My Vampire and I Vol 3: Blood Resurrection (12 page)

Everything else I would keep hidden from him.
* * * *

As the weeks passed, I kept my thoughts of Gustav locked securely in my mind. His Holiness did not ask about him again, and I, of course, never mentioned his name. I was content in the fact that Gustav and I had renewed our relationship. His apartment had become our place of assignation, and we spent many long and joyous hours there. Oh, if I could but tell you of the rapture he brought me each and every time we were together. Yes, I could describe the lovemaking for you, and no doubt, titillate your senses with my descriptions of his sensuous body wrapped around mine. But, even more rapturous than the sex were the moments immediately after when we would lie in each other’s arms, and he would whisper to me his words of love and trust. My heart would swell to the point of bursting with happiness, and I would hold him tightly in my embrace, ready to ward off anyone or anything that dared destroy what we had together.

My father, meanwhile, proceeded with his plans. So consumed was he by them that, for a while at least, he forgot what he considered to be my indiscretions. Strangely, it never occurred to me to doubt that my father was what he said he was. He was hundreds of years old, had powers far beyond those of mortal men, and could bring anyone he wanted to his side—celebrities, presidents, royalty…all seemed to court his favour. Whether they did it out of fear of him or simply because he willed it, I was never sure, but day after day, month after month, the Vatican was crammed and bustling with visiting dignitaries from far and near.

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Then, one day, he called a meeting of those of us closest to him. His face, as he stood before us, was a mask of hatred and rage. What he had to say to us was not for mortal ears, and so all doors were closed to the ordinary servants and priests.

 

“I have received a communication from members of the Vampire Council,” he said, his voice strained with tension and indignation. “They dare to threaten me…me!”

 

“Threaten you, Your Holiness?” I asked, with some interest.

 

He gave me a withering look. “Yes Constantine, they say they are aware of my plans to lead the world to the brink of the end of days. They also say that they will do everything in their power to stop me.” His eyes swept over everyone in the room. “How, I ask, could vampires possibly know of what we plan to do here? Who amongst you has been in contact with them? Who has betrayed me?”

Everyone looked as surprised as they ought to be. Of course, I knew none of them had been in touch with any vampire. I assumed that the two who worked in the archival library had recognised me as the same man who studied there over one hundred years ago. They must have seen me several times since, in the Vatican or on my Father’s TV appearances. I was always with him on those occasions. They would have to be deaf, blind or very stupid not to have put two and two together.

“There are two vampires working in the library,” I said. “They must have recognised me from the times I studied there over the years. Seeing me close to you must have aroused their suspicions. If they reported what they’d seen to the Vampire Council, I’m sure an investigation was undertaken.”

“Without our knowledge of what they were doing?” Father was fairly seething as he glared at me. “Your carelessness may have put my plans in jeopardy.”

 

“I was only following your instructions,” I pointed out, unwilling to let him put the blame on my head. “You needed the information you said, pertaining to the prophecies leading up to Armageddon.”

 

“Bah!” He waved at me dismissively. “I have no need of information. I am the one who will prophesise the end of days—the one who will bring about Armageddon, in my own time! Those two vampires must be dealt with. Constantine, see to it!” Blood Resurrection

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By see to it, he meant take as many men as I needed and eliminate the vampires. Easier said than done, I thought, knowing only too well the legendary vampire strength and ability.

I was not at all pleased that he would give me this kind of dirty work to do
“Would it not be better done discreetly?” I asked, as civilly as I could.
“And just how do you propose to do that?” he asked with a sneer on his lips. “How do you kill vampires ‘discreetly’?”

“I will have to think on it and plan carefully,” I replied. “But it would not do to barge into the archives and stake them in full view of everyone there, now would it?” He studied me carefully with an expression that was not at all fatherly. “Constantine,” he said slowly. “Your attempts at humour begin to annoy me.” He waved his hand around the room. “I can call on anyone here to do my bidding, if you will not. Don’t think that because you are my son that I shall be any more lenient with you than any of my other followers who fail me. Dispose of the vampires quickly and with any method that will ensure they cannot rise again. I trust you know how to do this?”

“Yes, your Holiness.” There was no point in getting into a war of words with him. He was right. There were many who would willingly, and with great alacrity, take my place at his side. If I was beginning to have second thoughts as to the wisdom of being in his service, I was sure I was in the minority. As I looked around at the hard faces of those others in the room who now regarded me with some wariness, I knew there was not one there to whom I could look for support. At the same time, I felt it was a huge mistake to kill the vampires. The news of their disposal would only anger the Vampire Council…

My Father’s lips grew tight with impatience. “You still hesitate. Why?”
“I was wondering how the Vampire Council will react to having two of their kind killed. What if we simply dismissed them from service.” “No! They may know too much and could still be a danger even outside these walls.
Eliminate them, and quickly. And, Constantine…” He paused and gave me a wicked look.
“Remember, I know of someone very precious to you, my son. I should hate to see you bereft of the one who brings you so much pleasure.”

I was careful not to let him see the hatred I felt in my heart at that moment as I stared back at him. With a sharp bow of acquiescence, I turned and left him with his sycophants, who no doubt gloated at what they perceived to be my humiliation.

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* * * *
The archival library was immense, and it took me some time to locate the vampires.

When they saw me approach them, they stood their ground, and even though I had blocked my mind from their thoughts, I could tell they knew only too well the purpose of my visit.

The younger one took a defensive position slightly in front of his companion and sent a quiet snarl of warning my way.
“Pietro,” the other said, his hand on his friend’s arm. “I am sure the priest only wants to talk.”
“You know who I am,” I said.
“We know who you were,” the one named Pietro said, still in defence mode. “Who are you now, Demon?”

I motioned that they should follow me to a more private part of the library, and after exchanging glances, they accompanied me to an ante room used for storage.

“My name is Constantine,” I said, closing the door behind me. “I am the Pope’s son—”
“His son? But you are—”
“Your names, before we proceed. Pietro and…?”
“Bernard,” the taller of the two said quietly. “What is it you want of us?”
“His Holiness has received a warning from the Vampire Council. I presume their information comes from you.”
Bernard nodded. “And you have come to stop us? That will not be an easy task.”

“I am aware of vampire ability and strength,” I said. “But you must realise the Pope has an army of faithful followers who will do his bidding without question.” Pietro looked at me sceptically. “And you, his son, do you not do his bidding also?” I hesitated. Would they believe me when I told them of my change of heart? “You are lovers?” I asked.

“Yes,” Bernard replied.
“These past hundred years,” Pietro added with pride.

I allowed myself a wry smile. “I have a lover. A mortal man whose life may be in danger if I do not fulfil my Father’s wishes. In order to protect him, I need your help.” Blood Resurrection

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“
Our
help?”
I could tell I had amazed them with that last statement. “My Father has ordered your deaths. I am to be your executioner.” Now Pietro’s snarl was not as quiet as before. “You think you can take us, Demon?”
“I told you my name is Constantine.”
“I don’t care what your name is—”

“Pietro, calm yourself.” Bernard again put a steadying hand on his lover’s arm. “I don’t think Constantine plans on trying to kill us.” His dark blue eyes studied me carefully, and I felt his mind probing mine. In order to satisfy his curiosity, I let him in. “Ah,” he murmured.

“Now I understand. Gustav…he is very handsome.”
“And a wonderful human being,” I said quickly. “I almost lost him once. I couldn’t bear it if what is to happen would take him from me again.” “Just what is going to happen?” Bernard asked.
“I think you already know the answer to that.”
“He truly has that kind of power?”
I nodded. “His power is already shaping the future. Heads of governments are only too eager to listen to him.”
“But surely the people cannot want yet another war,” Pietro said, with a heavy sigh.

“This will be a religious war,” I told them. “He will use the unrest and suspicion that already exists between East and West. The clash of cultures and religion has already proven to have catastrophic effects on the human psyche. There is so much hatred among the extremists on all sides.”

“Are you saying you disagree with what he plans to do?” I nodded. “There was a time when I thought that my only purpose in life was to be at his side when he led the armies of conflict to their final battle. I thought my heart would swell with pride when all nations would bow down before him. This is what I thought I was born for…but now… now, I sense in him something of the charlatan.” Bernard frowned thoughtfully. “You mean, he is not the Antichrist?”

“I think he wants us to believe he is. But what he is, is no more than I am—a demon—a very old demon, with some very impressive powers. But is he the Antichrist? I never thought I would ever say this, but no, I don’t believe he is.” Blood Resurrection

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Pietro looked at me warily. “How do we know you are telling us the truth?”
“I have opened my mind to Bernard, and I will to you also, if it will convince you that what I say is the truth.”
He looked at Bernard, who nodded, then turned to me. “What is it you want us to do?”
“I want you both to leave here immediately, before it’s too late. If you stay, and I don’t kill you, his men will.”
“Why are you sparing us?”

“Because I want you to protect Gustav, and because what I must do, will most likely result in my death. When that happens, I want to know he is safe.” Bernard’s sardonic smile showed the tips of his fangs. “And you would trust vampires to protect him?”

“I know you are followers of Marcus Verano.”
Pietro gasped. “You know of Marcus? But how?”
“Marcus exists even in demon lore.” I laughed without much humour as I continued.
“His philosophy of compassion is talked of, if not conformed to. For that reason, yes, I trust you with Gustav’s life.”
“Then we will do our best to ensure his safety.”
“I will tell him I want him to meet two friends of mine—”
“After dark.”

“After dark—of course. And when you are sure he is no longer in any danger, I would ask that you allow him to forget you—and all that has happened.”

“And what of his memories of you?”
I felt the tears well in my eyes as I replied, “If all I hope for fails, he must forget he ever knew me.”
Blood Resurrection
J.P Bowie

Naturally, I immediately formed a mind link with Marcus to inform him of all that had transpired that day. He was surprised but said that he would inform the Vampire Council of this new development.
Chapter Eight
Bernard

Do you think you can trust Constantine?
he asked
Because of his love for his mortal companion, Gustav, yes I believe we can trust him. Have you spoken with the mortal yet?

No. Pietro and I will meet with him at the café he and Constantine frequent. We will be introduced as old friends of the family. Constantine does not want to alarm him unnecessarily—at first anyway.
Be careful then, old friend. Watch out for those who might already knowof this plan.

His warning was well taken, for I was already worried that what Constantine planned might just be known to the Pope and his henchmen. If indeed he was not what he purported to be, then his need for total dominance of those who might usurp him might just force him to take quicker action than he intended. Yet, Constantine seemed secure in his mind that he had not been spied upon or followed as we approached the café that night.

We returned to the Vatican archival library one last time to pick up a few of our belongings. A risky move, yes, but we knew that if in any danger, we could use our vampire speed and agility to escape quite easily. Pietro nudged my arm as I was rifling through a stack of papers I had been using to document my findings on vampire lore.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Cardinal Firenze approach. A large, rotund man, he was difficult to miss, and truth to tell, I had always liked him and so was glad that we could at least say our goodbyes to him.

“Bernard, Pietro, you are working late.”
“Actually, your eminence, this is our last night in the archives,” I told him. “Pietro and I have secured positions elsewhere.” Blood Resurrection
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“But I am sorry to hear that,” he replied with some sincerity. “You have always been the most dedicated of our employees here. So many changes here of late.” He eyed us appraisingly. “Would this have anything to do with the new Holy Father?” Pietro and I cast uneasy glances at each other, and Firenze sighed. “I thought it might. So many good people are leaving, unable to stomach what is happening here. I pray to God each day and night that He will put an end to it.”

“An end to it?” I asked.

 

“Surely you have noticed how Pius has deviated from the teachings of the Church, and has surrounded himself with, what I can only describe as, thugs.” If he only knew the truth.