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  “You know the lot of them will look to us for guidance now. Is it even something you had thought about?” I glared at him as I replied,

  “No but I figured you would be great at leading.” I could hear Marc laughing from his seat behind us as he shook his head,

  “Do you really think anyone needs you to tell them what to do? I think we’ve been doing just fine until now. Who ran things before Klaus stepped up and called himself master?”

  “No one really but then those were the days when humans were hunted in large numbers. Those days were very tense – we still are sought after even now.”

  “How come I’ve never heard of this?”

  “We’ve made sure to keep you well guarded,” said Octavius with a wink as he looked at me, “I really think we should keep things the way they are now and let the others know that killing an unwilling human is cause for death.” Marc sat silent as we headed for the airport in Ontario. I couldn’t stand to sit in a truck for another minute, I knew the desert airport could land us a small plane to return home.

  “I will not sit in this truck again,” I announced as I parked it in a lot and left the keys inside. Marc looked to Octavius as he shrugged,

  “I thought it was a real bonding experience to travel that way.”

  “We can be home in a couple of hours if we take a plane.” I didn’t need to say anything more.

  The sun was already rising as Octavius covered his head with a heavy blanket as he ran toward the awaiting town car with blacked out windows. Marc walked calmly with his jacket over his arm, he had become handy with the special sunscreen that Octavius had created in his home lab. I looked back at the sun shining down on my face. I wanted to believe that Klaus’ death would solve all problems. I climbed into the back of the car and sat beside Marc, I looked to Octavius as he folded the blanket in his lap,

  “If you don’t mind dropping me off last, the car will have to park in the garage at my house.”

  “You do know you are capable of walking in the sun.”

  “I don’t intend to attempt that considering that my blood is not the same as yours.” I raised an eyebrow as I replied,

  “You know the woman that made you was more than likely my sire. I mean we never really did follow your lineage.”

  “I think some things are meant to be a mystery don’t you agree?” I laughed as I nodded,

  “Suit yourself.”

  I awoke in my bed staring at the ceiling. I had moved into the guest room since Nina’s death. It felt wrong sleeping in a room that smelled of death. It didn’t matter that the room had been cleaned or that the bed had been replaced. Dead was dead. I looked to the window where rain was beating against the glass. The sky was dark with clouds as I got to my feet and headed for the window. I looked to my phone as it blinked with a message. I picked up the phone and scrolled through my messages from Matthieu,

  “Please call me when you get this…everyone knows Octavius was responsible for Klaus’ death…Carter wants to meet with you all.” I let out a sigh as I sat on the edge of the bed and tossed the phone aside. I thought of Octavius as I picked up the phone and call him.

  “Yes Rent, I know about our meeting with Carter.” He sounded resigned to whatever may happen at our meeting. I shook my head as I replied,

  “I don’t believe anyone is furious with us. I think Carter wants to know what will happen now. He knows that you pretty much will take Klaus’ place.”

  “Carter can rest assured that I want nothing to do with him. As far as I’m concerned I would like him far from us.”

  “I’ll be over later today, after you’ve rested.” He agreed and I hung up the phone. I headed for the bathroom as I got ready for the day. I stared into the mirror at my reflection and had to hand it to myself. Despite the possibility of losing our heads to Carter I still was holding up pretty well. I pulled off my black t-shirt as I turned slightly and stared at my back in the mirror. I had never paid attention to the long thin scars that were the length of my back. The faded welts that crossed my back had never been a cause for thought. I tossed the shirt aside as I placed my hands over the counter and lowered my head,

  “Forgive me father…”

  I took off the tracksuit jacket I wore and dropped it on the sofa as I turned for Octavius to view the scars. He sucked in his breath as he shook his head,

  “That is beautiful.” I looked back to see Marc sitting with his mouth open.

  “Don’t look so shocked.”

  “I really believed it was a lie. It does answer a lot of questions. I mean you have a way with woman that I’ll never understand. You eat their food.”

  “I do drink their blood on occasion,” I interrupted him as he shook his head.

  “You barely drink their blood Rent. I think you almost are disgusted by the fact that you drink it.” I leaned over and pulled my jacket on as Marc got to his feet,

  “Wait so does this mean we’re still his creatures?”

  “Who?” He raised his eyes to the ceiling as Octavius burst into laughter.

  “I think we’re some sort of bad parody of a zombie to be honest. The only thing that separates us is the fact we don’t feast on brains.” I nodded as I zipped up my jacket and took a seat before them.

  “So what’s the plan when we meet with Carter tonight.” Marc sat silently as Octavius said,

  “Well I wouldn’t take off your jacket tonight – that might set everyone off. Keep it on and we’ll tell him everything remains the same. I just want him gone from my city.” I felt the air suddenly grow thick all around me. I looked to Marc as he nodded slowly,

  “Yeah I think that’s a good idea too.”

  “Then lets get over to his place.”

  We arrived at my old home to find it aglow and cars lined in front. I walked alongside Octavius and Marc as we both stopped for a moment.

  “I don’t believe this…” We went up the walk passing a couple in a deep conversation, they stopped to stare at Octavius. He nodded to them as the woman smiled his way. She had long dark hair that was as straight as Octavius’ hair. She wore a short black dress that stopped mid-thigh. Already she had caught Octavius’ interest as well as my own. Her skin was almost as pale as Chloe liked to be. She moved away from her partner as she followed us up to the house,

  “You’re going to get a lot of that,” whispered Marc. I laughed as we climbed the steps and headed inside. The woman touched Octavius lightly on the shoulder, he stopped to chat with her. Already her date had floated off with another woman. I looked back as she smiled my way then returned her attention to Octavius.

  “Well are we getting our little meeting started or what?” I looked to Carter and remembered what brought us here to begin with. I noticed the house was devoid of furniture save for a chair here and there. I spied an old sofa of mine as I looked to Carter,

  “What is it with everyone wanting my castoffs?” He shrugged and replied,

  “I guess it means you have good taste.”

  “Octavius…it’s time.” He stopped talking to the girl as he nodded to us then headed inside the foyer. I looked to Marc who had already settled into a chair and sat quietly.

  “We’re all gathered here today to congratulate you, Octavius. You took what was rightfully yours.” Carter applauded Octavius as everyone stood cautious. Again, we were unclear why he had brought us here. I looked around the room and noticed that I didn’t know the people present. They were of our kind but I couldn’t say anything more. I didn’t see Matthieu amongst the people gathered. I caught the scent in the air and knew these were the ones he made along his journey.

  “Thank you Carter, everyone,” said Octavius as he stood and looked around the room, “I want you to know that you will have my word in saying that I will keep you all safe.” They applauded at this as well as he looked to Carter and nodded. Carter smiled as he looked to the others and said,

  “You see, I told you he was not so bad.” They all laughed as Octavius looked to the dark ha
ired woman and smiled. She returned his smile and soon he had disappeared from my view. I rolled my eyes as I looked to Marc,

  “Well that was an epic plan.”

  “This is too weird for me, is it ok if I get out of here?” I nodded as I said,

  “I’m with you on that, let’s go.” We headed for the door as the group had begun to disperse into the night. I stopped as I looked up to the landing and saw her standing before me. She had been cleaned and her wounds had all healed from climbing out of the ground. She wore a long chartreuse summer dress, I suppose she was unaware that it was winter. I cursed as Marc followed my gaze, she began to descend the stairs as Carter pushed his way until he was at her side. He whispered something in her ear as she looked at him as her face grew dark. She started again down the stairs as he grabbed her arm. She fought against him as he pulled her up to him,

  “This is not the time,” his voice was low but forceful. I watched as Aerin followed him upstairs and back to what had once been my room. I looked to Marc as he said,

  “Lets just get out of here. These people are not like us.” I looked around and noticed that we were being watched now, their faces were not welcome to us. I opened the front door as I headed into the night. I looked back as Carter followed us out,

  “The night is just getting started!” I saw that Octavius was already at the gate waiting for us as I looked back to Carter,

  “Look we came to your gathering and I see that Aerin is still alive. As far as I’m concerned Klaus’ death makes us even. You’ve got our protection now get the fuck out of my city.” He watched us as we headed for Octavius as he said,

  “Oh I’ll leave now that I know you won’t come after me. Tell me Rent – how does it feel to know where you came from? Was it enlightening? Do you feel complete now?” I stopped as I turned to face him and headed back toward the porch. He started to back up now as I stopped, it was then that I knew he had created a trap. I looked around as I smiled back at him, I could see Aerin descending the stairs once more. She was calling out my name in her mind, she was warning me even now.

  “Keep her locked up because no telling what I’ll do if I see her around my city.” He looked back to her as she ran forward he grabbed her by the arm as he stared back at us,

  “Keep away from us,” he growled as he pushed her back into the house.

  “Likewise,” called out Octavius as we headed into the night. I could see Matthieu and his wife standing across the street now. Octavius nodded to them as they crossed now and were at our side,

  “I take it he got the message?” I saw that Matthieu carried a small crossbow in his hands.

  “Yes, he will leave now.”

  “Good.”

  “I don’t like the way she’s looking at you, Rent.” Meredith glowered at Aerin still watching us from the house. I didn’t look back as I shrugged it off.

  “I’m not worried about her now, Meredith. She’s his problem now.”

  We headed back to Octavius’ home as the fog started to roll in. I waved off Meredith and Matthieu as they climbed into their car,

  “Call us if they come sniffing around. I refuse to have anything to happen to you all.” I nodded as I looked to Octavius,

  “I think tonight was a sort of truce. As long as Carter plays by the rules, we’ll all be fine.”

  “Drive safe,” called Octavius as he climbed the steps into his house. As I followed I saw movement in the shadows and knew I was being watched. I waited until I caught a glimpse of her blonde hair. She stood still as she stared in my direction. I wanted to tell her to go home. There was something in her eyes that was close to pleading but I didn’t call out to her.

  “Did we really take out Klaus?” I sank into the seat next to Marc as he tossed me the game controls.

  “Player two has joined,” said the console as I pounded on the keys. It was boxing game on the television. The sound of the blows echoed in the parlor as Marc cursed.

  “Yeah, he’s really gone.” I landed a few more blows with my digital alter ego wearing black trunks while his bloated boxer sweated profusely. I landed one final punch as his character fell to ground.

  “Dammit, you always win!” I laughed as I tossed the controller aside,

  “I saw Aerin outside tonight.”

  “Yeah, I know. I feel badly for her. She’s stuck with Carter for a father. That has to suck.” I watched him as he got to his feet and looked as his watch.

  “It’s almost daylight…I’m going to head to my room. See you tomorrow, Rent.” I sat in silence for a long while after he left the parlor. He was right, what was I doing punishing Aerin. She had only done what she thought was right.

  It was still early in the evening when we arrived at Octavius’ home. We followed him inside taking in the small boxes that had been delivered throughout the day.

  “It looks like you have people that are paying their respects.”

  “Isn’t it odd the way people send gifts? I don’t understand why they are so quick to congratulate me.” Marc leaned down as he lifted and shook a few of the boxes,

  “What do you get for the person that stakes another vampire?” Octavius smiled as he pushed open the front door,

  “You buy him a plot and hope he never needs to use it.” Marc began picking up the boxes and heading indoors. I followed them inside as we headed into the front parlor.

  “You know she warned me about Carter tonight.”

  “I know,” said Octavius as he took off his jacket and draped it over his arm. He looked back at me then headed for the stairs, “She still cares for you even if she wants to tear you to bits.”

  “That’s comforting to know,” I said as I walked over and hit the button to turn on the fireplace. I could hear Marc kicking in the last few packages and shutting the door. He nodded to me as he headed toward the back of the house. I sat down and stared at the fire before me, I felt my eyes shut and knew that I had not rested since arriving from California the night before. I didn’t want to put too much weight on the subject of Aerin or her father. I had dealt with them longer than I had wanted to. I needed the rest and I didn’t want to fight it off any longer.

  “Oh man you’re going to love this,” called Marc as he entered the room holding what appeared to be a can with a set of sponge like fangs attached.

  “I don’t even want to know what that is for,” I called as Octavius took it from his son. He looked it over as he frowned,

  “If this is some sort of sex toy, I’m willing to give it a try.” I groaned as I shut my eyes,

  “If you regift that my way, I will be horribly upset.”

  “Yes because Rent Tres is horrified if anything with fangs gets near his…”

  “I think we get the idea,” said Marc as he tossed the toy aside and began tearing into more boxes.

  The following night we made our way to the old Palace theatre where a party was being hosted in Octavius’ honor. I stared at the top hat as I set it on my head then took in my appearance. I straightened my ascot as I headed for the door, I snatched up the thin cane before I shut the door behind me. I tipped my hat to the driver as I climbed into the back of the awaiting town car. I looked to Matthieu as he shook his head,

  “What the bloody hell is this? Tell me you don’t always celebrate this way?”

  “Actually we did when Klaus was given the job nearly two hundred years ago. We had a ball in his honor. It also turned into a bloodbath, quite literally.” I recalled the guests being of the living and the guests had not fed in several nights. It was the last time we had a ball to honor anyone. I looked to Matthieu as he nodded,

  “Well, I guess you can hope the outcome is different this time around.” I laughed as I noticed his wife was not present,

  “Where is your other half these days?”

  “I told her it was a men’s event. Plus she values her ladies night out on the weekends. I really couldn’t force her to come to one of these parties.” I knew they worked hard to portray the normal marrie
d couple but it was obvious there was something otherworldly about them. I looked him over in his tuxedo as I replied,

  “You clean up well, man.”

  “Ha, this is the work of my lady. I wouldn’t be anything without her.” I smiled as the car sped along the freeway, I looked out to see the sun shining down on the Superdome. It was hard to believe that it had housed so many during the storm. I still felt a pain as I recalled going through the Lower Ninth to find old friends that had perished. Whole streets had disappeared and it was hard to place just where I was for a moment. I looked down at my cufflinks and realised that I had been lucky, we had all been lucky to have made it through the following days. I had to give it to Octavius for keeping me safe in my weakest time.

  We entered the theatre already filled with people dressed in various costumes of yesteryear. I stopped to say hello to old friends as we made our way into the makeshift ballroom.

  “Rent!” I turned to see a young girl with short black hair dressed as a flapper, she swung the long strand of pearls in her hands as she ran over to me. She wrapped her arms around me as we embraced,

  “Harper, it’s so good to see you.” Her dark eyes lit up as she stared at me,

  “Wow, you look amazing, I might have to hunker down and take a rest sometime. You look really good.”

  “Are the boys with you?” She nodded as she smiled with her crimson painted lips,

  “They are! Nicky, Joe…he’s here!” I watched as the two tall Italians headed my way. They wore dark suits and shared the same wavy dark hair. They nodded to me as I shook their hands,

  “How goes it?”

  “Very well, I’m really glad Klaus’ day ended,” said Nick as he looked to his brother who nodded.

  “It really had been far too long. We were not at peace and he refused to listen to anyone’s problems.”

  “So I noticed the last time I saw him. I know I’m not one to say anything especially after the situation with Aerin.”