The Marradith Ryder Series, Part 57

“What do you mean by ‘something else’?” Justin asked.

Marradith took a breath, trying to decide where to begin.

“When we were children, Scott and I could read each others thoughts. I think it would have been different if we were closer in age, but because I was so young he shielded a lot of things from me. He lived his own life away from our parents, and there were some things that I knew about; mostly the things you’d expect, teenage rebellion. When he got shipped off to military school at sixteen, I wasn’t surprised. In retrospect I think that he was Manifesting at that time, and didn’t know how to handle it.

“Once we were separated, it was like something was broken between us. We never read each other’s thoughts again. I assumed it was normal. Like a phase we were passing through. And as I got older I was relieved that he didn’t have access to my mind.

“Scott could move objects. He could influence people with suggestions that he placed in their minds. He’s doing other things now that he couldn’t do before. The night you brought me to the police station, he worked a glamour on me to make me think that I was speaking to a cop named Doherty. I’m guessing here, I mean, I have never had anyone do that to me before. Fiona saw through it instantly.”

“That would make sense….” Justin said. “A glamour is just a way of getting into your head and making you see something different from what’s really there. If you could read each other’s minds, there probably is still a trace there. A sort of foot in the door that no one else would have with you. There could be one benefit to that, Ryder.”

“What would that be?”

“If he‘s got a way into your head, it’s because you have the same with him.”

“There’s something else. When I saw him tonight, he made himself disappear,” Marradith paused. “I guess what I am asking is…. could a Lamia be turned into a vampire?”

“It may be possible to intensify that side of his nature. Lamia are part vampire, after all. If he were to drink a vampire’s blood…”

“Wait a minute. I thought vampires wouldn’t drink from us.”

“They won’t.” He raised an eyebrow. “But vampires can take life force through sex. And there’s nothing that would stop a Lamia from drinking from a vampire.”

 ********************

Daria found Will in the kitchen.

He sat at the island with his tie and jacket off, the first two buttons of his shirt undone. He held a drink and a cigarette in his left hand.

She sat down on a stool across from him.

“I didn’t know you smoke,” she said. “Where have you been?”

He smiled. He didn’t want to tell her how he’d busted down the pantry door to get out after the door locked behind Fiona. “Around. And I don’t smoke all the time. Just at parties. And bars.”

“Yeah?” she smiled. “Everybody’s left.”

He couldn’t help but look at her. She was stunning. The dress she wore clung like a second skin.

She took the cigarette from his hands and placed it between her lips. As she exhaled, he watched her chest dip and rise. She looked around, and then whispered. “You know, if you and Mrs. Perfect are going to be doing the do, you have to be more discreet. A pantry isn’t going to cut it.”

He laughed. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I am Sojourner,” she replied steadily. “I make it my business to know everything.”

“Yeah. You’re good. So while you’re being nosy, who is it you’re supposed to be protecting?”

“Nora’s a big girl, she can take care of herself. And I am not her only guard.” she paused. “So, about Fiona. Can I ask you why?”

“Huh. You can ask, but, really. She’s lonely. I’m lonely. So….”

“But she belongs to Rafael. That’s some dangerous ground to tread.”

He took a gulp of his drink. “Everything is dangerous. Fi tells me you’re after me for my blood.”

“That might not be entirely untrue.”

“See, it’s that kinda shit right there.”

Daria drew back.

Here it was she thought she was doing a glamour on him, but he was just drunk.

“When I was living with Bruce and Syd, that was a nightmare. And this place…sometimes it doesn’t seem much better. Only with them I knew the score. Follow instructions or be killed. So if her husband finds out and kills me, at least that’s a normal thing for a man to die for.”

Daria laughed. “Wait a minute. Are you serious?”

“Yep.”

She got up and went to stand behind him. She did not touch him. But she stood close enough that he could feel her breath on his skin.

“I know better. But just as a matter of course, I suggest that you never say that you want to die in front of my kind. We are often willing to accommodate.”

He turned his head ever so slightly. “It’s the waiting,” he said. “Knowing something worse is coming.”

“Stop feeling sorry for yourself. It’s not funny.”

“Funny?”

“Yes, funny. I’ve noticed your whole little bit. The bravado. I’m glad it worked on Syd and Bruce. But you know, Wolves are not the most discerning of creatures.”

“And you are?” he said.

“I’m going to ignore that comment.”

He shook his head.

Neither of them moved for a moment.

“You know, I wouldn’t drink from you right now even if you offered me. I hate whiskey, and I like to take my blood clean,” she said. “Yours probably tastes like a second hand distillery. So go sleep it off,” she hissed. “And don’t ever say something stupid like that to me again.”

 

©2009 Lori Titus

Green Water Lullaby, Lori’s collection of short stories, is available for pre-order:  http://www.sonar4publications.com/green.html

Tags: lamia, Scott Ryder, The Marradith Ryder Series

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