Marzio's Revenge

By Barbra E. Ross

“I was going to consider a trade, for her miserable existence. I was going to consider having you as a replacement. A life for a life.” Marzio.

Justin Bertolli must make a heart-wrenching choice. Either way he will lose.

Marzio’s Revenge is the haunting and provocative sequel to A Mortal Indiscretion. An epic tale of love and loss. Justin embarks on a treacherous journey that tests his very core. Not knowing that what lies before him, is an unimaginable dark road.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Barbra E. Ross
• Release date: Aug 21, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370141326

Barbra E. Ross

Barbra E Ross lives in Michigan. She is a nurse by day and a writer of fiction at night.A Mortal Indiscretion; Author's Edition is the first in a series. It is a vampire romance with mystery and action. The sequel, Marzio's Revenge is now available. The third in the series, Zeus is available now!Join my email list for new release information and great giveaways.http://eepurl.com/crovYvEmail me at [e-mail] to join!For more information on her work visit...http://barbraeross.com/https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBarbraERoss/https://linktr.ee/Barbraeross

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Marzio’s Revenge

Barbra E. Ross

Other titles

by Barbra E. Ross

A Mortal Indiscretion; Author’s Cut

Copyright 2016 by Barbra E. Ross

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under the copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in, or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without prior written permission.

For permission requests, please contact: [e-mail]

Smashwords Edition

Dedications.

Dana

Martha

Tanzy

Jennifer

Thank you for believing in my stories

Darryl

Anthony

My boys, who are my heart.

Studabaker

Thank you for being a part of my life.

Table Of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Afterthoughts

CHAPTER ONE

It was a cold and windy, snowy ass day. And here I was… flying down 94, trying to get to work on time. My Neon was pushed to the limit as I exited the highway into Minneapolis. Listening to the morning radio had even made me more pissed. They were heavily into discussion about how blasted they all got last night, and one DJ was bragging about how many girls he had made it with. My night had not been that exciting. I had been up all night writing my term paper for Chemistry, which… was also three days late. I would be lucky if I even got a passing grade.

I pulled my car into the parking ramp, cursing at the line. My tank was on E and I was worried if I would even make it up the ramp. I finally fought my way through and got out of my car, spilling my coffee as I ran. I glanced at my watch. It was 7:15 and I was late again. I was on my final warning, skating thin ice. I ran past the security check and headed for the labs. I threw my coat off onto a chair in the hall and entered the lab, trying to come across as if I had been here all along. But my face was covered in sweat, and I wiped it away nervously.

I went over to my station and sat down, shaking a little. I put my head to my microscope and tried to concentrate, but all these excuses were flooding my mind. I would just tell them I forgot to clock in. That I was in the bathroom just in case anybody noticed. Then, I looked over the row of microscopes, lab equipment and noticed Sue was looking dead at me. She had noticed. Hell, she always noticed. She had nothing better to do but notice. Little kiss ass. I gave her the finger and she looked down at her work. I smiled to myself, believing I had pulled it off again.

Robert. You didn’t punch in, I heard.

I turned and saw my supervisor standing above me. He was an old man, white hair, looking like that crazy ass professor from Back to the Future.

I’m sorry, I forgot. I had to use the bathroom when I came in. You know, stuck in traffic on 94.... I began and he gave me a look.

Alright. I’ll let it go this time. But next time, punch in first, then go to the bathroom, he said with a fatherly tone in his voice.

He looked down on my type and I didn’t care. Like he was ever going to go anywhere. He was already dead, and he didn’t even know it. He had worked here, at Continental Laboratory Services for over 30 years, and he was never going to want anything else out of life.

Okay. I’m really sorry, I said, in the flakiest way possible.

He smiled at me and left me alone. I was glad. I looked over my orders for the day and groaned. Basic Hemoglobin and Hematocrit counts. Boring! I looked around, hating even being here. Wishing I was done with college and out of this hell hole. But I needed it now and I was stuck here. Asthma put me in a position of needing insurance and I had to make money to pay for my education. I was never blessed with rich parents or the brains to get a scholarship, so I had to do it the hard way. And I hated every single minute of it.

I took all my samples over to the spinner and put them in. I set it to spin for 15 minutes and snuck out to have a smoke while I waited. I had to go outside, and the snow was getting worse. I watched it, puffing away, ignoring the other people out there.

I headed back in the building and went to my spinner. It was done and I opened the lid. I got to the last sample and noticed it was still un-separated. I looked at all the other tubes and they had all done what they were supposed to. Each one had thick red blood cells on the bottom of the glass and clear yellow fluid floating on top. I scratched my head and tried to figure out what went wrong. I looked at the lab requisition and noticed there were other tests ordered as well. A toxicology screen.

I went to the toxicology department and searched for the same name on a lab form. I found it and much to the protests of the technician there, opened the spinner. There it was, still a mixture of red blood. I quickly confiscated it from the spinner and took it over to my computer. Thinking it had hemolyzed, that it was a bad sample, I put it in the analyzer. I stood by it, waiting to put the sticker on it, sending it to the waste pile. But the computer started beeping and making all kinds of noise. I turned to look at the printer, spitting out lab values so fast, I could barely keep up. I was wrong. It wasn’t a bad sample. My eyes widened as I looked at the printout. I looked back at the lab requisition, noting the name. Justin Bertolli. It was sent from Mexico City.

CHAPTER TWO

There is nothing more magnificent than a Mexican night. The air warm, and moon full, casting a spotlight across the ocean. I squinted my eyes and looked across the sea. There was Cozumel, the pleasant little island so close to our home. And just behind her, situated on the mainland, was Cancun. I loved being able to see so clearly with my new vampire eyes. I never realized how weak my human vision had been. It never really occurred to me, until now. Now I could see the people walking along the shore. If I listened hard enough, I could even hear their thoughts. I wasn’t good at screening out singular thoughts or ideas yet, but I was working on it. Ambra, my wife reminded me every single night how I needed to improve my skills. But I really didn’t want to. I was happy just being here and alive. Well, not really alive, but living.

My name is Justin. And this is my story.

I was human until 6 months ago. And it had been an average life. Then, I met my wife and my whole world changed. Things I never imagined to be real… never really believed in before, suddenly became a way of life for me. I laugh when I think about it now. How I went from an average swinging guy, to being the husband of the most beautiful creature created. Just thinking about her made me smile, made my body tingle all over. Her love had an effect on me, and it changed me. She owned me. I would have never admitted something like that when I was alive, but now I say it and think it with absolute pride. I dug my feet in the cool night sand, laughing softly to myself. Yep, I was whipped, a sucker, a slave to her love, whatever you want to call it, that’s what I was, and I loved it.

Oh, don’t get me wrong, she was hooked too. I looked up at the sea and grinned. She was head over heels in love with me. Anything I wanted, anything I needed, she gave and kept on giving. She loved me so much, she made me what I am, this vampire. So, I could be with her for the rest of all time. And that was all I wanted because she sent my heart soaring every single time, I looked at her. She was beauty indescribable, so fine, and full of regal grace. And her strength, her resilience, was astounding. The things that she had gone through scared the shit out of me, but here she was. And she always came out on top, floating above it all.

Ambra, I called her name into the wind. Just the sound of it coming from my lips sent images flying through my mind. How I love my Ambra.

I smelled the wind, thinking of what we would do tonight, grinning... knowing what we did every night.

Then, my eyes closed, and I knew she was awake. She was coming towards me, and my body picked up all the signs that she was near to me. There was a bond we shared even before I was a vampire. I didn’t even turn as she came upon me, touching my shoulder.

Good evening wife.

Good evening husband.

How... did you sleep? I asked, chuckling a little to myself.

You mean the precious two hours, that you allowed me to sleep? she asked, and I nodded, laughing out loud. Perfectly.

Do you want to go back to bed? I asked her, raising my eyebrow at her.

Justin....you have gone over three days without feeding, and it is beginning to show, under you lovely eyes, she said touching the skin under my eyes.

I looked down. Mood totally changed now. I hated hunting. I had hoped she wouldn’t notice that I was hungry, but she did. She always did. And as soon as she said it, I felt that grumbling inside me, that burning, gnawing away at me.

"Baby, I don’t want to go out there again. I want to get back in bed with you.

Husband, you have to eat. You have to, she insisted and stroked my cheek.

Come on, I could just take a little of you again. I know you love it when I do that. Shit, I love it when I do that, I told her trying to come up with any excuse not to go hunting. But she shook her head at me determined. Damn it, she was stubborn as a mule.

You cannot live off my blood forever, you know that. You need fresh blood. Fresh human blood.

I know. I know, I complained, and she took my hand.

I promise when we return, you can do whatever you like to me. Anything at all.

She flew up into the air, pulling me along.

Anything? I asked, mind filling with wild thoughts.

Anything, she said and flirted with me. I grinned and flew closer to her.

We headed into Cozumel. It was a wonderful place, high class and elegant. We landed on its rolling beaches and headed into town. It was the perfect night for a moonlit romantic stroll. And here I was, coming to ruin somebody’s evening. She pushed me ahead, to let me go on alone and I kicked at the sand as I made my way towards the action. There were people all over, laughing, drinking and just plain in the midst of a good time.

I went towards a nightclub. It was easiest to do there. People usually intoxicated and they never seemed to notice when one of them passed out for some unknown reason. I went towards the bar and looked back to the entrance. Ambra was there, standing guard. I smiled at her, and she waved me on. I knew she wanted me to practice. I could easily will someone and have it done and over with. But no way, I had to do it the long hard way.

I turned back towards the bar and began concentrating on all the signals. A man, next to me, had a large cut on his leg, a boating accident early this morning. I could smell the scent of his blood seeping through the bandage. A woman passed me by, spilling the scent of garlic and herbs from the meal she had eaten earlier. Then, the one who caught my attention. I closed my eyes and took in a deep breath. It was a woman, and she was on her monthly cycle. The aroma drifted in the air floating above the smoke and the body odors of all the patrons. I focused on it and my eyes found her, sitting at a table.

She was with a group of people laughing and drinking tequila shots. But I focused my attention on her. She was bored. Staring all around the room and waiting to leave. I headed directly for the table and reached my hand out to her. She looked up at me, wondering.

Dance? I asked her.

I don’t know..., she said, glancing up at me and then back at her friends.

Ok then..., I said and started to turn away.

No wait. I will, she said quickly, and I smiled to myself.

I reached out and she took my hand, eyes wide gazing up. Her friends turned and noticed. I willed them to look away and forget they had even seen me. I guided her towards the dance floor as I pushed the DJ to play a slow song.

I brought her close to me. She put her arms up around me and the smell of her blood seeped into my nose. I snuggled up close to her neck, sensing the beat of her heart.

What’s your name? I heard and it broke my concentration.

Justin, I whispered against the smooth skin of her neck. I was practically drooling.

I’m Diana, she said, and I slipped my teeth in, not able to control my thirst any longer.

She gasped and I drank, losing myself in the succulent taste of it. I almost couldn’t stop drinking and then, her body became limp in my arms. I opened my eyes quickly and started to come out of the high I was feeling. I looked around with my eyes cautiously, making sure we were not being watched. I held her body close to mine and slipped back to a dark corner of the bar. A large booth became available with the push of my mind, and I sat in it with her. I pretended to be in a heated kiss with her as people passed us by and slipped out of the booth leaving her. Head slumped over and appearing as if she were drunk.

I moved quickly towards the door, sneaking up behind Ambra. She was looking towards the dance floor, and I wrapped my arms around her. She jumped and turned her head to me. I had my hands on her waist and started moving her body to the beat of the music which had returned to the fast-paced beat.

Are you full? she asked me, and I nodded my head in the crook of her neck. Are you sure? You don’t want to have to hunt all over again tomorrow night, do you?

I looked over to the dance floor trying to ignore what she was saying. But under it all, I knew she was right. I was still aching for more. I wanted more.

Alright, one more. But then, we are going home, I told her, and she smiled at me.

How about a big strong man? she asked.

Alright, I agreed, giving in.

She pried my hands from her hips and turned around to face me.

I will draw one to us. Will that make you feel better?

I nodded and she headed out to the floor, telling me to stay back and watch. I went over to the bar, keeping a close eye on her. She started dancing and I almost forgot why we were here, watching her work her magic on that floor. I always loved seeing her in all her glory just dancing her heart out. It didn’t take long, and a young man, tall and solidly built, made his move on her. He went right up to her and took hold of her body from behind. I had a hot flash of jealousy but pushed it down. She turned to the man, his shaven head shining in the lights of the bar. He was a tough looking punk. I read his mind. He was thinking about doing some things to my wife that made me really lose my mind. But he knew how to play the part, looking all so innocent and kind. She took his hands. Then, I saw his face become blank and a stupid grin on his face. She started for the door, and I followed, a little behind her, just out of sight.

They exited the bar and I moved in even closer. He was a walking zombie now. She had played with his mind, and he didn’t even know who he was. I caught up quickly and took her arm. She said nothing as we turned down a dark alley. Without thinking, I grabbed him, mad at what he had thought about her; driven by the hunger inside me and slammed him into the brick wall. I lunged forward brutal, harsh and had my mouth latched on him in seconds. I drank him fast, absorbing all his strength and energy. When he sighed, this pathetic little sigh, I pulled out and let go of his body, not caring how he hit the ground. I wiped my mouth and looked down at him.

So, you wanted to touch my wife..., I started and heard a scream behind me.

I turned and Ambra had a policeman in her death grip. His hat fell off his head as she bit into him. He started shaking and then, his body relaxed as she pulled out of his throat. She looked up at me, releasing him from her hold and he fell to the ground with a thud. I looked down, shaking my head. I had fucked up again. I had not even noticed he had around, not even sensed him. I was too caught up in the jealous feeling and the hunger to even pick up on the fact that he was nearby.

I saw the man I had bitten, coughing on the ground, and trying to come around. I stepped over him and didn’t meet her glance as I approached her. I was embarrassed.

I’m sorry...

I felt her hand lift my chin and she made me look up into those eyes of hers.

Why are you sorry husband? she asked me, rubbing her finger on my bottom lip.

You know why. I am never going to get the hang of it am I? I asked, looking into those big brown pools of hers.

That is why we are here, to learn. I do not expect you to become a cold calculating killer overnight. I happen to adore you the way you are, she told me, and I smiled a little.

Adore huh? I asked.

Absolutely adore, she said giving me that look.

You are not disappointed in me?

No, never. A little concerned, but not disappointed, she answered, and I sighed.

I guess I will have to accept that, for now.

Is your hunger satisfied?

No, I said, and she looked over at me.

But you had two. I don’t understand....

But I haven’t had you-- yet..., I said and gave her a sinister smile.

She shrieked and took off in a flat run. I ran after her, laughing as I chased her down. Her skirt, flying high up her thighs with every stride. Long brown hair bouncing, catching the moonbeams as she tore through the now deserted streets. She glanced behind her, screeching a little as I was getting ever closer to her, only an arm’s length away. Then, when she turned from me, I cut behind a building to get ahead of her. I ran, leaping over bums sleeping on the sidewalks and turned down a black alley. I cleared a dumpster and landed on the street. She was looking behind her trying to catch sight of me behind her when she ran directly into my arms. Her eyes widened in shock as I wrapped myself around her.

You weren’t running away from me, were you? I was kissing that neck of hers as I spoke.

Whatever gave you that idea?

I said nothing and sunk my teeth in, right there in the middle of the street. The wind blew on us, blowing her hair all around me. I heard her start to moan. This was one of the things that I did love about being a vampire. This act of sharing each other. It was the only time I could see into her mind, feel what she was feeling, and it drove me crazy, knowing what she felt for me. I picked her up and swung her around. I stopped drinking and looked up at the moon, so beautiful above us, licking the taste of her from my lips.

There is nothing like the taste of you, I told her, and she smiled.

And there is nothing like the taste of you.

Now… about that deal you made with me, I snuck in, and she stared at me innocently.

What deal would that be? she said all coy and teasing.

Oh no, don’t you play innocent with me, I pulled her closer to me.

Who? Me? she said, batting those eyelashes at me.

Yes, you. You promised me anything, and I am staking my claim.

Very well, what do you want?

I looked back up at the moon, thinking how I loved flying with her. Then it hit me.

I want to do it up there, in the clouds, I said lifting her up as I spoke.

Up there, in the sky?

Yeah, in the sky, I said and soon we were high above the town.

I let go of her, loving the feeling of being free in the air. She floated in front of me, and I took hold of her skirt and gave it a good yank. She spun around and it came off in my hand. I let it go and watched it float down.

Justin, she scolded, looking down at her skirt as it landed in the ocean.

Now your shirt. Come on, give it up, I told her, and she turned away from me.

I laughed out loud. Acting shy like I had never seen her undress before. She slipped it over her shoulders and let it fall. There was a strong air current up here and it whipped it sideways before letting it sail down to the earth. She kept her back to me, keeping up the shy act and I stripped.

Then, I floated over to her slowly putting my hands on her shoulders. I loved the shape of her body and I felt it, passing my hands from her shoulders down to her waist. I pulled her back against me, flying backwards. She lay back and I had her, my hands on her hips now, stroking the skin, feeling the meat of her muscles, and the solid bone. I moved my hands towards the front of her, into that fold of soft skin, then further, to her thigh, pulling it, opening her for me. There we were, flying backwards, not really looking where we were going, and we started. She leaned her head back on my chest, and I caught a glance at her face, smile all over her lips. She raised up her arm and touched me anywhere she could reach. I was getting into it, the freedom of it, being up above the world, passing through clouds, feeling the cool spray of the water vapor on my body. I reached down and took her thighs, pulling them up, bending her legs. Then she had to make that sound. When I heard it, I knew I was in trouble. Cause it floated in my ears and headed directly down my spine, sending my stomach into a tailspin. I stopped flying, frozen by her voice and it made me lose it. It happened so fast, I forgot where we were and what we were doing, and the next thing I knew, we were falling, and I didn’t give a damn. She called my name, as I was locked up inside her, and then we plunged into the sea. My eyes snapped open from the shock of the water and I quickly regained my composure. We floated back to the surface, and she turned to look at me, all wide eyed and shocked. Then, suddenly she burst out laughing and so did I.

You are mad! she hollered, and I nodded.

So! That’s why you love me, I said, spitting out the water from my mouth.

You are right. I must be crazy, making love a mile high in the sky.

I lifted out of the water and took her hand.

Yep, but you have to admit, it was different. It was wild.

Oh, it was wild alright; I would have never dreamed that up in a million years.

Well, give yourself some more time. You may surprise me yet, I said smartly, and she slapped my shoulder.

We went on home, her still teasing me about falling in the ocean. But under all her funny expressions, I knew she had liked it as much as I did. We ran in the house naked and laughed the rest of the night away.

Time passed, and much of the same happened. I was getting into the fun of being a vampire and she kept on reminding me that I needed to learn what I could do, not just for my pleasure, but for basic necessity. And I resisted her, because I hated the fact that I was supposed to be a cold-hearted killer. And I did everything I could not to kill.

I made up my mind that I would only take what I needed from my victims, but this only compounded my problem. Because then I usually needed to take it from more than one person. And that meant more hunting, and more opportunities to just plain screw up.

And then I had this terrible desire to see my old friends and she tried to talk me out of it, telling me how there was a great possibility that they would reject me as I am now. That even though I didn’t realize it, there would be a difference in our relationship because there was nothing we had in common anymore. She explained it was old feelings, old desires, human emotions clinging to little corners of my brain, and that I had to let it go. And she knew what she was talking about because her own family had rejected her, causing a sadness that still affected her to this day.

But I was not easily swayed, because I still felt human in a lot of ways. I still loved, had desire, wanted to have fun and I still felt pain. Not physical pain. Okay, maybe when I let my hunger grow too long, but pain in an emotional sense. There were times I woke up completely forgetting what I was. I had thought of eating food, wanting a huge steak and baked potato, or almost bumbling out into the sun one late afternoon until she grabbed my arm, stopping me just short of the door.

She sat me down one night, on the sugary beach and tried to explain to me what she was so worried about.

Justin, I do not want you to get angry with me, but we need to talk about what you are going through. It scares me, because I think you do not see your true potential, your strength, she said as carefully as she could, and I didn’t get mad. I just tried to avoid the whole thing, but like I said... she was one stubborn lady.

Ambra, why can’t we just do what we have been doing? Having fun, loving each other? Why is it so important? I mean just because I can rip off some poor guy’s head doesn’t mean I have to, does it?

I am not asking you to go around and purposely hurt people. But I want you to know your limits and your abilities. You may need them someday.

I shook my head.

Why would I? We are always going to be together. No one can come between us now. So, stop worrying, I insisted and now she shook her head at me.

I do not plan on leaving you, ever. But as long as I have been a vampire, I know, things happen and sometimes we have no control over them. There are other vampires out there, even though we do not see them. They are there, and to outright deny the fact that they are there would be foolish. You are so strong and wonderful. I know you would rise to the occasion. But you don’t have a handle on your power. You don’t know what it can do for you. For us.

I looked down, knowing she was right. I nodded my head, not wanting to think about problems.

Alright. I will start working on it, I muttered, and she hugged me.

That’s all I am asking Justin, she told me and lifted my chin. I couldn’t give her the best smile, but I managed a little one.

You really think I got the stuff huh?

Oh, most definitely, she said, flashing me a look.

As much as you? I asked, relaxing a little.

Maybe even more. Yes, a lot more…, she said and kissed my cheek.

Nah... no way, I said looking away.

She laughed and stood up. I looked up at her, staring me down.

Let’s race, to Cancun. Last one there has to do what the other says for a whole week, she teased, and I cracked up. Then, she cheated. She took off before I even stood up.

Without a thought, I hit the air watching her ahead of me. She didn’t even turn to see me, just knowing she was going to win this race. She was already a mile in front of me, Cancun, right in her reach. I closed my eyes and gave myself a push feeling a competitive surge. Thinking how if I lost this, I would be crawling around on all fours behind her, because she would take this to the limit.

I opened my eyes and was shocked. I was above Cancun, ahead of her. I stopped flying, startled that I had beaten her and looked back towards her. She was absolutely still, staring at me. I grinned and flew straight down to the beach. I sat down and waited for her. Pretending I had a watch on, teasing.

She landed softly in front of me, and I raised my eyebrows at her.

Last one here has to do what? I taunted and she shook her head at me.

Justin. You beat me. I mean you... I did not even see you pass me by, she exclaimed, and I only smiled bigger.

Yes, and I won. So come on missy, there is a little shop I am thinking of. It has everything I need. Handcuffs, collars to wrap around that lovely neck of yours and oh, my favorite… whips and chains, I said, and her mouth dropped. Yep, you’re gonna be my love slave for an entire week.

You cannot be serious, she gasped, and I laughed.

Oh yes I am, I stood up and took her arm. Come on, let’s see which collar fits you best.

You are joking, right? she asked, and I said nothing.

We made it into town, and I went right for the little shop. It was closed for the night, and I opened the door with my mind. I walked in, her a few steps behind me and I looked up at all the things hanging. She was silent. I knew she had never seen this kind of stuff before, and I wasn’t going to tell her that I never had seen most of this stuff either. But it sure got my mind racing. Most of the stuff was way too dramatic, but there were a few things I could work with.

Come here, I called to her, and she walked up silently.

I grabbed a vinyl corset thing and held it against her. It was thin, clingy, and strapped to the limit.

Oh, this is you. All day, I said, and she shook her head.

You are really serious, she stated, and I nodded.

Now for that collar and leash. We have to get a leash...

Justin Bertolli! she tried to scare me. I cracked up.

And I see we need a mouth gag. Something to make you a little quieter, I teased, and she huffed.

I started grabbing things, teasing her. She only stood there, shaking her head at me.

I was thinking of something totally different you know, she tried to play it off. You know… like kissing your feet, cherishing the ground you walk on...

Oh, your gonna kiss my feet alright, and then some.

I stuffed all the things in a bag and led her out of the shop. My mind was racing for real now. I was imagining her, tied to me, licking me all over...

Justin..., she started, breaking my vision.

Yes dear, I answered, leading her around a corner. There was a scent of young blood in the air. It was a gathering of tourists, all from some University in France. I could hear their thoughts, and it was quite a party they were having.

Where are we..., I heard her say and I stopped dead below a home.

I looked up to the window hearing the jazz music, the clinking of glasses. I grabbed her and lifted to the ledge of the window. We peeked in and saw there were at least 15 people in the home. Dancing and mingling. I smiled at her. I was hearing their strange language and it was wild. Because as I listened, the words started to make sense to me. All of a sudden, I comprehended every single word.

Look. You told me to practice my skills and that’s what I’m doing, I told her. She sighed. Now, let’s go in and have a little fun.

The coast was clear. I pushed the window open with my mind, dragging her inside with me. I quickly shut the window and pulled her hand. We went down the stairs and headed to the action. There was a group of kids sitting around a table doing shots. I laughed as one took a shot and fell completely over onto the floor. The crowd burst into laughter and applause for the winner.

I smiled and tried to pull off a big one. I wanted to make all of them do a single thing that I had thought of. Nothing cruel or mean, just for fun. Suddenly they all broke out in unison singing the French national anthem. Ambra squeezed my hand and I smiled. I was getting a little better. Then, I got downright sinister and wanted them to put on a big show for us. I went over to the couch and pushed it back, clearing the room. I grabbed her and made her sit on my lap. Then, I let my mind do the rest.

The room filled with the silence, and I knew it was about to start. She gasped and I laughed as the kids started dancing. But there was no music; it was all in their heads. It was funny seeing them twisting around to an unseen beat. Then, I gave them an added push of inhibition and the next thing I knew, clothes were flying through the air. I grinned as this was getting interesting. They started to pair up, get into heated embraces and I leaned back, proud of myself. She slapped my thigh and gave me a look.

I am beginning to think your mind is as in the gutter as Wolf’s is, she started, and I laughed.

I was always way more perverted than Wolf was. You just never took the time to find out, I teased her.

Next thing you will be suggesting that we join in on the action.

Not a bad idea. But I would rather watch, get a little excited and take it out on you later. When we get home.

What on earth is that one doing? I heard her say and laughed out loud.

Come on, this is a little advanced for you. Let’s get out of here. I have a collar and leash just waiting to go around your pretty neck. She started to protest, and I took her into my arms. A deal is a deal. And I wasn’t the one who came up with this idea. You did. Remember?

We went out the door and headed for home. She kept trying to change my mind, but I wouldn’t have it. I was really looking forward to seeing her down on her hands and knees, in front of me.

It was one of the best weeks we ever had. She wore that outfit, and it did her body justice. By the seventh day, she was getting quite good at crawling around behind me. Nah, I wasn’t really that bad. But it was fun, and it took her mind off making me practice, for a little while at least. But she was true to form and back at the role of being my instructor again after it ended. Weeks passed and I did get better, but I was so convinced that we would never need to defend ourselves, at least from something bad. Humans were easily taken care of, and we had not seen hide nor hair of any other vampires.

One early fall evening, I woke hearing a strange noise. It was a slow pounding and I listened to it, trying to figure out what it was. I nudged her from her sleep, and she woke, rubbing her eyes.

Baby, what is that noise? I asked her and she smiled at me.

What does it sound like?

Like a slow drumbeat. It’s driving me crazy, I said standing up to go over to the window. I hit the button to open the metal shutters that covered our windows and looked out over the ocean. It was a dark and moonless night.

It is a vampire. Very close to us… very close, she stated, and I whipped around to look at her.

What do you mean, very close? I asked.

Close enough for us to hear the heartbeat, she said, and I sat back on the bed, feeling fear run through me.

What do we do? I asked and she rose, not even showing signs of being bothered by the fact that it was out there, by our home.

We go investigate, she said and slipped into a robe.

I pulled on some jogging pants and followed her out into the hallway. She clicked on the lights as she walked down the hall. My mouth had run suddenly dry.

Ambra… what if it is a strong one.... like Deimos, like...

She placed her hand on the screen and opened the door.

It is not. It is weak. You can tell by the irregularity of the heart rate, she told me and went out into the night air.

I followed a few steps behind her, blown away by the fact that she wasn’t even shaking. She turned her head back and forth. Then, she closed her eyes. I made it beside her and listened to the sounds of the water lapping on the shore. Then, all the color in her face faded.

What? What is it? I asked.

It’s that smell, I know it, it is so familiar...

My mind filled with frightening thoughts. What if it were Deimos? What if he had resurrected himself and come for us? My mind really got going, thinking of him exacting his revenge...

Justin! He is sick. Very sick... she said, and I opened my eyes.

What do you mean, he? God, how did she do it?

Her eyes filled with tears, and she ran towards the water. I was shocked and ran after her, not really understanding what was going on. Suddenly she dove under the water, and I jumped in too. I caught sight of her, swimming at a rapid pace. She was digging at the water and going deeper into the black abyss. I caught up with her on the bottom of the ocean and saw she was digging her hands into the mud in a frenzy. I started digging too and then, I felt a foot. I jumped back, startled and she looked my way. She grabbed my shoulders and mouthed the words.

‘It is Wolfram’

I leaned down and took hold of his foot, trying to free him from the sandy grave he was in. I dug faster and faster until his legs were revealed. Then, she and I held each foot and pulled. The sand rippled and burped him up. My mouth dropped as I saw his face. Same look upon it as the last time I had seen him. Wounded by the door of our home after Deimos had attacked him. We took his body and rose to the surface. I spit out the salty water, not believing we had him in our arms. I looked at his face, the waves splashing over it, and immediately had tears forming. He looked so bad. Skin sunk in and a pasty gray color. His eyes were open and staring blankly into the heavens. We made it to the shore and dragged him onto the beach.

Justin, he did not burn! she said and fell to her knees.

I leaned over and put my head on his chest. I heard a faint heartbeat.

Wolf! I yelled and got no response at all. I slapped his face and his eyes blinked once. Wolf, wake up! It is us, Ambra and Justin! I yelled, shaking his shoulders now.

He blinked again and I didn’t think twice. I bit my wrist and placed it over his mouth. He did nothing to take from me and then, I felt his lips move and clamp onto my skin. I grabbed my forearm feeling the pain of his drinking creep up my arm. Then, Ambra moved over me and gave him her wrist, already flowing. I went beside them and watched as he lifted his arms and took hold of her wrist. He dug his fingers in. His eyes opened and began to clear as he drank. I was breathing hard as she backed off. He turned his head and looked over at me. I reached out and stroked his forehead, brushing his long hair out of his face.

Justin..., he sputtered, and I smiled at him.

Wolf, I heard Ambra speak, and her voice was shaky

My lady is it you. I must be dreaming…. I must, he whispered.

I stood up and leaned down to scoop him in my arms. She clung on to me as I carried him to our home. He was healing before my eyes like a paint brush sweeping over a magic canvas. Skin filling in and hair glistening in the light of our house. I took him to our bed and laid him down. Ambra had her hands all over his face and hair.

Baby, how did you know? How, I whispered, still stunned at the sight of him.

I just knew; I just knew it...

He began breathing deeply and opened his eyes wide. He sat up in the bed and stared at us.

Have I died? he asked, voice still deep with that heavy British accent.

No, Wolf, this is not heaven.

But surely, I must be dead. For I know that Deimos came here to this house and took you away. I saw it with me own eyes!

Yes, he was here. But he is dead. Ambra killed him. She did it, I explained, and his face covered in shock.

My lady? You have done away with him? For good? Permanent?

Yes, Wolf. Deimos is no more.

I stood up and went to the bathroom. I collected a few towels and brought them to him. He took them, hands shaking and wiped his face. Ambra could not take her eyes off him. He dried off and stared back at her.

It is so bloody wonderful to see your perfect face, he told her, and she grabbed him. She gave him a big squeeze.

And it is wonderful to see you, Wolf. We thought you were dead. Truly thought you were dead, she was crying now.

I do not remember much. I only remember seeing Justin in his evil hands and thinking how I had let you down. I failed you, my lady. I let him take Justin, he said and started sobbing.

Wolf, you did not fail anyone. You only did what you could do. Deimos was insane and it was all his fault, all of it.

Justin! How are you alive? I know Deimos had to take out his rage upon you! He had to. He was so obsessed with my lady. He...

Ambra did it Wolf. I am one of you now. I guess you will have to tolerate me for the rest of all time now, I told him, and he leaped forward, hugging me.

It will be a pleasure. An absolute pleasure! he cried and kissed my face. I was shocked.

I thought you hated me hanging around? I asked and he shook his head.

Well, I couldn’t let you think I cared now, could I? I mean, I truly enjoyed our little spiffs.

You are crazy! I told him and rubbed his head.

He looked up at me and grinned. That famous boyish grin.

And you have changed. This blood has worked a magic in you Justin. I hate to admit it, but it has even enhanced your good looks.

I haven’t changed Wolf. I am still the same.

No, I am afraid not, he said, turning to Ambra. He is strong; I can feel it seeping from his stinking pores.

She reached out and stroked his face. There was a little sad look in her eyes.

I am sorry Wolf. I do not know why you did not become strong when I made you and truly, I have no clue. Maybe I was too young or maybe I just did not do it right.

He looked down as she spoke.

It is not fair, he complained. I glanced away, feeling uncomfortable.

I know Wolf. And we may never know the reason why. But I love you, just the way you are. And Justin cares for you as well, Ambra offered.

I looked back towards him and nodded. He gave me a half ass smile.

I guess I have to accept the fact that I will always be the way I am. And I know it is not your fault Ambra... Anyways, enough of this. I want to go to my room, and then I want to hunt. Boy do I ever need a meal.

He stood while he spoke and headed for the bedroom door. She looked over at me and then back at him. I was blown that he was just letting it go. Then, he paused and turned to look back at us.

Tell me, now that he is one of us, do I have to purchase earplugs? he asked.

What are you saying, I started, and he cut me off.

Well, you two were noisy before. But now I bet the sound you make is deafening, he said with a straight face, and I stared at him. Same twisted sense of humor.

Ambra burst out laughing and I threw a pillow at him. He ducked into the hallway and disappeared. But he was not silent. He was mocking us, making loud moans and grunts as he ran down the hall. I sat back on the bed, laughing. He was such a nutball. She came into my arms and let out a deep breath.

Well, Wolf is back, I said still laughing.

Is he ever, she said smartly.

Then we heard all kinds of noises coming from his room, above ours. This crashing noise and the faint sound of him cursing.

Bloody hell, who has been up here? Can’t a bloke have any privacy! Not one ounce of dignity? I die and you rummage through me things----

Knock it off Wolf! I yelled and he quickly became quiet. Although he managed one last word in edgewise.

There began our life with Wolf again. And I had forgotten how sharp his tongue really was while he had been gone. I had been so wrapped up in the fact that he had been taken from us that I had almost idealized his memory. But he quickly was back in true form and made his presence known. When we hunted, he would do what he did best. Kill. He picked up on the fact that I did not kill my victims and started to use that against me. Killing in a more vicious way on purpose, letting me see how unaffected he was by it all. And it bothered me. I tried to talk to him about it one night, after Ambra had gone off to feed.

Wolf, I called to him as he was watching television. He did not answer, and I went in the living room, in front of the TV. Wolf, I stated firmly.

Get out of the bloody way, would yah? Can’t you see I’m watching, he snapped.

I turned around and turned off the TV.

No, I want to talk to you, now, I insisted.

He rolled his eyes as I sat next to him.

When I first met Ambra, I started, and he huffed. She told me that she had a rule of not killing victims unless we had to. And ever since you have, well come back to life, all you seem to do is kill. Why?

Bloody hell Justin, why does that bother…

Wolf, we can live without taking their lives. It is way better than people dying and the… they may start to look for the cause of all this killing, I explained.

I think you are just stuck in your human way of thinking.

No, just because we can kill, doesn’t mean that we should. Why can’t you see that? Or is it that you are trying to make me feel bad, like you are proving that you are stronger or meaner than I am?

He looked at me wide eyed and shocked.

How dare you insinuate that I am doing that! I have been a vampire longer than you have and I cannot help it if you are bothered by that!

No. I am not. I am bothered that all you do is kill! What gives you the right! And if we are going to be together for an eternity, I have every right to state how I feel about it, whether you fucking like it or not!

You know what Justin? You can kiss my bloody ass!

He huffed and got up, leaving the room. It had totally not gone as I had hoped it would have. And he kept up his mean streak, and I tried my best to ignore it. But every time he threw some poor victim down to the ground as if they were a doll, a piece of meat, it burned me. Because I knew he didn’t have to behave that way. We didn’t have to behave that way.

Ambra tried to talk to him, she didn’t tell me, but I scanned it from her mind one night as I drank from her. He had laughed and told her I needed toughening up. He even went so far as to call me names, like chicken shit. You name it, he called me it. They had even gotten into a fight, and she was not speaking to him. But this only fueled his attacks. Knowing that she was defending me, that I was a weak spot in her.

I made up my mind to take him on. Not hurt him but give him a taste of his own medicine. The only problem was I didn’t really know how to. I had heard her words, his words, that they could sense a strength from me. Even though I didn’t feel it, I decided to give it a shot.

I woke one evening, before her and went out to the living room. There he was as usual, flipping channels and gawking at the women on the screen.

What are you up to? I asked him smoothly and sat beside him.

Watching the old telly. What does it look like? he answered smartly.

I was thinking, I started, and he turned my way.

What, what were you thinking?

Maybe you could take me out. Hunting, I said, and his eyes brightened.

Take you? Hunting? he questioned, and I nodded.

Yeah, you know. Just the two of us, I started, and his face couldn’t contain his happiness.

Say, that is not a bad idea! I could show you the ropes, shall we say, and you--you could attract all the beautiful women, he said arrogantly.

You are so full of shit, I told him, and he laughed at me.

Well, first you better go ask the old ball and chain. She might not allow you to go alone without her. She is so overprotective, he chided, and I smirked at him.

I stood up and went back to our room, to tell her what we were going to do.

What are you up to Justin? she asked me, giving me the look.

Nothing, I lied. I hated lying to her, but I knew she would try to talk me out of it.

Hunting? With Wolf? she asked again, and I rolled my eyes.

Really Ambra. It’s no big deal, I complained.

Okay, but there is something you should know Justin. I do not care what Wolf’s opinions are about you. I hope you are not doing this on my account.

No. I am doing it for my own peace of mind. And that is where I left it. She kissed my cheek.

Just be careful. He can be foolish and impulsive.

Yes dear, I teased, and her mouth dropped.

I left the room and headed back to him.

Well? he asked, not looking my way.

Let’s go, I said, and he turned his head around, surprised.

Well, I’ll be damned. She is letting you out, with me. Now that is a twist, he stood up and stretched.

I started for the door, and he grabbed a coat. It was a chilly evening, but it never affected us. He just wanted to look like he was cool. I headed for the boat, and he laughed. He shook his head and got in with me, still laughing under his breath.

We headed across the ocean, him at the bow, screaming into the wind. His long hair was blowing as he stood on the edge and yelled into the night air.

Two hot men on the prowl, he growled, and I laughed at him to myself.

We will see about that, I muttered as I pulled the boat into dock.

I had taken him to Cancun. Wild places full of young people. It was a place made for partying. And it was all Wolf. We walked up the beach and already I noticed humans all over, making out on the sand. There were prostitutes around every corner, inviting business. As we made it onto the street, I had to laugh at him. Cocky walk, light on his feet, as if he were the shit.

Now, I will tell you what I do to draw them to me, he started, and I rolled my eyes. First, you have to act like you are not interested in them at all..., he kept on talking. I pretended to be into what he was saying, leaning close as he spoke and nodding repeatedly.

But as we went along, women began nodding at me. Some even stopped and turned around. He started noticing and I watched as his demeanor changed a little. He wasn’t bouncing so high when he walked now, and he had stopped talking. I held my head high and acted like I didn’t know what was going on, but I did. Their thoughts were screaming at me and then, a woman caught my attention. She was untamed. Tall, beautiful, and stunning. Heavily made up and came across as a party girl. She was not a girl I would be after, but I knew Wolf would. She stared at us as we passed by, and I stopped dead in my footsteps. I pretended to lean down as if I dropped something and turned my head back to look at her. She was checking out my ass and I smiled. Yep, she was the one. Wolf stopped and looked down at me, confused.

Did you lose something? she asked, trying to start conversation. I turned around and faced her.

No. I just wanted to see if you were looking, I said. Wolf came next to me and stared at the two of us, silently

Well, I was, you have a nice ass, she said, and I snickered.

Let me see yours, I said, and she turned around, posing.

She had on nothing but a see-through gold glitter shirt that only came to the top of her thighs and under that a pair of thong underwear. I heard Wolf gasp and I smiled. He was caught now.

Well? she asked coyly. I reached out and took hold of her ass with both of my hands.

Very nice, I said.

Want to hang out? she asked me, and I nodded.

Sure, I said and let go of her ass. She turned around and came close to me, placing her hands on my shoulders and feeling me down.

You’re sexy, she whispered to me, and I smiled.

So are you, I told her and heard Wolf clear his throat.

Haven’t you forgotten about something? he asked, and I turned to look at him.

Oh, right, this is my friend, Wolf. Do you mind if he tags along? I asked her and he gave me an evil look.

Tags along? he questioned, and I ignored his rising voice.

Him? she asked, and he tried to stand up taller.

Yes, him, I answered dryly. His mouth dropped.

Alright. But he keeps his hands to himself, she said, and I laughed out loud.

He huffed as we walked down the street. He kept a few steps behind the two of us and I knew it was eating him up inside. She was so his type, long blonde hair, reeking of perfume. She