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One week later - A Day of Lover’s
Lucy’s POV
I watch from the top of a tree to see Kiral hunting in his wolf form. I have seen more than enough normal wolves of the world but he is a mighty one; unlike anything I have ever seen in my long life. He brings his large body low to the ground, focusing on the herd of deer in his sights. I can sense his paws shifting the snow and dirt below him so when he attacks, the deer will not hear him coming. I do not know how he is able to go undetected with him weighing over two hundred pounds however he is been around long enough to know how to hunt with ease.
I admire the color of his fur is a unique yellow, almost like the sun. I go a bit lower in the tree to get a closer look as the sleek, golden wolf springs for the kill of the largest deer. The herd takes off running as fast as they can from him while he chases down his target. The deer runs as fast as they can but the golden wolf closes in on them.
Kiral chases several deer around a few trees when I take to flight so I can also get something to eat. I fly over them then tackle another one of the largest in the herd. I crash its body to the snowy ground while Kiral leaps over and crashes the other largest deer into the ground as well. Kiral immediately wraps his large jaws around the neck of the deer, breaking its neck to give it a quick painless death. He gave it a swift death and I decide to do the same with mine when giving the neck a clean break.
The remaining herd of deer continues running as fast as they can from us. Kiral lifts his head up from his kill to look at me and he sticks his tongue out with his tail swinging side to side like any normal house dog happy to be with someone. I smile to Kiral when we both dig in to have our fill. However I stop when I see how Kiral eats unlike the way a vampire feeds. I have never seen a wolf like Kiral eat until now.
His teeth rip right through the skin and flesh of the deer, going for anything he can. I cannot take my eyes off of him as his teeth jaw and whole mouth is stained in blood and small meat chucks. He is growling while eating what he can of the deer to reach the prized meat of the deer. I stand up to observe him but yet I become obsessed with it. It is another thing that I cannot explain of how much I enjoy everything Kiral does.
He chews down to the bones and rips it one of them from the inside of the deer. He stops when he sees I am watching him eat. I chuckle in his reaction to me watching him while he has a bone in his mouth like an adorable house dog. He drops the bone from his mouth then does something I never expected from him. He opens his mouth, speaking to me, “Why do you look at me like that?”
His wolf voice is a bit distorted mixed with growls like the wolf within him is speaking as well. My mouth drops in amazement to hear him speaking in his wolf body. He stands before me when I bring my hands up to his mighty wolf face. I run my fingers through his golden fur, petting him. Kiral closes his eyes enjoying this as much as I am.
“You remind me of the sun.” I let out without realizing what I am saying.
“What do you mean?” Kiral asks me in curiosity.
I begin to think about what I mean to him and try to explain what I mean. “There is a quote among vampires. The vampires say that the most precious light is that of the Moon. And they are not wrong; the moon light is a precious thing. However I believe that the most precious light is that of the Sun. It is the most precious gold to be found on Earth and you are exactly that.”
Kiral does not say anything like he is speechless in what I said to him. Kiral leans his forehead close to me. If my past self that was once a vampire bride to Dracula saw me doing this, I would not believe it for a second. And I would bet that no vampire has ever done anything like this in the world. I take a step closer and lean my forehead against his wolf forehead, not wanting this to end between us. I see his bright wolf eyes barely open to look at me with such admiration, possibly even love to me.
I cannot help but to want to guard and protect him at all cost. Kiral is becoming the only thing worth fighting for, more than anything else in my life. Even more than Dracula or my fellow vampires could ever be. I will risk everything for him and I believe he will do the same for me.
I gently pull away from him as he gazes at me a few more moments before we both go back to having our fill. I drink the deer to take in the freshness until Kiral stands next to me saying, “Drink slowly, Lucy. And as you do, dig into the senses of the deer through the memories.”
I begin to do so wondering where he is going with this. I sink into the memories of the deer eating apples, blackberries, oak, and corn, drinking fresh natural water from a flowing stream in the woods but what truly made me feel like I was alive again is the deer walking or running in the light of day. I can actually feel the heat of the sun in the light shining over the deer.
I feel myself truly in the memory of the deer standing in the warm sunlight. I sink myself deeper into the memory more than having my fill of the blood. I lift my head up in the joy of having this while Kiral has a sort of smile on his wolf face to me. I stand to my feet remaining in this astonishing feeling.
“I have never felt this in all my long years. How is this possible, Kiral?”
“Older Vampires are able to access memories through blood with each other. The same can be done with animals and people you feed on. Many relay on information they seek in the memories but never the little things like what you are experiencing now.” Kiral circles around to stand in front of me.
I lick my lips of the blood feeling better than I ever thought when feeding. I smile to him before we both go back to our breakfast. Kiral rips into the deer, eating up what good is left of the deer. When he is done, we walk back together as he remains in his wolf body. I study every movement he makes walking next to me. He truly is amazing. I am surprised that there is not more of his kind of wolves in the world.
I believe most humans would consider him a bear in the distance if his coat color was a common brown than the golden color. He has killing claws on all paws, a large tail that has a bit of fluff like the common wolves of the world. And the sharp teeth of his mouth would tear apart many other beasts except a dragon. He would have to be the most skilled fighter in the world to face and kill a dragon.
I extend my hand out, brushing my hand through his golden fur as we walk together to where his bag is. We reach the bag and he turns back into a man. He starts to get dress and I cannot help myself in seeing his astonishing naked body when telling him, “You don’t have to get dressed for me.”
Kiral chuckles as he puts on his pants and I let out a small groan of disappointment. “Fine... But I like what I saw.”
Kiral remains smiling at me while he dresses into his set of black clothes which has me understand that he is going to hunt Marishka again. It has been a week since she showed herself to Vlad. The police and the Order have cleared Vlad in having no involvement in the brazen killings. And he is free to continue his business at the barn.
Mina wants to go out with Matthew and Claire tonight for A Day for Lovers. I think it will be good for everyone to enjoy themselves and take their minds off the events. But Vlad wants to be safer than sorry and wait another week or two in the hopes Marishka will be captured before returning things to normal.
I do not blame him for wanting to be safe. However he cannot let Marishka win by stopping his entire life and business until she is captured. If he continues on with his everyday life, it will show that the game Marishka is playing is not working and never will. Maybe I can swing by and talk to him about it later on.
Kiral comes over to me with his bag in hand. I know he has to leave but I don’t want him to leave. He brings me right to him that there is no space between our bodies. His lips met mine and I do my absolute best to keep it at kissing between us. His lips are really nice and I enjoy how he uses his tongue when kissing me. He knows what I like and I can feel him trying to control himself too.
He groans in closing his eyes in trying to pull himself away from me. He struggles to do so; not wanting to leave me either. Kiral rests his forehead against mine then tells me, “I will be in contact as soon as Marishka is captured.”
“Please be careful, Kiral. And I will let you know if she reaches out to me or anyone else. Then when you get back, you and I can maybe go somewhere. Have you ever been to Iceland? Gorgeous mountains and sights along with some animals we can hunt for dinner.”
“I have never been to Iceland. I am game.”
He leans in and our lips come together. I moan in his lingering kiss before he walks away, putting the hood over his head to cover his entire face. I have heard rumors of the kind of spells that can be used to protect someone, make them almost invisible in sight and smell. It is something else to see with my own eyes. I cannot see his face in the hood. All there is under the hood is the bright yellow wolf eyes of his shining.
“I am sure if a young adult saw you now, they would be saying this is wicked or awesome. And it most certainly is.” I tell him.
Kiral chuckles and nods in agreement with me. “It is for sure. I have had some fun in the times using this spell. However I have to make sure it is redone every time before I go hunting each time. It is safer that way so the cloaking spell is fresh each time.”
“Why refresh the cloaking spell each time when anyone could easily take the hood off to reveal your face?”
“That is the beauty of this certain spell; only the caster who casted the spell and I can take off the hood to reveal my face. And I can allow for whoever is standing before me to see me like you are right now or not.” Kiral says to me.
I smile to him and know that he is smiling under his hood by how his body language it. Then his whole body mannerism changes when he turns his head to the left, freezes like he hears something or someone approaching us. I asked him what it is. Kiral leans in close, whispering who it is to me then gives an interesting piece of information if I need to use it. I am a bit alarmed in what he is telling me but Kiral tells me that it is nothing to worry about. I am about to tell him it is something to worry about but Kiral brings me in for one last kiss.
His arms rest around the middle of my back as I feel the warmth of his body against mine. But I feel a degree of sadness when his warmth slowly pulls away from me. Kiral walks away but starts off backwards to remain looking at me then turns onward to hunt for Marishka. I remain waiting him until I know he is clear from the area for what is about to happen next.
I press my lips together before saying, “Did you enjoy watching us, Draven?”
I turn around to find him with a look of shock on his face toward me. He is speechless to see me with a wolf of all things. I know he is going to tell Dracula all about it as soon as he leaves here. Although the information Kiral gave me on Draven is going to be his mental silver bullet from telling anyone about us. But I honestly do not care especially with all of the crazy things he has over the centuries. Plus he has no right to judge me for this or anything in my life.
“Let me get it all out of the way since you cannot find your tongue. Yes, we slept together many times; all very well, Draven.” I tell him.
Draven still remains speechless and shocked like I was pregnant or something. I stand face to face with him but he does not move or speak. “Draven, whenever you are ready.” I lean up against up against a tree willing to wait for Draven to speak once it settles in for him.
“And yes, he is the one hunting Marishka.” I wanted to get that information out of the way while he is taking his time to process all of this.
Draven starts pacing back and forth in a panic like he is the one being hunted then he stops in front of me finally asking, “I don’t know, Lucy. I do not understand how this could happen. He hunts vampires; our kind down and you are sleeping with him?! When did you start sleeping with the enemy?”
“Draven, before you become unhinged than you already are, bring it down a notch. Do you remember when we had that fun with that blood bag in his office, scaring him out the window like a suicide a few months back?”
“I do and that was fun. What happened to that blood bag?” Draven continues pacing back and forth in a panic.
“He was committed to a mental hospital and remains there with drool down his chin, loaded up with drugs. I made sure to find the right kind of mental place for him. He will be there for years to get the help he needs. I met him at the bar after you and Dracula left. He knew I was a vampire and I thought he was a caster until later on. I questioned him once I found out he was a wolf. And Kiral has only ever killed-“
“He kills our own! He is the enemy, Lucy! You are going to get all of us killed by allowing him to take you like a bitch in heat! You have shamed all of vampires!” He screams in my face.
I do not say another word while he continues screaming at me. I know I am not going to get a word in while he is ranting so I let him continue to go on until he gets in my face again. I roar at Draven then use my super strength to send Draven flying. Draven crashes through many trees then tumbles down into a river, soaking wet in his suit.
He crawls out of the river in shock of what I just did to him until I zoom toward him and stand on his chest to keep him down. Draven tries to get up but his power does not match mine right now due to how angry I am. I grab him by the throat ready to tear him apart as my shining red eyes stare him down to his immortal damned soul.
“If you ever speak to me like that again, I will rip out your jaws that you will drink blood through nothing but a straw for the rest of your miserable immortal life!”
Draven has never ever seen me this angry in my life that he shakes his head yes without a moment to spare, whimpering, “Understood.”
“Lovely.” I get off of his chest knowing I am not one to play around. “And if you even try to tell anyone about me and the hunter, I will tell everyone your secret.”
“I have many secrets. Which one are you referring to, Lucy?” Draven gets to his feet, shaking off any loose water from his clothes.
“The gorgeous caster you are sleeping with. I believe she is a gorgeous blonde woman and she works for the Order. You relationship with her explains why you are not being hunted for being in the top five on the List. Is that one of the benefits of sleeping with a caster that serves the Order? All in all, I do not know what the caster sees in you; I will never know. However, hats off to you for boning her.”
Draven has a look of terror on her face in the unknown of how I know this. He barely holds his hands up like he is offering a truce between the two of us. But I will not take the chance of Draven ever telling anyone about my relationship with Kiral. “Nobody needs to know nor talk about the people we are seeing since we are all supernatural adults. You and I are staying with whoever we want to stay with for as long as we want and no one will stop us. There is still some blood left in those Deers if you want to help yourself. Have a good rest of your day, Draven.”
I point in the direction of the Deers while Draven remains speechless since I have never talked back to him like this in the long lives we have had together. It felt great to make him lost in words like he is. I wish I had done it centuries ago with all of the crazy stuff he did without Dracula ever knowing it. I give a small wave to Draven before walking away.
I walk through the woods, thinking about the memories of the deer, living its mortal life of eating, drinking and traveling here and there in the sunlight. I keep on walking until I am close to the city. I use my senses to make sure the coast is clear. The moment I know I am clear to take off, I fly high above in the gray clouds with no chance of being spotted by anyone.
I hope that Kiral catches Marishka so she does not cause any more havoc on anyone else. Then Kiral and I can go to Iceland to spend time together beyond the whole subject of Marishka and the Order. I cannot wait to show him the beauty of Iceland in the waterfalls, cliff sides, and the land. It is one of my favorite places in the world to visit.
Mina’s POV
I sit with Vlad after he had another dreadful nightmare. He has not been sleeping well since the discovery of the dead men and women in the river. I honesty can say the same for myself. If we cannot sleep properly, we stay up together until the sun shines through the room. I can tell Vlad has worsened since the terrible state I found him in the shower a week ago.
I wonder why he is so worried for my life and soul. I do not understand why he feels like has any influence in my soul. In all honesty, it is all between me, God and no one else. However I wonder if my evil charming mother said things that make him believe he will corrupt me or something a while back. I have been unable to stop thinking about what Vlad told me about the horrible nightmare that shakes him to his core. Whatever it is, he is questioning his soul and more. I have never seen him like this and I want to help him in any way I can.
Vlad kisses my hand several times, thanking me for staying awake with him the entire night again. I rest my hand on his sweet face wanting to know what has him so shaken and worried he would have to make a choice for my soul. I press my lips together and finally work up the courage to ask him for details.
“What happened, Vlad?” I softly ask him in the hopes that he will tell me.
“Mina, I have not always been the man you know me to be. I have done dreadful, monstrous things and there will be a price I have to pay. I do not know when but I know I will pay it one way or another.” Vlad says with a tremble in his voice.
“What dreadful things?”
“When I was a boy, I was sent off to become a trained killer in the army like so many other boys my age. We were beaten without mercy, trained to kill without conscience, to crave blood to all that defied the army. And from among the boys, I forced myself to talk, pray, and fight like them; to become a warrior so fierce that men would retreat in terror at the mention of my name. And when I got out, I was sickened by my monstrous acts and I returned here to build a life of peace, and bury the past with the dead. But like many things, the past always comes back to haunt me and it cannot remain buried.” Vlad tells me while I keep his hands in mine.
“May I ask one of the monstrous acts you did?” I ask so I can understand more of why he views himself like he does.
“During my service, I spent some time in a village and in the village was their elder who helped anyone. He would help us all through famines, diseases and disasters. He had respect of everyone that no one could raise a hand to him and I feared that would never be enough if I was given an order to kill him. And the day came when I was given the order to kill the elder. I could not deliver the blow myself so I sent in a few trusted men to give him a quick death.”
“The elder did not put up a fight and only asked to say goodbye to his family. When he was finished with his goodbyes, the men did not want to kill him. They came back to me wondering if shooting him in the heart is an option but the orders given was to make his death a gruesome, public one; send a message to the rest of the village. I went to the Elder, spent plenty of time with him and his family to see the amount of love, respect they had for one another. I honestly envied him because he was everything I wanted to be as a leader, father and husband.”
I take in each word and imagining Vlad in a military uniform with soldiers around him, following orders in all the dreadful acts he had to do. I can see clearly of Vlad sitting at the small village home of the elder, admiring what the elder’s family had. I would possibly feel the same way if I was in Vlad’s shoes.
“But my envy would not be able to stop it because the orders given were to publicly kill the elder to get the village to submit but if none is willing to kill the elder then our commanders would give the order to destroy the entire village. I knew what I had to do no matter how much it pained my soul. When I walked out the door, I told the elder that his heart and family will always be together no matter what. Then I begged him to forgive me. He had a look on his face like he was unsure what was about to happen but he forgave me all the same. I close the door behind me and bar the entire family inside with no way to escape. I reached for the closest torch then use it to light up the cottage.”
“I stayed just a few feet away, watching it all burn away to ash. I stayed there until there was nothing left standing. When the smoke cleared and there was nothing but fallen, burnt wood, I could see some of their charred bones in the ashes. They were holding each other in the end. I often hear their screams in my sleep, begging to live. But I knew I could not for the sake of the other innocent lives of the village. And by putting his house to the stake, I spared ten more by doing this terrible crime. ”
I cannot help in my mouth dropping in what Vlad did as Vlad has a few tears coming down his face like a river of the dreadful act. He stands up with his back toward me while he lets a few more sobs. I press my lips together trying not to cry in what he is telling me. Vlad struggles to properly breathe in his sorrow when I step in front of him but he will not look at me in the fear that I will view him differently.
“I took away so many souls with my own bare hands. I fear I will take your soul…” Vlad says breathing hard almost like he is about to have a panic attack right in front of me.
I rest my hands on his face for him to look at me when I begin to take deep breathes to help Vlad breathe normal. Vlad has some trouble at first but then he matches my breathing, taking one after another. I move my hand to his chest, making sure his heartbeat slows down as well. He is in the same state like he was in the shower.
I understand more of how Claire views him with the color of anger and rage for the horrible acts he has done. This explains so much of him working around horses, helping others whenever he can to show he has a good heart even if he feels like he doesn’t. The past is coming to haunt him. I wonder if he sought out help if he is suffering from PTSD however I feel like I am not the right person to tell him to seek help. Maybe Lucy, Luke or his other friends will be the right people to suggest it. I’ll give them a call to see if they will talk to him.
“Vlad, I cannot imagine the nightmares and all the acts haunting you. I do not know much or how to help you through this other than being here for you but there is one thing I do know. My soul will never be taken by you or anyone else. Only my soul is determined by God alone. No one else can do that. And the same goes for your soul. No one can take it away except for you. And if you feel like your soul has been taken, you will find a way to have it returned with God at your side, Vlad.” I tell him without a single doubt.
Vlad soaks in my words and shakes his head yes before I bring him into my arms. Vlad sinks into my arms, wishing I could take away all of his pain, nightmares and doubt. In the time I have known him, I learned he is a good man with a past of following orders, making mistakes he can never change or take back. But he can give himself forgiveness if he chooses to do so.
Suddenly the alarm clock goes off and I have to work today but I do not want to leave Vlad in such a state. I go over to the night stand, cutting off the alarm. I grab my phone off the charger and pull up my manager’s contact info. I am about to call her but Vlad stops me by grabbing my phone.
“Vlad, I cannot go into work knowing you need someone with you right now.” I tell him as he sets my phone down on the bed.
“Mina, you have done more than enough in being here for me already this past week. Go to work and I will call Luke to come over. I am going to consider options of seeking council. Luke knows a few good therapists. I’m going to see which one fits best then go from there. Until then you go to work, test out some delicious food recipes to put in the paper and I will spend time with the horses until Luke gets here. Then when you get back from work, we will do the double date with Matthew and Claire. Enjoy A Day for Lovers, take our mind off of things for a night then get a long overdue rest. We deserve to enjoy ourselves.”
I look down to my feet not liking this idea but Vlad rests his forehead against mine while our hands remain together as the morning sunrise shines on us. His dark brown eyes look at me with such admiration like no man ever has when he tells to me, “You helped me through this dark week, Mina. That is a blessing I will never forget. But the one thing I will not allow is for you to call out of work, a job you love. I will be ok around many head of horses until Luke gets here. Now go get ready.”
He gently pushes me over to the closet and lightly taps my backend in a playful way. I giggle a little in how playful he is with me. I go back over and give him a lingering kiss before I get ready for work. Vlad gets dressed in winter clothes and snow boots since it is still terribly cold of the winter and the entire city covered in snow. I lightly put on dark gray eye shadow, eyeliner, just a touch of pink lip gloss. I brush my hair out to let it be natural for the day. I run my fingers through my hair in how good it feels to have longer hair again.
I stare at myself in the mirror a few moments then go to the closet, picking an outfit of a grey long sleeve shirt with warm tones within the fabric for winter time, dark jeans and black ankle boots. I grab a gray scarf, wrapping it around to rest on my lower neck then put on a black winter jacket. I reach for my medium size black purse that has the final choice recipes made for A Day for Lover’s.
Vlad is still getting ready and calls Luke on the phone. I want to make his morning better before I go to work. I go to the kitchen, starting up a fresh pot of coffee. I quickly pull out the fresh baked wildberry muffins I made last night. I preheat the oven to 350, placing the muffins in for a few minutes while I get the mugs ready for when the coffee is done brewing. I see I have a little bit more time before the coffee is done but the muffins are ready.
I pull the muffins from the oven knowing they are warmed up enough. I never warm up any food in the microwave. I get it ready for him as I still hear Vlad on the phone with Luke which is good. I place the muffin on a small plate and pour some orange juice into a glass so he can have more than just coffee to drink. Then I go outside to start up both of our cars, wiping the snow off our vehicles to help the cars to warm up faster.
I come back inside when the coffee is done. I make his cup just how he likes it with the sugar, flavored crème. I turn around with a smile when he comes down the stairs to see me. Vlad smiles at me when seeing the cup of coffee, a warmed up muffin and glass of orange juice ready for him. I extend the cup of coffee to him.
“You are truly amazing, Mina.” Vlad says to me with a bright smile.
“I do my best. It is just the way you like it. Your car is warmed up and snow cleared off. I’ll text you when I get to work and please text or call me for anything.” I tell him as I place my breakfast muffin in a small container to take with me.
“You are seriously too good, Mina.”
I walk over and kiss him. He sinks into my kiss and embraces me. We sigh deeply in between kisses before I see the time and know I have to get going. “Vlad, I am serious about texting or calling me for anything. You have been there for me time and time again. Let me do the same for you.”
Vlad shakes his head yes and kisses the top of my hand a few times before I head out the door with my cup of coffee. Vlad waves to me before I drive away in the pure white snow all over the city and countryside. I look back in the review mirror to see Vlad is still at his front door watching me. I truly feel for him and I want to help him through all that has happened.
I get to work without any issue driving however a few other drivers are not so lucky with the snow and ice. I take my time drinking the coffee to help against the cold weather. I walk in and my coworkers are happy to see me. Everyone is ready to get started for the day as I pull out the recipes, handing them to the printing department.
I hear my phone ding and I look to see a random number. I see the text is from Claire. I smile when she said she would love to get some lunch with me next week. I smile texting Claire back that I would love to go to lunch. My mind goes to Vlad that I text Vlad that I made it to work safely. I put my phone away.
I stare at the desk photo of me and Vlad in the hopes Vlad will find a good therapist. I stare down at the pink crystal bracelet from Jace, wishing I could ask him for advice. I feel like he would have the right council for what I should do to help Vlad. I do wish that Jace could meet Vlad. Maybe he would know exactly what to say to Vlad if they spoke to one another. My coworkers tell me to come on and I head over to start helping with the recipes for the next column.
We work for quite a bit finding submitted recipes, online recipes and old school recipes in books. We always try to find something new, old and out there since there are all kinds of cooks in the world that want to try new recipes or make a classic for a loved one. We always try to do all across the board, not the same old same old every time.
Our boss comes in when we finish for the day and she wishes us all to have a good day with our loved ones. She gives us all a single rose and she gives me a pink rose. I smile knowing I have a wonderful job, coworkers and boss. That is rare to find at any job as an adult. We all hug one another before leaving work. I walk outside to find nothing but sunshine and most of the snow melted all around the city.
I smile in the feel of an early spring in the air now compared to this morning. I take a deep breath knowing that tonight is going to be a really good when we all go out to enjoy ourselves. I walk onto the side walk toward my parked car until I feel like I am being watched by the one person I was hoping to see today.
I smile in happiness to see Jace is standing across the street smiling at the sight of me. He immediately runs across the street to me, picking me up in his arms. I smile and laugh in joy as he spins me around in our hug then puts me down on my feet. He looks at me like I am a completely different person with longer hair and the way I am smiling.
“Mina, you look great! I am guessing it has something to do with a certain dude man in your life.”
We start walking down the street to catch up talking. “Yes, he is one of the many reasons. However I like who I am with him because he has seen me at my best and my worst. And sometimes I could swear I have known him forever or in a past life. He is sweet, real, and a true revelation. He is also a mess but not more than anyone.”
“I like him so far since everything you are saying is green flags. As for him being a mess, what kind of mess? Like Michael Kelso from That 70’s Show mess or something else entirely?” Jace asks me.
I chuckle in him bringing up Michael Kelso from That 70’s Show; good show. “He is nothing like that thankfully. He served in the military.”
Jace’s whole demeanor changed at the mention of the military when we come to a bench on the sidewalk. We both sit down when he asks me, “Did he mention what happened during his tours?”
“He mentioned how he had to put a family to the stake to save the rest of the village. He stood outside their house while it burned down with the elder and his family inside.”
Jace looks down in sadness like he knows how that feels and he grabs my hand saying, “His higher up military leaders gave him the order to kill the Elder or the entire village would be killed?”
I shake my head yes. I don’t know what I would do if I was in that position; I honestly don’t know. Jace sees the look on my face then tells me, “I heard this saying from a particular leader. It explains the things soldiers do for the military and for mostly everyone else to have the freedom that they have. The saying goes, ‘Sometimes the world no longer needs a hero; sometimes what it needs is a monster.’ It is true that he had to do that monstrous act in order for the others to live. I imagine he hears them wailing in his sleep and many other things.”
“Yes. It does seem like PTSD.”
“Sadly, PTSD comes in all shapes and sizes at a person. It is often like a dam breaking apart, not stopping for a long time. PTSD and Grief often share one coin, just different sides. For a long while, a person can go through every day like it never happened, sleep easy and do daily life. But then it hits that person like a flood. Is he seeking help for the PTSD?”
“Yes, he is. And he has good friends in his life. I know I can be there; listen to him however I sometimes do not know what to say to help ease the pain. I know he would do the same for me and he has. He is willing to accept help when he truly needs it. And speaking of that, can I help him further?”
Our hands remain together when he turns his body to face me. His serious look has not changed in what he is about to tell me. “I suggest that you learn military symptoms, identify and learn his triggers to be safer than sorry. Even come up with a plan for triggering events and crises. Definitely plan enjoyable things, remain in routine and good structure. But most importantly, listen non-judgmentally. Maybe together, you can keep the monsters at bay.”
I smile at Jace in how he always says the right thing when I need it the most. I lay my head on his shoulder wondering how I am blessed with this amazing guardian. I do not deserve Jace or Vlad in my life however God always has a plan for people like them to be in my life. Jace rests his head against mine for a few moments until he has one more important thing to tell me.
“Mina, if the monsters are too much to handle or all of it becomes too overwhelming, talk with him and put your mental health first. So if you have to walk away from him in order for him to seek the help he needs, than do it. I know it sounds impossible to walk away from someone you care about, maybe even love. But it is better to let someone go while you still love them than hate or pity them in the end when walking away.”
I shake my head yes in agreement with Jace. I do wonder how often men or women stay with their person, asking for the same kind of honest council from loved ones in their life. Even wondering how men and women try to help their loved ones going through PTSD. I know I have some myself however it is nothing compared to Vlad’s. I hope Luke is talking with Vlad, giving him good council just like Jace is for me.
“Any plans for tonight?” Jace asks me.
“Yes however he is nervous to go out due to the horrible deaths that occurred recently.”
“I do not blame him for being nervous. I am nervous in the fact that whoever killed those seventy five men and women is still out there. However that monstrous person will be captured soon. And you can enjoy yourself tonight.” Jace says to me with an almost absolute certainty that it will happen.
I agree with him. I want to truly believe that the murderer will be captured soon and pay for their crimes. Jace and I continue talking for a bit longer until I have to get going. Jace kisses the top of my forehead then admires my growing blonde hair. He gently runs his fingers through it with a small smile on his face.
“Stay safe and enjoy yourself tonight, Mina.”
“You too, Jace.”
We stand up from the bench and I watch Jace back away from me real slow then turn around to walk away. I watch him until I can no longer see him in the crowd. I sigh in feeling relief to see him and the honest council he gave to me. That was exactly what I need to hear. I go to my car and start my drive back to Vlad’s house.
Vlad’s POV – ((Vlad’s day while Mina is at work.))
I watch Mina drive away then head over to the barn. I take my time driving while taking in all Mina has done for me. She has been there for me when I feel like my nightmares and sleepless nights would scare her away. But instead, she listened with no judgment and comforted me the best way she knew she could. Mina is truly amazing and I do not deserve her. I never will deserve her.
I pull up to see the vet is here to meet me about Billie’s checkup. I hand walk Billie out of her stall while the vet takes another look at her to see if she can go back to her usual routine. The vet does all of the usual checkups, thorough examine. Then take a vial of her blood to test it for anything beyond her physical state. The vet gives the approval but advises to ease her back into her workouts for the next few days. I thank the vet and write a check for him.
He waves goodbye to me then leaves as Luke pulls up in his car. Luke gets out of his car to look at me with worry with what we are going to be talking about. I know he is going to record our conversation then write it down later. It is better to keep a record of everything going on especially with all Marishka has done.
Luke sits down across from me as I groom Billie in the cross ties. I tell him everything, not leaving out a single detail of the nightmares I have been having. I even tell him what all of it could mean and the memories involved in the terrible dreams. Luke does not say word the entire time I am talking. And when I am finished, Luke looks at me like I expected he would.
“I agree with Mina about seeking help but you cannot go to just anyone with this. It has to be someone we can trust within the supernatural world and it cannot just be anyone to speak to about your past and current life. I’ll check my contacts and let you know what I come back with.” Luke says to me while he saves the recording on his laptop and phone as his backup.
“Exactly; could you imagine if I went to speak with any shrink? They would possibly believe to be in a session with Hannibal Lector himself.” I tell him as he chuckles in my Hannibal Lector joke.
I finish brushing down Billie then I go to her stall and write on the marker board on her stall door that Billie can be turned out in the outside arena but remain on hand walks. I want to keep up with her care recommended by the vet and light work. Luke and I walk outside to the arena. Luke closes the gate behind me as I walk Billie to the middle of the arena. I take off her halter and Billie walks away from me then goes into a trot around the arena.
I walk back out while Luke opens and closes the gate behind me again. Billie trots around in joy of being able to do more than just hand walks. She snorts a few times while she hangs her tail up a bit higher, showing herself off. I chuckle in how she does that when she is feeling good.
Luke and I watch her for a few minutes when we realize the sun is out and most of the snow is melted. The dirt of the arena is still a bit soaked however once it dries up, the arena will be dragged to keep it maintained like always.
I close my eyes enjoying the feel of the sun shining on me again when I feel Luke looking at me. "What is it, Luke?"
"It is honestly astonishing to see you in the sunlight. I do not think I will ever be use to it."
"That makes two of us, Luke."
"There is one thing I am grateful in all that has happened. Marishka did not see any of your memories of you being out in daylight. I imagine many including the Order would come after you, wondering how you did it when it is just happening to you. It is a supernatural thing in itself." Luke says to me as I continue to soak in the sunlight.
I exhale knowing I need to know Luke's thoughts on how to approach my PTSD and any other kind of advice. I turn to face Luke and I see by the look on his face, he already knows what he wants to tell me about everything. I have a feeling that this is going to feel like a silver bullet.
"Vlad, don't impale or drain me dry for saying what I am about to say to you."
"I do not like how this is starting, Luke."
"Me neither but here goes." Luke places his hand on my shoulder, admiring me as the longest friend of him and his family. "Vlad, let go..."
I freeze in his words wondering where is he going with this I am honestly not sure what to make of what Luke is going to tell me.
"Let go of the past. You need to put it all aside. You have repeated your past and your patterns time and time again. My family members before me can attest to my words. I know that your old life is coming back to haunt you and I wish I could kill them all myself if you let me. But I will let the Order handle the situation. However for your mental health and life, leave the old life behind and put everything on the line for what you have worked so hard for. And fight toward the only goal that counts; fight to win the ultimate prize no other in your position could ever do."
"What ultimate prize, Luke?"
"Your soul..."
Those two words echo in my mind about my soul over and over again. It never occurred to me that in being alive as a human being again means my soul truly does get a second chance. I lean against the fence line speechless that I truly do have a chance I do not deserve with my soul. I am not immortal damned like the others.
"The sins you committed and the losses you suffered make immortality a curse. I know you have had so many weighing you down that you never realized that you have a second chance with God for your soul and to a new life with Mina. And at the rate you are going between vampire and human stages, you will have the one thing you never got to have with Mirena, growing old and one day die an ordinary death like you should have centuries ago."
My mind races through all I have ever done but my mind sinks into being with Mirena as we watch Ingeras learning how to ride a horse for the first time. He was so happy to learn so he could go riding together. I thought that was going to be the rest of my life with my family while ruling in peace and prosperity.
Not until Sultan Mehmed came to my home, demanding a thousand boys including my son to fight in his battles. Then my whole life changed in three days, three days I would never wish upon anyone in the world.
It has not been easy with me in living without time, losing my purpose after Ingeras died of old age and all of the dark sins I have committed to myself and others. But now I can grow old and die like any other mortal man.
Luke has a smile on my face realizing how much his words impacted me and he is right. Luke takes my hands into his and bows his head low telling me, "Repeat this prayer after me, Vlad."
I bow my head to follow what Luke has in mind for me. Luke and I exhale for a moment when he starts the prayer. I repeat each word from him and I can feel everything inside me building up, willing myself to let it be Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit.
'Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray that your will shall be done in my life as it is in Heaven. I am your masterpiece, created anew in Christ Jesus so I can do the good things you planned for me so long ago.'
'Teach me to do your will for you are my God. Let your good spirit lead me into the land of the Righteous. Jesus, you gave yourself up to atone for my sins and to save, sanctify me, in order to rescue and deliver me from the wicked past and present in accordance with the will, purpose and plan for you, my God and Father.'
'I am no longer conformed to this world but I am transformed by the renewing of my mind and body that I may prove what is good, acceptable and the perfect will of God. Holy Spirit, thank you for giving dignity to my body once again.'
'Father, thank you for choosing me, actually picking me out yourself as your own in Christ before the foundation of the world and time; that I will be holy and blameless in your sight, even above reproach before you in Love, having predestinated me unto the adoption of a child by Jesus Christ to yourself to the good pleasure of your will.'
'I will do your will and it will be done on earth in my life as it is in Heaven. Amen and so be it!'
The moment I am done praying with Luke, I did not realize that I have a few tears going down my face in saying that prayer out loud as the sun is shining bright on both of us. I smile to Luke before we hug it out with one another. I chuckle in feeling set free after centuries of being in the dark of night. Luke even has a few tears in my eyes knowing how much this means for me.
"Now, go enjoy your night out with everyone, Vlad. I will bring Billie back in. And you will get the help you need with your PTSD. I will be here with you every step of the way. And so will Mina."
Then Luke points in the direction of the barn. I turn to see Mina walking toward me in the light of day with her heavenly smile at the sight of me. I smile in return and make my way to her. I take her in my arms then pick her up off my feet. Mina chuckles in joy that I am doing better than I was this morning. And I am doing better. I will do God's Will for the chance my soul has been given.
"Let's get ready for tonight and enjoy ourselves, Mina." I tell her as Mina continues smiling and we head back up to the house. I wave back at Luke and he waves back to me, smiling in happiness.
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