AETERNUM

Chapter Five

I caught up with Broderick within mere minutes as we scaled the inner recesses of the forest and brought him down to the earth, both of our bodies crashing and tumbling in the nettles and brambles.  We felled a few whole trees in our reckless landing, careening out of control towards a steep incline.  The clearing was bathed in low clouds, mist and moonlight, and I fell over the mossy precipe, face to face with a shallow riverbed and sharp rocks.  I was stopped short by Broderick's quick save:  grabbing my forearm and mainting his hold with a handful of dirt and the furious flapping of his wings.

"BLAKE!"

I flailed my own wings desperately and dug my Timbalinds into the craggy and dryshod of the cliff assisting Broderick in his effort to save me.  Although gifted with flight, the vampire faces harm and possible death when out of control; as in my case.  Broderick's speed in maintaining his agility so suddenly greatly impressed me.

I reached safety and collapsed alongside him, both of us gasping for air.  We maintained our regular forms and laid there a moment, not saying anything but gazing into the moon slightly obscured by clouds.

I lifted my head and peered over at Broderick.  "Where...how... did you ever get to be so -- so strong?"

Broderick, eyes closed, pointed at me.  "You," he breathed.  "You."

I brought my head back down and thought a moment.  Yes, he gaining strength was possibly due me but...

Rolling over onto my side, I reached for him.  "Come here."

He glanced at me.  "What?"

"Come.  Here."

Broderick sucked his teeth and rolled his eyes but complied nevertheless, rolling over to me in a playful manner.  He crashed into me.  "Take me, dahling," he replied in a Southern drawl.

"Later."  I held his face in my hands and stared deep into his pupils. The slight hue of yellow in his irisis gave it away.  "You did belong to him.  Weren't you?"

Broderick's features showed guilt.  He sat up, brushing the earth's floor from off his jeans.  He stared off into the night.

I positioned myself beside him.  "I'm not mad, babe," I assured him.  "I wish you told me but I'm not mad.  I'm glad I know now."

"And there's nothing from your past," he replied.  "I know. You told me everything."

We fell silent, listening to the soothing sounds of our surroundings.  He placed his arm around me and leaned his head to mine.  No words were said.

There was no need.

************

We arrived back at our mansion and found Danny dusting the contour of the living quarters.  He eyed us suspiciously then placed his hands to his hips.  "And who won this time?" he chided.

Broderick and I laughed.  "I did," I fibbed.

Broderick swatted me across the back of the head as we made our way to our bed chamber.

Danny just snickered and shook his head, continuing with his duties.

************

I shared a shower with Broderick then reclined to bed with him.  He snuggled up under me and I watched him sleep.  My thoughts were working overtime.  The counsel I desired from the elders deep down frightened me a little.  Taking in another vampire's property was against the Coven, regardless of what one didn't know; however, upon knowing, as was the case tonight, I was to leave Broderick and close that chapter of our lives together.  He was branded the sole property of another rogue.  But I didn't care.  He was mine and would continue to be for as long as the gods allowed it.

I closed my eyes but sleep evaded me.

************

"Master."

The disfigured shadow huddled coyly from the dark shadow that rose up from the confines of the cellar, making its way up the stone steps and into the warmth of the upper floor of the elaborate residence.

He was home, thanks to his loyal servant.

"Come, Ichabod."

Ichabod shambled over to his master with no fear and knelt before him in humble respect and adoration.  His master reached down with a taloned hand and lifted the chin, beholding the poor disfigured soul with loving eyes.

"Because you have been so loyal, I will remove the ugliness you feel from your hideous form and grant you the splendour of handsome resplendence and refinement you have desired for so long.  Stand."

Ichabod obeyed and welcomed the fangs of his centuries-old master into his jugular.

©2017 Robert Sticek