***

  James chugged down his forth coffee and second breakfast sitting in the staff eating area off the kitchen. He was polishing it off and mopping up with buttered toast when Eve walked in. She took one look at him and frowned. “You ok?” He nodded and swallowed the food in his mouth. “How late is it?” He asked. Eve popped her head into the kitchen. “Hi Alice could I get the usual please, I’ll take it with James.” “7. You have a couple of hours.” Thank god thought James as she took a seat at the table. He picked up his coffee and drank deeply looking over at her. “You ready to go?” “Yeah thought it would be easier. I got an update from Celeste earlier the suits are working well.” James nodded. “That’s all good right?” “Yeah we’re both more than happy.” Eve’s food arrived and she tucked in. James marvelled at where she put it all. She ate in silence for a while enjoying the peace and quiet, till disrupted by Celeste coming in the back door. “Jesus, what is it with you and my name. The sun goes down and there you are. It’s just a fucking name get over it.” Eve stopped eating and looked at James. He shrugged. No idea. Was clear as day. Celeste was clearly stomping through the kitchen with someone on her tail. “It’s unusual that’s all I’m curious I want to know, what’s so bad about that? Can’t you just accept it. I’m taking a dam interest aren’t I?” The feet stopped and shuffled. Eve looked at James and mouthed ‘John’? He nodded back. “I’m taking a dam interest? Did you really just say that? Are you completely void of any real emotion and sensitivity?” Celeste gave a frustrated cry and stomped out the kitchen followed by her pursuer. “Any idea?” She asked him quietly. James shook his head. “None.”

  They drove in the same car and arrived at the warehouse at 10 minutes to 9. Eve got out the car, strapped on her weapons and walked in with James and was met by John. “Eve we need to talk.” He headed to his office and she followed. “Close the door.” Eve closed the door. “I have several requests, more than I want or need to be on your team. You making changes?” Eve frowned. Eve got up and opened the door. “James got a minute.” Several of the people present watched the bi-play. She didn’t like it. James came jogging over and entered the room. “Tell him please John.” John looked a little embarrassed. “I’ve got 8 requests to replace you as the Vamp on her team and 12 from the Humans.” James smiled and looked at Eve. “Your beautiful know that. Thinking of getting rid of me?” He asked cheekily. Eve rolled her eyes, “please, I’ve only just broken you in.” “And the humans?” John asked. “No.” They both said and laughed. “Ok then.” He indicated the door. “Make a statement end it here.” They both nodded and got up. James left, Eve hesitated then leaned forward and whispered. “Celeste is my blood John. Crytal?” He held her gaze. “Think you can take me?” He asked coldly. Eve smiled, not quiet reaching her eyes, “on my worst PMS day John. On my worst PMS day.” And let her power out to play turning she walked out and closed the door. She faced the people in the warehouse. Her power rolling through her. “There will be no changes to my team.”

  James moved up beside her and she pulled back on the power. “That went well.” He told her. Eve walked forward to the kitchen area she needed some water. Jake and Brad joined them. “We good?” Brad asked. “Golden.” James replied as they fell in. John came out of his office. “Right tonight is about patrolling people. Faces on the street checking in with residences and businesses. Unless you are pulled off to deal with the unexpected. Check weapons and coms. Back by 5am.” He looked around at the groups. “Let’s go.”

  “Do we need to know what that was about?” Brad asked moving to their vehicle. “We’re the shit hot team to be on boys. Lucky for us, Eve looooovvvveeees us so she’s keeping us.” James grinned at the two humans. They puffed up. “Dam straight.” Jake told them bumping fists with Brad. “We’re bad asses.” Eve suppressed a laugh as she got in the back seat with Jake. Boys.

  There were 32 Vamp residences spread throughout their patch. They had a circuit to run through same as last night. They stopped at the first residence. “Jake, Brad take point and James and I will cover you.” Brad held the bottom of the stairs while Jake walked to the front door. Both had their rifles. Eve and James got out and walked the street keeping an eye on their boys. Jake knocked. It took a moment for the door to open. “Yes?” A female Vamp had opened the door. “Good evening mam, we are patrolling tonight, we just wanted you to know and remind everyone to register visitors before their arrival and ask if there is anything the First of House Arturo can do for you this night?” Eve made her way back towards the residence, tuning in to the conversation as James crossed over to the other side. Eve could hear the confusion in the Vamps reply. “You are human?” she queried. Eve looked over and saw Jake smile. “Indeed mam but we all have a job to do to keep this world safe.” The Vamp visibly straightened and looked around the street then back to Jake. “I … thank you for your service.” She told him and bowed. Jake handed over a card. “Should you need us call.” He told her once she’d straightened up. “Mam.” He gave her a nod and descended the stairs. Brad covered his back and everyone came together at the SUV and got in. James put the car in gear and headed to the next on the list. “She just thanked me for my service.” Jake told the car emotionally. “We’ve lost a lot of people.” James murmured sadly.

  The next two residences went eerily similarly. Both owners surprised by the human presence and both appearing thankful for their service. It all went smoothly and they headed to the next on the list. “This one had the two vamps that were not registered but gave this address. The owner vouched for them.” James told her. They kept to the same routine going in. Only this time, they asked if the two new comers had registered. They were told yes, James asked to see them. Eve knew he wanted to verify they were the same two. They came to the door and showed their IDs. Brad confirmed with IT. They thanked the home owner leaving contact details and moved onto the next one.

  A couple after that were more belligerent, complaining about being harassed. Eve noted that James tried to keep it light and fluffy then just got annoyed and told them to work within the new system or to leave Arturo’s territory, anyone who wasn’t loyal wouldn’t be tolerated. He handed them a card and told them to call anytime.

  They moved on and checked on a further 19 residences Brad and Jake leading on point, noted those not home for a sweep back later if there was time or it would go on tomorrows shift. Took apart number 20 with apologises to the owner and those legally resident, as one of the groups of Vamps with no ID had given that address Arturo was wondering how they knew the address at all …yada yada yada. They went in to the house. Eve threw out some power to shut up the whiners and James came in with more force that she expected. He was a surprise and a delight to her. The guy liked being funny even when cracking skulls. It grew on you. She kinda liked it. She gave the owner a clear warning. Should there be a miniscule connection to his house he needed to identify it and declare it immediately or face, expulsion. He had 24 hours of grace. After that depending on what they got from the Vamps, he’s time was up. Looking suitably scared they left him with their card.

  They continued down the list. Hitting the last one just after 2:30 am. Brad took point and Jake held the stairway from the street. Eve and James walked the street. It had worked well all evening. The door was opened by a female Vamp. Eve kept an eye on Brad going through his spiel. The Vamp took the card. “Thank you.” She looked around her, she was uncomfortable and whispered. Eve had to strain to hear her. “I have a child who is struggling to understand that they are not a law unto themselves. In the old days, a Peeler would come in and talk to them but today, it is very different.” She told him sadly. Brad didn’t miss a beat. “Made or born mam?” “Made, I had Lord Arturo’s permission, he was drying and a friend but he is different now.” She told him sadly. “One moment mam my colleague will be best suited to this.” Brad reached for his coms. Eve didn’t need it but it was protocol. “Eve a lady would like your assistance.” Brad turned back to the woman and smiled as Eve vamped to the bottom of the stairs.

  Eve ascended to the waiting woman. She held out her hand to her and to Eve’s surprise she bowed, “My lady you do me great honour.” Eve frowned as the woman took her hand and placed it on her forehead in the old way. “Risen cild.” Eve told her. The woman stood and let go of her hand. “Your name?” “Blythe my lady.” “How old is your child reborn?” Blythe looked unhappy. “Two years my lady.” “He still hungers yes?” The woman nodded she was clearly worried. “Let me see your child.” The woman moved back into the house. She now felt James at the bottom of the stairs with Jake. She turned to Brad, “With me.” He nodded raised his rifle and came in behind her. Eve walked through a well-kept house. It was well lit. Roomy. “Is this your property?” Eve asked. “No my Lady I rent it from a company attached to House Arturo.” “You have a lovely home.” Eve told her and meant it. It was nicely decorated. Neat and tidy. No smell of blood or damp. Eve followed down the hallway

  They entered a large kitchen at the end of the hall. A male sat at the table. “We have company Paul.” Blythe told him cheerfully. The male sniffed the air and turned towards her. Blythe reddened. “I’m sorry my lady he doesn’t know that is rude.” Eve looked at the re-born child. “Hungry.” He told her. “Or he knows Blythe and doesn’t care.” She told her keeping her eyes on the male. His widened in surprise. “I hear you have been given the gift of re-birth. Your friend here petitioned on your behalf and it was granted. Two years ago I hear. Congratulations on your successful turn.” The male snorted. “You have a problem being turned Paul? You agreed did you not?” He stared at her. “Yeah I agreed but she failed to mention that I would be her slave, at her beck and call and unable to do what I want when I want it.” Eve took a seat, noting that the males control was slipping. “Did she not explain that in using her blood to turn you, you would have a link to her. That it would be a dominant gene.” Paul waved his hand around and snarled. “Yes she said something like that but didn’t tell me that would mean I can’t go out on my own and get my own dinner.” He shouted at her rubbing his stomach. He smelt the air again. “You smell delicious so does he. I’m hungry.” He moved to pounce. Eve let out her power. He was close to cracking. Little control. Paul shrunk back. She struck out and grabbed his neck. “Both my guard and I could snap your neck right now. You’re a baby in Vamp terms,” she told him, “you have no power and your need for blood drives you. If you were let out alone without control you would go rouge, you would tear into innocent humans, kill and we would put you down. Permanently.”

  Paul looked at them scared and confused. “Your not human?” “No and that’s another of your problems Paul. You should be in school learning about this life before it kills you again.” Eve turned to Blythe, “what’s his feeding routine?” “I have a supply set up with the House. He has three bags a day, it’s what they recommended.” Eve nodded. “Up it to five for a while, it will hold him better and get him in school.” Blythe looked upset. “He won’t go, he refuses.” Eve raised her eyebrow at Paul. “Refusal isn’t an option for the turned Paul. You have to learn to live with the humans. Learn to live as a Vampire. You go or you die. That’s the contract. Understand me?” She let out more power. “You chose this life now grow a pair and be the man. If I come back here and it’s the same story again, we will be doing more than talking. Understood?” Paul nodded. “Good we’re done here.” Eve got up and walked back to the door Brad covering her back having already moved off towards the doorway. They exited the house and Eve turned back to Blythe. “He’s young, it takes time. You did a kind thing for your friend. Keep at it but if he doesn’t take to Vampire life you know, not all turned survive this process,” Eve handed her a card, “call us before there’s a disaster ok.” The woman sadly nodded to her and Eve walked down and got back in the car. The others got in after her. James put the car in gear and drove off. “That one will need watching.”

  They headed to the first club on the list. 15 Minutes later and they were getting out the SUV and headed to the doorman. Eve noticed he was stronger in power than the last one. “Any problems” Jake asked him. The doorman looked at them and shook his head. “Words out, less Vamps in tonight. All checked.” He handed over a list. Jake gave it to James. “Ok let’s go.” They did the same walk through they did the night before. Checking all IDs as they went. The doorman was right. No surprises. The manager made an appearance again and much to Eve’s relief did not make any overtures to her. Eve watched James handle a couple of agitated Vamps that came to nothing. They headed out on to Blanes.

  ***

  “Thank you for joining me. I have spoken with Clavius and he is in agreement that a separate Council here governing this world is a good idea, he would like to be an official member of this Council here as well and has made that request of me, representing our European counterpart. He will have no say in business matters here only Vampire politics and guidance.” Arturo looked at the two men in his office. Lord Alex leaned forward. “He’s still worried?” Arturo nodded. “This is far from over, he is killing his way through those that have been disloyal to him.” Arturo gave a harsh smile. “He also agrees that Marcus and you Alex could both get challenges for your territories back home now you are here and declaring for House Arturo. Aparently, we scare the old guard.” Marcus huffed, “they deserve to die the lot of them.” “It looks like Clavius is doing that for you. He also thinks that an alliance with your House Marcus is an excellent idea. Have you considered it.”

  Marcus raised his hands and linked them across his lap. “Serenity doesn’t like it. She thinks Eve will rebel and we shouldn’t push this on her.” Arturo nodded. “A good mother.” “Yes,” Marcus told him “but the Vampire in me knows we need that alliance it would be good for all of us and Eve won’t have to take on a challenge. So I agree. Is the male strong?” “Yes he’s very powerful but he hides it well. There maybe an obstacle,” Arturo told him, “the male in question believes Eve is gay.” Marcus looked at him confused. “You don’t mean happy do you?” “No.” Marcus looks more confused. “Eve has only ever shown a romantic interest in males.” “Do you think that was for your benefit?” Arturo asked him. Marcus laughed. “No. She’s always followed her own desires.” “Then we are in agreement and contracts should be drawn.”

  ***

  Their de-brief had been quick, getting back to the mansion in good time. “Drink?” James asked as she got out the car. “Sure.” They walked around the house to the terrace. James made his way in and poured out two glasses and brought them back outside to a waiting Eve. “Thanks.” She told him taking the glass he held out to her. She took a sip and leaned back in her chair. “It went well tonight.” Eve nodded. “Yes.” “The woman Blythe, she treated you strangely when you walked up to her house and you spoke some unusual words.” Eve nodded and took another larger sip of her drink. “She was from the old country. I think she knew me. Shamefully, I did not know her. Years ago we got rid of the practice of serfdom. Holding my hand to her forehead comes from those times, so I spoke to her in the old ways in Old English. Words she knew.” “You looked like a queen Eve.” James whispered. “My line comes from the time of tribal kings but I am no queen James, the trouble with Vampire is they consider themselves above others and like to abuse their power and sadly, many expect it.” She looked into her brandy, “It doesn’t create separatism but dependence and abuses.”

  “That doesn’t sit well with you.” Eve shook her head, “nope, in times gone by we used to live like that and I hated it. Mother helped to change that.” “I don’t like the formality either,” he told her looking out into the gardens. Eve turned towards him. “You are an unusual Vampire James. You are not dominated by seriousness, or Vampire etiquette. You are so human at times I forget your Vampire. You often …… amuse me.” James looked to cringe, “please don’t tell me I’m a good friend my pride couldn’t take it.” Eve couldn’t help but laugh, “see, that is so human, its … refreshing.” They sat quietly for a while each lost to their memories Eve guessed. When James spoke again the reference surprised her. “I was made in 1467. In what is now the middle east. My name was Yaʻaqov. It’s a vulgar translation of the Hebrew and on my re-birth I was called James. My . …. Master, for that is what he was. Was a blood thirsty Vampire with the best of them. A despot who liked to fuck and party. He found me pretty, wanted me, made me and added me to his many …. conquests. It’s illegal now, or is meant to be but at that time, in that place, we had no control over anything and it happened a lot. We were told what to do and had no choice but to do it. His control was absolute and although I still do not understand it, I recognise, that part of me at that time wanted him to like me. And I learnt very quickly that those that showed early power, that might match his own one day were soon killed. I learnt to hide mine. It took me years of gathering strength till I was strong enough to kill him. And in every day of those 117 years, I was a slave. Doing things that give me nightmares, having things done to me that give me more nightmares. I decided then, when free, I would not follow the Vampire way.”

 

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