Eclipse

Yekaterina Nightstorm

“A gentleman is not defined by the content of his wallet or the cut of his suit. He is defined by his manners and the content of his character.”- Gentleman’s Essentials.

“You.” He showed no expression, just studying her as she put away her daggers. She turned from him and made her way out of Pub Grey and into the street, hoping he wouldn’t follow her.

“We have met before?”

“Quite. You escorted my sister and me to an orphanage seventeen years ago.”

“Ah, I remember you now. You have grown.” His eyes raked her up and down. Kat rolled her eyes. That tended to happen when you weren’t a monster, she thought.

“Leave, I cannot kill you.” With that, she walked away and out of the pub. Kat was not a fool by any stretch of the imagination. She knew he followed her, but she simply could not kill him. He had aided Nadia and her when they hadn’t had a hope of surviving otherwise.

When she realized he wasn’t going to get bored and leave her be, she turned to face him, looking once again into those jet black eyes. They were so ancient, powerful, and utterly alone.

Kat shook her head slightly. Rule number one of vampire hunting was never look into a vampire’s eyes. They could hypnotize you, get into your mind.

“Yes?” She questioned, using the most annoyed tone she could think of.

“You would dare speak to me in that tone? Me?” His voice had been soft. He seemed to be musing on this possibility, and as she sensed that he wasn’t going to try anything funny, she allowed her hands to drop entirely from her daggers, drawing his eye unintentionally. “So it is you then, the notorious slayer.”

“Would you have expected anything else from me?”

“Truly? I expected you to forget. You were very young. But then, you were not a typical child. Where is your sister, or has she forgotten?” Kat’s eyes narrowed. She didn’t like that he mentioned her sister. What was it he knew already?

“Perhaps.” She answered quietly, making sure to be vague. All of this was highly unusual, and normally by now, she would have run off and disappeared. There was something about him that kept her there, though. Perhaps it was because he seemed so utterly alone, or maybe it was because she too was alone. Either way, here she stood, talking more or less civilly to a vampire.

“You have not attacked me mortal. Why?” He questioned. She shrugged, deciding, to be honest.

“I do not know. Why have you not attacked me?” She countered. He only stared at her.

“What is it about you mortal? You are not normal. You show no fear of me. Humans instinctively fear my kind, and yet there you stand.”

“Well, this isn’t exactly normal for me either, considering that most vampires would be considering me for lunch right now.”

“Do you wish for me to attack you?”

“Not particularly. I don’t know enough about you to defeat you yet. You are stronger than the average bloodsucker.” He blinked and the corner of his mouth twitched up slightly.

“Quite. I am not a normal….bloodsucker, as you so eloquently put it.”

“Mmm, I was aware. Why have you come here?” All business yet again.

“I have decided to stay here. It is time I took up a residence. Perhaps a bride.” Kat smiled to herself at his response. It was the Vampiric equivalent to settling down.

“I see. Stay away from my humans. I do not wish to kill you, but I will if you force my hand.” He raised an eyebrow.

“Your humans? Don’t you mean your fellow humans?” Kat shrugged.

“They want my protection; that makes them mine.”

“Do you have any idea how like a vampire you sound little mortal?”

“Very similar I would imagine.” That was when she heard a growl. Kat had her daggers out and her senses searching in a matter of seconds. It was a vampire. He was of medium power and minimum strength. He had not fed yet. This would be an easy kill.

She was just about to tell the vampire to go away so she could hunt when she noticed her conversational companion disappeared on her. Kat rolled her eyes and made ready for the hunt.

Wasn’t that just like a man? A little simple and slightly infuriating conversation, and they ran off just when you would miss them. Miss them? Kat shook her head. She was losing it, thinking of a vampire as anything but prey.

Her mind back in focus, she waited until it came into her line of vision, just barely having transformed into a shapely handsome man. Kat knew that no vampire who had passed their two-hundredth year was able to hold onto their human form anymore. What form they changed into depended upon how truly demented they were, how powerful they were; and sometimes it just matched their personality. This vampire had chosen to disguise himself as a tallish middle-aged man with a somewhat boyish face and curly blonde hair.

Kat hid her weapons just so and altered her body language to that of someone lost. She started in mock surprise and whirled around when she saw him, allowing him to think that she hadn’t known he was there. She allowed relief to flood her face and tried to look as innocent as she could. Acting lost was something Kat had perfected a long time ago.
“Oh! Hello, sir! You wouldn’t happen to know the way to the pub would you?” He grinned at her, sure and smooth, injecting a fair bit of glamor into it. Inwardly she smiled. Outwardly she was all the swooning young maiden in distress.

“But of course, young lady. Come and I will lead you there.” He held out his arm and smiled gently, unable to hide the slight glint of fang as she did so. Kat smiled innocently.

“Oh thank you, sir! I got so lost. I’m only visiting here, and I’m not used to this place. I’m more used to the major cities.” She injected a little breathlessness into her voice, making him think she was attracted to him. He smelled like flowers.

Kat smiled sweetly, knowing that it was nothing more than a clever illusion he put on. He was leading her down a street that was nowhere near the pub. Suddenly, she stopped walking and injected the slightest bit of fear and uncertainty into her voice.

“Are you sure this is the way?”

“Darling, in a few minutes it will not matter.” His voice was silky and sweet, but he didn’t manage to conceal the hunger in it. Playing the part of the helpless victim to absolute perfection, she put her hand to her throat defensively and took a few steps back. Just as she expected him to do, he lunged, his true nature finally showing through.

His form was slimy and utterly bestial. The smell coming off of him was so foul she nearly gagged. She fought back her utter revulsion and twirled her daggers, slashing him deeply across the throat and plunging the other deep into his heart. He stopped in mid-air, and his cat-like eyes widened. Then he howled.

“Slayer!” With that, Kat twisted her dagger and wrenched it out. He was dead before he even hit the ground. She dusted herself off and stood up, cleaned her weapons of their gore, and threw the soiled rag to the ground.

“That was impressive slayer.” It was the black eyed vampire.

“You said it yourself vampire. I am not an ordinary human.”

“No, you are not. You seem to have a decent amount of renown. The town vampires have been complaining.” Kat smirked.

“What, been hanging out at the vampire club?” She asked mockingly. He nodded.

“You are the subject of heated discussion.” Kat never laughed but, this time, she had to.
“A vampire club? Wait, there’s a vampire club?” He seemed slightly stunned at her reaction.

“Indeed, you find this amusing?”

“Well yes, I was being ironic. I didn’t know there was one. But thanks for the tip.” Kat shot him a predatory grin. He growled at her.

“You will not destroy the club.”

“And why not?”

“Because I told you not to, human.” Kat glared at him. Nobody told her what to do.

“Listen, whatever your name is. I have a job to do. Slaying is what I was trained to do. This is my town, and I have been protecting it since I was ten. The only reason you aren’t dead right now is because you aided my sister and me in our time of peril.

I thank you for that, however if you ever attempt to get in my way, be warned that I will dispose of you without guilt or regret, no matter how powerful you may be.”

He wrapped his hand around her throat with minimal effort.

“Do not push me too far human. You live only by virtue of the fact that you intrigue me. I have killed far more powerful beings for much less disrespect.”

Kat growled and kicked him as hard as she could in the stomach, which was no small amount of force; but he didn’t even flinch. His eyes did darken some, however, and she thought she could see the faint outline of wings at his back.

It was then that she realized how powerful he must be. It was rare that a vampire’s true form had wings. It only occurred with the most powerful of their kind. But she must have caused him some pain. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have caught that glimpse.

Kat kicked him again, this time between the legs. Now that one worked. He growled, his fangs lengthening to wicked points that glinted in the moonlight. His grip loosened enough that she wriggled out of it.

She was on her feet, daggers raised and in a fighting crouch in a matter of seconds.

“Woman for that you will pay.” His voice was a silky menace that sent shivers down her spine and made her want to run away and search for a place soaked in light.

“Not without a fight vampire.”

He blinked and was suddenly gone. She felt him behind her and immediately dropped into a handstand, kicking him in the face hard enough to break a human jaw. It only sent him reeling back a foot or two.

She landed on her feet and punched him hard in the nose and then spun; slashing him across the chest with her daggers; continuing the assault over and over until even her, not inconsiderable endurance began to wear down.

She knew she was passed her endurance by the fact that he managed to get in a punch that sent her flying. She slammed against the wall of one of the small houses with a sickening crunch noise. Kat managed to struggle into a standing position just in time to see the wounds she’d inflicted healing at a rapid rate.

He was stalking towards her, and she was having trouble breathing. She knew she had a few broken ribs. Her wrist appeared sprained as well. She could barely stand.

Damn. One good hit had been all he needed to render her nearly handicapped in a fight. She was screwed. But she refused to die like a coward. No. Kat would go down fighting as hard as she was able. Perhaps he saw that because he shook his head with a sigh and much to her surprise he helped her stand up.

She grimaced, but she refused to show weakness to this vampire. She did lean against the side of the building she’d been slammed against, though.

“Forgive me mortal. It would seem you have the ability to anger me quite quickly. You should be proud. I am a patient creature.”

“I am proud, and I fully plan to anger you further.” She growled. He smirked.

“Would you like me to heal you, or do you prefer to remain in this state?” He questioned. She widened her eyes at him.

“I didn’t realize healing was in a vampire’s repertoire of powers.”

“Every vampire is different slayer.”

“Why are you telling me that? You do realize every piece of information you give me I will use against your kind?” Kat blinked in surprise. Why was she telling him that? Why? She shook her head slightly in an attempt to clear it.

“That is true I suppose though it would take a great deal more than just your strength to kill me, despite the fact that you have a great deal of it for a mortal.” She made a face at him but winced as sickening pain rushed through her. “Shall I heal you then, so you can get back to the hunt?” His tone was almost playful.

“Who am I to say no? Though out of curiosity, shouldn’t you be trying to keep me from the hunt?” She asked.

He shrugged as a dark shadowy mist spread from his hand to hover over her injured areas. His power was substantial, filling the air with electricity. Kat was no stranger to magic, and she knew a powerful spell casting when she witnessed it.

“I admit myself intrigued by you. I am curious to see how the others rate against your fire.”

“I thought vampires formed into societies when gathered?” She murmured, watching him.

“They do, usually for safety. But I have no desire to be part of their club. They band together for safety and protection, and I need neither.” He helped her stand fully. “Despite your reputation.”

“I have a reputation?”

“You are notorious, and you know it.”

“Well, I’m glad they are afraid of something. I can’t have them getting all cocky.” She looked him over, not missing any detail. She shivered when she realized he was doing the same to her. “So what’s your deal? I don’t get it. I anger you, and you heal me? Why am I not dinner?”

“Would you like to be?” His voice was a silky menace.

“I think I’ll pass.” She said wryly. “I was just curious.”

“I see. I am an old vampire, an ancient. I learned control long ago. I know how to savor my hunting, and you are surprising in many ways. Surprise is the nectar of the gods for a creature who hasn’t been surprised in over a century.” Kat blinked and shook her head. She was alive right now because he found her interesting.

“Huh.” She said.

“Exactly.” He replied. “However, I must feed, so I fear we shall have to finish this conversation another time.”

“Happy hunting then I guess?” She said, still a little dazed.

“Perhaps instead of hunting, I will take from the bounty before me.” He mused. Before she could react, he had her by the neck, and she could feel the full force of his power as he dropped his guard to feed. Inwardly she chided herself. She’d never stood a chance. Even now she saw only the tiniest fraction of what he was capable of.

When his fangs pierced her skin, she was surprised to learn that it wasn’t painful. In fact, it was if her blood rushed to sate his need for it. Odd that.

The last thing she was aware of before oblivion took her was that he withdrew his fangs and picked her up.

Joy Parker

Joy took a deep breath as she gazed at her reflection in the mirror, hand rubbing her neck. She could have sworn she’d felt something bite her there, but the skin was smooth and unblemished. She shook her head.

Ice blue eyes stared back at her, wide and nervous as they’d been since last night when Derrik had come crashing into her life. Her red hair was mussed, and she quickly threw it up in a bun. She was wearing sweat pants and her sleeveless wonder woman night shirt.

He was in her house now. She’d heard his voice earlier, talking with her parents and she wondered if she should put some effort into her appearance. She thought better of it. Who cared what anyone outside her bedroom thought about her? They’d all gotten her into this mess.

After a judicious application of deodorant, she padded down the short hallway that led from her bedroom and into the kitchen of the sizeable ranch home she’d grown up in. She needed coffee like grass needed sunlight.

Uncharacteristically ignoring her parents and especially Derrik, she made herself a cup of coffee; the clinking of the spoon against her favorite Charlie Brown cup a small cacophony against the backdrop of awkward silence. She turned and went outside to shore up her nerves.

The pristine two acres of yard and evergreen trees from the cobblestone patio always calmed her down. She hadn’t realized she was followed until she looked up and into the eyes of her mother. Joy kept her face impassive and directly met the older woman’s gaze.

Joy’s mother had always been a bit of a contradiction. She took care of her, and they had a relatively open relationship, but there was a hardness to Lana Parker, that despite being well hidden was always there.

“Joy, honey; I know how upset you must be.”

“Do you? Did your parents pull the wool over your eyes your whole life? Did your mother have conversations with you growing up about how part of being grown is being able to make your choices and choosing the right man when she knew you didn’t have that choice? Did your parents take you to another country and forge your birth certificate?” She asked.

“Okay, so you’re pissed.”.

“Like you wouldn’t believe.”

“I don’t know what to say to make it better Joy. We were trying to protect you and get you away from the Society so you could have an ordinary life. We thought keeping you in the dark was the best way to do that.”

“I understand what you’re saying; I do mom. The worst part is you would have been right if Derrik had never shown up.”

“But he did.”

“And how.” She muttered. “It’s like all of this is some cruel twist of fate or something.” Joy’s mother nodded.

“Come in when you’re ready and we’ll get this out in the open.”

“Okay.” She watched her mother walk back inside and took a few minutes while she drained her coffee and took a few deep breaths. Then she stood and went inside.

After making herself another cup of coffee, she made her way into the living room. No one was speaking, and the blinds were all shut. The house had a very cloak and dagger feel to it. Joy sat down in the rocking chair and curled her legs under her.

“Explain yourselves.” She crooned.

Her father sat forward on the sofa, nursing his cup of coffee. It seemed like it had already been a multiple pot kind of morning.

“Sweetie, I know you are angry, and you have every right to be. But please hold your questions back until I get this out okay?” Her father looked old this morning, and very, very human, and Joy felt that moment of unreality when all the idolization of a little girl for her father is stripped away, and she realizes he’s just as human as everyone.

“Okay.” She murmured.

“I was born in Russia, just like your mother. Unlike her, I was born into the Society. It’s forbidden for a Society member to marry outside the fold, but I broke the rules. Eventually, we convinced them to allow her into the Society. Then we had you, and we knew we needed to get you away. We wanted you to have freedom and choices in your life that weren’t mixed up in the world we came from.

It took three years but eventually we secreted away enough money to get to the states. We knew it was the right choice. How could a country that stands for freedom not allow you to have yours? We knew the Society didn’t have any influence here, and you were never any the wiser.

You grew up as any American child would. We were terrified when you turned eighteen that Derrik would come for you, but he didn’t. Still we were concerned but then a whole year passed, and we thought you were safe.”

Derrik leaned forward.

“I was on an assignment for the Society. Let us just say that it didn’t go as planned and I was out on contract far longer than I should have been. I came back as soon as I was able only to find you had been gone for years.”

This was one hell of a story. Part of her brain was convinced she was being pranked or something, but she knew that was wishful thinking. Still, she couldn’t help but look around for cameras or something.

“So you just randomly showed up and expected me to throw on a veil?” She looked at him like he was bonkers. She wasn’t convinced he wasn’t. He chuckled, the sound mildly ominous.

“No, though I did expect you to have some idea of what was happening.” His eyes bored into her.

“What is the Society exactly?” She asked, directing the question at her parents.

“The Society is a group of people who protect the Supernatural community.” Joy blinked. Really? Did he just say that? You don’t just drop that on someone like it makes sense!

“What like the lucky charms leprechaun or something? Freaking Trix bunny? Come on dad; Trix are for kids.” She rolled her eyes, voice dripping with sarcasm.

“Joy, this is serious. We protect the supernatural community from exposure as well as providing them with modern education, and assistance.”

“Okay, assuming for a second that I have had the same Kool-Aid you guys drank, why would they need you to do that?”

“These are immortal beings. Many of them began their lives when humans were still worshipping horses as gods. Imagine going from a time where humans could only communicate with hand symbols to waking up modern day. Wouldn’t you need some help adjusting too?” Joy knew her eyes were wide. She turned her gaze to Derrik, looking at him carefully.

“”What do you do for the society?” There was an exceedingly long pause as Derrik exchanged loaded looks with her parents.

“I am not certain you are ready to know that.”

“My God, I was born into a cult.” She looked down into her coffee as if it could give her a solution. “I think I need to put some whiskey in this.” She said, heading into the kitchen. Her head was spinning, and her hands were shaking. Was she in for a panic attack?

“The Society is not a cult.” She turned and saw Derrik.

“Sounds like one to me.”

“How reasonable and worldly you sound.” There was a hint of mockery in his tone. She glared at him and started looking in the cabinets for whiskey.

“Look, whatever. Believe what you want. I, on the other hand, am done with this whole thing. There is a whole lot of crazy happening, and quite frankly I don’t want any part of it. Find yourself another wife, one who will love you. I’m sure a guy like you doesn’t need a legal contract to get himself a woman.”

“There is only you Joy. You are my wife.”

“First of all, you never put a ring on it, and I never said ‘I do.’ Secondly, why would you want someone who thinks all of this is nuts and has no plan to go along quietly?” He opened his mouth to answer, but she stopped him with a raised hand. “That was a rhetorical question. I’m going to my room to be alone for a while.” She retreated to her bedroom and locked the door.

After an aggravated search for her cell phone which ended up being on her bookshelf, she texted Butch.

*Hey Butch, things at my house are nuts. Can I stay with you guys for a bit?*

*Sure come on over. *

Joy pulled on some jeans and pocketed her phone. She was moving as quietly as she could, not wanting to alert anyone as to what she was doing. No doubt they were busy discussing cult secrets or something.

She pulled on her favorite t-shirt and started shoving clothes into the duffel bag she’d gotten from an army surplus store a while back. She’d made it her own with iron on patches and designs drawn on with a magic marker. It was able to hold a surprising
amount of things, and she had quite the bug out bag by the time she was done packing it.

Once she was done, she opened her window as quietly as possible and shoved her bag out, holding her breath when it thumped onto the ground below. When she felt like no one had heard it, she shimmied out the window after it, glad she was only about three feet up from the ground.

When she landed, she reached up and pulled her window back down, holding her breath the entire time. She had left the shower in her attached bathroom running, so it would be awhile before anyone realized she had gone.

Taking care not to be seen, she snuck around the back of the house, using the evergreen trees as cover. She didn’t come out in the open until she was two houses down. After that, she went three blocks up and circled back around so that there was no way they would see her. She made her way to the Conway residence where Butch and Connor lived with their father and elder sister. She knocked gently, and Connor answered.

“Come on in.”

“Thanks, Connor.”

“No big. You know you’re welcome here anytime.” She smiled tiredly at him. Butch came out of his room as she was walking towards the basement where she usually stayed when she was a guest at the Conway’s place.

“Hey, doll. Let me take your duffel. My dad wants to talk to you.”

“Already?”

“Yup. You okay red?”

“Not really.”

“See me after and I’ll kick your butt at Mortal Combat.” Joy grinned at him.

“I’ll take you up on that.” She handed her duffel over and headed down the hallway to Mr. Conway’s office. He was a great defense lawyer and had a comforting fatherly sort of demeanor about him.

“Joy, come on in and make yourself comfortable. Would you like a drink?”

“No, I’m okay Mr. Conway.” He nodded.

“Okay, straight to business then. I’ve looked over the contract which I found through some connections I have. Unfortunately, the contract is quite sound, and since you are indeed not an American citizen as Butch stated, there isn’t much we can do to fight the deal. If this went to court, your family would face deportation.

That said while I don’t think your parents can avoid that you may be able to.”

“How so?”

“You weren’t born here, but all of your connections and memories are of America. You have roots in the community, speak English, and are employed. I propose a hail Mary pass.”

“What would that be?” She wondered.

“Asylum.”

“What?”

“Go to the police and request asylum on account of protecting your human rights.”

“What would happen then?”

“You would need to tell them everything, and show them all the paperwork. You might be able to stay here and get out of this. I’d say you have an excellent chance.”

“I got the impression he just planned to take me with him.”

“If so he’d need to do so through illegal means which is already hard let alone if the passenger is not willing. Reporting all of this will make it much more difficult for him to do that. Where is he planning to take you?”

“He’s from Russia.” Mr. Conway whistled.

“Well, then it’s important to keep you in the country. Technically we have extradition, but it’s iffy.”

“Is there any way to do this that doesn’t get my parents deported?”

“I’m afraid not unless they can claim asylum as well.” Joy thought about it but couldn’t see her parents throwing themselves on the mercy of the government.

“I don’t think that will happen.” She murmured. Mr. Conway looked at her with pitying eyes.

“I’m sorry it’s not better news, but this is the reality of what we have to work with. Are you staying here for a while?”

‘If that’s okay?”

“I was going to insist on it. Now go and play that video game with my son.”

“Thank you, sir.” Mr.Conway nodded and smiled gently at her, watching her as she left his office. She made her way to Butch’s room where he sat with the game console up and running already, and that endearingly familiar puppy dog grin on his face. Maybe it was childish, but Joy jumped at the chance to forget everything for a while.

Derrik

He looked around the room, mildly impressed. She managed to take her wallet, toiletries, and all without him knowing. Then, even more impressive, she managed to sneak out of the house without alerting him or anyone else in broad daylight.

It was no small feat, sneaking past everyone. She was spirited, independent and naturally resourceful. He would be lying if he said he didn’t enjoy this about her. It was refreshing. She was no coward to back down at his gaze as so many others did.

Sooner or later she would return here if only for more of her things, and she wouldn’t be able to run from him twice.