The Legend of the Chosen One: Book Two

By Paul Fox

After the events of the Jay's first adventure into the vampire world, he is left a little shaken, but before he can really come to terms with his new status he must figure out what everyone's agenda really is. Does Rebekka and Alexia really have his best interests at heart? Will his past dictate his future.

Who can he trust?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Paul Fox
• Release date: May 31, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310581311

Paul Fox

Born and bred in London, devoutly a Liverpool FC supporter.

Book preview

Chapter One

Ding-dong.

What is that noise!? Jay screamed as the piecing shriek broke the serene silence he was enjoying.

Ding-dong. The noise repeated, ignoring his cries for mute.

Please for the love of God, make it stop! Jay screamed as he put the pillow over his head to drown out that annoying sound of the door-bell. He wanted a lie in. He deserved a lie in. A couple of days ago he went toe-to-toe with the big bad evil of the week; and miraculously won.

Well, winning was a relative term here. He was still alive. Thomas had been stopped…for now. Apparently he made his escape from the roof-top.

Jay was different now. What he went through effected him more then he had realised, more then anyone could realise, and he was now feeling the effects; besides being still sore from the fight, and very tired; Jay felt responsible. Jay felt guilty.

Dr Penton, who had now taken up residence in Future Life Tech's lab, after being asked to become a full-time consultant; was like a kid in a sweet shop; playing with all the new gadgets and medical equipment that he could only dream about back in the hospital, couldn't figure out why Jay no longer had vampire traits, but still had the virus in his blood stream.

A few days after the event, Jay was poked, prodded, had blood taken, tested and scanned, and poked some more. Everything, short of being sent off to the CDC to be looked at, was done to him. It was almost as if it was hiding, ready to be spring into action if his life depended on it, or that’s what they all hoped would happen.

A part of him was glad; he didnt want to be one full time, he did not want to become it. What he went through was enough. But, there was a small part that wanted it back; wanted the power trip the way it made him feel strong, unbeatable, and unstoppable. He liked that feeling. He wasn’t sure what he might do if he did have that power back, would he still be in control? Could he turn into Thomas, or worse? That thought scared him.

Jay knew the soreness would eventually go away; but this guilt trip was a ride he wanted to get off desperately. He blamed himself for Titus's death. He had passed Thomas in the lobby of Future Life Tech and he could have stopped him; he should have stopped him. Why did he not stop him? If only he had paid more attention, instead of worrying about himself. His selfishness cost a life. He should have been more focused. No more distractions.

Jay could not bring himself to go to the funeral which was held a few days later, he couldn’t face seeing everyone, knowing what he failed to do.

Jay heard the door eventually being answered by Emma, who had been up for ages. Jay tried to listen to who it was; probably the postman with a package or something. Whoever it was, his sister could handle it. Jay hadn’t left his bed in four days; he felt exhausted and the plan was to stay in bed forever, or as long as humanly possible, assuming Emma kept bringing him his meals.

Emma opened the front door, and picked up the post which was delivered earlier. It was Rebekka; they greeted and Emma let her through to the sitting room. Rebekka had come round to check on Jay everyday since the event as she was concerned along with Emma about the long term effects that Jay might now have. The conversation started the same everyday.

How is he? Rebekka asked.

The same, still up in his room, he is eating now, but I'm starting to worry. Emma replied.

I'm sure he will be ok, he is a strong lad. Rebekka said, trying to reassure Emma, and partly herself.

Dr Penton still hasn't got a clue as to what is going on inside his body. Emma said; the worry now sounding louder in her voice.

To tell you the truth I have never seen anything like this. Everyone that has ever been turned ends up a vampire. He is not. He doesn’t have any signs to be concerned; he could be just tired from what he has gone through, it took a lot out of him. Rebekka said trying to put Emma at ease.

Maybe, but I cannot help feel there is something else, he is more withdrawn. He is never like this, especially today. Emma said with a look of concern.

Why? What is special about today? asked Rebekka inquisitively.

Oh, you don’t know? Today is his birthday said Emma.

His birthday? I had no idea, with all that’s been going on lately…. Have you got plans? asked Rebekka.

None right now, dragging him out of his room would be a start. Emma said, realising that was going to be a mammoth task.

Ok, leave it to me, I will organise something for tonight. Rebekka said, suddenly having an idea.

Are you sure? Emma asked.

Oh yes, Jay deserves it, you get him out of his room, I will have a car pick you up at Eight. Rebekka then pulled out an envelope and handed it to Emma. Oh before I forget, this is for you.

What is it? Emma opened it and there are travel arrangements and tickets inside.

Jay told me about your friends wedding in the Bahamas. Rebekka said.

I cannot take this. Emma said handing the envelope back.

Of course you can, we look after our own, enjoy the break. Rebekka said pushing it back.

What about Jay? Emma asked, I can’t leave him; like this.

Don't worry about him, I've got it sorted. Now go enjoy yourself. Rebekka said, sounding convincing.

Thank you. Emma said appreciatively. She had always put Jay first, being his sister, mother and father at various times growing up, it was nice to be put first for a change.

I better go, I’ve now have a company to run. Rebekka said, moving towards the door.

I’m truly sorry for your loss said Emma.

Thank you. Titus was a good man. When he found me, he didnt see me a problem, more of a solution. I never thought I’d see a day without him. See you tonight.

Rebekka left and Emma shut the door. Jay, you have post! Emma shouted upstairs and listened for a response….nothing. She went upstairs and knocked on his door. Jay, its time to get up. she entered his room. Happy birthday!

Jay was pretending to be asleep with the pillow over his head. Emma shook him hard; and didn’t stop until Jay ‘woke up’.

Ok, ok, I'm awake. He pulled his head from under the pillow and sat up slowly. Emma pulled open the curtains and opened the window. She then handed him his post.

There were a few cards from relatives, and a large package. He ripped open the box.

Hey, I got a birthday package from Paul and the guys at the comic shop. There must be about 20 books here. Ooh, a variant cover of The Trust #1! Jay was beaming.

That’s nice of them said Emma. After all; you do spend an obscene amount of money there.

It’s an investment, it’s my retirement fund. Have you any idea how much comics will go for in the future?

Emma shook her head, It was one Spider-Man comic that sold for a lot.

‘The Trust' will sell for a shed load, I have the complete run. He had been collecting this one since the beginning. Like all good comic books, it had been stopped, rebooted, stopped again, and universally reset in a bid to regain its popularity.

So, after collecting them for years, you’re just going to sell them? What if you want to read them again? Emma asked, being slightly confused about Jay’s logic.

I've got the digital copies; one comes with every issue, and the early ones I’ll get the hardback copies. I've got it all planned out. Jay said smugly.

Well Mr 'It’s all planned out', did you plan anything for tonight? Emma said, still tidying up his room.

I thought we would go to that restaurant, same as always. Jay said with a shrug of his shoulders, not really giving it much thought.

Ok, I will book a cab, make sure you shower" said Emma, emphasizing the word: shower.

What do you mean shower? There is nothing wrong with…oh damn! Jay took one sniff of his self and agreed with his sister.

Exactly! Why do think I’ve opened all the windows! Emma said leaving the room going back down stairs.

On his way to the bathroom he shouted down Is my breakfast still there?

Yes! Emma shouted back up.

Ok, save it for me, I'll eat it when I’m done in here he replied.

Thought so. Ok! Emma threw the cold toast in the bin and put two slices of fresh bread into the toaster.

Jay jumped in the shower, he liked it hot and the bathroom steamed up pretty quickly. Jay stood under the shower for what felt like ages; after using the shower gel and shampoo.

Why did I not stop him? He let the water fall over him; somehow trying to wash away his guilt. The water splashed into his face and he closed his eyes. He started to re-live the moment he past Thomas in the lobby, he remembers clearly bumping into him while walking out. Banging his fist against the tiles; he started to cry.

No, I don't deserve to cry for this, I haven’t earned that right. I need to somehow make this right.

Jay turned off the shower and dried himself. He stood in front of the mirror which had been steamed up thanks to the shower’s hot water. He wiped away the steam with his facecloth; and for a split second he thought he saw someone else in the reflection. He panicked and wiped more; once all the steam had been cleared - it was just Jay looking back at himself. I'm going nuts; I need to get out of here.

Jay finished brushing his teeth and went back to his room to get changed.

Feeling good to be back in the land of the living, although still a bit sore, Jay went downstairs into the kitchen for breakfast; Emma had made him some more toast and a cup of tea.

Rebekka dropped this off earlier Emma said as she handed him the envelope.

Yeah…I forgot to tell you about that. I know you really wanted to go, so I had a word and it was all organised. I can treat my sis sometimes you know. Jay said, hoping Emma wouldn’t be mad at him.

Emma smiled, Thank you and gave him a hug. Today is going to be a good day.

Of course, it’s my birthday. Jay said as he smiled and bit into a piece of toast.

Jay, Are you ok? Emma asked. There was a concerned tone in her voice.

Yeah he said munching on the toast.

I mean, with everything that happened. You turning into a…vampire. I still cannot get my head around it. That’s not an everyday occurrence. That’s a…a life changing event!

Sis, I feel fine, whatever is in me is protecting me from it…I think. There is no need to worry. I’m not about to bite you or anyone. Jay said finishing the toast.

But what happens when it stops protecting you? Emma said to herself.

Chapter Two

At Eight PM a car pulled outside their house. Emma and Jay got in, all dressed up. Jay assumed it was the cab that Emma would have called to take them to the restaurant that they normally went to on his birthday.

They drove off into the city night. The city lights made the city very attractive; enticing everyone to come out and play. The nightlife was second to none; it was the place to be. They passing the restaurants and enter the clubbing area of the city.

You know we have passed the restaurant, right? Jay said looking up from his phone; trying to get the high score on the latest app craze.

I know. We are not going there tonight. Emma replied, not giving any information away.

The car pulled up outside a club.

Here? Jay asked.

I guess so Emma replied with a smile on her face.

They walked up to the doorman and Emma gave them their names; he promptly ticked them off, opened the door for them and wished them a good evening. They checked their coats in at the cloakroom and walked through to the tables section. Music was playing, but not too loud as it was still early. Jay froze; he saw Rebecca, Dr Penton and Jake sitting together.

Happy Birthday! they all screamed.

Jay had an embarrassing smile on his face. You guys…I didn’t even know that you knew! he was beaming. How did you manage to book this place, I heard it was exclusive with a year’s waiting list? He said as he and Emma sat down.

I know the owner Rebekka replied.

Is he? Jay asked.

Yep. Rebekka said with a nod.

Is there anyone who isn't? Dr Penton asked. Jake and Emma raised their hands. That's reassuring.

I’m only half, I think Jay said. Does that count?

Everyone started to talk about their day and the vibe around the table was very relaxed and friendly.

Doctor, I’ve been meaning to ask you this, what is your first name? Emma asked.

It’s Andrew Dr Penton replied.

I told you it wasn’t John, Rebekka said to Jake.

You looked at his file! That doesn't count. Enough talk, who wants shots? Jake asked changing the subject.

They all replied in unison; yes, as Jake stood up.

A few minutes later Jake returned with eleven shots. They said it was on the house?

All of tonight is Rebekka replied. Just don't break anything.

Jake divided the shots between the group, and they all grabbed the shot glass with the brown liquid in.

To Titus and Alpha Team. Jay said.

Titus and Alpha Team they all said in unison; and downed the shot.

"What was that? Rebekka asks with a bitter look on her face.

I'm not sure, they handed them to me at the bar Jake replied, with the same bitter tasting look on his face.

These ones are called 'Bite…I think." Emma said reading it off the drinks menu that was on the table.

Next round Jake said.

They all picked up the red shots.

Happy birthday Jay Emma said raising a toast to her brother.

Happy Birthday the group replied, all taking the shot at the same time, and turned the empty shot glasses upside down on the table.

That tasted better than the last one. Jay said to the group.

Not by much Dr Penton said, with a strange look on his face.

You’re not finished Jake said to Jay. There was one shot left. The Birthday shot.

Jay saw that there was one blue shot left.

Three, two, one The group shout. Jay downed the shot and slammed the shot glass on the table. It was more bitter then the first.

Yeah!!! The group cheered and clapped.

"What was that? Jay asked.

The manager gave that one especially, he said it was called Liquid Fire said Jake.

"Never again, I think my stomach is on fire" said Jay, rubbing his stomach.

Dr Penton went off to the bar with a shopping list of drinks to bring back. Jay looked around at his group, his team; there is nowhere else he would rather be.

The club started to get louder as it started to fill up as the night went on. Drinks and laughter were in full flow. Jake shared stories of his team on various missions, by the sounds of things he had been everywhere. Dr Penton told them about when Jay came into the hospital, and how he was completely out of his depth.

I actually died on that table. I saw a white light and everything. Thank you for bringing me back Jay lifted his bottle of beer towards the Doctor in appreciation. Andrew nodded back.

How do you like your new set-up? Rebekka asked Andrew.

It’s amazing! Some of the equipment there is still in the experimental stage, how did you get it?

We own the company that makes most of them she replied with a smile.

Guys, same again? asked Jay.

Yes was the reply.

I am still amazed you let me move the Medic Centre above ground Andrew said.

I told you, it’s yours, you run it as you see fit. It wasn’t fully set up so moving it wasn’t an issue. Rebekka replied. Why did you want it moved?

There is something about seeing the sky that I believe can help mentally with the healing process. Plus, where it was felt very…claustrophobic Andrew went on to say.

Jay left the conversation and went off to the bar, he wasn’t sure of Andrew had too much to drink already or not. As he got closer to the bar, he bumped into the manager on the way.

Thank you for doing what you did, Thomas was a nasty piece of work, there are a few of us who are very grateful, if you ever need anything.... The manager said and handed Jay his business card. Those disappearing people, where…bad for business.

Ah, you mean less humans around to buy overpriced drinks, gotcha! Jay thought to himself. Thanks, and thanks again for tonight. Jay said, not wanting to offend him, after all it was a free bar.

It’s the least I could do. he said Now let’s get you some more drinks. The manager said and waved to the one of the bartenders.

The bartender handed him a tray full of drinks, Jay couldn't carry all of them back to the table at the same time so left a few at the bar and made a return trip. On his way back to the bar squeezing through the rush that had gradually appeared as it was getting busier. He managed to grab them all; then something caught his eye, and his nose. There was a familiar scent which had just become apparent to him. Since he was bitten his senses seemed to be stronger then before, certain smells seemed to stand out more, mainly of people. He turned back around facing the bar and there was a woman in a red dress with long blonde hair standing right in front of him with her back towards him. She looked like she was looking for someone. Alarm bells started to go off in his head; he recognised her scent from the warehouse. He turned to see if he could raise the alarm with his table, but they were too far away and wouldn't be able to hear him over the noise of the club if he shouted. She backed into him; they were now touching.

No. Not now, not here, not today Jay tried to mentally though the thought into the woman in the red dress.

The last time we were this close, I thought you were going to kill me she said.

She could feel he was nervous; there was an air of panic in his voice. I swear to God if you cause trouble in here I will take you down Jay said trying to sound as worried as he felt. There were too many people here, too many would get hurt if a fight with a vampire broke out.

She smiled and turned around; she put her arms around his shoulders, to the outside world they were a couple about to kiss. She looked at Jay, Jay stared right back at her. God she is beautiful he thought.

So, do you still want to kill me? I might bite you later she said looking innocent and doe eyed. Jay didn’t know what to say, he was in the middle of a club with a handful of drinks and there was a beautiful woman with her arms around him. This doesn’t happen in the real world, especially to him.

Thought not. she said as she took a drink from his hand and walked away. Jay stood there not knowing quite what to do. Ok what the hell just happened?

By now the club was in full swing, Jay had to dodge, duck and practically jump over people to get back to the table. Guys, we have a situation! putting down the drinks in the middle of the table.

What's wrong? Jake asked.

Jay looked around at the team about to tell them who he just met, then suddenly realised The situation is…sitting in my seat?

Jay, this is Alexia, my sister