A Poisonous Soul. (editing)

Chapter 13 (complete)

Copyright c 2011.                                                                                   A Poisonous Soul

  Chapter Thirteen

         The first few breaths of a fledgling’s life are painful. Not just for them but for those of us that have to hear it. It sounds as if a thousand rocks are being ground by steel tools.  The torso of Steve’s body rises up in huge awkward heaves as his lungs force air into them. His eyes remain closed as the last of his corpse comes alive. The vampire inside is prominent. This is a raw creature awakening to his surroundings. I keep my eyes fixed on him. I will know upon his first words whether the turn has been good to him. If I waited too long to give him my blood after I drank all his, he will be a very different person indeed. His stomach is sunken in. All his ribs are visible to me under the shirt he has on. His jaw and nails are elongated. His fangs are already out. This is how a vampire awakens. The ability to look human is taught to a vampire. One does not just pop up and be perfect.

         I see his claws dig into the bare mattress. I see his nostrils flare for a second as he takes in the odors around him. My shadow is undetectable by one so newly turned. He is unaware of my presence so I stay still. His eyes finally open and I can see they are all black. He slowly sits up and perches on the edge of the mattress. I know that his senses are heightened and his strength is extraordinary. I will not surprise him by coming up behind him. I am his maker and he must learn that. Shocking him into an attack is a sure way to get him killed. I make a small guttural noise that should only penetrate his hearing. Just barely. His spine snaps straight and he flips around landing in a crouch. I let my shadow dissolve. His nails are gouging into the concrete while his mouth is salivating. He sees a human and he can smell my blood. He is too inexperienced to recognize me for what I am. I drop my head forward slightly and go full vamp. My jaw dangles down exposing my fangs. My nails grow twice as long as his. I step forward and speak. My voice is hard with an edge, like his first breaths. “Steve, if you don't want to lose the head that is attached to your body, I suggest you stand. What you don’t know is that position is a challenge as well as a protective crouch."

         A fleeting look of recognition crosses his face. I step closer and growl deeper. “Stand, now!” Almost against his will his body stands erect. A maker can exert a certain amount of control onto his offspring. I cannot actually make him do something he doesn’t wish to. I can just pressure him into it. Although he is standing before me I still detect uncertainty. This tells me that he doesn’t remember his human life. The fact that his creature is able to recognize me means that his memories are there. I just have to tap into them. Firstly, I must control the being in front of me. “Do you remember me Steve?” I ask. His eyes narrow in confusion. I take a step forward. He sucks in a breath and looks like he is about to flee. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” I say. Before he realizes I have moved, I have him by his throat and up in the air. His feet are dangling beneath him as he clutches my wrist. He says his first words, “Sire, maker.” I grin. He may not remember James but he understands he belongs to me. I bring his face close to mine. “You are mine. My creation. You answer to me.” I slowly put him on his feet, “My name is James Robert McCusick.” I have not let go of his neck but I am not squeezing. I see his eyes widen and recognition of my name comes into them. I tell him, “Relax your guard. Draw in your breath and hold it inside. You need to pull your humanity to the surface Steve. Do it now.” He blinks twice and then follows my orders. His hands continue to clasp my wrist but there is no pressure from them. I see subtle differences as he attempts to do as I asked. “Keep trying,” I whisper. He exhales and lets go of my arm. His face tightens into the face of Steve. It takes him longer than I have ever seen a new vamp change. When he opens his eyes I know why.