Undying Vengeance (15 page)

R
ex had never
been as angry as he was right now. Insomnia allowed him little sleep after Gabe dropped him off. The run in with some creature named Donovan gave him relentless nightmares. Worry plagued him and questions of why Armani refused to answer his one hundred or so calls.

Rex rubbed the sleep out of his eyes and jumped out of bed. He picked up the phone and checked the time, only five in the morning.

“When I see you Armani there is an ass kicking to be had by you.” Rex said to no one. He pushed Armani’s number and Armani’s phone rang five or six times and went to voicemail. What had Rex expected? He had a nagging suspicion something was going on and it wasn’t good.

Rex walked into the bathroom and stared at himself in the mirror. Brownish-black bags hung under his eyes like a drug addicted junky. “You look like hell, Rex,” he told himself and pushed the bags as if that would somehow make them disappear. Time was ticking and he needed to get to Armani’s house and the sooner the better. He hoped he would be able to sleep once and for all after his visit was over.

He turned on the shower and inviting steam rose from behind the curtain. He had one foot in the shower when he heard his phone ring. Hope filled his heart. He ran to the bedroom naked. A frown creased his brow. It wasn’t Armani. A number he didn’t recognize flashed on the phone’s screen. He let the caller go to voicemail and walked to the bathroom like a dog with its tail between its legs. He stepped into the shower allowing him self the pleasure of relaxing. He had no idea what awaited him when he arrived at Armani’s house later. One thing he was sure of though was that it wouldn’t be anything good. Gut instinct, he supposed. He drowned out his thoughts and tipped his head back sighing as the water rolled on his body and bounced off him like rubber balls on a sidewalk.

T
he hawk left
Armani’s home when Victor arrived. He had flown to Adam and Alex’s home and watched them from a distance. The hawk shrieked. Hatred filled the hawk’s core being. Soon, the hawk would have the pleasure of watching these two men die at the hands of Armani. The hawk had grown fond of Armani over the years. So fond in fact he could feel the pain, loneliness and despair in Armani’s soul that was turning into hatred day by day.

Perched on the branch of a high oak tree, the hawk watched Adam and Alex walk out of their house. Alex, always a bit paranoid and rightfully so made sure to check that the door was locked three times. The hawk cocked its head to the right its yellow eyes never leaving Alex’s face. The hawk gripped the branch tight with sharp claws like talons. The hawk had to control itself from flying high into the dark sky, swooping down like a torpedo and gouging both of their eyes out. What a delight that would be. Unfortunately the hawk knew the consequences of that act: swift death at the hands of Victor. It wouldn’t be worth losing his life over. Donovan already promised him the eyes of these two fools on a platter once Armani and Donovan had destroyed them. Donovan was a vampire of his word and good things came to those that wait, even hawks. The hawk must always obey his Master and now that Armani had become a vampire, he had three Masters he would give his life for. Just as a seeing eye dog was for the blind, the hawk was the eyes of his master and showed Donovan what he saw and relayed it to him through the crystal globes the vampire’s used to see what the hawk viewed in real time.

Adam stumbled and fell flat on his face. If the hawk had the capability to grin, it would have won an award for the world’s largest grin.

“Damn it all to hell!” Adam hollered. Alex stepped over him like a pile of trash. He didn’t even bother to ask him if he was ok.

“Maybe that will straighten out your face, son,” Alex said without a backward glance. “Get in the car.” He ordered and jerked open the car door.

The hawk found them to be quite entertaining to say the least. One thing the hawk was allowed to do was scare the enemies, and now seemed to be the perfect opportunity.

The hawk spread his large wings and took flight soaring high into the sky. The crisp cold breeze swept over him. He circled and watched Adam slowly get to his feet. ‘Let him get his balance.’ The hawk thought. ‘More fun that way.’ The hawk screeched and circled once more before it dove headfirst toward the car.

Alex saw the hawk headed straight for his car and jumped in slamming his door. “What the hell?” He heard a thud on top of the car. Alex glanced at Adam who was bent over re-tying his shoes and oblivious to the hawk. His son was a few watts short of a sixty-watt light bulb.

The hawk stared at Adam. What a weak human. Venomous hatred burned holes through the hawk’s heart, its eyes glowed bright yellow. The hawk extended its sleek black wings and used its large sharp claws and scratched the hood of the car sounding like someone raking their nails on a chalkboard.

Goosebumps covered Alex’s flesh and he covered his ears. “My beautiful car,” he muttered. “Damn that bird to hell.” Guilt washed over him like a passing rain. His only son stood outside with this rabid creature on top of his car. No telling what it might do to Adam. Alex rolled down his window as far as he dared and hollered at Adam. In order to save his car from more wreckage, Adam had to either shit or get off the pot, so they could drive away with his Cadillac in tact.

“Get in the car!” Alex hollered.

Adam looked at his dad, a glazed expression in his eyes. “Oh my God, what is that thing?” He asked and craned his neck to look at the hawk. He couldn’t move. It was like his feet were cemented to the pavement.

Alex rolled his eyes and screamed, “What does it look like?” If his son couldn’t figure out it was a hawk, maybe he should just drive off and leave him to fend for himself. But, he knew Adam lacked the ability and knowledge to think clearly. He wasn’t smart enough to run back into the house. His son would more than likely run into the street and let the hawk chase him. God, Alex wondered how such a stupid excuse for a human being could come from his seed? What had he done wrong? Ah, nothing. It was the mother’s fault. She was about as smart as a box of rocks. “Dead and gone since Adam’s birth, and for the better,” Alex said and smiled. A scowl replaced the smile when he heard the hawk clawing the hood of his Cadillac again. The cost of a new paint job wreaked havoc on his mind. And there stood Adam, immovable. Frustrated, he honked the horn numerous times.

Adam jumped and fell backwards landing on his butt.

The hawk hated the horn and it fueled the flames of anger. The hawk spread its wings flew into the air and descended at light speed using its strong sharp beak as a weapon. It slammed into the middle of the windshield making a large circular chip.

Alex, his face red as a ruby cursed and watched the crack grow eleven arms and spread from the top to the bottom of the windshield. Anger boiled his blood. Cursed be his stupid son.

Adam hobbled to the car like a man with a gimp knee. The hawk struck him and Adam dropped to his knees and cradled his head.

“Dad, help me!” He screamed.

The hawk flew a few feet away, turned and aimed for Adam again. He hit him and knocked him onto his back. The hawk stood on Adam’s chest and stared into Adam’s soul, eyes yellow and hateful.

Adam turned his head and closed his eyes hoping when he opened them the hawk would be gone.

Alex pushed the garage door opener, stepped out of the car and ran into the garage. He needed a weapon to whack this creature with.

The hawk dug its claws into Adam’s stomach. Adam cried out in agony.

Alex ran toward them with a shovel raised over his head, “Now you’re going to die, you miserable bird,” Alex seethed. “The first hit will be for ruining my car. Prepare to die!”

‘Get out of there.’ The hawk heard Donovan say. The hawk pierced Adam’s cheek with its beak and tore off a small piece of flesh.

Adam screamed a blood curdling scream. Alex was steps away with the shovel in hand. The hawk lifted its head, the flesh hung from its beak and swayed in the breeze. Victory in its cold yellow eyes as it stared at Alex.

The shovel came down, but not before the hawk ascended and flew high to the angels. ‘Close call,’ the hawk thought. He felt the wind from the shovel skim his feathers.

The hawk circled above and watched in amusement as the shovel came down hard, hitting Adam’s stomach and ribs.

“Dad!” Adam screamed in pain and agony. He curled in the fetal position and cradled his ribs and stomach.

The hawk sat in a tree satisfied with the torment it had caused. It flung the flesh from its beak disgusted at the evil it tasted in Adam’s blood.

Alex threw the shovel aside and dropped to his knees beside Adam. “I’m so sorry, son. I didn’t mean to hit you.”

Adam kept his face turned so his tears would go unnoticed. A sign of weakness he wasn’t about to let his father see. For all he knew, he’d be hit with the shovel again for that. His father said he was sorry but to Adam they were empty words.

Alex stood and looked into the sky. The hawk appeared to be gone. “Get up. Let’s get you to the hospital.” He extended his hand and took hold of Adam’s, helping him to his feet. “Come, we have much to do.”

Adam cringed and tears filled his eyes. Adam stumbled to the car, one hand on his cheek and the other holding his ribs. At least his dad had opened the door for him. He slowly maneuvered himself into the passenger seat.

“Put this on your cheek,” Alex said and opened the glove compartment handing him a few tissues. “It will stop the bleeding. I don’t want blood getting on the interior of my car.” He slammed the car door and walked fast around the front of the car to the driver’s side.

Before getting in the car Alex scanned the hood of the car and cussed like a drunken sailor. It was ruined and a new paint job was on his to do list now. He plopped in the car, glanced at Adam and shut his door.

“Can you drive fast to the hospital?” Adam asked. “I’m in so much pain.”

Alex nodded. “Yes, I sure can. We’re going to make a visit later to Simone’s grave. We need to pay our condolences.” He tipped his head back and laughed the most God awful wicked laugh Adam had ever heard.

Adam shivered. “I thought of something. Remember Gabe telling us about the things he has been seeing?” He questioned.

“Yes, I do. But, this is just a coincidence.” He said matter-of-fact. “It’s nothing more and nothing less.”

Adam didn’t believe his father. “He told us of this exact same hawk attacking him with a creature or vampire or something.” He paused and watched the trees flash by the window as they sped to the hospital. “I don’t think it’s a coincidence.”

Alex coughed, lit a cigarette and cracked the window. “Close your eyes and rest. I don’t want to hear anymore about Gabe and his silly stories.” He ordered. “Understood?”

Adam nodded his head. “Yes.” He couldn’t have disagreed more.

R
ex stepped out
of his house, keys dangling in hand. He needed to get to Armani’s as soon as possible. He slicked his wet hair from his face and got into his car and revved the engine of his sleek red Ford Mustang.

He pulled out of the driveway and gazed at the sunrise. They always reminded him of Armani and the better days. Armani loved sunrises. It was the hope for a new day.

The neighborhood slept. Drapes were pulled and lights were out. The people in the homes didn’t realize just how lucky they were to have a peaceful night’s sleep. Rex envied that more than anything. Sleep robbed him like a thief in the night. The past few weeks Rex felt like he was in a trance, walking with his eyes open, watching himself but not feeling anything that was happening.

His cell phone rang. He checked the number and sighed. It wasn’t Armani. It was the same number that had been repeatedly calling him since he got in the shower. He assumed it was a salesman so he avoided answering. He threw the phone aside and stopped for a red light.

A shadow flew over top of the car. Rex leaned forward and stared at a black hawk. What the hell was going on? He looked closer and saw the white spot on its chest. He shook his head and rubbed his eyes. Could it be the same hawk he had seen at Armani’s?

Determination etched the lines of his face like a sculpted statue. He gripped the steering wheel, vowing to get to the bottom of things and end the madness plaguing him. His recent dreams were all too real. Vampires, wolves, hawks and two people always present with them, only they were not entirely men. Rex was ready to admit himself to a mental hospital. Enough of entertaining the idea, maybe he should just drive there, but no, not without Armani in tow. His best friend needed help.

The phone ringing cut into his thoughts and broke his silent questions.

Rex looked and saw same number on the caller ID screen. He swallowed hard and answered, “Hello.”

“Hello, Rex.” A deep voice said.

The voice sounded familiar and chills ran down his spine. “Who are you? Why do you keep calling me?” Rex asked confused.

Laughter on the other end of the line filled the silent gap.

“I don’t have time to play games with you. Give me your damn name and what business you have calling me,” Rex ordered, making a sharp right turn onto the highway.

“My friend, this is Donovan.”

Rex shook his head. Was this another dream? He rolled down the window to get some fresh air.

“What’s going on? What do you want?” Rex asked confusion thick as honey in his voice.

“Rex, I don’t want to hurt you and I have no intention of hurting Armani.” He paused, hoping Rex would hear the sincerity in his voice. “Let me advise you to stay away from Armani for awhile. There are matters being taken care of and I’m afraid if you show up, you won’t live to see your best friend again.” Donovan thought of Victor. Rex would be killed in an instant if he set foot on Armani’s property. Victor’s sympathy and reasoning were gone with the wind as of late. Donovan knew the master of the Dark One’s would view Rex as an obstacle and obstacles never stood in the way of Victor’s plans.

Rex gulped, palms sweating. “What are you talking about? I deserve an explanation.” He ordered. “Armani is my best friend, my brother. You must understand this.” Rex pleaded with Donovan.

Donovan’s heart went out to Rex. Some things he wasn’t allowed to disclose yet. It would be up to Armani to share with Rex the transformation and his decision to cross over and become a vampire. Donovan would be as honest with Rex as was possible.

“My dear friend, Armani is undergoing a treatment as we speak. Please, I beg of you, do not come to his house right now.” Donovan stated his voice soothing.

Anger flushed Rex’s cheeks. “Who are you to tell me to stay away from his home? I will not listen to you, so go to hell.”

Donovan understood denial. The sad fact was that Donovan was already in hell and had been since his lover had been killed centuries ago at the hands of her uncle.

“Damn you!” Rex screamed. “Prepare for a battle then. I am on my way.”

“Please Rex. I beg of you to stay away for a short time. You will see your friend in due time. He is safe with me and no harm will come his way. I promise.”

Rex snorted and laughed. “Ha. You are trying to scare me and give me your word of honor that he is safe with you? Ridiculous! If that’s true and I can trust you then I see no problem with showing up at Armani’s house. See you soon.” Rex hollered into the receiver holding the phone in front of his face. He hung up and threw the phone on the floor.

Nothing was going to stop Rex from going to Armani’s house, especially not now. Empty threats made by some carnival freak dressed like a vampire with a hawk as its sideshow. Screw this. He stepped on the accelerator, sped up and prayed he wouldn’t get pulled over for going forty miles per hour over the speed limit.

Donovan hung up, his brow creased with concern and worry. He couldn’t let anything happen to Rex. Armani would never forgive him if any harm came to his best friend. A still small voice told him forgiveness would be hard to come by for deceiving Armani in order to convince him to cross over. He didn’t need one more thing plaguing his already guilty conscious. What would Victor do when Rex showed up at the door? This question plagued his mind. Time would tell.