She Was Brave Part 12

The night breeze seemed to caress her and comb through her hair. Traci was close enough to feel the heat emanating from Devyn. The sky was so beautiful tonight. Everything looked beautiful now that her baby girl was getting better.

Things were looking better tonight and she really needed better. She glanced over to look at Devyn. Who was he and what was she doing with him? Traci didn’t really know. At this point she didn’t really want to think about it, though she was sure that it had something to do with needing company. She really needed company since the other night and more than that she needed company who didn’t know her. That way they didn’t have any preconceived notions about who she was.

Was that really what she was doing walking with this perfect stranger at night and alone? Perfect stranger, yes, he was perfect. Ah, God…she couldn’t even think about it right now. She needed to go get her some new clothes and maybe take a shower. Oh, yeah, a shower sounded really good all of a sudden. Tilting her head to the side she stopped walking and really looked at Devyn. He was really cute. HANDSOME! His jaw was firm and set. It practically begged for her to run her hand across it to see if it was as smooth as it looked. Traci found it was Hell to resist that urge, but she held strong. The man was sculpted like a Greek god. What got her the most were his beautiful eyes. They seemed to bore into her and touch her someway. She really didn’t know how to handle this situation. It would probably be best to send him on his way right now. There wasn’t going to be a relationship with him. Hell, for all she knew he was one of those psychos that liked to pick up women who are emotional and easy.

Was that what this was? Maybe, but something in her told her different. Probably it was the nervous grin on his face that did it for her

“Look, I know I promised to meet you for some coffee, but I really need to take a shower and grabs some clothes.”

“And eat.”

“Uh, yeah.” She listened as her stomach was grumbling. Weird how she hadn’t noticed. “I guess I need to grab a bite to eat. Well, I guess I will be going..” God, somehow she felt like she was breaking-up with him.

“I’m a great cook. If you like I can fix you some dinner and you can do what you need to do.” Devyn looked somewhat like a dog begging, but he didn’t really care. He left a big hole for her to take if she wanted out. It was that hole that had his stomach in knots. Against her better judgment she turned and headed towards her house. Really it was the last place she wanted to be. Maybe that’s why she agreed? She didn’t want to go home by herself. There would be too many memories



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Clayton and Edward kept their distance. They knew to be cautious and so far their hard work was paying off. Their spells had kept them hidden from Devyn’s powerful senses. They were so close and he was blissfully unaware. Even that being the case they knew better than to get cocky.

“Who is that woman?”

“What does it matter? He feeds on women. I’ve never known his to drink from a man. Don’t loose focus here, Ed.” The younger man bowed up some, but shrugged it off.

“Don’t you think I’m aware of his activities? I’ve been tracking him same as you. My point was that it is secluded here. He could take her now if he wanted. I’ve never seen him take a woman to a motel…and this is obviously her house up a head.”
“We watch for now. He’s not like the others. This is their leader. He’s very powerful and he’s been migrating this way for a purpose. It’s almost like he was searching for something. For all we know that girl is taking him to whatever it is.”

The two men watched as Devyn and Traci entered the house. There was plenty of wooded area for them for hide in. Which was a great help to the two men. They had to use spells to match the vampires speed while using other spells to keep themselves hidden from the vampire’s senses. They needed a rest or they would no doubt loose him again. For now they would walk the perimeter and follow him should he leave again. There was nothing else they could do at the moment. They couldn’t enter the house without giving themselves away; but, they would go back to the house. Edward was right about that. Devyn never took a woman to their own place or his place or even a motel. He would feed and bed them and move on. One woman he had taken on a bench in the middle of a crowded park using his powers to hide them.
Devyn had been covering some major ground every night for weeks. It was very unusual for him to be roaming. Vampires were very territorial and that’s what the wizards counted on. Understandably, they were all up in a buzz when they heard Devyn was moving. They’d sent out many scouts to watch him and see what he was up to. So far the vampires were unable to force the wizards into compliance, but none were as powerful as Devyn. If it were to happen it would be he who would be the one to do it.

So the elders sent out Clayton and Edward to follow Devyn and find out why he was in such a hurry. It had taken every ounce of strength the men had to keep track of him. When a vampire moved they moved with super-natural speed and could cover very great distances in a short time. It was pure luck that they found him once he crossed the ocean. There was no way of knowing he would make his way to the states. This thing kept getting more disturbing, but that was why the two of them were here.

“So do we set up camp? I’m starving.”

“One of us needs to go to town for some food.” Clayton thought about it for a moment. “You go.”

“Me?” There was menace in his voice, but the older man didn’t seem to notice.

“Well, you are the one who brought it up and if you think that I’m leaving you here in charge while I toddle off so you can destroy this mission then you’ve been smoking too much crack. You go or we don’t eat.”

Traci locked the door behind her. Something didn’t feel right. It was as if someone was watching them, though Devyn didn’t seem to notice. Still, she couldn’t shake the feeling.

It had to be nerves. She must be more nervous about being in her house than she had originally thought. It was such a beautiful house. Traci and Don had build this house and done all of the decorating themselves. Her throat clogged slightly at the thought. Maybe this was more than she could bear. She would just have to sell the house. It would be a shame, but it hurt walking into it.

Her eyes fixed on Devyn just then. Lord, what was wrong with her? They were still standing in the foyer with the lights out. He must really think she was a loon. Reaching over she flipped on the lights.

“Sorry.” Traci shrugged and moved past him into the house. “I guess I’m more disturbed about coming home than I figured. If you wanna leave…”

“No, it looks like you could use having someone here with you.”

Devyn smiled, though he was trying hard not to. She just looked beautiful, even when she was sad or afraid. More than that, Devyn felt everything in him ache to make her happy. He knew he would do whatever he could to make sure that she was happy and safe.

“Why don’t you go take your shower and I’ll mess around in the kitchen? You look like you really need a good hot shower. Now off with you. You’ve got thirty minutes to take your shower before I come up and make sure you’re alright.”

“Thank you, Devyn, but you really don’t need to cook for me. I can make something when I get out of the shower and I’ll only take fifteen minutes at the most. Make yourself at home and watch some television.” She smiled. No one has ever offered to cook for her except her two friends. Don would never have offered to cook, let alone to keep her company just because she was uneasy. How horrible? Was it right to be mad at a dead man? Damn it! Don’t do this to yourself Traci. You’re here and your little girl is alive and getting better. Focus.

At the top of the stairs Traci took a deep breath and hurried down the hall to her bedroom. Once inside she shut the door and undressed. On her way to the master bathroom she did an arm-pit check. Woo! I do need a shower!

The water was hot and felt so good. Traci probably spent longer in the shower than she should have. It did the trick though. She was a little more herself and already running down a list of things she needed to do before heading back to the hospital. Packing some extra clothes was at the top of the list. God, Traci really wasn’t aware of what all had already been done. It looked like either Antwan or Dena had come in and cleaned. Her friends were such a blessing to her in so many ways. One day she would make it up to them.

Grabbing her overnight bag feeling sure she had everything she would need, Traci headed out of her room. She was almost to the stairs when she stopped. This moment was bound to come at some point. Bracing herself Traci opened her son’s bedroom door. Knots were forming in her stomach and throat. Suddenly she felt overwhelmed and nauseous. No, this was the moment, the time and she had to come to terms with this and move on. Looking around the room the memories hit her hard.

When they had decided to redecorate this room for their son she had fought long and hard to paint the room the dusty green. It was a very soothing color and worked well with the grays and dusty purples that she used to accent it. The room was supposed to be functional from birth to adult without having to do major redecorating. They toys were all neatly put away, just as always. Don hated for anything to be out of place. The children were very good about keeping things picked up. If by chance they missed something Dena, Antwan or she would get it, but that seldom ever happened.

Before she knew what was happening Traci was crying. Every breath was wracked with painful sobs. The Earth, her world was shattering. The events of that day replayed over and over again through her mind. All she could think was “what if.” What if she hadn’t gotten pissed and made Don pick up the kids? What if she had picked up the kids instead? What if she hadn’t gone to that stupid club for a drink? What if her baby girl hadn’t made it either?

Devyn had been about to season the garlic bread when his heart suddenly felt heavy. That was why he made his way up the stairs only to find Traci on the floor hunched over a toddler’s bed. He stood in the in the shadows and watched as she sobbed. Her hair was still wet and spilled over her back and arms. She smelled like lavender and lemons. Traci was simply intoxicating, everything about her…addicting. Yet, she was racked with sobs as her tears fell unchecked on the bed sheets.

Before he knew what he was doing, Devyn was holding her. He gently smoothed her hair back from her face and kissed away her tears. He would gladly die a thousand deaths rather than hear her cry.

“Hush, my sweet. I cannot take your tears. They will destroy me.” Looking into her eyes he compelled her to sleep and carried her to the sofa.

LEGENDS

CHAPTER THREE

Cerin strolled through The Great City with a smile on his face. This was a good day. Hell, he had even taken the time to get a hair cut before he came in. The plan was playing out perfectly and no one seemed the wiser. This was to be a test of course. He and his followers needed to see if Ardra was suspicious. It was highly doubtful. Ardra was too busy defending her precious humans and keeping the pact. Cerin had been against the pact from the beginning, like most, but most of the counsel had eventually come around. Not him, not Cerin. The way they shared The Great City with the lesser immortals was sickening. Then there were the humans in the village. It disgusted him to listen to their problems at these meetings. They were rulers not politicians! They were not here to serve the people, but to rule them. This politeness in policy was blasphemy!
Cerin remembered the old ways, cherished them. There was none of this “problem solving” shit. If he happened across a vampire or lycon he slayed them. That was the way of things. There was nothing wrong with the old ways. The more immortals you killed the more fame you received. It was how you built a name for yourself. It was how you moved up in the ranks.
True that Ardra was quite the warrior, but she had turned soft. Everyone knew it, but refused to acknowledge it. She lost her taste for battle. It was time Ardra was replaced. And Cerin intended to be her replacement. One way or the other he would replace her. It wouldn’t matter if he was not the true successor. He didn’t really see much need for the memories or the wisdom of the earlier Lords. Cerin planned on ushering in a new era and none of the Lord’s wisdom would be necessary for it.
He stopped near the castle steps. This castle was said to have been built by Arawn out of the giant mountain in the center of this land. Though beautiful with gleaming rock and stone, it was somewhat ominous. Supposedly it was a symbol that the line of Lords would never fall. Cerin smiled thinking about that. Yes, it might take him moving a few mountains, but the beautiful Lady Ardra of the Legends would fall. He had discovered her weakness. She had one flaw and that would be her downfall. The castle he would keep, but all it stood for would fade away like a bad memory.
“Cerin! Wow, you look stunning. I didn’t think you liked to dress up.” Trotting down the steps she came to stand before him. Her dark curls spilled from a loose braid around her face. She wasn’t beautiful and yet there was something about her that made her quite irresistible. Americans, what was it about their woman that could do that to you?
“Kayla. So they’ve decided to let you join the counsel meetings?”
“Yes, how’d you guess?”
“It’s the shit eating grin you’re wearing. What area have they put you in or do you know yet?” It was taking a lot of energy to swallow the disgust of this. Ardra hadn’t allowed Cerin a seat on the counsel until three centuries ago. Now, here Kayla was no more than 50 years old and she’s being allowed a chair?!

“Come on, I’ll walk you to your room.” Kayla grabbed his hand and led him up the steps.
“Well, you know before the change I was a martial arts teacher. Needles to say, I flew through training here, but I don’t want to be a warrior. I don’t want to be a leader either.”
“Then what is the purpose of being on the counsel?”
“I want to help with some of Ardra’s projects.” Cerin stopped walking and faced her. His heavy gaze focused fell on her face as he tried to feign interest.
“I want to set up a few orphanages and maybe a couple of shelters. The world is so boggled down with sadness and suffering…and I’d like to do my part. So, Ardra agreed to let me set them up and I’ll be reporting on them during counsel. As a matter of fact, I get to give my big shpeal tonight. Uhm…not that anyone is going to veto the project, but you know how Ardra likes to keep everybody up to date with things.”

“Yes, I know.” Cerin let out the words in a slow hiss. Kayla tilted her head slightly and looked him over. God, she was perceptual. No doubt that was why Ardra gave her a chair in the counsel. He gritted his teeth to suppress his anger. It wouldn’t go over very well if he let on that he was upset with Ardra for something.
“I am tired and a bit snappish. I beg your pardon, Kayla, but I need to take a nap and stop by the kitchen before tonight’s festivities. I’ll see you at counsel.” With a slight tilt of his head Cerin walked on towards his room. It would just be better to keep a low profile for the moment. He was going to have to keep his eye on Kayla. She may prove to be a problem.

Kayla stood there watching Cerin as he made his way to his quarters. That was really odd. She felt fearful for a moment and then it was just gone, but something still lingered in the wake of that man. Her instincts told her to beware. Something was wrong. The only problem with her powers was that she only felt things. She could not predict or see them.
Should she tell Ardra? Yeah, right. What would she tell the Lady? Yeah, I was talking to Cerin and though he didn’t say anything wrong…or do anything wrong, well, I ‘felt’ something wrong. Uh-hu, that would go over great. No, Kayla would just keep an eye on Cerin for now. Still, she couldn’t shake the feeling that this was important. Maybe she would speak to Damiana. They had similar powers. Maybe she would be able to help her understand them and then decide whether to take this to Ardra or not.
Kayla turned and headed to the next level where she was sure she’d find Damiana making preparations for tonight. Feeling silly, but unable to help it she kept checking to make sure she wasn’t followed. If this wasn’t anything then she’d be embarrassed for years to come. But…what if it was something?

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“Madam, where do you want the food to be set? The kitchen is too crowded and we are still baking. We’ve got to start setting up the tables.”
Damiana looked around. Yes, she could smell all of the food. Delicious. It was getting close to sun set and some of the guests had already arrived…
“Put them on the main table up front.”
“But that’s where Ardra and the rest o...” Damiana interrupted her.
“I know that is where the Lady usually sits with the counsel.” She help up a hand to further silence the older woman who was about to interject more concern.
“Ardra feels that no one feels free to approach her when they’re so segregated. The counsel will meet as usual in the court up stairs, but they will be sitting among the rest of us when the counsel is adjourned.”
With that the woman nodded and headed toward the kitchen to make the announcement. In truth, Damiana had been against it at first and told Ardra so, but not now. No, now she understood why Ardra had insisted upon it and to keep it from the rest of the counsel. Namely, Ronan, he was going to have a fit and a half. She smiled at the thought of her friend, Ardra. Ardra was truly a wonderful leader. Though Ardra hated to be surrounded by people, she also wanted them to know they could seek her out if necessary. You just can’t say enough good things about the Lady of the Legends. Damiana counted herself exceptionally lucky to be her closest friend.

As she walked into the great hall Kayla was floored by the site of it. She’d been to the castle many times, but the overwhelming beauty of the Great Hall never ceased to dazzle her. Every wall, every banister, every table was covered with decorations. This was her first time for the October session. She guessed it would be her favorite. It was like walking into one of those old mansions in the black and white horror flicks. The Great Hall was on the third floor, but there were two great stair cases that lead from the first to the fourth. The fourth floor was really just a few rooms on either side and a couple of stair cases about three-fourths of the way up to the vaulted ceiling. The ceiling was covered in fake spider webs that were sprinkled with plastic spiders. There was a bat dangling down on a string here and there. The banisters that surrounded the edge of the fourth floor as well as the double stair case were covered in orange plastic pumpkins filled with goodies. Kayla couldn’t wait to put on her costume and listen to the live band from the village.
Unable to fight the wonderful smells any longer, Kayla strolled on past the tables towards where the food was laid out. God, this must have been what it was like back in the days of medieval feasts! Only, she was sure they didn’t make cakes in the shape of witches and ghosts. There were cakes and cookies, turkeys and smoked goose, roasts and seafood and pie. Oh, the pie! She was going to have to have some soon or she’d die. Kayla went straight for the apple pie with whipped cream topping. Her stomach rumbled as she swiped off a little cream with her finger.
“You’re as bad as Nevin. But, if you keep it a secret, I’ll give you a piece of the pie I snatched.” Kayla’s eyes went wide and she grinned from ear to ear.
“You stole a pie.”
“Shush! It’s in my room. I haven’t eaten all day and Ann does make the best apple pie in the universe! Come on, I was saving it for a break, but somehow I forgot to take one.” They both laughed as they walked to Damiana’s room.

“So, what’s going on? I had a dream about you coming to talk to me.” Nothing got past her did it? Kayla tried not to act too surprised.
“That must be why you snatched the pie.” Damiana nodded.
“I’m not sure what if any importance this is, but I can’t shake this feeling.” Well, judging from the look Damiana held at least she didn’t think Kayla was crazy. Just to be sure Kayla checked the hallway and shut the door.
“Now this can’t be good. Shall I close the window?” Kayla let out a nervous giggle, but shook her head yes.

Kayla explained to Damiana about what happened in the hall with Cerin. Damiana hadn’t laughed or looked as if she were crazy. Instead she seemed concerned. It was a good ten minutes before she even spoke. As she began to she hesitated and seemed to mull something over.
It was hard not to be a little jealous sitting across from her. Damiana was so beautiful. Her hair was a milky chocolate color and waist length pulled into a very sharp French twist. Not a single strand dared to leave its place. And her soft blue eyes mixed with her thin waste made super models look skanky. Kayla, on the other hand, had black frizzy hair that despite being all the same length wouldn’t stay however she fixed it. Her curls were just so tight they sprang out of any confinement. Plus, she had a round face and plenty of curves. Okay, so maybe one too many curves. A size 14 wasn’t that bad though, she’d been bigger and besides she was tall for a woman. That still didn’t do anything to help alleviate the sting of being surrounded by run-way beauties. Sometimes Kayla wondered why she had gone through the change. Many times she thought it was an accident, because it seemed everyone else who went through it was meant for the cover of magazines.

Finally, Damiana stood, smoothed her light blue slacks, and walked towards her closet. After a few minutes she emerged with an old leather bound book. Some of the pages were brittle and torn. She took her seat and handed the book to Kayla. Kayla was more powerful than Damiana had thought. Score another point for Ardra. Damiana had sensed a power in her, but it had been her experience that once you went through the change it took a good couple of centuries to develop your powers. That mean that Kayla wouldn’t be showing signs of her powers for another fifty years at least. What did she know anyway? Ardra was never wrong. She should have had more faith in her good friend.
“What’s this?”
“That, my young girl, is to be your text book for the next few weeks. I feel ashamed that I couldn’t sense what Ardra did in you. She’s always right you know. She said you will end up being my replacement one day.”
“No one is going to meld you! What are you talking about?”
“I’m actually not sure. Ardra picks up bits of knowledge almost like visions. What she actually said was that I was to tutor you in my powers. That I will pass on all of my knowledge to you. I assume that means that I will be replaced, but one never knows.”
“I don’t have all of your powers, though. Just one and I don’t even know how to use it! I can’t heal anyone! Ardra must be crazy!” Damiana jumped out of her seat to stand leaning over her, Kayla was already sorry she’s blurted that one out.
Damiana glared down on the young Legend while her eyes swirled and her face covered itself. It took a moment to fight the urge to slap her for saying such a thing. After a few deep breaths she was able to calm a bit and her face uncovered, but her eyes still swirled. She took two steps back before she spoke.
“You will never say that again lest I put you in your place. Ardra is a lot of things, but crazy is not one of them. If she says you can do this then you can. That’s the end of that. If she says I’m meant to tutor you then I will. If she says to shit on the floor, we will!” Damiana only went off the handle over a few things and anything concerning Ardra was at the top of the list. Against her will, she paced the small space in front of the now pale Kayla.
“As you will find out by spending time with her, she doesn’t ask much. She doesn’t give orders often and she never expects anything in return. She’s selfless!” Damiana stopped pacing and faced Kayla.
“We should all be so selfless. If she wants you to do this I will not let you out so easily. You wanted to help with her projects…Well, now is your chance. You should be honored.”
“Damiana…” Kayla was fighting back tears. She was sorry and made a mental note not to say anything derogatory about Ardra ever again. “What does this have to do about Cerin and my ‘feeling’?”
“You will see. I cannot tell you more right now and I’m sorry I stepped out of line with you. I normally do not get angry, but Ardra is my best friend. I can, however, tell you this. Keep your distance from Cerin, but make a note of whatever you see him doing or saying. Listen to your instincts.”
“Even if it’s crazy?”
“Especially then. I hate to cut this short, but I have to get back down there and make sure things are going smoothly. If Ronan sees that the main table has now become the buffet he’s libel to have Ann’s head. And we can’t have that.”

LEGENDS-prologue

The sun was just beginning to set over the amber soil of the red man’s state and creatures were stirring to life. Creatures that lived for the twilight hours. Creatures of the night. Bats, wolves, owls, and other beasts woke in search of prey. Mother Nature’s balance was once more being up held. This was Ardra’s favorite time of the day… or night as it was. It is true that she also loved the sun risings, but sunset had a magic all of its own. The sheer beauty of it alone would make one forget about the dangers that lurked behind every corner once the sun’s last bit of energy was robbed from the soil. Dangers that Ardra knew all too well. Dangers that she had to confront constantly, as is her duty.
She knew she should be making preparations for the up coming counsel, but over the centuries Ardra has learned you have to stop and smell the roses. Most of the preparations were already done. Damia had seen to that. There was no better friend than Damiana. Ardra smiled, there would never be anyway to completely thank her close companion. She’s the only person living in a solid form who knew her for everything she was. With a heavy sigh, Ardra stood from her porch swing and looked around. The sun was now set and preparations or not, there was still much to do. It was her responsibility to summon the heads of counsel for their tri-century court. Many things had been brought to her attention, many things that required an iron hand and an unbreakable courage. She closed her eyes and the smile was gone. Another war loomed in the distance. After so many lifetimes it was still quite a burden. A burden only she could bare. Alone.

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Druce awoke when the last of the sun’s great power was gone. True that he could have risen before it fell, but it left him drained. And he had not been successful in his agenda for the previous night nor had he fed properly. He walked out of the broken down house all the while undoing his safe guards. Before he took that first step outside of the house he sought outside himself to check the immediate area for danger. Once he was sure that nothing was out of the ordinary he went in search of prey. This would be an unlucky night for some poor, unfortunate human. Hunger beat at his very soul. If he even still had a soul, he dared not to think on it. Druce was too tired to even soar across the country side. Deciding to conserve energy by walking so as to not loose control and allow his blood lust to devour the first passer by.
It had become so hard to exist the last few hundred years. The pact that his people had made with the Legends was very strict and moral. After centuries he felt himself being drawn away from that path, but…anything for Ardra. The vampire Kingdom would never have bowed to another. It bowed for Ardra. He bowed for Ardra. If he truly could feel it was because of her. She breathed life back into this bleak shell of an undead King. It was through her that all the immortals were kept in line. There had never been anyone else capable of such a thing. In his mind’s eye she was on a pedestal of admiration. He was nothing to her though and he never would be. Druce did a mental shake, he was on the counsel and the pact truly made life better for his people. That was what a King was there for, wasn’t it? To make his people happy? Was it fair that he could not be happy also, with them? He forced air in and out of his lungs and with a heavy heart he started walking again. Anything for Ardra. Anything.
The lights of homes and businesses alike glittered in the distance and the scent of warm blood filled his deadly senses. He was very near the city now and hoped to find several beggars out tonight. He must still honor the pact, even though the demon within was screaming for sustenance, begging him to slake his eternal thirst. The nights of innocent victims were gone and it wasn’t that Druce missed those days. In fact, it was a relief to his conscience. Those were the days with horrible guilt and the remembrance that his humanity was teetering on the edge of extinction. Druce still couldn’t be certain that his humanity hadn’t already shriveled to dust many centuries ago. He couldn’t discount that his new found feelings weren’t simply a renewed hope for his people. Either way he was their King and he would do whatever was necessary to ensure the continuance of their race. Was it even a good idea to allow his race to continue on? This was not the time for him to second guess himself. The tri-century court was nearing and there was much to do. Some of his people had denied the pact from the beginning and were now planning a revolution. More to the point, Druce feared the revolution was already underway.
He strolled through several allies, not bothering to conceal himself. Then he came upon three drunken vagrants and once more was filled with a since of hope. The pact would not be broken this night by him and no innocent would come to an early grave. Three vagrants would allow him to sate his appetite fully and keep the good citizens free from hell’s doors. Come the day of the counsel he would be able to hold his head up high and meet Ardra’s intense glaze with complete confidence. Well, almost complete confidence. It will be his fault that his people have strayed from the pact. Druce accepted that and whatever chastisement that he would receive from Ardra. Just to be near her would be enough. The years spent apart from her counsel were always dark and empty. Druce was dark and empty. Alone.

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As pure energy, she soured through the night sky. Such a pity to leave this beautiful land before the first storm of the season in Oklahoma was to hit. Ardra doubted that she would be back before the end of the storm season either. Storms were the only thing that made her heart lighter since the great pact was formed until she was at court again. The weight seemed always to lift while she was at court. Why, Ardra couldn’t figure out, but she was indeed grateful of whatever reason. She smiled to herself and allowed her mind to focus on that.
Ardra had soared over quite a distance when the symphony of the night was interrupted by a chilling silence. Stopping in mid air she took advantage of being pure energy and searched the area for the source. There was nothing. Satisfied that no threat was near she gathered her energies together and once again came together in human form. She felt her self becoming agitated, but why? Her father was once the great king of the Elfish kind and her mother had been a mortal carrier of the sacred blood line. Her elfin senses would not let her disregard this area. There should be night noises, for God’s sake; she was right in the deep of a swamp. She couldn’t even hear the buzzing of mosquitoes. Damn it! Devyn, where are you when I need you? She reached for the Elf King with her mind.
…I’m here, little sister, do not fear. Devyn sounded a little too smug for his own good and yet wholly concerned for her as well. Ardra hated that he could do so.
I fear nothing! She took a deep breath in while still scanning the area. This was no time for taking jabs at one another. I have no knowledge of the elfish ways and I have a need to understand something.
What troubles you, little one?
Humph! For lack of a better explanation, old one, I have found myself a blank spot. Ardra felt the abrupt break off and then Devyn was just there. It was hard for her not to smile at his antics. For all of his strict warrior ways, Devyn was always there when she needed someone. And for all that she hated elves and that she was part elf, she loved her half-brother. She also knew that he loved her and somehow even admired her. With him she was not so alone. She was not completely without family.
“Tell me, little sister, how did you come across this place?”
Ardra looked over to her brother. He was tall and muscular like herself with the white hair of the elf warriors. Devyn was very stoic. Something did not sit well with him either and he was doing his best to conceal it from her and maybe from himself.
“Do not over analyze this situation, little sister, I am not fearful.”
Ardra laughed lightly. “I did not say you were afraid, oh great Devyn! Never that. No, you are just concerned with my safety and I picked up on that.” She felt that bullshit smile of hers popping up. How she loved to be patronizing with his majesty. “I was on my way to The Great City and felt a disturbing emptiness here. After I searched the area I came to rest right where I am standing now. There is no one around, at least, I found no one when I scanned the surrounding area. What is it that I can not put my finger on?”
The pair of them looked like statues of forgotten gods, while they stood and felt for a clue to disturbance in this place. Suddenly a breeze picked up and the sounds of the night swamp were back upon them. A fog began to spill over their feet and the eerie solitude that once was, now was gone. Devyn turned to look at Ardra. Their eyes met and spiraled and swirled sending a multitude of messages from one to the other and back. With the bow of their heads they were gone. The swamp was once again just a swamp.
They appeared inside The Great City over looking the countryside in the shelter of the trees. Don’t beat around the proverbial bush with me, Devyn. What the hell was that? I know you felt it. I was called there wasn’t I? No one would leave such an obvious whole in which to be found without a plan.
He was silent for a moment, thinking. Truly, I do not know what it was. I have not felt anything of its equal in some millennia. It was different yet similar to the black elves’ war tactics. But that would be impossible. Impossible!
There was doubt in his thoughts. Ardra picked up on that immediately. She had only read of the black elves. They were an evil unequal to any other on this planet. The rest of the elves and fairy alike battled for ages against them. Until not one of the black elves were left alive. That’s the way it was written, but Devyn had been there. He had fought against the evil of the black Fai.
Ardra dared ask the silent question that hung in the air between them. Looking over The Great City, she turned to stare directly at her brother. The wind blew tendrils of his war braided hair across his face. His features could have been etched in stone, he did not blink. He would not lie to her, not to her. Are you certain that they were all killed? …Is it possible some escaped and laid low until now? …Tell me! If they join in the growing rebellion that is already building, do we even stand a chance?
He looked down at his sister, into her lavender eyes. She was a beautiful treasure. Her eyes were imploring him to speak, but his voice was caught. There would be no chance if it were so. Though it was highly unlikely that all immortal kinds would join forces, some were already doing so. Devyn recalled vivid memories from his last great battle. He did not want this for his sister. Ardra was a pure light, as pure as her snowy hair. Tears drew close to his eyes; she was to be the one. He knew it, but she refused to recognize it in herself. Devyn had to answer her; she would not accept silence for too long. Without a sigh, without as much as a blink of an eye he answered her.
“No, there is little chance of defeating them a second time. Less even, with other immortal kind at their bidding.” Turning to face the moon, Devyn closed his eyes and hung his head. “I will be gone for several days. Know for certain, I will be here for the meeting in your courts. Do not worry too much little sister; I am going to gather some information. It would be best if this is not mentioned to another until I return and speak with you. If any of the black elves have remained, then all hope will be lost among your counsel. They are already wavering as it is.”
“I agree. Come back unharmed, brother. My heart is heavy and I could not endure the loss of my only family.” …Do not let me face this alone.

LEGENDS

Chapter One

It was the eve before the tri-century court and the festivities of the Great City were under way. The night air was filled with a collection of delicious scents and warm laughter. Druce stood on the bow of the boat as it was being docked. He loved this place, The Great City. It was like traveling back in time to the era of knights and kings, but his eyes were solely focused on the huge castle in the center of the island. If indeed that is what this place is, an island. The castle was very grand, standing in a semi-circle of five watch towers and surrounded by a dense forest. It was said that the first legend spent thousands of years carving the castle out of the mountain that used to stand there. No one could dispute the story, for upon close inspection of the castle, there were no seams in the rock. The only person who could truthfully confirm or deny if it was true would be the next in the sacred line of legends. Ardra. He would have to ask her, someday. That is if he could ever get her alone and if he did what then? She was out of his league. Always so cool, she would toss him aside like an old paper that had lost its usefulness. Druce hung his head low and tried to regain his composure. This is not the time for romance, even imagined, it was important that he speak to her alone. His people were revolting and his loyal numbers were decreasing. Ardra must know.
Druce made his way through the village. The houses were more modern and so were the clothes, but it was peasant life. They still cultivated the land and had their own professions. Most of the people he didn’t know anymore. Their life was simple, the legends made sure of that. Those who made the choice to stay always had food and clothing and never had to worry about money. It was utopia in every sense.
He had made his way through over half of the village and was deep in thought. Suddenly, a little girl in jeans and a pink sweater ran straight into him and flopped on her butt. Smiling, Druce reached out his large hand to the girl. She was no more than five and had silvery, golden hair with eyes as green as any emerald dare hoped for. The girl looked uncertain of what she should do and made no attempt to reach for his hand. It hurt his heart. She knew he was one of the undead and though vampires were welcome in this land, the children never understood blood as nourishment. She was afraid of him. He slowly retracted his hand and stormed off. It was no use pretending, he was a monster. Every child should be afraid and why not? He was certainly afraid, afraid of his own powers and afraid of his blood lust. This was the end of his race. Druce would fight to help Ardra defeat those of his kind who denied the pact. After that he would offer his life to her and die by her hand. Centuries of being alone were too much for the bitter taste it left in his mouth. If the vampires were to carry on, it was time for a new king, a new pact.


Waiting for her bath to heat, Ardra couldn’t control the music spilling from the strings into the night air. Her heart wept through her hands and into the strings of her favorite harp. Tears were for the brave. Though all would deny, she knew the truth. Ardra, Lady of the Legends, was a coward. She had killed more in her days then she could remember, but anyone could kill. That was not bravery.
She walked through her dark room to the bath that should be heated by now. Ronan hadn’t let off of her today at all. Maybe the people did want to see her married, but what of it? Ardra loved no one and the many who swore their dying love for her were mistaken. All she had to do was open their minds eye to hers and she knew, even before they did. So much time on this earth and no one really loved her. Her eyes went to the mirror and lingered for a moment. There was no denying why men fell at her feet. She knew she was beautiful, her snowy hair fell thick past her calves and her eyes were large and smoldering. Her body was curvy with a feminine muscularity that added to her haunting allure.
Ronan had offered her his hand in marriage. He knew she would refuse, just as she always had. Theirs was no more than friendship and it never would go any further. He just should have left it at that! It wasn’t her fault that he had made preparations for their wedding to take place at the tri-century court. What was he thinking? Ronan made a fool out of himself; he made a fool out of her.
Ardra had been so upset when he told her his plans that she had cursed in as many languages as she could think of. He had the audacity to tell her that this was going to be the way it was and she could just get used to it. Shame was still red on her cheeks. She had known better, but couldn’t let it go. Rage surged through her veins and she stabbed him straight through his heart and left him in the court room with blood spilling all around him. Leaving him there to reanimate himself was cowardly.
“I should have seen to his melding!” She should have, but she couldn’t have faced loosing a good friend. It might have been a mortal wound, but Ronan was not mortal. She hoped it would piss him off just as she had been. The gall of that man. If she was to be with a man, it wouldn’t be some one as domineering as he was. It had taken her a few hundred years before her people gave her any respect. She was the first female in the sacred line to become Lord, well, Lady as it was. If she married Ronan, she would be passing the throne along with her freedom. He would keep her locked away from her people and from their problems, as he always tries to do now. It was the time he came from and he thought it was improper for her to mingle with commoners. Ardra could never fall in love with such a man.
The hot bath did nothing to calm her nerves or to soothe her body. Her body was electric and feeding her senses messages that she didn’t understand. Ardra laid her head back on the stone tub and tried to call to her brother. Devyn, the eve of the court is upon us. I would much like to speak to you…
There was silence and she waited with a patience that had been honed for over a thousand years. Her heart started to race. Devyn always answered her and it had been nearly an hour. Ardra was growing restless and as she was about to call to him again she heard him answer her. His voice was barely a whisper, but strong and menacing. Do not call to me again. I will speak with you at the court as I said I would. You cannot distract me again, little sister.
The breath slowly left Ardra’s lungs when she realized she had been holding it. What was becoming of her world? It was stupid to call to him when he was gathering information, but her senses were on overload and she had no knowledge of elfish ways. She would have it out with him for being so abrupt when he shows up tomorrow. The corner of her treacherous mouth was trying to smile in spite of herself. Devyn always treated her like everyone else. Elf or not, she loved him for that. Ardra finished washing off and was preparing to get out of her bath. She was starting to boil herself.
There was a knock on the door. She knew it was Ronan, that blasted man. Even his knock sounded chauvinistic.
“I thought I told you, that I did not want to hear your voice again, until court. And even then it had better only be saying ‘Yes, my Lady.’” Her body was red with anger. She had an idea to march up to the door naked and open it long enough to give him a beating. The lady in her would not allow, but the warrior in her was screaming for her to rise up to the occasion. There was a brief moment of silence as he was, no doubt, weighing his options.
“I’m sorry my Lady, but Druce has arrived early and is demanding to see you. I told him you were not to be bothered until tomorrow night, but he is insistent that it is of great urgency that he speaks with you. He is even brazen enough to ask that it be alone. What do you wish me to do?”
“I will speak to him immediately. And I will honor his request for privacy.”
“My lady, I do not advise a session alone with him. He is the King of the Undead and I don’t trust him. You cannot be allowed endanger yourself by being alone with one such as he.” Ardra’s blood roared with contempt. She thought for a moment and sat herself back down in the heat of the water. If Ronan was going to be an ass, so could she.
“Send him into my chamber alone! That is my wish and you must obey it. Do you understand?”
“Yes, my Lady, but I feel it is in your best interests to….”
“My word is law, Ronan, do not forget that. Send Druce to me at once, alone, and it will be your duty to see to his needs while he is here for court. Do I make myself quite clear or do I need to assert myself more, Ronan? I am quite capable of taking care of myself.” This was actually quite fun. Ardra didn’t understand why, but she felt quite giddy. She was going to sit in the water naked with another man coming into her room and drive Ronan insane. And the thought of it was ever so delightful, wickedly delightful.
The fire under the stone bath was subsiding and the water was getting cooler when the door to her chamber opened.
“My Lady, I am so sorry for the interruption. Had I known that you were otherwise occupied, I would have waited until you at least finished your bath. It was rude of me. I thought that your aid was just denying me entrance and was agitated.”
“He is not my aid, Druce, and don’t worry about bothering me. I assume what you have to say is important and that you weren’t just trying to see me naked in the bath?” Druce was suddenly aware he was staring at her and blushed as he averted his gaze. It took him a few minutes to gather his wits together again. Ardra took his sanity away. She even seemed to know he needed to regain his composure, for she sat quietly in the candle light with the moon spilling over the bath and stared at him. She was hauntingly beautiful.
Ardra was silently cursing herself. This might be fun to do to Ronan because she was so mad at him, but it was unfair to Druce. The sensual energy in the room was overwhelming and she quietly waited for him to gather himself. He had been staring at her as if she were a priceless doll that couldn’t be touched less it should shatter into a thousand pieces. It truly had touched her. No one thought of her as breakable. No one. The whim was too compelling and she just couldn’t stop herself, she was lonely.
“Would you mind stoking the fire? The water is getting cold.” Her heart slammed in her chest as Druce froze at her request. She felt his indecision, he didn’t want to make a fool of himself, but he couldn’t make himself leave either. Ardra feigned a shiver, manipulating him into doing as she wanted.
His mind was racing and his cold heart felt as if it were choked. He couldn’t just stand there like an idiot. Druce assured himself that she was just used to being pampered. This was nothing to her, he was just there to be heard and used. His gut clenched and convulsed at his thought. He was nothing to her. Lifting his head to overlook her glistening body, he walked over with every confidence of a king and stoked the fire. As he leaned on the tub the scent of herbs and spices filled his senses once more. His body ached for hers and yet he could never have her.
She was staring at him with somewhat of an amused smile crooked on the corner of her mouth. He was making an ass out of himself. Druce was a king and was not going to be treated like her maid servant. He sat on the side of the bath and stared back into her deep royal eyes.
“I do hope I don’t amuse you. I’m sorry that I intruded, but I had to speak with you as soon as possible.” Standing, he sighed and started pacing around the tub. “As you are well aware, some of my people have been against the pact from the beginning. I have tried to keep them in line and under lock and key. There are traitors in my ranks. I was afraid they might try to do away with me and draw out of the pact in that manner. The problem is that they don’t see me as any real threat compared to you.” Druce stopped right in front of her and capturing her eyes with his, compelling her to deny it. He wanted to make her squirm, but she held fast and met him gaze for gaze. That made him want her all the more. Nowhere had he met any woman who was as ballsy as this one was. They dubbed her the Ardra the cold, but he knew better standing in here with her. She was probably the fiercest of any man or woman on this planet and probably several others. But he did not miss the compassion he saw there in her eyes. Eyes that resembled dark amethysts, beautiful.
“There had been rumors of a rebellion underway for quite sometime, but one of my counsel assured me that it was nothing. Just the bickering of those who think they’re now oppressed, he said to me. I believed him then and should not have. It is my fault and I will accept whatever punishment you wish to bestow upon me, but I must warn you. I still have some loyal subjects. They are afraid though, and those who aren’t are very few in number. My Second recently heard rumors that some of my counsel members are among the rebels.”
Druce sat on the window sill and looked out at the haze of the night sky. He could not look at her and have her see the tears there. Ardra could feel his betrayal. It made her heart heavy for him; she had never seen someone with such loyalty since she met him in battle. He truly would have died for his people if Ardra had not offered a pact. Druce was different from any of the blood-suckers she had hunted down. Not many held a place in her heart, but his fierce loyalty and selflessness affected her. Grabbing the towel, she stood and climbed out of the bath. There was no attempt to hide herself, she simply dried off and put on her robe before walking over to him. His sorrow was beating at her soul and she couldn’t control the urge to gather him into her arms. Here was the King of the Undead, sitting in her quarters so menacing and powerful. And yet, he cried in front of her and made no attempt to hide his emotions from her. In that one moment something changed in Ardra. She could do no more than cradle him to her breast and stare at his tears. His hair was long, straight, and pulled back in a leather thong at the nape of his neck. The moon spilled light over him making his hair shine silver in the night, like it was too black to be seen. Muscles were visible through his gray suit and the vest made him look like some kind of high dollar lawyer. He was more than handsome and Ardra found she was taken by him. Why had she never noticed he was gorgeous before? She had been infatuated by him when they had met in battle, many years ago. But she had chalked it up to admiration for his skills in battle. He had held his own with her, when no one had done so since the early days after the change took her. But now with him so close, skin touching skin, her body felt as if it were on fire. She had been married as a mortal and knew husband and wife intimacies, but this was something more gripping than lust. Her body ached, hungered, craved his.
Realizing himself, Druce pulled away and stood, furious with himself. What a great King, crying like a baby, his head crushed against the unquestioned queen of all immortals. But she had cradled him. She had come to him and he felt peace at her bosom. Silence. There were no noises as they stared at one another for what seemed an eternity. Neither of them willing to break the silence as they were lost within their own minds. Ardra was taken with this man standing before her and she didn’t want to belittle her part in this awkward moment. After all she was only half clothed in a flimsy sheer robe and had cradled his head to her breasts. Her cheeks were flush for no reason at all, just having him this close to her did something to make her blood thicken.
And just like that, her good sense came back to her. Ardra pulled her robe tighter around her and stood, looking very regal. It was her place to set boundaries in this situation. She needed time to think about what he told her and she desperately needed to be away from this man. She couldn’t think let alone talk any more. This had already gotten out of hand.
“Do you know who the rebels in your counsel are?” She watched as the question relaxed him. He was just as uncomfortable as she was now.
“I have my suspicions, but they have learned to put up barriers in their mind so that I cannot read them. However, I do know where there base is and will be happy to give you the layout of the camp, if you wish?”
His smile was genuine and warm. The tension left the room and was replaced by strictly business on both parts. That made it so much easier on everyone, it seemed. Druce bowed in an elegant old world manner and offered to meet with her in her private office when she had gotten dressed and he would bring her up to speed then.


Ronan, who had been waiting outside Ardra’s chambers, didn’t waste time hurrying the Great King of the Undead to the private office. God, he was furious…furious! They had been in there too long together, just what had Druce needed to speak so desperately with her about? Well, he intended to find out before the Lady made her way to the office. He wasn’t blind and knew something was up when Ardra asked for Druce to be let in…alone, during her bath! And he had noticed that she wasn’t in the bath when Druce left the room either. He would kill that bastard if he had so much as touched her warm naked body. Damn him! Why had he come tonight of all nights? Ronan had already made a fool of himself by making all the wedding preparations without her consent. He knew it was wrong, but he thought that maybe she would just accept it when she knew it had already been put into motion. He had been tragically wrong. To make matters worse, she stabbed him straight through his heart! Damn it! Damn it, he would still have her. This…undead King would not get in the way of his plans for a happily ever after. Damn it!
Blood was rushing through Ronan’s veins like molten lava. Druce was picking up on his anger. The blood never lied. That was it then, he should have known. He was a pawn in her game, what a fitting role for him to play. He’s heard the servants talking about her wedding that had been called off. She was using him to make Druce change his mind no doubt. To punish him for calling off her wedding. It made perfect sense now. Ardra the cold. She certainly was; he was certain he saw compassion in her gaze. Could she fake that? The bigger question was why would anyone call off their wedding to Ardra? She was everything anyone could ever want, ever need. He was beginning to feel sick. His blood lust was too close to the surface and yet he had to beat it back down and keep his calm demeanor. Ronan would want a word with him and Druce still had to do his duty to his Queen, more precisely, Lady. It would do him no good to bite Ronan and bleed him to death as he wished he could for hurting Ardra. It must be hell on her to have some puffed up man call it off the night before. The legends blood was fatal to all vampires. And draining the blood from Ronan wouldn’t kill him, but for a few moments he should think. No one really knew for sure, because no one had ever drank long enough to drain a legend to death. Fighting down a smile, he wondered if it wouldn’t be worth trying…just to make a point. Well, two points for that matter. He couldn’t help it this time, Druce found himself laughing. Ronan flipped around like a striking viper with poison dripping from his eyes. Druce didn’t stop. It was just a little vampire humor to lighten his dreary mood and he didn’t think that Ronan would appreciate the joke. So he abstained from telling him and walked past him into the office.
Ronan shut the door a little too quietly and turned his full gaze on the so-called undead king. He hoped he looked as pissed off as he was and more. The thought of making the blood-sucker squirm was too much to pass up.
“Just who the hell do you think you are?” The question stood the in the air between them. Druce didn’t answer. He didn’t have to because Ronan would no doubt tell him. “That was completely against protocol, your highness.”
The dripping sarcasm was not lost on Druce, but still he didn’t acknowledge anything the man was saying to him. In fact he turned walking right up to the giant wooden desk in the back of the room facing the fire place and sat down in the main chair. It was a challenge. It didn’t matter to him in the least that he was breaking protocol. It had to be done, it was a time of war and this fool knew that. If Ronan wanted to take his guilt-ridden anger out on him that was fine. He didn’t think this man was worthy of Ardra. Why did she love him anyway? He figured she went more for the equal partner type anyway. The bastard just didn’t deserve such an angel. Not that he did either, he decided, reaching into his jacket and dragging out a small ornate box. Ronan went on the defense immediately. He was a little disappointed, Druce thought, when he saw that it was only a cigarette box. Lighting the cigarette, he decided to oblige the runt.
“It was necessary. I don’t usually go around breaking protocol. Unlike some, when I make a commitment I don’t break it.” He deliberately set the table for a fight. Not that he needed to, but he found he needed to tear into the asshole.
Ronan’s eyes went brilliant obsidian with hate and rage and unnamed emotions. Druce could feel the power being summoned to the room, to Ronan. He had set the table for a feast of a fight. Now he knew for sure, his theory had to be correct. The legend hurtled himself across the room at the undead king. Druce didn’t flinch, but a split second before impact Ronan went sailing across the room away from him.
Ardra stormed into the room, eyes swirling with fire. She stared at Ronan with a menacing, accusing glare. It sent chills down Druce’s spine, but he found he rather liked that. He loved the way she became enraged.
Her voice was ever so quiet, but deadly serious.
“What the Hell was it that you were doing, Ronan? Before you answer, I would ask that you think about what I did earlier and ask yourself if you are ready to meld?”
She never took her eyes from his face and Druce got the feeling that her gaze had him pinned to the wall. It was hell fighting the smile trying to come through. She was clearly fighting with herself for control. He must have hurt her more than Druce had thought, the bastard! She sighed heavily and walked to within a few feet of his shocked face. She leaned closer and spoke so softly that even with his heightened sense of hearing; Druce had to strain to get what she was saying.
“If I ever, ever again walk into what I just walked into…I will meld you with me so fast that you won’t even know your essence has left you. This is the last warning. I will not tolerate anymore of your nonsense. And spare me…spare me the apology. I am not of a mind to accept it as of now. My trust in you is dwindling.” She knew she should have hurried up. The tension from Ronan was tangible to say the least. And she also knew that Druce felt it. It was wrong of her to drag him in the middle of this, but he was taking it in stride. If she hadn’t been so worried about her choice of gown she would have been here a lot quicker. Sighing, she leaned on the fact that no one got hurt. For some reason she had been frightened beyond belief, thinking that Ronan would slaughter Druce. It made her skin crawl at the very idea.
Damn it Ardra! Get your act together…these are just men. No one can love you; no one has ever really loved you. She stood there looking so menacing that Ronan flinched. It really didn’t bother her; in fact it was kind of the point. Besides, it allowed her to gain her composure before she spoke again. When she had first opened her mouth she had to make an effort to allow words to even come out. She had been worried more than she cared to admit. Allowing herself a deep breath, she turned slowly around to face him. It must just be part of his powers. The myths always spoke of them as sexual creatures and until this evening she had never touched…held one the way she had tonight. That had to be what it was, because she knew her fate was to be alone. She was always alone.
Ronan, finally showing some sense, left without further words. She didn’t even bother to acknowledge his leaving. It didn’t matter anymore. The Earth’s inhabitants were walking precariously on the edge of a horrible fate. As Lady of the Legends, it was her life’s duty to see to it that that didn’t happen.
It took every ounce of energy to step closer to him; there he was sitting in her chair. He was looking every bit of the warrior, of the King that he was. His hair was spilling out of the tie in the back, due to force that she had used to knock that brute of a Scotsman out of the way. He was just staring at her with those eyes. More like black holes is what they were, for she felt her life essence seeping into them. God how she wanted to walk up to him and kiss his perfect lips…what was she talking about! She marched up to him and tipped him out of her chair. She was not feeling herself and needed to turn the tables.
“I’m incredibly sorry. He had no right to attack you. You are a very welcome guest here, as always.” She motioned to the smaller chair across the huge oak desk. “Please, I insist that you sit. We have much to talk about…my friend.”
The last words were hard to get out. It shouldn’t have been so hard. That was her usual greeting. She noticed that he had sat down, but had not said anything. No he was just staring at her in that peculiar way he always did. For once she would just like to know what he was thinking as he stared at her. It would be so easy for her to find out, but he would know and she prided herself on not having to intrude on others thoughts. If he wanted to stare, then let him. She could wait it out, or could she? God, after the way today and this evening had been going she wasn’t at all sure.

Magnificent! Simply magnificent, there were no words to describe the magical beauty she possessed. It had been unexpected when she tipped him out of his chair; for a moment he thought she might kiss him. And, God, he wasn’t going to move an inch if that was her plan. No. He knew his place, but he couldn’t help looking at her. She was a brilliant warrior, unsurpassed by any woman…or man. She was also gracious to her people and heard them out. She was not cold as they had named her. Of this he was certain, but he wouldn’t allow himself to wish for her compassion to spread it’s warmth to him. Oh shit, what an idiot! Here he was staring at her again and with a damned goofy smile. He shook his head to try and remember why he was even here. Thank goodness, his brain started to work again. Now if he could just speak without his voice breaking.
“As I said before, my Lady…it is with great regret that I should even have to give you such news. But…I…felt it would, I felt it would be better coming from me than any other. And I am not so sure who I could trust.”
There it was again. Tugging at her heart strings, she saw hurt in his soul. Ardra felt very defensive about him all of a sudden. No, she had to remember it was just his vampiric powers. Nothing more, nothing.
“You said that you knew where they met? We should start there.” She stood and waited for him to stand. He realized she meant for him to take her there. Smiling without his conscious consent, he stood. Ballsy this girl, very ballsy. He liked that.



The night was alive. Frogs were doing their best to attract a mate. The locusts cried out at the night. And the crickets were just trying to be heard. So much for the quiet country side, it was a symphony of nature’s night shift.
Amongst the choir, a single raccoon made its way around the smaller of the twin lakes to a broken down trailer in the middle of the thick trees. The raccoon didn’t even make the effort to conceal his approach. It’s not likely a few cracks of twigs would be able to be heard over the sounds of the forest, anyway. The ‘coon knew just where to go…the trash bin at the east side of the trailer. He effortlessly made his way to his favorite feeding area. They had arrived this morning and that meant food.
As the raccoon climbed up the side of the trash barrel, the back door flew open. A man was propelled across the yard into a tree like a flash of lightening. The raccoon froze in place and watched. The man thrown into the night was clearly stunned, for he just sat on the ground where he landed. He was young and rugged looking. Bulky. There was something evil about him and the raccoon was unsure what to make of it. He would just wait it out and maybe they wouldn’t shoot him.
“You wanna say somethin’ else?”
The bulky man on the dirt, slowly go to his feet. He didn’t reply to the old man at the door. Shaking his head in an answer was enough of an acknowledgement that he’d gotten the point. They stared at one another for a moment before the young man started slapping the dirt off of his clothing, breaking eye contact.
The older man went back in, happy that he’d assured his place in the order of things. It served the twerp right. If he wasn’t going to follow the plans then he could be replaced. Permanently. Dirguth never did mind getting his hands a little bloody. This was just an expression, of course, because he never really had to touch them to kill them. He was old and his powers only got stronger with age, as it was with all of those who practiced the wise arts. His power was strong enough to keep him alive for ninety years and yet he looked only fifty-ish. He was as strong as if he was just turning thirty, but that didn’t matter. Who needed strength when they had the ultimate powers of the wise arts? Wizardry. The practice was almost non-existent anymore, but that just meant that there were few elders. And Dirguth was one of them. Norm shouldn’t have spoken to such a powerful elder as he. Damn werewolves! They had no respect for elders. They ran in packs, much like human gangs. Galvin was never able to control his subjects effectively. What a joke! Galvin, king of the werewolves. Druce, king of the vampires. Sim, king of the wise arts. Bah! The notion was simply ridiculous. Damn pact! Damn Ardra!
Inside the trailer no one spoke until Norm came back in and closed the door behind him. The tension in the air was like a thick fog of cotton candy. You could touch it, taste it. There were nine men and one woman. They were discussing the plan while waiting for Maglor. He would be giving them the next step of their mission. Only…he was late and they were growing restless. Too much power in such a small trailer was not a good idea.
As if reading their minds…the wind blew with a disturbing moan…and there he stood. Immediately the occupants of the small dwelling stood and gathered around the rickety old table. Maglor was a myth, a warrior of the old stories. Yet, here he was, standing amongst them looking like a lost little boy. He was very short, very thin, but with muscles chiseled as if in stone. His hair was so white it was nearly clear and fell in several braids to the left side of his head. Looking at him could be deceiving. Unless…you met his gaze. Those blood red eyes spoke of death and hate and despair. Maglor smiled. “Sit.”
Like a trained army they obeyed him. No doubt everyone in the room was now nervous. This was their first meeting with him. The black elves were supposed to have been destroyed countless years ago. Yet, here was one, standing and staring at them as if he could devour their souls. Not just any black elf either, but the black elf. No one could speak.
“I trust that you have made all the…preparations…that were previously discussed. Cerin has told me great things about the lot of you.” His slim lips formed a most menacing smile. Maglor loved to smell their fear. He reveled in his ability to make their hearts pound and their mouths go dry. The big man to his left was even sweating. How delightful.
“Surely this is not how you have held your meetings in the past. Relax…I will not kill you…tonight. Nor will I kill you unless it becomes…necessary. You fear for nothing.” Eyes were everywhere. They looked from one to the other hoping for some one to step up to the plate.
“You are late.” The woman spat it out as if she were spitting venom into his eyes. She was very beautiful. Black, thick hair that fell to her ankles caught on her blue velvet dress. Her skin was so pale. She must be the vampire, Amber. Maglor had heard of her meddling in various matters. Oh what he would do to her when he got her alone. Elves like strong women. This one had much strength and was almost fearless. Almost. She had been just as afraid as the others until just now. Leave it to women to assess the situation and jump in feet first. She was staring at his chest rather than his eyes. He was sure that it had something to do with the stories about his killing his enemies with just a look. It didn’t matter; he would show her just what those eyes of his could do. It had been too long since he’d been with any female. He would enjoy her screams at least one way or another.
“We’ve been waiting for hours. And, yes, all of us have done our part. We are anxious to know how soon we will be making our move.” She sat back down waving her hand in some what of a regal manner as she finished talking. Beautiful.
“Sorry? Is that what you want, Amber? I was not under the impression that it mattered whether or not I kept you waiting. You are so high on yourself that you think you deserve my punctuality?” She met his eyes then, just as he knew she would. You do not challenge a vampiress and not expect a rebuff of some sort…doesn’t matter who you are.
Amber was furious! She didn’t care at that point if he did kill her, but she’d be damned if she didn’t teach him some manners. Aggression pulsed through her veins and she forced herself forward. Maglor did not budge. It then occurred to her just what he was doing. He was testing her. Well, she would make it an interesting grade; that was for sure. It would not be wise for her to go off half cocked, anyway. She had to find out his weakness. Swallowing hard…and her pride too, Amber sat back down again and sighed.
“Just get down to business, damn it. You know why we’re here and we have cargo. Forgive us for being a little nervous, but there is a leak. We can’t have Ardra traipsing in on us at the moment. It would ruin ten years worth of work.” It was Dirguth who now spoke. He looked at Maglor who turned his head toward the one bed room in the rotting trailer. Dirguth nodded.

LEGENDS

Chapter Two

Druce felt like talking. Only, he didn’t know what to say. They had covered an incredible area in just over an hour and then it was on foot from here. It wouldn’t do any good to give their position away, if anyone was even going to be at the trailer.
He didn’t care at this moment, even if they came up empty handed. He was with her…with Ardra. Not many mortals or immortals could boast as much.
She was being very quiet as well. Was she feeling what he was feeling right now? Would be to laugh, of course not. He knew Ardra was an excellent tracker and she was focused solely on their little quest. It didn’t matter. If this was as close as they were to get, then he’d cherish every second of it. It amazed him just how well she blended into the forest. She belonged there. Druce imagined she would fit in just about anywhere. Even here in the forest in a long flowing gown. The dress fell loose against her skin and yet hugged it as well. He could make out every curve in that violet black gown. Ah…there he was staring again. It took a considerable amount effort to focus his attention where it belonged—the trail.

The silence was just killing her. Killing her! It was bad enough to be this close to him when her head was filled with longing, but to have him deny her conversation…Killing her! What was worse is he kept staring at her. Ardra could feel his eyes on her even now. It had to be that damn vampiric allure. Had to be. She had never felt like this before. God! She had to remain focused. They would have to get this little outing over and done with as soon as possible. Ardra never should have touched him; then she wouldn’t have been drawn to cuddling his head to her bosom. Though she didn’t think that the silvery stars above would be able to stop that urge, nor the wind, nor the… Where was the wind? They were right by a lake and in the middle of the forest. There should be noise. There wasn’t. Ardra turned around and saw that Druce had noticed as well.
She squatted low as did Druce and they scanned the area. Ardra’s eyes flashed and spiraled and swirled in a metallic amethyst. It was her way. She was searching for something and so was he. But he found nothing, except…stillness. So he watched her…the fearless Lady of the Legends. Stories were told of her hunting and scouting capabilities. He wanted to see if they were true. Druce found he was enthralled by what he was seeing. Ardra didn’t move, didn’t blink and he seriously wondered if she was even breathing. Her eyes were the most fascinating. They were not still, nor were they completely silent in that they screamed silently in the night, demanding its cooperation. Then very slowly, she stood, careful not to bring attention there way. She motioned for him to stay down.

There was something out there, someone. Ardra could feel it. What concerned her was that she couldn’t focus on them. There were people in the trailer, alright, immortals at that. Several of them, but something masked their individual characteristics. She knew they were immortal, but not of what sect. Vampire? Werewolf? Hell for all she could sense right now, if could be the freakin’ Locke Ness Monster! Though, she highly doubted that.
And the quietness, she had encountered that before. She hoped that Devyn would have some useful information for her tomorrow.

Ardra signaled to Druce to stay. She half expected him to fight her about it, but he didn’t so much as whine. Ronan should take lessons from Druce in obedience, she thought. She smiled as she kept moving along the trail. What a sight that would be…Ronan, doing whatever Ardra told him to do. Her smile even reached up to her eyes. This was crazy; she should be focusing on the trail, on the people in that trailer. They had to be up to no good, no one would take such precautions unless they had a lot to hide.
There it was the famous trailer Druce had spoken of. But, it was empty! The only presence she could feel now was a small animal somewhere in the building. Hunting for food in the kitchen, she could focus in on it now. Damn it! How had she missed them? She was very powerful; no one had ever been able to cloak their presence from her. Ardra was furious! She had to take several deep breaths before she could even summon Druce. What was she supposed to tell him? Ardra of the Legends, let a group of immortals slip right threw her finger tips? She had them and then they were just gone? No. They would simply search the cabin for clues and stick with their original plan. That is if it even mattered at this point. If they were able to and cautious enough to hide themselves from her and flee undetected with her only a scant few yards from where she stood…that didn’t leave much hope that they’d left them a clue. Unless of course, they planted something, but that didn’t seem likely either.
It took Druce only seconds to reach the trailer. He did his own little scan of the area. It was still silent, unnaturally silent. They opened the door with no resistance. Hell, it didn’t even have locks on it. It was a wreck. Someone had been here, several from the looks of it. It only confirmed her suspicions. Druce looked pained. He said nothing, but only stared. Ardra followed his gaze to a small piece of paper on the floor behind a small trash can. It looked as if he knew what it was, but how could he? Could he? She didn’t have to wonder long.

The pain, the pain was too mush for the dried up organ he had once used as a heart. Amber! He should have known. It all made sense now. How could he have not known? Druce had been a fool to think she simply had a crush on him. But there it was, a recent page of his journal…and it reeked of her! The bitch, she was at his own home just the other night. He’d come back from feeding to find her there. God, he was a fool! He’d thought that she was startled to see him come in; she’d acted as if she’d been waiting for him. Druce had believed her and sent her home after she had pouted when he would not bed with her. Amber Clary had played her cards right, yes; she had played them very well. But it was the last time he would allow for her to play at all.
Druce bent down and pulled the paper from the crevice in which it was half hidden. He didn’t need confirmation. He only needed to see what was on it, what he had written on it.

April 12th
I still believe there are traitors among my ranks. I have spoke to few of this, Mark being one and Bastian the other. The only two I trust. Though I am not sure I can trust even them. My kind’s power is a dark gift and can corrupt with age, with strength. When I called court two months ago, I was surprised by the turn out. Never have there been so many to show up. It only served to raise my suspicion. Amber was there. She was always there, so this was no surprise. The same of Mark, Bastian, Kate, and Gregory…they were always there. They were the high ranking members of his court; it was their duty to be there. The rest of them don’t seem to care too much about the politics of vampirism. Not that I cared. I find I do not care for much at all these days, or should I say nights? To hell with us all. We are all damned. Maybe we should let ourselves be destroyed? Though I know my mind, I am sure the others of my kind would disagree in this. In fact many of them seek to have the power that was theirs to wield in the old days, the days before the pact. I wish I could make them see. Most of them are mere babes. Many of them are less than one hundred years of age. They have no wisdom to enlighten them; wisdom is not given to the foolish youth! I will make sure that the threat to Ardra and the mortal kind is squelched and then I will pass on my Kingship. I have lived too long…I am utterly alone.
The Tri-Century Court is nearing. I will make my way there early to warn Ardra. If she will see me, or can see me. Ronan will likely have a fit. I welcome it. He is not worthy of her presence…her nearness.
I will prepare my speech for the counsel members in court tomorrow night. I must feed before the sun comes up this night. I haven’t taken much care of myself. Mostly because I don’t care for myself.

Druce was even more furious. The rest of the page had been torn and was missing. He knew, though. Druce knew what was on it and he was damned if he was going to let that little vixen get away with it. Damned! He crumpled the paper and set it on fire. He was going to have to explain this to Ardra. How could he? Would she even believe him? Or worse, would she be able to forgive him if she did believe him? He didn’t know and didn’t want to find out. One thing he knew. He wouldn’t be able to tell her at this moment, not without sobbing like a stupid ninny. Besides, he had to figure out a tactful way of telling her. He just couldn’t think about it now, not right now. They had yet to even begin their search of the trailer. God, now he wasn’t so sure he wanted to search the trailer. What if that bitch had stolen the rest of his journal and had it strewn out about the rooms? He’d be mortified if Ardra found anything written about her in those pages. God knew he wrote about her. To her. What was worse was knowing that Amber had read those damned pages. Who else knew about his…affection for his Lady?
It was then he realized, while he’d been staring off into the darkness the wind was blowing. He heard crickets too, and frogs…even locust. It was loud! How had he not noticed? The eerie silence that had enfolded the forest was now gone.
Druce looked to Ardra who had been staring into the night also. She sensed something. He knew she did and he only hoped that it wasn’t his lust of her. She was bewitching, yes; she was casting a spell on him. And he was helpless to do take action against it. He didn’t want to.
They walked to the only other room in the trailer besides the tiny bathroom. Ardra was sending off electricity as she covered every inch of the room. She still hadn’t asked him about the paper. He was grateful. She seemed to give a person ample amount of space when she sensed they needed it. Truly she was a queen among the immortals. Her eyes missed nothing. He believed they even saw the paper before he had picked it up. Ardra ran her hands along the empty walls. She floated to the ceiling and searched it with her finger tips. The windows, the small closet, and the floor. It was when she reached the far corner of the room that she went stiff. He saw her stiffen; even her hair dared not defy her in this state. As she was reaching down a raccoon shrieked and took off from the floor board she stood beside, knelt beside. It hadn’t even seemed to shake her, though he almost screamed like a high school girl. Thank God, he’d been able to keep it in check. Ardra would never let him live it down. And surely no one else who heard about it would either. Druce, the great King of the Undead, screamed like a little girl, afraid of a raccoon. Well, thank God he hadn’t.
Ardra stood up once more and crossed the room. She looked pail and even wiped sweat off of her brow and tucked her hair behind her ears. Then she straightened herself and crossed the floor back to the corner she’d been kneeling at.
Druce had to cover his eyes to try and see. Ardra had raised her arms outward at her sides with her hands open and she had begun to shine. She was as bright as any star he had ever seen. It reminded him of an angel out of a fairy tail. Then she vanished! Only she reappeared as a small pixie thing. He’d heard that she had elfish blood, but could they all transform into a faerie? He didn’t know. It had been said that only those with the strongest powers and oldest lineage could become a faerie. Druce couldn’t look away from the tiny being as she descended threw the break in the floor boards. She slipped easily threw them and was out of sight.
To Hell with his Kingly demeanor, Druce dropped on all fours and crawled up to the edge of the whole. He wanted to watch her. If he died tonight, he wanted to have the memory of her…his tiny angel. She was hovering over something. Staring at it with a look of disbelief. He watched her grab, what looked like a small chain. Gold. And there was some kind of stone encased in a gold knot work that was the same but bigger than the chain. It reminded him of celtic knot work, but it was certainly none he was familiar with. Interesting.

Ardra shot back out of the crack in the floor like an arrow. She held a small necklace in her hand. She could only stare at Druce and clutch the tiny chain tight. This couldn’t be happening. Couldn’t be. God help her if it was
With no small effort she tucked the necklace in her satchel and grabbed Druce by his arm. It took a lot out of her, but she needed to get to The City, now. So she sent them threw time and space, to The Great City.
Once there she bid Druce a good night, what was left of it anyway, and made a B-line to her room. Along the way she was stopped by Ronan. She was not in the least bit interested in what ever he wanted and sent him to find nourishment for Druce. With a scowl he went, as did she. This was not happing, she thought. She had to be alone and think. And she couldn’t do that around Ronan and his hounding her to wed him. And she certainly couldn’t do it around Druce who distracted her from her own sanity, nor could she think with anyone else interfering. The irony was not lost on her. All her existence she hated being alone…and now, now she needed to be alone.

____________________________

Dirguth and Amber found themselves the last to leave. Maglor had taken some of the “Dogs” and bid the rest good bye. The cowards were eager to leave and scattered like flies
Amber just watched. She was not about to traipse off like a silly child afraid the boogie man was close behind. The two “Dogs,” Norm and Bone, carried Maglor’s precious “cargo.” Amber didn’t understand why the famous black elf didn’t just handle it himself. Part of her knew. It was his attitude of superiority, his regal-ness. He was above that type of work. Not that it bothered Amber to see him use the two werewolves as his own personal slaves. She rather enjoyed that fact. It seemed very fitting that they did the brute work. That was all that they were good for, but she couldn’t help but wonder about Maglor’s motives. She didn’t trust him, not one bit. And she didn’t like the fire she saw in his eyes. She’d felt her blood warm and pool inside her…with wanting as much with anger. Shaking her head she now looked at Dirguth.

“I don’t like this. We need to speak with Cerin. Soon.” He looked at her and nodded.

“I believe you’re right. This was not in correlation to the plan. I for one have spent far too many years working toward the fall of the Legends. We musn’t act too hastily. The elves will be expecting that. It will be the means of their weeding out the traitors.” He looked back at Amber. She was standing very still absorbed in her thoughts, but nodded at him. If Dirguth was to have such close dealings with the vampires, she was not a bad companion. She was ambitious, but wise. He could trust her not to act out on every whim. Unlike those damn werewolves. Dogs! They would ultimately be their undoing.

As if reading his thoughts she spoke. “We cannot entrust the Dogs with anymore. I’m afraid that they may give us away by the morning. It was very strange don’t you think that Maglor chose the two stupidest of the werewolves to help him carry the girl? If I was a betting gal, I’d say he was going to hit them up for information.”

“Don’t get too a head of yourself. We cannot be so hasty to make that assumption. We do not want to bring anymore attention to ourselves than necessary. If the Dogs give us away, we must just wait it out…act as if nothing is wrong. I don’t believe they will call us out on anything yet. No. Not yet, and by that time…I suspect that our plan will have been changed and we should still come out on top.”

Amber smiled. Though Dirguth had turned renegade, he was still an elder of the wise arts. She had trouble remembering that he was brilliant. Wizards were such an asset. With their help the war was far from lost.

“I must feed now, but we need to meet soon. Put the call out. I know Cerin had spoken to me of his distrust of the elves.”

FAITH

The thunder boomed over head and the rain fell harder as the man made his way to the cabin. He could see it now, see the flames dance and sputter on the hand made candles that bore them. She was waiting. She was waiting for him, just as he knew she would. Just as she always would.He tried to keep his mind blank as he strode nearer the steps to the cabin. It wouldn’t do any good to think about it until the deed was done. It shouldn’t have to be this way.

He opened the door and stood just outside, drenched in his clothes…waiting.

“Wallace!” She spun on her heals and ran to him, hugging his rain soaked body. What a tiny being…so fragile and yet so strong. Her long auburn hair cascaded all around them both, wet and clinging to them due to the rain. It was as if her very essence was clinging to him through that silky mop. God, how he wanted to run his hands through it once more. Just once more.

“I didn’t think you were coming.” Her eyes were full of worry and tenderness. Beautiful eyes, like thick moss. He averted his gaze.“Something is wrong, my love?”

It didn’t surprise him to know she could sense it. That’s why he was ordered to…get rid of her. Wallace crossed the room to the thick chair by the fire and sat down to warm himself. He would hate himself for this. That is, if he could go through with it. And some small part of him knew he couldn’t. It was the other part of him that had him so upset.

He’d been in charge of “the wild goose chase” the CIA had put together to keep her away from the truth. She had certain psychic abilities that scared the heads of his department to death. True she couldn’t read minds, but she knew things. No one was able to understand it and what the CIA doesn’t understand…the CIA destroys.

She had went to the top and told them that there were traitors among the high ranks, but she didn’t know who. It might have been alright after that, except she made it her business to try and figure out who. The eager little patriot, she wanted so badly to keep our national secrets from foreign hands. Why couldn’t she have left it alone?Because if she had, he never would have been assigned as her baby sitter. Because if she had, he never would’ve known…shit! What was he thinking? Love? He didn’t love anybody. So why was it so hard to follow his orders? And why wasn’t she suspicious?

It had been his custom to be gone every other night. “To secure the perimeters and to get the necessities from town.” She trusted him without question. She even loved him, gave herself to him over and over again. Him, the only man she’d ever been with…the last man she’d ever get the chance to be with.

“Nothing’s wrong, Faith. I’m sorry I wasn’t back last night as usual…I was being followed.” It was a flat out lie. He could taste its sickness in his mouth. He disgusted himself. Still, he went on. “There was a man in town that seemed to be everywhere I was. I had to lead him off course. To—protect you.” Yeah, he was going to go to Hell.

“Hmm…I wonder what they’re up to.” That was his Faith, always wondering. She was like a cat when it came to her curiosities…and this time it just might kill the cat.

God, he couldn’t do it…not right now, anyway. Not while she could see that it was him. No—he’d wait. He had orders and though he didn’t like them, not one damn bit…he’d follow them as he always had done. Faith Wilder would be taken out of the picture…one way or another.

She Was Brave Parts 1-11

She woke up in a cold sweat and reached for the night light. It was three in the morning. Traci rolled over and looked at her husband of seven years. Don was sound asleep and snoring as always. She found her slippers and robe and went down stairs for a drink. Maybe she was turning into an alcoholic? The last few weeks Traci found herself awake and alone in the early morning hours with a glass of wine. Her friends told her there wasn’t anything wrong with having a glass of wine to put herself back to sleep. But Traci knew better. She had never liked to drink before. This was not the life she had envisioned for herself when she had gotten married. She had two beautiful children and a husband. Yet, she was always alone.
With a heavy sigh, she walked out onto the patio. The night was beautiful! That was the one saving grace in her lonely existence; the nights in the country were welcoming. Especially in the fall with the moon shining over the amber colored leaves; the yard was a masterpiece of silvers and golds and coppers. Mother Nature was at her finest and surely God had made this place just for her. The night brought her peace like nothing else could. It was her very own little piece of heaven. And yet, it wasn’t heaven while she stood there alone. Traci looked up at the silver blue moon and let out her breath in exasperation. I’m so lonely. Isn’t there anybody out there who will take me away from this humiliating existence!
It was a silent plea she found that she was unable to keep from thinking when she woke in the night. Someone was out there for her. She would wait until her husband got his new job and the pressure was off of him and then tell him it was over. She just couldn’t live this way. It wasn’t in her heart to be selfish and demand a lot from him. She just wanted what she thought she and her children needed. Traci wanted better for her children than a father who worked and went to bed. Sometimes she wandered if he was being unfaithful to her. They hadn’t been intimate in any way for months. He worked for the government. Doing what, hell, she didn’t know? Don had worked very hard to get where he was now, but the sacrifices didn’t justify the means. To Traci, they didn’t, anyway. Their life didn’t use to be like this. Every time she brought up the subject he told her she was just being paranoid and should stop worrying about those things. But something wouldn’t quit gnawing at her and she learned very young to listen to her inner warning system. That same feeling had kept her alive and many of her patients as well.


The moon was a strange blue tonight. Devyn had been restless this night and wandered the land with supernatural speed. Something was pulling him, compelling him. Centuries had gone by and he had never felt such a compulsion. Not until a few weeks ago and it was every night since then. It was a loneliness that closely matched his own. A deep empty void. He had to find what was filling the night with such pain.
Devyn had been in search of prey when he felt the call tonight. The nights had become as one long endless night. Every century that went by the world made more changes, but with everything new it had all been done before. Not the technologies of course, but people were people and very little about the species had changed. After all, he had been human once. He had a wife and child once. He had loved and felt things once. That was why he now found himself searching for something he couldn’t put into words. Feelings so deep he couldn’t ignore them. And he was getting closer with every night.
After his kind lived for more than a century or two they began to grow bitter and power hungry. He was not any better and he was very old. Devyn had fought many nights with others of his race for the supremacy of their pecking order. He had only found small joys in winning. This was not the life he had ever wanted and had searched up until the last hundred years for a meaning to his life, for someone to love and some one to love him. These last ten years or so his hope had completely left him and he turned to ruling the dark kingdom. And was very close to his goal, only the wizards were yet to bow to his authority.
The night was nearly gone and he would have to find hotel accommodations. The pull was very strong now and he was going to need his strength if he was to end his search tomorrow. And Devyn was determined to find what he was searching for before the next dawn. His powers were not as strong during the day and he couldn’t afford to fall into one of the wizards traps.
He came thundering down from the sky without a sound and landed in front of an old inn. Rest was something he needed badly and he didn’t have the comfort of his home land’s soil to rest above. This would have to do. At least he had fed well this night and would not be so drained by the sun that he would not be able to hear the strange call should it come again.
The old man at the desk had been quite indifferent as to Devyn’s specific needs. He gave Devyn a room in which the morning sun wouldn’t seep into the room. No doubt the old man thought that it was simply that he would sleep better in a dark room. No matter, the sun wouldn’t deplete him of his strength while he rested and maybe he wouldn’t have to feed upon this rising so he could continue his search. Devyn knew he was getting closer. But to what? It didn’t feel like a trap, but then again it didn’t feel like anything he’d ever felt before. Anything different was worth exploring, especially now.


Seven thirty in the morning and the alarm echoed in her pounding head. Traci reached over to turn it off. Don was already gone, to work no doubt. But there was doubt. Oh, she could just kick herself for sounding like a silly teenage girl. She wasn’t even out of bed and there she was accusing. Maybe Don was right? Maybe, she just was feeling insecure because he was gone more now? He is under a lot of stress and that explains his lack of libido and his need for extra sleep. Upset with herself, Traci headed off to take a hot shower and try to feel normal. That’s what it was; they just both needed more rest. After all having a six year old girl and a four year old boy on top of having already stressful careers was exhausting. It was just that simple. They would work things out like they always did and she would have her happily ever after. Her moonlight sessions with a glass of wine were taking their toll on her mentality.
The water was hot and steamy and she dropped the robe carelessly on the floor and stepped in. Hot was good; steamy was good and it was what she needed to clear the cobwebs of sleep from her mind. After applying the conditioner to her hair, Traci stood with her back to the water and let it cascade over her bare back. Water was wonderful for soothing tension. She just might have to get herself a hot tub like Dena had suggested. It’s not like she didn’t have the money. With that she laughed. Never in her wildest dreams did she think that she would ever be anything but poor and abused. Why would she even think about giving that up because Don was gone more often than usual? During the night it all seems so clear, but during the day light it was hard to understand why she was feeling as she did. Traci was practical. After all she was a respected nurse and professor. Deciding it must be one too many of those lifetime movies she was watching, Traci rinsed the conditioner out of her hair and stepped out of the shower. She didn’t have too much time to get dressed and take the kids to school and daycare. Her day was going to be ever so busy and she wasn’t going to let it get the better of her.


Down stairs, Dena had already let herself in. She and Antwan were already cooking breakfast for Traci and the lot of them.
“Mornin’ beautiful.”
“Hey, Antwan. Dena, you two really need to quit playing Nanny. It’s not that I don’t appreciate it…it’s just…”
“It’s just what? You don’t want to visit with your two best friends over coffee before work?”
Traci sighed aloud. They knew what she was about to say and the conversation that would take place, yet again. They would bait the hook and she would always bite, like a good little fish. If only they hadn’t known each other from practically the beginnings of their lives…Not she would have it any other way.
“So, what? You want me and Dena to leave?” God, did Antwan really have to look like such a sad little puppy when he wanted his way?
“It’s just that Don thinks I don’t need to have people over all the time. He said if I needed the help we could hire a house keeper or a cook or something. I don’t think he understands that we’re just so close we’re practically family, ya know?” Okay, so she was pleading with them in a way to keep the same “talk” from taking place yet once again. By the looks on their faces, Traci figured it hadn’t done any good.
“Oh, so Don thinks that we’re your servants. I see.”
“You know, Trace, I don’t think he wants you to have friends. He made you stop with the tutoring you were doing because you spent too much time with students. You had to drop out of the PTA because he thought you were being too intrusive with the kids schooling. You even had to stop going to that Bible study that you started with the pastor’s wife…do you even still go to that Church anymore?”
“Stop it! I did quit but, it was only because it was putting stress on our marriage by way of my being gone so much, okay?! We don’t get to spend a lot of time with each other and it has required some personal sacrifices.”
“Yeah, yours.”
“Uh-hum…what exactly has he had to sacrifice…I mean besides having sex with his wife.”
“Dena! That’ll be quite enough! …Look, I’ve got to get the kids up. I don’t want you guys to leave me okay…just wait here till I get the kids up and to school and we can talk.” Traci had just taken a big bite of bait just like a good little fish. Hook, line, and sinker. It didn’t matter what they said really. She always wanted them around and had told Don as much. He had been totally pissed off and told her to loose them. It was the one thing she was firm about with him. Dena and Antwan were the only family she had, even if they weren’t blood. The one concession she had made with Don was that she’d ask them to ease up on the visiting. Though, what did it matter? He was never around to see that they were here anyway.
Sighing once again, Traci made her way up the stairs to the children’s rooms. To her amazement they were both up and nearly dressed. Her little angels! Tamara and Matthew were her one ray of sunshine this morning. Tam was getting to be a real pro at dressing herself and had helped Matt get dressed as well. That is, unless her four year old had figured out how to tie his shoes during the night.
“Wow! You guys look great. Good job, are we ready to go to school?”
“We’re hungry Momma. I smelled the bacon and now my tummy smells it too.”
“Well, we have to hurry up then if we’re going to eat before we leave. It’s getting late. Maybe we can make a plate to go? How’s that?” Tam looked stricken. She loved sitting with Dena and Antwan in the morning and eating breakfast with her little brother. Traci could see her fighting tears but, she was such a good selfless girl.
“Okay Momma but, can I have Dena make mine up?” Traci was touched beyond words. She would never comply with Don’s request now. Dena and Antwan were just as much a joy to her children as they were to her.
She grabbed up both the kids and their bags and raced down stairs after hugging the poor things to death.
If they wanted to sit a few minutes with Dena and Antwan then, by God, they could. She’d just talk with their teacher and have them excused for being a little late. It was one thing to have her own joy stolen from her but; she wouldn’t steal that joy from her children.
“Okay, kids…we’ll eat before we go. And if we’re late then we’re late and I’ll talk with your teachers okay.” Yeah, they were okay.



“…The biggest thing to remember is that most people know they should be taking extra precautions when it’s hot out. The fact is simply that most people do not use their knowledge and follow through. It’s simple enough to prevent but, once you’ve passed the heat exhaustion stage a stroke is imminent and requires immediate medical attention as it can result in death.
“Heat cramps, Heat exhaustion, and Heat stroke…I want a six page paper on the hows, the why’s, and the best course of action for each. If you wish you can create a scenario as long as you meet all of the guide lines I’ve listed on the hand out. It’s due in two weeks. We are having the test next week and I’ll give the review when we meet next. The only bonus I will give, before any of you ask, is a ten point bonus for turning in your paper on test day instead of the week after. Any questions?...
“Okay, I’ll see you day after tomorrow.”
Traci was glad to see them all go. She was also very glad that they had not asked any questions. Her mind had been so distracted all day and while it was easy to recite a lecture, answering questions required her total concentration. Especially with some of the brilliant ones in her class and she used that word loosely. She just hoped that she’d never have one of them trying to administer first aid on her. It crossed her mind that she would have better luck just waiting for the ambulance to arrive than to chance it with these future medics. Traci was going to have to really drill it into their heads if they were going to pass. So far only a hand full of her students could properly perform CPR and the Heimlich maneuver. It would be better if she had them for more than twice a week but, that was what college was all about. The work must come from the student. Professors only had to present the information in an understandable way.
As she began to grade her morning class’s pop quiz, Traci heard her cell phone ring. The thought crossed her mind to just turn the damn thing off but, she knew who was calling. All the more reason to ignore it, you twit.
“Hello.”
“Are you planning on coming home at a reasonable hour tonight?”
“What, no ‘I love you, dear’ or ‘how are things going’?” Oh yeah, this was going to be one hell of a fight. Why did she always have to make it worse?
“Look, I got a call from the school to come pick up the kids…”
“Oh, no! Wait right there buddy. This is your day to pick them up. You know that. This is my late class and I won’t be home for another hour. Don’t blame your forgetfulness on me. I do what is required.” Shit, let’s just dig a deeper hole while we’re at it. Traci’s mouth was going to get her killed one day.
“…You know I don’t have time to take off for that kind of thing and..”
“That kind of thing! That thing would be your children. I didn’t make them by myself and you will make time for them. So, go pick them up! You can yell at me all you want to later but, I am at work and I will not…will not be spoken to like this. I’ve had this job for a couple of years now and this has always been my late night so there is really no excuse for you’re forgetting about your children! Good-bye.”
Oh yeah, it was going to be a fun night. Dena and Antwan were right. Don is just picking fights now. This was totally absurd and Traci couldn’t put up with it any longer. New job or not she was going to lay it out on the line…Tonight. She couldn’t live with a man like him any longer, the man he had become. Screw it! I can grade this shit at home later but, right now…I’m going out for a drink. The bastard! Those are his children too and it’s the only time they get to see him really. He doesn’t fucking care. Well, it’ll be the last time he has to be put out by “spending the evening” with them. He’ll be spending the evening elsewhere.






Pulling into the parking, Traci wondered what she was doing. She should be going home and…and doing what? Fighting with Don, was what. She could do that later and besides, Dena and Antwan kept telling her she needed to check out this new club. Hindered, who was coming up with these names?
Well, she was here. It was all she could do to make herself get out of the car and the walk to the entrance was laced with apprehension. What is Don going to think when I come home smelling like alcohol?
That was it! It was time she stopped thinking about Don. He sure as HELL wasn’t thinking about her or her kids. So what if she wanted to have a couple of drinks before she came home and had the biggest fight next to WWII? She was an adult. He had come home smelling like more than just alcohol before. Which is why she was having her doubts about his loyalty and commitment in the first place! Besides, it wasn’t as if she was there picking some guy up. She didn’t think like that. Traci wondered if Don thought like that or not? Damn it!
Okay, that is the last time she would allow herself to think about him until she went home. There was still a good forty-five minutes before she would normally head home. Once there, Traci was certain, she would have her fill of Don…perhaps more than her fill.




The club wasn’t too crowded, though most of the partiers wouldn’t show up until at least ten or so. Antwan and Dena were right. This place was nice, very nice. There was a dance hall but, it was at the opposite end of the club. The front of it was more or less a pretty classy bar. Very sophisticated. The lighting was just dim enough and there wasn’t the smoky haze that is usually present in most bars. Then again, glancing around the room, it might be that none of the smokers have shown up yet. She couldn’t imagine that any bar or club would have a “no-smoking” policy. (That would not attract many customers.) It was very roomy as well. True, Traci hadn’t been to many bars…at all! but, those she’d seen were “Red-neck” at best.
In front of her stood a very young and very handsome bartender dressed to the nine’s…bow tie and all! He glanced at her a few times and patiently waited for her to settle herself. God, she felt so old! Twenty-five with two children tended to tack on the years. Boy, she did need a drink!
“So…what can I DO for you tonight?” He was flirting! It actually allowed her to relax a bit more. It was nice to be flirted with and pampered. No wonder her friends wanted her to have a night out so bad.
“Just a Long Island Tea, if you can make it not too strong.”
“I can do it anyway you like it, sweet!”
And with that he started flipping around bottles and causing a lot of commotion. Though, it was a spectacular display of manliness, even if she did say so herself. Traci had been so sheltered as far as the “fun” things in life. She was not naive as some might imply but, she was lost when it came to letting loose.
That wasn’t one of her priorities when she found a way to get through school and get out of the slum she grew up in. She was more concerned with making it in life than in “making it” with the skins who wandered the streets or the so called “In” crowd.
That was probably why she fell so hard for Don. They met when she was in college. It had seemed as if he had it all together even back in those days. He had wonderful credit and was very sensible with money. Don had helped her with her finances. He was a genius at budgeting and didn’t mind sharing his secrets with her. It was infatuation, pure and simple.
They had spent many a night studying together at the library and dreaming about their future together. Don talked about their buying a house and getting married. She would work up to a respectable position in her field and he would reach the top of his. They would never have to worry about money again! It all seemed so wonderful back then. Traci went along for the ride and took his advice from A to Z. There should have been red flags waving back then. Don was a little too together. Traci had been a little too eager to heed his advice, come to think of it. It had been Don’s dreams that they were living and yet it didn’t seem as if it was a “good” dream at this point.
It didn’t matter. Traci could not quit thinking about him…them. Avoiding things was something she would just never be any good at. Fight or not she would finish her drink and go home. Part of her wanted everything to work out and for them to put all of this non-sense behind them. The other part was screaming that she deserved better and needed better. Part of her whispered to her at night of some one who would sweep her away and give her…what? What did she want anyway?
Love, devotion, compassion...attention, is that so much to ask?




Not a good sign. Don’s car wasn’t in the drive way or the garage. Traci was desperately trying not to panic. Would he have run off with the kids? It seemed highly unlikely. Something was wrong though…she could feel it. Almost touch it.
Who knows, maybe he had taken the kids to his mother’s house to try and scare her. That was just as unlikely as the first thought. Don was, if nothing else, a creature of habit and he didn’t like other people breaking his routine. Fighting had become fairly routine for them and it wasn’t like him to run off to avoid one.
The door was locked and all of the lights were out. So they hadn’t been home yet or one of the kids would have left their room lights on. Maybe he had gone to his Mother’s house. Well, at least she knew that the kids would get a decent meal over there. Traci had an average relationship with her In-laws. As in, the grandchildren were their world, their son could do no wrong, and they made polite conversation with her. Still, it was more of a family than she had ever known.
Traci hung up her coat and keys then strolled up the stairs to her bedroom. A shower…or better yet, a hot bath! That’s what she needed. A nice, long, hot bath. God, what she wouldn’t do to be able to have the opportunity more often!
She glanced at the phone and thought about checking the voice mail but, decided that whatever Don had to say could be heard after her bath. There was a feeling of drastic change that she couldn’t shake. The thought of a bath gave her hope that she could rinse away that feeling…that foreboding ache. With that thought, Traci headed towards the bathroom. They did after all have a huge tub. Why didn’t she use it more often? God only knows she has enough bathe-salt to start her own store.
The water felt so good. Traci sat there letting the conditioning treatment set in her hair and thinking. Yes, this was the end. There would be no more them…no more Don. No more excuses and silly explanations to the children about why their father couldn’t (more over wouldn’t) make it to their important events. It would be sad for her babies but, together they would work through it. Her babies were strong and smart. They deserved better too.
Time had passed so quickly that Traci hadn’t even notice her bath had gone cold. Toweling off and throwing on some PJ’s she stole up her strength and picked up the phone.





The sun had only been down for a few hours now but, Devyn had been up far longer. He’d felt it again. That strange ache and loneliness and something else. It was so strong that he dressed and headed out in the daylight.
Lore had it that a vampire could not go out in the sun without meeting their deaths. This was not so and yet it is. During the day they are like mortals and are depleted of their strength. The young ones can indeed meet their deaths in the suns rays for they have no strength to spare. It is only the older and more powerful of their kind whom can walk in the light. Not such a gift though as they were comparably likened to an old man! Though given his powers and abilities Devyn was pretty sure he was more comparable to a thirty to forty year old. Not so many vampires could boast as much.
The feeling was strong and yet with the day light beating down on him he was not able to home in on it. Frustrated, Devyn wandered about the city HOPING that he might happen upon the source. Yet, the sun was now set and he was still wandering. And wondering. What the Hell was wrong with him? He was chasing a feeling?! Though, what else did he have to do? Century after century and well, it had to be boredom. And loneliness? To Hell with that, he wasn’t lonely! Devyn needed no one. He was simply making sure that this, this…feeling wasn’t a trap of some sort. Then when he was sure that everything was right or after taking care of the problem, which ever the case may be, he would leave.
For now Devyn needed to restore some of his strength. The sun had definitely taken its toll on him. Yes, and he wouldn’t have enough strength to continue his search if he didn’t “refill” so to speak.
With that Devyn dropped down in front of what appeared to be a very active club. Very nice. He would be able to have his fill and be in and out faster than a drive-through. Or maybe he would find him a couple of sexy young ones to play with for the night. Ah, so much depended on his moods lately…but, if the mood struck him…well, no one had refused yet, or was able to refuse was more to the point.





“You have twenty-eight messages…” God, apparently it was going to be a HUGE fight. Traci took a deep breath and played the first message.
“This is Jane with Gentle Valley Hospital, uhm…I am trying to get hold of Mrs. Davis. There has been an accident and…” The phone fell from her hand. An ACCIDENT. The word seemed to float in front of her eyes and she felt her stomach knot before she retched. Twenty-eight messages…Twenty-eight of them! They had been trying to reach her for a while. While she was out having a drink and thinking about divorce! The guilt made her limbs feel heavy and filled her chest with an awful aching.
She couldn’t even think about hearing the rest of the message, couldn’t. It took everything in her to hang up the phone and dress to head to the hospital. She was sure they would explain there. Where was Don? Was it the kids? God, she needed to listen to the rest of the messages but, couldn’t. She heard herself sobbing as she drove down town but, she couldn’t feel anything at that point. Whatever happened…it was her fault.




Thank God, for parking attendants. She had been against the hospital using them because of the cost but, at this moment they were keeping her from having her car towed.
She could now fill the tension building. Traci knew instinctively it was bad…She always knew. Her pace turned from a mild rush to a full force run through the doors up to the front of the check in line in the ER.
“Ma’am, I’m sorry to interrupt but, I got a call. Something about an accident, I…didn’t get all of the message. I’m…I’m Mrs. Davis. Can you send me to where I need to be? Please…” It was the note in her voice that kept the registration nurse from sending her to the back of the line. Traci waited patiently as the nurse checked the computer. It seemed like an eternity though; it only took a few seconds before the nurse looked up at her with a grim face.
Traci’s heart beat stopped and her breath caught. The nurse told her to go up to CCU on the Third floor. That they would explain everything to her when she got up there and they were waiting for her.
Even the elevators took too long and seemed to take years off of her life as well. It wasn’t even a relief when the doors slowly opened and she saw her In-laws sitting in the CCU lobby outside the locked doors. They immediately noticed her get off the elevator. And how could they not? The doors practically opened to throw her on their lap. And to her horror she didn’t see the children. Things were building to a horrific pitch in her mind as things started adding up. Then, even better, Don’s Mother rose and took a step towards her.
SMACK!
Traci was totally caught off guard as her Mother-in-law slapped her cheek, HARD.
“You stupid little whore! We aren’t allowed in to see Tamara and because of you Don and Matthew are GONE!” She started shaking and nearly fell. Probably would have if Don’s father hadn’t been right there helping her to her seat.
Gone. Gone? She’d used the word gone. Surely she was over playing the drama of the moment just like she always did. Matthew? Where’s Tamara? Traci looked at the doors to CCU and knew that’s where. Mat couldn’t be gone. She wouldn’t believe it. Don’s family was the kind to exaggerate to get the point across. They were manipulative bastards but, Traci couldn’t see even how her Mother-in-law would say something like that about her “precious” son. But she wouldn’t allow herself to think about them, him. She wouldn’t let panic rule her, not just yet anyway. Not until she knew for certain what had happened.
Her breathing was tight and short as she punched the intercom and was escorted through the doors. She didn’t turn to see but, she could feel the heated stares on her as she walked through. It was almost like a dream. It had to be a dream, a really horrible nightmare and she would wake up. Wake up, damn it! She would wake up and have to tell Dana and Tyrone about this horrific dream.
As she approached the front desk an elderly nurse came around to Traci’s side and motioned for her to sit. The nurse pulled up a chair and sat next to her with such compassion and sorrow that Traci knew it was bad. She knew this wasn’t a dream and she could hear herself screaming in her mind.
“Mrs. Davis, I’m not sure how to tell you this. I wanted to sit down with you before we go any further and explain what’s happened. I’m Jane Travis, the charge nurse. Did you get my messages?” Somehow Traci knew it was the lady on the phone. Traci didn’t respond for a moment and tried to gather enough strength to speak. Her would was shattering.
“I got as far as the word accident…and, then I rushed right over.” She felt herself go pale and her stomach was turning again. She had to ask though, she had to know.
“I saw my Mother-in-law in the waiting room.” She met the nurse’s eyes as her own were brimming with tears and continued. “She said that Don and Ma…Matthew were…” God, help her. She couldn’t even finish the question as a sob wrenched through her whole body and she had to fight hard to not to throw up again.
The nurse put a hand on her shoulder.
“Why don’t you let me explain?” Traci only nodded afraid to make eye contact.
“Your husband and children were involved in a car accident. Apparently there was a drunken driver who ran into a semi. The truck-driver tried to correct but, ended up tipping over…” Her gaze washed over Traci with such deep anguish and compassion that Traci knew what was coming next. Her chest was aching like part of her soul was being torn from her. “It nearly flattened two cars. One of them was your husbands…I’m sorry to say that he and your son died instantly. Your daughter was trapped until rescuers were able to tear her out. She’s in pretty bad shape but, she is alive. I want you to look at me. She is alive. She’s breathing on her own but, we have her on oxygen. The ordeal threw her into shock and we’ve not been able to get her out of it. We’re afraid she might slip into a coma.”



Devyn felt it then, stirring and calling him with such violent force he nearly killed the woman her was feeding on. More than that he felt pain. Bitter, heart-wrenching pain. The pull was so strong he was able to latch onto the direction. Without regard for his prey he dropped the woman and shot himself up towards the night sky. His need right then was to find the source of this, thing.
He kept his focus on the strange pulling. It was necessary at that moment to be at the center of the call. It was a need. Devyn had to be there and to end this search. He would be much happier once his search had ended and he could get on with his life.
Stopping in mid sky, Devyn had found the center of the call. He was at a hospital. Rather out of place in this small town, he thought. It was an easy eight story building that was nearly as wide as it was high. He circled it a few times before he landed at the back of the building. Having fed well, he was able to cloak himself from prying eyes and walked straight on into the ER.
Devyn nearly uncloaked and gave away his position when he was assaulted the strong smell of fresh blood and fear. Ah, he had thrived on fear for so long. Mixed with blood, it was an addicting drug. It took a moment to remind himself just why he was there…and it wasn’t to torment already broken humans. And so he slipped into the elevator as it was closing. If it meant he was going to have to do a floor by floor search then that’s exactly what he would do.
The elevator opened to the second floor. Lazily, Devyn strode through the halls until he got to the south hall. The pull was so powerful but, it wasn’t on this floor. He was certain and that could only mean that it, whatever it was, was on the next level right above him. Not bothering with the elevators, he made his way to the stares with supernatural speed.
Once on the floor Devyn had to work hard to stay cloaked. His chest was heavy with sorrow and his limbs felt leaden. His mind was on over drive trying to figure out if this was some type of trap. If so, it was damn good.
Halfway down the hall he came upon the source of his torments. Devyn sucked in his breath. His torment lay over a very battered and still child, sobbing. He was compelled to go closer.
She was tall for a woman and yet not as tall as him. Her hair was a beautiful shade of gold. Peculiar how it was blonde and red at the same time but richly deep and silky. Devyn couldn’t help but watch as the two long braids she had it in kept falling forward and then being propelled back hitting her firm bottom. He could see muscle definition under her soft curves. He was drinking her in. She had freckles like sand on her shoulders that gave her some type of exotic quality he couldn’t describe. And she kept wiping tears from her face.
Her face, he wasn’t able to get a good look at it from his vantage point. Devyn found that he had to look at it. Though he was sure it was angelic as she was an angel sent to tempt him.
There was no taint of a wizard or lycanthrop and she wasn’t a vampire but, he felt a power flowing from her every pore. Somehow he had to meet her, speak to her. Touch her. And now, Devyn had a scent and a face…he could bide his time. That is if the sorrow he felt didn’t tear him in two before then.



Standing there looking at her little girl so battered and broken, Traci just cried. She couldn’t stop the tears from falling. It didn’t matter who saw her crying now, nothing mattered but her little Tamara.
This was all her fault! If she had just given in and picked up the kids at school, maybe none of this would have happened. Maybe then she’d still be able to hold her little boy in her arms and smell his soft, sweet hair. She remembered his smell, his laugh. It hurt to think about his smiling eyes. If he could look at her now…what would be in those eyes? Blame? Yes, blame…it’s what was engulfing her and taking away her breath.
Traci couldn’t think about her lifeless little boy any more. Instead she focused her energy on her little daughter who was slipping away as she sat there. God, she was so helpless! How can she loose both her babies? The tears welled up in her swollen eyes once again and spilled over her red cheeks. She hasn’t lost her baby girl, yet. Not yet and she wouldn’t if she could help it.
Open your eyes, baby. Please! You’ve got to wake up. Don’t leave me…
As she sat there praying to God to save her child a little portly nurse came in the room. Traci moved out of the way as to let the nurse check Tamara’s vital signs and empty her catheter. It was touching to hear the nurse talking to Tamara and telling her what she was doing.
“She can hear us, you know.”
“Do you really believe that?” Traci’s voice shook with another bout of hysteria brought on by this disaster.
“Oh, yes ma'm. I know she can. You can see on the monitors the brain activity when she’s spoken too.” The old nurse looked Traci over with such sympathy and pulled up a chair next to the bed and sat.
“Hun, you look like you’re about to pass out. Go get you something to eat at the cafeteria and I’ll sit here with your girl and chart.” She handed Traci a little punch card and explained it was for the families of patients so they would be provided with free meals while they stayed with the patients.
“Now go on…you’re not doing your daughter any good in the state you’re in. Get some food and a cup of coffee and I’ll stay with her ‘till you come back.”
“Thank you.”

Traci was thankful for the little, chubby old nurse for being so kind to her. She was even more thankful that her in-laws were gone. It had been hours since she’d been there and yet it still seemed like she just walked in to find out about the…accident. Her stomach had been tied in knots but, now she had to admit that she was getting hungry.
The guilt still ate at her. Nothing she did made it go away. This all could have been avoided had she not gotten so upset with Don. Had she not tried to make a point and been so damn stubborn! Had she thought a little more of her kids than making her dead beat husband do his part! Had she been a better Mother!
The tears fell again and suddenly her plate of food didn’t smell so good. In fact, her stomach was twisting again and turning and she had to get up…she needed some air.


He’d been watching the woman for hours now and became excited as she left the small room in ICU. Devyn followed her down to the cafeteria and still he waited. Everything seemed so strange and he could not help but wait for the trap to be set. Nothing. Now, he was just waiting for the right opportunity to approach the woman. Though, what would he say to her? One did not just approach a human woman and tell her that he’d been tracking her for months now. Oh, and by the way, I’m a vampire. Yeah, he could see that going over real well.
As he was turning it over in his mind, the woman suddenly bolted up and looked as if she were about to go into a sprint. Instinctively, Devyn was behind her and he found his hand on her shoulder before he was able to come to his senses.
The woman whirled around and met his steady gaze. His breath slammed out of him as he finally got a good look at her face. She was Heaven to his Hell. Her jaw was defined and yet very sensual, very feminine. She had huge grey eyes that reminded him of silver pools. They were puffy and swollen, no doubt from all the crying he had watched her do. His gaze fell to her lips and he felt his mouth moisten. They were full but thin and very sexy. She looked so sorrowful that his chest tightened as she stared into his cold black eyes. It took him a moment to even find his voice.
“Do you mind if I sit with you?”

Traci just stared at the man. She knew him didn’t she? She was about to loose it again when he seemingly appeared out of nowhere. There hadn’t been anyone in the cafeteria with her except the staff, had there? That was it. She was just loosing her sanity. Traci hadn’t felt like company but, maybe she needed the distraction.
“No, I don’t mind. I’m Traci…and you are?”
“Devyn, Devyn McGregor. I’m not interrupting your dinner am I?”
“Huh?...oh, uhm…No, I was just a little spooked I guess. This place is quiet and empty at night and I’m not used to being alone. I guess I could use some company.” Her face turned bright red. She could feel the color in her cheeks. Traci was feeling a little silly now that she was talking. He probably thought she was a babbling idiot but, she couldn’t bring herself to care at that point. Any company was good company if it wasn’t her in-laws and she couldn’t face her friends yet. God, she hadn’t even called them yet! What would she even tell them? Would they blame her…forgive her?

Devyn found he was intent on just listening to the sound of her voice. Beautiful. But, she seemed to fade in and out on him. Her eyes glossed over and started to fill with tears and his chest did that crunching thing again. She was distracted. It should have been evident by what he’d watched up stairs. That was her daughter in the hospital bed he had learned from the nurses. Of course she would be upset. This woman had just lost her son and husband and all that was left was her little daughter who was on the verge of a coma. Devyn couldn’t bring himself to be sorry for the loss of her husband and he cursed himself for the joy of knowing she was not tied to anyone.
What was even worse was his need to slip into her mind. It was taking all of his will power not to spy on her thoughts. Especially since her thoughts would take her over like they were now. He didn’t need to spy on her thoughts to feel the deep pain and sorrow she was feeling…and something more. Regret? Shame.

“Are you okay?” It was more than a compulsion it was a necessity as he took hold of her hand and just held it. She was so cold.

“Oh, uhm, yes, I’m okay. I’m fine.” He’d startled her. She was so absorbed in thought that she had forgotten he was there.
“I’ve really got to get back up stairs and check on my daughter. Really, thank you for sitting with me but…”

“Come outside and get some air with me first. I could use a cigarette. Do you smoke?” Devyn put a small compulsion in his voice so she would follow him. The sun would be coming up in a few hours and he wanted to spend a little more time with this woman before he rested.

“Just for a minute and them I really need to get back up to my daughter.”



The night was quite in this town and the air had a cold bite to it. Devyn noticed the woman was shivering. In one swift move he had draped his thick leather jacket over her shoulders. He realized just how small and helpless this woman really was standing next to one so powerful. Yet, he felt as if he’d do anything she wanted him to do. He had to know, was this one of the wizard’s traps? Devyn, as a general rule, didn’t socialize with the mortals. They were just a food supply if they were anything to him. Yet, when this woman, Traci, shivered, he felt compelled to warm her. When she cried he needed to comfort her. When he stood next to her, he didn’t feel empty.
“How long have you lived here…Traci?” He felt wickedly sensual when he rolled her name off of his tongue. He lit the cigarette and inhaled deeply before she answered.
“All of my life. I actually grew up in the next town over.” She’d stopped shivering in his jacket. God, it was so warm and felt so good…like he was holding her to him.
“Where are you from, Devyn, wasn’t it? You have some kind of an accent but, it’s not a southern one. I can usually tell them apart being southern myself.” He nodded.

“I’m from a little village in Scotland but, I’ve done a lot of traveling. I suppose that’s why my accent has faded.” It was mostly the truth. Traveling and living for as long as he had did have a way of smoothing off the rough Scottish brogue.
“Wow, I’ve got some Scottish blood. I’ve always wanted to visit there but, I never had the money. When I did have the money I didn’t have the time. If my baby girl gets better, I’m going to make the time.” Tears fell unchecked down her soft cheeks once again. Without thought, Devyn pulled her to him and kissed them away. She struggled for a moment but, as he just held her she went still. He sensed her needing to be held and found that he wanted to hold her just as much as she needed it.

Traci couldn’t find her voice and was struggling to breath. She didn’t like wanting to stay in his arms but, she liked it anyway. It was the first time she felt the pain and guilt ebb since she had gotten to the hospital. Selfish, yes, she knew it was selfish to want to forget her pain but, as she was finding out…Traci was very selfish. So, she laid her head to his chest and let herself drown in the silence of the early morning.
Finally, she was able to find her voice as the first rays of sunlight came over the horizon. Her voice was husky and rough to her ears.
“I really need to go check on my daughter now.”
“I know.”
“I…uh, I don’t want you to think that I just go throwing myself into strange men’s arms. I was just, I don’t know, overwhelmed is a good word for it.”
“I know.”
“Look, I want to thank you for talking to me. It’s just that I…” She couldn’t think with him staring at her that way. It felt like he was looking into her soul. As much as she hated herself for it…she liked the way he looked at her.

Devyn liked the way she squirmed under his gaze. It was some what of a treat to see a real reaction from a mortal. He could force her to do what he wanted and he wanted to taste those lips. Her bare neck was a temptation in and of itself. Yet, he tired of everyone bending to his will. More than that, it mattered to him whether or not she kissed him of her own will and not from his compulsion.
“I should be going myself.”
“Going?” There was almost a panic in her voice and he felt that twisting, aching in his chest again.
“I’ll be back tonight. We can talk over some coffee if you’d like?”
“Yes.”
“Go on then. I know you want to check on your daughter and I’ve kept you from it for far too long. I’m sorry. It’s just you looked like you needed a distraction. I’m very good at distracting beautiful ladies.”
His grin was sinful but, she smiled with him. Traci believed he very much was a distraction to any woman. His long black hair and dark sensual eyes were murder to any woman. Then you add his well shaped body…arms that are strong when he holds you and shoulders begging you to lay your head on them…yeah, he was a killer with the ladies. She didn’t even want to notice his ass. It took everything in her not to watch as he walked across the parking lot.
Yup, she was definitely a horrible person. She’d left her little daughter who was slipping away into a coma, alone for hours while she found comfort in a handsome stranger’s arms. What was wrong with her?!




As Traci stepped off of the elevator she realized she still had that man’s jacket. She was glad. It seemed to emanate heat of its own accord.
“Oh, there you are, hun. I’ve been checking in on your daughter. She’s got some color back in her cheeks and her vitals are good. I’ve got to get ready for shift change but, I’ll see you again tonight.”
“Thank you very much and I’m sorry I was gone for so long. I guess I needed some air more than I thought.”
“You look like it did you some good. The doctors will be coming up to check on her in a few hours and I imagine they’ll want to talk with you. If you need anything just ask, okay?”
“Thank you again, I will.”

Once the nurse had left, Traci took hold of Tamara’s hand and squeezed it.
“Tam, Tamara…Mommy’s here. Don’t leave me okay. I love you. I don’t know if you can hear me or not but, I’m sorry. I’m sorry for this happening but, I’m here now and we’ll make it through, okay. You’re strong and can come out of this. I…I miss you. I miss your brother and I’m so sorry, baby girl. It’s all my fault and I’ll never be able to make it up to you. I’m going to try to though…so come back to me. Please…I love you so much and you’re all I have left. You’re all that matters.” Traci glanced at the monitor and just like the nurse said, the brain waves were very active. She could even see her daughter’s eyes flutter and for a moment Traci held her breath. Please!
Nothing happened. The breath that she’d been holding came out in a low sob and she squeezed her daughter’s hand once more.
“You’re doing good, baby. Keep trying…keep trying and come back to me.”



The knocking on the door woke her, though Traci didn’t remember falling asleep. She wasn’t sure what to think of the group of doctors that walked in. Each of their name badges displayed their different specialties. It was the Neurologist who spoke first and told her what they’d been saying all of last night. She was in shock and if she didn’t pull out of it soon she’d slip into a coma.
God, what use were these people! She was a nurse herself and nothing they told her was new. It shouldn’t have surprised her. Yet, they instilled some hope in her. They were very optimistic because her brain waves were very active. They were hoping with a little physical therapy and coaxing that she’d snap out of it. It would begin that evening. A therapist would come in and move her legs and arms to keep up the muscle tone.
She was glad for the words of encouragement but, was happy to see them leave. Glancing at the clock, Traci sighed heavily. Dena and Antwan were probably worried out of their minds by now. There was no more putting it off; she had to call them. Really, she wanted to hear their voices. At least they were familiar voices and she needed that right now. What she really needed was to hear her daughter’s voice. Or wanted?

When she got off the phone with Dena, Traci slouched down on the couch. She had no more tears. She had no more strength or hope or anything. It was like she couldn’t even feel…she was completely empty. Her friend had offered to make the funeral arrangements for Matthew and Don and Traci didn’t object. It was rather a relief. Thinking about her dead little boy was just not an option at this point for her. And Don, well, she didn’t even want to think about it. It was just too much…way too much to swallow.
Without thinking she grabbed the leather jacket that she’d worn last night…that the stranger had left. Well, he wasn’t really a stranger anymore but, she still didn’t really know anything about him. She couldn’t shake the feeling that she knew him, though. No matter, it seemed of little importance and yet donning his jacket she felt alright. It was still warm. It must just be nerves. That has to be it. Her whole world had crumbled within the span of an evening and her nerves were wrecked. It was really no wonder. She was probably going into a kind of shock herself. Things just didn’t seem real.
Yet, when she looked at her tiny bruised daughter reality seemed to set in…HARD.

Traci pulled up the chair next to her daughter and sat once again. Feeling a little silly but, not caring, she started to sing to Tamara.
“Sing a song of six pence, a pocket full of rye, four and twenty black birds baked in a pie, when the pie was open the birds began to sing, wasn’t that a tasty dish to set before the king? The king was in his counting house, counting out his money, the Queen was in the parlor, eating bread and honey, the maid was in the garden hanging out the clothes, when a long came a black bird and snipped off her...”
“Noooosssssse”
Traci jumped up. Had she heard that? Was it her imagination? Please, God, don’t let it be my mind playing tricks on me!
“Tamara…baby, can you talk? Can you talk to Mommy? Please, say it again.” Holding her breath she stood there, afraid to even blink dare she miss it.
Nothing.
“Tamara, baby…please come back to Mommy. PLEASE, I love you.”
“I love…you.”
Tears spilled down Traci’s cheeks when she thought she had none left. She screamed for the nurses as she stared into her little girl’s beautiful eyes. Thank you, THANK YOU GOD!
Tamara tried to say more but, was wearing herself out with the effort. Traci just held her hand and stayed glued next to her as the nurses came in to evaluate her new condition. They were shining lights in her eyes and asking her all sorts of questions to which she was too exhausted to answer and could only nod. Finally, the nurses left and went to call the doctor. They were left alone in the room together.

“I’m…sleepy Momma.” Tamara’s voice sounded so weak and frail. It reminded Traci of an echo far away from them. God, she was back but, she was still so weak!
“I know, baby. I know but, you have to stay awake for a while, okay? We need to keep you awake so you don’t slip back into shock or worse. Momma’s been so worried about you.” Try as she might, Traci couldn’t keep the shake out of her voice. This was a miracle! She thought she had lost everything and now…her little girl was talking to her. It was too much of an emotional ride for one day.
“Momma?”
“Yes, baby girl.”
“Where is Matthew?” It didn’t surprise Traci that her daughter would be so worried about her little brother. That was her way. She’s always loved that about her daughter.
“Baby, I don’t know that this is the time…” She could see in her daughter’s gaze that she wouldn’t let it rest and something in her needed to know. She needed closure.
“He didn’t make it, baby. Neither did your Daddy. I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry. I should’ve picked you guys up. I should’ve…” Traci stopped short when her daughter grabbed hold of her hand and squeezed. She was a smart little girl. They sat in silence until the doctors came in to check on Tamara. Life had caught them both off guard. It was a hard lesson to learn for Traci…an even harder lesson for her six year old daughter.



Dena arrived at the hospital just before sunset. Traci was very glad to see her old friend and even more glad to see such a response out of her daughter. Tamara always thought of Dena as an aunt. Those two shared a special bond of mischief and Traci wouldn’t have had it any other way.
“I brought you something, stick pole.”
“What?” Tamara’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.
“I got you the whole set of Harry Potter books…well, what’s out so far, anyway. I thought since you’d be stuck here for a little while, you should have some good reading material.” She handed over the neatly wrapped box and the two of them tore into it. Paper flew everywhere and Traci couldn’t believe her ears as her young daughter and best friend giggled like teenage girls at a slumber party. It was very humbling, in deed.
“Traci, I’m going to stay and read to Tamara for a while. Why don’t you go home or head over to my place and take a shower. Get something to eat while you’re at it. You need a break, okay.”
“I really shouldn’t go. I mean, she just came back to us this morning and…”
“And you really need to take a shower.” Dena pulled Traci out in the hall, smiling at Tamara mischievously.
“Look, you need to get some rest and take a break. You have been through a lot, A LOT. Take a break tonight, okay. Just a few hours for yourself.”
“Dena, that’s how all of this happened! I took a few hours for myself yesterday…I’m to blame for all of this! I can’t leave her…I can’t.”
“Trace, girl, just listen to me, okay? At least go and take you a shower at my house and maybe a nap. You’re no good to your daughter in this condition. You can trust me with her.” Tears welled up and barely managed to keep from spilling over on Traci’s cheeks.
“I’ll only be gone long enough to take a shower and maybe get some clothes.”


Making her way through the parking lot, Traci realized she was still wearing that man’s jacket. Devyn. She was supposed to meet him for coffee! Spinning around she sprinted back towards the cafeteria entrance. She’d made it half way across the parking lot and then...SMACK!
The force in which she hit him nearly dropped her on her bottom. It probably would have had he not caught her and steadied her.
“I’m so sorry.” Her blush was from head to toe. She was so embarrassed. Here she was, a grown woman, sprinting across the hospital parking lot and running straight into the man she was going to meet. God, she was an idiot.
“What’s the rush? Nothing serious I hope.” He knew why she was running. It was the way she blushed. Devyn found that he loved that about her.
“Oh, nothing. I…” Okay, so what was she supposed to tell this guy? I was sprinting across the parking lot because I forgot I was supposed to meet with you tonight…and I didn’t want to stand you up.
“You wanna go get that coffee?” It was the best she could come up with. Better to throw them off guard with a question of your own than to fess up to being an idiot.
“Sure. It doesn’t have to be hospital coffee does it? Do you know any good coffee shops around here?”
“Oh, yes. My car’s just over this way.”
“This isn’t a very big town…I thought we could walk. If you don’t mind?” She looked both startled and pleased with the suggestion.
“O…Okay.”