The Blood Between

Evernight Publishing www.evernightpublishing.com

Copyright© 2011 Xondra Day

ISBN: 978-1-926950-46-4

Cover Artist: Jinger Heaston Editor: Kimberly Bowman

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

DEDICATIO) This novella is for anyone who ever dared to make their dreams a reality.

THE BLOOD BETWEE) Xondra Day Copyright © 2011

Chapter One

Kyle shoved both hands deep inside the pockets of his jacket in a lame attempt to keep the October chill and dampness which plagued the night air at bay. He despised the evening shift and the subsequent late night trek home that came with it. He kept his head down as he passed strangers, wondering why anyone would choose to be out on a night like tonight if they didn’t have to be. This area of town wasn’t great, but the rent was within his tight budget. Relief washed over him. He stepped up his pace, realizing that tonight the thugs that often hung out around his building were nowhere to be seen. Perhaps they hated the shitty weather as much as he did. He turned the last corner and, through the light drizzle and fog, he spotted a man. A sudden chill ripped through him. The man stood under a streetlight, tall, dressed in a black trench coat. Kyle’s mind told him to run, to just turn and head in the opposite direction. Yet, frozen in place he just stared, knowing the man had already spotted him. Kyle backed away as he came toward him, his heavy boots thudding against the damp pavement, then he was gone. Had he imagined him? He turned away for a moment, almost falling into a large puddle when two large hands grabbed him by the shoulders preventing him from hitting the ground. They stood face to face. The man eyed him in a most peculiar way. “I’m sorry,” he said, releasing Kyle, his voice deep,

penetrating, as were his dark green eyes. Eyes which shone out from a stark, handsome, alabaster face. His chin, firm and stone-like, carried along with the rest of his features under the light of the now clouded, wet moon. “Thank you,” stammered Kyle, his heart pounded inside his chest. The man’s eyes traced him up and down before coming back to rest on his face. Kyle fought to remain calm as the stranger stared. He stood much taller than Kyle, his shoulders broad. He exuded strength and dominance without saying a word. He nodded and backed away into the darkness of the nearby alleyway. Kyle blinked. He was gone. Another chill raced over Kyle, realizing the drizzle had turned to rain and had started to seep through his jacket. **** The first thing Kyle did when he entered his apartment was strip. Shedding his wet clothes, he slid into a pair of sleep pants and topped it off with a fitted t-shirt. He towel dried his hair and then set forth to brew a pot of coffee. While he waited for it to brew, he flicked open his cell and turned on the ringer. There were a few texts from Joel. Joel, who was a co-worker and friend, yet couldn’t understand why he wasn’t interested in anything more than friendship from the guy. Kyle did, however, give him two thumbs up for being persistent. When it came to his own sexuality, it was confusion and lack of self-confidence that prevented him from dating anyone, male or female. Up to this point in life, he had reasoned within his own being that he was most likely gay, yet he wasn’t one hundred percent sure. Joel had tried to kiss him one night at work in the supply room, and while he wanted it to happen, he held back. They were friends, buddies. He didn’t want anything to ruin that for them. Reflecting back to that night, he settled on the couch with coffee in hand. He’d been such a fool during the moments that had led to his encounter with Joel. Joel has always been friendly toward him, but he hadn’t seen it as anything more. “I like you,” said Joel. They had finished up with the night’s

receipts and had entered the back room to gather their things before leaving. “You too,” he replied. Of course they liked each other, they were friends. “No, you’re not getting what I’m saying.” Joel grabbed his arm. Suddenly, he was confused and most uncomfortable. Joel’s hand moved from his arm to his cheek. “This is—” “I’ve taken a strong liking to you. Don’t tell me you haven’t noticed till now? I can’t help wanting to be with you, closer to you.” He placed his hand over Joel’s. He did feel something for Joel, but it wasn’t love. Joel was handsome, above average to most. Kyle smiled; he was flattered and lacking for words. No one had ever shown him much attention. “I’ll walk you home tonight. It’s late,” said Joel. He nodded. “Thanks, I’d appreciate it.” **** It had never been Kyle’s intention to invite Joel into his apartment, but Joel insisted on walking him to the door. “The place is a mess,” he explained, flicking the light switch in the narrow hallway. “It’s fine.” Joe laughed. “You should see my place.” They walked down the hall into the living area. He pointed to the small couch. “Make yourself comfortable. I’ll make coffee.” “Are you kidding?” asked Joel, raising one brow. “We both see and deal with coffee too much at the shop. Something cold would be nice.” Kyle returned with two colas. “I see your point in regards to the coffee, yet I’m totally addicted to the stuff.” “I’m sorry about, you know, earlier,” said Joel. “I came on a little strong, and it was neither the time nor place for it.” “It’s ok.” He looked across the room to the window. A moment of awkward silence sliced between them. “Are you nervous? Do I make you nervous being here. I can go.” He didn’t want Joel to leave. He didn’t know what the hell he

wanted. For the first time in his young life, a guy, a handsome guy, had shown interest in him. Was he using their friendship as an excuse to not take things to a higher level? And if so, why? “No, stay.” He managed to mutter. “You’re sure?” “I’m sure.” He forced a smile. “Good.” Joel moved closer to him, his hands, strong and firm, tracing each of Kyle’s forearms. “You don’t know how much I want to kiss you at this moment.” Their eyes locked. He nodded. A kiss might not be so bad. He throbbed inside his jeans at the sheer thought. It would be his first kiss from another man, his first kiss ever. He closed his eyes as Joel’s lips touched his, light at first, the tip of Joel’s tongue sliding inside his mouth, toying with his. Joel pulled away and smiled. “Just as I imagined, sweet.” Every fantasy he had ever had about any man became real. For far too long he had repressed his true feelings about who and what he was. With this one kiss, it sparked an awakening inside him, and he now wanted more, so much more. He moaned when Joel slid a hand inside his shirt. Joel’s fingers toyed with one nipple causing it to become erect as they kissed again, this time with unabashed abandon. He pulled away. “The bedroom, we should go to the bedroom. He sat on the edge of the bed as Joel stood between his legs. In one swift movement Joel pulled Kyle’s shirt up over his head and tossed it to the side. Under the dim lights, each fumbled as they undressed, both eager to get down to business. Joel pushed him back on the bed. Kyle looked up at his friend hovering over him. Wet lips connected with his left nipple, the man’s tongue snaking back and forth, his teeth nibbling just enough to cause a delicious discomfort. The sweet sensation of pleasure and pain intertwined forced him to bite down on his lip stifling a groan. “I want to remember this moment for eternity,” said Joel, a wry grin etched across his lips. “I’ve been waiting for this forever and a day, since the first time we met. I plan to enjoy every second and every last inch of you.” Kyle squirmed as Joel reached down and grabbed his hard

cock. “That’s nice, very nice. Touch me, Kyle. I want you to enjoy this too. Touch me.” “I’ve never done this before,” he admitted, feeling embarrassed at his inexperience. “I’ve only ever seen men naked in magazines.” “Well, I can promise you that I’m much more interactive.” Joel guided Kyle’s hand to his throbbing cock. Kyle traced his fingers up and down Joel’s length and then gripped him. It thrilled him to have Joel respond to his touch, his own cock ready to burst, his balls clenching, seeking release. “Virgin ass,” said Joel, one hand sliding under Kyle, grabbing his right cheek. “You have an awesome bubble-butt. It begs to be eaten. Roll onto your belly and give me a good view of that ass.” Kyle did as he was told. “Fucking hot, man. You don’t know how I’ve dreamt of this. You’ve fuelled my fantasies for far too long.” Massaging each cheek, Joel then spread them wide to reveal Kyle’s tight hole. “So fucking sweet.” Kyle jumped slightly when Joel’s finger made contact. “Don’t worry, babe, I won’t hurt you and we’ll play it safe.” Kyle knew that Joel would never hurt him; he trusted Joel. He had waited far too long for this. He thrust his ass upward toward Joe’s probing fingers, his face buried deep into the pillow which cradled his head. “Do you want it?” asked Joel. He nodded and then looked up and over his shoulder. “Yes.” “How bad?” “Bad.” “Do you like my cock? If you want it then you have to work for it.” He felt the head of Joel’s cock rubbing against his hole. This was wild, this was crazy. He needed it bad. **** Neither of the two men could see him. Fading was just one of many powers that the dark gift had bestowed upon him so many years ago. Through the window he watched them, writhing. Their bodies

no doubt now slick with sweat. He fought the urge to crash through the window, to rip the head off the older of the two. The desire to reclaim what had once been his burned throughout him like a fire that could never be extinguished. Under different circumstances, he would have been turned on by the act which was playing out before him. That is, if he didn’t have a vested interest in the younger guy. How easy it would be to slip inside his mind, to invade his brain, to will him to open the window and invite him in. But that wouldn’t have been fair, it would mean breaking the rules, and that was a big no no. He refused to watch anymore. Luca didn’t trust himself. He turned from the window and cascaded through the air down to the street below, taking form, landing. Hunt. He had to hunt before the sun came up. That had been the sole purpose of his foray out into the night, or so he’d thought. Luca scanned his surroundings. He liked the seedier side of life, and this area of the city indulged his tastes in spades. Of course, if he’d actually been alive and human, he might have felt otherwise. It was a scream that immediately caught his attention. Luca stopped dead in his tracks to allow his internal compass to kick in. It was a woman, a young woman fighting. He sensed her fear, her terror. Closing his eyes, his instinct guided him along the dark streets. A man was with her. Even before he stumbled onto the scene, he’d decided the man would be his. “Bitch.” The man’s raspy voice sliced through him, a real gentleman. “Stay away,” pleaded the woman. There was a brief pause of silence. “You’re hurting me.” In the shadows of the alleyway, he lurked, watching them dance their dance of the macabre under the light of a full moon. The man’s thoughts were easily read. He would cut her throat and then hide her body in the dumpster behind them. It was time. He stepped out, releasing himself from the shadows. She screamed, trying to pull her arm from the man’s grip. With his other hand, the man smacked her across the face. She fell to the ground. “Enough,” Luca ordered, his voice booming. The beast that

lurked inside him started to rise. “Let her go.” It wasn’t a suggestion, it was an order. “Who the fuck are you?” asked the man, looking him up and down. “You mind your own God damned business and keep on walking, if you know what’s good for you.” The irony, it was magnificent. He smiled. He looked down at the woman. She looked up with awe. “Go,” he told her. “And don’t you dare look back.” She did. The man advanced on him, brandishing a blade. Little did the man know, you couldn’t kill what was already long dead. He leapt through the air, his black trench coat streaming behind him like a slow-moving, dark fog. Pinning the man to the ground with the heel of his boot, he grinned. “I’m your every nightmare. Your darkest thoughts come to life.” The beast was now on the surface ready to present itself, the bloodlust flooding his brain. Every cell within him cried out for the glorious, red-hot salvation. It was life itself. He craved it. Waves of adrenaline rushed through him as he tore into the man’s skinny neck. He was alive again, the cold slowly leaving his being for a moment. Then it was over. Death had claimed the body, and you never drank from the dead. He sat back and wiped his mouth with the sleeve of his coat. “And the world’s a better place,” he said, looking at the lifeless corpse next to him, lifeless eyes staring up at the sky. It was time to go, time to retreat into another dreamless slumber before the sun came up. Dawn would come soon, and as the rest of the city awoke, he would sleep.

Chapter Two Regret, how quickly it seeded itself into Kyle’s brain once Joel left. The sex had been great, without a doubt. Not that he had anything to compare it to, he just assumed it was. He pulled the bedclothes around him. The room had turned cold, but there was no way he was getting out of bed to fumble with the thermostat. He shivered and did his best to settle. Fatigue washed over him and soon he was fast asleep. **** A cold wind whipped past him coming in from the ocean. Kyle was aware that he was dreaming. He had been there before many times. It was nothing new. The dream never changed. He stood on the edge of the cliff, looking out over the vast expanse of salt water. Its dark waters swirled at the bottom, a bottom that he could barely make out. Then came the voice, booming, and darkness. Oblivion. He woke. Bathed in sweat, a strong sense of loss and lack of control pitted his stomach. He glanced at the clock radio next to the bed. He had slept much longer than he planned, but still had an hour to kill before his evening shift. A shower would do him good along with a cup of herbal tea to settle his jarred nerves. **** Joel flashed him a quick smiled as Kyle passed by him when he arrived at work. Joel stood behind the counter with a goofy look on his face as he ushered customers through the rather long line-up. Inside the small employee break room, Kyle tossed his bag to the side and removed his jacket. “I enjoyed last night.” He jumped slightly and turned to see Joel standing there. “About that…” “Yes?”

“Maybe we shouldn’t have done what we did.” Joel raised one brow and planted both hands on his hips. He didn’t look pleased. “You regret being with me? Wow, this totally blows me away. I thought you liked me, and now you’re telling me it was wrong?” “I didn’t mean it quite like that.” He searched for words to try and explain his feelings. “Things happened too fast. I blame myself for it, not you. I should have exercised better judgment. “You’re a great guy. Cute, smart, funny, and you know that I like you. But I’m not sure it’s anything more than just as a friend.” “Very well,” replied Joel. He nodded and started to back out of the room. “I’ll see you out there.” He turned and was gone, slamming the door behind him. It was pretty darned obvious to Kyle that the rest of the shift was going to be awkward as hell. A hell that he couldn’t blame anyone else for creating. It was one of his making. He’d screwed up, big time. **** The smell of coffee always warmed him, not his flesh, that was impossible. Only one thing could do that, and it didn’t originate from a bean. He stood in line, waiting for his turn, dark sunglasses shielding his eyes. Dusk had fallen less than an hour ago. It was much too early to hunt, so here he was doing his best to look natural and not out of place. Like the majority of his kind, his association with humans never went far outside of hunting them. His kind tended to stay in the darkness, they rejoiced within its safety, preferring not to be noticed. “Can I help you?” “Regular coffee, black.” He waited for the guy’s reaction, wondering if he would remember him from their encounter on the street that cold and wet night not long ago. The guy’s eyes widened before he averted his gaze with a nod, focusing on the task of pouring his order. Awareness. “Keep the change,” he said, tossing the guy a five dollar bill. His own look of mild pleasure well-hidden.

All around him, people from various walks of life went about their business. He was reminded of his trip to Africa during the forties. Oh, how he had delighted in having the chance to observe the animals at their watering holes. It was natural beauty at its best. And the crimson African moon. He sighed. Next to him, a woman of about forty sat typing on a laptop. She wrote books. He sensed this from her, her brain a mass of confusion and anxiety as she worked at editing her latest novel. Across from him sat a couple. From the outside they looked to be very much in love. She was thinking of another man while he was thinking of a way to seduce his secretary. So much for love. He shook his head and smirked. Reading the minds of humans was far too easy. “Is something wrong?” He looked up from his seat. It was the guy. **** Who was he? Why had he come here? These questions ran through Kyle’s mind. Being in this close vicinity with him again, that same feeling came back, the feeling of angst, fear, and unexplainable attraction. “I can get you another.” “Another?” “Coffee.” He pointed to the mug. “You haven’t touched it.” “No. I guess I haven’t. It’s fine. I’m not much of a drinker, but I do adore the aroma.” “Well, if you need anything, you know where I’ll be.” He pointed to the counter. “Do you have a name?” A name? Of course he had one. “It’s Kyle. And you are?” He extended his hand. “Luca.” “Nice name.” They embraced hands, Luca’s cooling his own. “I have to get back to work.” It was true. The manager, Greta, flashed him a couple unapproving looks. Walking back to the counter, he stopped and turned to take one last look at Luca, but he was gone. The seat empty. “Who was that?” asked Janet, another co-worker. “Talk about

sex in leather.” “It’s just a guy I met awhile ago.” “A friend?” “Not quite.” “Oh come on, give us the dish,” she pleaded. “There isn’t anything to tell. I went to see if his order was to his satisfaction, and it was.” “He only ordered coffee,” said Joel, sarcasm seething through his voice. “Well, service is everything,” he snapped in Joel’s direction. “Next person, please.” Janet glanced at him and then Joel. She shrugged and went back to making sandwiches. **** Luca arrived back home much earlier than he had anticipated. After he left the coffee shop, he hunted. Prey was found fast, and after that, he wasn’t in the mood for much else. Walking into the parlor, he found Jordon and Lilly waiting, both sitting near the large marble fireplace. “Good night out?” asked Jordon. “You’ve fed, I can tell by your color.” “Yes,” he nodded. “A murderer.” Lilly laughed, her curly, red tendrils playfully cascading with a flick of her head. “You do love the thrill of the hunt, darling.” Lily had been in silent films during her other life. She still retained that starlet beauty and aura about her. It was just before she was to star in her first talkie that she had crossed over. Trading stardom for immortality, she claimed, wasn’t a hard decision to decipher, especially when death was the only other option. Even if her life did end under harsh circumstances. At twenty-eight, her star had begun to fade. The Hollywood machine ate actresses up by the dozen every year, chewing them up and spitting them out. Now, she would remain beautiful and youthful forever. Her biggest fear had been growing old. She no longer worried. Jordon. Luca reserved a special place in his unbeating heart for Jordon. Jordon had saved him, and he would be indebted to him

forever. Not only were they friends and companions, but at one point they had been lovers. Their bond was deep, the bond between a maker and his creation. Through the dim lighting, Jordon’s eyes shone bright amber, flickering with each movement from the dancing flames within the fireplace. For some reason unknown to Luca, he was amused. “Do tell,” he started. “What amuses you this fine night?” Lily looked into the flames. “This human. What are your intentions with him?” she asked. They knew. He wasn’t surprised. “I cannot answer that.” “You must have some sort of intentions toward him. Surely you wouldn’t put yourself out there in such a public place to be noticed if you hadn’t any.” Jordon stood and walked toward him, a wicked smile crossing his lips. “You know the rules. If he ever finds out who and what you are, it would be dire for all of us, not just you.” He didn’t meet Jordon’s steely gaze. They had followed him, spied on him. “It was stupid of me. I wasn’t thinking. I apologize.” “No harm done, yet.” Jordon patted him on the shoulder. “Contrary to what you may think, Luca, I do care.” He looked to Lilly. “We both do. The sun is about to rise. I suggest we prepare to rest and chat about this later.” In a flash, Lilly was at his side, her arms entwined into Jordon’s. He watched as they left the parlor. A tinge of jealously hit him. He still, after all these years, ached for Jordon. **** Now the stranger had a name, Luca. But there was something different about him, something odd. Kyle couldn’t pinpoint what it was. The rest of his shift dredged on. Joel had taken to being sarcastic about everything. And when he wasn’t playing that game, he ignored Kyle entirely. This was just the type of crap that he didn’t need. He was to blame for it, and now he would have to pay the piper. When they closed, he left, saying nothing to Joel. ****

Back at the apartment, sleep wouldn’t come though exhaustion riddled his body. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Luca, that half grin of his. Had he known him before, besides their encounter on the street that night? My mysterious stranger. He smiled at the thought, a familiar feeling stirring between his legs. Reach down inside his briefs, he thought of Luca, wishing he was there in bed, next to him, touching, kissing, licking. He wondered how Luca’s lips felt and how he would feel as he took him in his mouth and possibly his ass. **** Darkness encompassed him once inside his coffin. There, sleep was one without dreams, like limbo, it was a nothingness. Unlike the stupid movies that often portrayed them as being vulnerable while they slept, they maintained their heightened senses. If attacked at any time, they would strike back. It wouldn’t be a smart thing to do. The coma-like numbness swept over him as she settled down. He was aware that Jordon and Lilly slept together in the same coffin not far from him. He also sensed the sun was up, and that Kyle had had a sleepless night.

Chapter Three The following morning, Kyle felt like utter crap. The coffee wasn’t working its magic, and the noise from the garbage truck outside on the street pissed him off. If only his mother could see him now, his mother the saint. If she had been alive back in the biblical times, she most certainly would have been a martyr, no doubt getting a swell right-up in the bible. He was a sinner from birth. She made sure he knew that. His father had been smart, running off with the first cocktail waitress that caught his interest at the local watering hole. Bitterness had been the woman’s own worst enemy, and she had taken it upon herself to make Kyle into the man that his father wasn’t in her eyes. “Is there anything you should tell me, Kyle?” she asked, not long before he made the decision to move out. Her left eye twitched, full of chaotic suspicion. The woman needed to stay on her medication. But, once again, pills were the devil’s work. God would heal her. Or so was her belief. “No.” He looked at his bowl of cereal, avoiding any sort of eye contact. “God knows you’re lying,” she spat. “He knows all and will judge you accordingly. “I found these under your mattress.” She tossed two magazines on the table. “You had no right.” He slumped in his chair. “That was private. You had no right.” “I’m your mother, in case you’ve forgotten. I have every right to know what’s going on under my roof. Is this you, is this what you are?” she asked, pointing to the obviously gay magazines. “Are you a…homosexual?” She choked, saying the last word as if it were poison. “I don’t need this,” he yelled, pushing against the table as he stood and raced to his bedroom. “God will get you,” she yelled. “He knows all. You’ll burn for this.” ****

Calling in sick wasn’t something he did often. Physically, Kyle felt ok; but emotionally, he needed a break. At eight he headed out to the market for groceries. The rain and cold kept most people inside. On the way back to the apartment, he stopped when he spotted a group of young thugs hanging out on the corner. There was no way to avoid them, it wasn’t an option. He kept his head down and continued to walk, the fine mist from the rain hitting his face. “Fag,” yelled one, soon followed by the others. “Faggot, queer, cock-sucker.” Keep on walking, say nothing. They surrounded him. He counted six guys. He didn’t stand a chance. The first guy kicked him in the stomach with a force that knocked him to the ground. The others’ fists and feet connected wherever they could, fast and furious. He fought to stay conscious, his vision blurring. Blood gurgled in the back of his throat, choking him. This was it, this was the end. Game over. The last thing he heard before falling unconscious was a voice. Luca. **** “Bastards,” said Luca, his voice sounding more like an animalistic growl. They stopped what they were doing, looking at him with both fear and confusion. The first to attack met with a quick death, his neck snapped like a twig as Luca twisted it. The second saw his brains explode across the pavement as he was slammed into the ground head-first. The other four ran off. And while Luca desperately wanted to hunt them, to kill them, he couldn’t leave Kyle. He fell to his knees next to Kyle, cradling him in his arms. He was still alive. Luca felt for a pulse and listened for a heartbeat. It was weak, he was dying. Death would take Kyle if he didn’t intervene. “Kyle, can you hear me? You have to listen and do as I say. I won’t lose you, not like this and not ever.”

Luca bit his left wrist, bring the bleeding wound to Kyle’s mouth. “Drink,” he ordered. Now connected, they became one. Luca moaned feeling his strength flow into Kyle, his blood healing him quicker than any modern medicine ever could. He looked up at the night sky, feeling Kyle suckle him, his lip’s soft and tender, his wet tongue flicking against the wound he had self-inflicted. “What happened?” It was Jordon. “They fucking attacked him and beat him for being different,” he explained. “Take him back the house,” ordered Jordon. “It’s best to get him inside. If anyone should see…” **** The first thing Kyle felt when he woke was pain, a pain like he’d never known in his entire life. Then it came, flashing back in waves, the last few moments he remembered before falling unconscious. “Where am I?” His surroundings were cloaked in darkness and unfamiliar. “You,” he said, spotting Luca. “Where am I? I should be in hospital.” “You’ll be fine. Trust me.” Luca’s voice soothed him like fine wine. He shifted in bed and did his best to sit up, but the pain took his breath away. “Let me help you.” Luca slipped one strong arm around his waist and helped him to shift into a sitting position. He felt like a feather in Luca’s arms. It was at that moment he noticed intricate patterns, tattoos covering both of Luca’s forearms. He traced one finger over the inked artwork. “They’re beautiful.” “I’ve had them for some time.” Luca placed two pillows behind Kyle’s back. “How’s that, comfortable?” “Yes, thanks,” replied Kyle. Their eyes met. “This is your house?” “Yes.” “Your eyes, they glow.” Kyle marveled at their emerald color. “They’re unlike anything I’ve ever seen.” “So I’ve been told.” Luca placed one hand against Kyle’s cheek. “Is it bad that I want to kiss you? Does that offend you?”

“No,” he murmured, lost in the depths of everything that was Luca. “I’m not like most guys. I’m different. I could be trouble for you.” Luca stood from the bed and crossed the room, his arms folded across the vast expanse of his chest. “There are things you should know. I’m not sure you could ever understand. I don’t want to scare you.” “Try me.” When Luca came to Kyle again, he touched him; his finger’s trailing inside Luca’s open shirt. “You’re cold, so cold.” “I’m always cold. Like I said, I’m different.” Luca settled on the bed next to him, stretching out. “So soft, so warm…” Luca slid one finger across Kyle’s neck, stopping at his pulse point. “I could warm you…Luca.” “You can’t warm something that’s…” “That’s what?” “In case you haven’t figured it out, I’m not quite human. I live in darkness and have for many years.” This was ludicrous. “Not human? How can that be?” Kyle’s head swam with the possibilities, one more outlandish than the other. But when Luca started to tell his story about how he came to be, Kyle listened, his eyes never once leaving Luca’s lips.

Chapter Four The only times that Luca had ever revealed his true nature had been completely for self serving purposes. Blood tasted so much better mixed with fear, and this was one sure way of inducing it. His thoughts drifted backwards in time. To a time when he had, indeed, been human. After the first hundred years post immortality, time passed in a blur, a mesh of moments and places binding together to form one large, rambling memory. Only the special events ever tended to stick out, much like thorns on a rosebush. He turned twenty that last year of his life in 1782, born the son of an innkeeper, his mother a seamstress. At a young age, his father started grooming him to take over the family business, falling into a routine that he had grown to both relish and despise at the same time. His thoughts all too often drifted far from the confines of the village to other places, exotic places. Places that held great allure for him, places that he had read of and discovered in books. He was a good son, loyal to his father and loving to his mother. She favored him, being her first born and only child. “Be a good son, take this to your father,” she ordered, handing him a covered dish filled with lamb stew. Earlier his father had replaced him behind the bar to allow him to do some of the other menial chores, but when he returned it was easy to see the man was glad to see him. “I’m famished. I was just about to call, but no harm done. It’s been a slow evening.” His father left him and walked into the backroom to eat. “Keep an eye on things,” he mumbled. “I won’t be long.” He nodded, standing tall, taking his position of authority quite serious. “Boy,” call a deep voice. “I need a room.” Luca stepped back from the bar, startled when the man appeared before him as if he appeared from thin air. The man steadied one hand against the bar. “A room for three nights.” “We…require payment in full up front,” he stammered.

“This should be more than sufficient.” The man tossed a couple of gold coins at him. Luca watched as they spun across the bar, snatching them into his hand. “This is our best, it faces the courtyard and the road,” he explained, once they had arrived upstairs. He opened the room’s door and motioned for the man to step inside. “I hope it will meet your needs. Meals are extra.” “I’ll not be dining onsite. I’ve made other arrangements.” The man moved around the room, his eyes coming to set on Luca. “You long for so much more. You keep your desires deeply hidden.” “Excuse me?” asked Luca. “There is so much more out there, and you yearn for it. You long for knowledge, for knowledge is power.” Luca backed away until he came up flush with the wall as the man advanced on him. He touched Luca’s lips with one finger. “Delicious.” “Luca,” called his father. “Go to him, Luca. Say nothing of what happened here. Come to me tomorrow by moonlight. I’ll be waiting.” Luca thundered down over the stairs, his heart racing from the most startling and thrilling encounter he’d ever had in his life. He fought to compose himself. **** By moonlight. Luca entered the man’s room once the moon was full into the night sky. “You’re scared of me.” He reached out one hand to Luca. “I can sense it, your fear and apprehension.” “No. I’m not scared.” Luca shook his head to accentuate his point. “Come, take my hand and look out the window with me.” Luca did as he was asked. “It’s a beautiful night, lyrical. The cool, crispness of the air, the fullness of the moon. I do love a full moon.” It was beautiful, Luca couldn’t deny it. Together, they looked to the courtyard and the forest that edged its way alongside the road in front of the inn. Under a slow

breeze, the trees stirred, their leaves rustling, whispering. Luca shifted back as the man unlatched the window. He then stepped up onto the ledge. This was insane. The man had to be crazy. “Come,” he beckoned, one hand out waiting for Luca to take it. “I can’t, we’ll fall.” “Trust me.” A smiled formed on his lips, his eyes twinkling, not unlike the stark silver of the moon. Luca hadn’t noticed his eyes until now. Startling. “Come, nothing will harm you.” Now teetering on the edge, Luca resisted the sickening urge to look down. But the man held him tight. Then it happened. They were flying through the darkness, and before Luca could count to five, they landed on the ground. “Put this on,” ordered the man, removing his overcoat. “This will keep you warm while we walk.” “What about you?” asked Luca. “You’ll freeze.” “The cold doesn’t have much of an effect on me.” “But, you’ll surely catch your death.” “Nor does death, young sir.” He winked before grabbing Luca’s hand, heading into the forest. “It dangerous in here at night,” warned Luca. “Thieves and the like set up camp.” The smell of smoke from more than one campfire littered the air. “Where are we going?” They broke from the bush and stood face to face in the middle of a small clearing. “I’m different,” said the man, black curls framing his face, his eyes upon Luca. “You know this.” “Yes,” replied Luca. He longed to touch those curls, to feel their silkiness between his fingers. “And it intrigues you. I intrigue you.” “Yes.” His pulse quickened. “I want you to stay with me, to be my companion. Do you know what that means?” “Yes.” Of course he knew, he wasn’t that naïve. “But it would mean losing something very dear to you. It would have to be your choice.” This was it. This was his way out, his chance to start the life he had only ever dreamed of. He went to speak, but the man’s fingers on his lips silenced him.

“Say nothing yet. I want you to know exactly what you’re dealing with.” Once again, they made their way through the bush, further into the forest until they came upon a camp. Crouching in the undergrowth, they watch the group of men. “See that one, the one with the dark beard?” “Yes,” said Luca. “The tall one.” “He has killed many times. He has a preference for young girls. He slips into their bed chambers at night while everyone else is asleep and does unspeakable things to them before cutting their throats.” A chill ripped through him. “How do you know that?” “I have a gift. See the one closer to the fire, the one tending it. He killed his mother and blamed it on a servant girl. She hanged for what he did.” How could he know that? “Whatever you do, stay put. You have to see this, it’s very important.” He tore from the underbrush like a wild man at an astounding speed. The three men jumped, startled and surprised by the stranger who had busted into their camp. He stood among them, the flames from the campfire embedded in his eyes casting an eerie glow that both frightened and hypnotized Luca. The bearded man was the first to die, his throat ripped to shreds, his body tossed into the bush like a rag doll. The second froze in place. He then made an attempt to flee, but it was futile. The third collapsed as the man flew through the air and landed on his back. Blood, the man was drinking it. The devil himself. Luca tried to move, to run, but his feet held him like quicksand. “Come to me,” the man bellowed, his voice tearing into the night. “Come to me and tell me what you think of me now.” Luca entered the clearing. He trembled at the scene in front of him. The carnage, the horror, it was too much. “You’re the devil. I’ve met the devil.” Luca’s voice broke. “The devil?” The man tossed back his head and laughed. “There isn’t any such thing. Now you know. I’m that which cannot die.” Luca searched for the right word. “A vampire?”

“That is one of many names for it. Now you choose. A life of servitude and nothingness, which you already despise. Or, you can have a life full of interest far beyond anything you could ever imagine.” Luca felt Jordon behind, embracing him. He whispered something in another language to Luca, the smell of blood upon his breath. Baring his neck, Luca trembled feeling cool lips against his skin, pressing. Arms slide inside the overcoat, inside his shirt. And it was done, sealed. There was no going back. Pain, hard and fast, shot through him. Luca felt his strength drain, his blood pooling out into the man and onto the ground where they had fallen. “Drink from me,” said the man. He did. White life faded as black death crept in. And when he finally woke, he had no idea how much time had passed. He was reborn. “Jordon.” The name called to him from a voice like music. Jordon held him close as they walked back through the forest to the inn. “This is your last time, the last time you will see this place, your parents,” explained Jordon. We must leave here tonight. “But…I can’t just go without a word to them. They’ll wonder what happened to me.” His mother would be broken-hearted, his father distraught. “You’re dead to them, and to the human world. All ties must be broken. Do you understand?” “Yes.” They rode off into the night. Luca didn’t dare look back for fear that his emotions would get the better of him. His dark stranger had now become his savior.

Chapter Five “That’s my story. That’s how I came to be,” said Luca. “Then I should fear you. What will you do with me?” asked Kyle, his mind still reeling with what had been relayed to him. “I would never harm you. You’re free to leave at any time.” “Just like that?” “Yes.” Luca rested his head against Kyle’s chest. “In case you haven’t guessed, I like you.” “Me? I’m nothing special.” “You haven’t turned from me, nor have you shown any fear. It’s wrong and I know better. But in this world, what’s really right?” Kyle didn’t understand. “Why would it be wrong for you to like me?” “The vampire world has rules, and I have broken the most important one. Never reveal your true nature to any human. “We exist just as the sun, moon, and stars. Yet, we are destined to stay silent and hidden. We’re both legend and folklore, not to be believed, and that alone provides us with the protection we need to survive from those who would do us harm.” “I would never tell anyone.You saved me.” “None of that matters. You have the knowledge and I have given you my blood. If the elders should find out, they would destroy us both.” “The elders?” “They govern the vampire world,” explained Luca, looking up at Kyle. “They are the eldest of our kind. They are the most powerful of all vampires.” **** Kyle was clueless about the danger that he had put them both in. Luca, however, knew all too well. The elders had spies all over the world, rogue vampires who reported everything back to them in great detail. They most likely already knew about his rendezvous with Kyle. “Perhaps it’s best if you returned home.” Kyle would be safer there if they came. He couldn’t lose him, not again. Once was enough.

Kyle had yet to make the connection between them. The cycle of death and rebirth had erased the memories of his former life. Being immortal, never once did Luca doubt who Kyle was or his love for him. It was still as strong as it had been all those years ago. Memories. Just like the love that had bound them together, their story was destined to take up once again where it had left off. Luca’s thoughts drifted back to when he started his immortal life with Jordon, to when he had first met Kyle. He smiled, but the memories were bittersweet. **** 1882 One hundred years had passed since Luca had crossed over. During that period of time, he’d roamed the English countryside with Jordon, his maker and mentor. They hunted, they loved, they enjoyed everything that being immortal had to offer and then some. They resided in the small hamlet of Dovington where Jordon maintained a country estate that provided them much needed respites after their adventures. It was during one of these respites that he had first discovered Kyle, only then he was known as Johnathan. “Delicious.” Jordon settled next to him in their bed. “I never tire of you or…” He grinned and reached down to grasp Luca’s bulge. “Admit it. It’s all you desire from me,” teased Luca. “I’m just a toy, a mere plaything.” “Maybe, maybe not.” With catlike precision, Jordon straddled Luca’s waist. His chest shone like white sculpted marble under the dim light in the room. The flames from the many lit candles flickering their shadows across the walls. Luca adjusted to a sitting position, their lips met, their tongues collided. “Good enough to eat.” Jordon bit down on Luca’s bottom lip, drawing blood. “And you, sir, know just how to push my buttons.” “Punish me then.” Jordon flicked his tongue across Luca’s bloodied lip, his ass grinding against Luca’s cock, which he had released from his trousers. “Beg for it,” Luca snapped, reaching around, pulling Jordon’s

cheeks apart. At the same moment he penetrated Jordon, he felt sharp teeth slicing into his neck. Sex brought out the beast in both of them. With fangs extended and eyes glowing, they attacked each other with unforbidden, animalistic lust. Luca pumped into Jordon hard, feeling each muscle ripple as Jordon tightened his ass around Luca’s cock, milking him, taking him deep inside. “My turn,” said Luca, his voice little more than a deep, guttural growl. He bit into Jordon’s chest, just above the right nipple. Jordon cried out and, in an instant, clamped one hand over his mouth to control his cries which had turned to low whimpering as he met Luca’s every thrust. “Kiss me, you bastard.” A rakish grin followed. Their lips caressed each other in a frenzy of blood and tongue. He was Luca’s everything, his world, his friend and companion in the truest sense. Never once had he regretted the decision to cross over. He felt his orgasm rise and fall and then rise again. Deeper he sank into everything that was Jordon and release came just before the sun. Like children they jumped and scurried from the bed naked. They slipped through the entrance to their secret bedchamber, a room that Jordon has built into the house many years ago to ward off any curious seekers. They slept entwined in each other’s arms, knowing they would only wake once night had fallen again. **** Two weeks passed, and it was during a midnight stroll on the grounds when Luca first encountered Johnathan. He stood just outside the stables and lowered his head out of respect as Luca approached. “Sir, I know it’s late, but I thought it best if I caught up on some work,” he explained. “No harm done. Your dedication is to be admired. You’re new here?” Luca didn’t remember seeing the lad before. “Yes. My father is the groundskeeper.”

“Ah, then he’s the one responsible for our impeccable surroundings.” “Yes, sir.” Enchanting. From the soft way he spoke to his not meeting Luca’s gaze. In less than five minutes, he was enthralled. “You have a name, I presume?” “It’s Johnathan, sir.” “Sir. You make me feel old. Please, call my Luca. There’s no need for formalities at this dire hour.” Luca followed Johnathan into the stable and watched as he tended to one of the mares. “You have a way with her. She responds to you.” “Animals like me.” Even from this distance, Luca caught his scent, saddle leather and musk. He listened to the rhythmic beat of Johnathan’s heart. It was just one reminder of how very alive the young man was. “You show great passion for what you do.” “I enjoy my work. Otherwise I wouldn’t do it. I pity those who despise their work. I think it’s a travesty to have to live under such conditions.” “Indeed.” Luca’s memories of working at the inn flashed. “Passion is vital to life. It’s the true zest of happiness.” “You appear to know this first-hand. Then again, you have most likely seen the world ten times over. If I may be so bold to assume.” “You’re somewhat correct,” admitted Luca. “And what do you say to it all?” “It is what it is. I’ve seen Paris, Rome, and all the other great cities. I could list them all, but somehow, I don’t think it would impress you much.” “I have no desire to see any of that. I’m just a hired-hand. I know my place.” “Change will come. Life won’t always be this way.” “You know this for sure?” asked Johnathan, his eyes alight with curiosity. “It’s inevitable.” “It’s slow.” Luca was about to respond when a strong hand gripped his shoulder. He turned. “Jordon.”

“Sir.” Johnathan bowed, slightly. “Interesting conversation? It isn’t like you, Luca, to come consorting with the stable boys, or boy being the case.” The iciness in his voice cut through the air around them. “No need to stop on my account.” “We’re done,” said Luca. “Wonderful. Shall we go then?” asked Jordon. “Of course.” Off they went into the night.

Chapter Six “How much have you told him?” demanded Jordon, his voice rising with anger. Luca bolted back to reality, his thoughts returning to the present. “You risk not only our existence but his life. It’s just a matter of time before they come here, come for you both,” explained Jordon. “Everything,” replied Luca. “He knows everything.” With Kyle in the next room, he kept his voice low. “You knew the rules and you broke them anyway.” Jordon shook his head in disgust. “Damn the rules!” Luca felt anger rise inside him. “If I’d wanted to live with rules forced upon me by others, I would have stayed human. Who are they to tell us how we should conduct ourselves? You speak of them as if they’re gods. Well, are they?” “In a manner of speaking, yes. Without them and their rules, rules which you adamantly despise, anarchy would reign. There are many out there who aren’t as civilized as you and I. You need to understand this. They would out us along with themselves just for the fame and attention it would bring.” There was truth in Jordon’s words. Luca couldn’t deny that. “I will never allow them to harm him.” “And how do you expect to prevent it? They’re stronger than any of us, and no one would willingly go up against them. To do so would mean certain destruction. In case you haven’t realized it yet, even the undead can die.” “Then if that’s my fate, I’ll face it head-on.” “Why are you so adamant about protecting this…human? What hold does he have over you? He’s nothing.” Luca resisted telling Jordon the truth. That they had both known Kyle before. “Take him away from here,” ordered Jordon, throwing both hands in the air. “I don’t want him under this roof. I refuse to support this.” ****

“It’s time for you to go home.” Kyle sat on the edge of the bed watching him. “Is everything okay?” he asked. His voice held concern. “We’ll talk about it later. I’m going to put you in a cab, and I want you to stay put for a couple days. You still need to rest.” “Something is wrong. I can tell. Is it because of me?” Weakness sluiced through Luca. He needed to feed. With dawn only hours away he had to make haste. “I inadvertently put you at risk. It’s not safe for you to be here. I’ll come to you tomorrow night to check on you.” “I’m trying my best to understand. You’ve told me some crazy things. I know it’s the truth, I feel that, and I see it in your eyes. If I’m in danger, I deserve to know everything.” “I broke rules that, once broken, cannot be undone. I wasn’t thinking straight. I wanted to save you, and the only way I could do that was through my blood. “Now you must go. I have things to tend to.” **** Often Luca planned his hunts weeks in advance. He would stalk his chosen victims, watch them from afar to get a sense of who they were and how they operated. For the later part of the night, he found himself outside a trailer park which skirted the city. The divide between the rich and the poor was more pronounced here than any other area. Inside number twenty-two Ms. Miranda Lewis had drunk herself into a stupor once again. She lay in a pool of her own vomit while Bradley, age six months, lay crying in his crib, hungry and frightened. Some people could be saved, but she wasn’t one of them. Chances were, little Bradley would grown up to fall into place, in the same circle unless he found a way to break the vicious cycle. The door was unlocked, Luca wasn’t surprised. The first thing that hit was the stink of vomit and other unsavory things. He winced as he looked around at the mess surrounding him. First he went to Bradley. “Hush,” he said, soothing him, before placing him back down in the crib. Off to the side, the so-called mother lay sprawled on the pull-

out bed. For someone barely thirty, she didn’t look so good. Luca slid to her side, being mindful of what he touched. It was quick and painless, the last chapter in her life written in blood. The end. Taking one last look around the trailer, Luca picked up the phone and called the police. They would come, discover her body and, hopefully, little Bradley would be whisked into a much better life. There was always hope. Back on the street, footsteps followed him. “Déjà vu,” he said, not needing to turn to see who it was. “Come again?” asked Jordon, emerging from the darkness. “You appear to have a penchant for following me on my nightly rounds.” Jordon nodded in agreement. “Like it or not, I feel responsible for you as your maker. Though to you, I must seem to be an utter nuisance.” “Well…I’m not a child.” “True, yet you do childish and fool-hearted things. You killed that woman, drained her, and then called the police. They’ll find the puncture wounds. They’ll question it.” “There was an infant. I couldn’t walk away and leave him helpless.” Jordon rolled his eyes, a high-pitched laughter emerging. “You’re all heart. And the boy, explain that.” In the distance they both heard the police sirens. “You don’t recognize him?” “Should I?” asked Jordon. “This isn’t someone I took a random interest in. Call it karma or whatever. But we both knew him before.” “Before?” “Think back a hundred years or so.” “That’s impossible,” scoffed Jordon, dismissing him. “He’s nineteen, give or take a month, and not immortal.” “Think about it. Try to remember his face.” He allowed Jordon time to reflect. “Do a memory scan.” Jordon closed his eyes and went silent. After five minutes had passed he opened his eyes. “Johnathan?” “Yes, Johnathan,” said Luca, his thoughts drifted to the second night he met with Johnathan.

Chapter Seven “Another late night,” said Luca, announcing his presence in the stable. “I prefer the quiet and serenity of the night.” Johnathan looked at him, smiled, and went back to cleaning out the stall. “You have a way with words.” Luca eyed him; he was the perfect combination of boy and man. His lithe figure held just the right amount of muscle. As he moved, Luca pictured each tendon flexing in perfect unison with the other. Johnathan placed the pitchfork to one side. “Just listen to that. It’s magic.” “All I hear are crickets and flies. How is that magical?” “Because it’s nature. It’s the universe all entwined together.” Luca laughed. “Laugh if you like. Perhaps I’m odd.” “There’s nothing wrong with being different. Plus, I like to listen to you talk.” Johnathan blushed. “You’re the real reason I’m here tonight. I was hoping you would show.” Luca went to him. “Does this both you,” he asked, his chest firm against the young man’s back. “No.” Johnathan leaned back into him. “You’re nervous.” Luca rested his head on his right shoulder. “I have never done anything like this before.” “Not even with a girl?” “Just a kiss. I didn’t like it much. She was the cook’s daughter. It happened, but I didn’t fancy her.” Luca listened with interest. “I’ve had the desires and have thought about this happening.” “It’s not easy being different in a world that’s less than accepting, is it?” “No,” said Luca, his voice a mere whisper. “I like you, Johnathan. I desire you.” Luca led him to a pile of hay. “You’re very handsome,” said Johnathan. “Is that too forward? You interest me. You’re different, yet I cannot pinpoint what it is about you.” “I’m a man of many secrets, many, many secrets.”

“You can trust me with anything.” “It’s not you. I don’t trust myself.” Johnathan placed Luca’s hand against his chest, over his heart. Luca fought not to take him right then and there. Luca retreated, standing up. The beast rose within him. Soon it would be beyond his control. “I have to go,” he muttered, fleeing outside. He didn’t stop running until considerable distance was between them. He wanted to scream, but it came out as a growl. He had chosen this, and was responsible for what he had become. And while Luca did embrace it openly, there were times when he felt he’d never be close to anyone again. Anger ripped through him along with the beast. The bloodlust had carried him away. He had to feed. Like a spider waiting for an insect, he lurked in the brush on the side of the road that traced along the outskirts of the estate. It was a thoroughfare for every kind of traveler. Murderers and thieves also lurked, waiting for their chance to rob and kill at will. He caught the scent of smoke, a campfire. A lone man sat near, tending it. “Make yourself known or be shot,” the man warned, hearing the rustling of the brush. He pulled out a pistol and waved it. “Put that away.” Luca made straight for him. “You mortals and your silly little toys of destruction.” “Stay back,” yelled the man, hand shaking taking aim. “Then shoot, go ahead and shoot,” demanded Luca. Opening his shirt, he bared his chest. “You’re crazy.” The man backed away and the pistol went off. Luca felt nothing, just the impact of the shot. In the moment it took to look down, the wound had already started to close. “What are you?” The man’s eyes were wide with horror. “I’m the devil, the undead, and everything you ever feared.” Those were the last words the man heard. Blood, glorious, hot, enriching… He gorged until he had his fill. “Devil!” Luca leapt to his feet. A mob, men and women flowed out from the bush. They kept

a fair distance from him, brandishing shovels and other various objects. “His eyes, look at his eyes. And his teeth, may the Lord save us all. Stay back from him.” For the first time in his immortal life, Luca felt fear. “Kill him,” yelled one man, then another and another. Luca fled back into the forest, knowing they would follow. It was a small area and they were locals. He had to warn Jordon. When he reached the stable, he found Johnathan. “What’s wrong? What’s happened?” he asked, seeing the panic on Luca’s face. “They’re coming for me. Go, get away from here.” Johnathan followed as Luca made his way to the house. “They can’t harm you, I won’t allow it.” “There’s nothing you can do. I have to get to Jordon. I suspect they may have known about us and have been biding their time.” Luca shoved him back away from his person. “This is for your own good. If they see you with me, it will be guilt by association. Go!” Through the air ripped a bullet, Johnathan fell to the ground, blood spurting from a gaping wound in his chest. “What the devil is going on?” Jordon flew down the house steps. He looked to Johnathan and then to Luca, his eyes afire. “What have you done?” He bent down to Johnathan and then stood, a deep furrow burrowing into his brow. “He’s dead. They‘re coming for us, they shot him.” Dead… “He refused to leave me. I tried, but he wouldn’t.” Luca broke down, sobbing. “It’s my fault.” He watched Jordon tear into the house and return with a black bag. “Damn you and your fool ways. They will torch not only the house but us if they get the chance.” “There’s no chance to go for the horses, we need cover.” Like a wayward puppy, Luca followed Jordon through the fields and into the forest. Much like a lunatic, he wanted to laugh, to scream, and when they reached their destination, it was poetic justice at its best. The Old Parish Cemetery stood before them, abandoned and

no longer used for burials. Jordon pulled him along through the overgrowth. “Inside,” he ordered, propping the door open to a mausoleum. “Lovely, isn’t it? Our new home. Let’s hope they don’t become wise and come calling.” “It’s my fault—” “You’re damned right it is! I keep reminding you of the rules and you go right on ahead and do the opposite. Did you think I was joking when I told you about them?” Luca said nothing, sitting on the dirt floor, his back against the stone wall. “Because of you that boy is dead and we’ve lost everything. I hope you’re bloody well pleased.” Again, he said nothing. “Do you have anything to say in defense of yourself? Or are you just going to sit there with that stupid look of simple splashed across your face.” “Nothing I could ever say would rectify this.” “Well it’s better than nothing.” Jordon sat next to Luca. “Tomorrow night we’ll take passage on the next ship to America. My liaison will help us for a price and will guarantee our safety.” Luca nodded.

Chapter Eight Kyle managed to sleep till noon after he arrived back at his apartment. Off and on throughout the day he lounged, doing his best not to move much. Every muscle in him ached, but he was lucky to be alive. That alone was enough to make him grateful. Once night had fallen, he waited. And when a knock at the window jarred him from his thoughts, he pulled up the blinds and tried to hide his surprise at seeing Luca floating in mid-air. “You have to invite me in,” explained Luca, once Kyle opened the window. “Are you serious? I thought that was just a line from a bad horror movie, something made up for Hollywood.” “I’m sorry to say, this myth is very much real.” “You may come in,” said Kyle, feeling formal. “We need to talk.” “Yes, I agree. Come, sit.” Kyle motioned to the bed. “I told you almost everything last night, but there’s more. You’re in danger, grave danger. I gave you my blood and I revealed myself you. In the vampire world, that’s not a good thing to do. Now I fear the elders will come for us. “We are governed by them. They enforce the rules, two of which I’ve broken.” “You did it to save me. Surely they would look at that.” “They hold little regard for human life. They would prefer if I had either finished you off or made you one of us. They will come, and I can’t put you at risk, not again.” “Again? You have never put me at risk before this. We didn’t know each other.” Luca touched his cheek. “You don’t remember. Of course, you wouldn’t, that would be impossible.” Perpetual confusion, that’s what Kyle felt and it was getting tiring. “You’re not making any sort of sense.” “If I told you, you would just think I was crazy. When we met this time around, I wasn’t sure. But after the second meeting, I was. It was pure intuition and fate that led me back to you after all these years.” “We met before?”

“Do you believe in reincarnation?” “I guess. I don’t know. I’ve never thought about it much.” “Fair enough.” Luca paused. “I don’t know how to say this. I knew you in your previous life. Your name was Johnathan. I was to blame for your death.” Kyle sat back on the bed, shocked. “Excuse me, but I don’t know if I should laugh or cry. This is just a tad over-the-top. You expect me to believe this?” “I speak only the truth. I’m not good for you. I wasn’t back then and I’m not now.” “Prove to me that everything you say isn’t a lie,” demanded Kyle. Luca pushed him back on the bed, his palm flat against Luca’s brow. “Close your eyes, relax, and open your mind.” Through a fog emerged images. Like movies spinning on a reel, moments from his other life came into view. He was born. His mother and father flashed by and a brother who had died in some war when he was a boy. Each image passed like pages being turned in a book. Animals, he liked animals. Horses, many horses. Special occasions that marked moments in his life. Christmas and birthdays… Then there was Luca. The passion, the instant attraction. They were drawn to each other from the first night. Pain, the gunshot. Black, darkness and down he fell… Kyle bolted from the bed, Luca grabbed him. “Christ! That was all real.” “Yes. I was able to show you through the gift of second sight. I can make others see the past.” The feeling of death lingered and it was far from pleasant. The thought of being reborn over and over left Kyle unsettled. “Now you know,” said Luca. “There’s nothing more left to tell.” “I…loved you. I felt that,” stammered Kyle, still shaken with his newly found reality. “We made a connection.” Luca nodded, looking down at him. “Yes. And after all these years, we’ve found each other again. Death couldn’t even manage to separate us.” Kyle clung to Luca, guiding his head down. He wanted to kiss

him, to taste him, to possess him. He submitted as Luca swept him up into his arms, carrying him back to the bed. He groaned as Luca trailed kisses down over his torso and when Luca took him into his mouth, he cried out in pleasure. Reaching down he ran his hands up and down Luca’s forearms, again enraptured by the intricate design of the tattoos, Luca’s skill cooling to the touch. “I’ve never,” he proclaimed, clutching the back of Luca’s head. “No one has ever made me feel so good.” “You excite me like no one else,” replied Luca. “I need to taste you.” His balls clenched, rising, his orgasm readying itself. “Oh God.” He tried to move, but Luca held him. “I’m going to fucking explode.” He did in a plethora of pleasure, hot fire racing through him, Luca being the one to put it out. “Good,” said Luca. “We both needed that and have waited far too long.” Kyle agreed. Lost in the throes of that great post-orgasmic feeling, he fell back into Luca’s arms. He reveled in Luca’s strength.

Chapter )ine 1882 Luca and Jordon slept through the voyage to America, going into a state of hibernation for the duration of the trip across the Atlantic Ocean. When they reached their port of call, they made their way into the city, taking a room above a small saloon to allow themselves time to recuperate and strengthen before making permanent arrangements. The room itself wasn’t much. Small and dirty, the stench of booze permeated every nook and cranny from the establishment below them. The first nights, they killed indiscriminately, travelling up and down the nearby river which ran through the outskirts of the city. They dumped the bodies into the river and with each became stronger. The blood had rejuvenated them along with the change of scenery. And while old-fashioned in many ways, Jordon recognized the need to change with the times for sheer survival. With a small fortune in jewels and gold coins, they once again likened their lifestyle back to what it had been across the ocean. A townhouse situated in a newer, more fashionable part of the city became home. They roared into the twenties with both vigor and abandon. It was at this time that Jordon discovered the medium of film and obsession took over. Every night before their hunt, he would clamor to the nearest theatre to take in the latest picture, later raving about what had been played out in each scene. Her name was Lily Lang, star of both stage and screen. Silent films had made her a star and the stage a legend. But in the end, when the talkies took over, she became redundant. Few actresses of this period coped well with the crossover. Old talent was kicked out and new hauled in. Her career had died. When she started out on tour making personal appearance, Jordon decided this was the time to meet her. “Can you imagine it, Luca? The wonderfully superb Lily Lang right here in this city.”

Luca didn’t share his enthusiasm. He stifled a yawn and went back to reading. He then placed the book on his lap and looked up. “Who?” “Who? Surely you jest. Lily Lang. Have you been hiding in a hole for the past few years?” Luca sighed. “I’m sorry. I was just trying to get a rise out of you. Of course I know who she is. Perhaps if you had mentioned Valentino, then I could have mustered up more excitement. He’s rather fetching.” “Valentino is totally overrated. And besides, the man is dead.” Jordon flicked through a newspaper. “She’s going to be at The Advent Hotel down on Queens Avenue. She’ll be giving a talk about her career and life. Good thing it’s at night. We would be plum out of luck if it wasn’t.” “We? I’m not going with you,” said Luca. “I have no desire to see her or hear her talk.” “We will see her together.” “I have plans,” lied Luca. Again, he had no interest in meeting the fabulous Ms. Lang. “Plans to hunt? We can do that afterwards,” snipped Jordon. “This is a once in a lifetime thing.” “Fine, I’ll go,” said Luca. “But I won’t like it.” **** When Lily entered the hall to give her talk, Luca could see why so much hoopla surrounded her. Draped in pale lemon satin, her gown plunged to the floor, accentuating her curves in the finest detail. She smiled to her fans and signed autographs at random. Two large, burly guards managed to keep everyone at arm’s length. Luca sat alongside Jordon and almost drifted off twice while she talked. When it was over, Jordon wanted to get a closer look at her, so outside, he stood back watching her like a love-starved fool. “It’s cold,” she exclaimed, pulling her ermine wrap around her shoulders. “They should have had a car waiting. I’ll catch my death to be sure.” The next few moments passed in a blur. Lily slipped and fell into the road in front of a passing car. Jordon gasped and others cried out.

Jordon lunged forward. Luca tried to hold him back, but it was no use. He fled to her side and cradled her in his arms while her two guards stood back, still in a state of shock. **** “I can’t let her die, not like this,” said Jordon, his voice rising and falling. “This isn’t any way for a true star to go.” “Sir, you can’t go in there.” The nurse went to stop him, but when she saw his eyes she stepped back, holding one hand up. “I’m family,” he said, his voice now calm. “Remember?” She nodded, her eyes never leaving his, he held her in a trance. “If anyone questions, I’m family.” She nodded again. “Family,” she repeated. “Now go back to work. But first, tell me her condition.” “Yes, sir. Her injuries are critical. She’s bleeding internally and we suspect she may have ruptured a blood vessel inside her brain. It doesn’t look good. I’m sorry.” Her words came out slow and precise. She then turned and walked down the stark corridor. “This isn’t right,” said Jordon, looking down at her. Luca stood at his side, the room empty except for them. “Even in this state, she’s still beautiful. She can’t die.” “You don’t mean?” “She’s unhappy, very unhappy. I can sense it. Earlier tonight she entertained thoughts of killing herself when she got back to her hotel room. They have ruined her, used her. I can give her so much more.” “People will wonder what happened to her. There won’t be a body to bury. Her fans will expect a funeral.” Luca tried to infuse logic into the unconventional situation. “So, we’ll give her one. The biggest that any star has ever received.” Luca watched while Jordon drained her. When she was at the brink of death, he fed her. That’s how Lily died, unofficially.

Chapter Ten Luca left Kyle just before dawn. And with the rising sun came a sense of relief. He would be safe during the daylight hours, but the night was a whole other can of worms. He returned to work that evening, his welcome being a smirk from Joel and many looks from the other staff. “Hello everyone,” he said, greeting them. He walked behind the counter back into the employees lounge. “Kyle.” He turned to see Joel, a grim expression on his face. “How have you been?” he asked, being cordial. “I’m better. Listen, I’ve done some thinking.” “You don’t need to say anything. I shouldn’t have led you to think there was something more between us than there was.” Joel shuffled from side to side, looking awkward. “You didn’t. I just assumed things. I would rather have you in my life as a friend than not have you at all.” “Then we’ll start fresh.” “Fresh is good. You look tired. Are you feeling ok?” “I’m just a little under the weather,” lied Kyle. It wasn’t a total lie. After all, he had almost been killed. “I’ll get over it.” Joel wrapped his arms around him, pulling him into an embrace. “If you ever need me, you know I’m here for you.” “Of course.” **** The place had cleared by nine with just a few stragglers remaining. At any moment, Kyle expected to see Luca coming through the doors. He tried hard to focus on cleaning up, but every time the door opened, he expected to see him. “Damn it,” he muttered, reaching inside the glass case used to display the pastries that the shop offered. He despised cleaning it. “Three coffees, black.” “We’re closing very soon,” he replied, not bothering to look up.

“Then you can make them to go. Will that be a problem?” Two men and a woman stood on the other side of the counter, their skin pale, a stark contrast to their black clothing. “No, no trouble,” he stammered. The elders… Every hair on his body stood on end. It had to be them. “I have to brew a fresh pot.” The man slammed his fist on the counter, an evil smirk crossing his lips as the other two laughed. “Forget it.” He turned and walked out with the others in tow. “Who the hell are they?” asked Joel. “Talk about creep city. Friends of yours?” “No, no friends of mine.” “Let’s lock this place down. I’ll walk you home. I don’t like the idea of you being out there alone with those crazies. Damned Goths, what a bunch of freaks,” snarled Joel. Kyle swallowed hard. Had they come for him? If Luca was telling the truth, then he was seriously in trouble. “Don’t worry about them.” “Who?” “The freaks in black. You seem a little creeped out. Are you positive you don’t know them?” “Yeah, no clue. Totally.” “If you say so.” Joel brushed past him, heading for the bathrooms. **** “It’s a great change from the rain,” said Joel, gesturing to the clear night sky. “With the moon and all, it’s rather romantic.” “If you like that sort of thing,” replied Kyle, his eyes flittering to every shadow, wondering what or who lurked within them. About a block from the shop it started, the feeling of being watched. He wouldn’t involve Joel. “Go on home,” he said, stopping on the sidewalk. “I must be losing my mind. I have something to take care of before heading home.” “I can tag along,” offered Joel. “This is rather private. I’ll see you soon. I’ll call you.” “Are you ok? Is everything good?” Joel looked suspicious. “Yeah. And thanks.”

“For what?” asked Joel. “For being a true friend.” “Always, you know that.” He then turned and walked down the street. **** “They’re here.” A firm hand lodged on Kyle’s right shoulder from behind. He jumped forward and almost fell to the ground. “Christ, Luca. You scared the crap out of me. I could have had a freaking heart attack. Don’t ever do that.” “Sorry, old habit. I should’ve made myself known before speaking. I followed you, but felt it best to wait for your friend to go. I needed to get to you before they did.” “You’re too late. They came into the shop tonight.” “Two men and a woman?” “Yes.” “Roman, Victor, and Natasha. I didn’t think it would take them long. I’ll have to offer myself up to them. There isn’t any other way.” “You can’t do that. What if they–” He couldn’t bear to think of it. “Let’s take off and get far away from here, just you and me.” “It wouldn’t matter. They would search us out. There’s no hiding from them. They know all, they see all, and have many eyes throughout the world. “Then what will we do?” Luca pulled Kyle to him. “I’ll go to them. I’ll plead our case.”

Chapter Eleven “You shouldn’t have brought him here,” said Jordon upon their arrival back at the house. He met them in the front hall. “I came of my own free will,” replied Kyle, speaking up. “I owe my life to Luca, and I accept partial blame for this.” “Brave. They’re waiting for you both inside.” Kyle’s stomach lurched as they made their way into the parlor. Side-by-side they sat, three sets of eyes tracing his every move. Lily stood off to one side of the room, her eyes flickering around, nervous. The one named Roman sat in the middle, his face stern. “This isn’t a social call, so I’ll get straight to the point.” “Yes,” muttered Luca. “You broke the rules that bind our community, our world. You do realize the consequences for doing so.” “I didn’t have a choice. I did what I thought was right at the time.” “Right?” Natasha rolled her eyes. “Since when does a vampire go around saving humans because it’s right? We take lives; it’s how we survive. It’s not our place to intervene with death. Death is real and natural, no matter what brings it forth. You have interfered with the natural order of things. You must never do that.” She raised her voice at the end to a high pitch. “Natural? We aren’t natural. If anything we are an abomination to everything that is. There’s nothing natural in something that cannot die,” said Luca. “Oh, dear Luca, but you can die,” explained Roman. “Your demise can come about as easily as the humans.” Victor was the next to speak, his blue eyes shining bright. “You knew we would come.” “Yes,” replied Luca. “I’ve been waiting.” “You did this to save him. Why did you want to save him? What does he mean to you?” Kyle took a deep breath, awaiting Luca’s reply. “I love him,” said Luca. Silence filled the room. “He loves him,” mocked Natasha. “Isn’t that just darling.” She rolled her eyes and looked to Roman.

“Love. The downfall of humanity.” Roman pointed one slim finger at Luca. “I knew there had to be some driving force behind this, to place yourself at such risk. Yet, it really excuses nothing. Do you agree?” “Yes,” nodded Luca. Roman continued. “We’re monsters to humans, something they’ll never understand. At this time we can still hide behind the silly legends and folklore, it’s safe. On occasion some do catch on, slips are made. But without definite proof, who’s to say any of it’s real? Much like ghosts, fairies, and werewolves, we exist but we must be prudent about it.” “I understand that and so does Kyle. He would never place me in danger. And like you said, who would believe it?” “You gave him your blood,” said James. “I had to.” “He was meant to die,” reaffirmed James. Lily stepped forward shaking her head. “And so was I. I was meant to die and Jordon saved me. How is that any different? It’s love that binds these two. How can you punish them for that? Or do you forget all too quickly what it was like to be human yourselves? Yes, we are dead, but are you that unfeeling that you cannot see what’s obvious?” “We look out for ourselves, first and foremost. Without rules it would be chaos. The religious sect would love to have proof of our devilish existence so they can hunt us down one by one. I will not have it.” James looked away from her. Lily smiled. “I hear everything you’re saying, Roman. I have deep respect for you. This isn’t our first time meeting, but this is a special case. Tell us what we can do to remedy this without bloodshed.” “There is one thing,” replied Roman. “Make him one of us. There’s no need to make a decision at this moment. Talk about it amongst yourselves. Either way, we’ll know the outcome. And if it is not to our liking, we’ll be back.” The threesome stood and left. **** Luca looked to Lily for help, for much needed guidance. “If you choose not to do it, they will kill you both. I’ve seen it

done.” She was right. He had heard the stories. “You won’t be able to stop them, nor will I or Jordon. Now, I have to excuse myself, I’m not altogether feeling well.” “Of course.” Luca watched her leave the room, Jordon followed, saying nothing for once. “Do it,” demanded Kyle, exposing his neck. “This is our only chance for survival. Do it and we’ll be together forever.” “You truly don’t know what you ask. You will have to leave everyone you love and hold dear. You will be dead to the world as you know it. I’m not sure that you can handle that.” “I’ll be dead anyway if we don’t. I’ll be with you, I’ll have you and that’s all I need. I never want to be separated from you again, not by death, not by anything. This is meant to be. We’re meant to be.” “I love you,” said Luca, just before he sank into him. Pain, it was obvious that he had inflicted it upon Kyle. But this was the only way and as his venom flowed into Kyle’s veins, Luca knew this was a new beginning for them. Soon, Kyle would die and the immortal beast would take hold. Together, they fell to the floor in a deadly embrace. “Drink from me,” ordered Luca, binding them together. It was done, there was no turning back. At dawn, they retreated to Luca’s bedchamber and slept side by side in his coffin. By nightfall, Kyle’s transformation would be complete. **** Kyle woke in darkness, his hands searching out Luca. He remembered little, but enough to know what had taken place. “You’re awake,” said Luca, finding him. “Yes. Is it done?” “Yes.” Stepping from the coffin, Kyle looked around with new eyes, noticing things that he had never before. A car drove by outside and he knew that a woman was cradling her baby in her lap, telling it to hush, while she drove with one hand on the steering wheel. In less than ten minutes they would

both die in a multi-vehicle accident. So many things flooded his senses at once. Sounds, scents, colors. Everything had heightened. “It’s normal,” said Luca, adding a chuckle. “It’ll fade a bit in a day or two. The venom is still working strong inside you. Enjoy it while it lasts.” He was confident and downright invincible. Nothing could touch him now, not even death. “I see you’ve gone ahead and done it.” Jordon entered the room, arms folded across his chest. “It was the only way.” “That’s rather obvious and goes without saying.” “We’re leaving. There isn’t room for all of us here. I need to break free from everything that has bound me for so long.” Jordon slammed one fist into the wall, plaster falling to the floor. “You would leave me just like that, for him. I’m the one who made you. I’m the one who cared for you all these years. Without me, you would have withered away long ago. You would have grown old in that inn and died. Right now you would be nothing more than dust.” “Perhaps.” Luca stayed calm. “But you have Lily and now I have Kyle. I’m forever in debt to you. This chapter has to end. I’m telling you it has ended.” “Then go,” yelled Jordon. “I’m not stopping you, but I refuse to wish you well. It’s not in me to do so. Get out of my sight and take him with you.” “As you wish.” Luca turned to Kyle and grabbed his hand. “Let’s get out of here.” Outside, the night was young, the moon full, and with one last look back at the house, Luca pulled Kyle into his arms. “I will love you forever and a day, this is just the beginning of our time together. Nothing will ever separate us again.” Kyle closed his eyes and felt Luca’s lips press against his. They kissed hard and fast, and then together, fled into the night with no regrets.

The End

Other Books by Xondra Day: Power Play Beyond Friends

Evernight Publishing www.evernightpublishing.com