I wrote another metapost like this a while back, talking about the art and science behind the creation of story. I mentioned in that article that the plot of my vampire story has largely been set for many years.
But what makes a story transcend from just series of disjointed episodes to something greater? Usually great stories have an overarching theme that gets woven into the plot. I'll admit there wasn't one for this story. It was a simple fictional biography of a fictional vampire, based upon people I've known in real life and a roleplaying game campaign.
That's no longer the case. A theme is developing organically. On its own, almost spontaneously. And I'll admit I'm a little awed as to how it's happening.
As I've made clear, there are strong story elements in this fan fiction that are drawn from my real life. Several characters, the setting, all taken from real life, in many cases altered dramatically for various reasons, and then transposed into the fictional world.
And now it feels like the reverse is happening. The art is now transposing itself back into real life.
Michael's story is becoming a story of redemption. He falls into darkness and falls hard, and he will spend a tremendous amount of time and energy trying to climb back to the light, working to atone for his mistakes and recapture his humanity. That's a suitable theme for VtR. But what's funny is how it's playing out in real life too.
After a nearly ten year hiatus, I've recently become reacquainted with the woman on whom the character of Rebecca is based. That ten year hiatus came about because of some really stupid and hateful things I did. I want that friendship back. I want to make amends. I want to show that I'm a different person. And progress is being made...slowly perhaps, but it's happening.
So Michael is me and I am Michael...maybe in ways I haven't realized. But if it makes the story better...and my life better, so be it.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Act Two Chapter Six - I Feel You
A week passed. Each night, Michael took his new protégé out into the town to hunt and to hone the skills she would need to both survive her new life as well as, at least in part, enjoy it.
But there were appearances to be maintained. Staying away from his own sire, however quiet and unobtrusive she wanted him to be, was bound to bring suspicion. Spending time with Deborah cramped his plans for this particular Saturday night, but it could not be helped.
Rebecca awoke to find herself alone, or at least mostly so. Corwin was there at the cabin, apparently waiting for her.
She walked out into the living room of the cabin and gave him a look-over. Rebecca had taken Michael's thrall a few times already and the look on Corwin's face indicated an eagerness for her to do so again. She smiled.
“Where's Michael?”
“He was summoned away for an important meeting. He will return later.” Corwin paused. “He gave me strict instructions to keep you here. You may as well make the most of it.”
Rebecca chuckled at his final comment. “You'd like that, wouldn't you?”
“I can think of a few things you can do to me.” said Corwin somewhat flippantly.
Rebecca looked at him without giving an answer. Although Corwin didn't know it, what she was contemplating was not what pleasures she could share with him, at least not without an additional motive. Which would be easier, she wondered. Take him, ravish him, and leave him weakened and unable to stop her from leaving, or simply overpower him and go?
The former might be more fun, but Rebecca determined that it take too much time. She had learned that Corwin was almost a stereotypical gamer nerd in his appetites. He was much like the kid in the candy store, and once inside was oh-so-reluctant to leave. His hungers and lusts were nearly insatiable.
“Not tonight.” she answered at last. “I think I will find my pleasures elsewhere.”
“Michael told you not to leave.” If Corwin was disappointed, it did not distract him from his duties.
“And how will you stop me?” said Rebecca coldly. “You may be a thrall. You may be my sire's favorite thrall, but you are no match for me and you know it.”
“I'm not his favorite.” corrected Corwin.
“All the more reason for you not to challenge me.” said Rebecca sharply. “He may not be quite so upset if I leave you bloody and broken on the floor.”
“I have strict orders.” said Corwin. “You are not to leave.” Her threats appeared to have no effect.
“Very well.” Then, without warning, she lashed out with a vicious punch, slamming her fist hard into Corwin's midsection. He doubled over and she brought another blow down on his back. Down he went.
She knelt down to ensure he wasn't too badly injured, just incapacitated. She had no real desire to hurt him. After all, the same thrall-bond that drove him to defy her for Michael's sake also drove her and she had no interest in harming one her sire considered so valuable.
Still, some disobediences were worth it. On her own, she could snare some pretty thing, bring him back to the lair, and give Michael a threesome he'd not soon forget. She'd planned this for several days and now was her chance to implement it.
She took Corwin's car and drove into town. She had a particular mark in mind: tall, dark, and male. Although she'd done the lesbian thing a couple more times in the past week, her appetites ran towards more masculine fare this evening. She wondered what Michael would think if he saw her taking it in more than one orifice at once. The thought of it being done to her and of Michael's likely reaction aroused her and spurred her onward.
Hokie House was her first stop. It was the first time she'd been back there since Corwin had brought her and Shawn here. It had only been a week, but what a week.
She scanned the crowd eagerly, trying to find a suitable mark. Blond, brunette, pretty boy, drunken frat brother, nerd-about-town, football player, pretty much the gamut of male college life was present before her. But her eyes kept being draw away from them to a petite redheaded Goth girl at the bar.
Rebecca shook it off. “No, I'm looking for a guy tonight. But goddamn, she's something else. Wow is she hot!”
The Goth noticed her stare and locked eyes with Rebecca. There was a “come-hither” look behind her eyes, and Rebecca almost caved. But she resisted. “Who's hunting who tonight?” she asked herself. She turned away and headed into the midst of the crowd to escape her.
Now up close, the smell of all the people was intoxicating. She felt a hand grope her ass and she spun around to see a handsome giant. He was black, but had piercing blue eyes. “Giant” was not an exaggeration, he must have stood at least 6'6”. A basketball player perhaps, or someone just inordinately lucky in the tall department.
“Hi.” she said quietly.
“Hey, you look a little lost. Looking for someone?”
“Yeah, but I think I've found him.” She gave him a coy smile. “Is it true what they say about black men?” She grabbed his crotch for emphasis.
“I take it you want to find out.”
“Call it a scientific study.”
“Is that what they call it these...” He stopped mid-flirt and both of them turned to find the Goth standing there beside them.
“He's not the one you want.” she said, almost in a purr. Rebecca found herself entranced, unable to take her eyes off of her.
“Hey, there's enough of me to go around.” said the basketball player.
“Scram.” said the Goth with authority. He backed off and disappeared into the crowd. She turned to Rebecca. “Outside.” Her tone was gentle, but insistent.
It was not what Rebecca had in mind, but she no longer cared. All that mattered to her in that moment was being with this irresistible beauty. Those handful of steps out into the night air were almost agony, because Rebecca could not look at her and see where she was going at the same time.
Rebecca headed to the car. The Goth followed. “My place?” offered Rebecca. She was still cognizant of her plan, and if Michael thought this creature as exquisite as she did, this would be an even better gift that she'd hoped.
“Yes.” said the Goth, climbing in. “And keep your eyes on the road. Wouldn't want to get ourselves killed before we have our fun.”
“No, that wouldn't serve.” Rebecca started the car and began heading for Michael's cabin. She drove with some haste, but still mindful of the road. She was impatient to have a taste of this Gothic goddess beside her.
She pulled the car alongside the road just short of the cabin, in essentially the same place that Corwin always parked. The Goth girl got out first and Rebecca followed, coming up behind her like a predatory cat. When the moment came, she pounced. She grabbed the girl, spun her about, then pinned her to a tree, smothering her mouth with hers.
They kissed passionately for a long moment, and then Rebecca reached up for the neckline of her tank top, running her hands eagerly across the girl's ample bosom. She gave the neckline a tug downward, exposing the girl's breasts. The left one was tattooed, the mark of an Oriental dragon with its tail snaking around beneath it.
“Oh shit....” Rebecca almost didn't get to finish when Deborah slammed her hands into her chest, knocking her all the way across the road and into a tree. The impact was accompanied by the crunch of bone.
Rebecca tried to scramble to her feet, but the pain was intense. Before she could move, Deborah was on her again, hoisting her back to her feet.
“Son of a bitch!” Deborah snarled. “You're Rebecca, aren't you? Damn him to hell. What was he thinking, turning you? Making you one of us?” Deborah began to squeeze tightly on Rebecca's neck. “I should just twist your head off right here.”
“You'll do no such thing.” barked a command.
Deborah tossed Rebecca aside and turned to face the new arrival. She found a sword pointing at her face, brandished by a very angry looking Michael.
“You dare wield a weapon at me?” snarled Deborah in fury. “After what you've done?”
“You promised me vengeance.”
“Not like this.” Retorted Deborah. “Do you know what you’ve done?”
“I do.” said Michael coldly. “Death was too quick, too painless. There is a worse fate, as you well know.”
Rebecca stood up. She was shaking, half from fear of Deborah but also in shock from the words she was hearing from Michael. “What...what are you talking about, Michael?”
“You poor pathetic little thing.” answered Deborah. “You have no idea what he's done to you. No concept of the fate to which he's condemned you. The nightmare that has just begun for you. Tell me, Michael, did you only embrace her or did you do more?”
“More.” Michael answered.
Deborah's face, already contorted in anger, became even more intense. “God damn you, Michael. How could you be so cruel? Was not the embrace enough?”
When Michael gave no answer, Deborah let out her breath. “Well, now you have her, your pet for all eternity. Not that it will be very long. Mathias will kill us all if he finds out.”
“Not if he's dead.” said Michael forcefully.
On one level, she knew he was right. There was no longer any choice. No laying low to bide their time. No longer. Michael forced all their hands. Now it was a race to see who would strike first.
“I'll contact Solomon.” said Deborah. “He can meet us tomorrow night after the concert.”
“Concert?” asked Rebecca.
“Krushed Prophet, our cover band. We have a gig tomorrow night.” answered Michael. “I would have kept you home, in order to ensure Deb here didn't learn of you, but now that's moot.”
“Who's Solomon?” asked Rebecca.
“Enough of the questions.” Snarled Deborah. “Time is of the essence. If Mathias learns what you’ve done before we’re ready…”
“He won’t.” said Michael.
“Then keep her on a tighter leash.” said Deborah. “You’re just made your third strike, Michael. If we survive all this, there will be consequences for your disobedience. I promise you that.”
----
Corwin drove Deborah back into town, leaving Michael and Rebecca alone together at the cabin. Rebecca slunk inside quietly, fearful of Michael's anger and frustration.
Michael, for his own part, was more angry at himself than Rebecca. He should have known Corwin was no match for Rebecca if she proved determined to leave. And likewise, in his rage, he had spoken much too openly of his purposes within Rebecca's earshot.
Rebecca sat on the sofa, demure and contrite. Michael pulled out a chair from the dining room table and sat down glumly. He looked at her. “Why did you leave? Corwin gave you my instructions.” His tone was firm, but not harsh.
“I wanted to surprise you. Bring you back someone we could both enjoy. I didn't think...”
“No, you clearly didn't.” snapped Michael. “You knew I was at a meeting. You knew or should have guessed that other vampires would be there, therefore realizing that they were others of our kind in town tonight. But you didn't think of that, did you?”
“I'm sorry.” Her voice was pleading. “I never meant to put you in danger.”
“Never mind that now. What's done is done. Thankfully,” he continued. “it was Deborah who found you and not someone else.”
“Your sire?”
“Yes, that's her.”
“I can see why you couldn't say no to her.”
“Actually," Michael's tone softened, his anger now spent. "I did for quite some time. I was able to because I had you. Once you were gone, I had no reason to resist any longer.”
“Once I was gone...” Rebecca repeated. “What did you mean about vengeance, Michael?”
Michael looked into her eyes. “I brought you here. I took you from everything you knew, everyone you loved. I turned you to darkness, enslaved you to a hunger for living blood. I gave to you as your first victim one who loved you. And I've made you a slave to my will. That is what I meant by vengeance.”
“All because I slept with Shawn and not with you?”
“Yes.” said Michael. “You know, you were right about me all along. I was a monster. I am a monster. And now and for all time, so are you.”
----
Pedro's was reasonably crowded for a Sunday night. The little Mexican restaurant was the venue of Krushed Prophet's latest gig and Michael was setting up on stage. Rebecca was helping. They had said little to one another since the previous night, since the revelation of Michael's true motives.
Deborah wandered in and joined in with the set up. She too said little. It wasn't until Bob joined them and made some snarky comment about the tension in the room that the three vampires tried to lighten up.
“Is Ernie coming?” Michael asked of Deborah.
“No, thank God.” she replied. “His allegiance is still suspect. I worry what he might do if he learned about your pet.”
“I haven't threatened the Masquerade.”
“And you’re not so naïve to think that’s the only thing he cares about.” Retorted Deborah. “Imagine, if all you’ve presumed about his motives is true, how he’ll react to find you’ve taken another lover, one so special and dear to you?”
“I can’t imagine he’d turn me in over that. If Mathias kills me, then what does Ernie gain? I’ll be dead. His prize lost.”
“You’re banking on his obsessions?”
“Good point.”
“So we move forward without him.”
“Yes.”
Michael shook his head. “It will be harder.”
“Indeed it will. You have risked much by this, Michael.”
The rest of the band arrived and they finished their set up. Rebecca sat off to the side of the stage, separate from the audience. Michael walked over to the mic to begin his usual introduction.
“Evening, everyone. We are Krushed Prophet and we so glad to be here tonight. Before we begin, I want to ask you all something. Anyone here bought the new Depeche Mode album?” There were a few cheers. “Ok, a few of you. We’re going to open with a track off of it.” Deborah began playing the distinctive guitar rift of I Feel You. “Now those of you who have the album know that this isn’t how the song really begins. A few of us old fogeys with tape players did not appreciate the real beginning of the song. So we’re going to play this with a big ‘fuck you’ to De’Mode for your little joke. You got us.” Michael paused. “Just kidding. We love you guys. This is I Feel You.”
The band ripped into the song and the crowd cheered.
After a few more songs, as usual from a variety of bands, Michael gestured to Rebecca and invited her to come forward. Deborah gave him an ugly glance as Becca walked onto the stage. She came to the center mic.
“I want to introduce to all of you, my girlfriend Rebecca.” said Michael. “She doesn't normally sing with us, but I think you'll enjoy it when she does. Most of you know the band Journey; you know Steve Perry and how broad his voice range is. Well, we tried and tried and tried and the only one who could match his voice was a woman. This is Don't Stop Believin'.”
Michael began playing the distinctive four chord pattern that began that song, as Rebecca grew more relaxed at center stage. Deborah came over to the keyboard and glowered at Michael.
“Trust me.” he whispered as Rebecca began to sing.
Rebecca had always had a strong singing voice and her embrace as a Daeva only strengthened that. As Michael had guessed, she hit every note, singing with passion and power. The crowd was entranced and even Deborah found herself barely able to concentrate on playing guitar while she sang.
Michael smiled as he played. He also noted Solomon walk in and take a seat in the back of the crowd.
They played a few more tracks and then finished their set, Rebecca keeping the main mic the whole time. She was quite the hit with the crowd.
Michael felt inordinately pleased with himself as they finished up and came down from the stage. The crowd began to break up and Michael watched as Deborah went to Solomon, presumably to bring him up to speed on what all had happened. Michael did not look forward to what Solomon would say, but he tried to not let that dim his mood.
“Girlfriend?” Michael heard behind him. “Now I know why I haven't seen you in two weeks.”
He turned and faced someone he had not expected to see: Kris. She looked cross.
“Oh, hi.” replied Michael. “Yeah, I've been busy.”
“No doubt.”
“You've never been jealous before.”
“You've never referred to any of your one-night-stands as a girlfriend before either. That's me, remember?” Her tone was angry and Michael found her insubordination somewhat galling.
“Things have changed.” said Michael firmly. “And you need to remember your place.”
“In your bed is my place.” Kris continued defiantly.
“And it still will be.” promised Michael. “Come. There's someone you need to meet.”
Kris shuffled her feet behind Michael as she followed, making no bones about her anger. But she did follow.
“Kris, meet Rebecca. My childe.”
“You gave her the Embrace?” Kris seemed crestfallen. “You never offered it to me.”
“For five years, I've haunted his dreams.” taunted Rebecca. “Every night, he prayed to have me and now he does. Could he say the same of you?”
Kris went from angry to dejected in her face, but said nothing. “Still,” Rebecca continued. “you are cute. Perhaps you'll prove worth some fun.”
This aggressive tone was another first for Michael to witness in Rebecca. She's always been so demure, but now she was bold, assertive. He liked it.
“Rebecca, darling, why don't you go get to know Kris better? Deborah's apartment is half-a-block away. I think you can keep each other entertained while the rest of us talk.”
Rebecca reached out and groped Kris's amble breasts. Kris gave out a slight moan of pleasure. “Oh, I think we can have a great deal of fun.”
“Save some for me.” chided Michael. He turned and walked towards Solomon and Deborah.
“What the fuck were you thinking, Michael?” snarled Solomon.
“I see Deborah has filled you in.” This tone was flip, which only aggravated Solomon further.
“Don't be coy with me. Do you have any idea how much this endangers things?”
“I called in a debt. I was promised my revenge and now I have it.”
Solomon glared at Deborah. “I warned you about this.”
“We have to move against Mathias and soon.” said Deborah, ignoring Solomon's comment. “The time has come.”
“Acting in haste because of this fool's impulsive stupidity is not a good strategy. We still have to take the Djinn down first.”
“I think we have the perfect bait.” added Deborah. “Something to lure him out and finish him.”
Michael read between the lines. “Wait a minute...”
“Call it recompense for your folly.” she snarled. “And if we play our cards right there's no reason for Mathias to suspect she's yours. Just a nomadic kindred whose encroached on new territory without meeting the Prince. As the Prince's chief enforcer, The Djinn will come to fetch her. And then, we strike.”
Solomon nodded. “I will alert the Prince that a new Kindred has come to the city, one who seeks sanctuary here. Michael, prepare her for The Djinn's coming. She must be able to fool him into buying our story at least for a brief time. Hopefully, it will be long enough. For all our sakes..."
Act Two Chapter Seven
But there were appearances to be maintained. Staying away from his own sire, however quiet and unobtrusive she wanted him to be, was bound to bring suspicion. Spending time with Deborah cramped his plans for this particular Saturday night, but it could not be helped.
Rebecca awoke to find herself alone, or at least mostly so. Corwin was there at the cabin, apparently waiting for her.
She walked out into the living room of the cabin and gave him a look-over. Rebecca had taken Michael's thrall a few times already and the look on Corwin's face indicated an eagerness for her to do so again. She smiled.
“Where's Michael?”
“He was summoned away for an important meeting. He will return later.” Corwin paused. “He gave me strict instructions to keep you here. You may as well make the most of it.”
Rebecca chuckled at his final comment. “You'd like that, wouldn't you?”
“I can think of a few things you can do to me.” said Corwin somewhat flippantly.
Rebecca looked at him without giving an answer. Although Corwin didn't know it, what she was contemplating was not what pleasures she could share with him, at least not without an additional motive. Which would be easier, she wondered. Take him, ravish him, and leave him weakened and unable to stop her from leaving, or simply overpower him and go?
The former might be more fun, but Rebecca determined that it take too much time. She had learned that Corwin was almost a stereotypical gamer nerd in his appetites. He was much like the kid in the candy store, and once inside was oh-so-reluctant to leave. His hungers and lusts were nearly insatiable.
“Not tonight.” she answered at last. “I think I will find my pleasures elsewhere.”
“Michael told you not to leave.” If Corwin was disappointed, it did not distract him from his duties.
“And how will you stop me?” said Rebecca coldly. “You may be a thrall. You may be my sire's favorite thrall, but you are no match for me and you know it.”
“I'm not his favorite.” corrected Corwin.
“All the more reason for you not to challenge me.” said Rebecca sharply. “He may not be quite so upset if I leave you bloody and broken on the floor.”
“I have strict orders.” said Corwin. “You are not to leave.” Her threats appeared to have no effect.
“Very well.” Then, without warning, she lashed out with a vicious punch, slamming her fist hard into Corwin's midsection. He doubled over and she brought another blow down on his back. Down he went.
She knelt down to ensure he wasn't too badly injured, just incapacitated. She had no real desire to hurt him. After all, the same thrall-bond that drove him to defy her for Michael's sake also drove her and she had no interest in harming one her sire considered so valuable.
Still, some disobediences were worth it. On her own, she could snare some pretty thing, bring him back to the lair, and give Michael a threesome he'd not soon forget. She'd planned this for several days and now was her chance to implement it.
She took Corwin's car and drove into town. She had a particular mark in mind: tall, dark, and male. Although she'd done the lesbian thing a couple more times in the past week, her appetites ran towards more masculine fare this evening. She wondered what Michael would think if he saw her taking it in more than one orifice at once. The thought of it being done to her and of Michael's likely reaction aroused her and spurred her onward.
Hokie House was her first stop. It was the first time she'd been back there since Corwin had brought her and Shawn here. It had only been a week, but what a week.
She scanned the crowd eagerly, trying to find a suitable mark. Blond, brunette, pretty boy, drunken frat brother, nerd-about-town, football player, pretty much the gamut of male college life was present before her. But her eyes kept being draw away from them to a petite redheaded Goth girl at the bar.
Rebecca shook it off. “No, I'm looking for a guy tonight. But goddamn, she's something else. Wow is she hot!”
The Goth noticed her stare and locked eyes with Rebecca. There was a “come-hither” look behind her eyes, and Rebecca almost caved. But she resisted. “Who's hunting who tonight?” she asked herself. She turned away and headed into the midst of the crowd to escape her.
Now up close, the smell of all the people was intoxicating. She felt a hand grope her ass and she spun around to see a handsome giant. He was black, but had piercing blue eyes. “Giant” was not an exaggeration, he must have stood at least 6'6”. A basketball player perhaps, or someone just inordinately lucky in the tall department.
“Hi.” she said quietly.
“Hey, you look a little lost. Looking for someone?”
“Yeah, but I think I've found him.” She gave him a coy smile. “Is it true what they say about black men?” She grabbed his crotch for emphasis.
“I take it you want to find out.”
“Call it a scientific study.”
“Is that what they call it these...” He stopped mid-flirt and both of them turned to find the Goth standing there beside them.
“He's not the one you want.” she said, almost in a purr. Rebecca found herself entranced, unable to take her eyes off of her.
“Hey, there's enough of me to go around.” said the basketball player.
“Scram.” said the Goth with authority. He backed off and disappeared into the crowd. She turned to Rebecca. “Outside.” Her tone was gentle, but insistent.
It was not what Rebecca had in mind, but she no longer cared. All that mattered to her in that moment was being with this irresistible beauty. Those handful of steps out into the night air were almost agony, because Rebecca could not look at her and see where she was going at the same time.
Rebecca headed to the car. The Goth followed. “My place?” offered Rebecca. She was still cognizant of her plan, and if Michael thought this creature as exquisite as she did, this would be an even better gift that she'd hoped.
“Yes.” said the Goth, climbing in. “And keep your eyes on the road. Wouldn't want to get ourselves killed before we have our fun.”
“No, that wouldn't serve.” Rebecca started the car and began heading for Michael's cabin. She drove with some haste, but still mindful of the road. She was impatient to have a taste of this Gothic goddess beside her.
She pulled the car alongside the road just short of the cabin, in essentially the same place that Corwin always parked. The Goth girl got out first and Rebecca followed, coming up behind her like a predatory cat. When the moment came, she pounced. She grabbed the girl, spun her about, then pinned her to a tree, smothering her mouth with hers.
They kissed passionately for a long moment, and then Rebecca reached up for the neckline of her tank top, running her hands eagerly across the girl's ample bosom. She gave the neckline a tug downward, exposing the girl's breasts. The left one was tattooed, the mark of an Oriental dragon with its tail snaking around beneath it.
“Oh shit....” Rebecca almost didn't get to finish when Deborah slammed her hands into her chest, knocking her all the way across the road and into a tree. The impact was accompanied by the crunch of bone.
Rebecca tried to scramble to her feet, but the pain was intense. Before she could move, Deborah was on her again, hoisting her back to her feet.
“Son of a bitch!” Deborah snarled. “You're Rebecca, aren't you? Damn him to hell. What was he thinking, turning you? Making you one of us?” Deborah began to squeeze tightly on Rebecca's neck. “I should just twist your head off right here.”
“You'll do no such thing.” barked a command.
Deborah tossed Rebecca aside and turned to face the new arrival. She found a sword pointing at her face, brandished by a very angry looking Michael.
“You dare wield a weapon at me?” snarled Deborah in fury. “After what you've done?”
“You promised me vengeance.”
“Not like this.” Retorted Deborah. “Do you know what you’ve done?”
“I do.” said Michael coldly. “Death was too quick, too painless. There is a worse fate, as you well know.”
Rebecca stood up. She was shaking, half from fear of Deborah but also in shock from the words she was hearing from Michael. “What...what are you talking about, Michael?”
“You poor pathetic little thing.” answered Deborah. “You have no idea what he's done to you. No concept of the fate to which he's condemned you. The nightmare that has just begun for you. Tell me, Michael, did you only embrace her or did you do more?”
“More.” Michael answered.
Deborah's face, already contorted in anger, became even more intense. “God damn you, Michael. How could you be so cruel? Was not the embrace enough?”
When Michael gave no answer, Deborah let out her breath. “Well, now you have her, your pet for all eternity. Not that it will be very long. Mathias will kill us all if he finds out.”
“Not if he's dead.” said Michael forcefully.
On one level, she knew he was right. There was no longer any choice. No laying low to bide their time. No longer. Michael forced all their hands. Now it was a race to see who would strike first.
“I'll contact Solomon.” said Deborah. “He can meet us tomorrow night after the concert.”
“Concert?” asked Rebecca.
“Krushed Prophet, our cover band. We have a gig tomorrow night.” answered Michael. “I would have kept you home, in order to ensure Deb here didn't learn of you, but now that's moot.”
“Who's Solomon?” asked Rebecca.
“Enough of the questions.” Snarled Deborah. “Time is of the essence. If Mathias learns what you’ve done before we’re ready…”
“He won’t.” said Michael.
“Then keep her on a tighter leash.” said Deborah. “You’re just made your third strike, Michael. If we survive all this, there will be consequences for your disobedience. I promise you that.”
----
Corwin drove Deborah back into town, leaving Michael and Rebecca alone together at the cabin. Rebecca slunk inside quietly, fearful of Michael's anger and frustration.
Michael, for his own part, was more angry at himself than Rebecca. He should have known Corwin was no match for Rebecca if she proved determined to leave. And likewise, in his rage, he had spoken much too openly of his purposes within Rebecca's earshot.
Rebecca sat on the sofa, demure and contrite. Michael pulled out a chair from the dining room table and sat down glumly. He looked at her. “Why did you leave? Corwin gave you my instructions.” His tone was firm, but not harsh.
“I wanted to surprise you. Bring you back someone we could both enjoy. I didn't think...”
“No, you clearly didn't.” snapped Michael. “You knew I was at a meeting. You knew or should have guessed that other vampires would be there, therefore realizing that they were others of our kind in town tonight. But you didn't think of that, did you?”
“I'm sorry.” Her voice was pleading. “I never meant to put you in danger.”
“Never mind that now. What's done is done. Thankfully,” he continued. “it was Deborah who found you and not someone else.”
“Your sire?”
“Yes, that's her.”
“I can see why you couldn't say no to her.”
“Actually," Michael's tone softened, his anger now spent. "I did for quite some time. I was able to because I had you. Once you were gone, I had no reason to resist any longer.”
“Once I was gone...” Rebecca repeated. “What did you mean about vengeance, Michael?”
Michael looked into her eyes. “I brought you here. I took you from everything you knew, everyone you loved. I turned you to darkness, enslaved you to a hunger for living blood. I gave to you as your first victim one who loved you. And I've made you a slave to my will. That is what I meant by vengeance.”
“All because I slept with Shawn and not with you?”
“Yes.” said Michael. “You know, you were right about me all along. I was a monster. I am a monster. And now and for all time, so are you.”
----
Pedro's was reasonably crowded for a Sunday night. The little Mexican restaurant was the venue of Krushed Prophet's latest gig and Michael was setting up on stage. Rebecca was helping. They had said little to one another since the previous night, since the revelation of Michael's true motives.
Deborah wandered in and joined in with the set up. She too said little. It wasn't until Bob joined them and made some snarky comment about the tension in the room that the three vampires tried to lighten up.
“Is Ernie coming?” Michael asked of Deborah.
“No, thank God.” she replied. “His allegiance is still suspect. I worry what he might do if he learned about your pet.”
“I haven't threatened the Masquerade.”
“And you’re not so naïve to think that’s the only thing he cares about.” Retorted Deborah. “Imagine, if all you’ve presumed about his motives is true, how he’ll react to find you’ve taken another lover, one so special and dear to you?”
“I can’t imagine he’d turn me in over that. If Mathias kills me, then what does Ernie gain? I’ll be dead. His prize lost.”
“You’re banking on his obsessions?”
“Good point.”
“So we move forward without him.”
“Yes.”
Michael shook his head. “It will be harder.”
“Indeed it will. You have risked much by this, Michael.”
The rest of the band arrived and they finished their set up. Rebecca sat off to the side of the stage, separate from the audience. Michael walked over to the mic to begin his usual introduction.
“Evening, everyone. We are Krushed Prophet and we so glad to be here tonight. Before we begin, I want to ask you all something. Anyone here bought the new Depeche Mode album?” There were a few cheers. “Ok, a few of you. We’re going to open with a track off of it.” Deborah began playing the distinctive guitar rift of I Feel You. “Now those of you who have the album know that this isn’t how the song really begins. A few of us old fogeys with tape players did not appreciate the real beginning of the song. So we’re going to play this with a big ‘fuck you’ to De’Mode for your little joke. You got us.” Michael paused. “Just kidding. We love you guys. This is I Feel You.”
The band ripped into the song and the crowd cheered.
After a few more songs, as usual from a variety of bands, Michael gestured to Rebecca and invited her to come forward. Deborah gave him an ugly glance as Becca walked onto the stage. She came to the center mic.
“I want to introduce to all of you, my girlfriend Rebecca.” said Michael. “She doesn't normally sing with us, but I think you'll enjoy it when she does. Most of you know the band Journey; you know Steve Perry and how broad his voice range is. Well, we tried and tried and tried and the only one who could match his voice was a woman. This is Don't Stop Believin'.”
Michael began playing the distinctive four chord pattern that began that song, as Rebecca grew more relaxed at center stage. Deborah came over to the keyboard and glowered at Michael.
“Trust me.” he whispered as Rebecca began to sing.
Rebecca had always had a strong singing voice and her embrace as a Daeva only strengthened that. As Michael had guessed, she hit every note, singing with passion and power. The crowd was entranced and even Deborah found herself barely able to concentrate on playing guitar while she sang.
Michael smiled as he played. He also noted Solomon walk in and take a seat in the back of the crowd.
They played a few more tracks and then finished their set, Rebecca keeping the main mic the whole time. She was quite the hit with the crowd.
Michael felt inordinately pleased with himself as they finished up and came down from the stage. The crowd began to break up and Michael watched as Deborah went to Solomon, presumably to bring him up to speed on what all had happened. Michael did not look forward to what Solomon would say, but he tried to not let that dim his mood.
“Girlfriend?” Michael heard behind him. “Now I know why I haven't seen you in two weeks.”
He turned and faced someone he had not expected to see: Kris. She looked cross.
“Oh, hi.” replied Michael. “Yeah, I've been busy.”
“No doubt.”
“You've never been jealous before.”
“You've never referred to any of your one-night-stands as a girlfriend before either. That's me, remember?” Her tone was angry and Michael found her insubordination somewhat galling.
“Things have changed.” said Michael firmly. “And you need to remember your place.”
“In your bed is my place.” Kris continued defiantly.
“And it still will be.” promised Michael. “Come. There's someone you need to meet.”
Kris shuffled her feet behind Michael as she followed, making no bones about her anger. But she did follow.
“Kris, meet Rebecca. My childe.”
“You gave her the Embrace?” Kris seemed crestfallen. “You never offered it to me.”
“For five years, I've haunted his dreams.” taunted Rebecca. “Every night, he prayed to have me and now he does. Could he say the same of you?”
Kris went from angry to dejected in her face, but said nothing. “Still,” Rebecca continued. “you are cute. Perhaps you'll prove worth some fun.”
This aggressive tone was another first for Michael to witness in Rebecca. She's always been so demure, but now she was bold, assertive. He liked it.
“Rebecca, darling, why don't you go get to know Kris better? Deborah's apartment is half-a-block away. I think you can keep each other entertained while the rest of us talk.”
Rebecca reached out and groped Kris's amble breasts. Kris gave out a slight moan of pleasure. “Oh, I think we can have a great deal of fun.”
“Save some for me.” chided Michael. He turned and walked towards Solomon and Deborah.
“What the fuck were you thinking, Michael?” snarled Solomon.
“I see Deborah has filled you in.” This tone was flip, which only aggravated Solomon further.
“Don't be coy with me. Do you have any idea how much this endangers things?”
“I called in a debt. I was promised my revenge and now I have it.”
Solomon glared at Deborah. “I warned you about this.”
“We have to move against Mathias and soon.” said Deborah, ignoring Solomon's comment. “The time has come.”
“Acting in haste because of this fool's impulsive stupidity is not a good strategy. We still have to take the Djinn down first.”
“I think we have the perfect bait.” added Deborah. “Something to lure him out and finish him.”
Michael read between the lines. “Wait a minute...”
“Call it recompense for your folly.” she snarled. “And if we play our cards right there's no reason for Mathias to suspect she's yours. Just a nomadic kindred whose encroached on new territory without meeting the Prince. As the Prince's chief enforcer, The Djinn will come to fetch her. And then, we strike.”
Solomon nodded. “I will alert the Prince that a new Kindred has come to the city, one who seeks sanctuary here. Michael, prepare her for The Djinn's coming. She must be able to fool him into buying our story at least for a brief time. Hopefully, it will be long enough. For all our sakes..."
Act Two Chapter Seven
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