The Last Vampyre Prophecy (14 page)

“Mehi.” I lilt.

She grins. “Khai. God it’s good to see your beautiful face. It’s been ages.” Her grace is as alarming as it was the day she turned me. She was already over two thousand years old at the time. Yes, this will be the fight of my existence.

She gracefully steps forward. “
What? No embrace for your oldest friend.” She murmurs. I take in the glint of her eye; it is the look she pinned me with just before she took my humanity. It’s predatory and possessive.

I wipe my mind of all thoughts and any lingering images of Adonia. Mehi
is here for one reason, my connection with Adonia. Any strong emotion I filter, she senses it no matter what the distance is between us. I’ve been careful to control myself for seventeen hundred years. She spent the first one hundred years of my new life teaching me survival but also enslaving me. It was only when I became strong enough to defy her that she released me.

I’ve been avoiding this encounter since. I traveled the world hunting and researching my kind only to learn there are very few and most are many thousands of years old. Our kind is a selfish existence and
overlapping territories creates wars.

During a trip to Egypt six hundred years ago I learned of an uprising in the mid 1400’s. According to the legend,
there was a period of several days of intense lightning storms followed by volcanic activity and flooding across the Middle East. Thousands of people succumbed to the elements but it was the mythical part of the story that caught my attention.

The local townsmen rarely spoke of it as a gesture of not wanting to conjure up any latent spirits but one man opened up to me. He told about the strange
levitations and curses on the town’s people then the wiping of a village in a single night.

The beautiful people
, he said, were “walking demons” and destroyed anything in their path including each other. The fights between the “beautiful people” he said, were horrific. They destroyed ancient coliseums and churches in their wake.

Finally, when the carnage was over one walking demon remained, he
mused, and she placed a curse over the city that damned anyone who spoke of the war and promised to destroy their entire lineage.

Not lo
ng after the story was told there was an earthquake that swallowed half the city and two thousand perished.

The walking Demon was Mehi.

She’d destroyed masses of people and took out the remaining nomadic vampyres drifting through the Middle East. I only know of seven walking the earth and they have learned to coexist each possessing a power to ensure their survival.

Mehi can control the elements and the weather which, makes her the most powerful of us all. She can use nature to annihilate anything in her path. Just like she did in the war of 1421.

I can feel the atmosphere changing and the air thickening around us. Her emotions are growing dark and the weather is circling her mood.

I stare at her impassively. But feeling the burn growing within.

Mehi smiles wide. “Surely you wouldn’t risk burning down this beautiful establishment,” she gestures her delicate hand around the room, “because of your errant temper, Khai.” She shakes her head in mock admonishment. “That would be ever so careless and not to mention selfish on your part.” Her eyes glow as she continues, “Besides, you wouldn’t want any harm to come to your precious, Adonia. That is her name, correct?” She purrs as she steps closer.

Everything inside me freezes at the sound of her name coming off Mehi’s tongue. It’s lethal and laced with unbridled hate.

She shakes her finger at me. “Oh, Khai. Do you forget, I know every part of your existence, every thought you have. You. Are. Mine.” She breathes, “Forever.”

Rage and vitriol shoot up my spine. “You do not own me, no one owns me, Mehi and as you should already know, I will die to prot
ect her. Whatever I need to do.” I seethe. I’m barely able to contain the fire growing inside me. I want to eviscerate her; I want to burn her where she stands. I don’t care about witnesses or casualties.

She tilts her head back giving a musical laugh. “Oh how
I’ve missed your entertainment, Khai. You always have had the gift of theatrics.” She stops and her face grows bored. “There are things I suppose you should know about your little Adonia.” She picks at her nails and clicks her teeth in distraction. “It appears a myth I thought preposterous really has some veracity to it.” I look around and feel for intruders of our conversation.

She rolls her eyes then sighs before she continues, “Anyway,” she murmurs exasperated, “The house maid we had in Greece at the time I turned you was a practicing
Papyri Graecae Magicae. She placed a spell on Nanu’s spirit that she come back and walk the earth again in peace and reunite with her love.” She scoffs, “Apparently, it appears that is you.”

We stare at one another for several minutes. I know
her intent. She regards me amusedly before she says; “I just never got the bond with you two. I never understood how you could pick that lowly servant over me.” She shakes her head and a dark look of menace crosses her face. “But now, surely you understand that I cannot allow her to take you from me again, Khai. Oh no. This will end soon and I dare say I will probably lose you forever,” She sighs and waves her hand in the air, “But so be it. I’ll miss you but I’ll survive.” She grins.

Briefly her guard slips and I get a glimpse into her thoughts. She is vexed. There is something standing in her way of Adonia. Then I catch the crux. Adonia has a protection spell that provides specific immunity against
a supernatural attack because of her reincarnate.

Mehi grins wickedly. “Ah, how I mis
s judge your abilities sometimes, Khai. Well, make no mistake, the intent is still very much imminent and you should prepare.” Her amber eyes glow like fire in a globe. “Because you know how I enjoy a battle, Khai.” She winks before she turns on her heel. As she reaches the elevator to the main lobby she says over her shoulder, “Don’t disappoint me, Khai.” And then disappears behind the elevator doors.

I have dropped some of the engrained illusions we use with humans and am moving with speed and calculated moves to get to Adonia.
A woman ambling down the corridor pushing a stroller immediately senses the shift and recognizes the unnatural movements. She picks up her pace trying to get her child away from danger.

I give her a look of warning that has
her nearly sprinting down the hall as I swipe my card and throw open the door. Adonia is showering and I can sense her thoughts are a mix between confusion and fear.

I gather some of our clothes and call for the bellman. When Adonia emerges from the bathroom I am dressed down for travel and have ordered the jet ready in thirty minutes.

She smiles when she sees me but my expression must be alarming because she blinks several times then gasps lightly. “What’s wrong, Khai?” She whispers.

I walk over and place my hands on her shoulders. “Do you trust me, Adonia?”

She stares at me for a beat then nods slightly. I stroke her cheek. “Then please, just gather a few things you would like to take with you. We are leaving as soon as you finish.” Her eyes widen and the green radiates a fierce glow from her fear.

I take her hands. “I promise, I will keep you safe, Adonia. Trust in me. I will tell you everything once we are away from here. I will tell you all my secrets, Adonia.” I sweep my lips across hers and lean in, our foreheads touching. “And I pray you don’t hate me.”

She gasps. “I could never hate you, Khai.” She says panicked. “Why are we running? I just don’t understand. Are you in trouble?” She breathes.

I shake my head. “Please, Adonia. Let me get you out of here. Get your things an
d put on the clothes I have lain out for you on the bed. Quickly.”

I turn for the living area and pack a few snack items on the afternoon tray.  Adonia begins to move around the room frantically and I hear the clashing of things into her b
ag. Her thoughts are radiating fear and her heart is beating erratically in her chest.

That’s
when the need to destroy Mehi engulfs my body.

CHAPTER
TEN

ADONIA

What the fuck have I gotten myself into? I’ve traveled half way across the world with a man I barely know and now we are running from God knows what. Is he a criminal? Hitman? Mafia? My heart is pounding out of my chest at the realizations. But he has been nothing but wonderful to me. Kind. Giving. Loving—perfect.

And there is the crux. Nothing is perfect. No one is perfect. He weaves a powerful spell and I am helplessly woven into his magic. Heart body and soul—he owns it all.

I’m standing at the marble counter staring at my pale face in the mirror. I just can’t make my body respond to the chaos that is going on in my head. I think I’m in shock.

I feel Khai behind me before I see his reflection in the mirror. Every
time I see his beautiful face it sends tingles down my spine. Sometimes I think how his beauty is inhuman. And I’m not the only one it affects. Literally every woman he comes in contact with basically throws themselves at his feet like servants.

I shake my head to right my thoughts. I can’t think clearly when he is around, my body responds automatically and lust unfurls deep in my belly.

He leans in and buries his face in my hair inhaling sharply. “Adonia, we must go, love.” He grips my upper arms and turns me to face him fully. His fingers caress my jaw then travel to my hair brushing it over my shoulder. “If we stand here any longer, “he says, his voice soft and hoarse, “I won’t be able to resist you, I am barely containing myself now. Please, grab your bath things and let’s go, quickly.” He reaches for my hand and brushes his lips across my knuckles then steps back.

I take a deep cleansing breath and turn for
my toiletry bag resting on the shelf. I grab it and walk to the bedroom tossing it into my carry bag.

Khai rests his hand on my shoulder. “Is that everything you need, love?”

I nod not turning to face him. One look in his eyes and I may break down. He reaches down and grips the handles of the bag then clasps my hand pulling us through the room and out the door.

A couple is standing in front of the elevator laughing quietly together. She turns and smiles when she sees me then her mouth forms an O then her eyes darken when she ta
kes in Khai. Her companion notices and gets a firmer grasp around her waist pulling her closer.

Khai is oblivious and stands close to my side stroking my palm with his long fingers. He looks down
at me and smiles warmly then leans in to place a soft kiss to the corner of my mouth. I sigh because he just exudes such carnal sexuality that it completely disarms me.

The doors slide open and we all crowd into the space. Once
they close the air is zipping with electricity between us. I get a firmer grasp of his hand and he seems to notice the change as well. He inhales slightly and closes his eyes as if to gain composure. Good damnit, I’m glad it’s not just me that loses coherency when we’re together.

He grins. “No, it’s definitely not
just
you, love. Trust me.” He smirks.

The elevator doors open and he gestures me to precede him. We walk through the lobby and I notice that every single head turns in our direction as we pass. Khai is the epitome of confident grace as we stroll through the main lobby. Watching him exude such authority and charisma has derailed my thoughts of danger and what lies ahead. I quickly return to anxiety mode when I remember the words he spoke earlier.

“I promise, I will keep you safe, Adonia. Trust in me. I will tell you everything once we are away from here. I will tell you all my secrets, Adonia.”

Secrets. What kind of secrets? Secrets that will make him leave me? Hurt me? My mind is ferreting the many different possibilities when he pulls me to an abrupt stop and cups my face. “Adonia. I swear to you, I will never harm you. I will never let harm come to you. You have my word. Please, believe me.”

The raw sincerity of his words hit me like a brick. I nod because the words are trapped in my throat with the unshed tears.

He pins me with those glacier violet eyes that burn bright. We stare at one another several moments then his eyes dart around the room and settle on the gray horizon through the front door. His nostrils flare and I hear a growl deep within his chest as I watch the clouds turn darker and move fast across the sky.

He grips my hands and pulls me at almost a run through the double doors. My heels are slipping on the cobbled stones as we rush down the walkway to the awaiting boat. He stops and in one fluid movement swings me into his arms and effortlessly runs us to the boat. The captain reaches up and takes me from Khai’s arms and places me on the fiberglass hull. Khai steps down and pulls me into his side, curling both arms around me and pulling us into the enclosed cabin.

Within minutes we are weaving through the narrow
canals. Khai keeps his eyes trained on the advancing clouds never blinking or shifting. He’s like a statue and then I notice he’s not even breathing and I panic. What if he’s hurt? Sick? My heart breaks into a sprint and I begin to shift closer to him but he squeezes my hand.

Not looking at me he says, “I’m ok, love. Just focus on where else you wish to visit on our journey.” His voice is so calm and bored that I nearly forget we are running.

I just sit there staring at his profile watching his eyes roll over the horizon. Finally we stop at the entrance where our car is parked. Khai hands the driver cash then pulls me safely to the dock. We walk at a fast pace weaving through the throngs of people. When we reach the car Khai lowers me into the seat and I watch as he walks to the front of the car. His eyes still trained on the advancing clouds he raises his hand and gestures his palm to the top. I feel the wind whip around the car causing it to whistle through the windows. His jacket is flying wildly around his torso and his hair is tousled into his face but he doesn’t move he just continues to raise his palm up and chant something from his lips.

After several minutes the
wind dies down and the sun breaks through the clouds casting a silver lining over the clouds. It’s breathtaking.

He opens his eyes and walks to the
driver’s side then folds into the seat without a word. I stare at him but he keeps his eyes pinned on the clouds and starts the car backing out of the space without even checking the mirror. Minutes later we are racing down the main artery on the mainland. He weaves in and out of the passing cars expertly. I see him exhale deeply when we pass the sign for Treviso Airport.

When the car stops at the gate I notice the jet is ready and three armed men flank the stairs to the entrance. A shiver of fear creeps into my heart and I feel the tears prick my eyes.

He rushes out and comes to my side opening the door and lifting me out. Grabbing my bag from the back seat he takes my hand and walks us to the plane. Once inside I can feel the tension building between the various people onboard. I recognize our pilot and his co pilot but the server is new—a man—and he bristles with efficiency. The armed men seem to disappear about the cabin and Khai and I are left alone. He gestures to the two corner seats and I stammer through the narrow lane and fall into the leather.

He gracefully sinks into the one opposite me and reaches for my hand. “I know you have questions and I swear to you I will answer each one but right now I need to make a few urgent calls and plan for our arrival.” He says. “Do you mind if I leave you briefly? I’m so sorry to abandon you while you are scared and uncertain. It enrages me.”

I shake my head wanting to get rid of that tortured look in his eyes. “No,” I whisper, “I’ll be fine. Go. Do what you need to.”

He leans in and kisses me chastely on the lips then walks to the back office and I hear the lock click
behind him.

I turn my head to the window and watch as we taxi from the gate. Men are scurrying around the tarmac as we approach the landing strip. I can hear planes descending at the main strip about a half-mile away.
The pilot comes over the speaker and announces our departure. Moments later, Barry, our attendant, glides over to me. “Miss Kostas, may I get you something from the bar before we ascend?” His voice is crisp and pleasant.

I smile. “I’ll have a double shot of
Evan Williams, if you have it.”

He grins, “Certainly, Miss! Coming right up.”

He turned for the galley and I stare at the retreating sun behind the skyline. The engines roar underneath the wing and we are propelled forward. My head pushes against the seat with the voracity and within a minute we are airborne cutting sharply to the left rising up through the clouds.

The last rays of sun filter through the windows dancing off the chairs and casting streaks of orange and amber across the walls.

Barry returns with a crystal tumbler of amber liquid and my mouth waters in anticipation. My brothers and my dad made sure my taste in alcohol was singular and strong. “Anything worth doing is worth doing right.” My dad used to say.

I take the proffered
drink and immediately place it to my lips taking a long slow drink. I feel the warm flow down my throat and settle into my stomach almost immediately putting me at ease.

The pilot announces our elevation and turns off the seatbelt sign. I’m just finishing the last contents of my tumbler when Khai emerges from the office and slow sexy smile spreads across his face when he sees me. I flush all over. I know my cheeks have taken on the property of cherries at the moment. He just makes my blood sing.

He sinks down in front of me and takes both my hands bringing them to his lips and trailing wet kisses across my knuckles. Effectively causing me to gasp and pant. The effect he has on my body is alarming. It’s as if I step away from the controls and he takes over.

He looks down at my glass then snaps for Barry. I frown and he looks at me quizzically then blinks and smiles and mouths, “Sorry.”

Barry skips to his side. “Yes sir, Mr. Garai. What may I get you, sir?”

Khai
’s eyes soften and he smiles. “Whatever the lady is having and would you mind refreshing her glass?”

Barry smiles wide, revealing a set of perfect white enormous teeth. “Certainly sir, right away!” And he bolts back to the galley returning only seconds later with two perfectly poured tumblers of amber liquid.

We sit in silence each sipping our drinks and staring out the cabin window. The stars are bright in the navy sky and look like fireflies twinkling in the summer night. The reflecting light on the wing covers my vision with the red strobe rhythmically bouncing off the window.

Khai sighs and leans in to my chair. “I have much
to tell you, Adonia.” His eyes cast down to his drink as he continues. “There are things about me and my past that will have you questioning sanity and reality.” His hand curls around the glass then his violet eyes pierce me to the seat. “But no matter what I tell you, Adonia, know that I love you with every fiber of my being. Forever.”

I swallow hard to keep the panic and tears down. The most crippling thought I have though is that I know, for certain, that whatever he tells me will make no difference in the way I feel for him. Rationality went ou
t the window for me the moment I laid eyes on him. He’s almost like the air I breathe—I have to have him, be near him, and be his.

He gasps lightly and closes his eyes. When he opens them they are burning dark. I hold his gaze as I let my love for him circle my veins through my body. He warms me and comforts me—he completes me.

Without a word he crashes his lips to mine. It’s urgent—tongues and hair and arms all circling one another in unison. I feel his desperation and match it with ardor because deep down I’m terrified that this is his goodbye.

Finally he pulls back and placed our foreheads together, panting whispering my name like a litany prayer over and over.

Suddenly he pulls me onto his lap encircling me in his arms my back to his chest. He rests his chin on my shoulder next to my ear and chills run across my arms. When he begins to speak in almost a whisper.

“Adonia, I am not a man.” His words sober me and I feel my mouth drop open but no words seep out.

He continues, “I am one of the last Vampyres of the world.” He pauses briefly but I say nothing I can’t even breathe. Then he moves closer to my ear. “I was turned a little over eighteen hundred years ago, though I can’t be sure exactly as we didn’t count years accurately as we do now. My maker, Mehi, was a rich Athenian princess that coveted me. When I refused her advances she turned me and murdered the woman I loved, Nanu.” I gasp and feel the tears streak my face. Shock. I’m in shock.

He grips me tighter and continues, “
Mehi released me over seventeen hundred years ago when we traveled across the Middle East and Mediterranean. She’s extremely powerful and regards me, still, as her possession.” His fingers stroke through my hair, soothingly. “I’ve gone all these centuries avoiding her and my past life. I’ve lived hard and selfish and crude. I’ve kept any semblance of humanity at bay and fed from my natural instinct of a hunter. I’ve done terrible things, Adonia and killed many people in my long life on this Earth. But the moment I sensed you in the bar that first time everything melted away and you were the only thing that mattered, more than even my own existence. Then when I saw your innocent, pure mind I turned myself over to you. I wanted you to own me and I wanted to do nothing but worship you, and I still do.”