Vampire Dream

Chapter 2 - A Second Meeting

We stayed at the motel for awhile, not sure if the creature was going to follow us or let us be. I refused to leave the motel room, left afraid and alone in my thoughts every now and then. Kingston stayed for the most part. While I took a well-needed vacation, Kingston handled all our team’s affairs. No details were given to me. He could tell that I was rummaging through some inner turmoil that was revealed in this job.

At night, I couldn’t sleep. And when I did, the nightmares came. I would wake up screaming in agony, afraid my heart was being torn. Watching everyone I loved being taken away, destroyed like an aggressive dog with a meaningless chew toy. Kingston would cradle me as I sobbed into his shoulder.

And when I couldn’t sleep, I swore that I could see him in the shadows of our room, watching me. Testing me. But why? What affiliations do I even share with this creature?

Memory-like dreams came to me as well. Mostly in the daytime. I would catch a glimpse of a moonlit stroll, him and I hand in hand as we walked along the lake line. A midnight picnic. Our bodies fit together perfectly, making us a single organism.

Loud and powerful knocks pounded on the door. Kingston and I were woken up by this commotion. As I cowered under the sheets, waiting for impending doom, Kingston got out of bed, heading straight for the door. As soon as he reached the door, it burst open, and in came troops of police with guns. We raised our hands in surrender as they escorted us out of our room and into squad cars, heading to the police station. There my parents were waiting, relief washing over their faces, seeing me unharmed. Unharmed? I had been completely healed the day after the incident occurred. My parents wrapped me in their arms. I was a total mess: chestnut hair thrown into a messy bun left up for a week, still wearing Kingston’s jacket from that night, barefoot, and face droopy after restless sleeping patterns.

Kingston and I finally headed to Madame Red’s mansion. The day after the incident, he had hired a group of guys to take the coffin over to her place. However, the discussion of that night was necessary. I wore an ankle brace to protect my ankle, despite my doctor’s protests. He had told me my ankle was in perfect condition, even healthier than my other one. While this didn’t surprise me, I was wary of all the “adults” telling me what to do.

We were well received by Madame Red. Rich houses no longer fazed me due to my family’s history. I had spent most of my childhood in mansions and large pavilions. Kingston, however, was blown away by the extravagance and elegance of the architecture. Dutifully, we followed Madame Red as she silently led us to her living room.

“I thank you for retrieving my prize,” she stated as soon as we got situated. “While I admit I am a bit disappointed at its... Current state... I find that I am deeply in your debt.” That was a clear understatement, and we all knew this to be true.

“We are expecting recompense for our troubles on this excavation, surely,” implored Kingston. His business tone overrode his desire to end this deal.

“Why of course, I wouldn’t expect anything less! What would you say the price is?”

“We lost five members of our team, as well as some of our equipment being stolen,” Kingston stared at me as he said this last part. I refused to look anywhere except at her face.

“And what do you suppose that price is? Just name a number, and we can finish this deal.” I could feel her impatience, knowing our meeting was a waste of her time.

“About half a million, at least.”

“Half a million? You’ve got to be joking.”

“Half a million. We delivered what you needed. We suffered the job you sent us, not knowing it would be perilous. Not even receiving a warning of what would come.”

“I was not pleased to see my cargo in such a dastardly state, I’d like to add. It seemed very unprofessional-”

“Did you know what was in the box?” I interrupted. Madame Red took a long pause, staring into nothingness. It was a battle of wits, and I refused to lose. “Did you know what the cost would be?”

“No,” she finally declared. “I didn’t know the cost.”

Footsteps filled the room as an uncomfortable silence fell upon us all. A figure entered the room from behind us, but I decided not to move my eyes from Madame Red’s face.

“Well, clearly I must introduce you to my cousin and soon-to-be husband, Gabriel Jacob Harmon.” Reluctantly, I turned around to see him.

It was him. The creature. But he was covered in royal garments and conducted himself in such a gentlemanly manner.

“It is an honor and a privilege to meet you both,” he said to us, looking directly into my eyes. “I am pleased that you have fulfilled my cousin’s wishes.” Smoothly and without warning, Gabriel took my hand and kissed it. I stared wide-eyed at him while Kingston had no recollection of who he was.

“It’s a pleasure to us both, sir. I am Kingston Lancaster, and this is my partner Josephine Yurling.” Kingston vaguely noticed Gabriel still holding my hand, only taking delight in the presence of royalty. He always seemed to forget where I came from.

Gabriel finally moved on to shaking Kingston’s hand, exclaiming, “You have such a firm handshake! That is incredible, especially in the business world.” Abashed, Kingston blushed a little and nodded. I began to feel light-headed and claustrophobic, needing to get away. My nightmares felt as if they were coming to life, and I excused myself orderly. As soon as I left the room and shut the door behind me, I dashed out of the mansion. All my regality was gone as I slipped from the building. I was able to withstand a long distance before finally collapsing to the ground in a grove on the side of the road.

“You still haven’t made it off the property yet,” a voice behind me chuckled. I turned, finding Gabriel leaning against a tree with his arms crossed, smirking at me. I couldn’t say anything, only sat in terror looking at him. My mouth was agape as I wondered how and why he followed me. “I feel as if I’m unwelcome on my property.”

“Your property?” I finally replied.

“Why yes. You see, by marrying Isabella - or Madame Red, as you know her - I inherit all this land. Along with all her wealth.” He walked through the line of trees as he said this, staring at all the land he would inherit. “However, it was mine to begin with anyway. I don’t even know why I agreed to her proposal. She’s not who I want to marry...”

“She’s not?” I stupidly asked.

“Not at all. A finer jewel has caught my eye.” He said this to me with a glint of hunger in his eyes. Turning to me, he rushed over to where I was sitting and kneeled beside me. “You don’t know how long I’ve missed you,” he said. “I’ve been waiting centuries to be freed from my bondage, to find you again.” With that, he embraced me, and my fear refused to let me pull away from the crushing embrace. “Mother and father would love to see how beautiful you’ve become.” This comment opened my eyes and gave me the urge I needed to push him away.

Gabriel tilted his head in curiosity. “You don’t remember. Do you?” I didn’t understand his implication, but I wouldn’t dignify it with a response. He backed away. “You don’t remember me.”

“I remember you,” I said. “I remember you too well.” He turned with a smile on his face and walked toward me. I stopped him with my hand when he was inches from my face. “I watched you murder my friends. One by one, lusting and aching for their blood.” I blushed and looked at the ground while adding,” I watched as you tried to put me under, doing... whatever you were doing with me basically naked on the forest floor, like an injured deer waiting for the slaughter.” His face had slowly fallen as I accused him of these charges.

“So am I a predator to you?” He asked. “Is that all I am?” I stayed silent, still looking toward the ground. He walked over towards one of the trees and punched it, causing the tree to fly through the air. I could feel my heart racing in my chest, wondering what would ever befall me if I got into this creature’s bad graces. He began to pace a few feet away from me. I expected to see anger in his visage, but all I saw was concern and hope. For what? I’m nobody special. But... do I want to be? I tossed that thought from my head as quickly as possible. Kingston was my boyfriend, and this man in front of me killed all my friends. There was no right answer to this situation, but I needed to come up with something quick.

“I need to go now,” I spoke cautiously, to not disturb his thoughts. He was preoccupied, so I began to quietly sneak away. Just as I made it to the entrance of the grove and saw Kingston’s car coming toward me in the road, Gabriel grabbed my arm and pulled me back in. Thrust into a tree trunk, he stood over me, arms blocking my way out. Gabriel bowed his head in remorse.

“What can I do to make you remember? How can I fix this?” He looked on the verge of tears. I wanted to help him, but was too frightened to do anything. I had seen the monster he could become, and I never wanted to see it again. Gently, Gabriel cradled my face in his hands and set his forehead on mine.

It turned into night. I in a delicate ball gown and him in a black fancy suit. We breathed as one, we were one entity.

“I can’t bear to see you go,” I heard myself say. “How long will you be gone this time?”

“Only a week more, my love,” Gabriel gingerly replied. “I can’t stand to be apart from you for so long. It just breaks my heart.” I pulled him closer to me, not of my own accord.

“Don’t go,” I pleaded. “Father can send another ambassador. We can be together, brother.”

Setting his hand on my cheek, he brushed away the tears trickling down my face.

“This is the last trip I will go on. Then we will be married as one.” There was a brief pause of thought. “You could come with me.”

“Father would never allow it, especially since our betrothal.” His face became forlorn, stripped of hope. I pulled him closer until we were completely touching, our bodies together.

“You are my world, Josie.”

“And I am yours, Gabe. Forever and always, my heart is yours.” With that said, our lips locked and so many sensations came at once.

My will returned to me, and I pushed the real Gabriel away from me. He fell to the ground, and it became day once more. My large sweatshirt and short shorts were returned to me, as were his royal garments. He lay there out of breath as I sank to the tree stump, unable to put into words what I had just experienced.

Kingston shot into the grove on a mission.

“Josephine! Are you alright?” He rushed to my place under the tree, checking for any bruises or injuries. Then he turned and saw Gabriel lying on the ground. A growl filled his throat as his assumptions of the situation filled his head.

“No, it wasn’t like that,” I told him. “He ran to come check on me, that’s all. I was feeling a bit light-headed and had to sit for a while. Panic attack.” Gabriel lightened up, amused that I had lied to my only friend. Kingston looked back at Gabriel, glaringly.

“I don’t know who you are, but stay away from her. You may be royalty, but she’s mine.” I didn’t enjoy being treated like a possession, but refused to respond. I stood up and began to walk away. Gabriel stumbled up and uttered “wait” as he grasped my hand.

It became night once more, but it was me tugging on Gabriel to stay.

“I can’t bear it. I won’t survive.”

“You’ll have to. We both have to. Don’t think it won’t be hard on me as well, Josie.” He took my chin in his hand and lifted my face. “This trip must happen or the council will never let us be free.”

I heard both our voices say together, “please. Stay.” Gabe wrapped me in his arms and whispered, “do we dare?” I nodded not of my will. He was gentle as if he held the most delicate flower, he tilted my head to the side and nibbled at my neck. We both knew what we were about to do was a sin, but our love conquered all. His fangs slowly dug into my neck, as if he’d practiced for this moment. I could feel the blood coming out of me, exhilarating, painful, but hungry. I longed for him like no other. He and I were connected in spirit, body, and mind. I barely noticed when he was done. This was something I wasn’t used to, but it was a declaration of our love and I didn’t want to let him down. He bent down a little for me, chuckling, and tilted his neck for me. Nervousness filled me and I was afraid to begin, that I’d hurt him. He pulled me in closer, begging me to. So, as carefully as I could, I let my fangs protrude and—

Kingston pulled me away from Gabriel. I was so confused and stricken, I felt sick. Slowly, I sank to the ground and began to lose consciousness. What am I?