Kindred (Kindred, Book 1) (43 page)

“
Well, that's it. They're my powers so far. I guess I'll come into more in a few days time.”

“
From present evidence, I do not doubt it, but I am afraid I could not tell what they will be. It is different for each of us. Most Nosferatin will feel them arrive, it is not a shock, just a little tingling sensation. Initially one or two, then over a period of months, the rest. They do not all arrive at once, only improved strength and speed are a certainty from day one, but what you will receive, I could not say. I can only assume it will be monumental, as far as you are concerned, Kiwi.”

Well, that's great. I'll just have to be patient. Not exactly one of my best qualities. At least it will be a subdued affair, a slight tingling I can handle.

“Is there any of your kindred's powers you wish to discuss?” Nero asked.

I was pretty sure he was trying to sound me out on how powerful Michel had become, maybe to relay the information to Nafrini. Another joined master vampire coming into her territory would be of a concern, but I wasn't going to give too much away. I'm not stupid, I wouldn't put Michel, or me for that matter,  in that  position, but I was curious about how Michel's abilities to read my emotions could be handled. Him always getting the drop on me by instantly knowing what I was feeling was beginning to give him power over me. Power I didn't want to relinquish just yet, if ever. If I could learn to hide my emotions, then so much the better. Maybe Nero knew how and besides, this power didn't seem like a strategic battle secret or anything.

“Michel can read my emotions. Do you know how I can hide them from him?”

“
Why would you wish to hide them, Kiwi?”

“
He can always tell what I'm feeling, even if I don't want him to. And -” Yeah, and here's the thing. I had really hurt him with them once, used them like a weapon. The effect on him had been so strong, so devastating, it had broken my heart in two. I never wanted to do that again. “- I can hurt him with them. Throw them out at him. I don't want to do that.” I couldn't say
again.

The last had been said in a whisper, I'm not even sure how Nero had heard. But he took my hands in his and turned me to him.

“It is a gift. Not all kindred vampyre will receive.”

“
A gift? It's a nightmare!” My voice was breaking as I said it.

He reached up and brushed away a tear which had started down my cheek, his hands a little rough and hardened, a warrior's hands, but so warm and soft despite the small callouses there.

“Far from it, Kiwi. This is the gift that will bring your kindred vampyre back towards the Light. How can he not be affected, changed, by what he now must feel?”

Nero didn't stay long after that and when nightfall came Michel appeared at my door. I really wasn't sure how to face him. I was still so upset about the warding of the Taupo house and the fact that it would have had an effect on my choice to join with him. Not to mention him having had Rick glazed. How could I look him in the eyes? How could I spend the entire evening with him?

Luckily, it wasn't necessary. He was distracted, an issue had arisen in Wellington that he had to attend, one of his line requiring his assistance. The thing with vampire families is, when a vampire is made by a master or chooses to be absorbed into a family line, they swear their allegiance by blood to that master, prepared to do anything he commands. What do they get in return? Safety, protection and the backing of a level one
Sanguis Vitam
master when needed. Half of Michel's business dealings were with his line, sorting out problems, keeping them in line and on occasion, like tonight, assisting them with his power and presence. It takes a lot of time and energy to be master of a line and Michel's had recently nearly doubled. He was busier than he had ever been before.

Part of me worried about that. I didn't like to see him distracted or tired, but there was nothing I could do. Vampire families and vampire politics are what they are. That's probably why power and strength are so important in the vampire world.

“It will take all night,
ma douce
. I won't return before sunrise and I will have to sleep tomorrow. This night is likely to be... busy.”

We were sitting on the couch, not long after he had arrived. Michel had manoeuvred us there as soon as he walked in the door, not even registering my discomfort when I opened it to him, he was that distracted. Weird.

“Is everything all right? It's not dangerous is it?”

It's surprising how the reality of fear for someone's safety overrides all other thought, because suddenly I didn't care about the protection ward in Taupo or Rick. I was sure I would get back to those though, just give me time.

“It will be fine. I will be fine. It is just an urgent matter that cannot wait. I will see you tomorrow evening and I swear I shall make my absence up to you then.”

That last statement was said as he nibbled my ear, sending a delicious wave of pleasure down my neck and body. I felt myself relax into him, a reaction so instinctive, so natural, I could not have controlled it. He just had that effect on me, despite my brain telling me otherwise. I think even if I was really,
really
, super mad at Michel, he would still elicit that same response, right in the middle of me throwing a temper tantrum. Damn.

“
I couldn't leave without first saying goodbye. I missed you today.” Now his lips were on my face, my cheek, my jaw, my mouth. His words interspersed with kisses and nips and licks.

“
I thought you didn't have much time.” There was no denying it, my voice was shaky, a little breathless.

He pulled away slightly, looking a little flushed himself. “You are right. I am getting sidetracked.”

“Sidetracked?” I lifted an eyebrow at that.

He laughed. “OK. Deliciously sidetracked. Is that better?”

“Acceptable.”

He stood then, ready to leave and I felt an absolute sharp sense of panic. It rippled through my body, sending adrenaline racing through my veins. I racked my brain for something to say, something to stop him walking out my door. I'd never felt this absolute terror before, fear for his safety, fear for him leaving me. I felt a little small at that. I'm a big girl, I don't rely on others for my happiness, but right then, my mind and body was telling me otherwise.

He stopped immediately, feeling the emotions rolling off me and turned to come back to my side.

“
Ma douce
, please do not worry. I will return.”

“
Why am I so scared?” My voice was pitifully small. I cringed a little at it.

He kissed my forehead, leaving his lips against it as he said, “It is the Bond. It has not fully settled. It will get better.”

“I don't like it. I don't like being this way. This is not who I am.”

Michel pulled back, holding me by my shoulders and looking me in the eyes, his so blue and indigo, so deep and mesmerizing.

“I know who you are, Lucinda and the Bond does not alter that for me. You are the strongest, most capable human I have ever met. The fire that burns within you is a blaze. You will learn to control the Bond, trust me.”

I hoped he was right. I hoped I could win this battle, because if I didn't my life as I knew it would be over. Why did it feel like I was constantly fighting for me?

Michel sensed I had calmed and gave me a quick kiss on the lips, then straightened up and walked out the door. It was only later that I realised, he hadn't fed from me tonight. And man, didn't I just love the emotions that rolled through me at the thought of that.

Work the next day was normal, no surprises, no supernatural events, just a great day with normal people who genuinely cared. A few of my workmates, who were about the same age as me, were teasing me about my upcoming birthday and getting older. How little they understood the repercussions of my ageing. How turning 25 only a few weeks ago had meant just another year, but now it meant so much more.

I've never been one to make a big fuss, I mean, it's just another year over, isn't it? And to tell you the truth, it only reminds me of my parents. You know, my real parents, my biological parents. I wonder what my mum was like when she was pregnant with me, was it an easy birth, was I a good baby for her those first few weeks she had me and I had her? And my father, my Nosferatin father. What had he been like? Would he have cried at my birth, knowing I would not live past my 25
th
birthday, because of the choice he had made? Did he regret having me?

Yeah, birthdays aren't big in my life, especially since I moved to Auckland and found out so much about who I am. Part of me is unbelievably happy that I did make the move. Country Hick to the big city. If I hadn't have, I would have simply fallen over dead in the paddocks with the lambs one day, a full moon cycle after turning 25. My Aunt and Uncle would have had no idea why. I would have simply just ceased to exist. I didn't want to die. I love life. Despite how crazy and out of control my life has become, I am glad I moved to Auckland.

I changed into some black leggings and a loose T-Shirt after work, getting ready to jog home. The lowering sun was making shadows dance along the tall buildings on the street when I came out of the bank, changing the the façades from grey, to gold, to a soft red. I was greeted with a whoop of delight and suddenly ensconced in the arms of Rick.

“
There she is! My favourite vampire hunter.”

I couldn't help it I laughed, he was laughing and spinning me around, making a right scene on the side walk. An over exuberant Taniwha was exactly like a big puppy, you just couldn't contain them. Finally, he got himself under control.

“I'm taking you out on the town, girlie. Just you and me. We need to catch up, just like old times”

Yeah, it hadn't been like old times for a while now, we used to hang out regularly, but lately things had changed. I understood what Rick was saying, he wanted his friend back too.

“Where's Celeste?”

“
She's working late tonight, I'll catch up with her later. So, what do ya think? Shall we start at the
Red Hummingbird
and move on from there?”

“
OK, but I've got to change first.”

“
No worries, I'll race ya home.” And with that he was off.

Taniwhas are all speed and grace, even in their human form. It has always been fun training and running with Rick. I don't have to hide who I am, I can run fast and hard and know he won't be surprised or judge me. He's not a push-over either, he's got his competitive side, so what should have been a ten to fifteen minute jog, turned into a six to eight minute sprint. We'd hardly broken a sweat by the time we arrived.

I had a quick freshen up and then changed into my uniform for the night, you know, the short black skirt and top, with a light weight black jacket on the top, stake and knife secured, ID and credit card in a pocket, some flat black slip-ons on my feet - I may be short, but I never feel the need to wear heels, who could possibly outrun a vampire in heels! - and I was set.

The sky was still clinging onto its blue and indigo and crimson glow, steadfastly refusing to let the night in, so it was a pleasant walk back into the city and towards the Sky Tower where the
Red Hummingbird Bar
is. It's at the base of the Tower, so there's no need to go up the escalators and pass near the casino. And it's also decked out in a lush and extravagant setting, all deep rich reds and golds, purples and greens. There are different areas to sit, stools or the bar, chairs and padded bench seats with tables or circular seating with cushions like something out of an Arabian palace. We chose a corner hidden by deep, thick green foliage in the largest indoor garden setting in a bar I had ever seen. The seats weren't super comfortable here, but the sense of privacy was always nice. I'm not too good in large crowds.

Rick went and got our drinks, he's a
Rum & Coke
kind of guy, me, I like
Bacardi & Coke,
but tonight I was having wine. A nice chilled, crisp and slightly fruity
Sauvignon Blanc
. Bliss.

“
So, only a couple of days to go, what's it like to be getting so old?”

“
Ha, ha! You're older than me, Rick. You tell me?”

“
My kind don't age as quickly as humans, so I couldn't tell ya.” He winked at that, then sobered, probably suddenly realising I wouldn't age at all from now on either. It did kind of make me stop and consider too, come to think about it.

We both fell silent for a bit then, but I didn't want us to be talking about all that today, I was here with my best mate, I wanted to just enjoy myself, enjoy his company.

“So, how's it going with Celeste?”

It was obviously the right thing to say, because his face lit up and his eyes shone brightly. I could suddenly see the younger Rick, the Rick I knew but had not realised had been missing of late. I guess it went into hiding at the time of the battle at the docks, when Rocky was killed and Celeste got hurt. I couldn't blame him, I had changed a little too since then.