Chapter - Three

‘Should we wake her?' Calum asked, the sound of his voice making me wake from my sleep.

I heard Felix's laughter. ‘No. I'm thinking we smother her with a pillow.' It sounded like he was grinning. ‘Then we'll bury the body out the back.'

‘We could even plant a flower garden over the top.'

‘Excellent idea, Calum! Good to hear you're coming on board with the whole accomplice proposition.'

‘I can't even joke about murder without you taking me seriously, can I? You should know it's highly inconsiderate to murder someone.'

‘But it does make for an interesting dinner party story, however.'

‘Stop bickering,' I mumbled out loud, drowsily rising from my sleep.

I sat up in bed and yawned. Both Felix and Calum stood in front of my bed, Felix relaxing on the wooden panels of the walls with crossed ankles and dishevelled hair. I bit my tongue and was careful to edge away from him.

‘Morning, Tabitha,' Calum said.

‘Love the bed attire,' Felix continued, his silver eyes moving over my body.

I look down at myself, realising I was still dressed in my costume from last night. Remembering where I was and who I was with, the blood in my veins froze. I glanced at Felix's stony face.

‘Remember we don't exist yet?' he asked, an edge to his voice.

‘Get away from me!' I screamed, throwing a pillow at their heads. I tried to scamper off the bed but Felix blocked the doorway. ‘If you touch me––'

‘I'm not going to!'

‘––I'll kick you where the sun doesn't shine.'

‘Would you sit down please?' Calum asked, smiling. ‘We're trying to have a discussion. Felix was in the middle of telling me about his plan. Quite a good one too. He's never usually an ideas kind of man.'

‘Oh yeah? Does it involve burying me in the garden and planting roses over my decomposing body?'

Felix bobbed his head. ‘That may have been mentioned, Mortal Annoyance.'

I scowled and harnessed all my energy as terror rippled through my bones and every cell of my body. I barrelled into him, smacking the door against the wall as I made a break for the stairs. He fumbled backwards into the hallway. I shot down the stairs and my hand was almost on the front doorknob, when Felix slid in out of nowhere and shoved me backwards. I lost my balance and fell to the ground, glaring up at him as I smacked my head against the floorboards.

‘How the hell did you do that?' Calum asked from behind me, his eyes wide as I turned to look at him. ‘Humans can't overpower a child of death's strength.'

‘Guess you're not as strong as you thought you were,' I grumbled, finding my footing. ‘How'd you get there so quick?' I asked Felix who remained barring the front door.

His mouth lifted at one corner in a smirk. ‘Guess you're not as fast as you thought you were,' he replied.

I rolled my head around, wincing at the sudden strain on my neck. I explored the wound gently and found two irregular patches of skin where the bite marks had swollen up during my sleep. Dashing to a mirror, I found my reflection and gasped when I saw two inky-black bruises.

‘What did you do to me after I fell asleep?' I cried out.

Felix's smirk disappeared. ‘What? Nothing! That's the drinking wound.'

‘I've got two hickeys on my neck, asshole.'

‘The wound becomes a bruise as it heals from the bite,' Calum said. ‘So now you just have two irregular-shaped hickeys on the side of your neck.' He laughed as my cheeks flushed scarlet. ‘They'll stay for a week. Sorry.'

‘You just had to drink from me, didn't you?' I turned to snap at Felix. ‘Why did you have to choose me?'

Felix's cheeks turned slightly pink as he answered. ‘You smelt like pudding. I'd just drunk from an elderly gentleman who tasted grossly similar to cough syrup. You were perfect for a more satisfying meal.' He looked away. ‘Nice aftertaste, too.'

Calum burst out laughing at his brother's face. ‘Fifi thought of you like a dessert.'

‘I taste like pudding to you?'

Felix nodded.

‘So every human tastes different to …' I paused, digesting the word, ‘drink from?'

‘Yes. The best blood is the sweetest, usually found in teenagers and young adults. Otherwise the blood tastes stale. Old people taste like medication and rotting fruit, but they're the easiest to catch.'

‘Catch? Yuck. Why not babies?' I asked.

He scrunched up his face. ‘First of all, ew. And second of all, they have less blood than an adolescent or adult and could die from a small drinking.'

‘Ew, really? You think it's cool to drink from innocent old people but gross to try babies?'

‘Try? What kind of human are you?' he asked, eyes wide. ‘Babies aren't snacks.'

‘But of course, other humans are.'

Felix rolled his eyes at me and swore.

‘Okay!' Calum interjected. ‘Enough fight flirting, it's becoming too hot to watch and I'm not in the mood for another cold shower. How about we get something to eat?'

I shifted uneasily on my feet, the two males watching with mild concern. ‘My head feels so heavy. And I'm so tired. Is that from the blood sucking? Is it supposed to make you this groggy?'

Felix averted his gaze. Calum grinned sheepishly. ‘I may have put sleep medication in your pizza rolls. Fifi was beginning to get a headache from your temper.'

‘You drugged me? I don't have a temper!'

‘Yes you do,' Felix said. His thick glasses and tousled hair gave him a worn-out expression. He was already dressed for the day in a basic white shirt and black skinny jeans. I watched him run a hand through his hair and fix his glasses, keeping his eyes on mine. ‘You're extremely hostile, ill-tempered and inconsiderate.'

‘I'm inconsiderate? Says you after snacking on my neck last night. I have every right to be angry.'

He raised his eyebrows. ‘Calm down and shut up.'

‘No. You're taking me to breakfast, whether you feel like it or not. It's the least you can do after last night.' The memory of his teeth on my neck made me shiver.

‘Would you like to shower first?' Calum said gently.

Glancing down, I remembered I was still wearing my Halloween costume from last night. Glitter that had once been in my hair was now dusted all over my skin and outfit. I could smell the dried blood that stained my collar. My hair was a disgusting tangled mess. Peering in the mirror again, I noticed what was left of my makeup was crumbly and thick over my face.

Felix licked his lips, staring at me with blatant annoyance.

I cleared my throat and crossed my arms. ‘What am I supposed to wear once I'm clean?' I asked Calum.

‘Florence!' Calum yelled.

We all waited in silence till there was a rap at the door. Felix opened the front door, nodding at the young woman who entered. She was a tall, curvaceous young woman wearing a green velvet dress. One strap had fallen from her shoulder to her arm. Her feet were bare and her toes were adorned with numerous rings. She wandered inside, her dress shining in the sunlight that poured through a window. A solid metal cross swung from the end of black rosary beads that were draped around her neck.

‘Hi Cal, hi Fifi,' she said. Her rose-red tongue slithered over her bottom lip as she slung her arm around Calum. Then she turned her snake-like pupils on me.

Calum made the introductions. ‘This is Florence, our housekeeper. Flo, this is Tabitha, Fifi's crush.'

‘She isn't my––' Felix began to protest but was cut off.

‘Fifi! You didn't tell me. Hi Tabitha.' Florence moved towards me slowly, like she was stalking prey. ‘It's so good to meet you.'

‘Stop playing, Flo,' Felix said. He stepped forward, almost protectively. ‘She'll freak out and cause another scene.'

‘Shut up,' I said.

‘I'll make you,' he answered, glowering over his shoulder at me.

Florence wore a Cheshire grin, then shrugged a shoulder, the loose strap of her clothing sagging. ‘Nothing wrong with a little tease. I presume she is the mistake your mothers have mentioned. Well, you certainly smell delectable. I can see why Felix had a nip.'

Felix huffed. ‘Could everyone stop riding my ass about that?'

‘Felix, it only happened last night,' Calum said.

‘Yes, and I'd like us to move on from it.'

I felt my face grow hot. ‘You'd like to move on from it? Oh trust me, I can guarantee I'm way more interested in getting past this. Preferably I'd like to be home right now, living in a world where you don't exist.'

Felix clenched a fist. I quickly retreated behind Calum, who chuckled.

Florence glanced between Felix and me. ‘Why is she so afraid of you?'

‘She doesn't think we're real,' Felix said and sneered at me.

‘I'm starting to think it's a possibility,' I shot back, my voice a little rocky.

‘Good. It's tiring to hear you don't exist.' He turned to Florence. ‘Now get her some clothes so I can have breakfast.'

Florence waved her hands about and murmured about how we had similar figures, which made things easier. Her eyes raked my body once more, lingering on my neck, before she exited, going to gather me something suitable to wear.

Calum slouched against the wall and said, ‘She's just thirsty, don't worry. Once she has her morning blood bag, the pair of you will get along just fine.'

My nose wrinkled. Blood bag? ‘Um, sure.'

‘Bathroom's down there.' He pointed to the end of the guest cottage. ‘Fifi will be right outside. I'll go see Blanche and Talora.' He disappeared in less than a blink.

I stared at Felix who shrugged and shoved both hands into his pockets. I waited for him to say something but when nothing happened, I exhaled heavily and moved towards the bathroom.

Felix cleared his throat, close on my tail. ‘There're towels, face wash and all kinds of hair products in there. Don't take a month.'

‘After being snacked on, I'll take two if I like, asshole,' I said and slammed the door in his face.

???

Glitter still flashed across my skin as I pulled an olive-green sweater over my head. The slinky black leggings I wore were dusted with loose silver glitter from my hands. Florence had popped the clothes in halfway through my shower, sitting them on the vanity. Now that I was freshly washed, my hair let down to air dry, I wandered out to be greeted by Felix. He was on his phone, leaning on a wall and waiting for me. My face felt bare without makeup and warm air wafted from the central heating over my skin, flushing it pink.

Felix's face was completely neutral as he gestured to my costume bundled in my hands. ‘Leave it on the couch. Calum will do the washing tonight,' he said. ‘Breakfast?'

My mouth watered at the thought of food. ‘Uh huh.'

He chuckled and sauntered outside towards the main house. I followed quietly, watching the muscles in his shoulders as he moved. We reached the dining room where two women and Calum sat, exchanging pleasantries.

Blanche caught sight of me and her plush lips formed a delicate smile. ‘Good morning, Tabitha dear. Good to see you,' she said in her melodic voice. ‘I am assured you slept properly?'

I felt safe in her presence and slid into the chair that Felix offered me. ‘Yes, thank you,' I answered her, watching Felix take the seat beside me.

Blanche gestured to the woman on my left. ‘Tabitha, this is my wife, Talora.'

The woman smiled widely, shaking her head a slight fraction. Her hair was the colour of lava – hot ruby red. The ends flickered as though live embers grew at the tips. My eyes widened to saucer size. Talora's nose was snub, a teeny bit upturned at the end, and I admired her silk blouse and choker collar that dripped with crystals.

‘It's an utter delight to make your acquaintance,' Talora said, her voice more pleasing than a sunset. ‘I offer my apologies for not waking at early dawn; my state would've been one of disaster.'

I blinked and whispered to Calum across the table. He leaned forward eagerly to meet me. ‘Why do both your parents talk like they're from medieval royalty?'

Talora laughed softly, her eyes crinkling at both corners. ‘I am four hundred and twelve years old, Tabitha. My language is not even near to the modern standard of yours.' She winked before saying, ‘A sincere expression of regret for eavesdropping.'

Blanche cut in smoothly. ‘I too apologise for our speech patterns. I've just recently turned eight hundred years old. My language regretfully continues to fluctuate between modern and medieval. I frequently forget the times are not what they once were.'

I nodded and looked at both young men. ‘How old are you?'

Calum rested his elbows on the table, cheek in his open palm, staring intently at me. ‘From becoming a vampire, I'm twenty-one, but if I was still alive, I'd be forty-seven.'

I turned to Felix, my gaze questioning. Felix, almost reluctantly, answered, ‘I'm twenty and I was turned two years ago.'

‘So you're like a––'

‘Do not say baby or I'll bite you again.' He glared at me.

‘Fifi!' cried Blanche, her lips forming a pink circle. ‘We do not speak of such atrocities. No action of that nature will occur.'

‘I bit her last night,' he replied, shrugging as he continued, ‘She's alright with it.'

‘Alright with it?' I nearly exploded at the table. My knees knocked it with a thump, lifting it slightly. Everyone appeared shocked at my display of strength. ‘Since meeting you, I've become aware of the existence of a mythical creature, had my blood drunk, been drugged by pizza rolls, and am now being ridiculed to my face! Can you cut me some slack?'

Felix's forehead creased, mouth ajar. Calum bit his lip while Talora almost dropped her teacup, and Blanche froze. I sat fuming in my seat, not even terrified of being killed this time.

Blanche cleared her throat. ‘I swear an oath to you that none within this house shall drink from you a second time round, dear.'

‘Or first-time drink,' Calum said. ‘I've never been a dessert person.'

Talora agreed. ‘We swear it. Felix is responsible for your safety.'

‘What?' he said. He sounded grouchy at this announcement. ‘Since when?'

‘Since you drew her throat to your mouth,' his mother replied, ignoring his crimson cheeks.

I shifted my eyes away from his, their silver gleam making me nervous once more.

Felix sighed. ‘Talora, can you tell us what's happening with it?'

‘Tabitha,' I snapped. ‘I have a name.'

‘I don't care much to use it. It is better,' he replied.

Blanche frowned at her son. ‘Do not treat our guest with distaste,' Talora said. ‘Alas, we have not informed you of your future, Tabitha.'

‘Am I going home?' I asked.

‘I'm afraid not. Not till you meet with our representatives,' Blanche said. She must have seen confusion on my face because she went on to explain. ‘Four representatives of death's children shall come to visit us and decide on your fate.'

‘I'm still confused,' I said.

Calum smiled, exhaling through his nostrils. ‘Vampires have a hierarchy. Everyone follows the laws of the Fabled Council. The Crimson Siblings represent death's children in the council. Then there are the Lotus Siblings, who act for the faeries. For the lycanthropes, there are the Orion Siblings, and then for the warlocks, there are the Selket Siblings. For each sibling, there are four representatives of their kind, two men and two women, who make up the sixteen leaders of the council. These chosen leaders attend meetings with the other siblings to discuss any issues, queries and concerns. They also make laws and can break them, depending on the crime committed.'

Talora stood. ‘I'll call them now and ask when we can hold a meeting. They'll be very interested in such an unusual case. We have not seen a mortal whose mind cannot be altered.' She swiftly departed and a silence stilled the room.

‘So you're telling me, not only do all the storybook beings exist, but they also have a government and politicians and follow certain laws?' I said, breaking the quiet.

Calum blinked. ‘I suppose you could call them politicians. They hardly discuss such mortal issues, however. None of the representatives would ever speak on such topics as global warming, for instance. That isn't our problem. But they do micromanage any issues that arise within their own kind. If we come into direct contact with mortal systems, they make sure no records exist – just to ensure no mortal catches on to who or what we are. So far, because of their involvement, Fifi has gotten out of thirty-six speeding tickets due to their cover-ups.'

‘Thirty-seven,' Felix said, sipping his tea.

‘Okay.' I took a deep breath. ‘And there're also werewolves, faeries, and warlocks?'

‘Correct,' Felix answered. He put his mug down on the table. ‘But we don't usually call them werewolves. We call them lycanthropes. They get offended by the word werewolf, just like a child of death gets annoyed if called a vampire. Makes us all look like a bunch of stories made up to scare kids into their beds at night. We've just let you call us that because you're a newbie and don't know better. Now you do.'

I nodded. ‘So what will the representatives do with me?'

Blanche heaved a sigh. ‘The representatives will schedule a time for you to meet with them. They will come to the house, take a look at you – perhaps one of them will be able to alter your memory so you can go home. But we don't know if even they can achieve that.'

‘Why? What's wrong with me?'

Calum frowned at my choice of words. ‘Nothing, you're just unusual. No human's ever been resistant to mind alteration before.'

‘Maybe you're just bad at it,' I said sneakily to Felix.

He rolled his eyes, saying nothing.

Talora came back into the room and started on her breakfast. ‘What did they say?' I asked her, eager to hear the news.

I hoped she would tell me I could go home to my mother. My eyes misted up at the thought of what she would be going through once discovering I'd simply disappeared.

Talora glanced at Blanche. They had a moment, their eyes narrowing, before Talora turned back to me with a tight smile. ‘The Crimson Siblings have said it might take a week. Other matters are of greater importance.'

‘I can't stay that long! You've got to let me go home.' My voice was shrill. ‘My mum will be worried about me.'

‘We can take care of that,' Talora said. ‘We have ways of tricking the mind into believing what is false. Felix will go to your home and alter her memory so she believes you are on a holiday.'

‘Why me?' Felix asked, his eyes slits.

‘Because you are the reason she is here,' Talora pointed out.

I took deep breaths and closed my eyes as I tried to control the rising panic in my ribcage, waiting for the anxiety to subdue. When I opened my eyes again, Felix was still glowering, but he was studying me closely, seemingly interested in my reaction.

‘We'll try to hurry the council along, but they are very preoccupied,' Talora said. She gave me a sad smile and promised, ‘It's not forever.'

‘You alright?' Calum asked me.

‘Yeah. Just drowsy, is all. Probably still feeling the effect of those roofied pizza rolls,' I mumbled and reached for the water jug.

But before I could even touch the glass, Blanche grabbed my hand, twisting it to examine my fourth finger and my birthmark. Her eyes widened, doubling in size, and her thumb grazed the deep black line that ran up the inside of my finger. It started near my knuckle in a flick, then went straight up the inside of my finger with a mirror image flick at the other end. My birthmark was often mistaken for a tattoo, so much so that even I sometimes forgot it wasn't. Its deep black ink has stained my skin since before I could remember. My mother had always reassured me I'd had it from infancy and that it was my heritage.

‘What?' I asked her, trying to tug my hand back.

‘Have you always had this?' she asked me.

‘Yes. Since I was born. Why?'

‘Talora, dear, come look at this.'

Her wife came to stand beside my chair, bringing a winter breeze with her. ‘What is it?'

‘She has their kind's mark,' Blanche whispered.

Talora frowned and examined my hand. As the seconds passed, both of their cold fingertips trailing over the black line, I felt more awkward. Calum leant as close as he could, trying to get a better view while Felix chewed on a piece of sourdough bread, his eyes focused on the pulse in my throat.

I frowned at both the women. ‘You mean my birthmark?' Blanche nodded. I thought she looked uneasy, which made me nervous. ‘I've always had it. It's a family mark, my grandmother had it too, so I was told.'

‘Who told you that?' Talora asked.

‘Uh, I don't know. She was just a woman who turned up to my birthday party when I turned eight. I mentioned it to my mum once but she doesn't remember anything about it. Kind of weird, but there were quite a few people there that day.'

‘What did this woman look like?' Blanche asked.

The memory was hazy; the more I tried to grasp onto it, the further it slipped away from me. ‘I don't know if what I remember is real, but she had white hair and wore red lipstick. I can't make out her face.'

Blanche frowned as she turned to Talora. They discussed something beneath their breath, then turned back to me. I squirmed under their intense gazes.

‘I can't believe I didn't see it,' Blanche said.

Talora leant forward, her hair spilling onto the table. ‘Have you ever cut your skin open and seen the colour of your blood? Ever bruised a knee and seen the colour of the wound? Done or seen things that could be deemed inhuman?'

I faltered, trying to find my voice. ‘No. Well, I mean, I've seen things happen that aren't humanly possible, but they were just dreams. It used to happen when I was a kid. I even saw a therapist about it for a while because it scared my mum so much. Everyone thought I was delusional.'

‘How do you know they were dreams?'

My mouth opened and closed for a bit before I managed, ‘I don't know. Everyone told me they were.'

‘What does her having hallucinations have to do with anything?' Felix asked, a worry line wrinkling his forehead.

They didn't answer straightaway. I started to feel concerned. ‘Am I not normal?'

‘Darling,' she smiled and placed a finger to her lips. ‘You're a youngblood.'