B.O.E.- Chapter 16: Isaac

   The next day...

    "You trusting me now?”

    Isaac met her unwavering gaze for a few seconds before handing her the keys to a black Nissan Rogue. “Three days?”

    “Three days,” she nodded. “I’ll call you when I’m on my way back so you don’t have a cow.”

    He could feel his jaw tensing to keep his remark down. Instead, he managed to calmly ask, “Same time?”

    She winced a little, “Give or take two extra hours.”

    He nearly growled as he followed her toward the car.

    “I’ll be back,” she assured him as she opened the door and tossed in her pack. “Even if I really wanted to, I don’t break my deals.”

    Before he could ponder that statement and her sudden somber tone, she got into the car and slammed the door shut. He watched as she started the engine and drove out of the garage tunnel that led out to the driveway nearly a mile away. As soon as the bumper disappeared, he grabbed for his phone and speed dialed Liam.

    “She’s on the move,” he growled as soon as the vamp picked up.

    “I’ve already got Connor tailing her at a safe distance. She’d found one of the tracking devices on the phone but she couldn’t have known about the car,” Liam reported. “I know you won’t take my word for it so come here already.”

    Isaac was on the move and hung up just as Liam opened his room door. He stepped in and glanced around.

    The room was more like an office with a little bed pushed into a corner. Books, binders and papers were organized on multiple desks throughout the right side of the room. The left was reserved for another large desk with four giant computer screens. Two of the screens were displaying the layout outside in four split feeds each, one was covered in code that made no sense to him, and the last screen was a bird’s eye view of the city as it moved around streets.

    “I’ve been following the car’s tracker and continuously pinging the cellphone to get a clear trace on her movements. At least both the phone and the car are in the same place,” Liam reported before he could ask.

    “Where is she going?” he asked, watching the streets moving along the screen.

    “I couldn’t tell you until she gets there,” Liam frowned. “Her decisions are almost erratic. I can’t get a clear vision on her.”

    “You talking satellite or your own thing?” Isaac asked.

    “Both,” Liam grumbled, typing furiously.

    Isaac stared. He wasn’t sure how his talent worked but he’d never seen the man so irked about it. He went back to watching the screen when his phone rang,

    “Connor,” he practically barked.

    “We’re headed South. Is that synced up with Liam’s screens?” the cop asked.

    “Yes,” Liam muttered before he could relay the message.

    Isaac turned on the speaker and held the phone between himself and Liam.

    “I’ve been tailing Raven since she left. She hasn’t been trying to shake me so I don’t think she’s noticed me,” Connor reported.

    “You’ll lose her if she does,” Liam warned.

    “I’m doing my best. Especially now that I know who she is… crap!”

    Isaac stared at his phone when the cop let out a slew of curses. “What?”

    “She’s parked the car,” Connor reported and Liam looked up at the monitors.

    “Affirmative. Movement has stopped,”

    “Where is she?” Isaac asked.

    “She’s getting out of the car,” Logan reported.

    “There isn’t movement,” Liam frowned.

    “She’s moving down to the corner,” Connor continued, sounding like he was moving too.

    “There isn’t any movement!” Liam stated, panic lacing his voice.

    “Stay on her, cop,” Isaac growled.

    “She left her phone behind,” Liam cursed. “We’re gonna lose her.”

    "Your vote of confidence is motivating,” Connor snapped and cursed. “Fucking hell… a subway. She’s going down to a subway.”

    Isaac felt a chill run down his spine, spreading slowly through his body. “Don’t lose her!”

    "She’s parting the crowd like Moses! How in the hell is she doing that?” Connor growled. “She got on a train. I might lose y—”

    “Connor?” Isaac murmured before raising his voice. “Answer me, dammit!”

    The connection died and he could feel a part of him dying with it.

    He stared at the blank screen on his phone, his body colder than before. He held it tightly but focused on not breaking it. Liam didn’t speak and the air grew heavy around them as they waited. Isaac could feel his muscles tensing as he stared at the little plastic device in his hand. If he could will Connor into calling him back, he would in a heartbeat.

    After a few grueling minutes, the phone rang and he immediately answered,

    “Connor.”

    “Isaac… I’m sorry…” the human sounded out of breath. “She made me… I lost her.”

    Isaac could hear himself growl and the male hurried to continue.

    “She got on a Northbound train and I followed her in but then she got off with a rush of people in the next stop. She made it seem like she was going to the exit when she jumped from the top of the stairs. I tried to get back down but she got on the train just before the doors closed. I swear she winked at me as the train left, cheeky bitch.”

    Isaac set the phone beside Liam lest he crush it as his hand involuntarily fisted. He growled and eyed the shuttered windows. Damn sunlight!

    “You tried, cop,” Liam muttered.

    “I know Luther’s on the job but I think I’ll go relieve him until sundown,” Connor sighed.

    “Smart idea,” Liam agreed and hung up. He sighed, “Isaac.”

    Isaac refused to turn around.

    “I apologize,” Liam muttered. “I should have known she wasn’t to be underestimated. She is cleverer than me.”

    Isaac nodded, agreeing only with the last part. “It’s not your fault. We keep thinking she’s human… but she isn’t. Not really.”

    “Let off some steam at the gym, brother,” Liam suggested. “Night will soon be upon us and then you can go hunting…”

    “Have you checked the weather, brother?” Isaac growled and turned to meet his purple eyes. “It’s windy. Her scent will be gone by the time night falls. A storm is coming. She knew what she was doing. Of course, she did,” he ended quietly as he rubbed his temples.

    “We’ll give her the three days and begin our search again,” Liam promised.

    Isaac grabbed his phone and left, heading right for the gym.

    Hours later, he reached up to replace the punching bag. Then he crouched to clip it to the hook on the floor. He moved back and experimentally moved the bag around to make sure it was stable. Then he began to beat the ever loving heck out of it.

    Why did she dodge Connor? Where was she going? He thought angrily as he moved around his target. Did she plan this from the beginning?

    He bobbed back and jumped forward to punch the bag.

    She’ll come back. I didn’t fail, he tried to reassure himself but even his own mind knew he sounded stupid. She wouldn’t jeopardize our secrets… would she?

    He growled and punched the bag harder, the chains tinkling. What loyalty did she owe them? She’d only had one treatment session so no one knew the results despite the doctor’s reassurances. She could be anywhere.

    His fists flew through the air as he picked up speed. He wanted to hunt, to be out there looking for her… but the storm was well timed and would blow away any chance at catching her scent. He shouldn’t have let her leave.

    With a grunt, he let go of his control and the force of his punch broke the chains, sending the bag flying away from him.

    “Well, aren’t you hard at work.”

    Isaac dragged in a deep breath before turning to grab a new bag. “Problem?”

    Zeke moved into view, eyeing the pile of destroyed punching bags. “I believe that should be my query.”

    Isaac proceeded to hook the bag onto the awaiting hooks. “Leave me alone, brother.”

    Zeke crossed him arms. “Just tell me you understand my concern here.”

    “I understand your concern,” Isaac muttered, throwing punches.

    Zeke chuckled and neared. “I cannot consciously make getting rid of me so easy for you.”

    Isaac sighed but continued his punching. He pulled back on a punch when he noticed his brother’s face behind the bag. He frowned at him, “What are you doing?”

    Zeke held the bag, bracing against it. “Luther’s going to give you an ear full if you destroy any more bags. Continue your pouting, pretend I am not here.”

    Isaac sighed. “Thank you, little brother.”

    He saw Zeke’s jaw clench before he continued his onslaught. His mind continued to war with itself but he couldn’t help the odd feeling that something was wrong. Her last words about not going back on a deal and the look in her eyes… like she was dreading going to wherever she was going.

B.O.E.- Chapter 15: Raven

 

    Raven watched the yellow-eyed giant walk away to the door but she hadn’t heard a knock. She guessed he could hear something she couldn’t. She tried to stay relaxed but felt her muscles involuntarily tense up when she saw the doctor at the door.

    Isaac let him in and the Doc made his way up to her left side.

    “Good evening, Ms. Raven,” he greeted with a small smile. “How are you feeling?”

    Raven was about to answer but thought better of it; her throat was still impossibly dry despite the water. So she typed out a message on the phone’s notepad app. “You didn’t mention I could’ve died during the procedure.”

    She tried to angle the phone to him but her arm refused to cooperate enough. She turned to Isaac as he returned to her right side and he read her message aloud. She noticed him frown at the Doc and wondered if he was directing her anger because she couldn’t… or it was his own.

    “Ah, yes,” Dr. O fidgeted a little. “Considering the toxin had a few days to truly grip onto your system, it would take a bit of effort to release it. I had high hopes for your survival, however, based on the results from the tests prior.”

    Raven pursed her lips as she typed out another message for Isaac to read, “Why can’t I talk?”

    “I believe the toxin centered in your throat was highly affected by the treatment. It may take longer for your throat to recover than the rest of your body,” Dr. O stated thoughtfully.

    Raven watched him carefully move aside her old cell phone and her necklace to place a rolled-up kit on the bedside table. Before she could type out the message, Isaac spoke,

    “Pass me the necklace, Doc,”

    She stared as the necklace was passed along over her. Then Isaac set it beside her on the bed.

    “It looks delicate,” he muttered, seeing her watching him.

    Raven was about to type out a question when she felt the Doc’s cold hand move her left arm toward him. She watched him sanitize the inside of her elbow and typed out, “Do you need so much blood? I feel like a pin cushion.”

    The Doc chuckled and picked up a needle. “I do apologize, Ms. Raven. As this is a very interesting case, I would like to be as thorough as possible. We must learn as much as we can about your condition and that does call for constant tests.”

    Raven sighed heavily and stared up at the canopy as he pricked her skin. She felt the jiggle as he attached the tube to collect her blood flow but refused to look. She focused inward and checked her own recovery. Her muscles were basically liquid and waking up slower than she would have liked. She could move her fingers and hands but not her arms. Hell, if she tried to make a fist, her muscles practically rioted against her until she relaxed again.

    I hate this, she grumbled in her mind. I can’t fight. I have to rely on Muscles. I can’t even walk!

    As if to underline this, she tried to wiggle her toes again but they refused.

    “What’s wrong, Raven?” Isaac’s voice asked and she noticed his intense stare.

    This guy takes his promises too seriously, she thought before typing out, “My legs won’t move now and I feel like passing out again.”

    “I do recommend plenty of rest,” the Doc answered when Isaac read her message aloud. “You may have random instances of unconsciousness but with time, you will adjust to the side effects.”

    Raven felt him remove the needle and quickly bandage her up. She watched him carefully cork the vial of her blood and slide it into a pouch. She couldn’t help but wonder if he seriously needed so much blood.

    Suddenly, she felt the phone in her hand vibrate. She opened the messages app and opened Anise’s recent text.

    “Hey, Raven.”

    This was odd. Usually, Anise called her by her nickname. Raven frowned slightly and replied,

    “What’s up, sis?”

    “Well, Ms. Raven, I will ask that you contact me tomorrow to report your progress,” the Doc said. “I am sure you will be up and moving again.”

    Raven switched to the notes app to type out: “Sure, Doc. We’ll see.”

    “If you do not experience any nausea within the next two hours, I suggest eating a light soup,” the Doc recommended.

    “I’ll walk you out,” Isaac growled as the Doc chuckled.

    Raven felt the phone vibrate again as both vampires moved away from her. She opened Anise’s message and felt her blood run cold. She forced her heart to relax before the vamps could pick up on her sudden change. She reread the message and quickly ran through a list of possible actions.

    “There’s someone here asking for you. Says he’s a friend of yours? A client?”

    Raven figured she shouldn’t worry her sister just yet so she sent. “At the college?”

    She distantly heard Isaac shut the door to her room and begin to move back to her side when she got Anise’s reply,

    “Yeah… he says you didn’t check in for an appointment? His name is Kurt.”

    Raven couldn’t hide her eyes from widening and knew Isaac must have noticed. She sent back a quick, “Hold on.”

    “Raven?” Isaac frowned curiously.

    Raven opened the notes app and typed, “Could you pass me my old phone?”

    Isaac nodded once and was on the other side of the bed in an instant. He moved back around and set the old phone in her right hand. “What’s going on?”

    Raven didn’t try to answer him. She was busy typing in a phone number she’d memorized to send a quick text message. “I got your message. Not tomorrow. I need a favor.”

    She waited, feeling Isaac’s stare heavy on her skin.

    “What favor?”

    “Extra surveillance during daylight. I’ve got full hands.”

    “It’ll cost you,” came the reply. “In two days, for 72hrs. From now on.”

    Raven pushed down the sudden wave of nerves and replied, “See you then.”

    She deleted the messages, locked the phone and grabbed the other one to send Anise a text next, “Sorry, he’s a client and a friend. Guess he got worried lol.”

    She waited for a reply, forcing herself to relax. I can’t believe that asshole made contact, she thought to herself with a sigh. I need to fix this.

    “Raven,” Isaac interrupted suddenly, eyeing her hand. “What’s going on?”

    Raven opened the notes app and typed out, “Just something I forgot to do. I handled it.”

    He frowned but gave her a quick nod. He busied himself with pouring her another glass of water and she typed out another message,

    ‘Remember those days I told you that need to head out? I need to be gone the day after tomorrow for a few days.’

    Isaac’s frown deepened. “You did mention that.”

    Raven waited as his mind worked. She erased the message and prepared to type again.

    “You still don’t want Luther to drive you?” he asked and she typed out, “No.”

    “So, you’ll need one of the cars,” he pointed out.

    'Preferably a small one. I’m not sure I wanna drive an SUV' Raven typed out.

    “You’re not gonna tell me where you’re going, are you?” he asked but he didn’t even glance at her answer.

    Guess he’s not completely stupid, Raven thought.

    “You’re asking for a lot of trust, Raven,” he muttered, his hands fisting at his sides. “We cannot allow our existence to be compromised.”

    Raven wished she could ask the multitude of questions she felt like asking but resorted to typing out, ‘You asked how you could earn my trust. What better way to earn yours?’

    He crossed those massive arms and stared down at her, hard. “Perhaps sharing some details about yourself would help. You raise a lot of questions.”

    Raven sighed and felt her eyes roll. She typed out, ‘When I get back, I’ll answer a few.’

    She watched him think about it for a few long seconds. He sighed suddenly and moved away. Confused, Raven watched him go back to the plush chairs and pick up a book. He sat down and began to read.

    What the fuck?! She would have frowned if she could.

    He didn’t speak to her and she wasn’t going to wait forever.

    Eventually, her eyes grew heavy and she was out cold again…

 

    Raven raced across the grassy yard, heading to the familiar white wooden fence that lined the property. The grass was drying out in places because of the drought or at least that’s what Dad would say. She could hear the little girl behind her giggling as she clumsily followed. She let out a giggle herself and stopped for a second to let the girl catch up. Then she took off and heard the girl shriek with laughter behind her. She ran straight for the fence and pretended to hit it, falling back onto the grass heavily and closing her eyes.

    She heard the little footsteps rushing to her; the laughter had stopped.

    “Ray?” she squeaked and her soft, small hands touched her face.

    “AH!” Raven suddenly reached up and pulled the little girl into a bear hug, making her shriek in surprise. She buried her face into the little neck and blew a wet raspberry as the tiny creature struggled in her arms.

    “EW!” she cried out giggling.

    Raven laughed with her and held her until they finally relaxed.

    “You’re silly,” Anise giggled.

    Raven laid back down to stare up at the cloudy sky. It was probably going to rain soon and she hoped so. The grass needed it.

    “Excuse me,”

    Raven bolted back up as her eyes landed on a pair of strangers just outside the fence. She quickly grabbed Anise and held her hand but didn’t answer them.

    “Is there a Ms. Grace here?” the man continued; his voice friendly.

    “Uh, do you mean Mrs.?” Raven asked in a small voice.

    “Not to us,” the man’s voice had hardened before his expression relaxed again. His grey eyes had flashed but were back to normal as he examined her hair. “You’re her daughter, aren’t you?”

    “Both—” Anise began but Raven was already moving backward toward the house shouting,

    “DAD!”

    A woman with long black hair was the first out of the house and at Raven’s side before their father finally came outside, gripping a serrated hunting knife. Raven felt her mother’s gentle hand on her back, edging her softly toward the house.

    “Take your sister inside, darling,” she instructed calmly, her eyes on the men.

    Raven nodded and continued to the house, gripping her sister’s hand.

    “Don’t turn back,” her father muttered to her as he passed to stand beside his wife.

    Raven kept her eyes forward but could feel Anise struggling to turn. Inwardly, she struggled not to turn around too. She wondered about the men and why they were there. How could eyes do that? Did she imagine it? What did he mean mom wasn’t a Mrs.? She’s married!

    That’s how that works, right?

    Raven took quicker steps and stopped only when she felt her hold on Anise slip a little. She turned back to see that Anise had fallen to her knees. Quickly helping her back up, Raven continued pulling her along. She made it into the house before she heard her father harshly speak to the men. She pushed Anise back so she could shut the door, blocking out any further sounds.

    Should I lock the door? She wondered, staring at it.

    “Ow,” Anise whimpered behind her with a sob. “Eww… red…”

    Raven spun around and saw the red pouring out of Anise’s knee.

    With a gasp, she grabbed her sister and took her to the nearest bathroom by the stairs. She sat her on the unopened toilet lid and dove under the sink for the first aid. She began trying to dress the wound but the blood wouldn’t stop.

    Raven pressed onto the wound with a fresh gauze as she undid her small tennis shoe. She tore off the sock that had soaked up a lot of the blood. She heard Anise whimper and froze.

    “Ow!” she whined and reached down to where she was pressing.

    “Sorry, too hard?” Raven asked and looked at her hand with a gasp. The gauze was soaked through already.

    Raven looked back up into Anise’s face to see her eyes a little droopy and her skin a little paler. She didn’t know what to do. Tears welled up and made the blood shimmer like rubies.

    “Mom! Dad!” she screamed when she heard the door to the yard close.

    Their footsteps came rushing and she looked up into their blurry faces.

    “Anise? Honey?” their mom rushed in and crouched in front of her while Raven moved out of the way. “We have to go to the hospital. She’s lost a lot of blood already,” she said after a second.

    Raven stepped out of the bathroom as her father wrapped a long bandage tightly around Anise’s thigh just above her knee.

    Then the three of them were rushing out of the house to the car and speeding to the hospital.

    After the doctors took Anise and they were sitting around the waiting room, Raven watched her father walk up to her.

    “How did she get hurt?” her father demanded; his equally green eyes trained on her.

    “We were walking to the house and she fell,” Raven answered softly.

    “We’ve told you to be careful with her,” he continued with a huff. “You can’t be so rough. She’s only two.”

    “I didn’t mean to…” Raven felt a tear escape and reached up to brush it when she saw the blood on her palms.

    “We have to let the doctors do what they can,” her mother sighed, walking to them from speaking to the nurses.

    He turned to her now. “I told you something like this would happen.”

    She faced him and met his frown. “Yes, we knew the possibility and I regret nothing. You’ve lived a long life and so will they. Raven’s almost six and healthy,” she reached up and cupped his cheek. “I love you… and your imperfections.”

    With a deep breath, her father’s expression relaxed and he turned his head to kiss her mother’s palm. Then he sat down next to Raven with a sigh.

    “C’mon, honey,” her mother reached for her. “Let’s give your father some space and we’ll wash your hands.”

    Raven followed her mother.

 

    “Raven?”

    Raven forced her consciousness back and eyed the dimmed room until she noticed the behemoth half-shadow standing beside her.

    “How are you feeling today?” he asked.

    “It’s morning?” Raven asked, her voice stronger than before.

    “Around eleven,” he nodded. “Can you move?”

    Raven tested this by moving her arm out to the side, bumping into the phones that hadn’t been moved. She brought her arm back in and raised it to look at her palm as she fisted her hand. “I’m better than before.”

    Isaac smirked. “You’re not throwing punches yet but it’s a start.”

    Raven eyed him as she schooled her expression a little, remembering her promise to answer his questions. She wiggled her legs a bit before bringing her elbows back to lift herself a bit. She scooted herself back to sit against the pillow behind her and relaxed with a sigh. “Thanks for keeping an eye on me while I was… out.”

    He nodded before he shifted slightly. “You think you can stomach some food?”

    Raven thought of food and felt her body’s reactions to the idea; her belly rumbling. “I think I can manage.”

    “I’ll bring you something,” Isaac promised and paused by the door. “And I’ve been thinking over what you said. You’re right. I’ll trust you to go out and do what you need to. In turn, I hope you’ll trust me enough to be honest with your answers later.”

    Raven met his eyes when he turned back to her. She still couldn’t believe someone would have golden eyes; even vampires. “This is only a temporary arrangement. If this treatment works, I’m leaving and would prefer to have some things kept secret. I promise to answer what I can, honestly.”

    He didn’t reply as he left the room.

    What questions is he going to ask me? What the hell could he want to know? I’m not here to make friends, she wondered.

B.O.E.- Chapter 14: Isaac

 

    I would recommend leaving her on the stretcher, Master Isaac,” the Doc’s eyes were wide with worry.

    “She wished to return to her room,” Isaac answered tightly. He glanced down at the woman in his arms. Her sharp green eyes were closed but her expression was so relaxed. She looked so delicate and yet he knew otherwise. The fact that this warrior woman was reduced to such a helpless state gave him a chill. He’d made her a promise to protect her and he could think of nothing else.

    “Perhaps that is not the most—”

    Isaac eyed the Doc and watched the thin vampire sigh in defeat.

    “Very well,” he picked up a plastic bag and slid her belongings into it. “The treatment worked well, given the circumstances.”

    Isaac could hear himself growl and the Doctor spun back to look at him. “She barely survived.”

    The Doc handed him the bag, extending his arm as far as he could to keep his distance. “An unfortunate possibility due to her humanity. She is quite resilient, however. By tomorrow, we will run another test to see how the treatment is affecting the toxin.”

    “You said it was promising,”

    “Tomorrow we shall see exactly how promising, I’m afraid,” the Doc held his hands behind him. “As for now, I recommend observing her temperature. Should she spike a fever, it must be dealt with given her weakened state. When she wakes, she may experience the side effects mentioned earlier and I recommend plenty of water and light foods until she feels stronger. She must not exert herself for a full twenty-four hours after the procedures.”

    “Got it,” Isaac gave him a nod. “Anything else?”

    “I suppose not,”

    Isaac began to turn away and remembered to move gently, “If you think of anything else, call me.”

    He walked away from the Doc as fluidly as he could and used his back to push open the swing door. He carefully moved down the hallway and up the first flight of stairs.

    A small sound had him frozen with his foot on the last step before locating the source of the sound.

    It came from Raven.

  He watched as her expression scrunched up for a brief moment before her weakness dragged her under again. She sighed and further relaxed in his arms.

  After a second, he continued up the stairs and down another hallway to the last flight that would lead to her door. He moved as smoothly as he could to not bother her again, hating his limp for the first time in a hundred years. He pushed the thought of how light she was from his mind as he moved.

    At her door, he adjusted his grip carefully to reach for the knob. He then pushed the door open with is foot and moved into the room. He moved up to the bed and carefully laid her on it, dropping the bag to maneuver her form better. He slid the bed covers out from under her and covered her with it. He stood still for a moment to listen to her rhythmic heartbeat and steady breathing before moving away from the bed.

    Isaac froze when his foot hit the bag, wincing as it rustled. With a quick glance to make sure she hadn’t stirred, he picked up the bag and took out her shoes. There was something shiny in one of the shoes. He plucked out a small oval locket from her right shoe and held it up.

    The silver chain matched the silver pendant as it glinted in the dim light from the surrounding lamps. He set her shoes down and moved to set the locket on the table beside the bed.

    This must be an heirloom, he thought, eyeing the necklace. It was small and delicate but quite ornate. Maybe it has a picture?

    Isaac frowned and held the locket out, almost placing it on the table. He really shouldn’t open it. He could already imagine Raven’s glare in the car when she suspected he’d listened to her conversation with her sister. Granted, he was guilty.

    She just granted me a way to earn her trust, he glanced at her sleeping form on the bed. This would surely make her backtrack. What’s one quick peek?

    Isaac grit his teeth and eyed her for a while longer, making sure she was still out cold. Then he opened the locket.

    Inside was a picture of a woman with long flowing black hair, holding a baby. Despite how small the picture was, he could tell the baby had green eyes. The woman wore a long elegant dress and a soft smile. She had a far look as if looking at whomever was holding the camera.

    This might be Raven’s mother! His mind yelled as he glanced back at the woman who gave him headaches. Except for her hair, Raven did not look like this woman. They shared a similar widow’s peak but Raven’s features were sharper compared to the woman’s. The baby, however, was strikingly similar to Raven… and she was smiling.

    Isaac stared at the baby. He wondered how such a pure, small thing could grow up to be a secretive, hardened killer.

    He closed the locket and quietly set it on the table. Then he fished out both the cell phones and set them on the table too. Just as he was making his way to the little sitting area, there was a knock on the door. The knock was soft enough that only his ears picked it up so he moved to it without checking on Raven.

    Isaac opened the door to see Luther holding up a tray with a pitcher, a glass and a straw.

    “The good doctor suggested I bring up some water for Ms. Raven,” he explained.

    Isaac took the tray and noticed the small brass bucket full of ice.

    “Ah, yes,” Luther noticed where his eyes had fallen. “The doctor had mentioned her side effects and I took it upon myself to include the ice and a few extra towels should they be necessary.”

    Isaac eyed the servant for a second. “Thanks, Luther.”

    The servant bowed and made his way back down the stairs.

    Isaac closed the door and locked it. He carried the tray to Raven’s other bedside table and then took a seat in one of the sofas. He suddenly noticed he’d taken her seat when he’d first shown her the room. He realized that he had a clear sight of the windows that faced the grounds and of both the exit door and bathroom door.

    Of course, she would choose this seat, he chuckled to himself.

    For the next few hours, he sat there and periodically paced the room. He had wished he’d brought a book to read to pass the time. Or perhaps a smoke. Would the smell bother her? He had sworn to protect her but… protect her from what?

    The Brotherhood of Eternity lived here and very few were privy to that information. Hence, the shock of her ability to find this place. This was the safest place for her.

    All he could do was wait for her to wake up and make sure she wasn’t heating up.

    Oh, right… he made his way back to her and eyed her. She hadn’t moved a muscle for hours except to breathe. She didn’t seem to be perspiring either. Yet, he figured he’d be remiss if he didn’t at least check.

    He raised his hand and pressed the back of his hand softly onto her forehead.

    He could feel how soft her skin felt against his own as her natural heat seeped into his cold hand. He kept his hand there for a second before moving on to the side of her face. Against his icy skin, he could only guess that she was at her normal temperature. She didn’t feel drastically hot against him so he began to move his hand away when she stirred.

    He froze.

    Raven sighed and he swore she had leaned ever so slightly into his hand.

    There was another knock on the door and he quickly snatched his hand back. He kept still to make sure she wouldn’t stir again before practically speeding toward the door.

    That didn’t just happen, he thought as he reached for the doorknob.

    “Good afternoon, Master Isaac,” Luther was back.

    “Luther,” he greeted automatically, his mind still on what happened.

    “I brought you a few reading materials should you need them,” he held up two books.

    Isaac took them and eyed the servant, “Luther, be honest with me.”

    “Of course, Master Isaac,” Luther bowed.

   “You can read minds, can’t you?” Isaac asked for the hundredth time since he’d known the servant.

    Luther fisted his hand over his chest, “It would be an honor to hear your thoughts, Master Isaac, but I would never accede having such a burden.”

    Isaac stared as the servant bowed again and left swiftly. He closed the door again to go back to his seat. Luther was a crafty one. He always seemed to have a different answer. He wondered over the man’s words as he took his seat and set a heavy booted foot on the little table before him. He forced himself to relax as he opened a book but could still feel Raven’s warmth on his skin.

    He sighed. Being basically dead, he was accustomed to being cold. He always figured it a poetic way of being frozen in time. He had seen many lives come and go; always doing his duty since his transition into a full vampire. Hollywood was misinformed in that vampires are made. Fact was, they were born. Born of both human and vampire or two vampires; as his niece was. Dead yet alive and ageless.

    He glanced over to Raven again. Human born yet somehow had transitioned into a killer.

    Goddess, watch over Leela, he prayed suddenly. When Leela turned twenty-two, she would transition into full vampire, and he hoped all went well. He knew his niece to be a sweet, intelligent, little child who already demonstrated a physical strength akin to his kind. He hoped that even with her father and uncle being warriors that she would live a life away from their war. He couldn’t imagine her taking up a sword against the Disciples.

    Soon, he got lost in his book and managed to finish it. When he looked up, the blinds automatically opened to let in the moonlight and the dim lights began to brighten a bit. He set the book down just as he heard a grumble on the bed.

    Crap, I should have turned those things off, he cursed and stood up.

    Raven groaned softly as she forced her eyelids open before wincing them shut again.

    Isaac quickly grabbed the remote and dimmed the lights. He guessed his quick movement was a mistake as Raven suddenly turned to him. She let out a strange, raspy shout before her eyes rolled to the back of her head and she was out cold again.

    With a curse, Isaac pressed a hand into her throat. He relaxed when her heartbeat felt like it was growing steady again. He kept the lights dim and kept his position in case her condition declined.

    After a few minutes, he heard her breathing change and she was forcing her eyes open again.

  “Easy, Raven,” he muttered before she stressed herself again. “You’re back in your room, as you asked, and it’s just us. You’re safe.”

    Raven’s muscles visibly relaxed and he wondered if she was aware of it. Her eyes slowly opened this time and stared up at the ceiling for a second. Then she found his eyes.

    “How do you feel?” he asked carefully.

    He watched her throat work before she moved her lips. Her voice was a raspy burst of air but he could make out, “Like… train wreck…”

   Isaac moved to the tray and poured some water into the glass before adding the straw. He held it so the straw would tickle her lip. “Here,” he offered and he could make out the gleam in her eye. “The Doc recommended water,” he added innocently.

    He watched as she took in the straw and drank half the glass of water. Then he set it back on the tray.

    “Doc wants to run another blood test to see how the treatment affected the toxin,” he reported and heard her sigh heavily.

    “How… long… asleep?” her raspy voice asked.

   “About twelve hours,” he watched her eyes widen before she looked him over curiously. “I read a book,” he lied casually.

    Her expression practically screamed, ‘for twelve hours?’. He gave her a tight smile. “I’ve had practice sitting around for hours.”

    Raven glanced away from him and began wiggling her fingers.

    “The doc says to take it easy for a while,” he continued, watching as she rotated her arms experimentally. “Which means your fight with the cop will have to wait a few days.”

    Raven sighed and stopped moving. “Not… set… yet…”

    Isaac chuckled. “That’s good, then,” movement made him glance toward the end of the bed. She was wiggling her toes. “You don’t need to get up, you know.”

    Raven met his eye and he could practically see her waging war with herself.

    The wiggling stopped.

    “Awake…” she rasped. “Relieving… you…”

    Isaac stared at her. Seriously? He felt his face muscles frown at her as his insides began to boil over. He wanted to snap at her. Wanted to curse and yell so loud at her stubbornness that the windows would shatter. It took most of his effort to stop his growl. If he let loose, this infuriating woman would shut down again and he would get no answers. His duty to the Brotherhood relied upon determining if this woman was a threat to them. All he could determine now was that she was a giant pile of questions and, by God, he was going to get some damn answers.

    Not even a deep breath could erase all of the frown as he spoke, “My agreement was to watch over you after the treatments. As I understand it, there will be more. Unless you plan to ask me every time, I think my agreement still stands.”

    He watched her eyes widen indignantly but continued anyway, “Besides, you couldn’t defend yourself against attacks right now anyway. Until you’ve fully recovered, you’ll have to rely on my vampy strength.”

    At this point, she wasn’t glaring at him but her eyes were narrowed into slits. If she could move, he was sure she’d have thrown a punch.

    Hoping to ease the tension, he raised his arms, “Hey, Doctor’s orders say you can’t stress yourself for at least a day or two. Take it up with him… if you can speak loud enough.”

    Raven’s expression darkened for a second before she relaxed and the tension left her muscles. She let out a long hissing breath and seemed to consider his words. Then she looked up at him again, a spark of panic in her eyes. “Anise…?”

    “We’re doing shifts at night and the cop has four of those days covered,” he could see her question and continued, “He’s randomizing the day watch and Luther’s covering the last three days.”

    Raven’s jaw worked like she wanted to say something.

  “I know he doesn’t look like it but Luther can hold his own,” he defended the servant and she shook her head.

    “Not… that…” she rasped and tried again. “Feel… bad…”

    Immediately, he felt himself tense up. “Why? Do you feel a fever? Or do you have to throw up?”

    Raven grimaced and spoke again, “No… never mind…”

   Isaac relaxed but knew she wanted to say more. He sped around the bed to the other bedside table and picked up her new phone. He reached over and set it into her left hand as she turned to him. “Try texting?”

  Raven’s muscles shook with effort as she lifted the phone and tossed it toward her right hand before collapsing. Then she weakly moved that hand. She unlocked the phone screen and opened a notepad app. Then her thumb slid over the keyboard.

    Isaac moved back to the other side as she worked and looked at the screen when she tilted the phone his way.

    I feel bad Luther is part Anise’s detail. I know you giants have your own business but that dude does so much already.

   Strangely, he felt his chest expand as she looked back into her green eyes. “He’s happy to do it. I think he has a soft spot for you.”

    Raven began typing beneath her first message, Is he human?

    Isaac shook his head. “He’s not a vampire if that’s what you wanted to ask. He’s immortal but none of us are exactly sure what he is. He’s been with the Brotherhood since before I joined. I suspect he’s been here even longer. We trust him.”

   Raven seemed to accepted this and typed again, Is the Doc coming or do I have to go meet him?

  “I think he’s coming here,” his phone starting ringing at that moment. “Hold on.”

    He checked the ID and answered on the second ring, “Hey, Doc.”

    “Master Isaac, how is my patient?”

    “Losing her patience but she’s conscious,” Isaac reported.

    “Excellent. I will be there soon to collect a bit more blood and ask some questions,” the Doctor said. “Have her drink some water and we’ll see if she can stomach food after my visit.”

    “See you then,” Isaac hung up and turned to her. “Doc’s headed up.”

    Raven sighed and stared up at the ceiling.

    “He said to give you more water,” Isaac picked up the glass with the straw again and this time, she drank without issue.

    “Thanks,” she croaked, her voice a little stronger.

    “No problem,” he set the empty glass on the tray. Silently, he hoped he’d been able to get through to her at least a little bit. Those were some high walls she had (for good reason) but even the slightest budge would ease some of the tension in his shoulders.

     Before they could say more, there was a knock on the door and he went to answer it.