Aminah Iman's Blog
May 10, 2020
Jaq'ed up Mother's Day
Chapter One: Gabe
It was a warm spring afternoon. Mom and I touched down in Sari’s hometown of Indiana. A few of us at The Order thought it would be a great idea to celebrate our Mothers together. So to show our appreciation, this Mother’s Day, we went out a small eatery in the heart of Broad Ripple. Somewhere fancy. Mom and I showed up drippy with swag, you know how we do. Mom wore the baby blue sundress she picked out while we were shopping. I had to work double shifts at Alaric’s for a week straight just to afford it, but it was worth it, she looked so stunning. She wore her wild curly hair in a messy bun, something about insinuating her neckline and cheekbones, hell I don’t know. Her sleeves hung just off her shoulders, showing off her natural honey glow. Aquamarine butterflies dangled from her ears bringing attention to her sharp hazel eyes. I watched protectively as the men in the airport jaws dropped. But if we’re being honest my mom can handle her own. Despite her five foot frame, my mom was lethal and dangerous when she needed to be. She has money, power, and connections. You should see her when they get her order wrong in the drive through, shits scary man. At the same time she’s sweet, if she likes you, she’ll do anything for you. She’s honest, loyal, and trustworthy. Everyone loves her, but no one loves her more than me. I just wished she didn’t take so long in the god damn store.
Ma thought it would be a good idea to walk through the farmer's market and take pictures for “aesthetics”. I swear, ever since that woman discovered Pinterest, she’s been a DIY pain in my ass.
I held out my arm like the gentleman I am, “Let us be basic.” I bowed, respectively.
The cool breeze carried the scent of marigold and sunflowers as we partook in the simple comforts of the Midwest. The sun had nearly set by the time we made it to the restaurant. Somewhere between the soap shop and the cheese stand, time escaped us. I bought her a bouquet of baby breaths and peonies. It felt like I was five again, when mom would break me out early from school and we would spend the whole day goofing off. It’s almost sad how much I miss her. Between trying to locate the Fallen, living on campus, and ma’s new boyfriend, we barely get to see each other. It’s days like this that remind me to be grateful that I have the best mom on earth. I just don’t understand why she bought so many damn handmade soaps, my shoulders are killing me.
The sun had just about set when we made it to the restaurant..
“We made it just in time.” She gleamed.
“8’0clock sharp, we made it.”
We looked up, the sign above read Red Ink Lounge in bold scarlet letters. Suddenly, that familiar chill ran down my back.
“Not today.”, I groaned to myself. I tried to block out the sensation when the horn of Gabriel sounded in my ear. This was serious. Something dangerous was coming.
I faked a smile as I reached for the handle to open the door. I had to be on high alert, I did not want ma to worry, today was her day and no one was going to ruin it.
“Thank you baby.” She patted my cheek.
“Yes ma’am.” I held the door open as she walked inside.
When her back was turned, I heightened my vision and searched for any threat within five miles, but nothing.
I let go of the handle so I could finally go inside when I felt a slickness between my fingers. I looked down to see my hands covered in blood.
“Looks like the danger is already here.” I thought.
“Gabe are you coming?” Ma shouted from inside.
“Yes ma’am.” I wiped my hands on the back of my black slacks.
I walked in and immediately felt a wave of relief fall from my shoulder. It was like I literally left all my worries at the door. The dark cherrywood tables were draped in crushed pink velvet cloth with a full bouquet of matching roses with sprig of lavender and mint. Twinkling streams of lights hung from the rafters, like stars caught in a dream. In the corner was a man dressed in all black, serenading along with the classic piano. Over by the bar was one of the most brilliant bitch I ever met. Her dirty blonde hair was stringy with sweat and grease.
“What’s up tweedy bird get your ass over here. Lisa! get your worthless ass on the grill, our guests are here.” She yelled as she wiped her hands on her dirty apron.
“Nice to see you again too Ingrid, looks like you’re still wearing the same shirt you had on the last time I saw you. How long has it been, a year?”
“Fuck you tweedy bird, keep talking shit and I’ll make sure this dagger finds its way down your throat.” She continued to wipe the table down.
“How’s the team, Chuck still reading that book?”
“Yea, he hasn’t put that book down since you gave it to him. I think he even reads it while he's jacking off.”
Ingrid held her big belly as she broke out in laughter. I looked over to see Mom drift between the rows of bookshelves on the other side of the room. I bent down low so only Ingrid could hear me.
“How have things been around here lately?” I asked.
“Quiet as a grave around here, ain’t nobody crazy enough to try anything here while I’m around why?”
Right before I could tell Ingrid about the blood, in walked a familiar face.
Chapter 2: Liam
The bells echoed beyond the foyer, making my eyes wander to the statue-decorated room that was now being filled with mothers favorite flowers. The one
named after her. Iris’s.
Willow escorted the delivery men inside and directed them on the placements. They took over the chess board themed marble below it. Will and I made sure this morning to discreetly set out as many of those damn flowers as we could find around the living room and dining room, where an envelope sat at the head of the table, a cordial invitation.
Mother
It read in my more than messy handwriting. See, 10 years ago my mother and I learned I had been diagnosed with one of the rarest forms of cancer. A family friend who dealt in the science of repairing cells that had been damaged, offered their help. By year 8 she believed me to be dead and fuck I might as well had been. This science they dealt in was secret, top secret. Black magic secret, and that's what The UGF used to save me. Year 7, I was a trained killer with the ability of pyro-kinesics; the manipulation of fire in any shape or form I damn well please. But there was more. By year 2 I learned that I had one thing I never even realized I had lost, my family. I lived and breathed the UGF, while every night they put carbon monoxide in the air supply in order to repress the memories of our former life to keep the temptation of us trying to return to it at bay. All while for 8 years my mother, their friend, believed me to be dead. And only 6 month ago was I brave enough to contradict that belief. Making this the first Mother's Day I spent with my mother in 10 years.
“I think that's the last of them, Liam.” She called up to me.
I stood at the top of the stairs, gradually hovering my hand over the aligned candles, the flames pulsating against each wick until they burned. Willows wavy hair matched my mother’s copper brown, her eyes an earth green like mine but that soul and strength; all Will.
“Candles are all good to go.” I smirked slightly, her right brow arching.
“Lazy ass.” She groaned with a smile.
I chuckled and made my way into the dining room, Willows steps following my own.
“What's keeping her in there.” I questioned towards the high banister that was lit by candles, glowing before the bedroom that belonged to my mother.
“Uhm, let’s see, possibly because her one and only son who she hasn't seen in 9 ½ years is back from the dead?” She smiled up at me just as quickly as she smacked the center of my chest.
“Smart ass.” I finally retorted.
Her heels clicked against the stairs and her eyes admired the scene we had constructed for her. It took a minute, but she finally picked up her jaw and looked right at Will and me.
“My darlings...you've...the botanical gardens would quake at their knees.” She laughed, tears in her eyes.
My steps towards her were slow, taking in her features and her gorgeous peach dress, Iris flower necklace and my absolute most favorite smile. I cupped her jaw against my fingertips and kissed her head lightly.
“Happy Mother's Day Momma.” I whispered as Will pulled out the chair aligned to the head of the table.
“We already have your coffee and your first present ready for you.” She said.
I stepped aside as she walked with awe and caution to her seat, her eyes fixed on the envelope. She sat against the wooden carved seat as she tore into the paper, reading its contents eagerly before smiling brightly back up at me.
“I'd love to, my darlings.”
“So explain to me, who exactly are all of these people attending?” Mother questioned from the passenger seat.
“Sari, a were-panther alpha and monster hunter in Indianapolis, has a friend throwing a Mother's Day meal for everyone in The New Order and that includes me. Us.” I explained with a smile as I grabbed ahold of her hand. “You're gonna love them momma just you wait.”
“Oh so Sari ‘She's so strong and smart and beautiful.’ Sari?” Willow teased from the backseat.
My eyes squinted in an unbothered but bothered enough glare, before looking over at my mother who had already been giving me a patiently waiting glance.
“It's nothing beyond professional admiration dipshit but yes her. And Gabriel, he's part angel, Erin who we already know is coming with another New Order member, Acaleus. I think Ric and his wife might show up but it's a good crowd. My main focus is my girls.”
The room was already swelling with music and chatter by the time we joined the restaurant. Gabriel and his mother, along with Ingrid, were already there. A smile I hadn’t built up in over a year drew its way on my face at the sight of Gabriel.
“Uh oh, Imma need everyone to get in a single filed line, we got a fire in the building!” Gabriel excitedly started towards me, a laugh exchanging between us both as my arms wrapped around for a hug.
“Look at what the Heavenly Father dragged in.” And just as I opened my eyes from the hug, it revealed a woman who’s soul reminded me so much of Gabe. “And you must be the hell that keeps him in line.” I said as we all busted in laughter.
Sari and I made our way to the library, caution behind each step. The
power had been cut, limiting what would have been in plain sight. Sari had drawn her silver from the cusp of her boot, her steps not far behind mine while I narrowed my eyes in on the empty room.
“You wanna spark a match or something, this ain’t gonna cut it.” Sari asked me, and just as suddenly my hand beamed the light of a fiery blaze. It lit the room up and exposed all the hidden corners amongst us.
“So, so far, we know whoever is behind this had a problem with dinner.” Sari joked as her steps retreated deeper into the
“Yeah well me and my fire got a problem with their shitty timing.” My body bent down at the grey and white rug, shining a focused light against it to see if there were more clues to be found.
“Calm down, hell oh there’s still plenty of time to celebrate your mom.” She assured me from across the room, her eyes wandering around the dim lit room.
Chapter Three: Sari
It was Mother’s Day and me and my favorite girl had a date. Ingrid, my honorary sister, decided that it would be a good idea to have a Mother’s Day dinner for all the mothers of the members of the New Order. It sounds like a sweet gesture I know, but Ingrid wasn’t a sweet woman. In fact, she was the exact opposite. She was a big burly woman who spent most of her days crafting weapons to kill the big bads of the world. She figured with all the anxiety we caused our moms it would be good for them all to meet and have a relaxing day of good food, good company, and no supernatural bullshit. We all decided to have the dinner at Red Ink Lounge, a little spot that we all owned, and Ingrid managed. It was located in Indianapolis, my hometown, in a nice area called Broad Ripple. The place was big enough for all of us to fit, but small enough for it to be an intimate dinner where we could all fellowship, break-bread and get to know each other.
As I drove to my mother’s house, I reflected on how much she meant to me, how much she sacrificed and taught me. My mother, Lillian, had the most supernatural kills of any hunter before she retired. She was also a single mother, my father died on a hunt when my mother was pregnant with me. I remember when I was six I told her there was a monster under my bed, she came in with a silver blade and killed it. That night she taught me all about the supernatural and hunters. She trained me on which monsters were which, how to vanquish them, what their origins were, everything. Lillian raised me to be a strong independent woman who kicked ass and took names. She was hard when she needed to be and understanding always, she was and still is my best friend in all the world. I don’t mean best friend in the sense that she let me get away with stuff or we were pals when I was a teenager, because she let it be known that were not peers. I mean from the very beginning I could tell her any and every thing. I trusted her more than any person on the face of the earth.
I pulled up in front of her cute little house, got out and just stood there for a moment. I thought of all the good and bad times I had growing up there. I used my key to let myself in, no matter where I lived this house would always be home.
“Hey mom, I’m here.” I yelled.
“In my room, still getting dressed.”
I walked to the back, stopped at her bedroom door. She looked amazing. She wore a peach colored maxi-dress with black high-heeled sandals. Her hair was in a bun with a flower band circling it. She had silver earrings at her ears, a trio of silver bracelets on her left wrist, and her white gold diamond wedding ring on her left ring finger. Her chocolate skin had the glow of the sun, she smiled at me and her deep dimples winked with delight. I walked in, hugged her close, placing my head on top of hers. Standing only four feet, eleven inches without heels on, even in her sandals I was a few inches taller.
“I love you mom.”
“I love you too baby.” She patted my back, let go of me.
“You look amazing.”
“You think so? I wasn’t sure what to wear.” She turned towards the mirror, looked at herself.
“Yeah, I love it. Plus it’s nothing formal, just the team and their moms hanging out, eating.”
“I know, but I’ve never met these people before and Ingrid is hosting so anything is bound to happen.” She said.
She had a point. “There is that. Seriously though, they’re just people and you’ve already met Liam. It’s just a bunch of folks who kill monsters and save the world, you’ll fit right in.” I smiled.
“Ha, ha, ha. I suppose you’re right.”
“I’m always right. You ready gorgeous?” I held my hand out.
“As I’ll ever be.” She placed her hand in mine.
We walked into Red Ink Lounge and I immediately spotted Gabe. He sat at the bar with Ingrid and another woman, who I assumed was his mother. They turned and I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt she was Gabe’s mom. They had the same beautiful hazel eyes. I headed toward the bar to introduce me and my mother to Gabe and his when he turned and spotted me.
“Hey Boss-lady!” He hopped off his chair, grabbed me in a huge hug.
“Baby grace, how you doing?” I hugged him back, let go. “Mom, this is Gabe and...” I nodded towards his mother.
“This is my mother Denice.” Gabe held his hand out to his mom.
“It’s nice to meet the both of you.” My mother shook their hands.
“It’s a pleasure to meet the Boss-lady’s mom. If she picks on me can I call and tell on her?” Gabe joked.
“Absolutely, anytime.” My mother laughed.
I felt a pat on my back and turned quickly. I saw Liam, his mother and sister.
“Gem, momma Lil, I’d like ya’ll to meet Iris, my mother, and Willow, my sister.”
“Gem, I thought her name was Sari.” Willow looked confused.
“Just look at those eyes. I see why he calls you that.” Iris shook my hand.
“It’s nice to meet you both.” Me and Mom said in unison.
We all turned when we hear the door close.
Chapter Four: Erin
We received the invitation to have Mother’s Day dinner with the team and as sweet as the invite was, I was skeptical. Don’t get me wrong, I love all of the people I work with, but Mother’s Day has always been a hard day for me. I lost my mother when I was a teenager, she was murdered along with my father, so a couple of deranged psychopaths could get their hands on me and turn me into a cryokinetic assassin. I loved my mother so much, she was always there for me. Even at my sickest she never made me feel like a burden, never like problem. If I think hard enough I can still see her smile, smell her perfume. Her face is becoming a blur to me and that angers me to my core. I no longer remember how her arms felt around me, or the cadence of her voice, but I remember the love.
The same crazies that killed my parents also killed my son and husband. As soon as I felt my life having meaning again, it was ripped apart. Hayes. He was my world, my heart, and he was taken from me. So Mother’s Day does not hold much in my world, it does not mean as much to me as it does to others. I told Acaleus, my partner in every sense of the word, how I was feeling.
“In my opinion, going may very well put a new spin on this day for you. It may turn the meaning around for you.”
“You might be right. And it would be fun to meet Sari and Gabe’s mothers.” I laughed a little.
“What about Liam’s mother?”
“I’ve know Iris for quite some time, she’s a wonderful woman. I really would love to see her again.”
“So is that a yes?” He smiled his brilliant smile.
“That is a yes.”
We borrowed Amid’s private jet and made it to Indianapolis in a few hours. Acaleus had already ordered us a car, it met us at the airport and drove us to Red Ink Lounge.
“You ready?” He had his hand on the handle of the door.
“I am.”
We walked into the lounge and I immediately spotted Iris. She looked lovely in her peach dress and cute little butterfly earrings. I walked to her slowly, trying to remember the last time I saw her, she turned just as I reached her.
“Oh my goodness, Erin!” She hugged me tight.
“Mrs. Andrews, how have you been?” I held her close, eyes closed. It had been a long time since I felt a mothers embrace.
“I’ve been great.” She held me at arm’s length. “You are absolutely breath taking.” She laughed.
“So are you.”
“Hey, the Ice Queen is here.” I heard Gabe yell.
“Erin.” Everyone yelled together.
Yeah, it was good I came. Mother’s Day would indeed be different for me from here on out.
Chapter 5: Gabe
It was nice to see some of the old gang back together. It had been awhile since we’ve all met up outside The Order. The table was buzzing with conversation. Sari’s mom was showing Ma a few of her daggers. Liam was telling Acaleus about his latest mission, while Sari joked with Ingrid as she ordered beer and wine for the whole table. I could tell Erin was still in her head, her eyes kept darting across the room. I could feel her nerves from here. So I wadded a piece of napkin and tossed it in her direction. It hit her right on the forehead, bringing her back to this world. The tissue froze on contact, her eyes met mine. I shot her one of my million dollar smiles, only to have Sari’s extendo arms smack me behind the head.
“I saw that!” She shot back.
“God dammit it!” I rubbed the back of my head.
“Watch your mouth!” Sari and Ma yelled in unison as they continued to beat my ass.
Only then did Erin crack a smile. Worth it. Everyone was enjoying each other’s company when a large cloud of smoke rolled in from the kitchen.
“Lisa what the hell are you burning in there? Are you trying to burn this Motherfucker down?
At that moment, there was loud crash.
“Erin stay here with the mothers.” Stated Acaleus as the rest of us ran to the kitchen. On the grill was poor Lisa faced down on the coals.
“Lisa,!” Ingrid yelled as her and Acaleus ran to help.
They tried to move her body but burnt fleshed clung to the grill. They finally got her free, half of her face was chard. Her eyes still held a state of shock. They leaned her back and that's when things took a turn for the worst.. Lisa’s stomach had been sliced open. Ravaged, like something was desperately trying to crawl out.
“What happened to you?” Wondered Ingrid.
“Where are her organs?” Asked Sari.
At that moment, the timer of the oven went off. Liam opened the oven door, and in the cast iron skillet were Lisa’s entrails, crisping on broil.
“What the fuck is going on here?” Acaleus asked the question we all were thinking.
“I don’t know but we’re about to find out.” Sari pulled out her sword, ready to go.
“Can you stay and help me out with Lisa. I don’t want Ma coming in and freaking out.” Acaleus nodded in confirmation.
“Let’s go.” Sari grabbed Liam and the two went off to investigate.
“I heard of a murder mystery dinner, but this is ridiculous!”
Chapter 6: Liam
Sari and I made our way to the library, caution behind each step. The
power had been cut, limiting what would have been in plain sight. Sari had drawn her silver dagger from the cusp of her boot, her steps not far behind mine while I narrowed my eyes in on the empty room.
"You wanna spark a match or something, this ain't gonna cut it." Sari asked me.
My hand beamed the light of a fiery blaze. It lit the room up and exposed all the hidden corners amongst us.
"So, so far, we know whoever is behind this had a problem with dinner." Sari joked as her steps retreated deeper into the room.
"Yeah well, me and my fire got a problem with their shitty timing." My body bent down at the grey and white rug, shining a focused light against it to see if there were more clues to be found.
"Calm down, hell there's still plenty of time to celebrate your mom." She assured me from across the room, her eyes wandering around the dim lit room.
Chapter 7: Sari
Liam was nervous about not spending the day with his mom and I completely understood. If my mom thought I’d died and this was the first Mother’s Day we’ve been together, I’d be pissed.
We looked around the room to see if we could find any indication on who was killing people. The library was full of shelves, but not the kind that you could walk behind so a hiding space was not a good option.
“Does it feel chilly in here to you?” I turned to ask Liam.
“A bit yeah, is that window opened?” He pointed to the window closest to me.
I walked over towards it and my foot slipped. I caught my balance, shined the flashlight of my cell phone on the floor and saw the blood. I pulled the curtain back where I saw the dead body draped over the broken glass of the window frame.
“Hey fire-man, we got something.”
Liam came over, “Well hell! Let’s move her.”
He grabbed one arm, I grabbed the other, we put her on the floor.
“She’s been butchered. Wait, not butchered, whoever did this cut out her innards like they knew what they were doing. What in the hell is going on here?” Liam shook his head.
“Look, whoever broke the window has dirty blonde hair. Our victim is a brunette so..”
“So what crazy ass person do we know with dirty blonde hair and can cut up a body like a surgeon?”
“The fucking Ripper. We need to go, now, and tell the others. This is truly fucked up!”
Chapter 8: Erin
With all the dead bodies popping up the team decided to work in two’s to find the person responsible. It made since for me to stay with the mother’s in the dinning hall to keep them safe. With my ability to create, manipulate, and control ice, I could stop the assailant before they got to close, plus Sari’s mom, Lillian, is a hunter. We could stop anything that came through the door.
“Did you hear that?” Willow asked.
“Shh, let me listen.” I could hear what sounded like someone being dragged.
“It’s coming from outside the door.” Lil said.
“Well, here goes.” I turned towards Lil to see if she was ready.
“Ya’ll move back.” She told the others as she took her blade out of her purse.
I froze the door then create an ice lasso to strike it, the door shattered in a thousand pieces.
“You see anything?”
“No…”
A dead body flew through the air, landing right in front of me. Someone had sliced and diced it.
“Shit!” Willow screamed.
Jaq came in slowly. She was not as deranged as she was the last time I saw her, but you could tell by her eyes no one was home. She started to make the wind blow in the room. Plates, silverware, glasses started to rise and swirl. I tried to remember what happened when we stopped her before. I tried to contact Acaleus, screaming for him to answer, but something was blocking it. At that moment it came back to me, when she saw the name of my son tattooed on my arm she froze for a moment. I pulled my sleeve up, screamed her name. A moment was all I was going to need.
“Jaqueline, Jaq look. We are family!”
The wind started to die down, she cocked her head to the side, stared at my arm. She stopped the wind completely, reached her hand out to me.
I summoned all the ice in my body, closed my eyes and let it go. It froze her from head to toe, hand still extended. I flicked the lasso, shattering her like I did the door.
Chapter 9: Gabe
Well, looks like I wasn’t able to keep the drama of demons and chaos away from Ma. But it looks like she still enjoyed her day, I think all the mothers did, especially Erin. Seeing them all here today really explains a lot. These are the same women who tucked us in at night, and now stitch us back together in the morning.
They are the only ones who know who and what we are. And accept us fangs and all. Goes to show that mothers are way more than women, they are warriors, protectors, teachers, and most of all violent. But neither of us could be who we are if it weren’t for their unconditional love and understanding. So to all the awesome moms out there thank you for everything you have done, and Happy Mother’s Day!
It was a warm spring afternoon. Mom and I touched down in Sari’s hometown of Indiana. A few of us at The Order thought it would be a great idea to celebrate our Mothers together. So to show our appreciation, this Mother’s Day, we went out a small eatery in the heart of Broad Ripple. Somewhere fancy. Mom and I showed up drippy with swag, you know how we do. Mom wore the baby blue sundress she picked out while we were shopping. I had to work double shifts at Alaric’s for a week straight just to afford it, but it was worth it, she looked so stunning. She wore her wild curly hair in a messy bun, something about insinuating her neckline and cheekbones, hell I don’t know. Her sleeves hung just off her shoulders, showing off her natural honey glow. Aquamarine butterflies dangled from her ears bringing attention to her sharp hazel eyes. I watched protectively as the men in the airport jaws dropped. But if we’re being honest my mom can handle her own. Despite her five foot frame, my mom was lethal and dangerous when she needed to be. She has money, power, and connections. You should see her when they get her order wrong in the drive through, shits scary man. At the same time she’s sweet, if she likes you, she’ll do anything for you. She’s honest, loyal, and trustworthy. Everyone loves her, but no one loves her more than me. I just wished she didn’t take so long in the god damn store.
Ma thought it would be a good idea to walk through the farmer's market and take pictures for “aesthetics”. I swear, ever since that woman discovered Pinterest, she’s been a DIY pain in my ass.
I held out my arm like the gentleman I am, “Let us be basic.” I bowed, respectively.
The cool breeze carried the scent of marigold and sunflowers as we partook in the simple comforts of the Midwest. The sun had nearly set by the time we made it to the restaurant. Somewhere between the soap shop and the cheese stand, time escaped us. I bought her a bouquet of baby breaths and peonies. It felt like I was five again, when mom would break me out early from school and we would spend the whole day goofing off. It’s almost sad how much I miss her. Between trying to locate the Fallen, living on campus, and ma’s new boyfriend, we barely get to see each other. It’s days like this that remind me to be grateful that I have the best mom on earth. I just don’t understand why she bought so many damn handmade soaps, my shoulders are killing me.
The sun had just about set when we made it to the restaurant..
“We made it just in time.” She gleamed.
“8’0clock sharp, we made it.”
We looked up, the sign above read Red Ink Lounge in bold scarlet letters. Suddenly, that familiar chill ran down my back.
“Not today.”, I groaned to myself. I tried to block out the sensation when the horn of Gabriel sounded in my ear. This was serious. Something dangerous was coming.
I faked a smile as I reached for the handle to open the door. I had to be on high alert, I did not want ma to worry, today was her day and no one was going to ruin it.
“Thank you baby.” She patted my cheek.
“Yes ma’am.” I held the door open as she walked inside.
When her back was turned, I heightened my vision and searched for any threat within five miles, but nothing.
I let go of the handle so I could finally go inside when I felt a slickness between my fingers. I looked down to see my hands covered in blood.
“Looks like the danger is already here.” I thought.
“Gabe are you coming?” Ma shouted from inside.
“Yes ma’am.” I wiped my hands on the back of my black slacks.
I walked in and immediately felt a wave of relief fall from my shoulder. It was like I literally left all my worries at the door. The dark cherrywood tables were draped in crushed pink velvet cloth with a full bouquet of matching roses with sprig of lavender and mint. Twinkling streams of lights hung from the rafters, like stars caught in a dream. In the corner was a man dressed in all black, serenading along with the classic piano. Over by the bar was one of the most brilliant bitch I ever met. Her dirty blonde hair was stringy with sweat and grease.
“What’s up tweedy bird get your ass over here. Lisa! get your worthless ass on the grill, our guests are here.” She yelled as she wiped her hands on her dirty apron.
“Nice to see you again too Ingrid, looks like you’re still wearing the same shirt you had on the last time I saw you. How long has it been, a year?”
“Fuck you tweedy bird, keep talking shit and I’ll make sure this dagger finds its way down your throat.” She continued to wipe the table down.
“How’s the team, Chuck still reading that book?”
“Yea, he hasn’t put that book down since you gave it to him. I think he even reads it while he's jacking off.”
Ingrid held her big belly as she broke out in laughter. I looked over to see Mom drift between the rows of bookshelves on the other side of the room. I bent down low so only Ingrid could hear me.
“How have things been around here lately?” I asked.
“Quiet as a grave around here, ain’t nobody crazy enough to try anything here while I’m around why?”
Right before I could tell Ingrid about the blood, in walked a familiar face.
Chapter 2: Liam
The bells echoed beyond the foyer, making my eyes wander to the statue-decorated room that was now being filled with mothers favorite flowers. The one
named after her. Iris’s.
Willow escorted the delivery men inside and directed them on the placements. They took over the chess board themed marble below it. Will and I made sure this morning to discreetly set out as many of those damn flowers as we could find around the living room and dining room, where an envelope sat at the head of the table, a cordial invitation.
Mother
It read in my more than messy handwriting. See, 10 years ago my mother and I learned I had been diagnosed with one of the rarest forms of cancer. A family friend who dealt in the science of repairing cells that had been damaged, offered their help. By year 8 she believed me to be dead and fuck I might as well had been. This science they dealt in was secret, top secret. Black magic secret, and that's what The UGF used to save me. Year 7, I was a trained killer with the ability of pyro-kinesics; the manipulation of fire in any shape or form I damn well please. But there was more. By year 2 I learned that I had one thing I never even realized I had lost, my family. I lived and breathed the UGF, while every night they put carbon monoxide in the air supply in order to repress the memories of our former life to keep the temptation of us trying to return to it at bay. All while for 8 years my mother, their friend, believed me to be dead. And only 6 month ago was I brave enough to contradict that belief. Making this the first Mother's Day I spent with my mother in 10 years.
“I think that's the last of them, Liam.” She called up to me.
I stood at the top of the stairs, gradually hovering my hand over the aligned candles, the flames pulsating against each wick until they burned. Willows wavy hair matched my mother’s copper brown, her eyes an earth green like mine but that soul and strength; all Will.
“Candles are all good to go.” I smirked slightly, her right brow arching.
“Lazy ass.” She groaned with a smile.
I chuckled and made my way into the dining room, Willows steps following my own.
“What's keeping her in there.” I questioned towards the high banister that was lit by candles, glowing before the bedroom that belonged to my mother.
“Uhm, let’s see, possibly because her one and only son who she hasn't seen in 9 ½ years is back from the dead?” She smiled up at me just as quickly as she smacked the center of my chest.
“Smart ass.” I finally retorted.
Her heels clicked against the stairs and her eyes admired the scene we had constructed for her. It took a minute, but she finally picked up her jaw and looked right at Will and me.
“My darlings...you've...the botanical gardens would quake at their knees.” She laughed, tears in her eyes.
My steps towards her were slow, taking in her features and her gorgeous peach dress, Iris flower necklace and my absolute most favorite smile. I cupped her jaw against my fingertips and kissed her head lightly.
“Happy Mother's Day Momma.” I whispered as Will pulled out the chair aligned to the head of the table.
“We already have your coffee and your first present ready for you.” She said.
I stepped aside as she walked with awe and caution to her seat, her eyes fixed on the envelope. She sat against the wooden carved seat as she tore into the paper, reading its contents eagerly before smiling brightly back up at me.
“I'd love to, my darlings.”
“So explain to me, who exactly are all of these people attending?” Mother questioned from the passenger seat.
“Sari, a were-panther alpha and monster hunter in Indianapolis, has a friend throwing a Mother's Day meal for everyone in The New Order and that includes me. Us.” I explained with a smile as I grabbed ahold of her hand. “You're gonna love them momma just you wait.”
“Oh so Sari ‘She's so strong and smart and beautiful.’ Sari?” Willow teased from the backseat.
My eyes squinted in an unbothered but bothered enough glare, before looking over at my mother who had already been giving me a patiently waiting glance.
“It's nothing beyond professional admiration dipshit but yes her. And Gabriel, he's part angel, Erin who we already know is coming with another New Order member, Acaleus. I think Ric and his wife might show up but it's a good crowd. My main focus is my girls.”
The room was already swelling with music and chatter by the time we joined the restaurant. Gabriel and his mother, along with Ingrid, were already there. A smile I hadn’t built up in over a year drew its way on my face at the sight of Gabriel.
“Uh oh, Imma need everyone to get in a single filed line, we got a fire in the building!” Gabriel excitedly started towards me, a laugh exchanging between us both as my arms wrapped around for a hug.
“Look at what the Heavenly Father dragged in.” And just as I opened my eyes from the hug, it revealed a woman who’s soul reminded me so much of Gabe. “And you must be the hell that keeps him in line.” I said as we all busted in laughter.
Sari and I made our way to the library, caution behind each step. The
power had been cut, limiting what would have been in plain sight. Sari had drawn her silver from the cusp of her boot, her steps not far behind mine while I narrowed my eyes in on the empty room.
“You wanna spark a match or something, this ain’t gonna cut it.” Sari asked me, and just as suddenly my hand beamed the light of a fiery blaze. It lit the room up and exposed all the hidden corners amongst us.
“So, so far, we know whoever is behind this had a problem with dinner.” Sari joked as her steps retreated deeper into the
“Yeah well me and my fire got a problem with their shitty timing.” My body bent down at the grey and white rug, shining a focused light against it to see if there were more clues to be found.
“Calm down, hell oh there’s still plenty of time to celebrate your mom.” She assured me from across the room, her eyes wandering around the dim lit room.
Chapter Three: Sari
It was Mother’s Day and me and my favorite girl had a date. Ingrid, my honorary sister, decided that it would be a good idea to have a Mother’s Day dinner for all the mothers of the members of the New Order. It sounds like a sweet gesture I know, but Ingrid wasn’t a sweet woman. In fact, she was the exact opposite. She was a big burly woman who spent most of her days crafting weapons to kill the big bads of the world. She figured with all the anxiety we caused our moms it would be good for them all to meet and have a relaxing day of good food, good company, and no supernatural bullshit. We all decided to have the dinner at Red Ink Lounge, a little spot that we all owned, and Ingrid managed. It was located in Indianapolis, my hometown, in a nice area called Broad Ripple. The place was big enough for all of us to fit, but small enough for it to be an intimate dinner where we could all fellowship, break-bread and get to know each other.
As I drove to my mother’s house, I reflected on how much she meant to me, how much she sacrificed and taught me. My mother, Lillian, had the most supernatural kills of any hunter before she retired. She was also a single mother, my father died on a hunt when my mother was pregnant with me. I remember when I was six I told her there was a monster under my bed, she came in with a silver blade and killed it. That night she taught me all about the supernatural and hunters. She trained me on which monsters were which, how to vanquish them, what their origins were, everything. Lillian raised me to be a strong independent woman who kicked ass and took names. She was hard when she needed to be and understanding always, she was and still is my best friend in all the world. I don’t mean best friend in the sense that she let me get away with stuff or we were pals when I was a teenager, because she let it be known that were not peers. I mean from the very beginning I could tell her any and every thing. I trusted her more than any person on the face of the earth.
I pulled up in front of her cute little house, got out and just stood there for a moment. I thought of all the good and bad times I had growing up there. I used my key to let myself in, no matter where I lived this house would always be home.
“Hey mom, I’m here.” I yelled.
“In my room, still getting dressed.”
I walked to the back, stopped at her bedroom door. She looked amazing. She wore a peach colored maxi-dress with black high-heeled sandals. Her hair was in a bun with a flower band circling it. She had silver earrings at her ears, a trio of silver bracelets on her left wrist, and her white gold diamond wedding ring on her left ring finger. Her chocolate skin had the glow of the sun, she smiled at me and her deep dimples winked with delight. I walked in, hugged her close, placing my head on top of hers. Standing only four feet, eleven inches without heels on, even in her sandals I was a few inches taller.
“I love you mom.”
“I love you too baby.” She patted my back, let go of me.
“You look amazing.”
“You think so? I wasn’t sure what to wear.” She turned towards the mirror, looked at herself.
“Yeah, I love it. Plus it’s nothing formal, just the team and their moms hanging out, eating.”
“I know, but I’ve never met these people before and Ingrid is hosting so anything is bound to happen.” She said.
She had a point. “There is that. Seriously though, they’re just people and you’ve already met Liam. It’s just a bunch of folks who kill monsters and save the world, you’ll fit right in.” I smiled.
“Ha, ha, ha. I suppose you’re right.”
“I’m always right. You ready gorgeous?” I held my hand out.
“As I’ll ever be.” She placed her hand in mine.
We walked into Red Ink Lounge and I immediately spotted Gabe. He sat at the bar with Ingrid and another woman, who I assumed was his mother. They turned and I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt she was Gabe’s mom. They had the same beautiful hazel eyes. I headed toward the bar to introduce me and my mother to Gabe and his when he turned and spotted me.
“Hey Boss-lady!” He hopped off his chair, grabbed me in a huge hug.
“Baby grace, how you doing?” I hugged him back, let go. “Mom, this is Gabe and...” I nodded towards his mother.
“This is my mother Denice.” Gabe held his hand out to his mom.
“It’s nice to meet the both of you.” My mother shook their hands.
“It’s a pleasure to meet the Boss-lady’s mom. If she picks on me can I call and tell on her?” Gabe joked.
“Absolutely, anytime.” My mother laughed.
I felt a pat on my back and turned quickly. I saw Liam, his mother and sister.
“Gem, momma Lil, I’d like ya’ll to meet Iris, my mother, and Willow, my sister.”
“Gem, I thought her name was Sari.” Willow looked confused.
“Just look at those eyes. I see why he calls you that.” Iris shook my hand.
“It’s nice to meet you both.” Me and Mom said in unison.
We all turned when we hear the door close.
Chapter Four: Erin
We received the invitation to have Mother’s Day dinner with the team and as sweet as the invite was, I was skeptical. Don’t get me wrong, I love all of the people I work with, but Mother’s Day has always been a hard day for me. I lost my mother when I was a teenager, she was murdered along with my father, so a couple of deranged psychopaths could get their hands on me and turn me into a cryokinetic assassin. I loved my mother so much, she was always there for me. Even at my sickest she never made me feel like a burden, never like problem. If I think hard enough I can still see her smile, smell her perfume. Her face is becoming a blur to me and that angers me to my core. I no longer remember how her arms felt around me, or the cadence of her voice, but I remember the love.
The same crazies that killed my parents also killed my son and husband. As soon as I felt my life having meaning again, it was ripped apart. Hayes. He was my world, my heart, and he was taken from me. So Mother’s Day does not hold much in my world, it does not mean as much to me as it does to others. I told Acaleus, my partner in every sense of the word, how I was feeling.
“In my opinion, going may very well put a new spin on this day for you. It may turn the meaning around for you.”
“You might be right. And it would be fun to meet Sari and Gabe’s mothers.” I laughed a little.
“What about Liam’s mother?”
“I’ve know Iris for quite some time, she’s a wonderful woman. I really would love to see her again.”
“So is that a yes?” He smiled his brilliant smile.
“That is a yes.”
We borrowed Amid’s private jet and made it to Indianapolis in a few hours. Acaleus had already ordered us a car, it met us at the airport and drove us to Red Ink Lounge.
“You ready?” He had his hand on the handle of the door.
“I am.”
We walked into the lounge and I immediately spotted Iris. She looked lovely in her peach dress and cute little butterfly earrings. I walked to her slowly, trying to remember the last time I saw her, she turned just as I reached her.
“Oh my goodness, Erin!” She hugged me tight.
“Mrs. Andrews, how have you been?” I held her close, eyes closed. It had been a long time since I felt a mothers embrace.
“I’ve been great.” She held me at arm’s length. “You are absolutely breath taking.” She laughed.
“So are you.”
“Hey, the Ice Queen is here.” I heard Gabe yell.
“Erin.” Everyone yelled together.
Yeah, it was good I came. Mother’s Day would indeed be different for me from here on out.
Chapter 5: Gabe
It was nice to see some of the old gang back together. It had been awhile since we’ve all met up outside The Order. The table was buzzing with conversation. Sari’s mom was showing Ma a few of her daggers. Liam was telling Acaleus about his latest mission, while Sari joked with Ingrid as she ordered beer and wine for the whole table. I could tell Erin was still in her head, her eyes kept darting across the room. I could feel her nerves from here. So I wadded a piece of napkin and tossed it in her direction. It hit her right on the forehead, bringing her back to this world. The tissue froze on contact, her eyes met mine. I shot her one of my million dollar smiles, only to have Sari’s extendo arms smack me behind the head.
“I saw that!” She shot back.
“God dammit it!” I rubbed the back of my head.
“Watch your mouth!” Sari and Ma yelled in unison as they continued to beat my ass.
Only then did Erin crack a smile. Worth it. Everyone was enjoying each other’s company when a large cloud of smoke rolled in from the kitchen.
“Lisa what the hell are you burning in there? Are you trying to burn this Motherfucker down?
At that moment, there was loud crash.
“Erin stay here with the mothers.” Stated Acaleus as the rest of us ran to the kitchen. On the grill was poor Lisa faced down on the coals.
“Lisa,!” Ingrid yelled as her and Acaleus ran to help.
They tried to move her body but burnt fleshed clung to the grill. They finally got her free, half of her face was chard. Her eyes still held a state of shock. They leaned her back and that's when things took a turn for the worst.. Lisa’s stomach had been sliced open. Ravaged, like something was desperately trying to crawl out.
“What happened to you?” Wondered Ingrid.
“Where are her organs?” Asked Sari.
At that moment, the timer of the oven went off. Liam opened the oven door, and in the cast iron skillet were Lisa’s entrails, crisping on broil.
“What the fuck is going on here?” Acaleus asked the question we all were thinking.
“I don’t know but we’re about to find out.” Sari pulled out her sword, ready to go.
“Can you stay and help me out with Lisa. I don’t want Ma coming in and freaking out.” Acaleus nodded in confirmation.
“Let’s go.” Sari grabbed Liam and the two went off to investigate.
“I heard of a murder mystery dinner, but this is ridiculous!”
Chapter 6: Liam
Sari and I made our way to the library, caution behind each step. The
power had been cut, limiting what would have been in plain sight. Sari had drawn her silver dagger from the cusp of her boot, her steps not far behind mine while I narrowed my eyes in on the empty room.
"You wanna spark a match or something, this ain't gonna cut it." Sari asked me.
My hand beamed the light of a fiery blaze. It lit the room up and exposed all the hidden corners amongst us.
"So, so far, we know whoever is behind this had a problem with dinner." Sari joked as her steps retreated deeper into the room.
"Yeah well, me and my fire got a problem with their shitty timing." My body bent down at the grey and white rug, shining a focused light against it to see if there were more clues to be found.
"Calm down, hell there's still plenty of time to celebrate your mom." She assured me from across the room, her eyes wandering around the dim lit room.
Chapter 7: Sari
Liam was nervous about not spending the day with his mom and I completely understood. If my mom thought I’d died and this was the first Mother’s Day we’ve been together, I’d be pissed.
We looked around the room to see if we could find any indication on who was killing people. The library was full of shelves, but not the kind that you could walk behind so a hiding space was not a good option.
“Does it feel chilly in here to you?” I turned to ask Liam.
“A bit yeah, is that window opened?” He pointed to the window closest to me.
I walked over towards it and my foot slipped. I caught my balance, shined the flashlight of my cell phone on the floor and saw the blood. I pulled the curtain back where I saw the dead body draped over the broken glass of the window frame.
“Hey fire-man, we got something.”
Liam came over, “Well hell! Let’s move her.”
He grabbed one arm, I grabbed the other, we put her on the floor.
“She’s been butchered. Wait, not butchered, whoever did this cut out her innards like they knew what they were doing. What in the hell is going on here?” Liam shook his head.
“Look, whoever broke the window has dirty blonde hair. Our victim is a brunette so..”
“So what crazy ass person do we know with dirty blonde hair and can cut up a body like a surgeon?”
“The fucking Ripper. We need to go, now, and tell the others. This is truly fucked up!”
Chapter 8: Erin
With all the dead bodies popping up the team decided to work in two’s to find the person responsible. It made since for me to stay with the mother’s in the dinning hall to keep them safe. With my ability to create, manipulate, and control ice, I could stop the assailant before they got to close, plus Sari’s mom, Lillian, is a hunter. We could stop anything that came through the door.
“Did you hear that?” Willow asked.
“Shh, let me listen.” I could hear what sounded like someone being dragged.
“It’s coming from outside the door.” Lil said.
“Well, here goes.” I turned towards Lil to see if she was ready.
“Ya’ll move back.” She told the others as she took her blade out of her purse.
I froze the door then create an ice lasso to strike it, the door shattered in a thousand pieces.
“You see anything?”
“No…”
A dead body flew through the air, landing right in front of me. Someone had sliced and diced it.
“Shit!” Willow screamed.
Jaq came in slowly. She was not as deranged as she was the last time I saw her, but you could tell by her eyes no one was home. She started to make the wind blow in the room. Plates, silverware, glasses started to rise and swirl. I tried to remember what happened when we stopped her before. I tried to contact Acaleus, screaming for him to answer, but something was blocking it. At that moment it came back to me, when she saw the name of my son tattooed on my arm she froze for a moment. I pulled my sleeve up, screamed her name. A moment was all I was going to need.
“Jaqueline, Jaq look. We are family!”
The wind started to die down, she cocked her head to the side, stared at my arm. She stopped the wind completely, reached her hand out to me.
I summoned all the ice in my body, closed my eyes and let it go. It froze her from head to toe, hand still extended. I flicked the lasso, shattering her like I did the door.
Chapter 9: Gabe
Well, looks like I wasn’t able to keep the drama of demons and chaos away from Ma. But it looks like she still enjoyed her day, I think all the mothers did, especially Erin. Seeing them all here today really explains a lot. These are the same women who tucked us in at night, and now stitch us back together in the morning.
They are the only ones who know who and what we are. And accept us fangs and all. Goes to show that mothers are way more than women, they are warriors, protectors, teachers, and most of all violent. But neither of us could be who we are if it weren’t for their unconditional love and understanding. So to all the awesome moms out there thank you for everything you have done, and Happy Mother’s Day!
April 14, 2020
The Rise of Egypt
She sat in her makeshift prison, on the chaise, waiting for Lillith to come. Although the doors were locked, she knew the first woman ever created, the first vampire would be able to get in and they would start a whole new life, but not before getting revenge on all those who wronged her. All she ever wanted was to make Egypt great, to make it richer, more resourceful than it had ever been. Did she make mistakes? Of course. Did she use people to get what she wanted, what Egypt needed? Absolutely, but never Egypt’s people. Never her people.
“She looked in the mirror, her long black hair was loose and hanging down her back. Gone were her signature braids, that was for the old Cleopatra, she would be someone else after this night. Her skin was the color of chocolate mixed with honey and milk, her eyes just a shade darker. She stood looking at her body, it was still curvy and beautiful even after giving birth four times. Her mind immediately went to her children. She knew they would be taken care of, Lillith had promised her that and Lillith never broke her promises, but by the gods, she would miss them. She could always watch them from afar, be a part of their life, but not in it. But never to talk to them again, never have them speak her name, it was worse than losing Caesar.
Caesar… No matter what others thought, she truly loved him. Not at first, no, at first he was a means to an end. In the beginning, he was just a man of power whom she could seduce, make fall in love with her, to do her bidding. He had power, ability, and rank, she required all three, and more. He had strength, which she admired, and intelligence. He knew how to manipulate without the person realizing he had done so. But never with her, he never manipulated her. In all of her life, men had used her, had wanted her body in exchange for help. They had thought her weak and simple, not fit to rule, but she showed them, had she not? She showed them for nearly thirty years. She could not really say all men, she knew within her heart that Marc Antony truly loved her, but his love paled next to Caesar’s.
Cleopatra sensed Lillith before she saw her, turning around, she smiled and held out her hand.
“Is everything ready?” She asked Lillith, her mentor, her mother.
“It is, yes. Are you ready?” Lillith let go of her hand, moved to the chair, sat down.
“I am, my only concern is…”
“They will be fine, I promise you. If any of them are ever in danger they will be moved to a secure place, assumed murdered.”
“And how did you arrange that?” Cleopatra asked, one perfectly arched brow raised.
“Isis still has many followers beloved.” She said with a laugh.
“That is perfect. How could I ever worry for a moment?”
“It is normal to worry about those we leave behind.”
“I will never be after this night.”
Lillith looked at her, a questioning expression on her beautiful face.
“Normal, I mean. I will no longer be normal ever again.” Sadness crossed her face.
“Were you ever Cleopatra?” Lillith shook her head, “No, you were never normal. You will finally be what you were born to be, an eternal queen. One of my trusted ladies in arms. You will join your true family, a family with women as strong as you, as loyal.” She stood, touched Cleopatra on her face, “No time for doubt, for sadness. Do you remember what I told you?”
“Yes. You will drain me, near death, but I will not be dead. The guards will come in, think I have killed myself with the snake bite, after they move my body, tell everyone I died you will come to me and finish the transformation. After I have drunk from you, I will awaken a vampire never to die, never to be weak, never to be used again.”
“That is right beloved.” Lillith laid her down, turned her neck to the right angle so she could bite her, “Now dream love, dream of the new life you will have, of the new family you are joining.” Lillith elongated her teeth and sank them into Cleopatra’s neck.
But Cleopatra did not dream of the future, she remembered the past…
“She looked in the mirror, her long black hair was loose and hanging down her back. Gone were her signature braids, that was for the old Cleopatra, she would be someone else after this night. Her skin was the color of chocolate mixed with honey and milk, her eyes just a shade darker. She stood looking at her body, it was still curvy and beautiful even after giving birth four times. Her mind immediately went to her children. She knew they would be taken care of, Lillith had promised her that and Lillith never broke her promises, but by the gods, she would miss them. She could always watch them from afar, be a part of their life, but not in it. But never to talk to them again, never have them speak her name, it was worse than losing Caesar.
Caesar… No matter what others thought, she truly loved him. Not at first, no, at first he was a means to an end. In the beginning, he was just a man of power whom she could seduce, make fall in love with her, to do her bidding. He had power, ability, and rank, she required all three, and more. He had strength, which she admired, and intelligence. He knew how to manipulate without the person realizing he had done so. But never with her, he never manipulated her. In all of her life, men had used her, had wanted her body in exchange for help. They had thought her weak and simple, not fit to rule, but she showed them, had she not? She showed them for nearly thirty years. She could not really say all men, she knew within her heart that Marc Antony truly loved her, but his love paled next to Caesar’s.
Cleopatra sensed Lillith before she saw her, turning around, she smiled and held out her hand.
“Is everything ready?” She asked Lillith, her mentor, her mother.
“It is, yes. Are you ready?” Lillith let go of her hand, moved to the chair, sat down.
“I am, my only concern is…”
“They will be fine, I promise you. If any of them are ever in danger they will be moved to a secure place, assumed murdered.”
“And how did you arrange that?” Cleopatra asked, one perfectly arched brow raised.
“Isis still has many followers beloved.” She said with a laugh.
“That is perfect. How could I ever worry for a moment?”
“It is normal to worry about those we leave behind.”
“I will never be after this night.”
Lillith looked at her, a questioning expression on her beautiful face.
“Normal, I mean. I will no longer be normal ever again.” Sadness crossed her face.
“Were you ever Cleopatra?” Lillith shook her head, “No, you were never normal. You will finally be what you were born to be, an eternal queen. One of my trusted ladies in arms. You will join your true family, a family with women as strong as you, as loyal.” She stood, touched Cleopatra on her face, “No time for doubt, for sadness. Do you remember what I told you?”
“Yes. You will drain me, near death, but I will not be dead. The guards will come in, think I have killed myself with the snake bite, after they move my body, tell everyone I died you will come to me and finish the transformation. After I have drunk from you, I will awaken a vampire never to die, never to be weak, never to be used again.”
“That is right beloved.” Lillith laid her down, turned her neck to the right angle so she could bite her, “Now dream love, dream of the new life you will have, of the new family you are joining.” Lillith elongated her teeth and sank them into Cleopatra’s neck.
But Cleopatra did not dream of the future, she remembered the past…
The Changing
“Where should I begin?” Nefertiti sat in her throne room, on her throne, facing her two most beloved children. She wore a royal blue sheath dress with a red robe covering. Her hair, braided in hundreds of small braids was black and shiny. Her brown eyes, lined in black charcoal, were sharp and held purpose. She had her hands, adorned with gold rings, clasped in her lap, as she looked at them.
Her son, Prince Tutankhamun, sat on the step directly below her, “Just say what you would like for us to know Mother.” He patted her on the knee.
“You are indeed a comfort my dear.” She smiled at him, placing her hand on top of his. “I need to instruct you on how to handle things once I… Once I leave you.” A single tear slid down her cheek.
“Mother please,” Her daughter, Neferneferure, begged, “Don’t say such things. You are as healthy as ever.” She smiled weakly.
“Nefe, listen closely Love. My time, in this world with you, is at an end.” Nefertiti stood, walked around her throne room.
On the walls were pictures of her riding her chariot next to her husband, pictures of her with her daughters. Pictures of her in full armor, of her ruling her people.
“Mother?” Prince Tut said.
She looked at him, smiled slightly. Only he knew what was to become of her that night. Only he knew that she was going off to, finally, be with Lillith.
She sat again. “I have much to tell you both. Before the rise of the sun Tut will be King.” She touched his cheek. “You will rule the people as your father did. You will be just and true. You will worship Aten and acknowledge that he is the greatest of all the gods, that he alone deserves to be worshipped.”
“But Mother…”
“No interruptions Nefe. Now,” She said, looking back to Tut, “People will try to go against you, you are still young and they will challenge you, but you are strong my Price. You will rule well. I need for you to promise me something.”
“Anything my Queen.”
“Promise me that you will take care of your sisters. You will keep them at court and protect them as long as you are able.”
“Of course Mother.”
“You will not let anyone sway you in your beliefs, you will treat the people fairly and not judge too harshly.”
“You have raised me well Mother, I will not disappoint you.” He told her.
“I know you will not. Now Nefe,” She turned to her daughter. “You have watched how I ruled, the kind of Queen I have been, yes?”
“I have Mother, yes.”
“You will carry my torch from this day forward. You are just as strong as any man, you are just as smart and capable. Do not believe otherwise. Raise your daughters to know this as truth.” Nefertiti said with conviction.
“Of course, you know that I will.” Tears ran down her face.
“I would not be leaving you if I did not believe you were both ready. I would fight death itself to stay.”
“And you would win, of this, I have no doubt,” Tut told her.
“Good, now listen closely.” She leaned in and told her children her most coveted secrets.
“How do you think they took it?” Gaius asked.
“Tut knows the truth, so he is not as affected. Nefe will have some moments,” She turned to her physician, “I trust you will watch out for her.”
“You know that I will.” He told her. He watched her from across the room, “When will Lillith be here?”
“Right before dawn.” She sighed. “I can’t remember a time in my life that she has not been there. I used to beg and beg for her to change me, to take me with her, but she wouldn’t.”
“I remember my Lady. She had a plan and it has worked.”
“It has indeed.” She faced her polished glass mirror, looked at her reflection, and went back in her mind to herself as a child.
Her son, Prince Tutankhamun, sat on the step directly below her, “Just say what you would like for us to know Mother.” He patted her on the knee.
“You are indeed a comfort my dear.” She smiled at him, placing her hand on top of his. “I need to instruct you on how to handle things once I… Once I leave you.” A single tear slid down her cheek.
“Mother please,” Her daughter, Neferneferure, begged, “Don’t say such things. You are as healthy as ever.” She smiled weakly.
“Nefe, listen closely Love. My time, in this world with you, is at an end.” Nefertiti stood, walked around her throne room.
On the walls were pictures of her riding her chariot next to her husband, pictures of her with her daughters. Pictures of her in full armor, of her ruling her people.
“Mother?” Prince Tut said.
She looked at him, smiled slightly. Only he knew what was to become of her that night. Only he knew that she was going off to, finally, be with Lillith.
She sat again. “I have much to tell you both. Before the rise of the sun Tut will be King.” She touched his cheek. “You will rule the people as your father did. You will be just and true. You will worship Aten and acknowledge that he is the greatest of all the gods, that he alone deserves to be worshipped.”
“But Mother…”
“No interruptions Nefe. Now,” She said, looking back to Tut, “People will try to go against you, you are still young and they will challenge you, but you are strong my Price. You will rule well. I need for you to promise me something.”
“Anything my Queen.”
“Promise me that you will take care of your sisters. You will keep them at court and protect them as long as you are able.”
“Of course Mother.”
“You will not let anyone sway you in your beliefs, you will treat the people fairly and not judge too harshly.”
“You have raised me well Mother, I will not disappoint you.” He told her.
“I know you will not. Now Nefe,” She turned to her daughter. “You have watched how I ruled, the kind of Queen I have been, yes?”
“I have Mother, yes.”
“You will carry my torch from this day forward. You are just as strong as any man, you are just as smart and capable. Do not believe otherwise. Raise your daughters to know this as truth.” Nefertiti said with conviction.
“Of course, you know that I will.” Tears ran down her face.
“I would not be leaving you if I did not believe you were both ready. I would fight death itself to stay.”
“And you would win, of this, I have no doubt,” Tut told her.
“Good, now listen closely.” She leaned in and told her children her most coveted secrets.
“How do you think they took it?” Gaius asked.
“Tut knows the truth, so he is not as affected. Nefe will have some moments,” She turned to her physician, “I trust you will watch out for her.”
“You know that I will.” He told her. He watched her from across the room, “When will Lillith be here?”
“Right before dawn.” She sighed. “I can’t remember a time in my life that she has not been there. I used to beg and beg for her to change me, to take me with her, but she wouldn’t.”
“I remember my Lady. She had a plan and it has worked.”
“It has indeed.” She faced her polished glass mirror, looked at her reflection, and went back in her mind to herself as a child.
February 13, 2019
My favorite chapter from The Chronicles of Sari: Were
Dom and I decided to go where the monsters hang out. There are a few known spots in Indy and since it was still daylight we headed for the obvious choice, Mr. Dans. When we pulled up we spotted three vamps right off. Two females and one male. The male was around six feet even and built like a brick shit house, all muscle. His face was flat and his eyes were close together, not much to look at, but his complexion was a nice caramel color. His lady friends were pretty enough. One looked as if she was a supermodel at one time, all legs and skinny as hell. She wore her long blond hair in a ponytail, her stance was serious, almost challenging, her blue eyes piercing. The other one looked happy go lucky, all smiles and flirty, she was shorter than the other female and she looked to be Creole. She had the attitude of a seasoned vamp, no cares in the world. I was betting she was the ring leader.
We got out of the car and approached them. The male stepped up first, he was the muscle. But me being me, I was not intimidated. I could take him down in no time flat. But Dom being Dom, he stepped right up in front of me.
“Hey, how’s it going?”
“Pretty good. Do I know you?” His voice sounded like he chewed on rocks.
“Not at all, but I would like to ask you a few questions.”
Dom was trying hard to play nice.
“Look, man, you might want to move along.” He flashed his fangs.
“Hold on there sparky.” I flashed my blade.
“Now you I know, or I’ve heard of.” This from happy go lucky in the back.
She stepped up and placed her hand on the muscle, he moved back, a little. “Yes, I’ve heard of you, Ms. Sari.”
“Just Sari, no Ms. needed.” I pulled my blade from its holder, kept it close to my side.
“I have no problem answering a few questions, violence is not needed here.” Her voice was like silk, she could seduce a victim just by talking to them. She was definitely seasoned.
“First, cut the voice trick, it won’t work on me. Second, who are you and your merry band of bandits?”
She laughed, her light brown eyes dancing, I wasn’t sure if I should be insulted or join in.
“I am Nola, and this is Jasper and Marie.” She pointed to herself then her friends.
“Well since you know me there is no need to introduce myself, this is Dom.” I gestured to him. “And he is having a hard time not putting his blade in your friends’ heart, so you might want to tell him to back up a couple clicks.”
She put her hand on his chest and pushed him back. “Jasper you are being disrespectful, they just want to chat.”
“Yeah Jasper, we just want to chat.” I winked at him, I know petty, sue me.
I kept my eye on Nola and Marie, I knew that Dom had Jasper in his crosshairs, we were covered, I hoped.
“Have you heard of a vampire named Milton.”
Her reaction was quick, a look of disgust, then it vanished.
“Milton, umm.” She tapped her fingers on her chin as if she was thinking about it. “We have established a good thing here Nola, no violence, but I won’t be lied to.”
I could tell she didn’t like me. “Yes, I know Milton. What do you want with him?”
One thing about vamps, even if they hated each other they were loyal. “I just have a few questions for him.”
“You are full of questions little one. You do not want to tangle with Milton, he is, shall we say, vicious.” She did the voice thing again.
I shook my head at her, she really didn’t want to dance with me, I’m a lousy partner. “Don’t let the small size fool you Ma. If you see him tell him Sari’s looking for him.” We started to walk away.
“He may find that as a challenge little one.”
“He can take it how he wants to, I don’t care. Just tell him.”
Dom and I got in the Rover and I put my blade away, he did the same. “Why does everyone refer to my size?”
Dom laughed at me. I guess this was a day for jokes and no one bothered to tell me.
We went back to my place, I just couldn’t bring myself to say our place, and changed clothes. We were going to a club downtown called Fangs, yes really that’s the name. It’s a known vamp spot and maybe Milton hung out there. I changed into a pair of black slacks that were loose fitting in the legs so I could access my blades and a red tank top blouse with a pair of red high heeled sandals. They were going to be a bitch to run in, but I could still fight in them, it helped that the heels were silver.
As I was strapping my small sword to my back, Dom came in the room. He looked so good I wanted to stay home and roll around with him, naked. He had on some navy-blue slacks, a white button-down shirt, and some black dress shoes. His shirt was unbuttoned to where you could see his cross and that hard chest. Goodness gracious, my little Black and Italian mixed man.
“Damn Sari, you look good enough to eat.”
I think I actually blushed. “I was thinking something on those same lines about you.” I finished strapping my sword on. “What are you packing handsome?”
“My arm blades, boot knives, some mixtures.”
“Yeah me too, plus the mini back here.” I pointed to the sword.
“How are we going to get in, don’t they pat people down at clubs here?”
“Yes, they do, but I have my own way of getting in.”
He shook his head at me. “Only you.”
He came over to me and gave me a hug, kissing me on my cheek. “No wonder I fell in love with you.”
Him saying that gave me butterflies. To think that this man, someone who knows who I am and what I do, could fall for me. Bad attitude, monster killing, spoiled a little, Sari. I guess there was someone out there for everybody.
“I love you too. Let’s rock and roll."
We arrived at the club and of course parking was a bitch, even for a Thursday night. We found a spot near the street, which wasn’t too bad especially if we had to make a fast exit. We walked to the door, looking like your average couple, right. The usual doorman was standing front and center, yay me. He’s a vamp that I saved a few years back, so he thinks he owes me. He spotted me and smiled, fangs and all.
“Hey Sari, came to have some fun?”
“Something like that. I’m actually looking for someone. A master named Milton.”
He pulled me to the side, Dom followed. He looked at Dom and was about to stop him.
“He’s with me, Biggs.”
“Oh ok, sorry man.”
“No worries.” Dom was so smooth.
“Look, Sari, Milton is bad news. He’s messing around in some bad shit man.” He tried to whisper, but his voice was too big, hence the name.
“I’ve heard, that’s why I’m looking for him.”
“Not to doubt your abilities Ma, but he’s a true Master, with a capital M. You might want to pass on this one.”
“Can’t Biggs. It’s my job, plus I have back up.” I touched Dom’s chest.
“Alright, if you say so. He’s not here right now, but he does come from time to time.”
“If you spot him, come and find me. I have no idea what he looks like.”
“If he comes you will know, he’ll be the worst vamp in the room. People flock to him without him having to do a thing.”
“Good looking out Biggs.” I patted him on the arm.
We went straight to the bar and ordered drinks, a long island iced tea for me and a gin and tonic for Dom. The music was sexy, all bass and drums. You could feel the power in the room, too many vamps in one place will have that effect.
Humans don’t really know what they’re feeling, it’s just a pull they cannot deny. I looked at the dance floor, people bumping and grinding on each other, on vamps, very seductive. Dom and I nursed our drinks, scooping out the place. We both felt it at the same time, a pull, full on power. We turned our heads to the left at the same time and saw Milton. He was big, had to be close to seven feet tall. I couldn’t place his nationality at first, he seemed like a mixture of everything. He wore all black, pants, shirt, leather trench. The power around him was breathtaking. Milton’s entourage was normal sized for a Master Vamp. He had his muscle, which was ridiculous because he was the biggest thing in the room, and his ladies, at least four of them. Dom and I were defiantly outnumbered.
He slowly turned in our direction, pulled down his glasses and winked at me, his eyes were amber, holy shit. Dom tensed immediately, his hands fisting at his sides. All I could do was look, I wasn’t compelled, I just couldn’t believe the power he was putting off. Milton went to a back booth and sat down, his escorts sat at another table. That was all the invitation I needed. I started to walk towards him, but Dom pulled me back. I gave him a questioning look, he simply shook his head.
“What’s the deal, Dom?”
“This doesn’t feel right Sari.”
“We came here to talk to him. I realize we are outnumbered, no fighting just talking.”
“If things get dicey we skip out.”
“Agreed.”
We went over to Milton and sat down, both of us across from him.
“I heard you were looking for me.” His voice was big and hard. The bass in it could drown out the drums in the club.
“Yes, I had some questions for you Milton.” My voice stayed steady, yay me.
“I presume this is about Gilbert Manor.” He smiled.
“It is. What are you guys working on Milton?”
“Aww little one. I do not tell my secrets.”
“I’m only going to tell you once. If what you two are concocting hurts humans in any way I will eliminate you.”
“Threats already in our relationship,” He shook his head, “What a pity.”
“I’m not threatening you in the least. My job is to keep humans safe, that’s what I’m going to do. And for the record, we do not have a relationship.”
He looked at me like he had a secret. “I understand Sari. I’m sure we will meet again.”
I suppose he was dismissing me. That was fine, Dom and I didn’t stand a chance against Milton and his gang.
“I look forward to it.” I lied.
Dom and I got up from the table, watching our backs. You can’t take a vampire’s threats lightly, it may not come today or tomorrow for that matter, but it’s coming.
We decided to leave the club, we had gotten what we came for. We felt the heaviness as soon as we hit the parking lot. Four vamps came out of nowhere. Two females and two males still outnumbered, but none of them were masters. The first male went at Dom fast, he had his blade out faster, the vamp went poof. Nice and clean. The second one was a beast, he hit Dom from the back and knocked him down flat, straddled him and went to work. I went to assist and was pulled from behind. She was about my size, but strong as hell, hyped up blood for sure. I headbutted her from the back and turned quickly. I dropped low and went for her knees. She dropped with me and blocked the blow. I took a hit straight in the face, I swear I saw stars. I rolled and got back on my feet. I had just enough time to pull the mini from my back. You could hear the sound of metal against metal throughout the entire parking lot. The vamp came straight for me. I sliced her twice on the arm, but she kept coming. I twirled around her, hit the back of her head with the butt of the sword. I needed some room to maneuver. She staggered but didn’t drop. I scissor kicked her in the stomach, that made her fall to her knees. I took her head off.
I looked over at Dom just in time to see his vamp turn to dust, what a pity I loved to see that man fight. Then I fell to my knees. Something was on the back of my neck. The second female vamp. She was small but strong. Not hyped up blood strong, but strong enough. I grabbed a hand full of shirt and pulled her off me. She fell in front of me. I looked at her, she was a kid, maybe twelve when she was changed. I couldn’t believe it.
I pulled my cross out. “Look, kid, I’m giving you a pass. Leave now and I won’t kill you.” Please don’t make me kill you.
“Fuck you!” What a dirty little mouth she had.
“Last chance.” I stood slowly, pulled my boot knife out.
She held her hands up as if she were surrendering. She backed away quickly. I turned to Dom and she was on my back again. I felt her fangs near my neck at the same time I saw Dom throw his blade. Someone was screaming really loud. I figured out later it was me.
“Dom, what the fuck!” I yelled at him.
“She was about to bite you, Sari.”
“She was a kid.”
“She was a vamp, and we need to get out of here before more show up.”
He pulled me to the car and jumped in the driver’s seat. I was quite the whole way home. I didn’t know what to say to him. In my mind, we could have given her a pass, but Dom didn’t see it that way. I walked into the condo and slammed the door, taking my jacket and weapons off as I went.
“What’s the problem, Sari?”
“Dom, you might want to give me some space.”
“No Sari, we discuss this now.”
I turned on him. “Really, now Dom.” I pulled out one of my kitchen chairs, sat down. “Fine, why the hell did you kill her? I was giving her a chance to walk away.”
“Did you not feel her fangs on your neck? What the hell did you expect me to do let her bite you?” He was the hunter now, not my Dom. And that was fine because I was Sari, warrior fucking supreme.
“You could have gotten her off Dom, let her walk away.”
“Why would I do that, she was a vamp, Sari. A bad vamp that attacks people. We kill those or did you forget?”
“No I didn’t forget, but we are supposed to have feelings, Dom, otherwise we’re
just like them.”
“So I’m a fucking monster now?”
“Are you.”
He walked away from me. Paced the floor. I could tell he was trying to get his words together.
“Look, Sari.” He crouched down in front of me. “We kill the bad guy’s period. She could be nine or ninety-seven, if she attacks people, we kill her. Period.” He looked at me as if I were new at this, it was pissing me off.
“Dom, don’t tell me my job. I’ve been hunting longer than you and on my own. I know what we do. All I’m saying is, she was a kid.”
“Feeling sorry for her almost cost you your life. Do you have any idea what that would do to me, any idea? Sari please.” He got up.
Damn it, damn it, damn it!!! “Dom, look I’m sorry, really, but I cannot help the fact that I have compassion for some of them. I do not have a death wish, seriously. I just think we could have handled that differently.”
He turned back around. “Let’s just agree to disagree Sari.”
“Fine.”
“Just please, don’t ever ask me to choose between one of them and you. You will win every time.” He walked back into the bathroom and closed the door.
I heard the shower turn on. How can I stay mad at him when he says things like that.
We got out of the car and approached them. The male stepped up first, he was the muscle. But me being me, I was not intimidated. I could take him down in no time flat. But Dom being Dom, he stepped right up in front of me.
“Hey, how’s it going?”
“Pretty good. Do I know you?” His voice sounded like he chewed on rocks.
“Not at all, but I would like to ask you a few questions.”
Dom was trying hard to play nice.
“Look, man, you might want to move along.” He flashed his fangs.
“Hold on there sparky.” I flashed my blade.
“Now you I know, or I’ve heard of.” This from happy go lucky in the back.
She stepped up and placed her hand on the muscle, he moved back, a little. “Yes, I’ve heard of you, Ms. Sari.”
“Just Sari, no Ms. needed.” I pulled my blade from its holder, kept it close to my side.
“I have no problem answering a few questions, violence is not needed here.” Her voice was like silk, she could seduce a victim just by talking to them. She was definitely seasoned.
“First, cut the voice trick, it won’t work on me. Second, who are you and your merry band of bandits?”
She laughed, her light brown eyes dancing, I wasn’t sure if I should be insulted or join in.
“I am Nola, and this is Jasper and Marie.” She pointed to herself then her friends.
“Well since you know me there is no need to introduce myself, this is Dom.” I gestured to him. “And he is having a hard time not putting his blade in your friends’ heart, so you might want to tell him to back up a couple clicks.”
She put her hand on his chest and pushed him back. “Jasper you are being disrespectful, they just want to chat.”
“Yeah Jasper, we just want to chat.” I winked at him, I know petty, sue me.
I kept my eye on Nola and Marie, I knew that Dom had Jasper in his crosshairs, we were covered, I hoped.
“Have you heard of a vampire named Milton.”
Her reaction was quick, a look of disgust, then it vanished.
“Milton, umm.” She tapped her fingers on her chin as if she was thinking about it. “We have established a good thing here Nola, no violence, but I won’t be lied to.”
I could tell she didn’t like me. “Yes, I know Milton. What do you want with him?”
One thing about vamps, even if they hated each other they were loyal. “I just have a few questions for him.”
“You are full of questions little one. You do not want to tangle with Milton, he is, shall we say, vicious.” She did the voice thing again.
I shook my head at her, she really didn’t want to dance with me, I’m a lousy partner. “Don’t let the small size fool you Ma. If you see him tell him Sari’s looking for him.” We started to walk away.
“He may find that as a challenge little one.”
“He can take it how he wants to, I don’t care. Just tell him.”
Dom and I got in the Rover and I put my blade away, he did the same. “Why does everyone refer to my size?”
Dom laughed at me. I guess this was a day for jokes and no one bothered to tell me.
We went back to my place, I just couldn’t bring myself to say our place, and changed clothes. We were going to a club downtown called Fangs, yes really that’s the name. It’s a known vamp spot and maybe Milton hung out there. I changed into a pair of black slacks that were loose fitting in the legs so I could access my blades and a red tank top blouse with a pair of red high heeled sandals. They were going to be a bitch to run in, but I could still fight in them, it helped that the heels were silver.
As I was strapping my small sword to my back, Dom came in the room. He looked so good I wanted to stay home and roll around with him, naked. He had on some navy-blue slacks, a white button-down shirt, and some black dress shoes. His shirt was unbuttoned to where you could see his cross and that hard chest. Goodness gracious, my little Black and Italian mixed man.
“Damn Sari, you look good enough to eat.”
I think I actually blushed. “I was thinking something on those same lines about you.” I finished strapping my sword on. “What are you packing handsome?”
“My arm blades, boot knives, some mixtures.”
“Yeah me too, plus the mini back here.” I pointed to the sword.
“How are we going to get in, don’t they pat people down at clubs here?”
“Yes, they do, but I have my own way of getting in.”
He shook his head at me. “Only you.”
He came over to me and gave me a hug, kissing me on my cheek. “No wonder I fell in love with you.”
Him saying that gave me butterflies. To think that this man, someone who knows who I am and what I do, could fall for me. Bad attitude, monster killing, spoiled a little, Sari. I guess there was someone out there for everybody.
“I love you too. Let’s rock and roll."
We arrived at the club and of course parking was a bitch, even for a Thursday night. We found a spot near the street, which wasn’t too bad especially if we had to make a fast exit. We walked to the door, looking like your average couple, right. The usual doorman was standing front and center, yay me. He’s a vamp that I saved a few years back, so he thinks he owes me. He spotted me and smiled, fangs and all.
“Hey Sari, came to have some fun?”
“Something like that. I’m actually looking for someone. A master named Milton.”
He pulled me to the side, Dom followed. He looked at Dom and was about to stop him.
“He’s with me, Biggs.”
“Oh ok, sorry man.”
“No worries.” Dom was so smooth.
“Look, Sari, Milton is bad news. He’s messing around in some bad shit man.” He tried to whisper, but his voice was too big, hence the name.
“I’ve heard, that’s why I’m looking for him.”
“Not to doubt your abilities Ma, but he’s a true Master, with a capital M. You might want to pass on this one.”
“Can’t Biggs. It’s my job, plus I have back up.” I touched Dom’s chest.
“Alright, if you say so. He’s not here right now, but he does come from time to time.”
“If you spot him, come and find me. I have no idea what he looks like.”
“If he comes you will know, he’ll be the worst vamp in the room. People flock to him without him having to do a thing.”
“Good looking out Biggs.” I patted him on the arm.
We went straight to the bar and ordered drinks, a long island iced tea for me and a gin and tonic for Dom. The music was sexy, all bass and drums. You could feel the power in the room, too many vamps in one place will have that effect.
Humans don’t really know what they’re feeling, it’s just a pull they cannot deny. I looked at the dance floor, people bumping and grinding on each other, on vamps, very seductive. Dom and I nursed our drinks, scooping out the place. We both felt it at the same time, a pull, full on power. We turned our heads to the left at the same time and saw Milton. He was big, had to be close to seven feet tall. I couldn’t place his nationality at first, he seemed like a mixture of everything. He wore all black, pants, shirt, leather trench. The power around him was breathtaking. Milton’s entourage was normal sized for a Master Vamp. He had his muscle, which was ridiculous because he was the biggest thing in the room, and his ladies, at least four of them. Dom and I were defiantly outnumbered.
He slowly turned in our direction, pulled down his glasses and winked at me, his eyes were amber, holy shit. Dom tensed immediately, his hands fisting at his sides. All I could do was look, I wasn’t compelled, I just couldn’t believe the power he was putting off. Milton went to a back booth and sat down, his escorts sat at another table. That was all the invitation I needed. I started to walk towards him, but Dom pulled me back. I gave him a questioning look, he simply shook his head.
“What’s the deal, Dom?”
“This doesn’t feel right Sari.”
“We came here to talk to him. I realize we are outnumbered, no fighting just talking.”
“If things get dicey we skip out.”
“Agreed.”
We went over to Milton and sat down, both of us across from him.
“I heard you were looking for me.” His voice was big and hard. The bass in it could drown out the drums in the club.
“Yes, I had some questions for you Milton.” My voice stayed steady, yay me.
“I presume this is about Gilbert Manor.” He smiled.
“It is. What are you guys working on Milton?”
“Aww little one. I do not tell my secrets.”
“I’m only going to tell you once. If what you two are concocting hurts humans in any way I will eliminate you.”
“Threats already in our relationship,” He shook his head, “What a pity.”
“I’m not threatening you in the least. My job is to keep humans safe, that’s what I’m going to do. And for the record, we do not have a relationship.”
He looked at me like he had a secret. “I understand Sari. I’m sure we will meet again.”
I suppose he was dismissing me. That was fine, Dom and I didn’t stand a chance against Milton and his gang.
“I look forward to it.” I lied.
Dom and I got up from the table, watching our backs. You can’t take a vampire’s threats lightly, it may not come today or tomorrow for that matter, but it’s coming.
We decided to leave the club, we had gotten what we came for. We felt the heaviness as soon as we hit the parking lot. Four vamps came out of nowhere. Two females and two males still outnumbered, but none of them were masters. The first male went at Dom fast, he had his blade out faster, the vamp went poof. Nice and clean. The second one was a beast, he hit Dom from the back and knocked him down flat, straddled him and went to work. I went to assist and was pulled from behind. She was about my size, but strong as hell, hyped up blood for sure. I headbutted her from the back and turned quickly. I dropped low and went for her knees. She dropped with me and blocked the blow. I took a hit straight in the face, I swear I saw stars. I rolled and got back on my feet. I had just enough time to pull the mini from my back. You could hear the sound of metal against metal throughout the entire parking lot. The vamp came straight for me. I sliced her twice on the arm, but she kept coming. I twirled around her, hit the back of her head with the butt of the sword. I needed some room to maneuver. She staggered but didn’t drop. I scissor kicked her in the stomach, that made her fall to her knees. I took her head off.
I looked over at Dom just in time to see his vamp turn to dust, what a pity I loved to see that man fight. Then I fell to my knees. Something was on the back of my neck. The second female vamp. She was small but strong. Not hyped up blood strong, but strong enough. I grabbed a hand full of shirt and pulled her off me. She fell in front of me. I looked at her, she was a kid, maybe twelve when she was changed. I couldn’t believe it.
I pulled my cross out. “Look, kid, I’m giving you a pass. Leave now and I won’t kill you.” Please don’t make me kill you.
“Fuck you!” What a dirty little mouth she had.
“Last chance.” I stood slowly, pulled my boot knife out.
She held her hands up as if she were surrendering. She backed away quickly. I turned to Dom and she was on my back again. I felt her fangs near my neck at the same time I saw Dom throw his blade. Someone was screaming really loud. I figured out later it was me.
“Dom, what the fuck!” I yelled at him.
“She was about to bite you, Sari.”
“She was a kid.”
“She was a vamp, and we need to get out of here before more show up.”
He pulled me to the car and jumped in the driver’s seat. I was quite the whole way home. I didn’t know what to say to him. In my mind, we could have given her a pass, but Dom didn’t see it that way. I walked into the condo and slammed the door, taking my jacket and weapons off as I went.
“What’s the problem, Sari?”
“Dom, you might want to give me some space.”
“No Sari, we discuss this now.”
I turned on him. “Really, now Dom.” I pulled out one of my kitchen chairs, sat down. “Fine, why the hell did you kill her? I was giving her a chance to walk away.”
“Did you not feel her fangs on your neck? What the hell did you expect me to do let her bite you?” He was the hunter now, not my Dom. And that was fine because I was Sari, warrior fucking supreme.
“You could have gotten her off Dom, let her walk away.”
“Why would I do that, she was a vamp, Sari. A bad vamp that attacks people. We kill those or did you forget?”
“No I didn’t forget, but we are supposed to have feelings, Dom, otherwise we’re
just like them.”
“So I’m a fucking monster now?”
“Are you.”
He walked away from me. Paced the floor. I could tell he was trying to get his words together.
“Look, Sari.” He crouched down in front of me. “We kill the bad guy’s period. She could be nine or ninety-seven, if she attacks people, we kill her. Period.” He looked at me as if I were new at this, it was pissing me off.
“Dom, don’t tell me my job. I’ve been hunting longer than you and on my own. I know what we do. All I’m saying is, she was a kid.”
“Feeling sorry for her almost cost you your life. Do you have any idea what that would do to me, any idea? Sari please.” He got up.
Damn it, damn it, damn it!!! “Dom, look I’m sorry, really, but I cannot help the fact that I have compassion for some of them. I do not have a death wish, seriously. I just think we could have handled that differently.”
He turned back around. “Let’s just agree to disagree Sari.”
“Fine.”
“Just please, don’t ever ask me to choose between one of them and you. You will win every time.” He walked back into the bathroom and closed the door.
I heard the shower turn on. How can I stay mad at him when he says things like that.
January 30, 2019
Queens of Horror -vs- Queens of the Vamperial
Hello Loves, it’s time for another Inside the Nation blog! Today I thought we’d talk about how my fellow Queens of Horror reminds me so much of my Vamperial queens. When I picked which queens I would write about for the Vamperial it was because of who they were in history, not how they reminded me of my fellow Red Ink authors. As I started developing the queens, I was amazed at how much each of them reminded me of the ladies I work so closely with. I will break them down individually so you guys can see what I mean.
Let’s start with Queen Candace. She is an extremely strong little queen with deep empathetic powers. She has the ability to come into a room and make you stop what you are doing just to pay attention to her. Candace is a natural strategist and although she is one of the sweetest women you will ever meet, there is a dark side to her, a side that should be feared. Everyone that meets her, loves her but knows that she has something menacing dwelling within her. The more I developed Candace, the more she reminded me of Omega. Omega has the ability to command a room as soon as she enters it. Although she is the smallest of our merry band, she comes up with the most horrific plot twists. Her characters are amazingly diabolical and by far, the scariest ones I’ve ever read. Both Candace and Omega are genuinely good women, but they both should be treated with respect or the fangs will come out.
Next on my list is Queen Sheba. Sheba is a very loyal and loving queen. She puts everyone’s needs before her own and the safety and comfort of her people are what drives her. Sheba loves knowledge, she absorbs any and everything you put in front of her. If her mind is not constantly stimulated she is a dangerous person. Although she is loving and compassionate, if you come for one of hers, she’s taking out five of yours. As I was writing Revelation and Sheba’s characteristics shown through more clearly, I saw Jaqueline. These two could be twins! Jaqueline is a charming, warm, insightful woman, but if you cross the ones she loves she will destroy you. She cannot be bored for too long or she will drive herself (and everyone around her) crazy. Not to mention Jaqueline’s thirst for knowledge, she is like a sponge in water. If it is out there to be learned, our Jaqueline will eventually get to it. Both of these Queens are fierce, loving, and protective, but you better not underestimate either one.
Last, but definitely not least, is Queen Nefertiti. While doing research for this queen, I learned rather quickly, that she was a private person. Nefertiti keeps her issues to herself and those very few that she trusts. Although she is loved by all, she has only a select few that she considers her friends. She is strong, alluring, and resilient, but she has a terrible temper. You seldom get a second chance with her. You’ve probably guessed by now, that our Neffi is exactly this way. Behind that beautiful smile and soft voice is a vicious young woman. She will give you the shirt off her back, but once you’ve shown your true colors to her, she will never forget. Both Nefertiti’s are generous, dedicated women, but will cut you off and up if crossed.
I find it both amusing and unsettling how much my Queens of Horror remind me of my Vamperial Queens, considering the Vamperial Queens were real people. I embellished in their day to day lives, yes, but I wrote them and their personalities based on the research I did for each of them. I also wrote most of their books before I started working with my wonderful Red Ink ladies. I found this so interesting and just thought I’d share it with you. Hope you all enjoyed it and as always, I wish you Happy Reading!
Let’s start with Queen Candace. She is an extremely strong little queen with deep empathetic powers. She has the ability to come into a room and make you stop what you are doing just to pay attention to her. Candace is a natural strategist and although she is one of the sweetest women you will ever meet, there is a dark side to her, a side that should be feared. Everyone that meets her, loves her but knows that she has something menacing dwelling within her. The more I developed Candace, the more she reminded me of Omega. Omega has the ability to command a room as soon as she enters it. Although she is the smallest of our merry band, she comes up with the most horrific plot twists. Her characters are amazingly diabolical and by far, the scariest ones I’ve ever read. Both Candace and Omega are genuinely good women, but they both should be treated with respect or the fangs will come out.
Next on my list is Queen Sheba. Sheba is a very loyal and loving queen. She puts everyone’s needs before her own and the safety and comfort of her people are what drives her. Sheba loves knowledge, she absorbs any and everything you put in front of her. If her mind is not constantly stimulated she is a dangerous person. Although she is loving and compassionate, if you come for one of hers, she’s taking out five of yours. As I was writing Revelation and Sheba’s characteristics shown through more clearly, I saw Jaqueline. These two could be twins! Jaqueline is a charming, warm, insightful woman, but if you cross the ones she loves she will destroy you. She cannot be bored for too long or she will drive herself (and everyone around her) crazy. Not to mention Jaqueline’s thirst for knowledge, she is like a sponge in water. If it is out there to be learned, our Jaqueline will eventually get to it. Both of these Queens are fierce, loving, and protective, but you better not underestimate either one.
Last, but definitely not least, is Queen Nefertiti. While doing research for this queen, I learned rather quickly, that she was a private person. Nefertiti keeps her issues to herself and those very few that she trusts. Although she is loved by all, she has only a select few that she considers her friends. She is strong, alluring, and resilient, but she has a terrible temper. You seldom get a second chance with her. You’ve probably guessed by now, that our Neffi is exactly this way. Behind that beautiful smile and soft voice is a vicious young woman. She will give you the shirt off her back, but once you’ve shown your true colors to her, she will never forget. Both Nefertiti’s are generous, dedicated women, but will cut you off and up if crossed.
I find it both amusing and unsettling how much my Queens of Horror remind me of my Vamperial Queens, considering the Vamperial Queens were real people. I embellished in their day to day lives, yes, but I wrote them and their personalities based on the research I did for each of them. I also wrote most of their books before I started working with my wonderful Red Ink ladies. I found this so interesting and just thought I’d share it with you. Hope you all enjoyed it and as always, I wish you Happy Reading!
January 23, 2019
A closer look into The Chronicles of Sari: Were
Hello Loves and welcome to another week of Inside the Nation. As promised, this week we will talk more about Sari, the main character of my The Chronicles of Sari series. Last week we talked about who she is as a person, how she operates, the people in her main circle. This week I want to get into the 1st Sari book Were-.
In Were- Sari was called by a friend of Lonnie's, the police chief of Marion County, named Gilbert who was having a problem with a newly turned vampire. Sari agreed to meet with him, see what she could see and go from there. The meeting didn't go to Sari's liking, it seemed as if Gilbert had some secrets. Now, normally Sari didn't care about secrets, but this was a case and that was a no-no. Gilbert was very slow to answer and it appeared like he already knew who was following him so Sari figured he was in on whatever was going on, she was right. She then calls Lonnie to ask about Gilbert and the case begins.
Sari figures out that the Master vampire of the city, Milton, was making hybrids of were-animals and vampires. She soon discovers that Gilbert was helping him and was being stalked by one of the hybrids when things became too much for him. During this time Dom comes in, Sari and Dom had worked on a case the year before and had a brief, but meaningful fling. Turns out that Dom was working on the same case in Chicago and it bought him to Indianapolis. Sari and Dom worked the hybrid case together, with a few twist and turns and discovered that Sari had inherited a pack of wereleopards.
Sari, Dom, and the leopards figured out what was making the hybrids, which I will not tell you here because I want you to read the book, and there is a massive battle.
In this book, there are several awakenings from the characters. Sari has to realize working with others is not a bad thing, Dom has to see that all supernatural beings are not bad and so forth, the rest you'll have to see in the book.
This book taught me that I can write a supernatural book that didn't have to be historical. It also taught me that certain characters will simply take over the story, I loved that one by the way.
All in all, I hope you can pick up The Chronicles if Sari: Were and let me know what you think. I believe you will love Sari and the rest of the gang! As always, I wish you Happy Reading!
In Were- Sari was called by a friend of Lonnie's, the police chief of Marion County, named Gilbert who was having a problem with a newly turned vampire. Sari agreed to meet with him, see what she could see and go from there. The meeting didn't go to Sari's liking, it seemed as if Gilbert had some secrets. Now, normally Sari didn't care about secrets, but this was a case and that was a no-no. Gilbert was very slow to answer and it appeared like he already knew who was following him so Sari figured he was in on whatever was going on, she was right. She then calls Lonnie to ask about Gilbert and the case begins.
Sari figures out that the Master vampire of the city, Milton, was making hybrids of were-animals and vampires. She soon discovers that Gilbert was helping him and was being stalked by one of the hybrids when things became too much for him. During this time Dom comes in, Sari and Dom had worked on a case the year before and had a brief, but meaningful fling. Turns out that Dom was working on the same case in Chicago and it bought him to Indianapolis. Sari and Dom worked the hybrid case together, with a few twist and turns and discovered that Sari had inherited a pack of wereleopards.
Sari, Dom, and the leopards figured out what was making the hybrids, which I will not tell you here because I want you to read the book, and there is a massive battle.
In this book, there are several awakenings from the characters. Sari has to realize working with others is not a bad thing, Dom has to see that all supernatural beings are not bad and so forth, the rest you'll have to see in the book.
This book taught me that I can write a supernatural book that didn't have to be historical. It also taught me that certain characters will simply take over the story, I loved that one by the way.
All in all, I hope you can pick up The Chronicles if Sari: Were and let me know what you think. I believe you will love Sari and the rest of the gang! As always, I wish you Happy Reading!
January 16, 2019
A look in to Sari...
Hello Loves and welcome back to Inside the Nation. This week I want to talk a little about Sari, the main character of my upcoming book The Chronicles of Sari: Asylum. This will be the fourth book in the Sari chronicles and I love it as much as the first.
When I came up with the concept of Sari I wanted a strong female character that kicked a lot of ass and loved every minute of it so I made her a hunter. I didn't want her to be a typical hunter that worked primary alone or that only hunted werewolves and vampires. I also wanted her to have a family unit of some sort, to have people that she could rely on during a hunt or to help her out with the lore of what she is hunting. Sari's parents were both hunters. Her mother Lillian raised Sari alone after her father Alaric died before Sari was born. Sari also has a lore and weapons expert, Ingrid, that helps her out whenever she is needed. Although Sari is a hardass and loves her solitude, she has a partner in life and in hunting, Dominic. In Were-, the first Sari book, she inherited a pack of wereleopards after killing their Alpha so she is well secured in her family circle.
It was important to me to make her world one that knew of the supernatural, I didn't want her hunting in the dark or on the sly and no one knows that there are monsters out in the world. I made it so that when the police are up against something supernatural they call in Sari to deal with it. When things get messy and they always do, the police force also has a clean-up team to deal with the mop up after Sari kills the big bad. I wanted it to be as realistic as a book about a supernatural hunter could be.
So in short, Sari is a hunter who lives in Indianapolis. She has a great support system with her mother, her partner Dom, her pack, and her weapons expert Ingrid. She has made a promise to protect the people of Indy from all things supernatural and she loves her job. Although Sari's attitude could use a little adjustment, her heart is always in the right place. She has gone up against weres-, vampires, Reapers, and a djinn in order to keep her city safe. I will have more posts about Sari over the next month until her book release on 2.21.19. I hope you enjoyed learning a little bit about her and always I wish you Happy Reading!
When I came up with the concept of Sari I wanted a strong female character that kicked a lot of ass and loved every minute of it so I made her a hunter. I didn't want her to be a typical hunter that worked primary alone or that only hunted werewolves and vampires. I also wanted her to have a family unit of some sort, to have people that she could rely on during a hunt or to help her out with the lore of what she is hunting. Sari's parents were both hunters. Her mother Lillian raised Sari alone after her father Alaric died before Sari was born. Sari also has a lore and weapons expert, Ingrid, that helps her out whenever she is needed. Although Sari is a hardass and loves her solitude, she has a partner in life and in hunting, Dominic. In Were-, the first Sari book, she inherited a pack of wereleopards after killing their Alpha so she is well secured in her family circle.
It was important to me to make her world one that knew of the supernatural, I didn't want her hunting in the dark or on the sly and no one knows that there are monsters out in the world. I made it so that when the police are up against something supernatural they call in Sari to deal with it. When things get messy and they always do, the police force also has a clean-up team to deal with the mop up after Sari kills the big bad. I wanted it to be as realistic as a book about a supernatural hunter could be.
So in short, Sari is a hunter who lives in Indianapolis. She has a great support system with her mother, her partner Dom, her pack, and her weapons expert Ingrid. She has made a promise to protect the people of Indy from all things supernatural and she loves her job. Although Sari's attitude could use a little adjustment, her heart is always in the right place. She has gone up against weres-, vampires, Reapers, and a djinn in order to keep her city safe. I will have more posts about Sari over the next month until her book release on 2.21.19. I hope you enjoyed learning a little bit about her and always I wish you Happy Reading!
January 9, 2019
Happy New Year
Hello, Loves and Happy New Year! I know it's been a while since I've posted a blog, but I took a little time off to get some things in order for this year's Red Ink Pub's book releases. We have some truly great titles that we have been working on for you guys.
I decided to go back to my roots and focus on historical fiction this year. Although my first release of the year will be a Chronicles of Sari book, which I am thrilled about, the remaining of my books for the year will be historical fiction. Those of you that know my work know that I love this genre. It's something about taking a historical event and revamping it. I love putting my horror/supernatural twist on it and making my readers think this could have actually happened.
My first book, Lillith: My Genesis, was about the first wife of Adam who was banished from the garden of Eden after speaking the name of God aloud. I put my twist on it by making her consume the beasts in the wilderness and then being transformed into the first vampire. In doing my research in the Torah and other religious texts, I found that her character and the way she carried herself reminded me of a vampire, so I made her into one, fictionally. I did the same thing throughout the Vamperial series when I picked her queens.
For the past few years, I have veered off the historical fiction genre and leaned more towards horror and supernatural. Don’t get me wrong, I love these genres, but I have missed my first love and am so happy to be getting back to it. The research of it, the digging into historical events and people, it makes me very happy. I have three that I have scheduled to be released this year and I had such a wonderful time researching and working on them. I will definitely keep you all posted on release dates so be on the lookout.
As far as my next book, The Chronicles of Sari: Asylum, I am eager for you all to read it. I’m bringing the sassy hunter back to tackle a haunted mental hospital full of possessed patients. She, her pack of wereleopards, her partner Dom, Doc and Ingrid are all in it together trying to figure out how to save the patients and vanquish the evil. It comes out February 21, 2019, be sure to go to my Twitter and Instagram pages to see some amazing character art. I will also be doing some cool Sari related quizzes and games in the next few weeks.
I hope you all are doing great and as always I wish you Happy Reading!
I decided to go back to my roots and focus on historical fiction this year. Although my first release of the year will be a Chronicles of Sari book, which I am thrilled about, the remaining of my books for the year will be historical fiction. Those of you that know my work know that I love this genre. It's something about taking a historical event and revamping it. I love putting my horror/supernatural twist on it and making my readers think this could have actually happened.
My first book, Lillith: My Genesis, was about the first wife of Adam who was banished from the garden of Eden after speaking the name of God aloud. I put my twist on it by making her consume the beasts in the wilderness and then being transformed into the first vampire. In doing my research in the Torah and other religious texts, I found that her character and the way she carried herself reminded me of a vampire, so I made her into one, fictionally. I did the same thing throughout the Vamperial series when I picked her queens.
For the past few years, I have veered off the historical fiction genre and leaned more towards horror and supernatural. Don’t get me wrong, I love these genres, but I have missed my first love and am so happy to be getting back to it. The research of it, the digging into historical events and people, it makes me very happy. I have three that I have scheduled to be released this year and I had such a wonderful time researching and working on them. I will definitely keep you all posted on release dates so be on the lookout.
As far as my next book, The Chronicles of Sari: Asylum, I am eager for you all to read it. I’m bringing the sassy hunter back to tackle a haunted mental hospital full of possessed patients. She, her pack of wereleopards, her partner Dom, Doc and Ingrid are all in it together trying to figure out how to save the patients and vanquish the evil. It comes out February 21, 2019, be sure to go to my Twitter and Instagram pages to see some amazing character art. I will also be doing some cool Sari related quizzes and games in the next few weeks.
I hope you all are doing great and as always I wish you Happy Reading!
September 15, 2018
Sons Of Cain: The Origins Of Malic, Prologue
Hey Loves! Here is a sneak peek of my upcoming book Sons Of Cain: The Origin Of Malic. It will be released on Halloween for our 5th annual October Horror Fest. Enjoy and feel free to leave a comment below and let me know what you think! As always, I wish you Happy Reading!
“Don’t you ever,” The first whack took off Aden’s right arm, “Steal from me again.” I took his left leg with the machete.
Aden was my second in command. I made the mistake of trusting him. He slumped to the ground as his screams echoed throughout the building.
Manny, flat face we called him, laughed uncontrollably. “Boss, why’d you chop off opposite hands and feet?” He stepped away, wiping his dark face with a handkerchief, not wanting the blood to get on his shoes.
“Where I come from, if you’re crooked, you walk around as such.” I answered, wiping my hands of Aden’s blood.
“Plea….please Malic.” Sweat and tears poured from his face.
“Please what.” I yelled, my anger shaking the walls. “Please don’t kill you, please forgive you?” I shook my head. “If you are going to have the balls to steal from me at least take the consequences like a man.”
There was a light knock on the door, I turned, machete ready.
“Boss, you told me to let you know when it was ten.” Devon, the one who would take Aden’s place, informed me as he peeked his head inside.
“Right.” I threw the used handkerchief on the ground. “Clean this shit up, I’m not sure how long I’ll be. Keep things tight until I get back.” I too had a boss and I dare not keep him waiting.
“How much did he take?” Devon whispered to Manny as I walked past him.
“His bank was thirty dollars short.” I heard Manny whisper back.
“Damn.” Devon sighed, shaking his head.
I walked out of the warehouse, towards the back. I looked around to make sure no one was around, called upon my affinity of the elements and took to the wind.
He called us all together, his three sons, the most powerful beings on the earth. He chose the strongest witches of this earth to procreate with. The witches with the most power, the richest affinities, to make his heirs. He is Cain, the first human ever born, his parents created directly from the Most-High.
It was not a request, it never is with him. ‘Meet me in New York City, at my penthouse. Do not keep me waiting.’ It was as simple as that. So we came. Who would ever think of disobeying Cain, the second oldest living being on the face of the Earth, the all-powerful? No one in their right mind, of course.
I arrived first. I reached his door, placed my hand in the sensor, ‘Welcome Master Malic.’ The automated voice said to me as the locks disengaged.
When I entered, my father stood with his back to me, facing the window, not saying a word. I looked at his back, knowing that if he turned we would be almost identical only I would be wearing a suit.
My younger brother Alec arrived next, his light brown skin, curly hair, and bright hazel eyes making him look like a child. He wore a pair of black jeans and a blue and white hoodie.
“Has he been standing there the entire time?” He asked, nodding towards our father as he gave me a hug.
“Of course.” I shrugged, pretending not to care that I’d been ignored.
Cai, the middle of us and the most savage, came last. His grey eyes just slightly crazed, his black hair, curly and shiny. He sported a pair of grey jogging pants with a matching jacket. His skin nice and tanned from his last venture.
“The gang is all here.” He said with a laugh in his voice, patting us both on the back.
Cain finally turned, looked at all of us. “Please, sit.” He gestured.
He had us all sit around a large ancient wooden round table in his living room. He had the walls painted a dark green, the floors a shiny red oak. The lighting was low, the mood lower. The room was decorated sparingly, a chair here, a lamp there, one picture adorned the wall, our only sister Jacqueline. Seeing her picture there made me want to destroy it. In my mind, he favored her, loved her the most. How could he? She was mortal, her mother a mortal. She worked for an organization, the Order, that literally killed our kind, but Cain loved her above all else. Our lovely sister had actually gone up against dear old dad and his whore Lillith, but she was favored. I wanted to kill her on sight. Why had he called us here?
Cain stood in the center of the room, his posture straight, eyes void. He wore a pair of ripped blue jeans, a black tee, and a pair of grey Nike’s, he looked in his late twenties. He could pass as our brother. He wore his dark brown curly hair to his shoulders. His skin, the color of burnt straw, was clear and flawless. He stood six feet, eight inches tall, his build that of a trainer.
“I know it has been a long time since we’ve all been together, I apologize for that. I have been working on something and I require your assistance.” He looked at all of us. “What needs to be done will be hard, but you were created just for this task. Your births were not an accident, your mothers were chosen with care, with purpose.”
“But not with love?” I asked in disgust, making the wind shake the windows.
He spared me a glance, “No, not in love Malic.” He looked towards his window, shutting the wind down instantly, putting me in my place. “The deeds I have allowed you all to do over the centuries were to prepare you for this. I may not have agreed with everything I saw, with the methods in which were used, but the results were where they needed to be.
“Malic, my eldest, you have the power to control the elements, the very thing that gives this world power, the true essence of a natural disaster. Alec, my youngest, the mind is your playground. You can manipulate any mind at any time. And Cai you are the pure form of the lightning in the heavens. You can bring the skies to its knees. These powers you all inherited from your mothers. From me,” He touched his chest, “You have immortality. You are stronger, faster, smarter than any human ever born. With my blood, and the blood Lillith gave me, your powers are infinite.”
“Unless you choose to end those powers.” I sat back in my chair. I wanted, needed a reaction.
“Any time I choose.” He didn’t even look my way. “What I need for all of you to do is help me break into the seven levels of heaven and this is how we shall do it.” He sat down, pulled out a map.
“Don’t you ever,” The first whack took off Aden’s right arm, “Steal from me again.” I took his left leg with the machete.
Aden was my second in command. I made the mistake of trusting him. He slumped to the ground as his screams echoed throughout the building.
Manny, flat face we called him, laughed uncontrollably. “Boss, why’d you chop off opposite hands and feet?” He stepped away, wiping his dark face with a handkerchief, not wanting the blood to get on his shoes.
“Where I come from, if you’re crooked, you walk around as such.” I answered, wiping my hands of Aden’s blood.
“Plea….please Malic.” Sweat and tears poured from his face.
“Please what.” I yelled, my anger shaking the walls. “Please don’t kill you, please forgive you?” I shook my head. “If you are going to have the balls to steal from me at least take the consequences like a man.”
There was a light knock on the door, I turned, machete ready.
“Boss, you told me to let you know when it was ten.” Devon, the one who would take Aden’s place, informed me as he peeked his head inside.
“Right.” I threw the used handkerchief on the ground. “Clean this shit up, I’m not sure how long I’ll be. Keep things tight until I get back.” I too had a boss and I dare not keep him waiting.
“How much did he take?” Devon whispered to Manny as I walked past him.
“His bank was thirty dollars short.” I heard Manny whisper back.
“Damn.” Devon sighed, shaking his head.
I walked out of the warehouse, towards the back. I looked around to make sure no one was around, called upon my affinity of the elements and took to the wind.
He called us all together, his three sons, the most powerful beings on the earth. He chose the strongest witches of this earth to procreate with. The witches with the most power, the richest affinities, to make his heirs. He is Cain, the first human ever born, his parents created directly from the Most-High.
It was not a request, it never is with him. ‘Meet me in New York City, at my penthouse. Do not keep me waiting.’ It was as simple as that. So we came. Who would ever think of disobeying Cain, the second oldest living being on the face of the Earth, the all-powerful? No one in their right mind, of course.
I arrived first. I reached his door, placed my hand in the sensor, ‘Welcome Master Malic.’ The automated voice said to me as the locks disengaged.
When I entered, my father stood with his back to me, facing the window, not saying a word. I looked at his back, knowing that if he turned we would be almost identical only I would be wearing a suit.
My younger brother Alec arrived next, his light brown skin, curly hair, and bright hazel eyes making him look like a child. He wore a pair of black jeans and a blue and white hoodie.
“Has he been standing there the entire time?” He asked, nodding towards our father as he gave me a hug.
“Of course.” I shrugged, pretending not to care that I’d been ignored.
Cai, the middle of us and the most savage, came last. His grey eyes just slightly crazed, his black hair, curly and shiny. He sported a pair of grey jogging pants with a matching jacket. His skin nice and tanned from his last venture.
“The gang is all here.” He said with a laugh in his voice, patting us both on the back.
Cain finally turned, looked at all of us. “Please, sit.” He gestured.
He had us all sit around a large ancient wooden round table in his living room. He had the walls painted a dark green, the floors a shiny red oak. The lighting was low, the mood lower. The room was decorated sparingly, a chair here, a lamp there, one picture adorned the wall, our only sister Jacqueline. Seeing her picture there made me want to destroy it. In my mind, he favored her, loved her the most. How could he? She was mortal, her mother a mortal. She worked for an organization, the Order, that literally killed our kind, but Cain loved her above all else. Our lovely sister had actually gone up against dear old dad and his whore Lillith, but she was favored. I wanted to kill her on sight. Why had he called us here?
Cain stood in the center of the room, his posture straight, eyes void. He wore a pair of ripped blue jeans, a black tee, and a pair of grey Nike’s, he looked in his late twenties. He could pass as our brother. He wore his dark brown curly hair to his shoulders. His skin, the color of burnt straw, was clear and flawless. He stood six feet, eight inches tall, his build that of a trainer.
“I know it has been a long time since we’ve all been together, I apologize for that. I have been working on something and I require your assistance.” He looked at all of us. “What needs to be done will be hard, but you were created just for this task. Your births were not an accident, your mothers were chosen with care, with purpose.”
“But not with love?” I asked in disgust, making the wind shake the windows.
He spared me a glance, “No, not in love Malic.” He looked towards his window, shutting the wind down instantly, putting me in my place. “The deeds I have allowed you all to do over the centuries were to prepare you for this. I may not have agreed with everything I saw, with the methods in which were used, but the results were where they needed to be.
“Malic, my eldest, you have the power to control the elements, the very thing that gives this world power, the true essence of a natural disaster. Alec, my youngest, the mind is your playground. You can manipulate any mind at any time. And Cai you are the pure form of the lightning in the heavens. You can bring the skies to its knees. These powers you all inherited from your mothers. From me,” He touched his chest, “You have immortality. You are stronger, faster, smarter than any human ever born. With my blood, and the blood Lillith gave me, your powers are infinite.”
“Unless you choose to end those powers.” I sat back in my chair. I wanted, needed a reaction.
“Any time I choose.” He didn’t even look my way. “What I need for all of you to do is help me break into the seven levels of heaven and this is how we shall do it.” He sat down, pulled out a map.
March 5, 2018
And the journey continues... Me and 30 Pieces of Silver
Hello Loves and welcome to another Inside the Nation blog post. As you all may know I am releasing my 3rd and final book in my 30 Pieces of Silver series. I have received quite a few questions about the book as well as the reason behind this being the last one. I am going to be doing a Q&A in the next week or so, but I wanted to address a few questions today.
Here are the questions I chose to answer today:
Q: I have read both 30 Pieces of Silver books and Order from Chaos, it seems as if Amid/Judas has already redeemed himself, what more can he do to prove to the Order he is on their side?
A: Thanks for reading them, I hope you enjoyed them as well. Amid/Judas isn't all that concerned with proving anything to the Order at this point. He needs what they possess, but his main concern is doing what is right for the world, for humanity. He wants to win the war of wars for the side of good, or at least we hope he does.
Q: Was it a hard decision to end 30 Pieces of Silver so closely to ending The Vamperial?
A: It was. I enjoyed writing both series and they've been with me since the beginning of my writing career. With that being said, it was time to put 30 POS to rest. Amid has been featured in 8 books, he has helped the Order countless times, he has shown us both sides of himself, he needs to confront what he's done and finally decide which side he wants to be on.
Q: Will Amid/Judas pop up in any other Red Ink books?
A: I have no idea at this point. He has a few friends that are still out their and he has a ton of knowledge to share, but... I just don't know.
Q: Do you think you've made Judas too sympathetic in his books?
A: I don't think so. I surely didn't intend to make him a sympathetic character. I simply wrote what came to me. I know different readers will walk away from this series with different views, but in my opinion, he is not one to sympathize with. He made a conscious choice and he has to live with that.
Q: I absolutely loved both the Soul Collector and the Betrayer! Did you intentionally put hidden messages in the books? I learned a few things on humility and forgiving, was that your goal?
A: Thanks so much for that, I am so happy to hear you loved them! When I write I tend to answer questions that I would like to know the answers to. I also add weaknesses that I would like to have strengthened. If my readers can gain knowledge from that or learn a few things then I am pleased.
I hope this answered a few questions for you all. Like I mentioned earlier, I will be holding a Q&A in a week or two. I'll keep you informed on the date so you will be able to submit your own questions.
I hope you enjoyed this post and as always, I wish you Happy Reading!
Here are the questions I chose to answer today:
Q: I have read both 30 Pieces of Silver books and Order from Chaos, it seems as if Amid/Judas has already redeemed himself, what more can he do to prove to the Order he is on their side?
A: Thanks for reading them, I hope you enjoyed them as well. Amid/Judas isn't all that concerned with proving anything to the Order at this point. He needs what they possess, but his main concern is doing what is right for the world, for humanity. He wants to win the war of wars for the side of good, or at least we hope he does.
Q: Was it a hard decision to end 30 Pieces of Silver so closely to ending The Vamperial?
A: It was. I enjoyed writing both series and they've been with me since the beginning of my writing career. With that being said, it was time to put 30 POS to rest. Amid has been featured in 8 books, he has helped the Order countless times, he has shown us both sides of himself, he needs to confront what he's done and finally decide which side he wants to be on.
Q: Will Amid/Judas pop up in any other Red Ink books?
A: I have no idea at this point. He has a few friends that are still out their and he has a ton of knowledge to share, but... I just don't know.
Q: Do you think you've made Judas too sympathetic in his books?
A: I don't think so. I surely didn't intend to make him a sympathetic character. I simply wrote what came to me. I know different readers will walk away from this series with different views, but in my opinion, he is not one to sympathize with. He made a conscious choice and he has to live with that.
Q: I absolutely loved both the Soul Collector and the Betrayer! Did you intentionally put hidden messages in the books? I learned a few things on humility and forgiving, was that your goal?
A: Thanks so much for that, I am so happy to hear you loved them! When I write I tend to answer questions that I would like to know the answers to. I also add weaknesses that I would like to have strengthened. If my readers can gain knowledge from that or learn a few things then I am pleased.
I hope this answered a few questions for you all. Like I mentioned earlier, I will be holding a Q&A in a week or two. I'll keep you informed on the date so you will be able to submit your own questions.
I hope you enjoyed this post and as always, I wish you Happy Reading!
