Twenty
SINCE THE RECENT EVENTS
that unfolded in my life, I was in a crazy swirl of emotions. I’d come to find out I was some weird Hybrid crossover, with the genes of a vampire and also a werewolf. I was the first of my kind and not to mention the first female to be born from a fathering male werewolf. Some weird gene thing, which is why Rogue werewolves capture female Yurnlings to breed with them, to keep their race thriving; only problem was, they erased their previous lives, and were told nothing but lies. That’s what happened to me. For six years, I believed I’d lost my mother in a car accident and I just had severe head trauma, to finding out my mother is alive and a leader at a vampire community.
Not to mention the man I was engaged to was the reason for my kidnapping. Derek, the Rogue werewolf, the one I still love, the one who killed my friend Krissy.
I couldn’t forget Alec, the one who fought for me, searching, determined to bring me back to this underworld of vampires, his unyielding love. My feelings for him burned deep in my soul, a new kind of fire, hungry, lust, that I desire. I never loved a man more than Alec, even my feelings for Derek were nothing compared to those for Alec. It’s overwhelming, considering I have been getting glimpses of my past, which include Alec, and seeing that those feelings never left. They were buried, hidden, until they came pouring out. I can’t tell Alec my true feelings; my mission was to leave very soon, and hunt the man I still love, the piece of me I wish I could forget and move on from: Derek.
I found out through recent activities that I can fight, not only fight, but also that I was stronger and faster than any Rogue werewolf or Vampire, and I’m not even awakened or turned into wolf yet.
The genes somehow conflict with each other, causing bursts of emerging powers. Those powers could change and become more potent, if in fact I choose to be either one. And I didn’t think I was going to choose, it was complicated enough being somewhat regular.
My mind was spinning as I looked at the apple in my hand. White walls surrounded me as I was sitting in Alec’s hospital room, keeping an eye on his healing. He looked so peaceful
I finally gave in, taking a bit of an extremely juicy apple, almost getting juice on Alec’s bed. He was healing nicely. His shoulder was bandaged; he looked so helpless. I leaned forward and kissed him. He was already awake at the touch, his grey eyes on me.
“You don't need to stay here with me,” he said, and his Italian accent still made me smile.
“It’s okay for you to be concerned about me, but not vice versa?” I asked.
He smiled. “How is your mom doing?"
“She is surprisingly good. You know she moved my real dad, Elecho, here. He is down the hall, actually."
“Really?" Alec asked, astonished.
“Yeah, she loves him and wants to take care of him." I still believe there is a cure. Not sure how I would find it. But I know it can be done. It had to.
“What are you thinking about?" Alec asked. I couldn't tell him my thoughts.
“Just that I'm happy we all are okay."
He reached for my hand and squeezed it. “You are an amazing woman. Definitely a force all your own. Do you even want to be awakened?” he asked.
Leaning back in my chair, I have been contemplating this idea for the last couple of months.
"I don't know. Part of me does. But the other part still wants to be this." I said, pointing at myself. He nodded in understanding.
“You don’t need to make any choices yet, or ever, for that matter,” Alec said. I nodded in agreement.
“Is Marcus okay?” Alec asked.
“Yes. I'm going to visit him in a bit."
The door opened and Iva entered slowly, freezing in the doorway. She had such grief on her face. “Aimee, I didn’t mean to lock you in a room. I didn’t even know I was compelled. I didn't even know I was doing it! Please forgive me!" She took a seat next to me. Her grey eyes filled with tears.
“Iva, it’s okay. I knew it wasn't you!" I said, patting her hands that were resting on my chair armrest. She looked relieved.
I stood, releasing Alec’s hand. He looked at me questioningly.
“What’s wrong?" he asked.
“I need to visit Marcus," I said, kissing Alec’s forehead. He smiled at me.
“I'll be back soon. Iva, make sure he doesn't pull anything."
“Don’t worry, he won’t be escaping me.” Iva said, smiling with fangs.
Closing the door behind me, I nearly bumped into the nurse as I exited the room. Her wild curly black hair poked in all directions.
“Sorry," I told her. She just shook her head at me.
Marcus’ room was down the hall; he was lying on his bed arms crossed with a pissed expression on his face I entered the room. I almost laughed at the sight.
“How are you feeling,, my friend?" I asked taking a seat next to him.
He just squinted his eyes at me, annoyed. “I’m perfectly fine; I don't know why I have to be in here. And why aren't you next to me?" he asked.
“They checked me out, they didn’t see any reason to keep me," I said, patting his shoulder.
His green eyes were watching the TV. “How’s Alec?" he asked.
I wanted to laugh at how concerned Alec and Marcus had become with each other.
“He is surviving. Iva came by to apologize for locking me in a room."
"Hmmm." A smile played on his lips. “So are we still on for escaping and killing some more Rogues?" he asked on a darker note.
“Yes, as soon as you’re released.…” I snapped my head toward Marcus. “You didn't say anything to Alec, right?" I asked.
“If I had, you would clearly know, because you would be locked in a room again," he said, laughing.
That was true. “I will come back soon and check on you. I'm going to pay my dad a visit."
“Dad?”
My mom had him moved here a few days ago.”
Marcus smiled, and nodded in understanding. “How is your mom?" he asked.
“She seems all right. I didn't realize how strong she was."
“Where do you think you get it from?"
I smiled at that thought. I gave him a salute as I stood up to exit his room.
Marcus just glared at me, annoyed with his predicament.
“Sure thing, I will just be waiting here.”
I had knots turning in my stomach, from nerves. I knew I didn’t have anything to be nervous about visiting my dad, especially after the Rogues. Yet I had a feeling of uncertainty.
Coming up to his room, the nurse acknowledged me, opening the door for me. His room was dark, and the nurse lit a candle and set it next to his side of the bed. Elecho was still in that twisted position, in between changing phases, that looked so painful. His right arm still contorted, bending backward, his skin had the hint of a grayish tint.
I took a seat on a wooden stool that was close to his bed. A sigh slipped from me.
“My daughter, " he said. “I heard you took out the Rogues,” he said in a proud voice. His eyes, which I could barely see due to the darkness, looked a little brighter.
“I did. I still don't know where the strength came from," I said trying to brush it off.
“You’re a hybrid, Aimee. You were born stronger than all of us."
“Even before I change? I'm a Yurnling! “I said, flailing my arms around. I was trying to make sense of everything, and my mind was on overload.
“I don't know what you are, Hybrid or something else, but you’re not a Yurnling. You have both genes. Can a Yurnling do what you did? I think not!" he said, clearly enjoying himself.
I shrugged, not that he could see me in the dim light.
My mind drifted to another hot topic, the bond dream with Elizabeth and Derek. A thought crossed my mind. “In my bond dream...." Elecho smiled very slightly, which was enough to signal me. I knew it. “It was you, wasn’t it? In the dream with me?" I asked.
&nb
sp; “Yes, what else do I have to do but lie around here and be bored to death? I wanted to give them something to get upset about." His smile grew.
Watching my father wither in pain and in this frozen state made me really sad. I tried not to let it get to me, but couldn’t help it. I turned away from Elecho, my father.
“There has to be a cure! You can't die like this. So slow and painful."
“I wouldn't know. Don't worry about me," he said softly.
I laughed at that. “That’s an understatement ... I never thought that Ralph would let the Rogues in and give me up for his power. Or do that to Mom," I said.
“He was underestimated. People do strange things for love and power. "
“That sounds about right,” I said.
“I can tell you one thing though, Derek doesn't know what’s coming.” He smiled wider.
The nurse popped her head in, allowing more light to enter the room.
She glanced between both of us.
“I think Elecho needs his rest after his travel here." Elecho made a face.
I rose from the stool.
“I’m happy you’re here ... Dad," I said. His breathing stopped for a moment and I could see pure joy on his face, mixed with tears.
Standing in the hall outside my dad’s door, I felt a new mixture of emotions cross over me. I was so happy to have everyone I cared about alive, yet I was sad about leaving. When the time came, would I be able to kill Derek? I still had feelings for him. Knowing that by killing Derek, I would destroy his mother, as well as a piece of me was unsettling. I guess when it came I would face it.
A very tall and beautiful woman with black hair approached me.
“Aimee?" she asked, grey eyes watching me thoughtfully.
“Yes?" I said.
“Rosemarie asked to speak with you. She's in the court waiting.” The woman bowed her head a little and departed from me.
Making my way through the hospital wing, dodging nearly getting bumped into, I hadn’t realized before how busy it really was. I managed to leave it a bit slower than anticipated.
My mother sat on a bench alone. Her hair was in a tight bun and she wore a shiny grey dress. Silk, most likely. Her hazel eyes watched me as I came closer. The court was full of life, everyone was out and about.
“Aimee. How is everyone doing?" she asked.
“Bored, but good." I said, looking into her eyes, I felt so much warmth. “Are you holding up okay?" I asked.
She smiled. "Yes, as best I can." We sat next to each other, just watching the people walk around us.
“Can I ask you something?" I said.
She nodded.
“Why aren't your eyes grey?”
“I’m not sure. They were grey when I first was awakened, but after your birth they turned hazel; my original eye color was blue."
That’s interesting. Who knows why my life is so complex.
“Are you still going to hunt Derek?" she asked quietly. The subject of the day or, better yet, my life.
I averted my eyes. “I have to. He won’t stop until he gets me. I can't live like that," I said venomously.
“I know you can't, and I'm proud of you,” she said lifting my chin up gently. Her eyes were soft, mixed with that looming sadness. “We never had our dinner. I'm going to still host a big banquet. I'm thinking tomorrow night."
“And I'm thinking I will be there." I said, smiling.
“I hope our relationship continues to flourish," she said, eyes on me.
“Me, too." I reached for her hand and held it ;she was delicate. We both sighed. Sitting with my mom was the first normal thing we had done together. Things went in slow motion; I was just wishing I could forget everything I have to do.
Closing my eyes, I leaned my head on my mom’s shoulder.
I could have sat like this with my mother for a long while, until a thought crossed my mind.
I wondered if there was someone who knew how to cure a vampire bite. I wondered if a very old werewolf knew a way. Sitting up and brushing the blonde strands of hair away from my eyes, my mother glanced at me curiously.
“Mom, I will see you at the banquet tomorrow!” I said, standing up.
Her expression was uncertain, filled with concern. “Is everything okay, Aimee?” she asked.
“Yes, everything is fine,” I said as I leaned down to kiss her forehead.
The question was, would this werewolf give me the answers I wanted, needed to hear?
I walked down that long hall, with the same flickering lights. Reaching the very strong metal door, I rang the bell, not surprised that it was the same wolf from before. His broad grin met me, looking sheepish; Clark’s handsome features were nice to look at.
“Aimee, what can I do for you today?” the good-looking wolf named Clark asked as he leaned against the door.
“I need to see Teeker,” I said.
Clark’s expression faltered a bit. His eyebrows rose.
“Teeker?” His amused expression was starting to bother me.
“Yes … now can you please bring me to him!” my patience was dwindling.
“All right, I’m only messing with you.” Clark said, gesturing a sign of peace. I walked in pushing past him.
I was guessing today was the wolf down time; most of the lounge around the fire pit area was being occupied. As I came into their vision they all narrowed their eyes at me. I received a lot of grins. Clark shot them all a warning look.
“I heard what you did to those Rogues.” His smile crept up the sides of his lips.
“Hmmm,” Was all I managed to say.
“I think it’s pretty hot. You're nice to look at and also can kick some major—”
Clark stopped suddenly and I almost ran into the back of him. Glancing around him, I saw Teeker,, with his grey beard and weary eyes.
Clark cleared his throat. “Aimee came by to see you.”
Teeker raised his hand to silence Clark. Teeker was eyeing me.
“Come with me....” Clark and I started to follow Teeker. “Just Aimee.” Teeker said, very softly.
Clark looked disappointed yet again. He seemed to be shooed off a lot. Teeker and I continued to walk.
We didn’t go to Teeker's room; instead we ended up near the fire pit, across from the wolves, still out of ear shot of them.
Teeker took a seat on a rocking chair, paying close attention to me.
“Why have you come?” he asked with his whimsical Romanian voice.
He sure didn’t play around. “My father is dying from a vampire bite, very slowly.”
“You want to know if there is a cure,” Teeker said while he watched me.
I wondered if everyone around here could read minds. “Ummm, yes,” I said slowly.
He smiled and pulled lightly the end of his beard. Sighing. “There was one werewolf who claimed to have been cured.”
“And?” I asked.
“I’m not sure if it’s just a myth. I don’t want to give you false hope. “His eyes became softer.
“If there was some chance, any, I will find a way to help him. He can’t stay like that forever,” I said fiercely.
Teeker gave me a soft smile, twisting the end of his beard between his spider-like fingers.
“The vampire who bit him would have to feed him their blood. Or something along those lines. The man who claimed to have been bitten was crazy. I’m not sure I believe him. I wish I had more knowledge for you.”
If that’s what I had to do, Teeker was right. It was impossible. That vampire could be dead or clear across the world. My mind played with those thoughts.
“Out of curiosity, have you decided what side you will choose?” Teeker asked.
Side? Honestly I didn’t want either. I was afraid what would happen to me.
“I haven’t. Not sure if I’m going to change at all.”
He smiled. “You will choose, I’m sure. You will
be great.…”
“How can I choose? The last time I spoke to you, you said you didn’t know what would happen if I chose to be awakened. And now, knowing I have both genes, werewolf and vampire, I don’t want to risk my sanity.”
“The genes are already conflicting with each other. That’s why you are so dangerous, truly one of a kind. Usually normal Yurnlings don’t have any vampire side come out until awoken, werewolves breed with female Yurnlings, soon turned werewolves, and the son that’s born is wolf already. But you, your mother is a vampire and father is a wolf. Hybrid. What becomes of you is a mystery. I’m certainly interested in seeing what happens.”
Was this some kind of joke to these people?
“What, I’m a science experiment?” I said, raising my voice.
“No, you’re just an unusual case.” he said, grinning. My jaw almost hit the floor. Teeker had missing teeth; how had I not seen that the last time I saw him?
My mind quickly refocused, I was thinking about my dad again. Before I could say anything, Teeker answered my unspoken thought. “I don’t know, Aimee, about being healed from a vampire bite. Like I told you, the wolf who spoke of it was crazy.” He patted my hand gently.
He nodded at Clark, who stood a distance away, and Clark scurried over as fast as he could. “I hope my information has been somewhat useful.”
That was my cue to leave, and I felt more frustrated than anything else. What a waste of time.
Clark chuckled as he led me back to the exit.
“What's so funny?” I asked in a deadly voice.
“Your expression. You look pissed.”
In reality, I was pissed, really pissed. “I’m not pissed; I just have a setback, that’s all,” I said, crossing my arms.
“Sure thing,” Clark said, not believing me. He held the door open for me as I walked past him. “It was nice seeing you again; come back anytime,” Clark said with a boyish grin.
I gave him a half smile as I departed. What a waste of time; I’d learned nothing from the old timer.