CHAPTER 4

 THE DARKNESS CALLED to her. Like the voice of a long lost lover, it demanded her presence and she felt compelled to respond. She had arrived in Teraclia three weeks before. It was a quiet town with a little over forty-five thousand inhabitants. Ekimmu knew she couldn’t stay long without arousing suspicion, but something about these mountains soothed her loneliness. It was like returning home after a long trip. The nights were cool and the days not so sunny as to burn her sensitive skin. With a light, long-sleeved blouse and dark glasses, she could walk in the sun with little discomfort. It made choosing her next “subject” easier.

The night before, the young woman had been exceptionally sweet. She could still feel the warmth from the body pressed firmly against her own. Brown eyes had stared longingly at her, seeking answers to unknown questions. Ekimmu knew what the girl had wanted— to escape from the haunting reality of her meaningless life, if only temporarily. The spicy scent and salty taste of skin as she ran her tongue along the exposed neck had been intoxicating. Groaning softly, she had slowly pressed her teeth into the soft flesh, relishing the feel of warm skin beneath her lips. The coppery taste of blood, sliding thick and warm down her throat, was addictive, making her feel sluggish.

Taking only enough to sustain her own life, Ekimmu had found stopping difficult, but she wasn’t a killer. It was forbidden by her people; at least that was what her parents had taught her.

Some, however, carried the feeding too far, enjoying the surge of energy as they felt the life force of their victims slipping away with each gulp. She had been warned about the seductive powers of bloodlust. Once she had almost succumbed to its lure of unimaginable pleasure. Had her mother not jerked her away, the young woman she was feeding from would have died. In the two thousand years since, she made sure she never repeated the mistake.

*  *  *

“Would you like something to eat? Perhaps your usual?” her waitress asked, interrupting Ekimmu’s thoughts.

“Not now, Elana. Just tea,” Ekimmu said, smiling at the dark-haired woman.

“Herbal tea. I’ll be right back with it,” Elana promised, hurrying away.

Ekimmu watched her disappear around the corner. It was a shame she suffered from Gaucher Disease, a genetic blood disorder not uncommon in Eastern Europe. Fortunately, Elana’s disease hadn’t progressed to its advanced stages, which included intense pain and bone disorders. Her blood would have been warm and sweet, like the woman from the previous night and Ekimmu would have rewarded her with pleasures she could only dream about.

Sipping her tea, Ekimmu frowned, remembering the strange snake that had temporarily distracted her during her “seduction.” Their eye contact had left her uncomfortable for she had sensed an unnatural intelligence behind the emotionless cold stare. She should have investigated further but was in a hurry to return to her room. Shaking off the thought, she watched the people walking past the restaurant.

The Carpi intrigued her; they were sweeter and saltier than most humans and rich in nutrients. She had fed on her fifth. The taste had been both satisfying and addictive, renewing old cravings she thought she had suppressed long before. Soon she would have to move on before the temptation of their blood overwhelmed her need for anonymity.

“Would you like a refill?” Elana asked, returning with a large teapot.

Before she could respond, Ekimmu’s attention was distracted by a tall, dark-haired woman stepping out of a Hummer. Behind her followed a small blonde.

Definitely Carpi, she thought, her gaze lingering appreciatively on the sleek figure of the taller one. “And definitely not,” she added, looking at her golden-haired companion.

“Ms. Elil?”

Ekimmu glanced up and stared at the young waitress for a few seconds before answering.

“Umm. Sure. Who are they?” she asked, nodding toward the two women disappearing into the building adjacent to the hotel.

“Oh, that’s Ms. Lysanne and Ms. Devereaux.”

“Locals, I take it.”

“Well, Ms. Lysanne is, although she’s away a lot. Her family has lived here forever. Ms. Devereaux is from America. I don’t know much about her.”

“They seem to be very good friends.”

“Well, I’ve heard they’re more than friends.” Elana lowered her voice as if to confide some great secret. “I hope so.”

“Are you a romantic?”

Elana blushed. “Ms. Lysanne always seemed so alone before she brought Ms. Devereaux here. The people love her, and Ms. Devereaux is such a nice person. She always asks how I’m doing when they come in for a meal... even remembers my name. She’s a good tipper, too. They would make a great couple.”

“Yes, I believe they would.” Ekimmu didn’t need to be told which one was the local woman. Her blood had given her away. “Ms. Lysanne is quite striking. The other complements her dark looks very well. Do they live near the hotel?”

“Not really. They have a place in the mountains. She’s probably here because of that girl the police found this morning.”

“What girl?”

“The one they discovered unconscious a few blocks away. She’s the seventh one this month. Everyone’s worried that there might be a plague or something going around. Ms. Lysanne and her brother are usually consulted on matters concerning the health and welfare of our people. Their opinions are highly respected by the council.”

“Seventh?” Ekimmu asked, suddenly frowning.

“Yeah. Strange. I heard two were horribly mutilated. The others seem okay. The police think a wild animal is involved.”

“You mean wolves or something?”

“Nah. We don’t have any problems from wolves. There hasn’t been a wolf attack here in over a thousand years. Legend says our people have some sort of pact with them,” Elana whispered

“That’s a relief,” Ekimmu said. It was the expected reply. “I’d hate to worry about being attacked. So if not wolves, what else could it be?”

“Mind you I’m not one to gossip, but some are saying it’s a vampire or werewolf... or at least something supernatural. Not that I believe in those things,” Elana quickly added, although she knew it was a lie.

“Good for you. Only trouble comes from superstitions. So, since you don’t believe it’s something supernatural, what else could it be?”

“Probably a rabid dog. Once I was almost attacked by one. If it hadn’t been for Ms. Lysanne, it would’ve killed me.”

“That sounds frightening.”

“Oh, it was awful. I was out late one evening when this huge mastiff charged me. I can still remember the look in its eyes and those fangs. They were huge. Ms. Lysanne told me afterward it was probably sick or something. Anyway, it was close to jumping me when she stepped in front of the dog and just stood there, staring at the beast. I tell you it was amazing. He stops dead in his tracks and just looks at us, confused like. I could tell it still wanted to attack but wasn’t sure about her. Next thing I know, her driver walks up to the dog, snaps a leash around its neck, and leads it away.”

“You were lucky. What happened to the dog?”

“I really don’t know. Ms. Lysanne said it was probably sick and she’d make sure it was taken care of. Don’t remember much after that. When I got home, I thought I’d be all shaky and nervous, but I was fine.I didn’t even have nightmares from it.”

“Good for you. It sounds like a horrible experience and one best forgotten. Apparently, you’re stronger than you think. Should I be worried about these attacks?”

“I don’t think so. I mean, you need to be careful if there’s a wild animal out there, but I’m sure the papers or someone would let us know if there was a real danger... wouldn’t they?”

Elana suddenly seemed doubtful.

“I’m sure they would. There’s probably a good explanation. I imagine your Ms. Lysanne is being updated on everything at this very moment.”