Vampires After Me: The Blood-Borne Saga

By Carol Barnhill

The Blood-borne Saga continues in this emotionally enthralling and riveting story of Dr. Paul Geraud, vampire and his human wife, Alexandra.

Almost two years had passed since Paul ran from vampire hunters leaving his beloved Alex behind with the intent she should seek a normal life. He was certain she would never find him, she was adamant that she would---and she did. After an impasse, they decide to live near each other, but not together as they attempt to rekindle the deep love and trust they once shared.

Emotional turmoil and rivalry develop when Alex meets vampire hunter, Jon Brennan, who romantically pursues her. Forced to choose between her vampire husband and a man who could eventually destroy him, things are further complicated when a jealous force from the past raises its ugly head bent on destroying her.

In an effort to save Alex, Paul must trust his rival to hide her while he attempts to destroy the combined forces of vampires, halflings, and mastiff dogs. He goes to battle insurmountable forces with the knowledge he may not survive, and if he survives, the fear that Alex may not choose him. .

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Apr 30, 2013
• ISBN: 9781483613796

Carol Barnhill

Carol Barnhill received her bachelor’s degree in science from the University of West Florida and completed her doctorate in 2010. A nurse for many years, her experiences, coupled with her travels throughout the United States, Europe, and the Far East, provide her with a vast repertoire of diverse cultural and geographical experiences to draw upon. Her quick wit and humor is an added spice to this novel, which draws its setting from the rich culture and history of New Orleans.

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Copyright © 2013 by Carol Barnhill.

Library of Congress Control Number:              2013905219

ISBN:              Hardcover              978-1-4836-1378-9

Softcover              978-1-4836-1377-2

Ebook              978-1-4836-1379-6

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted

in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system,

without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the

product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance

to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Rev. date: 04/19/2013

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CONTENTS

PREFACE

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

with the realization of my destiny came also the knowledge that there were, and always would be, vampires after me.

Alex.

PREFACE

I stood by the balcony window reflecting on my life. I had some sad memories, some happy ones, and many that I had no recollection of at all; the result of a brain injury from an automobile accident a few years ago. Fortunately, most of my cognitive abilities were intact, but my acquired knowledge and work experience were lost in the grey fog that had clouded the pathways of my mind since the accident. My young aspirations of being a prominent biological researcher had been crushed, but I was thankful to be alive and had come to terms with my life as it was, for now.

I was elated to finally have my own apartment having spent the past few years living with my parents on their ranch in Lubbock while I recovered from my injury and grieved over my husband Pauls’ supposed demise. Imagine my shock when almost two years after Paul’s disappearance, I discovered he was still very much in existence. I use the word existence instead of alive because he is a vampire.

Paul is not the fictional vampire you read about or see in movies. He transcends that. He has no difficulty blending in with modern human society and although he doesn’t need to sleep, or eat much, he does need human blood to survive. I can’t tell you how he replenishes because I’ve never been permitted to witness it, but I do know he goes to a blood bank.

Paul is a researcher, who for many years has been researching the vampire virus that he is infected with for a cure. My parents know something is definitely different about Paul, but since they, like so many others, don’t believe in vampires we simply told them Paul was afflicted with a rare virus. How much they believe, I don’t know. I shudder to think what would happen if they knew the truth about him.

I, myself, didn’t believe in vampires until I met Paul. When he actually revealed to me what he was, I thought at first he had lost his mind. Oh, I admit I knew there was certainly something about him that defied the confines of human life, but never in my wildest dreams, did I expect him to tell me he was a vampire. Most would think me insane to consider a relationship with a vampire and I can’t offer you a reasonable or sane explanation. I can only say that if you’ve ever truly been in love, you need no explanation—you understand.

I have no regrets. I’ll never regret marrying you, nor the day I met you. You were, at those times, exactly what I wanted.

CHAPTER 1

This weekend my brother Toby and his wife Madeleine will be coming to visit from Lubbock where they have a home on my parent’s ranch. Toby doesn’t know that Paul is a vampire, but Maddy does. I haven’t told them that Paul and I are living not living together, so Paul will be staying at my apartment while Toby and Maddy are here to keep up the pretense. When Paul and I relocated to Dallas, we agreed to live near each other, but not together as we tried to rekindle our relationship. We told my family that he had been in a witness protection program. There was no other logical alibi.

Jean Paul spent the entire day with Paul today, and he wanted to spend the night with him. I agreed to let him stay even though I would be lonely by myself. Jean, my miracle child, and most probably the only child I’ll ever have, was growing up too fast for me. We still don’t fully understand how I was able to get pregnant by a vampire, but Dr. LeFevre, who is a vampire herself, explained that she believes Paul’s sperm were preserved by his very low body temperature. Whatever the reason, Jean is our son and so far, he appears to be a normal, active child… well almost.

I turned away from the window and looked around my apartment to admire it. Situated on one corner of the tall building we live in, it has massive windows that make up the corner walls of my living room. The balcony runs the entire length of my apartment, to which I have access not only from my living room, but the bedroom as well. When I moved in the apartment I had the balcony filled with large, tropical plants. Jean calls it the forest, but I call it my retreat. I love sitting outside amongst the lush, large green plants, and in addition to the aesthetic comfort I enjoy, it provides privacy. Since the balcony is completely visible through the wall of windows, it also gives me the feeling that I’m always outdoors.

I hired an interior decorator to furnish the apartment for me and I’m in love with the décor which is modern. The color theme, beige and brown, is carried throughout the apartment with black accents here and there. The apartment has a gourmet kitchen, not that I am a gourmet cook by any means, in fact, I detest cooking, but the kitchen is there for any visitor so inclined to use it.

Since I was going to be alone tonight I decided to eat out; something not uncommon for me. After grabbing my purse, I headed out to a quaint little deli down the street. I was hoping to find a seat on the outdoor patio; luckily I got the last empty table. I felt a little conspicuous by myself, especially since I didn’t dress up or put any makeup on, but not enough to get up and leave. I didn’t know anyone in the area, so who would see me, right?

When the waiter came, I ordered a glass of wine and was completely engrossed in the menu when suddenly I recognized a familiar male voice.

Mind if I join you young lady?

I looked up from the menu totally shocked to see Jon Brennan standing over me. I was so surprised to see him that it took several seconds to gather my composure, and when I had, I stood up, put my arms around him, and we hugged.

I was just passing by, and I thought I recognized you. Where’s Jean? he asked as he pulled up a seat.

With his dad; he’s spending the night, I responded. What are you doing here? Do you live around here? I had called him last month to tell him that I was moving to Dallas, but I had no idea he lived so close by. The last time I saw him was in Quebec.

Several blocks back that way, he said as he pointed behind him. And you?

Right down the street in the high rise. I can’t believe you’re here. I mean, millions of people live here and the chances of us running into each other—

He laughed. One in a million. I can’t believe it either. So what made you decide to move here? he asked.

Well, it’s not far from Lubbock. I wanted to be able to expose Jean Paul to a good education. Also, I was hoping to find some type of work here.

Have you worked since your accident? he asked.

No, but I think I could do something… a library helper, or teacher’s aide or something like that.

He smiled. Why don’t you volunteer somewhere? You don’t need the money. What about that?

It’s an idea, but right now I’m focused on getting settled in. So, tell me, do you come here often?

Actually, I was on my way to the Italian restaurant two streets down when I thought I recognized you, he said a smile.

It’s me alright, I laughed. I must look horrible. I didn’t get dressed up because eating out was a spur of the moment decision and I didn’t expect to meet anyone I knew.

You look great to me, makeup or no makeup, he responded.

Thanks. Normally, I would never go out without looking my best.

The waiter came to take our order, and interrupted our conversation.

I’m so glad I moved here. I love the neighborhood, I said when the waiter left.

So—you and Paul aren’t living together?

I hesitated. Well, no, but he would be very jealous if he knew we were sitting here together.

He laughed. Well, he had his chance in Quebec to get back together. He has no one to blame but himself.

I know, but there’s a lot involved that you wouldn’t understand, I defended Paul.

I only know if you were mine I wouldn’t have let you get away!

I smiled, but didn’t reply.

When we finish eating, would you like to see a movie tonight? he asked.

Thanks, but maybe some other time. I’m really exhausted tonight.

Tomorrow? There’s a good movie playing. You need a break from moving, and I won’t take no for an answer!

I don’t know, Jon. I have no one to keep Jean Paul. I really can’t ask Paul to keep him while I go on a date. I knew Paul would not be happy about my going out with Jon. He was extremely jealous of him, and besides we were still married.

We’ll take him. I won’t take any excuses, beside he’s a great kid, he smiled.

I felt kind of trapped into going. On the other hand, maybe I needed a night out. At least I wouldn’t have to ask Paul to keep Jean. I dreaded doing that, especially when I would have to tell him I was going with Jon.

The waiter returned with our sandwiches. We sat and talked about our plans, and our hopes for the future while we ate. When I glanced at my watch, I saw we had been talking for over two hours. I told Jon I needed to get home.

I guess you would say Jon was handsome. His facial expressions were soft, and yet, he had a rugged appeal. His dirty blonde hair touched the collar of his shirt and was cut in layers. It gave him kind of a boyish appeal and I rather admired the hairstyle on him. His green eyes sparkled, and he had a nice, warm smile. It was not the smile I loved so well on Paul, but nice just the same. When we left the café, he put his arm around me as he walked me to the entrance of my building.

I’ll pick you up tomorrow at six sharp. We’ll do dinner first, and then hit the movie. Don’t dress up, just casual, okay?

Sure. Thanks, I’ll see you then, I replied. He kissed me on the cheek. I smiled, but inside I was nervous. I really didn’t want to get involved with someone else right now. Not only that, but I knew Paul wouldn’t be happy when he found out.

I slept well that night, only to be awakened very early the next morning by a knock on the door. I scrambled to throw on my robe, walked to the door and opened it to find Jean and Paul standing there. Jean was holding a white cardboard bakery box, which I knew without a doubt must contain donuts, a big smile on his face. I couldn’t help, but smile back. He ran past me to the kitchen with the donuts, while Paul gave me a light kiss on the forehead and put his arm around me as we followed Jean into the kitchen. Jean lost no time in picking out a donut with chocolate icing, and devouring it in three bites.

So, donuts—it’s not my birthday. What’s the special occasion?

Jean wanted to buy them for you. Actually since he’s devoured three of them already, I think there was an ulterior motive, but I couldn’t swear to it, Paul chided.

I laughed. Whatever the reason, thank you. I’ll devour a few myself as soon as I get dressed, I said as I walked to my bedroom. When I turned around to close the door I noticed Paul had followed me into the room.

I’m going to get dressed, I remarked as I faced him.

I know, he said as he stood by the door looking at me. Are you saying you want privacy from me?

Does seem kind of silly, doesn’t it?

No. Not silly… more like you’ve moved on without me, he said softly.

I stood silent for a moment. No, I haven’t moved on. I’m struggling to find out where we left off, and where we go from there.

I don’t know where we’ll go, but I want us to be together. The three of us, he said as he walked over to me, and took me in his arms. I love you Alex, I always will. I’ll do anything to make things up to you.

I know, I just… was all I was able to say before Jean Paul came into the bedroom looking for us.

Momma, your coffee’s ready. I brought you some, he said to me.

I looked beyond Paul to see Jean carefully toting a cup of coffee with both hands, the coffee sloshing in the cup while he tried hard not to spill it. I took the cup from Jean’s hands and thanked him for it. I was so proud of him, and yet, part of me worried that he could have spilled the hot coffee on himself.

You have to be real careful Jean. Coffee is very hot, and you could get burned if you spill it, I told him.

I was careful. It has milk and sugar, taste it, he said looking up at me proudly.

I took a drink. It was way too sweet, but I smiled and told him it was perfect. He was all smiles as Paul picked him up in one arm and pulled me to him with the other, and kissed me. He smiled as our lips parted, his dark eyes flashing as he looked into mine. I’ll admit I was drawn to him; I wanted him. It had been a long time since he had kissed me like that, but I broke from his arms and shooed them out of the room. I looked at myself in the mirror when I finished dressing. I had actually gained a few pounds. Two years of grieving had taken its toll on me, but now my shoulder length auburn hair was regaining its sheen, my green eyes had a sparkle to them again and my cheeks had a rosy tint once more. I sighed and smiled back at myself. I was happy for the first time in two years. Today was going to be a good day. I just had that feeling.

Since the weather was nice, we decided to take Jean to the park. Paul pushed us on the swings for a while, and then the three of us played catch. Jean was so happy that the three of us were together; he was savoring every minute of it. We ate a picnic lunch, and around four o’clock I suggested we head home. Jean and I were going to the movies tonight, and we had to get ready. Paul followed us up to the apartment and into the kitchen as I put the leftover food away.

Alex, he said as he walked up behind me, holding my shoulders and whispering in my ear, let me cook dinner, and spend the night with you.

I sighed. I wanted him to, but I had promised Jon Brennan I would go to the movies with him tonight. I had no recourse, but to tell Paul. I suppose I could call and cancel the date, but then I wasn’t so sure I wanted to let Paul come back so easily. He had been so adamant about not coming home from Quebec, and then there was that vampire vixen Emily who was with him when I found him. I was torn. I turned around to face him and put my arms around his neck. I was almost as tall as he was in my bare feet. As his arms went around me and he pulled me close to him I could feel the frigid cold of his body through our clothes. He was always cold, stone cold, but his eyes were like dark flames. He smiled at me. Darn, I loved his smile!

I felt bad. I knew I had to be truthful. He would be hurt, possibly angry and I probably should cancel my plans with Jon, but for some reason I wanted to go.

I’m sorry. I would love nothing better, but I ran into Jon Brennan today and we made plans to go to the movies. I’m taking Jean with me.

Instantly his smile disappeared. Disapproval was written all over his face.

Call and cancel. You’re still my wife. What makes you think you can date someone else? You accused me of Em, but it’s alright for you to have a date? he asked.

We’re just going as friends. Nothing more than that, I replied.

Maybe not for you, but it’s more for him. Call him, and cancel, he insisted.

Paul, I can’t do that. I promised. You’ve avoided me for three weeks. Now, suddenly, you want to come back tonight. Why? Why tonight? I asked as I wondered to myself if he had overheard my conversation with Jon.

I was waiting Alex. Waiting, and hoping you’d make the first move, but you didn’t. I’ve missed you terribly, but I didn’t want to push you, he replied.

I held his arms. I’ve missed you too, but I made plans. Please let me take Jean Paul. I don’t want to be alone with Jon.

I don’t understand why you’re going at all, he said with a sad look. I’m hurt. I want you to know that. Go ahead, take Jean, but don’t forget your brother will be here tomorrow. We’re supposed to be together as a couple, or have you forgotten that? How are you going to explain taking Jean to the movies with another man? You never know if Jean will bring it up.

I’ll tell them the truth; we’re just friends.

Well, think about it, because it may come up and make sure you come home at a decent hour. I’ll be waiting up to see that you get home safe.

I will, I smiled. I knew he would be waiting up to make sure I didn’t let Jon Brennan come up to my apartment.

He hung around for a while on the pretense he was checking everything so it would appear to Toby and Maddy that he was living in my apartment. I really think he was wanting to see what I would be wearing. Apparently satisfied that everything was in order, he told Jean he would see him later, and kissed me on the forehead.

It was almost five o’clock. Jon would be here shortly, and I rushed to finish getting ready. Jean Paul took his own shower and had dressed himself. I had laid out an outfit for him. I could tell he wasn’t happy that Paul left, but I had a short talk with him about going out with Jon. I told him that we were just friends, and that he was not going to take his Dad’s place. He seemed satisfied with that, but wanted to know why his Dad couldn’t go. I told him that Paul just didn’t want to see the movie, and that he was going to get things ready for Toby and Maddy tomorrow.

It was six o’clock on the nose when Jon rang our intercom. I let him in the front door, and within minutes he was standing outside the apartment. I had put on a pair of nice jeans, and a green sweater. I didn’t want to make a great impression, but I wanted to look presentable. Jean Paul had on a nice pair of jeans, and a blue shirt. He looked right handsome to me, but then maybe I was prejudiced. Jon handed me a small bouquet of flowers. I thanked him, and arranged the flowers in a vase while he made small talk with Jean Paul. When I finished, we were out the door, but not before Jon told me how lovely I looked.

It was awkward with both of them having similar names, so I had to address Jean Paul by his full name in order to keep the two of them from answering me as the same time. Jon asked Jean Paul what he liked to eat, and Jean Paul told him he liked spaghetti.

Okay! I know a great, little Italian restaurant just two blocks from here. Is that alright with you two?

Does it have spaghetti? Jean asked.

Yes, he laughed. It has lots of spaghetti. Do you like spaghetti Alex?

Yes. Both of us do. What about you Jon? I asked.

Love it! he said as he rubbed his hands together. He was all smiles, and his green eyes were lively and sparkled. I studied his face. I thought to myself again that he was a handsome man. I didn’t feel the same physical attraction to him as I did Paul, but albeit I realized that I was still attracted to him.

The restaurant was only a couple of streets from the apartment. There was a large, dark green canvas awning over the front of the building that sported the name, Sal’s Fine Italian Food in crisp, white letters. The minute Jon opened the door the tantalizing aromas made my mouth water, and although it was crowded, we were seated right away. The food was delicious, and the portions were so large that we couldn’t eat it all. Jon was a good conversationalist, and had us talking and laughing like we’d known him forever. Jean Paul told Jon all about the ranch, and how much he missed it, but that he was very excited to be starting school here soon. Jon Brennan told us that he was an engineer, and had lived in Dallas the last ten years. He had been married before, but had no children and traveled a lot with his work.

After dinner, we made our way towards the movie theater a few streets away.

So what movie are we going to see? I asked wondering if it would be appropriate for Jean.

Well, there’s a good pirate movie I think Jean will like; lots of action—I think you’ll like it too.

Once inside the theater we found good seats. Jon sat on one side of me and Jean Paul sat on the other. Jean Paul, satisfied with a bag of popcorn, and a drink, was completely engrossed in the movie, and never once looked my way. Halfway through the movie, I found Jon’s arm around me.

I’m so glad you came tonight. I was worried all day that you’d call, and cancel. I’m glad you didn’t, he whispered.

I told you I’d come, I whispered back.

I hope this won’t be the last time you’ll go out with me, he whispered again.

I just smiled. At this point in my life, I wasn’t sure what I wanted, but I had no intentions of being pushed into a relationship.

When the movie was over, Jon walked us home to the apartment building. I decided to let him know that he couldn’t come up in case he asked. I thanked him for the evening, and told him that my brother and his wife were coming to visit early in the morning and I had a lot to do tonight.

Why don’t I take you all out for dinner?

Thank you. That’s very sweet of you, but we already made plans for the weekend. Perhaps next time, I said as I saw a look of disappointment show on his face.

Can I call you next week?

Sure. Thanks again for the evening. I had a great time, I replied.

I knew he wanted to kiss me goodnight, but he held back because Jean Paul was now standing between us. Jean Paul thanked him for the dinner and the movie. Jon smiled at him, and told him he was glad that he enjoyed it. He was impressed that Jean thanked him without being prompted to do so. As he started to walk away he suddenly turned, kissed me on the lips, tasseled Jean’s hair and walked off. Jean looked at me questioningly. I just shrugged my shoulders, took him by the hand and proceeded into the building without explanation.

It was ten-thirty when Jean and I walked in the apartment. Jean went to get his pajamas, and after I took a quick shower I went to check on him and tuck him in bed. I asked him if he wanted me to read to him, but he replied he was too tired so I simply kissed him good night. I sat on the edge of his bed for a minute just admiring him as I brushed his dark hair from his face. Without a word he reached up to me and hugged me. I reminded him that Paul was coming up tomorrow, kissed him on his forehead and cut off the light.

As I left the room looking back at him, I saw that his eyes were already closed in the short time it took me to reach the door. An unexpected bone chilling cold touch on my bare shoulder startled me and I found myself stumbling to the floor. I let out a scream and landed on all fours on the carpet. I looked up to see Paul standing over me with his hand held out to help me up. My heart was pounding, my hand had gone instinctively to my chest in a feeble attempt to calm my racing heart.

I could have had a heart attack. What do you mean… scaring me like that! I said angrily. Are you checking up on me? I’ll bet you were thinking I let Jon come up here, didn’t you? And you were so jealous, you just couldn’t stand it! You had to come up.

No. I just came up because I wanted to see you. Yes, I was a little jealous, but I knew I’d have you the whole weekend. Well, not alone, but I knew I’d be the one with you. That’s why I came up tonight… to be alone with you. I had planned to wine, and dine you, and then take you to bed, but no—you had other plans, he grinned.

I’m a busy woman. You’ll need to make reservations, I snapped back.

I see that. Well, clear your date book for this weekend, it’s all mine, he said as he swooped me up in his strong arms and carried me to the bedroom.

Toby and Maddy arrived early the next morning. In fact, we hadn’t been up too long before they arrived. Since the weather was nice, we all sat out on the balcony, and enjoyed coffee together. They filled us in on the latest goings on at the ranch. Jean Paul sat in Toby’s lap the entire time. He had become attached to my brother and had missed him terribly. Maddy had brought several photos of