0257: The Vampire's Daughter Book Three

"We have company," Sabastian said quietly.

"What?" Elizabeth asked in genuine shock. Sabastian hadn't initiated a conversation since the day he almost killed Thomas. And he only responded to her about half the time when she attempted to interact with him since that day.

"We have company," he said again slightly louder. "Reach out, you will sense them."

Elizabeth paused and said, "Yes, there are four of our kind waiting outside the door."

"There are thirty one more spread over the surrounding area," Sabastian added.

"Are there?" she asked.

"Yes. They are here to see you."

"Did Thomas send them?"

"No."

"Do you know who they are?" queried Elizabeth.

"No. I have always avoided your affairs. However, they mean no harm to you, no matter what overtures they make," Sabastian said, before curling up again and going silent.

"I guess that means you want me to let them in," she said, knowing full well that Sabastian wouldn't respond.

She got out of bed and put on a pair of jeans and a shirt. She noted that her body had healed nicely from Thomas' attacks and sighed. Looking over at Sabastian for a moment, she said, "I hope you're right," and walked upstairs.

As she got closer to the door she sensed that it was a vampire named Vein. He was the lead advisor to the other clan that made up the governing trio in the Tribunal and they had a contentious relationship at the best of times.

Elizabeth opened the door and said, "Hello Vein."

"Hello madam president, puppet of Thomas. Highest to lowest. Leader to slave. How is your new home, does it feel like a jail cell?"

"What do you want?"

"A visit, that's all. I believe I'm in possession of something you might want."

"Thirty some vampires is more than a visit," she said.

"Yes, well, the puppet king has made this side of town a little less hospitable of late. You just never know when you'll need a few friends," Vein responded.

"I would tell you to leave, but I have it on good authority that, despite your insults, you are here for our mutual benefit," she said, standing aside and gesturing for him to enter.

"Oh my, yes. I'm sure your authorities are fine judges of character, look how well they've steered you so far," Vein said walking in.

As his guards moved to follow, Elizabeth stopped them, then looked at Vein and said, "They are not allowed to join us."

"Ah, but they are my guards, they go with me everywhere."

"You will be safe here so long as you do not do anything stupid," she answered.

He looked in her eyes and said, "As you wish, Madam President. Of the many faults you have, I have never had to question your honesty."



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