87. May Branock
May Branock
“It has never been more important to report current events quickly and without interference.” The small microphone attached to my blazer projects my voice through the packed hall.
Hundreds of my fellow journalists fill the seats, watching as I slowly pace the stage.
I pause in the center and try to ignore the faint buzz, unsure if it’s real or in my head. “Since you’re here, I will assume you are familiar with the history between humanity and Alts. Meaning you’re familiar with how fra—” Something cracks between my fingers, like a static spark.
I press my fingers together and smile, sure the mini electric shock was big enough to be seen.
“How fragile—” The buzzing in my ear cuts off. “The, uh, truce is.”
I’m not usually this easy to distract.
Get it together, May.
I take a breath in through my nose to center myself. But my brows lower.
It smells like rain.
Another inhale.
And either I’m having a medical episode or something else is happening to me. Because I swear it smells like rain in an apple orchard.
Then I feel it.
The shift in energy.
My gaze lifts to the doors at the back of the room.
There are three sets of two.
One second.
Two—
The middle set opens.
And a man ducks through.
My pulse thuds in my ears.
That’s no man.
Behind the back row of seats, a giant vampire stands next to a red-haired woman.
“Apologies for the… interruption.” The male’s voice resonates through the air as he looks directly at me. “We would like a moment of your time. If you’ll allow it.”
I permit myself a moment to accept that this is really happening. And another moment to convince myself I am not afraid.
Then I nod once. “I reserve the right to ask you to leave, but… I’ll allow it.”
“Gracias.” The vampire dips his head, his horns gleaming even under the low lights.
Then, holding the woman’s hand, he strides down the aisle.
His clothing is tailored, the material a dark maroon. But he looks… ancient.
Maybe it’s the robe that flows around him like a cape.
Maybe it’s the sword visible at his hip.
Maybe it’s his size and the long hair that make him look like he belongs on a battlefield.
Whatever it is, I have to force myself not to move because the urge to step back is real.
Voices whisper as the pair walks past. Phones are held up. Cameras flash. And the bigness of this moment settles over my shoulders.
I don’t recognize this vampire.
My eyes drop back to his sword as they near the stage. And I remind myself that Volik told me I was under his protection now. So if this turns out to be a huge mistake, maybe he’ll avenge me.
The woman catches my attention when she lifts her free hand to give me a tiny wave. That’s when I realize her eyes are black, like his. But the action is enough to somewhat smooth my frayed nerves.
Then the pair blurs. Going from the floor, four feet down, to standing on the stage, a few feet away from me.
My nerves fray all over again at the suddenness, and I take that involuntary step back.
Sounds of surprise and fear come from the audience.
This vampire is big. Built. Intimidating.
But this is my room. My hour.
I am not afraid.
The woman is between the vampire and the back of the stage. And his sword is between him and the crowd.
I reclaim the step I took. “If you’d like to talk, right now, how about you start by telling me your names?”
The vampire’s lips twitch, and I think he might be fighting a smile.
“Hello, May Branock.” He uses my full name. And it sounds more formal than threatening, but it still has the hairs on my arm reacting. “This is my mate, Rune.”
“I know this is a lot. But it’s really nice to meet you.” The woman smiles at me, showing a hint of fangs. “Nix says hi.”
I should get an award just for keeping a straight face through all this. “Can I assume your experience is similar to hers? That you were born a human?”
Rune nods, her smile softer but still in place.
“How long have you been mated?” It feels so weird to ask, since I don’t know if sex is a part of the mating process. But it’s an important question.
“Well, from the first moment, it’s been… less than a week.”
I want to ask what she means by the first moment comment, but that can wait.
I lift my gaze to the vampire’s. “And your name?”
“I have gone by many.”
“Give me one.”
“Interfector Mali. The Melas Oneiros.” He pauses. “Vameer Vadas.”
The room’s inhale is collective.
“Vadas?” I whisper.
He dips his chin. “Vampire of the kingdom of Saxony of old. Son of Fire. Brother to Volik.”
The murmurs are instant.
Volik has a brother?
“Why don’t I recognize you?” I know there are vampires out there I’ve never seen, but this one… He’d be hard to miss for seventy years.
“I have been away for a bit. But I am back now.”
Been away where?
I keep the focus on the present. “Why now?”
“I found my mate.”
It’s so matter of fact.
A statement so full of purpose it makes my chest ache.
To have dedication like that…
“And why come here?” I push my emotions into their box. “I will not believe you coming to my room is a coincidence.”
“My brother trusts you. And I am in need of… exposure.”
That statement prompts so many questions.
I want to ask if he’s being hunted, but I don’t want to cause unnecessary fear. This giant brother of Volik’s, appearing out of nowhere, right after the discovery of shifters, is fear inducing enough. But I can play between the lines.
“Are there people who already know you’re back?”
“Some. But they should know that Volik’s allies are my allies.
An enemy to my ally is an enemy to me. And thinking you can catch me off guard is a mistake.
” Vameer moves so he’s standing behind Rune.
“My mate and I wish to continue the fragile peace you speak of. The balance does not have to shift.”
He’s getting ready to leave, so I have limited time left. “As an ally to Volik, if either of you ever want to talk more, you clearly know how to find me.”
“Appreciate that.”
I swallow. “Anything else you’d like to say before you go?”
“Da,” he says, and it sounds exactly like his brother. “My brother and I share blood. But I do not share his restraint.” He moves his black gaze to the crowd. “Testing me would be unwise.”
Red smoke billows out around Vameer’s feet. Then, in a blur, they’re gone.
The doors at the back of the room slam shut behind them.
And the word dread floats through my mind. Except the feeling inside me is… anticipation.