Page 18 of Relic

EIGHTEEN

“Someone get me some water,” I shout, scooping Emery into my arms before he can hit the floor. No surprise he’s overwhelmed.

“He told me he had a dream to come to New Orleans. I have a feeling it was planted there,” I say to Mattheus and Sampson, while I stroke Emery’s forehead. “Perhaps Orson knew about Emery before we did.”

Ares gazes down at the man in my arms, offering a bottle of water. “Or perhaps his aunt works from beyond, guiding him here so he could fulfill his destiny.”

“Emery, darling,” I whisper, kissing his forehead. “Wake up, my treasure. You’re safe. I’m here.”

Emery’s eyelids flutter as he slowly comes to. “Fuck. Did I faint again?”

“I’m afraid so.”

“Some hero I am.” He scoffs, pulling himself upright, his glance roaming across all of us watching him. “I need a few minutes please.”

“Of course,” I say, as the others back away to give us a little room.

He takes several deep breaths before turning his gaze to me. “What happens if I become a vampire? What’s it like?”

My barely beating heart flutters in my chest. “Unpleasant at first, to be honest. You feel as though you’re dying, and in a way, you are. You’ll feel weak and disoriented.”

Emery nods, swallowing hard.

“Slowly, as the blood in your body drains away, I will offer you mine. Your desire for it will be all encompassing. You won’t be able to think of anything else but my blood.”

Emery flinches, but nods again, still quiet.

“And then…” I take his hand in mine, brushing my fingers over it. “Your mortal body will slip away, replaced by a new one that is strong and immortal. The world will seem different, brighter.”

“Does it hurt?”

“A bit, yes. I would help, of course.”

“And then what? I’m a real live vampire?”

“Well, given what Ares has told us, I imagine your experience might be slightly different.”

“Right.” He rubs his forehead, blowing out a breath. “I’m scared, Horatio.”

“Of course, darling. Much is being asked of you. If I could take your place, I would in a second.”

He falls silent and the sounds of a bustling Quarter seep in around us.

“I’ll do it. I have to.”

“You don’t. We could go the witch route instead, and Samson could guide you.”

“But Ares says that doesn’t really solve it, right? Not for good.”

“Right.” I frown. “I don’t want you to be unhappy. In fact, it kills me.”

“I’m not unhappy. I’m nervous. I never thought…” His hand goes through his hair. “Is drinking blood gross? I don’t even like my steak rare.”

I chuckle softly, rubbing his arm. “Your desire for it will replace any current thoughts you may have now. It’s called bloodlust and it will rule your life in the beginning. You’ll have hunger like you’ve never experienced.” I cup his cheek. “But I’ll teach you how to hunt safely.”

“I…I don’t have to hurt people, right?”

“Right. Initially, it’s difficult to quell the hunger, but you have me to help. You can drink from me freely, and in fact, my blood will be sweeter than any others.”

“Why? Because I like you?”

“No, because I made you.” I lift his hand to my lips and press a kiss to his knuckle. “And what joy. What an honor. I will be your maker, Emery, the two of us forever tied together.”

A slight smile pulls at his lips. “You really mean forever. I won’t die.”

“Not easily.”

Emery exhales slowly. “What about the mark you put on me? Does it change?”

“It’s blown away and replaced by a connection unlike anything known to both the mortal and supernatural worlds. The bond between a vampire and his maker is nearly unbreakable. To break it would be to destroy both of them.”

“And you’d want that with me?”

As my chest fills with a blooming warmth, I nod. “I would. I’ve never had the pleasure of turning someone I wanted to keep. I do now and I won’t squander it. I’ll treat you well, Emery.”

“I trust you.” He closes his eyes for a moment, then opens them. They seem bright, determined, full of clarity. “Let’s do it. I don’t want to spend the rest of my life in fear or looking over my shoulder. I don’t want anything to hurt you or this city. You saved my life and there must be a reason for that, but promise me one thing?”

“Anything.”

“Don’t leave me. I can’t do this without you.”

“I would never leave you. Don’t you understand yet how much I desire you? Not just physically. All of you. You give your soul to me, and in return, I give you everything. All of me. Fate guided us together, and I won’t be the one to tear us apart.”

As his eyes turn glassy, he blinks the tears away. “I’m ready.”

“Not here. We’ll return to my home.”

“Good.”

I motion for Mattheus and the others to join us. They gather around the table, all their faces filled with curious concern. I open my mouth to speak, but Emery clears his throat, standing.

“Thank you all for the enlightening information today. I’ve made my decision.” Emery gazes up at me. “Horatio will make me a vampire.”

Ares smiles as does Mattheus. Samson nods, his face sympathetic.

“I’ll lean on you all for support through this. I haven’t the first idea how to battle evil or use these powers you say I’ll have.”

“I’ll be there,” Samson says.

“So will I,” Ares adds.

“My assistance is a given,” Mattheus says.

“Thank you all,” I say. “I’m taking Emery home. We’ll contact you later.”

As I scoop Emery up, I tear off into the streets, running too fast for the human eye to see. Emery squeezes his arms around my neck. He’s trusting me with his life, and I’ll do everything in my power to keep him safe.