Vengeance in Blood (Book 2): Tribulations (11 page)

Looking up and smiling, Tiffany asked, “What of them?”

“From what you’ve already told me,” Kenneth said then looked over at Besseta, “well us, I characterize them as devious more so than werewolves or vampires. From what you’ve told me so far today, I gather vampires are in general more intelligent than werewolves, but incubi and succubi are more so.”

Slowly, Tiffany shook her head. “First, don’t think werewolves aren’t intelligent; that would be a grave mistake,” she warned. “To me, they are smarter as a whole than vampires because they keep their secret much better. Don’t judge other vampires by myself or little Besseta; we aren’t the norm. Most other vampires can read and write several languages, but it’s only because they’ve been around so long. They don’t actively study.”

“Huh,” Besseta let out a scoff. “I don’t study compared to you, Tiffany.”

Looking over at Besseta, Tiffany squeezed her hand. “If it wasn’t for your ‘quest,’ you would probably study more than me,” Tiffany replied, and Besseta just shook her head.

Interrupting, Kenneth asked, “So what of the incubi and succubi?”

Confused, Tiffany furrowed her brows. “Are they smart? Is that what you’re asking me?” Tiffany asked.

“Basically,” Kenneth admitted. Looking away, Tiffany thought for a few minutes.

As Kenneth took another sip of his coffee, Tiffany looked back at him. “From what I’ve read about them and what I learned from the incubus I talked to, I would have to say as a group, they are the smartest.”

Letting go of Tiffany’s hand, Besseta walked over and sat down beside Kenneth. “Kenneth, what are you getting at?” she asked. “You’re not asking questions about the lifestyle and history of the groups. It almost seems like you’re asking about psych profiles.”

Before Kenneth answered, Tiffany gave Besseta a confused look. “Psych profiles?” she asked.

“How each group acts and our intelligence level,” Besseta answered, not looking away from Kenneth.

“Why would I do that?” Kenneth asked with a grin.

Closing her eyes, Besseta shook her head. “I don’t know. That’s why I asked.”

With a slight shrug, Kenneth smiled. “Well, at least you caught on to my line of questioning,” he said.

“I’ll go and get dressed if you don’t start talking,” Besseta warned. Seeing a look of horror cross Kenneth’s face, Tiffany giggled.

“No reason to be rash,” Kenneth quickly said. “I think someone or a group of someones are behind this power play.”

“Why?” Tiffany asked.

“This whole Manu Fortis is way too organized against vampires,” Kenneth told her.

Shaking her head, Tiffany pointed out, “No, if it was any group other than humans, they would know our weaknesses and have much more information about us.”

With a smile, Kenneth just looked at her. “What, and give up knowledge they have and become the center of attention?” he asked. “Why not give just enough information to start the quest and guide the war from the sidelines? When the war is over, those that control the ruling class will be the ones in command.”

“The incubi and succubi,” Tiffany gasped.

“That’s what I think,” Kenneth agreed. “Vampires present the only logical target. Werewolves have numbers and will fight together on larger scales. Since yesterday, I’ve thought about all the men and women behind the scenes in history and think this isn’t the first time this has been tried.”

Letting out a gasp, Besseta jumped up. “If they control vampires and werewolves, they control humans.”

“Yep,” Kenneth agreed. “Now I’m taking a lot on assumption, but on this lost island, there had to be some allegiance between the many succubi and incubi.”

Not buying that, Tiffany spoke up. “There is where I disagree,” she said. “They may have had small treaties or such, but they each think they are the sole reason for creation.”

“Hold on, Tiffany,” Besseta said and sat back down beside Kenneth. “Not counting history, what makes you think succubi or incubi are behind this war?”

“I think there are several of each,” Kenneth admitted. “I believe they are controlling this board of the Strong Hands from the sidelines.”

“If they were, this board wouldn’t need to put bombs in the vampires to control them,” Tiffany pointed out. “They, the incubi and succubi, only have to touch a vampire or anyone to gain utter control. Why go through all the trouble of this ruse?”

Setting his coffee down, Kenneth just grinned at Tiffany. “What did you just say that would justify this ruse?” he asked.

Looking over at Besseta, Tiffany said, “I think your husband is trying to give me a headache.”

“No, if he wanted to give you a headache, he would. There would be no try,” Besseta corrected. “He can argue the horns off a buffalo.”

“Hey, I’m sitting right here,” Kenneth protested. “Guys, what human would follow someone or something they knew could take away their sense of self with just a touch?” he asked. “Think about that. You see this person controlling others like worker bees, not leading them. You will have no life once they take you if you even know how they did it. Humans wouldn’t. They want to believe they are in control, and I believe vampires would as well.”

Shocked, Tiffany mumbled several words in several languages that Kenneth was taking as swear words. “Whoa,” Besseta exclaimed, falling back on the couch. “They would only need to take over a few people to do this.”

“Exactly,” Kenneth smiled, “and I’m sure one or more vampires.”

Jerking her head, Besseta looked at him. “So you really think someone in the League is with them?” she asked.

“If not a member, they have someone close to a member,” Kenneth told her.

Putting her hands over her face, Besseta answered, “Well, I could think of several that would fit that description.”

“Is Maliki over the League?” Kenneth asked.

“He is the senior member, so I guess that would be yes,” Besseta answered. “But I can’t see him coming under control of a succubus or incubus,” she said with certainty.

Confused, Kenneth asked, “Why do you say that?”

Finally able to shake the shock off, Tiffany answered, “Because he’s killed three,” and Besseta nodded in agreement.

Hearing that, Kenneth looked back and forth from Besseta and Tiffany, waiting for more. When neither said anything, he asked, “So how does that exclude him?”

“Kenneth, he’s killed them, so he takes precautions,” Tiffany said, waving her hands. “Why do you think stories evolved of vampires sleeping in coffins and dark caves? We started sleeping where it would be hard to get to us without waking us up. They can only take control of you easily when you’re asleep.”

“What if he was already under an incubus or succubus when he killed the others?” Kenneth asked, and both the girls gasped. “Tiffany, you said so yourself incubi and succubi fight amongst themselves. Why not use a puppet to kill your competition?”

Not convinced, Besseta sat up. “His thoughts don’t come out like someone who is—” she stopped for a loss of words.

“Controlled,” Kenneth offered.

“Okay, controlled,” Besseta accepted. “He’s just like everyone else thinking freely.”

Tiffany nodded. “Yes, if one was controlled, they don’t think of themselves anymore. I can be certain they would think of the one who was controlling them and care more for their wellbeing.”

“Fair enough,” Kenneth said. “I just don’t want either of you crossing someone off the list until we can prove it.” They both nodded understanding. “Besseta, you said you knew of several vampires that are around the League that could run the show from the sidelines,” Kenneth reminded her.

“Yes, each member has at least one advisor, I guess you could call them,” Besseta responded.

“Who was Maliki’s?” Kenneth asked.

She gave him an evil smile. “William,” Besseta hissed.

“Oh.” Kenneth nodded, getting up. “Well, we can cross him off. I saw him up close, and he was only worried about himself.”

“What happened to the boot licker?” Tiffany asked, looking at Besseta for answers.

Walking to the kitchen, Kenneth called over his shoulder, “He tried to chase and kill us, but Besseta talked him out of it.”

Leaning over the coffee table, Tiffany whispered, “I told you when you cut off William’s hands we should’ve just chased him down and ripped his head off.”

“We had someplace to be, Tiffany,” Besseta reminded her.

“Well, if those stupid twisted cross people would’ve quit sending those metal machines—”

“They were Nazis, and those were called tanks,” Besseta interrupted.

“They all wore that stupid Hindu twisted cross,” Tiffany huffed. “And those ‘tanks’ were becoming a pain.”

“Yes, that’s why we really needed to leave,” Besseta told her. “When you made one crush down to the size of a garbage can, they just started shooting everywhere.”

Regretfully, Tiffany nodded. “Yes, poor Daniel,” she sighed.

“He was a pain,” Besseta said, putting her feet up on the coffee table.

“What happened?” Kenneth asked, coming back with another cup of coffee.

“There were many of these metal…tanks we ran into,” Tiffany started and waited until Kenneth sat down to continue. “We were going to destroy a camp of the
Nazis
,” Tiffany huffed at Besseta. “Well, there were more than I could count quickly, and with the tanks was an army, and they just started shooting in every direction. Daniel was a member of our group, and a tank shot him with its big gun, and Daniel just disappeared in a mist. It was a lucky shot, but he was still gone.”

“Yeah, I would agree with that,” Besseta chuckled. “Along with the thousand machine guns shooting at us, we all agreed to just leave.”

Setting his cup down, Kenneth said, “That is a story I really want to hear later. Right now, we need to work this hypothesis.”

They both nodded and leaned over the coffee table with Kenneth and tried to figure out if their worst fear was possible.

Chapter 7

Several weeks later, Besseta was gathering a few things and putting them in a small backpack as she looked up and saw the sun setting. She gave a sigh, still hearing Kenneth pacing downstairs. Throwing her backpack, which wasn’t much bigger than a large purse, on her shoulder, Besseta walked out of the bedroom.

Not ready to face an irritated Kenneth, she stopped by Tiffany’s room. Seeing the door open, she walked in to find Tiffany putting on a pair of hiking boots. Tiffany’s long, black hair was pulled back, and she was wearing a tight t-shirt and blue jeans.

Noticing that, Besseta paused. “Ah Tiffany,” she said, “I think this is the first time I’ve seen you in pants.”

“Doesn’t surprise me,” Tiffany grumbled. “Pants compress the body in many places.”

As Tiffany stood up, Besseta had to admit Tiffany may not like pants, but she looked good in them. “We would draw too much attention if you wear dresses,” Besseta reminded her.

“I know,” Tiffany replied. “I still think this is just an excuse for you to dress me up.”

“You look really good,” Besseta admitted.

“Thank you.” Tiffany smiled. “I take it Kenneth is still mad he’s not going?”

Shrugging, Besseta cringed. “He’s still pacing downstairs, so I’m guessing he is.”

Reaching back, Tiffany picked up a small backpack like Besseta’s. “It really is for the best,” Tiffany acknowledged. “If this turns out to be a setup, you and I will have no problem getting away, and it keeps Kenneth out of the League’s grasp.”

As they left the room side by side, Besseta nodded. “I know, and I think he does as well, but that doesn’t mean he likes it.”

They walked down the stairs then stopped, seeing Kenneth pacing the living room with a dog on each side pacing with him. If it wasn’t for the grumpy look on Kenneth’s face, Besseta would’ve laughed but knew that would upset him more. She did smile at the sight, though, just as Kenneth looked up.

“I—” Kenneth started, but Besseta held up her hand.

“I’m smiling at the dogs pacing with you,” she informed him, hoping to head off any more arguments.

Confused, Kenneth looked down and spotted the dogs at his side. “Well, I guess that would be cute and demand a smile,” he mumbled. He looked back up. “I can’t protect you if I’m not beside you.”

Within the blink of an eye, Besseta was standing in front of him. “I know, baby, but if this turns into a setup, we can get out fast. If you came, we would have to cover you as you withdrew. I would get hurt worrying about you,” Besseta offered again.

A slight breeze blew across Kenneth’s face, and he turned to see Tiffany standing beside them. “I would be hurt as well trying to cover for both of you,” she admitted. “Don’t take this the wrong way, Kenneth, but I can’t lose you because you made it possible that I could play with dogs again, and I couldn’t lose you for little Besseta’s sake. If she lost you, I shiver at what she would do.”

Kenneth lowered his head in defeat. “Fine, I’ll drop it,” he mumbled.

Relief flooded Besseta’s body as she wrapped her arms around Kenneth, burying her face in his chest. Tiffany saw Kenneth wince as Besseta hugged him, but Kenneth said nothing as he hugged Besseta with one arm and caressed her head. Not able to help it, Tiffany smiled and saw the instant Besseta relaxed her hug and Kenneth relax.

“Just because you’re not going, please be careful here,” Besseta said, looking up with tears on her face.

Gently, he wiped the tears away. “I will. Bonnie and Clyde will be here with me, so I won’t get in trouble.” He smiled. “When you get to Chicago, call me, and before you leave for Mississippi, call me.”

“I will,” Besseta promised.

“Remember to go over your list of questions and what to look for before you meet Maliki, and if he doesn’t agree to the meeting area, just come home,” Kenneth reminded her.

“Yes, baby,” she said, “and I’ll remember the hundred other things you told me.”

Stepping closer, Tiffany put her hand on Kenneth’s shoulder. “I’ll take good care of her.”

Smiling, Kenneth looked at Tiffany. “You don’t get hurt either because Besseta thinks the world of you,” he informed her. “And I have to admit I’ve grown rather fond of you myself.”

“It’s been a long time since anyone’s worried about me,” Tiffany said, reaching out and hugging both of them.

Pain shot through Kenneth’s chest, and he felt his feet leave the ground as Tiffany picked him and Besseta up in her hug. Closing his eyes, he tried to ignore the pain as he put an arm around Tiffany’s neck and hugged her as he hugged Besseta.

When Tiffany put them down, Kenneth fought the urge to just drop to the floor as Besseta looked up. “You really think Maliki will agree to meet us in Corinth, Mississippi?” she asked and noticed how tight Kenneth’s facial muscles were.

Besseta totally relaxed her arms but still held them around Kenneth’s waist as he looked down at her. “If he doesn’t, you don’t meet. This is non-negotiable. The park outside of Corinth will give you the advantage of seeing what’s around and plenty of avenues of escape. If the Strong Hands find out about this, they can’t flood a little town with federal agents quietly.”

“I’m more worried about the drone vampires,” Besseta admitted before thinking then quickly added, “but I know we can outrun them very easily.”

Knowing he would be in the way and a liability, Kenneth sighed and kissed Besseta. “Please stay safe,” he whispered, breaking the kiss. “I’ll work on teaching Bonnie and Clyde how to read while you two are gone.”

They both laughed as Besseta let Kenneth go. “I’m telling you they only do it to irritate me,” Besseta chuckled as Kenneth held up the Jaguar key.

“Remember to buy Tiffany some clothes that will blend in, not only nice outfits,” Kenneth reminded her.

Hearing that, Tiffany stomped her foot. “I hate wearing pants,” she whined.

“I will,” Besseta said then kissed him again and walked to the door. Bonnie and Clyde ran after her, barking. Dropping down to her knees, Besseta loved all over them then stood up. Then the dogs ran over to Tiffany, and both stood up against her legs, letting Tiffany know she owed them some love.

With a tear-filled, smiling face, Tiffany dropped down, hugging both dogs and loving on them. “We’ll be back soon,” she promised, kissing them.

Kenneth walked them down to the dock and watched them climb on the boat. He waved until they were halfway to the shore. Dropping his hand, Kenneth looked down at the dogs. “Well, since I’m just a fifth wheel, let’s do something,” he told them, heading back inside.

As Besseta and Tiffany climbed in the Jag, they threw their backpacks in the backseat. “I hate leaving Kenneth like this,” Besseta admitted as she started the car.

“It’s for the best,” Tiffany told her as Besseta drove down the driveway.

“I know,” Besseta moaned. “At least I get to go shopping with you,” she said, forcing a smile.

“Uhh,” Tiffany groaned. “I’m ready for this war to be over now.”

Stopping at the gate, Tiffany got out and opened it then closed it after Besseta pulled through. When Tiffany was back in the car, Besseta pulled away. “You think Kenneth’s theory is sound?” Besseta asked.

Tiffany nodded. “Unfortunately, I think it has great merit,” she admitted. “His mind is quite remarkable; it’s like he’s reading the actions of others in the past and present.”

  “Hey,” Besseta snapped with a smile, “he’s my husband. Don’t try to steal him.”

A roar of laughter erupted from Tiffany. “I just want your babies. You can keep him,” she howled.

Besseta joined in on the laughter. “Well if something happens to us, we’ll put you as guardian of Bonnie and Clyde.”

They laughed for a while as Besseta drove slightly over the speed limit. “I thought the local rulers didn’t like for people to drive over the speed limit on the big signs?” Tiffany asked.

“We have a lot to do in Chicago then have to run six hundred miles to Mississippi before we can go home,” Besseta moaned.

Tiffany looked over at her. “You could sit this war out with Kenneth, and I’ll fight for us,” she offered.

A look of determination fell on Besseta’s face. “No, but don’t think I haven’t thought about that,” she replied. “Not you fighting for us but just sitting it out and continuing my quest with Kenneth. But I have a feeling this war is going to affect many of our kind and even more humans. I think if I sat out, I would eventually have to fight in the end, so I’m just going to get it over with.”

“That is what I believe,” Tiffany confessed. “I’ve tried to stay out of the world and just study it, but human wars and these disturbances keep pulling me back.”

“How can you study the world and not live in it?” Besseta asked, confused.

“Not very well, it seems,” Tiffany replied.

Setting the cruise control, Besseta looked over at Tiffany. “Do you know how to use a computer?” she asked.

“Of course,” Tiffany answered. “That is one of the most remarkable inventions to date.”

“I always say plumbing.”

“Yes, that was a good one, but I still put computers above it,” Tiffany said. “I’ve been putting my library in the computer. Translating and typing each scroll then scanning them.”

“You have electricity?” Besseta asked, confused.

Tiffany chuckled. “Well yes, computers won’t eat food,” she said. “I have several little wind and water turbines that provide me with more than enough electricity.”

Not surprised, Besseta smiled. “Leave it to you, Tiffany, to live green.”

“How long have you known Maliki?” Tiffany asked out of the blue.

Shocked, Besseta answered, “Uh, since he took a seat with the League here after the War of Independence.”

“Well, I’ve known him since a decade after his turn,” Tiffany stated. “He was a commander in central Spain for the Romans. I didn’t really care for him then, and the sixteen hundred years since haven’t improved my opinion.”

Not sure how to answer or what brought out this revelation, Besseta sat quiet for a few minutes to see if Tiffany was going to explain, but she just sat quietly and watched the road. Taking a deep breath, Besseta asked, “May I ask why you didn’t like him?”

“Foremost, he was with the Roman legions,” Tiffany spat as if that explained everything. “But he was always so arrogant—even for a vampire.”

Trying not to laugh, Besseta smirked. “Well, that does put him at a disadvantage.”

Tiffany shook her head. “He still carries the attitude of a Roman general even though when he was a general, the Roman Empire was collapsing,” Tiffany grumbled. “In case you’re wondering, he really did kill one succubus and two incubi. That’s one thing he didn’t make up.”

“How do you know for sure?” Besseta asked.

“My husband was with Maliki when he killed the succubus, and another I trust was around Maliki for the others,” Tiffany told her. “That is one area of his life Maliki doesn’t flaunt.”

“Well, I heard about it,” Besseta pointed out.

Tiffany nodded. “Yes, from others, but Maliki doesn’t even like to talk about it.”

Thinking about that, Besseta asked, “Why do you think he doesn’t want to flaunt it?”

“He’s scared,” Tiffany replied. “He didn’t know what the succubus was when it attacked him as he woke up. Luckily for Maliki, he didn’t try to feed off it. It wasn’t until Herotho, my husband, told him what it was that Maliki even knew of their existence.”

Liking that reasoning, Besseta asked, “You think that’s why the two incubi attacked Maliki? Because he killed a female?”

“That’s what I’ve always thought,” Tiffany admitted.

“Your husband was with Maliki?”

Tiffany gave the barest of nods. “Yes, he was traveling with Maliki to Rome to pay tribute. At that time, northern Italy had very large packs of werewolves. I mean whole villages. Since they knew each other, they traveled together for mutual protection and stopped in a cave after traveling for a week. Luckily for both, my husband put a very large boulder over the mouth of the cave. That’s what woke Maliki. Herotho was sleeping deeper in the cave in case it held another entrance.”

A shiver ran down Besseta’s spine. “I think that falls way beyond luck,” she admitted in a low voice.

“I do as well,” Tiffany smiled. “If she had taken Herotho, I would’ve started one of your crusades against the incubi and succubi.”

“I never knew you even mingled with other vampires,” Besseta confessed.

“Rarely but I do,” Tiffany replied. “I met you, didn’t I?”

Remembering the encounter, Besseta smiled. “Yes you did. You know I almost took off running when you made that knight’s armor crush him.”

“Me?” Tiffany gasped. “You kept saying, ‘I know what they’re thinking, and we can’t go that way.’ I really thought you were crazy until you asked that monk where the key to the library was and he didn’t answer. Then you casually walked over to a desk and picked up the key.”

“I’m glad you stayed with me,” Besseta admitted. “I really needed a friend then.”

“I did as well,” Tiffany smiled. “Even if you didn’t listen to me about Bereno,” she chided.

Letting out a long groan, Besseta complained, “You just had to bring that up.”