Light's Shadows - On Hold

Chapter 5 - The Elders

Dedication: To one of my favourite authors of all time:)

James POV

"You might as well start tying a noose around my neck you imbecile! Rather that than be tortured and butchered by the Fibonacci!"

I stared intently at the embers smoldering in the fire place of my father's dimly lit study, wondering when the old man would take a breath and stop ranting and raving like a lunatic.

"You've put a huge bloody target on my back. No. Not only on my back. On the back of every damn family member of yours! Don't you care about any of them? Or are you so self absorbed that your actions are carried out with only concern for your wishes and well being. What will your mother say when she finds out that her son is going to be the death of all that she loves and holds dear?"

Finally he paused, expelling a sigh and collapsing in the seat next to me. He put his head in his hands, so all I could see was his salt and pepper hair.

"I thought I taught you better than this. I thought I raised you better." His voice had quietened a fraction, and was muffled by the palms covering his face.

"What has become of my son? My sweet innocent son who would never mean harm onto anyone? Now endangering his family. His family, who would put their lives on the line for him."

He sighed again and looked up, reproach burning through the gaze he aimed my way. "My son, now a rogue vampire hunter, stooping as low as those he is trying to annihilate."

Through all of his angry words I was able to deflect any feelings of shame for I knew that my reasoning was sound and that soon, my father would see the need for my actions. But when he looked so tired and weak and his voice oozed with disappointment I could no longer feel shameless. I had known that I was putting my family at risk but I also had a gut feeling that things would work out in my favour. Yet, I still felt the sting of his reprimand. There really isn't anything like the disappointment of a parent.

I remained silent, carefully studying the flames in order to avoid looking at him and he continued.

"I've had the guards search your premises. All vampire venom has been confiscated. You will now have a guard with you at all times. You will not eat without your guard. You will not sleep without your guard posted outside your bedroom. You will not leave this house without your guard. Hell, you won't even take a leak without your guard present. Do you hear me James?"

I fisted my hands till my knuckles turned white. A guard? You have got to be kidding me. I don't need baby sitting. Especially not now at such a crucial stage in my plan. 

I gritted my teeth and sounding very much like a teenage boy in trouble grounded out an "Affirmative."

My father poured himself a glass of brandy and dismissed me from his study with a indifferent wave of his hand. I silently hurried up the carpeted staircase to my bedroom, eager to be alone. Once within the safe confines of my room, I unzipped my bag and pulled out the only venom I now had. The venom which we had taken from the scribes would last us only one more round each. After a kill I usually fill clean syringes with the fresh stock but now that all my syringes and needles were confiscated, acquiring venom would be more difficult than usual. With a guard tailing my arse 24/7, I don't see how I'm going to get anything done. Everyone in the gang was caught out except for young Philip. He would be the only one who could help. I'd speak to him tomorrow when he was sober.

I undressed till my boxers and got into my bed, enjoying the feel of the grey Egyptian cotton against my bare skin. Staring up at my intricately molded ceiling, I couldn't help but replay tonight’s events in my head...