CHAPTER 23

 LYING IN THE hot tub, Ekimmu wasn’t sure what to think about her encounters with the serpent spirit. Sarpe hadn’t made an appearance in several weeks, leaving her with serious doubts about their relationship.

Granted, neither had made any type of commitment, but still she missed the spirit’s company. They had spent hours getting to know each other, not to mention the sex was great.

Ekimmu enjoyed teaching Sarpe the advantages of having a human body and the mysteries of the female anatomy. It had been a challenge explaining the specifics that made sex pleasurable, but Sarpe was a quick learner. Too quick, Ekimmu thought, remembering the last time they were together. She had been surprised by the spirit’s innovative techniques.

Just the thought of her tongue stroking her clit sent shivers through her body. There definitely was an advantage in being able to change shapes and sizes, she thought. She could feel her stomach muscles twitching from the memory.

Sighing, Ekimmu decided she had soaked enough. Thinking about Sarpe was making her edgy. She needed to find something else to do. Feeling hungry, she dressed quickly and called the front desk.

“Bonne nuit! May I help you?” the clerk asked.

“Bonne nuit, Serena. Would you call me a cab?”

“Certainment, Mamselle Elil. It will be only a few minutes.”

“Merci.”

*  *  *

Montréal was always fascinating. Ekimmu had visited the city several times over the past two centuries. She was particularly intrigued by the Village near Mont Royal. The strange mixture of cultures provided a rather unique eclectic atmosphere. During the day, the area literally vibrated with energy; people scurried about chaotically, although everyone usually had a specific goal in mind. She had chosen a hotel near the Village. Usually her evenings were spent at the café Kilo people-watching and wondering why everyone was so eager to get nowhere fast.

That night was different. Ekimmu needed to feed. Not the normal rare meat, broth, or vegetables she ate daily to sustain her, but the warm, rich blood necessary to keep her alive. At least once a week, she had to supplement her diet with the nutritional elements found only in human blood. It was amazing that less than 130 milliliters, about a half a cup, was all she required to stay healthy. After hearing Om Loh Rehn confess she had given it up for over a century, Ekimmu wondered if one day she would have the courage to do so. The Gebians’ most honored historian was aging. The lack of blood was probably contributing to her rapid deterioration.

The Om’s age was as much a mystery as the woman herself. It was rumored she was over five thousand years old. Ekimmu suspected she far exceeded the estimate, although it really didn’t matter. She may have only a few centuries left if her present symptoms were an indication.

Constance’s death would be a tragedy to their people and a personal loss to Ekimmu. Not only did she like and admire the elderly historian, but the woman was the last of her race to know Ekimmu’s parents. Of course, that excluded Ramus. She suspected he had either killed them or had been involved in their deaths.

Stepping into the cool night air, she walked to the park instead of taking the cab. The exercise felt good. Although it was well after midnight, several people were moving about the streets.

Occasionally, she caught the faint smell of marijuana or heroin. The scent was strong in the blood of several young people who wandered up and down Rue St. Catherine. On a few corners, scantily dressed women paced back and forth, willing to sell their bodies for a few dollars to buy drugs or pay their rent. It was a hard life. Perhaps one day she would talk to some of them to see what drove them to such desperation, But not tonight. Her stomach grumbled annoyingly.

In Montréal, Le Parc du Mont Royal was Ekimmu’s favorite nightspot. With over twenty kilometers of trails, it wasn’t difficult to find someone to satisfy her needs. It also brought back memories of a young woman she had met a long time before.