The Vessel: Borrowing of Darkness, #2

By M. J. Marques

With the help of her new friends, Clair devises a plan to get rid of Mia once and for all. She enlists the help of Lena Mayfair, who was a great friend to her mother and who has helped Clair herself learn to use her magickal powers to the best of her abilities.

Clair confronts Ian Marcellus, the vampire who was magickally bound to her mother, and reminds him of his promise to help her when she returned home. Ian is extremely weary of Clair's plan and even more weary of the new friends she has surrounded herself with.

Tensions increase as Clair's secrets slowly come to the surface, causing turmoil and heartache for all involved. Clair worries that the pressure may be too much for some of her friends, but with or without them, the plan will be executed, no matter what the cost.

• Language: English
• Publisher: M. J. Marques
• Release date: Jul 6, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301761616

M. J. Marques

M. J. Marques was born in October 1971, on the beautiful island of Malta. She lived in the state of Michigan for 8 years in her youth, and then her family moved to Canada, where she presently resides. M. J. has always received great satisfaction from writing, and although 'Borrowing of Darkness' is the first of her published work, you can look forward to hearing more from her in the near future.

Book preview

For Serena and Cruz

You inspire me every day of my life

THE VESSEL

Borrowing of Darkness, Book Two

M. J. Marques

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2013

Discover other titles by M. J. Marques at Smashwords.com

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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CHAPTER 1

NOW YOU SEE ME, NOW YOU DON’T

Ian Marcellus stood pensively, gazing out of his expansive bedroom window. He thumbed absentmindedly at the golden band on his left ring finger. This particular band had been there for the past three years and was a constant, painful reminder of the one single day that he wished he could eliminate from his memory. He slowly slid the ring off, revealing the scorch mark that had remained after the bands, binding him and Jo Montgomery in magickal union, had disintegrated. He held the golden ring up, looking it over; the inscription stabbed at him sharply, just one simple word, forever. He had been foolish enough to take that word for granted, after all, who would have thought that forever would barely get the chance to begin? Jo had given the ring to him as a birthday present on the very morning that she had passed away, although it was a constant reminder of her death, to Ian it was so much more. He gingerly bounced the ring in his palm a few times before returning it to its rightful place on his finger.

It was August twentieth, his birthday, and the one day that he would not be sorry to see disappear off of the calendar. As if his mother dying while giving birth to him wasn’t enough, this was the day that Jo had given her own life to save him, the day that both of the women who had ever truly loved him, had left him.

Ian spent the majority of the past three years in this exact spot thinking of that day, it had started off as a great day; Marcus and Isabella’s pre-wedding rehearsal. He and Jo were responsible for preparing dinner for all of the guests and apart from the usual snags and stresses of such an important day; they had all had a wonderful time. Ian had brooded as usual over unimportant matters, and Jo was always there to remind him of how much he had to be grateful for. They drank and danced and got caught up in the moment, something Ian would never forgive himself for. If he would have kept a level head and stayed focused, he would have never let her go upstairs alone and she would still be here, even if it meant that he himself would have died; the world needed her a lot more than it needed him.

Ian had never been a great person; he had lived life according to his own means, doing whatever he wanted, having little regard for how it affected anyone else, until he met her, that is. Ian met Jo Montgomery over three years ago, not knowing that she would be the one to change his entire life. From the moment he laid eyes on her he felt a change churning deep inside himself, he felt as if his heart had beat for the first time in over a century. Jo had loved him despite of what he was and despite of all that she had heard about him. He was undeniably attractive, but his selfishness and his lust for pretty young women, soon left much more to be desired and resulted in him jumping drunkenly from bed to bed, erasing memories along the way.

Ian still did not know if Jo’s attraction to him was due to that blasted prophecy or not, but he knew what he felt inside; what he was still feeling for that matter. Even now that she was gone he still ached for her, hungered for her, loved her as if she had been there only moments before. In fact, the only decent thing to come out of this whole tragedy was the change in Ian himself. He had fallen so deeply in love with Jo that he became a different person, a better person. All of the misery and loneliness he had felt for so many years was replaced with love and kindness, even now that she was gone he still did not revert back to his old ways. The change Jo made in his life was a permanent one.

Ian’s brother Marcus and his wife Isabella were wise enough not to comment that it was his birthday. They both knew that Ian never celebrated his birthday, even before Jo had died, and to mention it now was sure to mean certain death. Ian was positive that Isabella was going to chance a mention of it at breakfast, but an infuriated look from Marcus had stopped her in her tracks, causing her to pout for the remainder of the morning.

Marcus and Isabella were supposed to have been married the morning after Jo’s death, but seeing as neither of them showed up, the wedding was rescheduled for the following year. Isabella’s sister replaced Jo as the Maid of Honor and Ian asked Marcus to find another Best Man. How after all, could he possibly spend the entire day having Patricia on his arm with the knowledge that it should have been Jo? Marcus begged Ian to reconsider, reminding him that they were the only family left to each other, and upon remembering that Jo had given him a similar speech on the night of her death, Ian reluctantly gave in.

Ian was deeply engrossed in thought at that particular moment, due to the fact that he was absolutely certain he had seen Jo, not moments before, passing under his window. He would have dismissed this as mere coincidence if it were not for the fact, that this was not the first time that she had appeared to him.

It all started about two months ago when he was walking home one evening. He had the strangest feeling that he was being followed, as he slowly turned to look behind him, he caught a glimpse of her watching him from the street. He froze in his tracks giving her enough time to disappear into an alleyway. Ian was caught so off guard that he just stood cemented to the spot, gaping after her. He had resolutely decided that the combination of an overwhelming desire to see Jo, and the fact that her death anniversary was soon approaching, was causing him to hallucinate, but to his immense frustration, this was not the last sighting he had of her.

There was a time when he had passed by Jo’s old uninhabited house, and caught a glimpse of a figure pulling back from the window as he drew near. He had decisively marched up the walkway to the front door but could not bring himself to enter. A growling coming from the bushes at the side of the house reconfirmed his decision to turn around and go home, and he had given in, once again, to the idea that he was imagining things. But he was sure he had seen her coming out of Lena’s shop three weeks ago, and then again just days before, standing in front of her old coffee shop.

Ted and Lynn Grayson had purchased Jo’s café after Mia had murdered their daughter, Stephanie, on the front step. Of course, only a few people actually knew how Stephanie had died. As far as the rest of the town was concerned, a stray animal had attacked her, causing her death. Ian walked up to the door of the café but thought better of entering; he could not very well ask the Graysons if they had by any chance seen his dead wife, so once again, he chalked the whole affair up as a figment of his imagination and went home.

Ian did not know exactly what he was seeing. Was it a Ghost? Was it his mind playing tricks on him? Was there some kind of disturbing plot to make him think he was losing his mind, and if so who would do such a thing? He could only think of one person who would find exploiting someone else’s misery entertaining, Mia!

He had not seen a trace of Mia since the evening of Jo’s death and he often wondered if it was because Jo was no longer a threat to her, or if she was merely busy plotting something sinister. He had thought that not having physically seen her that she wasn’t around; out of sight out of mind, but he knew deep down that he was just kidding himself. Jo had been out of sight for three years but she was certainly not out of mind. She was so much in his mind in fact, that he was absolutely certain that it was her who had just passed under his window.

It was dark now, only the light from the full moon illuminated the grounds laid out before him, but he was sure he saw her. He could not mistake her long dark hair, her stature, the way she moved, and he certainly could not mistake the feeling in his gut. Ian was determined to put an end to this madness, either he was imagining his dead wife everywhere he looked, or someone was playing some kind of sick inexcusable joke on him. He turned abruptly and tore down the stairs, skipping every second step. When he was three quarters of the way down; he leapt over the banister and skidded to a halt at the front door.

Ian! Marcus jerked his head up over the couch, What’s the matter? He had not expected to see his brother at all until morning, and to see him come tearing down the stairs, caught both Marcus and Isabella off guard.

Someone’s outside.

Isabella strode over to the front window and peered out. What do you mean someone’s outside? We would have heard them.

Marcus stood and joined Isabella by the window. How do you know that someone’s out there?

I saw them from my window, Ian replied, as he pulled open the front door.

We’ll help you look, Isabella said, following him outside.

Marcus followed the other two out into the warm night. A cloud shifted revealing the moon, which was high in the sky, and glowed luminously onto the front yard casting their shadows onto the lawn. Ian held a finger to his lips and mimed for each of them to split into separate directions. Isabella went around to the right side of the house, while Marcus bound noiselessly into the front yard, Ian searched the bushes directly under his bedroom window before fading into the darkness on his left.

The numerous trees surrounding the house caused everywhere except the front yard to be shadowed into obscurity. Ian’s eyes were focused waiting to detect the smallest movement, his ears alert and listening intently for the slightest noise. He moved stealthily along the cool stone, his senses alert to his surroundings. As he continued towards the back of the house, the hairs on his arms stood on end with anticipation. He stopped abruptly when he reached the corner, he was absolutely certain that someone was there. His body stiffened as he caught a scent off of the breeze, he hadn’t smelled it in three years, but he knew that scent better than any other, and then...a breath. His mind went numb with disbelief, and he felt disoriented. He cautiously took one step away from the wall and peered into the darkness.

Jo? His voice was shaking.

The scream that came from just around the corner sent a shiver from his head right into his toes.

You scared the shit out of me Ian! Isabella’s voice rang into the darkness.

Marcus was immediately at her side, What happened?

I just got spooked that’s all, Isabella said, leaning against the house with a hand on her chest. I was sure someone was there, and then I heard Ian’s voice and it scared me.

Ian, did you see anything? Marcus asked.

I didn’t see anything, but I sure as hell smelled something.

Marcus inhaled deeply, I don’t smell anything, he said, looking to Isabella for confirmation.

I did, but I can’t place the scent, Isabella said, searching her thoughts and standing up straight.

Ian seemed irritated, Let’s go inside, he said, turning and making his way to the front door.

Marcus and Isabella followed him inside, and as Isabella closed the door behind them, she came to a realization. Oh my God! She said, as she secured the lock.

What is it? Marcus asked, as he and Ian turned curiously to face her.

You think Jo’s out there don’t you? Isabella asked Ian. You called her name.

What are you talking about? Marcus asked looking quizzically at Isabella.

Am I right? Isabella asked, ignoring Marcus and glaring keenly at Ian.

Ian was reluctant to answer. Thinking that Jo was lurking about outside was one thing but to hear Isabella say it out loud sounded like sheer lunacy. Yes, he finally said, dropping wearily onto the couch.

What? Marcus now turned his attention to his brother.

I’ve been seeing glimpses of her for months now, and I’m positive that she’s out there, I could smell her.

Marcus looked at Ian compassionately and then went over and sat beside him. Ian I know you miss her, but you know she’s gone.

I’m not going mad Marcus, it was her. I know it was.

Normally I would agree with you Marcus, Isabella said, taking a seat across from them, but I smelled her too. I couldn’t remember the scent at first but Ian’s right it was definitely Jo’s.

Why didn’t you tell us this before? Marcus questioned his brother.

Well, at first I thought I was just losing my mind, but Marcus it’s her, you have to believe me. I’d know that smell anywhere, Ian’s eyes were pleading. He knew how ridiculous he must sound telling the two of them that he was convinced Jo was still alive and roaming the streets of Bromsgrove, but he had spent enough time with her to know her scent, and there was no mistaking, it was definitely Jo.

But how could it possibly be her? We watched her die, we were all there; there has to be another explanation, Marcus said, more to Isabella than to Ian. He saw how hopeful his brother was and did not want to be the one to tell him, that he doubted beyond any reason that Jo was still alive.

What other explanation could there be? Isabella asked, looking from one brother to the other.

I don’t know, Ian said running his hands down his face and feeling utterly dejected. The spark of hope he had felt just moments before had been snuffed out. He hung his head as the grief of losing Jo, yet again, enveloped him. I’m going back upstairs, he exited the room, leaving Marcus and Isabella staring sympathetically after him.

Ian’s mind was racing as he made his way down the long stretch of hall to his bedroom. He wished he hadn’t told Marcus and Isabella that he thought Jo was still alive, although Isabella did seem to agree with him, he couldn’t blame them for being skeptical, hell, he was skeptical himself.

When he reached his bedroom door he stopped suddenly and sniffed the air; there it was again. He looked inquiringly around and inhaled again. The smell was coming from his room, which if he remembered correctly, he had left open; so why was the door now shut? He inhaled one last time, filling himself completely with the sweet smell, as he raised a shaking hand cautiously up to the doorknob.

Could Jo possibly be on the other side of the door, or was he just building his hopes up to be disappointed yet again? Ian knew that Marcus was right, it was absurd to think that Jo could still be alive; after all, he had held her stiff, cold body in his arms for the entire night after she had passed away. But was it so wrong for him to hope?

He closed his eyes momentarily, and then wearily pushed the door open. His entire body went numb. There she was standing at his open window. Her long dark hair trailing down her back and the smell of her skin enveloping him like a warm summer breeze. She turned slowly to face him, a slight smile playing on her lips.

I guess I won’t bother wishing you a happy birthday.

Ian’s numbness turned to frustration. "Damn it Clair! What the hell are you doing here?

CHAPTER 2

CLAIR

I told you I’d come back. Clair said, walking casually over to the bed and taking a seat. She looked quizzically at Ian, What’s the matter? You look like you’ve just seen a ghost.

I thought I had, Ian mumbled under his breath.

Clair studied him for a moment. You thought that I was my mother. This was not a question.

Yes, Ian said, still standing in the doorway in complete awe. It was true that Clair had always resembled Jo, but seeing her three years later and all grown up was truly mind-boggling. It’s funny, he said furrowing his eyebrows, you smell just like her.

I know, Clair said knowingly.

Wait a minute, Ian tore himself from his spot at the door and glared intently at Clair as he moved closer to her, it’s been you this whole time hasn’t it? All the time I thought I was seeing her.

Yes, she said apologetically, sorry if I spooked you.

The sound of rushing footsteps came from down the hall just seconds before Marcus and Isabella appeared anxiously at the door. They both stopped in their tracks and stared open mouthed at Clair, who sat looking at them slightly amused.

Ian turned to face them. Isabella, Marcus, this is Clair, he said, waving a careless hand in her direction.

Clair stood up and sauntered over to Marcus and Isabella, who could not seem to vocalize any of their thoughts, let alone move to greet her. It’s nice to finally meet you, she said, extending her hand.

Isabella was the first to speak. It’s unbelievable, she said dazed, as