Two Halves of a Vampires soul

By Samantha Bates

This happened every time she saw him, the breathlessness, the staring, and the pounding in her heart that vibrated through her entire body.

Beth has watched Vlad from afar for years. He was everything she had ever wanted in a man; he was also off limits to her. Now in her twenties, he still saw her as a child and definitely off limits. When Beth engineers a job in his company, she sets out to seduce him.

Vlad is the head of the vampires; it is his job to uphold the laws governing the vampires of New York City. Cool, calm and aloof he surrounds himself with his Elite Warriors, and values his privacy. When Vlad's sire returns to New York, she causes havoc and threatens his life and the life he has built.

A mysterious illness prompts Beth to take drastic action, action that could lose her the vampire who has taken her heart. When Beth is given a glimpse into Vlads past, she understands his anger and vows to make him love her, but can Vlad forgive Beth's actions? Having made a life altering decision, Beth has an eternity to live with the consequences of her actions.

Living openly with human society has changed New York, different species are united in their attempt to live in harmony, except for the traitor in their midst. A traitor who sets out to destroy the dominant species, a traitor with a long term plan to wreak havoc in New York.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Samantha Bates
• Release date: Jun 29, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476165578

Samantha Bates

Self publishing is a new process to me, I am a married mother of 3 daughters. As a practicing Social Worker my day job is at times incredibly busy and challenging. Writing has become my escape and passion. My first 2 books are on Amazon kindle, the second will be added to Smashwords. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoyed writing them.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Connor could feel the heat from the sun shining on his fur, prompting him to shift back to man, just so he could enjoy the glorious rays, beating down on his naked back. The wolf tattoo that spanned his back shimmered in the sun. The pups were at school, everyone else was busy, the peacefulness inside shining through in his easy run. To see the sun for a change was exhilarating, after all of the rain they had seen. Lifting his head to the sky, he could smell more rain on the horizons. Just outside of the fence he could smell blood, animal blood, wolf blood. Damn one of the wild wolves had been hurt. Heading past the guards on the gates, he followed the scent. Racing through the woods, he skirted in and out of the trees, over the brush of dirt and grass, hoping to make it in time to save the wolf.

Occasionally the wild wolves fought against each other, but they were a pack and would not seriously hurt another wolf. Unless a stray wolf had entered the packs territory, but with a dominant pack that would be unusual. With a deep breath, Connor stopped when he came upon the injured wolf. He lay on his side, with blood all over his sandy coat. Running his hands down the wolf's pelt, Connor found the wound. Strangely it didn’t feel much like a bite wound, more a linear wound. Standing, he was about to lift his shirt from the waist band of his jeans to stem the blood flow, when the sudden slight movement of the earth around him, alerted Connor to the danger. It was then that he should have missed the sound of the other animals; he should have noticed the lack of bird song, lack of insects. He didn’t, until it was too late.

Hey, what are you doing here? Conner spared only a glance at the familiar visitor, you know what, don’t worry, just help me get the wolf inside.

Connor turned, ready to lift the wolf when his spine prickled, his inner wolf calling out in distress. It was too late. He felt the sharp blade slice across his neck; he couldn’t speak to call out, instead calling out using the telepathic link with the wolves.

Ben help, bleeding, traitor too late, woods.

The call used valuable energy, which took the last of his life force. But it didn’t matter, he had warned the pack. Conner drifted away, until there was nothing.

Ben dropped his glass and ran; he could feel the other wolves running with him. He could smell the other wolf, and Connors blood; arriving Ben already knew he was too late. As the Alpha, Ben had felt the link between him, and Conner slip away, before it snapped, completely. He took one look at Connor, his friend, laying there in a pool of blood. Dropping to his knees, Ben howled and then lifted Connors head into his lap; pushing at Connor's chest trying to rouse him. His brain couldn’t comprehend the loss, even though he knew it was so. Surely they would be able to find a way to bring him back, he couldn’t lose him.

Chapter 2

Six months later.

Coming up the narrow stairs, Beth struggled to move her achy legs. Not only did she feel sick, she was also pissed off, missing a night out with the girls was not something that made her happy. The corridor leading to her apartment, had a light extinguished near her door, reminding Beth of the need to change the bulb. With little light, the green walls looked dark and ominous, with only the moonlight from a small window to illuminate her way, she took careful steps. Tonight, Beth welcomed the darkness of the night, her head was pounding. Surely, someone needed to stop bouncing the ball that was pounding through her head; she wanted nothing more than to climb into bed, and sleep away the pain. Alan could look after her for a change she thought with a hint of annoyance. Her boyfriend moving in for a few days had somehow significantly extended, to over three months.

Turning the knob, she didn’t bother getting the keys out. Even from out here, she could hear Alan's music blaring from the bed room. The likelihood of the door being locked was slim, if Alan was in; the likelihood was that his friends would also be in. As a music student at the local College, Alan loved his music. They had been together nearly eight months, after meeting at a College party. When they first met, Alan had been living in a run-down apartment, with cockroaches as neighbours. When the rental had run out, he had asked Beth, if he could stay with her for a few days, foolishly she had said yes.

She had to admit; it hadn’t been too difficult living with Alan. As a budding musician, Alan was out a lot, especially at night. That worked for Beth, especially as she worked part time at her step father's night club part-time. Before college, she had worked for the family business fulltime. She knew that when she had started college, she did not need to work, her mom and Ben would have supported her financially, but she wanted to pave her own way. It also helped that Silver's Nightclub, was one of 'THE' places to be on any night. Beth met lots of fascinating people and had a lot of fun.

Holding her shoes, Beth manoeuvred her way into the apartment, immediately noting the empty beer bottles and pizza boxes. Damn it, she didn’t need this shit tonight, but as she wandered through to the bed room, she resolved to ignore the mess. Stopping in the doorway, Beth dropped her shoes in response to the sight that greeted her. Alan was underneath a brunette, who just happened to be sat on his penis. What the hell was he doing? In shock, Beth couldn’t stop the ridiculous though running through her head, maybe, he would claim that she had slipped, and just happened to land on his penis.

Taking a deep breath to prevent the impending tears, she composed herself. Never one to display anything other than perfection, Beth closed her eyes. Willing the pain away, Beth walked to the MP 3 player. Flicking the off switch; she turned back to the couple, who still hadn’t noticed she was there.

When you are quite finished, I would like to go to bed. In her head, her voice felt wobbly, outside she knew it sounded strong, which was a hell of a lot stronger than she felt right now.

As the brunette turned, Alan pushed her off. Alan's face twisted from one of pleasure, to horror at her intrusion.

Beth, shit, Beth I didn’t expect you home so soon. Not sure where he was going with this, she cut him off.

Clearly not Alan, don’t you worry I can wait while you pack your things up. It seems to me that you have somewhere else to stay now. He was scrambling around the room, her room, trying to put his clothes on. Which was, in Beth's opinion, just a little too late.

The woman was taking her time, seemingly finding nothing of concern. Beth looked at her short legs, and mousey, short brown hair. She was fair from impressed.

Let me give you the heads up bitch. I have come home sick, found you on top of my boyfriend's cock, and now you have the gall to take your time. You now have 30 seconds to leave, before I start kicking the shit out of you!

Feeling unusually aggressive, Beth was potentially willing to make good on her threat. Damn, she was tired, and becoming just a little cranky, she did not need this shit.

Beth retained the same calm, and composed exterior when addressing the woman, as she had with Alan. It certainly served her well, and was undoubtedly scarier than if she had screamed, and shouted. The effect was the one she wanted, the woman decided to hurry now. Alan had managed to slip on some jeans, coming to stand in front of her. A look of sadness tinged his face, but she wasn’t stupid. Her chest tightened in anger as she looked at him, she could almost see his brain thinking of the various things he could say. He made the wrong choice.

I am so sorry Beth, I don’t know what happened. I just felt lonely, and you have been working so hard, and I missed you.

She couldn’t miss the pleading tone, the puppy dog eyes. Nor could she miss the fact that he had betrayed her in the worst possible way, and was trying to blame her for his infidelity. Seeing his brown, shaggy hair that she had always thought was a groomed, mess. She now saw it as lank and untidy. His blue eyes, which were so obviously stoned, again, now held no appeal at all. Well other than urging her to see on blackened, by her fist. Beth questioned what she had ever seen in him. He was thin, lanky and not skilled in bed, maybe the inferior sex had been a good thing, less for her to miss.

Don’t bother Alan, it won't work. Get your stuff and get out. She was furious, he seriously thought he could manipulate her, well she had been taught better than that. As she slammed the door shut behind Alan, she looked at her apartment that was now empty of people; save for her, the silence was a welcome bliss. Her lounge had cream walls, except for the one wall that had had wallpaper depicting Paris and the Eiffel Tower. Her dream was to see Paris and enjoy both its architecture, and shopping. Her apartment had dark beige carpeting, and a matching sofa, with tall black lamps in three corners. The overall effect was beautiful, warm and peaceful.

Before Alan, it had been clean and organised. She liked organised, everything had a place, and everything matched. Now, things were out of place and untidy, it wouldn’t do. Changing into her sweats (Beth never cleaned in her normal clothes; there was no point in damaging them). She went through the one bed roomed apartment, stripping the bedding, before clearing away any remnants of Alan. The remnants were removed the easiest way, out of the window. And when she finally stopped, she allowed herself to cry.

She lay on her bed, in her grey pants and blue top, and sobbed. It wasn’t really about Alan, well not fully. She had felt so grown up, she was just about to graduate after completing a Master's Degree in Business and Economics. They had a terrific plan to travel before moving forward with her life. Alan had met her mom, and stepfather Ben which was an interesting afternoon. She had to admit that, it could have been better, but it could have been a damn sight worse. The only time they met, had started tense but improved, after Alan stopped trying to get Ben to showcase his music in the club. No, she wasn’t upset by losing Alan, the real upset would be telling her family what an ass he was. They wouldn’t be cruel to her, they would support her, but she had been trying to convince them of how grown up she was. She had tried to get them trust her choices, without worrying about her.

Beth closed her eyes, initially she hadn’t planned on going to College; she had spent a couple of years working in a variety of roles within the Silver Co-operation, including being a secretary, promoting the business, and finally as a P.A for Ben. None of them had felt right: they just weren't her, and then she made the decision to continue her education. Now at 25 years old, she wanted to lead an adult life, be treated as one. But her family had always felt the need to protect her, Ben was the worst. Beth wasn’t convinced any man was strong enough, to get past Ben, and receive his seal of approval.

As Beth lay back on the bed, her head tucked into the goose feathers of her pillow, she wrapped the duvet around her cold body, and lifted the phone to call Celia. She needed a friend, and Celia fit that bill. As the sister of Imogen, who was a member of the Silver Wolf Pack, as well as one of Vlad's Elite team of Vampires, Beth and Celia had quickly become fast friends. She knew Celia would be discreet and supportive, so Beth wasn’t surprised when Celia turned up with ice cream and Vodka a short time later. After drinking the vodka, while they both decided that a vibrator did the same job as a man, but with half the mess, and no requirement to say how marvellous it was. Beth tried to formulate a plan, but kept coming back to the past.

The death of Connor some six months ago had been devastating for them all, especially Ben. As pack Alpha, Ben had been shocked to the core. Connor was one of Ben's best friends, and the pack was still mourning him. For Beth, it had reminded her, that even though she and her sisters were protected by wolf shifters, they were not invincible and could still die. It had been a lot to take in.

When it had happened Beth had been home for the weekend, she had followed the chaos to where she had found Ben, with Connor's head on his lap, she remembered seeing the blood smeared into his blond curls. The blood was pooling around Connor's neck, her mom was leaned over Ben from the back, with her arms wrapped around him, holding him tight. It was the most heart breaking sight she had ever seen; one Beth never wanted to see it again. Seeing Ben broken had been devastating, it was even worse when they had found out that Connor had been murdered. If Ben ever found the culprit, Beth had no doubt he would rip them to pieces, slowly.

Over the last couple of months, Ben had bounced back, a little. They all knew the truth; Ben was putting on a brave face, trying to rally the pack into a semblance of normality. It hadn’t been easy for any of them, but in a way her graduation had given them all, just a small reason to smile. As her time at college had drawn to a close, she had kept it low key. But the pack had a way of enjoying everyone successes. A party had been suggested a party and was, according to Ben a chance to start moving forward.

Easier said than done, but if that's what Ben needed, that’s exactly what would happen. She would make sure this party was a success. Connors death prompting her to make a decision, she would live her life in the now and go for what she wanted, there was no point in waiting around for life to happen to her. With a wry grin, Beth accepted how much harder that now was; Ben had gone from way over protective, to ridiculously over protective.

Lying in her bed, she could just hear Celia snoring on the sofa. Beth sadly mulled over what had happened the night before, with Alan. She expected pangs of pain, to come searing through her chest, she should have been hurt, but she wasn’t. She was angry at herself, at letting him into her life. She had never loved him, nor had she pretended to. Alan was just a distraction, initially a bit of fun. But later after Connor, Alan became something to take her mind of the oppressive and painful atmosphere shrouding her family. Trying to assemble her feelings, Beth realised that even without the pain, she felt sad, which was a step up from feeling nothing, well nothing but the effect of a bottle of Vodka.

Ben hadn’t told her, but she knew he had patrols going past her apartment hourly after dark; there was also a tracker on her car, and in her cell. Initially she had wanted to rebel against Ben's rules, but when she seriously thought about it, she understood that he was just scared for her, so she just pretended she didn't know. Which was stupid really, Ben and her mom had taught her to be aware of her surroundings, so they must realise that she had noticed.

Her eyes slowly closed, just in time for the room to start swimming. Beth snuggled underneath the duvet that blanketed her, cocooning her body that still slightly ached. The peace within her apartment, allowed her body to calm, and her brain to lull into a slumber. No music or noise in the lounge room to distract her.

Chapter 3

Opening her eyes, thinking back to the previous night seemed like a hazy dream. It took about 30 seconds for her brain to kick in, and remind her of the reality. Her boyfriend, a bimbo, her bed (maybe she should buy a new one). God, Beth cringed as the memories flooded her. Today was undoubtedly a PJ day, no getting dressed, no diet, just plain old slobbing out and maybe ice cream. That was until Celia woke when she fell off the sofa, and reminded Beth, that she had dinner arranged at home. With a groan, she readied herself for a family dinner.

Slipping on a pair of stone, blue jeans, which hung loose on her hips, the black off the shoulder top, coordinated with her black cowboy boots. A touch of eye liner, a slightly larger touch of mascara, and a dash of lipstick she was almost ready, but not quite. Brushing her long, golden hair, she worked it into a plait, and left Celia in the apartment getting ready for a lunch date. Grabbing the keys to her car, she dropped them in favour of a cab; the Vodka would still be in her system and way too dangerous to drive safely.

The cab pulled up at the heavily guarded gates. Although Connor had been murdered off pack land, it was too close to the gates, so Ben had increased the security around the pack land. She borrowed one of the quads at the gate, to get her to the house. She loved riding the quads; the wind flowed through her hair, caressing her face. As she rode feeling the power of the machine, helped her shake off her sadness. She had spent hours exploring these lands, by quad and horse. Surrounded by the lush, thick, grass, and dense woods that stretched for miles, the land was beautiful, she especially basking in the lake on sunny days. Nowhere was off limits here, this was wolf land, family land. Here, you were expected to embrace childhood, have fun and share in the enjoyment. This was exactly what her brothers were doing, when Beth pulled up in front of the house.

Ethan, one of the triplets came running from the side of the house, alerted by the thrum of the quads engine.

Beth, come look at Logan, quick.

Beth allowed herself to be pulled round, to the back of the house, which is where Beth found Logan, hanging upside down from a relatively high tree branch. She recalled Ellie being in a similar predicament several years ago; only she ended up with a broken arm. Clearly Logan wasn’t able to pull himself back up, from the look on his face, he didn’t want to fall, but Beth could see his tiny hands losing their grip. Running forward, she opened her arms to catch him, as he fell; Beth hoped she could break his fall. She did, and Logan remained uninjured, but Beth ended up sprawled in the dirt.

You saved me Beth, you saved my life. Logan was smiling broadly. His blue eyes were so much like his fathers; the darkness of his hair taken from their moms. Out of her three brothers, Logan was the gentlest, the most sensitive. Why they continued climbing the trees, when Ben had set up zip wires, and climbing frames, Beth didn’t know.

Not quite saving your life kiddo, but happy to help. Ethan came over and pulled Logan up. As Beth stood, both boys were peering at her inquisitively.

Why are you sad Beth? It was Logan who asked, but Ethan who watched her response, waiting patiently. Logan could often see what could not be seen by others.

How can I feel sad surrounded by you boys, speaking of which, where is Oliver? They were still young enough to be fooled by distractions. Both boys groaned, and then laughed.

Gran made cakes. The statement required no explanation; Beth laughed with the boys, who required no response from her. Oliver was forever eating and growing, growing and eating. It didn’t matter which way round it occurred, it was all the same to Oliver. Her brothers were triplets, but each had remarkably different characters. Ethan was without doubt the brains, and Alpha in the making, Logan was the sensitive one who could see what couldn’t be seen, and Oliver, well he was undeniably the brawn. Even now, he was at least three inches bigger than his brothers, and two inches wider. Other than their height they looked the same. Beth loved them all; she saw all of their unique qualities, and their differences.

Not only did Beth have her brothers, she had 3 sisters. Claire who was 23 years old now, and so individual in her appearance and personality, that she either drew people to her, or pushed them away. Since the onset of adolescence, Claire had embraced the gothic culture. Her hair changed colours with the weeks and was currently blue, which would have matched her blue eyes, however these were often altered with contact lenses, and were emerald green at the moment. The trademark black clothes and heavy black boots were just part of Beth.

Of the four of them, Claire was more guarded than the rest of them. She was acutely perceptive when it came to others, but her own thoughts and feelings were closed off to those around them. Still out of all of her siblings, Beth was the closest to Claire.

Beth also had 20 year old twin sisters, Ellie was strong and bright; she excelled in strategic planning and was already a security advisor to Ben. Well she had been, until she was recruited for a job in the Air Force. Actually Ellie being in the Air Force was dubious, since when did the Air Force recruit people. More importantly, what job prevented recruits from being able to call home, for more than a couple of minutes once a week? It was all too odd for them to believe that Ellie was in the Air Force.

Ellie had been gone nearly a year now, and they missed her terribly. They hadn’t even been able to tell her about Connor, until a month after he had died. And then there was May, Ellie's twin, who was more than bright, with her eidetic memory. May only needed to look at an object, to be able to recall it in perfect clarity, she made everyone look dumb. Although she was only 20 years old, May had already completed her PHD; she often lectured and researched at the local colleges. But rather than being arrogant, she was the sweetest, kindest person you could ever meet. Both had dark hair, and a petite frame, tall like Beth, they were striking with their chestnut brown eyes and strong, prominent cheek bones, which frame heart shaped faces.

As Beth went inside, she found her mom and Oliver putting some cookies in the oven.

Hey baby, how are you? As her mom hugged her, Beth felt safe and warm, her mother always made her feel this way. Trying to bring happy thoughts into her head, Beth desperately tried to mirror the feeling inside her body. Having a mother with empathetic skills, made it difficult for them to hide things.

I am better now that I am home, those cookies will smell delicious, I am not sure I can hold off until dinner.

Sylvia made some that were yummier, but I just found Oli eating the last one, again. Beth laughed; Sylvia was Ben's mom, and had taken all of the girls into her heart, the first time she met them. The magic of being mated to a wolf meant that she still looked under 50, when she was over four centuries old. Similarly, her mother hadn’t aged a day since she mated to Ben.

Taking a seat in the enormous kitchen, where the fifteen seater, round, solid oak table took centre stage, Beth smiled. The most fascinating discussions happened in this room. She grabbed some fruit, and tried to avoid her mom's anxious glances. As Ben came through the door, he kissed Beth on the head.

Hey it's the nearly graduated girl.' Um Beth, can I ask why have you have mud on your shirt? Laughing she told them of Logan's exploits, while Ben laughed, her mom frowned.

You need to tell the boys to stop climbing trees. Beth slipped away to change while her mom lectured Ben. She hated looking dishevelled; she didn’t see the point in having clothes and not making the most of them. Climbing the wooden staircase, she glanced at the pictures of her family and friends adorning the walls. In each one, she was always immaculate, her appearance was tremendously important to her, and as such, she was always impeccably dressed, with full make up (understated of course), and perfect hair.

Sitting on her childhood bed, she basked in the memories of her adolescence where her worries extended to, how many pimples she would get, and was there enough space in her wardrobes.

She needed to tell her family she had broken up with Alan. With a big sigh, she looked in the mirror of one of her multiple wardrobes remembering fondly of how, Ben would add a new one, when one became full. She now had 5 wardrobes, spanning two of the walls which were still full. Even though, she had moved out, she still had clothes here. Her apartment was not big enough for all of them; she had always loved shopping for clothes and shoes. Her walls were adorned with pictures of male stars from her late teens; her bed was still sporting the enormous, soft, white canopy, which had made her feel like a princess. For as long as she could remember, Beth had always been the epitome of girly.

Joining the rest of the family at the table, she soon became