Rebirth

By Krystell Lake

This is book three in the vampire series the FIRST BLOOD NOVELS.

After William’s arrogance results in the death of a loved one, his brother banishes him from their unique vampire family. William struggles with the loss and tries desperately to redeem himself. His true nature eventually prevails and his thirst for blood, revenge and sex return with a vengeance. William expands his empire and reaps the benefits bestowed upon him. He truly believes that rules and regulations are for humans and the rules do not apply to him. Although he has his own secrets, there are also explosive secrets from the past being kept from him.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Krystell Lake
• Release date: May 5, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301214488

Krystell Lake

Krystell Lake is a writer of mostly vampire fiction. She also has written screenplays and teleplays. She lives near Chicago with her son and daughter.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

WILLIAM

There is a serial killer loose in the city of Chicago. He goes by the name Ted Bundy. Human killers have always fascinated me. Why would any human fascinate a vampire? Many reasons I suppose, we are very similar creatures. Yet we are different in numerous ways.

I haven’t been human since the year 1866. I kill because it is in my predatory nature. I must kill to feel alive, to stay alive. No, that’s a total fabrication. I don’t have to kill to live. I have the option of drinking from animals or small rodents. I could just drink the blood of my victims and leave them near death.

Truth is, I love to kill. I love to seduce my unsuspecting victims, gain their trust, and lure them into the comfort that is me. The hunt turns me on. The pursuit invigorates my senses. The chase makes me rock hard. Most of all, I love the warm blood moisturizing my lips, caressing my teeth, dancing on my tongue and tickling my cavernous throat. Lately these feelings have become a distant memory. I have grown tired of my vampiric nature. I have grown tired of drinking blood.

It is the end of December 1977 and the New Year is approaching. I am all alone. No, that is to some extent a lie. I have my vampire brother CT. We are not blood brothers. He is black and I am white but he behaves as a true brother would. He is here when I need him. When my entire family has abandoned me, CT is the only one that has stuck by me. He has taken me in. I think that I may love him, as much as a straight vampire man can love another straight vampire man. I loathed CT when I was his master and he was my slave. It wasn’t personal. It was the way of the time; slaves were my bread and butter, the only way to run a prosperous cotton plantation. Oh how things have changed with the decades that have passed as a vampire. I am here to bear witness.

As it stands, my mind wanders. My heart aches. I have lost almost everything but my fortune, but what is money to a vampire. I have my vampire nature but if you’ve killed one human, what’s the big deal about killing one hundred more. I have money and immortality but what does it all mean? I’ve lived one hundred and forty three years. What more is there to see? What more is there to do? What is there to care about? I am William Theodore Adams. Will I be remembered as William the Great or William the Terrible? I have been numb and lifeless for countless decades. Now I am not just vampire dead. I feel I am really dead inside. I have no real true family. My dear sweet wife Nora is dead, sent to a fiery grave by my enemy, the enemy that has escaped me and my wrath. I have lost the desire to kill, to drink, to live. I have lost my identity. Who am I? Bibo ergo sum, Latin, for I drink, therefore I am. Does this mean that without the blood I am nothing?

I am all alone. Maybe not in the literal sense but that is precisely how it feels. My wife is gone, dead, deceased. Sometimes I think that if I say it over and over maybe it will not be a fact. I’ve been thrown out of my family, exiled, banished, expelled or whatever. One part of me feels compelled to shout woe is me. Another part of me feels compelled to yell to hell with you all.

I don’t have a plan for my future although my future is endless. I only have a plan for right now. I’ll live with CT until I get my own place. Right now I will continue to sleep all day and sleep all night. I sleep although my slumber brings about the nightmares. My nightmares are of vivid, scary, bloodcurdling images. The visions my dreams produce are frightening to a vampire and would drive a human to insanity. I kept these horrid dreams from CT. I view it as unmanly to moan about things that go bump in the night when I am the very thing that goes bump in the night.

CT faithfully goes to his place of employment and comes home to the likes of me. Often times he sits in the dark with me. There is only silence between us yet the television plays all day. I have made my home on his couch even though I have been given the guest bedroom. I never leave his apartment. I can sense that CT is worried about me but he doesn’t voice his concerns. As the days progress he watches over me like an overseer watches over the slaves. Our historical roles have been reversed.

This last December night is no different from the other nights of the last months. Without the blood I have too much time to think. Was I trying to kill myself? I had gone an entire month without any blood. My thirst was alive inside me. I just refused to do anything about it. The thirst made me petulant.

Today CT arrived home at four in the morning. For some reason he worked a regular human job at a print factory. Why he has this menial job when he is a talented artist is senseless to me. He is strange for a vampire but that may be why I like him. He removed his multicolored patch leather jacket and flung it over the back of the chair, a chair he designed and handmade. CT took his regular seat in the plush chair near the couch and placed his metal lunch box on the floor beside the chair. He sat quietly for a few moments.

What’s on the TV? CT finally spoke.

Honeymooners is on after the commercial. I muttered with the enthusiasm of a rock.

CT glanced in my direction. Hey bro you thirsty?

I’m cool. I lied. The same lie I always fed him. Sure I was thirsty. I just didn’t have the strength to go out and kill anybody. I don’t have the mental concentration needed to compel myself to hunt. I needed a rocket launcher to propel me from this couch.

CT chuckled. You’re not cool. You look like shit. If you’re trying to kill yourself, I doubt it’s gonna work. I’m not sure vampires can die from starvation. CT shot me a look of disappointment.

There’s only one way to find out. I baited.

Bro that’s not funny.

I could try starvation, test your theory. I tried to smirk through my gaunt cheekbones.

Do you need me to go out and get you another young girl like I did for your bachelor party?

No, that won’t be necessary. I’m trying to block out the events of my recent past so I don’t repeat them.

It’s your lucky day. I have blood in my thermos. It’s not straight from the vein but hey. CT reached down toward the floor and opened his metal lunch box. He retrieved his plastic thermos.

No thanks, I’m good. I gave him a thumbs up with my boney pale thumb.

Do I look like I care? You will drink it. CT took a moment to scowl at me. In your weakened state I could make you. Please don’t make me kick your ass and force you to drink.

I took a brief look into his eyes. His expression hadn’t changed but I could see he was deadly serious. He handed the thermos over to me and I grudgingly took it.

CT leaned forward in his seat and eyeballed me as I stalled. Was I really going to give in to my thirst or was I going to continue to be a jackass. I was much too weak to fight. Why bother? I unscrewed the top and tilted the thermos to my lips. My senses were weak. I didn’t smell the blood until the thermos was open. I didn’t hesitate to drink the red energy drink. The blood was almost fresh and a definite reminder of what I was missing. As much as I wanted to hate the taste of blood, I know at this very moment I could not. Why lie to myself? I worship blood.

Thanks to CT I have rediscovered what I live and love above all. It is the crimson juice, the liquor of life. It is the blood that gives us life. The brief ecstasy of the blood didn’t transform my mind. It just quenched my thirst and stopped the sharp piercing pains that stabbed in the pit of my stomach. The pains I had blocked out in my weakened state.

CT watched me and relished as I finished the last of what was left in the thermos. I screwed the top back on and placed the thermos on the floor. Wonder how he got so much blood in the thermos without making a mess.

The threat of violence wasn’t necessary. I smirked as I begun to return to my old self.

That’s what you say now. I understand all your pain but you were scaring me. I like having you around, I mean it’s not like I got other vampires hanging around.

If it makes you feel any better, I’m not trying to kill myself.

That’s good to know. You probably will fail at it even if you wanted to succeed. Things don’t always turn out the way you think they will.

Was that a hidden message? Was he referring to the death of my wife? The blood made my vision better. I turned to look CT in his dark eyes. I’m not trying to kill myself.

Cool. His favorite word, I wonder how long ‘cool’ is going to be a popular slang word in America.

So what now? Are you going to nurse me back to health?

No. I’m going to bring blood home and I’m going to expect you to drink it until you get your strength back.

I can do that. I agreed. I couldn’t really be a jerk with him. He could see through it and he had the wherewithal to ignore it. He was just very easygoing and ridiculously patient.

Good. CT shrugged. I’ve been by myself for decades. I had other vampire friends in my travels but me and you come from the same time and the same place. Our history is unique and I will be furious if you piss on our bond.

CT’s words pulled at my unbeating vampire heart. It was the male version of I love you or at least that’s how I read it. He is my brother. He cared for me at a time when my blood family had abandoned me. I will not piss on it. I swear.

Okay, so I’m going to shower and go out on a date with a real live human chick. CT stood. You cool right?

I’m cool. I felt a strange flush of warmth encircle my body. I felt a need to confess. You know I really wanted you to be my best man. I just, it’s just John is my real brother and I didn’t want to, I don’t know. I was trying to keep the peace.

Don’t mention it. I know what’s up. That blood brother stuff is cool but you know who has your back.

Yes I know.

I got a connection at the blood bank over by UIC campus so I’ll bring some bloodbags back with me. I’m trying to cut back on assaulting humans on the street. CT flashed his gleaming white teeth and removed his fitted t-shirt. His beautifully sculpted chocolate torso made me embarrassed to be so emaciated. I remember when I had a vanilla version of CT’s chest and abs. I got to get my shit together.

I shook my head. CT disappeared into his bedroom. I had lain back down on the couch. Before I knew it I was sleep.

*****

I woke hours later to the inconsiderate sound of knocking on the apartment’s front door. The television had been turned off. I knew I was home alone. CT had come and gone. There was no smell or sense of his presence. KNOCK! KNOCK! Once again. We don’t get visitors here. I had absolutely no desire to entertain a guest. There was another knock. I inhaled and I could smell the person on the other side of the door. I could smell that old familiar smell of fresh bread. It was a vampire. If I could smell them that means they could smell me. I had no inclination to remove myself from the couch and answer the door so they, whoever they were should vacate the premises.

Uncle, The female vampire’s voice boomed from the hallway.

I recognized the light feminine vampire voice right away. It was my vampire daughter and blood niece Cotton. If I ignore her she’ll go away.

Uncle Father, I know that you know that I know that you’re in there. Cotton knocked harder this time. So let me in. I’m not going anywhere. I will wait here until you open this door. Don’t make me break the door down.

CT wouldn’t like it if his door was kicked in. I weighed my options. I decided to stay exactly where I was, on the couch. As I expected, there was a fourth series of knocks.

Uncle Father!

Defeated, I called out. It’s open. Why would the door be locked? Two vampires live in this apartment. Cotton was beautiful but she was no Pulitzer Prize winner.

Cotton walked through the door with her arms folded across her chest. She entered the apartment living area. She stood right in front of me obscuring my view of the television. The television was off but I still considered it rude. She gazed down at me with the same emerald green eyes as her mothers. Cotton was turned into a vampire by me in 1891 when she was twenty-five human years old. She is my best accomplishment as a vampire. I was happy to see her but I planned to do everything in my power to conceal that fact. Now that I had a taste of the red poison I was back to being a horses ass.

Uncle, do you have anything to say for yourself? She barked in her cutesy stubborn way.

I tried to ignore her but as soon as she placed both her hands on her hips I felt obligated to respond to her in my normal taunting manner. She was so adorable when she was upset.

I have no words. I tried to look human.

I’ve been calling here for you. Why have you not received my calls?

I was not in the mood for conversation.

Even from me? She pondered this with a frown. She believes she is special to me probably because she is.

Even from you. I gave her an unfavorable response.

You look like shit. She growled. I couldn’t believe she went that long without profane language.

Thanks. I snarked.

You haven’t been drinking.

I shrugged.

Cotton gave me her baby faced version of the evil eye. Uncle Father, I didn’t banish you, Father did. I’m not mad at you so why would you not accept my calls. She crossed her arms in front of her chest once again.

I’m not interested in talking to anyone. I’m ah sad.

I’m not anyone. I was worried about you.

There is no need to worry about me. I have spent most of my vampire life alone.

I know how capable you are. I can worry if it pleases me. You don’t have to be alone. I wasn’t really alone. I was with CT but I might as well act like a wounded animal to get sympathy.

I like it this way. A total lie, I was glad Cotton hadn’t brought her brother Elliot with her. He knows when you’re lying. He has no problem calling me on my bullshit.

You’re a liar! She yapped.

Look little girl, you watch your mouth when you’re talking to me.

What are you going to do? Spank me? You don’t have the strength. You look like a handsome corpse She curled her lips.

Does your father know that you are here? I don’t know why I asked about the golden boy. I wish I could take the inquiry back. Mentioning him might make Cotton think I care, or worse, miss him.

No, what does that matter? I’m here.

I thought that maybe you needed his permission. I was intentionally being rude. No, I was just being my old self.

Uncle Father I am not here to say anything negative against my father. I am here to see you. I’m here to see how you are.

I’m just great and I don’t need you to check up on me. Great, I’ll never use that human word again. It sounds flamboyantly feminine.

Cotton uncrossed her arms and placed her hands on her hips. I know that but that doesn’t mean that I was not worried. You’re a hell-raiser. When you left so peacefully it was completely out of character.

I remember it quite differently. My brother tried to beat the crap out of me by jumping me and punching me in the face repeatedly. Perception is nine tenths of the law. When did you become an expert on my character? I walked the fine line that would surely hurt Cotton’s feelings if crossed.

Uncle Father, will you please accept my calls?

I can’t make you any promises. I hunched.

Cotton began to pace the floor. You can’t make me any promises, well that’s too bad. She paused to glare at me.

Cotton dropped down to her knees in front of me. She wrapped her arms around me and squeezed me tight. I couldn’t seem to hug her back. I just sat there. The anger made me stiff as a board. For some reason I was mad. I wasn’t sure why I had this unwarranted rage. It wasn’t directed at Cotton or anyone in particular. It was there and it was growing and consuming all my thoughts and all my words. The rage was ten times more powerful than the grief.

Cotton pulled away and looked me in the eye. You will accept my calls and visits?

Those alluring green eyes were much too persuasive. Yes daughter I will accept your calls.

And visits? She added.

Yes, are we done with this reunion?

Yes. She stood. There’s one more thing.

What is it?

I love you. Cotton bent over and kissed me on the lips. I floated back to the past when she was a little human toddler and I was a vampire. She gave the sweetest kisses as a child. She is my vampire daughter. She is the closest thing I will have to a flesh and blood child of my own.

Cotton stood and smiled down at me. She was very proud of herself. I could say I was too.

Uncle Father, please drink. It pains me to see you in this state.

I will. I promise.

Cotton smiled brighter than before. Apparently I had finally said the right thing. I must leave you now.

Cotton backed away from me and lingered at the front door. Oh Happy New Year. Cotton took a few steps back and disappeared behind the closed door.

At last, the New Year was here. I was happy to be done with the year 1977. It was by far the worst year of my vampire life. I recall all the years I served as a confederate soldier as the worst years of my human life. War is dreadful. War is deadly. War is the only way men can deal with conflict when words have been rendered useless.

It was the middle of January; two months after things went awry. A couple of weeks had passed and I kept my promise. I drunk the bloodbags that CT provided. It was enough to supply me with nourishment. It wasn’t the same as blood straight out of a living breathing human vein. But in the meantime, it will suffice.

It was mid-afternoon. CT had left me alone. This rarely happened during the daylight hours. I didn’t question him about his coming and goings. He just went out and about and I sat planted on the couch in the same spot that I now permanently occupied. CT had acquired a stock pile of blood that he kept in the refrigerator for me. He made sure that I never went thirsty.

Since I had my energy up, I thought it prudent that I got up and out. My first stop would be to see my human friend Michael Montiani. I hadn’t seen him since I had returned from my three month honeymoon. I had revealed to him that I was a vampire. I’m sure he wondered where I disappeared to. After the murder of my wife I was not up for human companionship. I was coming out of my slump and felt the need to visit with someone. So it was time for a reunion with my human.

I took my Ferrari 330 GTC. I wonder if he still has the Ferrari I brought him as a present for graduating medical school. Instead of driving straight to Michael’s apartment I took a detour and cruised by Saint Augustine’s Catholic High School. I don’t know why I did it. Most things I do I’m not sure why I do them. If I really truly think about it I believe my actions are usually motivated by self-gratification.

Michael was still living in that crappy apartment by the University. I have to find a more suitable place for my protégé to live. A Ferrari in that neighborhood seems somewhat out of place. I parked a few parking spots from his apartment door. As I stepped out of my car I glanced over to the house across the street. I smiled to myself when I recalled the young boy on his tricycle that I flashed my vampire eyes at. I recall his name was Peter. Strangely my gaze lingered on the modest house.

I longed to see the small lad and I’m not sure why. Maybe he was a reminder that I have restraint. I had briefly revealed myself to him. Although he is too young to put a label on what I am. I did expose myself to him and I did not kill him. The urge to kill remains inside me and there are no barriers. I will kill innocent children. I have before and I’m sure I will again. My wait was brief. The little boy never emerged from the house across the street. Humans have the gift of procreation. A gift I neglected when I was a human.

I wonder where Michael has parked his Ferrari. It is nowhere near his apartment. I will ask. I made my way to Michael’s apartment door. I knocked even though I believed his door to be unlocked.

Come in, he yelled from behind the closed door.

I entered and noticed that absolutely nothing had changed. Michael was on the couch watching TV and surrounded by mountains of books. Humans are predictable. Why have I never come here to find a naked woman spread eagle? He cares more about medicine then getting laid. I wish I had that discipline.

Look at who came back from the dead. He laughed at his ironic humor. I found it quite hilarious myself being that I was indeed considered dead.

Yes I am back.

I didn’t know what had become of my benefactor.

Michael you make our relationship seem so formal. I took a seat in a chair that wasn’t filled with books. We are friends, are we not?

"Of course, we’re friends.