The Phantom

By Tamara Zeegers

His name is Enlil, but others call him the Phantom.

Those who love him call him P.

He is a vampire, a blood drinker as old as civilization—a watcher of men protecting humanity from those who would destroy it. And he is lonely beyond death.

Drawn to a London theatre, the scarred but handsome immortal watches as a distorted version of his life plays out onstage. In his mind, he once more sees the Paris Opera House and Christine, the reincarnation of the only woman he loved. He revisits the moment when she rejected him, shattering his heart.

Then he sees her onstage. She is Christine reborn. More than that, she is the wife he loved millennia ago. Through her, he may find his loneliness ease—or have his heart splintered anew. Or, perhaps, he could end his long life as easily as falling asleep.

Jumping from modern-day London to nineteenth-century Paris and the dawn of human civilization, The Phantom continues Tamara Zeegers' enthralling Vampire Chronicles, begun in Love Reborn.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tamara Zeegers
• Release date: Oct 23, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370005604

Tamara Zeegers

Tamara Zeegers is a fifty year old bookkeeper, with a huge creative streak. Unfortunately that is not a trait they appreciate in her line of work (strangely they do not look kindly upon creative bookkeeping), so she had to find other ways to satisfy these needs. So drawing and writing became her outlets to vent all this creative energy. Her writing first took the form of song texts and poetry, then progressed to short stories.Her love affair with the United Kingdom, its people and language started at the age of two when her folks started to holiday there every year. Due to her young age she picked up the language with ease. By the time she went to high school she sailed through her English classes.In ninety one she married a Scot. After spending their first six years of marriage in Holland they decided to move to Scotland. She remained in the UK for the next ten years moving from Aberdeen in the north, to Brighton right down south.After a short spell back in the Netherlands she moved back permanently to sunny (well it normally is anyway) Brighton.In Brighton, well Hove actually, surrounded by artists of all descriptions her creative juices were once again flowing. In 2006 she began her first novel and soon after finishing it continued by writing the follow up The Phantom, then the third installment Blood is the Life and the fourth Blood Moon. She has almost finished her fifth installment Blood Sacrifice and will soon be working on the sixth The Custodians.Apart from her vampire novels she also draws her own cover art, portraits of her characters and tattoo designs. She also likes to try her hand at making miniatures in 12th scale.Aware of the huge number of vampire novels already out there, she knew she would have to bring a new dimension to this genre. With her love for ancient history, mythology as well as her pagan roots she began to weave all these different facets together. So unlike most vampires, who are either portrayed as monsters or mystical creatures with an out of control blood lust, she went with a whole different side. Although by no means angels and still dependable on the blood, as well as charismatic, and beautiful to behold, she has put them in the role of protectors of mankind. Turning them into the fabled Anunnaki, the Elohim, the Nephilim, the watchers of men and the god heads of many an ancient culture. So they go from gods, to the fallen ones, from judge to executioner, from power to a fall from grace while they traverse the centuries.

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The Phantom

Second of the Vampire Chronicles

Tamara Zeegers

Additional books by Tamara Zeegers:

Love Reborn (1st vampire chronicle)

Blood is the life (3rd vampire chronicle)

Blood Moon (4th vampire chronicle)

Second of the Vampire Chronicles

The Phantom

by

Tamara Zeegers

This E-book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination and not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locations is of course coincidental.

Disclaimer: The material in this book is for mature audiences only and contains graphic sexual content and is intended for those over the age of 18 only

Acknowledgement

This book is dedicated with special thanks to my parents, Arie Zeegers and Sylvia Zeegers- Woerlee, for believing in me and all their help. My best friends Shan Swart and Pauline Duffy for giving me much needed feedback and turning me into a better writer. To my, two, number one fans, Gem Riley and Georgia Petroutsas for their enthusiasm, you two make writing worthwhile. My fabulous Editor Debz Hobbs-Wyatt for all her help and support. To my Physiotherapist Quentin Guichard for making sure I could keep going when sometimes my body did not want to.

Connect with me online:

Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/nanach7 https://tamarazeegers.wix.com/vampire-annunaki

Cover Design by Tamara Zeegers:

https://www.deviantart.com/tamarazeegers

1

Paris present day

I lay staring at the ceiling, not really in the mood for getting up. I knew my hunger would soon make me though as I had not fed since my daughter’s wedding, now nearly a month ago. Even so I stayed in bed, my happiness for her mixed with my own dark mood as my lost love fleeted through my mind. I thought back over my long life, the face of my beloved as clearly edged in my memory as the day I had first laid eyes on her. It had been in the year 11549 BC and it was still as vivid as if it was yesterday.

†††

Atlantis 11549BC

I stood on the battlefield, my arms and legs riddled with cuts. I was covered in blood and grime, my tunic and leather armour sticky with it. The deafening silence after the battle was only occasionally broken by one of my men walking past me back to camp or the occasional groan of the wounded and dying. I let my eyes travel over the devastation, the endless vista of bodies both of the enemy and of my own men. Men I had trained, befriended and broken bread with now lay dead at my feet. The battle rage I had been in now dimmed, my breathing started to slow, and I too wearily turned and limped back to base. I made my way to the medical tents to make sure my men were getting the treatment they needed as well as to check on the state of affairs.

Oh, ye gods please sit, a lovely voice behind me called out as soon as I entered.

I turned, taking in the young beauty before me; she seemed so out of place here amongst the violence and carnage. Her porcelain white skin, offset by her lovely auburn long curly hair, her beautiful rose red lips, and those lovely deep brown eyes of hers.

Treat them first. I can wait, I said already turning away.

Sit! she said while holding onto my upper arm accidentally squeezing a rather painful cut there.

I flinched slightly and was just about to tell her off when she continued.

My apologies, did I hurt you? Please sit, she said as she pushed me and off balance, I toppled backwards landing heavily on the bench there.

Gods above I’m sorry, but you must let me see to you, she said as she firmly held onto my shoulders not letting me get up.

Sighing I resigned to her wish, my lips curling into a smile, as I watched her gently begin to wash the wounds on my arms before she bandaged them.

Commander Enlil, there you are! My Lieutenant called out when he entered the tent and rushed to where I sat.

I could see her face go pale as she stopped dressing one of my wounds before it flushed red, and she hung her head. When she was about to get up, I stopped her.

You may as well finish what you started, I said gently holding onto her hand for a second or two, before I let go. What is it, Mestor? How bad are the losses?

Three hundred and twenty-two dead so far, roughly fifteen hundred wounded, he said as he sat on the opposite bench.

How many are badly hurt? I asked then sucked in my breath as the girl removed my sandal to look at my ankle.

At least four hundred.

So, we won at a heavy cost.

He nodded as I winched.

Your ankle will need to be set, she said as she looked up at me with those lovely brown eyes.

Do what must be done.

It’ll hurt, do you wish for some Hul Gil for the pain, before I start?

No.

Her eyebrow shot up in disbelief and I could tell she was just about to lecture me again.

This is not my first injury, please, just do what you must. The poppy will only delay the healing process.

She looked at me one more time before she sat across from me with my ankle on her lap. Okay, I’ll need to assess the extent of the damage first, she said before feeling along the joints, pushing gently as she did so.

Pain shot through me when she reached a certain spot, making me feel woozy, as sweat beaded on my forehead and I felt the colour drain from my face. I breathed deeply in and out trying to steady myself and I caught her glancing up at me in concern. I smiled thinly at her and gestured with my hand for her to continue.

Would you be able to help me? she asked Mestor.

Sure. What do you need me to do?

Before you start, my little impudent one, what’s your name? I interrupted.

Ishianna, she smiled at me, her cheeks flushing red again.

What do you need of me? Mestor asked once more as he glanced at me, his lips curled into a smile.

Hold him down as I manipulate his ankle, if I don’t, I’ll not be able to set it and it’ll heal badly, she said before turning to me, Please, lay down.

I did as she asked and braced myself as Mestor got in place and put his hands around my upper arms. I felt her fingers glance across my ankle before a blast of pain shot through me as she twisted it back into the right position. I tried to sit up, but Mestor held me down, his muscles trembling as he tried to stop me from moving. Soon the pain was so overwhelming darkness engulfed me.

†††

When I woke it was to a soothing cloth being wiped across my brow and the concerned brown eyes of the angel administering to me.

You’re awake, Ishianna said, do you wish for some water?

I nodded and watched her turn. She poured a cup then turned back and lifted my head gently, holding the cup to my lips so I could drink.

My, my miracles never cease, Mestor laughed as he walked up to us, The great Commander Enlil finally letting someone take care of him.

Mestor!

Hey, it’s a good thing, my friend, he laughed as he patted me on my shoulder before helping me up in a sitting position together with Ishianna.

Careful, you’re still weak and need rest. Don’t tire him out too much, she said to Mestor before checking on another patient.

So how are the wounded? I asked as I watched her turn her attention to one of the injured.

Most are attended to and will live, he said smiling as his eyes flicked from me to Ishianna.

Since when is this a situation to smile about!

It’s not Enlil, but your behaviour sure gives me something to smile about, he replied grinning.

Get a grip man! I glared at him before glancing back at her.

Well, the men were saying it’s about time you get yourself a wife, he replied, his eyes sparkling.

If you do not stop this nonsense right now and give me an update, I swear I’ll punch your lights out even in my weakened state.

He smiled then shrugged before his face sobered. Another hundred and thirty lost their lives in the last couple of hours, a hundred still have their lives hanging in the balance. At least two hundred of the injured will not fight again and will need to be pensioned, as for the rest only time will tell.

Make sure the necessary arrangements are made for the families. Get me some transport back to the city. Anu will want a report, I said as I tried to get up.

Ishianna rushed over and stopped me while glaring at Mestor, then me, What in the Duat do you think you’re doing?

Getting up, I replied looking up at her, ye gods she was cute when she was angry.

By the gods you’re not! she glared at me, her eyes burning with fire.

I most decidedly will, my dear girl.

Mother! she shouted over to an older woman working on someone three rows away.

She looked up then walked over, Yes, dear?

This patient thinks he can leave in the state he’s in.

This patient is Commander Enlil, my dear, she replied. But even so you’re right. I’m sorry Commander, but you’ll need to rest at least another day before travel and even then, take great care. Your ankle has been set, but you can easily undo the good work my daughter has done at this early stage and if it starts to swell it might leave you with permanent damage, and we can’t have that now, can we?

I lay back down grumbling all the way. When I glanced at Ishianna I could see the look of triumph on her face and the strangest warm glow passed through me. When I looked at Mestor I could see he was enjoying the situation, his eyes sparkled in amusement. I gave him a warning glare, but he just smirked in return.

Okay, for now I rest. Mestor arrange transport for me for tomorrow. In the meantime, send word to Anu and keep me informed of any news and updates.

As you wish, Commander, he smiled before quickly moving away from me, just side stepping my fist.

If you two have finished with your playtime, the Commander needs to rest, Ishianna said.

I do?

Yes, you do, she replied as she pushed Mestor towards the exit. He turned and put his hands up in defeat, grinning all the way, he winked just before he was out of sight.

I stared after them and rolled my eyes before I resigned to my fate and closed them.

†††

When I opened my eyes, I frowned as I could clearly hear the most beautiful singing I had ever heard. Slowly I realised I was still in the medical tent, several of the less injured huddled at the entrance, the bed ridden were looking in the same direction totally entranced. I gently propped myself up and carefully swung my injured foot over the side so I could turn and check out this talent myself.

There through the gap in the tent Ishianna stood washing bandages while singing. Stunned I watched her, again captured by her beauty and the sense, someone as beautiful as her should not have to be here, should not have to be in blood soiled clothing, but in finery far away from this infernal Duat.

Commander, Mestor said behind me and when I turned, I saw him standing there grinning like Cheshire cat.

She’s eighteen, no suitors as of yet and comes from a very well-respected family, he said before he sat on the edge of the bed.

Mestor...

Look Enlil, my old friend. I’ve never seen you react to any woman like you have to her and she seems to be as infatuated with you as you are with her. So, what do you have to lose?

I looked at him but remained silent.

For the god’s sakes man, say something!

It is for me to decide what to do, stop interfering.

She does have an amazing voice as well as great beauty.

Mestor, please. Just give me the news and leave it.

He sighed, Anu was pleased with the victory and wants you home as soon as possible. He’s going to give you a hero’s welcome.

Ye gods that’s all I need.

Enlil, you may not like the wars, but without you the losses would’ve been far greater, and we all know it, he said squeezing my shoulder.

Very well, is the transport ready?

Yes, the carriage is here, but I thought you would like to say your farewells first. So, while you do that, I’ll get your belongings, he quickly said and rushed off.

I lay back down and listened to Ishianna singing and closed my eyes to cut the rest of the world out. Her voice came closer before it faded then stopped as she finished her song. Some of the men applauded. I lay there still with my eyes closed.

Mother?

Yes, dear?

"Can I ask you something?

Of course, my dear, what’s the matter?

How well do you know. you know who.

The Commander?

Shh, I do not wish to wake him, nor do I wish he hears.

What would you like to know?

Stop smiling Mother!

What?

Never mind. Do you know if he has a girlfriend? Wife? Mistress?

No, more’s the pity. Enlil’s a good man, he commands respect from Anu, his troops and from The Council. He’s a moral man and just. His mother never has a bad word to say about him. He takes care of her and the rest of the family, his sisters and younger brother since his father passed. So, interested?

Maybe.

I could introduce you in the proper way if you so wish. I know his mother quite well.

Oh, ye gods no! I mean I do not even know if he feels the same. Please Mother, do not interfere. Promise me!

I heard her mother sigh, Okay, I’ll let you do your own thing. You always were stubborn.

I heard footsteps come closer, then soft cool fingers caressed my forehead before they brushed my hair. I opened my eyes she however was not aware I was awake. I watched her as she let one of my locks of hair trail through her fingers then her eyes looked up and straight into mine. Her mouth opened and her eyes widened. She was about the back off when I trapped her hand against my cheek with one of my own.

Please don’t stop, I was rather enjoying that, I smiled.

Again, a beautiful blush graced her cheeks and then a rather naughty looking twinkle sparkled in her eyes.

We stared at each other for quite some time; the room seemed to fade until it was just the two of us. Slowly I sat up and moved towards her. My hand slid across her velvet soft cheek into her hair before I moved my face closer giving her a chance to back away. She however leaned in her soft lips connected with mine. My other hand also slid into her hair, twining it around my hand as I pulled her closer to deepen the kiss. She groaned into my mouth while our tongues entwined, my heart rate sped up. I felt giddy and happy at the same time. It seemed the kiss lasted a lifetime and yet was over way too soon.

To my annoyance the moment we stopped half the tent applauded, the blush on Ishianna’s cheeks probably matched my annoyance. I rolled my eyes and shook my head before my lips curled into a smile and then I looked at her again. She was so beautiful it was hard not to.

May I take you to dinner one night? I asked her as she sat twiddling the strap of her apron.

Sure, she replied coyly.

Tomorrow?

No!

No?

Sorry, I did not mean for it to sound so harsh, but you’re not yet in a fit state to go anywhere. You must rest and let your ankle heal. But I’ll come by to check on the state of your health and as soon as I’m satisfied, that you’re indeed fully healed, you may take me to dinner.

Is that right? I replied bemused as I watched that lovely blush spread over her cheeks. Okay, if you come to my residence every day to check on me, it’s a deal.

Her eyes snapped up to mine, her mouth slightly ajar before she nodded and then smiled.

Ahem, sorry Commander, but your transport is ready to leave, Mestor said as he walked up.

I glared at him before I sighed, Help me up then.

Supported by him I was surprised Ishianna came to my other side, the two of us dwarfed her.

Mestor stopped, smiled then shook his head before he shouted, Azaes, get over here!

Azaes ran in and gentle moved Ishianna out of the way before taking her place. I smiled at her before my men gently moved me out of the tent taking my weight. I glanced back, happy to see her still standing there staring at me.

†††

Back at home I lay in bed, frustrated by the immobility I got on with Council business. Every time there was a knock at the door, I was hoping it would be her, and when it was not my heart would sink a little further. By nightfall I had all but given up and nodded off. In a shallow sleep I registered the door opening and closing then someone moving towards me. Although my eyes were closed, I was readying myself for action. I felt the air move around my head and automatically my hand shot up while at the same time my eyes sprang open only to see Ishianna there, my hand wrapped around her wrist. Her eyes were large, and she looked startled.

Sorry, I mumbled as I sat up and rubbed the spot where I had grabbed her.

No, I should not have crept up on you. I should’ve known better. I think I would’ve been disappointed if I had been able to, she said sitting on the edge of the bed, So how’s the ankle?

Better.

May I? she asked as she got up.

I nodded as I watched her gently sit down at the bottom of the bed and she removed the bandage. Her fingers tenderly checked the joints, before satisfied she re-bandaged it again.

You will need to keep off it for a while longer, she said, sounding disappointed.

How much longer?

A week or two at least.

I sighed then looked up at her, her eyes staring into mine. Slowly she moved back up to the head of the bed, her hand reached out and gently grazed my forehead. The sensation of her cool soft hand moving over my skin almost made me shudder. I took her hand and moved it to my mouth kissing it softly. With her other hand she traced my jaw, her eyes burning brightly as she seemed to take in every inch of me while I stared at her, still not believing she was real.

Will you sing for me?

Sure, she replied as she removed her hands, making me feel the loss of her touch before she softly started to sing.

Tears welled in my eyes as I lay there and watched her.

†††

Paris present day

Her voice rang through my head, a single tear rolled down my cheek at the memory of the sound, my nails dug into my palms as the pain came. When I looked at my hands blood ran down to my wrists while the wounds already started to heal, and I wished the same could be said for the pain in my soul and heart.

I lay and stared at the ceiling for a few hours then I got up I walked towards the shower and turned it on. As the water heated, it filled the small hotel bathroom with bellowing clouds of steam. It made my image in the mirror fade. I ran a hand over my scarred face; the touch of the swollen and thick tissue still a stranger to me after all these years. I placed my hand over it, then took it away, I repeated this process several times, in a now you see it, now you don’t, motion.

Sighing I walked into the shower, letting the hot water pour over me, willing it to wash away my weariness. I stood there for half an hour just letting it cascade down me before I turned the shower off and dried myself. I walked over to the cupboard, while laying out my clothes on the bed; I was annoyed to hear my phone ring. I walked to the bedside table and snatched up my mobile phone, hitting the button.

Yeah, P here.

Hello Brother, fancy going out tonight?

I sighed, Not sure I’m in the mood Enki, maybe another night.

Anything wrong?

I smiled, No, just tired that’s all. I’m flying to London tomorrow, so I just want to go out for a bite and then get some more sleep, if you don’t mind.

London eh? Can I come?

No, this is something I have to do by myself. I’ll see you when I get back, that’s if you’ll still be in Paris?

Oh, yeah I’ll be here a little while longer. Well, just give me a call should you need me, okay?

Sure, will do, take care Brother.

I sat on the bed. I was sure Enki knew my reasons for travelling to London and was glad he had not pressed me to come along, the last thing I wanted was a witness to my little obsession. I slowly dressed, pulling my black slacks up before slipping on a black jumper then leaned over and laced my black combats before I grabbed my long black woollen overcoat.

I walked out, taking the stairs instead of the elevator not wanting to have any of the guests gawp at me. Although I was still considered a handsome man, the scarred right side of my face still made people stare. So, I tried to avoid crowded places, still not used to their looks of pity and sympathy.

With great strides I walked out of the hotel, my feet knowing where I would go before, I did. I turned into the nearest alleyway, quickly scanning it; I found what I had hoped for and moved further into the darkness. There, in the corner at the back of the hotel, a clochard stood rummaging through the bins. Silently, I crept up to the man while slipping into his mind.

Like a puppet the tramp turned around and patiently stood as I walked up to him. I took the filthy man into my arms, and with my sleeve I rubbed the spot in his neck before planting my teeth into his jugular. I drank, taking my fill, but stopped when I felt him growing weaker. I made sure I had not taken too much then removed my jacket. I placed him in the corner, draping the coat over him before sending him into a deep