Embrace The Dawning (The Covenant Series Book 1) (31 page)

“Eva and I, being the eldest, managed to elevate our societal status from merchants to business owners. We helped arrange a respectable marriage for our younger sister, Eilina. During Eva’s and my travels through Mesopotamia, we came across a strange yet sophisticated man named Ramin that took an immediate liking to your poised and independent aunt. She too found him mysterious and fascinating. Due to their growing relationship, we established a profitable trade deal with his village. After several visits to this man’s home, he offered your aunt riches beyond her imagining if she took his hand in marriage. Your aunt, being the independent woman that she is, dabbled with the idea of marrying this man but ultimately turned him down. She expected him to be angry, but instead the man promised that she would change her mind one day.

“As what happens every so often in civilizations, the Assyrian king changed hands, and our civilization went through changes. Trade was hindered by war over land and civil unrest with our surrounding neighbors. Ramin, who knew the struggles we were having with our business, sent a messenger to our home and once again offered his hand in marriage to Eva. Eva worried about our future and, with her desire to maintain our societal status, agreed to marry Ramin.

“Ramin, exceptionally pleased with her decision, arranged an extravagant wedding. In that time, our wedding activities lasted for a week. Eva thought it strange that all the wedding activities were done in the evening rather than day, but accepted it as a part of Ramin’s culture. By the end of the week, Eva was exhausted and wanted nothing more than to get back to calm and quiet and to find her new purpose amongst Ramin’s strange world. I managed to take a job working for the king and utilized my trade experience to manage the trade of iron.

“Shortly after Eva’s wedding, she became increasingly reclusive. My visits with her were always at night, as was custom to our prior meetings with Ramin. She too had developed a new and strange demeanor about her. It wasn’t long until Eva, emotionally distraught, confessed to resenting Ramin and missing her old freedoms. She also confessed to me that Ramin wasn’t what he seemed and that he was a vile creature of the night and had turned her into the same creature as him. I wasn’t sure if Eva had gone mad, but regardless, I wasn’t going to leave her with a man she despised and who was obviously not caring for her appropriately. Unable to legally remove Eva from Ramin’s home, I planned to take her North to the new lands that the king had acquired. During our attempted escape, Ramin discovered our plans. I had only known him to be a strange but sophisticated man, but his true nature was revealed that night. I saw what he was, a vampire.

“Ramin attacked me with intentions of killing me. While distracted, Eva slit his throat. When his body turned to ash, we learned the second way a vampire could be killed. Eva had already learned she could never again go into the sun, or she too would be killed. Ramin’s coven vowed their loyalty and service to Eva, now the woman of the house. Only a couple members of Ramin’s coven attempted to kill Eva, which she quickly dispatched. During Ramin’s attack, I had been wounded. Eva feared my inevitable death, and in her grief, she had a moment of weakness and turned me to be just like her, immortal.

“After coming to terms with my new condition, we again took our places as wealthy trade merchants in the North. We were now leaders of our own coven. As kingdoms rose and fell, we aligned ourselves with the strongest societies and continued this process for centuries. Being vampires made us difficult to kill, and when we were concerned that our nocturnal identity was becoming threatened, we moved or went into hiding. Eilina carried on our family bloodline for about two centuries until it diminished amongst the Babylonians, disease, and war. You, Eva, and I are all that remain from the Salvitto family.”

“Wow.” The word escaped Elise’s mouth as she withdrew her folded hand from her chin. “Just wow. I don’t even know what else to say. It blows my mind.”

“Obviously you didn’t hold it against Eva that she turned you, since you both ran the Covenant together?” Kayci asked.

“You’re right. I did not hold it against her. I knew she was scared to live without me and scared of what would become of her in that time. Women needed men in that era, unlike now. I wish she would have discussed it with me before making her decision, but I was nearly on my deathbed. My only lasting upset about becoming a vampire was that I could not have children. I had always wanted to marry and have children.”

“And Katriana made that happen for you.”

Thorne nodded with that same joyous sparkle in his eyes. Kayci understood now why Thorne adored Katriana so much.

“Unfortunately, I was fated to not have the family I always wanted. I lost both of you shortly after having been blessed with you.” Thorne’s eyes filled with sorrow.

Kayci pushed away the tears that were rising.

“What about Victor?” Kayci asked, trying to change the subject. “When did Eva meet him?”

Thorne seemed to appreciate the change of subject as well. “Eva met Victor sometime after we became the Covenant leaders, around 300 BC. We were recruiting new members due to half the Covenant members having been killed in battles with rogue vampires or having embraced the Dawning. The remaining Covenant members handed the leadership over to her and I willingly, then they scattered across the world, back into hiding. I know one of the three, Hadratha, embraced the Dawning in the fourteen hundreds. Malek and Shang could still be alive, but I don’t imagine that they are.

“Eva met Victor during the empire of Alexander the Great. Victor was a musician who played the lyre quite well. We were at theater one evening when Eva first heard him play. We of course knew he too was a vampire. We sensed it instantly. Eva insisted that we go to the next three theaters to hear him play. We, of course, attended every theater. I watched my sister fall for a vampire she hadn’t even spoken to yet. After the last theater, she approached him and fawned over his musical skills and voice. He assumed we were partners and was pleased to hear that we were brother and sister.

“Eva and Victor began spending much of their time together, and not long after she enlisted him as a member of the Covenant. I too became fond of him and even considered him to be a brother after knowing him for nearly a year. Eva’s relationship with Hahn undoubtedly led to Victor’s death. I did become angry with her after Victor’s death because I sorely missed him. However many quarrels my sister and I have had, they never last. Eva and I have always had an enduring and formidable bond.”

“Eva told me she helped you and Katriana escape from the Covenant. What happened?”

“Once I saw how the Covenant members reacted to the news of Katriana being with child, I knew it wouldn’t be long before they came against us. Eva was concerned as well. She did not want to lose leadership of the Covenant. Being Covenant leader was a perfect fit for her, as you would say. She tried her best to persuade all of the Covenant members that we could conceal the child’s existence from all vampires, but not all of the Covenant members believed we could.

“Several members did turn against us—Florence, Orrick, and Hasasha. Natalia teetered between acceptance and fear. At least I believe it was fear. In an attempt to regain control of the Covenant, Eva had to take action. The Covenant was beginning to suspect her of being more loyal to me than to the vampire laws and her role as Covenant leader. She pretended to be loyal to the Covenant, all the while helping me prepare our escape plans.

“The Covenant’s decision was to execute Katriana and in turn destroy the creature inside of her. Eva convinced the Covenant that Katriana and my child’s death would be punishment enough. Florence insisted on adding fifteen lashes to the punishment. Lashing is a common punishment still used to inflict serious pain on a vampire. It’s medieval but effective.

“Thanks to Eva, I knew that the Covenant planned to execute Katriana. Katriana, in an effort to protect us, cast a masking spell on us both. We took refuge with other witches and then friends that Eva and I had made throughout the years. Not wanting to endanger them any longer, Katriana and I took refuge in the mountains of Guiana Highlands of Venezuela. Due to its inaccessibility and unexplored territory, we were well hidden.

“The night that the Covenant came for Katriana and I, Eva mentally pushed my own thought to run. As soon as the thought came to the forefront of my mind, I knew it was time to leave. Eva had stayed with the Covenant the night prior and up to my arrest so that she wasn’t accused of helping us escape. I imagine Eva was still accused of helping us, but considering she remained Covenant leader, they must not have been able to provide evidence.”

“Who’s Hasasha?” Kayci asked, trying to mask her anger that the Covenant members wanted her and her mother killed.

“She was not present during your meeting with the Covenant?” Thorne asked, surprised.

“No.” Kayci shook her head.

“I assume then that she is no longer alive. Covenant members don’t resign. They tend to either embrace the Dawning or die in battle. Perhaps Eva killed her. Hasasha and Eva got along for a century or so until Hasasha began opposing Eva whenever she had the chance. Hasasha likely led the raid against me and likely lost her head for it.” Thorne smiled from what appeared to be internal gratification.

After a few moments of silence, Elise spoke up.

“I want to stay and ask questions all night long, but unfortunately, I can’t miss work again. Not when I’m trying so hard to get an excellent recommendation. Thorne, does the offer still stand to escort me home? I really would feel safer if you made sure other vampires aren’t around my house or in it.”

Thorne smiled genuinely. “Of course the offer still stands. Do you have a vehicle for us to utilize?”

“Actually, mine is still in the parking garage at Fifth Avenue. We would have to take Kayci’s car to get to mine. Then you could follow me in Kayci’s car to my house and then come back here in Kayci’s car. Is that all right?” Elise asked. “I don’t want to burden you.”

“It’s all right with me as long as Kayci doesn’t mind us using her vehicle.”

“Not at all,” Kayci replied cheerfully. “Are you still going to Adrian’s after Elise’s house? You can use my car to go there if you’d like to. I won’t need it anytime soon, and if I do, I can always call a cab.”

“I would like to visit Adrian after Elise is safely home, if that’s all right with you?” Thorne asked.

“Yeah, that’s fine. Just don’t scare him off, okay?” Kayci teased.

Thorne smiled endearingly. “You have nothing to fear. Adrian isn’t known to scare easily.”

“Good,” Kayci replied.

Chapter 25

Thorne gave his usual charming smile to the blond-haired vampire that worked the desk of the spa and fitness center on the fourteenth floor.

“Are you new to town?” she asked flirtatiously.

Thorne followed her down the hall to the hidden elevator. “I’ve been here before. However, it’s been many years since my last visit.”

“Adrian an old friend?”

“Yes, he is.”

“Great. I hope you enjoy your stay. If you need anything while you’re here, let me know. My name is Elayna. I manage the desk four nights a week. Amber runs the desk the other three nights. She can also help with any questions you may have.”

Elayna pushed the only button displayed next to the elevator. Thorne heard the elevator make its way down the shaft. The doors swung open.

“Adrian’s suite is 1503. Go through the common room and down the hall. His door is on the right.”

Thorne noticed the extra sway the young vampire put into her hips as she paraded back down the hall. He smiled, amused.

As the elevator doors opened, he was surprised to see four vampires in the common room. They sat on the furniture in front of a large fireplace, listening to music turned down low while they chatted with one another. They acknowledged him and nodded their heads in greeting as he passed by.

He reached Adrian’s condo. The door opened before Thorne lifted his hand to knock.

“Glad you found the place okay,” Adrian said, motioning for him to enter.

“I like the level of security you’ve installed.”

Thorne entered, admired the furniture and architecture briefly before returning his attention to Adrian.

“Nicely decorated.”

“Thanks.”

“Has Kayci been here?”

Adrian smiled at Thorne’s father-like inquiry.

“She has. She liked the design and decoration as well,” Adrian quipped.

Thorne nodded, not quite smiling.

“What is it that I can help you with?” Adrian asked, wanting to get down to business.

“I’m hoping we can help one another.”

Adrian looked at Thorne with immediate interest. “How so?”

“I thought you may be able to help me with acquiring living accommodations here in Naples, and I would like to offer my services in capturing Danika.”

“Sounds like a fair trade. I can offer you a place here if you’d like. As you’ve seen, the security is quite advantageous. I have an empty unit on the other side of the building, specifically for vampires in need of a place, or there is another condominium down the road that has two units available. We can take a look at each of them if you’d like. Afterward I could use your help on a second scouting trip I was planning on tonight. I’m hoping to pick up a trail from one of Danika’s fledglings or coven vampires out feeding. I’ll need the extra hands if I do catch a scent. Between Vladimir and I, we’ve already killed twelve of her coven members, but she keeps the strongest vampires by her side.” Adrian’s tone became more serious. “So you know what you’re walking into—the Covenant wants me to bring Danika back alive. That’s not what I intend to do.”

“Understood,” Thorne replied coolly. “After what she’s done to Kayci, I find your decision fitting. Now if it’s all right with you, I’d like to see the two units at the second condominium. I’m sure Kayci would prefer not to have her father in the same building as her partner.”

Adrian smiled at the reference to him as Kayci’s partner, relieved to know that Thorne accepted him and even considered him worthy of his daughter, since he knew of Adrian’s past.

Adrian quickly grabbed a set of keys and led Thorne to the second high-rise condominium. After pushing the key into the lock, he opened it wide for Thorne to enter.

Thorne looked around at the black-and-white tiles, black marble countertops, white furniture, turquoise rug, and a tall slender bookshelf.

“It’s not an open concept like mine,” Adrian said. “The office, two bedrooms, and bathroom are closed off. However, the master suite has a nice balcony, and the bathroom has a walk-in shower and Jacuzzi tub.”

“You sound like a salesman.”

“Well, that’s exactly what I’m trying to do. The condo’s not free. Plus I thought it best to point out the parts I think you’d like.”

“You’re doing well so far.”

“Have a look around the rooms, and then we’ll move on to the next one.”

Thorne entered the second condo, surprised by how much yellow was inside. The kitchen had dark wood cabinets, with marble counters and gray-and-blue tiled floors. The living room had a small yellow couch with an oversized black-and-white chair and matching ottoman on top of a thin rug with yellow, green, and blue stripes. The office, open like Adrian’s, had glass windows on each side of the room. It had a small black metal-and-glass desk with a slim yellow lamp sitting on top.

“The two bedrooms in this unit have been converted to one large master suite. It too has a balcony and Jacuzzi tub.”

“Who decorated the condos?” Thorne asked.

“Elayna and Noveline, two vampires in the coven I live alongside of. They consider themselves interior designers.”

“This modern design will take some time to get used to,” Thorne admitted. “I do, however, like this unit better. I’ll of course be making some furniture changes.”

Adrian looked around the room at the hideous bright colors. “I would too.”

“How much for the unit?” Thorne asked in a businesslike tone.

“$325,000, or $27,000 a month.”

Thorne looked at Adrian, shocked. “Price inflation has gone up significantly since I left.”

“That’s not even full price. The people that buy the units pay $679,000 for a unit. The price goes down slightly as they go down in floors.”

“That’s absurd,” Thorne replied.

“It is,” Adrian agreed. “I remember when a man could buy 160 acres for fourteen dollars. Now humans pay over half a million dollars for two thousand square feet. It’s asinine.”

“Completely. How do you want the funds?”

“Certified check will be fine. I have a private banker that can take care of the paperwork. When would you like to move in?”

“Tomorrow night. I’d prefer not to be a burden on Kayci any longer than is necessary. I’m sure she’ll be glad to have her privacy once again as well.”

“I’m sure she’s enjoying having you around.”

Thorne smiled.

“If I wanted Elayna and Noveline to make some changes to the furniture, do you think they could handle the task on such short notice?”

“I’m sure they would jump at the opportunity. They love to shop online for furniture and decorations. Give me the list of what you want, and I’ll have them take care of it.”

“Excellent. Now you’ve accommodated me enough for tonight. Let’s get to work on finding Danika.”

Thorne and Adrian turned the corner onto the sidewalk that led to the entrance of Blue Moon.

“Have you fed enough lately?” Adrian asked. “I know how stimulating an environment like this can be when you haven’t fed in a long time.”

“I ravaged my way through Central Africa before taking a flight to America. I’ll be fine,” he assured Adrian.

“Great,” Adrian replied. “This nightclub is an active hotspot for vampires. I guarantee they’ll be some in there. The nightclub is closing soon, so there won’t be very many humans. Danika’s fledglings are blatantly obvious. They haven’t been taught how to properly feed and are careless in their behaviors. Danika’s coven vampires are reckless as well. I’ll be able to recognize most of them. You’ll know when I see them. How I feel about them will be clear.”

“I’ll follow your lead,” Thorne told him as they neared the entrance.

Adrian strolled into the bar first and immediately scanned the surroundings. Only a few humans remained, and they were heavily intoxicated, which made them even better prey for Danika’s coven vampires. He was disappointed to only find a few that he knew. None of Danika’s vampires were there—she was up to something. Adrian shook his head at Thorne and then nodded for them to leave. Thorne followed.

“She’s planning something,” Adrian told Thorne once they were outside. “I haven’t found any of her coven vampires since I rescued Elise. They’ve all disappeared. It isn’t normal behavior. She’s keeping them under the radar for a reason.”

“Let’s keep looking,” Thorne suggested in an effort to ease Adrian’s dissatisfied mood.

As they left the second nightclub, Thorne directed their conversation to Kayci.

“Have you and Kayci discussed the fact that she isn’t immortal?”

Adrian had considered that very thought the last several nights. He wondered if becoming a vampire was something she would ever want. He feared her answer either way.

“No, we have not had that discussion.”

Thorne sensed Adrian’s angst. “Would you want to turn her?” Thorne asked casually.

Adrian stopped walking and looked Thorne dead in the eyes. “I would never turn Kayci, even if she wanted me to. I vowed to never turn a human into one of us, and I don’t intend to go back on my vow. As we both know, it’s a painful process, and I would hate to see Kayci go through it. However, I admit I do struggle with the idea of her immortality, because I’ve fallen in love with her.”

“I know you have, which is why I felt it necessary to bring it up. Eva believes we should turn Kayci for her own good. She believes Kayci too fragile and weak as a mortal woman with only some of our vampire traits. Having her mother’s skills helps her to protect herself, but we both know that can only go so far. A vampire can kill a witch fairly easily if she’s not expecting it.”

“Yes, I’m aware of her vulnerability, and believe me—she doesn’t like it, but not once have I heard her say she wants to be like us. She has us to protect her, and honestly, she’s done a pretty damn good job of protecting herself so far. She’s been attacked three times now and survived each one.”

“When I found her in the parking garage, she was nearly dead. If you consider that surviving, then that is a poor representation.”

“You’re telling me then that you wish to turn Kayci so that she can protect herself better? That’s a foolish reason to turn her into a vampire. Becoming a vampire is a difficult transition to make. What if she doesn’t handle it well and walks right into the sunrise? Then we’ve lost her completely.”

Thorne walked silently, a frown marring his face.

“Do you believe then that we should hover over her with our overbearing desires to protect her? Do you have a way to keep her safe from the Covenant if they decide she is a problem? Do you have a suggestion on how to keep her safe if vampires find out she’s a product of a demonic binding spell?”

Adrian stopped abruptly. “Perhaps you should have thought about these things before letting Katriana perform the spell. She couldn’t stay hidden forever. It was inevitable that she would be drawn to the supernatural world. She’s one of us. As for keeping her safe, I’m taking care of at least one problem, and that’s to remove the current threat.”

Adrian walked away, irritated. His foul mood had worsened, and they had little time left to hunt before the sun came up.