“Shadow of Blood” snippet of “Charmeine” the First Novel in “The Light-Bearer Series”

“Hunted” excerpt from “CHARMEINE” the... “Thank you for loving me…” special SE...

“Shadow of Blood” snippet of “Charmeine” the First Novel in “The Light-Bearer Series”

Jones Beach Toll Plaza located on Wantagh Parkway.
This is a file from the Wikimedia Commons.
R.Sullivan (sullynyflhi)

(Author’s Note: Charleen is Charmeine… she just doesn’t know it yet!)
Tabbruis knew coming to the Billy Joel concert was a farce of major proportion on his part. There would be a mass of humans there and the temptation of being in such a close proximity to them was hard to overcome. However, for some reason… Tabbruis wanted to be here. As Shane held the limo car door open for Tabbruis, he was hit hard by the smell of human blood. He could feel all the hearts beating in anticipation for the concert.
Like a heard of sheep going to be slaughtered, his mouth watered at the possibility of gorging on the humans’ blood. He swallowed hard and concentrated on getting to the VIP seats Mr. Ferrell arranged for Shane and himself.

Billy Joel performing in Jacksonville, Florida, United States (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

As soon as the music started, Tabbruis forgot about his thirst. All the audience was on their feet when Billy Joel came out to a thunderous crowd.
Tabbruis smiled and thought, ‘If humans had no problems showing this much affection and admiration for each other, then why they were so hell bent on destroying others different from themselves?’ Tabbruis was lost in thought looking over the vast crowd enjoy the songs and clap to the rhythm of the music. His heart was a little less heavy as he saw the enjoyment of the fans. The beat of the fans’ hearts was skipping and playing in unison with the music from the stage.
Suddenly like an alarm, Tabbruis felt it! He knew instantly a shadow was there. One like him! A Blood-Hunter! Tabbruis did not know where they were, but he knew he had to seek the other Elder out. Tabbruis did not want a blood bath at this joyous event. Blood-Hunters knew revealing themselves to humans was forbidden by the Elder Council. He could not fathom why the Blood-Hunter would kill out in the open like this. He thought, ‘This shadow… this Blood-Hunter was very bold. If the Elder Council found out, he would be executed for doing such a heinous thing.’ Like an automatic GPS alarm through his blood, Tabbruis was tracking the Blood-Hunter in his mind.
Tabbruis turned to Shane and said, “I will meet you at the limo after the concert. I have to do something.”
Shane started to ask questions, but when Tabbruis looked into his eyes, a hypnotic effect lingered in his eyes. Shane knew not to question and nodded, “Yes, no worries man, see you later.”
Tabbruis started to push through the crowd trying to get to the shadow; he knew the Elder would spill human blood if he was not stopped immediately.
*****
Charleen was up on her feet in the nose-bleed section, the top of the stands, clapping and singing along with everyone else. She held her cell phone up when Billy Joel started singing, ‘Scenes from an Italian Restaurant,’ and Charleen began to sway. The concert was just like she pictured it would be. She looked up at the stars. They were in full bloom and the canopy of the stage was enveloped by the speckled darkness. Charleen gasped with delight when she saw how beautiful the moon was over the ocean.
Closing her eyes, Charleen almost could feel the piano hammers hit the strings of the Bösendorfer grand piano which Billy Joel was playing. She thought, ‘It must be a 290 Imperial model! The Bösendorfer sound is always incredible.’ Charleen was a pianist through high school. She had a natural knack for it. Even though she couldn’t remember how she had learned to play the piano.
When Charleen went to Stony Brook University, she worked to put herself through school. She didn’t find much time to play piano. However, Charleen would sneak in the music rooms at the university. One room had an older 130 CL Bösendorfer which was upright. Charleen would come early in the morning or late at night to play it.

Charleen loved music. She found music to a constant companion and a wonderful haven to escape to when she was troubled. Charleen constantly had the CD player going when she was alone at home or in the car driving.
She didn’t like TV unless it was to watch old romantic comedy movies with Cary Grant or Jimmy Stewart. She hated commercial television. Charleen never watched the news because it was too depressing. She certainly didn’t need to fuel depression inside of her with the news.
The Billy Joel concert was awesome, and Charleen sighed knowing this joy would be over soon.
From out of nowhere, a dark presence enveloped her. She looked to around and everyone else was clapping and singing along. Charleen began to have an overwhelming feeling of dread. She didn’t know where the dark feeling was coming from. Then like a vice grip on her throat, the crowd felt oppressive. Charleen knew something wasn’t right.

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