Page 11 of Relic

ELEVEN

“Me? Why?”

“That’s what I need to learn. Orson has a long history with me. He wants New Orleans for his own. He has grand delusions to rule over the supes, but he’s pure evil. He has no regard for human life. I cannot and I will not allow it. I’ve banished him before.” I exhale slowly. “I can do it again.”

“Maybe it would be best if I left town. I don’t want to cause trouble, and I definitely don’t need any more bad guys after me.”

“It sounds good in theory, however, it’s not that simple. You carry my mark now. Trouble may follow you.”

Emery’s eyes narrow. “You trapped me?”

“Unintentionally. To be fair, I’m not sure you’d be safe without my mark either. You were being hunted before our paths crossed. At least this way, I can always be there if you need me.”

He stands suddenly, swaying for a second until he regains his balance. “So you’re telling me that this city is full of vampires, one of whom wants to kill me?”

“It’s possible Orson is behind the IDVs although I cannot figure out how. He’s not that powerful, unless he has an accomplice. A witch, perhaps.”

“What?” Emery leans against the wall, his eyes lingering on my jewels. “This stuff is real, isn’t it?”

“Quite,” I preen. “Curated over my many years alive.”

He nods, saying nothing for a moment. “How do I get rid of your mark? If I wanted to.”

I frown. “You won’t like the answer.”

“I don’t like any of this so you might as well tell me.”

“Only death can remove it.”

Emery’s eyes widen. “What?” he shrieks. “You marked me for life?”

“I’m afraid that’s how it works. You are mine for all of eternity.” Unless, of course I kill him or he chooses to leave me, in which case he’ll haunt me until his last breath. All of which I keep to myself.

“Yours? Like another shiny trinket to collect?”

“The shiniest of them all.”

“I am a person, Horatio.” He stabs his index finger into his chest. “Not a possession.”

I shrug. “Souls are possessions too, my sweet. If you allow me, I’ll give you such riches. More than your mortal mind can comprehend. It’s a vampire perk.”

“I don’t want your money.”

“I’m not talking about money.” I stand and approach him slowly. “I am talking about me and my world. You could reign beside me.” Reaching out, I cup his chin, and he allows it with defiant eyes. “I desire you, Emery. I have from the moment I saw you. I want to keep you.” I lean in close, inhaling his scent. “And I never want to keep my toys.”

“Toys?” He scoffs. “Is that what I am to you?”

“Initially, yes.” I back away, appearing across the room. “Until I knew your connection to this city. There must be something about you, something special, that lures Orson. If you’re something he wants, I will never let him have you.”

Emery huffs a breath and folds his arms over his chest. “Yeah, again, not a doll to be fought over. I’ve already had an overbearing dangerous boyfriend. I’m done with that. Let me go.”

“Absolutely not.”

“I’m a prisoner now?”

“Prisoner? No. Cherished guest.”

“Guests can leave when they want to.”

I rub my forehead. “Perhaps I haven’t made myself clear, sweet bon bon. I saved you from certain death three times already. Orson wants you either dead or controlled by him. He will use you to get to me, and then I will have no choice but to preserve your life and hand over the city to him. The entire fate of New Orleans is in your hands, Emery. Now, what do you wish to do with your power?”

He flops down on the chaise, staring upward as he rubs his forehead. “Rock and a hard place.”

“You’re safe with me. I won’t harm you. My mission is merely to protect you until I can vanquish Orson and rid the city of the IDVs. Then I promise you, I will let you do as you wish.”

“But what about the mark?”

“The mark will keep other vampires from claiming you.”

“And if I leave you?”

The truth I’d rather keep to myself pours out unbidden from my lips. “I will always know where you are. I’ll feel your thoughts, your fears, your pleasures. You’re in my veins now, my little beignet. Only upon your death will I be free from you.”

His brow crinkles. “Why would you do that? You don’t even know me.”

“Well, to be fair, I usually dispose of my toys when I tire of them.”

“You kill your lovers? Is that what you’re saying?”

“Once they’ve exceeded their usefulness for me.”

“So I’m supposed to feel safe with you when you admitted that? What if you decide you don’t like me? Or you get tired of me? Or you get rid of Orson and these IDV things and decide you don’t need me anymore. I’m just supposed to die because you got bored?”

“You have my word, I will not harm you. No matter what.”

“Why? Why should I believe that?”

“Because I said so. You can ask anyone you like. When I give my word, I stand by it. You’re not a toy, Emery, as you stated. Perhaps, I thought you might be initially, but no. My connection to you is different. I knew it almost immediately. I believe you’re part of my destiny.”

He glances around the room with a frown. “What about my destiny?” His voice trembles. “All I wanted was a quiet life making art and living on my own terms. Now I’m owned by a vampire?”

“Not owned, per se.”

“Whatever.” He rolls his eyes. “This is bullshit. I didn’t do anything to deserve this freak’s attention.”

“That you know of. There must be a reason. It happened before we met, and if he finds out you wear my mark, which he will, taking you from me will be his sole mission.”

After a few tense moments of silence, Emery’s shoulders slump. “Fine. What happens now?”

“I want to see if we can figure out what you might have done to attract the IDVs.”

He shrugs. “The first day I got here, I got the keys to my apartment and walked about the Quarter.”

“Did you stop anywhere? Meet anyone?”

He glances at his feet for a moment before lifting his head. “I went to the shop where Ares works. I bought a crystal. Then I got some lunch and went back to my place.”

“Bought a crystal. Do you have it now?”

“Yeah.” He reaches in the front pocket of his jeans. “Ares told me to keep it with me all the time.”

I take the black stone, studying it. “There doesn’t seem to be anything interesting about it.”

Emery exhales. “Shit.”

“What?”

“I remember now. It seemed to vibrate in the bowl with the others. Then this man appeared behind me. He told me it was a wise choice. I think that’s what he said. He told me it was a dollar even though the sign said five dollars. It was kind of a weird interaction, but I figured that’s how New Orleans is, so I bought it.”

I nod with understanding. “I see. We’ll give it to Samson who will be able to see what magic is attached to it. If my suspicion is correct, the man who spoke to you must be connected to either Orson, or whoever is behind the IDVs. This stone was created to choose a mark to get to me.”

“It was random?”

“I can only assume. Perhaps not though. We’re only beginning to unravel this mystery.”

Emery nods. “Okay.”

I approach and sit next to him. “May I touch you, Emery? It will help you.”

“More potions?”

“Not at all. I want to share our bond with you. I want you to feel it. It will put your mind at ease to know that I am here for your safety, and I won’t harm you. Not ever.”

His eyelids flutter. “Okay.”

I put my hand on his chest over his heart, closing my eyes to call forth our bond. As it bubbles up, a sense of warm calm washes over me, wrapping around Emery as well, like a blanket. His breath hitches, bringing a smile to my lips knowing he feels it. It’s my way of showing him he’s safe. He can trust me. I have no idea what it is about Emery, but I know he’s special. He carries my mark for a reason.

When I remove my hand, Emery opens his eyes, slowly focusing on me. “That was wild.”

I nod. “I hope you understand now that you can trust me.”

“Yeah. I felt it.” His cheeks bloom a pretty shade of pink. “You’re attracted to me too?”

“It’s true. Everything I told you is true. You’re so beautiful, Emery. More beautiful than all the treasures in this room. You belong here, showered in my riches.” I brush my fingers across his cheek, delighted as his breath hitches. “Now that you know, how do you feel about staying with me?”

Emery searches my eyes. “Safe.”

After convincing Emery to take a nap, I head downstairs to my study. Almost as soon as my butt hits the chair, my phone vibrates. It’s Mattheus.

“Hello.”

“I have a present for you, friend. At the boat house.”

“What did you bring me?”

“A special delivery from Atlanta. Artwork included.”

My mood perks up. “Excellent. I’ll be right there.”

I stand to leave, pausing as Sven appears. “Sir?”

“I’m leaving to attend to some business. Emery is to stay in the safe room until I return. He’s resting now.”

Sven nods. “He’s special to you?”

“Yes. I just don’t know why yet.”

A hint of a smile shows on Sven’s face. “Perhaps you don’t need to know.”

Smiling at my faithful companion, I nod. “Perhaps not. Danger surrounds him though. I fear I could lose him before I’ve even had a chance to get to know him more.”

“He’s safe here. I’ll check on him in an hour.”

“Thanks.”

“Of course. Sir, if I may…”

“Please.”

“It would be wonderful if you found love after all this time.”

“Yes, it would, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. I’ll be back as soon as possible.”

With that, I step outside, dissipating into a mist and reappearing at the boat house, the run-down shack on the edge of a swamp where we conduct our grimier business away from law enforcement eyes. I can hear the sweet tortured whimpers of a man before I enter.

I pull open the shack’s rickety wood door and step inside the dim room. Tied to a chair is a bloodied and beaten man, his head slumped down as he tries to pull at his bindings. Samson stands nearby, leaning against the wall, while Mattheus towers over the victim. Next to Samson, a small stack of canvases.

“Linx, I assume?”

The man looks up sharply, glaring at me. One eye is nearly swollen shut, his face cut in various places.

“He resisted greatly,” Matteus explains with an amused tone.

“I’m sure he did.” I lift my hand for Linx to see it, watching his eyes grow wide as my nails become sharp talons. “Those who prey on others always value their own lives the most.” I kneel in front of the man. I can see through his injuries that he’s the attractive man Emery showed me, but there’s an edge to him I find unappealing. His scent is most unappealing as well. Emery is likely too good and kind to have seen it before it was too late.

“Do you know why you’re here?” I ask.

Linx mumbles something, straining against the ropes.

“No? I’m happy to explain. You’re here, Linx, because you’ve been a naughty boy.”

He looks surprised, his eyes questioning.

“You hurt someone important to me,” I continue. “Abused him. Did you enjoy it? Did it make you feel powerful?”

He stills, holding my gaze.

“How many lovers have you beat, Linx? How many times did you break someone’s trust in you? Someone who cared for you?” I grip his neck. “How many times?” The words leave my lips like a growl.

Linx is nervous now. I can hear his quickened pulse and see the fear on his face.

“I promised him that you would never hurt him again, and I intend to follow through. Do you know who I’m talking about, Linx?”

He shakes his head.

“Ah. How quickly you forget or is it that you have so many victims to choose from? Does the name Emery mean anything to you?”

Linx’s eyes fill with shock as he thrashes wildly in his seat. I pull the gag away from his mouth.

“Where is he, you bastard?” Linx chokes out. “We have unfinished business.”

“You’re correct. Unfortunately for you, I’m going to finish that business. Today you’ll learn what true power is.”

“When I found him, he was beating a woman,” Mattheus offers. “Said she hadn’t paid him. It was all I could do to bring him to you alive.”

I twist my neck back and forth. “Preying on people weaker than you is a habit, I see.”

“Fuck you,” Linx says, defiantly.

“Not for all the money in the world.”

“Where is Emery? Is he here in this shit hole town?”

“Don’t worry about Emery. You’ll never see him again.”

“What happened between us got nothing to do with you, man,” he continues, his tone more desperate now. “I need to talk to him.”

“As I said.” I lift my nail and drag it slowly across Linx’s neck, delighting as the flesh splits and he chokes. Blood pours from the wound, but I would never drink it. He’s a disgusting human and he hurt my sweet Emery.

“Say goodbye now, Linx.”

He opens his mouth to speak, but only blood comes out. “My…” He utters the word with a hoarse voice, barely above a whisper. “Em…pire.”

“You’re worried about your empire? Well, I hope you’ve done appropriate succession planning. You’re going to die today, Linx. You’ll never hurt Emery or anyone else again.”

“Fu…ck… Em…ry.”

“I’m going to.” I lean close to his face. “I’m going to make sure he knows what a real man is.” My fangs descend as unbridled bloodlust flows through me. A terrified expression appears on Linx’s face.

“Wha…are…you?”

“Obviously, I’m a vampire.” I slash his neck a second time before standing and walking over to Mattheus and Samson. Linx moans and gurgles blood while I kneel and flip through the canvases.

“These were shoved in a closet,” Samson explains. “Nothing fancy on the walls. Is this what you wanted?”

Nodding, I pause on one, immediately knowing that it was created by Emery’s hand. Swirls of pink, yellow, and green fill the space. It’s bright and happy, like a summer day. Even in the midst of being in a horrible relationship, he found light.

“Emery painted these. Thank you for retrieving them.” I turn to watch Linx’s body rattle with the last of his breath. “At least he didn’t destroy them.”

Linx snarls at me even as he’s dying.

“Anyway, I need your assistance, Samson. There’s a crystal in Emery’s possession. I need to know if there is magic attached.”

“Of course. How does he feel?”

“Better. I gave him the recall potion you made. It helped. I don’t believe he has any attachments, but I’d rather you confirm.”

“I’ll come over after we finish here.”

“Perfect.” I glance at the man bleeding out in the chair. I could show him mercy and end it, but why would I do that? He didn’t show Emery any. “Thank you for getting him so quickly, my friend. Emery will sleep better tonight, I hope.”

“He was easy to find,” Mattheus says. “He likes to flaunt himself. Based on things I was told by locals, he deserves to die more than you know.”

“Good. I take great pleasure in ridding the world of filth.” I saunter over to Linx, watching him cling to his last breaths. I have to give him credit for tenacity. Maybe in his final moments, he’s found some regret in his heart. “Are you sorry for what you did to Emery?”

He growls at me.

“If you are, I may show some mercy and end your suffering.”

Linx struggles to lift his head but when he does, he sneers at me. “Fu–fuck him. Ug-ugly art.”

“Hmm. Rude.” I drag my nails down his chest, smiling as he moans in pain. “No mercy for you.”

It takes about another twenty minutes for Linx to bleed out and take his last breath. “Finally.” I turn back to my friends. “Could I trouble you to clean this up so I can get back to Emery?”

“It’s no trouble,” Mattheus says. “We’ll be over after.”

“Perfect.” I pat his arm. “Thank you again. At least I know there’s one less threat to Emery out there.”

“It was a pleasure. He was trash, and he’ll be disposed of appropriately. The gators are always hungry.”

As I leave, I pause and inhale a bit of fresh air. Hopefully, Emery will be pleased with the news. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to rest until I eliminate every threat.