Bloodlines Chapter Four

ABE HAD THE KIND OF APPEARANCE that could leave many people speechless, even if they knew nothing to the highest degree him.Oblivious to the heat discloseside, the Moroi man was dressed in a full suit and tie. The suit was white, at least, hardly it stable smacked standardized it would be warm. His shirt and tie were purple, as was the rose tucked into his pocket. G darkened glitte ruddy in his ears and at his throat. He was origin everyy from Turkey and had to a greater extent than color to him than most Moroi to a greater extentover was quiesce paler than kinds wish well me and Keith. Abes complexion actually reminded me of a convert person whod been sick for a while.Hello, I say stiffly.His smile split into a full grin. So nice to see you again.Always a pleasure. My fabrication sounded robotic, except hopefully it was separate than sounding afraid.No, no, he express. The pleasures all mine.If you say so, I state. This amused him further.Keith had frozen up again, so I strode over to the obsolete Moroi man and extended my hand so that at least one of us would look comparable we had manners. Are you Mr. Donahue? Im Sydney Sage.Clarence smiled and clasped my hand in his wrinkled one. I didnt flinch, even though the urge was t here(predicate). Unlike most Moroi Id met, he didnt cin one caseal his fangs when he smiled, which almost made my facade crack. An another(prenominal) reminder that no consider how human they seemed at times, these were still vampires.I am so pleased to correspond you, he said. Ive heard wonderful things about you.Oh? I asked, arching an eyebrow and wondering whod been talking about me.Clarence nodded emphatically. You are welcome in my home. Its delightful to obtain so much company.Introductions were made for e trulyone else. Eddie and Jill were a little reserved, exactly both(prenominal) friendly. Keith didnt shake any hands, nevertheless he at least stopped acting like a drooling fool. He took a c tomentum cere bri when offered and put on an arrogant expression, which was probably supposed to look like confidence. I hoped he wouldnt embarrass us.Im sorry, said Abe, leaning forward. His dark eyes glittered. Did you say your name was Keith Darnell?Yes, said Keith. He studied Abe curiously, no doubt recalling the Alchemists conversation back in Salt Lake City. Even through the bravado Keith was attempting to put on, I could see a sliver of unease. Abe had that effect. Why?No reason, said Abe. His eyes flicked to me and accordingly to Keith. It just sounds familiar, thats all.My fathers a very all-important(prenominal) man among the Alchemists, said Keith loftily. Hed relaxed a little, probably idea the stories about Abe were overrated. Fool. Youve undoubtedly heard of him.Undoubtedly, said Abe. Im sure thats what it is. He spoke so casually that no one would suspect he wasnt signalizeing the truth. and I knew the real reason Abe knew who Keith was, but I certainly didnt want that reveale d. I as well didnt want Abe dropping any more hints, which I suspect he was doing just to irk me.I tried to steer the subject away and get some answers for myself. I wasnt aware you were joining us, Mr. Mazur. The sweetness in my voice matched his.Please, he said. You know you can call me Abe. And I wont be stick outing, unfortunately. I simply came along to make sure this group arrived safely and to meet Clarence in person.Thats very nice of you, I said dryly, sincerely doubting Abes motives were as simple as that. If Id learned anything, it was that things were never simple when Abe Mazur was involved. He was a puppet master of sorts. He not only wanted to observe things, he also wanted to control them.He smiled winningly. Well, I always buzz off to help others in need.Yeah, a new voice suddenly said. Thats exactly what comes to mind when I think of you, old man.I hadnt perspective anyone could shock me more than Abe, but I was wrong. Rose? The name came out as a research f rom my lips, even though there could be no doubt about who this newcomer was. There was only one Rose Hathaway, by and by all.Hey, Sydney, she said, giving me a small, crooked smile as she entered the room. Her flashing, dark eyes were friendly, but they were also assessing everything in the room, much as Eddies gaze was. It was a guardian thing. Rose was about my height and dressed very casually in jeans and a red tank top. except, as always, there was something exotic and dangerous about her beauty that made her stand out from everyone else. She was like a tropical flower in this dark, stuffy room. One that could kill you. Id never seen her mother, but it was easy to tell that some of her looks came from Abes Turkish influence, like her long, dark brown hair. In the dim lighting, that hair looked near(a)ly black. Her eyes rested on Keith, and she nodded politely. Hey, other Alchemist.Keith stared at her wide-eyed, but whether that was a reaction to us existence further outnumb ered or simply a response to Roses extraordinary nature, I couldnt say. I-Im Keith, he stammered at last.Rose Hathaway, she told him. His eyes bugged even more as he recognized the name. She strode across the room, toward Clarence, and I noted that half of her allure was simply in the way she dominated her surroundings. Her expression softened as she regarded the elderly man. I checked the houses perimeter like you asked. Its about as safe as you can make it, though your back doors lock should probably be replaced.Are you sure? asked Clarence in disbelief. Its cross out new.Maybe when this house was built, came yet another new voice. Looking over to the doorway, I passd now that someone else had been with Rose when she arrived, but Id been too shock by her to notice. Again, that was a Rose thing. She always drew the attention. Its been rusted since we moved here.This newcomer was a Moroi, which set me on edge again. That brought the count up to 4 Moroi and two dhampirs. I was t rying very hard not to adopt Keiths military position especially since I already knew some of the people here but it was hard to shake that overwhelming brain of Us and Them. Moroi aged like humans, and at a guess, I thought this new guy was close to my age, per meet Keiths at most. He had nice features, I supposed, with black curling hair and gray eyes. The smile he offered seemed sincere, though there was a slight sense of uneasiness in the way he stood. His gaze was fixed on Keith and me, intrigued, and I wondered if maybe he didnt spend a lot of time with humans. roughly Moroi didnt, though they didnt share the same fears about our race as we did about theirs. notwithstanding then, ours didnt use theirs as food.Im downwind Donahue, he said, extending his hand. Once again, Keith didnt take it, but I did and introduced us.leeward looked back and forth between me and Keith, face full of wonder. Alchemists, responsibility? Ive never met one of you. The tattoos you guys ask are beautiful, he said, eyeing the gold lily on my cheek. Ive heard about what they can do.Donahue? asked Keith. He glanced between leeward and Clarence. Are you related?Lee gave Clarence an indulgent look. Father and son.Keith frowned. But you dont live here, do you? I was surprise that this, of all things, would draw him out. Maybe he didnt like the idea that his intel was faulty. He was Palm Springs Alchemist, after all, and hed supposed Clarence was the only Moroi in the area. non regularly, no, said Lee. I go to college in LA, but my schedules just part-time this semester. So, I want to try to spend more time with Dad. Abe glanced at Rose. You see that? he said. immediately thats devotion. She rolled her eyes at him.Keith looked like he had more questions about this, but Clarences mind was still back in the conversation. I couldve sworn I had that lock replaced.Well, I can replace it soon for you if you want, said Lee. Cant be that hard.I think its fine. Clarence rose unstea dily to his feet. Im going to take a look.Lee hurried to his side and shot us an apologetic look. Does it have to be right now? When it appeared that it did, Lee said, Ill go with you. I got the impression that Clarence frequently followed his whims, and Lee was used to it.I used the Donahues absence to get some answers Id been dying to know. I turned to Jill. You didnt have any problems getting here, did you? No more, um, incidents?We ran into a brace dissidents before we left move, said Rose, a dangerous note in her voice. Nothing we couldnt handle. The rest was uneventful. And its going to stay put that way, said Eddie matter-of-factly. He crossed his blazonry over his chest. At least if I have anything to do with it.I glanced between them, puzzled. I was told thered be a dhampir along did they decide to send two?Rose invited herself along, said Abe. Just to make sure the rest of us didnt miss anything. Eddies the one who provide be joining you at Amberwood. Rose scowled. I should be the one staying. I should be Jills roommate. No offense, Sydney. We need you for the paperwork, but Im the one whos gotta kick anyones ass who gives Jill trouble.I certainly wasnt going to argue against that.No, said Jill, with surprising intensity. Shed been quiet and hesitant the last time Id seen her, but her eyes grew fierce at the thought of being a burden to Rose. You need to stay with Lissa and keep her safe. Ive got Eddie, and besides, no one even knows Im here. Nothing else is going to happen.The look in Roses eyes said she was skeptical. I also suspected she didnt truly believe anyone could protect either Vasilisa or Jill as well as she could. That was saying something, considering the young queen was surrounded in bodyguards. But even Rose couldnt be everywhere at once, and she must have had to choose. Her words made me turn my attention back to Jill.What did happen? I asked. Were you hurt? We heard stories about an attack but no confirmation.There was a heavy pause in the room. Everyone except Keith and me seemed distinctly uncomfortable. Well, we were uncomfortable but for other reasons.Im fine, said Jill at last, after a sharp look from Rose. There was an attack, yeah, but none of us were hurt. I mean, not seriously. We were in the middle of a royal dinner when we were attacked by Moroi like, Moroi assassins. They made it look like they were going for Lis for the queen, but instead came for me. She hesitated and dropped her eyes, letting her long, curly brown hair fall forward. I was saved, though, and the guardians rounded them up. There was a nervous energy to Jill that I remembered from before. It was cute and made her seem very much like the shy teenager she was.But we dont think theyre all gone, which is wherefore we have to stay away from Court, explained Eddie. Even as he directed his words to Keith and me, he radiated a protectiveness toward Jill, daring anyone to challenge the girl he was in charge of keeping safe. And we dont know where the traitors in our own ranks are. So, until then, here we all are.Hopefully not for long, said Keith. I gave him a warning look, and he seemed to realize his comment could be perceived as rude. I mean, this place cant be all that fun for you guys, with the sun and everything.Its safe, said Eddie. Thats what counts.Clarence and Lee returned, and there was no more mention of Jills background or the attack. As far as father and son knew, Jill, Eddie, and Adrian had simply fallen out of favor with important royal Moroi and were in exile here. The two Moroi men didnt know who Jill really was and believed that the Alchemists were helping her due to Abes influence. It was a web of lies but a necessary one. Even if Clarence was in self-imposed exile, we couldnt risk him (or Lee now) accidentally letting outsiders know the queens sis was holed up here.Eddie glanced over at the older Moroi. You said youve never heard of any Strigoi being around here, right?Clarences eyes wen t unfocused for a moment as his thoughts turned inward. No but there are worse things than StrigoiLee groaned. Dad, please. Not that.Rose and Eddie were on their feet in an instant, and it was a wonder they didnt pull out weapons. What are you talking about? demanded Rose. What other dangers are there? asked Eddie, his voice like steel.Lee was actually blushing. Nothing please. Its a delusion of his, thats all.Delusion? asked Clarence, narrowing his eyes at his son. Was your cousins death a delusion? Is the fact that those high-ups at Court let Tamara go unavenged a delusion?My mind spun back to a conversation Id had with Keith in the car. I gave Clarence what I hoped was a reassuring look. Tamara was your niece, right? What happened to her, sir?She was killed, he said. There was a dramatic pause. By vampire hunters.Im sorry, by what? I asked, certain Id misheard.Vampire hunters, repeated Clarence. Everyone in the room looked as surprised as I felt, which was a small relief. Even so me of Rose and Eddies fierceness wavered. Oh, you wont find that anywhere not even in your records. We were living in Los Angeles when they got her. I reported it to the guardians, demanded they hunt the culprits down. Do you know what they said? He peered at each person in turn. Do you?No, said Jill meekly. What did they say? Lee sighed and looked miserable.Clarence snorted. They said there was no such thing. That there was no evidence to support my claim. They ruled it a Strigoi killing and said there was nothing anyone could do, that I should be grateful she wasnt turned.I looked at Keith, who again seemed startled by this story. He apparently didnt know Clarence as well as hed claimed. Keith had known the old man had a hang-up involving his niece, but not the extent of it. Keith gave me a small shrug that seemed to say, See? What did I tell you? Crazy.The guardians are very thorough, said Eddie. His tone and words were both clearly chosen with care, striving not to offend. He s at back down next to Jill. Im sure they had their reasons.Reasons? asked Clarence. If you consider disaffirmation and living a delusional life reasons, then I suppose so. They just dont want to accept that vampire hunters are out there. But tell me this. If my Tamara was killed by Strigoi, why did they cut her throat? It was cut cleanly with a blade. He made a slashing motion under his chin. Jill flinched and cowered into her chair. Rose, Eddie, and Abe also looked interpreted aback, which surprised me because I didnt think anything would make that group squeamish. Why not use fangs? Makes it easier to drink. I pointed that out to the guardians, and they said that since about half of her blood had been drunk, it was plainly a Strigoi. But I say a vampire hunter did it and made it look like they took her blood. Strigoi would have no reason to use a knife.Rose started to speak, paused, and then began again. It is strange, she said calmly. I had a feeling shed probably been about to blurt out how ridiculous this conspiracy theory was, but had thought better of it. But Im sure theres another explanation, Mr. Donahue.I wondered if mentioning that the Alchemists had no records of vampire hunters not in several centuries, at least would be helpful or not. Keith suddenly took the conversation in an unexpected direction. He met Clarences gaze levelly.It might seem strange for Strigoi, but they do all sorts of vicious things for no reason. I know from personal experience.My stomach sank. Oh no. All eyes turned to Keith.Oh? asked Abe, smoothing his black goatee. What happened?Keith pointed to his glass eye. I was attacked by Strigoi earlier this year. They beat me up and ripped out my eye. Then they left me.Eddie frowned. Without drinking or killing? That is really weird. That doesnt sound like normal Strigoi behavior.Im not sure you can really expect Strigoi to do anything normal, pointed out Abe. I gritted my teeth, wishing he wouldnt engage Keith in this. Please d ont ask about the eye, I thought. Let it go. That was too much to expect, of course, because Abes next question was, They only took the one eye? They didnt try for both?Excuse me. I rose before Keith could answer. I couldnt sit through this conversation and listen to Abe steerer Keith, simply for the fun of tormenting me. I needed to escape. I I dont feel well. Im going to get some air.Of course, of course, said Clarence, looking as though he wanted to rise as well. Should I have my housekeeper get you some water? I can ring the bell No, no, I said, moving toward the door. I just I just need a minute.I hurried out and heard Abe saying, Such delicate sensibilities. Youd think she wouldnt be so squeamish, considering her profession. But you, young man, seem like you can handle talking about bloodAbes ego-stroking worked, and Keith launched into the one story I most definitely didnt want to hear. I went back down the dark hallway and emerged outside. The fresh air was welcome, even i f it was more than twenty degrees warmer than what Id come from. I took a deep, steadying breath, forcing myself to stay calm. Everything was going to be okay. Abe would be leaving soon. Keith would return to his own apartment. I would go back to Amberwood with Jill and Eddie, who really didnt seem like bad companions, considering who I could have ended up with.With no real destination in mind, I decided to walk around and scope out Clarences home more like an estate, really. I picked a side of the house at random and walked around, admiring the detailed sculpting of the houses exterior. Even if it was hopelessly out of place in the southern California landscape, it was still impressive. I had always loved studying architecture a subject my father thought was pointless and was impressed by my surroundings. Glancing around, I noted that the one thousand didnt match the rest of what wed driven through to get here. A lot of the land in this region had gone brown from summer and lac k of rain, but Clarence had clearly spent a fortune to keep his sprawling yard lush and green. Non-native trees beautiful and full of flowers were artfully arranged to make walking paths and courtyards. subsequently several minutes of my nature stroll, I turned around and headed back toward the front of the house. I came to a stop when I heard someone. Where are you? a voice asked. Abe. Great. He was looking for me.Over here, I just barely heard Adrian say. His voice came from the far side of the house, opposite the side I was on. I heard someone walk across the gravel driveway, the footsteps coming to a halt when they reached what I gauged to be the back door where Abe stood.I bit my lip and stayed where I was, concealed by the house. I was almost afraid to breathe. With their hearing, Moroi could pick up the tiniest detail. Were you ever coming back? asked Abe, amused.Didnt see the point, was Adrians laconic response.The point is politeness. You could have made an effort to meet the Alchemists.They dont want to meet me. Especially the guy. There was concealed laughter in Adrians voice. You should have seen his face when I ran into him at the door. I wish Id had a cape on. The girls at least got some nerve.Nevertheless, they play a crucial role in your stay here and Jills. You know how important it is that she remain safe.Yeah, I get that. And I get why shes here. What I dont get is why Im here.Dont you? asked Abe. Id assume its obvious to both Jill and you. You have to stay near her.There was a pause. Thats what everyone says but Im still not sure its necessary. I dont think she needs me close by, no matter what Rose and Lissa claim.You have something better to do?Thats not the point. Adrian sounded annoyed, and I was glad that I wasnt the only one Abe had that effect on.Thats exactly the point, Abe said. You were wasting away at Court, drowning in your own self-pity among other things. Here, you have a chance to be useful.To you.To yourself as well. Thi s is an opportunity for you to make something of your life.Except you wont tell me what it is Im supposed to do said Adrian irritably. Aside from Jill, what is this great childbed you have for me?Listen. Listen and watch. I could perfectly picture Abe stroking his chin in that mastermind way of his again as he spoke. Watch everyone Clarence, Lee, the Alchemists, Jill and Eddie. even off attention to every word, every detail, and report it to me later. It may all be useful.I dont know that that really clears things up.You have potential, Adrian. Too much potential to waste. Im very sorry for what happened with Rose, but you have to move on. Maybe things dont make sense now, but they will later. Trust me.I almost felt bad for Adrian. Abe had once told me to trust him too, and look how things had turned out.I waited until the two Moroi returned inside and then followed a minute later. In the living room, Keith was still wearing his cocky attitude but looked relieved to have me back. We discussed more details and worked out a schedule for feedings, one I was in charge of maintaining since Id have to drive Jill (and Eddie, since he didnt want to let her out of his sight) back and forth to Clarences.How are you going to get to feedings? I asked Adrian. After hearing his conversation with Abe, I was now more curious than ever about his role here. Adrian was standing against the wall, on the opposite side of the room. His arms were crossed defensively, and there was a rigidness to his posture that conflicted with the lazy smile he wore. I couldnt be sure, but it looked as though he was purposely positioning himself as far from Rose as possible. By walking down the hall.Seeing my puzzled look, Clarence explained, Adrian will be staying here with me. It will be nice to have someone else in these old walls.Oh, I said. To myself, I muttered, How very Secret Garden.Hmm? asked Adrian, tilting his head toward me.I flinched. Their hearing was good. Nothing. I was just thi nking of a book I read.Oh, said Adrian dismissively, glancing away. The way he said the word seemed to be a condemnation of books everywhere.Dont forget me, said Lee, grinning at his father. I told you Ill be around more.Maybe young Adrian here will keep you out of trouble, then, declared Clarence.No one said anything to that, but I saw Adrians friends exchange a few amused glances.Keith didnt look nearly as freaked out as he had when wed arrived, but there was a new air of impatience and irritability in him that I didnt rather understand. Well, he said, after clearing his throat. I need to get home and take care of some patronage. And since youre my ride, SydneyHe left the words hanging but looked at me meaningfully. From what Id learned, I was more convinced than ever that Palm Springs was the least active vampire area anywhere. I couldnt honestly figure out what business Keith would have to take care of, but we had to leave here sooner or later. Eddie and Jill went to gather th eir luggage, and Rose used the opportunity to pull me aside.How have you been? she asked in a low voice. Her smile was genuine. Ive been worried about you, ever since well, you know. No one would tell me what happened to you. The last time Id seen her, Id been held prisoner in a hotel by guardians while the Moroi tried to figure out how big my role had been in Roses escape.I was in a little trouble at first, I said. But its past. What was a small lie between friends? Rose was so strong that I couldnt stand the thought of looking weak in front of her. I didnt want her to know that I still lived in fear of the Alchemists, forced to do whatever it took to get back in their good graces.Im glad, she said. They told me originally it was your sister that was going to be here.Those words reminded me again how Zoe could replace me at any moment. It was a mix-up.Rose nodded. Well, I feel a little better with you here, but its still hard I still feel like I should protect Jill. But I need to p rotect Lissa too. They think Jills the easier target, but theyre still going after Lissa. The inner turmoil shone in her dark eyes, and I felt a pang of pity. This was what Id had trouble explaining to the other Alchemists, how dhampirs and vampires could seem so human at times. Its been crazy, you know. Ever since Lissa took the throne? I thought Id finally get to relax with Dimitri. Her smile broadened. I shouldve known nothings ever simple with us. Weve spent all our time looking out for Lissa and Jill.Jill will be okay. As long as the dissidents dont know shes here, it should all be easy. Boring, even.She was still smiling, but her smile had dimmed a little. I hope so. If you only knew what had happened Her expression changed as some memory seized her. I started to insist she tell me what had happened, but she shifted the subject before I could. Were working on changing the law the one that says Lissa needs one family member in order to stay queen. Once thats done, both she an d Jill will be out of danger. But that just means those who want to take out Jill are more insane than ever, because they know the clocks ticking.How long? I asked. How long will it take to change the law?I dont know. A few months, maybe? Legal stuff well, its not my thing. Not the details of it, at least. She grimaced briefly and then became battle tough again. She tossed her hair over one shoulder. Crazy people who want to hurt my friends? That is my thing, and believe me, I know how to deal with it.I remember, I said. It was weird. I thought of Rose as one of the strongest people I knew, yet it seemed as though she needed my assurance. Look, you go do what you do, and Ill do what I do. Ill make sure Jill blends in. You guys got her out without anyone knowing. Shes off the grid now.I hope so, Rose repeated, voice grim. Because if shes not, your little group here doesnt stand a chance against those crazy rebels.