Page 11 of Vampire Sins
If I became a vampire...whenI became a vampire, I hoped that I could survive it.
The Bunker
Sonya
Scalingthe rooftops had been far more tedious than I’d have imagined. Xavier could have gotten to the bunker without us in a matter of minutes, but he went back for Luke and then patiently waited as we followed at a snail’s pace compared to the vampire. Even though we’d made it to the rooftops, the enemies kept coming. When we passed the worst of the red fog, we climbed back down to the streets, only to run into a mindless horde of incubi. We lost them on the final round to the secreted entrance underneath one of the many bridges that linked streets.
I squeezed through the tiny door and the scent of musk and dampness hit me in the face, making my nose wrinkle. We spiraled down into pure darkness with only the light from Xavier’s eyes to guide us. Vampires had perfect night vision, which was one of the reasons they’d gotten the reputation that they couldn’t survive in the sun. Darkness gave them an advantage and they liked to use it.
“We’re almost there,” Xavier said as we crept through ankle-deep sludge. He’d been explaining vampire physiology as we walked, assuring me that there wasn’t a downside to vampirism. “We like sunlight just as much as anyone else, but our eyes tend to give us away, as well as the fangs, if you’re not good at hiding them.” He grinned at me when we came into a section with dim lights that finally let me see his face. I startled when I realized that he boasted a perfect set of white teeth, no fangs at all. When I got closer and ran a finger across his chin, points formed and shot through his mouth. “Sorry, darling,” he said. “When you’re around, my control slips.”
A blush crept up my neck and Luke wrapped an arm around my waist. It wasn’t a jealous or overprotective move, rather an unconscious motion of familiarity. “Looks like we’re almost there,” he said, and jerked his chin at a red door streaked with peeling paint.
Xavier knocked on it, the sound ringing against hollow metal. “It’s me.”
A slider revealed a peephole and red eyes appraised Xavier, then us. I expected some questions, but if Xavier really was Hades’ right-hand man, then any friends of Xavier’s were friends to the vampires.
The peephole shut, then we stood there in silence. I shifted uncomfortably, wondering if they were going to second-guess letting us in. Then the door creaked open a moment later and Xavier motioned us to go inside. “Come. I’ll introduce you to Nimra and Liam.”
I’d expected more dank and dismal surroundings, but the moment the metal door closed behind us, I found the scenery much more upscale. A long hall wound downward into the depths of marbled walls and runes lined the floors. My spine went rigid when I recognized the writing.
It looked just like the runes across my stomach… but there were more. So many symbols I didn’t recognize, and seven that I did.
“They’re prayers,” Xavier explained, mistaking my interest, and glanced at Luke when I didn’t respond. “Vampires might have gotten the reputation as being a bunch of demonspawn, but vampires have always been closely involved with civilization and history. We are fond of religion and the powers which sustain us.” He took in a deep breath. “Blood is life, and life is the evidence of a soul. We respect the creation of that soul, no matter where it comes from or where it goes.”
I hummed and finally let Luke’s hand go as I walked between the angel and the vampire.
Whatever the power in my runes meant, I was in the right place to discover what ancient destiny had claimed me at birth.
Chandeliers illuminated the downward slope of the floor with shadows and rainbow sequins. “I was basically raised by a nun,” I told him, hoping to immerse myself in the past and ground myself in reality. “I suppose there’s a soft spot for religion for me as well.”
He grinned. “It’s nice to get to know you. I look forward to more of these conversations.” He paused when the hall split into three ways. “Come,” he said, and guided us down the center path. “The others will want to meet you.”
Red eyes glitteredlike diamonds as a hush settled over an uneasy gathering of vampires. Their chests did a collective sigh when they saw Xavier, then tensed up again when they saw me.
Luke gripped my arm. “Your chest is glowing.”
I looked down to see that an unmistakable red glow pulsated in my chest and throbbed like a foreign heartbeat that didn’t match my own. Dizziness swept over me. “Luke,” I whispered, his name a plea. Terror gripped me.
What if Derek’s power was affecting me? What if I was a walking time bomb and I’d lose my mind and become the slave he’d always wanted me to be?
“You’re fine,” Xavier said with a coaxing tone. He took my hand and drew me into the crowd, peeling me away from Luke’s warmth and reassurance.
The vampires eased when they saw that Xavier trusted me, but I wasn’t so sure that he should. Usually it was rage or high doses of sexual energy that made my Blood Stone’s power active enough that it became visible. The sex I’d had with Xavier and Luke the night before had been for enjoyment and to understand Xavier’s visions. I hadn’t fed, so it didn’t make sense for my Blood Stone to respond. Something was wrong.
“Vampiric power works differently than yours,” Xavier said, speaking to my unspoken questions. “You’ll come to understand it. Vampires are not something to be feared, nor is our gift.”
“Our curse,” corrected a woman.
Xavier grinned. “Nimra,” he said, purring her name. “I’d like to introduce you to Sonya.”
When he nudged me forward, I couldn’t help but be intimidated by the female vampire. Lengthy legs bound by tight, black leather and a snug blouse made her more intoxicating to look at than most succubi. Plump cleavage boasted a red jewel that rested along the curve of her breast. It reminded me of a Blood Stone, but I recognized it as a ruby. “Not everyone can find the rare gem that gave us life,” Nimra explained as she cupped the necklace, taking notice of my scrutiny, “but we aim to show respect, nonetheless.”
I bowed my head. Nimra exuded sexual energy, but also control. I sensed that she was much older than she looked. “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” I said.
She smiled, her small, delicate fangs flashing. It made her appear oddly charming. “You’re not like most succubi I’ve met.” She glanced at the man who came to her side. He snaked an arm around her waist. “What do you think, Liam? Do you approve of Xavier adding this one to our family?”
The vampire named Liam appraised me with gleaming, red eyes that sliced with a noticeable streak of gold. “There’s only one way to find out.” He grinned as his gaze raked over me. “Perhaps I could have a taste before she turns, just to see what her nature is really like.”
