Shadow Queen (14 page)

              “What you see behind this door is not Thorn.  He had no alternative.  And remember…you insisted on coming.”

              “If it is to help Cas, then it doesn’t matter what I see.”

              “Are you sure about that?”  Calum lifted my chin.

              I couldn’t help but let the worst possible scenarios play out in my mind with what’s behind that door, but whatever the case I would hate myself more for not helping.  If Cas was doing it to protect me then I would handle what consequences he had accepted for himself.

              “Ready?” he asked with the slightest remorse in his voice.  The blood bag was in his hand.

              When the scene unfolded, I wanted to close my eyes and cry.  I’d never been a crier, but for once, Calum had been right.  A tall man, with dark as spades black hair halfway down his back, stood in the corner of the room smoking a pipe. His notched chin moved with his jaw as he exhaled the puff of air that only added to the stale scent of the room.  He was watching on with a sloe-eyed transfixed stare as my Cas hovered over a body. I could tell the rather colossal sized body wasn’t female which gave me only the slightest relief.  Cas’ back was to me, but I knew him well. 

              In the other corner, two other men watched.  A woman stood with them.  All were obviously Vampires, but they didn't dress the way others had at the Cross Manor.  These guys resembled what I termed as street walkers.  Any movement from the girl and she might fall out of what she styled as an outfit. 

              At our obtrusion, the three Vampires signaled to the dark haired man who snapped his fingers to the air like a verbal command.  Very little furniture made up the room so there was plenty of space for a fight if it came to that. Odd as it was, the room wasn't neat as drab as the rest of the place.  The two windows were boarded up, but their obvious ornamental scrolling designs encased with whorls of faded colors were still visible.  I'm betting, at one time, they matched the windows I saw blacked out.

              With a myriad of emotions, I watched as Cas lifted off the man whom I recognized without a doubt.  Dr. Mar Quinn.

              My mind was screaming words I’d never uttered before.  He was being made to drink from Quinn?  The whys started to mount in my head.  And the man in the corner had to be Drac. 

                “Your thoughts are not your own,” Cas stated in a low, distant tone.  It was either a good act or he really felt nothing for me.

              I glanced sideways at Drac.  Cas meant that someone else could hear me.  I wondered if all could or just Drac.  I realized quickly I had my own act to play if I wanted back out of there.

              “I guess I am to assume Dr. Quinn, that you asked for this?”

              “My young princess, I wanted nothing more.”

              Was that a yes or a no?  “There were other options.”  I knew the loss of his family would drive him to something outrageous and this constituted as slightly past that stage. 

              “This was my choice.”

              Answering my thoughts, I wondered if he could read me too. 

              “No my dear one, he is yet too young to find the patterns.  Only the well aged may trace another.  Although, your connection with Thorn is quite intriguing.  I have analyzed that one to no avail. Do what do we offer to you on this day of your visit?  I had on very good word that you were a distant memory.  However, if you’re here to follow in the good doctor’s footsteps, I would be most obliged.” 

His fangs extended to show me exactly what he wanted of me.  I wanted to look back to Cas for any type of assurance, but he wouldn’t give it and I couldn’t ask it of him.  I kept my mind empty. 

I reached for the blood and laid it in the table beside me.  It wasn't until standing here that I remembered he was a prior lord.  It was customary to have an offering of sort to speak with one, though after I sat it down, I remembered I was to be one myself.  I should think that would negate the act, but Lee was giving me an in. I wouldn't argue with that small element.  I had bigger fish to fry.

“I am here to verify the whereabouts of the current Vampire lord.  Since his disappearance, his people are in an uproar.  I am aware he is taking care of something for you, and I see now what that is, but it will not do for him to leave his people without a leader.  How much longer do you anticipate keeping him out of commission.”

“And of what concern is it to you?” Drac asked.

“Do you wish to address me before you introduce yourself or are your manners as ancient as you?”

He twisted his neck in both directions before smiling.  His smile could not be called anything but demonic and all too effective.   Without taking an eye off me, he sat the pipe down on the tapered end table beside him.  In small meticulous steps towards where I still stood right inside the door, he watched me then Cas.  Before his hand made it halfway to the part of my face he was aimed at touching, I grabbed hold and pressed.  With amazing strength, he didn’t budge.  As impressed as I was, I didn’t want to test it further.  My point was made.

“While I’m as equally impressed, it doesn’t favor well for you who stands in my domain.  Thorn will return on my decision.  He is here for my bidding.  I am aware of your status and how you weigh with the male population of the current faction leaders.  It is my understanding that you are to be returned to your own court.  I will return our good doctor and your previous to our faction’s court when you have returned to yours.  For you are the only reason he is still here.”

With that, I self-consciously turned to Cas.  His mad stare bore into mine.  Drac knew my
status. 
Like the rumors, everyone saw me as the leader of the factions.  Not everyone favored it.  “And if I wish to remain exclusive to being at all of them at my own leisure, what will that harm?”

“Nothing so long as you keep your physical distance.”

This was about Cas and I specifically, nothing more.  “And what of the doctor?”

“He will join Thorn.”

I wasn’t stupid.  “As?”

That demonic smile returned.  “You said she was clever.  I like you, princess.  You would do well on our side.”

Cas’ heart rate increased making me worry what could become of it in front of the present crowd, but my own heart swelled at the meaning. 

“I am happy with my current situation as is.  I am only here to restore order among the factions as I was sanctioned to do.”

A step closer than I liked, Drac asked with malcontent in his voice, “By who?”

Knowing this was not a time for acting timid, I stepped into his personal space more than he had mine and relayed ardently, “The Goddess Anat.”

“Ahhh. Mother of the Godslayer.  I knew the Valkyrie women of old would come back to haunt us one day.”

Not much can catch me off guard, but that did.  “And what do you know of her?”

“What do I not?”  He slid his hand down the front of him and took a puff of what he was smoking. It swirled upward bleeding into the staleness.

Now I’m usually easy going with new knowledge, but this couldn’t be ignored.  “And you know her how?”

With the silence in the room you could hear every sound even over the horrid music coming form the other side.  I also recall the discussion from Lit class at the Hunter school concerning the book Dracula and how it led to the fact that Dracula himself couldn’t help his own forthcomings.  He certainly mimicked the man before me in a lot of ways.  But I rescind my earlier assessment of his choices and “you are who you are”.  I think this man could take a lesson from the Count himself.

“She and I go way back.  If you like, I can arrange something with you as well for the exchange of a favor in return.”

“NO!” Cas screamed.  All eyes turned to him.  His shoulders stretched tight, he countered backward with, “I don’t want her in my court.  She will not be one of us.”

Drac watched us both carefully before saying, “Very well.  But let the lady decide.  After all, she is no longer tied to you.”

Cas nodded with a bow to Drac and withdrew back to where he stood before.  Quinn didn’t gain any expression since last seeing him other than the fact that he was a Hunter in Vamp clothing.  I had my guesses long ago of the subject of Drac’s relationship to Cas and now it was confirmed.  Drac holds power over the Vampire lord himself.

“Yes, this is true.  Though I am tied to no one.  I bore of your games.  Will he or will he not be returned to his faction home?”

The almighty Drac laughed just as the three deadly silent Vampires gasped loud enough to gain his attention.  “She is a tiger.  I see now why my Nara could be her only rival.”

My insides were dancing with knives envisioned down his throat and piercing through his heart.

“Now, now my pet.  No point hating on me.  I’m the one who saved you, you see.  If not for me, you wouldn’t be with us now.  For I am the one who stopped my Nara from taking your precious head off, but only once will I do this.  I will keep my end of the bargain…as long as he keeps his.”  Drac motioned to Cas.

He is lying.  My mother saved me. 

Calum, whom I’d neglected royally, strong armed my wrist from behind me.  I was glad for it, for it would not have been a pretty sight to attack Lord Drac at the given moment. At the confirmation that Cas had in fact struck a deal to save me, I was at a loss.  But not a total one.

“When?” I demanded.

“Tomorrow.  The doctor’s final transfusion will be tomorrow and Thorn can resume his reign.”

“Alone,” I added.

Drac’s eyes narrowed to slits.  “Perhaps.”

At this point, I didn’t know what else I could do.  Wasting my time convincing him was well…a waste of time. It
was
time for me to find out what place he has in the Vampire world and how he has so much power.

I turned to go when he cleared his throat.  I half turned to cock my head sideways at him and waited.

“Will you comply with orders your Vampire lord sanctions?”

I smiled knowing then I could win this.  “Perhaps.”

When we were in the car and away, my heart hurt in a thousand ways.  I saw Cas, but it wasn’t my Cas.  The silence in the car was killing me beyond even the fact that Calum had said nothing.  I hadn’t expected him too, but the hurt was there nonetheless.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

He shifted in his seat to hide his injured pride. He wasn't sorry, just mad I was upset with him.  “Would it have helped?”

Sometimes he was so in tune with what I needed, and other times he was focused elsewhere.  Like when he fights.  His Hunter mind takes over the battle scene and unlike Cord or Cas, he fights.  He doesn’t defend.

I twisted sideways, “No!  But it sure as heck might have prepared me for what that man is.  If you can call him a man.  What the heck is he in the Vampire world if he can force feed the lord?”

“It is my understanding that he sired all of them.  He is, as of recent, the oldest Vampire in the world.”

“And that makes him able to be an asshole?”

“Apparently.”  Calum stared into the black hole of darkness that kept me from reading his face.  The car was dark and only lit with the green dashboard for seeing him.

“When did you know where Cas was?” I asked wanting to grasp the chain of who is telling who in a world where much is kept from me. 

“A text came through to us all the second before Nara was to kill you.  Thorn made a deal with Drac that he would give you up if he would spare you.  Where one deal is done, another forms.  He was made to turn Quinn to keep from offering marriage to Nara.”

While that was a relief and made me feel good, I worried why Drac wanted Quinn within the Vampire walls.  And how the mother could have finagled any of it to save me.  She had skills I didn't.

“Why does Drac want Quinn so bad?”

“Oh, that is a good one. I might as well tell you all of it.  You’ll pluck it out of one of us anyway.”

I hate protecting men now.  It was too much.  “Shut up and tell me.”

              For the first time tonight, Calum smiled.  Radiant like the sun he chuckled, “Which is it?  Shut up or tell you.  I can’t do both as I don’t have telepathy like some I know.”  He touched his temple with his index finger.

              Err!

              “Alright.  Alright.  If Drac issues Quinn within the walls of the Vampire court, he officially has access to three of the faction courts.  Like the nephew, he was born and bred to be a spy.   For Drac, its possibilities mean he controls the factions from the inside out.  He isn’t one to sit on a throne but rather run things from the dregs of society as you saw.”

              “And what about Quinn?”  He didn’t look like he was being forced.

              “He is the oldest family friend my father has ever known.  They grew up together, graduated together, and were in each other’s weddings.  He wants revenge.”

              “On who?”  I couldn't stop the despondency lingering in my tone.  It wouldn't be a happy tale if something drove him to this.

              “Those who took his family?”

              “And who took his family?”

              Calum rubbed his chin and fiddled with the radio station that was gaining static.  With one hand still on the wheel, the other went back to rest on the gear shift. 

              “He blames our people.”

              I shot upward, “What?  Why?”

              “He held animosity towards my father for naming him over Borgon for a teaching position.  Borgon was determined to get his own revenge aside from the feat of getting to you.  He took Quinn's family when he refused to turn you over.  The Elves did the actual killing, but it was our people who told where they were.  When the life of the one you would do anything for is compromised, you lose your own compassion for life itself.  Nothing seems unreasonable.  You’d give your life for them to have them back even for the single moment before their dying.”

              I know where he was heading with this and ignore the implications.

              Calum suggested that I move to the school for safety and appearances.  I knew his motives.  I told him I would go to my father’s court, but another solution presented itself.

              “Well?” Cord met me at the door to the Cross Manor.  “You thought you needed to force us into exile or something because of your curiosity?”

              “What the hell, Stace?” Szar shook me like a ragdoll.

              Calum pulled him off me and suddenly all three were yelling profanities at each other.  The battle for who was manlier was on.  I watched them for close to a minute before sneaking to the kitchen.  I wanted a piece of the chocolate cake before I had to leave here.

              At the second bite, they all came parading into the room scaring Claire out of her wits.  They apologized to her and proceeded to watch me eat.  I let them.

              “Not so heartbroken about your prince-y boy there are you?” Cord snorted.

              I ignored him and ate another bite.

              Calum grunted, “She is coming with me.”

              Szar looked calmly down at me, “What is up that nonexistent sleeve of yours, sis?”

              Oh, does my brother know me well.  I didn’t have to force the mirthless smile that crept up across my lips.  I licked the spoon clean and shoved the empty plate aside. 

              “Do you have a plan?” Calum raised the famous brow.

              “Perhaps.”  I had a new word. 

              I convinced Cord, without much coercion, to let me stay at the Were court.  I had it in my head to gain the same knowledge that Drac so desired by knowing all the factions—inside and out.  I would have to stay one up on all of them from now on.  Being away from Cas has shown me how wrapped up in him I’d become.  I was for sure of one thing.  I loved Cassius Cross and would do anything to save him as he is doing for me, but I also have a duty to the factions to save them from their own plunder.  And for now, I’d word on the “knowledge is power” take to winning against Drac or Borgon or whoever else might step in the way.

              I asked the guys how Drac might know about the Godslayer or possibly knew my mother in any type of way, but they were clueless.  Nara was the only connection.  I called Lee and got very different results.  He told me, after much convincing, that he found out about Drac all the way back to the day we rescued my brother from the warehouse where Borgon held him hostage.  The hoax kidnapping, it turns out, was more to Borgon than just a favor to a couple of factions.  He was not
just
a double agent, but also working with Drac.  Under the cover of night, Drac orchestrated a heavily plotted plan to get as many against the factions as possible.  It explained all the turncoats for the most part.

              Over the last year, Drac’s name had become a daily dealing.  Lee spent as much time in his presence as he had Borgon.  I couldn’t understand how Lee Dyer was still alive.

              Drac knew my mother biblically it seems.  She used him to find out where the Godslayer was located.  Created by the Elves, the sword was forged magically and held but one purpose.  To end a god.  And their offspring.  My mother has spent that last two centuries trying to get it back. 

              That was all Lee knew.

              What baffles me is how a goddess can’t just take it.  There is a part of the story missing and I intend to find out what that is.