Page 10 of Relic

TEN

I’m still trying to regain my bearings when a man I’ve never seen enters the room carrying a tray. He’s short and stocky with brilliant blue eyes that seem otherworldly but kind. His hair is white and short like a buzz cut. His skin is unusually pale. He’s wearing a white tunic style shirt and loose baggy pants. His feet are bare.

He sets the tray down, bowing his head at Horatio with his eyes trained on me like I’m an exotic animal.

“Eat,” Horatio says, handing me a plate with a sandwich on it. “You need your strength.”

“What happened to me?”

Horatio frowns. “I’ll tell you everything you need to know, but please eat first.”

“Okay.” I take the plate from him, lifting the bread to peer inside. “What is this?”

Horatio glances at it. “Roast beef po’boy with cajun gravy. You like sandwiches, yes?”

“I do. Thanks.”

How does he know that? Why am I in his house? What the fuck is going on right now?

I watch him as he lifts an ornate glass from the tray. The bottom of it has silver vines that climb along the glass. He lifts the deep red liquid to his lips, taking a drink, and closing his eyes as if savoring it. When he opens his eyes again, he focuses on me, and I feel a sudden compulsion to eat.

I take a bite of the sandwich, enjoying the rich flavor. The food in this town is incredible. After I make it through about half the sandwich and drink a half pitcher of water, I set the plate down.

“I’m full.”

“Good.”

Horatio stands, drawing my attention to the space we’re in. It’s a narrow room, but filled with items. Art hangs on the walls while books fill several shelves around me. In a corner, two round tables sit, piled high with jewelry, vases, and other expensive looking trinkets.

“What is this place?”

“My safe room. It’s where I keep my treasures. It’s fire and waterproof, and of course, safe from theft.”

“Why am I here?”

“It is the safest place for you.” The handsome man paces for a moment before turning to face me. “Emery.”

“Yes?”

“What I am about to tell you may be difficult for you to believe, but it’s critical that you do.”

“Okay.”

“You’ve complained that your memory has failed you several times, yes?”

“Yeah.”

“I’m afraid that was my doing in an attempt to keep you safe and not alarm you.”

I crinkle my brow. “I don’t get it. How could you affect my memory?”

“It’s a skill of mine.”

I blink several times, but yeah no, still doesn’t make sense.

“The night we met, you were being followed. I found you in an alley with something dangerous closing in on you.”

“Something dangerous?”

“Yes. A man, sort of. He was once a man. Now he’s something we call an IDV.”

“IDV? I’ve never heard of that.”

“No, you wouldn’t have. Fortunately, it’s specific to New Orleans.”

“What does it stand for?”

Horatio’s expression stiffens. “Infected and distressed vampire.”

“Vampire?” A feeling of deja vu washes over me. “Vampire?” I repeat.

“Yes. You see, New Orleans is a haven for vampires. We’ve long existed here in peace, living our lives with pleasure. That is until?—”

“I’m sorry,” I interrupt. “Did you say ‘we’ve’? As in you? As in, vampire?”

Horatio nods, his expression as serious as a heart attack. “Yes, Emery. I’m a vampire.”

His words don’t make any sense. I’m pretty sure he just told me, with a straight face no less, that he’s a vampire. The urge to stand up and run from the room is strong, but it doesn’t take a genius to know I’m not getting out of this vault unless Horatio wants me to.

“Shall I continue?” Horatio asks.

“Sure.”

“Right. So as I was saying, life here was lovely. We coexist with the mortals and other supes.”

“Supes?”

“Supernatural beings.”

“Uh huh. Like?”

“Witches, voodoo priests and priestesses, demons, fae of course, the occasional fallen angel. Werewolves are particularly fond of the area. I’ve heard there are some water dragons near the swamps but I’ve never seen one. All of us do our part to keep New Orleans the special place it is.”

Did he say…? My heart rate speeds up, making it difficult to breathe. “Go on.”

“Less than a year ago, the peace was shattered. Vampires began attacking tourists and locals alike. It made no sense. We have many outlets for feeding so there’s no reason for such random attacks. I took it upon myself to investigate, seeing as how I am the longest vampire resident of the city.”

“Okay.” I have no other words to speak.

“What I found was that these vampires are not like us. They are mindless, controlled either by illness or by some unknown entity. They kill, but do not feed. If they bite, they infect the victim. We’ve seen mortals and vampires both succumb to the ailment. I have yet to find the source.”

“Um, okay, if what you’re saying is somehow true, what does any of this have to do with me?”

“As I stated, you were cornered by an IDV intent on killing you. Initially, I thought it was merely a random occurrence, but the next day, you showed up to Relic, and two IDVs showed up as well. They have never come to my shop before, entering in broad daylight. Morticia and I handled it, but you fainted.”

A vague memory flashes through my mind, but it’s gone before I can latch onto it.

“Everywhere you go, an IDV shows up. As it did today, leading you away from the shop. Fortunately, I was able to follow you and assist before you were harmed. You seemed to be under some sort of spell, which is now broken I believe, thanks to Samson.”

I nod, staring at him in disbelief. “And Samson is?”

“A witch.”

“Uh huh.”

“I brought you here until I can understand what it is about you that’s drawing these dangerous creatures to you. I think if we can retrace your steps since you arrived in New Orleans, we might be able to find a clue. Until then, I don’t feel comfortable leaving you unattended.”

I open my mouth to speak, but no words come out. The rational part of me is screaming. This can’t be true. There are no such things as vampires and all the other crazy things he said. But… there’s this other, quieter part of me whispering that it could be true. Why else would I be locked in a safe room right now with no memory of how I got here? The more he speaks, the more fragments of memory flash through my mind. Horatio could be some kind of stalker or serial killer, but being in his presence gives me a sense of calm even with the crazy talk. I remember clearly what being with a dangerous man feels like, and this isn’t that.

The other reason I’m starting to believe is that he’s right. I don’t remember much of anything for the past few days. So he must be telling the truth.

“How do you affect my memory?”

“Different ways. The day the IDVs came to the shop, you were on the verge of hysteria. I gave you a memory potion. Other times, I’ve used a bit of charisma.”

Concentrating, I try to remember but come up empty.

“Morticia and I killed the IDVs then I carried you to the back,” Horatio says in a soft, almost hypnotic voice. “You were, rightfully, distraught.”

The memory floods back to my mind, causing me to flinch. I can see the head rolling across the wood floor, Morticia with a bloody sword in her hand, Horatio’s arms scooping me off the floor.

“Oh god.”

“I intended to shield you from it as much as I could, but they are relentless in their pursuit of you. I need to understand why. It’s the only way I can keep you safe.”

Rubbing my forehead, I stare at the floor as my leg shakes. “You’re telling me the truth, aren’t you?”

“Oh yes. Unfortunately, yes.”

“How could…I mean, why would….” I exhale. “I’m not even from here, Horatio. How could vampires be after me?”

“I don’t know.”

He steps closer and I flinch, causing him to frown.

“Do not fear me, Emery. I could never hurt you.”

“How do I know that? Maybe you’ve kidnapped me and plan to torture me or kill me or something.”

He nods. “I understand your concern. I told you I’m something you have only experienced through fictional media, but I can assure you that if I wanted to kill you, you would already be dead.”

“That’s not exactly comforting.”

Horatio chuckles. “No, I suppose it isn’t.” He sits next to me on the chaise, and as much as I probably should move, I don’t. “I find you captivating, even before I knew you were part of the IDV mystery. You have something about you I wish to keep near me.” He cups my chin, lifting my face slightly.

I can feel myself shaking from his touch, but I do my best to appear brave.

“Your only concern from me should be seduction.”

“You’re…attracted to me?”

“Very much so. Especially since I tasted you.”

“Tasted me? What?”

“I admit it. I marked you in order to track your whereabouts. It was only meant to keep you safe, but you’re in my blood now, Emery.”

“You… marked me? What does that mean?”

“I bit you, transferring my scent to you. Every supe in town will know that I have claimed you. Again, it is meant to keep you safe. No one would dare challenge me.”

My muscles tense. “Bit me?”

“Yet it seems ineffective with the IDVs,” he says as if he’s talking to someone else. “I’ll have to figure that out.”

“You bit me?”

His intense gaze settles on me again. “I did, yes. Please forgive me. Asking your consent wasn’t possible at the time, but I feared leaving you unprotected.”

“I-I don’t have any marks.”

“No. You wouldn’t have any that are visible to the mortal eye. If you’d like, I can have Sven bring the recall potion. It will fully restore your memory. You’ll no longer have to take my word for it.”

“Yes.” I nod. “I want that.”

“Before you agree so readily, I must warn you, the events will be startling.”

I consider his words for a moment. “But you want me to retrace my steps. I can’t do that without my memory.”

“I know. I’m simply concerned it will be too much for you.”

“I’m not fragile, Horatio. I’ve dealt with much worse.”

His eyes harden. “Linx.”

I lift my eyebrows. “I told you about him?”

“You did. You shared how he treated you. I assure you, Emery, he’ll never harm you again.”

There’s something both ominous and promising in his tone, but I decide not to question it. Maybe this is one of those things to stay ignorant about.

“Okay.” I shake my hands. “If you’re a vampire why can you be outside during the day?”

“Because I’m real and not a mythical creature in a Hollywood movie. Granted, I prefer the night, but daylight has no effect on us.”

“Garlic?”

“Delicious.”

“Holy water?”

“No effect. I could tell you how to kill a vampire, but why would I?”

“Right.” After a pause, I continue, “Guess I’ll take that recall potion now.” Did that sentence really come out of my mouth?

“Certainly.” Horatio stands and crosses the room, pressing a button on the wall. “Sven. Bring the Recall please. It’s in my study.”

“Right away, sir,” Sven’s voice replies.

“Sven isn’t human, is he?”

“No. He’s a vampire and my trusted personal manager.”

While we wait, Horatio takes another drink from his glass.

“I’m gonna go out on a limb here, but that isn’t wine you’re drinking, is it?”

Horatio simply smiles.

The door opens mere seconds later and Sven enters carrying a silver tray with a small black vial on it. He bows slightly toward Horatio, then fixes his eyes on me.

“Sven, this is Emery.”

“Emery, sir.”

“Pleased to meet you.”

“Emery will be our guest. Please stock the kitchen with mortal food.” Horatio turns his head to me. “Is there anything in particular you prefer to eat?”

“Um, no, not really. I eat most anything.”

“Very well.”

I notice as Sven sniffs in my direction then looks at Horatio with questioning eyes. Horatio smiles, and the eye contact between them is so intense, I can only guess they must be communicating somehow.

Sven says nothing, only bowing his head before leaving the room.

“He’s interesting.”

Horatio nods. “He is. Ready for the Recall?”

“Yeah.”

“I’ll be here with you as your memory returns. Do not be afraid. You’re completely safe.”

“Okay.”

Horatio hands me the small vial. Pulling the cork off of it, I smell it. It’s a bit like black licorice, not the best smell but not the worst either.

“Just drink it down?”

“Yes, all of it. Like a shot.”

“Okay.” I blow out a breath then lift the vial to my lips, slamming it back. It’s bitter and burns going down, exactly like a shot. “Gah.”

Horatio chuckles, but I don’t miss the concern reflected in his eyes. “It’s intense.”

“Yeah. How long does it take—” I clutch my chest. “Fuck.”

“Lie back. It will go easier on you.”

Slumping on the chaise, I squeeze my eyes shut as the room begins to swirl around me. Images flash through my mind like leaves in the wind, but then they slow, slotting into place.

The psychic.

The man following me. White hair, glowing eyes.

Morticia beheading the creepy tourists.

Horatio whispering to me. Leading me home. Biting me.

I’m gasping for air when it’s over. I open my eyes slowly, afraid of what I might see, but it’s Horatio, hovering above me, his handsome face filled with concern.

“Hi,” he says softly.

“Hey. That was intense.”

“I’m sure. Do you have any questions?”

“No. Everything you told me was true. I feel kind of sick.”

“I’m sorry, Emery. I wish I understood why this is happening to you. Let me ask though, do you know anyone named Orson?”

I shake my head. “No. Uh… the psychic, Ares. He told me something about a dangerous man with an O name. Is that Orson?”

“It could be, but I can’t understand how he would know you.”

“Who is that?”

“A menace. Unfortunately, once he’s decided on a target, he is relentless.” Horatio frowns. “And, Emery, I hate to tell you this, but you’re his next target.”