Bridgeport, a few weeks after Alaric’s death
The city’s lights faded away in the rearview mirror of the expensive car.
Belisama Donovan sat behind the wheel, her grip on the steering wheel made her knuckles white. She had thought about ignoring this summons. Had actually contemplated just ignoring and doing what she wanted. But right on the heels of that thought was the possible consequences from ignoring the summons. Though she hated to admit it, those thoughts sent a shiver down her spine. And so, she found herself following a winding road out of the city.
It looked like nothing more than a small stone shack on the far outskirts of the city. But looks could be deceiving. Bridgeport was home to one of the world’s only super, super max security prison facility. It was the kind of place that was used to house supernaturals. The only place that could, aside from the Netherworld, anyway. Belisama looked disdainfully at the shack façade as she climbed out of her car. She walked through the double doors into the barren interior. In front of her was an elevator.
She rode it down and instinctively knew that they were several stories below the surface. The wards, both technological and magical, made her skin crawl. Hmph, she’s the one locked up like a rat in a cage and she has the nerve to summon me like a wayward child!
She went through the security station. There were no guards here. There didn’t need to be. Those wards were more than enough to keep the inmates in line. And if by some miracle, they managed to escape, the unseen guards would take care of them.
Another shudder ran over Belisama’s flesh, raising goosebumps along her arms. She sauntered through the double doors in front of her.
There was almost a sucking sound, as if the next little room was some sort of a vacuum. Then she was through the last set of double doors, a huge window looking through into a room on the other side.
The woman on the cot had been waiting for this visitor. She didn’t need to look to know it was her. Her energy was only too familiar. Elvira supposed it was better late than never, though the lack of obedience would need to be dealt with.
Belisama looked around, that unmistakable sneer on her face. “How the mighty have fallen,” she murmured, though not even she was brave enough to say it any louder. She watched out of the corner of her eye as Elvira levered herself off the dingy cot in the corner of the small cell.
Elvira wanted to wipe the smirk off the arrogant chit’s face, but that would have to wait. They had much to discuss first.
The elder vampire matriarch went and sat down in the small chair in the cell, steepling her hands in front of her as she rested her elbows on her knees. “I’m glad you could finally join me,” she murmured. She had no need to raise her voice. She would be heard. Belisama had gone right up to the glass, peering in.
That voice… it sent a chill down Belisama’s spine. Her mother in law had always been able to do that. The power seemed to roll off Elvira Slayer in waves. One could forget it for short periods, but never when they were in her presence. That thought of defiance, of refusing to sit, flew out of Belisama’s mind. She took the seat, even as Elvira stood up, her arms crossed over her chest.
“Good girl,” Elvira murmured. “Now, shall we get down to business?”
“That would be appreciated.” Belisama managed to inject enough disdain in there to make it clear what she thought of being summoned there, yet Elvira had to admire her pluck. At least for a short amount of time.
“Word has reached me that you plan on traveling to Monte Vista. Didn’t I make myself clear already? Any moves against the Wyverns are to be made only with my express permission.”
Belisama’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “I see your network is as strong as ever. There’s no point in lying. Yes, I plan on going there. I plan on ripping Luna Wyvern’s heart out of her chest while that traitor watches.”
Elvira sneered. “Do you even have any idea who you’re dealing with? The Wyverns are powerful. More powerful than you can imagine. And their home is surrounded by wards. Wards that will turn you to dust before you could attempt to step across the threshold.”
“You’d let them get away with they have!?” Belisama hissed, clenching her hands into fists. “They killed your son, my husband!” Fury and what might have been grief colored her pale cheeks.
“I’m well aware of what they’ve done.” Elvira’s voice was as cold as an Arctic wind and her eyes flashed dangerously. “They will pay, in due time. But touching them in their home territory is not only foolish but dangerous. I gave those orders for a reason. Don’t you think I would have already taken care of them by now if caution wasn’t needed?”
“I want her dead!” Belisama exploded. “She deserves to die for what she did! Alaric tried to protect her and it got him killed!”
She had begun to rise from her chair but then dropped back in shock as the lights all around her went out. Elvira hadn’t moved. But all the lights had simply died… Belisama knew fear then. Elvira could manipulate things in this place?
“Yes, she deserves to die,” Elvira continued, as if nothing untoward had occurred. “They all do for their interference. I have already begun to ensure that, but the fact remains that attacking them on their home turf is out of the question. Disobey me in this at your own peril, Belisama. My name, nor my power can protect you in Monte Vista.”
Belisama knew a dismissal when she heard it and she was only too happy to make a beeline for the door. She couldn’t help looking over her shoulder as if something monster was behind her. But even as she left Elvira’s presence, fury and something akin to shame assailed her. How dare that woman order her about like some dog. She had a right to avenge her husband’s death. So their home was warded. There were other ways to get to someone.
Elvira watched Belisama’s retreat with the same stony expression. Only once she could feel the girl leave the premises did she allow the malicious smile to cross her lips. The seeds had been planted. She knew Belisama better than the girl knew herself. Even terrified, the girl’s rebellious streak and need to prove that she was her own boss would send her running to Monte Vista. Elvira very much doubted Belisama would succeed in her mission, though even if the girl managed to do half of what she wanted, it would be worth it. And Elvira had no doubt that the Wyverns would rid her of the nuisance that Belisama had become. It was killing two birds with one stone, as far as she saw it. And if Belisama managed to kill Luna Wyvern? All the better.
Her eyes glowed red in the absence of light and the abyss seemed to look back.
Next thing he knew, his phone was ringing. He winced when he saw the caller ID. “Hey, Luna.”
I must have made a noise… or maybe he could just sense me. Whatever it was, he turned around. He smiled. “Hey, look. There’s your Mama, Ryu. Isn’t she gorgeous?” Our son cooed in answer. Roark laughed. “See? He knows the way to a girl’s heart already.”
I sniffled some more. “What’s this now?” he asked, putting me at arm’s length. “Baby, why are you crying?”
“I-I just got off the phone with Alduin. I knew he was ok, but… hearing his voice… I got weepy. I went to go cuddle Ryu and there you were with him. It just… made my heart melt.”
I couldn’t help laughing, though. “Snic, you’re snoring, there girl,” I murmured, raising my head to look at the dog that had decided our bed was the perfect place to sleep.
Snic gave a groan and picked her head up. Yawning, she stood up and padded out. I imagine she was going to go find Ares. Snic and Snac were fitting in just fine around here. I had my suspicions. They were getting along really well. Snic had taken quite the shine to Ares and Snac adored Apollo.
Roark kissed me gently. “I love you.”
“You look comfortable.”
Mom walked by. “If you two want some alone time, that’s perfectly fine with me. I’m going to go and spend a bit of time with my grandson.” She walked right into the nursery and shut the door. Roark and I laughed. Our son is quite the hit, as you can imagine.
His gram adores him. Gramps does, too. Soon as Dad gets home from the hospital, he makes a bee-line to the nursery to get a bit of time in with his grandson.
Of course, Pop and Nan dote on their first great-grandson something fierce, too.
Even his Aunt Cyn can’t resist him.
She was leery at first. “W-what if I drop him?” she asked fearfully. But Roark just laughed and he gently laid Ryu in her arms. Cyn looked down into his eyes and the wonder on her face was something to behold. “H-he’s so tiny,” she murmured. “And so cute.”
Just this evening, they unveiled something they’d been working on. My great-grandmother had had quite the garden once upon a time. Pop and Dad has spent the last few days digging through the snow, taking the plants and then replanting them in the greenhouse they had built. Now, Cyn can care for these plants at all hours and not have to worry about weather or more importantly, the sun.
She was ecstatic. We have a hard time getting her out of the garden, now.
But she’s very happy. Even ventured to get a part time job at the Science Center here in town. It took a little convincing. She’d loved the job in Bridgeport, but she was still getting used to Monte Vista. It’s a good sign though.
Boy, is this house going to be a full one before too long… And I can’t wait. Before too much longer, Alduin will be home for a while, and I’ll get to actually meet his girl. Life is good right now.
Pop nodded his agreement. “Yes, your mother decided she was going to come a wee bit early… on our prom night.” He grinned at Nan, a shared memory that made Nan chuckle.
I grimaced, then laughed. “Yeah, she and Dad both. They’re trying to hide it, but I can tell.” Just the other morning, Dad and I had been chatting after a quick snack. Well, I had had the snack. Dad, I think, just wanted to talk.
“Yes, Dad. I’m still taking them. If I don’t, Roark comes in, shaking the bottle and giving me that look of his…”
I made a little bit of a mess on the floor, so I cleaned that up.
And since I was there, might as well clean the toilet right?
Except… well, when Roark got home and found me bending over so precariously over the toilet, he had a few choice words for me. “What under the Plumbob are you doing?” he growled at me.
“You can’t be doing this!” he finally exploded. “Your doctor- who happens to be your father-, your mother, your grandmother and grandfather have all told you to take it easy. Is this taking it easy?”
I grinned at him. “I honestly didn’t think anything of it, babe. Really. It wasn’t like I was defying orders… I just didn’t think anything of it. I’d been meaning to fix the leak and the bathroom needed a good scrub down. So I just did it.”
The expression on his face as he spoke to the life that was growing within me, then when he looked up at my face had me swallowing back any comment as well as a few tears. I know he worries about me. Worries about our child. I also know I’m not the easiest person to deal with at times, either. So I have to give him a lot of credit. If I were him, I might have throttled me quite a while ago.
We added a desk for her at her request, so she has a place to put her laptop that she brought with her. And Mom and Dad even had an extra washer and dryer installed in the garage for her to use.
She’s been spending most of her time up there, on her own. She’s never had a place just to herself. Roark was a bit too leery of it because of being in Bridgeport. That place wasn’t easy on her. Since she’s been here, she’s only had a few episodes and most of them she’s been able to take care of herself.
Roark went up to visit with her. He says she seems quite content there.
Roark holds me as we fall asleep. Only three more days, and then it’s time for the C-section. I really shouldn’t be this worried. Dad’s told me everything is fine. I’m healthy and all the sonograms have assured us that the baby’s healthy too. I just… want to hold my baby. Patience has never been one of my virtues, if you couldn’t tell.
It was a pretty night, clear skies with a small crescent of a moon. I’d always loved the outdoors. And there was something about getting to share it like that with Roark that took my breath away. I giggled at something he’d whispered in my ear, when I froze.
A sob escaped my throat. Images flashed through my mind. I heard two gunshots, and saw my brother fall. There was darkness, then there was a strange red glow. The images stopped and I found myself in my husband’s arms as he carried me inside to our room. “Roark,” I whispered. “Al-alduin. Something happened to my brother!”
He whirled around, his eyes as wide as saucers. “Wait, what? NOW?!”
Leave it to my child to choose NOW to decide to make their appearance. After that first initial panic, Roark got it together. He called for my Dad and Mom who came running. They knew the gameplan. Mom already had my bag ready. Roark led me out the door, acting like a bit of a drill sergeant.
He helped me into his truck; it had 4-wheel drive and would be the only thing that would get us through all the snow still on the ground. As he drove, his knuckles white on the steering wheel, he kept shooting me glances.
“Breathe, baby, breathe. That’s it, in and out,” he coached, his voice soothing. I had tears running down my face. All I could think about was my brother. I knew the vision for what it was: I’d seen something happen to him. It wasn’t a vision of the future. It had actually happened. But even as I thought about that, the pain in my abdomen and other regions ripped another scream from my throat. I had to concentrate. I couldn’t do anything for Alduin right now. Oh Watcher… Alduin, you had better be alright…
The staff came with a wheelchair and wheeled me off to the room. The contractions were getting worse. The pain made me hazy. They got me into the room. I’ll spare you the details here. I have to say, Roark was a champ. I owe that man several apologies. It’s a good thing vampires are more resilient. I’m pretty sure I would have broken his hand otherwise. And I know I told him if he told me to breath one more time, I was going to beat him with the nearest blunt object. But we survived it. After close to six excruciating hours of solid pushing, our son, Ryu Alaric Wyvern, was born.
I wanted out of there as quickly as possible. I wanted to get home. Since Dad is Chief of Surgery at the hospital, there wasn’t a lot of arguing they could do. So Roark and I took our son home. We got back and I laid him in the crib. The same crib that I had slept in when my parents brought me home.
Once I had laid my son down, I went out of the nursery. Pop, Dad, and Roark were there.
“Has anyone heard from Alduin?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
The phone rang four times. My heart sank with each ring. Until I heard it pick up. I almost cheered until I heard a very tentative- and very female- voice answer, “Hello?”
Someone had shot my little brother… I was going to find out who. And there would be hell to pay.
Cyn went crazy. She ran and jumped on the bed, and ran around the little space. Roark just looked on, tears in his eyes. “T-thank you,” he murmured gruffly, his arm around my waist. He looked at my family. “Thank you, all of you. This-this-“ He let out a shuddering breath. “What you’ve done here… I can’t ever repay you but-“
“I just want you all to know that I am humbled by what I have been shown here by you all. So thank you.”
“You better watch it, or you’ll need to be looked after,” she growled. “Sit down, Draco.” Her eyes twinkled with mirth… and something else as she looked at Roark. She nodded. Even my mother gave him a nod.
With what I’d calling a steeling breath, he got down on one knee. My eyes must have been the size of saucers. He pulled a box out of his pocket and opened it. “Luna Eris Wyvern,” he murmured, “You are the light of my night, that which illuminates my life. I love you with all my heart. Please, you would make me the happiest man in the world if you’d agree to become my wife. I don’t want to go another day with regrets where you’re concerned, baby.” His voice cracked. “Luna, marry me.”
He slid the ring on my finger; I couldn’t speak. I had clapped a hand to my mouth to keep the squeak I knew was coming at bay. As I looked at that ring twinkling on my finger, I took my hand off my mouth and just looked at him. Even before, we’d never actually defined our relationship. We’d never actually been a couple. Things had just… tumbled into place after our first meeting. And then things had gone so very wrong. I’d betrayed Roark, plain and simple. And because of that, because I’d allowed my own pride interfere, we’d both been manipulated and someone had died. And yet… there he was, asking me to become his wife.
All of these whirled through my mind at warp speed, but I’d been silent for long enough that I could hear the uncertainty in his voice when he asked, “Luna? Baby?”
He held me tightly, though very conscious of my condition, I knew. As my family cheered around us, he put me at arms’ length. When he did, he said, “Luna, I hope you or your family doesn’t object, but… I’d like to take your name. I want to be a Wyvern. I-is that ok?”
“Now? I… I don’t mind, Luna, but… don’t you want your brother here?”
Pop seemed to know not to say anything. He just leaned down a bit and gave me a hug. There were no words needed.
After a few minutes, Roark went to me and grabbed my hand. “Your grandmother says we might as well go use the wedding arch in the backyard. I’m not going to argue with her. Are you sure you don’t want a coat, baby?”
Apparently, what my grandmother had been talking to Roark about was rings. She’d given him the set she and my grandfather had used almost 40 years ago. So, with my grandparents’ rings, Roark and I exchanged vows with our family looking on. As he slid the ring on, he murmured, “With this ring, I pledge my life to yours, to unite two lives, and two hearts. I vow that I will love you, and cherish you with my last breath.”
Tears slid down my cheeks when it was my turn. I slid the ring on his finger and gave my own vow, “With this ring, I pledge my life to yours, to never give up on you, to treat you as my partner, my friend, and above all, my heart of hearts. I vow that I will love you, and cherish you until the end of my days.”
“Kiss already!” Nan called out after a moment. It brought out a chuckle from the gathered family. Roark laughed and he pulled me close, his lips soft and tender against mine. I didn’t want soft and tender. My arms went around him and I gave him a real kiss.
When we finally came up for air, Roark took my hand and led me back inside. I didn’t even notice that my teeth were chattering.
“Sometimes there’s nothing we can do. Just give them time. It’s a beautiful night. Though… I’m cold now. Let’s go inside and get some cocoa, ok?”
“Hey little brother,” I whispered. “I uh… I have a lot of explaining to do, I know. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, Alduin. I-I can’t imagine how worried you’ve been.”
He chuckled. “Definitely your kid, sis. Ok, spill it. What’s wrong?”
If that isn’t bad enough, the other news she gave us was about Alduin. Apparently, she had helped him set up the device he’d rigged himself. He’d been concerned about his friend Calysta and had made an app that he’d installed on her phone. It notified not only himself, but the University police, and my Aunt Faye. She’d waited a day to tell us because she’d wanted to get as much information as she could. Alduin’s friend had been attacked. One of the fraternity boys had lured her to a party. But he’d been the only one there. This same guy is also being questioned in a rape/murder on their campus. I had a bad feeling about that one. I think I know why Alduin had been so afraid for his friend.
I’m trying so hard not to concentrate on all the negative. Maybe that’s why my child hasn’t made an appearance yet. Their afraid because their mother is always so upset. I’m really trying. Though it’s hard. I’m so uncomfortable. Dad says another three-four weeks and then the C-section. I hope it doesn’t come to that. But it’s all up to the little one, I guess. Hopefully, they’ll decide to make their appearance sooner rather than later.
“Back’s sore,” she confessed. “But otherwise ok. Just waiting for this little one to be ready.” She grinned ruefully. Her child was taking their sweet time in appearing. She had been due almost two weeks ago. Her dad had told her they’d wait another week. If she hadn’t gone into labor by then, they were going to take the child through cesarean section.
“I know,” she murmured. After a moment, he put her at arm’s length. “Why don’t I give you a backrub, then you can come back to this, ok?”
He must have starred at me, just starred at me for ten minutes. Finally, he shook his head, as if coming to. “Come in, please. Have a seat. Do you want anything? A drink? Anything?” I had taken a seat on the couch. I just shook my head, unable to speak past the lump in my throat. He sat next to me and silence reigned for quite a while.
Finally, I stood up, unable to take it anymore. I felt like a coward, among my many other sins. I couldn’t face him, but I knew I needed to get it out. “Roark,” I began in a rush, “I’m pregnant. I-I… I don’t know if you’re the father or not.”
Silence reigned for a long moment. I didn’t dare turn around. I was afraid what I would see on his face. He must have suspected something happened between Alaric and I. My nerves, already strung out to the breaking point, were perilously close to snapping. I wanted to sink onto the floor, curl into a ball and just sob. Just as I was about to give into the sensation, there was a hand on my shoulder, and I was spun around. The next thing I knew, Roark had wrapped his arms around and pulled me close.
“Luna,” he whispered in my ear. “Whether I’m the father or not, that child is mine. You are mine. We’ll get through this. I-I can’t tell you what it did to me to see you tonight. I-I thought I was dreaming. I love you, Luna. I’m so sorry, so sorry for everything. I want to work on things, want us to be together. Is that what you want, Luna?”
He put a hand gently under my chin, tilting my head up. “Luna, we both made mistakes. I should have told you from the beginning. I-I can’t imagine how betrayed you must have felt when you found out. I-I… And I should have told you why. I was scared. Once I realized who you were… once I connected the Wyvern name back to your grandfather… I should have told you. But I didn’t.”
I broke down again. What had I done to deserve this man? I couldn’t think of a single thing good, only several things that spoke to the opposite. Yet here he was… “Roark,” I murmured. He straightened and looked at me, tilting his head.
He woke me up a few hours later. “Our flight is booked. I’ve talked to Cyn. We leave in a week. Should be enough time for us to get our stuff packed.”
I didn’t expect anyone to be up. I’d told them we wouldn’t get in till late and not to wait up. I should have known better. As we walked in, I saw a familiar shape at the island in the kitchen. Of course my mother would wait up for us to get there.
“Mama,” I whispered walking in. She got up and went right to me. She put a gentle hand on my arm. There were tears in her eyes.
Mom turned back to me. “I managed to convince everyone to sleep tonight. But I imagine they’ll be awake early and they’ll all want to see you and to meet your young man. Go rest baby. You look very… drawn.”
We easily took her advice. Roark put his arm around my waist, helping to support me. I realized I’d been swaying on my feet. He walked me to my room down the hallway. It hadn’t changed in the three years that I’d been way. It was still the same. It was home. He tucked me into bed first, then slid in next to me. I curled up next to him. I was home. Roark was next to me. For the first time since everything happened, a tiny seed of hope had begun to bloom.
As exhausted as I was, I only managed a few hours of sleep. The baby had been moving around a lot and when they finally settled down, they had decided that settling on my bladder was the perfect position. I got up to go to the bathroom. I looked down at Roark who was still sleeping. Still a bit incredulous that he was here with me, I just watched him for a long moment. I didn’t want to disturb him, so I left, thinking I’d see what leftovers there were. In our house, there were always leftovers. As I approached the kitchen, I heard the soft murmur of voices.
As soon as they saw me, Dad got up to give me a hug.
Immediately after that, he had to lean down to press a hand to my swollen stomach. “And how are you feeling, baby girl? You look tired.”
“The next person to tell me that, I may have to smack,” I told them, a ghost of a smile tugging at my mouth. It was already good to be home, but there was still a part of me that felt… detached, even separate. Dad laughed, giving me another hug.
“Leave the girl alone,” Pop admonished. He grinned at me. “Welcome home, our little Eclipse. It’s good to have you back.” He pulled me into a close, but gentle hug.
“It’s good to be home, Pop. It really is. I-I’m sorry. I-“ Pop shook his head.
I could only nod, unable to speak past the lump in my throat. “Love you, Pop.”
“I want what’s best for you, Luna. For you and the baby.”
By the end of my second drink, I was feeling the effects. The room spun around me as I got up. I stumbled around and felt a pair of strong hands grab onto my waist. “Easy now,” Alaric whispered. “Easy, Luna. You ok?”
Tears stood in her eyes, though they didn’t fall, just swam there, making the evening light reflect oddly against her irises. “I’m so scared, little one,” she whispered. “So scared…” At that moment, she wanted her mother. She wanted her with a fierceness that shocked her to her core. After months of feeling as if she were trapped in a deep well of her own making, Luna finally knew what she had to do.
The last part said in such a scolding, no-nonsense way brought a giggle out. It surprised Luna. Yes. Yes, this is exactly what she needed. “Mom… I-I really messed up. I’m so sorry.”
“Hello Miss Wyvern.” The voice on the other end was masculine, and there was definitely an air about him. “I find myself in need of certain services. The kind of services that I hear you excel at. Would you be interested in meeting with me tomorrow night?” He rattled off the address. “You can find me in the penthouse suite.”
I’d been in the city almost two years now, so this kinda thing really shouldn’t take me by such surprise, but I was pretty impressed. I was intrigued by my new client especially since he had told me he had the penthouse suite. In a building like this, you had to not only be wealthy, but have some major pull. I rode the elevator up; even that was luxurious with a dark purple velvet over the walls. Wondering if I shouldn’t have dressed a bit more… professionally, or at least provocatively, I stepped off the elevator and entered into a small foyer that opened up into what I assumed was his office.
The décor was certainly eclectic… and surprising. As was the man behind the desk.
He was definitely something else. The nonchalant, even flippant way he sat there, leaning back, his feet on the desk spoke of power. As I got closer, I realized he was a vampire.
As I approached the desk, he leaned forward, a smile on his face as he extended his hand in welcome. “You’re prompt, Miss Wyvern. Very prompt. I trust you didn’t have a problem finding your way here?”
I chuckled as I took his hand. Before he could try to kiss my knuckles, I took my hand away. “Yes, it wasn’t a problem. Now, shall we get down to business, Mr. -?”
“Yes, I like knowing why I’ve been… summoned,” I answered tartly. His charm was oozing from him, but a lot of the time I found that to be more cloying for some reason. Still, I was intrigued by him. There was a sense of… familiarity about him.
“Should have known what?” I asked him, tilting my head to the side, growing a little tired of the game.
“Why, I should have known only a woman of your beauty and… skills would have attracted my brother.”
I don’t remember stumbling out of his office. I don’t even really remember leaving at all. Nor do I remember how I ended up across town, over the bridge almost to the mountains. But the next thing I knew, I was standing in front of Roark’s house. My chest was so tight. I didn’t know that I had been crying until that moment. I scrubbed my tears away and that’s when the rage hit. It boiled over me, wiping away the hurt, the confusion until anger was all that was left. I saw him through the window and that rage went cold.
“No, let me rephrase that… to lie to me, you actually have to say something, I guess, unless you count a lie by omission.” He just stared at me, as if struck dumb. “How could you not tell me who you were!?” I finally shouted. “How could you not tell me who you were? How could you not tell me that [i]she’s[/i] your mother!” I wanted to know. I wanted to know why he hadn’t told me. Now I knew why he hadn’t wanted to go meet my family. It was too much for him.
He didn’t seem to hear me. He just turned away, his face utterly devoid of emotion. “Stay away from Alaric.” His voice was low and controlled. “He’s dangerous.”
That imperious tone… the rage flared back with a vengeance. “Excuuuuuse me?” I hissed. “Stay away from him? ‘He’s dangerous’? At least he told me the truth! Which is more than I can say for you!”
I whirled around, intending to leave. My heart hammered in my chest when I heard no movement. He wasn’t going to stop me…
I think my heart broke then. A sob escaped and I raced out of the door, tears streaming down my face. As if sensing the heartache, the skies chose that moment to open up above me.
I’m not sure how long I cried; it was a long time, that’s all I know. I was all cried out by that point. I had nothing left in me. I was feeling numb. I slowly rolled over, just lying there, staring up at the ceiling.
I tried sliding under the covers, still fully clothed to get some sleep. But no sooner than I’d close my eyes did they snap open again. I still didn’t have any tears left, but I sure felt like I could use some. It would have been better than this horrid numbness.
Finally, knowing sleep was useless, I got up and went to the couch, intending to find something to watch on TV. But as I just sat there, staring at the blank screen, I knew that wouldn’t work either.
I languished on the couch for quite a while before getting up to go stare out of the window. As I did, my phone rang. I looked at the caller ID and recognized the number as the one Alaric had called me from before. I thought about just letting it go to voicemail, ignoring it all together. I didn’t want his money. I…
I stopped, my head going up. Stay away from him, hm? Why should I? He only told me the truth. In what I’d now call a fit of spite, I answered the phone. “Alaric. Yes, I’m alright. I apologize for leaving the way I did. Why, yes, I’d love to join you for a drink.” I checked my watch. “In an hour ok? Great, I’ll see you there.”
“Hey babe,” he asked after a bit. I could hear a slight hesitation in his voice as if he had to really think about what he was going to say next.
He smiled, though it looked forced. “Just kinda hard to live here and not know the name of Wyvern. Just curious. He’s a hero here, after all.”
“Roark, why bother with the juice?” I asked quietly, looking at him. “I’m right here.”
“I promise that I’ll be gentle. You might feel a little prick when I bite, but my saliva will deaden it immediately, ok?” he murmured as he leaned forward. I stood there, waiting. I was actually curious about the sensation. I’d heard that vampire feeding could feel quite good, depending. He was right; there was a little prick, almost like a pinch, but it was over and done so quick, might not as well have felt it at all. The sensation of him feeding was like nothing I’d ever felt before. There was this kind of calm with a hint of euphoria mixed in with it. At that moment, I’d have done anything he wanted to do.
I’m not actually sure how long he fed. I didn’t move at all during it, though I honestly don’t know if I could even had I wanted to. As soon as he stopped though, I staggered. I might have fallen had he not been there to catch me. “You ok?” he asked, his expression full of concern.
“Sure!” Cyn had already jumped up. I couldn’t help but grin as I went to stand up. But the grin soon turned to a look of fear as Cyn let out a blood curdling shriek. I wasn’t sure what to do; I’m ashamed to say I froze a little.
I heard the door slam open and Roark came running in. He approached his sister who was letting out little whimpers and shrieks. He looked at me even as he began to talk to his sister. “Hey Cyn, Cyn. It’s ok, sis. You’re alright. It’s just Luna and I here, ok? You know what to do. It’s ok.” I held my breath. I hadn’t seen one of her episodes yet. It was terrifying and heartbreaking. But the gentle way Roark handled Cyn… if I wasn’t in love with him before, I surely was now.
And just as if nothing had happened, Cyn was back. She smiled at both of us. “Can I show Luna the racing game, Roark?”
She was so excited to show me her game, a game I used to play with Pop all the time that I just had to grin as I sat there.
After her first race, she looked at me. “Wanna race, Luna?”
Roark came out to join us after his shower and you could hear all of us yelling and giggling. I can’t wait for my family to meet them, they’ll fit in so well.
Well, not wrong, I guess… I don’t know. I need to back up. Tell it from the beginning. Roark had been watching a bit of the game on TV the other night when I’d ask him if we could talk about something. He stood up and nodded. “Sure, babe. What’s up?”
“So, my little brother will be turning 18 in a couple weeks. I told my family I’d be there for it. I want you and Cyn to come with me.”
“What do you mean? Did your leave end already? Did you get called up again?”
It’s the same look my parents get when they look at each other, or Nan and Pop. I-I probably just came on too strong. That’s a big step, after all, meeting your girl’s family. Then again, I don’t know much about his family, other than Cyn.
“I don’t know… just upset that Luna isn’t coming after all. She was so excited just a couple weeks ago. Wish she would tell us what’s wrong.”
Alduin stepped up to the cake, closed his eyes and breathed a quick little plea that Luna was ok before blowing out his candles.
The sparkles surrounded him and Alduin became a young adult.
He was able to graduate with some of his old classmates… and chose some odd attire to do so. In fact, it was a SimTrek uniform that his grandparents had gotten him for his birthday. His mother and father looked at him askance, but then they just shrugged. Alduin liked to make a statement at times.
“C’mon guys, get together, I want a picture!” Aurora called out to her family as they came out of City Hall.
Having already completed all the paperwork, registering for classes, choosing his housing, Alduin was ready to go to University. Early the next morning, before the sun was even up, the small moving van sat outside, idling at the curb. Amidst his family… he frowned, wishing that Luna had been able to come. But he sighed and took his small suitcase out to the van, his family waving and calling goodbye.
Then he was off to University. As soon as the van pulled away, he looked at the driver. He didn’t know his name only that he worked for the Agency as well. “So, what’s this big assignment I’m supposed to be on while I’m at Uni?”
I must have looked like an idiot, just standing there in the middle of the path. But he stopped and smiled at me. “Hi there. You ok?”
He took my hand and shook it. “Roark, Roark Donovan.”
He looked down and grinned ruefully. “Yeah… might be a good idea.” He grinned. Man, that smile… I’d never really quite believed it when someone talked about going weak in the knees, but boy, his smile sure did that. “There’s a coffee house down the street a ways. Feel like grabbing a cup of coffee?”
I don’t actually know how long we talked in there. We talked a lot about the city, about what we did. He thought it interesting that I was a PI. He, apparently, is a military man. The Air Force, in fact. He’s a Squad Leader, on leave for an extended period of time. Our coffee cups were long since drained, but we stayed there till the sun was actually beginning to set. Finally, he sighed and stood up. I followed and we went out the door. “I should get home. My sister will wonder where I am before too long.”
He laughed a little. “She’s my sister.” It was said so simply and with such love, I had to swallow before I could speak again.
When I need help, Dad’s been giving me a hand.
By the way, thanks for the laptop. I love it. It even handles the modded games I’ve installed on it. Because of all my free time with homeschooling, I decided to get a part time job. I know, I know, I can see your jaw dropping to the floor already. Sorry to disappoint, but I got one at the mausoleum. Perfect for me, right? At least I’m with people… even if they are dead. Then again, for me, that still makes them very much “alive”.
Speaking of that… Guess who paid me a visit again? I haven’t seen her in a long time. But today, she came walking in and sat down next to me.
She kept talking about going to University. Isn’t it bad enough that you badger me? Now I have our dead great-grandmother doing it too… Yeesh. I’m going, just so you know. Gonna try it out. Plus, there’s that recruiter that keeps calling me. We’ll see how it goes.
Anyway, think that’s about all. Hope everything’s going well for you. Miss ya, sis. Love you.
Something wasn’t quite right there, he knew. Though Luna still called faithfully and sent an email every now and again, he had the feeling that she was hiding something. When he talked to her, she seemed happy and perfectly content, but he also knew her well enough to know when there was something else on her mind. He was half tempted to do a bit of hacking and find out. But the violation of privacy stopped him. Certainly nothing was wrong, so he’d let it go. Luna’d tell him eventually, he was sure. He did miss her. It had been ages since he’d seen her. There had been that one little mini trip almost two years ago, right after his birthday. But she’d only been able to fly in for the weekend and hadn’t been able to stay long.
“Have you thought about our offer, Mr. Wyvern?”
“Hey, Luna. How would you like to go to the Aquarius tonight? We can have a drink, maybe a little bit of dancing?”
Grinning, he finally said, “Shall we go?”
I was drowning. Drowning in sensation. Was this what happened between my parents? And between my grandparents? Did they experience almost a loss of self when they held each other in their arms? These questions and more ran through my head so fast, it was like warp speed. After a moment, we parted and Roark gently sat a hand on either side of my face.
“I don’t know what this is, Luna,” he murmured. “But I want to find out. And-and I haven’t had that urge in a long time. I want to tell you now, that I haven’t felt this way about a person in many years. I… There was someone else once, but I lost her. Cancer. It’s an old wound, one I haven’t really looked to open again. But I’m drawn to you, Luna. I want to see where this goes.”
But we talked on the phone almost every night. I was talking to him more than my own family… and the guilt of that is pretty high. I need to tell them, but I think I might be a little afraid to. Well, maybe not afraid per se, but… hesitant? I can’t really say why, honestly. Maybe I’m enjoying being on my own. I’ve never really kept any secrets from my family before. Maybe it makes things more exciting, I don’t know. Maybe I just want to keep him to myself for a while longer. Is that wrong? I’ll tell them soon. I want to find out where this is going first, I think.
“Roark… my apartment is flooded.”
Wondering what she was doing in the rain, I shrugged and went inside. She seemed normal enough, though being out in the rain was a bit odd. As soon as I got in, there he was. “Hi.”
He pulled me close and there we were, kissing again.
I think I might stay here longer. We’ll see what unfolds.
There’s a- vibrancy about the place, something that Monte Vista just can’t quite compete with. Oh don’t get me wrong, Italy has a beauty all its own. But it’s different than Bridgeport. Back home is more sedate, a steady pace. Bridgeport thrums with energy. It’s pretty dazzling. I’m loving it! I’ve spent a lot of time just exploring the city, truth be told. Night time is my favorite.
I haven’t been completely idle, though. I went to city hall to finalize the paperwork for the PI license.
I am officially a Private Investigator! Of course… a fledging PI needs clients. Unfortunately, I haven’t really heard much in that regard. The guys I talked to at the police station said they’d put a good word out for the granddaughter of Draco Wyvern. Pop’s a hero to them for bringing down Elvira Slayer. And his status certainly wasn’t hurt by being wounded in the line of duty… I have to block that part out. I still remember that night, the night I saw it all. I was only four, but it’s stuck with me, every vivid detail. But it does help a little to see the impact he’s had. Pop’s affected quite a lot of lives.
Then it was back to the apartment. Think tomorrow I’ll have to head to the police station again. They also said that even if they have no cases, I can do some of the more mundane tasks like checking hot sheets and outstanding warrants. Maybe while I’m there, a case will show itself. Who knows?
It’s not very big, but I don’t really need all that much space anyway. Oh, guess what! I’m even learning how to cook!
It’s… a work in progress, though I have to say, my waffles aren’t too bad at all. They sure aren’t Nan’s waffles, but they do. How is everyone? I’m really sorry I couldn’t get a flight out to help celebrate Alduin’s birthday. I was really upset about that. When I talked to him, though, he said it was fine. Still. I feel bad. Did he get his present alright?
I still go to the station every now and again too, to help out with some low-level stuff they don’t mind civilians handling.
One of the guys snapped that picture on his phone while he was whistling at me. They like to hassle me a bit, though it’s all in good fun. They keep asking after Pop and wonder what he’s up to. I told them he’s enjoying retirement. They’re glad to hear it.
Here’s a view from the street.
Just love the architecture here. The mixing of old and new. Ok, I’ll stop gushing now. Sorry! Looking forward to your next email and to your next call.
He really loved the gift you gave him. Can barely get him off of it.
If he’s not on the laptop, he’s out in the garage, messing around at the old workbench. I don’t ask anymore… though I did manage to snap a few pictures of him one day.
Watching him use the blowtorch is a bit worrisome… but he hasn’t had too many mishaps yet. Just a smashed thumb when he wasn’t paying attention where he was hitting with his hammer. I haven’t figured out what he’s making out there yet. He’ll show us when he’s ready.
And then heading back home, I took this.
As I sit here on my couch in my little apartment, watching TV, I can’t help but be content.
I miss my family, it’s true. Sometimes it feels a little like a dream at times. I expect to wake up and head downstairs, see Nan in the kitchen, Alduin on the couch playing video games. Instead, it’s just me here. And while that’s great, sometimes, I get a little homesick. I need to try to get home for a visit soon, I think. I’ll have to look into that. Finish what cases I have now and book a flight.
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