The Vampire Extraordinaire Book 1

21. The Sun

When I woke the next night, it was early. To early. I sat up on my elbow and listened. I could hear servants moving about the hallway and doors opening and closing. Everyone was busy, but casually talked as they went about doing their jobs. I smiled, a pang of regret touched me. I missed my work friends. I missed having a job and a position that allowed people to count on me. When I worked at the restaurant, I was part of a team. I was needed. Now I felt useless; hungrily fighting for blood, so I could live in this useless existence.

I shoved the curtains back and got out of bed. My eyes fell to the balcony doors. Fading sunlight danced along the floor. I missed its warmth. I went to the glass doors. My new family was so frightened of sunlight. The windows at Sawyer Manor had black paint on them and heavy curtains hung at every window, obscuring any and all light. I smiled and looked back at my door. Yep, it was shut. No one would see me.

I tiptoed to the doors and stood near the curtain. The light was on the floor. It was the gray light of sunset, but it was still sun! I touched the warm curtains and laughed. The sun had touched them.
I knelt down and reached my hand out. Inches from sunglow. Inches, inches and then my hand was in it. I wiggled my fingers and stretched my hand. Nothing was happening. I was fine. I stood up quickly and put my foot in the sunglow. Nothing. I reached up and jerked the curtain back; slammed the balcony doors open.

AND THERE IT WAS...

Deep black trees rustled, their heavy limbs nodding a hello to me. Black birds lazily crossed the purple and gray sky. But on the top of the distant mountains was the sun. It was dark orange and barely shone. But it was there; an old friend that I hadn't seen for months. Something that I had took for granted for so many years.

I took off my night shirt and closed my eyes. I leaned against the balcony wall and laid my head back. The wind blew again, brushing my hair from my shoulders. It felt wonderful. It was so relaxing, enjoying the warmth that went to my bones. I looked at the sun one more time. It was a small crescent behind the mountains. It would be gone in a few minutes. I was sad. I wished I could always wake up early, so I could enjoy what little time I could with the sun.

I sighed heavily, it was gone. I picked up my shirt. Hateful blackness was all around me. I slowly walked inside. I stopped when I saw a servant standing in my room.

"You....," she whispered, "Blimey," she gasped, "You was a standin in the sun, you was!" she pointed behind me, "I saws ya, I did."

I smiled, "Yeah? Well, we'll just keep this to ourselves."

"Yes sir," she blinked. She held up a garment bag, "It's your tuxedo for tonight." She tried to be professional, but her hands were shaking and her eyes were wide.

"Thank you," I nodded once and took a step. She gasped and took a step back. I laughed to myself, "Put it on the bed," I pointed.

"Yes sir," she nearly ran to the bed. She laid it down and talked quickly, "Queen Anna wanted you to have it. I was supposed to bring it last night." She spared me a look of regret, she looked down at my naked chest and closed her eyes tight. "Shamed I didn't," she turned and left my room fast, slamming the door behind her.

I could only laugh and shake my head.

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I showered and dressed in the black tuxedo that Anna had sent. Luckily, I had been to a couple of proms and still remembered how to put on a cummerbund and tie a bow tie. I went to the end table that was next to the fireplace. A servant had brought up a decanter of blood for me. I picked up the goblet and shook my head. Aristocrats loved their glasses. I dropped the metal goblet on the tray and popped the lid off the decanter and drank straight from the decanter. My door opened and Dad laughed, "I see you're awake and hungry."

I swallowed hard and caught the drop on the corner of my mouth with my finger. "A little snack," I laughed and licked my finger. He walked over to me and looked me up and down. I took another drink. "What?" I frowned.

"You look different," he shook his head.

I turned from him, "I don't know what you mean. Probably because you've never seen me in a tux." I put down the decanter.

He caught my arm and turned me to face him. He studied my face and his eyebrows narrowed, "If I didn't know better, I'd say you had some sun."

"No," I laughed nervously and walked away from him. I had noticed my light tan when I had gotten out of the shower, but I had hoped nobody would notice.

"You have!" he accused, "What did you do?" he followed me to my balcony.

"Oh Dad," I moaned and leaned on the balcony wall.

"What happened?" he asked in a tone that I dared not defy. He stood next to me, "Well?" There was that tone again.

I looked at him, "I woke up early. The sun was setting." I looked over at the mountains and black sky. "It was so beautiful," I whispered.

"What?" he gasped.

I frowned at him, "God, nothing happened," I snapped and went back inside.

"But it could have," he followed me, "What were you thinking?"

"I was thinking it wasn't a big deal," I shrugged.

He caught my arm and twirled me around to face him. He took me by the arms and gave me a shake, "It IS a big deal. A vampire who can be in the sun? Did anyone see you?"

"Well," I shrugged.

"Someone saw you?" he gasped.

"A maid! What?" I took a nervous step back from his red, glaring eyes.

He took a step towards me, "A maid saw you?" his hand came down and slapped my cheek. I stumbled back a step, holding my cheek. "How dare you! You have threatened the safety of the Second House!" he yelled.

"How?" I yelled back.

"Marcus," he said slowly, lowering his tone with a sigh, "You are an unusual vampire. Your powers far exceed the powers of other vampires," he shook his head, "I don't know why or how...."

"So what?" I took a step back and wiped the blood from the corner of my mouth with the handkerchief that was in my pocket.

"You have to be careful. Try to blend in. If others realize how powerful you are, they could attack the Second House. We are a small family. I'm not sure we could survive a vampire attack." He put his hand on my arm and smiled sorrowfully, "I'm sorry I hit you. But you just don't understand."

"Don't mention it," I mumbled and walked away from him. He was right. No. I didn't understand.