It's In The Blood (Book 2): It's In The Blood, #2

By Christopher Lee Roeters

    In writing " It's In The Blood" I've brought together a total of my past fears, hopes, and dreams. Growing up in Craig, Colorado, Kotzebue, Alaska, and northern Michigan, I've learned a lot about the vast differences in people. Rather if it is a matter of difference within the race, sexual orientation, or any other item that may make a person, or group of people, different from those around us, I've always believed that all men should be treated equal. 

     I credit my adoptive family for my open minded nature. I also credit young authors such as Macaulay Culkin and Christopher Paolini who gave me the backbone, to put into writing, my best example of Science Fiction. With this, i've used a mythical race to bring to light that equalness to all minority groups. With it, the sadness that is way too often left within the wake of those that choose to hate. 

     I've shown that, at times, that those that are the closest to us turn out to be the ones that we should not have trusted, while at other times our best friends are formed out of those that you would have least expected…. How often have you heard of a friendship or relationship starting off from an argument or fight?

     Then, along with the above, and then beyond, I've shown a deep contrast of love within a family. A family that many readers would love to be part of or close to. I've shown a depth of brotherhood that most could only dream of while the rest of us know that It's In The Blood. 

     I would like to personally thank you for choosing to read It's In The Blood… Thank you and God bless…

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christopher Lee Roeters
• Release date: Nov 4, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201018085

Book preview

It's In The Blood (Prologue)

PROLOGUE 

It was such an innocent mishap, nothing less though, the twelve year old boy found himself heading head first towards an unknown doom. ’What was that that I stumped my toe on?‘ The lad asked himself. At first the twelve year old couldn't focus his eyes on anything within the darkness, he could only wish that this long moment of slow motion could bring him to a soft landing.

As a flashback crossed his mind, he remembered a time that he had fallen off of his bicycle in the rain. Just as it had now, time had instantly slowed down prior to coming to a extremely painful and bloody stop. He remembered how he had wiped the top of his head, with the palm of his hand, finding it to be covered with blood and a clump of flesh with hair still attached to it. He remembered how he had used his other hand to pick himself up off of the ground, by grasping onto the chrome bumper of an old pickup truck, that had caused the bloody mess.

Now, as he continued his downward descend, his eyes became focused on a rock that could have been, or might as well have been, the size of the moon. With this another memory flashed through his mind. He remembered how his father, perhaps about two years prior to this moment, had showed him, with a telescope, the planet of Saturn.

As quick as this memory came to his numb mind, his eyes refocused on the rock below that had now appeared much larger than seconds before. Within his peripheral vision he could now make out lights from a few surrounding houses near the bottom of the nearly one hundred and fifty foot drop off, of the sand rocks that had created this soon-to-be life altering experience.

Then, just as he closed his eyes before impact, the twelve year old found himself to have made a sudden stop within...

Opening his eyes, he wondered for a moment, if it was his life just coming to an end, the sudden experience of life after death, or...

Though the darkness he couldn't see what had caught him, he could see, however, that something or someone was holding him... Holding him tightly... Holding him close to themselves.

As his head was rested against the sternum of someone's chest, he could feel that that person was using their arms to hold him in the fetal position, under his legs and the center of his back. Feeling that he had free motion of his left arm, he raised his hand up over his own head hoping to be able to identify the person holding him. As he did so his fingers followed up his protector's sternum to the base of the person's neck...

Just hold on Eddie... We're almost back to the top of the sand rocks.

Malachi... Is that you? The shaken twelve year old asked.

Yes Eddie... I told you that I Could fly.

IN MEMORY OF:

IN MEMORY OF:

Kim (Iriuruq) Nay Jr.

8/22/1975 - 1/22/2004

It's In The Blood (Chapter 1)

W ell Malachi... What did you wish for this year? David asked his son just as he blew out the thirteen candles. Nicole had been the only friend outside of the immediate family that had been invited to the celebration. This wasn't due to the lack of friends, but rather Malachi's idea that this would make a better personal impression onto Nicole.

Looking up from the cake, as his father asked his question, Malachi stared into Nicole's eyes from across the table. My wish is to spend the rest of my life with the person that I love the most. Malachi's voice was extremely stern as he answered his father. With his answer the rest of the family turned and stared at Nicole.

I love you Malachi. Nicole said as a tear ran down her face. I want to spend the rest of my life with you too. With this response everyone paused for a moment and then simultaneously began to clap hands.

The fact that Malachi was only thirteen years old had weighed pretty hard on David's mind, as his son had repeatedly made insinuations of a long life with Nicole. To remain positive, however, and wishing that his son would grow up happy he never took any part of arguing against Malachi's wishes.

Hey Corina... Mrs. Sanchez spoke up just as the clapping faded away. How about you and I do the dishes together... I need some one-on-one time with you for a little while. The older women said as the rest of the family went out into the back yard.

Is everything alright mom? Corina asked with a look of worry on her face.

Yes, of course, I just need to talk with you. Then suddenly the doorbell rang interrupting the two women.

I'll be right back mom... I'll go see who that is. Corina said as she walked out of the kitchen and then down the stairs. As Corina opened the door she looked down into the eyes of a boy about  Malachi's age.

Pulling his hands out from behind him he held out a present. Mamm... is Malachi home?

Yeah he is... What's your name? I don't think that I've met you before.

My name is Eddie... I'm in Malachi's class at school. He had told me once, long time ago, that his birthday is on May twenty-fourth. I went and bought something for him with my allowance. Eddie Continued as he looked up to Corina.

Well that's very thoughtful of you... Come on in Eddie. The kids are outside in the back yard. You can get to them through the sliding glass door in the kitchen. Corina said as she led the way up the steps.

Thank you ma'am. Eddie finished and then exited the kitchen to the fenced in yard behind the house.

Well gee... Who was that little polite one? Corina's mom asked as she held her hands on her hips with her back to the sink. 

He says that his name is Eddie and is friends with Malachi at school... Too bad that our kids arn't that polite. With this Corina began to fill one of the sinks with hot water as she put dish soap under the faucets stream. 

You know Corina... Mrs. Sanchez began as she too turned to face the sink.  ...now that Malachi has reached his thirteenth year, there Are some additional things that you need to know about him... and  then again when Ronnie reaches that age.

Turning off the faucet Corina turned to face her mother with a look of worry on her face. What do you mean by 'additional things' mom? It's been hard enough spending the last thirteen years hiding the E.S.P. from David... I don't know how much more that I can take on.

Reaching out to hold her daughter's arm, Mrs. Sanchez firmly grasped onto Corina as she looked her in the eyes. Corina... You've got to understand and remember that no matter what changes ever take place, now or later, that those boys of yours are your children. Also, as I've told you before, their number one mission in life will be to protect your life. A second mission, for Malachi anyhow, will be to protect Nicole's life. When, and if, Ronnie finds himself a special person in his life, his second mission will be to protect that person.

I know... You've told me before about them protecting me... But what other things are gonna happen now? And am I gonna be able to keep these things from David and others that come into our lives?

Yes Corina... If you make a direct effort, with Malachi and Ronnie, to keep things among yourselves, then obviously no one will know. Mrs. Sanchez said as she loosened her grip on Corina's arms.

Well then what else is gonna happen? And... how many of their close friends are gonna die as we learn to live with it? Corina's eyes suddenly filled with tears and then one single tear rolled down her cheek as she continued to look at her mother.

Reaching back out towards her daughter, Mrs. Sanchez wrapped her arms around Corina to relax her. Honey... Sometimes Malachi and Ronnie are gonna make mistakes. When they do, and it will happen again, you'll need to forget about it. Trying to remember won't fix what ever happened nor will remembering help you to deal with it when it happens again. Letting go of the hug Mrs. Sanchez led Corina, by the hand, to the dining room table. Pulling out a chair for her daughter she then quickly sat down next to her. For a moment neither one of them spoke. They just both sat there as they stared out through the sliding glass door towards the children as they played.

Looking back towards her mom, and then wiping away one last tear, Corina cleared her throat as she continued. Alright mom... What else?

Well really... Beyond the E.S.P., their are four other things that Malachi, now that he has reached his thirteenth year, will be able to do, one of which is a short list of allergies that could harm him...Then possibly even kill him. Pausing for a moment, Corina's mom turned her head back towards the door and looked at the kids as they continued to play. Malachi is gonna start staying out late at night or, at least staying awake late at night... Looking back towards Corina she continued. Malachi is gonna start having a severe allergy to the ultra violet light that the sun produces. This ultra violet light will severely burn his skin. Holy water... Pausing for just a second. Holy water from a catholic church will burn his skin along with other tissues under his skin. Then, one last allergy... If anything ever penetrates his heart, regardless of how minor the injury may be, he will die instantly... The other allergys may also kill him if he is not taken out of direct contact with them as quickly as possible."

Are those all of the allergies? Corina asked in a soft quiet tone of voice.

Yes. With this answer Mrs. Sanchez looked up to the kitchen counter towards the coffee maker. Would you like a cup of coffee honey? I'm gonna pour myself some. Getting up from the table she walked over to the cupboard above the coffee maker.

Yes please mom. Corina said as she turned in her chair to where she could look directly at her mom. What other changes are there gonna be?

Well... Mrs. Sanchez started as she pulled out two cups. ...along with the enlarged canines Malachi's body has now produced venom that will be secreted through the bite from the canines... The holes in the roof of theIr mouth, at the thirteenth year, have now grown glands in the upper plate of their mouths. You can't see these glands because the upper plate hides them and protects them. With this venom, when and if Malachi bites someone, that person will then also become a vampire. The only exception is if Malachi were to instantly drain that person of all of his or her blood killing them. This venom is a pathogenic microorganism that permanently contaminates the victim's blood. The effects are not reversible, unless Malachi were to remove all of that person's blood. Sitting back down at the table Mrs. Sanchez handed Corina one of the cups of coffee. One last change, or addition is that Malachi will be able to, to some extent, fly, hover, or levitate. It is this one that you'll need to worry about David finding out.

How are we gonna know when this ability, or the others are able to be done by Malachi? Corina asked as she carefully sipped from her hot cup of coffee.

Malachi will know first... Most likely by accident. Also, most likely he'll find out before the end of today. The experience will most likely scare him at first and hopefully nobody will see it when it happens... Corina, you need to make sure that he keeps his teeth off of people. The last thing that we need is an outbreak of vampires in today's society. Standing up from her seat, Mrs. Sanchez slowly walked up to the sliding glass door and watched as the children kicked a soccer ball around the yard. Corina... She started again and then suddenly paused. ...you need to remember that our survival is within the silence... We cannot allow anyone to know.

I understand this mom... But what if Malachi, or Ronnie after his thirteenth year, accidently bites someone? What do we do about keeping silent then? Corina asked as she also stood then watched out the sheet of glass with her mother. "

In that case... Turning to face her daughter, ...a choice has to be made immediatly on rather to allow that person to die or become one of us. If we feel that our existence is at risk through an individual person, then it is up to us to terminate that person's life.

Mom... I am a police officer of the Craig Police Department, how am I gonna...

Corina! Mrs. Sanchez snapped loudly. You are a vampire... who you are biologically comes before your choice of employment... Pointing out the window, as Ronnie sat on a step petting Spud she continued. Those are your children Corina... They love you very much, just as you love them. Those children of yours are predestined to risk their own lives to protect yours... Now, what are you willing to do to protect theirs? What are you willing to do to protect our lives?

Raising her hand Corina wiped away a tear as her eyes had, once again, become wet. You're right... I will do anything to protect the lives of my children...

And that doesn't necessary mean that we have to kill... Only if we doubt that person's ability to remain quiet. Mrs. Sanchez finished and then reached out to her to catch another tear for her. Its gonna be alright honey... Give me a hug. 

__________

Come on Ronnie... Leave the dog alone and come play with us... Please. Malachi pressed. Ronnie was playing but then felt as though his mom and grandmother were talking about them. He had strongly felt that the conversation between them had to do with additional powers, or abilities, associated with their thirteenth birthdays. Through the loud yelling and playing between his brother, Nicole, and Eddie, Ronnie had missed parts of the conversation.

Alright... I'm coming. Ronnie announced as he stood up and then walked away from the dog. Then, as Ronnie got about ten feet away from the porch, Spud quickly raced to Ronnie's side and grabbed ahold of his pant leg. "

I'm surprised how much energy that dog has... Nicole commented. Spud is at least twelve years old now.

What kind of dog is it? Eddie asked as he bent over to pick up the soccer ball.

A Chinese Pug. Malachi piped up as he grabbed Eddie from behind. Then, as he wrapped one arm around Eddie's chest he quickly used his other arm to pull his head backwards. With this hold Malachi, acting as though he was gonna bite his friend, placed his mouth around Eddie's neck and carefully dragged his teeth over Eddie's jugular vein.

Careful there Malachi... I'm not a pincushion you know. Eddie said jokingly as he had also pulled his head forward. As he did this he suddenly felt a stinging sensation as Malachi's teeth sunk into the soft tissues of Eddie's neck. Ouch!

Ooh... I'm sorry Eddie... Malachi quickly said as he pulled himself away from his friend. I didn't mean to do that."

Eddie placed one hand over the side of his neck as he used the other to hold onto his stomach. Malachi... It feels like its burning... And I'm feeling dizzy.

Alright... Let's go into the garage Eddie... And Nicole, you and Ronnie don't say anything about what just happened, just keep playing like everything is normal. Malachi said quietly enough that nobody would hear inside the house. Then, turning back towards his friend, he led Eddie, by the arm, towards the back door of the garage.

Just as they entered the door Malachi suddenly felt as though he was carrying perhaps the majority of his friends body weight. Eddie... Can you get up on here? As he asked he patted his free hand on the door of the ice box.

Looking up towards Malachi's face, Eddie tried his best to focus his eyes on Malachi's facial features. With the best of his efforts, however, the only improvement was going from quadruple vision to double vision... and blurred at that. I don't think so... I  can't even move without you personally moving me. Eddie answered.

Listening to his friend's slurred response, Malachi quickly decided that he would have to lift his friend onto the freezer. Okay Eddie... I want you to rest against the side of the freezer while I lift you from behind your knees with one arm, and then behind your shoulder blades with my other arm. Now, as I place my arm on the back of your legs, I want you to let your body weight down onto my arm so that I can lift you... Alright?

Are you sure that you can Malachi? You're not much bigger than I am. Though Eddie had fully doubted Malachi's physical ability to do exactly what he had just described, the weakness throughout his body was almost immediately reluctant to follow Malachi's directions.

As Eddie's knees almost buckled at Malachi's request, Malachi was extremely surprised at just how light his friend was... Almost as if his friend weighed nothing at all. Then, as Malachi began to straighten his legs, from his slightly knelt down position, with his friend within his arms, he suddenly found himself floating off of the cement floor. What the hell... Malachi cried out loud.

With his friend still in his arms unconscious, Malachi was in total awe as he looked at the floor that was about four feet below the level of his feet. Tightening his grip onto his friend, Malachi looked all around himself to find a simple explanation for what was happening. Then, as he adjusted his eyes on the top of the freezer, he realized that he was in perfect elevation to place Eddie's body on the freezer's door.

Extending his arms, and finding that his friend was still weightless, Malachi carefully placed Eddie on the ice box. Pulling his arms back he instantly began to lower to the floor, once again without effort. As his feet touched the floor, Malachi bend down and touched the floor with his fingers, almost as if he needed confirmation that he was actually on the floor.

Standing back up, with a tight grip onto the edge of the freezer door, Malachi took a quick survey of his friend. He could see immediatly that Eddie was in fact breathing. Reaching out towards Eddie with one hand the other still tightly gripped onto the edge of the door and it's rubber seal -  Malachi carefully placed his hand onto the side of Eddie's neck. Instantly Malachi could tell that something about his friend's condition was not right. Malachi had known for a long time that Ronnie's and his own skin temperature was much lower than that of anyone else's. Along with this knowledge he had also known that Ronnie's and his own heart rate and respirations were much faster than anyone else's. Now, as he held his hand to Eddie's neck, he discovered that all of the differences were now in common with Eddie.

Suddenly Eddie's eyes opened and then stared directly at Malachi causing him to jump backwards. Malachi... Whats going on? Eddie asked as he saw a instant look of terror on his face.

I don't know... Something strange is happening though. Malachi responded as he had also attempted to catch his own composure. Can you get up?

Yeah... I think so anyway. Then Eddie slowly sat up on the edge of the freezer. I feel alright... Watch out so that I can jump down.

With this Malachi stepped back a couple of paces and watched his friend land firmly on the floor of the garage. Stepping back towards Eddie, Malachi put his hand on Eddie's shoulder. Do you feel alright?

Yeah... What happened? I remember you biting me behind your house, and then suddenly I'm waking up on the top of this freezer... Malachi, whats going on? As he spoke to Malachi, Eddie had also felt the side of his own neck.

Really Eddie, I don't know what's happening... But I do think that it would be a good idea to keep this to ourselves. Come on, let's go back outside with Nicole and Ronnie before my family figures out that something is wrong... Also Eddie, let's keep this a secret from everyone. Malachi said as he opened the garage door.

Prior to going into the garage, in fact the entire morning for that matter, there was a slight cloud cover that had been hiding the sun. Now, as Malachi and Eddie regrouped with Ronnie and Nicole, the sun was shining brightly from the west. Beyond just stepping out from the poorly lighted garage, the bright sun light hadn't only blinded Malachi but had also seemed to irritate his eyes like never before. In an attempt to refocus his eyes Malachi looked down to the ground as he stopped walking, causing Eddie to run