“Thank you, my friend,” I whispered.
Brandon suddenly groaned. When I looked at him, I saw that his veins were becoming less visible. The garlic dose had not been fatal, but it was a full hour before he was able to sit up again.
“What happened?” I asked.
He swallowed a mouthful of blood from a fifth ration and grimaced. “Soldiers under an elite,” he rasped. “I was visiting Morgan, and they broke into her home. They injected her with garlic and ripped her clothes off…” his eyes grew dark with hatred. “…they made me watch before they chained me up and force-fed me garlic. I don’t remember blacking out.” He swallowed the rest of the ration and attempted to stand up. “I have to go back and see if Morgan’s all right…”
He swayed and I caught him. “Do not be foolish,” I hissed. “You are in no condition to leave. Sit down and drink some more blood.”
“Hypocrite,” Brandon muttered, but obeyed.
I stared at his weakened form. At his deeply worried expression, wondering whether or not Morgan, his lover of fifty years, was still alive. My fangs dug into my gums.
“Xavier,” I snarled. “He is responsible.”
“Really?” Brandon’s smile was weary, his voice gentle. “Who would have thought? Your battle against that monster Evanescence only made you the number one celebrity Outcast of the century.”
“You dare to joke!?” I roared. “You know you and your lover just endured gruesome torture because of my quarrel with Xavier! Because of your connection to me!”
“I don’t hate you Shadow,” Brandon said softly. “Much as I hate to admit it, I wish I were more like you.”
“Really?” I said sarcastically. “If I recall correctly, you called me a coward for wishing to die with honor. Or as you put it, ‘throw my life away.’ I thought it took more courage to live than to die.”
“Oh, don’t get me wrong, I don’t envy your self-hatred,” Brandon said. “And it is cowardly to throw your life away. But even though I’ve controlled my hatred, I have resigned myself to my Outcast status. But you fight against it in any way you can. You have hope for a better life.” He sighed. “If only you weren’t ashamed of it, you would have a precious dream to live for.”
So he did know about my dream and my shame. That was not surprising. Brandon was clever and I was not famous for hiding my emotions. Surprisingly, I only felt annoyance instead of humiliation.
I growled. “Sentimental child.”
Brandon smiled. It was a cheeky expression that made him appear as youthful as he physically appeared. “Grumpy old man.” But then his face grew serious. “What are you going to do, Shadow? Just tell me you won’t challenge Xavier directly. That would be a mistake.”
“I have no intention of doing so,” I said. If Xavier was resorting to torturing those who had a connection to me, then provoking him would only make him double his efforts of finding Mercedes.
“You don’t?” Brandon, asked, stunned.
I did not reply. Brandon’s eyes grew suspicious.
“Who saved you, Shadow? Who are you protecting?”
“That is none of your concern,” I said coldly. “I will kill Xavier, but I will not be careless.”
“Your eyes are so fierce, so protective,” Brandon murmured. Then he began to grin. “Who is she, Shadow?”
My face went blank. “I beg your pardon?”
To my supreme irritation, his smile only widened. “The Shadow I knew would have gone on a soldier hunt after today’s events. But you don’t want to provoke Xavier. And it’s not because you want to protect yourself.”
“I do not know what you are talking about.”
“She’s human, isn’t she?” Brandon’s voice was hushed with awe. “A human woman found you after Xavier’s soldiers—”
“Silence!” I snarled.
“Your caution, your sudden willingness not to throw your life away, it’s all for the sake of a human woman.” Brandon voice dropped to barely above a whisper. “Do you love her?”
I nearly grabbed Brandon by the throat, but that would have been beneath me.
“Well, I suppose that’s not the important issue at hand,” he allowed. “I wish I could give you advice on how to protect her, but if Xavier wants to find her, he will.”
“He will not,” I declared. “I will make certain of that.”
Brandon nodded. “If anyone can protect a human woman from one of the most ruthless elites to walk the earth, it is you, my friend.” When he tried to stand up again, I did not stop him. “I need to see Morgan now. But I will have you know that your determination has inspired me.”
“Oh?” I said coolly, sarcastically.
“Yes,” Brandon responded, unfazed at my tone. “For years I was afraid that if I fought against my Outcast status, my hatred would consume me once more. I was afraid of becoming like you. But now I see that hatred can be a lethal weapon if it’s honed.” He smiled. “And kept in check by love.”
“I do not love her,” I snarled.
“But you’re willing to do whatever it takes to protect her. And your feelings for her frighten you.”
“Shut up.”
“Yes, I’ve probably lectured you enough for one day.” Brandon headed for the door. “But if you need any help in taking down Xavier, you need only say the word.”
I scowled at his retreating back.
***
Mercedes
Working on two projects simultaneously was a skill I had mastered a long time ago. Today I put it to good use in computer class. I could not risk searching for this Xavier on school computers. It was be extremely arrogant to do so. Skilled as I was, the possibility that I would slip up would always exist. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if Xavier went after the hundreds of students and teachers in this school. If he went after my friends.
I needed to find links to Xavier. But that didn’t mean I would abandon my duties to the victims at Women’s Aid. I gave Janelle her new ID card three days ago, and my latest customer was a woman named Gabrielle.
Okay, she wasn’t a customer. I never accepted money from any of these women. Even if my family wasn’t wealthy, I would never accept a fee. These women needed everything they had if they wanted to start their lives anew. Also there was the fact that I earned a good deal of revenue from various business deals I conducted on the Internet.
Gabrielle was an illegal immigrant who had been taken in as the mistress of a wealthy businessman by the name of Louis Travis. She confided in me that she had loved him before he revealed a domineering and even racist side. She wanted to escape, but feared going back to her home country, Brazil. I knew she would be safe in the United States, but she needed proper documentation if she didn’t want to risk getting kicked out of the country. So while I worked on my latest Operating Systems lesson in computer class, I hacked on my comm. I was very grateful to Shadow for returning it. It would have taken hours to upload all those apps and programs I designed onto my new comm.
I shivered when I thought of Shadow. Of his beautiful, tormented face. That cold, yet comforting touch on my cheek. The way his obsidian eyes reflected the white moonlight as he bent down. He hadn’t kissed me, and I found I was more disappointed than I should be. Taken as I was with his beauty, I didn’t really know him. But I felt such a strong connection to him. I wanted desperately to know him, for him to trust me. He accepted my help in the plan to defeat Xavier, and he wanted me to meet him tomorrow. Over the past two days, I found myself touching the scar on my neck, hoping it would grow warm again.
Tomorrow, I thought as my finger traced the mark. I’ll see him tomorrow.
*******
Chapter 4
Truth and beauty can you stay
Just one full night as lovers lay?
Your bed is ash by evil’s fire
Your only home, your one true pyre
Xavier
“Lord Xavier. The Harijan is on his way.”
“Good,” I murmured. “
Did you record the meetings between him and the human girl?”
My servant pushed a rather battered Evanescence toward me. I ignored its despicable whining and bent down. I created a temporary bond with the beast and overpowered its efforts to keep said bond balanced. I then took what I needed.
The Harijan standing with the girl in the middle of the woods.
The Harijan talking with the girl in an isolated area in the mortal world. I heard only a few words of conversation, but they pleased me more than I could say. What’s more, their body language told me all I needed to know.
The Harijan standing with the girl outside her home. Her pathetic, awestruck eyes never leaving his face. The Harijan touching her cheek, moving in closer as if to kiss her.
The Evanescence began to shriek. I felt both rage and amusement at its defiance.
You think to thwart me, mindless beast? I laughed and ripped the remainder of its mind to pieces.
Stop! It sobbed and begged. Please, please, PLEEEEAAAAAASSSSSSEEEEEEEEE!
It died hearing my laughter, which was how I preferred all who challenged me to die.
Once I was out of the beast’s mind, I rose to my feet, smiling.
“As I hoped, he is falling in love with her.”
“What are your orders, my lord?”
“Do not disturb their interactions, but keep having Evanescence record them. Once I deem his love strong enough, bring the girl to me. He will follow, and I will throw her into the Lazarus Pit while he watches.”
“A human will not last long in the Lazarus Pit, lord.”
I smiled. “She will last long enough.”
***
Mercedes
At long last, the third day arrived. I knew Shadow would only be able to see me when night fell, so I used my time wisely. In my backpack were files and documents that I hoped would be useful for our battle against Xavier.
“Why don’t you tell me about him?”
I peered at Nadine. We were sitting together at lunch. Unfortunately, Sam couldn’t join us since his meeting with the debate team was going on longer than expected.
“What are you talking about?” I asked.
Her smiled grew disbelieving. “Come on, Mercedes. That dreamy look you’ve been wearing for the past couple of weeks has only grown every day. I know it’s a guy, I just don’t know who.”
“Is it true that you turned Taylor down?” a blonde girl named Valerie Morris asked in a hushed voice. We weren’t close friends, but I liked her well enough, though her tendency to get excited over relatively insignificant things could get out of hand at times. “My God, Mercedes, are you crazy?”
“Look, he’s very handsome and very sweet, but I’m just not into him,” I said. “I’m into…” I bit my lip and looked down.
Valerie and Nadine exchanged incredulous looks.
“Can you at least describe him?” Valerie whispered. “I mean, if you’re not into Taylor, I can’t even begin to imagine how hot your mystery guy must be. Is he, like, an Adonis or something?”
An Adonis couldn’t compete with Shadow in a million years in my opinion. But I didn’t say so out loud.
“I’ll take that as a yes.” Nadine grinned. “But Mercedes, you should know that the rumors are flying around. The football team has reported that Taylor’s been moody and distracted lately. Not to mention…” she trailed off.
“What?” I prompted.
She looked at me with pained eyes. “Haven’t you noticed Sam’s behavior?”
I had. Sam treated me with the same kindness and respect that he always had, but I could tell I was hurting him. I hadn’t talked to him yet for fear of hurting him more, but I knew that was the coward’s way out.
“I’ll talk to him,” I promised.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t find him after lunch. Once school let out, I asked members of the debate team his whereabouts, but they all claimed he left early. I considered calling him, but when I saw the clock, I rushed out. I needed to go to Women’s Aid for a couple of hours before returning home. I only hoped Shadow called me late at night like last time.
***
Shadow
“How are you enjoying your meager status, Harijan?” Xavier circled around my prostrate form. “Does it please you to see your fellow Harijans look at you with such awe and respect? As if you were an elite? In my opinion, it is well deserved. Even the most well-trained Kshatriya would have grave difficulty in slaughtering such a monstrous Evanescence. I have even heard rumors that they are not pleased with your victory.”
It was a threat, I knew. The Kshatriya would see my victory as a personal humiliation. But I was not afraid. While the Kshatriya were vengeful, they lived by a code of honor. If they wanted me dead, they would call me out.
Yet another opportunity to die with honor.
You are clever, Ancient One. I will grant you that at the very least.
“I will break you, Shadow,” Xavier whispered. “Soon enough, I will find the one who aided you. Once your failure in protecting them is complete, I will dangle what you desire most of all in front of your nose, I will torture it until it cries for mercy, and then I will feed it to the new born Evanescence in the Lazarus Pit. That is all you need to know.”
I left feeling confused. Was he going mad? Torturing my desire for an honorable death and then putting it in the Lazarus Pit? What sense did that make?
I shook my head, dismissing my confusion. Xavier’s mental state was irrelevant. I needed him dead and Mercedes safe. Thankfully, Brandon informed me yesterday that Morgan was very shaken and disturbed, but alive and her wounds were healing. At least her physical wounds.
My fangs emerged, and a growl rumbled in the back of my throat. Xavier needed to die.
In my apartment, I closed my eyes and contacted Blackhole through our bond. After defeating the Evanescence, I sent him to track Mercedes wherever she went. It was something I deeply regretted. I knew what it was like to have my every move watched while I was in certain areas of vampire society, and endure looks of scorn and loathing. Mercedes was in danger, yes, but that did not make my actions right. It appeared I would have to ask her forgiveness again if we survived this.
When my mind touched Blackhole’s, he immediately showed me Mercedes. She was walking down a street, backpack slung over her shoulder, posture straight and dignified like a queen.
Blackhole huffed in annoyance.
So many emotions. Why aren’t you crazy already?
I think I am crazy, I muttered back.
I told myself I would only watch her until she was safely inside a building, but I wondered if I would keep that promise. The sun glinted off her hair, her skin. A small smile touched her full, lush mouth. The expression reached her eyes, making them glitter as if they were filled with stars.
So…many…emotions.
This time I ignored Blackhole’s fuming. How could this human girl captivate me so? Was it the way she moved, the unending compassion she seemed to express, her bravery, her unwavering spirit?
Maybe all? Blackhole suggested.
Before I could reply, something caught both of our attentions. Mercedes was being followed. Not by a vampire, thank goodness, but by a human male. At my command, Blackhole zeroed his vision on the male. His face was angry, hateful, lustful, both for pain and for…
Keep an eye on him, I growled. If he so much as touches her, kill him.
With the greatest pleasure.
***
Mercedes
Upon arriving at Women’s Aid, Caroline informed me excitedly that my father’s latest donation would enable us to expand the program to five different states. Inspired by the incredible news, I started to formulate plans to start using the money I earned from my online businesses to build those other charities I had been planning in my head over the past three years. While my parents made countless donations elsewhere, I knew it would be wrong of me to direct my attention solely to oppressed women in the United States. There were so many peop
le in the world who needed help, and I couldn’t ignore them.
As I was considering a hospital in Africa, I suddenly heard shouting in the distance. I didn’t get up right away because I was holding a baby, but the shouting grew louder and I couldn’t ignore it.
“Who is that?” someone asked.
I exchanged uneasy looks with the people around me. Before I could put the baby down, a man burst into the room. He was tall, portly, balding, and his face was flushed with rage. I recognized him immediately.
Ray. Janelle’s ex-boyfriend.
“Where is she?” he bellowed. “Where’s that scrawny brat?! WHERE IS SHE!?”
“Sir!” Caroline shrieked. She looked harassed and furious. “Sir, there are children here! Please try to control yourself!”
“SHUT UP!” He bellowed. Then his eyes fell on me, and a sick grin nearly split his cheeks.
“There you are,” he hissed.
He started toward me. Caroline tried to stop him, but he pushed her away. Terrified for the child in my arms, I deposited him in the arms of his mother. But for a fat guy, Ray moved fast when he wanted to. The child was barely in his mother’s arms before his hand connected solidly with my cheek. I was knocked to the floor, dazed. But I heard the roars of outrage around me.
“You son of a bitch!”
“Monster!”
“You stupid bastard! Do you have any idea who that girl’s father is? He could make you disappear off the face of the planet if he wanted to!”
But Ray wasn’t interested in facts or being reasonable.
“I know it was you,” he seethed at me as I struggled to get up. “I saw you with Janelle. You took her away from me!”
I rubbed my cheek and glared at him. “So you were spying on her, too? Spying on someone you supposedly love is considered to be very destructive behavior.”
“Don’t lecture me, bitch!” he screamed. “Tell me where she is now!”
“I couldn’t tell you,” I said calmly. “And you’ll be leaving now.”
I nodded behind Ray and he turned around. Three police officers were standing there with icy expressions. One of them approached Ray.
“Sir, you are under arrest for trespassing, disturbing the peace, and assault.”