Blood Ties

Chapter 15

"Well, now." Tommy drew close as the festivities wound down, sitting next to Damiana on the edge of the tomb. "I guess that means you're sanctioned."

Damiana nodded. "I guess."

"We should throw you a party," said Tommy, his teeth flashing as he grinned. "Introduce you to the gang. What were you planning on doing after this?"

Damiana shrugged. "Maybe go home. See what Laz has to say about this whole mess."

"Your brother, huh." Behind her, Alphonse gave a sniff. "You haven't seen him lately, have you."

Damiana turned, frowning. "What's that meant to mean?"

Alphonse shrugged. "He's dead, kid."

"What?"

"Oh, come on." Alphonse looked down his nose. "Not like it was sudden."

Grief hit Damiana like a wave, and she gripped the legs of the carving behind her. "How did you-"

"I keep in touch," said Alphonse.

A note of hope flickered in Damiana's heart. "They turned him?"

"Of course not," Alphonse made a derisive gesture. "It's November. They had the funeral last week." He glanced back at her. "You seriously expected everything to stay exactly how it was, while you went swanning off to be a revolutionary? The world doesn't stop for you, kid." He sniffed. "With the exception of these guys, maybe."

Damiana followed his gaze, to the assembled vampires. Leo emerged from a door behind the altar, Giuseppe in tow. They were having an argument, Giuseppe's face dark with anger as Leo's remained genial.

"Looks like I'm up," said Alphonse, his eyes narrowed as he studied the two of them. "Here." He slid his jacket from his shoulders, thrusting it towards Damiana. "Hold this."

He rolled up his sleeves as he walked to the center of the crossing, the crowd parting before him. Giuseppe stepped forward, head bowed.

Alphonse tilted his head, voice raised to carry to everyone present, and the assembled family members quieted, watching him with polite interest. "I guess we do this now."

Giuseppe looked at him, expression still sullen. "You want the knife?" His voice was a growl.

"I'm not going to let you stab me, little brother." Alphonse sighed. "Wrist or neck?"

Giuseppe seemed to consider this, circling Alphonse. "That looks like an expensive shirt."

"Wrist it is, then."

Giuseppe made a face, baring his fangs. "You're no fun."