Blood Ties

 

From the Journal of Robert Frohmeyer:

 

Blade, the hybrid that Whistler took in and raised is here. I find that Josh not only knows about vampires he helps Blade hunt them. They have a well organized group of hunters that call themselves the Nightstalkers. Drake's company, Talos Industries is also involved through funding research and weapons development. I begin to hope that Pendragon will finally be destroyed.

*****

Drake knew it was rare for a vampire to dream but not unheard of, and Scud had been dreaming. Or rather Scud had been having a nightmare. He was crying out in his sleep and thrashing in the bed. It took a couple of minutes of Drake shaking him to pull him out of whatever horrific images had taken hold of him. Scud was now sitting in a tub of hot water knees drawn up to his chest while Drake washed the blood tinged sweat from his shaking body.

“I was dreaming about Phoenix House.” Scud said. “About why I ran away.”

Drake said nothing just continued soothingly running the sponge over Scud's shoulders and back.

“His name was Sebastian Miller and he worked nights. There were 7 of us in the house. I had just turned 14. Miller was a pedophile, he'd come into our rooms at night. This one night he comes to my room. I was used to him coming in and feeling me up, grabbing my hand and making me feel him up.” Scud shuddered with the memory. “But this night was different. He didn't want me feeling him up. He wanted to fuck me. I couldn't stop him, he was bigger than me, stronger; I fought him but he was stronger. He raped me Drake.”

“Love, there are sick people in the world, human and vampire, you've met more than your share. But I won't let anyone hurt you ever again. You know that.” Drake said.

“I know.” Scud said wrapping his arms around the older vampire. “Drake, you're the best thing that ever happened to me. I have always made the worst decisions in my life, I don't know why fate decided to bless me with you but I'm thankful every day that she did.”

Drake leaned back and looked at Scud. “You are not the only one love. I never lose sight of what I would be had you not come into my life. I am burdened with so many regrets already. You keep me from adding to them.”

*****

Blade escorted the female vampire and her human companion to the lower levels. Drake had vouched for them but Blade was Blade. There were only two vampires Blade came close to trusting Drake and Scud.

“So you are the Daywalker.” The female said. “You have destroyed quite a few of those we wanted dead. Thank you.”

“I didn't do it for you.” Blade said.

“I'm quite aware of that, never the less you have been a great help to the council. And I'm not talking about those arrogant purebloods that think so highly of themselves. I'm talking about the original council.”

Blade said nothing simply opened the door to a small conference room. Drake was sitting at the head of the table. The female vamp made her way to Drake and dropped into a deep curtsey. “Drake.”

“Valera, drop the formality and sit down.” Drake said. “I'm glad that you stayed true to the law.”

“I'm glad that you have awoken and with your reason intact.” She replied. She gestured to the human male with her. “This is Dr Anton Cavanaugh. He is a hemotologist that has been studying our blood for several years now and comparing it with human blood. He has made several discoveries over the years. I asked him to study the blood samples that you sent to us.”

“Blood samples?” Blade gave Drake a look.

“I'll explain after I hear what the doctor has to say.” Drake said.

The doctor pulled out a large file and opened it. He cleared his throat. The three samples were from one family. They share too many genetic markers not to be related although one of them is a vampire.”

Drake leaned back in his chair. “Very good. They are all related. And did you check for anything that would make their blood different or special in relation to the blood of others?”

“Yes Mr Drake. The blood is normal, there are no shared 'anomolies' that set their blood apart from others.” The doctor answered.

“So there's no reason a vampire would have need of the family's blood over any other?” Drake asked.

“No physical reason.” Valera said. “However the doctor may have an explanation in any case. You know Pendragon was deemed dangerous a very long time ago for his penchant for drinking the blood of children. He has always managed to elude us.

His familiars are more like mindless slaves and would make sure that he escaped us.”

“I understand that drinking from a minor is banned. There is good reason for the ban beyond the moral reasons. There is a slight difference in blood chemistry between children and adults.” The doctor explained. “It is due to hormonal changes humans experience during puberty. Once a human has passed through puberty into adulthood, the hormone levels are different.

My research leads me to believe that drinking the blood of prepubescent children has led to a form of madness with this Pendragon. There is no physical need for him to drink the blood of this family but he has convinced himself that there is a reason that he needs this particular family. I believe he will stop at nothing to have them..”

“So Pendragon is spending all this time chasing after this family because he's gone crazy?” Drake asked.

“Exactly.” the doctor confirmed.

*****

Joseph sat in the garden enjoying the warmth of the sun. His master's words were cruel but true. He was old.

More often than not he hurt. He awoke in the mornings his joints stiff with age. Yet he had not complained. He filled his duties to his master to the best of his ability. He should not be at his master's beck and call.

Joseph never thought to blame anyone for his situation before, but now he did. He did not blame the father who had placed him in this predicament. He blamed Robert for his selfishness. All Robert had to do was to give Joshua to Pendragon at the appointed time. Now it was up to Joseph to correct things.

Joseph had to figure out how to get Joshua here. Joseph was sure that Joshua would be happy to take his rightful place, the place that his father's selfishness had denied him all these years. There was nothing better in the world than serving Pendragon. Joseph knew this, Pendragon had told him as far back as he could remember just how lucky he was to be the chosen one. Joseph was special.

Joseph heaved his body out of the lawn chair. There was no need for all this subterfuge, Joseph would speak to his nephew and let him know what he was missing. Joshua would come willingly.