The Watcher, page 24
part #1 of Fleur de Lis Series
“After four weeks had passed, his father invited a couple that were neighbors for dinner. She became ravenous when the neighbor's wife got a splinter from the wooden dining table. Helaine smelled a tiny drop of blood and attacked the couple, ripping them to pieces. Durand's father held a sword near Helaine's head, fearing for his life. He was ready to kill her, but he put the sword down after she spoke to him with radiant golden eyes. She then approached Durand, who was hiding in a corner, trembling. She told him not to be afraid, and his fear left him. Surprisingly, she had the gift of hypnotism and knew to survive, she needed human blood. The blood of animals was not sufficient and the couple's blood had satisfied her, making her feel normal.”
“What happened afterward? Did they stay there?”
“They did not. She realized that she did not have to kill people after that night, but that she could hypnotize them long enough to feed on them, but she felt terrible for what she had done to her friends and wanted to leave. She knew the couple from childhood. Raphael moved his family to his brother's village. It took a day of travel to get there, and Helaine kept hidden in the horse carriage, out of the sun, until they arrived. As the years went by she noticed all the different powers she had. All her senses were heightened—like Zachary. She could read minds and pick up memories from others and transfer them to others. She was a superior being—all because of an infected bat, but she felt alone, separated from the human race. She sought out answers and people she ought to have stayed away from.
“Like who?”
“A powerful witch named—Emeline. Helaine found her living secluded in the woods near the South of France. The witch knew she was coming. She had seen Helaine in her dreams and thought she was a demon. Helaine tried to hypnotize her, but she didn't know how powerful the witch was. The evil spirits or demons that lived inside the witch protected her. None of Helaine's abilities worked on her. She paid the witch with silver coins and asked her questions, 'Am I the only one of my kind? Is there a cure?’
“The witch grabbed a black crow from a birdcage and held it down on a wooden table. She spoke in a different language and cut the crow's head off with a sharp knife. She let the blood of the crow drip into a bowl. Then she sliced her hand opened and mixed her blood in. She asked the spirits the same questions and they spoke to her, making her demonic eyes turn white.
“The witch responded in a male voice, 'you don't have to be alone—all you have to do—is feed an amount of your blood to a human, and the person will turn.'
“Helaine left Emeline's home content that her questions were answered. She was frightened by what she had seen, but confided in the witch, that she would not tell a soul about her. The witch agreed but did not keep her promise.”
“Who did she tell?”
“Helaine was successful in turning Raphael. She knew exactly when to stop feeding him her blood. She then turned Durand. He was twenty years old. After two years past, the witch attacked them in their sleep, during sunrise. She had hired many trackers and hunters to assist her. They killed all the people in the village and burned it down. Helaine hypnotized Durand's uncle, Philip, to take her son and flee. She fought bravely with her husband by her side, but there were too many swords, and her husband was beheaded. Helaine was captured—a dagger through her heart. The witch thought she could take her blood. She drained her and left her in the sun to die.”
“What did the witch look like?”
“A hideous creature, with black hair and demonic black eyes. She was possessed and would speak to spirits aloud, while her body went into convulsions. I rather not send you a vision of her. She is not a pretty site and you might get nightmares.”
“I won't have nightmares. I have seen my share of monsters.”
I saw a vision of Emeline, wailing and shaking her body in the village. She was determined to kill everyone and had pleasure in her demonic eyes. I had never seen anything so evil. Her hair was wild, her teeth were rotten, and her skin was filthy and infected with some type of disease. Many men surrounded her, holding swords and torches. The rest of the men were slaughtering the village. Then I saw Philip. He looked like Raphael with blonde hair. He grabbed Durand and pulled him away from the battle. The vision faded.
“You were right she was hideous,” I said.
“It took a couple of months, but Durand and his uncle tracked the witch. Over a hundred graves surrounded her home. The bodies of all the men that had fought for her. Durand found her with jars of his mother's blood in her house. Emeline wanted to be immortal. She had been experimenting, trying to turn the men, but was unsuccessful. She begged for her life as Durand tortured her. That's when he noticed his abilities worked on her when she was weak and bleeding. He saw her memories, his mother and father's death. He drained the witch dry and tore her limbs off. Afterward, his uncle burned the house.”
“That's horrible, he was left alone,” I said.
“Durand lived in seclusion with his uncle for many years, until Philip died—of old age. He never wanted to be turned. He wanted to join his family in the after-life. Loneliness took over Durand and he gave in. He turned his first vampire—Aaron Everard.
“And that's how it all began,” I muttered.
“King Durand had a hunger for life, a passion for education, a love for culture and art, and he was wise with his money. He traveled as far as he could go, meeting new people, buying property and befriending people of royalty and power.”
“Did Aaron go with him?”
“Yes, he did. They were like brothers. Aaron became his Guardian, and Durand spent a lot of years traveling all of Europe, turning those he could confide in—those with hearts he desired—like Cecile Belmont and many others. He swore that what happened to his parents will never happen again. He turned warriors, creating Guardians. He was also especially interested in me. He admired my faith in God. I always tried to convert him, but he was stubborn. He called me, Father Salazar.” he said, with a smirk.
I chuckled under my breath. “You do look like a priest,” I said, staring at his cloak.
Salazar laughed, “It's unintentional.”
“When did Durand go to Iceland?” I asked.
“In the 10th century, Norwegian Vikings were given overlordship of areas in northern France. Durand became fascinated by the Vikings. He learned to speak their language and was interested in their warriors. He ventured into the Norwegian Sea with them, and that's where he met Varg Jonasson.”
“And Aaron followed?”
“Yes, but Elder Jonasson did not get along with Aaron since he was mostly interested in seducing all the beautiful blonde women from his village.
“You knew Aaron well?”
“I did. I liked him. He was loquacious and extremely protective of Durand. Never in all my years—did I ever think he would have killed him.”
“What I don't understand is how Durand could not see that Aaron and Margaret were having an affair?”
“As vampires get older, they learn to quiet their thoughts, especially near an Elder. At that time, it was impossible for Durand to read Aaron's mind unless he tortured him, and it was difficult to read Margaret's mind. After the night she was turned, no vampire's ability worked on her unless she allowed it.”
“Unlike me—my thoughts scream out at you,” I said and smiled.
“I don't mind your thoughts. You are genuine—a unique specimen,” he said, smiling. “What makes us vampire is a virus. It changes our organs, our senses, and gives some of us abilities—that I can't explain, but I know this—you are one of us.”
“But I am different,” I said grimly.
“You have the best of both worlds. You heal quicker than a human—a cold lasts a day—your broken bones heal in a week. You can live this life without the hunger for blood, and you can enjoy the sunlight. I don't think you and your brother realize it, but both of you age slower than a human. Your body slowed down at the age of eighteen. You have not aged since, Skye.”
“Are you serious?” I asked in shock, looking at my hands.
“How many wish they could be just like you. Never be ashamed of who you are. Just don't give up on God. He hasn't given up on you, and he can help you through this journey, as he has helped me in all of mine”
“I won't—give up,” I said. Salazar's faith was inspiring, and it has kept him going throughout these years. Maybe if I had more faith, I wouldn't worry so much, and my nightmares would end.
Salazar stood up. “Zachary is with your brother, and he is looking for us. Let's meet them downstairs.”
“Of course,” I said, following him toward the marble stairway.
We entered a library, surrounded by old books and seating that resembled Moroccan benches and sofas. Zachary was pacing back and forth talking on his cell phone. He had on black Guardian gear. Christian was holding a small silver dagger. He was dressed casually, wearing navy sweat pants, a tee-shirt, and blue retro sneakers. He had been reading a book and drinking some awful green drink from a wine glass.
“How long has he been missing?” Salazar asked.
Zachary ended the call. “We haven't heard from Paul in ten hours. John is in the dome room, searching for him. He sent Ludivico and Antonio to find him—hours ago. They should be arriving soon to the cabin at Norway. I brought Christian a dagger that Paul left in his room, so he can watch him,” Zachary said.
“He's sleeping, or he's knocked out,” Christian said, rubbing the handle of the dagger.
“He was heading to the cabin in Lillehammer when you last spoke to him?” Salazar asked.
“Yes, but I don't think Aaron has him,” Zachary said.
“Why is that?” I asked.
“Christian has been watching Aaron, and he has not spoken to Rachael since she was at the airport,” Zachary said.
Zachary's phone started to buzz. “It's Paul!” He turned the speakerphone on. “Are you okay?”
“She shot me,” Paul grunted softly. “In the chest with a shotgun.”
“How did you allow her to shoot you?” Zachary asked.
“I broke into the cabin from the back door. She was hiding in the closet—with the shotgun. It all happened too quickly.”
“Where are you?” Zachary asked.
“I woke up a half ago, and I managed to crawl my way to the kitchen. I grabbed a blood bag.”
“Where is she?” Zachary asked.
“She's not here. She ran past me and I heard her take my truck before I passed out.”
“At least she didn't kill him,” I said.
“I am sorry Zachary,” Paul said.
“Stay put, Ludivico is coming to get you,” Zachary said.
“Did they get Clara?” Paul asked.
“Yes, it was successful,” Zachary said.
“Any casualties?” Paul asked.
“Alexander Rios,” Zachary said.
“No... not Alexander,” Paul said with sorrow. “How's Salazar?”
Salazar gently grabbed the phone from Zachary's hand. “I am fine, Paul. I need you to stay sharp. Do you have your shotgun with you?” Salazar asked.
“I do.”
“Ludivico is coming for you, stay conscious,” Salazar said.
“I will.”
“Keep the phone next to you, and call us if anything changes,” Salazar said.
“I will see you soon,” Paul said and ended the call.
Salazar started texting, then he called John, explaining everything to him.
“Cecile is mailing Christian a ring that belongs to Rachael. It should be arriving tonight.” Zachary said.
“Rachael knows of my ability. She will probably take all precautions to prevent me from watching her,” Christian said.
“What kind of life would that be...looking down all the time. Never making eye contact,” Zachary said.
“She can wear extremely dark sunglasses, making it difficult for my brother to see,” I said.
“She has dug a huge hole for herself and will be lying in it soon,” Christian said.
“Let's have faith...we will find her,” Salazar said, handing Zachary his phone.
Vivian walked in with a small package. “This is for you Christian. It's from Iceland,” she said.
Christian ripped the box opened. He pulled out an oval silver ring with a hummingbird on it. He quickly rubbed it and chuckled. “She is wearing black sunglasses, and has a walking stick,” he said.
“Your ex-girlfriend is smart,” I said.
Zachary tightened his jaw.
“When she spoke to Aaron at the airport, she never mentioned my sister and me, but we need to find her before she changes her mind,” Christian said.
“Can you see anything?” Zachary asked.
“Barely, she's having difficulty seeing herself. I see shadows of people moving past her. She's walking on a busy street,” Christian said.
“Another vamp to add to your collection of stalking,” Vivian said and smiled at Christian.
“I don't mind. The more, the merrier. I just want to end this war,” Christian said.
“And you will,” Salazar said. “Let's assist John in the dome room. We need to make sure no harm comes to Paul.”
“What happened to Paul?” Vivian asked as we walked out of the library.
“Rachael shot him in the chest with a shotgun. He gained consciousness and called Zachary. Ludivico is on his way to pick him up,” I said.
“How the hell—did he allow her to shoot him in the chest?” Vivian asked.
“That's exactly what I asked him,” Zachary said.
“He's losing his touch,” Vivian said.
“More like his speed. She was hiding in a closet” Zachary said with disappointment.
The dome room had twenty Guardians working behind the monitors. John was happy to see us. He was drinking a glass of blood.
“Ludivico is in a jeep with Antonio. They're getting close,” John said, fixing his headphone around his ears.
The dome screen showed the hidden cabin in Lillehammer. It was on a mountain, surrounded by many trees, and a tall wooden fence. The exterior was made of thick logs, and it was covered in Patchouli herbs. It had two floors with balconies, and a Jacuzzi was in the back with wooden patio furniture.
“Nice place,” I said.
“You would love my cabin in Iceland,” Zachary said, gazing at me.
“Oh really, why is that?” I asked.
“It's ten miles from Cecile's mansion, and it's hidden on a mountain, surrounded by nature's beauty. The sunsets are spectacular, and it feels like you can reach with your hands and touch the sky,” Zachary said.
“Sounds lovely,” I said.
“We can go for a weekend—to clear our minds.”
“I would like that,” I said. “Without my brother.”
“Just you and I,” he said, kissing my forehead.
“There's Ludivico,” Christian said.
Ludivico was driving a black wrangler. The top was opened, and Antonio was standing aiming a rifle at any possible target.
“He's inside,” John said into his microphone.
The wooden fence was opened. Ludivico stopped short and exited the jeep quickly, holding his sword. He was dressed in forest green Guardian gear and so was Antonio. Ludivico kicked the front door down, and Antonio entered through the back.
“They have him,” John said.
Antonio and Ludivico carried Paul out of the cabin. He was a bloody disaster and could barely move.
“Well, that was easy,” Christian said.
“He was lucky,” Vivian said. “Rachael's a chicken shit. She doesn't have the balls to kill someone herself. She rather has Aaron do it.”
“I don't care...if I ever see her, she's dead,” I said.
“I think you and I are going to be best friends,” Vivian said.
I smiled broadly. “I would like that.”
“Oh, I forgot to tell you, I received a package for you,” Vivian said.
“What is it?
“It's the jacket you admired that I wore for the central hall dinner. I got it for you in dark red. I hope you like it,” Vivian said.
“I am sure I would love it. Can I try it on?” I asked.
“Sure, it's in my bedroom. Let's go. The Guardians will survive without us for a little while,” Vivian said and glanced at Zachary.
“Go ahead. Enjoy yourselves,” Zachary said.
Vivian's room was on the other side of the mansion. Her bedroom door was made of silver. It had a carved cherry blossom tree on it. She opened it with a thumb scanner. I walked in slowly admiring the pink room. It was a Gothic room with hot pink walls and silver moldings. A silky pink blanket with silver stitching was on her canopy bed with many bright pink pillows.
“Yeah, I like pink,” she said. She was also wearing hot pink tights with a black mandarin collar shirt and high black boots. She never went anywhere without her metal whip and pointy dagger.
“Is that a stripper pole?” I asked, noticing a long metal pole to my right.
“I guess it can be used for that,” she said, walking toward the pole.
She pressed a button on it, and different size metal sticks popped out of it. “I use it to practice martial arts.” She hit a metal stick, and the pole spun, moving the sticks up and down with rapid speed. Vivian kicked, and karate chopped all the metal sticks back into their holes in a matter of seconds.
“Great reflexes!”
“Thanks, the red box on the bed is yours,” she said.
I walked to the bed and pulled the pink ribbon off the red box. I opened it and moved the tissue paper. The jacket was made of the soft red silk and velvet.
“The buttons are made of real gold, and you can undo the collar and button the sides, making it a tuxedo jacket,” Vivian said.
I pulled the jacket out of the box. It had a mid-size tail with gold embroidered designs around the edges, and a stand-up collar with gold buttons. It was shaped just like the one she wore for dinner at the central hall.
