4 Vamp Versus Vamp (5 page)

“The most basic way I can explain it is he changed your ion channels to that of electricity; rewrote the membrane potentials of your cells to be charged by your emotions. The problem is you’re mostly human, which means your mood swings are strong. Essentially, in order to avoid these little episodes, you need to attend an anger management course and learn how to control your emotions. Basically, be more like a vampire and don’t have any.”

“But… I mean
,
there has to be a way to block this. Can’t you block stuff from certain cells in the body?”

“Of course…
if you had the proper counter-formula. But we don’t. Quite frankly, I’ve never seen anything like this, and I really wouldn’t know how to fight it. You will just have to control your emotions for now.” He snapped the folder shut and propped his forefinger against his chin casually. “I wonder… Of course, this is getting quite personal, but have you had intercourse since this change in your molecular makeup?”

I felt my eyes widen as I looked up at him. Was he really asking me this question? I fidgeted. Truthfully, I suppose it was a perfectly good question, considering that was something you did when you loved another person. At the height of the moment, the height of your emotions, your feelings for the other person were prominent.

“Um, no. We haven’t.” My voice was small, and I knew my cheeks were red.

“Please, do share with me once you have. I’d be interested in knowing how your body reacted to him in particular, as it seems your willpower is strongest around him. It’s the only conclusion I have as to how you survived.”

“You think I believed myself into survival?”

“No. I think you shut off the pain. Electrocution to a vamp would overwhelm its body with pain, which is both a mental and physical experience. Ultimately, it’s the brain that controls the management of the pain. Most vamps don’t have the mental strength to withstand the pain, and ultimately, that is what kills them.”

“I thought you had to destroy a vamp’s physical body in order to kill it?”

“If the brain is dead within the body, then no limb will move since it controls the body.”

“But, technically they wouldn’t be dead, only brain-dead.”

“I could argue semantics with you all night, Alexa, but ultimately, I believe it was your willpower that subdued the pain and allowed you to survive, not what Staten infused you with.”

“Is that even possible?”

“The phrase ‘mind over matter’ exists for a reason. The mind is what acknowledges pain; the body only responds. It’s one’s willpower that determines whether or not they will withstand the pain. Look at women who give birth without drugs versus those who opt for the maximum dosage available. It’s a choice, Alexa. You made yours and survived.”

I watched as he opened the folder again, lifting a few papers.

“Do you think my willpower could keep me from lighting up like the Fourth of July?”

“Absolutely,” he replied, allowing the pages to drop back into place as he peered over the rim at me. “I believe you are capable of much more than you are even aware of. It will be interesting to watch what unfolds in your world over the next several years.”

I bit my lip, considering his words. “Do you mind if I ask you a personal question?”

“Why not? I suppose it’s only fair, considering all I know about you.”

“What do you think of the feud between vamp kinds?”

“Hm. It’s been quite some time since I’ve been asked to speak about politics. Nonetheless, I believe it is a waste of time and energy, but it keeps my wallet full. I’ve cared for countless vamps who were injured by the opposite party. To me, these hate crimes are doled out in fear. Vampires are of an historical era, an historical government. Despite their claims, they fear democracy, which is surely what would ensue should we all unite in peace.”

“Why is it that vampires let you medically
tend
to them?”

“Because they have no other choice. Dr. Zhan and myself are the only physicians in the Western Hemisphere with scientific knowledge and understanding of the vampeen and vampire body.”

“I suppose I don’t understand how they can make an exception for you, but turn around and lash out at another vampeen.”

“Why does a white man befriend a black man, but tell racist jokes? It’s because they acknowledge the friend as being above or outside the perimeter of the subject.”

“So, they see the difference between their friend and other black men?”

“Precisely. Or they respect the friend for another attribute despite his stereotype.”

“Hm.” I’d never considered that. It opened my eyes a little more to what I was dealing with, what we were dealing with.

The more I pondered the conundrum, the more truth it held. My grandfather was fighting every vampire as if they were the ones who had shunned his father. He was stereotyping them rather than offering them the chance to prove that they were different, that they deserved his respect and friendship.

“One last thing. Is it true that vampires gain strength with age?”

“No. They gain wisdom and tact. That is what gives them the edge. Now, if you will excuse me, I have another patient to check in on. Kellan, you have my phone number should anything new arise. Alexa, it was a pleasure. Take care.” He bent his head slightly before he turned towards the door.

“Um, thanks.” I slightly waved as he left.

Kellan leapt out of his chair, keeping hold of my hand in the process. He lifted me off the table, my feet landing without a tingle on the linoleum floor.

“Where are we?”

“Dr. H’s Charleston office.”

“I didn’t think he had an office.”

“Where else would he deliver a baby?”

“Oh. I guess that makes sense.” I glanced around the room. Framed watercolor pictures hung on beige walls. A small wash station was located in the corner with cabinets above and below the sink for storage. The examining bed was on the opposite diagonal side with two chairs caddy-cornered to it. “Where exactly would he deliver a baby in here?”

Kellan chuckled. “He does have more than one room.”

Kellan and I walked hand in hand down the hall, through the lobby, and out the door. The stars lit up the night sky as a crescent moon seemed to wink at me. Small offices and boutiques lined the lamp-lit, empty street, but nothing looked familiar.

“Where are we?”

“Between Mt. Pleasant and Charleston.”

“Oh. And how exactly did I get here? Last I remember your dad couldn’t touch me.”

“When you blacked out, you literally blacked out. Your light show shut down, and he was able to grab you. He carried you all the way back to the helicopter. We were all flown here. Craig was able to leave almost right away, but I took a bit longer.”

I looked at his green polo shirt. I knew what had been beneath it hours ago: proof that my grandfather and his gang abused him.

“I’m fine, babe. We all are, thanks to you.” I
watched
as his face grew serious; his eyes began to glisten.

“What’s wrong?”

He opened the passenger door of a black SUV. He hoisted me up and in, the smooth leather sliding along my jeans. I recognized his move for what it was, though; he was using the car as a distraction to ignore my question.

I waited for him to climb in on the driver’s side and shut the door. I linked my fingers through
his,
the green stone of my ring glistening in the moonlight, proof that Aunt Claire had been with me at some point. “Kellan, please tell me what’s wrong.”

“Just have a lot on my mind, that’s all.” He shrugged, throwing the key in the ignition and revving the engine. It was hard to take a step back when I knew something was wrong, but he’d made it clear he needed the space, so I didn’t push.

Chapter 5

The drive home was silent. I didn’t know what’d set Kellan off, but tension filled the air and kept me on edge. I was grateful to have him beside me, safe and sound, but feared what was next. I refused to allow myself to consider this being the end for him, but the idea had knotted my stomach back in the cellar. I wanted to squeeze him, to kiss him and show him that I loved him in every way.

We pulled into the garage and hopped out of the car. A flash jolted me, reminding me of what I’d walked into twelve hours ago. So much had happened in such a short span of time.

Sensing my hesitance, Kellan secured my hand and escorted me through the door. “The Bladangs sent a few of their men to scan the house. No bugs were left, and nothing was tampered with.” His gaze landed on the back of the sectional. “Although it looks like we might need to replace a few things.”

I felt myself blush. “Sorry.”

“It’s okay. We’ll work through it.” His eyes traveled up to the gaping hole in the ceiling. His brows etched inward just enough for me to notice. “Maybe we should stay at my place.”

“Where are your parents?”

“Auggy assigned my dad to connect with Romanov.”

“Who’s Romanov?”

Kellan frowned. “The Cesar of vampires.”

Something about that didn’t sit well with me. My serum level elevated in the back of my throat, fear twisting thoughts on Al’s safety.

“Where’s Aunt Claire?”

“With my mom. They’re studying with Will.”

“Should I even ask what they’re studying?”

He smirked. “What else is there?”

He pulled me into him as he rounded the corner towards the stairs. I still hadn’t brought myself to move anything or touch my parents’ bedroom. I guess a part of me hadn’t let go of them yet, hadn’t gathered the strength to face the truth.

Kellan lifted my thighs around his waist and sped up the stairs.

“How about a shower?”

“Are you trying to hint at something?” I teased. I’d smelled the burnt odor of my clothes. They’d stood up to the electrocution surprisingly well, but they would probably never smell like laundry detergent again.

“Maybe.” He shrugged.

I could tell he’d showered already, especially since he wore clean clothes. His hair had grown out to the point where he had to tuck it behind his ears. Part of me thought he was trying to be more like Kai, but I didn’t broach the subject.

“Point taken.”

I took a long, hot shower. I stood under the sprayer, wishing for the video on my grandfather’s phone of Kellan to be erased. I couldn’t stop the flashes of him being tortured. I winced every time I heard the crackle of electricity popping off him and echoing in my mind.
And poor Mel.
I’d have to call her in the morning. I knew I’d terrified her with my eruption. I hadn’t told her about it and could only imagine what deranged ideas were running through her head. I knew Craig would tell her the truth, but it should have come from me long before this.

I’d really messed up. We all had. Nothing had happened since the whole bout with Jack, so we’d let our guards down. Terrorism, assassination, and murder never take a holiday. They’d ambushed us with ease. We made it easy for them; we made ourselves an accessible target. I regretted Kellan having to suffer in order to learn that lesson. Things would definitely have to change, especially since my best friend would be joining us in a new and vulnerable state.

The second I stepped into the
bedroom,
dressed in my best bum clothes — VS capri sweats and one of Kellan’s tees — my phone rang.

“Hello?”

“Why the hell did I not get a phone call?” she fussed.

“Hi to you, too, Gabi.” I rolled my eyes, laughing silently.

“Seriously, Lex. I’m in Miami, not India. You know I’ll be there in a couple hours.”

“I wasn’t about to interrupt your honeymoon.”

“Yeah, well, it’s not much of a honeymoon when you know your friends are being put through the ringer, or when they’re putting you through the ringer.” Her voice turned mellow.

“I know you and Jack didn’t come together under the best of circumstances, Gabi, but Rafi would have wanted you to be happy regardless. He wasn’t a selfish person.”

“Tell that to my conscience. I can’t stop the feelings I have for Jack, but I also can’t seem to forget that had he not been messing with us, the vamp hunter wouldn’t have gotten a shot at Rafi, either. Every time I think I’m going to get past that little detail,
a certain set of Hawaiian vamps remind
me that technically I’m now married to my ex’s murderer.”

“I’m going to give you a bit of your own advice here. You can’t change what is, Gab, but you can change what will be. Wallowing won’t change anything; beating yourself up doesn’t change anything. Making the most of an awkward, tragic start, looking at the positive of the situation rather than the negative, will get you much further.”

“I know. It feels like I’m cheating on Rafi somehow, though.” I heard the distress in her voice. I knew that anguish wouldn’t be there if others would stop offering their opinions.

“Could you walk away from Jack right now?” Silence filled the other end of the line. “If you can walk away, maybe you should. Give yourself some time to properly grieve and heal. If not, then maybe you ought to consider the fact that Rafi gave you the best gift he could on his deathbed: another chance at a happily-ever-after.”