Blood is the Life

By Tamara Zeegers

Time is relative when you have lived for ages as an immortal protector of humankind. But the Council is racing against time itself when the lives of the innocent are at stake. A sadistic vampire is on a killing spree in New York City, and they must stop him before he kills again.

A new group of vampires has surfaced in modern-day New York, but among them is a face the Council recognizes, one from the distant past and a land far away. Could the killer be one of these new vampires, or is the key to finding him buried in Enlil’s ancient memories of Atlantis?

Full of action and adventure, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and steamy romance, the Vampire Chronicles series continues in Blood Is the Life!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tamara Zeegers
• Release date: Oct 30, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370449989

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.

Book preview

Blood Moon

4th Vampire Chronicle

Tamara Zeegers

Fourth of the Vampire Chronicles

Blood Moon

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.

Copyright page

Copyright © 2019 Tamara Zeegers

All rights reserved.

Additional books by Tamara Zeegers:

Love Reborn

The Phantom

Blood is the life

Blood sacrifice

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 with the first round of editing. My best friends Shan Swart and Pauline Duffy for giving me much needed feedback and turning me into a better writer. To my, three, number one fans, Gem Riley, Georgia Petroutsas and Sophie Socrafts for their enthusiasm, you all make writing worthwhile and for their patience while waiting for book four to go to print. For the support of all my lovely family members, like Dickie Woerlee, Mary Visser, Barry Wels to name but a few. My fabulous Editor Debz Hobbs-Wyatt for all her help and support and making me smile while I read her editing notes. To my patron God Enlil, and the other eleven in the pantheon for their strength and love.

Connect with me online:

Website: http://tamarazeegers.wix.com/vampire-annunaki

Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/nanach7

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeegerstamara/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nanach13

Cover Design by Tamara Zeegers, for more artwork please visit:

https://www.deviantart.com/notifications/#view=feedback

Quotes and titbits:

In a 27 April 1819 letter Byron disclaimed any interest in vampires: I have besides a personal dislike to 'Vampires,' and the little acquaintance I have with them would by no means induce me to reveal their secrets.

Byron on The Vampyre: … I scarcely think anyone who knows me would believe the thing in the Magazine to be mine, even if they saw it in my own hieroglyphics.

The Giaour Lord Byron’s poem is notable for its inclusion of vampires and vampirism. Byron became acquainted with the concept of vampires while on his Grand Tour.

The Giaour fragment:

But first, on earth as vampire sent,

Thy corpse shall from its tomb be rent:

Then ghastly haunt thy native place,

And suck the blood of all thy race;

There from thy daughter, sister, wife,

At midnight drain the stream of life;

Yet loathe the banquet which perforce

Must feed thy livid living corpse:

Thy victims ere they yet expire

Shall know the demon for their sire,

As cursing thee, thou cursing them,

Thy flowers are withered on the stem.

But one that for thy crime must fall,

The youngest, most beloved of all,

Shall bless thee with a father's name -

That word shall wrap thy heart in flame!

Yet must thou end thy task, and mark

Her cheek's last tinge, her eye's last spark,

And the last glassy glance must view

Which freezes o'er its lifeless blue;

Then with unhallowed hand shalt tear

The tresses of her yellow hair,

Of which in life a lock when shorn

Affection's fondest pledge was worn,

But now is borne away by thee,

Memorial of thine agony!

Wet with thine own best blood shall drip

Thy gnashing tooth and haggard lip;

Then stalking to thy sullen grave,

Go - and with Ghouls and Afrits rave;

Till these in horror shrink away

From specter more accursed than they

Lord Ruthven was also the first portrayal of the vampire as a debauched aristocrat in literature.

1

New York, present day

I stared out of the window and down on Central park as I thought about all that had happened. It had been two weeks since my baby brother, Enki, had run off when the pressure had gotten too much for him. His reason for running a combination of many things.

It had started when Gerard, Jeeves’ husband had been kidnapped by The Order of the Nyx. We had gone to New York to both monitor a new group of vampires as well as to try and find out where they were keeping Gerard so we could rescue him. When we had found out where he was being held, Enki, Bes and Ptah had gone to see whether they could free him while I distracted the head of the order, Fallon. When they searched the building, they had noticed it had been set to detonate and only barely made it out alive themselves. Enki though thought it had been his fault, and more importantly he thought he had inadvertently caused Gerard’s death. He did not even know that we had received a text from Gerard that he was alive, though if he was well remained to be seen, as we had not been able to reach him ever since.

Then he had to witness me being stabbed twice with an Orichalcum sword when we battled not only the Order of the Nyx but the nest of new-found vampires. Orichalcum was a metal normally lethal to our kind and if it had not been for my protection, I would have died, and even with it I almost did. I still bore the scar on my belly and back where Zahira had plunged in the blade, a scar which might never fade. And all of this after I had come close to dying in London when I had gone into The Sleep and then slipped into The Fever stage. I had been lucky then that my daughter, Nanach, her husband Jachin and my brother had managed to snap me out of it. The gods only know what Enki would have done had I died. It had been bad enough innocent club goers had lost their lives in the battle we had. Charlie, the reincarnation of my beloved wife Ishianna, had been severely injured in that battle and had been turned to save her life, as had Nicky, a young innocent bystander.

All that had been bad enough, but it was the news he had a son that pushed him well and truly over the edge. We had been monitoring a group of new-found vampires, among them a young boy, Dagan, the son of Zahira. Zahira had been a priestess at the temple of Anu, a scheming woman who had tried everything to advance her position. She had even tried to seduce me in the hope she would beget with child, and it turned out Enki as well. But with Enki it seemed she had been more successful and had somehow managed to impregnate herself even though Enki had already been turned. She had told him at the time, but he had not believed her as we thought it was not even possible, now though we knew it was. We were still based in the hotel in Manhattan as we dealt with the aftermath of all of this.

Any news about Enki? I asked as I rubbed my face.

No, nothing Enlil. We know he went to Big Al’s dealership and that someone else went there a half hour afterwards and also bought a car. According to the description it could be Fallon, Bes said.

Shit, any idea when Quentin and the Mutt are going to get here? I asked as I looked across my desk to Ptah and Bes.

Quentin should be here early tomorrow afternoon. Nash is estimated to arrive about five to six hours later, Ptah said.

What about Gerard? Any word from him since the text message?

No, nothing since the message. Thoth’s team is trying to triangulate the last location of the signal, Bes said.

How are you feeling, Enlil? You still look way too pale, for my liking, Ptah asked scrutinising me closely.

Fine, just tired as the Duat, I sighed.

How’s the boy taking the news of Enki running? Bes asked.

Not too great, although he’s too busy dealing with his girl. She seems a bit unstable. One minute she’s all lovey dovey the next she’s hysterical, violent even. I think I need to step in soon, I replied leaning back in my chair.

Bes looked at me, No, Enlil. For one, you're not in any state to and…

And what?

And it’s not your place.

We can’t have an unstable vampire, not with all that’s going on. It’s my responsibility, if she had not been there at the club, it would never have happened, nor would her friend have lost her life. If I do not make sure she’s not any trouble the rest of The Council might get involved. So, my dear Bes, it IS my place.

Talk to Dagan first. I do not think he'll take kindly to you getting involved. He’s pretty pissed off.

I know, I know. I’ll talk to him, but first I need to sleep. Wake me should Quentin arrive, I said as I got up.

We will, get some rest. We’ll keep an eye on Dagan and the girl, Bes said.

Thanks.

†††

Bes and Ptah looked at each other.

Why do I have a really bad feeling about all of this? Bes asked.

Hmm, yeah I know what you mean, a kind of gut feeling?

Yes, exactly.

I’m sure all will be well. Come, let’s go and feed, Ptah said as he slipped of the stool and waited for him.

2

Hollywood, present day

He pulled into the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel parking lot.

Enki Montague, he smiled at the girl behind the counter.

And when will you be checking out, sir? she smiled back.

Not sure yet, I'll be staying at least a week.

Here's your key, should you require anything then please dial zero for room service.

He jogged to the room, dumped his case on the bed then headed out on Hollywood Boulevard. He smiled as he enjoyed the hot balmy night before he hailed a taxi and asked the driver to take him to The Abbey.

When it arrived, he jumped from the taxi and walked in and up to the bar taking a seat on one of the stools. He looked around at the few people inside then his eyes rested on a young blond boy sitting at the end next to an equally stunning dark-haired girl.

What would you like? the barman asked.

A neat Bourbon please and whatever the two at the end of the bar want.

He watched him place his drink in front of him before he went to the twosome at the end. He saw them glance over and smile, the boy inclined his head. The girl whispered something in the boy’s ear and nudged him before they made their way towards him.

Thanks for the drink, the girl smiled as she extended her hand, I’m Mallory and this is my best friend Kaden.

Enki, very nice to meet you. Please, won’t you join me? he asked smiling back.

Sure, but only if we can buy the next drink, Kaden said.

Oh, that won’t be necessary.

No, I insist. I’m having a bit of a pre-celebration anyway.

Oh, birthday?

No, he’s been picked to audition for a TV series, she said while she nudged him, a lovely blush momentarily gracing his cheeks.

Cool, what kind of series?

"A new show called Blood Moon," he replied.

Never heard of it, what is it about then?

It has not aired yet. It’s all about vampires, werewolves and witches, cool uh? she replied.

Slightly bemused he raised his glass. To your success in the audition then!

You should be an actor, Kaden said as his blue eyes looked deep into his.

Why?

You’re hot, he said as he sat down next to him, their knees touching, again his cheeks went from cream to blush.

Yes, you sure would be perfect, especially to play a vampire or even a werewolf, she said as she sat on his other side.

I would?

Oh, hell yeah. You’re dark and handsome and have some whiff of danger about you. Sorry, I don’t mean to be rude, I mean it’s sexy, he smiled.

Oh, I’ll take that as a compliment. You would make a good vampire too, he said then turned and looked deep into the girl's eyes. We’re going to be great friends you’ll trust me and invite me along.

Why don’t you come along? she asked.

What? To the audition?

Yes, that’s a fabulous idea, Mall, I can sure use the moral support.

Sure, I’ve nothing planned. So, when is it?

Tomorrow afternoon at four.

It’s a date then. For now, drink up!

3

New York, present day

Dagan looked on helplessly as Nicky screamed and tore out items from a chest of drawers. T-shirts, bras and knickers flew through the air and littered the room. The items that had been on top now lay shattered and in pieces strewn across the floor.

Please, my love, he tried as he took a step towards her.

She stopped and sank to the floor while she cried.

Please, he said as he sat next to her and pulled her close. He felt her body shake while he held her. He swallowed to clear the lump in his throat and to stop the sting of tears in his own eyes.

Chrissy… Oh God, Dagan, she wept.

I’m so sorry Nicky, but you can’t keep going on like this. She would not want this, he said gently as he rubbed her back.

She shoved him away, her eyes blazing with fury then slapped him hard across the cheek. Yes, and I’m sure she didn’t want to fucking die either!

He looked at her, his mouth open, his cheek stinging from the impact. He reached for her, but she got up and walked to the window. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath then went over.

What do you want me to do? Tell me and I’ll do it, he said, keeping his voice gentle.

She turned towards him. Do? What the fuck can you do? She’s dead, Dagan, dead! DEAD! So, unless you can bring someone back from the grave you can’t do a fucking thing! she sneered at him as she rushed past. She opened the door before she stormed out and slammed it shut behind her.

He hung his head. Shit!

When he heard the door, he turned to see Nanach standing there.

What do you want?

Want me to talk to her?

There’s no point. I’ve talked to her until I’m blue in the face. She’s okay some of the time, but something is just not right. I understand she’s grieving, but this is not normal. Maybe something went wrong with the turning. What if it was due to Anu’s blood? he asked as he sat on the bed.

What do you mean? she asked as she walked up and took a seat next to him.

Anu’s blood was old. Mother drained it from him thousands and thousands of years ago. Maybe it had gone bad, made her… I don’t know, go crazy or something, he said as a single tear ran down his cheek.

Hey, don’t cry. I don’t think that is it as Charlie had the same blood and she seems fine. Don’t worry, Father will help, she replied as she put her arm around him and squeezed him tight.

At least your father is here, he said as he looked at her.

Enki will be back. He just had a lot to deal with. He still thinks Gerard is dead and he feels responsible for that. On top of that Enlil being injured and almost dying. Your existence was just a bit too much. He’s a great guy, you’ll see.

Yeah, I’m sure he is. Great guys usually run as soon as they find out they have a son, he snorted and stood up.

You don’t know him, Dagan.

Yeah well, it’s kinda hard to get to know him if he ain’t here!

I get it, I do. I would be angry too. All I ask is you give him a chance. Please?

I’ll think about it, he grumbled.

Come, she said as she walked up to him and held out her hand.

He looked at it before he grudgingly took it. Where are we going? he asked sullen when she pulled him from the room.

For you to meet the others while I’ll try and talk to Nicky.

If you think it'll help, he replied as he followed her down the corridor.

4

Hollywood, present day

Enki groaned as he squinted at the sunlight streaming into the bedroom.

Oh, ye Gods, he mumbled as he rubbed his eyes and carefully sat up.

He looked at the leg draped across his groin then up to the face of Kaden lying next to him while Mallory was cuddled close to his other side. He smiled and leaned his head back against the headboard as he ran his hands over them.

Fuck me, Kaden winched as he too sat up. How much did we have to drink?

More than enough, he smiled as Mallory stirred.

Shit, I feel like death! she groaned as she squinted at them then pulled the sheet over her head.

What we need, my lovelies, is breakfast! he smiled as he patted them on the thigh then climbed over Kaden and stretched.

Oh God, I’m not sure I could handle food right now, she groaned.

Believe me, you’ll feel better. Come on you two, let’s shower and then head out for a bite to eat. My treat. Kaden needs to get some food in him as his audition is in three hours, he said as he walked into the bathroom and turned the shower on.

Oh shit! He jumped up and followed him into the shower. I almost forgot! I should not have had that much to drink. Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck!

Chill, Kaden, you’ve enough time. Take some Paracetamol, have a shower, after you've eaten, you’ll be fine, he said as he stepped under the spray.

Thank God, you woke us in time, he smiled calming down a little and nudged him out of the way and let the water pour over him.

Enki let his eyes travel over his beautiful young body, his build athletic, muscles just right, everything was nice and tight. Just then Mallory came in holding her head.

Here, my dear, he said as he held out the bottle of pills to her.

Thanks, she said then popped a couple of tablets.

He looked her up and down as she stood in front of the sink and swigged some water to down the pills. She too was a beauty, her skin taut and soft, her body voluptuous, her breast small, but pert, her arse nice and rounded. He had indeed been lucky to find two such beauties on his first night. He watched as Kaden got out of the shower and Mallory got in. Before Kaden could grab the towel, he pulled him close and wrapped his arms around him, his hands on his tight behind.

Kaden smiled before he pressed his lips to his. He let out a sigh as he opened his and felt his hot wet tongue slip inside. He could feel not only his erection taking shape, but Kaden's too. Reluctantly he pushed him away and broke the kiss, just catching the look of disappointment flit over his face.

Plenty of time later. We need to get ready; I don’t want you to miss this audition. Come, let’s make sure we’re out of here in thirty.

†††

Three hours later and looking and feeling much better, they were all laughing and joking as they walked up to the audition. When he was about to take a seat next to Mallory, Kaden pulled him up to the front.

Kaden McFadden auditioning for the part of Tobias, he smiled not letting go of his arm, and I brought my friend Enki here and wondered if he could do a reading too.

I’ll have to discuss that with the director. Please, fill this out and take a seat, the woman droned on as she handed them a badge before pushing a sheet of paper towards him.

Excited Kaden pulled him along to where Mallory was sitting and handed him a clipboard and pen.

Come on!

He smiled before he sat down, shaking his head and rolling his eyes. As he filled in the form, he glanced at the fifty or so other men and women there. Very few had that definite star quality, one or two he could imagine in a TV show. He was glad that the picking seemed to be slim as he knew how much Kaden was wanting the part.

He felt his lips curl into a smile as he remembered his own last stint on the boards. Ye Gods when was it again? Eighteen-hundred’s no, no. He suppressed laughing out loud. No, nineteen twenty-seven Palace Theatre, New York, ah the great Vaudeville times, now that was entertainment, his eyes glittered at the memory. Ye Gods, Enlil had been so angry, he thought then looked at the form in his lap. His eyes lost their focus as his pen hovered over the form before Kaden nudged him.

What are you waiting for?

He shrugged and looked at the form. Fuck it, I need some fun, why in the Duat not? he thought and filled in the form.

5

New York, present day

Quentin! I called out and watched him turn and smile.

Enlil, good to see you, he said as we hugged.

Good to see you too, although I wish it was under different circumstances, I said as I guided him down the corridor.

Enlil! Thoth shouted as he ran towards us.

What is it? I sighed.

You better come in and watch this. We have a situation, he said as he walked into the room and pushed a USB stick into the big TV screen there then pressed a button.

Bes and Ptah were already there as we took a seat, then we all watched the screen, as I stared, I could feel my jaw go slack and my mouth part.

Has he lost his fucking mind? I snapped as the segment ended.

The stupid idiot, those were his real fangs! Bes grumbled, shaking his head.

Oh dear, Quentin quietly added.

Has this gone live? I asked looking at Thoth.

No, this is a promo for the upcoming series which means the pilot will go live soon, if it gets enough ratings. Our recon team caught it and will stop it from airing. What the hell is he thinking?

Oh, ye Gods, I groaned as I sat with my hands cradling my head.

You better head up there straight away and stop the idiot, Bes said looking at Quentin.

Stop him, how? You know what he’s like when he has his episodes. Remember last time? It took us some doing making him stop then. I'm not even sure we would have if it had not been for Enlil. I cannot do this by myself! Quentin said.

The Mutt is on his way; he should be here in a couple of hours.

You want just the two of us to stop him? How? He won’t listen, not even to us, not when he’s in one of his moods, you know that as well as I do.

You'll have to try, for now I cannot go nor miss any of the others. Enki is not the only situation we're dealing with, I sighed, feeling the sting of tears in my eyes.

What else is going on?

Gerard is still missing he was kidnapped by The Order of the Nyx to try and make us turn them. We managed to stop them and have a team going after the members of The Order of the Nyx, to either erase their memories or take them out. And something else, I said not looking at him.

Something else?

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath then stood before I paced the room. Quentin watched me before he looked across to the others, Bes shrugged.

I stopped and walked up to Quentin. Nobody is to know of this, no-one, do I make myself clear? I asked looking from Quentin to Thoth.

What in the name of hell are you on about? Quentin asked puzzled.

I ran my hand through my hair before I sat down and looked deep into his eyes.

Anu is alive.

The silence that followed was eerie as Quentin, his eyes huge, his mouth open in shock looked from one to the other.

You’ve got to be kidding me. I thought he was… well I never thought he was real.

Oh, believe us, he was and is, Bes said.

So, what does this all mean? Has Anu taken charge? But no, he would be here if he had. What’s going on Enlil?

He’ll never be in charge again as far as I am concerned, Quentin. He’s in a secure place, that’s all you need to know for now. However, it means I cannot just get up and go after Enki. It’s why I called for you and the Mutt, you two will have to try all you can to make him see sense and come back.

Why do I get the feeling there is something else? he asked as he looked at me.

You’re right. We found a group of new vampires, amid them a boy, Dagan, Enki’s son.

Excuse me?

Amongst the group was a woman named Zahira, she used some kind of spell to get pregnant. So even though Enki was already turned it somehow worked and begot Zahira with child. None of us knew, well Zahira told Enki at the time, but as we all thought we could not conceive after being turned, he did not believe her. And yet now it turns out she was telling the truth; Dagan IS Enki’s son. Enki already stressed as he nearly lost me twice and thinking he was responsible for Gerard’s death, cracked and as he always does, ran. So, I need the two of you to get him to see sense and come back. And you better make sure you stay on guard.

Why?

One of The Order of the Nyx, the leader, a guy named Fallon, well, there is a chance he’s alive and went after Enki and we've no idea what he'll do. So, both you and Nash better stay vigilant.

Hmm, so when is Nash getting here?

He should be here soon, Bes replied.

I should've known it was serious, Quentin said as he leaned back in his chair.

How so? Ptah asked.

Well, Enlil is not exactly Nash’s biggest fan. Oh my God, this is not going to be easy. Are you going to tell the rest of The Council about the TV show?

We’ll have to, it would’ve gone on national TV had we not stopped it. Ye Gods the idiot!

Hey, no harm done, these shows have such good special effects that nobody will be able to tell even if it had gone live. All we have to deal with, will be the rest of The Council.

No harm done? The Council WILL punish him, and I’ll not be able to stop them this time, Quentin. Ye Gods what in the Duat was he thinking? He has put us all in danger if anybody finds out we actually exist, or even has an inkling, I said with tears stinging my eyes.

Hey, it’s going to be okay. Nash and I will do our best, he said squeezing my knee.

Thanks Quentin, get some rest, you’ll have to leave as soon as Nash gets here.

Until later then, he said as Ptah and Bes led him from the room.

As I stared in front of me, I could feel Thoth eyes upon me.

So Anu IS alive.

Yes, but not for much longer if I have anything to do with it, I replied as I glared at him.

Hey, I’m not the enemy. You know I do not want him back, he said with his hands up.

Yeah, I know, old friend. However, I cannot have any of the others know. I do not know if they would save him, and I cannot risk that. He must die!

Why have you not already?

We were dealing with other issues and I was recovering. I did not want to go to him when I was not at full strength, just in case. All I had time for was making sure he was out of the way, now though I will end him.

When?

Tonight.

Can I come?

Why? I asked as I scrutinised him.

Scientific curiosity that’s all, but I understand if you do not wish me too.

No, no it’s fine. Sorry, I’ve been under a lot of stress lately. I was wanting to talk to you anyway.

Hmm, what about?

Dagan. We need to examine him, run tests. He’s such a big anomaly, we need to know as much as we can.

Does he agree to be examined?

He will, I’ll talk to him. He’s a miracle, one we need to understand.

I would love to. My laboratory is set up, Bes asked me to, and just in case I got the library over, well the digital version of it so to speak. So, whenever you’re ready I’m good to go, he smiled, his eyes shining with eagerness.

And the girl too.

How so?

We need to find out why she's unstable.

She is?

Yes, well erratic. She goes from normal to nuts, we need to find out why.

Is she willing?

I’ve no idea, but she’ll get no choice. I cannot have an unstable vampire around, not with everything else.

Like I said, I’m good to go.

Good, come, we need to talk and set everything up then I'll talk to Dagan.

6

Quentin? Nanach said as she walked into the room.

Yes? he replied then stared, his eyes widened, his mouth agape.

This is Dagan, Dagan this is Quentin an old friend of your father, she said as she turned to him.

Stop calling him that, Dagan grumbled.

My God, remarkable, Quentin said as he stood and walked up to him with outstretched hand. Pleased to meet you.

Grudgingly Dagan shook his hand as they stood in an uncomfortable silence while he stared at him.

Okay, you two take a seat and get to know each other while I go and find and talk to Nicky, she said as she quickly slipped out.

He sat; his gaze fixed on Dagan as he too took a seat.

Stop staring at me like that!

Sorry, but it is just uncanny, he smiled.

Yeah, I know; everyone keeps telling me. So please leave it.

Okay, I won’t mention it again.

Thanks. So how do you know Enki?

Middle ages, France. I was in battle when I met Enki. Our losses were high, if it had not been for him, I would’ve lost my life or at the very least been seriously injured. We became very close friends.

What is he like? Is he always such an arsehole when it comes to his children?

I don’t think you understand Dagan—

The fuck I don’t!

Hey, your father did not have it easy, but he’s an honourable man, with great courage. He never wanted children, Christ, he didn’t even want a wife, but things were different in those days. His status demanded he was married, no matter what he wanted, he said as he leaned forward.

What do you mean?

"Enki is at best bi-sexual, when he was young, he fell in love. You know the kind I mean, the deep and utter consuming kind, but it was not for a woman. It was for someone under Enlil’s command. The person in question however was as straight as they come and not aware of Enki’s crush. I don’t even think Enlil knew, but Enki never got over it, it haunted him, made him unable or unwilling to have lasting relationships. He flited from one to the other, but he never let any of them come too close. He makes out he does not need anybody, want anybody.

When Anu made him wed when he had gotten Cleito pregnant he was stuck with not just a wife he had not wanted, but a child, a son. Anu corrupted Enki for years feeding him potions to turn him from Enlil, and his wife and child. When Enlil managed to undo it, Enki finally became close to his son only to lose him a couple of years later. Enki is just afraid, afraid to show his love, to lower the defences and let someone in and then lose them again."

He already had a son?

Yes, he died in the disaster that befell the homeland. Not many survived that. When Enlil sensed them reborn, Enki only went in search of them to please his brother. Don’t get me wrong, he loved his wife and son, but he had not been in love with his wife. I don’t think he really ever loved anybody since that one person oh so long ago now. Well, he never lets himself fall in love anymore.

So, what was he like, I mean my brother?

I know only what Enki told me about Elric as I was not around then, and the small portrait I’ve seen of him. He had blond hair, blue eyes, slight build and took more after his mother. You, however, are the spitting image of Enki, it’s uncanny.

Hey, you promised not to do that!

Sorry, it’s just… sorry, I'll not mention it again, promise, he said with his hands up in the air and smiled as Dagan glared at him.

So why are you here?

I’m going after Enki; well once Nash shows up.

And who’s Nash?

Enki’s other best friend, a werewolf actually.

A werewolf, really? I thought they had died out.

No, they’re rare, but certain clans survive. They keep themselves to themselves. Fancy coming out for a bite? he asked as he got up.

Sure, he replied as he stood and followed him out.

7

Nanach stuck her head around the corner and glanced around the room. When she saw Nicky sitting in the window she gently slipped in and walked up to her.

Nicky hearing her, looked up, What do you want!

Just thought you might want to talk to a woman, and I wanted to make sure you were alright, but if you want me to leave…

No, no it’s fine, she replied with tears glistening in her eyes.

Hey, what’s up? she asked while she sat next to her and draped her arm around her shoulders.

I’ve no idea, I feel… I don’t know. I feel like I’m going crazy. One minute I feel so happy, euphoric actually, then boom I feel down and angry… no furious, full of rage. I’ve hit and punched Dagan, and I mean hard, I’ve seen his skin turn red from the impact, seen the look of stunned disbelief, she sobbed. Not to mention the amount of furniture and nick knacks I’ve destroyed.

Shh, hey it'll be okay, maybe Thoth can help.

Thoth? she asked as she pushed away.

Yes, he has researched our species for thousands of years. I could ask him. That’s if you want to…

Yes, something needs to be done. I can’t go on like this. I see the hurt I’m causing Dagan and it breaks my heart. He’s been so patient and understanding, but I’m worried I’ll push him away if things do not change. Or worse seriously injure him.

You’ve been through a lot. Don’t worry too much, Thoth has dealt with far worse. Come, let’s see if we can find him.

8

Long Island, present day

Gerard squinted through slits before he opened his eyes when he noticed the room was empty and he was alone. He tugged at his bonds, but he was too weak and the angle they were tied at, made it impossible for him to get them to budge. He sighed as he longingly looked at the mobile phone on the bedside cabinet then exhausted, he slumped deeper into the pillow of the bed he was lying on.

He closed his eyes when he heard footsteps. There were a couple of beeps then the click of the lock before the door creaked open. He kept his face passive as the sound came closer then stopped. Fingers caressed his face, his lips before he felt the cool touch of her lips on his. It took everything he had not to react and head-butt her.

Soon, my love, soon you’ll be all better and we can be together forever, he heard her say.

Yes, soon you’ll be well again and take me as your wife. I was thinking maybe we move to a nice little island. Of course, one that has a food source, maybe one in the Pacific, private, away from prying eyes, she rambled on as her fingertips pushed through his hair.

Please, my love, open your eyes, she whispered in his ear while pressing her body tight against his side, the sensation almost made him shudder.

You’re so beautiful, has anyone ever told you that? Your soft skin, mesmerising blue eyes. And your fabulous muscles, she groaned as she let her hand trail his bicep.

I know you want me. I knew, from the moment I saw you, we were meant to be. You saved my life and when you held me close, I knew for sure, she continued as she caressed his cheek.

In turn I saved you when you were too weak from the blood loss. I know you want me as much as I want you. The way you pulled me tight when you jumped us to safety even though your back was riddled with shrapnel. Don’t worry my love, I've removed the debris. Soon you’ll regain your strength, and you’ll see we’re meant to be, she said then plunged a needle into his arm.

He felt himself weaken further as the little blood he had was slowly getting drained.

But for now, I need you here, until you see sense. You understand, don’t you? he heard her say as he drifted away.

You must give up this silly notion you love Jeeves, but don’t worry Vara will make you see sense and heal you of this evil mental affliction, she whispered then her lips touched his cheek, and he sank into darkness.

9

New York, present day

Mikal parked the pick-up and sat a while breathing in and out. He could feel the effects of the coming full moon and wished he did not have to be here right now. He had never gotten on with Enlil. He felt his eye twitch, he grabbed the steering wheel, his knuckles turned white with the grip he had. He hung his head his long dark hair fell around his face like a shield. He looked up, shook his head, sighed then got out and locked the car. His hormones were raging, adrenaline surged through his system, he just hoped he could keep it together.

He knew he would be in deep trouble if he did lose it as Enlil was his father, Rádúlfer’s, best friend. His father, also his pack leader, had ordered him to go and he knew he could not deny the request, they owed Enlil and he knew it and of course when he had found out it was because of Enki he had jumped the first plane. He just