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Chapter Twenty-Two “You’re sending me where?” Mr. Jones, said, glaring at Beatriz? “You’ll begin your travels in Chicago, next Friday.” She said matter of factly. It was 9 a.m. and she had waited up for him to come in. “I’m not going to go on tour with a rock band–that’s ridiculous!” He stated. “No, you’re not. You are going to accompany five of my charges on a trip and make sure nothing happens that shouldn’t. I need someone to be awake and to know what is going on at all times, therefore, you get the day shift.” She said, looking over at the clock. She turned back to him, “Is there a problem?” “Lady, I…” he stopped. “I just really would rather not leave the city to go traipse around the country–“ She waved her hand between them, “Oh, it will be an adventure. Live a little.” “But–“ “No buts, I’m paying you double. You’ll have fun. End of discussion.” She walked towards her bedroom, but then, she turned back, “Oh, and please, I need you to go see the family today, I need to know their decision. It may be a moot point if they |
Mr. Jones put his hands on his hips, “Well, he is a brat, but I don’t believe it is so bad that they would not want him with them. If they didn’t, they’d be gone by now.”
~~~~~
“I think it’s time we went back to Tulsa.” Walker said. The looks he received from his family were priceless. But it was Diana’s that was the most telling.
“If you think for one minute that I am going to leave my son here all alone in this city with a bunch of–” She exclaimed. Walker held his hands up.
“Alright, alright. That’s all I wanted to know. If you all feel that way, especially you, Di–then why are we even worrying about this? Obviously, we all want him back, no matter what it entails. I took a call from that Mr. Jones guy this morning, he’s coming by around noon and they need to know our answer. It seems Taylor is driving them all a little crazy. I find that hard to believe, don’t you?” He smiled. Tears filled Diana’s eyes and she prayed they were making the right decision.
~~~~~
Melanie watched Beatriz talking on the telephone. She paced back and forth in front of the large windows. The sun had just ducked below the horizon and she had begun to feel a familiar surge of energy. She hated the sun. It didn’t matter how old she was, it still had the same effect on her, sucking away her ability to remain awake. Even Camille could outlast her usually. Only Taylor seemed to be more bothered by it, and he was more like a preemie than a newbie. But, once it was gone and the sky got that fabulous cobalt look, she was in control of her amazing body and she took full advantage of it. She loved nothing better than to take a human and let them know exactly what they were dealing with. The only thing better than the taste of their blood, was the look and the smell of their fear before she sunk her teeth into their throat, or their breast, or their wrist. Whatever worked at the moment. A smile sat on her lips as she watched Beatriz. Someday, she hoped to be as powerful as her. Beatriz looked like a cat. Her body was so perfectly proportioned and her eyes so sharp and clear. Melanie knew she was incredibly strong, though she’d never really seen her do anything. Oh, what she wouldn’t have given to have seen her fling that brat Taylor across the room. She still hadn’t forgiven him for taking her blood. Not only did it make her look weak, but it had added to his powers. He’d been physically strong before, but after that, he’d become even harder to deal with. Men were too stupid to have that kind of psychic power. He’d already hit Camille with it and he didn’t even have the sense to realize he’d done it. She shook her head and laughed. Beatriz’ eyes went to her, but she didn’t end her conversation. She was making some sort of travel arrangements and other boring things. Finally, she heard her say ‘goodbye’ to the person on the other end of the line and Melanie sat up straight in the chair.
“So sorry to have made you wait.” Beatriz said, walking over to her. She sat down on the sofa and looked into the gray eyes of Melanie. “I suppose you are wondering why I got you up?” She asked.
“Well, yeah.” She said, looking around. “Where is everybody?”
Beatriz leaned back and pulled her feet underneath her. “Taylor and Camille were out late, I’m sure it will be awhile before they join us. He’s still healing.” She said.
Melanie rolled her eyes and shook her head. “Hmph. I’m sure he is.” She said dryly.
Beatriz smiled, “You don’t like him much, do you?” She asked the girl.
“Oh, no, I think he’s a peach.” Melanie said sweetly.
Beatriz just continued to smile at her, “Well, that’s good, because I need you to do something for me. You are taking Taylor out on the hunt with you. Tonight.”
Now, the girl’s eyes took on a bit of the amber colour that Beatriz had seen before. “Why?” She asked bluntly.
“Because I am sending him home. I want him to be self-sufficient. I want him to do what he needs to do. Mr. Jones informed me this evening that his family wants him back and that they are willing to do whatever is necessary to make it work. I need to know I can trust you to do what I expect.” Beatriz said, the seriousness of her words and her face not lost on the girl.
Melanie looked at her, “What are you wanting me to do? He knows how to get what he needs. He’s got you all snowed with that lost little boy act.” She said, knowing she was risking the wrath of the woman before her, but just finding herself unable to keep her mouth shut any longer on the subject.
“Melanie, he is a very lost little boy. He died, but instead of waking up in heaven, like he’d always known he would, he woke up one of us. I don’t think you realize just how much he lost. His family dotes on him, loves him more than anything.” Beatriz stood up, “Come with me.” She said, and she led the girl down the hall to where Taylor and Camille lay. Though the room was dark, neither of them had a problem seeing. Taylor, still wearing Michelle’s jacket and clutching the old bear to his chest had his back to Camille and her arm was draped over his waist. “He cares more for that old bear than he does for any of us. It represents the family he has had to leave behind.” She turned to her, “And we are certainly no kind of replacement.” She said, and then she walked back out into the hallway as Melanie followed. When they returned, Mr. Jones was standing in the room waiting for them.
“I brought clothes for the young one like you asked My Lady.” He said. Beside him was a stack of boxes, obviously from high-end stores.
“Call him ‘Taylor’, he doesn’t want you calling him ‘master’ and such. Even if it is your way.” She said, pulling a black sweater from the top box. “Very nice.” She said, running her fingers across the ribbed material. “So–” she said, turning to look at both of them, “are we all getting our bags packed and tying up all our loose ends?” She asked.
Mr. Jones sighed, “Yes, madam.” He replied, while Melanie merely shrugged her shoulders.
“Very good. Now then, Melanie, are you ready for this evenings adventures? I see you have your little combat boots on.” Beatriz said, gazing down at the girl’s boots.
“As ready as I’ll ever be, I guess. God, he’s such a pansy…” she muttered, then she plopped down in the chair and folded her legs over the arm of it.
Beatriz looked at Mr. Jones and drew in a deep breath, “Kids…we love’em.” She said, then she looked up to see Sonya walking towards them. She wore a skirt with black leggings underneath and a t-shirt that read ‘I wish my boyfriend was a skater’. Her blonde hair was pulled up in a messy bun and the bracelets on her wrist jangled as she walked. “Good evening, Sonya.” Beatriz greeted her.
“Hello. How is everyone?” Sonya replied. Melanie made some sort of sound and she looked to the other two, but they just shrugged their shoulders.
“She’s pouting.” Beatriz said.
“Ahh, I see.” Sonya said, sitting down on the couch. “How about you, Mr. Jones? Doing alright tonight?” She asked.
“Yes. Just waiting for Mr. Hanson to awaken, so that I may give him his new clothes. Do you think he would be angry if I burned the present collection while he is out tonight?” He asked her. Sonya seemed to know the boy better than the rest of them, so he thought he should ask her first.
Sonya smiled, “Uh, I don’t think that’s a very good idea. He seems to get attached to things…”
“Hmmm, perhaps you’re right.” He said, stroking his chin. “Still, I believe I will box them up so they are not so easily accessible. Just then, they heard feet slapping the marble floor and they turned to see a very groggy looking Taylor coming into the room. Behind him, Camille followed, but she went on to her room instead of stopping there. Taylor walked over and sat, putting his feet up on the table.
“Must you do that?” Beatriz asked.
“Well, it just feels better that way.” He said. His hair was messy and his clothes wrinkled even worse than when he’d pulled them from his backpack the night before. He looked to Mr. Jones, “You said it would be well by now, why does it still hurt?” He asked, his blue eyes searching the older man’s face for an answer.
“No, I said it would be better very quickly. Can you walk?” He asked the boy. Taylor nodded. “Can you run?” He asked him. Again, Taylor nodded. “Then it’s better.”
Beatriz smiled watching the exchange. “Taylor,” she said, “Mr. Jones brought you some clothes to wear.
“I don’t need any clothes.” He said back.
“Of course you do.” Mr. Jones said and he held up the sweater. Though he tried to hide it, Taylor’s eyes lit up.
“Oh, that looks soft…” he said, and he took it from the man’s outstretched hand and put it against his cheek, closing his eyes. “Well,” he said, opening them up again, “I’ll take this one, but I don’t want any more. Just take’em back.”
“I’ll just put them in your room for now.” Mr. Jones said, and he picked up the stack of boxes and walked back down the hall.
“Go with him, please, Taylor. When you’re dressed, come back here, I need to speak to you.” Beatriz said to him.
Begrudgingly, he stood and followed the man down the hallway. Upon his return, he had showered as well as put on the sweater and a dark blue pair of jeans. Even Melanie couldn’t help but notice that he could be very pleasing to the eye when he put forth the effort. His cheeks were pink and his eyes sparkled, he’d obviously fed the evening before, much to the relief of Beatriz. The designer sweater fit him perfectly. The only thing that looked rough about him were the old boots he’d insisted on wearing. “Why are you still wearing those old shoes?” Beatriz asked.
Plopping down on the couch next to Sonya, he replied. “Because I like them. They’re comfortable. It took me a long time to get them like this.” And he leaned over and lay his head on Sonya’s shoulder. “Besides, those new ones he picked out were too small. So, do you have a boyfriend, Sonya?” He asked.
She laughed, “Uh, no. I don’t see the need for one.” She said.
“Hmmm, well I was just wondering, ‘cause I know some skaters and stuff. I could hook you up.” He said, smiling.
“That’s quite alright. I’ll do my own hooking up, thank you.” She said.
“Alright, if that’s the way you want it. So, where are we going tonight? Can we do something fun before we eat the people?” He asked Sonya. Sonya looked at Beatriz.
Beatriz spoke, “Actually Taylor, I’ve changed my mind. You’re going out with Melanie tonight.”
He raised an eyebrow and looked at her, “That’s not what you said! You said I would go with Sonya tonight and Melanie tomorrow.” He pulled himself closer to Sonya.
Beatriz stood up, “Yes, I did say that. But there’s been a change in plans.” She started.
Taylor looked over at Melanie, she was looking back at him and suddenly, he caught a flash in his mind of her as she pushed him under the water. He shook his head and looked back at Beatriz, “I don’t want to.”
Melanie smirked, “You big baby, I’m not gonna hurt you.” She said.
“I know you’re not, ‘cause I’m not going anywhere with you.” He spat back at her. Sonya and Beatriz looked at each other.
“Fine.” She said and she leaned back in the chair again.
“Taylor, Melanie is an accomplished hunter. You need to learn–” Beatriz was cut off by him.
“I’m sure she is! And she’s quite the murderer too! And I bet she can dish out some torture with the best of them. No thank you. I don’t need to hunt people down like they’re animals.” He said, looking pointedly at her.
“Well, if you’re gonna run away like a scared little deer, you have to expect to be chased!” Melanie said back.
Taylor stood up and stalked into the library muttering under his breath as he walked.
When Beatriz walked in, he was sitting at the piano playing very softly. She leaned on the shiny surface and watched him for a moment. “Did you write that?” She asked him. He looked at her and nodded. “It’s lovely.” She said.
“Thanks.” He said, continuing to play. He stopped and looked up at her, “Is this what the rest of my life is gonna be like? Just going out night after night, finding somebody to suck on?”
“Taylor,” she answered, “when you put it like that, it just sounds….I don’t know, gross or something. But, I don’t find my life uneventful or boring.”
He shook his head and began to play again. Melanie stepped into the room. “Can we go now? I’m getting hungry.” She stated.
Taylor ignored her. “Yes, you need to get going.” Beatriz said. She and Melanie stood watching him. The women exchanged looks. “Taylor, come along now. Melanie has been instructed by me to be on her best behavior. You needn’t worry.”
Taylor looked up at them, “I’m not afraid of her. I just don’t like what she does. I don’t want to learn anything from her and I don’t need to.”
Beatriz looked at him and sighed. “God, why do I have to go through this with you every night?” She asked. “The bottom line is if I say ‘jump’ you need to say ‘how high?’ And I am saying that you are going out with Melanie tonight.” She then walked out of the room and came back with a very stylish black leather jacket. “Here, I can’t bear to see you going around in that tiny purple thing.” She said, holding it out for him to take. Melanie eyed the jacket thinking if he didn’t take it, she would. He finally stood up and snatched it away from her. He didn’t say a word as he put the jacket on and walked out of the room and stood in front of the elevator, his arms crossed over his chest. Melanie followed him and took the same stance. When the door’s slid open, both of them walked in and began the tedious task of spending the evening together.
~~~~~
Beatriz walked over to Sonya. “I wonder if I’ll miss him?” She said.
Sonya laughed, “I don’t know. I suppose we’ll find out, won’t we?” She said.
“Well,” Beatriz said, “It will feel awfully quiet without him. He’s quite a troublemaker. Now, you will get to play referee between he and the girls. You know, I’m sending Kirk along too. He is loyal to me and should be of help if anyone gets out of hand. Mr. Jones will be there as well to keep an eye on things in the daytime. I can’t tell you how important this is, Sonya. If anything goes wrong…well, I don’t even want to think about it.” She sighed.
“You know,” Sonya said, “I don’t really expect much trouble out of him once he’s back with his family. He looks up to those brothers of his. He is going to know he can’t screw it up or he’ll have to leave again. It’s the rest of us I’m worried about.”
“Well, don’t worry, they will know before they leave here that they will die a slow, painful death if things don’t go exactly the way I want them to.” Beatriz said. Both of them sat quietly for a few moments and then Beatriz spoke again, “I’m going to see if his mother would like to come here tonight. I want her on our side. His father and his brothers are already there. She is the key to this working.”
Sonya raised her eyebrow, “You’re bringing her here?” She asked.
“Yes, if she’ll consent to it.” Beatriz answered.
“Oh, she will.” Sonya said.
“Well, I hope so. I’m going to give them a little time, just to make sure they’re not going to rush back here to tattle on each other, then I’ll give her a call and you can go meet her and bring her back here.” Beatriz said, gazing out the window as the stars began to come out.
~~~~~
“You people sure like to go to bars and stuff.” Taylor said as they looked up at a sign that said ‘The Living End’. They’d just gotten out of a cab as Taylor had refused to walk again.
“That’s where the food is. At least, the easy pickings.” Melanie said, looking at her reflection in the window.
“It looks awfully dark in there.” Taylor said, trying to see through the window.
Melanie shook her head, “The windows are tinted.”
“Oh. Whatever.” He shrugged. “So, if we’re just doing the same old thing tonight, why do I have to hang with you? I know how to get some drunk to let me make out with them and then put the bite on them.”
“God, how boring. Is that the only way you’ve gotten them?” She asked, turning to look up at him. In the streetlight, her auburn hair glowed and her eyes glinted.
“Pretty much. Well, actually, I only drank from a couple that were drunk.” He said. His blonde hair and fair skin along with the black clothes made him look very good to her and she continued to watch him as he spoke. “Really, I only bit that one guy ‘cause he pissed me off.”
“Did you enjoy it?” She asked, smiling.
He smiled back, “Uh…well, actually…a little.” A blush made it’s way across his cheeks.
She pushed her hair behind her ear, “Well, then what’s the problem? People are assholes, Taylor. All you have to do is sit around for a while and someone will do something that pisses you off. They may not even do it to you. But they’ll deserve whatever you dish out.”
Taylor put his hands in his pockets, “Hmmm…I don’t know…”
Melanie turned to go into the place, “Don’t be such a pussy. Come on.” She said, holding the door open for him. As they walked into the place, Taylor was surprised there was no doorman collecting money or checking for I.D.’s. Music was playing, but it wasn’t the loud, pounding bass or shrieking guitars of the last places he’d been in. This was hypnotic, ethereal sounding. He followed Melanie as she walked to the bar and ordered. Taylor looked around, noticing people were beginning to stare at him.
“Is this an underage place?” He asked her.
“Nope.” She said, taking the drink from the man behind the bar. She then walked over and sat in a booth and Taylor sat across from her. The lighting wasn’t bright, but his eyes allowed him to see all the same. The patrons were a very eclectic looking bunch. Some wore leather and others, sleek expensive looking clothes. Some looked like they hadn’t bathed in ages, while others looked like pages from a fashion magazine. “What kind of place is this, Melanie?” He asked, suddenly feeling very uncomfortable as he noticed some of them walking towards their table.
Melanie looked at him and smirked, “It’s a place just for us. Well, not just for us. But, any humans who wander in here probably won’t be coming back out again. Or, if they do, they’ll be minus a pint or two of the red stuff.”
She watched his pupils dilate and she knew he was frightened. “I’m just gonna wait outside for you, alright?” He said and he started to slide out of the seat. Just as he stood up, he was met by three women, all just staring at him, their eyes shining in that strange, reflective fashion. Now he understood why Zac had so easily recognized it when it had happened to him. Melanie looked at them.
“You gonna run, little boy?” Taylor heard in his head. He didn’t know which of them had said it as none of them had opened their mouth. Behind the women now, stood a few men. One, a blonde with spiky hair and sunglasses spoke, “What are you, like, two or three weeks old? You still smell like one of them.” He sneered.
Taylor looked at Melanie, “What?” She asked.
“I’m waiting outside, ok? If you don’t show, that’s cool, I’ll just go on without you.” He said and he attempted to get past them, but none of them moved. Now, more of them were gathering around him and he backed up until his legs were pressed up against the seat. “What the hell is this, Melanie? Did you bring me here so they could kill me or something?” He said to her silently. She watched his eyes as the greenish glimmer came into them.
“That’s against the rules, Taylor. No one’s gonna kill you.” She said. “I just thought you should meet your peers.”
Quickly, he backed into the seat and put his back against the wall, “Yes, well, I’m feeling very welcome already, thanks Mel.” He said with a fake smile.
“Anytime.” She said, and she took a drink from her glass.
“What is that?” He asked. As soon as the words left his mouth, chuckles went around the group.
“It’s water, Taylor.” Melanie said, rolling her eyes. “It’s just got coloring added to it so it doesn’t look weird to the humans when they come in.”
Taylor looked around at the crowd. It seemed to have grown. “Oh.” He said.
“Hey,” one of the men said, “are you hungry? Sam over there makes a mean ribeye.”
“No thanks, I’m not really hungry right now.” He said.
“Suit yourself, Hanson.” The man spat. The hair stood up on the back of Taylor’s neck when the man said his name.
“I think he oughta sing ‘MMMBop’ for us. I mean, we are his brothers and sisters now.” A young looking girl said, moving closer to him. Now Taylor just remained quiet, not knowing what was going to happen next. He watched as the crowd parted a bit and a man walked through and approached the table.
“You,” he said, and he pointed at Taylor, “were on television the other day. I saw you.” Taylor just looked at the man. He’d felt his fangs grow moments earlier, but he couldn’t imagine what exactly his body thought he was going to do. He was glad he never used the bathroom anymore as he was certain he would have wet his pants when the man pointed at him.
“Yes, sir.” He stuttered. More laughter followed and again, he felt his cheeks redden. There were definite advantages to not feeding, the inability to blush being one of them.
“Do you realize what you could have done?” The man hissed. Taylor looked over at Melanie, but she looked away.
“I-I didn’t mean to…” he said.
“I think Beatriz needs to teach you a lesson for that. If you don’t know anymore than that, they need to stick you in the dungeon until you do. She is getting soft.”
“Hey Sam!” Someone called, “You still got that coffin in the back room? I think we got somebody that needs to learn a little lesson!” Suddenly, Taylor felt hands grasping him and pulling him into the center of the room. As he struggled, he called for the only person he knew.
“Melanie!” He cried, just before a hand was slapped over his mouth and his arms were jerked behind his back.
His eyes grew wide and some of the girls laughed when his eyes turned nearly black with fright as two of them drug an old casket through the doors and set it on the floor with a loud bang. Loud enough for Taylor to know it wasn’t some Halloween prop made of cheap plastic. And dirty enough for him to know it had once been under six feet of earth. When they opened it, the satin inside was ragged and soiled and Taylor felt his vocal chords strain as he screamed, but no sound escaped the iron hand over his face. The man approached him again, his steely eyes glaring at Taylor, “I don’t care who you used to be, now you are one of us. And that means you are nobody. No one can know who you are or what you are.”
Melanie stood up in her seat to see what was happening. She cringed when she saw the coffin, “Alright, alright. You scared him good, I’m sure he gets the point, right Taylor?” She called. He nodded as best he could.
But, it was too late and the game had become too much fun for some of them and they began to pull him over to the monstrosity. He kicked and drug his feet, but one of the men grabbed them up and before she knew it, Melanie was watching them shove the boy into the box. Once the hand was removed from his mouth, she could hear his frightened shouts and pleas for mercy. As much as she disliked him, she had in no way wanted or expected this to happen. She did the only thing she knew to do. She called Kirk. As loudly as she’d ever called anyone. She knew he frequented the area. In fact, this was the very place she’d met him to finalize their little deal the night they brought Taylor in to Beatriz. She covered her ears, not wanting to hear anymore. As they shut the lid and locked it, Taylor was silenced but the laughter and jeers continued. The loud banging from inside the box was sickening to her. “That’s enough! Let him out now!” She demanded, and she jumped down off the seat and went towards the center of the room. The closer she got, the more she could hear Taylor kicking and beating the lid, trying to get out. Around the fringes of the room, some were sitting, not liking what was happening any more than she was. But, before anyone could make a move to stop it, the lid of the thing burst open of it’s own accord and the lock slid across the floor. All of them gasped and jumped backwards, staring at the thing, not believing what had happened. Melanie rushed over to him as he sat up, panting and his cheeks flushed red.
“What’s going on, Mel?!” she heard Kirk’s voice as he ran through the front door. “Aw, geez, man.” He said when he saw the sight before him. He rushed over to she and Taylor and pulled him up and out of the casket. “What the fuck was this?” He asked, looking around the room as Taylor leaned into him.
All of them had backed up except the man. “How did he do that?!” The man exclaimed. “He is too young!”
“You’ll have to ask Beatriz about that.” Kirk said, “He’s her favorite.” He whispered in Taylor’s ear, “Stand up, man. You’ve got way more power than any of them, including the Count.” Melanie watched all the faces of the other vampires as they backed away from Taylor and Kirk. “Man, when she hears about this…” Kirk said, and then he shook his head. As he led Taylor out the door, he poked his head back in and said softly, “He’s gonna be the new prince. I’d stake my life on it.”
“We don’t have a hierarchy here.” The man said, “Beatriz is not a queen, and we are not her subjects.”
Kirk smiled, “Keep tellin’ yourself that, man.” He laughed and then he backed out of the place and joined Melanie as she led Taylor over to lean against the building. He looked at her, “Mel, what the hell did you think you were doing taking him in there?” Taylor had leaned his head back against the wall and shut his eyes, trying to envision anything but the inside of the coffin. He could still smell the musty scent of the thing on his clothes and it was sickening.
“I didn’t know they were gonna do something like that!” She defended herself.
Kirk shook his head, “You know they’re pissed about the whole thing. He’s rich and famous to begin with and suddenly, he’s living up in the penthouse with Beatriz while everybody else is out here scratching and clawing to make it. You guys fuck up and suddenly, you’re in there with her. Some of them are seriously pissed, Mel!” He turned to Taylor, “Hey, you gonna be alright, man? You’re looking kinda…flushed or something. Look at those cheeks Mel!” He smiled.
“He always looks like that.” She said quietly, “Unless he’s on one of his hunger strikes.”
Putting his arm around Taylor’s shoulder, Kirk could feel him still shaking and he pulled him back upright, “Come on little dude, let’s go get some grub.”
“No! I don’t want to–I wanna go back.” Taylor said. Kirk looked at Melanie and she shook her head.
“Aw, let’s not go home! It’s still early.” He said to the boy, “Let’s go…to the park. I want you to show me how you do that thing with your mind. You scared the crap out of them! Very cool…” Melanie watched as Kirk linked his arm in Taylor’s and walked him towards the comforting grass and trees nestled among the concrete maze of the city. She followed, feeling guilty about what had happened, and yet, she understood where they were all coming from. The older ones like Beatriz and Sonya had had the time to build a nest egg and they also had the support of the elders. The younger ones like Camille and herself had to pretty much make their own way. Getting into trouble and having Sonya sent to reprimand them was actually the best thing that had ever happened to them. She saw Taylor stumble and she rushed up to get on his other side.
“Stop panting like that, it’s not like you actually need to breathe that much anyway.” She said.
Taylor pulled away from them and backed up against a wall, running his hands through his hair, “Oh…God, oh god…” he was saying as tears slid down his cheeks. It didn’t matter whether he actually needed to breathe or not, the feeling was the same. He thought he’d felt claustrophobic in the small elevator in the arch in St. Louis, but it was nothing compared to the feeling he had when the lid was closed on the casket and he was on the inside listening as the lock was clasped shut. The smell of death was overwhelming to his sensitive nose and with no light for his reflective eyes to pick up, the darkness was complete and horrifying. His heart was still pounding in his chest.
“Hey, c’mon…” Melanie coaxed, “the park’ll be nice and quiet. You need to calm down–“
Taylor turned to her, “Calm DOWN?! Are you crazy?! They locked me in a coffin!!!” he cried.
Kirk approached them, “Look, guys, that was a bad scene in there, but we got out ok. Let’s just head out and figure out what to do. I sort of want to get away from here in case they decide to come after us.”
Taylor looked stricken, “What do you mean, ‘come after us’? I thought you all weren’t allowed to hurt each other and stuff. Isn’t that what I was in trouble for?” he asked, looking around.
Melanie shrugged her shoulders, “Vamps are no different than anybody else. Some of them don’t like each other and some of them do. There’s cliques and clans and gangs just like with anybody else.”
“Yeah,” Kirk added, “I think you got in trouble ‘cause you drank from the girls. Now THAT is some serious rule breakage.” He laughed.
Taylor glared at Melanie, “You made me do that…” he spat as Kirk took his arm and pulled him, still shaking, towards the park.
~~~~~
Diana was tired. It had been another long day. Mr. Jones had stopped by early in the day and had asked them what they wanted to do. Walker had told the man they would do whatever they had to do in order to have Taylor come back to them. Vampires, it seems, are very protective of their own. They somehow felt they were doing her a favor, allowing her son to come back home to them. In some ways it was comforting knowing Taylor would be looked after by these fierce creatures and yet, it was also horrifying to her. As elegant and stately as Beatriz was, there was something wild about her as well. She’d watched a tape of the boys’ appearance on TRL and she’d seen the same look about Taylor. When he’d looked at those girls, it was a look she’d seen before. When he’d come in from a long day at the studio and hadn’t eaten, the sight of a plate of leftovers, set in front of him hot from the microwave had the same effect. She imagined his mouth must have been watering. Laying down on the bed, she took a much needed break from her family. After being cooped up in the suite for days, they were all getting snippy with one another. She’d sent them all to the pool. Isaac and Zac were old enough to be responsible for them and Jessica was as efficient as she was. Avery on the other hand, had been a bit spacey that morning, claiming to have heard Taylor again the night before. Certainly, she knew nothing was impossible, after all, she’d learned that her son was a vampire, why couldn’t her daughter have a psychic bond with him? They’d always been a little freaky where the other was concerned, so she really wasn’t surprised that Avery was the one he would link to. When the phone rang, she rolled her eyes and picked it up. “Hello?” She answered.
“Mrs. Hanson, this is Beatriz, how are you this evening?” She heard.
“Oh. Hello. I’m fine. Is something wrong?” She asked, sitting up.
“No, not at all. Mr. Jones tells me you and your family have decided to have Taylor come back to live with you, is that correct?” Beatriz asked.
“Yes, he was here today and he gave us all the details he had so far. Has anything changed? Is Taylor alright?” Diana asked.
“He’s fine. I was only calling because I felt that you and I needed to talk. I have sent Sonya to your hotel to meet you. I was hoping you would agree to come and see me here. I expect Taylor to come back tonight and I thought it would be a nice surprise for him if you told him the news.”
“Sonya? Is she…like you? Or is she like Mr. Jones?” Diana asked worriedly. She knew the answer. In fact, she knew that Sonya was the name of the one who killed Taylor.
“Sonya is like me, I’m afraid. But I assure you; you are perfectly safe with her. I trust her with my life, and with yours.” Beatriz spoke.
“Hmmm. Well, I don’t know that I have a choice. You are holding all the cards here. I love my son and I’d go through hell for him, but I’m hoping I won’t have to.” Diana said.
“We have nothing to do with hell. I look forward to seeing you. Sonya should already be there. She’s waiting in the lobby for you. She’s wearing a ridiculous black T-shirt and a skirt with some sort of reddish, shiny somethings on it. Her hair is blonde and is pulled up in a bun. You can’t miss her.” Beatriz said.
“Thank you, Beatriz. I can’t tell you how much I’ve missed him. I’ll see you soon.” Diana replied. When she hung up, she just lay there a moment, tears streaking down her face into her hair. She had no choice but to trust them. They were her only link to Taylor. Sighing, she got up and left a note for Walker. She knew if she called him, he wouldn’t allow her to go there. And that was out of the question.
~~~~~
After walking a little way into the park, Taylor found his legs wouldn’t carry him another inch. He was still reeling from the terror he’d endured at the hands of the other vampires. He couldn’t help wondering how long they would have kept him locked in there if Kirk wouldn’t have come along when he did. “Here, come on over here and sit down on the bench.” Kirk said to him. Kirk and Melanie stood back from him a little and watched as he sat down and put his hands between his knees, rocking back and forth on the seat.
“Taylor, you look insane doing that.” Melanie said. She walked over and sat down next to him. “This is a pretty good spot, actually. If we sit here for a while, somebody will probably come by and we can grab ‘em.” She said, looking up and down the path they’d just come down. Taylor looked over at her in a way that made Kirk think she was about to be given a mental smackdown, but nothing happened. “What?” She asked. “Get over it, Taylor.” She said, standing up. Kirk crossed his arms over his chest and leaned up against a tree, thinking the show was about to start. He watched as Melanie walked across the grass to the dark cover offered by a large bush. Taylor continued to sit there for a moment, his eyes following her. As he watched the two, his nose picked up the scent of a human. Looking up, he saw a policeman walking towards them. It appeared he only saw Taylor though.
“What are you doing out here?” The man asked him. Taylor just shook his head. “You comin’ down?” The officer asked him, backing up a little.
“What?” Taylor asked, confused.
“What’re you on? What did you take?” He asked him. Kirk rolled his eyes, still watching.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about…” Taylor said, furrowing his brow, looking up at the man.
“Stand up.” The officer said, and Kirk almost laughed when he watched him take his nightstick from his belt. Taylor did as he was told and the man roughly turned him around, “Put your hands on the back of the bench. You got anything in your pockets I need to know about? Needles? Anything like that?”
“No, this is ridiculous–” Taylor said.
“Just do what I say!” The man said and he put the end of the stick in Taylor’s back. Before anything else happened, the man found himself looking into the eyes of Melanie.
“What’s the problem, officer?” She asked sweetly. Startled, the man backed away from both of them. Taylor and Kirk both watched as she stepped closer to him, her eyes boring into his. She smiled at him, baring her fangs and the man gasped. As he raised the stick, she grabbed it and ripped it from his hand, “Are you afraid of me?” She asked, still advancing on him. Kirk stepped out of the shadows and the man found himself sandwiched between the two of them as Taylor looked on.
“Guys! That’s a cop! For crying out loud!” He hissed.
“Their blood is as good as everyone else’s.” Melanie said and then she pulled the hat from his head and placed it on her own.
“Please, don’t hurt me.” The man pleaded.
“Ah, it was okay for you to hurt somebody, but you don’t want to be hurt. I think you are a hypocrite. Your blood is going to taste…….mmmm, delicious.” She said, licking her lips. Her eyes glimmered and she had him. He didn’t struggle when she sunk her teeth into his neck and Kirk just looked down and watched as she drank from the man. Taylor on the other hand was not happy.
“This is fucked! Somebody could come by here anytime! At least get behind a tree or something!” He said.
Melanie pulled away from the man, leaving him in Kirk’s arms. As Kirk took over, she walked over to Taylor. “Live a little.” She said. “Look, Kirk’s enjoying it, why can’t you?”
“Because he’s a cop, that’s why.” Taylor said to her.
“Oh, and that makes him special?” She said, raising her eyebrows and pushing the hat back on her head.
“No, but we’ll get in trouble!” He spat.
Kirk and Melanie both laughed and Kirk dropped the man down on the ground. “By who?” She snickered.
Taylor just stood there, realizing how silly he sounded. “Well, isn’t he gonna remember this? I mean, you didn’t do anything to make him forget or anything.” He blurted.
Melanie rolled her eyes again, “He won’t have a scar. It’s healed already. He’ll wake up tomorrow with a cold and he’ll feel weak and he’ll think he had a terrible dream. Or, better yet, he’ll remember exactly what happened and he won’t feel nearly so superior and powerful for a while. Who cares?” Taylor just looked at her. “Now, I don’t know if he has enough left for you, but if you want, you can go on and take what’s left and we’ll take his gun and shoot him. They’ll just think he bled to death from the wound.”
Taylor looked at Kirk. He didn’t seem bothered by the thought at all. “You all are as bad as those people at that place! I’m going back.” He said, and he turned away from them.
“No you’re not! Beatriz said for you to go with me tonight and that’s what you’re doing!” Melanie shouted at him and she grabbed his shoulder and spun him around.
“Don’t touch me!” He yelled back.
“You’re so fucking spoiled! Poor little rockstar, boo-hoo! He’s too good to feed like the rest of us. He’d rather have it brought to him up in the penthouse! Well, guess what Taylor?! I’m not doing it anymore. You’re on your own and Beatriz can find somebody else to do her dirty work.”
“Fine. And for your information, I didn’t drink from Michelle. I’ve found my own victims and I didn’t have to scare them to death or jump them from behind!” He said, looming over her.
“Of course you didn’t, you used sex and those freaky psychic powers you got from drinking from US!” She retorted.
“You MADE me do that!” He growled. Melanie felt a twinge of pain behind her eyes and before he could do anything worse, she drew back and punched him. His head snapped back and Kirk clapped his hands, laughing at the two. Taylor brought his eyes back to hers, “When was the last time you were afraid?” He asked.
She knew the answer to that question would have been ‘right now’, but she wasn’t going to let him know it. She spun on her heel and marched away from him and towards Kirk. Before she got very far, Taylor had tackled her and the two became a mass of arms and legs and fangs, rolling around at Kirk’s feet. He backed up and picked up the man and moved his body onto the bench. Sitting down, he watched as hair was pulled and punches thrown and eventually, Melanie found herself pinned, looking up into the sparkly greenish eyes of Taylor, his lips parted and his teeth glinting in the moonlight. “Don’t you dare…” she said.
“Why? You said I needed to find my own victims, Mel. I think I found me one.” He smiled. Kirk had set up, there was no way he could allow Taylor to drink from her. But before he could move to separate the two, Melanie did what she’d wanted to do the first time. She brought her knee up between his legs as hard as she could. Both Kirk and Melanie watched as his eyes shut tight and he took in a breath. His arms gave out and Melanie found herself holding all his weight as he fell forward on to her. Pushing him off of her, she stood up and grabbed his sore leg, twisting it.
“Camille might let you pull that shit on her, but don’t even try that on me again!” She said, looking down at him. She dropped his leg, and though he was obviously still in pain, he pulled himself up to a standing position.
Kirk moved to help him, but he held his hands up. “You know, I don’t give a rat’s ass about you, or Camille.” He said to Melanie. “You all lured me into drinking from you, and now you try to act like I attacked you or something…well, that’s bullshit. And I wouldn’t drink from you if you were the last victim on earth. I don’t want any part of you. You are a sick bitch and you belong back there with all your friends. I’m going home. Screw you and Beatriz.” And with that, he limped off leaving Kirk and Melanie watching.
~~~~~
Diana had pulled her distinctive hair up and under a hat as best she could. The fans would approach her or Walker just the same as they did the boys, so she wanted to get out of the lobby without anyone noticing. When the elevator opened, she looked at all the people there and she saw Sonya standing beside a fountain, watching the other patrons. As she stepped out, Sonya turned her head and their eyes met. Diana looked at her. She appeared to be in her late twenties or early thirties. Her hair was long and blonde and pulled up in a spiky bun and her green eyes were penetrating. “Are you Sonya?” Diana asked.
“Yes. And you have to be Taylor’s mother, the resemblance is striking.” Sonya replied. Both women stood for a moment, taking in the other. Diana’s eyes were unwavering. Finally, Sonya cleared her throat, “Well, I guess we’d better go. It’s only a few blocks, but we could take a cab if you’d rather not walk.” She said.
“You know, I probably need the exercise actually.” Diana said, “It seems like I’ve just been laying around for the past few weeks.” She said.
Sonya nodded her head in a way that could almost be construed as a bow. Then, the two made their way out of the building and out into the dark, New York night.
They were almost to Beatriz’ building when Diana spoke, “How is Taylor doing?” She asked.
Sonya sighed, “He misses his family.”
Diana fought back tears, “We miss him too.” She said softly. Then she stopped and leaned up against a bus shelter. She looked at Sonya, “Why did you kill him?” She asked as a fat tear rolled down her cheek. Sonya didn’t say anything, only looked at her.
“My sons said you did it to save him. What does that mean? Save him from what?” She shook her head and wiped the tear away, sniffing.
The cold wind blew and though Sonya wasn’t affected by it, she knew it wasn’t comfortable for Diana. “Let’s go inside and I’ll tell you.” She said, now fighting her own emotions. She was trying to keep a distance between she and Diana, knowing at any moment she could break down and fall to her knees begging for the woman’s forgiveness. If it was hard to look at Taylor’s face, it was nearly impossible to look into his mother’s. Once they got in the door, Diana looked back out at the street. A tiny part of her was afraid she’d not come back out again. But, as Sonya pushed the button for the elevator, she knew it would be worth it to see him again, if only for a little while. The doors slid open and they both stepped in. As the elevator went up, Diana watched the numbers light up. Forty-three floors up, the doors opened and they stepped into a beautiful penthouse apartment with an incredible view of the city to be seen out the windows that totally made up a wall of the room they’d entered. A woman entered the room, a servant. “Coffee, please.” Sonya said to the woman, then she turned to Diana, “How do you like it?” She asked her.
“Um, cream and two sugars, please.” She answered.” Sonya looked at the woman and she went back into the kitchen. She then motioned for Diana to sit on the sofa. Pulling off the hat, she sat down and looked over at Sonya, “Are you going to join me?” She asked.
Sighing, Sonya sat on the other end of the couch. She marveled at Diana’s hair. It was long and wavy and blonde. It just made her look alive. Her face though, was tired. “I know you won’t understand…I don’t expect you to…” She started. She closed her eyes for a moment. When she opened them again, Diana was still looking at her with eyes too much like Taylor’s. “When I was sent to be with Melanie and Camille, I was told that they were young and that they had been doing some things that were…questionable. We do have laws and someone is always paying attention.” Diana nodded. Sonya continued, “Well, when I got there, they’d already fed from your son. Well, at least, Camille had. Melanie, I’m not sure about. But, the point is, I didn’t know it, but she had been drinking from him for a while. He’d already been changed in some ways. I only wanted to keep him from becoming like us. So, I decided it would be better to kill him, than to have him changed. But it was too late. The night we killed him…I could feel him come back.” Sonya blinked back tears, “I’m so sorry…” she sobbed, “I didn’t mean for this to happen. I just….” She stopped, unable to go on. Diana watched her until the woman came in carrying a tray with an ornate silver coffeepot and one cup. She set it on the table, and poured the coffee. She then looked to Sonya who waved her away. Diana found herself shivering and she picked up the cup, taking in the warmth from it. She took a sip from it and then set it back down on the table.
“Is he here?” She asked, taking her coat off and looking around the room.
Sonya wiped her face on the sleeve of her T-shirt, “No, he went out with Melanie, I’m not sure how long they’ll be gone.” She looked up at the clock, as it struck ten, the elevator doors opened and Beatriz walked in. Her hair was down and it was obvious to Sonya, she had just fed. Standing, Sonya stepped over to her, “Mrs. Hanson is here, Lady.” She said and then she backed away a bit.
Beatriz looked at her, “Are you alright?” She asked. “Nothing happened, did it?”
Sonya smiled a little, “No, no. No problems.” She then turned to Diana, “It was an honour to meet you. I hope we can talk again later.”
“Yes, I’d like that.” Diana said. Beatriz wasn’t sure exactly what the tone was, but she was sure more than just small talk had been exchanged. They both watched as Sonya walked back to her own room. Once she had left their sight, Beatriz felt Diana’s gaze turn to her. “When will he be back? I want to see him so badly…” she said.
Beatriz took her jacket off and tossed it on the chair, “Well, I’m not exactly sure. He went with one of the girls to feed.” She said bluntly, watching Diana for a reaction. Just as she suspected, Diana’s face registered a tiny reaction. Disgust. Beatriz stepped closer to her, “I cannot tell you how important it is that Taylor feed regularly. I know it seems…distasteful to you, but it is necessary if he is to continue to live.” Beatriz’ dark eyes bore into Diana’s blue ones.
Diana swallowed, “What do you mean by ‘regularly’?” She asked. “How often is he supposed to do that?”
“How often do you eat?” Beatriz asked her, sitting down on the couch and pulling her feet up.
Diana sighed, “About three times a day.” She answered.
“Once a day is plenty for him. Though there are some who prefer more. The more he drinks, the more human he will appear. Since I suspect he will be surrounded by temptation, and of course, photographers, perhaps you should encourage him to drink more often.” Beatriz said.
Diana took another sip of her coffee, “So, when he…feeds–he won’t be so pale? And he won’t get all hungry looking when the girls are around?” She asked, furrowing her brow.
“Ideally, yes.” Beatriz said. “Diana,” she said, leaning closer, “I am sending Mr. Jones with you. He is skilled in whatever kind of legal or medical situation that may arise–“
“What kind of medical situation?” Diana asked, confused.
“Hopefully, none. But, things sometimes happen beyond our control, no differently than with your other family members. But, his needs are different now. Don’t let him eat or drink anything that he shouldn’t. He can’t fly or jump from a twenty-story building unharmed. A bullet will put a hole in him as will a knife. Wood can be extremely irritating, that part of the myth is at least partly true.” Beatriz smiled, “I’m sure the other children would call him a baby if they saw the fit he would throw over a splinter. It’s really very painful.”
Diana shook her head, “This is just unbelievable to me, still.”
“I understand. Your whole life you’ve been told we aren’t real. And that is the only reason we are still here. If humans knew of our existence, we would be hunted down like animals. And yet, vampires are responsible for far fewer deaths among you than other humans. And the majority of those deaths are accidental. We are not vicious creatures.” Beatriz said.
Diana stood up, “I know…” she said, running her hand across her forehead, “but one of you killed my son! Can’t you see…what that did to me? To his father?” She cried. She walked over to the window and looked out at the city for a moment, then she turned back, “I want him back so bad. But I want him the way he was. Is he going to be different? We’ve only gotten to see him a couple of times since it happened…” her voice faded away and Beatriz stood and joined her.
“If it makes you feel any better, he’s very different than us. And, very strange to us. I believe the way in which he was changed caused him to be different, somehow. That is why I believe he can come back and be with you. He needs to be with all of you. But–” she said firmly, “Make no mistake, he is a vampire. That much is certain. And he is a very powerful one. That is why I am sending the others along. He has things to learn still and he needs to be watched. I need to know the moment something out of the ordinary happens. It may not seem out of the ordinary to you, but the others will recognize anything strange. Be careful. Physically he is very strong. If he gets upset, it will take one of the others to subdue him, your husband or your other sons are no match for his strength. His mental powers are extreme as well. But he doesn’t fully know yet how to harness them. He could kill a human with his mind, he knows this, but it doesn’t mean he will remember it in the heat of battle.” Beatriz stated. Diana was dumbfounded. She couldn’t imagine Taylor hurting another person for any reason, making it sound all the more insane to her. Beatriz saw the look on her face, “I’m sorry. I’m not trying to scare you, but I want you to be prepared for anything, and pray for nothing. Hopefully, this is just me being overly cautious.” Wanting to lighten the mood, she took Diana’s arm, “Would you like to see where he’s been living? I could give you a tour.” She said brightly. Diana rubbed her eyes and then nodded, following Beatriz down the hall to Taylor’s room.
~~~~~
Taylor entered the lobby of the building and the doorman rushed over to meet him, “Are you alright, Master Taylor?” He asked the boy.
Taylor furrowed his brow, “Please don’t call me that, it sounds goofy.”
“Um, yes sir.” He said, taking the boy’s arm.
“Look, dude, I’m fine.” Taylor said, “I just need to go upstairs.” He said, pulling his arm away.
“Yes, sir.” The man said, and he pushed the button on the wall for the elevator. When the doors opened, Taylor saw his reflection in the mirrored wall. His hair was sticking up every which way and dry grass and leaves clung to it and his sweater. The new jacket had a tear in the sleeve and his jeans had mud caked on the knees. He had a scratch on his chin and another on one cheek. Rolling his eyes, he stepped in and pushed the same button Sonya had pushed earlier. Leaning back against the wall, he rode up to the apartment, eager to just fall into his bed. It didn’t matter that he would be going to bed hours earlier than necessary, he just didn’t think he could take anymore vampirish activities that night. “Come on!” He said, wanting the elevator to get there. It was much bigger than the one in the arch, but he was getting the same, closed in feeling. His mind kept taking him back to the inside of the coffin. Finally, the light flashed and the elevator stopped. As the doors slid open though, his thoughts went to his mother. He almost felt like he could feel her presence around him. Maybe she’s thinking about me, he thought to himself as he stepped into the quiet apartment. That was what had been the hardest thing to get used to here, the lack of noise. No TV blaring, no video games, no little sisters squabbling over whose shirt was whose or sound effects from action figures engaged in imaginary battles. And most of all, no music. No Isaac tinkering with a melody on a guitar or Zac smacking his thighs with his eyes closed. He went over to the couch and flopped down on it. He put his hand under the pillow and pulled out the old bear he’d tucked there and pressed it to his face. The smell of his family was overwhelming to him and he found himself wanting to cry. But he couldn’t bear the thought of Melanie walking in and finding him that way. Hearing footsteps, he looked over to see Sonya walking toward him.
“What happened?” She asked, sitting on the side of the couch and running her fingertips over his cheek. He opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out. He shut his eyes and ran the bear over them, swiping tears away he didn’t want her to see. She reached up and pulled a leaf from his hair, “Where did she take you?” She asked, concerned. Sitting up, he looked into her green eyes, then he reached up and pulled the black, shiny stick from her hair that held it in place. As her blonde hair fell around her shoulders and down her back, he pulled himself over and put his face in it, breathing in the familiar scent of her.
“I don’t want to talk about her…” he said, sulking.
“Well, I want to know what happened. You’re all messed up and you haven’t fed. I felt something earlier. Tell me what, you know I’ll find out.” She said. He pushed her back against the couch and wriggled over, almost on her lap.
“Nothing. I don’t want to talk about it.” He mumbled, holding the bear and fiddling with the string on the sweatshirt it wore on its small body.
“Did she scare you? I’ll beat the crap out of her, if she did!” Sonya muttered. His silence told her all she needed to know. Looking over at the chair, she noticed Diana’s coat thrown over the back. She wondered if he could smell her and if it had anything to do with his clingyness right then. Looking down, he had her hair in his hand, running it around his fingers.
“Hey Sonya,” he said, “can you sing?”
She smiled, “Well, I can, but you wouldn’t enjoy it. My sister used to tell me I couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket.”
“Yeah?” He said, smiling.
“Yeah.” She said back. She looked down at his face, then she licked her finger and ran it along the scratch on his cheek.
“I feel like Mackenzie…” he said. She raised her eyebrow. “That’s my little brother.”
“Ah. I see.” She said. They sat there for a moment longer, a comfortable silence between them as Sonya ran her fingers through his hair. She looked at his eyes, trying to read his thoughts, but, his mind seemed jumbled, rattled. “Are you going to tell me what happened? Your heart is beating like a rabbit. I can smell something on you…”
He nuzzled into her shoulder and said nothing. Sonya looked up as Beatriz and Diana came down the hall towards them. When Diana saw him, she stopped. She brought her hands up to her face and tears rolled down onto her fingers. She couldn’t help the tiny pang of jealousy that went through her upon seeing Sonya holding him the way she had wanted to for days. Sonya felt Taylor tense up, then jerk his head towards them. “Mama?” He said softly. For a moment, neither of them moved, but then, as tears rolled down his own face, he bolted from the couch and had his arms wrapped around her in seconds. Sonya smiled, watching them.
Beatriz stepped past them and walked over to join Sonya. “What is he doing back so soon?” She asked. She then raised her face up, sniffing the air in the room, “What’s that smell?”
Sonya sighed. “He won’t say. But whatever happened tonight frightened him terribly.”
“Taylor,” Beatriz called, “please, come over here. We’d like to speak with you.”
Holding his mother’s hand, he pulled her over and guided her to sit in the chair facing the other two. He then sat on the floor next to her and leaned against her legs. “Why did you bring her here?” He asked them, his happiness at seeing her tinged with fear for her wellbeing.
“Don’t worry, she’s perfectly safe. We just needed to talk about some things. But first, I want to know what happened tonight.” Beatriz said.
Taylor lay his head on his mother’s knee and she leaned down and kissed his head. She then proceeded to pull tiny pieces of grass from his hair and shoulders. “What happened, baby?” Diana asked, touching his chin and the scratch left there. The one on his cheek had disappeared.
He shook his head and sniffed, “Nothing. I don’t want to talk about it. What’s my Mom doing here?” He asked, furrowing his brow and looking into Beatriz’ dark eyes.
She returned the look and moved a bit closer to him, “Where did you go tonight?” She asked, standing up. “If you don’t tell me, I will take it from you.” She said.
Diana looked at Sonya, not understanding. Beatriz walked closer to him, standing over him. He closed his eyes, trying to think of anything but what had happened that evening. She reached down and took his chin in her hand, forcing him to look at her. Diana watched the woman’s eyes as they looked unmercifully into her son’s. “Did Melanie take you there?” She asked him. He looked at Sonya. “What did they do to you? Did they hurt you?” She said, swiping her thumb across the scratch. He shook his head. She stood up straight and put her hands on her hips, then she turned to Sonya. “We have an errand to run in a bit.” She said, then they just looked at each other and Taylor knew they were talking silently.
“Mom,” he whispered, “I want you to go home. Now.”
Beatriz stepped forward, “You will be taking her home yourself in a little while. Please, for once, do as I ask, Taylor.” Beatriz sighed.
“But, why is she here?!” he asked, standing up.
Beatriz looked over at Diana, “Has he always been like this?” She asked.
“I’m afraid so.” Diana answered.
“Well then, I’ve had my fill of him. Tomorrow night, after he feeds,” she said, glaring at Taylor, “you take him back to that little town you are from. The rest of your party will meet up with you in Chicago next Friday.”
Taylor was dumbfounded, not understanding or believing what he was hearing, “What?” He asked.
“I am sending you back to your family, Taylor. You’ll pick up the tour next Friday. The only change being you will have new bodyguards.” Beatriz stated, smiling at him. Still, he stood, his eyebrows furrowed, confusion etched on his face.
Sonya walked over to him and put her arms around him, “You are going home, Taylor. You need to pack your bags tonight. Tomorrow, you’ll be back in Tulsa.”
He searched Sonya’s face, praying it wasn’t some cruel joke. But, nothing made him think she wasn’t serious. He looked at Beatriz then. “Don’t disappoint us, Taylor. We are all counting on you to make this work. You know the rules. I trust you.” She walked over to him, “If you are to appear human though, you must feed. Are you prepared to do that? It’s the price of your homecoming.” She smiled at him. He looked at his mother, then ran to her and wrapped her in a sweet embrace, giving them all the answer they needed.