Forbidden Embrace (16 page)

“
Hey Cas, nice to see you back here. You’ve chosen a great night to come; should be good times. We’re planning some initiations tonight, care to participate?”

“
Initiations, what’s that?” I ask with slight caution.

“
Ha ha, it’s where we welcome new members into the group. They must prove that they are worthy and pass our test,” Cyrus says with a demonic chuckle.

“
Well, I think it may be something for me to consider, but we’ve known one another long enough that I assume you trust me.”

“
Yeah, you’re a good guy Cas, but nothing like making it official.”

“
I’ll consider it, but you know me; I hate being tied down by responsibility to others.”

“
Yeah I know, that’s what I like about you,” he smiles. “So hey, I noticed Drake brought that young hotty you were talking to on New Year’s. What was her name?”

“
On New Year’s? There were a few,” I joke, knowing exactly who he’s talking about… Danika. She must be back again. This isn’t good if they are turning on the sprinklers and doing initiations tonight. I’m gonna have to stay close.

“
The hot little red head,” Cyrus reminds me.

“
Oh, what the hell was her name? Danielle? No, I’ve heard it before; oh, wait the same as that female race car driver, Danika. Is that it?” I try to play things down.

“
Yeah, I think that’s it. Maybe you should go re-introduce yourself. I saw her on the dance floor a little while ago. I’ll catch ya later, got some work to take care of before the initiations begin.” He smacks me on the shoulder and turns to leave, disappearing in the crowd almost as fast as he turned around.

I haven’t checked in on my estranged family in a few days since their big fight, and I wonder what happened that Danika is here. Maybe she just came to hang out again, but it can’t possibly be a good time for her to be here. Tonight they are going to try to get her to join them; what better way to get back at the Pierces than to take one of their own? I know Drake has had his eye on her for a while now, so I must keep my eye on him too. I notice Danika bopping away on the dance floor; she seems to be quite the popular item here. Just then she looks up and notices me. She bolts off the floor and over to me.

“
Hey, you’re Cas right? Remember me? I’m Danika; we met on New Year’s. Do you come here lots?” She rambles on like any regular teen, barely breathing between sentences.

“
Yeah sure do. How you doing?”

“
Great, I love this place. Everyone makes me feel so welcome;, not like where I used to live.”

Used to live? What does she mean? Oh Christ has this stupid kid run away to come stay here? I gotta figure out what’s going on with her. “What do you mean where you used to live? Your Embracer wasn’t good to you?”

“
I never knew my Embracer; he left me in the streets. I was taken in by a great family, but one of the girls, Sophia, who was like one of my sisters, had it in for me. What made it even worse is I have feelings for her.”

“
Oh wow, that sounds like a lot of drama. So how long are you staying here? Do they know where you are?” I try to gather a little Intel, so I can piece together a plan to save this brat. Wow, did Sophia have her pegged right. That girl’s got some killer instincts, and do I ever miss her.

“
No I didn’t tell them where I was going, I just ran away. The family I lived with would never approve of a place like this. They try to act as if they’re still mortal. I don’t understand it though; this life is so exciting and cool.”

“
I’m sure they have very good reasons for the way they live; you know we’re all different and this life isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Do you know much about the people here? Cause I will give you one bit of advice–when you’re here and around these kinds of
vampires
, always keep your nose clean, and be very careful who you trust. They hold no loyalty to anyone but themselves and their king. The people that frequent this club will destroy you in an instant if they think it will help them advance.” I try to warn her, but it starts to sound more like a lecture, and I notice her rolling her eyes at me. “Sorry Danika, I too am new here and just a little paranoid, if you know what I mean. Maybe we can watch each other’s backs.”

“
Sure, just please don’t try to tell me what to do…I’m so sick of bossy
vampires
,” she lets out a small chuckle.

“
I’ll do my best; let’s grab a shot and we can chat some more, that’s if you want…you know I don’t wanna be a bossy
vampire,
” I smirk.

She smiles, “Great, you like dancing? ‘Cause I’m having a blast out there.”

“
I’ll give it a try. You kinda mentioned you were into chicks, right?”

“
Yeah why, you got a problem with me being a lesbian?”

“
Not at all, to each their own. I was just thinking we could be each other’s wing man.”

“
Wing man, what’s that?”

I try not to laugh at the naive girl before me. “We tag team the ladies, work together to help find someone to hook up with.”

“
Hook up with, wow…ummm, I don’t think I’m ready for that yet. I mean I just realized that I’m gay in the past few days. I’ve never even kissed a girl.”

“
Oh sorry, I didn’t mean to…well just forget it, we can just hang together. I’m just trying to act cool. Can I ask you something though?”

“
Go ahead.”

“
Well how do you know you’re a lesbian if you’ve never kissed a girl?”

“
I guess I don’t really. I just feel it when I think of my so-called sister. I was always jealous of her relationship, and thought it was ’cause I had a crush on her boyfriend. So, well, I kissed him, and it was disgusting. That is when I realized I was in love with her, not her guy. I mean, I just feel it. I think I always knew; have you’ve always known you were straight?”

“
Wow, I bet she was pissed when she found out you kissed her boyfriend.” I only assume knowing Sophia’s temper.

“
That is the understatement of eternity. She kicked my ass.”

Uncontrollably I burst out in laughter. I can just see Sophia on top of this poor girl beating the crap out of her, storing all the pent up energy from the fight against the Cerberus and laying it on Danika. “I’m so sorry. I really don’t mean to laugh. You just don’t seem like the type of gal who takes a good lickin.”

“
Well I did, but next time I’ll be ready, if there even is a next time. I left a note for my family and told them not to come looking for me. Even if they do, I doubt she’ll come. Sophia doesn’t give two…well she just doesn’t care about me and will be happier with me gone.”

“
I have a feeling you don’t give this so called family of yours enough credit. I bet they are looking for you as we speak.” I know them too well and the whole lot of them is doing everything they can to find Danika.

“
Well they’ll never find me here, so I guess I don’t have to worry.”

“
Maybe we should just try and have some fun, and forget about our problems for now,” I suggest, trying to get her to forget about the Pierces for now. I want her to need them back, not hate them after complaining about them. I know they have their flaws–every family does–but she really can’t do any better than them. I should know…maybe we can go back together. We get a quick shot and head out to the dance floor, with the plan of dancing the night away.

Chapter 16

Road Trip

Isaac calls the family and our friends into the family room; he has something to share with all of us…I think he may have a plan. Once Elijah, Florence, Constance, Alexander, Matilda, and I are there along with our two mortal friends and the
witches,
Isaac stands before us with a map of Boston.

“
Okay, well I think we may have a lead on Danika. I know it has been several hours since she went missing, but I have some information as to where she may have gone. I found out about this
vampire
club in Boston. It is run by the Cerberus, although that fact is not made known to all the club goers. Tonight is their initiation night, and it seems they have their sights on a few new clubbers. I think Danika may be one of them. I have already contacted Tamo, he and the other
shifters
are already out scouting, trying to pick up on her scent or whatever else may be out there.”

Elijah calmly says, “Great, I know the Williams family will do their best to help find her. Now do you know what is included in this initiation? If we are too late will we be able to get her back?”

“
Not likely. The process includes the sacrifice of a mortal. Once you have done that you say a pledge to the leader. It is highly unlikely for him to release anyone that completes the process.”

“
And is there any indication as to who the leader may be?” Constance asks with concern.

Isaac nods and chews his bottom lip; this is never a good sign. “My source claims it is Cyrus and his son Drake.”

Nate looks at me and around the room. “Who are Cyrus and Drake, and what does that mean?”

Isaac glances to Elijah and nods for him to explain. Elijah begins, “Cyrus is one of the original thirteen grandchildren of Cain, the first of our kind. He is one of the few originals left today, making him the most powerful as well. Thousands of years ago, Cyrus was the leader of the rebelling grandchildren, and now the head of the Cerberus. Drake is his son; he has gone by many variations of that name. Draco was a former name, but he is most commonly known as Dracula.”

“
Are you freakin kidding, like the real Dracula?” Nathanial says with excitement as he jumps from his seat.

“
Yeah, like the real Dracula; or at least the one depicted to a point in the movies.” Elijah laughs and motions for Nathanial to sit down again.

“
I heard that he may have been real, but never really knew for certain,” Matt jumps in.

“
There is actually a long standing tale about him and his demise,” Isaac adds.

Nathanial is nearly bouncing, “Well, don’t just tease us like that. You have to tell us the tale.”

With a chuckle Isaac begins, “It is said that Dracula was chased out of Transylvania. He fled to the docks and boarded a ship full of people that was headed to Whitby in North Yorkshire of the United Kingdom. Afraid of being found by those who were hunting him, Dracula transformed into a dog, as he had the power to shape-shift. Even as a dog, Dracula needed to stay out of the sun or he would burn, so he remained in the cellar onboard until night. Once nightfall was upon them, Dracula would transform back to his original form and find a poor soul to feed from, draining them to death. His only other option to feed was when a crew member entered the cellar.”

“
That is pretty cool; what happened next?”

“
Back in Whitby a couple saw the ship. Surprised as it had been so long since the last ship had passed through Whitby, they watched, wondering what was aboard. As the ship came to dock the couple realized no one was aboard the ship, and couldn’t figure out how it was being steered. Now of course, with a little practice,
vampires
can control minds and inanimate objects; this allowed him to steer the boat with his mind. Once he disembarked the ship, Dracula realized sunrise would soon be upon him–he needed to find a safe place to hide out. Not far from the docks is Whitby Abbey; Dracula raced up the nearly 200 stairs to find solace within the Abbey walls.”

Nathanial is intently listening to the story, “So how did he end up here in North America?”

“
Once the people of Whitby found out about him, they hunted him and staked him. He was buried there at the Abbey. What the people didn’t know is he could be resurrected; because of his age and powers he was, and is, much harder to destroy. Dracula was staked, but not beheaded or burned, so he just needed a little help. It is said that his father Cyrus found him, as makers can sense their kin. He removed the stake and fed his son; not only mortals blood, but his own blood as well, bringing Dracula back to the world of the undead. They left a tourist’s bones in Dracula’s place and staked the remains, making it appear that Dracula’s body still rests in Whitby Abbey today. Only those of our kind are aware of the true story, and now you all share this knowledge.”

“
I assume that this is now a popular tourist attraction,” Matt adds.

“
You are correct son…many tourist go to see the grave of Dracula.”

“
Oh, I’m so there!” Nathanial announces.

“
Now that’s a very interesting story, but we have more important matters to deal with than a tourist attraction. I’m more concerned about, how bad is it going to be if they get their hands on–or should I say fangs in–Danika?” Eliza comically asks.

“
Well–being two of the most powerful
vampires
in history, I would have to say pretty bad. So we better get going and get to Boston,” Constance adds.

We decide to leave Ms. Edwina, Matt and Nathanial here, just for their safety and in case Danika comes home. With the remainder of us jumping in our cars, we race down the interstate towards Boston; at this rate it should only take us about 15 minutes.