Forty is the New Dead Chapter 1

I stood in the heart of the Shadow Demon mansion, nestled high in the mountains on the outskirts of Vancouver. The vast glass windows framed the ocean, a dark expanse under the night sky, with only a handful of boats still drifting. Most were safely docked at the distant marina, their lights twinkling faintly like fireflies in the summer dusk.

This was the second clan I had been inducted into since Shadow Bone, but I loved this location. There was something about the undercurrent of sound here, the relentless rhythm of waves crashing against the jagged rocks below; that spoke to me. It was a reminder of nature's unyielding power, a force that could not be tamed.

The living room was a blend of elegance and rustic charm, an open space that seemed to breathe within the surrounding forest. Polished wood floors gleamed under the soft glow of wrought-iron chandeliers, their design mimicking twisted branches. Plush, earth-toned sofas and chairs were arranged around a stone fireplace, its hearth bearing the marks of countless fires. The scent of burning cedar mingled with the salty sea air, creating a heady, comforting aroma.

Exposed wooden beams stretched across the ceiling, their rough-hewn surfaces telling tales of the ancient trees they once were. Shelves carved into the walls held a curated collection of artifacts and books, each piece telling a story of its own. The decor was a testament to the natural beauty outside; each item chosen with care, each placement a nod to the surrounding wilderness.

Cass moved to stand beside me. She held a wineglass in her hand and took a sip as she stared out at the water. "This place has the best view."

"It does. The people seemed nice too." I recalled my introduction to the Shadow Demon Clan, a moment strikingly similar to the one at Shadow Bone. Stepping out of mine and Rene's suite with Cass by my side, I felt the weight of countless eyes on me. The clan members lined the hallways and stairs, their gazes curious yet welcoming. Each face was a new chapter in this unfolding story, and I met them all, one by one, as I made my way toward Rene.

Rene was in the ballroom waiting for me. When I finally reached him, he embraced me and declared my acceptance into the clan. It was a powerful moment, one that marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life. Now, the introductions were over, and the clan was immersed in the festivities of my ball.

The ballroom area was alive with music, a band playing tunes that echoed through the grand hall. The joy and energy of the celebration were palpable, yet I couldn't shake the exhaustion from our plane ride last night and the limited sleep I'd managed to get. I had mingled with the guests, my smile genuine but my thoughts already drifting to the comfort of the morning, when I could finally turn in for some much-needed rest.

When Rene was in a deep conversation with the clan leader of Shadow Demon, I had left the ballroom to make my way to the living room overlooking the ocean. I wasn't surprised I had less than a minute alone before Cass joined me. Even within clan walls, she or Rene were never far from my side. Even with Brigid gone, one of them or Constantine was close to me.

Cass took another sip of her drink. "Yeah, this clan is pretty stable. We have few issues here. Rene chose the more... balanced clans to induct you into first."

I arched an eyebrow. "Balanced?"

"Ones that aren't as politically motivated."

Cass and I turned at the sound of footsteps behind us. A tall, attractive man with striking black hair and piercing blue eyes approached with a wineglass in his hand. His dark blue suit and white dress shirt, were paired with a bold red tie that immediately marked him as the leader of the Shadow Demon Clan.

I had met him briefly before Rene inducted me into the clan, and his presence now was both commanding and comforting. "Hello, Randal," I greeted, my voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in my stomach.

Randal smiled, a slow, knowing smile that seemed to hold a thousand secrets. "Welcome to the clan," he said, his voice smooth and warm, like the wine he held. He raised his glass slightly in a toast, his eyes never leaving mine. There was something about him that drew you in, made you feel seen and understood.

His gaze shifted briefly to Cass and then back to me. "I trust you're finding everything to your liking?"

"Very much so," I replied, returning his smile. "It's beautiful here."

Randal nodded, a look of satisfaction crossing his features. "I'm glad you like it. I'm hoping you will visit often and bring Cassara with you." He winked at me as he took another sip of his drink.

Cass rolled her eyes, but it was obvious Cass had yet another admirer. Though her quirky smile alerted me that she was fond of this one. "She may be a member of Shadow Demon, but I am not."

Randal shrugged casually. "You could be."

Cass grunted. "I go where Rene goes, Randal, and you know it."

Randal glanced at me. "He kept you with him because he is fond of you and needed a... confidant. He has Raven now and while he will always have affection for you, it is time for you to choose your own path. Even if it is not with my clan, I hope you will consider your own future. Not one Rene chose for you."

I wasn't sure I liked the turn in the conversation, but Cass glanced at me as if she was considering his words. "I know you mean well, Randal. But I chose to lead the death dealers after helping Rene create them, and they will always be my priority. No matter what clan they are from."

Randal nodded. "If that is your choice, then I respect it."

"Thank you," Cass said.

Randal turned to me. "Rene has changed a lot since your emergence. He is quite possessive of you. It looks good on him. I swear he almost smiled when he demonstrated your powers for us."

"I am trying to be transparent with the clans. I am learning to be a vampire, but most of my powers are new as well, and I can make mistakes."

Randal sighed. "Dimitri reported the incident that led to you impaling him in the foyer. I wish I had been around to see it. That vampire is a disgrace to us. I hope you keep an open mind with the other clans. Most believe you are a blessing. One that has given us a chance at saving our overseer. He brokered the peace treaty we all enjoy, and I am uncertain another could maintain it if he... lost interest in life."

Cass took a sip of her drink. "Rene won't lose interest in life. Not now."

Randal smiled at me. "I know. Our members won't consider you a witch, Raven. They will consider you an angel."

Cass grunted. "Don't bet on it, Randal."

Randal rolled his shoulders, bringing attention to his muscular form. "If they don't, they will find themselves with cement shoes at the bottom of the ocean."

Cass smiled before she winked at me. "You see why I like him."

Randal sighed. "If only you meant that as more than a friend."

Cass shook her head as if he was joking, but his gaze moved over her slim form, and I knew he wasn't.

The band in the other room finished their song and Randal motioned toward the door that led to the ballroom. "I must thank our entertainment for their performance this evening." He bowed to us and sauntered toward the ballroom.

"I like him," I said. Even the hard questions he asked were out of love for Cass. He honestly cared about her wellbeing regardless of which man she chose.

Cass stared out the window. "Me too. Just not in the way he wishes I did."

"May I ask why? He is gorgeous and seems genuine."

"He is. And he isn't a warrior, so he would never attempt to stand in my way if there was an altercation."

Part of me wondered if that was the problem. She wanted a partner. One that would fight by her side, just not one that would stand in front of her. Cass was just too good at what she did and the few men that matched her skill were all members of Shadow Phantom. And there was only one there that she had feelings for, despite her intention to ignore them.

"Cassara, there you are." A tall man who Cass had introduced as Leopold approached us.

"What can I do for you Leopold?" Cass asked with a deadpan voice.

"I just wanted to get to know Raven, since I am the frontrunner for the next election."

Cass huffed. "That is over fifty years away. It's a little early for voting."

Leopold shrugged. "Not really. We must adopt more progressive election techniques, similar to the humans."

Cass grunted. "I believe Dimitri said something similar to me."

Leopold smoothed his tie. "Dimitri was desperate to retain his power. I wish to be the next leader, not alter our traditions." He said he wanted to get to know me, but Leopold kept his eyes on Cassara and barely glanced my way.

"I hate politics," I said out loud before I could censor my remark.

Leopold glanced at me as if I were a bug. "It takes a certain intelligence to understand the intricacies of political power, it is not for the weak minded."

Cassara's eyes flickered with red. "I suggest you move along, Leopold. If I mention to Rene that you just inferred his woman has the mental acuity of a turnip, I'm sure he will take offense. Since he usually kills people who look at her wrong, I wouldn't worry about that election."

Leopold paled and glanced at me in fear. He bowed awkwardly before quickly moving toward the ballroom.

Cass sighed. "I wish Con were here."

I placed my glass on the windowsill. "Really?"

"Yeah, he would have killed that little prick and taken the punishment. It's kind of his thing. He knows Rene can't stay mad at him."

"Rene can't stay mad at you either," I said.

"Yeah, but I am his protector. Con is more of a hammer. Nobody expects him to play nice, even for Rene's sake."

"Honestly, I am surprised Con agreed to stay at Shadow Bone," I said.

Cass grunted. "He didn't. Rene gave him a direct order. It's rare for him to force Con's compliance and Con didn't take it well. I'm sure my death dealers will be exhausted when I return. Con will take his frustrations out in the ring if he doesn't have an opponent."

"I'm surprised he agreed then," I said.

"In the end, it comes down to Randal. Con knows he runs a tight ship and the security risk to you was minimal. Rene needed someone he trusts at Shadow Bone while we are gone."

"If Rene is the overseer, why would there be a threat in another clan?"

Cass was silent for a moment. "There have been reposts from every clam except Shadow Phantom that Dimitri is trying to subvert clan members to his cause."

"Has anyone betrayed us?"

"He has had a few takers. Usually vamps that have little standing in their clan or who are not well respected."

"I can't believe anyone would be so gullible. Dimitri is a snake."

"Yeah, but after what happened with his brother, we are not taking any chances with your security."

A young vamp strolled by, and his eyes moved over Cassara. "You look ravishing, Miss James."

Cass nodded. "Thanks Franklin."

I had to agree with the young blond vampire. Cassara's black ruffled dress was stunning. The layers of tulle whispered over the floor as she walked while the tight bodice accented her waist. My dress was silky and fitted. It wasn't something I would normally have chosen, especially in white, but Rene had bought it for me and the material was like butterfly wings on my skin.

He smiled at me. "You look beautiful as well, Raven. Welcome to the clan. I hope you will have the chance to visit often. We do night cruises regularly on our private yacht."

"That sounds amazing. I would love to..."

Rene's hand slipped around my waist, and I jumped. "Damn it Rene. You keep this up and I am going to invest in that bell."

"Sorry, Raven. We must go." He nodded politely to Franklin before escorting me toward the stairwell that led to the private rooms.

Cass said nothing as she followed us upstairs, but closed the door behind us when we entered our private suite. "What is going on?"

The suite at Shadow Demon had a similar layout to the one at Shadow Bone, with a connecting suite for Cass, but the decor was more modern with pine furniture.

Rene pointed to her door. "Get changed. We must leave immediately. There has been an attack."

Cass went to her suite as Rene and I changed from our formal wear. Cass was back in a few minutes wearing her leather one piece. She still had her makeup on, but she had slicked her hair back and the effect made her appear even more deadly.

I had changed into a pair of black pants and a white blouse before grabbing a red leather jacket from the closet. Rene had explained I didn't need to pack clothes, as every clan had a suite with a full wardrobe waiting for us.

We were downstairs and getting into the limousine before most of the clan realized we had left the party.

We were pulling away from the mansion before Cass spoke. "Is it another attack from Dimitri's people? He is getting more brazen. He must have subverted some additional members from either Shadow Bone or another clan."

Rene shook his head. "This was not Dimitri, and Constantine has confirmed that no further members of Shadow Bone have defected."

"It wasn't a vampire attack?" Cass asked.

"Several humans were attacked and killed, but the perpetrators were not vampire."

Cass frowned. "Why would we concern ourselves with human perpetrators?"

Rene pulled out his phone and pulled up a picture. He showed it to Cass and me. The man's head was barely attached to his body. There was so much blood on his clothes, I had no idea what color his jacket had been. The wounds on his torso were just as savage and he looked like he had been through a shredder.

She stared at the image. "An animal attack?"

"Constantine was called to investigate this by William as the humans were ripped apart in a back alley of a pub. He has confirmed that the killer is a lycan. He can smell it on the bodies."

Cassara's eyes widened. "That is impossible. They have been extinct for a thousand years."

Rene put his phone away and leaned back in his seat. "Nobody is more surprised by this development than me. I was sure they were extinct. I hunted the last of the local pack myself with Constantine and members of Shadow Phantom."

My emotions churned in a turbulent mix of regret and wonder. Part of me was mortified by the image of blood and violence Rene had showed us. The gore and devastation were hard to shake. Yet, there was another part of me, a quieter voice, that felt a pang of sorrow for the exterminated lycans.

It was difficult to reconcile these feelings. The vampires had taught me that no species could be entirely bad. I had seen their complexities, their struggles, and their capacity for both cruelty and compassion. It was a lesson I couldn't ignore, one that made me question the sweeping generalizations about the lycans. Surely, when their species was thriving, there had been some good people among them, individuals who didn't fit the monstrous mold we so often attributed to them.

But this was not a sentiment I could share with Rene. His experiences, his convictions, were deeply rooted in a different reality. Voicing my doubts would be like challenging the very foundation of his beliefs, something I wasn't ready to do. Instead, I kept my thoughts to myself, silently wrestling with the conflicting emotions.

"Where do you think they have been hiding and what brought them out now?" Cass asked.

Rene sighed. "I assume they hid when I killed the clan heads. With the king gone, they had no way of fighting me. I thought we had tracked down the stragglers in the pack."

My voice was barely a whisper. "What will you do if they are back?"

"They cannot be allowed to kill the humans. William lacks the technology to fight them. Their weapons are designed to kill vampires and will have little effect on a lycan. Their human guns are better, but they must hit the lycan dozens of times to slow it down and a werewolf is much faster and stronger than a human. They must be put down before they start turning the mundanes."

I let out a slow breath. "So you plan to exterminate them? Again."