Twenty-Nine…

Twenty-Nine: Child of the Damned

Caution: contains explicit sexual themes.

Aubrey arrived in Shadowvale… a land of perpetual mist and darkness; a darkness that could be brightened by the mere sight of a child’s face.

Reznik.

“Sounds like Reznik is in there,” Vaclav said motioning to the sitting room.

She headed toward the soft sounds of a toddler as he chattered and played.

Her heart raced with excitement and anticipation.

She entered the room. The child’s back was turned to her at first.

My God! Is it really him?

Cute babbling emanated from the boy. He turned around to see what was happening.

Curious, wide eyes stared upward.

For a second, Aubrey was thrown off by the pale glowing eyes and skin; the characteristics of the Haas Clan.

The new butler offered to take Kat. Aubrey handed over the infant.

She sat down on the floor with her son.

Vaclav watched.

“Hi Reznik,” she said. Her excitement bubbled over, and she nearly shouted his name. “I’m—I’m your mommy.”

The boy merely stared at her.

Then he jumped up and started toward Vaclav.

“Daddy,” Reznik chirped.

Her disappointment was unbearable.

Just freakin’ great, she thought. I’ve waited two years to see him, and this is what happens.

Vaclav picked him up.

“Give him some time,” Vaclav softly said. “He’ll get used to you.”

The two of them together was picture perfect. They were the perfect father and son.

Aubrey wondered how long it took Reznik to get used to Vaclav. She couldn’t help but feel envious.

A bit later, Aubrey went into Vaclav’s bedroom.

During the drive back to Shadowvale, Vaclav mentioned that Riley had also moved out to follow Jakub. That was perfectly fine with Aubrey. In fact, she was relieved to hear it.

She gazed around the room.

Memories played at the edges of her mind… remembering the bed where she was sick after Shawn’s rejection;

the lounger where Vaclav kept vigil.

While many things had remained the same, there was one small change…

Condoms on the night table. Vaclav had thought ahead before traveling to the valley to get her; although he’d forgotten to bring one with him.

Footsteps creaked behind her. Somehow, she knew who it was.

Vaclav caressed her thigh and hip while pressing against her.

She turned around.

Standing completely naked, he stroked her face. His hair was a little damp, so he must’ve recently stepped out of the shower.

Aubrey was shocked at what he asked her.

“Will you marry me? In a traditional Haas Clan ceremony? We will have a priest, guests, everything.”

A priest? she wondered.

“This is how it’s done for the leader. A ceremony takes place in his honor, and in his fiancée’s honor. It’s a very big deal.”

He sounded so proud at that moment. How could she say no?

“Yes.”

Vaclav leaned over and kissed her.

                                                                  …

“Don’t break my heart,” she warned.

“I won’t. I will protect you from harm and love you for eternity.”

Dawn approached Shadowvale.

Vaclav and Aubrey made love on the lounger.

She arched her back, her body moving up and down.

He gazed at her, his eyes conveying lust and desire. His hands kneaded every inch of her flesh. His hips lunged upward, making her bounce faster.

Their lovemaking drew to its climax, but Aubrey started worrying about her son and why he behaved so coldly.

For the very first time, she was glad when Vaclav finished.

She waited on Vaclav to fall asleep; then headed to Reznik’s nursery.

She looked down at the sleeping toddler.

Aubrey wished he’d warm up to her. She couldn’t stand her son’s detachment.

Then again, she knew Vaclav was right. It just takes time. Reznik didn’t grow up around her, so how could she expect him to realize she’s his mother and not a total stranger?

Damnit Daddy, she thought. This is your fault. That twinge of anger quickly passed as Aubrey leaned over to pick up her son.

Reznik whined and kicked his legs.

“It’s okay; it’s okay,” she soothed.

Finally, he laid his head on her shoulder and settled down. Aubrey nuzzled him, savoring his sweet scent.

Baby powder and shampoo.

She held him away and gazed upon his little face. “I love you, Reznik. I’ve waited two years to see you.”

“Daddy,” he said.

Aubrey chuckled, surprising even herself.

Much later, Shadowvale’s moon cast a soft glow over the area.

Aubrey sat next to Vaclav in the music room.

There was a question she had to ask. Granted, she was afraid of Vaclav’s answer, but she just had to know. Once and for all.

“How did my dad kill himself?”

He looked at her. “You sure you want to know?”

“Yes.”

Vaclav stared at the floor. “You know there are bones scattered all over the room where he was held,” he began.

“He used a bone shard to cut his throat.”

Aubrey’s eyes grew round. She felt nauseated.

“I’m sorry, Aubrey.”

“It’s—okay. I’ll be alright. It’s just a little shocking.”

Vaclav scooted closer, encircling his arm around her.

As dawn broke, something strange happened on the other side of Shadowvale.

                                                              …

Four members of the Shadow Clan gathered ’round the altar. The appointed one lingered over Shawn.

He bit into his own palm. Ribbons of blood streamed downward.

Then he squeezed his hands together.

A pure Shadow’s blood flowed into Shawn’s mouth.

Another vampire blotted the crimson from Shawn’s face.

“Our blood now cascades through your body. I anoint you as a Shadow,” the immortal chanted.

He stepped away.

A transformation started.

Shawn awakened and sat up.

He stared ahead.

Shawn Taylor was now a Shadow, and his vengeance has just begun.

                                                          ****

Chapter 30 coming Friday! Thanks for reading!  😀