Beautiful Death (8 page)

The vampire’s eyes widened and he started to thrash under Ash’s weight as he sat down on top of the monster again. Short sword held against his thigh, Ash shifted on top of Aaron until they were pressed chest to chest. “I almost wish I did not have to do this. If I recall, you taste rather foul. Liars, thieves and lowlifes always do.”

Tristan was just wondering what he meant, but then it became plainly clear. Ash’s grin spread, parting his lips widely until his teeth were bared in bright relief. And then he bit down across the front of Aaron’s neck. The other vampire screamed, bucking under him like a rodeo bull, beating at Ash’s back with a fist. Tristan drew in a quick breath and put a hand to his mouth to stop a cry that crept up his throat. His mind rallied against what he was seeing, but it had to be true. What more proof did he need than that right there? Those were no press-on fangs. And that wasn’t Kool-Aid he was drinking.

Ash was a vampire.

Aaron’s pained noises turned to pleasure. He let out a sigh as Ash sank down, stretching his body out along the line of his. Then Ash’s hips trust against the other man’s.

“Bloody right,” Aaron whispered, squirming under Ash. "Knew you wanted a piece of us, love. Couldn’t keep your hands off us." The other vampire wasn’t trying to get away anymore. His free hand was now embracing, wrapped low around Ash’s waist as he groped at his ass. Aaron’s eyes fluttered shut as he turned his face into Ash’s neck, expression slack in pleasure. And then someone moaned. Loudly.

The blood drained from Tristan’s face. The numbness spread. He thought that now would be a good time to pass out. He just wanted the insanity to stop.

Ash shifted his weight and Aaron moaned in protest, grabbing Ash’s ass in a frantic gesture. Ash’s hips responded, pushing hungrily at the vampire under him. In a rush of movement, Ash lifted the tantō and drove it down, straight over Aaron’s heart with a vicious thrust. Sunk to the hilt.

Aaron screamed, his back arching into the blade, going rigid for a moment before he started to buck under Ash, hand flailing wildly trying to find anything to grab. Ash gave the short sword a hard twist, growling with the effort. The screaming came to a sudden stop, the hand reaching for Ash dropping to the floor with a soft thud.

“My god,” Tristan whispered when he finally found the breath to speak again.

Ash’s head popped up, flinging small droplets of blood through the air. He blinked wide, shocked eyes at Tristan while large crimson drops fell from his frown. Tristan’s breath caught and he glanced quickly down at Aaron, not wanting to take his eyes from Ash for long. The
other
vampire wasn’t moving—dark eyes glazed over, seeing nothing.

Realizing what he’d just done, Ash heaved a dismayed sigh and stood, pulling his sword free of the dead thing. He gave the blade a quick flick, cleaning it and slammed it into its sheath. He would have to take care of the body after he took care of the frightened human. He gave another dejected sigh and stopped in front of Tristan. The scent of the man’s blood was overwhelming. He should have passed out long ago—his will was strong. Or, as Ash had realized from day one, remarkably stubborn.

Looking up at Ash with his mouth panted in red, chin and neck covered, Tristan started to tremble. He couldn’t stop it. It was the last warning he’d have before the dark fuzziness at the edge of his vision would take him under. He had to get up, to get away from the monster. The one who he thought was a friend.

Ash extended a hand out.

“Don’t fucking touch me!” Tristan flung his good arm in the air, immediately regretting the sudden movement as he felt his dinner burn up his throat. He rolled over onto his side and retched. His whole body ached and throbbed with the violent spasms as Ash gave a dejected sigh over him. When he was done vomiting, he forced himself upright, but he couldn’t move anymore. He was trapped and dying.

Ash had cleaned the blood off his face, but the look he was giving Tristan pissed him off. He looked concerned, almost as if he was worried about him, as if he gave a shit.

“Don’t fucking look at me like that, you fucking liar. You're one of them! Believe in you? Trust you? God, how fucking stupid...”

Ash sighed, his face softening and mouth opening to say something, but a high-pitched scream sounded from upstairs drowning out the beginning of his words. “Nooooo!” A woman dropped down from the top floor and landed behind Ash. She was covered in blood from head to bare feet. Bloodied rags hung on a wan frame. They were shredded and torn, showing glimpses of naked flesh underneath. She might have been pretty if it weren’t for the fact that she looked like a crazy cat lady… with fangs. She shuffled towards the two, body stiff and slow, wailing. “Murder, murderer!” she screamed, over and over.

Tristan couldn’t even bring his body to react. Some part of him was afraid. He knew this woman was a vampire too and she probably had a little to do with the mess in the kitchen, but he couldn’t move. He could barely see through the thick lace covering his vision. Where would he have gone anyway?

“Fuck it,” he mumbled and let his body slide down the wall, away from his puke. His shoulder hit the floor hard, but it didn’t hurt. Nothing hurt anymore.

Indifferent, Ash reached into the folds of his top and withdrew a gun. Ash gave Tristan one final concerned look and turned away. He emptied the Baby Eagle clip into the woman’s chest. She dropped to the ground with a shrill scream, writhing. She wasn’t dead, but it was enough to slow her down. Pace unhurried and deliberate, Ash dropped the gun to the ground, stirring up the dust, and withdrew his katana. He stopped, kicking the toes of his boots into her hip.

“Farewell,” he whispered down to the woman and raised the sword. There was a flash of movement and then her head was separated from her body. Ash no longer had to hold back and pretend to be human. He was what he was… a vampire.

The darkness that was the perimeter of Tristan’s vision finally spread and consumed the light, offering to take him under. The breath left him in a satisfied sigh, grateful to that darkness. The last thing he remembered seeing was Ash’s vibrant eyes fixed on him as he stood over the woman’s body, her head clutched in one hand by the hair, the fingers of his other hand covered in blood and moving towards his outstretched tongue.

8:
P
eace,
L
ove &
U
nderstanding

TINGLES all over. And pain. Muscles tense, sudden alertness.

Tristan popped upright, swaying as his eyes tried to focus to the dark. He was in bed back at Ash’s. All of the curtains were drawn except for the far one near the dinette where the window was propped open. The outside air smelled good, fresh and clean. He took in a deep breath, feeling the aches in his body. He touched his left side and winced when pain tingled down to his hip and up his right arm.

He slouched forward, feeling the tension across his back and sighed, “Shit.”

“You talk in your sleep.”

Tristan flinched back, heart racing. He looked around for something to wield as a weapon and found nothing. “Ash. You fucking liar!”

Ash moved on his perch so that his face was just barely visible. He was sitting on the upholstered bench at the end of the bed, legs crossed under him and his hair free. Did he know how creepy he was, hiding in the shadows like that? Probably.

...fucking vampire.

Ash let out a long sigh. And with that resignation Tristan knew the other man understood exactly what he meant. “No. I never lied to you. I simply had not disclosed my,” He paused, letting out another long breath. “Nature. And understandably. Yes, I am vampire.”

Tristan gasped at the validation. God, it was so stupid to not notice, especially after all that stuff he’d told him the other night—fast movements, pale, cold skin, never awake during daylight hours or ate anything.

“I simply chose to not tell you until I saw it necessary for you to know,” Ash continued. “What would you had done had you known before? Stayed here, allowed me to protect you? I am not so foolish.” Ash sighed. “You must understand, I was and still am only trying to protect you. I had intended on telling you my nature when I saw fit. Unfortunately, the monster in me made me lose my senses and you had to find out in a dreadful manner. I assure you, friend, I am the safest vampire you shall ever know.”

Tristan scoffed, relaxing a little and mumbled, “Fucking right...” He knew he should get up. He should get up and leave. But for some reason, despite the way he felt in that house when he discovered what Ash was, he wasn’t afraid of him now. Maybe it was because he saved his life again. Something in him told it was more than that. There was a connection to Ash he didn’t want to admit.

He slumped, staring down at his lap. “Why?”

“Pardon?”

He looked up to that immobile shadow again and wished he would stop hiding in the dark. “Why... all of this?”

“I am not sure I understand, Tristan.”

He sighed heavily. There were a million thoughts bouncing around. But only one that really nagged at him like the whine of an old girlfriend. “Why did you ask me to trust you when you can’t even tell me the truth?”

Tristan may have not been the type to trust easily, but he made his own decisions. He hated it when people lied, thinking they were trying to protect others from something. He was a take-the-hard-truth sort of guy. Give it to him up front and then he would come to his own conclusions. Ash for instance, looking at the simplicity of his actions, he was trying to do good. He really was. He was genuinely looking out for Tristan. Despite his lies, rudeness and general weirdness, Tristan was sure that had he’d been given the chance, been told the full truth, he would have given Ash his trust. Eventually. He may have been hardheaded as hell, but he was fair. Gave respect when due.

Ash made a small surprised noise. “I have misjudged you. You are wise for one so young.”

Tristan jumped forward in challenge, eyes wide in amazement. “You really can read my mind, can’t you?” It wasn’t his imagination.

Ash leaned forward, so that his face was more clearly lit, showing his emotions. His pale eyes glowed like two purple stars. “Yes, most thoughts, a skill of my kind. And you, you think very loudly, so honestly. It is hard to not hear you.” Ash actually found great amusement in Tristan’s way of thinking. It was… refreshing.

Think loudly? “Tell me why. Why should I trust you now?”

Ash gave a soft sigh. “I never asked you to trust me, Tristan. I only asked you to believe in me.”

He glared at the other man. “How can I believe in you when you won’t even tell me the fucking truth! God, I mean, I know I’m not the easiest guy to get along with lately, but that doesn’t mean I’m a total douche. I give respect when earned and I deserve the same. Simple.” Part of the problem, the fuel to his anger was at himself, because he had started to believe in Ash. Tristan never trusted anyone and the fact that he started to with someone he had no reason to pissed him off. The infantile bond they had was shattered when the truth about Ash was revealed. He felt the fool.

Ash sat back into the darkness again and was silent for a long time. Finally his soft voice whispered, “You are right.” Tristan gave a start, but said nothing. “I realize I have not been entirely honest with you. I must ask however, that you give me time.”

“Time for what? I don’t have time. I almost died!” He hadn’t meant to yell, but he was just so frustrated.

The vampire gave a deep sigh. “I know and that was regrettable. I am not accustomed to... socialization. I am not what you would call a… people person, I am no good with others.”

Tristan snorted. “I could have told you that.”

Ash couldn’t help but smile. “I have lived for a very long time, however that time has taken its toll upon me, leaving many scars on my soul. Deep, ugly scars. I realize my own issues have put you in danger and I am truly sorry for that. I will not let it happen again. And I will not ask for your forgiveness, only a chance for atonement.”

“Listen. This is going to take me awhile to absorb. But I’ve already decided that I’m not running away. I’m not afraid of you. Stupid? Maybe. But I’m going to do something I
never
do and trust you, even though I fully believe you don’t deserve it right now.” It was a leap of faith, something Tristan didn’t do very often, even before the accident.

“Thank you,” Ash answered softly.

Tristan had to give a small smile before frowning again. “So tell me, for my own peace of mind and give it to me straight—are you working with him? Malik?”

Ash had the decency to look insulted. “No.”

“You’re sure? Because I won’t ask again and if you turn on me, I swear to God that I will kill you with my own hands and I’ve never killed anything.”

“I swear upon every deity ever in existence that I will not turn on you, Tristan.”

He narrowed his eyes at Ash. “You can understand if I’m skeptical. I mean, you’re one of them.”

“I am not one of them,” Ash spit back. “Do not dare put me in their faction. You think I volunteered to be this? I did not ask to be made into a monster that lives only to kill. A creature confined to darkness and misery... I was deceived by his cunning and charm.
He
forced this life upon me. That is why I will do whatever I can to keep you safe. I will not let him destroy any more innocent life.”

Tristan jerked forward, causing the bed sheet to shift. “Ho-ly shit. Malik is the one who made you into a vampire. He’s your Master!” They both looked down at the same time. “What the… Why the hell am I naked?”

Ash cleared his throat softly as he sat back to hide his face again, but not before Tristan caught a glimpse of blush. “Yes,” that ashy voice hissed. “That son of a bitch did this to me. I was so young and horribly naive... vulnerable.” Ash sighed heavily, letting his words trail off to nothing.

Tristan gave him a look, raising his eyebrows. Didn’t know Ash could curse. Ash sat forward again, showing a pale white face clear of blush as he ran fingers through his hair, head held low. He didn’t want to talk about his vampire origin, that much was apparent and Tristan regretted bringing it up. Turned out, the guy wasn’t so bad. That was assuming Tristan could really trust him. And funny enough, he wanted to and did. “You know, it’s fine,” he said, “you don’t have to talk about it. I know it hurts.”

Ash made a small surprised noise, looking up again. “Now you are reading my mind,” he said.

“No,” Tristan sighed and lay back on the bed making sure his groin was covered, “I can tell. We’re the same. Well, I mean I’m not a vampire but I know that pain.” The pain of losing something irreplaceable.

“Your parents,” the other man answered softly.

“Mhm.”

“You truly loved them like no other.”

Tristan sighed again, shutting his eyes a moment. “Well, yeah. They were my parents. We were really close. Losing them… it was the worst thing that’s happened to me in my life. That’s including all the shit that I’ve seen in the last few days and almost dying. Family has always been very important to me and they were all I had.”

“You care and love very deeply.”

“Yeah, I guess I do.”

The room was silent for a long time as the two let their thoughts overtake them. It was Ash that finally broke that silence. “I suppose we are the same after all.”

Tristan opened his eyes, looking up at the ceiling and smiled. One a man, the other a monster, but they had an understanding. They were both damaged in their own specially fucked up way.

Tristan’s stomach let out a long growl and he sat up, making sure the covers stayed on him properly this time. Flashing a girl was one thing, but the guy blushed. I mean, come on, what was that about? “God, I’m hungry. How long was I having my beauty sleep?”

Ash’s mouth twisted as he held back a grin. Tristan hadn’t seen himself yet—beauty sleep indeed. The vampire stood, crossing the room. He was wearing an ankle length kimono type robe, the same pale purple as his eyes, embroidered in silver thread. His long hair was loose down his back to his waist, brushing softly against the heavy fabric when he moved. The memory of that vampire dream hit Tristan again and he frowned.

“A full day.”

“Shit,” he said, ignoring his memories of the beautiful woman. “That fucker really messed me up, huh? Did I lose a lot of blood?”

“Yes, you had. You had some mild shock as well. How do you feel?”

He shrugged, feeling his body aches. “All right I guess, considering. But I have to take a leak like you wouldn’t believe and feel like I could eat a rhino.”

Ash gave way to a grin. That was the power Tristan held over him. “I made you tea.”

He looked to the nightstand and found the tea the vampire was motioning to. He picked up the white porcelain mug and lifted it towards his mouth. He was dying of thirst. But, he hadn’t gotten it to his lips before a nasty smell wafted over him. He jerked the cup away so fast he almost spilled it in his lap.

“Jesus Christ, Ash... what is this?”

“It will aid in your healing. Be sure to drink it all.”

He made a face a pushed the cup away on the nightstand. Like he’d drink something that smelled like spicy dog shit and old leaves.

Ash sighed. “You are hungry, yes?”

Hell yes he was, but if he didn’t get to the toilet soon, he was going to wet the bed. He was trying to wait for Ash to leave. He was far from shy. What he was uncomfortable with was the guy blushing when he saw him naked. Made him wonder how he got him undressed while he was unconscious. Or what might have happened while in said prone position. Tristan shuddered.

When he looked up, Ash was grinning at him. That stupid fucking smile stretched into an even stupider grin until the vampire was lost to a full-throated, fangy laugh. Something tugged at Tristan’s stomach seeing those fangs in full relief finally, even if it was just in laughter. Fangs Ash made no point of hiding now that the truth was out about who he really was. Granted, they weren’t very big at all, a human might have teeth that size naturally. It was the idea of what they were used for.

“Oh, you heard that, huh? God, I’m going to have to watch what I think.”

“Hardly, you speak just as plainly as you think. You are very amusing… for a human.”

That trigged a sudden memory in Tristan and he straightened. “Hey, that guy, that vampire you... um,
ate
. He asked me what I was. What did he mean?”

All amusement left Ash’s smooth expression and he frowned. “I think perhaps you should bathe and eat first. Then we shall speak on such things.”

“That good huh? Damn…”

“There are fresh wrappings and ointment for your wounds in the bathroom when are you done. Be gentle on your stitches and let me know if you need help.”

Stitches? Oh man, guess he was hurt more than he realized. Wait, did he just offer to help? Dude just wanted to see him naked again. Pervert.

Chuckling softly at Tristan’s last thought, Ash turned towards the door to leave. He stopped with his hand on the knob and gave him a sly look over his shoulder, eyes shimmering with laughter. “You do understand if I do not join you for dinner?”

Oh, god. He seriously did not want to know. “You—Yeah.”

Ash gave a soft nod and started to turn away again, but stopped. “Tristan?”