Chapter 29 #2
Several weeks later I found myself alone in the castle.
Though pleased Alex had ventured out on his own, after four hours I felt compelled to look for him.
I found him in Café Art Tarot, located in the small town of Penzance not far from the castle.
Despite the coffee shop being full, Alex went unnoticed at a corner table over which he had strewn magazines.
Alex was engrossed, eagerly reading the pages of the glossy papers.
Taking the seat opposite him I noticed a full teacup to his left, untouched.
“Cosmopolitan!” Alex beamed, referring to the magazine’s title.
“I’m not so sure that’s such a good introduction into the world of the modern woman,” I said, throwing in a wink. “Or man.”
The waitress appeared and offered me a menu. “Or are you a vampire like your friend here?” she asked.
“Earl Grey tea will be just fine. Thank you,” I answered her, forcing a smile.
She returned behind the counter.
Alex threw me a mischievous smile. Clearly, he found that funny.
I blocked out the chattering thoughts of the other customers.
“I wish I could do that,” Alex said.
“Close your thoughts?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll teach you,” I said.
“Do you suppose he ever thinks about us?” Alex asked.
“Orpheus?”
“I still can’t get used to that name.”
“I often sensed that he regretted—”
“What?”
“Not taking you with him.”
It was a foolish thing to say, but deep down, I needed to believe their friendship wasn’t born out of evil. For his sake, I suppose.
Alex sat back in his chair. “I wish things were different.”
“I can’t bear to think of Catherine frightened and trapped,” I admitted with the heaviest heart.
“You are doing the right thing. Don’t give up on her.”
“I couldn’t if I tried,” I said.
“Perhaps she’ll come to us?”
“That’s just it, why the hell hasn’t she sent a message? She must know.”
“I’m sure there’s a good explanation,” he said.
“I just wished I knew what it was. How is the feeding going?”
“I think I’ve mastered it now,” Alex said. “After drinking as little as possible, I persuade my—them—to drink from me. Then before I know it they’ve forgotten the whole thing ever happened.”
Alex was like me, reluctant to say the word “victim.” We had both naturally pursued those whom society considered evil and as such it had helped to quell the self-reproach. With a few sips of our blood our food source would have no recollection that we had even met.
I sighed. “Let’s practice closing your thoughts down. Quiet your mind.”
The waitress set a cup of Earl Grey tea down on the table. I thanked her.
Alex’s gaze followed her back to the serving station. “What am I thinking?” he asked.
I read his mind.
His thoughts wandered, light and unguarded, filled with a wry humor that danced at the edges of mischief and warmth.
“Obviously I have my work cut out.” I laughed.
Alex smiled and poured his full teacup into the plant pot on our table.
I cringed at his attempt to dispose of his tea. “Alex!” I whispered. “The plant’s not real.”
The tea seeped out from under the plastic pot, dripping on to the table. Leaving more than enough money to pay for our drinks, we withdrew from the café.
Alex laughed, and I hugged him playfully.
Being with him again had changed my life. I savored every minute and sometimes just stared at my younger brother in gratitude for him. Although Alex had turned a little eccentric, it was actually quite charming.
We soon arrived at the castle. “Alex, someone’s here.” I defensively placed my hand against his chest.
We both sensed danger and quickly headed in.
Cautiously, we entered the parlor. In front of the fireplace, gazing up at the painting of our father, stood a redheaded man. Rugged in appearance, of medium build, aged twenty-five in human years or so, he dressed in leather trousers and a black silk shirt.
He turned to face us. “I rather like what you’ve done with the place. I would have gone for a lot more black,” he said.
I removed my jacket and placed it on the back of a chair. “Who are you?”
“Marcus. So we meet at last. I have heard so many things about you. Particularly you, Alex. I can see the appeal now.”
It was easy to detect Marcus’s vampiric traits. His movements gave him away.
“What do you want?” I rested my hand on Alex’s shoulder.
“We’ve been keeping a close eye on you both. You’ve not been doing badly. Pity about the Jag. I’m rather partial to that car myself.”
“Get out,” I said.
“I am here on behalf of Orpheus. I have a message for you, Jadeon,” he said.
“You know where Daumia is?” Alex stepped toward him.
Marcus smiled. “Daumia is fed up with this game of hide and seek. He wants it over with. He proposes that you leave him alone.”
I neared him. “Or?”
“Or he will kill you,” Marcus threatened.
“Where’s Catherine?” I asked.
“Jadeon, Jadeon, you really are so predictable. You know, there are some women who like to be chased but Kate isn’t one of them.”
I thrust him up against the fireplace.
Marcus snarled. “Anything happens to me, and Catherine . . .” he warned.
I let go of him. “I want evidence that she—”
“Sorry, no can do,” Marcus said.
I stepped back. “I’m more than prepared to spend another two hundred years—”
“Perhaps Alex can go with you this time?” he said.
Alex looked pained.
“Get out before I kill you,” I snapped bitterly.
“Have you any idea of what and who you are dealing with?” Marcus said.
I glared at him.
“Jadeon, have you ever played chess?”
“What?”
“Chess. You make a move, your opponent makes a move, etcetera. With Orpheus, you will never see him coming. He will derail your scheme.”
“You are done. Now get out,” I warned him.
“He will swipe you off your feet and he’ll take both your queen and your King before you’ve even considered your strategy.”
“Out, now!” I shouted.
“When Catherine complains about the way he dispenses with you, he can reassure her that he gave you every opportunity. So be it. Such is life. Or in your case, death!”
“Give this message to Orpheus,” I said. “Tell him I am coming for him.”