0204; The Vampire's Daughter

"What do you want me to do?" Elizabeth asked Sabastian.

"I do not know," he answered in a low voice. "I fear that in my
current state that I am not only dangerous to myself, but to those
around me. That is unacceptable. I will not endanger Susan."

"What are you saying?" Mary shot out.

"I am saying that Susan is with Sol. I trust she is safe. He will
have to watch over her until I am able. Until I get through this."

"What are you going to do until then?" Mary asked.

"I believe it would be best if I were left alone. I will fine
someplace where I will be left alone."

"You will stay right where you are," Elizabeth said. "That way I can
help protect you."

"You're going to protect him when you could barely protect yourself?"
Mary asked.

"I didn't fight Thomas because he is my sire, but I will fight him now
if I have to."

"Do you think you stand a chance?" Mary asked.

"I do. I know Thomas as well as or better than any of our kind. I
know his weaknesses. I can exploit them."

"And the fact that he lied to you for so many years about the
Tribunal?" Mary asked.

"I have learned from that mistakes. Trust me, he and I keep a distance
between us for very good reasons. I can protect both Sabastian and
myself if the need arises."

"I should like to stay in my own home," Sabastian said, standing up and
walking into a dark corner. He lay down and balled himself up, his
face pointing into the corner. "Mary, please let Susan know I am OK
and ask Sol for his help. If he refuses, bring Susan here."

"I will do as you ask," Mary said, "but I am gravely concerned."

"As am I," Sabastian replied.

Mary motioned for Elizabeth to go upstairs with her. Once in the
living room, Mary said, "This is not a good idea."

"I don't see that we have another option," Elizabeth replied.

"We should find someplace else. Someplace more secure for both of your
safety. For the safety of all of our kind."

"At this point, I'll settle for the basement. I don't want to make any
rash decisions. The dawn is coming, you should go back and let
everyone know what's going on.

"We will be safe for the night. I am sure of that. Go, please. We
can discuss what to do again after things settle down."

"I don't like this," Mary said, "but there doesn't appear to be any
other option."

Mary left the house, tossed the ticket she had gotten for parking in
front of a hydrant into the street and sped off. After watching her
drive away, Elizabeth went into the basement, locking the door behind
her.

She walked behind Sabastian and curled up with him, spooning his body.
"We'll get through this," she said softly, stroking his hair. He
didn't reply

Mary arrived back at the house to find the front door broken in. She
rushed upstairs to find Susan on the floor holding Claudia's head in
her lap.

[The Vampire’s Daughter: An ongoing vampire story. Copyright Reuben
Gregg Brewer, 2005, 2006. All rights reserved.]