Chapter Six
Chapter Six
Deep in the forest, the canopy was just thick enough to shield Rose from the worst of the rain. She made multiple stops during their trek to pick some of the medicinal herbs that grew along the way and to dress Duncan’s bite wounds with a thick poultice. Each bite had angry red tint and more than likely had an infection festering in each one. Duncan wasn’t twitching or convulsing but he made more grimacing faces. He was in pain and there wasn’t much Rose could do for him at the moment. Rose caught herself glancing back at Duncan more than usual and it wasn’t to make sure he hadn’t tumbled out of the gurney either.
As the ox trudged through the foliage, Rose scanned the area for more ghouls. If a pocket of them were hiding out here, Rose would put up a fight but knew she wouldn’t win being on her own. Sure she had the pack of wolves that would fight and die for her, but in the end the ghouls and sheer numbers could trump that with ease. The hairs on the back of her neck rose and she got that eerie feeling that she was being watched. Was it the ghouls? Rose dismissed that thought right away because she had faced them on more than one occasion and never got this unnerved by them. She feared them but the feeling Rose got was that she was being hunted and she was the prey.
They made their way up a steep incline when Rose heard rustling from somewhere to her right. Rose looked around and counted all the wolves that were escorted them and all were accounted for. Rose figured that whoever it was that was following was letting her know that they were nearby, which only increased her anxiety. As they crested to the top of the hill, there was a vast meadow covered clovers and daisies and off in the distance was a small opening to a cave or a mine shaft, Rose couldn’t tell for this far away.
She urged the ox on to head towards the cave as she kept a watchful eye over her shoulders. Her paranoia seemed to be worsening by the second. How did Duncan manage being on his own and on the road for so long? Rose wasn’t use to roughing it, even in the early days of the firestorms. She had lucked out and ended up with a large group of people that were looking for somewhere safe and an area they could live away from all the chaos. Rose told them of an old rundown farm that she knew was in the area. It was secluded and already had most of the resources they would need like a running stream and several water wells. Rose told them that she excelled in growing fruits and vegetables and would ensure that they would have them year round if they could aid her in creating several underground greenhouses. With a lot of repurposing and labor, they created Melona and had more than enough food, water to consume and plenty to barter with for anything they wish.
Rose was cold, practically naked, soaking wet and was yearning for her fire pit and her queen size bed. The lack of comfort and safety crept into the back of Rose’s mind and she was considering turning around and try to reclaim her beautiful village. She mentally slapped herself back into reality as they neared the entrance to the cave. How could I take out all the ghouls on my own? My magic was good, but it couldn’t incinerate them like Duncan had done earlier. Rose wanted to know what he was badly, but that would require sleep. At the moment, that was a luxury she couldn’t afford since someone was stalking her from the shadows.
As the ox stopped at the entrance of the cave, Rose dismounted and unhook the reigns so the ox could roam free without the extra burden from the gurney. She affectionately pet the ox and said, “See there’s plenty to eat for you. Go graze and thank you for your help.” The ox nuzzled against her and licked her face. Rose crinkled her nose in disgust as it left a trail of thick saliva on her face and half-heartedly said, “Thanks.”
Several wolves entered the cave to check it to make sure it was safe while Rose grabbed the reigns to the gurney and tugged Duncan forward. She wanted to get him to a dry place where she could build a small fire and warm the two of them up. Rose dug her heels in the soft, rain-soaked ground and pulled with all her strength. The gurney moved but it was a slow game of tug-of-war and though she was the only one pulling, it felt like the gurney was winning this battle. The wolves emerged from the cave unharmed and beckoned for her to enter and that it was all clear of any danger.
Rose was relieved but also knew there was more danger outside from her unseen follower. Whoever it was kept up with them just enough not to be seen but also made it a point to let her know it was still on her trail. Once she got a better footing inside the cave, it became easier to drag Duncan a good twenty feet from the entrance. She dropped the reigns and bent over to catch her breath and as she did this, her thoughts kept returning to the stalker.
Anger swept across her visage as she stormed out of the cave. Rose was determined to find out who it was and what they wanted. She didn’t give a damn if she called out a horde of ghouls, at least she would have her answer. Did this person mean to harm us? Rose unsheathed her katana and held it as she steadied herself for a fight.
Rose shouted - “Alright you son of a bitch! Show your cowardly ass right now! I know you’ve been following us so if it blood you want, then I will gladly make you bleed!”
Rose felt the hairs on the back of her rise as a cold shiver ran down her spine. Whatever it was, it was trying to instill fear into her. Rose did all she could to stand her ground in the pour rain because her mind was screaming at her to flee. The pack of wolves surrounded her, forming a protective circle which gave Rose a little more courage. She heard a whipping sound of fabric that came from somewhere behind her. It definitely heard me and I know that’s the bastard, she thought as several of the wolves let out low growls. A masculine voice came from behind and his cadence made her blood run cold as ice.
“Interesting choice of words heifer. I do love a good game of bloodletting, but of course it won’t me losing my blood.”
Rose spun around and glared, “Who the fuck are you calling a heifer, asshole? I should gut you where you where you stand! Wait- what the hell are you?” The man squatted on top of the cave entrance like a gargoyle guarding a church. He flashed a wicked smile at Rose that made her pulse speed up and a shiver down her spine. The man, if he could be called that, wore a weather worn black duster jacket, black jeans with black climbing boots and a bright red t-shirt with the words “I survived the apocalypse and all I got was this lousy shirt!” Too much free time on this jerk’s hands, Rose thought as she cocked an eyebrow. He had pale skin which made Rose wonder if he didn’t get out in the sun much or sick and also had black, slicked back hair. His steely eyes gazed at Rose’s neck which made her unconsciously cover it with her hand and much to the delight of the stranger because it caused Rose’s bath robe to open up.
“Are you offering more to me than just your blood?” The stranger chuckled, “If so then by all means, do show me more of that exquisite body or would you prefer for me to undress you? I always loved gifts that keep on giving.”
Rose gasped as the she looked down and saw there was nothing hidden from this stranger. She growled in Duncan’s direction because it was all his fault that she was out here in the wild looking like an easy nymph. She wished that he could have grabbed her some decent clothes for her to wear since they were going to be out in the elements. Rose berated herself, how could he have done that when we were surrounded by ghouls despite his deterrent around his waist? Duncan was more concerned with getting her to safety than her wardrobe and she felt guilt creeping into her mind for feeling so selfish.
Rose tucked her robe against her body the best she could and snarled, “In your dreams, creepy! Why are you following me anyway? And who are you?”
“You presume too much, harlot.” The stranger replied, “I’m after the one who resides just beneath me. I’ve been watching him for a few days now but he appears to have gotten his sorry ass hurt. Such a pity.”
“He didn’t get hurt on purpose! He was trying to save both our asses but got swarmed by those damn ghouls. Still, you’ve been hanging back and watching so you know what happened back there right?”
He nodded but didn’t say anymore so Rose asked, “You got a name or should I call you the creeper?”
In less than a blink of an eye, the stranger was standing behind Rose and her katana was lying on the ground where she was standing at. The wolves lunged and missed him as he move back to the top of the cave with Rose in his arms. Rose threw her elbow into the stranger’s ribs several times but it didn’t seem to faze him. He laughed as he held her close to his body and inhaled her scent.
“You smell delicious!” He murmured, “If you don’t call off your precious pack, I will kill them all.”
“Why should I believe you?” Rose bit out defiantly, but fear was swelling throughout her body because she knew the answer.
“I’m a vampire and I’ve proven to you that my speed is fast and that I can kill even faster than that. Call them off or I will kill them and drain you slowly so you can watch them die. They won’t go quickly either.”
Rose knew he could do this because that wasn’t speed he was using. This fucker could teleport! No wonder he was able to keep up with her and not be seen at the same time. He was probably using the trees which would explain why none of the pack could find him, only catching his scent. She sensed the alpha female sneaking up from behind while the other wolves attempted to climb from different angles but weren’t getting any closer. A distraction was their plan but even this would work against an old predator as fast as he was so she called out, “Stop! Don’t hurt him! I’m okay guys!”
He glanced over his shoulder and commanded, “You heard the lady, back off fur balls or she will die first.”
Rose knew he wasn’t threatening her but the alpha female behind them, posed to strike. Rose pleaded to the alpha mentally, “Don’t do it. He will get you before you could get a piece of him. Trust me and do as I wish…I want to keep you all safe and alive.” The alpha grunted and snapped her teeth at the vampire as a way of show she didn’t like it and she would be watching him closely.
“That’s better. Now that we have this cave all to ourselves, shall we get to know each other?” He licked Rose on her neck slow and softly, “I can think of a few ways to pass the time.”
Rose shuttered under his influence, but somehow managed to push him away and put a little distance between them. He shrugged his shoulders and said, “Your loss, harlot.”
“Stop calling me that! My name is Rose! Rose Macready! Keep it up and I will burn you to ashes so badly that you will wish you had stepped into direct sunlight to burn up quicker.”
He snorted – “I didn’t know your name and seeing that you’re dressed like that, I could only assume Duncan was saving a precious chamber partner. Besides, the sun doesn’t burn my kind, that’s a myth told by humans so that they could feel safe during the day.”
“I see, so do you have a name or should I just call you Edward?”
He crinkled his nose and sneered - “Eww! How dare you compare me to a fictional, sparkling, pedophile! He doesn’t hold a candle to the real deal nor could he be man enough to be one of us! You will call me -”
“Dracula? Lestat? Nosferato? No, no wait! I got it! Victor!” Rose teased. The vampire looked pissed but then he calmed down as he thought about what she blurted out. He gazed at her while tapping a finger to his chin before saying, “Good names but my name is actually Devlin. Be thankful that I like you because I don’t take to be interrupted by complete strangers too kindly.”
“Ah I guess me flashing you my goods helped sway you from ripping my throat out?”
Devlin gave her a hungry stare - “Indeed.”
“So why are you stalking Duncan? What did he do to you that would make you want to kill him?” Devlin looked appalled by her words. He put his splayed hand on his chest and replied, “You think I want to kill Duncan? Why on this Earth would make you think such a thing?”
“Because you’re a vampire and you’ve been stalking him for days now.” Rose said with her hands on her hips.
“Yes I can see how that can look from your perspective. I’m completely innocent in these charges you wound me with Rose…okay, the stalking part is true, but that’s a part of me and what I do.”
“How come I haven’t seen more of your kind around?”
“Would it make you feel better knowing that there’re vampires roaming the world along with ghouls? We stay hidden from everyone because it’s safer and easier to kill our food. Before all hell broke loose on this world, it was easy to feed because no one feared the darkness like they use to several centuries ago. I could ask you the same question; did you announce to the world that you were a sorceress?”
“No, of course not! They would ‘ve burned me alive or killed me outright for being who I really am.”
“My point exactly. The world is more open to you than it would be for my kind but I know eventually my kind will come out of the closet soon because let’s face it: You are our favorite meal. Speaking of meals, may I go see Duncan?”
“As long as you can get me down -” Rose and Devlin where on the ground by cave entrance. He was holding out her katana for her to take. Fuck, he’s fast! He grinned at Rose at he motioned for her to go in first. The wolves growled at Devlin as he made his move to walk behind Rose which made her call out mentally, “It’s okay, he knows Duncan, but if he makes one false move, he’s all yours.”
“Good girl, keep them on that leash if you want them to live.” Devlin announced as he slapped Rose on her ass. She turned to confront him but he wasn’t there. She heard him laughing further into the cave so she marched in that direction while saying, “That’s a free one, next time I will roast you alive you fucking tick!”
Devlin let out a belly laugh the echoed and boomed through the cave. Rose meandered her way towards Duncan and Devlin. From what she could make out, he was now squatting beside Duncan and examining him. He looked from Duncan to Rose and back again several times before asking, “What did you give him for pain? His heart is racing and his blood pressure is skyrocketing, which means he’s needlessly suffering.”
“The only thing I could give him was the herbs for the poultice over his wounds. All my good stuff is back in my village…but it’s overrun by ghouls now.” Rose lamented.
“You could’ve given him some of those herbs orally!” Devlin hissed, “It might not be the most effective way, but it would be better than this!”
“Hey, cut me some slack! I’m doing the best I can with what I got to work with here!”
“Poor man would’ve been better off if you hadn’t destroyed all those ghouls with your magic. If you can do that, then why haven’t you gone back to your village and cleaned it out?”
Rose looked at Devlin like he had grown an extra head. How could he think it was me if he was watching us so intently? Rose got up in his face, wanting nothing more than to slap that accusing glare off his smug face, but she knew that would only hurt her hand and he’s probably get turned on by it so she growled, “How can you say I did that? I sure as hell didn’t do that, I’m not that powerful!”
Devlin gazed into her eyes – “Then who did it? From my vantage point all I could see was you making magic in your hand and then BOOM! A flash of light and a heat wave that followed which only meant you unleashed your spell work.”
“It wasn’t me, it was Duncan.”
“Him?” Devlin chuckled, “That man hasn’t got a shred of magic in his entire body and you want me to believe he blew those ghouls away?”
“Other than the bite marks, why is he not scorched or burned if the blast came from me?”
Devlin abruptly stopped laughing when he realized what she said. He knelt down beside Duncan’s prone body and inspected him closer. Devlin sniffed Duncan’s clothes and found little hints of residual magic but no burnt odors. He looked up at Rose with concern and said, “He’s different. I can tell just from his scent but to truly understand I will need some of his blood, just a drop is all.”
“Don’t you dare bite him! Duncan’s been through enough as it is and -”
“Rose, please would you stop judging me already? Just a scratch is all I require, I have more self-control than you realize.”
“And I’m supposed to take your word for it? Hell I don’t even know you?” Rose huffed.
“I haven’t ripped your throat out yet…and I’m famished too.” Devlin replied as he licked one of his fangs.
Rose put her hand on her carotid artery in her neck as though she could block his senses from it or keep him from growing hungrier. She hated not being able to read the vampire. He was both handsome and deadly at the same time. Rose was concerned that she might say the wrong thing to Devlin and then he’d be on her before she knew it, drinking his fill while draining her blood until she was dead. For some strange reason, her core got aroused by this train of thought. If felt like it could be dangerous but erotic game to play. Maybe she could nick her neck with her katana and let her blood stream down her back and front? That would probably entice him to lick and explore my body with those rough hands of his. Let him peel off my bath robe slowly so he could kiss and caress wherever he wanted, taking full possession of my body. Rose shook herself inwardly and saw Devlin was eyeing her intently with his mouth gapping open in disbelief.
“What?” Rose cautiously asked.
“Must you do that now?”
“Do what?”
“Fantasize about me!”
Rose gasped – “I wasn’t doing that! Is that all you can think about? Sex and blood?” Devlin flashed a toothy smile at Rose, his fangs distending and looking wicked and deadly. “Those are my two favorite subjects. Don’t play dumb with me Rose, your too smart for that so stop selling yourself short. Besides, your body is betraying as we speak.”
Rose blushed – “That bad, huh?”
“Not really, I love your scent. It’s intoxicating but also distracting at the same time. Before I get ahead of myself, duty calls.” Devlin lifted Duncan’s arm and ran one of his sharp fingernails against the top of his hand. Blood trickled out from the cut as Devlin raised it up to his lips. He lapped the hot liquid up with his tongue, flicking in and out of his mouth. He looked up at Rose as he lowered Duncan’s arm down, quickly raising his eyebrows with a bloody grin. Rose turned to look at the rock wall and said, “Duty calls, remember? What did you find out from your little test?”
Devlin stood up slowly as his eyes rolled back. He swayed back and forth like he about to collapse so Devlin leaned against the wall for better balance. He was quiet for a long time before finally opening his eyes and commenting, “Whoa, what a rush.” Rose sat down beside Duncan and wondered if the vampire planned on taking another sip or maybe more than that. Devlin looked like he was high as a kite; his eyes had a glazed look on them, like he was stoned. Rose had one hand on her katana, ready to strike if Devlin made a move to bite Duncan as she asked hesitantly, “What did you discover?”
“His blood tastes the same as it did before, but now it’s flooded with magical energy.”
“Wait, you know what Duncan’s blood taste like? You mean you’ve bit him before?”
“Yes and no Rose.” Devlin explained as he slid down the wall to sit beside Duncan, “We met a few years ago. He stumbled upon me feeding. Duncan was bloody and battered, like he had just finished leaving a bar room brawl. You can imagine how that went.”
“Let me guess? He attacked you.”
“No he didn’t, which surprised me too because he saw me feeding. I’ve had that reaction before where people walk up on me because I got careless and ended up having to kill the witness. Always being called the spawn of Satan or a demon and then they tried to stab me in the heart.”
“So is that true that a stake to your heart can kill you?”
Devlin had a twinkle in his eyes – “That would be telling too much, especially to someone who’s eager to test it. Many have tried and failed and I’d hate to kill such a beautiful lady.”
“It will take more than a compliment to win me over. I’m not that easy and many have tried their luck and played their games too.”
Devlin chuckled - “And yet just a few minutes ago, you were mentally throwing yourself at me.”
“Hey, a girl can have a fantasy or two can’t she?” Rose protested but it came out whiny.
“Yes indeed because I’ve been having many about you Rose.” Devlin grinned.
Rose blushes as she fanned herself – “Okay horn dog, enough about sex and tell me more about what kept you from killing him.”
“But that’s my favorite subject and I do excel at it. Care for a demonstration?”
“Devlin!”
Devlin laughed – “Okay, okay. Another time then, since you’re going to be a little stick in the mud.” Rose glared at him and so he pressed on, “As I said, Duncan found me feeding but he didn’t attack me like everyone else had done in the past. He stood there with his hand on the hilt of his sword and stared at me. It was like he was waging a war with himself as to what to do about me and then he surprised me with his decision.”
“What was that?”
“He shrugged his shoulders and walked pasted me, as if I were something he’d seen every day and accepted it. Hell he didn’t bother to touch his sword any more, like he knew he was safe.” Rose thought about it and it seemed plausible that Duncan was listening to that inner voice he spoke about earlier today. Maybe that’s why he didn’t attack the vampire? He did say that the voice started shortly after the firestorms occurred so it did stand to reason that he was paying attention to it when it warned him about a dangerous person. Did it go the other way? Letting him know a person is good too? Does that mean Devlin is safe to be around or did that apply to Duncan only?
Rose wasn’t sure if she could be safe with the vampire, let alone trust him to behave and not force himself on to her. Would he be a gentleman or rough like a predator claiming his prey in the bedroom? Devlin stared at Rose and asked, “You know something, don’t you?”
“Maybe, but until he wakes up I can’t confirm if my suspicions are true.”
“Tell me…please.”
Rose saw that he was genuinely interested, probably because this was a puzzle that he couldn’t figure out on his own. She wasn’t sure if she should tell Devlin about the voice in Duncan’s head because he would see it as a betrayal of his trust. Duncan tolerated her and hadn’t fully accepted into his tiny circle of trust. Rose bit her bottom lip in uncertainty, but then she felt a hand on top of hers. Devlin’s hand was cooler than most hands but it also felt comforting and inviting too.
“Duncan may hate me forever if he finds out I told you this. He doesn’t trust me that much.”
“I know of his trust issues and that they run deep, but if he told you something of a sensitive nature then he must trust you more than most in his life. Seeing him in this condition and how you’ve cared for him, I can’t say I blame him for confiding in you.”
“Can you see why I’m so…hesitant to say?”
“Yes and I shall press no further Rose. Someone like him deserves a friend like you…life gets lonely when you fear to trust others with your precious secrets.”
“I assume you didn’t let him leave when he walked away?”
“No I didn’t. I tried to scare him and make him fight but Duncan didn’t rise to my bait, not once. He wasn’t afraid but more apprehensive around me. He finally got tired of my antics and told me to piss off and go bite someone who cares. I think I nearly died a second time from laughing too much. His mood lighten up slightly and we talked a while, traded war stories from what we seen on the road. I gave him a heads up on where safe passage from the ghouls would be so he could be safe in his travels…for a small price.”
“His blood?”
Devlin nodded – “He wasn’t thrilled with the idea of me biting him but I told him that I would take from one of his many open wounds and even then he wasn’t sure. Duncan stared me down again before begrudgingly agreeing to it. What I tasted then was the same as it is now, except Duncan is teeming with magical energies now, the likes I never seen in my life time and I’ve lived a long time too.”
“Why did you want his blood?”
“Trade secrets, love. I don’t go around telling everyone my business like folks use to do on those social media sites. Some things you take to your grave or crypt…okay so none of those fits me, but you get my meaning.”
Rose nodded as she let go of Devlin’s hand and gently caressed Duncan’s arm. Now her suspicions were confirmed. Duncan was a magical being and though it was latent inside him, it was now coming up to the forefront, wild and untrained which could be dangerous if he couldn’t harness and control it. Still, Rose wondered what Duncan was and what abilities he possessed that could keep them alive out here in the wild. He wielded energy that was powerful enough to vaporize a small hoard of ghouls and an inner voice that kept him safe, that much she knew, but the rest had yet to reveal itself which worried Rose.
Rose stood up and walked slowly towards the cave entrance, pondering this new development. One channel open to her was to sleep on it and see what revelations come to her in her sleep, but most of the time her dreams were open to interpretation. Even with the help of the potion she drank earlier, the images and figures were hard to sort out, let alone make any sense of their meaning. Rose hugged her arms around her stomach as she neared the entrance, the storm was raging on and the wind had picked up drastically. The wolves were all huddled up at the entrance, keeping each other warm while watching any possible threats.
Would the vampire leave her alone as she slept and control his primal urges? Rose still didn’t trust Devlin fully but he was growing on her. He was handsome for an old dead guy and deviously cleaver but would he risk his own life to protect them while she slept or would he simply say “Fuck this!” and teleport to safer grounds? Rose dislikes these thoughts. It wasn’t that she was incapable of taking care of herself and Duncan. Rose was flat out scared that she would go to sleep and wake up like she did earlier with Duncan on top of her and surrounded by ghouls, except it would be the ghouls on top of her instead. Or Devlin on top of me would be fine too, Rose thought playfully so as to avoid all her gloom and doom thoughts. Rose imagined Devlin on top of her with his hips between her tights, undressed and flashing his sinful grin at her with wicked thoughts showing in his piercing eyes.
“Rose?”
Rose Wondered how big he was or if it still worked after he turned into a vampire. His blood flow might hamper him this that vicinity and that would be a sad part of his eternal existence, or at least it would be for me, Rose mentally giggled.
“ROSE!” Devlin shouted.
Rose turned around blushing, now wondering if he was scenting her once more because her core was once again responding to her wild fantasies but she got a hint of panic in his voice. Duncan! Something was wrong with him and she knew it. Rose ran back towards Devlin, not caring that her robe was fully open and flowing like a cape. She dropped down on her knees, inspecting Duncan’s body for signs of distress. All she could tell is that he was breathing but still grimacing like he was in pain.
“What’s wrong with him? Is he dying or – better yet, what’s wrong with you?”
Devlin had a look astonishment and excitement as he sat there with his mouth hanging open. Even his breathing was more shallow and quick, like he was a kid on the morning of Christmas and seeing all his presents for the first time. Rose looked at him curiously as she cocked her head to the side as she patiently waited for his answer. Devlin picked up Duncan’s arm up gently by his hand and asked, “Do you recall me cutting him and taking his blood from this hand?”
“Yes, of course. I was here or did you forget me protesting already? Do vampires get senile as they age?”
“Rose, stop being a smart but cute ass and look at his hand!” Devlin bit out, but it sounded like his excitement was dampening an anger he had at her comment. He turned Duncan’s hand as Rose leaned in close to inspect it. She gasped at the site on his skin.
“Where’s the cut? What happened to it?”
Devlin smiled at her realization of the situation – “Healed and without a trace of a scar to be found. Trust me, I’ve been looking and that’s there is fresh pink skin. I wonder what those bite marks will look like now.”