Bloodlines Chapter Four

ABE HAD THE variant OF APPEARANCE that could leave homoy concourse speechless, how ever if they k re livelyful nonhing rough him.Oblivious to the heat pop out case, the Moroi homosexual was dressed in a full moon suit and tie. The suit was white, at least, moreover it unbosom looked compliments it would be warm. His shirt and tie were purple, as was the roseate tucked into his pocket. G honest-to-god glitte ruddy in his ears and at his throat. He was originally from Turkey and had more color to him than almost Moroi entirely was still paler than benevolents similar me and Keith. Abes complexion actually reminded me of a tanned person whod been sick for a while.Hello, I give tongue to stiffly.His smiling split into a full grin. So nice to see you again. continuously a plea genuine. My lie sounded robotic, scarce hopefully it was break off than sounding afraid.No, no, he state. The pleasures all mine.If you separate so, I state. This am drug ab employ him barely .Keith had frozen up again, so I strode over to the old Moroi man and extended my hand so that at least one of us would look homogeneous we had manners. atomic number 18 you Mr. Donahue? Im Sydney Sage.Clarence smiled and clasped my hand in his wrinkled one. I didnt flinch, even though the momentum was there. Unlike most Moroi Id met, he didnt conceal his fangs when he smiled, which almost do my facade crack. Anformer(a) reminder that no yield how human they attended at times, these were still lamias.I am so pleased to meet you, he tell. Ive comprehend wonderful things slightly you.Oh? I asked, arching an affectionbrow and question whod been public lecture nearly me.Clarence nodded emphatically. You are welcome in my home. Its delightful to overhear so much company.Introductions were make for e trulyone else. Eddie and Jill were a little reserved, save both friendly. Keith didnt shake any hands, but he at least stop acting like a drooling fool. He took a chair when o ffered and effectuate on an arrogant materialisation, which was probably supposed(a) to look like confidence. I hoped he wouldnt embarrass us.Im sorry, verbalize Abe, leaning forward. His dark eyeball glittered. Did you say your name was Keith Darnell?Yes, said Keith. He studied Abe curiously, no doubt recalling the Alchemists conversation hind end in Salt Lake City. as yet through the bravado Keith was attempting to hurtle on, I could see a sliver of unease. Abe had that effect. Why?No reason, said Abe. His eyeball flicked to me and and then to Keith. It vertical sounds familiar, thats all.My finds a very signifi toilettet man among the Alchemists, said Keith loftily. Hed relaxed a little, probably thinking the stories aboutwhat Abe were overrated. Fool. Youve undoubtedly heard of him.Undoubtedly, said Abe. Im sure thats what it is. He spoke so casually that no one would suspect he wasnt telling the truth. Only I k forward-looking the existent reason Abe knew who Ke ith was, but I certainly didnt want that revealed. I withal didnt want Abe dropping any more hints, which I suspected he was doing just to irk me.I tried to steer the subject outdoor(a) and withdraw some answers for myself. I wasnt aware you were link us, Mr. Mazur. The sweetness in my voice matched his.Please, he said. You k right forth you can buoy call me Abe. And I wont be bewildering, unfortunately. I simply came along to turn over sure this group arrived safely and to meet Clarence in person.Thats very nice of you, I said dryly, sincerely doubting Abes motives were as sincere as that. If Id learned anything, it was that things were never simple when Abe Mazur was involved. He was a puppet master of sorts. He non all cute to observe things, he also wanted to control them.He smiled winningly. Well, I al delegacys aim to help others in need.Yeah, a new voice suddenly said. Thats exactly what comes to mind when I think of you, old man.I hadnt model anyone could sho ck me more than Abe, but I was wrong. roseate? The name came out as a question from my lips, even though there could be no doubt about who this newcomer was. on that point was only one lift Hatha personal manner, after all.Hey, Sydney, she said, giving me a gnomish, corrupt smile as she entered the room. Her flashing, dark eye were friendly, but they were also assessing everything in the room, much as Eddies gaze was. It was a guardian thing. Rose was about my height and dressed very casually in jeans and a red tank top. that, as always, there was something exotic and dangerous about her smash that made her condense out from everyone else. She was like a tropical efflorescence in this dark, bingey room. One that could kill you. Id never seen her mother, but it was prosperous to tell that some of her looks came from Abes Turkish influence, like her long, dark brown hair. In the dim lighting, that hair looked nearly b want. Her eyeball rested on Keith, and she nodded poli tely. Hey, other Alchemist.Keith stared at her wide-eyed, but whether that was a reaction to us being further outnumbered or simply a response to Roses extraordinary nature, I couldnt say. I-Im Keith, he stammered at last.Rose Hathaway, she told him. His eyes bugged even more as he recognized the name. She strode across the room, toward Clarence, and I noted that half of her charm was simply in the way she dominated her surroundings. Her expression softened as she regarded the elderly man. I checked the houses perimeter like you asked. Its about as safe as you can make for it, though your endorse doors be quiet should probably be replaced. atomic number 18 you sure? asked Clarence in disbelief. Its brand new. possibly when this house was built, came yet another new voice. Looking over to the doorway, I body forthd now that someone else had been with Rose when she arrived, but Id been too floor by her to notice. Again, that was a Rose thing. She always drew the help. Its been rusted since we move here.This newcomer was a Moroi, which set me on edge again. That brought the count up to four Moroi and two dhampirs. I was trying very hard not to adopt Keiths attitude especially since I already knew some of the people here but it was hard to shake that overwhelming sensation of Us and Them. Moroi aged like humans, and at a guess, I thought this new guy was close to my age, maybe Keiths at most. He had nice features, I supposed, with black curling hair and gray eyes. The smile he offered seemed sincere, though there was a slight sense of uneasiness in the way he stood. His gaze was fixed on Keith and me, intrigued, and I wondered if maybe he didnt spend a quite a little of time with humans. Most Moroi didnt, though they didnt pct the same fears about our race as we did about theirs. But then, ours didnt use theirs as food.Im lee ramp Donahue, he said, extending his hand. Once again, Keith didnt take it, but I did and introduced us.Lee looked adventur e and forth between me and Keith, face full of wonder. Alchemists, even up? Ive never met one of you. The tattoos you guys need are beautiful, he said, eyeing the gold lily on my cheek. Ive heard about what they can do.Donahue? asked Keith. He glanced between Lee and Clarence. Are you related?Lee gave Clarence an indulgent look. Father and son.Keith frowned. But you dont live here, do you? I was surprised that this, of all things, would draw him out. maybe he didnt like the idea that his intel was faulty. He was Palm Springs Alchemist, after all, and hed believed Clarence was the only Moroi in the area.not regularly, no, said Lee. I go to college in LA, but my schedules just part-time this semester. So, I want to try to spend more time with Dad. Abe glanced at Rose. You see that? he said. Now thats devotion. She rolled her eyes at him.Keith looked like he had more questions about this, but Clarences mind was still pricker in the conversation. I couldve sworn I had that lock rep laced.Well, I can replace it soon for you if you want, said Lee. Cant be that hard.I think its fine. Clarence rose unsteadily to his feet. Im press release to take a look.Lee zip to his side and shot us an apolo conveyic look. Does it agree to be right now? When it appeared that it did, Lee said, Ill go with you. I got the impression that Clarence frequently followed his whims, and Lee was used to it.I used the Donahues absence to get some answers Id been dying to manage. I telephone numbered to Jill. You didnt have any problems getting here, did you? No more, um, incidents?We ran into a match dissidents before we left judicatory, said Rose, a dangerous note in her voice. Nothing we couldnt handle. The rest was uneventful. And its handout to preserve that way, said Eddie matter-of-factly. He cover his arms over his chest. At least if I have anything to do with it.I glanced between them, puzzled. I was told thered be a dhampir along did they solve to send two?Rose invited herself along, said Abe. Just to make sure the rest of us didnt miss anything. Eddies the one who pass on be joining you at Amberwood. Rose scowled. I should be the one staying. I should be Jills roommate. No offense, Sydney. We need you for the paperwork, but Im the one whos gotta kick anyones ass who gives Jill trouble.I certainly wasnt going to argue against that.No, said Jill, with surprising intensity. Shed been quiet and hesitating the last time Id seen her, but her eyes grew fierce at the thought of being a burden to Rose. You need to stay with Lissa and keep her safe. Ive got Eddie, and besides, no one even knows Im here. Nothing else is going to happen.The look in Roses eyes said she was skeptical. I also suspected she didnt truly believe anyone could entertain either Vasilisa or Jill as well as she could. That was saying something, canvasing the new-fashioned queen was surrounded in bodyguards. But even Rose couldnt be everywhere at once, and she must have had to choos e. Her terminology made me turn my attention back to Jill.What did happen? I asked. Were you hurt? We heard stories about an attack but no confirmation.There was a heavy hesitate in the room. Everyone except Keith and me seemed distinctly uncomfortable. Well, we were uncomfortable but for other reasons.Im fine, said Jill at last, after a sharp look from Rose. There was an attack, yeah, but none of us were hurt. I mean, not seriously. We were in the middle of a royal dinner when we were attacked by Moroi like, Moroi assassins. They made it look like they were going for Lis for the queen, but instead came for me. She hesitated and dropped her eyes, permit her long, curly brown hair pass off forward. I was saved, though, and the guardians rounded them up. There was a nervous energy to Jill that I remembered from before. It was wantonenede and made her seem very much like the uncertain teenager she was.But we dont think theyre all gone, which is wherefore we have to stay away from Court, explained Eddie. Even as he directed his words to Keith and me, he radiated a protectiveness toward Jill, daring anyone to challenge the girl he was in film of keeping safe. And we dont know where the traitors in our own ranks are. So, until then, here we all are.hopefully not for long, said Keith. I gave him a warning look, and he seemed to realize his comment could be perceived as rude. I mean, this place cant be all that turn for you guys, with the sun and everything.Its safe, said Eddie. Thats what counts.Clarence and Lee re cancelled, and there was no more mention of Jills background or the attack. As far as father and son knew, Jill, Eddie, and Adrian had simply fallen out of favor with important royal Moroi and were in exile here. The two Moroi men didnt know who Jill rightfully was and believed that the Alchemists were helping her due to Abes influence. It was a web of lies but a incumbent one. Even if Clarence was in self-imposed exile, we couldnt risk him (or Lee now) accidentally letting outsiders know the queens sister was holed up here.Eddie glanced over at the older Moroi. You said youve never heard of any Strigoi being roughly here, right?Clarences eyes went unfocused for a moment as his thoughts turned inward. No but there are worse things than StrigoiLee groaned. Dad, please. Not that.Rose and Eddie were on their feet in an instant, and it was a wonder they didnt pull out weapons. What are you lecture about? demanded Rose. What other dangers are there? asked Eddie, his voice like steel.Lee was actually blushing. Nothing please. Its a delusion of his, thats all.Delusion? asked Clarence, narrowing his eyes at his son. Was your cousins death a delusion? Is the fact that those high-ups at Court let Tamara go unavenged a delusion?My mind spun back to a conversation Id had with Keith in the car. I gave Clarence what I hoped was a calm look. Tamara was your niece, right? What happened to her, sir?She was killed, he said. There was a dramatic pause. By lamia hunters.Im sorry, by what? I asked, certain Id misheard.Vampire hunters, repeated Clarence. Everyone in the room looked as surprised as I snarl, which was a small relief. Even some of Rose and Eddies fierceness wavered. Oh, you wont find that anywhere not even in your records. We were living in Los Angeles when they got her. I reported it to the guardians, demanded they hunt the culprits down. Do you know what they said? He peered at each person in turn. Do you?No, said Jill meekly. What did they say? Lee sighed and looked miserable.Clarence snorted. They said there was no such thing. That there was no evidence to support my claim. They ruled it a Strigoi cleansing and said there was nothing anyone could do, that I should be welcome she wasnt turned.I looked at Keith, who again seemed startled by this story. He obviously didnt know Clarence as well as hed claimed. Keith had known the old man had a hang-up involving his niece, but not the extent of i t. Keith gave me a small shrug that seemed to say, See? What did I tell you? Crazy.The guardians are very thorough, said Eddie. His tone and words were both clearly chosen with care, striving not to offend. He sat back down next to Jill. Im sure they had their reasons.Reasons? asked Clarence. If you consider denial and living a delusional life reasons, then I suppose so. They just dont want to accept that vampire hunters are out there. But tell me this. If my Tamara was killed by Strigoi, why did they cut her throat? It was cut cleanly with a blade. He made a slashing campaign under his chin. Jill flinched and cowered into her chair. Rose, Eddie, and Abe also looked taken aback, which surprised me because I didnt think anything would make that group squeamish. Why not use fangs? Makes it easier to drink. I pointed that out to the guardians, and they said that since about half of her blood had been drunk, it was obviously a Strigoi. But I say a vampire hunter did it and made it look like they took her blood. Strigoi would have no reason to use a knife.Rose started to speak, paused, and then began again. It is strange, she said calmly. I had a feeling shed probably been about to palaver out how ridiculous this conspiracy theory was, but had thought better of it. But Im sure theres another explanation, Mr. Donahue.I wondered if mentioning that the Alchemists had no records of vampire hunters not in several centuries, at least would be helpful or not. Keith suddenly took the conversation in an unexpected direction. He met Clarences gaze levelly.It qualification seem strange for Strigoi, but they do all sorts of vicious things for no reason. I know from personal experience.My stomach sank. Oh no. All eyes turned to Keith.Oh? asked Abe, smoothing his black goatee. What happened?Keith pointed to his glass eye. I was attacked by Strigoi earlier this year. They stimulate me up and ripped out my eye. Then they left me.Eddie frowned. Without drinking or killing? Th at is really weird. That doesnt sound like normal Strigoi behavior.Im not sure you can really expect Strigoi to do anything normal, pointed out Abe. I gritted my teeth, wishing he wouldnt engage Keith in this. Please dont ask about the eye, I thought. allow it go. That was too much to expect, of course, because Abes next question was, They only took the one eye? They didnt try for both?Excuse me. I rose before Keith could answer. I couldnt sit through this conversation and listen to Abe bait Keith, simply for the fun of tormenting me. I needed to escape. I I dont feel well. Im going to get some air.Of course, of course, said Clarence, looking as though he wanted to rise as well. Should I have my housekeeper get you some pissing? I can ring the bell No, no, I said, moving toward the door. I just I just need a minute.I hurried out and heard Abe saying, Such delicate sensibilities. Youd think she wouldnt be so squeamish, considering her profession. But you, young man, seem like you can handle talking about bloodAbes ego-stroking worked, and Keith launched into the one story I most by all odds didnt want to hear. I went back down the dark hallway and emerged outside. The fresh air was welcome, even if it was more than twenty degrees warmer than what Id come from. I took a deep, steadying breath, forcing myself to stay calm. Everything was going to be okay. Abe would be go forth soon. Keith would return to his own apartment. I would go back to Amberwood with Jill and Eddie, who really didnt seem like enceinte companions, considering who I could have ended up with.With no real destination in mind, I decided to whirl around and scope out Clarences home more like an estate, really. I picked a side of the house at random and walked around, admiring the detailed sculpting of the houses exterior. Even if it was dispiritedly out of place in the southern California landscape, it was still impressive. I had always loved studying architecture a subject my father tho ught was pointless and was impressed by my surroundings. Glancing around, I noted that the grand didnt match the rest of what wed driven through to get here. A lot of the land in this region had gone brown from summer and lack of rain, but Clarence had clearly fatigued a fortune to keep his straggly yard lush and green. Non-native trees beautiful and full of flowers were artfully arranged to make move paths and courtyards.After several minutes of my nature stroll, I turned around and headed back toward the front of the house. I came to a stop when I heard someone. Where are you? a voice asked. Abe. Great. He was looking for me. everywhere here, I just barely heard Adrian say. His voice came from the far side of the house, opposite the side I was on. I heard someone walk across the gravel driveway, the footsteps coming to a halt when they reached what I gauged to be the back door where Abe stood.I bit my lip and stayed where I was, hide by the house. I was almost afraid to br eathe. With their tryout, Moroi could pick up the tiniest detail. Were you ever coming back? asked Abe, amused.Didnt see the point, was Adrians laconic response.The point is politeness. You could have made an effort to meet the Alchemists.They dont want to meet me. Especially the guy. There was concealed laughter in Adrians voice. You should have seen his face when I ran into him at the door. I wish Id had a cape on. The girls at least got some nerve.Nevertheless, they stand for a crucial lineament in your stay here and Jills. You know how important it is that she remain safe.Yeah, I get that. And I get why shes here. What I dont get is why Im here.Dont you? asked Abe. Id assume its obvious to both Jill and you. You have to stay near her.There was a pause. Thats what everyone says but Im still not sure its necessary. I dont think she needs me close by, no matter what Rose and Lissa claim.You have something better to do?Thats not the point. Adrian sounded annoyed, and I was jol ly that I wasnt the only one Abe had that effect on.Thats exactly the point, Abe said. You were wasting away at Court, drowning in your own self-pity among other things. Here, you have a pass off to be useful.To you.To yourself as well. This is an opportunity for you to make something of your life.Except you wont tell me what it is Im supposed to do said Adrian irritably. Aside from Jill, what is this great task you have for me? attend. Listen and watch. I could perfectly picture Abe stroking his chin in that star way of his again as he spoke. Watch everyone Clarence, Lee, the Alchemists, Jill and Eddie. Pay attention to every word, every detail, and report it to me later. It may all be useful.I dont know that that really clears things up.You have potential, Adrian. Too much potential to waste. Im very sorry for what happened with Rose, but you have to move on. Maybe things dont make sense now, but they will later. Trust me.I almost felt bad for Adrian. Abe had once told me to t rust him too, and look how things had turned out.I waited until the two Moroi returned in spite of appearance and then followed a minute later. In the living room, Keith was still eating away his cocky attitude but looked relieved to have me back. We discussed more expand and worked out a schedule for feedings, one I was in register of maintaining since Id have to drive Jill (and Eddie, since he didnt want to let her out of his sight) back and forth to Clarences.How are you going to get to feedings? I asked Adrian. After hearing his conversation with Abe, I was now more curious than ever about his role here. Adrian was standing against the wall, on the opposite side of the room. His arms were pass defensively, and there was a rigidness to his posture that conflicted with the lazy smile he wore. I couldnt be sure, but it looked as though he was designedly positioning himself as far from Rose as possible. By walking down the hall.Seeing my puzzled look, Clarence explained, Adrian will be staying here with me. It will be nice to have someone else in these old walls.Oh, I said. To myself, I muttered, How very Secret Garden.Hmm? asked Adrian, tilting his head toward me.I flinched. Their hearing was good. Nothing. I was just thinking of a book I read.Oh, said Adrian dismissively, glancing away. The way he said the word seemed to be a condemnation of books everywhere.Dont blank out me, said Lee, grinning at his father. I told you Ill be around more.Maybe young Adrian here will keep you out of trouble, then, declared Clarence.No one said anything to that, but I saw Adrians friends ex swop a few amused glances.Keith didnt look nearly as freaked out as he had when wed arrived, but there was a new air of fidgetiness and irritability in him that I didnt quite understand. Well, he said, after unclutter his throat. I need to get home and take care of some business. And since youre my ride, SydneyHe left the words hanging but looked at me meaningfully. From what Id l earned, I was more convinced than ever that Palm Springs was the least active vampire area anywhere. I couldnt honestly figure out what business Keith would have to take care of, but we had to leave here sooner or later. Eddie and Jill went to gather their luggage, and Rose used the opportunity to pull me aside.How have you been? she asked in a low voice. Her smile was genuine. Ive been worried about you, ever since well, you know. No one would tell me what happened to you. The last time Id seen her, Id been held prisoner in a hotel by guardians while the Moroi tried to figure out how big my role had been in Roses escape.I was in a little trouble at first, I said. But its past. What was a small lie between friends? Rose was so strong that I couldnt stand the thought of looking weak in front of her. I didnt want her to know that I still lived in fear of the Alchemists, forced to do whatever it took to get back in their good graces.Im glad, she said. They told me originally it was you r sister that was going to be here.Those words reminded me again how Zoe could replace me at any moment. It was a mix-up.Rose nodded. Well, I feel a little better with you here, but its still hard I still feel like I should protect Jill. But I need to protect Lissa too. They think Jills the easier target, but theyre still going after Lissa. The inner turmoil shone in her dark eyes, and I felt a pang of pity. This was what Id had trouble explaining to the other Alchemists, how dhampirs and vampires could seem so human at times. Its been crazy, you know. Ever since Lissa took the throne? I thought Id finally get to relax with Dimitri. Her smile broadened. I shouldve known nothings ever simple with us. Weve spent all our time looking out for Lissa and Jill.Jill will be okay. As long as the dissidents dont know shes here, it should all be easy. Boring, even.She was still smiling, but her smile had dimmed a little. I hope so. If you only knew what had happened Her expression changed as s ome memory seized her. I started to insist she tell me what had happened, but she shifted the subject before I could. Were working on changing the integrity the one that says Lissa needs one family member in order to stay queen. Once thats done, both she and Jill will be out of danger. But that just means those who want to take out Jill are more amok than ever, because they know the clocks ticking.How long? I asked. How long will it take to change the law?I dont know. A few months, maybe? Legal stuff well, its not my thing. Not the details of it, at least. She grimaced briefly and then became involution tough again. She tossed her hair over one shoulder. Crazy people who want to hurt my friends? That is my thing, and believe me, I know how to deal with it.I remember, I said. It was weird. I thought of Rose as one of the strongest people I knew, yet it seemed as though she needed my assurance. Look, you go do what you do, and Ill do what I do. Ill make sure Jill blends in. You gu ys got her out without anyone knowing. Shes off the grid now.I hope so, Rose repeated, voice grim. Because if shes not, your little group here doesnt stand a chance against those crazy rebels.