Bryant with a small smile. Elyse made her way to the old man. Normally no one was supposed to touch the body specifically for investigation, but once again Elyse frankly didn't care.
She knelt down making the water sift up her pants more than needed. The large jacket that the man wore was lightly hanging onto his shoulders. Elyse's fingers pressed on the exquisite garment. The whole thing puzzled her. It wasn't possible. She knew the he was a very old vampyre. Probably one of the oldest they've seen. He could have even been an Elder; an Elder wouldn't just die like this. Though she didn't know how many Elders there were she knew it would have to take skill, patience, and the undying need to kill an Elder. Many of her colleagues believed that there was only one Elder, and that was that, they thought her ridiculous that there should be more than one.
Though she may not be the expert that's in command; she felt she knew more about the subject than that dick general. David Smith. Such an American.
One of the officer's voices echoed through her ears making all her concentration on the Elder stop. "We have one that's alive."
Bryant and herself both looked up into the bear sized hole. Elyse quickly, with Bryant's unwanted help, pulled herself out of the murky water, and up the stairs into the room where three officers stood at attention.
Elyse looked at the man. He seemed to be in his thirties, but the paleness in his skin told her differently. He had black wavy hair that was striped blood from a cut on his forehead. His leg had somewhat of a hole in it from the fight, and a gun, presumably his, was untouched next to his feet. He was apparently the only one in the room. There were traces of other people, and blood was everywhere. Two more guns were found closer to the hole. Berettas. They have seen them all the time during their crime scene investigations. She had to make her decision smart and quick. The real Budapest police would get antsy at any moment.
"We'll take him with us, leave the rest. There is nothing we can do now. Hide him in the black bag, and stick him in the trunk. Make sure the sunlight doesn't touch him. This one won't get away." She was partly thankful that this was a vampyre not a werewolf. The sun was up, and he would depend on those who had saved his life.
The officers walked out with speed, and firmness. Sunlight warmed their cold damp faces. It was late afternoon. The last two were Bryant and Elyse. Bryant gave a few quick words to the dark navy dressed policemen, and left the sewers to them. No one questioned what was in the bag.
***
~*~
Marcus fiddled with his thumbs, something he never did in his entire life. He had grown a bit impatient. No one had an inquiry about letting a hybrid go. There thoughts seemed drifted from the war either way. Kahn, a well- known death dealer, approached Marcus suddenly. His dark features made Marcus remember his long nights in North Africa. Kahn had belonged to an ancient tribe that had gone to extinction years ago. Kahn was one of the first Marcus turned who became a death dealer. His was one of his first, and one of his last.
"We tried to raid the lycan lair again, but cops were swarming the place," Kahn reported to Marcus's orders. Marcus glared in unpleasantly. He had wanted to find out if they're any survivors for questioning, or just killing for Marcus's sake. "But," Kahn paused, "We heard them on the radio. There were no survivors." Marcus's frown was reversed. Though he did want to do some killing around here it was good to know that none survived except those who were in top health and could get out of there in time. Marcus's face turned straight ice cold again. Kahn updated him on the new bullets, weapons, and armory. Marcus hadn't been up since 1804.
Marcus listened intently till the very end. He was impressed at how advanced technology had gotten though, like Kahn, he preferred the old ways. You had to be skilled to work well with older weapons. With a gun you didn't need to know squat about how to pull a trigger. It was quick, easy, and most of the time effective, but still, he'd rather have a daggers or trusty swords by his side.
"Thank you Kahn. You have proven yourself, and since night has just strolled in why don't you and the other death dealers have a little fun tonight. I'm sure you can find some creature lurking in the corners to kill." Marcus winked, and Kahn understood. They both knew there were still lycans out on the loose.
Marcus's thoughts ended completely as he watched Erika stroll across the salon and out the doors.
The night had just about risen. Only nine o'clock. The night was still young. Marcus bade Kahn good-bye, and followed Erika discreetly out to the warm night. That's the thing about Hungary you have to remember. It never stops raining, and when you least expect it the nights become warm. He caught up with Erika who was leaving the grounds.
"May I ask why such beauty is leaving the premises?"
Erika turned around a bit in surprise. "Is that illegal?" Erika cocked an eyebrow. She immediately let go of her anger, and annoyance. "I'm sorry lor...Marcus." She had tried to stop calling him lord.
Marcus smiled at this. She remembered; that's quick. "Don't worry about it; you should be worrying about yourself. Leaving unattended and unnoticed."
Kraven would have never spoken to her like that. He wouldn't care so much if she had left without anyone acknowledging. What the hell was she thinking? She felt so much anger and hate towards Kraven, but the long time crush never faded from her memory. It didn't matter anyways; she had given up on men.
She had noticed how much braver she had gotten, and how much more independent she really was without him. "Just out for a stroll that's all." She had intended to check out the place that hybrid mentioned, but it wouldn't be possible with Marcus around. The warm night now had a cool breeze turning it into a modest night.
Marcus noticed how she dressed. She had dressed in ordinary clothes. She was probably going into town. Though the weather was turning into winter Erika's dress fell a little lower than her knees flowing in and out with the wind. She had on black flip-flops that snapped every once and a while on the street. What the hell is she thinking wearing loud noisemakers on her feet. It may be in fashion, but that's the fastest way for a lycan to kill.
"In that attire I must come with you, you're a victim of the night." Marcus smiled happy to have the chance to walk with her.
Erika must have noticed this as well for she nodded at the slightest. An Elder was hitting on her, and she was only calm about it. She marked his presence as nothing. That was insanely weird, but who cares he was an Elder. Much better than Kraven. She decided to change her plans; it wasn't much of a change. "I hope that I become a victim of the night." Erika sighed looking at the stars.
Marcus bewildered almost stopped dead in his tracks. "Why, milady! You mustn't say such things because they can come true." Marcus had a good feeling that that's what she wanted.
Erika only grinned wider. "I feel sorry for the lycan who walks in front of a very pissed off vampyre."
"What has made such a peace so upset?" Marcus remembered their encounter in the hallway.
"Many things. Some you may not understand, some you may already know, and some you won't want to know."
"That's quite a few things." Marcus pleasantly walked along side her. It felt like an honor to be next to her in her presence. Marcus didn't want to press her on, but it seemed he didn't have to.
"Let's say my life with men is hell itself. The first played me, and another, the second led me on while wanting another the entire time, and the third was rumored to have played too many to count."
Marcus was taken aback. Good. Erika thought. This may keep him away. But he was an Elder, and she couldn't help notice that. He finally stopped dead in his tracks. Had what she said been true? Only three? And all abandoned her? He felt pain and agony about her. He wanted to run up to her and kiss her, but part of him held back. He had never gotten so mixed up in feelings like he had for Erika.
Erika thought he had left when she felt a strong hand hold her shoulder. She turned around, hair whipped around her face. Marcus pulled his hand and cupped her jaw line; pressing his lips against hers. She was enticed by the gesture as she was so many times before.
When Marcus finally pulled away Erika looked at him in utter shock. "I'm sorry," Marcus apologized.
That confused Erika. Why would he apologize; he was an Elder after all.
"I couldn't help my self, Milady. You seem to enjoy the silence. I'll leave you now." Marcus rambled with his words.
He was an Elder.
Erika nodded sternly. What the hell had just happened? He seemed to slowly turn away back to the mansion, and with her heart leading her, Erika ran behind Marcus. He heard her noisy footsteps and turned around. Before he could notice what was happening she enfolded her arms around his neck, and pressed her red lips against his natural ones.
He hands held her petite waist; finally getting what he wanted. He wanted to smile, but kept her cold lips along the traces of his mouth. He pulled her closer, but at this she pulled away. He opened his closed eyes seeing her round violet irises look at him.
Erika felt awkward kissing Marcus. How many servants had kissed an Elder like she had? She had been right; this was much better than Kraven. "Come with me on my little hunt for the things that go bump in the night," she smiled innocently.
Marcus smiled back. He wouldn't say no especially if Erika would be in danger. Besides he wanted to get out and stretch.
~*~
Kraven walked to the end of the street. An ex death dealer, and a hybrid in one night; now that's a record. The sun was about to rise, and he was waiting for the car to pull up. Nervously he fingers started to twitch; vampyre senses telling him to take cover from the quickly rising sun.
A new shiny black H2 pulled up on the streets. The door opened in front of him. He clambered inside, thankful they arrived on time, but didn't show it, "A few more minutes, and I would have been campfire ashes out there." He changed to an anger mode.
"Chill out Kraven. All that matters is you're here." The man in the driver's seat replied. His black hair was short and gelled upwards creating little spikes that resembled some of Kraven's favorite torture toys he liked to use against the lycans centuries ago. His name was Bryant.
Kraven growled showing white fangs, "If you're going to be like that then maybe I shouldn't be here."
Bryant laughed and stopped the car, "Go right ahead. No one's stopping you." He knew Kraven would rather be ordered around then burn into a paining death.
The woman next to him slapped his arm. Her dirty blonde hair was put back up again; as always. Elyse turned around facing Kraven and asked, "Well are you happy with your new toys?"
Kraven nodded, "They worked instantly, and I think putting her in the car, and bringing her to the lycan home was a smart idea. Lucien will defiantly exceed my expectations." Kraven gave a vile greedy smile. "So what are the definite affects of the new bullets?"
Elyse turned around facing the road and responded, "Well for years we were trying to see if we could eradicate the virus of vampyres and werewolves, nothing worked. So we came up with something that would slow down the virus if that were possible. You see whomever will get hit by the virus will feel the effects of a human for a few days to a week."
"You mean it won't kill them," worry crossed Kraven's face.
"Well it could. I mean if the dosage was powerful enough. You used the entire round correct?" Elyse asked the vampyre. Kraven nodded. "Then I'm sure they will both die slowly."
Kraven worry face turned into complete glee.
"You never told us why you wanted to kill two vampyres." Elyse asked wondering.
"Well," Kraven's new friends deserved the truth. "One was a traitor death dealer in love with the damn crossbreed, and the other was the daughter of Lucian who was a cross breed." Joy covered Kraven like water from a shower.
"Elyse almost chocked on the gum she was chewing, "Are you telling me we killed Lucian, fearless warrior's, daughter?" Bewildered Elyse turned to see a smiling Kraven.
"YES!" Kraven shouted.
Elyse sunk into her seat very uncomfortable. She helped kill a hybrid. Lucian's daughter on top of that. She was in deep shit, and she knew it. Kraven had told her they were vampyres. She didn't care if vampyres were killed; there were many more to make up for the collateral, but one of the hybrids? Kraven didn't like talking about hybrids. He only mentioned their very short stories, and that Lucian was now a hybrid, and some guy named Michael was one as well. He never told her about a daughter, or Kraven's inside source of all this recent information.
Just as an F.Y.I. when you read the *** that's a memory and when you read ~*~ it's just changing people. This is all because the italics won't work * grumble *
Disclaimer: I don't own anything from the Underworld novel, movie, comic, etc. I do in fact own anything that was not involved in the amazing process of Underworld novel, movie, comic, etc. I do fortunately own everyone not included in the above including Victoria, Gavin, Marlem, Griffin, Gabrielle/Elle, Connor, Charli, Yvenea/Jocelyne, Riea, Calvin, Craig, Bryant, Elyse and Keith, and the plot (especially Lucian's daughter grrr), and anything else I can't think of!
***
"I think we're going to be good friends Charli"
The man freaked her out, but she stood firm. He started putting on a thick jacket with a hood, "What the hell do you want?"
"You're father dead. I hear he's alive and kicking. And since him being dead isn't good enough I'll just have to go for his heart."
"I don't think it would be wise to fight someone who will kick your ass."
"Who said I would fight you," the man said calmly. "You see the sun is rising so I don't have much time. But these bullets will give me that time."
"Scary silver nitrate. You know you can't kill me with that," Charli said calmly with a bit of sarcasm.
"I know it only looks like silver nitrate, but in fact it's a virus. A virus that will hopefully piss off Lucian, and make you extremely ill."
Charli rolled her eyes, but every moment with this stupid vampire made herself a little less confident.
A full round of shots rang through her ears. The sound made her run on instinct. He missed the first few bullets, but the rest of the round knocked her straight out.
***
Charlize quickly moved through the hallway. Down the steps her feet led her out the door. Marcus watched her the entire time. She knew he wouldn't follow her, and thank god he didn't. She past the gates and walked away from the village toward the woods. The villagers said there were monsters that lived and haunted these woods, but Charli knew they were only humans that every once in a while changed into a werewolf.
She knew there would be none tonight. They had come back from a war with Moldavia, and were extremely tired, but there were those who had not fought in the vampyres war.
She tried using her senses to pick up his scent. She couldn't find him. Worry crossed her face. What if the vampires caught him seeking the manor? What if they were sentencing him right now? She finally reached the creek after twenty minutes, and decided to turn around only to meet a young man. She smiled. His shoulder length dark brown hair fell in his face covering brownish black eyes. He wore a light white long sleeved peasant top with soft brown pants and matching boots.
"Where were you I was looking for you?" He saw worry in her face. That made him smile.
"Sorry. I couldn't help, but look at you milady." He tone soft and weak. She knew he was not weak, she had seen him in action.
"Don't call me milady it's most irritating." He stepped closer to her, and she punched him hard. He looked at her startled, "You scared me. I thought something terrible happened to you." She whispered tears falling. She could never imagine losing him.
"Charlize." The young lycan quickly grabbed her holding her. She held onto his neck her cheek resting on his chest.
He never meant to make her cry. His stomach churned this way and that when he did see her cry. He wrapped his arms around her kissing her hair. Beautiful curls fell blocking her tan face.
He sat down pulling her with him. She let him. Her black square top dress spread out in the grass. Her elbow length hair did the same. The hill they were on was steep, but was letting them stay at a slant. His looked into her eyes. He knew those eyes yet that theory was impossible. It didn't matter now where or who she came from. He loved her and that was the end of the story.
"I'm going to kiss you." He said breath quickened.
"I'm going to let you," she replied to his demand.
His lips pressed against her mouth. His heart quickened. He had never felt this way before. Even when he was mortal; nothing made him feel this way. Her head collapsed to the grass; her hair falling again to her face. Gavin propped himself by his elbow, and swiftly as if she were glass he pushed her dark brown hair away. His hand now trailed to her cheek resting on the soft skin. He kissed her again. This time deep, and passionate. When he finally came up he smiled at her. Her eyes still closed enjoying his presence. He dug his face into her hair smelling every part in her. She moved her head to the side and let him peck at her lips till she groaned and he went in for the kill again.
Her hands trailed around his hair making invisible patterns along the way. No one had ever made her feel this way. Not in Egypt or here in the manor. No one got even close to kissing her, but Gavin was different. He truly cared about her. Not the vampyre side of her; nor the lycan side. He cared about Charlize.
She made him feel like he was king of the world. He never had emotions with anyone like he did with Charlize. Even though he was dying of cancer it didn't matter anymore. The disease was gone, and he could be with one who had made him the happiest lycan alive. He knew his time was short. Lucian wasn't going to stay long here, and he couldn't give away her secret. She had asked him not to.
But he let this night stay free of thoughts and worries.
***
~*~
Gavin felt his stomach want to come out of his mouth. Unfortunately that wasn't all. Michael banged the door loud and fast. When one of the lycans opened it Michael was in hybrid form, and had Selene knocked out in his arms.
"She's been shot." Michael panted out of breath, "A full round." One of the lycans offered to help, but Michael let out a growl. "What's wrong with her?" He yelled. Timothy, a lycan with an attitude and a gun, came out to see what the hell was going on.
Lucian took command quickly. "Timothy two down full rounds shots on each. One vampyre and the other hybrid. Looks silver nitrate, but both are knocked out and don't look like they're going to make it."
Timothy took in the news in a second and ordered them to be brought into his lab. The lycans were lucky that Timothy had worked with Singe, not only because Timothy was Singe's son, but because Timothy loved the study of medicine just like his father.
Gavin now not being able to stand it ran to Charli, and placed one hand on her back the other behind her knees, and carried her to Timothy's room Michael following so quickly that Gavin feared he might step on his heels and trip him. Once both victims were placed on beds Timothy took out what looked to be like large tweezers to take out the bullets.
"That won't work. It will take too long. It's killing them." Gavin said annoyed. He turned Charli on her back and with an easy movement he ripped her shirt showing a bloody back. "Some of them are gone; went straight through her. I would say new bullets; something I've never seen before." Gavin looked into the wound, "It looks like silver nitrate, but it doesn't react like it. Hopefully this stuff is sticky." Gavin said as he put his pinky in the wound. He felt liquid, other than blood, touch his skin. He smiled it was sticky. The feeling was weird. It burned Gavin's skin, but he ignored the pain. The liquid of the bullet seemed to grab onto Gavin's finger. The silver color changed to a snot green once it attached itself to Gavin's finger. Michael saw this and started doing the same though Selene's seemed to be on her stomach more than her back.
Timothy winced this was not how he did his work, but if it was quick and effective to hell with his work. He took a glass rod used for mixing ingredients, and took a sample of Charli and Selene's blood. Gavin not taking his eyes off from what he was doing asked, "Why are you doing that?"
"They may need blood," Timothy gave a wincing smile. How often had a vampyre and a hybrid needed blood? Then again he didn't know what the hell was happening to the victims. After about five bullets Gavin stopped knowing there were no more bullets. For the first time he noticed the room around him. Selene was on the other table Michael taking out the last bullet. Unlike Charli's half round of bullets, Selene had been shot with the full mag. Lucian knelt by Charli holding her hand and speaking in a foreign language.
Gavin didn't have time to listen to Lucian's prayers though Charli would need them. "What happened?"
Another black lycan stood up from a chair behind Gavin. He spoke in a deep masculine tone; "We were coming back from patrol when we found Lucian's Viper in the front. We didn't think of anything till we saw the girl inside the driver's seat. We thought she was dead at first then we smelt hybrid blood. Someone else obviously drove the car they left a note with one word." Gavin looked up at the muscular lycan.
He was almost afraid to ask. Almost. "What did it say?"
"Soon."
"That's it?" Gavin asked wanting more than that. The lycan looked at Gavin cautiously, and with a nod from Lucian the lycan handed a card to Gavin. The card was off-white, cardstock, about the size of an index card. In all caps read the words Soon. Gavin didn't let the looks fool him. He smelled the card as if it were going to give off a perfume scent. He took in the smell with total control. He had smelt it before. One word left his angry lips, "Marcus."
The few people who were in the room all gave confused looks. And Gavin spoke through gritted teeth, "Not specifically Marcus, but it smells of the manor."
"Oh shit." Lucian had been listening closely. "She was just there visiting." Many thoughts and ideas crossed his mind. "Something doesn't add up though. She needed to go. She trusted Marcus."
"And now she's dying!" Gavin roared. Anger spilt into his voice.
A moan from Charli made everyone go quiet.
"She's losing blood." Timothy said out at random.
"Well what type is she?" Gavin wanted to throw something.
"The vampyre is O positive. A common type. The hybrid..." Timothy took in a large breath pausing, making Gavin cling to every word. "She's AB positive."
"Shit." Michael said aloud not forgetting his many hours in the ER during his medical training. "That's going to be impossible to find a donor."
Gavin glared at Michael. To him nothing was impossible. Charli taught him that. "Find a damn person quick; donor or not." In quick steps Gavin took out a knife and cut right on an artery. Michael looked at him like he was crazy. Everyone knew if you cut an artery, blood pours for minutes maybe hours.
Immediately Gavin took one of the empty plastic blood bags, and poured in his blood. "Once this is full give it to the vampyre right away. She's losing it fast." Michael looked at Gavin. Gavin seemed to know this, "It's no use having two corpses here; better knowing one will live." He glanced at Charli. "She'll be fine for an hour or two, but we need to find the blood." He didn't bother mentioning the 'if we couldn't find it.' He knew that AB blood is the rarest type, and finding it would be hell, but he wouldn't give up.
It took Michael a few moments to comprehend Gavin's actions. Then it hit him, "Thank you."
"I'll check what the hell is really in these bullets." Timothy said breaking the silence. "Someone just go get the blood."
Lucian sat there the entire time quiet as a mouse. Gavin started giving orders to see if any of the hospitals had any blood. He didn't want innocent lives being taken. Lucian didn't hear a word since he had seen Gavin take out the bullets, and given his blood. Lucian took the knife Gavin had used, and cut his arm in the same spot as the other lycan had done minutes before.
"My blood will work." Lucian said quietly.
The lycans that were in the room gasped. Timothy was the only one to speak out loud, "You don't know if she's your daughter. Besides even if she was..." he paused, "You might not have the right kind."
Lucian looked annoyed, "I do." It had taken courage for Lucian to put a knife to his skin again, but this time it scared him because it was someone he didn't want to lose.
Not again.
Timothy would have kept their argument go on if he had not seen Gavin's eyes meet up with his. Timothy went over to the rolling chair, and started his research on the bullet.
***
The cops had arrived hours after the epic fight had occurred. They were held back though with a specials team from the U.S. CIA. Of course no one knew they were the CIA because it was all cover up. The few cops that got to see the real battle scene were those who were already part of the CSI (crime scene investigation) they were just undercover.
"Shit this place took in a hurricane." A male in his early thirties walked through the damp sewers. He had on a black suit while the other agents had on fully equipped navy blue and black uniforms representing the Hungarian army.
"You mean earthquakes, right? Because a hurricane could never do this kind of damage in the sewers." A woman spoke a loud. She put on black-rimmed glasses in a somewhat oval shape. Her dirty blonde hair was pulled back for this job. She had on black slacks, and a blouse.
"Ok guys you know what to look for." The man commanded motioning a forwarding hand signal and two by two they split up through the main part of the sewers. Whereas the commanding officer, and the woman stayed together and walked straight ahead. "So you really dig all of this stuff."
"Stuff?" She asked quizzical. "I hardly count chasing vampyres and werewolves 'stuff'"
The man rolled his eyes. "You know Elyse there's more to life than science and medical experiments."
Elyse replied, "And there's more to life than military push ups, and working for the CIA Bryant."
They both smiled as they walked into a large room with a murky water pool in front of them. A hole in the wall was made right above it. The staircase on the other side was about to collapse while two agents passed by the doorway.
"Holy shit. What happened here?" Elyse said aloud taking Bryant by surprised.
Underneath the staircase three average sized men in all black and leather were sprawled on the ground guns had been spread away from them. Two massive boulders were half sunken in the knee-deep sewage water along with other rocks that came from the huge hole in the wall above. An old man laid on one of the rocks half his head severed and lost in the water. His robes were soaked, and his upper body that was viewable had half a dozen scratch marks, and bruises. Next to him a sword seemed to find it's way to the rock. Beautiful gems covered the hilt with tracing lines of gold on the black handle.
Bryant quickened his pace and came in front of Elyse; jumping into the crimson stained water. He held his hand in front of Elyse motioning for a halt. She glared at him, and without warning jumped into the liquid herself. She tried her hardest to make a big splash hoping Bryant would get the message that no one ordered her around.
Bryant glanced at her in surprise.
Elyse took that, and backfired, "What? Think I'm too holy for this water? Let me tell you I did my time at Church," she commented leaving Bryant with a small smile. Elyse made her way to the old man. Normally no one was supposed to touch the body specifically for investigation, but once again Elyse frankly didn't care.
She knelt down making the water sift up her pants more than needed. The large jacket that the man wore was lightly hanging onto his shoulders. Elyse's fingers pressed on the exquisite garment. The whole thing puzzled her. It wasn't possible. She knew the he was a very old vampyre. Probably one of the oldest they've seen. He could have even been an Elder; an Elder wouldn't just die like this. Though she didn't know how many Elders there were she knew it would have to take skill, patience, and the undying need to kill an Elder. Many of her colleagues believed that there was only one Elder, and that was that, they thought her ridiculous that there should be more than one.
Though she may not be the expert that's in command; she felt she knew more about the subject than that dick general. David Smith. Such an American.
One of the officer's voices echoed through her ears making all her concentration on the Elder stop. "We have one that's alive."
Bryant and herself both looked up into the bear sized hole. Elyse quickly, with Bryant's unwanted help, pulled herself out of the murky water, and up the stairs into the room where three officers stood at attention.
Elyse looked at the man. He seemed to be in his thirties, but the paleness in his skin told her differently. He had black wavy hair that was striped blood from a cut on his forehead. His leg had somewhat of a hole in it from the fight, and a gun, presumably his, was untouched next to his feet. He was apparently the only one in the room. There were traces of other people, and blood was everywhere. Two more guns were found closer to the hole. Berettas. They have seen them all the time during their crime scene investigations. She had to make her decision smart and quick. The real Budapest police would get antsy at any moment.
"We'll take him with us, leave the rest. There is nothing we can do now. Hide him in the black bag, and stick him in the trunk. Make sure the sunlight doesn't touch him. This one won't get away." She was partly thankful that this was a vampyre not a werewolf. The sun was up, and he would depend on those who had saved his life.
The officers walked out with speed, and firmness. Sunlight warmed their cold damp faces. It was late afternoon. The last two were Bryant and Elyse. Bryant gave a few quick words to the dark navy dressed policemen, and left the sewers to them. No one questioned what was in the bag.
***
~*~
Marcus fiddled with his thumbs, something he never did in his entire life. He had grown a bit impatient. No one had an inquiry about letting a hybrid go. There thoughts seemed drifted from the war either way. Kahn, a well- known death dealer, approached Marcus suddenly. His dark features made Marcus remember his long nights in North Africa. Kahn had belonged to an ancient tribe that had gone to extinction years ago. Kahn was one of the first Marcus turned who became a death dealer. His was one of his first, and one of his last.
"We tried to raid the lycan lair again, but cops were swarming the place," Kahn reported to Marcus's orders. Marcus glared in unpleasantly. He had wanted to find out if they're any survivors for questioning, or just killing for Marcus's sake. "But," Kahn paused, "We heard them on the radio. There were no survivors." Marcus's frown was reversed. Though he did want to do some killing around here it was good to know that none survived except those who were in top health and could get out of there in time. Marcus's face turned straight ice cold again. Kahn updated him on the new bullets, weapons, and armory. Marcus hadn't been up since 1804.
Marcus listened intently till the very end. He was impressed at how advanced technology had gotten though, like Kahn, he preferred the old ways. You had to be skilled to work well with older weapons. With a gun you didn't need to know squat about how to pull a trigger. It was quick, easy, and most of the time effective, but still, he'd rather have a daggers or trusty swords by his side.
"Thank you Kahn. You have proven yourself, and since night has just strolled in why don't you and the other death dealers have a little fun tonight. I'm sure you can find some creature lurking in the corners to kill." Marcus winked, and Kahn understood. They both knew there were still lycans out on the loose.
Marcus's thoughts ended completely as he watched Erika stroll across the salon and out the doors.
The night had just about risen. Only nine o'clock. The night was still young. Marcus bade Kahn good-bye, and followed Erika discreetly out to the warm night. That's the thing about Hungary you have to remember. It never stops raining, and when you least expect it the nights become warm. He caught up with Erika who was leaving the grounds.
"May I ask why such beauty is leaving the premises?"
Erika turned around a bit in surprise. "Is that illegal?" Erika cocked an eyebrow. She immediately let go of her anger, and annoyance. "I'm sorry lor...Marcus." She had tried to stop calling him lord.
Marcus smiled at this. She remembered; that's quick. "Don't worry about it; you should be worrying about yourself. Leaving unattended and unnoticed."
Kraven would have never spoken to her like that. He wouldn't care so much if she had left without anyone acknowledging. What the hell was she thinking? She felt so much anger and hate towards Kraven, but the long time crush never faded from her memory. It didn't matter anyways; she had given up on men.
She had noticed how much braver she had gotten, and how much more independent she really was without him. "Just out for a stroll that's all." She had intended to check out the place that hybrid mentioned, but it wouldn't be possible with Marcus around. The warm night now had a cool breeze turning it into a modest night.
Marcus noticed how she dressed. She had dressed in ordinary clothes. She was probably going into town. Though the weather was turning into winter Erika's dress fell a little lower than her knees flowing in and out with the wind. She had on black flip-flops that snapped every once and a while on the street. What the hell is she thinking wearing loud noisemakers on her feet. It may be in fashion, but that's the fastest way for a lycan to kill.
"In that attire I must come with you, you're a victim of the night." Marcus smiled happy to have the chance to walk with her.
Erika must have noticed this as well for she nodded at the slightest. An Elder was hitting on her, and she was only calm about it. She marked his presence as nothing. That was insanely weird, but who cares he was an Elder. Much better than Kraven. She decided to change her plans; it wasn't much of a change. "I hope that I become a victim of the night." Erika sighed looking at the stars.
Marcus bewildered almost stopped dead in his tracks. "Why, milady! You mustn't say such things because they can come true." Marcus had a good feeling that that's what she wanted.
Erika only grinned wider. "I feel sorry for the lycan who walks in front of a very pissed off vampyre."
"What has made such a peace so upset?" Marcus remembered their encounter in the hallway.
"Many things. Some you may not understand, some you may already know, and some you won't want to know."
"That's quite a few things." Marcus pleasantly walked along side her. It felt like an honor to be next to her in her presence. Marcus didn't want to press her on, but it seemed he didn't have to.
"Let's say my life with men is hell itself. The first played me, and another, the second led me on while wanting another the entire time, and the third was rumored to have played too many to count."
Marcus was taken aback. Good. Erika thought. This may keep him away. But he was an Elder, and she couldn't help notice that. He finally stopped dead in his tracks. Had what she said been true? Only three? And all abandoned her? He felt pain and agony about her. He wanted to run up to her and kiss her, but part of him held back. He had never gotten so mixed up in feelings like he had for Erika.
Erika thought he had left when she felt a strong hand hold her shoulder. She turned around, hair whipped around her face. Marcus pulled his hand and cupped her jaw line; pressing his lips against hers. She was enticed by the gesture as she was so many times before.
When Marcus finally pulled away Erika looked at him in utter shock. "I'm sorry," Marcus apologized.
That confused Erika. Why would he apologize; he was an Elder after all.
"I couldn't help my self, Milady. You seem to enjoy the silence. I'll leave you now." Marcus rambled with his words.
He was an Elder.
Erika nodded sternly. What the hell had just happened? He seemed to slowly turn away back to the mansion, and with her heart leading her, Erika ran behind Marcus. He heard her noisy footsteps and turned around. Before he could notice what was happening she enfolded her arms around his neck, and pressed her red lips against his natural ones.
He hands held her petite waist; finally getting what he wanted. He wanted to smile, but kept her cold lips along the traces of his mouth. He pulled her closer, but at this she pulled away. He opened his closed eyes seeing her round violet irises look at him.
Erika felt awkward kissing Marcus. How many servants had kissed an Elder like she had? She had been right; this was much better than Kraven. "Come with me on my little hunt for the things that go bump in the night," she smiled innocently.
Marcus smiled back. He wouldn't say no especially if Erika would be in danger. Besides he wanted to get out and stretch.
~*~
Kraven walked to the end of the street. An ex death dealer, and a hybrid in one night; now that's a record. The sun was about to rise, and he was waiting for the car to pull up. Nervously he fingers started to twitch; vampyre senses telling him to take cover from the quickly rising sun.
A new shiny black H2 pulled up on the streets. The door opened in front of him. He clambered inside, thankful they arrived on time, but didn't show it, "A few more minutes, and I would have been campfire ashes out there." He changed to an anger mode.
"Chill out Kraven. All that matters is you're here." The man in the driver's seat replied. His black hair was short and gelled upwards creating little spikes that resembled some of Kraven's favorite torture toys he liked to use against the lycans centuries ago. His name was Bryant.
Kraven growled showing white fangs, "If you're going to be like that then maybe I shouldn't be here."
Bryant laughed and stopped the car, "Go right ahead. No one's stopping you." He knew Kraven would rather be ordered around then burn into a paining death.
The woman next to him slapped his arm. Her dirty blonde hair was put back up again; as always. Elyse turned around facing Kraven and asked, "Well are you happy with your new toys?"
Kraven nodded, "They worked instantly, and I think putting her in the car, and bringing her to the lycan home was a smart idea. Lucien will defiantly exceed my expectations." Kraven gave a vile greedy smile. "So what are the definite affects of the new bullets?"
Elyse turned around facing the road and responded, "Well for years we were trying to see if we could eradicate the virus of vampyres and werewolves, nothing worked. So we came up with something that would slow down the virus if that were possible. You see whomever will get hit by the virus will feel the effects of a human for a few days to a week."
"You mean it won't kill them," worry crossed Kraven's face.
"Well it could. I mean if the dosage was powerful enough. You used the entire round correct?" Elyse asked the vampyre. Kraven nodded. "Then I'm sure they will both die slowly."
Kraven worry face turned into complete glee.
"You never told us why you wanted to kill two vampyres." Elyse asked wondering.
"Well," Kraven's new friends deserved the truth. "One was a traitor death dealer in love with the damn crossbreed, and the other was the daughter of Lucian who was a cross breed." Joy covered Kraven like water from a shower.
"Elyse almost chocked on the gum she was chewing, "Are you telling me we killed Lucian, fearless warrior's, daughter?" Bewildered Elyse turned to see a smiling Kraven.
"YES!" Kraven shouted.
Elyse sunk into her seat very uncomfortable. She helped kill a hybrid. Lucian's daughter on top of that. She was in deep shit, and she knew it. Kraven had told her they were vampyres. She didn't care if vampyres were killed; there were many more to make up for the collateral, but one of the hybrids? Kraven didn't like talking about hybrids. He only mentioned their very short stories, and that Lucian was now a hybrid, and some guy named Michael was one as well. He never told her about a daughter, or Kraven's inside source of all this recent information.
