Wild Cards

The book in the series

 

Wild Cards

 

 

Dr. Edward Burrows was a man who had a family once that he loved dearly. A vampire came calling one day when Dr. Burrows poked his nose where it didn't belong. Wanting vengeance for the loss of his loved ones he created a creature that was a mixture of vampire and human DNA. It would hunt down those that had wronged him and give him the revenge he so desired.

 

Anthony Burrows was born into a world where violence was common place. During his life he would lose the father he loved, the wife he cherished and a daughter he thought had died with her mother. Reunited with his long lost child he must find the vampire who betrayed him, but it will not be easy. His body is changing quickly and each change brings new abilities and new problems. To top it off a new enemy emerges and Anthony has caught his attention. Will Anthony be able to get a handle on his new abilities in time or will he be overwhelmed by the troubles that surround him?    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Written by Cylis Derrens

 

 

 

Wild Cards

 

 

 

 

Chapter 1

 

 

The setting is just outside L.A. it is a dark night a half moon hides behind a curtain of clouds. You can hear the passage of an old Oldsmobile making its way up a deserted hill.

 

The headlights on the car were completely dimmed so no one would notice where they were going. As it came to the top of the hill it pulled to a stop.

 

The passenger got out last buttoning his expensive black suit he moved to join the driver as he opened the trunk.

 

Inside a middle aged human was tied up and gagged lying inside. His eyes strayed to the opening trunk door, and they were met by the chilling smile of the small man in the suit.

 

The driver wore street clothes which made him far less impressive but he could easily blend in inside a crowd. He was about 5’10 and had a good build.

 

Unlike the other man’s face his was quite somber as if he weren’t really paying attention to what was going on around him. The tied up man was a reporter who had opened his mouth one time to many.

 

 He had threatened to expose what seemed like a crime ring of kidnapping and mugging gone bad that left bodies that the police and the city council quietly cleaned up, and labeled as random crime when it was obvious something far more sinister was happening.

 

 Too many of these kidnappings and mugging happened on a regular basis, and a woman simply called “Mary” seemed to be responsible for it.

 

He traveled up and down the official chain going through the official government; it was only when he paid a few key players behind the scenes that he got the information he needed.

 

They had warned him it would do him no good but they had been happy to take his money especially since he paid well for the information they provided.

 

 Now here he was realizing just how far he had stepped into the briar bush. As the taller man picked him up as if he were as light as a babe he began to wonder what was going to happen next.

 

 “Lean him against the car so he can see.” The smaller man said.

 

The other man did as he was told obviously the muscle. The reporter was propped up against the side of the car the bindings cutting painfully into his skin drawing a grimace from him. This seemed only to make the smaller man enjoy what was happening more.

 

Looking at his companion he said, “Take your time with this one and drain him dry. When you’re done dump the body over the edge.

 

The cops will make sure it’s labeled as an accident. After that make your way back to the gas station and leave no survivors. We can hardly afford witnesses.”

 

The taller man seemed to barely listen as his hands touched his head as if he were in pain. The smaller man produced a small container filled with pills like a doctor would prescribe shaking it so the pills rattled.

 

 Looking at the smaller man as the sound drew his attention the taller man focused on the bottle. One of his hands began to shake as it reached for the pills his eyes showing desperation and agony.

 

Painful images flashing through his mind that only brought more pain, and made him feel sick, he needed those drugs. The smaller man pulled the pills just out of reach producing yet another container from one of his pockets.

 

“If you promise to do as you’re told you make have both after I make sure you understand. Do you understand Anthony?” He said.

 

Anthony nodded reaching for the pills again more desperate than ever. The smaller man tossed both containers to him and turned and left.

 

Another car soon showed up and took him away. The reporter watched Anthony down the first container emptying all it contents. The reporter was surprised that he didn’t choke on the pills in his haste. It took moments for the drugs to kick in due to how many he had taken.

 

 Anthony’s eyes closed as the pain went away and there was only stillness and peace in his mind. Breathing in relief he turned to the reporter a look of hunger on his face.

 

 The reporter didn’t understand what was happening. What did the other man mean by “drain him dry”?

 

As Anthony moved towards him his lips curled back revealing long sharp canines like something out of a vampire movie, and it was then that the reporter realized all too late what was happening.

 

It all made sense now: the kidnappings and the fake muggings, these guys were the real deal, not characters out of a story or movie but the real thing.

 

Terror gripped his heart as Anthony’s dilated eyes fixed themselves on the blood pumping through the reporter’s neck.

 

 He tried to get away but it was no use his legs would simply not move, fear had paralyzed them. Those horrible teeth came towards him and all he could do was scream in terror, but in the end no one else would hear him.

 

 

When he was finished with his assigned tasks Anthony returned to Mary. She was pretty woman who appeared to be a young woman in her early twenties though she was far older.

 

How old exactly Anthony had never bothered to find out. Her blonde hair hung to her shoulders without anything that might be used to style it.

 Other than brushing and washing it Mary preferred the natural look unlike some of the younger vampires who had been turned in more recent years. Her figure was nice as Anthony could attest to upon seeing it on more than one occasion without the hindrance of clothing.

 

Greeting him warmly she said, “Did you do ask I asked? Is the problem taken care of?”

 

 Anthony nodded in response. He had dispatched the gas attendant quickly draining only a little before snapping her neck.

 

Mary seemed pleased with him and deep in the recesses of his mind he both loved her and hated her. She offered her body to him trapping him in her web as she had so many others.

 

He had seen the others fall one by one and wondered idly when his time would come, would he be gotten rid of when he was no longer useful? Would he even see it coming, just as the others hadn’t? 

 

Not that it really mattered to him when he thought about it; as far as he was concerned he hated what he was.

 

 It was that self hatred that made him wonder who he had been before the drugs he had been offered by Mary to numb the pain, and hold back the memories of his past.

 

Still it was too painful to look into his past somehow this was something he knew without having to think about it, and so he was trapped. Without the drugs there was only suffering and while he was using them Mary had power over him for he would do whatever he had to get more.

 

 Perhaps the only thing that had made him last this long was that he was her play thing. She took him out with her acting as her escort and came to her bed whenever she wished.

 

 Even now she was looking him over, and if he had been paying more attention he would have noticed the look of disappoint in her eyes as a warning that he was in danger.

 

He barely listened when Mary gave him another job. Apparently another vampire had crossed her one to many times and she wanted him eliminated.

 

It was quite usual for Mary to behave this way; she didn’t tolerate nuisances for long especially if they were a threat to her growing power in the city.

 

Only Santiago another ancient vampire had the daring to stand against her openly. This vampire no doubt belonged to him and Mary being who she was chose to make an example of the vampire who was walking the streets alone and unprotected.

 

Heading out Anthony went to do her bidding tracking the vampire until he came within eyesight of him. The vampire walked alone in a suit not unlike Mary’s immediate subordinate Ornado.

 

Anthony hated that small little man and his enjoyment of the suffering of his victims. While Anthony only wanted to feed the hunger and get more drugs Ornado enjoyed his work.

 

“Taking his time” as he put it. The pains returned again and Anthony was forced to take some more pills further dulling his wits as he continued to follow the stranger taking his eyes off him for only a moment. When he looked up again the stranger was gone.

 

Annoyed at losing his quarry Anthony began to track him by his scent. The scent led to a manhole around the nearest corner.

 

 Lifting the lid off Anthony set it down on the asphalt and climbed inside. The scent was hard to track in the sewers due to the other scents he had to slow his progress in order not to lose it.

 

Eventually the trail led back onto the street above and Anthony lifted the manhole at the top of the ladder on the way up and climbed onto the street. Once there he could still smell the stink of the sewers as it still fills his nostrils.

 

Looking up at the moon as it comes out from its hiding place he sees the stranger standing on one of the roof tops standing there waiting. As he lights a match Anthony’s nostrils clear and he smells a new scent that is unmistakable: gasoline. It permeates ever square inch of the alley.

 

 The stranger had set a trap from him, and Anthony had no doubt that Mary knew this would happen. Looking up at the person standing there holding a lit match he realized who it was.

 

Only one person would have dared walk the streets alone and dared Mary taking a chance at him under these circumstances: Santiago.

 

Anthony had been tricked and betrayed, try as he might he could no longer welcome death after possessing this knowledge.

A rage built up in him as the match dropped striking the ground and setting aflame the very asphalt beneath his feet.

 

Flames washed over him searing flesh and clothing as he was cooked alive. Anthony cried out in agony as white hot pain seared his very brain driving him to his knees. His mind was awake the effect of the drugs gone.

 

With his mind finally clear he focused on the manhole and his only escape. Somehow he had to get to it and make Mary pay for her betrayal.

 

Crawling as flames continued to lick his body scalding him further he managed to make it to the edge and pull himself through. Smoke billowed up as his hot body met with the nasty waters of the sewer cooling him.

 

Opening his eyes his vision was at first a blur as he came to the surface, before he saw his last batch of pills. He reached for them but they disappeared from view due to the burnt holes in the plastic container.

 

Anthony searched for them on his hands and knees before delirium overtook him. Visions of the past overtook his mind and wave of pain washed over him as his body tensed and contorted.

 

A change happened then as his body now free of the drugs refused to not reach its potential. Too long had it suffered under the punishment of drugs but never again.

 

Anthony awoke with an insatiable hunger for blood as pain still wracked his body he moved like an open sore unsteady on his legs at first. Making his way to the surface he exited near the park and sniffed the air.

 

The scent of two individuals came from the park itself and he turned towards them and made his way in.

 

 

Leah had decided to take a short cut home when she heard the footsteps. Not wanting to turn around for fear of who was behind her she sped up, but the footsteps only seemed to move faster, and then they disappeared.

 

Turning around Leah held her breath for a moment as she tried to see where her pursuer had gone, but there was no one behind her. 

 

Turning back around she came face to face with a man in street clothes his lips curled back in a vicious smile showing his gleaming canines. Leah began to scream as he grabbed her and began to pull her toward his waiting mouth.

 

She closed her eyes for a moment wishing the nightmare away because this couldn’t be real. When she opened them again she saw a creature standing right behind the mugger.

 

Its burnt lips opened to show its own set of sharp teeth as it grabbed the vampire from behind and sunk its teeth into its neck.

 

Caught by surprise the vampire let go of her as it tried to free himself smashing fists and legs into its assailant it managed to break free.

 

Leah saw her chance to escape and ran for her life not wanting to be the next victim of that horrible monster. Running to the nearest pay phone she called her friend Paul.

 

Hearing the urgency in her voice he came to get her as fast as he could. Picking her up in his car he started driving her home.

 

“You’re shaking Leah what happened?” Paul asked her.

 

Shaking her head trying to get the image of the mugger and the monster out of her mind Leah said, “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you. In fact you would probably think I am crazy.”

 

Turning toward her house he pulled into the driveway.

 

“Come on Leah just tell me. You’ll feel a lot better trust me.” Paul said.

 

After a little more prodding she told him everything that happened and gave description of the mugger and the creature.

 

When she was finished Paul said, “Look Leah I’m sure it’s just stress. You have been through a traumatic experience, you just need some rest and you’ll feel a lot better.”

 

Taking a deep breath Leah nodded saying, “Thanks Paul you are a good friend.”

 

 Paul watched her go into her house before he pulled out his cell phone.

 

Dialing a number he waited for a voice on the other end to answer, “Yes?”

 

Taking a deep breathe before he answered, “Mr. Santiago sir I think we have a problem.”

 

Going back to park after Leah had made her escape the burnt creature snarled at the vampire as the latter of the two tried to free himself.

 

Throwing another punch the vampire watched as it was caught by the burnt corpse and cried out as the bones in his hand were crushed. Throwing another fist with his good hand that was still free he watched as it was caught too.

 

Now holding him by two of his limbs the burnt figure pulled him towards his waiting teeth hanging open already covered in his blood. For the first time in his life as a vampire this would-be killer felt truly terrified.

 

The creatures arms wrapped around his waist pinning his arms and holding him there as he dug his teeth in. The more he struggled the harder the burnt one gripped him and the more thirst fully the creature drained him.

 

It took him so violently that he felt his ribs break under the pressure in his arms as he bled internally. The vampire died horribly the victim of the very thing that it had used to kill so many.

 

As Anthony focused on feasting on the vampire’s blood he knew that this was what he was meant to do. Killing humans had never seemed natural but this was different.

 

This creature was powerful which made his blood taste all the more delicious as he drank of it. He glorified in its strength and added it too his own, taking as much as he could.

 

When there was no more blood that could be drained from the body Anthony discarded it dropping it on the ground. The vampire’s corpse now seemingly boneless hit ground splayed out in a sickening fashion.

 

Unconcerned with this Anthony could feel the new blood pump through his veins as his body used it to heal itself.

 

New skin grew replacing that which the fire had taken. New nails grew from his finger tips like claws blood dripping from them as they unsheathed themselves for the first time.

 

His hair grew until touched just below the shoulder blades. His senses seemed so much clearer then ever before and he felt so powerful. Looking down at his nakedness, he stripped the mugger of his clothes.

 

Discarding all but the jacket he wrapped it around him. When he was able to buy some new ones from the money he had taken from the body he was fully dressed.

 

Now Anthony decided to make himself scarce so Mary would not discover that he was still alive he left the city and traveled south.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 2

 

Making his way into a small suburban city far from L.A. he settled there for a time. He had a bank account he had kept carefully hidden from Mary and the others not trusting any of them fully.

 

The small town feel seemed so different from the sights and smells he was accustomed to in the big city that he had lived in for so long. He decided to keep off the grid for a time.

 

Taking up a name that he had not used for a long time he began using to disguise himself: for none of his enemies knew him by it.

 

Distant memories from the past flooded back providing this name, and he knew it was his. Taking on the name of Anthony Burrows he set himself up as a grocer at the local supermarket just to blend in.

 

He got a steady paycheck which he really didn’t need. He saved enough over the years to have a solid financial base to work from.

 

Mary and the others had provided the drugs free of charge in effort to control him. As Anthony was now beginning to realize his true potential he saw why this had been a wise move whether they had known what he could do or not.

 

Anthony had taken to going for walks after work. School was out and most of the high schoolers were going home. As he walked down to the street to his apartment he felt as he should turn right.

 

The feeling was strong and urgent and Anthony decided to heed it. Turning down a side street he saw a group of children in an alley.

 

A group of teenage boys in their late teens had cornered a girl wearing a backpack. Sensing this was the reason for his detour Anthony launched himself forward.

 

The three boys never knew what hit them as he barreled into two of them knocking them to the ground. Losing his feet for a second he rolled back to his feet.

 

Using his fist he held back as he delivered a vicious back hand to the third teenager knocking him unconscious. When the other two started to get up he fixed them with a fearsome stare and bared his canines threateningly.

 

The remaining boys frightened out of their wits ran leaving the last one still on the ground asleep.

 

 

When he turns around the girl just stares at him. She had never seen anything move so fast.

 

What seemed to him like his normal movement was in fact to her a blur. During certain times she was able to track it but only when she focused her eyes hard.

 

“Are you alright?” Anthony asked.

 

 “Thanks Mister you saved me. Normally I can hold my own with those guys one on one but there were too many of them this time and I didn’t like the look in their eyes.” Samantha said before offering her hand which he took shaking it.

 

“By the way my name is Samantha” She said.

 

Looking at her Anthony could not shake the feeling that they knew each other.

 

“Have we met before Samantha you seem familiar somehow?” Anthony asked.

 

Looking him over Samantha replied, “Honestly I’m pretty sure we haven’t but you’re right you do seem familiar to me too.”

 

 Looking at him more closely Samantha said with a smile, “Hey that’s cool you have the same eyes as me.”

 

 As Anthony began to study her face he noticed she was right, in fact she resembled him in many other ways. If one looked at the both of them standing side by side they might have easily have thought they were related.

 

As Anthony thought about it an image of a woman whose name he could remember popped into his head. Those features that were not his in Samantha’s face could definitely be ascribed to her.

 

 

Anthony found the whole prospect that they could be related as curious.

 

“May I ask who your parents were?” Anthony asked.

 

To this Samantha shrugged saying, “Don’t know either of them. They died before I was born at least that what my foster parents told me.

 

 I’ve been to a bunch of foster homes. I’m something of a trouble maker. I get into to fights a lot, not that I mean to on purpose they just seem to find me.”

 

“Where do you live now?” Anthony asked.

 

Samantha found it strange but she actually decided she wanted to tell him the truth even if it would get her into trouble. It was an odd feeling especially since technically this man was a stranger whether she felt like she recognized him or not.

 

 “I’m running away to be perfectly honest. I’m seventeen now so I figure I can make it on my own.

 

 I can get a job if need be to pay for the bills and maybe move in with somebody or get a place of my own. I’m tough and can take care of myself.” Samantha said.

 

 Looking down at the boy who was just beginning to stir Anthony said, “Yes I can see that. Shall we go some place else more hospitable, say the main street?”

 

Turning around he headed off in that direction and Samantha decided she would follow him.

 

“How did know I was in trouble? I didn’t call for help and we were far from the busy street.” Samantha asked looking up at him as she walked beside him.

 

Anthony was a little taller than her and she had to crane her head a little.

 

“I guess you could say I just happened by.” Anthony replied.

 

Stopping on the sidewalk as they started to cross the street Samantha said, “You are not telling the whole truth.”

 

 Curious Anthony also stopped looking back at her he replied, “What makes you think that?”

 

Thinking about for a moment Samantha said, “I don’t know it’s just a feeling. I just know your hiding something.”

 

Raising an eyebrow Anthony said, “That was very observant of you. I’m very impressed.

 

To be perfectly honest I had a feeling that I needed to go in that direction and when I did I came upon you. I didn’t know why but I was sure I was meant to help you.”

 

“Do you normally get these feelings?” Samantha asked now curious.

 

 Starting to walk again as she followed him across the street Anthony said, “No this would be a first for me. But then again my memories have only recently returned.”

 

“How did that happen?” Samantha asked.

 

Looking down at her Anthony said, “You ask a lot of questions.”

 

Hooking her thumbs in the straps of her backpack Samantha responded, “It’s not everyday you get saved by a guy and he looks so much like you. For all I know you could be my dad.”

 

Deciding there was no point in hiding it.

 

“I took drugs to forget my past. Only recently was I forced to quit when an attempt was made on my life. That is why I am here.” Anthony said.

 

“That’s cool so you’re hiding out here in town.” Samantha commented.

 

“Basically, yes I am.” Anthony replied.

 

“Sweet can I stay with you?” Samantha asked.

 

“I think there are some legal issues involved…” Anthony began to say before seeing the glimmer of new hope begin to die in her eyes.

 

He couldn’t bring himself to say no.

 

 “I suppose if I adopted you it would be legal. A few courts would contest it especially if we took a blood test and we were indeed related.” Anthony said before Samantha burst forward and hugged him hanging from his neck by her arms.

 

 Unsure at first Anthony was confused at the paternal feeling that he was now experiencing he eventually hugged her back noting the act seemed so natural.

 

The blood tests confirmed they were indeed father and daughter. Somehow neither of them seemed surprised at the results. Chance it seemed had provided him with a child he never knew he had and Samantha a father.

 

The more he tried to remember the more the old memories began to show themselves. Anthony had indeed had a wife he remembered her name as Elena Godja she had been a foreign exchange student from Romania.

 

He had a father too back then, though he could not remember his mother because she had died when he was just a baby. His father had been a Dr. Edward Burrows.

 

Anthony could not remember too much about him at the moment but he did remember he loved him just as he loved his wife who had been pregnant with his child, no doubt Samantha. The image of a fire worked its way into his memory and he had thought himself to be the only survivor at that time.

 

Thinking his family was dead he slipped into a deep depression and began to wander until he had come to L.A.

 

 Once there Mary had offered him the very thing he wanted: a chance to forget all he knew and the pain that went with seeing the dead bodies of his loved ones before he was forced to leave, because his father had told him to never trust the police.

 

Packing their things Anthony believed it was time to head back to L.A.

 

He would no longer hide from Mary as he was sure she would have thought him dead by then. In L.A. Samantha could finish her schooling with a clean slate.

 

 As they traveled towards their destination the connection between them grew.

 

At times they seemed to guess what the other was thinking, and the connection they shared allowed Samantha to see her mother for the first time in her life through her father’s eyes. It was strange a first but all so wondrous she felt her father’s love for her mother and experienced every sensory perception.

 

As time went on Anthony began to wonder if whatever he was would be past down to her or if it was already there just waiting for the right trigger as it had in him.

 

Try as he might he could not close the connection even if Samantha would have allowed it his mind refused. Both felt so close to each other and it was a feeling both could not help but welcome in the end.

 

Still at times it kept him up at night for in truth he could not remember how he came to be this way. Somehow he knew he wasn’t a vampire or a human but something else what that was he simply didn’t know.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 3

 

 

Upon entering the city Anthony bought an apartment for he and his daughter Samantha under the name Burrows. As they took their things up to their new home Anthony paused at the top step.

 

Samantha kept silent sensing he wanted her to do so. Entering the room he set down the bags he was carrying.

 

Walking as if to look out the window with thick drapes covering it he rushed forward at the last second grasping a person on the end and pulling him through.

 

The drapes separated revealing the same Vampire who had been responsible for his burning in the alley. Anthony chose to put this aside for a moment saying.

 

“What do you want vampire and why shouldn’t I just break you in two right now?” Anthony asked Santiago.

 

“Perhaps because I came to offer an alliance and not to fight Anthony. We share a common enemy you and I. Her name is Mary I believe she was once your employer until recently.” Santiago said

 

“You mean until she betrayed me and left me for dead, but go on you make a good point just make it quick.” Anthony said squeezing a little harder making it more difficult for Santiago to do just that.

 

“Of course, you are an interesting individual so far you the only one of her former employees who has survived one of her traps.

 

This makes you a formidable individual. An individual who could help me get rid of her if he were so inclined.” Santiago said.

 

“So you can replace her. I see where you are going with this.” Anthony said clenching his grip more forcing Santiago to gasp.

 

 “I doubt you do. You see until she showed up I was the legitimate leader of the vampires of Los Angeles.

 

For a time we rarely bothered humans, only picking off the undesirables such as criminals.

 

Mary on the other hand doesn’t care about coexisting and she has the backing of certain individuals not the least of which are some of the more powerful houses that influence our kind.

 

She is making a power grab for this city and if she succeeds you can guess what will happen next. I know a lot about you Anthony Burrows and I even know of your father Edward.” Santiago said.

 

“How do you know my father?” Anthony asked.

 

“I have watched you from afar for a long time young one, though it was not until you survived her trap and managed to kill a vampire in the park after being badly burned that I realized who you truly were.

 

Upon hearing of the news through my usual and very trustworthy sources I suddenly remembered a diary I came across. Apparently a scientist created a being capable of hunting vampire, and strong enough to give the most powerful of our kind pause.” Santiago replied.

 

“And you believe I am this creation is that right?” Anthony asked sarcastically.

 

“I believe it was Dr. Edward Burrows who created this creature. Certain details from your life when compared to the diary match up quite consistently.” Santiago said watching for a reaction before continuing.

 

He had to try hard to keep the look of triumph on his face, when Anthony’s mask broke for a second.

 

 Acting as if he hadn’t seen it he continued so as not to overplay his hand, “Yes I believe that was the name. A very interesting fellow apparently his family was butchered by vampires and he swore revenge using all his knowledge to do just that.”

 

So this creature was supposed to carry out his vengeance?” Samantha said glancing at her father.

 

 Looking at her Santiago replied, “More than that it was his legacy. Dr. Burrows created something that could pass its genes on to its offspring to carry on his vengeance if it was required.”

 

This comment caused Anthony’s worse fears to be realized.

 

Samantha taking this in she had a realization of her own, and she spoke it out loud without realizing she said it out loud, “This child would also have a strange connection with its father.”

 

 Not seeing where she was going with this Santiago answered, “Yes so the memories and skills could be insured to pass from one generation to the next, why do you ask?”

 

He did not realize that Samantha was Anthony’s daughter and therefore the next generation he was referring to. Samantha chose not to reply she had said enough.

 

Experimentally she reached out her father with her mind trying to see if their connection went beyond just sharing memories. Both of them suddenly had an intake of breath at the same time as a strange new sensation overcame them.

 

At first the connection was too intense. Samantha’s breathing was shallow, and she had trouble keeping her own identity under the constant strain.

 

 Then she felt her father separate himself from her, and then Samantha was surrounded by the warmth of his love for her and it wrapped around her like a warm blanket. The sensation brought a tear to her eye and it rolled down her cheek as she basked in its glow.

 

Looking at her father she smiled. His face settling back into its usual mask hid his true feelings towards her.

 

It was then that she came to understand something about her father; he was unaccustomed to showing how he felt choosing instead to hide his emotions. Their connection seemed to be the one time he let someone through his guard.

 

All of this took up the space of only a few moments. Santiago seemed totally unaware of what had transpired.

 

“No reason, just wondering.” Samantha finally decided to answer.

 

Anthony had let Santiago down deciding he wasn’t a threat at the moment.

 

“Come to think of it there was one more thing…” Santiago began to say strolling over to a tool box that Samantha had been carrying.

 

It was open and was sitting by their bags on the floor. Calmly reaching down he picked up a flat head hammer.

 

For a moment weighed it as if he were contemplating something both Anthony and Samantha wondered what he was doing. Then with speed that defied the human eye he launched it at her. Samantha watched as it sailed towards her.

 

Slowly her hand came up and grasped it before it hit her in the face. Somehow the act seemed so natural, it had just hung there and she had simply picked it out of the air. It took a moment for her to realize Santiago had been testing her. 

 

“I actually expected you to simply dodge it that was…” Santiago said before the hammer slammed into his teeth.

 

The force of the blow sent flying into the wall behind him. When he tried to stand up he spit up blood and teeth.

 

Looking up he saw an angry Samantha bearing down on him with a look that could kill. There was no doubt in his mind that he was in grave danger.

 

Quickly he tried to escape only to be grabbed from behind by two hands, and hoisted off the ground.

 

Trying to remain calm Santiago said, “Perhaps I did not consider the full consequences of my actions. You have my most sincerest apologizes madam.”

 

“Samantha drop him.” Anthony said.

 

Samantha did exactly as she was told, and Santiago hit the ground with an audible thud.

 

Getting up and brushing off his fine suit and loosing his tie that needed adjusting Santiago said, “Again my most sincere apologies Samantha I meant only to prove a point. Might I also add that again you performed admirably under the circumstances?”

 

Showing a venomous smile Samantha said, “Sweet talking won’t save you.”

 

A little nervous at her response Santiago said, “Yes…well, may I count on your support sir?”

 

Stepping closer until they were virtually nose to nose Anthony said, “You may indeed, but know this put my daughter’s life in danger again and I’ll break you in half.”

 

To which Santiago nodded in agreement thanking them for their help. Samantha realized that some major changes had occurred in her body, apparently while she had been sleeping and now she had just witnessed some of their effects.

 

As she began to think about it she began to wonder what else would change.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 4

 

 

 

Paul waited in Santiago’s office. His boss had said he return at 2:00pm it was now 2:30pm.

 

Paul was a little worried; he did not like the idea of Santiago was meeting with the creature that Paul himself had learned about.

 

What possible use could he have with that thing Paul did not know? Santiago entered the office interrupting Paul’s thoughts.

 

“What’s up boss? Did the meeting go well?” Paul asked.

 

“I met him at his apartment.” Santiago replied.

 

 Noticing the recent wear on his employer’s apparel Paul said, “I trust you came to no harm.”

 

Santiago smiled warmly at his assistant hiding his still broken teeth saying, “Nothing permanent, but I have made some miscalculations in my original assessment.”

 

Watching his employer walk towards the coat rack Paul asked, “What sort of miscalculations?”

 

 

“They are far deadlier than I originally thought.” Santiago replied.

 

“What do you mean they?” Paul asked.

 

Settling into his chair Santiago leaned back answering, “Anthony apparently has a child, a daughter to be exact. If I was to venture a guess I would say late-teens.”

 

Not liking this at all Paul said, “You mentioned deadly.”

 

Nodding Santiago said, “I made the mistake of testing her reflexes, she passed with flying colors but was understandably upset.”

 

At this he showed his broken teeth before continuing causing Paul to grimace as he imagined how much that must have hurt, “She also felt it was necessary to further demonstrate her anger by lifting me off the ground before dropping me at her father’s command.”

 

This surprised Paul.

 

‘Amazing!’ Paul thought, ‘If it were not the boss telling me this I would not believe it.’

 

With this new information also came a hint of danger. Individuals such these were hard to control. They had an unfortunate habit of making their own rules as they went along.

 

“What do you want to do now Joseph?” Paul asked.

 

Santiago recognized the change from formality. Paul rarely used his first name unless he was deeply concerned.

 

It touched Santiago deeply that the young man was so fond of him. Paul was a rare breed; he did not wish to imagine the world without the mentor who had taught him so much.

 

Santiago knew that Paul was the one man one could depend on and who spoke his mind. His counsel had proven valuable in the past as it would most likely do so in the future.

 

“We will proceed as planned. Our chances for succeeding have only improved, but we must make certain not to cross them.

 

When dealing with such individuals one must deal honestly if one wishes to continue living. Other than that the best thing we can do is simply aid them as much as we can, do our best not to hinder them.” Santiago said leaning back in his chair.

 

“Forgive me sir for saying what I must but are you sure we can trust them? You were wrong at least once before when it came to Mary.” Paul said.

 

 If it had been anyone else Santiago would have been angered to hear the name of his sire, but he knew Paul’s mind.

 

“My sources said that Mary trusted Anthony. In her organization he was second only to Ornado though he probably didn’t care to realize it.

 

 She most likely tried to have Anthony killed because she rarely keeps someone she cares for around long, especially him.

 

Mary if anything is a creature of habit and what she cares for is controlling the men in her life ruthlessly, unless they are equally ruthless which Anthony wasn’t. In hindsight she signed her death warrant the moment she decided to betray him.

 

While Anthony was a loyal servant that same former loyalty will inspire him to take his revenge. As to Mary I was human then and naïve. Mary taught me much when she turned me, and that was who to trust and who not to trust, so you see I understand Anthony much more than you realize: Mary betrayed both of us.

 

With me she slaughtered my family believing that it would make me stronger and causing me to forget my old life as a human, with him she tried to have me do her dirty work. In the end betrayal can bring two former enemies together.

 

 Like two cards in a game of poker Samantha and Anthony can change our fortunes and allow us to save our fair city.” Santiago said before turning the chair to stare out the window into the starry night.

 

Samantha decided to go out and test these new abilities for herself. She could sense her father’s worry but she also knew he understood.

 

Samantha had completed her home schooling and had received her diploma at a local school. She was growing up and her father could not watch over her every second.

 

Samantha had to spread her wings sometime. Now she was almost eighteen and soon she would be legally be an adult and could make up her own mind.

 

 Right now she had to be on her own for awhile to work things out. Her walk took her near a police station. Samantha watched a man exit the station.

 

He was very handsome and clean cut. Probably a detective she decided from his plain clothes. An idea popped into her head. Samantha figured it was about time to have a little fun.

 

Nicholas Bane exited the police station and headed to the parking lot where his car was parked. The lot was fairly well lit.

 

He was just about to open the driver’s side door when he heard a voice behind him say, “Care to give me a ride stranger?”

 

Nicholas spun around to face a gorgeous dark haired woman with curves that captured his gaze as his eyes traveled down her body.

 

“I’m up here stranger.” The woman said.

 

Embarrassed Nicholas immediately moved his gaze back to her face, “Sorry about that.”

 

Flashing him a knee weakening smile the strange woman said, “It’s okay my name is Samantha. What’s yours beautiful?”

 

Gulping Nicholas replied, “My name is Nicholas Bane I’m a detective here.”

 

Looking into his eyes Samantha said in a husky voice, “A detective mmm. I like detectives. So how about that ride?”

 

Immediately moving to open the door Nick said, “Sure hop in.”

 

As he moved towards the driver’s side he couldn’t help thinking how was this woman having this effect on him? Only part of his mind remained untouched by here charms. It asked the question

 

‘Where did she come from? You didn’t hear her approach, and you know she was not waiting by the car or you would have seen her.

 

When he opened the door and slid inside his brain shut up after taking on look at her. She smiled at him and he found himself smiling back.

 

Putting on his safety belt he watched her do the same trying to force himself not to stare at her legs that went up beyond the hem of her one piece black dress with pink outline. Focusing instead on the keys in his hand he managed to start the car and pull out of the parking lot.

 

“Where would you like me to drop you off?” Nicholas asked finally managing to compose himself as he stared at the road ahead.

 

“Just drop me off at my apartment.” Samantha said giving him directions.

 

Samantha watched him as he drove. Her eyes caught the rise and fall of his chest.

 

The change in his breathing whenever she drew his attention to her made her smile. He seemed to be trying so hard to control himself.

 

It didn’t take them long to reach Samantha’s apartment building. She was about to get out of the car when she sensed a change in him.

 

His heartbeat and breathing quickened. Sweat started to form on his skin. He was obviously debating about doing something exciting.

 

Her body reacted to the information her senses were giving her. Nicholas leaned forward to kiss her. He could not help himself she was the most attractive woman he had ever met.

 

What surprised him was she met him halfway as if expecting him.

 

The kiss seemed to last forever but Samantha knew she had to go otherwise she would lose control and take him right there. Saying goodnight she headed upstairs Nick’s eyes trailing her the entire way.

 

Sneaking upstairs she hoped not to wake her father when she entered the room, but as she neared the door her mind sensed his well awake and in the living room facing the door.

 

 Opening it Samantha said, “Hello father I hope I didn’t keep you up.”

 

“On the contrary I have always been a night person. Did you enjoy your time with the young man?” Anthony said. Samantha had been caught red handed.

 

 “How much did you see?” Samantha said.

 

“I would say the last part of your encounter. It caught my attention when I felt something I felt many years ago. I would guess you have kissed boys before even flirted with them?” Anthony said. 

 

Blushing she nodded.

 

“How did this kiss compare to the others? Be honest.” Anthony said.

 

Thinking about it Samantha said, “It felt different.”

 

She did not understand where he was going with this.

 

“You reacted to what he was about to do even as he was preparing to do it. You anticipated focusing on all the warning signs of his desire for you.

 

 You feel his excitement and it affects you to your very core and you feel the need to reciprocate it.” Anthony said.

Samantha stood there shocked that he had described her exact state of mind when she was still confused as to why she felt that way.

 

Sitting down on the couch she replied, “You felt this way before?”

 

Anthony got up and walked to a small to a small chest set against the far wall near the window. Opening it he pulled out a picture, and handed it to her.

 

“You know her from my memories as your mother.” Anthony said, “Apparently I stored it away in storage here in the city unable to get rid of it.”

 

Samantha looked at the picture. The picture showed her father and mother smiling together.

 

They seemed so happy and she had seemed so beautiful. Samantha did not look much like her mother.

 

Her mother was shorter than her but they did share the same curves despite their difference in size. Most of Samantha’s features seemed to come from her father.

 

“How did you meet?” Samantha asked.

 

She had only been able to gather what images she could from what her father freely offered. Anthony sat down in a rocking chair across from her and began rocking back and forth.

 

It was his favorite piece of furniture, his only explanation being he had loved them as a boy.

 

“We went to the same high school. I could not keep my eyes off her ever since the first time I saw her that fateful first day of school. It was her first school in America and it was my first day in high school” Anthony said.

 

“You must have loved her very much.” Samantha said.

 

A pained expression appeared on her father’s face.

 

“Yes I did. Do you think you love him?” Anthony said.

 

Thinking such a thought to be strange Samantha replied, “Dad I wouldn’t know that. I just met him.”

 

“That may be all it takes.” He said, “It doesn’t take long with us. Search you feelings and you will soon find out.”

 

Curious she asked, “Is that what happened with you and mom?”

 

Anthony nodded saying, “Despite the trouble it caused I am glad that it happened. I would not have wanted to live a life not having loved her. ”

 

Samantha found this to be a strange answer and she asked, “How so?”

 

“For months it hurt not to be near her. I held back because of the school bully also had an interest in her.

 

To approach her meant I would have to fight him. I remembered my father’s lesson: might does not make right.

 

It was not that I couldn’t beat him. It was not even a question of that. The problem was that I had no wish to disappoint my father further I had brought him enough trouble.

 

 I had gotten into a lot of fights and gotten kicked out a couple of schools as a result, this was my last chance to finish high school and I had no wish to risk it.

 

Unfortunately the pain became unbearable after a time and I faced him. I ended up dating her and marrying her, but not before I put the bully in the hospital.

 

I fell in love with your mother right after I met her. For us everything seems so clear when it happens.

 

You I imagine will probably experience the same thing.” Anthony said, “Just promise me one thing be careful. Though we can fall in love with humans we are not like them.

 

The part that makes us different can frighten them away if we are not careful. Your mother was a rarity in that she accepted me for who I was, I can only hope this young fellow will do the same for you.”

 

“Yes father.” Samantha said.

 

Getting up she kissed him on the cheek and went to her room to go to sleep. That night he headed out to search the city streets again for Mary.

 

 The plan Anthony had was simple find the places that Mary frequented and use them to trace her movements. Anthony knew it would take months to accomplish this.

 

That would only be the first step. Next they would draw her out using whatever means necessary. Finally they would spring the trap. While the plan might not be fancy it was almost sure to work.

 

 

 

Chapter 5

 

 

 

It turned out Mary had hidden herself very well. Not even Santiago could help them find her.

 

Eventually Anthony found out she had taken a trip out of town. They knew it was only a matter of time before she returned. All they had to do was wait.

 

Time past and Samantha was thinking about going to college in the city and tried to forget about Nick but couldn’t. By her eighteenth birthday he haunted her dreams.

 

In each one she would show her true self showing her new fangs as they extended at will showing those same nails as her father. That night her fangs and nails sprang forth for real and she awoke from her dream crying and bleeding.

 

Anthony came into her room and held her as she sobbed into his shoulder the pain becoming excruciating. Later that night after the change had stopped she went to her bathroom in their apartment and looked at herself in the mirror.

 

Despite these changes she was still just as attractive if not more, her fangs giving her an exotic quality. Her mind went to Nick and what he might think of her if he saw her like this.

 

She wanted to be with him so badly right at that moment and tell him everything keeping no secrets between them.

 

Now she understood what her father meant. Indeed her body and mind ached not to be near him. Unlike humans for her father and her, the connection was immediate and could not be forgotten.

 

 It would stay with her for the rest of her life. She could not escape it no matter how hard she tried. Now there was no question in her mind that Nick was the one for her.

 

Samantha knew Nick would not see her because she had hidden the truth before scared that he would leave her. She had not told him that she had been underage when they had first met and he had found out anyway.

 

This lapse in judgment had caused their break up but Samantha knew she had to see him even if it was from a distance.

 

Detective Nicholas Bane had made some powerful enemies among the crime rings. One crime lord decided to remove the annoying thorn in his side.

 

 A black Lexus pulled up to the curb as Samantha was knocking at the front door. At the third knock Nick answered the door.

 

“Can we talk please?” Samantha asked.

 

Nick stepped aside to let her in. Entering the house Samantha was wearing tight jeans and a sports jacket, she heard him close the door behind her before she turned around to face him.

 

“What do you want to talk about?” Nick said.

 

 “I would like to talk about you and me.” Samantha replied.

 

Nick did not reply right away nor did he show any expression. He had found out Samantha was seventeen purely by accident. She had just finished testing for her driver’s license and passed.

 

Deciding to drive home she got distracted as she changed the radio station and accidentally ran a red light.

 

 Unfortunately a cop pulled her over and gave her a ticket. That same cop mentioned that he had pulled over some seventeen year old and described her to Nick who happened to be a friend of his while they were talking at lunch.

 

Nick had been hurt that she hadn’t trusted him with the truth and wanted to know if there was anything else she was hiding.

 

Samantha simply refused choosing not to answer his questions and broke up with him afraid that if he knew the truth about what she really was he wouldn’t like her and might run away terrified.

 

“I am eighteen now Nick so I am no long minor, but there are some other things I want to tell you about.” Samantha said.

 

 “Like what?” Nick said barely hiding his interest.

 

 He began to wonder what was wrong with him. Why was he talking to her? She had lied to him once, but he still could get her out of his mind.

 

“I’m not like any other woman you have ever met…” Samantha began then her mind flashed back to the memory of the Lexus out front.

 

She did not know why she thought of it, but decided it was best to check it out through the window just to be sure. Looking out the window she saw two men get out of the car.

 

Both men looked like classic hit men right out of the movies as they got out the car. They had the suits and gelled up hair one might think they were showing up for business meeting.

 

Samantha saw one tuck a pistol in his belt.

 

“Um…Nick have you pissed off any mob bosses lately?” Samantha asked.

 

Rushing over to the window Nick looked out to see what she was talking about. He saw the two men approaching the house, and they saw him.

 

“Get down!” Nick yelled as one of them pulled his gun.

 

Both Nick and her ducked down as bullets shattered the window to pieces spraying glass everywhere. Nick crawled across the floor to his gun on the coffee table.

 

With two shots one of the hit men busted the lock. Anger rose in Samantha’s chest as she got up from the floor.

 

When the first gunmen stepped through the doorway she was waiting. Grabbing his forearm with two hands she broke it in two.

 

Next she grabbed the gun as it fell from his now limp hand and used gunman as a human shield.

 

 Firing two shots into the second hit man before he could even get a beat on her, she watched as he fell to the ground just outside the door dead with two bullet holes in his chest.

 

It happened quickly in a blur of movement that had caught both assailants totally by surprise.

 

The surviving gun after she let him go fell to the floor and was now moaning in pain holding his broken arm, a quick punch to the jaw quickly silenced him.

 

When Samantha looked up she saw Nick standing there staring at her dumbfounded. His mind was still trying to register what had just happened.

 

Calming herself she spoke up saying, “This was not how I wanted to tell you.”

 

Finally coming back to his senses Nick burst out, “Tell me what? That you can dispatch two men in less than five seconds?”

 

 In the blink of an eye she stood right next to him.

 

“That’s not exactly what I was talking about.” Samantha said believing it to be the best explanation she could give.

 

Nick flinched noticeably as he was startled by how quickly she managed to move across the room.

 

“How in the hell did you do that?” Nick asked.

 

“As they would say in the movie “Interview With A Vampire” a series of simple movements.” Samantha said.

 

Nick stepped back saying, “What does that make you a vampire?”

 

Shaking her head Samantha said, “Apparently I am very similar but not quite.”

 

Nick didn’t understand all of this. This was simply too much for one guy to handle.

 

 “Similar! What do you mean similar?” Nick shouted.

 

“Calm down Nick.” Samantha said trying desperately to soothe him as he was all worked up.

 

“Calm down? You just took out two guys as if they were nothing!” Nick yelled.

 

“Look can we go someplace and to talk. It occurs to me that they will try again once they realize these two have failed.

 

Frankly I don’t want to have to guard you twenty-four seven now can we go?” Samantha said.

 

 Figuring she made a valid point Nick decided to follow her. After checking his car quickly to make sure they hadn’t put a bomb on it for insurance they drove off.

 

The sound of sirens could be heard in the distance after the neighborhood lay behind them.

 

“So where are we going?” Nick asked.

 

Samantha was busy looking out the passenger window trying to decide how she was going to explain all of this to him.

 

“We’re going to my place.” Samantha said turning her head to look at him she saw a questioning look on his face.

 

“It’s the safest place for you right now. You can lay low there. Hopefully they’ll forget about you after awhile.” Samantha said.

 

“I have a job to do. I should be back the station finding out who tried to kill me.” Nick said.

 

“For being the supposedly more experienced person out of the two of us you sure are acting stupid. Doing your job is about to get you killed and you might have died back there if I hadn’t stepped in. I can’t always protect you.” Samantha said.

 

His pride stung Nick said, “I don’t need your protection, and who asked for your help anyways I sure as hell didn’t?”

 

“Fine pull the car over! If you’re going to dig your own grave I don’t have to watch!” Samantha yelled back.

 

When Nick hesitated she punched the dashboard smashing it in yelling again, “Pull over!”

 

 “What the hell are you doing? Are you insane?” Nick yelled pulling off the freeway.

 

When the car stopped Samantha got out and rushed off to a group of trees. Nick pissed off headed after ready to have it out. When he caught up to her he found her crying.

 

 Nick stopped short confused unsure of what he should do next. He saw her shoulders shudder with each sob.

 

Guilt washed over him after he thought how harsh he had been with her. She had come back to open up to him and had risked her life to save his and he was acting like a jerk.

 

At that moment he wanted only to comfort her and soothe away her pain. He couldn’t help thinking she was right about one thing she was different.

 

One moment she seemed so impressively strong and confident, and the next moment she seemed so weak, so vulnerable.

 

Samantha turned around to from the tree she had been leaning on to face him as he bent down and laid a hand on her shoulder.

 

 “I can’t control it anymore. I’m losing my mind. So…tired..so…tired.” Samantha said her eyelids growing heavy.

 

She passed out Nick barely caught her before she hit the ground. Lifting her up he carried her to the car. The passenger door was still open, so he was able to put her in the car with little trouble.

 

Buckling her in he closed the door. Getting in the driver’s side he pulled out and took her to her apartment. Anthony appeared at the door as if on cue.

 

Nick recognized the family resemblance between the two figuring him to be her father or older brother.

 

“What happened?” Anthony said as Nick stepped out of the car he headed towards them.

 

 “We had some trouble. She seems fine now she just passed out from all the strain.” Nick replied.

 

Looking at his daughter in Nick’s arms as Anthony said, “Alright let’s get her inside.”

 

 Deciding it was best to take her upstairs himself he took her from Nick who also seemed a little worn out. Anthony easily carried her up the stairs with Nick in tow trying to keep up.

 

When they finally got to the apartment Nick opened the door and watched Anthony carry Samantha to her room before Nick closed the front door behind him.

 

When he returned Nick was waiting in the living room his eyes searching his surroundings a habit of his. He liked to be aware of his surroundings and it had saved his neck more than once.

 

Nick told him everything taking a seat on the couch that Anthony offered. Taking his usual place on the rocking chair Anthony began to rock back and forth thinking.

 

“I should have expected as much. Samantha has had problems adjusting.

 

 Her sleep seems troubled. I hear her pacing in the middle of the night.

 

I try to give her some privacy but I know it has something to do with you. You appear to be all she can think about.

 

Through our shared mental connection I see your image and hear your name. Love seems to be hard on our kind.” Anthony said.

 

“You mean vampires.” Nick added.

 

“If I were to define us, I would say we are something in between humans and vampires. Perhaps this diary will better explain it.” Anthony said handing Nick worn leather bound book.

 

“It belonged to my late father.” Anthony said.

 

Nick sat down on the couch opened its pages and began reading:

“The year is 1974 my name is Dr. Edward Burrows. I write this so others who may read it later will know what I have done and why I did it particularly my son Anthony.

 

If anyone else should read this I must warn you vampires are real. This I understand is hard to believe. I myself did not until five years ago. I came to this country from my native land of Canada as a promising geneticist.

 

 I found a job at a local university as a professor. One day I came upon a victim of some terrible attack.

 

He had two puncture wounds to his throat. I tried to save the poor man’s life, but failed due to too much blood loss.

 

This situation seemed so unusual and I decided to find out what exactly had killed him. After a number of tests I discovered proof that vampires exist.

 

 I searched the coroners’ cases for similar bodies killed in this fashion.

 

 I found a number of bodies that had suffered the same trauma. Most of them were criminals but a few were common people who had probably been walking home or something of that sort when they were attacked.

 

I began to wonder how no one had reported these same findings. I soon received my answer.

 

 I watched a group of shady individuals appear at the coroners to load the bodies into a truck. When this was done they took the bodies to the outskirts of the city burned them and buried the ashes.

 

The vehicle was a city dump truck and the men doing the loading had been paid to get rid of them. Each of them were city employees.

 

I headed home to my loving family to decide what to do with my findings. It was clear powerful people were helping these creatures. Someone had to be forging the official documents showing where the bodies disappeared to.

 

Unfortunately my almost constant spying had not gone unnoticed. The vampires soon discovered where I lived and had prepared a little surprise for me.

 

I entered my home to find my wife and children murdered. Had it not been for the cross I was wearing I too would be dead.

 

Upon seeing it the vampire was put at bay repelled by the holy symbol. While the creature was forced to look away I broke off the leg of a chair and stabbed it in the heart killing it.

 

Looking at the carnage before me I swore revenge against the unholy creatures who had taken all I loved in the world away from me. I knew I myself was not strong enough to hunt them as it would most assuredly only lead to my death.

 

That night I had been lucky, but luck and the grace of God would not always save me.

 

One on one I would be killed and it became more certain the more of them I might have to fight. Instead I chose to use my talents to create the perfect hunter to face them.

 

He would be the best of both vampire and human. This creature had to be created from a human fetus still in his mother’s womb to make sure his growth would be stable, so I began my search.

 

After an extensive search I found a likely subject. A pregnant woman addicted to crack cocaine.

 

As much as she was taking I knew the child had no other chance to live. I extracted the dominant genes from the samples of vampire blood I had obtained from the one that had attacked my family, and injected it into the unborn fetus.

 

Creating a serum from each of the samples I injected it into the mother.

 

The serum seemed to have the desired effect and temporarily cleaned the drugs from her system and stabilized her enough to give the fetus a chance at survival.

 

Sneaking into my lab at the University I used the medical equipment I monitored both mother and child’s progress.

 

When it finally came time for the child to be born I used a midwife I could trust enough not to ask questions. This was how I kept the child’s genetic tampering a secret.

 

Anything beyond a normal blood test would have shown that he was different even in the early part of his life. Later in life when the changes reached their last stage it would become completely obvious.

 

The mother soon disappeared after the birth. I was unable to find her though I honestly didn’t try as hard I could.

 

She had made her choice and the serum by then was wearing off. I expected that she would eventually go back to her old habits if she hadn’t already.

 

The child at first seemed to be a normal human child. It was not until his first year in preschool that Anthony acted out.

 

One day a larger child pushed him down. In a rage Anthony punched him as hard as he could.

 

The boy had to be rushed to the hospital his jaw dislocated. Needless to say I was forced to withdraw Anthony from school.

 

Using my influence as an upstanding member of society I was allowed teach my child at home for a few years, instead of having to deal with a whole bunch of questions.

 

It was then that I realized I had done something terribly wrong. I had created Anthony to kill not coexist with others.

 

His entire genetic make up was designed to kill and reproduce, so he could make more new generations of others like him.

 

 It was unfair to expect him to be civilized he didn’t understand what that was. For him violence was rewarded with violence. It was how he thought things worked.

 

What Anthony needed was a moral compass, someone to lead him down the right path. I would treat him from then on as he should be treated as a son, not a pupil.

 

I showered him with all the attention he could desire focusing on building his sense of moral character. Soon Anthony would only attack when provoked but he would always hold back enough not to use his full strength, which could kill a human if he was not careful.

 

Anthony needed an outlet for his physical energy so I started his martial arts training. This taught him to further control his actions. I then offered him the chance to experience art, literature, and religion further broadening his horizons.

 

It was religion Anthony most enjoyed particularly Christianity. Being a Catholic myself I took him to a local church.

 

Anthony disliked it preferring more simplicity and something less traditional. Understanding that he was not saying he did not agree with its teaching totally, it just wasn’t for him I took no offense.

 

I then asked him where he would like to go. He said he would like to try a non-denominational church.

 

He liked it very much and I continued to take him there week after week every Sunday. The years past and our relationship deepened.

 

Now I saw him as truly my son not something I had just created. Eventually like most young men his age he met a young woman and gave her his affections.

 

Unfortunately his hybrid nature affected how this came about. For him and no doubt any that might come after him love at first sight proved entirely possible.

 

The connection to Elena was immediate and she was all that Anthony could talk or think about.

 

 Unfortunately for all involved the school bully had his eyes on the same girl. I watched as Anthony tried with all his might to put away his feelings and control his passion for her, only to fail in the end.

 

He faced the bully and like many bullies before him Anthony sent another one to the hospital this time with a concussion. Anthony and Elena now free of any obstacles dated and eventually married.

 

Their child will soon be born and I will be a happy grandfather.” The diary ended the date was eighteen years ago.

 

 Nick looked up at Anthony asking, “What happened after that?”

 

“The vampire who had been responsible for trying to have my father killed the first time finished the job. They planted a bomb on the house and blew up our home with us inside.

 

My wife survived long enough to give birth to Samantha before she herself died. I was unaware that anyone other than myself had survived at all.

 

Earlier this year God brought my daughter back into my life and I am forever grateful to him for that. Even when I wanted no part of him God is still there for me.

 

I have never had the chance to read my father’s diary before now. It has caused me to look back on my life and all the events that have led up until now.” Anthony said.

 

“Samantha feels the same way about me doesn’t she?” Nick asked.

 

Understanding what Nick was referring to Anthony said, “Yes she loves you that much. But be warned when I lost my family I became the monster I was meant to destroy, please don’t let the same thing happen to her.”

 

“Don’t worry I won’t let anything happen to her, besides she seems intent on keeping me alive.” Nick replied.

 

Thinking quietly he reflected on recent events. The stress on her must have been overwhelming, probably the only reason her father was doing so well was because it was the same old thing for him.

 

His life was full of violence and emotional turmoil. Samantha’s life on the other hand was a little more stable.

 

“How can I help?” Nick asked.

 

“Spend some time with her just the two of you. Let her nerves settle a little.

 

She has to enjoy herself and get her mind off her troubles or her fragile mind will snap. I know you care for her, simply show it. That is all I can ask.” Anthony said.

 

Anthony laid a fatherly hand on Nick’s shoulder, and then left to go to sleep in his room. Nick was left alone on the couch in the living room.

 

Nick woke up the following morning well rested on the comfortable couch.

 

Sunlight was shining through the spaces in the curtains. Samantha showed up coming down the hall towards him in a cute pink little bath robe. Her hair was a mess and she looked so tired. Samantha’s face brightened when she saw him and he smiled at her.

 

“Your father suggested we have fun in the city.” Nick said.

 

“Since the mob is still looking for you, why don’t I just rent a movie and we’ll stay in?” Samantha replied.

 

 Frowning Nick said, “That doesn’t sound too interesting.” In response Samantha leaned over, and planted a wet kiss on his lips.

 

“But I had other plans as well.” Samantha said giving him a powty look.

 

“Tease.” Nick said with a smile.

 

Samantha playfully acted like she had been insulted by his comment and gave him a playful shove. Nick quickly grabbed both her arms and pulled her down on his lap. Nick gently pressed his lips to hers as he felt her arms wrap around his neck.

 

Slowly he broke the kiss brushing a stray hair out of the way Nick said, “Maybe we should stay in.”

 

Samantha giggled and kissed him again.

 

Chapter 6

 

Anthony headed out that night giving his daughter her privacy, besides he had work to do. Anthony watched Mary and her two bodyguards show up at a warehouse near the docks.

 

Santiago’s informant had been right about the time and place. He crept to some glass paneling on the warehouse’s roof.

 

Through it he saw a meeting of Mary and another group of individuals. Part of Anthony wondered who they were but mostly he could care less he was here for Mary and no one else.

 

Anton Layfette had pulled Mary to the side saying, “The Council is growing impatient to see this problem is resolved. It will not be long until the other great houses who do not sit on it start to notice the changes here.”

 

Unconcerned and calm Mary replied, “Santiago is well entrenched in this city. It will be difficult to remove him.”

 

Not liking the position this was putting him in Anton said, “Then you must unentrench him quickly. Soon many of The Council’s members will give him their support believing him the stronger out of the two of you.

 

When that happens I can no longer protect you. Without The Council’s backing Santiago will make short work of you and I would not count on his mercy.”

 

“Don’t worry I’ll take care of him soon enough. His time is…” Mary was interrupted by the sound of something crashing through the skylight.

 

“What was that?” Anton asked turning towards the sound.

 

Mary’s gaze followed his.

 

Anthony emerged from the gloom teeth bared and nails ready. His eyes locked on Mary as he came forth into the light.

 

“Impossible! He was dead no one could have survived that fire!”

 

Mary yelled, “Kill him.”

 

 Her two bodyguards attacked on her orders. The first one choosing to fight bare fisted while the second one grabbed a metal pipe he found nearby.

 

Anthony dodged the right hook towards his head and ripped upward at an angle with his fingernails slicing open the first vampire’s throat.

 

Next he snapped the vampire’s arm like it was a dry twig gripping it with both hands. Tossing him aside he moved toward the second bodyguard. The other vampire swung at his head with pipe trying to brain him.

 

Anthony easily dodged and punched him in the jaw with a vicious uppercut that caused his head to snap back the impact traveling up to his brain.

 

He stumbled backwards dropping the pipe which Anthony used to grab the pipe and stab it through his eye socket and out through the other side of his head.

 

The pipe sticking out of the back of his head the vampire fell dead his mouth open in shock as he didn’t have the time to even cry out. Turning back to the first one where knelt on the ground howling in pain he snapped his neck.

 

Anthony headed towards Mary then his murderous intent clear.

 

Now all that stood in Anthony’s way were Anton’s men. They knew better than to try to fight him one on one especially after seeing what happened to Mary’s henchmen.

 

Anton and Mary watched as Anthony was blind side with a kick to the head as they surrounded him. The blow drove him to a knee for a moment but he quickly recovered.

 

He immediately fought back to his feet, grabbing his attacker he used him as a weapon to fend off the others. He felt the impact as the vampire he was swinging around slammed into other vampire who came at him.

 

By the fourth impact the vampire he was using was definitely unconscious.

 

Anthony tossed the unconscious vampire into them like a projectile. The hurled vampire slammed into his comrades knocking them to the ground in a daze.

 

Making short work of the straggler Anthony started forward again only to jerk to a halt. He felt the sudden presence of something he had never felt before. It sensed him as well its mind locked on him.

 

Anthony stood still as if listening to something his mind trying to sense its purpose. It was very near from what he could tell.

 

A cold shiver ran down his spine and his heart pumped with new vigor as their minds touched. The hairs on the back of his neck began to rise. The creature was somewhere in the room. Anthony’s eyes searched the shadows for any hint of it.

 

For a moment they saw only darkness and nothing else. Then he appeared and Anthony could not breathe the vision of the creature sucking the air from his lungs.

 

His mind filled with horror at what he saw. The similarities in face and body were undeniable.

 

As much as Samantha his daughter was like him, this man looked like Anthony. His mind knew there could only one conclusion: this was his biological father.

 

Somehow every dominant feature his creator had implanted in him had come from this very creature.

 

It smiled at him or it least it looked like a smile. The gesture was alien to him devoid of any real feeling a mockery of human emotion.

 

Then it hit Anthony, ‘He can sense my thoughts!’

 

The smile on the Vampire’s face grew even wider at Anthony’s realization. The four henchmen had finally shaken loose the cobwebs and were beginning to get up.

 

Two of them attacked the newcomer, while the other two hung back unsure of what to do and just watched. The newcomer waited patiently for them unmoving as he watched them rush at him.

 

One of them leapt into a flying jump kick aiming square for his chest. The stranger easily side stepped ignoring him as he passed.

 

The second one moved in and threw a punch. Simply reaching up he caught it with ease. The sound of bones crunching could be heard and the henchmen cried out in pain.

 

The guard desperately trying to free himself in panic fighting for his life, he saw death in the newcomer's eyes and was terrified. With his free hand the newcomer plunged his hand into the other vampire’s chest cavity ripping out his heart.

 

The other vampire seeing what had happened to his comrade turned to run only to be grabbed by the back of the neck.

 

With a mighty heave the stranger tossed him across the room. A wet smack was heard as his body connected with the far wall and the henchman landed in a heap on the floor.

 

A pool of blood began to form under him while his body itself looked like a broken puppet laying there with its strings cut.

 

“Any more futile gestures?” The stranger said his eyes roaming over all of them.

 

The remaining henchmen looked to their leader terrified.

 

“Of course not Lord Amek. My apologizes for the misunderstanding. Your sudden appearance caught my men by surprise.

 

Most of them have not been graced with the honor of your presence, and so they did not know who they were attacking.” Anton said bowing low.

 

Looking over at Anthony Amek said, “Who is the other one? I refer of course to the strong one who has managed to close his mind off from me for the moment.”

 

Anthony was silent not liking where this might be going.

 

Mary stepped forward bowing she said, “His name is Anthony my lord King.”

 

Anthony tried to judge the distance between him and her. Could he get to her before Amek could stop him?

 

“Hmm…It seems Anthony doesn’t like you very much Mary. A bad history between the two of you perhaps?” Amek said.

 

Mary seemed unsure how to respond and said simply, “Yes my lord.”

 

“Fascinating we must speak of this another time. Right now I sense the Sun’s approach. It would be wise to seek shelter.” Amek said.

 

“Of course my lord Amek. I have a car waiting outside.” Mary offered.

 

“Excellent we should be going then.” Amek said heading towards the nearest exit, before looking over his should to say to, “Another time Anthony.”

 

The rest of the vampire hurried after him in tow. Anthony just watched them going knowing in this situation he was simply outgunned.

 

Where had this Amek come from and how come Anthony had not known he was there until he was right on top of him?

 

Samantha and Nick had cuddled up on the couch and were enjoying their time alone together. Her head was laying on his shoulder as she leaned back into him while they watched the movie.

 

 Content at that moment Samantha found her mind wander to her father wondering how he was doing.

 

‘Will he ever know this feeling again as I know it now? I hope so, he has known such pain and suffering in his life he deserves to have a little happiness. I love him so much and only want the best for him.’ Samantha thought.

 

Her questions and worries threatened to push away Samantha’s air of contentment as she worried about her father. Nick kissed the top of her head banishing these thoughts from her mind.

 

At moment Samantha knew only the comfort he could offer her. Only he could push away her fears like this so she could fully enjoy these moments. 

 

Craning her head so their eyes met wanted to tell him so many things. From her soul sprang forth her feelings of love for her sweet Nicholas.

 

Samantha had not the words to express them verbally. It frustrated her not be able to tell him like she wanted to.

 

Sitting up she held him close kissing him. Nick knew then what she felt as he began to share the depth of her feelings sensing them through their physical connection.

 

He reveled in them loving how it made him feel. He wrapped his arms around her tenderly seeking to lengthen the moment.

 

The feeling was so intense that it brought tears of joy that ran down her face. Leaning forward Nick kissed them away causing her eyes to close savoring his touch.

 

Anthony took a taxi back to the apartment not wanting to make the journey on foot. As the car pulled to a stop he paid the driver, then stepped onto the curb.

 

Anthony glanced up at the window to their apartment and could see the light was on. Anthony thought that Nick and Samantha could use a little more time alone.

 

Deciding to wander the streets he came to a Presbyterian Church that was still open. Something deep within him urged him to enter it. Anthony failed to see the harm.

 

 He had always been happiest in church while praying and talking to God. He had neglected his faith for too long. Crossing the street Anthony entered the church.

 

Inside the church he saw a woman sitting in the front row at the end of the pew. She was over to his right as he approached the front.

 

She was so beautiful that his eyes locked on her. Her features almost made her look angelic, and so pure.

 

“Mind if I join you?” Anthony asked.

 

The woman looked up smiling and moved over making room for him.

 

“Of course have a seat. My name is Leah what’s yours?” Leah said.

 

Sitting down Anthony replied, “My name’s Anthony. Do you come here often?”

 

Nodding Leah said, “Quite often and you?”

 

Anthony looked at the stain glass windows so lovely in their myriad of color. The figure on them had no face but you could still see major events in the Bible.

 

“Not much at least until now. You might say I am returning to the faith.” Anthony answered.

 

“Good for you. You should join our congregation. We are very friendly and always welcome visitors and new members.” Leah said cheerfully.

 

Anthony shook his head saying, “I don’t do well in crowds. They make me uncomfortable. Like a small space I find them stifling. I prefer this atmosphere when few are around.”

 

“That’s too bad.” Leah said before her face brightened, “I know we could have a bible study. You are always welcome in my home if it would make you feel more comfortable.”

 

Surprised by her generosity and openness Anthony said, “Perhaps you should think this over a bit longer. You don’t even know me.”

 

Closing the bible she had been reading she looked back at him.

 

 “I know your name is Anthony, and I have a feeling you are a good man. I can sense these things you know right after meeting someone.

 

Besides the seed must be planted in good soil. If you require a small group to go to church then that is what we shall do.” It took Anthony a moment to realize Leah had just referred to a verse in the Bible.

 

Anthony could not help but smile at her enthusiasm of bringing him back into the fold. There was something about her that breathed new life into him simply from being in her presence.

 

His heart beat strangely and for the first time in a long time he was breathless around a woman.

 

 Her perfume and natural body odor with all its pheromones caught in his nostrils. Her heartbeat showed that she too was excited around him.

 

His gaze took in every curve and feature of her causing her to blush under his gaze. His eyes eventually came back to her eyes hidden behind the glare of her glasses.

 

“So where would you want to have it?” Leah asked trying to get back to the subject.

 

Anthony stared at her at a loss for words as he tried to come up with an answer.

 

His mind was a blank but part of him said silently to himself ‘Quick think of something!’

 

Unfortunately it was no use. The gears of his mind were stuck and could not be budged.

 

Finally Anthony just gave up and said, “Your place would be good I guess.”

 

Reaching inside of purse she wrote her number and address on a little notepad and handed it to him.

 

“I’ll see you tomorrow at 8pm then.” Leah said.

 

Anthony nodded thanking her. Leah left slinging her purse onto her left shoulder and heading out the main entrance. Anthony waited there thinking for a bit.

 

 His thoughts drifted to the inevitable conclusion that he couldn’t date her. If experience had taught him anything it was that he could never be human.

 

True he was alive like them. He could have children, he could even love as they did but they were very different.

 

Samantha’s mother had been the exception and she was dead because of him. Anthony knew he should stay away no matter what it cost him, unfortunately the fortunes of life don’t always agree with the plans we set for ourselves.

 

Exiting the church he started home.

 

He heard a female scream as he walked down the street. Anthony recognized the owner of the voice immediately; it was Leah.

 

Swiftly he moved towards the sound. His feet moved with speed of thought. Something changed inside him, something that could only be described as a murderous rage bubbled forth.

 

The rage was mindless and reactive driving him forward at speeds he did not know he could reach to get to Leah in time. When he came upon the scene he slowed his movements.

 

Like an animal he stalked his prey. A group of men surrounded Leah.

 

She was being held down by the others while one of them unzipped his fly. She tried to scream again only to have a dirty rag shoved in her mouth gagging her and preventing any noise from escaping.

 

Anthony showed up behind the man who was unzipping his pants. His teeth and nails fully extended a low growl escaping his lips. The man turned as did the other three.

 

One of them pulled a gun saying, “You should’ve just minded your own business and kept walking now your going body bag fella.”

 

Anthony paid no attention to the empty threat; he did not care who they were or what they said. As far as he was concerned they were all dead men.

 

The gunman fired emptying a clip into him. Each bullet knocked him back a step stinging him and making him all the more enraged.

 

Leah only sat there watching curled up in the corner of the alley watching the slaughter begin. Like a vicious beast he fell upon the gunner.

 

Slicing open his throat he turned to the others. The gunman fell to the ground in a pool of his own blood. Laying there on his back his hands gripped the torn flesh of his throat as he died.

 

One of the other men swung a lead pipe at Anthony’s head and it did him no good. Catching the extended arm he dug his nails into it.

 

The man groaned in pain as blood dripped from the puncture wounds. Using his free hand Anthony yanked loose the pipe.

 

Barely drawing back he rammed it into the chest cavity of the man in front of him.

 

There was a sickening crunch and a pop and the mugger stiffened. Jerking loose the pipe from its purchase he brained the next mugger before he could get up. Bone crunched under the blow, and the third mugger’s eyes were empty of all life as he fell.

 

The last one who had watched in horror at what had happened to his companions, made a break for it running as fast as he could.

 

Winding back his arm Anthony hurled the pipe at his target. Spinning through the air it impaled in the fleeing man’s back sending him to the ground.

 

Spitting up blood he tried desperately to drag himself forward away from his killer. Reaching down Anthony came up behind him and snapped his neck.

 

When it was over Anthony awoke as if coming out of a trance. He looked around bewildered about what had just happened. Slowly the facts came back to him.

 

Something about that rage had given him something. His senses were even keener than before. He felt more powerful faster then ever before.

 

Was this what he was going to feel at each stage of his physical development, this feeling?

 

Turning his attention away from himself and back to Leah he walked toward her only to suddenly find himself right in front of her and not realize it.

 

Anthony was confused by this new development.

 

Normally he could control his movement with little trouble. He had learned over time to match the speed of humans so he could more easily blend, now apparently his recent change had made this possibility more difficult.

 

Concentrating he slowed his movement to the same speed a human would move.

 

‘Apparently another transformation I have to deal with. Hopefully I don’t have to deal with too much more of these.’ Anthony thought.

 

He looked himself over to see if anything else obvious was different. As far as he could tell that was the only change he could see.

 

“Anthony is that you?” Leah said fear in her voice.

 

She was unsure of what was happening and Leah didn’t trust her eyes at the moment. Anthony’s gaze shifted back to her seeing her perfectly in the shadows.

 

Looking around she said in disbelief, “You killed them.”

 

Looking at the gory scene and trying to take in what had happened her mind became overcome by shock and she passed out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 7

 

 

 

 

 

When she awoke she was at her home. Anthony sat at her bedside in one of her wooden kitchen chairs. He was watching her seeing if she was alright.

 

When he was certain there was nothing more he could do Anthony said, “I will go now you are safe here.”

 

Reaching out and grasping his arm Leah said, “Wait don’t go! You are him aren’t you? That burnt corpse I saw in the park that night? The one who attacked that creature who was trying to bite me.”

 

Now Anthony recognized her face from the night of his betrayal and the events of that night came back to him.

 

“Yes that was me. If I may ask why are you not terrified of me? You saw me kill men right in front of you.” Anthony said.

 

 “You saved my life twice. Once from being drained of all my blood and the other from being raped and possibly killed. As far I’m concerned you’re my hero and I have no reason to be afraid. Now let me ask you a question. How did you kill them so easily?” Leah replied.

 

Shrugging Anthony said, “It was what I was made to do. I was created specifically to kill vampires like the one who tried to feed off you that night we first met.

 

Unfortunately for those men I failed to see the distinction. As far as I could see they would have violated you and then killed you because you could have identified them.”

 

“So the creature who attacked me really was a vampire? I wasn’t sure if this was all some delusion that I have been experiencing since that night.” Leah said.

 

“Yes the creature I killed was a vampire. I needed his blood to heal from the burns I had experienced.” Anthony said.

 

“You say that as if it’s no big deal.” Leah commented.

 

“Like I said it makes sense. It was what I was built for.” Anthony replied.

 

 “So let me get this straight you’re not a vampire, but you are not human either. If that’s the case then what are you?” Leah asked.

 

“A fair question and the answer is simple my race has no name. At present there are only two of us myself and my daughter Samantha.

 

She is the product of my late wife Elena and I a human woman much like yourself. Almost no one knows we exist at all. We are hybrids you see a cross between vampire and human, while I was designed to be this way she was born into it.

 

Both of us came out of the womb as we are or at least with the potential of becoming this. I reproduce as humans do but possess the abilities of a vampire as far as I can tell as well.” Anthony answered.

 

“How old are you exactly?” Leah asked sitting up in bed her back leaning against the headboard.

 

 “I am thirty years old.” Anthony replied.

 

Leah stared at him in disbelief. From what she could tell he looked like he was in his mid-twenties at most.

 

 Deeply curious Leah said, “Tell me more.”

 

She couldn’t help it this man fascinated her. Anthony gave her the shortened version of his life.

 

By morning she sat there amazed at what she had heard. If she had not seen what she had seen recently Leah wouldn’t have believed it.

 

Looking at the sun lighting up the blinds in front of her window Leah said, “It’s morning already. I’ll just open the blinds and let some light in and you can tell me more.”

 

Leah pulled the string to swing the blinds open.

 

Anthony turned around saying, “There’s not much more I can tell I mean…aaah.”

 

Crying out he immediately turned away from the blinding light.

 

“The blinds! Close the blinds!” Anthony yelled covering his eyes.

 

Quickly Leah closed them as soon as she could. Anthony was still covering his eyes when she turned around trying to shield them.

 

Moving to the bed she moved his hands gently away. What she saw made her gasp. Anthony’s pupils were like pin pricks.

 

“Can you see?” Leah asked holding his hands in hers.

 

Anthony shook his head trying to look around but only seeing a bright blur.

 

“How did this happen? Is it a new change?” Leah asked.

 

Laying down on the bed Anthony tried his best to answer, “Recently I felt my body’s performance improve. I feel stronger, faster then ever before each time my senses become keener.

 

This seems to be a side effect. My eyes are now very sensitive to light, and can no longer handle the light of the sun.”

 

“Will the rest of your senses act similarly in this fashion?” Leah asked.

 

Anthony still blind shrugged saying, “Probably given the circumstances. I couldn’t tell you for sure this is all new to me too.” 

 

He seemed so calm to her given what was happening to him.

 

“You don’t seem to sound too concerned.” Leah said.

 

Tilting his head towards her voice Anthony said, “Will worrying change what is happening to me? No, nor will it speed up the healing process, so what’s the point in panicking?”

 

Thinking to herself Leah thought, ‘Take a deep breath and calm down. He is right worrying won’t solve the problem if anything it will make it worse.’

 

Laying down beside him so she faced him Leah said, “Alright talk to me.”

 

Not understanding what she meant Anthony replied, “Talk about what?”

 

Propping her head on one hand Leah said, “Tell me something about yourself. If you can’t do that tell me what you’re feeling right now.”

 

“I feel lost. Something is missing I can feel it. My body is changing all at once and I don’t know why.” Anthony said.

 

“Is this supposed to happen? Is this something your father had planned but couldn’t warn you about ahead of time?” Leah asked. Sudden interest showed on his face.

 

“What do you mean?” Anthony asked.

 

 “Well you said it yourself you were made to kill vampires. Maybe your body is trying to follow preprogrammed genetic instructions. All of us have a physical potential of what we could be.

 

Perhaps your body is trying to push itself to its limits. You know like when people go through puberty their body changes to prepare for adult hood.” Leah suggested.

 

Anthony thought it over for a moment. His brow furrowed in deep thought contemplating her words and seeing if there was any possible truth in them.

 

“You may be right. I wish he was here to tell me for sure, because I can’t honestly remember him telling me this.

 

Perhaps in hindsight he had expected to tell me about it one day but never got the chance.”

 

His mind tried to remember anything that might prove helpful. Like flipping a switch he turned something on. Leah watched as Anthony suddenly let out a gasp.  

 

“Anthony are you alright?” Leah asked.

 

 Leah sitting up so she could have a better look at him was concerned. Anthony’s eyes came back into focus. He acted as if he hadn’t heard her.

 

His eyes seemed to search the room taking in every detail a smile playing on his lips. Eventually they settled on Leah who was looking at him with raised eyebrows.

 

Leah jerked upright a shiver running down her spine.

 

Her body seemed to turn to jelly as it relaxed. She could sense something touching the back of her mind. Gazing into his eyes she realized it was him.

 

A wave of emotion hit her. Stumbling to her feet Leah found it hard to stand.

 

She could feel his need for her and it was overpowering. Every part of her body reacted all at once.

 

Sweat formed on her skin, and her breath became shallow. She was becoming so hot that Leah felt like she would burn up.

 

Her knees were weak and gave out from under her. Before she could fall and hit the ground he was there catching her.

 

His grip was so strong and firm just holding her in place. Anthony’s heart hammered in his chest as he held her close her n*****s becoming firm and sensitive.

 

Leah’s mind begged him to kiss her. Bending down he did just that pressing his lips urgently to hers. For one intimate moment their minds met and their emotions were shared.

 

No part remained hidden between them. When he finally broke the kiss she ached for more pressing her lips to his. She loved this man; no one else would do anymore.

 

No one else could make her feel like this. This was the one for her; the other half that she had waited all her life for.

 

He completed her. They had connected on a level impossible for anyone else.

 

Even as she waited for him to make his move yearning for more she knew Anthony would go no further.

 

It was obvious he wanted to, but managed to rein his emotions in fearing to lose control. Leah decided not to press the issue though she wanted to so badly.

 

Leaning her head into his chest she closed her eyes savoring the moment. Anthony’s emotions cooled and she could feel that he was at peace and she shared in that emotion.

 

His arms wrapped around her and she felt so safe and sheltered like nothing could hurt her. For a time both just held each other as the rest of the world melted away.

 

Samantha and Nick were having a quiet moment of their own. Both were sitting on the couch watching TV.

 

Finally Samantha got up to take a shower leaving Nick there to finish the last of the popcorn. She quickly undressed in her room and put on a bathrobe.

 

Walking into the bathroom she locked the door behind her. Turning the water on she removed the robe letting it slip to the floor, and stepped into the warm stream of water waiting for her.

 

Samantha washer her hair and after rinsing out the shampoo and conditioner she opened her eyes. When she looked around she was no longer in the bathroom.

 

Samantha now stood in a strange house. She could feel herself walking down a hall.

 

Stopping by a mirror she saw the reflection of her father but it was different somehow. Leaning forward she tried to get a better look at him.  

 

The image on the other side of the mirror reached out and grabbed her. Like a steel trap she felt his mind catch a hold of her and wouldn’t let go.

 

Raw power surged through her overwhelming her until she felt her body collapse on the floor.

 

Desperately she tried to break his mental grip on her. Then she felt the father she knew and loved release the hold of the other one.

 

Samantha came back to herself laying there on the bathroom floor totally exhausted. She could hear Nick burst through the door calling her name.

 

Samantha tried to get up and calm him, tell him that she was alright but her body was too weak to answer. Nick wrapped her in a bath towel and asked if she was okay.

 

With great effort she managed to nod. She could see the worry on his face. Samantha smiled hoping to soothe his nerves. Nick gathered her to him hugging her protectively.

 

Reaching out again she tried to reach her father through their mental connection. This time she sensed guilt and remorse for what he had allowed to happen.

 

Samantha felt further into his subconscious. There it lay like a ravenous animal; it was waiting to spring free pawing at its cage.

 

Her father’s conscious mind kept it at bay holding it in the cage. Samantha recognized it as the part of her father that remained uncivilized.

 

By itself it lacked purpose and direction. Only her father’s will gave it direction and a moral basis.

 

Samantha felt the caring touch of her Father saying, “I sorry this was a part of my development I was unaware of.”

 

Curious as to what it was Samantha asked, “What is it?”

She could sense the turmoil in his soul and lent what strength she could to him.

 

“It has always been with me. I have dealt with it before.

 

For a time I forgot it was there. It was a part of my creation. When I was forged in my mother’s womb so was it. I will never be rid of it for it is a part of me.” Anthony said sadly.

 

“Such raw power and emotion.” Samantha said in wonder.

 

“A power that must be watched. It is what I am without a moral compass. That being said are you alright?” Anthony replied.

 

“Yes.” She said.

 

Her body was already recuperating. Her focus came back to Nick who was still hugging worried about her condition.

 

 Samantha hugged Nick back reassuring him that she was alright. Nick let out a sigh of relief.

 

“It’s alright now.” Samantha said to both of them.

 

Her father’s mind withdrew leaving her and Nick alone.

 

“What happened?” Nick asked.

 

Leaning into him she said, “My father is going through some drastic changes that are causing him to not be able to shield me from certain things.

 

It has to do with him using drugs to repress his memories and therefore his abilities after my mother death. His body is now trying to catch up on time lost all at once.”

 

Not liking the sound of that Nick asked, “How bad is it?”

 

“Pretty bad actually. At the moment he is trying to control what is happening which in effect makes it worse.” Samantha said.

 

She knew this from experience when her teeth and nails started growing that night the more she struggled against it the more it hurt. After a while she just let it come.

 

“Do you think he will get a handle on it?” Nick asked.

 

“I think he will. I’ll be alright just help me up.” Samantha said. Nick tucked his arms underneath hers and helped her stand and led her to her room to lie down.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 8

 

 

 

 

 

Anthony was trying to figure out how to control this new development or at least understand it.

 

He could feel the beast bubble to the surface, as a strange scent came through the open window. Anthony was greatly interested in this unexpected reaction.

 

First he checked to see if Leah was still asleep. Then he followed the scent out of the building.

 

He made his way to the rooftop to get a better view climbing upward. Anthony soon lost scent as he made his way across the rooftop of the apartment.

 

By this time he could feel the beast clawing at its cage. He decided to experiment a little and set it free.

 

 Quickly the scent came into focus as the beast was released. Anthony wanted to see how much control he had over it, so he set a goal.

 

The goal was simple follow the scent and stop short of its source. He felt his body move into action. Like a well oiled machine it transversed the terrain in a matter of seconds.

 

Soon he stopped his body poised in a stalking stance on a city sidewalk. Anthony could not see what the source was but he could smell it. The scent was so strong it had to be just around the corner.

 

Peeking around the corner he saw a lone figure. Anthony’s eyes took in every feature.

 

This individual was a female but something was different about her. It was the way she moved that tipped him off. Even her breathing seemed to be out of habit.

 

It held no real purpose except to allow her to speak. He watched as it held no real pattern, something a human most likely wouldn’t have noticed but he did. How exactly did he know all this?

 

His mind went over the possibilities and it made sense: the beast. It was in charge of his instincts and was built into his genetics like a program for a machine.

 

It told his body what to do and how to do it without having to think about it. Anthony knew that even a crowd of people he could have picked her out.

 

Anthony could feel the beast straining its bonds. It wanted her. Anthony tried to force it back to maintain his control over it but it refused.

 

The beast saw no reason to hold back. The beast knew she was not human so what was the harm?

 

This was a vampire; a killer who lived on the blood of her prey. How many innocents had she seduced knowing that she would take their lives later on?

 

As he contemplated these things the beast struck forcing itself to the surface it enveloped him. Now they were one each feeding off each other.

 

In the blink of an eye he was at her side. He sensed her surprise at his sudden appearance. The beast smiled at her body’s reaction.

 

‘She is attracted to me like this.’ Anthony thought. The beast reached out to stroke her cheek an imitation of tenderness. She drew back, her body trembling in fear.

 

The beast locked eyes with her weaving its spell. He could feel her nerves calm and she relaxed.

 

The beast bit Anthony’s hand and blood sprang forth as he offered it to her. Anthony did not understand the purpose of this, not even when she stepped forward and began to drink.

 

 He felt her mouth suckle him tasting of his life’s fluid both hands clutching his arm. He could not deny the pleasure it gave him, a most exquisite sensation.

 

Drawing her closer to him, her back soon pressed against him as she continued to feed and his other hand stroked her hair softly like a lover would.

 

He could feel her heartbeat match his in a steady rhythm as her eyes closed enjoying the taste of him.

 

Never in her life as a vampire had she tasted something so rich that it seemed almost overwhelming to her tongue. Soon she let go walking unsteadily away from him.

 

Anthony stood witness to a change in her. The female vampire fell to the ground convulsing though not in pain.

 

 When it was over she gave a great gasp breathing for the first time since becoming a vampire and stood up. Warmth colored her cheeks when there had only been pale skin lifeless and cold.

 

Life had returned to her body bringing color to other parts of her as well.

 

Their minds connected the beast showing her newly formed mind what had happened. The connection was maintained until he felt a part of himself pass to her.

 

Anthony knew at that moment that he had created another of his race. He also knew this had not been a part of his father’s plan.

 

 ‘He did his job too well. By making me like them even this much he gave me this ability.

 

Like them I can infect others with my blood changing them into something like me. Unlike them it has the opposite effect instead of killing it can restore life even to vampires making them like me if they are given enough.’ Anthony thought.

 

The beast then led Alexandra…Yes Alexandra had been her name before her being turned into a vampire.

 

The beast tracked another vampire. This one was a large male. It showed Alexandra how to stalk her prey and how to kill.

 

The beast then stood back and watched her kill the large male. She did not feed just like he had taught her.

 

That was not their purpose, they were supposed to kill them, and only feed when it was necessary to heal themselves.

Like an attentive student Alexandra had learned well. His final lesson was to show how he had made her. The beast then left her to go on alone.

 

Already he could sense the tension grow between them. A side effect of this form of reproduction was that the connection was different and after a time irritating.

 

By putting distance between each other they lessened that irritation. The experience was both informative and saddening.

 

In a way Alexandra was his creation: A new life sent out into the world.

 

She was now like him, but he could never form a permanent relationship with her.

 

In time he realized they would be at each other’s throats. The connection between instead of bringing them together as it had done with his daughter would drive them apart.

 

‘We cannot exist near each other. Like two great predators we will have our own territories neither intruding on the other.’ Anthony thought.

 

Anthony could only feel frustration and disappoint at himself as a result. It had happened because he lost control and he was angry at the beast for taking advantage of him while he was distracted.

 

Cowed by its master’s rage it made no further attempts to test its bonds choosing instead to keep silent in its own little corner of his mind.

 

When his anger had worn itself out shame and disgust replaced it. Until this moment part of Anthony had taken comfort in the fact in there being only way he could reproduce: the human way. Now he had two ways of making more of himself the second way being less fulfilling and more vampiristic.

 

‘Now where do I stand? I was never intended for his. What other surprises await me? Should I tell Samantha what I already know?’ Anthony thought.

 

The answer when he thought of it was definitely no. Such new information would do her no good, and would only serve to upset her.

 

‘I am the parent let me worry about such things. She has a good life ahead of her why mess with that by telling her something she doesn’t need to know?’ Anthony thought.

 

Still for a second time in his life since the death of his wife and his father Anthony was deeply shaken.

 

How was he supposed to incorporate this? The realization that he might not be as different vampires as he thought caused a great emptiness to form inside him.

 

The beast awoke again bringing with it a sense of foreboding. Something was wrong. An image of Leah in trouble sprang to his mind. Fear gave speed to his movements he rushed back to her home.

 

Two cars pulled away from Leah’s house as he came on the scene. Anthony charged after the trailing car. The first car was simply too far ahead for him to catch up.

 

‘She is in that one.’ He thought.

 Springing forward he launched himself onto the trailing car hoping to interrogate the occupants as to where they were taking her. The hood dented on impact as he landed on top of it.

 

Two shots pierced the hood below him striking his legs. The impact knocked him off his feet and he came crashing down almost falling off the speeding car.

 

His hand gripped for purchase, he managed to grab a hold of something before he was sent flying as the car turned a corner sharply.

 

When the car straightened out he came crashing down hard against the side of the car before climbed back onto the top. Managing to hold on with his left hand Anthony smashed into the windshield.

 

The glass shattered bending inward and obscuring the driver’s view. The car swerved under him and he was forced to hold on with both hands.

 

Looking up he saw they were heading toward a brick wall at high speed. Metal railings were placed in front of a dead end sign that would destroy the car if they crashed.

 

There wasn’t time to save either of those inside but he tried anyways unable to allow her kidnappers to lose him.

 

 Another shot pierced the roof and caused him to lose his grip. Letting go he threw his body backward clearing the back of the car. As he struck the ground he could hear the car crash.

 

Anthony’s heart filled with despair as he saw that those inside appeared to be human and were now dead they were no doubt some lackeys hired to help kidnap Leah, but there was one hope left.

If he had learned one thing the beast could help him.

 

The problem was the beast was undisciplined and lacked control. To save Leah he would need that.

 

There was only one answer he could think of: a permanent bonding. Then he would be able to focus his movements more carefully.

 

‘So be it. We need each other to do this, and she is worth the sacrifice.’ Anthony thought.

 

Closing his eyes he let the beast loose enveloping it and bringing it into himself.

 

The transformation was incredibly slow and took time and concentration as he made each bond that was needed forging them together as one permanently. When it was over he marveled at new awareness.

 

Leah’s scent was still fresh. He could easily track it to its source.

 

Anthony reached out to Samantha telling her what happened and not to follow him.

 

Samantha understood he had to do this alone and said she would wait for him nearby when it was over as a compromise should he need her for any reason.

 

Tracking Leah’s scent Anthony was led to a large mansion outside of the city. A tall metal fence surrounded the huge yard.

 

Security guards both vampire and human could be seen walking the grounds patrolling the area. Anthony waited for an opening in their patrols and then made his move.

 

Quickly he made his way towards the building unseen.

 

Stopping at a corner he waited for an approaching guard. When the guard’s head appeared he easily snapped his neck before the guard even knew he was there.

 

When he sensed no other guards nearby he dragged the body into some bushes hiding it there. Walking to the nearest door he gave it a slight push inward breaking the door jam.

 

Entering the mansion he was surprised not to hear an alarm. He guessed the owner figured no one could get past all the guards outside. Heading across the living room he headed towards the stairs.

 

Leah sat frightened on the floor as she was locked alone in a room under guard.

 

Getting up she looked out the window hoping Anthony would be able to find her and save her. She turned away from the window when the door opened.

 

“Hello my dear. Are you comfortable? There is no reason not to show a little civility.” The stranger said giving a seemingly pleasant smile.

 

When she did not reply choosing to keep silent he continued, “My name is Amek. I know your name is Leah and you are a love interest of Anthony’s.

 

My, my you are lovely indeed. I see why Anthony likes you. Don’t worry dear he will arrive soon.”

 

“What do you want with him?” Leah asked.

Amek chuckled at this show of caring for another welfare given the circumstances.

 

“Anthony is uniquely gifted. With time under my direction he will learn to fully harness his gifts.” Amek replied.

 

“So you plan to be his teacher?” Leah said defiantly.

 

Amek laugh was chilling.

 

 “Of course I will. Anthony and I are very much alike.

 

Both our fathers were taken from us unfairly leaving us alone in the world. Both were responsible for what we are now.” Amek said.

 

 Shouting at him angry that he would dare compare himself to her sweet Anthony Leah said, “Anthony’s father created him to kill you monsters! What was you father’s excuse?”

 

“Have you ever read the Bible Leah? Particularly the Old Testament?” Amek asked pulling up a chair and sitting down facing her.

 

“Yes, why do you ask?” Leah said uncertain.

 

 Leaning back in the chair Amek answered, “My father was mentioned in it you know. For a time rebel angels went down to earth and laid with human women.

 

The results were powerful and evil offspring. God angered by this abomination and the evils of humanity killed them off in the great flood saving only Noah and his family out of all human kind.

 

My father in his defiance saved his son calling upon the powers he had at his command.

 

 He made a creature that would survive the flood, but in trade he would be forever separated from God, and had to deal with certain other conditions.

 

Since that day I have been forced to avoid the light of day hiding from its deadly rays that would harm me and all who would follow me. I cannot enter sanctified ground nor touch anything cleansed by his servants.”

 

“So you want Anthony for what? To walk where you can’t? To kill who you can’t?” Leah asked horror showing in her voice as she continued to think of the possibilities.

 

 “You are wise beyond you years my dear. That is exactly what I plan to do.

 

Too long have the servants of God lived under his protection. It is time I take the revenge that has been denied me for so long.

 

Anthony will become powerful with time and he is not governed by the same laws as the rest of us. For him the light of the sun does not kill, nor do the symbols of God or sanctified ground hold him at bay.

 

 I have seen his memories and they do no harm to him. God holds him to his bosom claiming as his own.

 

That is his mistake through one of his former children I will strike at him by killing all who would serve him. The problem is how to control him.

 

Anthony is determined to kill all vampire just as the one who made him instructed him. What we need is some sort of leverage over him.” Amek said.

 

Leah wondered what that leverage was. Then it hit her.

 

“It’s me. I am the way to control him.” Leah thought aloud.

 

“Again dear lady you are correct. Frankly I am impressed by your insight.

 

When he arrives and finds you turned he will have little choice but to join us. He will join us because try as he might Anthony cannot bring himself to kill you and that shall be his undoing.” Amek said getting up.

 

As he approached Leah he showed his fangs saying, “Now this might hurt a little but it will all be over soon.”

 

Leah began to treble uncontrollably her throat drying up. Finally just as he neared her she forced out a scream.

 

Anthony heard the scream downstairs.

 

‘Leah!’ He thought.

 

Rushing forward he headed toward the stairs. A group of guards spotted him and tried to stop him. Anthony was forced to deal with them first. One of them tried to throw a punch at him hissing at him as it struck.

 

Dodging he smashed his fist into the guard’s face sending flying into the stair railing. The other guards standing at the bottom of the stairs were forced to jump out of the way.

 

An uppercut sent another guard sailing through the air. Anthony laid into them after that attacking with tooth and claw decimating the remaining vampire, before continuing upstairs at a full rush toward where had last heard Leah’s voice.

 

The guards had succeeded in stalling him if nothing else and he wondered if it was already too late.

 

Anthony traced Leah’s scent to the door at the end of the hall.

 

Kicking the door open he saw Amek standing before him and Leah laying there on the floor unconscious behind him. He smelled blood in the air and saw it on Amek’s lips.

 

“I was wondering when you would show up. Don’t worry about your girlfriend in a short time she will awake to her life.” Amek said wiping away her blood with the back of his hand.

 

Anthony did not try to hold back his anger instead he let it fuel giving him newfound resolve and purpose. Giving himself up to the rage he had only one goal to kill Amek.

 

Charging head on he slammed into Amek. The blow sent Amek flying. Crashing into a wall he struggled to get up.

 

Anthony threw a punch which Amek neatly dodged. Amek’s fist slammed him in the face knocking him back. Amek used the opportunity to rain him with blows driving him back even further.

 

 Anthony slashed out with his nails viciously. Amek cried out in pain gripping the bridge of his nose that was now cut open barely missing his right eye.

 

Like an animal smelling blood on a wounded prey Anthony pounced clawing Amek to ribbons. Desperation fueling him Amek knocked him away with a hard kick to the stomach. Anthony rolled back to his feet using his momentum as he hit the ground.

 

Blood covering Amek he stood struggling to keep away from Anthony. Blood loss had taken its toll even as Amek began to heal.

 

Seeking to escape he ran out the door. Anthony started to follow him but stopped looking back at Leah.

 

 Going back to her he gently picked her up cradling her in his arms. Turning around he headed towards the doorway halting as a scent wafted into his nostrils.

 

It was the smell of burning wood and other substances. Anthony immediately knew what happened. In an effort to save himself Amek had set fire to the building.

 

Quickly his mind went over his options. He could jump out the window.

 

He could easily survive the fall a little jarred at most; unfortunately she could not, at least not in her current condition.

 

Looking at the door leading to the stairway and the bottom floor he knew flames blocked his path.

 

He had felt the heat through the door. Anthony felt trapped as didn’t see any options.

 

It seemed either way Leah would not survive. Already he could hear heart slowing as he listened to her heartbeat.

 

‘She is dieing and I can’t save her except to…’ Anthony thought shaking his head, ‘No I couldn’t do that.’

 

But as far a he could see he had no other choice in her present condition she would die and at least this way she would still be alive and he couldn’t bare to lose her that way.

 

Setting her on the floor a moment he bit his wrist and leaned down, letting the blood drip into her open mouth. Out of an automatic physical response Leah swallowed the blood.

 

Slowly with each drop life returned to her body. Anthony waited until he could wait no longer giving her all the blood he could.

 

Smoke burning his lungs he picked her up and slipped out the window facing his back towards the ground to shield her from as much of the impact as he could.

 

Anthony got up in time to see Nick’s car pull up Nick and Samantha get out of the car to help him. Rushing to his side they checked on Leah.

 

“She is fine.” Samantha said with relief.

 

“Take her to hospital just in case I will meet you there later.” Anthony said.

 

Samantha looked up at her father as she knelt down next Leah.

 

“Where are you going?” Samantha asked.

 

“I am going to track Amek and run him a ground.” Anthony said over his shoulder as he headed off.

 

Samantha watched her father go as Nick put Leah in the car.

 

“God please protect him.” Samantha prayed aloud.

 

Then turning she walked to the car to help Nick with Leah.

 

Anthony tracked the still warm scent of Amek. Amek was moving quickly sacrificing caution for speed making his trail easy to follow.

 

The trail ended at a familiar group of warehouses. This is where they had first met.

 

Focusing on his surrounding as he entered one of the warehouses his senses searched for any possible hint of danger. He stopped just inside the doorway the scent hot here.

 

Anthony knew that Amek must be close.

 

Suddenly instinct drove him forward. Behind him he heard something crash where he had stood only moments before. Quickly his eyes searched the inside of the building looking for his attacker. Amek he saw stood on the catwalk above him looking down at Anthony.

 

Glancing back toward the door he turned around and saw a heavy barrel had splintered the wooden floor.

 

A click behind him was his only warning. Dodging to the side he heard the gun report.

 

Spinning around he backhanded Mary sending her crashing to the floor.

 

 Keeping his eyes locked on Amek he reached down and lifted the struggling Mary up. Snapping her neck in on quick motion he let her body drop.

 

“Will there be anymore surprises or shall we finally end this?” Anthony shouted up at him.

 

 Grabbing an axe that hung on the wall Amek leapt over the railing. Landing in a crouch Amek charged snarling as he was swinging the axe at Anthony.

 

The first swing Anthony dodged. The second he caught the handle of the axe and dodged inside of Amek’s guard and decked him in the chin.

 

Amek’s head snapped back with great force making it hard for him to hold onto the weapon. Jerking the axe from his limp fingers Anthony tossed it aside.

 

Amek caught him by surprise with a kick to the groin. Anthony sucked in a breath his anger blocking out the pain.

 

Locking his arms around Amek’s waist he lifted him up off the ground in a big bear hug. Amek desperately tried to free himself as Anthony put pressure on his ribs.

 

When this failed he began to hit Anthony with all of his might about the head and shoulders trying to break his grip.

 

Bracing his head, and closing his eyes to help shield them any further blows Anthony only increased his grip.

 

Blood bubbled out of Amek’s mouth as broken rips pierced his lungs. Anthony could feel Amek weaken.

 

Roaring in triumph he tossed him into a pile of boxes. Anthony walked toward the fallen Amek who lay there helpless on his back unmoving.

 

“You truly are…a killer.” Amek said with great effort forcing a smile.

 

Looking down at him Anthony replied, “I have no doubt of that now. We each fulfill a purpose in this world. Mine was to wipe out your entire race. Thus I will be my father’s justice and protect all I hold dear.”

 

Looking up at him Amek grimaced for a moment in agony before replying, “But in doing that you will become one of us…a creature who has no pity…a creature much like…the father he is about to kill.”

 

Amek said smiling blood dripping off his chin as it flowed from his mouth.

 

 “You are half right. It is true that I can easily kill, but unlike you I choose to kill for the right reasons. I neither require the blood of innocent mortals nor desire to hunt them, thus I have been given a choice.”

 

 Anthony said, “If I am to be a monster I choose to be a monster with a conscience.”

 

Hacking up more blood Amek replied, “The funny…thing about a conscience…is that it gets in the way…one day…being the villain…will be easier…than being the hero.”

 

With that Anthony reached down grasped Amek by the hair.

 

Wrapping his arm around Amek’s neck, so the chin rested on his elbow and his head towards Anthony he lifted Amek up with his face towards the ground.

 

In one quick movement Anthony jerked up breaking Amek’s neck.

 

Dropping him Anthony walked to the door leading outside. Stepping out into the starry night he headed towards the hospital to meet his loved ones.

 

Walking into the hospital he spied his daughter and Nick in the waiting room.

 

Getting up from her chair Samantha said, “She is in room 203. She has some broken bones but is stable and healing.”

 

Anthony hugged his daughter thanking her for all she had done. Then he walked down the hall in search of Leah’s room.

 

After some searching he found it. Quietly he entered the room so as not wake her.

 

Pulling up a chair he sat down beside the bed. Sighing he looked at her serene face lost in some happy dream.

 

“How I long to stay here with you. Perhaps raise children and grow old together. Unfortunately that ship has sailed for us.

 

You will continue to live and that is a great comfort to me. The problem is our new connection.

 

In time it will either drive us a part or cause us to be at each other’s throats. It is a consequence of my decision.

 

If I had to make the choice all over again, I would not change it.

 

I hope with time you will at least come to understand why I did this, if not being able to forgive me. For now my love farewell.” Leaning down he kissed her forehead.

 

Anthony left as silently as he entered the room barely disturbing anything. In the waiting room he met Samantha and Nick again.

 

“Look after each other and most of all look after Leah.” Anthony said before turning to Samantha saying, “She is now one of us.”

 

Through their mental connection he explained everything quickly. Samantha nodded showing she understood. Hugging her father and holding him close Samantha said her goodbyes.

 

Nick shook Anthony’s hand saying, “You sure know how to turn a man’s life upside down you know that?”

 

Chuckling Anthony said, “You have come out of the fire alright, and you have a good woman to spend your life with now that you did not have before.”

 

He looked over at his daughter and smiled proudly.

 

Smiling Nick replied, “You are right I have, and Samantha’s a great woman. Will you come back for the wedding?”

 

“I don’t know. I would imagine I shall be gone for a long time.” Anthony said with an honest shrug.

 

“Then I guess this is so long until we meet again.” Nick said.

 

“Until we meet again.” Anthony replied nodding.

 

Samantha watched her father go tears rolling down her cheeks.

 

As Anthony headed to the city limits, he came across a small Catholic Church. Entering it he made his way to the altar surrounded by lit candles.

 

Kneeling he began to pray, “Lord I am now set upon a new path. Before I leave this place I desire to be right with you.

 

Please Lord cause you light to shine upon me, as I speak these words: Our father who art in heaven. Hollowed be thy name.

 

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done. On earth as it is in heaven.

 

Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

 

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever amen.”

 

The End

 

Reviews

[Marie]

I'd forgotten reading this, until I finished it. LOL. Great job.