Chapter 3
Based on the numbers I know not everyone who reads my other stories are reading this. So happy holidays and merry Christmas to all. Than you reading with extra thanks for having me on a fave or alert lists. Thanks if you have ever given me a review.
A few days had passed. The body of the hunter has been destroyed, his car was also scrapped and in some junk yard in another state. The window had been repaired while both Liv and Riley had healed. The entire coven was around the dinning room table. Mandy explained how other covens would be holding a meeting soon. She also explained they would be attending. Looking around Riley could tell that didn't like that news. "I can see this has most of you worried," Mandy says. "Worried in an understatement," Penelope says. "Mandy the last time we went to one of those we were betrayed and Merrick died," Liv says. Riley was silent just watching, it was the first time he saw a real break in Mandy's facade. She always seemed to try and be calm in control. Here for a brief second there was sadness. "I am well aware of what happened. However we can not simply afford lock ourselves away out here and hope other of our kind will ignore us. We have to learn the landscape. Who is making moves and we have allies we must keep a connection with," Mandy explains.
"What do you mean making moves?" Riley asks actually curious. "As I have tried to explain in the past there a world the human population doesn't know about. There are many covens. You get enough of them to follow you can decided how we as vampires live. Many years ago a group felt that we should no longer live in the shadows and instead talked control," Mandy says. "Take control how?" Riley asked. "Well one of there ideas was to was round up humans and give them the options to be slave or food," Mandy says. "Well what happened?" "Thankfully more of our kind preferred the status quo. They stopped the others. Now that is a very broad example but I think it makes the point," Mandy says. "Have there been other things like that?" Riley asks. "Not to such an extreme level. But other examples include one coven leader upset another had killed a part of his human bloodline," Malaki adds. "Given how small our coven is we could easily be swallowed up if a war breaks out," Sonya adds.
"And if this is just a trap?" Kip asks. "It is a risk we must take. Not showing could send the message we are ripe for an attack," Mandy points out. "How long would this be?" Jacy asks. "A few days. And we have a few weeks to prepare," Mandy says. No one said anything else. Riley took that to mean Mandy had made her decision and thus they would all follow. "Well that is all. Enjoy your night. Riley I need to see you for a few minutes," Mandy says. The others leave meaning Riley and Mandy were alone. She asks how he is doing after the attack he claims he is fine. She asks how he is adjusting. "I don't have any point of reference guess you will have to tell me how I do in comparison," Riley says. "You have at least stopped fighting us on everything you also remain largely disconnected," Mandy says. "Sorry if I don't feel all warm and cuddly like the rest of the family," Riley snaps. "I think you are afraid to let yourself to enjoy this life," Mandy says.
"What life? Hanging out here, sucking some animals blood," Riley says. "I have given you chance to leave the mansion you are yet to take it," Mandy reminds him. "Well I've been here a while now you never leave," Riley points out. "Fair point," Mandy admits. Riley doesn't respond and doesn't smile even though he wants to. He basically just got the all mighty head of the coven to admit he was right. "Tonight than," Mandy says with an almost smug smile on her face. "Tonight what?" Riley asks getting confused. "You and are leaving the mansion. Now dress nicely but not formal," Mandy says before she leaves the room. "What just happened?" Riley asks.
Mandy's Room Later
Very few could actually talk back to Mandy given her role as leader. Malaki could to a point but also knew not to push it. Sonya though had no issues and Mandy never really tried to stop her. The two had now been friends over a hundred years. "I don't like it. You shouldn't be alone with him. What if it's a trap?" Sonya asks. Mandy ignored her and was more concerned with looking through her closest, but she does say, "How would he have a trap ready? This was my idea. He had on cell phone and that lap top you gave him has software on it that let us see what he does. Has he contacted anyone using it? I also must remind you he saved Liv." "What if he tries to grab a hold of something and stab you?" Sonya asks. "Do you really think a young vampire could so easily beat me?" Mandy asks. "There is something going on with this one," Sonya says.
Mandy turns to face her. "I agree. That is why I am doing this. I need to get a read on Riley. The way I see it there are three potential path this could take. The best path Riley accepts his new life and joins us a member of the coven. Path two he so resents us he tries to us harm either via an attack or yes a betrayal. Path three Riley attempts to return to his old life and could expose us the world," Mandy admits. "Path two could be dangerous but we could handle it most and likely. Path three could bring the other coven's after us," Sonya says worried. "Yes would be blamed for turning him and not controlling him," Mandy says. "Which is why can't risk either. If I feel Riley is a danger than I must..." She doesn't finish Sonya knows what she means.
Downstairs later just as the sun is setting
"Wow you clean up good," Liv says as Riley walked into the foyer. He wore black jeans and Black golf shirt with shit stripes. All the clothes has been provided to him he had pulled them out of the closet figuring it was good enough. "You like me right?" Riley asks Liv. "Yes," she says a little offended. "Than give me a clue where is Mandy taking me?" Liv shrugs her shoulder and replies, "no clue. She hasn't told any of us." "Well what does she do when she does go out?" Again Liv just shrugs. "You are so helpful," Riley says. "I can't tell you something I don't know," Liv says. "Well has she ever done something like this before?" Riley asks. "Leave the mansion sure all the time. She goes on hunts, she meets with the bankers who look after the coven's funds. She goes to plays the opera, art shows, clubs even," Liv says. "Well I've never seen it," Riley says.
"Well, you haven't been here that long," Mandy says coming down the stairs. Riley is stunned by what she is wearing. It's a pair of tight jeans and a black leather jacket combo. "Mandy you look great," Liv says. "Thank you, Liv. Riley are you ready?" Mandy asks. "Yeah sure," Riley says. Mandy stops at the closet and pulls out a men's leather jacket. It's a zip up with a breast pocket known as a James Dean Style. "You will need that," Mandy says. Riley thinks about asking if Vampire's get cold but lets it drop. Mandy signal for him to follow.
Mandy leads him to the garage. The wealth of the coven was clearly impressive. The cars were impressive a Mercedes Benz AMG, a top of the line Range Rover, A Classic Chevy Corvette. Mandy walked over to a box that held the keys and removed a fob. "I hope you can drive a stick," Mandy says handing it to him. Riley looks down and sees its a key for some kind of Audi. At the end of the large garage was a red R8. "So where are we going?" Riley asks. "Let's start with a nice drive," Is all Mandy will say.
Once they climb in the car Riley figures out how to start it. "So don't we have to worry the sun?" Riley asks. "We have the same specially treated glass we have in house. Should filter just enough we are safe and the sun is almost gone," Mandy assures him. They drive to the end of the drive way. Mandy has him go east onto a twisting back road. Everyone once and a while Mandy would give a direction. Eventually they enter the town. It was a much nicer part of town than the area Riley had been in the night he had been turned. When they were stopped at a long light Riley turned and looked out the window and got a view of the full moon.
"Beats sitting in a cage," Mandy says as if reading his mind. "If you are taking me an opera I'd rather be in the cage," Riley says. "If we were going to an opera I'd have you dress much nicer. I think you will enjoy this," Mandy says. "How much further?" Riley asks. "Not that much further. What do you think of the car?" Mandy says changing the subject. "Its great," Riley claims. "Have you even driven something like this? I've always had a soft sport for German cars," Mandy says. "Its the first German car I've ever driven," Riley admits. "Ah we are here it's on the left after this next light," Mandy says. "The left?" Riley asks because there only one thing on the left. "I will need you to trust me," Mandy says.
Later
"So how long have you known Mandy?" The guy asked. "We just met," Riley said to the guy who he knew played QB in the NFL. On the guy's arm as an actress Riley knew was in some new hit show on Netflix. "Sorry about that Pierre was trying to talk my ear off," Mandy says walking over to them. "He knows if buy a piece from his next showing word will spread quickly," the actress says. "When he has a piece worth buying again I will buy," Mandy says. About a minute later the QB and actress walk off to talk to someone else. "So are you having fun?" Mandy asks. "Well I'm on top of a luxury hotel at some secret party for the rich and famous. Its very different," Riley says looking out the window of the restaurant/club down on the rest of the city. "It's beautiful up here," Mandy says. "Yeah its like a painting," Riley says.
"Do you like art?" Mandy asks. "What's the old saying? I don't know art but I know what I like," Riley says. "I often find people who supposedly know art to be the biggest fools about it. That man I was talking to just now owns a gallery. He spends god know show much money chasing what ever trend he thinks will make him richer or more well known. I don't think he could describe a single thing he likes about a piece. Half the time I doubt he even looks at what he is trying to sell. Just has someone tell him the buzz words that could attract a buyer," Mandy says. "Sounds like my father when he sold used cars," Riley lets slip. It was the first time he had something anything of note about his old family other than his claim of being an only child whose parents has passed away. "Was that what he was doing when he died?" Mandy asks wanting to see his response.
"Ah no dad did that when I in grade school. He could never stick to a career for very long. He never admitted it but I'm convinced the job at the dealership after doing something illegal," Riley says his tone a bit resentful. "I'm sorry to hear that," Mandy says. "Thanks guess it taught me a lesson. Don't trust anyone," Riley finally says. "A father's job is to make his child feel safe," Mandy says. "Hey how did you even get us in there?" Riley asks changing the subject. "I have many connections. I guess you could say I was an influncer before that was a thing," Mandy says. "Just when I started to kind of like you," Riley says.
Back At The Mansion
"You know I had this dog when I a boy. Loyal mutt wanted to be with me at all times. When ever we couldn't take her with us she would wait right at the door. Just as you are now," Malakai says walking by Sonya. "Since when do you make jokes?" Sonya says annoyed. "Who is joking?" Malakai responded. Sonya looks over at the clock. "Its two thirty sun won't be up for hours. You know better than anyone when Mandy does go out she pushes it to the limit. She will be back just before sun up," Malakai says. "And if Riley has done something to her?" Sonya asks. "I've taken Riley on hunts he's not strong enough to take Mandy."
"I need to focus on something else. How are the arrangements for the conference coming?" Sonya asks. "That is Kip's job," Malakai reminds her. "Well where is he?" Sonya asks annoyed. "I think he and Penelope were going out for dinner if they are home I bet he is playing video games. You can always go up to the room and check," Malakai says annoyed. "She's my best friend," Sonya says. "I know but she is also very powerful and hasn't gotten to be this old without being smart," he reminds her.
Back At The Event
Riley had wound back with the QB only now the guy was several drinks deep. "I'm telling you if this idiot coach messes up the team next year I'm demanding a trade," he claimed for the fourth time in the last hour. "Does he keep forgetting he said that already?" Mandy asks. "Worse he forgets the coaching change was last season. He just had his best year," Riley says. The QB has now stood up trying to describe some play he had drawn up. The results is home knocking some waiter over and a tray of drinks. Several people scramble over to help both up and clean. "Ouch," A waitress says cutting herself on the glass. "Oh that is is bad someone get a first aid kit," One of the guests says.
Mandy and Riley are close. The blood smells so good. Mandy looks over and Riley and see he is bearing his fangs. With everyone focused on what is going on it gives Mandy a chance to pull Riley to a nearby exit. Riley starts to move back to the other with no other option Mandy pushes him hard into a wall and than slaps him three times right in the face. "What?" Riley says confused. "Its alright. Flowing human blood can be a real temptation for a young vampire," Mandy explains. Riley remembers what happened now. "Would I have…" He can't finish. "Don't worry about it. You didn't," Mandy says. "I don't want hurt people…" He stops himself from saying anymore. "You didn't. And that is why I want to help you get stronger," Mandy says.
"What would you of done If I hadn't snapped out of it?" Riley asks. "Hypnotized you again. Even with this being a private event the danger of our kind being exposed would be to great," Mandy says. "You know when I came to this city I thought I'd be here a couple days find a way to pick up a few bucks than move on. Thought it be easy enough. Than I could get to a place I knew the lay of the land better. Now I feel like I never know the lay of the land again. Its like I woke up in some video game," Riley says. "I know this isn't the life you would have chosen. But I want to help you make it a life you enjoy," Mandy says. "Well this was a nice party until I nearly tried to eat everyone," Riley says. Mandy made note how often he went to humor to deflect.
Later Back at the Manson
Mandy was in Sonya's room as the two talked. She had told him about Riley's comments about his father. "Guess that might explain why had no ID. Maybe he is just using to drifting around never laying down roots," Sonya admits. "Also given his reaction when he came back to his senses he doesn't want to hurt anyone. I don't think we have to worry about him betraying us. He simple doesn't have the tolerance for violence unless he must defend himself like he did with the hunter," Mandy says.
Meanwhile in Riley's Room
Riley pulled off his shirt as he prepared to lay down for a few hours during the day. Look at his left shoulder he saw the old scar. It had bee a while since he had really looked at it. Because it always brought flood of memories back
Riley held his gun at the guy's head. "I'm begging for a second chance," the guy said. "Yeah well Ospreay you've had enough second chances," Riley says. Will Ospreay had been backed up to his deck in his home office. "I just need a little more time to pay the money back," Will claimed. "No dice," Riley says coldly. Suddenly Ospreay lunged forward and stabbed Riley with a letter opener. "OHHH!" Riley yells before he elbowed his targets in the head stunning him. One shot later the man was dead. "Mother fucker that hurt," Riley says. He was bleeding pretty good but it wasn't a mortal wound. On the floor Ospreay twitched but he was dead. Any movement was just the final reactions of his body as hit shut down. Pull out his phone he made a call. "Yeah it's taken care of… Send him in and I'll need one of lackeys to take me a doctor… Nothing to bad just a desperate move by a very desperate and stupid man."