If you are patient in one moment of anger

Chapter 32

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 02:43:27 GMT

Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.
- Maya Angelou
Warnings/Bonuses: Adult themes, course language, sexual references, implied violence.

Drovers Lane, Longport. October 15, 1898. 1:02 am

Daniel and Josephine watched the man hurry down the lane with interest. The darkness made so many people wary and anxious, and just seeing his nervousness made Daniel twinge. The thought of how his brothers had tasted teased at him. Daniel ran his tongue across his fangs, applying just enough pressure to let a drop of blood coat the inside of him mouth in anticipation, “Kieran said that preying on anger and fear would make me like her.”

Josephine coaxed him gently, “He is overly cautious. You will only become like that if you have too much. You took so much that night, you must still feel it. It must tug at your belly with excitement even now just thinking about it. One poor soul as a special treat every now and again will make you more able to cope with more ease. We can share if you like. That way it is only the smallest taste.”

Daniel shook his head, “No.”
“That is truly a shame.”
“You misunderstand me, I mean not to share.”

Travelling between Esk and Hamilton. November 21, 2005. 11:41 pm

Katia rubbed her eyes and yawned before shifting into a more comfortable position. She tried to settle herself again but something made her look around and out into the darkness, “Are we heading back towards the coast again?”
“How did you know?”
“I, I’m not sure. I guess the air, it smells different.”

Daniel gave her a sidewards glance. They were still to far from the sea for her to pick up the salty smell, he had only just caught it himself an hour before. “Lucky guess.”
She shrugged, “I suppose. So why the backtracking?”
“I need to know if I am right about something.”

Drovers Lane, Longport. October 20, 1898. 1:33 am

Josephine watched him panting with both envy and delight. He had cornered the man and taunted him just to the verge of begging. Soon he would be strong enough to wait for them to do just that. Not wanting to disrupt his repose, she asked softly, “Tell me love, what is it like?”

Daniel smiled but did not open his eyes, “It is exquisite.”
“There now. How can Kieran ask for such pleasure be missed? I have more of life’s little pleasures to share with you tonight.” She snaked her fingers into his clenched fist and led him back to their lodgings.

111 Pikes Road, Taylor. November 22, 2005. 3:55 am

Katia ventured out on to the fire escape and asked Daniel warily, “Do we have to stay here?”
Daniel had been waiting for her to come to him complaining about staying in the empty warehouse. He had not looked forward to her appearance. The last few days had been taxing, to be so close to her again was distracting him. He had tried to mask it as much as he could in the car but he just needed space now. Daniel blurted the first reply that came to mind, “It was convenient.”

“That wasn’t an answer. You look as restless being here as I feel. Is there something I need to know?”
“Not now Katia. Go get some sleep.”
“Can I ask you something else?”
Sighing he turned to face the barrage of questions, “You are going to anyway.”

“What’s going on?” Katia stared at him trying to will some further information but Daniel kept his eyes and thoughts to himself. Her foot tapped unconsciously as she asked, “Well are you going to enlighten me at all?”
“No. If I tell you, you will just get upset, and I am not in the mood to deal with that tonight.”
“That’s just great. Hello. Deal with it anyway, because that’s exactly the sort of thing that just really pisses me off.”

“There it is, my old friend. You know, I have developed a certain fondness towards your temper after all this time.”
“Answer me. I know something is up.”
“I do not think you even want to know that answer. I think you just like being indulged. Do you get some sort of gratification from our little confrontations? Do you enjoy them as much as I do?” Daniel reached our and ran his fingers along her jaw, “Your cheeks are flushed you know.”
She stared at him as he looked over her with a self-satisfied smile. Katia snapped at him, “Stop that.”

When he was sure she had retreated far enough inside he leaned back against the railing and let himself get lost in the numbing heat and the wisps of exasperation Katia had thrown his way.

Drovers Lane, Longport. October 20, 1898. 2:14 am

Kieran cleared his throat to announce his arrival after neither of the pair had noticed his entering the room, “Josephine, could you leave us for a moment please.”
She nodded and slipped quietly from the room.
Daniel looked at him guiltily, “You do not have any particular attachment to her do you?”

“Not at all. Josephine and I have never been lovers, I like my companions to be more, demure. She is yours, but I fear I should give you a warning before you are silly enough to develop any feelings for her. Daniel my boy, you may be naive but I know you are not unintelligent. Let her into you bed, but do not let her learn how to control you. I did not free you from one harpy to fall into the arms of another.”

“I thought she was to be trusted.”
“She is useful, as you have discovered, but trust, not at all. Always be certain keep her at arms length, or she will deceive you one day.”

111 Pikes Road, Taylor. November 22, 2005. 4:17 am

“Fuck. Josephine. Katia where are you?”

to be continued

Chapter 31

Tue, 27 May 2008 16:46:26 GMT

Are not my children as dear to me
as falling leaves
- William Carlos Williams
Warnings/Bonuses: Adult themes. Blood. Death.

120 Jones Street, Briardale. December 20, 1809. 7:39 pm

“Mr. Browning, sir, your wife, she bled heavily, they are both lost. I am truly sorry, she had not the strength for a second child. It is certainly a miracle that you already have a son. Liam is a fine strong lad.”

Travelling between Holdsworth and Longport. October 11, 1898. 11:37 pm

Daniel had been half carried and half forced into the carriage by Kieran. All the sensations around him were heightened to the point they were unbearable, but it was also the first moment he truly felt the how much more he was capable of than when he had been alive. Shivers rippled up his spine and occasional uncontrollable jerks of his muscles made him bite into the flesh of his lip. The taste of his own blood bitter and rancid compared to that of his brothers. Blood spattered from his mouth when he spoke, “What is happening to me?”

“Blood merely fills your stomach, it sustains you, but does not fill your hunger. You would dwindle into nothingness if you had that alone to live on. It is the emotions and feelings of the humans you feed off of that satisfies us. Together they fill your soul, their weakness becomes our power. Tonight you learned what it was like to be overwhelmed by fear. You are still to young to attempt any control and it simply made you weak and venerable.”
Daniel growled low and steady, “Venerable? I feel invincible, like a god.”

A quick hand pulled Daniel back against the seat, the action serving to demonstrate that Kieran was the much more powerful of the two. The redhead eyed him with disgust, “Perhaps. However, you look as if you stumbled out of an opium den, your pockets empty. Take my advice boy, prey on remorse and regret, but leave fear and anger alone. They are like a drug. At first you crave that surge, the way you can almost lick it off their skin and how your head thrums with the pleasure of it, but it comes with a price. Seeking out all the rage this world has to offer is a dangerous path my dear companion, it is what made Olivia everything she is now.”

120 Jones Street, Briardale. May 4, 1810. 6:07 pm

He raced in the room towards the figure slumped in the armchair. His father could only rarely be found anywhere other than this chair. Liam could smell the tobacco and brandy from halfway across the room. Something else that was not uncommon since the death of his mother. He asked excitedly, “Papa? May I show you what Miss Harcourt taught me in my lessons today?”

“Not now Liam. Miss Harcourt, take him away.”
Miss Harcourt scolded back, “Sir he is only a child. He only wants to please his father.”
Kieran roared, “And I want some peace from the memory of my wife. Take him away Miss Harcourt. He so favours Juliet that I cannot bear to even look at him."
“As you wish sir.” She said, gently pulling Liam from the room.

Travelling between Holdsworth and Longport. October 12, 1898. 1:02 am

Daniel slowly persuaded the blood coating his mouth off with his fingers and the back of his hand, the occasional twitch still plaguing him. “Was this a test?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“I failed you then.” Daniel let his head hang low.
Kieran placed his hand on Daniels shoulder and gave it a comforting squeeze, “Quite the contrary my boy, this evening proved to be quite enlightening. I now know the extent to which you will go for vengeance and you learnt a powerful lesson about one of our inherent weaknesses. Quite an accomplishment for one night really.”

The redhead chuckled before continuing, “Do not look at me with such reproach. I wished to know how you would react if the opportunity for revenge were given to you on a golden platter. I am eternally pleased, it was everything I could possibly wish of my son. You are simply a joy to me. Now rest Daniel, we shall be in Longport soon, and Miss Stanton awaits our arrival. And trust in me when I say Josephine is one woman you must be fully prepared to meet.”

120 Jones Street, Briardale. October 17, 1810. 12:16 pm

Liam awoke to the sound of his father’s sobs, “Papa, what is the matter?”
“I was a failure as a husband and now I have failed you as a father.”
Even in the darkness he could see how pale and fragile his father appeared, concerned he asked, “You look unwell Papa, should I call for Mr. Merritt?”

“I prayed so long for God to allow me to take your mothers place, and I was rewarded for my blasphemy. I shall be on this earth to suffer for eternity, my punishment it seems is to outlive everyone I have ever loved.”
“I do not understand Papa.”
“Never you mind. I must go away for some time. Be a good boy and mind what Miss Harcourt tells you.” Kieran walked to the door, and without turning replied, “Liam my dear son, I hope one day you can forgive me.”

Chapter 30

Fri, 09 May 2008 15:10:22 GMT

she had been gone so long.
there was so much to unlearn.
she opened her eyes.
he was the first thing she saw
and she blamed him.
- Lucille Clifton
Warnings/Bonuses: Adult themes.

349 Elizabeth Street, Esk. November 20, 2005. 9:39 pm

He had not seen that coming at all. He knew she was angry, but punching him? Daniel rubbed his chin and glanced up to where Katia stood seething. She had not walked out, which surprised him, but he suspected that she was merely waiting for him to give some sort of backhanded retort so she could feel justified in slamming the door in his face. Either that or she was just enjoying seeing him splayed on the ground in front of her. He pushed himself and what was let of his dignity up off the floor.

Daniel watched with mild amusement at the way she tried to hold her ground and ignore the pain as he approached her. Her stubborn nature was returning with such ferocity. He nodded at the limb she was shaking, “How is your hand?”
Katia pulled her arm behind her trying to hide the wince the movement caused. “It’s fine.”
“Let me see.”
“No.”
“Give me your hand.”

“I said no.” She stared back at him, but the expression on his face was more concerned than insistent and it made her feel like an obstinate child. Sighing she held her arm out towards him. Katia grimaced as he moved her fingers and pressed gently along her knuckles, but it was the chill from his touch that caused the most discomfort. “Your hands are cold.”
“They are the same temperature as always.” He let her hand go and folded his arms against his chest, “You are lucky, nothing is broken, but it is going to bruise. Go run it under the cold tap. That should help some.”

Katia let out a sigh when the cold water ran over her hand.
He leaned against the doorframe and asked, “Do you want some ice?”
Katia shook her head. When the throbbing had subsided to a more bearable level, she turned off the tap and turned around to confront him. She knew the answer, but asked him anyway, “That money…you didn’t pick that amount arbitrarily did you?”

“No.” He waited to feel the anger dance past him but it was just the same steady hum of spite and frustration she always had. It was so familiar now it acted like a beacon, but the peaks and fluctuations were muted.
Using her good hand she pushed past him, trying to impart as much brute force as she could. “So is there anything about my life that you didn’t manipulate?”

“I was watching Sophie, you just happen to come with the package. I did whatever necessary to make certain she was safe and well provided for, and that meant interfering from time to time. Are you certain about the ice?”
“What was the point of me even being around then?”
“At least let me wrap your hand for you.”
Katia cradled her arm to keep herself from gesticulating wildly, “By giving us the money, you made me feel useless.”

“You are not going to be able to drive with your hand like that.”
“I thought I was a failure because I couldn’t take care of my own sister.”
“Katia, it will take longer to heal unless you do something.”
Her eyes flared, “Don’t patronise me.”
He didn’t bother to hide his growing annoyance, “I only did it because your sister asked for my help. She did not want you to have to worry.”

The revelation made her dizzy. Sophie had gone to him to save them. Her sister had entrusted their lives to Daniel more than her. “I’m going back to my room. I’m going to go to sleep and in the morning I’m going to leave. And you can just piss off somewhere.”
“Katia, can we please put a stop this, no more games. We start over from here.”
“I’m not playing a game. I don’t want you following me. End of story.”
Daniel looked her in the eye and promised, “If that is truly what you want, I will not follow you any longer.”

Katia yelped as she tried to open the door with her injured hand. She struggled turning the knob with her other hand until she finally had the door open, but managed it with much less finesse than she would have liked. The moment gone, she didn’t bother to slam the door as she walked out.

349 Elizabeth Street, Esk. November 21, 2005. 1:00 am

When the alarm went off, the room was still dark. Katia glanced at the clock. One a.m. She was sure she had set it for seven. Sitting up she reached for the lamp and clicked it on. A small squeal passed her lips at the angry eyes staring into hers from only inches away. She panted out a question, “How did you get in here?”

Daniel flashed his fangs and whispered, “Had it been anyone but me, you would be dead. A corpse. You would have been suckled completely dry before you even woke enough to fight back. As much as you despise it, you need me. You no longer want me following you, so we go with the other option. You are coming with me. Quietly. This is not negotiable.” He tossed her bag at her. “Here endeth the lesson. Time to go.”
“You lied.”
“I have never lied to you. I just tell you the truth you want to hear."

Chapter 29

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:52:42 GMT

even now
to hear the words
defend
protect
goodbye
lost or
alone
is to be washed in sorrow
- Lucille Clifton
Warnings/Bonuses: Adult themes, course language.

17 Clifton Crescent, Brevard. June 3, 2000. 3:22 pm

Sophie was fuming, “Why can’t we just stay here? This is our house too.”
Katia pulled her sister into a tight hug, “It’s not our house anymore Sophie.”
“Why can’t Ashley wait until I’ve finished school and you are done with Uni before she sells the house? It’s not like it will be that much longer, and she knows how much being here has meant to both of us.”

Rocking her sister with a gentle sway Katia explained, “She needs the money to pay off Aunt Lily’s medical bills. It her house now anyway. I wouldn’t feel comfortable staying even if she offered. It makes me too sad, everything just brings back too many memories. I will find us somewhere nice. I promise.”

345 Front Street, Knightly. November 17, 2005. 8:14 pm

While she was waiting for her food to arrive Katia pulled out the small bundle of cash from her pocket and silently counted and recounted the amount. $234. She knew that was not going to get her very far. Between food, petrol and accommodation she was going to be lucky for it to last more than a couple of days, and that was just not far enough for comfort. She thought briefly about the car, but she had no idea how to pull of selling it when it wasn’t even hers and Katia was not about to risk trying.

She was pretty certain they would be looking for it by now anyway, so she was going to have to work something out soon. All she could do was to get as far as possible tonight and tomorrow and then look for a job of some kind. Maybe a few days or so in one place would not be too dangerous. When her food came, it satisfied her hunger but not that sinking feeling that was hiding deep underneath.

Apartment 6b, Southall Road, Brevard. June 9, 2000. 4:31 pm

Sophie’s eyes did a quick sweep around the room, “Is this what you think of when you think nice?”
“A little clean and it will be fine. Its only for now, I will find us something better once I get a full time job.”
Sophie glared at her, “You’re quitting school?”

Pushing her fingers through her hair, Katia tried to keep her emotions in check, “We don’t have any money. Or at least not enough to pay all our bills unless I am working full time. Don’t look at me like that, I’ll go back and finish later, it’s only for now.“
“But Kat…”
Sighing, Katia replied, “Please don’t, this is hard enough as it is. Why don’t we go look at your room, I’m sure we can dress it up and make it look better. More like home.”

79 Emmanuel Lane, Knightly. November 18, 2005. 9:51 am

Katia stared unhappily at the dark circles under her eyes. She had managed some sleep, but if she was going to get some space between herself and Olivia she was better driving during the day. One more hunt around the motel room confirmed she had gathered together all her things. She slid her hand into the front pocked of the bag and pulled out an unfamiliar set of car keys.

She lifted her head to the sky and yelled out, “I can do this fine on my own bastard.”

Apartment 6b, Southall Road, Brevard. June 12, 2000. 8:47 pm

When Sophie entered the room she saw her sister quickly wipe away the tears that had drifted down her face. Sophie slipped into the seat directly opposite. Her brows furrowed a the pile of bills, “Katia, are you ok?”
“I’m fine, just looking over our budget.”
“Are you sure you’re ok? You look like you have been crying.”
“It’s just hard right now. I can’t seem to make things stretch far enough. I mean next month do you want power or food more because I don’t think we can have both. I haven’t even opened them all yet.” Bits of paper scattered across the table as Katia pushed them away.

“Not all of them are bills. Look here is one that looks like just a letter. Open that one instead, maybe it’s something good.”
“With our luck at the moment it’s probably an evection notice.” Katia picked it up and without even examining it she tore it open and pulled out the letter.
Sophie watched her expression transform from overwhelmed to shock and finally confusion as she read the letter and looked at the contents of the envelope over and over. Sophie finally interrupted, “Kat, are you ok? You look funny. Is it bad news or something?”

“Its $2,000. In cash.”
“Who the hell gave us $2,000?”
Katia threw her hands in the air and snapped, “I don’t know, the note isn’t signed. It says they’re going to send us the same amount every month until we don’t need it anymore.”
“So we are ok now, you can use that to pay off everything and we will be ok right?”
“I can’t keep this money.” Katia stuffed the letter back in the envelope and placed it as far from herself as she could reach.

Sophie looked at her sister for a moment, snatched up the envelope and held it back out to Katia to take saying, “Why not Kat? We need it.”
Katia pulled the money firmly out of Sophie’s grasp and threw it back on the table, “Because no one else should be taking care of us, that’s my job. I’m your big sister. I’m supposed to be able to look after you. I shouldn’t have to need anyone else.”

13 Casewell Crescent, Starling. November 19, 2005. 8:03 am

The motel clerk insisted, “Its ok Miss, your friend came down and paid for the room last night.”
Katia blinked a few times and spilled out the first thing she could think of to cover for her confusion, “Oh thanks, he never tells me anything.”
“They never do doll.”

Apartment 6b, Southall Road, Brevard. July 28, 2000. 9:07 am

Katia pulled open the drawer of her dresser and extracted most of the contents of one of the envelopes she had hidden there and returned to the living room.

Handing it over to the man waiting there she insisted, “All of its there Mr. Burrows. I promise it won’t happen again. The rent will be on time from here on out, I swear.” When he left, Katia curled herself up on the couch and let the tears take over.

349 Elizabeth Street, Esk. November 20, 2005. 9:32 pm

Katia came back to her room after a quick meal at the pub. Prime on the list of things to do for her was to wash off her long day in the shower. She opened her backpack to start pulling out her small collection of clean clothes and toiletries but found a bundle of cash perched at the top. A quick count brought the total to $2000. She let the money drop on the bed and walked out of her room.

Her hand twitched as she followed the row of doors. Katia mumbled to herself, “I know you are somewhere around here...” Her hand and feet stopped four rooms down. Katia forced all her rage into a tight ball in her chest and pounded on the door. The slightest sliver of an opening door was enough for her to push her way firmly inside.

Daniel studied her carefully before asking, “Katia are you alright?”
“No I’m fucking not.” Katia reeled back and followed through with a punch square to his jaw, the force knocking him to the ground.

She winced at the pain in her hand but managed to still hiss out, “You told me to never to try your patience, well don’t bloody well try mine either.”

Chapter 28

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 02:20:47 GMT

go on, go on back down
into the graveyard,
lie down where you think their faces are;
talk back to your old bad dreams.
- Anne Sexton
Warnings/Bonuses: Adult themes. Violence. Blood. Retribution.

Holdsworth. October 11, 1898. 10:25 pm

Albert Brown carried out his duties with efficiency, and despite the late hour intruded on his master to announce an unexpected visitor, “There is a Mr. Ashton wishing to see you sir.”
“No gentleman would come at such a late hour.” Raymond waved him away, “Tell him to come back in the morning.”

Daniel barged into the study and headed straight for where his father was seated. As he passed the butler he issued his own order, “No need Albert, I shall not wait any longer, I have waited far to long as it stands. Leave us please.”
Raymond leered at him, “It is rather presumptuous of you to come into my home and make demands of myself and my staff sir. You will tell me who you are so that I may inform the authorities…”
“Do really not know me? You would think a father would be able to recognize his own son. My mother was Clara Ashton.” Daniel’s words were laced with a low growl.

Raymond’s face turned to stone, “Albert, would you leave us please. And shut the door behind you.” He made his way to the fireplace, grasped the poker and encouraged a few more flames from the fire, “I think you are mistaken sir.”
“If you want to deny me, at least have the courage to do so to my face.”

He kept his back to Daniel as he spoke, “I have only two sons and they are both with their mother and sister in the parlour.”
“Did you dare think you could make your indiscretion disappear with so little effort on your part? I can only suppose you are not pleased to have me here now, but I am your son and I have come to claim restitution.”
Raymond was resolute, “I owe you nothing.”

Daniel’s hand cinched tightly the fabric of Raymond’s collar, “Did you know what she was? Answer me.”
“There were rumours, but I believed that is all they ever were. I never thought it could possibly be true.”
“You never thought? You tracked down my Mother and I so that you could take me to Olivia in place of your legitimate children.”

“Please, I beg you to not raise your voice. I do not want my family to hear.”
“I think they should hear everything." With a yank Daniel led him into the room on the opposite side of the hall.

With a firm hold of Raymond's arm Daniel insisted, “Tell them who I am.”
“That is impossible.”
Daniel gave his father a violent shake, “I am your eldest son and I demand you recognise me publicly.”
Gasps ran a ring around the room, and eyes fell on Charles as he stood, “Father, is this true?”
Under the pain of a tightening grip, Raymond relented, “Yes.”

Daniel pushed his father to the floor and hissed, “Tell them what you did to me.”
Behind tears Raymond Sharp began to expose his secret to his family. The birth of an illegitimate child, a debt that he was unable to repay and an agreement that promised the life of one of his children. All his sins were laid exposed.

Lithely stepping behind Charles, Daniel purred into his ear, “Do you not find it revolting to have been fathered by someone unconscionable enough to willing give over his own flesh and blood to a monster? Some men never change my brother, only now he gives you to me.” Charles had only moments to take in the meaning of what had been said to him before he felt a burning sensation on his neck that only lessened as the room faded from his view.

The shaky voice of Edward shot through the room, “Unhand him now. Please do not make me harm you.”
“As you wish brother.” Daniel dropped the limp body of Charles on the floor and pulled Edward to him, “How sad it is for you that your life is now as worthless as mine was.”

For the second time that evening Daniel fed from his own kin. Edward’s body soon fell to the ground and Daniel loomed over his father, his chest rattling against all the emotions compressing against him. His speech was coated in a slur, “How does it feel to have what is precious to you taken away Mr. Sharp? What it is like to loose the things you love?”

Daniel had been to overcome with revenge he barely registered Kieran’s presence even upon seeing him enter the room. The redhead headed first towards the frightened girl desperately trying to rouse her mother. He gently he persuaded, “Get yourself to bed girl, or the bogeyman might come to get you too.” Jane did not need to be told twice and ran for the hall stairs.

Kieran now turned his attention to Daniel who was dripping in blood, hatred and a greedy pursuit of vengance. He spoke softly to his charge, but his voice carried with it no room for negotiation, “You have extracted your price. Please leave us now.” Daniel stumbled from the room panting and clutching his head. Kieran heard him slump to the floor in the hallway.

With one quick look at the stranger Raymond recoiled, “You are one them, you are one of those creatures like he is.”

A firm grip pulled Raymond to his feet, “You disgust me Mr. Sharp, I have never met a man who is less dissevering of the title. You are the only beast in this room. I would feed off of you, but I fear that you would taint me forever. A long brutal death is what should come to you, but Daniel's well being is much more important to me than to see you get your just desserts, instead I will simply see you removed from this miserable world.” Kieran’s hands moved with speed and accuracy, applying just the right amount of pressure to crush Raymond Sharps neck.

He found Daniel as a shivering mass by the front door, drunk on the terror he had excised from his family. Kneeling beside him, Kieran began the long process of soothing away his fury, “Revisiting the past will never give you peace. It only makes you wish you could reach back through time and change it. Even vampires are not capable of that. It is a mistake nearly all of us make and it haunts us. Forget this place, forget him, he may have made your mother with child, but he is nothing to you. They are dust. I am your family Daniel, your father, your brother and your friend. I am everything you will ever need.”

Chapter 27

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:52:56 GMT

Roads go ever ever on,
Under cloud and under star.
Yet feet that wandering have gone
Turn at last to home afar.
- JRR Tolkien
Warnings/Bonuses: Adult themes. Course language.

Charles Street, Hamilton. October 11, 1898. 8:17 pm

Kieran pursed his lips as he ran his index finger along the underside of his lower lip. His forehead came together in a tight pattern of furrows as he studied his charge. Daniel sighed and looked up from his novel, “You obviously have something quite insightful you would like you share with me.”
“So well you know me already?”
Discarding his book on a nearby table Daniel let the hint of a knowing smile appear, “You wear your soul in the lines on your face.”

The red head gave his companion a curious grin, “I have known many men, but none would make such a fine poet as you.”
“But poets only ponder the questions, I have need for answers. And you have an answer to share with me.”
“Well said my boy. I was simply contemplating what further I could possibly have to teach you, and I am at a loss. I think perhaps your education is complete.”

Daniel sat quietly, tracing patterns with his finger across the rough fabric of of his trousers. Kieran’s revelation did not bring with it any relief or disappointment, only numbness. The ever increasing silence finally forced a reply, “And what is to become of me now? Are you turning me out, or am I to remain as your attendant?”

“You may stay with me as long as you wish. As my travelling companion. I have appreciated the company and loathe to have to go back to being on my own. It makes for such dreary days. However, I do have one final task before I release you. Could you go to Longport and escort a Miss Stanton back here. She is an old friend and is most interested in meeting you.”
Daniel gave him a quick nod, “It would be my pleasure.”

6281 Sandy Lane, Hunters Beach. November 16, 2005. 12:06 am

Sophie rolled her eyes at the door, “How much longer is he going to be here?”
“Until he thinks you have learned everything you need to survive my love.”
She looked at him with a well practiced coy smile, “But I have you here. You can teach me. I know you weren’t strong enough to turn me, but for the rest is doesn’t matter. Plus it’s so much more fun with just you and me. I want to go out and have fun. I want to find out just how much I am capable of, but all he is interested in is telling me about is all the boring ass shit I would learn if he actually let me out of this house.”

Max folded his arms impatiently, “That boring ass shit could make a difference against Olivia.”
“What can she do to me now? She’s too late; I’ve already been turned. The bitch better be running away from me instead of looking for me.”
“It would be so much better if it was just the two of us. Why don't we go talk to him.” He caressed her face, “You always do manage to find a way to get what you want.”

4311 Esplanade, Seascape. November 16, 2005. 12:19 am

Katia paced the length off the room while the shower ran, trying to puzzle together some words. When the water stopped she approached the door, her fist bunched ready to knock. It hovered there, seconds from connecting, “No.” She stared at the door. “I'm really not doing this.”

She quickly retrieved a notepad from her bag and quickly scribbled down a few words. Katia peeled the top sheet free and dropped it on the foot of the bed where he would see it when he came out.

Travelling between Hamilton and Longport. October 11, 1898. 9:49 pm

Daniel watched the road ahead with only mild interest. It wast the sounds and smells that took over his imagination these days. The sweet medicinal odour of the acacias and the pungent scent of the horses did little to hide from him the familiar smells of his childhood home. He pounded the side of the carriage, “Driver, when we arrive in Abbottsville, turn west towards Holdsworth, I wish to go to there at once.”

4311 Esplanade, Seascape. November 16, 2005. 12:23 am

Daniel had heard the click of the door, but the rancid taste of anger told him to let her leave. Her patience was more tenuous than he had been able to read, but it was a lesson he would not forget. He had pushed too far and was going to have to pay the price by following rather than leading. More work, but at a distance he could get a better fix on her state of mind.

The first thing he saw when he entered the room was the note. The lower left edge was creased from her haste to separate it from the notepad, but what made his stomach bunch in knots was the annoyingly cute pinkness of the paper and the smell of sweet grass and peaches that wore her like a glove. He inhaled the scent imbedded in the paper before glancing at the writing.

The words he read stung.

Whatever promise you made to my Mother, consider it fulfilled. I release you.

He balled up the paper and tossed it the general direction of the dustbin.

Chapter 26

Sat, 15 Mar 2008 06:56:02 GMT

You will not soon forget my hands,
Nor yet the way I held my head,
Nor all the tremulous things I said.
You still will see me, small and white
And smiling, in the secret night,
And feel my arms about you when
The day comes fluttering back again.
- Dorothy Parker
Warnings/Bonuses: Adult themes. Course language. Cheesy pick up line. Partially undressed pixels. Strong sexual references.

4311 Esplanade, Seascape. November 13, 2005. 10:39 pm

The past few days had brought on a dull routine for which only one of them was grateful. The pace Daniel set for them left every activity rehearsed and predictable that they had not bothered to speak a word to each other since the night before. However, the mood in the lift had been anything but cordial. Daniel could feel the exasperation building in her as they moved upward; he could have sworn she sensed that something was different tonight.

In front of the door he dropped a key card into her hand. “What’s this?” she said, her brow furrowed.
Daniel picked up the thin piece of rectangular plastic, spun it around in his fingers while he scrutinised it, “It appears to be the key.”
“Don’t be an ass, I mean why are you giving them to me?”
He pushed it back into her hand, “Because you will have a hard time getting in the room without it.”

Katia glowered at him, “You aren’t coming in then?”
“Not tonight.” He nodded to her and started on his way back to the lift.
“Why do you keep doing this?” Her reply was loud enough to attract the attention of a couple that were just exiting their room. They shot a look at Katia and Daniel, eyeing them both with apprehension.

He stopped and clenched the muscles along his back, and uttered to himself, “Why must you be so obstinate all the bloody time?” He spun around, pulled the card from her hand and slid it into the door mechanism, “Perhaps we should continue this in the room, out of earshot.” When the door popped open with a click he grabbed her arm and forced her inside, “What exactly are you having difficulty with?”

“We drive, we stop and you piss off every single night. You barely even speak to me.” Her hands came to rest abruptly on her hips, “Actually you don’t speak at all, you growl orders at me and that’s it.”
His finger pressed into his forehead as he counted to ten in his head before he replied, “Katia, I am not going to spend all night arguing with you. I have much more appealing things to do. Just go find something to occupy yourself with.”
She tapped her foot on the floor several times and with a huff took a look around the room, “Wow, it’s actually kind of nice.”

“I thought it might make it easier, being somewhere a bit more comfortable since we are going to be here a couple days.”
“Two days? I thought we needed to keep moving.”
“We are far enough ahead now for me to be able to track down an old friend and get caught up on a bit of information. However, it is another vampire, so you have to stay here.” With a mocking smile he added, “I do not think she would play nice if you were to get too close.”

A shiver forced her to rub her arms to ward of the goose bumps, “Who is she?”
“That is personal.”
Her eyes narrowed with suspicion, “So wait, how personal?”
“Enjoy your stay Katia.” As he walked out he had to shake off the heavy feeling that followed as he shut the door.

22 Pottery Road, Seascape. November 13, 2005. 11:27 pm

Her heels clicked sharply on the marble tiles. Josephine loved the sound. She had picked this apartment just because of this floor. It was a ridiculous reason that landed her with a place that was far too large for her on simply an impulse, but when she walked across the room, she felt predatory. It was just the right mood to deal with her guest.

She had heard him let himself in half an hour before, but was determined to keep him waiting at least this long while she hunted through her closet for just the right thing to wear. He waited and she made an entrance. It was an understanding developed over many decades and served as a replacement for any sort of tedious small talk which attempted to explain the gaps between his visits.

As she walked towards him she put extra weight into each step, just enough to make her hips sway just that little bit more. “And what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?”
His eyes languished over her, “I just needed to see you.”
Her arms folded briskly across her chest, “Who is it this time? You and I both know you only ever come here because you want to forget about someone else.”
Delicately he slipped his index finger in behind her hand, coaxing it free and taking it into his own, “There is no one else.”
Her head shook, but the motion was warmed with a playful smile, “You are a terrible liar.”

A small tug of her hand brought her closer, “Needing you is not a lie.” His head dipped in close to hers, his mouth just above her own, hesitating until she showed signs of returning the gesture by pressing her lips to his. Daniel pulled them out of increasingly deeper kisses until she leaned her body into his and softly whimpered if he began to move away.

Daniel moved his hands down the familiar curve of her back, dipping under the hem of her dress and letting his fingers follow the contour of her hips upward as he lifted her dress up over her head and out of his way. His own clothing quickly followed suit, all of which ended up in a crumpled pile on the floor. Unencumbered, he sank into the couch pulling her towards him.

22 Pottery Road, Seascape. November 15, 2005. 11:52 pm

“I really should go.”
Tapping his chest Josephine teased, “Back into the arms of another woman.”
“She is a harpy. I think she would rather dismember me than sleep with me. Or anything else for that matter.”
“So you like her.”
He peeked at her through half closed eyelids, “She is too infuriating to like.”

Her finger trailed gently down, only stopping to swirl across his abdomen, “But she is the reason you are here.”
“Only because I needed someone sane to talk to.”
“I do not believe you for even a single moment. You have always been so easily seduced by humanity.”
“I have had enough of that as you well know. No, when this is done, I have no interest in delving into their concerns any more. I much prefer being seduced by the likes of you.” He stretched his shoulders and he pushed her hand downward.

“Quit trying to avoid the subject.” She said as she playfully pinched his side.
“Stop, I have been brutalised by you enough over the past day.” Sighing he got up from the bed and began to pull on his clothes, “I know my faults well enough to not have you point them out to me. What about you though? You have not mentioned anyone to me for a while.”
“I have been seeing someone. His name is Claudio.” She tilted her head up towards him, “ Does that make you jealous?”
“Of someone name Claudio? Absolutely not.”

“I should banish you from my house for being so rude.”
“How could I be jealous of you finding someone who makes you happy. Now give me a quick kiss goodbye before I go.” Their lips met in a soft understanding of the fondness and intimacy they shared. He held his forehead against hers for a few brief moments before letting his face slide into a wide devilish grin, “Expect to hear a woman shrieking like a banshee in about thirty minutes or so.”

4311 Esplanade, Seascape. November 16, 2005. 12:17 am

As Daniel walked in the room he was greeted by a forced silence. He clicked the door shut and headed towards the shower. The water was running by the time the scent of perfume and passion made Katia’s lip curl upward in anger.

Chapter 25

Sun, 02 Mar 2008 14:04:35 GMT

When you come to me, unbidden,
Beckoning me
To long-ago rooms,
Where memories lie.

Offering me, as to a child, an attic,
Gatherings of days too few.
Baubles of stolen kisses.
Trinkets of borrowed loves.
Trunks of secret words,

I CRY.
- Maya Angelou
Warnings/Bonuses: Adult themes. Sappyness. Character death.

Authors note: Just a quick little ramble from me this time. A few of you might be scratching your heads right now wondering what is going on since I only updated a few days ago. Well simply, this is my present to you. One year ago I posted the prologue of 100 Days of Sorrow. It was scary times since it was my first sims story and frankly the first bit of fiction I had written since I was about 12. To my complete and utter astonishment, got some fantastic feedback. And it just kept coming. Now a year on, it seems like the perfect time for me to say thank you to my readers. Absolutely every last single one of you, from the handful who have stuck with me all this time, to the ones who joined in on the way and the ones who have just started reading. This is a labour of love for me, it brings me great joy and that is what makes me keep going, but you guys fuel the fire and for that I cannot thank you enough.

Cheers,

goodbye_sun

Brevard Medical Centre, Brevard. May 20, 2000. 10:22 pm

Lillian’s hands moved swiftly, pressing her finger to her lips and then gesturing to the chair that cradled Katia in a fitful slumber. She mouthed a quick set of instructions and watched as Daniel scooped the girl in his arms and moved her to the nearby vacant bed. He whispered a few words to the young woman and lightly kissed her on her cheek before taking over the chair she had been in.

He let himself glance at her for a few seconds before he was forced to look away. His mouth was heavy with the sour taste the death that was encroaching on her. It made his muscles contract in protest. Daniel let his mouth fall open, but he was unable to force out the words he wanted to say to her. There were just too many things that still needed to be said, but the act of voicing them would only make him face the finality of the situation.

He looked everywhere in the room except at Lillian, eventually his eyes landed on the reflection of Katia in one of the rooms televisions, “She is not all that much different than when I brought her to you.”
Her voice rattled and crackled through short breaths, “Don’t underestimate her. She has enough inner strength and determination to compete with you.”
“And the other one?”
“Sophie? Well she is headstrong and a bit reckless. But she is still young, I think she will calm down some in a few years. I keep hoping she will take after her sister some.”
“You should not be so surprised that they are so dissimilar. And do not wish away those traits, that bravado will serve her well in the years to come.”

“I hope checking up on them is not the only reason why you are here?”
He dragged the toe of his boot slowly across the floor tiles, “I think you know better than that. I have come to say goodbye to my very dear friend, something I wish did not have to do.”
“Daniel?”
“Hmmm?”
“I don’t regret saying no.”
He knew what she had said was meant to reassure him, but they stung just the same. He mustered a reply, “I regret that I was not enough for you to say yes.” He flicked his eyes up to gauge her reaction.

Shaking her head, “Don’t ever think that.” Lillian reached out for him, “It was the right thing for me to do, and I have had a good life. I married a good man and I raised a daughter and two other wonderful girls. I have grandchildren. It was enough for me.”
Daniel let himself be drawn to holding her hand; age had made her skin thin and dry but the warmth still lingered, “Did you love him?”
“Of course I did. Did you want me to tell you I loved you more? Please don’t force me to say something like that, don’t make my life less than it was.”

Lillian gripped his hand as firmly as she could before she continued, “Daniel, I gave you up so that I could have a life, just a normal life, but I thought about you every single day. You have been part of my life even without being with me. I have never been able to stop loving you.”
“Stay with me then.”
“What would you do with me now? I’m an old lady.”
Daniel caressed her face, “You are still Lillian. My Lily. You cannot leave me, I still need you.”

“Stop. Stop thinking that I am the only one who could ever be in your life.”
He eased himself gently into the bed beside her, “You are the only one I will ever want. Once you are gone I only have room for desiring one thing. When Oliva is dead, then maybe I can think about other things.”
“I worry that by the time she is dead you will be too.”
He shrugged, “Then I will die with having gotten everything I ever wanted. Just like you.”

She ran her hand along his arm and gave it a concerned squeeze, “You deserve more, you are a good man.”
“No, I am a very bad man, who for a very short time found a woman who saw a glimmer of good in me.”
“Isobel saw it too.”
He grimaced, “Isobel saw goodness in everyone, and it ended very badly for her.”
The sound of Katia stirring made them both pause. Lilian fought back her tears, “You need to go.”
Daniel slid quietly off the bed and whispered, “Are you certain Lily?” When she nodded he blew her a kiss and left as quickly as he could manage.

Katia sluggishly rounded the curtain dividing the room, “Aunt Lil, I thought I heard something. Were you talking to someone? And how did I end up in that bed?”
“I had a nice intern move you there, you looked so uncomfortable in that chair.”
She move a had up to her face, “I think he kissed my cheek.”
“He must have taken a shine to you.”
“It was weird. There something odd about him, he was so…ummm”
“Handsome?”
“No. I don’t know, just different.”

The door swung open bringing with it Sophie and three other familiar faces, Lilian’s daughter Ashley and grandchildren Chloe and Ben. Katia admonished them, “How long does it take for you all to get a drink in the cafe?”
Sophie piped up, “Ben was being a nutjob as usual and…”
“Quiet.” Ashley cut in, “Mum? Mum are you ok?”
“Aunt Lil?” whispered Katia.
Neither received a reply.

Chapter 24

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:01:24 GMT

you not a noplace
anonymous girl;
mister with his hands on you
he got his hands on
some
damn
body!
- Lucille Clifton
Warnings/Bonuses: Adult themes. Course language. Topless male sim.

57 Gorge Road, Elena Gorge. October 29, 2005. 1:57am

Daniel saw a thin line of light emanating from under the door, it carried with it a torrent of emotion. Even with the urgency of their situation he had to muster enough strength to face the deluge that waited him on the other side of the door. When he felt sufficiently focused he knocked lightly on the door before letting himself in the small room.

He tried to not notice how pungent the fear was and that her skin was slick with worry, “Katia? Good, you are awake.”
“Where have you been?” Her voice cut down his spine.
“There is no time for that, we need to go right now.”
Her wide eyes glassed over, “Its Olivia isn’t it?”
His nod was met with a raspy intake of breath. A quick gesture from his fingers to come with him pulled her from where she was sitting.

Katia picked up her bag and was met with a dark set of eyes travelling down the length of her body. Where they lingered made her feel incredibly exposed. Half laughing he asked, “Exactly what are you wearing? No, that will not do at all. We cannot go anywhere with you dressed like that. Hurry up and put on some clothes you can be seen in public in.” Daniel turned towards the door and waited.

“You expect me to get changed with you standing there?”
“Katia, we do not have time for you to dawdle.” For measure he purred, “I can do it for you if you like.” He chuckled lightly as she threw the bag down on the bed and forced the zipper open.

As she pulled on a fresh t-shirt the brunette quietly stated, “I would have done it, you didn’t have to belittle me by standing there.”
“I doubt there is anything that would encourage you to get clothes on faster than me being in the same room as you.”
Katia swore under her breath in reply.

Frances Lane, Anon. October 30, 2005. 4:13am

High Street, Baker Gully. November 1, 2005. 6:07am

Lyons Road, Ross. November 3, 2005. 4:22am

Angas Street, Woodcroft. November 5, 2005. 5:34am

He heard the soft sound of her footsteps as she slunk in the room. As quietly as she could Katia settled herself down on the floor at the foot of the bed. Her sleeping habits for the past week were intolerable enough, insisting on sleeping just outside his door, but this was more intrusion than he could bear. Daniel manoeuvred himself to the end of the bed. Once he was positioned to his satisfaction he bellowed, “Katia.” The sound punched through the darkness, making her gasp.

She bolted upright and could feel the heat growing in her cheeks, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you up.”
“What were you thinking? Why did you even come in there?”
Katia let her finger swirl around a loose thread poking out of one of the seams of her pyjamas, “I just don’t want to be alone. If I’m here I know that you haven’t disappeared again like you did the other night.”

There was a guttural tone to his reply, “If you invade my privacy like this again I will assume you are interested in something other than a bit of reassurance.” He felt her shudder from the feel of his fingers running across her shoulder.
She slapped his hand away and scrambled to her feet, “Don’t give me that pathetic sleazy bullshit.”
He nodded towards the exit, “I presume you can find your way to the door then.”

Katia leaned into his line of sight and using her index finger for emphasis sneered, “You are supposed to be looking after me you and left me alone. You just wandered off, and Olivia was out there.”
Daniel rose up in one swift movement forcing her to take several unsteady steps backward, “Do not mistake my intent of assisting you as something other than what it is. I am not here to be your friend or confidant. I am helping you because it is convenient for me to do so.”

She planted her feet and glared back at him, “You promised. You promised my Mother and my sister. Considering that they have both been taken away from me because of this stupid crusade of yours, you owe them.”
“You can be so naïve girl. Some of my actions may seem benevolent, but I am in no way selfless. Testing me with silly games like sneaking in here, will only serve to make you realise that I am not a terribly honourable man.”

Daniel focused on her eyes, sending all his rage straight at her, but Katia held her ground. She stared back at him with an intensity that was unexpected; he was the first to drop his gaze. When she walked towards the door in triumph, he shivered from the blame she had forced through her system. It was a feeling that weighed deeply with him.

“Katia wait.” He pushed his bulk between her and the door, “I was not expecting you. When you came in here, I did not take the time to check myself.”
“Didn’t check yourself? Is that some sort of half assed apology?”

“I can give you a full one. That night when I went out, I spent the whole time on the roof. I was never more than ten metres from you. It is just easier for me to concentrate when I have some distance from you. Everything about you blocks my senses; the roof gave me some space and clear head, but I was always close enough to you know you were out of harm's way.”

He watched the tension release from her shoulders before he continued, “The next time you do not feel like you are safe, just speak my name, I will be there in an instant.” Stepping away from the door he murmured, “Go get some sleep, we need to make time tonight.”

Daniel swallowed back the discomfort that latched on to him as she left. He closed the door and let himself fall back on to the bed. He gazed at the ceiling and softly spoke out loud, “Fuck me. It has only been two weeks old man, and you are already loosing what control you had of her.”

to be continued

Chapter 23

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 14:29:17 GMT

As shines the moon in clouded skies,
She in her poor attire was seen;
One praised her ankles, one her eyes,
One her dark hair and lovesome mien.
So sweet a face, such angel grace,
In all that land had never been.

- Alfred, Lord Tennyson
Warnings/Bonuses: Adult themes. Violence. One very minor sexual reference. Use of the word “trollop”.

The Black Swan, Hamilton. July 7, 1898. 7:48 pm

Kieran observed his charge with a wry smile. Daniel was fascinated by everything and was only starting to learn to contain the pleasure all the sights, sounds and smells around him were bringing. The redhead watched how his wide eyes darted from place to place as he tried to confirm what his senses were telling him about the events going on around them.

Kieran flashed his index finger into the air gaining the attention of a young barmaid. A nod quickly told her to bring two mugs of ale to the table. As she approached with the drinks Daniel closed his eyes so that he could concentrate on the sounds of her approaching, the rhythm of her shoes on the stone floor, the rustle of her skirt fabric as she walked, the sound of her pushing a loose strand of hair back into position, all of these sounds swirling past the song of her beating heart.

Daniel’s breathing became thick as the pounding came closer, the smell of her danced towards his nose. A throat being cleared made him blink. Kieran looked at him reproachfully and issued a stern warning, “This is not the time or place, steady yourself before I have to box your ears.”

Daniel shivered as she placed two mugs on the table. Kieran casually grasped her wrist, placed some coins into her palm and gently rolled her fingers around them. Before letting go of her hand, he ran his fingers across the exposed underside of her wrist. The look he gave her a look that left her in no doubt of the meaning of his bold gesture. Tinges of pink rose up from her throat to her cheeks, making Daniel shift in his skin uncomfortably. She curtsied lightly and hurried back to the bar.

As she walked away Kieran instructed him, “Even if they are as delightful as she was, ignore the draw of feeding from whores and barmaids. They are easy enough to get alone, but they are also the ones that will without doubt be missed without delay. There is always another man waiting in line to be served next. Just look around, you will not find a man here that would not notice if his ale took to long in coming or if he was left no option than return home to his cold hag of a wife.”

He carried on after he allowed himself a long draught of his beer, “It is always preferable to instead seek out someone with no connections, who sits alone in a crowded place and stares out into a room with hallow eyes. People such as that will always welcome company, will always agree to another drink and will never fail to accept the offer to help them to their door.”

Kieran flicked his eyes to the side, “Turn your attentions to the gentleman seated just behind me. Learn that smell of failure and melancholy. He has given up and will not be missed when taken from this world. Taking time to seek out a meal like that guarantees your anonymity. That is more important than your desire to feed, even more than your craving for revenge. You will not last out the month if you do not master how to disappear from notice.”

“In time you will learn how to exploit all kinds of human weaknesses, not just their frailty. You will be able to know in seconds what deep dark secrets they all hold and how to bend them to you will.” He pointed to Daniels’ untouched beer, “But for now, drink up, I would like to show you all you need to know about keeping yourself fed.”

103 The Strand, Hunters Beach. October 28, 2005. 8:56pm

Kieran swirled his finger through the head of his beer, leaving a spiral shaped trail in its soft peaks. Sitting back he licked his finger clean before speaking, “It is doubtful that you will go through your new existence without having at least once no option than feed on whomever happens to be available, but where you can, look for the lonely, the desperate and the people with nothing to loose The ones that are too weak to do it themselves may even be thankful that you were able to bring their life to an end. You will know when you find one, they…”

Sophie held her hand up and nodded her head towards a figure seated not far from them, “It’s ok, I understand. Him. I want him.”

Torrens Road, Hamilton. July 7, 1898. 7:48 pm

Daniel pinched the bridge of his nose as the night air rolled a new wave of information his way. The sudden changes his senses picked up as he walked still took him by surprise, “Why did we need to leave? You said that gentlemen was ideal prey, and I do not know how much longer I can keep myself in control.”
“Oh my dear boy, I understand that chill you are feeling deep in your belly, in fact I know it intimately. But I need to see some evidence of your resolve. Under that thick skin of yours are you able to do what it takes to survive? I know you are full of vengeance, but are you ready to accept what you have allowed yourself to become?”

The redhead wrapped his arm around his companions, “Look up there, is she not darling.”
His reply came as a rumble deep in his throat, “She is just a girl.”
“You do get yourself in such a state when you think I am being as cruel as you former mistress. Quit using just your eyes and drink her scent in before you judge. Deep breath, there now, what do you think?”
The words fell off Daniel’s tongue, “Fear, remorse and submission.”
“If you can not take the life of one that is suffering, how do you expect to take on one who only knows how to make others suffer?”

The girl raised up her chin as the two men came closer. Pauline had been here all day, standing in the chilly winter air. Usually she had sold all her flowers long before dark, but occasionally she found herself out until quite late. She knew not to return home with out a full purse and even though she was likely to catch a chill in the night air, she was relieved to be out of the reach of her father for as long as possible. “Would either of you gents like a flower for your ladies?”

“I think my lady friend would like them all.” This time he delicately placed a coin in her open hand and tapped it lightly before pulling his had away. “There you are dear, you should get yourself home and warmed up by a nice fire. In fact the fine Mr. Ashton here will help escort you.”
Her voice quivered with cold, “I would not want to trouble either of you gentlemen. I do not live far from here.”
He brushed away her concerns with swift sweep of his hand, “Nonsense child, it would be his pleasure.”
She nodded towards Kieran, and slipping her small hand under Daniel’s arm said, “I thank you sir, and you Mr. Ashton.”

She let Daniel guided her towards the next side street and far into the blackness without a word. As he took her into his arms she relished in the kindness of his touch. She only let out a small gasp as his fangs broke through the skin on her neck. He suckled gently as he could until her tiny cold fingers nestle through hair and then pull on the back of his head, encouraging him to hasten her death. She was no longer breathing when he heard Kieran’s footsteps coming his way.

103 The Strand, Hunters Beach. October 28, 2005. 8:56pm

Kieran beamed with pleasure, “That girl is truly a treasure.”

Parkers Lane, Hamilton. July 7, 1898. 7:48 pm

He stared down at the girl who’s head he cradled in his lap, “Why did it need to be her rather than that man at the pub?”
“Because I knew at first you would see yourself in her, and that this would allow you to understand how different you are now.”
Daniel tidied her crown of brunette tresses, “I was never this weak, and I never stopped looking for a way to turn my fortune.”

“True. But this confirms you will never hesitate even if you feel some silly pangs of melancholy for the most pathetic of humans. Come, come, enough of this place. Let us find somewhere more entertaining to spend the evening than here. I am certain that girl from the Black Sawn would be far less shy away from the prying eyes of the Publican.” Kieran held his hand out to encourage their leave.
Daniel inquired quizzically, “But what of your advice about staying way from whores and barmaids?”
An auburn eyebrow rose up, “I said not to feed on trollops like that. They have other uses.”

Chapter 22

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 01:12:06 GMT

When I look for you I find
water or moving shadow

There is no way I can lose you
when you are lost already.
- Margaret Atwood
Warnings/Bonuses: Adult themes. Coarse language. Mild sexual reference.

57 Gorge Road, Elena Gorge. October 28, 2005. 10:56pm

Katia poked her chopsticks around the container of food, attempting to chase down the last bamboo shoot hiding in the mass of noodles, “Tell me about Olivia.”
His words were purposely cold and unemotional, “There is not much to say, she is relentless, vicious and manipulative.”
She abandoned her hunt, placed the box on the table and used her index finger to push it across the table, “That’s not what I meant.”

“I know exactly what you meant. You want to about my connection to Olivia. How exactly do I know her, yes?” His gaze drifted from the take away box to the poster hanging on the wall behind her, avoiding her eyes on the way, “My father left me with her. He owed a large sum to her, and I was the agreed price for his debt.”
She sucked in her breath, “Oh my god, did your father have any idea? Did he know what she is?”
Daniel grasped the glass of wine setting nearest him and threw back the contents. Sitting down his empty glass served as additional punctuation to his pointed reply, “Yes.”

“He knew and he left you with her anyway?” For a moment she had an impulse to stretch out a comforting hand towards him.
Glaring directly at her he said, “My coward of a father was paid back for his thoughtless.” His stare was enough to bring any thought of a compassionate gesture to a halt.
“Paid back? Does that mean what I think it means? Because that bastard deserved it.”
He held his hand up to stop flood of words escaping her mouth, “Katia, the details are not your concern. Now could you just be quiet, you have to stop talking if you want me to finish.”

A wave dismissed his reproof, “Don’t shush me. How old were you?”
Daniel poured himself another full glass of red, “I was still a boy, it was just after my twelfth birthday.”
Katia shook her head in astonishment, “How long were you with her?”
His jaw tightening, he replied, “Much longer than you will ever have to tolerate me. Can I finish what I was telling you about Olivia now?”
Katia nodded, “I’m sorry. Please, I want to know”

As he spoke his eyes grew painfully dark, “I was a toy to her, she fed off of me for her own amusement and kept me too weak and in too much agony to try and fight back or run away.”
“Wait, if she fed off you, does that mean you don’t have to kill anyone?”
Each of his words was formed carefully and slowly, “Just let me finish.”
She recoiled from the admonishment and sat quietly waiting for him to continue.

“We get stronger, more in control of our powers as we get older, and Olivia is very old. I served as a trophy to show how strong she was. The killing instinct is overwhelming; resisting it is excruciatingly painful for the vampire and their victim, and inevitably ends up making them both suffer. That she could keep taking me so close to death without killing me was proof of her strength, and she flaunted it as often as she could. I spent every day for years waiting for her to finally end my life, hopeful that each time she would not be able to stave off her desire and the agony of it would finally stop. But instead she gained delight in my misery, and despite my begging, she kept me alive.”

Katia let the meaning of what he had just said sink in. She wanted to say so many things, but feared what he might do if anything said was taken as pity. Her thoughts drifted towards her sister, although it took her some time to break the silence, “Then how is Sophie supposed to be able to defend herself? From what you said she won’t be strong enough yet.”
He took a deep gulp of his drink and got up from the table, “You are assuming you know everything there is to know about Sophie and about vampires.”
His statement was not the reply she wanted, and only fuelled the heavy atmosphere, “Could you just give me a straight answer instead of being so, so bloody arrogant.”

Daniel lithely circled around the table, “Actually, I think there have been enough questions already tonight princess.”
Her eyes narrowed as she watched him move closer, “Stop calling me princess.”
“You prefer something more colourful?”
Katia looked up at him, “Why do you do that? I just want to try and make some sense of things and you just call me names and avoid my questions.”

“Katia, you seem to be mistaken about me. Your feelings do not make one iota of difference. I am not here to be your friend, or here to cuddle and coddle you while you come to terms with what is happening. I am here to make sure you keep breathing.”

He glowered at her for a moment before adding, “I am going to go out for a while, but I will be back before dawn.”
Confused Katia replied, “You are leaving me here? By myself?”
“Last time I checked you were a big girl. I assume you have spent nights alone. Or is that the problem? Spent too many lonely nights in your bed? ” He dropped his voice into a provocative purr, “I might be convinced to stay if you were offering.”

Incensed, she pushed past him, uttering, “Just piss off then,” on her way out of the kitchen towards the small room she was occupying. Katia tried her best to ignore the lingering sound of the front door being pulled closed.

57 Gorge Road, Elena Gorge. October 29, 2005. 1:13am

57 Gorge Road, Elena Gorge. October 29, 2005. 3:52am

Chapter 21

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 09:48:51 GMT

Fear not the waking world, my mortal,
Fear not the flat, synthetic blood,
Nor the heart in the ribbing metal.
- Dylan Thomas
Warnings/Bonuses: Adult themes. Coarse language. Questions and answers.

732 River Road East, Davidson. October 27, 2005. 8:44 pm

Katia could not bear to look at him when she asked, “Sophie is never going to be normal again is she?’
Daniel inhaled deeply and let the words slowly carry it out, “If you are asking if she can become human again, the answer is no.”
“So she has the whole package, pointy teeth, not going out in the day, sucking peoples blood...all that?”
Amused, he replied, “You left out a few, but I would say that covers the basics.”
Her head shook slowly, “I still can’t understand why anyone would do that? What is worth leaving your life behind?”

His fingers lightly drummed the table, “Her answer would probably be similar to mine. There is no regret for those things I lost out on, this is the only way I can make things right again and that is more important to me.”
“So what was it, she said ‘please make me a bloodsucking monster’ and you said ‘sure, Sophie, no problem at all’. Is that how it works? You just go up to your friendly neighbourhood vampire and ask them to change you into one?”

He caught her eye before continuing, “For me yes, that is essentially what happened, but it was different for her. I asked her to help me. I explained that this would be a way to make sure what happened to your family never happened again. She agreed.”
Katia’s lip curled into a sneer, “You were obviously better at convincing her that you are me.”
“Your sister is more comfortable in her own skin that you are. She is able to look past her fear and see the possibilities. You watch everything from behind a mask, trying to hide how vulnerable you really are.”

She pulled back confused, “I can’t believe you would say that, you don’t know anything about me.”
“Katia, reading people is part of what I am. My survival is based on finding a weakness, any weakness. Every expression, the way you move your body and the timbre of your voice as you speak, everything you do gives yourself away. You smell like fear. On the best of days it can be rather...distracting.” His eyes drifted towards the figure moving past them.

Daniel let his tongue flick across the tip of his right fang, “Katia, are you done eating?”
She pushed her plate forward, “Yes. I’m sorry, I just haven’t been very hungry lately.”
“Not to worry. Could you please pay for the food and meet me outside, I have something I need to do before we get on the road again.”

He was already sliding out of the booth when she whispered, “Do you hurt them? Do they know what is happening or feel any pain when you bite them?”
He only hesitated long enough to reply, “Hurry now Katia, we have places to go.”

River Road West, Davidson. October 27, 2005. 9:16 pm

Her words were so soft he was not certain a first if she meant him to hear, “So what happened to Sophie? I mean, how does it happen, how do you become a vampire?”
“Explaining that will not make it any easier to accept what she has decided,” he warned.
She shot back, “I really don’t care what you think about it, she is my sister and I want to know what has been happening to her.”

“Fine. In simple terms, she was bitten and drained until she was nearly dead, then her sire offered his own blood for her to drink. This gave her an infection that caused her organs to cease functioning. The virus eventually spread and took over, turning her into a vampire.”

“Is it painful?” she asked.
“What it feels like when it is happening is nothing I can really describe. It is agony and pleasure mixed together so tightly you cannot distinguish between them, and then suddenly it is as if you are finally actually awake, like you had been numb to everything before that moment. From that point on, what pain there had been is overwhelmed by everything else. It is probably difficult for you to imagine, but that is the only way I can think to answer your question.”

Her eyes drifted to the road ahead, “Will she still remember who I am?”
“Being turned sharpens every ability, strength, stamina, even memory. Sophie will have you with her until she dies. She will recall every conversation, the sound of your laugh, what it felt like when hugged her, everything. She will find it quite impossible to forget you.”

378 Candlewood Crescent, Mitcham. October 28, 2005. 1:02 am

He watched her fidget and play with her hands unconsciously while she worked up the nerve to ask, “So who did it? I mean you have been with me, so it had to be someone else?”
“Her sire was the same man who turned me. There is no one else I trust more than him. Kieran will love her and care for her as if she was his child, he will teach her everything she needs to know with patience and kindness. She is in good hands.”

Katia enquired, “What kind of things does she need to know?”
“How to survive and how to fight back when Olivia eventually tracks her down.”
She drew a quick breath, “So what about me? Don’t I need to know about fighting vampires? You are dragging me all over the country because you say they are chasing us. What if they catch up? What am I supposed to do?”
From behind a sly smile he said, “You natter at them incessantly the same way you do to me, and hope that keeps them at bay until I arrive.”

“Is that supposed to be a joke?”
Daniel shrugged, “Maybe.”
“You’re an asshole.”
He winked at her as he made his way to the door, “Sleep well princess.”