Jaspers pov past tense.
- Diablerie, magick of the dark arts. She spelled her blood. It's why she can't be killed. What had she gotten into where she would need a spell like that?"-
This simple question burned in the back of my mind. The thumping of the wheels on the roads made my nails clench the steering wheel. My jaw was tense, I couldn't help but grind my teeth. That's how she saw me. The graveyard of bones and decay flashed in my mind's eye. I left them there with him. What is wrong with me? I shouldn't have done that!
I resisted the urge to turn the car around. The thought of laying the tortured souls to rest. Give them the peace they undoubtedly deserved. I had no choice to slow the car to a complete stop. The memories of my childhood, of my father, threatened to spill from behind my eyes. The memories of Maria. Of killing! I could taste the metallic tang burst inside my mouth causing my throat to burn and ache.
I needed to feed! My limbs began to feel petrified. Each movement was a feat. I searched far and wide for suitable prey. The putrid smells of the bayou burned my nostrils but soon I stalked an alligator. It was lurking with its head just barely above the murky water.
I pounced once it was close enough. The fierce creature bucked and kicked with every inch of its life. I finally put it out of its misery once it rolled me for the fourth time. I bit through its tough skin, the meat was fatty while the taste was fishy yet slightly gamy.
Once I drained the poor thing I felt disturbed with how I smelt. I'd have to drive home like this. Great. Even after all this time I've yet to get used to this way of life. The constant thirst! Thinking back to her father, I wonder if he feeds as she does? Eating the flesh. I hope Carlisle can come up with some answers about what they are.
Once home I had no choice but to burn the clothes I had on and deep clean my car. Once out of the shower I was caught by surprise, we had a guest. Another one of her friends had decided to make a grand entrance into my life. Seeing this man kicking back with Edward had been a sight to see.
He seems to have charmed his way into the house like he had been an old family friend. His eyes let be known what was going on. They had an unnatural copper glow. I took a seat, they were playing cards and tossing back what must have been an expensive wine. The bottle was all black with strange glyphs written on it.
Alcohol could still be intoxicating, it just requires an amount that would likely kill a human. Edward would regret whatever this witch has given him. I grabbed his glass and sniffed it before knocking back the rest. Eh, if anyone needs it, it's me!
"She isn't here."
"I'm aware, we just spoke. Well about 40 or so odd years ago. She's quite adept at time travel. I've yet to master that feat. I'm Benjamin Turner."
This Benjamin donned a black tailored suit. Everything from the color of his tie to the way he wore his jewelry screamed he was a businessman. He wasn't here to play around. As he spoke he wore a knowing yet slightly malicious smirk.
"I presume you're here for a reason. Let's get down to it. But first, what exactly have you done to my brother?"
"This fine specimen is helping me control the rest of the house members. It's not wise to arrive at a den of Vampires without some... tools. I'm amplifying his telepathic abilities to subdue them to my will ."
I looked around the room. Sure enough, I couldn't hear a sound. As long as Edward continued to drink whatever was in that bottle. The rest of my family went on completely oblivious to his presence. They couldn't be the wiser. Emmet was lost in the tv, his eyes refusing to peel from the screen. Rosalie continued to do whatever she does on her laptop. Carlisle was more than likely mesmerized by those slides of vomit. Esme had her nose stuck in a book. I'm beginning to understand I hold a deep mistrust of witches because of her. They all need to learn to not cross boundaries with their gifts.
"What do you want?"
"I want you to keep pushing. Keep looking behind the skeletons in her closet. The future I foresee will change the world as we know it. Our world, the world of all creatures hiding from... them."
"You mean the humans?"
"Yes."
"And if I don't?"
"Do you want to save her or not?"
"Who are you? To her I mean? Tell me what I need to be looking for."
"It doesn't work that way. Here's my address. Come find me."
The strange witch vanished before my eyes. Edward suddenly stopped drinking, the chess game they had been playing frozen. Unfinished. A business card was left in his place. On it was a name. Sinister.
Edward immediately threw up every drop of poisoned blood in his system. Yep. Knew it. This caused a stir since no one could remember what they had been doing. I had no choice but to explain. Yeah, I can't stand Witches!
I was still getting the silent treatment from Rosalie. Although her face and actions said it all. I'm surprised she hasn't rearranged a few of my body parts yet. Esme still wore that sad look every time she saw me. I couldn't stand being around them. The air felt thick and muggy. I could follow after the witch. Heed the suggestion of searching for more. To save her. That is what I set out to do. Right?
On the card, there was a web address. It is linked to a privately-owned site. It was a fetish club. Club Sinister ran by witches that seemed to cater to a certain crowd. Creatures! A haven for any non-human to relax. Upon entry no violence may ensue otherwise you risk your own life by the hands of the witch that owns it. Benjamin Turner.
It seems quite upscale and grand. Each night is a different theme and you're expected to dress for it. Entertainment can be anything from an orgy to fire dancers and strange acts of grand magic. Its opening day was during the late 20s.
I searched for more information. I began finding old Hollywood photos of some of the biggest stars in attendance. Some of them were no doubt witches or something else. To my surprise, I found one of him. It was during the early fifties, he had his arms around a woman that no doubt was Fate. This must be the man Louis had talked about. One of her lovers. The one she took just after I married Alice.
I packed a bag. I imagine I won't be back for some time. Rosalie was perched inside the passenger seat with a bag sitting in her lap. I tried to calm myself before speaking to her.
"I need to understand what's so special about this woman. So I'm coming with you. You've got all these witches coming in and out of our house, while you should be chasing after Alice."
"Rosalie."
"No, make me understand. "
"Fine. You're paying for gas." Emmet hopped into the back before I was fully snapped in. I took a deep breath and pulled out of the driveway. Emmet was hyped simply by going on a road trip. He wasn't pleased about the witch that held them all hostage.
The entire drive Rosalie asked questions about Fate and what we were getting into. I detailed the visit I had with her father. I couldn't control my tongue. It was a bad case of word vomit and anxiety. She stopped being so rude towards me and began to pity me.
We arrived in the wee hours of the morning. The sun would rise soon which would complicate an escape if we needed to. Hopefully, nothing bad occurs. I was shocked at the interior of the fetish club. It wasn't anything I had imagined. Chocolate brown and gold marble tiled floors, glamorous chandeliers glinting light beautifully. The architecture screamed Hollywood Regency. Dancers flitted about preparing for the night. Even Rosalie clashed against the level of glamor.
"Ah, Jasper Whitlock. Wonderful to see you all again. For the two that didn't get to meet me, I'm Benjamin Turner. Can I interest you in anything to drink? No biting here but we have many fine vintages... so to speak."
"No thank you." Rosalie felt taken aback. She hadn't expected to be treated with such hospitality.
"Follow me. You two, relax, and if you do change your mind. My friend at the bar will gladly take care of you. My treat!" I was led down several hallways until we reached his office. The vibe in this room was much more masculine and gave a feeling of warmth. An inviting glow from a fireplace distracted from the lack of windows in the room.
He invited me to sit across from him on a love seat. The leather plush couch made you never want to move again. He sipped from a glass of something, his eyes glowed copper once more. I allowed myself to watch his features more closely. He was an attractive-looking black man that seems to have amassed a fortune by catering to the entertainment of others. He was darker than she was. Even out west back then it wasn't safe being black. I imagine it wasn't easy getting here. Magically inclined, hard-working, rich, and powerful. It wasn't hard to see why she would gravitate towards him. He's like her. Hungry!
"I like you. Although you're incorrect about who I am. I did know her then and much earlier too. But I'm not him. You're thinking of Elijah. I'm thankful they put an end to it. I didn't much admire who she became with him."
"Is she ok? You said you saw her?"
"No, she's not. She's yet to make it back from the past yet. I can't feel her essence. I sent her errand boy with her required potions."
"What's in them? Is there anything we can do?"
"I'd rather not discuss the vile ingredients of my creation. It doesn't matter what's in it. It holds her together until we can figure out how to stop her cells from deteriorating any further."
"Louis, her father, explained she's been dying for quite some time. However, her resurrections are attributed to something called Diablerie? He claimed she spelled her blood so she could never die. Why would she do that?"
"Good question. All I can tell you is this. You're her mate. Your presence alone soothes something inside her. Your energies and lifelines are tied by magic so powerful it hasn't been seen since well, her. It's ancient. I love that girl like a sister, she saved me. Ever since we've been thick as thieves but I've about had it. I won't stand by and watch her kill herself any longer. Here. Take these. "
He handed me a box full of files. Paperwork, receipts, and all sorts of things. Most of the information led to a single address.
"Is this where she lives? Well lived, before Victoria?"
"Ah Vicky, poor thing. She messed up digging her claws into Fate like that. She really grew to like her."
"Like her? I know about her tastes when it comes to women."
"Oh no. Shane. She was the last one, threatened you, that's how she got Fate to run tail. Victoria was her friend. She began confiding in her, these last days have been wary. I think she might have given it all up if she could have. If Victoria had simply asked, I'm sure Fate would have had no problem taking care of the... what's her name?"
"Bella?"
"Yes. Bella. What an interesting human. I loathe them but now and again I get my interest peaked by one."
"So what I'm getting is, I need to go to this address. Figure out what's going on between Bella and Fate. Edward was right to be concerned?"
"The telepath was on to something although he's in the wrong ballpark. However, it's possible Fate might get her nose wet."
"And Alice?"
Benjamin sat back with that same glint in his eyes and he laughed. He fell silent and tight-lipped. It left a feeling of deep unsettling dread. What would she do to Alice? As I pondered, their many interactions over the past few days came to mind. The fighting, the screaming matches between them. Louis's words echoed into my ears.
They both believed that they had been cursed. He talked about her having his blood run in her veins. Being evil. Tainted! Surprisingly you would think he meant the blood of her mother but I'm not sure. Even now he seemed struck by a possessive manic love for Magnolia.
The door opened. It was Rosalie, she was ready to leave. The sun was almost completely up. We would need to find somewhere to hole up until we can leave.
"You can stay at my home. You're family. "
"I don't think so. I'd prefer to be far away from witches right now." Rosalie bit out.
"Well then. That's perfectly fine. However, if you are staying here, I suggest you keep a low profile. These lands aren't exactly safe since our sheriff decided he wanted to run the place."
"Damian. I was surprised to know he was still up and kicking. If I recall he and Fate hated one another. How did they get into bed with each other?"
"He was more than willing to kill for what he wanted and she needed his help."
"You know everything about her, don't you? "
"Jasper!"
"Thank you for all you couldn't tell me. I'll be in touch."
We were able to check into the infamous Cecil Hotel. This is where we tucked in for the rest of the day. I got a separate room so I could be left alone to my own devices. I took it upon myself to try and reach out to Alice. I sent her a few messages but none of them went through. She has me blocked. The anxiety never left.
I tried to soothe it by maintaining my cool. There's something sick about being able to control others' emotions yet mine fluctuate at the drop of a hat. I called some of my contacts to put more feelers out about that address. I poured over the files and paperwork. Most of it was for her many businesses. She was a partner of the club. She was the one that fitted the bill. Helped build his empire. Benjamin holds property and a string of nightclubs across her territory.
Here's something. There's a place in New York. A residence on the payroll. The property tax concludes it is jointly owned. By Elijah Casimir and Fate Casimir. Did she get married? She never mentioned that. I did as much research on the man as I could.
Elijah Casimir is the CEO of CasiCorp, he's a genius software inventor with a net worth of 19. 3 Billon dollars. Currently lives in Manhattan in some high rise while summers in the Hamptons. The address seems to be located there.
My contacts came back with some sketchy information. He has multiple different I.Ds with a similar photo. Who are you, Casimir?
Once the sun went down Rosalie, Emmet, and I left. They went back home while I decided to run. It's quicker than driving across the nation. I took my time to visit the beach house first. It was empty and doesn't seem to be visited by either of them. The house is situated on the water, a large deck extends from the back out into the beach.
The front features a set of red French double doors. I peeked into the windows, everything was covered with sheets. I could risk going inside but I'm sure the place was alarmed. Maybe there's a different way in? I searched the back of the house and climbed until I reached a balcony.
The master bedroom outlooked the water. Inside definitely held her touch. French country architecture, arched windows, and peaked ceilings. The floor plan was completely open giving a lofty feel. I felt my rage begin to reach peaks. This man lived out my dreams. He had my wife! My house! Everything that I have ever desired with that woman.
It was easy to find his high rise. The building was on the upper west side. A residential hotel, the original builder was Paul Dubois. A French architect, construction began in the 1800s. The residents live in luxurious apartments with multiple bedrooms, parlors, libraries, and formal dining rooms many of which were round or oval. The views of north or south along broadway. High ceilings, elegant molding, and bay windows. There are smaller suits as well. These include a bedroom, parlor, and bath. There is a central kitchen that houses a team of personal chefs and teams for the entire building. Restaurants, tea rooms, and more. Since then it's been renovated many times over to suit the times.
Elijah lived on the top floor. He had been lying in wait for me. I found him sipping tea and staring outside at his view of Manhattan. He seemed relaxed. He still donned his business attire. Strong jawed, Raven dark hair, he was shorter than me but larger in muscle tone. She had a taste for beautiful wealthy men.
"I wondered when I'd be seeing you. You left my beach residence rather quickly. Was it to your liking? It is up for sale."
A deep yet clear tone reverberated through the room. "Jasper is it? I've heard about you through the grapevine. You've been asking lots of questions about a mutual of ours."
"She never told me she was married."
"I haven't seen her since the 80s, she has a knack for disappearing when things get tough. She sent the divorce papers decades ago."
"Couldn't bring yourself to sign them?"
"Have you?"
"Touché. I was sent here by a friend of hers, Benjamin."
"I was never fond of him. He likes to meddle in things that aren't his business."
"Did you hurt her?"
"We hurt each other. I never abused her if that's what you're asking. I loved Fate with all my heart, it was just never enough. And after."
"After what?"
"We lost a child. She never looked at me the same."
"Excuse me?"
"Our son. We lost our son. We tried a few more times... they never took. The silence drifted until screams became how we communicated. She left in the middle of the night, that house has been empty ever since."
He never moved from his spot. Never faced me. He looked to be in his late twenties maybe? What was he? A witch? Benjamin looked quite young too. Were they immortal? His green eyes bore straight into mine. He had turned to face me. It took me a second to realize that he wasn't breathing. His heart wasn't beating. She can create progeny, can't she? Could she then? I couldn't remember, every human I had ever seen her bite ended up being bile.
"Did she bite you?"
"Her? No, I'm much older than she is. Much older than you for that matter."
"What is she? Do you know?"
"She's a hybrid. The daughter of ancient witch blood that was cursed. The curse made them hungry for the taste of flesh.
Thirst for power. Yearn for relief yet it never came. Each night they must rob an innocent of their meat otherwise they would begin to rot.
Their flesh would putrefy and slough off the bone. So they feed. It's what gave them their strength, especially in battle. They roamed these lands unable to die, unable to quench the hunger for power.
How did the curse come to be lain on them? A witch mother, the leader of their tribe. Had been searching for the greatest protection from their enemies. She scoured every tome they had. Spoke to every elder that once walked the land.
She found one. A spell from the old gods. It required blood as the main ingredient. Not just anyone's blood. Your own. The second ingredient, the beating heart of your lover. And lastly a sacrifice.
The tribe rounded up the children. They slaughtered them, ate the flesh, and gave the rest to the gods. That next morning the remaining members of the tribe were dead. All that was left were bones!
The resurrected ones? We were changed. We resemble the likes of mortals and maintain the ability of magic. The price paid for the witch mothers curse wasn't just what we are but what it did to your soul.
The true sacrifice of power is love. It will suffocate under the clenched fist of control. It can't flourish in darkness. If you want to save her, she must break the curse of Åse. She must let go of her power!"
"I assume you mean her magic?"
"Precisely. Its unnatural strength relies upon the blessings of the gods. If she returns the magic, she will live and the transformation will be complete."
"Transformation? You mean my venom?"
"It still resides within her. As for me? I was created long ago. I was the son of a Viking king, we were being hunted by large beasts that turned on the full moon.
On one particular journey to Africa, we unwittingly led them there. A particular tribe we traded with often. We held witches too, traded spells, herbs, knowledge, slaves. The wolves feasted. They began hunting them, the magic in their blood cured the wolves of their affliction.
My mother. She was one of them. A witch! She sacrificed her children and my father's heart to rid the tribe of them once and for all. I'm the first of her kind. Of Fates kind. Well one of them anyway. We still age. Still bare children. Yet we can not love. Not without it destroying us!
My siblings, there were thirty of us spread around the world. We each took a piece of land and vowed to never speak of what happened that day. I can still remember the screams of my mother as I ripped out her spine to lick the bones of its marrow.
Many of them bound themselves or tried to breed the magic out. Hoping to lessen the curse. It worked to an extent. I believe it was your venom that woke the curse inside her. I've taken 'lovers' over the years but none of them made my blood boil as much as her. I see you're caught too. It's the magic calling for you. Calling for your death. You feed it."
"The Dubois family? Her father?"
"That family line is full of us. Most of them were merely deranged or held magical aptitude but bound themselves.
His line stems from a sibling of mine. He's long dead. We aren't related by blood, but by what we are.
I assume you're speaking of the relationship between her mother and her father. Her mother was pure , held the magic deep in her bones. Unlike Louis who holds the cursed blood, he passed the trait on once he impregnated her.
You see. Her mother comes from a line of witches and so does her father. His family owned hers for centuries and they paid with fine dues.
The tribe we were visiting? The one that cured the wolves? The one that intermingled with my tribe for centuries? Some of them had been slaves. A few of them before the night, before the children were slaughtered by my mother. They escaped. His ancestors found one of hers much later once the trans-Atlantic slave trade took hold. Even today the bloodlines are drawn to one another. It's why her father stares at that portrait of her mother, the curse it's calling for its lover.
It's victim."
"She doesn't know. You lived with her. Loved her! And yet you never told her the truth. Why?"
"Why should I? Don't I deserve to be loved? She would have left sooner had it been for me telling her. Our son. Despite his passing. I'd have never felt his kicks had it been for not lying to Destina. "
I leaped from the chair I had been occupying. I now held him in my hands. I gripped with all my might. He had everything! Everything and even then it wasn't enough. She still left him!
He never once fought back. The desire for death clutched his soul. He was dying without her too. I let him go and broke the window instead. These urges... I. I must find Alice. I must reunite with her. Peter was right! Everyone was right!
She will never give her magic. Not for me. Not him! His selfishness had turned her further away than I can imagine.
I left him to clean my mess up. Once I was outside the door, a young woman had to move out of my way. She had been waiting outside the door, I had almost ran her over in my retreat. His meal! I escaped without hurting him or anyone else for that matter.
What was I to do? Become her victim? Live out the rest of my days like him and Louis? Waiting for death to claim them? Fight and beg for Alice to take me back even though her love will never be enough? My cell rang, I had been running into the night.
I stopped for one second. The name on the phone would have made my heart skip a beat. Well, that was if it still could. It was her!