Inner darkness, p.4
Inner Darkness, page 4
“It sounded like it. You always called him Brad before.”
“He is my dad,” Sam said. “He’ll visit at times.”
“Karen or Marie?”
“Nah,” Sam said. He hadn’t seen them but felt maybe in time it would be worth at least speaking to Karen.
Sam’s bed was made up, closet stocked, desk ready, and curtains were up to help against the sun. He pulled open the fridge and grabbed an Angry Orchard Hard Cider. Devon had two of these. Something about cider worked with his taste buds. Sam had noticed milk stouts were pretty nice. He may have to go somewhere to find one.
Hiss. The bottle cap fell to the counter. Sam flicked his nail. The thing could easily slice through skin. He took back the coolness. “Don’t drink ‘em all,” Devon said. “This will be great. I met another Transylvanian.”
“Like you?” Sam questioned. Devon nodded. “That’s cool.”
“She’s like 50 something and hot as hell. It’s freaky to think we’ll look like this when we are her age.”
“Yeah,” Sam said. “I do wish we didn’t have to call to the moon the rest of our lives.”
“Like we had a choice,” Devon said. He took back some of his bottle. “Werewolves are something else. I still remember my attack.”
“I’ll never forget mine.”
Devon was a lot like Sam in high school. He partied, was popular, and even had the whole year off thing. His grandfather was loaded and sent him overseas with two friends. In Scotland, Devon left his friends with a girl at a pub. She turned and wanted to use him for a meal in order to possibly spare anyone else. Devon had a knife that turned out to be silver and stabbed her. He managed to get away. It had felt like a dream, one he chose to ignore later that cost him.
“You’ll enjoy the full moon,” Devon said. A small passthrough out the kitchen gave view to their back deck. Two chairs rested on it. They could sit there come the end of the day and stare out into the trees. “You can run far.”
“I wish you could.”
“Not my family.”
Gertran Medical Center did help treat Sam’s issues outside being a werewolf. They helped him to control what he was, along with teach him what was in the real world. His first lesson had him in further denial. Long ago, there was a man who had five special children. Their children were very special and became what some called creatures of the night. The part of the US government that dealt with them called them ABs or Abnormal Beings.
There were five different types of werewolves, one coming from each child. Vampires were the only other to have one in each of these ‘families.’ The rest of the creatures of the night seemed to be split among the families, rarely having a similar type in another of the families.
Transylvanian and Belkerian Werewolves never had a chance for the control Sam had. Devon blacked out, like every werewolf in his family, and a true beast took over. Devon would be sleeping from a special dose made for him every time the full moon rose.
Sam eyed the fridge. “I’ll have next round,” he assured. Devon nodded. “Whose all here?”
“The girls.”
“Molly and Beth?”
“A Violet too.”
“Never heard of her.”
“She lives in the next building. Molly brought her by yesterday. Strange one.”
“Stranger than you?”
Devon snorted. “Ouch, dude,” he joked. “Eh, the girls were going to wait till your dad left. Yah know why.”
“We can’t hold on to an act that we never knew each other.”
“Yep,” Devon said. His head turned suddenly. “They’re here. Oh, Violet is with them. Prepare yourself, Burmen.”
“You make it sound like we’re going to fight.”
Devon chuckled. He darted to the door. Molly’s finger had about hit the buzzer. Wow, it was always good to see a Carpetute. Molly was a gorgeous brunette, fit with a perfect chest and hips made for birthing. It had been something to learn she used to have a pencil figure. Beth rushed past her and about knocked over Sam. She by far was the most gorgeous of the two. The honey blonde woman had her hair curled. Her chest pressed him as her hold tightened. It easily made his pulse quicken. She backed with a smile. No one escaped her hugs.
Carpetutes were interesting creatures. They had a human form like Sam. The only distinguishing feature a human may see is their eyes. A slight glaze was to them. Beth’s light blue had the true sight of it. These two had matching body types, almost to a fine point. Carpetutes upon infection, transformed into this perfect female, meant for birthing and nursing, after 48 hours. It was creepy to think it forced the body to change. Men changed as well; a body meant to protect and mate. They all possessed another form; a pitch-black winged demon, fit with a long tail. Sam would prefer flying over the shit he had to deal with in Gertran but not their constant nature to breed.
“It’s great to see you two,” Sam said with a smile. Molly gave him a quick hug before her eyes turned on Devon. Her mouth hung a bit open. Saliva could easily fall.
“Is this the Davanian Werewolf?” a voice rose. Sam’s eyes widened. The girl was taller than the Carpetutes.
“This is him,” Devon said. “Meet Violet, Sam.”
“A Davanian Werewolf,” Violet said with such admiration. She strolled close. Sam gulped.
There were levels of beauty to a man, and each man has their own preferences. On a scale of one to ten, Violet was off the charts. Her raven hair fell to her shoulders and curled up. Her cheeks were slim and cute. Those green eyes kept drawing his eyes to hers. She wore a navy-blue button up that hugged her perfect chest. Her waist was slim, and she had a fine butt from how her capris hugged. He had to take a quick breath. Her smile would not fade.
“Hello,” Violet said. She giggled. “You’re cute too.” Her hand stroked his cheek. “And one of a kind to walk free.” Something didn’t feel quite right. The more Sam stared in those eyes, the more he really couldn’t look away.
“Sam,” Devon snapped once more. Sam shook. “Violet, knock it off. Stay in control.” Her arms came around Sam’s arm. “Violet, don’t make me inject you myself.”
“Fine, fine,” Violet pouted. She reached into her pocket. A small case slid out. She backed towards the wall. It looked like a miniature EpiPen injector. She stuck the point to her neck. She shook. Her butt sunk to the ground.
“Give her a bit,” Beth said. The two girls shook their head. “She’s fine.”
Violet pushed the case back in her pocket. “Sorry about that,” Violet said. She hopped up. “Sometimes I don’t realize what I’m doing.” Her hand extended. Sam shook it, trying not to be baffled or irritated by it. “I’m a succubus. Can’t help everything.”
“A Belkerian Succubus?” Sam questioned. Violet nodded. “I never thought I would meet one.” There was only one kind of succubus, and they were rare from what Sam had read. “I don’t mean to be rude, but you got to keep yourself in check.”
“I’m only drawn to strong presences,” Violet said. “Maybe, we could get something to eat. I promise, I won’t use my pheromones on you.”
“Uh, did you?”
“No, my eyes. It’s okay. It was my fault. Please, accept my apologies.”
Sam nodded. He headed into the living room with the bunch and sunk onto the couch. “All moved in?” Beth questioned. Sam nodded. “Good. We were thinking of taking you out to dinner later, Sam. We did it for Devon when he came.”
“You don’t need to do that,” Sam assured.
“Of course, we do.”
“I could drive you,” Violet said. “I have a Mustang.”
“I have a Corvette.”
“Is that yours out there; the classic?”
“Yep,” Sam said. He didn’t know if he’d call a ‘73 a classic. “I can show you all later.” Violet hopped a bit excited. Sam tore his eyes. If things worked like they should, he would know soon. So far, the interest in her didn’t really pull the way it would. That whole topic was confusing anyways.
“What do you look like?” Violet voiced rather abrupt.
“Violet!” Beth exclaimed.
“Oh, come on, I’ve never met one before.”
“You wouldn’t or you’d be dead.”
“It’s fine,” Sam assured. “I’m nothing special when I turn.”
“No, Sam,” Violet said. Her eyes were fixed on him. “Now you must be interesting. Have any of you see him?” The others shook their heads. “I was always told to run. No tail, right?” Sam nodded. “Oh, sorry. I see it is making your uncomfortable.”
“It is a touchy topic,” Beth reminded. “He’s the only of his kind to get out of Gertran.” Without being in a body bag could be added. “I hope you won’t blast this around the Woods, Violet.”
“I won’t,” Violet assured. “Come on, aren’t any of you interested in seeing the beast we were told to fear as a child?”
“Hate to break it to you,” Beth began. “You’re the only one born as you were.”
“Oh,” Violet said. She scratched her cheek. Her nails were long with purple finger polish. When she did transform, her lips would turn purple, her tongue would split and also match in color, a devil tail would sprout, and black horns would pierce out of her forehead. “Well, it still must interest you.”
“The full moon will be here soon enough,” Sam said. “See for yourself.” He had a feeling many would keep away from him for the first time. He took back all the rest of his cider in two large gulps. His arm ran along his lips. “I’m up for that walk.”
“I’m sorry,” Violet said quickly. “I know it’s touchy. It’s interesting to me once I learned. I’m happy for you, Sam. It must have been something to finally be able to have control. No Davanian Werewolf has your control. They all are beasts.”
“Besides Marum,” Sam said.
“That asshole?” Devon laughed. “Hardly what I call a role model. I can’t believe he was your control teacher.”
“He is something.”
“Do you have what he gave you still?”
“Uh, yeah. I don’t bother putting it on.”
“Why not?” Violet said. “What is it?”
Sam got up. He headed into his room. It had come from Gertran, and he had put it in some shorts to hide. It didn’t feel right to have at all. He went to his closet. A small shoe box was on the top shelf. He pulled it out. Two journals were inside. Something black rested atop them. He could feel the screams as it came to hand. Sam held it for a bit, getting a chill.
Sam returned to the living room. He let the amulet fall and hang by the metal chain. The girls all stared. Devon took a swig after a deep sigh. “This is the Elder Amulet,” Sam said.
The black metal was apparently unbreakable according to Marum. It was forged into a large diamond. While big on a normal human’s chest, it wouldn’t be for him come full moon - Sam knew. The top half had the seal of Davan, the first of the Immortal’s children and a tyrant. The demon helm had spikes atop it. They were cut in such a way that it did not compromise the metal. The bottom part had the mark of the Blood Moon, the Davanian Moon. It resembled a diagonal E with its second line running through both sides. This weighed Sam down when he wore it - not literally.
“So, what is it actually?” Violet asked. “How did Marum have it?”
“Marum was an appointed Elder by Falcoln,” Sam said. Violet gulped. “These were given to his chiefs. They would lead bloodshed anywhere they went. It is why I don’t like it. I can’t imagine how many he slaughtered with this on.”
“And he taught you?”
“Sadly, yes.”
“What the fuck? Why would they not kill him?”
“Because he surrendered of his own free will and gave up key figures. Michael saw something. He helped me. I owe him.”
Marum didn’t stop Sam’s fateful night. He did not make Sam understand as he should. He did not save Duncan; the last attempt at their breed. Devon shouldn’t have found him like that.
Chapter Five
Sam kept his eyes closed. The innertube bobbed about the waters of Lake Hurmel. The largest lake in Verdina stretched far and had two main areas. People with money had a lakefront home. Professor McMaster who taught here, also taught werewolf classes at Gertran and had a decent size home here. He didn’t used to let anyone from the Woods come here. The strictness did fade, and he didn’t mind the dozen here as long as they left come seven.
The small beach close by had Molly and Devon sitting on it. Sam sat up on the innertube. How long had he been out here? He had floated almost out of the no wake zone. His feet came over and he kicked back towards shore. Water engulfed him. He found arms around him. The struggle was short before he was released. Laughter broke. Beth smiled big at him. A stream of water hit her face.
“Disgusting,” Beth said. She blew raspberries. “How long are we staying?”
“Devon seems to be leading this,” Sam said. Their heads turned. “Will he give in yet?”
“He has,” Beth said. “It’s not hard to tell. Devon is strange.” Sam stayed quiet. “Molly loves him. All she did during the summer was talk about him and Skype him at night.” Devon never talked about that. “I hope you are more open with your mate.”
“Don’t say that,” Sam about spat. “Mate is a weird word.”
“All werewolves have a mate. One mate.”
“As they claim,” Sam said. “I don’t get it. Can’t say I’ve felt my mate.” Beth may prefer that it be her. She had flirted with him about six times today… If she was it, he would have to know, right? So confusing. “Devon won’t talk to me about this. Not guy stuff.”
“You don’t like talking about your feelings now?” Beth questioned. She bobbed under and flung her hair back. “You talked to me a lot before you left. You were scared about coming back.”
“There was a lot to be concerned of,” Sam said. “I think I am okay right now. I’m ready for this chance.”
“Good. I do hope we go soon. I am getting hungry. I might have to bite someone.”
“You don’t need blood to survive.”
“It still tastes good,” Beth said. Her tongue ran along her lips. She giggled. Sam chuckled. Vampires needed it; Carpetute enjoyed the luxury.
Sam grabbed the innertube and swam back with Beth. If she could only understand Devon, she’d understand why he struggled with Molly. How could Sam admit that truth if he were Devon? He couldn’t even think of how to tell his father as it was. That was a whole new level of pain - one Sam never wanted to experience.
Sam’s feet came to the dry sand. Still, others were out in the water. Four who came with them were new faces. Three, were at Gertran that Sam remembered. Johannes was about the only other that Sam really talked to there. The Davanian Vampire was German. He was also born a vampire. They were a scary family. They blended perfect with humans; out in sun, not pale, and could eat and drink normal to a limit. While that may be a choice for Sam if a vampire, they also were the ones with the biggest bloodlust. If they did not have blood for several hours, they’d get agitated and eventually become a blood thirsty monster, needing to feast. They would kill all in their paths, normally feasting more than their own stomachs could handle. Sam gagged at the very image.
“Samuel,” Johannes called. “Leaving already, my friend?”
“Yep,” Sam said.
“I be here.” Johannes was tall. He ran down the small pier with his bleach blonde hair and perfect abs. The guy could easily play basketball. Water barely surged from his entrance.
“Are we going for food yet,” a voice rose. Someone who lay on a recliner most of this time was up on the deck with large sunglasses on. She groaned. Some steps would take Sam up to the overlook the home. Another was on it. Professor McMaster had a newspaper over his face and may be passed out. “Well? I’m starving!”
“Soon,” Sam assured.
Violet grasped the rail. Her bottoms were snug and perfect for her. Her blue and purple bikini hugged her breasts tight, giving excellent views. That cleavage had Sam stare for a bit until an elbow came to his side. Violet pushed up her sunglasses and stared at Sam. Her smile could lure him close if she let those shades down. Her eyes could even lure a woman if she chose.
“Come on!” Beth snapped. Molly and Devon’s head turned their way. “You got a starving werewolf and an ill patient carpetute.”
“Alright, alright,” Devon called.
“I’m riding with you,” Violet said sternly. She lowered her shades with a smile. “I want to feel that power. I hope it matches you.”
“Down girl,” Beth called.
Stars spread across the sky above. Sam pulled open the door with a neon ‘Open’ sign on it. The chill grew to a new level. A small line ran to the counter on the other side of the shop. The board behind had a lot of colors to it. Fancy names were assigned to each of the concoctions that were of choice. His mouth watered at ‘Double Fudge Birthday Cake Surprise.’ Harriet’s Creamery was a take on a Cold Stone from how they mixed ice cream and goodies together on a cold slab.
Sam neared the back of the small line. His chin rose a little over the top of the head of the girl in front of him. A grey backpack had a large phone sticking out the side, head down. ‘Sony’ was in beautiful letters. Huh, did they really make phones? He soon moved up to the counter.
The girl serving them was possibly 16. Her uniform was all white with a cap of the logo outside; a waffle bowl with colored scoops of ice cream. She smiled. “What can we deliver to you?” she said in a cheery voice. It was odd, the man before said the same thing to the girl in front of Sam.
“Double Fudge Birthday Cake Surprise,” Sam said.
“Size?”
“Largest.”
“The overload?”
“Uh, sure,” Sam said. She poked at the cups on display. It may be best for two to eat out of it. “Yep. I’ll take it in a waffle cup too.”
“Don’t get a brain freeze.”
The girl giggled. A large scoop came to her hand. She rolled out a huge gob of the birthday cake ice cream. “That looks good,” Beth whispered. Sam nodded. Someone soon came to get her order. It surprised the man she wanted the same thing and the same size. It wasn’t like she could put on weight. She’d always look as fine as she was now.
