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Chapter Thirty-One “Dude! Look at all the girls!” Kirk exclaimed as they pulled up to the front of the hotel. He looked around the van, but the only people who seemed to be impressed with the throngs of females gathered outside the building were he, Sonya and Mr. Jones. “Get used to it.” Mackenzie mumbled, picking up his action figures and stuffing them in his backpack. Diana got out first, then opened the door to allow the children to come out next. As she made her way through the crowd, many of the girls spoke to her and called her by name. As always, she was polite, but very quickly went through the front doors. Isaac and Zac pulled their bags up on their shoulders and began to shake Taylor awake. “C’mon, man.” Isaac said, “Let’s just get upstairs and you can sleep all night if you want.”Zac looked at Kirk, “Hey, you gotta get out first. Me and Ike can probably handle ‘em right now, but you might have to kinda get between them and Tay.” Kirk took a deep breath, “Alright, hope I don’t fuck this up. I’d like to keep my head attached to my body.” He said as he stepped out |
Isaac was the first to step out, followed by Zac. When Mr. Jones stepped down, there was an audible air of disappointment that went through them all. But, moments later, Taylor gingerly put his feet down on the pavement, and the excitement hit it’s crescendo. Any of the guys caused the girls to freak, but at this point in time, with their motherly instincts on ‘high’–the sight of Taylor, pale and thin just about did them in. They were still certain something terrible had happened and Isaac could claim a case of exhaustion for his brother all he wanted, but they knew better. And so, with a mixture of sadness and joy, they reached out to Taylor in every conceivable way. Pushing gifts toward him or notes or just touching his shoulder, they all wanted to let him know they’d been thinking of him and his brothers. Kirk was doing everything short of actually pushing them to try and keep them at bay. “Girls, girls! Let ‘em get inside. We just got in town here–” He said. Finally, Sonya began to use her powers to calm the most excited ones. But, it just didn’t work the same on all humans and so, emotions were still running very high.
Between Walker, Mr. Jones and Kirk, the boys managed to get in the front doors intact. Taylor had smiled and waved and assured them he was alright while surrounded by them, but once out of their sight, he felt ready to collapse. Bypassing any sort of check-in, Sonya and Kirk got on either side of him and pushed him toward the elevator. Sonya could feel his mind, a jumble of physical pain and stress threatening to overwhelm him. Isaac and Zac were feeling the same sort of things, just wanting to get into the peace and quiet of their rooms.
~~~~~
On the 23rd floor, in a large suite of rooms, Camille and Melanie waited. “When’s Taylor gonna get here?” Camille asked, pacing back and forth.
Lying on the huge sofa, the television tuned to MTV, Melanie sipped a bottle of water. “Taylor and all his brothers and sisters and parents and friends and bodyguards and managers–” she began, but Camille cut her off.
“Alright, I get it!” She said, putting her hands on her hips. Just then, they heard a card in the door. Diana stepped in, followed by Zoë, Mackenzie, Avery, and Jessica.
“Who are you?” She asked, keeping the children from going any further into the room.
Camille stepped towards them, but Diana held her hand up, “Um…I’m Camille, and that is Melanie.” She said, gesturing towards the chair. Melanie turned her head and looked at them.
“Alright, now I know your names. Who are you?” Diana pressed them.
Melanie stood up and joined Camille, “Beatriz sent us to watch Taylor.” Camille said.
“Why does Taylor need watching?” Diana asked coldly.
Melanie raised her eyebrow, as Camille stepped back a bit, “Because of what he is.” Melanie replied, the light playing across her hazel eyes. “You knew we’d be joining you here, didn’t you?” She asked.
Diana narrowed her eyes, “I suppose I did–I just didn’t realize you’d be staying in the same room with us.”
“Well, I’m not that excited about that either.” Melanie said, “But, that’s the way the Lady wants it, so that’s the way it is.” She then flipped her hair behind her shoulder and sat back down on the couch, leaving Camille standing there to face them alone.
Diana stepped closer to them as the children all watched silently. Before she could say anything more though, the door opened again and Sonya, Kirk and Taylor all stepped into the room. “Taylor!!!” Camille exclaimed, running toward him. She wrapped her arms around him and closed her eyes, hugging him tightly. Melanie shook her head, then turned back toward the television.
“Hey, Camille.” Taylor said quietly and for a moment, he returned the hug.
“I missed you so much.” She said, looking at him closely. “What’s wrong?” She asked, reaching up and pushing his hair away from his face.
“I just don’t feel too good. Don’t worry about it.” He answered. Then he stepped away from her and plopped down on the couch. Diana watched as the girl followed him and sat next to him, running her fingers through his hair and massaging his shoulder. Sonya joined them, for the first time being able to actually look at or talk to Taylor since they’d been reunited at the airport.
Diana listened as Sonya spoke to her son, “Taylor, how do you feel now? Where does it hurt?” His soft replies were lost to her ears, but she watched as the girl placed her hand on his stomach.
Kirk stepped up to her. “Mrs. Hanson?” He spoke.
Diana sighed, “Yes?” She answered.
“She can help him. She’s his sire, she knows what to do to make it better.” He said, his dark eyes looking into hers. He looked at her with curiosity. She looked a great deal like Taylor and he was trying to picture her at his age.
“So, when you kill someone, that makes you special somehow?” She asked coldly, with tears in her eyes.
“Yes.” He answered matter of factly. “You gotta remember, most people want to die. They beg for it.”
“He didn’t.” She said back. Jessica and Avery listened, but Zoë and Mackenzie sat in front of the television, already mesmerized.
Kirk backed away from her respectfully, “I didn’t mean to upset you. I’m sorry ma’am.” He said, then he went and stood behind the couch.
When Walker, the boys and Mr. Jones walked in the suite, they could feel the tension in the room. “Di? What’s goin’ on?” Walker asked, putting his arm around her.
“Nothing.” She said. Then she picked up her purse and turned to Mr. Jones. “Are we going to be staying in posh places like this every night, ‘cause I can’t imagine the record company approving of that.”
“I have contacted the record company and I understand they will pay a certain amount per night towards accommodations. The Lady Beatriz pays the remainder if and when we go over that.” Mr. Jones answered.
Diana raised her eyebrow, “Hmph. It’s the least she can do.” She said and she walked away from them, down the hallway towards the bedrooms.
Isaac and Zac looked over towards the couch at the odd grouping there. Melanie was lounging on one end of the sofa, while Camille and Sonya both sat on either side of Taylor. Behind them, watching it all stood Kirk, his arms crossed over his chest, looking every bit the frightening bodyguard. “This is boring.” Mackenzie stated, as the Real World came on.
“Yeah, this is boring.” Zoë mimicked.
Taylor reached over and took the remote from Melanie and turned the set to Cartoon Network. For one moment, their eyes met and Zac was afraid something might happen, but Melanie just stood and stretched.
“MTV sucks anyway.” She said. “Hey, I’m going out–who wants to come with me?” She asked, looking at Kirk expectantly.
Mr. Jones made a face and looked over at him, “You are Taylor’s bodyguard. It is after sundown and so, you are to stay with him at all times. So, don’t make any plans that do not include him my friend.” He said. He then turned to Walker, “Sir, technically, I am off duty, but if you need anything, please let me know. Especially if it involves the young master.”
Taylor looked at his father and rolled his eyes. “Uh, alright.” Walker said to Mr. Jones. “Have a good night.”
“I shall. I believe I will catch up on my reading.” He said, then he turned and went the same way Diana had gone.
Kirk looked at Melanie and shrugged his shoulders. Sonya waited until she heard the door shut on the bedroom Mr. Jones had chosen, then she looked up at Kirk behind her. “You go on.” She said quietly. “Take Camille with you as well. I’ll stay here with Taylor until you all get back.” She said, looking over at him.
“Are you sure?” Kirk asked. “I don’t want to get in trouble.”
Sonya made a dismissive gesture with her hand, “Of course. But don’t play around. Do what you have to do, then you get back here. If the girls want to stay out, they can.” She then looked at Melanie, “Behave. I do not want any trouble tonight. Once everything gets settled here and we know how Taylor’s family works, we might change things around a bit, but ‘til then, you do everything by the book, you understand me?”
Melanie made a little face, but nodded. As she turned, she saw Isaac and Zac standing off to the side, watching her. With a wink to Zac, she opened the door and held it, waiting for Camille and Kirk.
Camille put her hand on Taylor’s cheek, “I’ll be back later. Do you want me to bring anything back for you?”
Taylor smiled and shook his head, “Not unless you think you could get me a few gallons of Pepto Bismol.”
“That doesn’t work.” She said, “Know what got me? Chocolate. I ate like a pound of it. I thought it was gonna kill me, but it didn’t. I’m still here.”
And with that, she and Kirk left with Melanie, leaving only Sonya there with the family. Walker soon joined Diana once he’d decided that Sonya was not a threat to any of his children. He was beginning to realize, that whatever Beatriz had threatened them with, it appeared to keep them all in line, and that was a comforting thought.
Taylor lay his head in Sonya’s lap and watched Dexter’s Lab along with Zoë and Mackenzie. She continued to try and soothe his mind with her own thoughts and to calm his overactive stomach. She knew it was still hurting him because she could feel it working and churning as he lay there. Uninterested in the silly cartoon, she glanced over to the kitchen area where the other children all sat around the table, staying it seemed, as far away from her as possible. As she watched them, she caught Zac’s eye. He stood and walked over to sit next to them on the couch. “How ya feeling, Tay?” He asked his brother.
“Better.” Taylor answered, letting his eyes drift from the television to Zac’s face.
“Yeah?” Zac smiled, looking at Sonya. “So, you think he’s gonna live?” He asked her.
She smiled back, then looked down at Taylor, “Oh, yes. He’s going to live for a very long time and after he feeds tonight, he’ll feel even better.” She said, running her fingers through his hair.
Taylor raised his eyebrows, “I am so not going anywhere tonight.” He said childishly, crossing his arms over his chest.
“You have to eat. You don’t have a choice.” Sonya said.
“I do not.” He said back.
Sonya looked at Zac, “Has Taylor always been a spoiled, self-centered boy who always wants his way no matter what?”
Zac smiled, “Hmmm, pretty much.” He answered.
“Really.” She said. “I figured as much.” Taylor just gave them both a look and turned back to the television.
Avery stepped over to them now and sat on the floor next to Taylor. “He is not, Zac.” She said, looking over her shoulder at him.
Sonya smiled watching the two of them give each other the evil eye. Soon, the others had joined them as well and Sonya was amazed to find herself surrounded by children. “Do you love Taylor?” Mackenzie asked, a sly smile on his face.
“Mack!” Taylor exclaimed.
“Well, y’all are all cuddly and stuff!” The little boy laughed.
“We’re just friends, I’m just trying to help Taylor feel better.” Sonya said, trying to change the subject, not at all comfortable with the way the conversation was going.
She was relieved when the door opened, and Kirk stepped in. “Hey, Sonya.” He said, “I tried to hurry.” He found the eyes of the entire room on him.
“Hey, so, how old are you?” Zac asked timidly.
Kirk sat down on the arm of the couch and looked at Sonya. She shrugged her shoulders and he looked back at Zac, “I was born in ’49.”
“Uh-uh!” Zac exclaimed. Isaac’s eyes widened.
Taylor looked sadly at his brother’s and sisters, knowing he’d watch them grow old as he remained unchanged. “Yep.” Kirk answered. “Hell, that’s nothin’, Sonya was born in 1749!” He joked, not actually knowing the exact date.
Suddenly, Sonya felt the eyes of them all on her again, including Taylor. Smiling, she answered their questioning eyes, “Ha! I’m not quite that old.” She quipped, hoping there’d be no more questions about it. Quickly, she turned her attention to Taylor, “Alright, get up. We have to go get something to eat.” She said.
He shook his head, then sat up, allowing her to stand, “Go ahead, I don’t feel like it.” He said. Isaac and Zac looked at each other, then back at Taylor.
“You’ll feel better after you eat, Taylor.” Sonya said, placing her hands on her hips. Kirk stood up as well, watching her.
“Taylor…” she said, then he heard her voice in his head, “You must feed every single night. You can’t skip a night unless you’ve eaten regularly for a while.”
“Sonya, I promise I’ll have extra tomorrow. I just don’t want to–I’m afraid I’m gonna barf if I do.” Taylor whined.
Sonya stood there a moment, looking at him, then she sighed, “Kirk–” she said and without another word from her, he’d put his hands under Taylor’s arms and picked him up, placing him upright on the floor as if he were a small child. Avery stood then and placed her arms around Taylor’s waist, giving Kirk a very angry glare. “Please don’t make me force you to do this in front of your family. You don’t have a choice, so come along.” Sonya said, as she turned and headed for the door.
“Sonya, please, I just wanna hang with everybody tonight. I’m not hungry. It’ll just make me feel worse.” He pleaded. “I never get to just spend time with everybody. I just wanted to hang with the guys tonight.” He said, his eyes searching hers for understanding. When she didn’t respond, Taylor stooped down and hugged Avery, then he looked at the rest of them. “Well, I guess I better head out.” He said sadly.
“Can I come?” Zac blurted out.
“What!?” Isaac was aghast. “No way. No way, Tay. He is not going out with you all.”
“Why not?” Zac asked, looking at Kirk. “It’s not like I don’t know what they’re gonna do!” He said, looking back at Isaac.
Taylor stood up and Sonya stepped back over to them, “Zac,” she said gently, “that’s probably not a good idea. Taylor’s not really up to par tonight anyway.”
Isaac glared at Taylor, “Tell him he’s not going.” He demanded.
Taylor furrowed his eyebrows, “It’s not like it would hurt him, Ike–“
Jessica and Avery both watched, trying to understand all that was suddenly happening. Isaac’s eyes darkened as he looked at both his brothers, “We are not going there.” He said firmly. “I know you have to do what you have to do–but Zac is not getting into any of this. You never know what could happen, Tay. It might be dangerous.”
Kirk watched as tears formed in both the girls’ eyes watching their brothers. Taylor sighed, “I know. I wasn’t really gonna let him go, Ike. It’s just…” he then looked over at Zac, “Thanks for offering, man. But, you’d be bored anyway.” He smiled when Zac’s eyes met his own. He then looked over at Mackenzie and Zoë, “Hey! I think there’s a fire in the kitchen!” He said. Neither child looked away from the television. Shaking his head, he reached down and touched both their blonde heads, “Night, guys–you’ll be in bed when I get back.” He said.
“Night, Tay.” Mackenzie replied, “See ya in the morning.” He yawned.
Zoë got up and raised her arms so he could pick her up. Hugging his neck, she gave him a kiss on the cheek, “That man said for you to stay outta the sun, Tay.”
“Well, the sun went down a long time ago, nutty girl.” He said, placing his forehead against hers and gazing into her blue eyes.
“I know. But it’ll come back tomorrow, so be back before tomorrow, ‘kay?” She urged him.
“I will, baby.” He answered, “Love you.” He said.
“Love you, too.” She said. Then, he sat her back down and she returned to the task of watching Sponge Bob Square Pants.
Taylor then headed for the door, following Sonya. “Night, Tay.” Jessica called.
“Night, ladies.” He said over his shoulder. Avery just watched them go.
Isaac followed them, and quietly said to Taylor, “Look, I’m sorry, ok? I just don’t think it’s a good idea for him to be watching that.”
Taylor shook his head, “It’s ok, Ike. Don’t worry about it.” He tried to play it off, but the hurt look in his eye let Isaac know that it really wasn’t ok. That they had a lot to work on before everything would be ok again.
~~~~~
Taylor walked between Kirk and Sonya as they made their way out the back door of the kitchen. They’d encountered a couple fans, but Sonya had used her psychic powers to keep them at bay. While it was nearly impossible to control the twenty or so they were met with before, it was child’s play to control one or two. Taylor marveled at her, thinking that was definitely something he would have to work at. Once out into the alley where trucks full of food for the hotel were all parked and unloading the next day’s fresh produce and such, the three very quietly made their way out onto the street. It was close to 1 a.m. and most of the girls had given up on seeing any of the boys. The streets weren’t deserted, but were nowhere nearly as crowded with late night people as in New York City. Kirk stopped them with his hand on Sonya’s arm. He raised his head up, sniffing the air. Pointing down the street, he spoke, “I think if we head that way, we oughta be able to find some good eatin’ in no time flat.”
Taylor’s stomach turned at the thought. Sonya looked in the direction he was pointing to for a moment, then nodded, “Alright, that way seems as good as any.” She said.
Sure enough, as they walked down the quiet street, they began to see more people on the street. It had been nearly a day and a half since Taylor had fed from his cousin’s boyfriend and it was beginning to show. His skin had paled and his eyes were no longer bright. His illness had only compounded it all. Sonya looked at him thinking it was no wonder his fans were all worried about him. And his poor mother, according to Mr. Jones, had been beside herself with worry. It had taken a toll on her as she had fallen asleep almost right away once they’d gotten settled into the hotel. The lights of neon signs began to brighten the street and soon they were in the middle of a few late-night establishments, music pouring out into the air from inside. The smell of beer, whisky, sweat and blood flooded Taylor’s senses and he could feel his teeth begin to ache. Feeling what was happening, Sonya turned to Kirk, “We’re going to slip over there between the Elbow Room and the Rooster’s Tale. You bring somebody not drunk off their ass to him, ok? I don’t think he could take anything extra tonight.” Kirk nodded, his dark eyes skimming over the doors to the bars. Deciding to go with the lighter looking place, he parted from the other two and they made their way into the darkness between the two buildings.
Taylor leaned up against the wall, closing his eyes. His fangs were visible to Sonya as she watched him lick his lips. “Are you doing ok?” She asked, placing her hand on his neck and feeling the beat of his heart.
He opened his eyes and looked down at her. For a moment, she saw the light reflect red off them as his pupils opened to let in every bit of light available in the darkened space. “Yeah. I just hope I can do this.” He answered.
“You can.” She said back. A few minutes later she looked up as Kirk came around the corner of the building with a woman beside him. Her skin was dark and creamy looking and she wore a rabbit fur coat, soft but cheap. Her legs were exposed to the cold November night and she wore incredibly uncomfortable looking shoes.
“Is this your friend?” She asked, looking Taylor up and down. Sonya returned the look, wondering the same things about her that she wanted to ask about Taylor. “Look,” the woman said to them, “I don’t mess around with anybody that’s sick. I don’t care how much you got. I got a kid and if I get sick, there won’t be nobody to take care of him.” She started to turn away from the three. Kirk looked at Sonya. She nodded and he grabbed the woman, pulling her close to him. “Hey!” She started to protest, but she quieted as Sonya stepped up close to her.
“He’s perfectly healthy.” She said to the woman, whose eyes had taken on a dreamy look as she turned them to Taylor once more. “He just needs you. We’ll pay double your price and it will take you half the time.” Kirk pushed her gently towards Taylor. She looked up into his eyes as he flipped the hair off his forehead. She opened her coat, exposing ample breasts and a long neck encircled by a golden chain, probably plated, as it was not full of the sparkle of a real one. Placing his hands on her waist, Taylor pulled her closer, breathing in her scent. Drug store cologne filled his nostrils as well as the smells of the bars she frequented. Another man’s saliva was on her throat and he changed sides to avoid it. In his mind, Taylor heard Mick Jagger’s voice belting out the words “Brown Sugar, how come you taste so good?” as he felt the warmth of her running into his mouth. His passion for the blood had taken the sickness from his mind and the blood running down his throat and into his belly calmed the ache he’d felt there since the night before. Sonya had stepped out to the street, making sure no one interrupted him, but Kirk watched closely, glad he’d fed before but feeling like he could always find room for more as he watched the woman’s lips part as her head fell back. Taylor put his arm around her neck, supporting it as she became weaker. Stepping up close, Kirk placed his hand on Taylor’s shoulder and their eyes met.
“That’s enough.” He said quietly and Taylor reluctantly pulled his teeth out of her, licking the wounds before the blood could make it’s way down her neck.
In the back of her foggy mind, the woman heard Taylor’s voice, “Where do you live?” He asked. He pulled her close and she lay her head down on his shoulder. Again he asked.
Kirk saw her eyebrows pull together as she fought to stay conscious. “I live over there.” She said, and she pointed her slender finger over towards some buildings. A loud noise caused all of them to look up as the train pulled up to it’s stop. “548 E Street, number 3.” She said, in a whisper, then her head fell back down on Taylor. He kept his arm around her tightly, attempting to keep her up on her feet.
“Dude, just leave her here. She’s ok, she just needs a little time–” Kirk started.
Sonya appeared at his side, “Oh no, Taylor doesn’t allow for that. And I hope you don’t have much money in your pocket, because he’ll want to give it all to her.” She said, smiling at them. Taylor shot her a look, then proceeded to walk the woman in the direction she had said she lived in. Sonya followed, shaking her head as Kirk looked on confused. Once in the tiny apartment, Taylor helped the woman over to the worn sofa. She shook her head, then placed it in her hands. Trying to keep her eyes open, she looked up at Taylor, wondering who he was.
“Momma?” They heard a small voice coming from down the hallway.
Taylor looked up, panicky. “What’s his name?” He asked her.
“Um…Andre.” She said sleepily. She watched as Taylor closed his eyes for a moment, his lips moving in some unheard conversation. He turned back to her, reaching into his pocket. Pulling out his wallet, he gave her what looked to Sonya like $100 dollar bills. She couldn’t tell how many, but there were at least two.
“Let’s go.” Taylor said to the others, then he looked back at the woman, “Thanks, take care.” He said, and he stepped out the door, followed by Sonya and then Kirk. They went down the creaky stairs, three floors down, then back out into the street. Taylor looked at his watch. It was 2:34.
“Well,” Sonya asked as they found themselves back among the tall office buildings, “are you feeling better now? You certainly look better.” She said, looking up at him and noticing his cheeks actually held some color now and he actually seemed to be walking a straight line.
“Yeah, more or less.” Taylor uttered. “Can we go home now?” He asked, looking over at her.
“Of course. Kirk, are you ready to head back to the hotel?” She asked.
“Yes, ma’am. I think I got my fill tonight, which is good considering all the nubiles we’re gonna be surrounded by. Damn, Taylor, how can you stand it?” He asked.
“What do you mean? Like, how can I keep my hands off of them? Or does it turn my stomach to have people I don’t even know profess their love for me constantly?” Taylor answered, putting his hands in his pockets.
Kirk smiled, “Both I guess. I mean–” he stopped, looking around them. “We got company.” He stated.
“Yes, I believe I felt their presence when we got to that very lively area earlier.” Sonya said nonchalantly.
“What are you talking about?” Taylor said, looking from one to the other.
“Vampires, Taylor.” Sonya said.
“What!!??” he exclaimed, looking around them and up at the buildings.
Sonya smiled, “They aren’t hanging from the sides of the buildings, Taylor. They’re just watching us.”
“Well, what do they want?” he asked, his voice giving away his fear.
Kirk remained still, watching the streets around them. “Probably nothing.” She answered him.
“Why didn’t you tell me that before?” Taylor asked, putting his hands on his hips.
Sonya shook her head, her long blonde hair blowing in the wind, “Didn’t you smell them? Taylor, you have these senses for a reason. You can hear and see better than humans. Your sense of smell is probably up there with a Labrador retriever. Use it!” Suddenly, Kirk stood tall and stepped in front of Taylor. Peeking over his shoulder, Taylor saw four people walking up to them, their footfalls almost imperceptible.
“Are you Sonya Linsworth?” The tallest woman stepped forward. Two young men and another girl all stood behind her.
Bowing her head a little, Sonya replied, “Yes,I am. And you are?”
The woman stepped back and bowed her head as well, “I am Angelina Hunter. Is that the young prince?” She said, trying to see over Kirk’s body.
“Yes, it is.” Sonya said, stepping aside so that she could see him, “Taylor, come forward.” Kirk stepped aside leaving Taylor standing there, utterly confused.
“Um, it’s nice to meet you.” He said, holding his hand out.
The woman raised her eyebrows, then looked at Sonya. “Taylor doesn’t particularly adhere to our laws and manners. Please, just ignore his ignorance.” She said, with a smile at him.
“Oh, thanks Sonya.” He said, still holding out his hand.
“Taylor, she is not allowed to touch you.” Kirk said.
Taylor wrinkled up his face, “Why the hell not? And what’s with all this ‘prince’ crap?” He said, placing his hands on his hips again. “I thought you guys were just making fun of me with all that.”
Sonya rolled her eyes and she and Angelina exchanged looks. “Please, Angelina spoke, “give our regards to the Lady Beatriz. If we can be of any assistance while you are in our city, please, let us know.”
Taylor had stepped up closer to the ones behind Angelina. “So, what are you guys doing? Is she like your boss, like Sonya?”
“They are my charges, yes.” Angelina answered.
“So, how old are you?” Taylor asked the guy closest to him. He had dark, curly hair and large brown eyes.
He looked at Angelina before answering. “I have been one of you for two years now.”
“Yeah? That’s a long time.” Taylor said. He then turned to the others, “What about you all?”
“We were all turned at the same time.” The girl answered, looking down.
Taylor raised one eyebrow. “Really? That’s kinda weird. Like, together?”
Sonya put her hand on his arm, “Taylor, it is considered rude to ask such questions and I think you’re making them uncomfortable.”
“Oh. Oh, I’m sorry.” He said, “I didn’t mean anything by it.” He said putting his hand on the young girl’s shoulder. She closed her eyes for a moment, feeling the power running through him, then she jerked away, her eyes going to the two men as they silently communicated.
“Jeez,” Taylor said, “girls usually like it when I touch them.”
Sonya looked at Angelina, “He doesn’t care for all these formalities. He has quite shaken up things in the city.” She said, looking at Taylor as he curiously gazed at the others. Kirk stood close to him and smiled watching him.
“I can imagine.” The woman replied. “Are his powers as strong as we have heard?” She asked in a whisper.
Sonya nodded, “Yes. And then some. He is still learning though.” She said.
“I sense something not right.” Angelina said, looking at Taylor as he sniffed the air above the girl.
“Yes, well, he’s recovering from a bout with Thanksgiving dinner.” Sonya grinned.
“Ah.” She smiled despite herself. “And what of this music career he has? What do the elders think of this? If I may ask.” She added.
Sonya sighed. “The elders have remained silent so far. I do not know if they just don’t care, which is unlikely, or if they have somehow remained unknowing. I know that they trust Beatriz and her judgment about such things. I only hope she is right.”
“Well,” Angelina said, “it’s certainly no secret. I don’t see how they could not know.”
“I agree.”
Sonya replied.
Just then, Taylor stepped away from the others and joined Sonya and
Angelina, “Sonya, I’m feeling kinda poopy.
Can we head home, now?” He
asked, giving her the most persuasive look he could muster.
“I mean, it’s not like anybody’s gonna talk to me or anything
anyway.”
He said disgustedly. “How
come they can’t touch me? That’s
goofy.” He asked, looking into
Sonya’s green eyes.
“It’s not goofy, it’s just the way things are done. You belong to Beatriz, therefore, no one else would dare touch you out of respect for her.” Sonya said, looking into his eyes.
“Pfft, I don’t think so. I don’t belong to anybody.” He looked off into space for a moment, “My mom maybe…” he said softly, to no one.
“Is your mother still living?” Angelina asked.
“Of course! She’s at home waiting for me right now.” Taylor stated as if she were daft.
Angelina’s eyes widened and she looked at Sonya. “It’s true. Taylor lives with his parents, and his six brothers and sisters.”
“How is that possible?” The woman asked, aghast.
“It is a long story.” Sonya replied, “The Lady approved and so it is allowed. That is why he and his family are very closely guarded by Kirk and myself. There are also two others with us, as well as Mr. Jones.”
Angelina shook her head, “This is quite a unique situation. Well, best of luck to you all.” She smiled.
Again, Taylor held his hand out to her, “C’mon, don’t be chicken. I won’t tell.” He gave her the smile he reserved for getting something he wanted. Reluctantly, she took his hand in her own. “See ya around.” She heard, when their skin touched, and she gasped, putting her other hand up to her temple. Her eyes locked onto his, then she bowed her head and backed away from him. She then turned and did the same to Sonya and Kirk.
“Well,” Taylor started once they’d gotten a few blocks away, “that was totally freaky. They’re supposed to be these big almighty vampires and they were more like scared little zombies. What is up with that?”
Kirk shook his head, “Dude! You just don’t understand–Beatriz is like the president and you’re the first lady! Now do you get it?”
“No! That’s totally stupid. I’m not married to her and I’m not a woman, thank you! God, it just never stops.” Taylor muttered.
Now Sonya came in, “Just deal with it please. They weren’t scared, they were being respectful. It’s the law.”
“Yeah, well you guys certainly weren’t afraid to be mean to me in the beginning. Melanie was not respectful to me, she was a total bitch.” Taylor said, wishing they were home already. The rush of fresh blood was wearing off and he knew daylight was coming soon.
“Well, that was before Beatriz had laid claim to you. Melanie is a bit of a wild thing. She does her own thing quite often and one of these days, she’ll pay for it. In fact, I believe you have already cost her a bit.” Sonya said, pulling open the door to the kitchen. Inside, there were only a few workers, readying things for breakfast. No one even looked up as the three walked through.
“Whatever. All I know is she better stay away from my family.” Taylor said under his breath.
Sonya and Kirk both laughed, “Oh, you don’t have to worry about that. There isn’t a vampire in the free world that would touch one of them. At least, no sane one.” She said, pushing the button on the elevator. Once inside, Taylor’s heart lightened. He could feel his family already. The door slid open and they stepped out into the hallway, then made their way to the door of their suite. Sliding the card he pulled from his wallet across the lock, the green light flickered and he stepped in the room, breathing in the very human smells of his parents and his siblings. Someone had popped popcorn in the microwave and opened a Dr. Pepper on the kitchen table. He could smell the tiny, sweet specks of it where it had fizzed in the glass and settled on the surface of the table. On the couch, he saw the culprit. Zac lay there, the remote still in his hand. The others had gone on to bed. “Hey, Zac…” Taylor said into his ear. Sonya threw her bag down and took off her jacket, laying it across the back of one of the kitchen chairs. Kirk joined Taylor, helping him to pull his little brother up into a sitting position. “You wanna just sleep here? Or shall we throw you in your bed?” Taylor asked.
Zac made no response, but he stood up unsteadily and headed towards the hallway. “I think we are all stuffed in one room again, Tay.” He grumbled. Everybody grabbed rooms ‘cept you, me, and Ike, so we get the only one left.” He said, turning the knob on one of the doors. Inside, Isaac was already asleep in one bed. In the other, Camille lay, looking up at the ceiling. She looked over at them when Zac walked in. “Aw, man.” Zac said, “you didn’t kill Isaac, did you?” She ignored the comment and just looked at Taylor, a dreamy look in her eye. “Guess I get to sleep with Ike.” Zac said, pulling off his t-shirt and his jeans, and sliding into the bed beside his brother.
Flipping off the light, Taylor walked over to the bed and sat down, looking out the window at the moon as it began to leave the sky. The bright sun would soon be taking over the cobalt blue of the night. He sighed, thinking he was surprised at how little he actually missed the sun. He hadn’t been much of a sun person to begin with–his skin was too fair and his eyes too light. Camille’s fingertips on the back of his neck brought him back from his thoughts. Gently, she pulled his shirt out of his pants and reached around and began to unbutton it. He straightened as she pulled it down over his shoulders, leaving light kisses there. Pulling him back onto the bed, she leaned down and placed her lips on his throat, feeling his slow pulse. In his ear, she whispered, “I missed you so much…”
“I missed you too.” He replied, pulling his long legs up on the bed and rolling over to face her.
“Did you?” She asked, her eyes shining in the moonlight as she studied the face she loved so much.
“Yeah, I did.” He said. Then, he kissed her lips and when her tongue entered his mouth, he lay back on the pillow and allowed her to get on top of him, her legs straddling his waist. As he tasted her blood, running into his mouth, he thought for a second that once again they were doing that forbidden act. But, the feeling the blood was giving him soon pushed it out of his mind and all that was left was the taste of that thing he knew always made him feel incredible.
In the other bed, Zac lay half-asleep, but awake enough to question his brother’s claim of not being able to have sex anymore. He’d heard sex before, and it sounded a lot like what he was hearing over in that other bed. That was definitely Taylor’s voice, but he wasn’t singing.