Hybrid

By Anita E Viljoen

Sequel to FEEDERS - The McKay saga continues....
GEMMA ANNE O' SULLIVAN, also known as Gem, is the daughter of a human mother, MEGAN MCKAY, and a vampire father, MICHAEL O SULLIVAN. She is a hybrid and the first female of her kind, a secret kept by the McKay council for two and a half decades. The reappearance of SIRE RAYMOND PITOUT in Canada threatens and compromises her secret, and the International Vampire Council sends out its head of security, LORD MALCOLM MURPHY (the first hybrid) to protect Gem and destroy Sire Pitout. Malcolm finds things becoming complicated, especially when he falls in love with Gem. He meets Gem's friend, DEIDRE WOLFF, who turns out to be an alter-seer (an oracle/vampire hunter), and also her human sister, GRACE O' SULLIVAN, who has the same unique trait as her aunt, MIA O' SULLIVAN (Michael's twin sister). With all these unique attributes under one roof, Lord Malcolm has his job cut out for him.
A story with unexpected twists, turns, intrigue and romance.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: May 24, 2012
• ISBN: 9781105808005

Book preview

Hybrid

HYBRID

CHAPTER ONE

DAWN. THE BEGINNING of a new day. Icy air hit Gem’s exposed skin as she jogged down the trail that stretched along the Bow River. This was the five-kilometer route that she followed very early most mornings, unless the heavens opened and snow lay thick on the ground, making it too hazardous to do so. The path was situated in a wooded area, and not far ahead movement caught her eye, but she thought nothing of it. The shadow stood hidden among the trees, watching, as she stopped at her favorite bench at the end of the private trail. As Gem started to stretch, her cell phone vibrated. Taking it from her sweater pocket she noted who it was and sighed. Morning, Mum, Gem answered, irritated. She put two fingers to her neck to measure her pulse rate.

Morning, darling. How was your run this morning? Meghan replied, ignoring her daughter’s tone.

Cold, but hasn’t snowed again. Gem gave her mother a weather update knowing neither her jog nor the weather was the reason for the call. What’s up? As if she didn’t know. Gem’s jog was part of her daily routine, and so was Meghan’s daily call, to check up on her elder daughter.

Not much. What’s on your agenda today, love? Meghan asked.

I’m spending most of the day at the library doing research. Tonight I might go out clubbing with some friends, today being Saturday, Gem teased.

Just make sure you stay safe, Meghan warned, ignoring the taunt. And should you need help on that research, you can always call Ian.

Yes, I know, Mum, but I need to do my own research. Asking Ian for help wouldn’t be fair to him, or to me, Gem replied, finishing her stretch. She started to walk towards her house. This was her second year in Cochrane, a large town west of Calgary, Alberta. Her mother still didn’t like the idea of her daughter being so far from home. Home was a manor on a private island in the gulf just south of Vancouver Island where Meghan, Gem’s mother, lived with her century old-grandfather, Sir Robert McKay.

Have you found someone to rent Michael’s room yet? Meghan enquired.

No. The ad’s been running for a couple of days, but so far I’ve only interviewed junkies and weirdos. As soon as someone more reputable comes along, I’ll send Florence the application and she can check it out. This was one of the precautions Meghan had insisted on: they had reliable contacts who could investigate anyone’s criminal background.

Another movement caught Gem’s eye and this time she concentrated hard to identify who or what was lurking among the trees. Taking the phone from her ear, she listened intently for any sounds coming from the wooded area, but when she heard nothing, she decided to end her conversation with her mother and confront whatever was out there.

Mum, I have to go, Gem said cheerfully, although she felt rather apprehensive.

Sure, darling. You will be coming over to the island for Easter?

Rolling her eyes at the question, Gem replied; Yes; as far as I know, I need to go. We’ll chat tomorrow.

Till then. Love you.

Love you too, Gem ended the call, and she started to walk towards the trees where she thought she saw the shadow moving. Birds fluttered among the treetops, startled by her presence. Gem froze, her heart pumping hard again, but this time from fear, not exercise. She inched forward. The snow crunched under her feet as she transferred her weight from one foot to the other. She clenched her teeth just before she took another step forward.

Is anyone there? Gem called out as she approached the tree line, hoping that her imagination had tricked her. She lived in a new house surrounded by ten acres of land, mostly wooded and overlooking the Bow River. The building itself was surrounded by a four-foot-high cedar hedge, and it had a welcoming white picket gate and brick walkway. Everything was silent, so she stepped a little closer to where she saw a shadow move in the forest. She looked down and noticed the snow had been disturbed. She slipped her hand into her pocket and took hold of her cell phone. Then, without any warning, a dark shape flew into her at such an incredible speed and with such power that it knocked her down hard into the freezing snow. Its force was so great that it winded her.

Gem groaned as she recovered from the blow. She turned around as quickly as her body would allow to see what it could have been. A few meters away she saw a deer run off, just as surprised at the encounter as Gem was.

Well, that will teach me a lesson, Gem groaned as she gingerly got up from the cold and wet snow.

Dusting herself off, she made her way back to the house. She opened the gate and followed the walkway toward the front door, which was in the middle of the large two-story building. To the right of the entrance hall was the living room where she and her two roommates watched television and entertained friends. To the left was a dining room; this area was used to extend the living room, and settees and chairs had been added for reading, studying, or simply relaxing. Off the entrance hall a stairway led upstairs, and beyond that was the main floor washroom. To the back were the kitchen and laundry, as well as the closed-in porch that acted as their dining room. Upstairs and to the left of the landing, where Gem was now heading, was her bedroom with its en suite bathroom, and next to it, toward the front of the house, was Michael’s room, now vacant. Gem’s younger sister, Grace, had the room on the right, while Gem’s best friend, Deidra Wolff, occupied the one opposite Gem’s.

Gem pulled off her sweater and T-shirt, stepped out of her sweatpants, and had a quick shower. Twenty minutes later she left the house with a backpack containing her laptop, notebooks, and stationery. She got into her yellow Dodge Viper, which was parked in front of a three-door garage and workshop next to the house. Gem started up the engine, and forty-five minutes later she was at the University of Calgary’s library where she was currently doing her research.

MEGHAN SIGHED AS she put the phone down.

How is she? Anne asked, as if she didn’t know. They were sitting in their favorite room in the manor, close to the fire, each with a cup of coffee.

She’s great. I’m just concerned about her, so far away from the manor and with Raymond on the prowl again, Meghan said, sinking back into the overstuffed chair. She knew Sire Raymond Pitout was in Canada again. Although Gem’s existence was kept a secret, Meghan still feared that he would find out about her and abduct her, just to get back at McKay House, which just happened to be the largest and strongest vampire coven in Canada.

Sire Raymond Pitout had been a constant source of irritation for the McKay family for over two decades, and not knowing where he was made everyone nervous.

We can always ask Sire Kevin Coupler to send someone out to keep watch over her, too. After all, he did offer the service to you anytime, Anne reminded Meghan.

Yes, I know. Maybe I should. I have just been having a very bad feeling these last few days, Meghan explained as she picked up her phone again and scrolled to find the number.

CHAPTER TWO

SITTING IN THE LIBRARY, making notes and paging through various books already on the table, Gem realized she needed to consult a few more sources to complete this chapter of her research. She got up and started walking up and down the aisles, taking too many books at once in an attempt to save time. Gem stacked the books in one pile and balanced them in her arms as she made her way back to her unused corner of the library. As she turned out of the aisle where she had found the last book, she felt the stack sliding to one side. She adjusted her stance and tried to keep them from sliding off. Malcolm, assessing the situation, came to her aid and caught some of the books before they hit the floor.

Oh, goodness, Gem stammered. Just as she was losing her balance, the man had come from seemingly nowhere and had prevented the inevitable.

Careful with those, lassie, he said in a deep Irish voice, taking a few more books from her pile and adding them to his. Where do you want them? he asked, looking into her eyes and finding rims of molten gold encircling chestnut-brown centers. He dared not stare too long as he didn’t want her to feel uncomfortable. He turned as if to leave, when Gem realized she was staring. The man was tall and had a golden skin, light brown hair, and deep blue eyes; he had a cleft in his strong, angled jaw. She noticed he clenched his jaw; a muscle bulged under the pressure. Although she was never at a loss for words, Um was all she could say as she pointed in the general direction of her table. He knew where she sat as he had watched her enter the library. He couldn’t stop looking at her for both personal and professional reasons.

Malcolm had been asked to watch over her earlier that day, but he hadn’t been informed why. He was new to Canada and had already been assigned a double task. His main mission was to come to this country to follow Sire Raymond Pitout and infiltrate his nest of despicable vampires, but he had been rerouted to do a special favor for his father’s old-time friend, Sire Kevin Coupler, one that demanded secrecy and that was to be conducted on a need-to-know basis only. Watching Gem entering the library, he couldn’t let her leave without finding out who she was—and that was for personal reasons.

Putting the books down on the desk where she was working, he noticed a copy of the campus newspaper. An advertisement for a housemate was highlighted and the words Renew ad for next week had been scribbled across it.

Are you looking for a boarder? he asked as she put her pile down next to his.

Yes, as a matter of fact I am. Gem made a point of not looking up at him, just in case she lost her voice again.

Well, it just happens I’m looking for a temporary place to stay, he lied.

Really? Why temporary? Gem asked, rearranging the books into subject matter.

I have a contract with the university and need somewhere to stay until I’m done. Hotels and dining out are proving to be expensive, so I was thinking of subletting or leasing an apartment till then, he replied, setting himself up.

I see. Well, first let me introduce myself. I’m Gem O’Sullivan. Gem held out her hand.

Ah, that’s a good Irish name. I’m Malcolm Murphy, Malcolm said, taking her hand in his, but instead of shaking it, he brought it to his lips and kissed it lightly. Stunned by his action, Gem lifted her head to look at him, and she was once again left speechless. She swallowed hard as a tingle ran from her hand, up her arm, down her spine, and to her toes. Malcolm smiled down at her, watching her eyes sparkle and her cheeks flush. Gem, like her name, had onyx black hair and topaz gold-to-brown eyes; her lips were red rubies on her pearl-white skin. God, she was beautiful, he thought to himself.

Gem noticed he was not letting go of her hand and so, with the other hand, she awkwardly tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and then picked up an application form and handed it to him. Only now letting go of her hand, he accepted it.

Ta; would you like me to fill this in now? Malcolm smiled, realizing he was making her feel uncomfortable again.

Gem looked down and started to rearrange her books again.

Yes. If you don’t mind, I will need to send it to—um, references; I need references, Gem babbled. Goodness, why was she acting like a hormonal teenager?

Well, that will be a problem with me being here on contract from Ireland, but I can put down a few colleagues’ names as character references, Malcolm suggested.

Yes, yes, that will be fine, Gem agreed.

I’ll leave you now and once I’ve completed the form, I’ll bring it over before you leave for the day. Malcolm turned and disappeared among the rows of books.

Still shaking, Gem sat down and tried to carry on with her research.

A FEW HOURS LATER, and still finding it hard to concentrate, Gem noticed the time on the large library clock. It can’t be that time already, can it? she murmured to herself as she looked at her wristwatch, disappointed that Malcolm had not yet returned with the application form. She got up and restacked the research books.

Let me help you with those, Malcolm said with a smile as he approached.

Gem cleared her throat. Thanks again, Mr. Murphy.

Malcolm; call me Malcolm. Mr. Murphy—that’s my pa, Malcolm said as he handed Gem the completed application form. Here you go.

Oh. Gem took the form from him and scanned it. Some information was lacking and she doubted whether Florence would accept it, which would be disappointing.

Malcolm took a pile of books from the table and noticed they were historical and medical journals. Serious stuff you have here, Malcolm commented, realizing that she was not only beautiful, but brainy too.

Yes, it is. I’m a biochemist and doing some personal research, Gem replied, boasting a little.

Really? was all Malcolm said as he starting walking away, followed by Gem with her pile of books and notebooks and the backpack containing her laptop. They made their way out into the cold air, but not before they had dropped off the piles of books to be shelved.

Well, it was nice meeting you; I’ll contact you about your application as soon as I know, Gem said as she made her way to her car.

Sure; till then. Malcolm watched her hold onto the railing to keep herself from slipping on the icy sidewalk and then carefully get into her yellow Viper. He could tell she was human by her frailty and wondered what had made her so special that he had to be assigned as her bodyguard, and that full-time, all in secrecy.

CHAPTER THREE

SO WHAT’S SO important about this young lass, aside from her being a well-educated biochemist and a very attractive human, who needs a highly trained bodyguard? Malcolm asked Sire Kevin Coupler.

Malcolm sat opposite Kevin, in a large brown leather sofa and with a drink in his hand. He assessed the sire, who was a strong, well-built man; some called him a rugged cowboy because of his rough features and unruly blond hair and the way he dressed. He smiled back at Malcolm and replied, A very special friend of the family asked a favor from me, and you’re it.

Oh, come on. You owe me more than that. She can’t be more important than Sire Pitout or infiltrating Viper House? Malcolm protested.

Before I answer that, let me ask you something, Kevin said.

Aye? Malcolm looked intently at him.

Why did the International Vampire Council send you here?

You can’t be serious? Malcolm couldn’t believe Kevin didn’t know the answer, but as he stared at him he realized there was more to the question. They suspect a rogue vampire, Sire Raymond Pitout, is back in Canada and has been harbored by the Vipers. As I am the International Vampire Council’s head of security, I’m to find out more about his intentions and execute him on sight, should he break any rules or agreements between him and the IVC, Malcolm replied, agitated.

Tell me, Malcolm, what do you know about Sire Raymond Pitout? Kevin asked as he got up from his seat and took Malcolm’s now empty glass. He walked over to his drink cabinet and poured them each another double whisky.

Well, as far as my records show, he’s a very dangerous and unpredictable vampire. He has sworn vengeance against the Canadian head councilor, Sir Robert McKay, and his family and feeders. He was apprehended and charged with serious crimes that included siring humans and leaving them rogue; risking their being apprehended by human authorities; kidnapping Sir Robert McKay’s feeders; and illegally starting a bidding war leading to fraud, just to name a few. However, he has friends in high places. He was never tried for those crimes but was released with a list of conditions, and he has now violated the main one. I was sent here to keep an eye on him and the house in which he is now residing as a guest.

Impressive. So tell me, what do your records say about Mia and Michael O’Sullivan? Kevin asked as he handed Malcolm his drink and sat down again.

Michael O’Sullivan was killed by Sire Pitout, and Mia O’Sullivan is his twin sister. She has a very unique attribute, I may add. She accompanied Sire Pitout to Europe and was not at all happy about the IVC’s decision to let him go. She was detained for a while, for her own protection. During that time experienced vampires trained her to use her attribute wisely. Finally, Roman came over to Europe with a guarantee from McKay Council that she would stay away from Sire Pitout, unless he returned to Canada—which he has—so she has every right to pursue and destroy him. So let me ask you this: What has all this to do with Gem O’Bollocks? Why didn’t I connect the dots? And where does she fit in?

Michael O’Sullivan is her father, Kevin replied.

But there’s no record of him being married or having children, Malcolm stated.

He wasn’t married, but he and Sir Robert McKay’s great-granddaughter, Meghan McKay, fell in love and she became pregnant a couple of months after he was turned. No-one thought it was possible, but miracles do still happen, I guess, Kevin explained, taking another sip of his drink.

She shows no signs of being hybrid.

She doesn’t? How long have you known her? Twenty minutes?

I mean, I didn’t sense it.

Why would you? You may be one, but it doesn’t mean you can tell by merely shaking her hand. But you’re right, Kevin smiled. She has no hybrid tendencies at all. We doubt she is one.

She doesn’t need blood? Malcolm asked inquisitively.

No, not any more. When she was a baby she nursed and drank Meghan’s blood, but once she was on solid foods she no longer needed blood to sustain her, human or vampire. She grew up and aged like a human. She’s twenty-five years old now and still shows no sign of wanting blood, as far as I know.

Why does the IVC not know about this?

They do. It’s been kept a secret for her safety but now that Sire Pitout is back in Canada, there is growing fear that that information may have been leaked, Kevin said with concern.

I’ll contact them later and get more information, Malcolm decided. So where do I fit into this plan of yours?

Meghan asked me to send in someone other than a vampire to get close to her, to keep her secure. The McKay securities are diligent in what they do, but she doesn’t allow them close enough; and there is the problem that being vampire, they can only do so much.

I see. Well, I haven’t remained in a human state for quite a while, so this will be interesting, Malcolm said to himself. Anyway, I applied to rent her vacant room. Just make sure I get in. Malcolm raised his glass in salute to Kevin and drained his drink.

RETURNING TO THE HOUSE, Gem went directly to her office. It was situated in the basement next to her laboratory, the McKay security sleeping quarters, and the control room. This part of the house was out of bounds to everyone except her and the guards, Calvin, Christopher, and Brad. Every now and again Florence sent them to check up on Gem. Taking the application Malcolm Murphy had given her, she wrote, "Urgent attention needed, scanned it, and sent it for Florence Anderson’s attention. As Florence was head of security of the McKay House, it needed her approval first. Half an hour later the email was returned, Approved" written across it. Gem frowned when she saw it: first, it was returned so promptly; and second, she hadn’t received a phone call asking her opinion of Malcolm. Not that she was disappointed about their decision, but it did surprise her. Shrugging at the thought, she picked up her landline and called the number on the application form to tell Malcolm Murphy he had been approved to move in.

He answered on the second ring: Malcolm Murphy.

Good evening, Malcolm. It’s Gem O’Sullivan.

Aye, I was just talking about you, Malcolm said, looking over to Kevin.

Oh? Gem was taken aback, wondering why he would be discussing her.

Don’t worry, it’s all good. I was just telling my friend about the room you want to rent out, Malcolm said with a smile. I hope my application has been approved.

As a matter of fact, that’s why I’m calling. It has.

That’s great. When may I move in?

Anytime. The room is available, so if you want to move in this weekend, it will be fine with me, Gem replied nervously, twisting a strand of hair around her finger.

Is tomorrow, around noon, too soon?

Sunday? No, that should be fine, Gem replied. She then gave him the directions to the house and a list of furnishings already in the room.

Great. See you then. Good night.

Good night, Gem said and put the phone down, finding her heart racing and her palms sweating. The last time she had felt so nervous was when she had handed in her research on a blood disorder. She had received a doctorate from the University of Victoria, and she now proudly displayed the framed certificate in the living room.

CHAPTER FOUR

THE NEXT MORNING Gem woke up very early and started to clean what was now known as Malcolm Murphy’s room.

What the hell are you doing? Deidra asked Gem, finding her bent over the bathtub with a bottle of cleaner in one yellow-gloved hand and a sponge in the other.

Shit, Dee, did you have to sneak up on me like that? Gem shouted as she whirled round, holding her heart. Seeing Gem’s shocked face made Deidra burst out laughing. What are you doing?

What does it look like? I’m cleaning, Gem replied.

Why? Deidra stepped into the bathroom to inspect what Gem had already done.

We have a new tenant moving in this afternoon.

What? Why didn’t you tell us? Deidra demanded, stunned at the news.

First, because I only met him yesterday; and second, when his application was approved last night, you and Grace weren’t here, so I’m telling you now, Gem answered, returning to her cleaning.

‘Him?’ Are you nuts, having a man—a stranger, may I add?—move into Michael’s room? Deidra asked in amazement.

No. Besides, Aunt Florence approved his application, so he must have checked out fine, Gem replied as she rinsed away the suds the cleaner had left behind.

Gemma Anne, I don’t like this one bit! Deidra exclaimed. Gem knew her friend was either extremely worried or angry when she called her by her full name. So she ignored her.

Gem shrugged and started cleaning the toilet as Deidra left the room, mumbling to herself.

Hearing a yawn behind her, Gem turned around again finding her younger sister standing where Deidra had been a minute ago.

Good morning, Gracie, Gem greeted, waiting for the next interrogation to start.

Humph, what’s so good about it? Grace asked. She was leaning against the doorjamb, scowling.

Chipper this morning, I see. Hung-over? Gem asked smiling, knowing very well Grace was. They had both arrived home late the previous night or, rather, early that morning.

Why are you cleaning Michael’s room? Grace wanted to know, ignoring her older sister’s comment.

It’s no longer Michael’s room. I’ve rented it out to someone who will be moving in later today. Gem cringed inwardly as she waited for the next outcry of disappointment and anger.

Rented it out? What if Michael decides to come back? Where will he be sleeping then? Grace’s voice rose in panic and she suddenly straightened up.

We’ve been through this before, Grace. He’s not moving back in. He’s joined the armed forces and he’s in training now, Gem replied, irritated.

But –

That’s enough, Grace, Gem interrupted. I know you miss him. She put down the toilet brush and cleaner and stripped off the gloves. She walked over to Grace and took her by the shoulders. We’ll see him over Easter, and then the two of you can make up. I’m sure he’s forgiven you your little outburst when he left you with me. Gem smiled and hugged Grace lovingly.

He’s my twin brother and we’ve never been apart for so long before. If he feels anything like I do, he must come back. Grace sniffed tearfully, feeling very sorry for herself.

I know that, Grace, but you’re both grown up now and this had to happen sooner or later, Gem consoled Grace, taking her by the hand. Let’s go and have some breakfast and a big cup of strong coffee, and then you can help me vacuum the upstairs bedrooms.

By noon the house was sparkling. Exhausted, Gem, Deidra, and Grace were enjoying their lunch on the patio when Gem heard a truck coming up the driveway. She excused herself from the table and headed for the front door. By the time she reached it, her heart was racing. She took a deep breath and opened the door. Malcolm, dressed in jeans and a black snow jacket, was getting out of his gunmetal-grey pick-up truck. He stopped to look at Gem at the front door. She looked exquisite in her tight white T-shirt and jeans, and the sight of her made him swallow hard. Taking a deep breath, he turned towards his truck’s rear door, opened it, and took out a large duffel bag containing most of his clothes.

Hello there, Malcolm greeted Gem as he opened the white-painted wooden gate and walked up the brick walkway, swinging the duffle bag over his shoulder.

Wel— She was forced to clear her throat. Welcome, Gem managed a greeting and took a step back, allowing Malcolm to enter the hallway and remove his boots.

Let me show you to your room so that you can drop that off first, and then I’ll introduce you to the others. Gem spoke quickly in case she lost her voice again.

Thanks, Malcolm replied trying to sound a little more Canadian and followed Gem up the stairs.

Do you have more things to bring up? Gem wondered out loud.

Aye, a few boxes, but I can bring them in later, answered Malcolm.

This way. Gem led the way to the left and headed to the front of the house. She opened a door, and Malcolm saw that the bedroom had hardwood floors, like the rest of the house, and a big open space that beckoned him in. Opposite the door were two country-style windows overlooking the front garden, and between them were the bare base and mattress of a king-size bed. To the left were a dresser and a built-in closet and to the right was another window. Malcolm stepped into the room and found that there was a second door a few feet away. He opened it to find a spacious bathroom. A six-jet tub occupied one corner and an all-glass shower the opposite one. He saw a toilet and a sink mounted in a marble-top cabinet, and a window that faced the garages.

They reminded