Blood Empire Reborn, page 25
“We’ll keep an eye out. Let’s go quiet unless something comes up. See you back at base,” Luke replied.
“Good luck.”
“You too,” Luke said.
CHAPTER
TWENTY-TWO
Luke and Pablo traveled for about an hour from the battlefield at Waterloo and the Butte du Lion, taking random turns while working their way vaguely south and east. Luke had checked in a couple times with Delilah to ensure they were still free and moving. They’d only seen police lights and heard their sirens a couple times and those not far from Waterloo.
“Hey, Buddy,” Pablo said, breaking the silence.
“Yeah, Pablo?”
“Mind if I turn the heat on? It’s a little chilly in here for some reason.”
Luke ran his eyes over his naked friend in the driver’s seat and chuckled. “I can’t think of a reason why…”
Pablo stuck out his right hand and extended his middle finger at Luke, then used it to turn on the heat. Luke laughed, letting a little of the evening’s tension siphon out of his shoulders. He couldn’t wait to get back to his house and take a shower. His hoodie stank with the muck of vampire remains and dirt, and his face and the back of his hands itched from the corn, despite all his precautions. Tired of the silence, he turned on some music—Aldous Harding’s sweet and haunting voice filled the cabin with “Titus Groan.”
He didn’t know how Pablo felt after running through the field as a wolf. Did the dirt and grime and corn dust translate through to his human skin? Or did the magic of the werewolf slough off the dirt at the transition? Pablo yawned. He’d ask about it some other time, if he remembered, when Pablo was less tired and less occupied.
As Luke stared over the dark road, one image filled his thoughts—Jan staring his father in the eyes as he lowered the gun and pulled the trigger, shooting his father through the heart before finishing him with a bullet to the brain. Luke didn’t know werewolf healing mechanics well, but putting a bullet through his father’s heart and brain was enough to end the illustrious life of the great artist Pieter Bruegel the Elder. Betrayed by his own son at the behest of a vampire.
Checking around them, Luke saw no other cars anywhere as they drove down the narrow windy road. “Let’s make for the house, Pablo. I think we’ve thrown our pursuit, if there was any.”
“Aye, aye, captain. Mind punching the directions into the GPS?” Pablo adjusted the aim of one of the vents, wanting as much heat as possible.
Luke input in the nearest crossroads and picked the fastest route from their current location. The GPS said they only had about thirty minutes until their destination’s end. A sigh on his lips, Luke let his head rest against the inside of the window as he stared off into the darkness, the death of his friend replaying on repeat through his mind.
As they descended the ramp leading down to the river and Luke’s manor, Luke brought his eyes into focus to make sure his friends had made it back safely with their stolen car. Someone must have been keeping watch for them, stepping out of the house to wait by the parking area. He recognized the short, chubby form of Sam. As soon as they parked, Sam walked around to Pablo and handed him his track suit along with a pair of slip-on sandals.
“Thanks, Sam. It’s a little chilly without clothes or fur.” He pulled Sam in with one arm and kissed her forehead.
After Pablo released Sam, Luke pulled her in for a hug of his own. “How’s Pieter?”
“It’s hard to tell. He hasn’t said a word since he shifted back to his human form. We’ve had to basically tell him to move and guide him along. It’s like his brain shut off. Maggie says he’s got a pretty bad concussion, but it should mend up quickly enough.” She ran her eyes up and down Luke. “Is that your blood?”
“No. Vampire remains. One got a little closer than I was comfortable with in the cornfields,” Luke replied.
Together, they headed up the steps into the entry hall of the cottage. Down at the other end of the hall, Pieter stood in the doorway, Maggie just behind him.
“Looks like Pieter’s up and about,” Pablo said.
Once Pieter’s eyes focused on Luke, he stormed down the hall, his steps still wobbly and unsure.
“Hey Pieter, it’s good—”
Pieter’s eyes, though unfocused, burned at Luke, his rage over boiling. Before Luke could react, Pieter unleashed a wild haymaker at Luke’s face, catching him in the cheek and knocking Luke to ground. Sam and Pablo quickly grabbed Pieter’s arms, holding him back.
“You desecrated my father’s body!” Pieter yelled. “You should have saved him in Cambrai. It’s your fault he’s dead.” He tried to yank his arms free, but the raging punch had taken a lot out of him. “Let me go.”
“No more punches,” Sam said sternly.
Pieter nodded once, hard, wincing from the effort. They let him go as he tugged his arms free. Storming by Luke, he disappeared out the front door.
“I’ll go keep an eye on him,” Pablo said, following Pieter out the door.
Even though Pieter’s punch was off target and underpowered, thanks to the concussion, the hit was still nothing to laugh at. He shook his head, trying to clear the stars. When his vision cleared, he looked up into Maggie’s concerned eyes as she knelt beside him.
“Are you OK?” Maggie asked, laying a couple fingers alongside Luke’s jaw, tipping his cheek toward her.
“I think so. He really rung my bell there. The whole left side of my face is throbbing.”
“Can you sit up some? Is this your blood?” She looked him over, her eyes lingering on the dark stains.
“No. Vampire.” Luke pushed himself into a sitting position.
“Good.” Maggie pulled out a small flashlight and checked Luke’s eyes, running him through a few tests. “Well, looks like you may have gotten lucky. I don’t think you have a concussion. I’m going to need to feel around to see if he broke any bones.”
Luke nodded, wincing. He hissed as Maggie pressed her fingers to his cheek and moved them around, feeling his bones.
Maggie exhaled, her shoulders relaxing. “I think you may have gotten off relatively unscathed. I don’t think anything’s broken. I’d like to get it imaged, if we can.”
“If we have time, I’ll speak to the caretaker’s son. He’s a doctor; he’ll have access to whatever you need.”
Maggie nodded. “We should get some ice on your cheek.”
“It’ll have to wait. I need to shower and change. I’ll meet you in the sitting room when I’m done. I could use a beer while I ice my face.”
Maggie and Sam helped Luke up. Smiling at them, he headed toward the staircase. Maggie followed him. When Luke stepped into his room, Maggie shut the door behind him, silently stepping up behind him. She helped him take off his hoodie, then the ammo bandolier and his tactical vest before they could remove his armor. Maggie set it on the armor stand in the corner. Luke peeled off the armor padding then the sweaty t-shirt under it.
Sitting down, he untied his boots and took them off along with his socks. “I should have taken these off downstairs,” he mumbled. He shucked his jeans and underwear and disappeared into the bathroom, turning on the shower. Ten minutes later, he emerged from the bathroom, toweling his hair dry. Maggie sat quietly in the corner, relaxing in a cushy wingback armchair. After Luke tossed the towel aside and pulled on clean boxer briefs, Maggie pulled him into a fierce hug.
“I’m sorry your friend hit you, but I’m glad you’re not hurt.” She kissed his uninjured cheek then stepped back so he could finish dressing. “I’ll meet you in the sitting room with some ice and a beer. What would you like?”
“That would be magnificent. There should be some bottles of Chimay Blue down there. There’s a small ice maker in the kitchen next to the fridge.” Luke smiled then grimaced at the pain the gesture caused in his cheek.
“Silly man, it’ll hurt if you smile,” Maggie said, her voice soft.
“I can’t help smiling when I’m with you.” Luke caressed her cheek.
“I can always go away…” Maggie teased, a small, mischievous smile on her face.
“I thought you didn’t want to cause me pain. A punch to the cheek will heal soon enough.”
She stepped up and gave Luke a gentle kiss. “You’re such a nice man. I’ll see you downstairs.”
Luke pulled on some pajama pants and threw on a robe before sliding his feet into some slippers. He collapsed onto the love seat he’d moved by the fire the day Maggie had arrived. Someone must have turned it around, so it faced the fire burning merrily in the stone hearth. He let the random pops and crackles of the dancing flames sooth his mind into blankness. He wasn’t sure how long he sat there.
“Luke, dear, I have your ice and beer.” Maggie set the beer down on the antique round end table to his left.
Luke looked up at the beautiful woman, smiled, then winced, shaking his head at himself. “Sit with me, Maggie.”
Handing Luke the ice pack, she sat next to him, pulling her legs up underneath herself as she leaned into Luke’s right side. Luke hissed as he pressed the icepack to his cheek, then sighed happily as it started numbing the left side of his face.
“Oh, Maggie…” Luke murmured. “I…”
Maggie gave him some time, but when he didn’t say anything more, she reached across him and gave a squeeze. “Luke, I’m here if you need to talk or if you just want to sit and be. I’m here for you.”
Luke, removing the icepack from his cheek, looked down into Maggie’s startling blue eyes, the kindness and love he saw in them nearly undoing him. “I need to say something. With everything going on… I don’t want to leave this unsaid.”
Staring into Luke’s eyes, Maggie caressed his good cheek with the back of her fingers. Her eyes were encouraging but also vulnerable.
“I love you, Maggie.”
Maggie smiled softly, “I love you, too.” She tipped her lips for him to kiss.
Luke leaned his head onto Maggie’s. “I just needed you to know how I felt, in case—”
Reaching up, Maggie placed her forefinger and middle finger across his lips. “We can never know what’s going to happen, but it’s always good to tell people how you feel, often, so they know.”
Luke sighed, his body folding in on itself a bit. “I think I’ve known it for a while, I just… I didn’t know how to say it, and then I was waiting for the perfect time.”
“And this felt like the perfect time?”
Luke could tell by the tone of her voice that she was teasing. “No, but I couldn’t let it go unsaid anymore. You’re a very special woman, Magdalena, and I’m happy to know you and to be with you.”
“Ah, you say such nice things. I didn’t expect to develop feelings for you when we met, but life is full of wonderful surprises. I’m glad you’re in my life and that you love me.” She ran her hand over his thigh.
They sat quietly, staring into the flames. Behind them, the door opened and shut. When a hand was set on his shoulder, he looked up at Pablo.
“Hey. I got Pieter up to his room. I think he’s sleeping. I’m going to clean up and turn in myself.” Pablo squeezed Luke’s shoulder.
“Good night, Pablo.”
“Sleep well, Luke, Maggie.” He left, shutting the door quietly behind him.
Luke picked up his beer and took a drink. Maggie held her hand up, so Luke gave her the glass. Taking a few sips, she handed it back to Luke. Together, they shared the beer until it was empty. Luke left the glass on the end table, but he picked up the icepack as they headed upstairs to bed.
CHAPTER
TWENTY-THREE
The team slept late after the intense night. Despite having Maggie next to him, Luke was plagued by. While the affections of Maggie had gone a long way toward easing his mind, it was still a dark and troubled place. He and his therapist had just started poking its edges.
He woke alone, sandy-eyed and fuzzy-brained. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he rolled to the edge of the bed. When his feet hit the floor, he noticed the folded note on his nightstand.
L
Text me when you wake, and I’ll have a coffee waiting for you when you come down. Émile brought fresh pastries, and they’re divine.
Love, M
Luke smiled and set the note back on the nightstand, sending a quick text to Maggie. Finding a t-shirt and a pair of shorts, he slipped on his house sandals and headed out to greet the day and his friends. He headed straight to the glass solarium, figuring that would be where everyone gathered, trying to enjoy the last days of sun as summer drew near its end in Belgium—and back home in Oregon. Soon, both places would turn gray and rainy.
He gave a Sam a one-armed hug and kissed the crown of her head. “Good morning, Sam.”
“Mornin’, Luke. You’re awfully affectionate this morning,” Sam replied.
He pulled out a chair and sat next to her. “Maggie and I were talking last night about telling those we care about how we feel. You’ve become a very dear friend in the last year, and I’m glad you’re in my life.”
“That’s sweet, Luke. Even if the times are dark, your friendship has been a welcome light in my life.” Sam leaned over and gave Luke a kiss on the cheek.
“Good morning, handsome,” Maggie said, kissing the other cheek and setting a tray of coffees down on the table. She handed a latte to Sam, then set down one with darker foam for Luke. The last latte was for her. “I made you a mocha. I thought you could use a treat after last night. Émile stocks good chocolate.”
Luke chuckled. “Since I’m never here long enough to use everything he purchases for me, he takes the leftovers home and splits it with his family so it doesn’t go to waste. He buys good quality stuff. Of course, I request quality ingredients. It works out for everyone.”
“That’s convenient,” Sam said. She slid the silver tray toward Luke.
“Oh, he’s gone over the top this morning.” Luke smiled giddily. “These look like waffles from Une Gaufrette Saperlipopette.” The caretaker had thoughtfully noted what was what with little folded note cards so Luke picked a Brussels-style waffle filled with sour cherries. Grabbing a fork, he dug in.
Sam laughed. “You might have some serious competition for Luke’s affections, Maggie. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen Luke make eyes like that at anyone.”
“Maggie and I are polyamorous, Sam. I can be in a relationship with her and this waffle,” Luke said in between bites.
Maggie snorted, then broke into a laughter. “You’re a ridiculous man, Luke, and I love you.” Maggie leaned in and kissed Luke’s forehead.
After swallowing his bite, Luke smiled. “I love you, Maggie.” Then he looked down at the bite of waffle he’d speared on his fork. “Don’t worry. I love you, too, waffle.”
Pablo pulled out a chair and sat down across from Luke. “Is Luke’s heart wandering already?”
“Try one of these rectangular waffles. They’re filled with fruit preserves,” Luke instructed, pointing to one of them.
Looking over the notes, Pablo transferred an apricot waffle to his plate and dug in. “Oh, wow. You weren’t kidding. These are something else.”
Maggie looked the tray of waffles over. “I’m not sure I’ve got a whole waffle’s worth of space, but would you split one with me, Sam? As much as these two are raving about them, I want to try them.”
“Sure, cherry sound good?” Sam replied.
Maggie grabbed a cherry waffle and cut it in half, passing it from Luke to Sam.
“I’m surprised he let my half get past him.” Sam grabbed a fork.
“I gave serious thought to snagging it,” Luke said.
“Where did you find this place?” Maggie asked. “They’re amazing.”
The smile fell from Luke’s face, the bite turning to ashes in his mouth. “Pieter’s brother told me about it.”
Luke couldn’t tell if a cloud actually passed in front of the sun or if it was just the mood of his friends clouding over. A soft hand slid into his, Maggie winding her fingers through his and squeezing. He leaned over and kissed her.
Luke sighed and shook his head. “No more dark thoughts for now. There’ll be plenty of time for them later. Right now, the sun is shining, and I’m sitting at a table with three of my favorite people in the world. I’m going to have a second waffle because I can, and it’ll make me happy.”
Around the table, Maggie, Pablo, and Sam nodded and cut into their waffles, letting the tasty confection and the companionship restore their good mood. At first it felt brittle and forced, but as the clouds cleared, their hearts lightened, even if it wasn’t as jubilant as it had been a few minutes ago. When they were full, they sipped their coffees and enjoyed idle conversation. Luke, coffee cup empty, made another round for everyone.
Facing away from the door leading into the solarium, Luke didn’t see why everyone went silent until Pieter stood in the open space next to Pablo, his hands clasped in front of him, fidgeting. He looked nervous, his eyes still a little unfocused.
“How’s your head feeling?” Luke asked, tentatively opening the dialogue.
“It’s feels like I got pistol whipped last night,” he replied, looking down at the center of the table. “Look, Luke, I’m sorry I hit you. I…I wasn’t thinking clearly after everything.”
“It’s understandable. Last night…wasn’t good. I’m sorry I—”
Pieter interrupted, holding up his hand. “It worked. I don’t like it, but it got me to snap out of it.”
“Why don’t you sit down so we don’t have to keep craning our necks up at you?” Sam said. “Have some breakfast. Some food will do you good.”
“Can I get you a coffee?” Luke asked.
“I wouldn’t recommend caffeine after a concussion,” Maggie said. “It can have funny effects. Unless you consume a lot of caffeine, then some coffee to ease you down might be in order. Cold turkey can be pretty rough during a concussion.”
“A shot of espresso would be nice,” Pieter said. “I guess the improvement in Belgium’s coffee culture has some negative side effects.”
