Eighteen Summers (9 page)

“
Yes.”

“
In a sadistic way?”

“
Very.”

“
What did he do, Sofia?”

She takes a long deep breath before beginning her sordid account.

“Penetration with sharp objects into all of my orifices. Severe biting. Burning. Hanging me upside down for long periods so that I lose my consciousness. Whipping me. Caning me. Chaining and cuffing me on a table, gagging, making me drink my own blood. Clamping me with metal objects, tying my hands and feet together on the floor and dragging me around... I've probably forgotten some of the more 'unpleasant' things he did, deliberately....”

“
My God Sofia! Why did you not tell me? Come, sweet.” He holds her tightly to him and kisses her face. I feel a raging jealousy build inside me like a storm and I cannot hold it back. Even though I know that she has a preference for Gabriel. Perhaps Nico has a preference for her. I feel choked. But I have no right to his affections. I have just arrived and he has a history here.

“
I'm not the only one. He has us all sworn to secrecy,” Sofia replies.

“
But surely you would not let your young mistress be subjected to this torture?”

“
I would not wish it on anyone of course, but I fear his wrath. I have the strangest feeling about My Lord. It's as if he hates us. All of us. He is so unlike the rest of our family, in every way.”

“
I have always found him to be very pleasant and amiable, humorous and even confiding.”

“
He probably wants to keep you on his side. You are My Lady's guardian after all. It is an influential position that you occupy.”

“
Perhaps… I will look into My Lord's past. I wonder if anyone ever has?” Nico muses. “We shall make a journey to Italy. My Lady, you and I. We shall also ask Gabriel to accompany us, to take advantage of his Latin and historical expertise, as it is far better than mine. Please arrange to travel within the week. Do not tell another soul, am I clear?”

“
Light travel?”

“
Yes, just a few changes of attire for each of us. We can buy new clothing when we require it.”

I suddenly feel a craving build inside of me. This must be my blood lust surfacing. My mouth is watering and I am starting to shake with hunger.

“I think I need food.”

“
It is on its way,” Nico answers quickly.

In five minutes I am panting on the bed in need. My stomach feels like it is being squeezed. My feed arrives and I almost jump upon her as she comes in the door. I feed in a state of rapture for a  good minute until Nico commands me to stop. I obey immediately this time around, much to my surprise, breaking the suction loudly.

“You can feed again in a few hours. Deanna will wait in the salon. Try to rest now. There has been too much excitement for one day. My Lady must be exhausted.”

They all leave and I am alone. Alone with my thoughts, my worries, and my newly adjusting vampire mind and body. I am not tired or fit for resting. I feel like exploring. I know that the lower levels are the vampire bedchambers but the media rooms and the other main rooms in the house await. I set off up the stairs to the very top of the building. Most of the doors are locked, but the few I enter are mainly reception rooms. There is a library, but it is full of similar books to the ones in my room. I find the media suite and sit at a computer turning it on with joy.

“A little bit of YouTube I think.” I mumble to myself happily. But it is not to be. I do not have the password to log in.

Oh damn it and fuck my life.

I leave the suite in acute disappointment and wander downstairs to the kitchen. I look through the cupboards and fridge and help myself to some red wine diluting it with chilled water. Then I make my way back to my rooms again. I need to get something to do or else I'm going to go crazy down here. I knock on Nico's door as I pass, maybe he can give me the password. He doesn't answer. But being the nosy girl I am, I just need a quick peek inside his room. I try the door and it opens. I quickly step into the darkness. I can see reasonably well, with my newly enhanced vampire vision. My eyes take it all in instantly. Nico and Sofia lie before me, naked on his bed, wrapped together in a passionate embrace. I am so overwhelmed with jealousy, and intense physical need, that I can't stop the strangled noise that escapes me. I stand and stare brazenly as they both look in my direction. Then I rush out, banging the door shut behind me, run along the corridor and back into my room. I lock my door from the inside with the key and slam the bolt across. I know I am overreacting. I know they do this together. But to see it happening is another thing entirely, it's like rubbing salt in an open wound, it hurts so badly. What remains of my human side won't accept it.

He's my guardian, and he belongs to me now.

But despite my jealousy, I don't hate Sofia. She was here long before I was. I'm suffering from a confused mind and an inner turmoil that I can't bear.

I lie down and want to cry. But no tears will come. It appears that vampires have no tears. All I feel is a deep hurt and a harsh burning in my throat. I ignore the knock at my door a few minutes later. I try to ignore the louder insistent ones that follow and the demands to open the door. In the end I get up and let him in.

“What the hell d'you want?” I ask nastily as he marches past me and inside. I shut the door behind him and turn to face him glaring.

“
You have no right to enter my room without my permission. It is my private sanctuary.”

“
Maybe you should lock it in future.”

“
I have never locked my door before, there's no need. So, what did you want?”

“
I need my password for the computer.”

“
I have not arranged one for you yet.”

“
Then let me use yours.”

“
No, everyone has a different profile. You will have to wait until later today.”

“
I'll just die of boredom then, while you have lots of fun with my maid.” I can't help the hurt tone in my voice.

“
You have well and truly spoiled my fun for now.”

“
I'm sure you can get back into it if you try hard enough, go have a bash...” I snap at him unkindly, my eyes flashing with rejection and anger.

“
My Lady's behaviour is not becoming of her station.”

Suddenly I lose my cool and stomp around the room letting rip with a loud rant.

“MY STATION? Well you can stuff my fucking station, because from what I can see, it's nothing but a burden. My life is at risk. I am having to sneak away from a brutal sadist who I have been mated to without my consent. I cannot go anywhere or do anything. The only two people who ever cared for me are probably beside themselves with worry and I feel so sick about that. On top of it all, I have this dreadful blood lust to deal with as well. Oh yeah, my station's just great... And now, there's you...”

“
What about me Cali?”

“
You know what I mean.” My eyes openly blaze into his.

“
I am your guardian. I cannot be emotionally or physically involved with you in that way. Not in my position.”

“
Oh really? Then who can I have that kind of a relationship with? From what I can gather, there might not be too many eligible vampire Lords around. Not that I like anyway...” My voice is rising even louder with frustration and distress.

“
Calm down. Let us discuss this civilly.”

“
I can't Nico, just go away and leave me alone. I don't even want to look at you anymore. Go screw Sofia all day and night for all I care. It's fine with me.”

“
Cali, that's enough! Stop this ridiculous behaviour.”

“
Ridiculous behaviour?” I repeat angrily. I suddenly see red. “G
ET THE FUCK OUT OF MY ROOM BOY!” I shout, losing my temper completely, pushing him hard. He snarls at me in shocked anger, his eyes flashing wildly and his teeth descending in his rage. “GET OUT, GET OUT!” I scream at the top of my voice in a blaze of passionate temper launching myself at him again. He turns and leaves abruptly, storming out and slamming the door so hard it almost comes off its hinges.

Oh shit, shit, shit... I've got to get out of here right now or I'm gonna go completely mad.

I rush into the wardrobe and find some passable clothes for wearing outside in the street. I change and quietly leave my room, sneaking out of the building. I don't think about my blood lust or potential issues with where I am going. I just want to see my parents. My mum and dad. They care for me and I care for them and that's all that is important. I make my way to the tube station in the early morning light. The streets are deserted but for a few cars and vans which pass me by. I have no money and no means to pay for my fare, but I am a vampire, I have new strengths and abilities now and ways to overcome such obstacles. I break into a fast run, and following the road signs, make my way to the mainline station at Paddington, arriving in a few short minutes. I find the platform for the next train to St David's, Exeter and taking a quick look around to make sure no one is watching, I leap the barrier and spring quickly onto the roof of the awaiting train with ease. I crawl along a few carriages and lie flat, making myself as comfortable as possible. I lie there wondering how on earth I am going to manage the rest of my immortal life. After some minutes, the train pulls out and I sigh with relief that I am getting away from this mess, but it is short lived. One minute outside the station, Nico suddenly appears at my side and he is not at all happy. He stares at me with a bright yellow heated annoyance.

“
How the hell did you find me?” I hiss at him nastily.

“
I heard you leave. I was expecting it and I followed your scent. It was easy and you are very predictable... Going back to Exeter to see your parents was so obvious.”

“
I've had enough of your lot already. I'm going back where I belong, with them.”

“
I'm sorry Cali, it is not to be. If you see them, you will put your life and theirs in danger. As your guardian I cannot allow that.”

“
Then I'm firing you. You are no longer my guardian, you can leave now mister.”

“
You are not listening to me. Do you wish to put your parents in danger?”

“
Why would they be in danger? I won't hurt them, I'm sure of it.”

“
If there is any connection between you and your parents, the Ristoria will find it. They will use them against you, as a weapon. They may well be watching you already, I cannot be sure there are not spies amongst us. Everyone in the household now knows about you. Before today, only Sofia and I knew where you were.”

“
But you said I can see them whenever I want.”

“
I had to lie. I didn't want to, but the truth is, there was no letter left for them. They do not know where you are. You have simply vanished from their lives. I am so sorry Cali, but there was no other way to extract you from them cleanly. You can never see or speak to them ever again. No communication whatsoever, do you understand? That is, if you want them to remain alive, which I assume you do.”

“
No! No! Please no....” My heart is so sick with this news. My parents must be going through hell right now. I can't even cry. My throat burns like fire with the need to sob like a maniac.

“
I really am so sorry.” His tone is softer and kinder.

“
I hate you. You've ruined my whole life.”

“
No, I have not. Your birth set these events in motion. I am trying to protect you, but you are making the task very difficult at the moment.”

I can't speak. What can I say? What is worth saying? Nothing.

I'm so fucked.

The train starts to pick up speed, the wind tugging at my clothes, and my hair flying around me in a mad whipping whirl.

“We need to get off this train Mistress. Please, take my hand and we shall stand and jump together.”

“
I can jump on my own thank you very much.”

“
I cannot allow that.”

“
You're driving me nuts... For God's sake!” A resigned and pathetic little smile makes its way to my face.

“
Likewise, Mistress, I can assure you.”

I offer my hand and we quickly rise, run, and jump from the rear of the train, landing lightly on the gravelled sleepers. We make our way swiftly along the track and back to the platform, through the station, and out to the street. He holds my hand firmly as if he is convinced I'll run away again. We arrive back at the house after a long, slow, and silent walk back through the light London traffic, passing a few early risers by. I am feeling very uncomfortable with him at the moment. It has been an intense and unpleasant hour. On top of an intense day.

I am also feeling hungry again and my next feed is summoned shortly after I am back in my room. I take my feed enthusiastically and then collapse in glowing satisfaction on my bed.