Angel's Short Fiction Blog

Night Stalker: Randy-The End and Beginning

2010-06-14T22:28:00.002-05:00

Twenty Years Later…

Randy watched the old apartment building, taking the measure of all who entered. He liked what he saw so far. Some of them he liked very well indeed, like the sexy blonde in the tight skirt. He even liked her name…Rissa. He’d heard one of the others call out to her earlier in the day and thought the name very fitting. He decided it rolled off the tongue quite nicely.

If there were more like her at this particular establishment, Randy thought it would be a good place to settle down for a while. He was tired of running. He didn’t want to admit it, but he still missed the family feeling of the old clan. All but Father Thomas that is, which Randy hoped had quit looking for him a long time ago.

“May I help you?” a voice behind Randy inquired, startling him.

Turning, Randy noted the soulful brown eyes first, eyes that looked to have seen it all, despite the young age of their owner. He then took in the rest of the young man. So weary for one so young, he mused, mindful of the slumped shoulders and bone-tired expression.

“I was told to come see Nathaniel,” Randy informed the stranger. “That he might have a place for me.”

“I’m Nathaniel,” the young man replied, sticking his hand out.

Randy shook his hand, liking the firm shake. For Nathaniel’s part, he wasn’t sure about the scruffy character in front of him, but he knew if someone had pointed the man his way, then he was in need of shelter and they had saw some redeeming quality in him, and, besides, Nathaniel hardly ever turned anyone away.

“You are welcome here as long as you are willing to follow a few simple rules.”

Randy grimaced, rules being high on his list of things to avoid. “What kind of rules?” he asked, already making plans to move on.

“Nothing too complex,” Nathaniel replied, smiling at the man’s discomfort. “They won’t hurt a bit.”

“Easy for you to say,” Randy quipped.

Nathaniel laughed outright and patted Randy on the shoulder. “I think you’ll fit in just fine around here.” Opening the door, he ushered Randy inside, adding, “Come on, I’ll explain the rules and introduce you to the others.”

Randy followed, wondering if what he’d been told about the man was true. “Nah,” he chuckled under his breath, figuring the name was just a coincidence.

THE END

Night Stalker: Randy-Some Will Fall

2010-05-17T22:39:00.001-05:00

Randy moved to the right and jabbed the pitchfork at Thomas’s stomach, wincing at the pain upon contact. Thomas stopped, looked at the offending object and smiled, blood seeping down his chin. He then grasped the handle firmly and pulled the pitchfork free of his body, throwing it aside.

Standing up straight, despite the pain, Thomas spit blood on Randy’s boot, and said, “Is that the best you can do?” before hitting Randy in the stomach.

Randy doubled over in pain, trying to decide how to get out of this mess. He had no intention of dying but wasn’t sure how to stop it from happening. He knew he couldn’t overpower Thomas. All Stalkers were strong, but none matched the original, Thomas.

Shrugging off the pain, Randy stared Thomas in the eye and replied, “No, I have this,” and charged, knocking Thomas against the wall. While he had the man pinned, Randy sank his fangs deeply into Thomas’s exposed neck.

Thomas thrashed against Randy, a solid punch connecting with Randy’s jaw, sending him reeling away. Emily ran at Thomas, wielding the earlier discarded pitchfork. Randy yelled for her to stop to no avail. He watched as Thomas ducked aside and grabbed the pitchfork, pulling it free of Emily’s hand, roughly pushing the woman forward into the oaken door.

Randy heard a sickening crack and watched Emily crumpled to the ground as he jumped on Thomas’s back, and sank his fangs once again into the man. Thomas flailed but Randy held fast, rage at Emily’s death empowering him. Thomas stumbled and fell, weakening. Randy’s arms were killing him, and his jaw was aching from holding the bite so long, but he knew letting up would mean the end.

His grip was loosening when he saw Sophie come through the door. Sophie ran to Emily’s fallen body and checked for life. Noting the sightless eyes, she turned toward the two men.

Randy screamed, “help me!” as Thomas thrust his arms upward and broke free. Thomas roared, banging his head against Randy’s, knocking him back. Randy tried to grab him again, but Thomas struggled free. He was almost to his feet when Sophie pounced.

Shaking his head to clear it, Randy latched onto the other side of Thomas’s neck, and he and Sophie drank, draining the fallen man. Thomas was weakening, no longer putting up any fight. Randy thought an end to the terror was near, when, suddenly, Sophie fell forward, blood gushing from her skull.

Two Stalkers jerked Randy off Thomas, throwing him across the room. Three others were devouring Sophie. Randy was thankful the blow to the head had rendered her unconscious before the attack. He couldn’t bear to think of her suffering.

While the two stalkers were helping Thomas up, Randy snuck toward the door. He stopped for a second when a small whimper sounded from behind a bale of hay but knew he would have no chance with a baby in tow. Pushing guilt aside, Randy fled into the forest, never looking back.

Night Stalker: Randy-Confrontation

2010-05-11T21:35:00.001-05:00

“Shit!” Randy fumed. “I can’t believe I’m doing this.”

Circling around the castle, he made his way underneath Emily’s room. Throwing a small pebble against her window, he waited. When Emily peered out, he whispered her name. Smiling, Emily told him to wait there that she’d get Nathaniel and be right down.

Shuffling nervously from one foot to the other, Randy waited what seemed like hours for the woman to appear. When she came around the corner carrying Nathaniel in one arm and a valise in the other, he snapped, “It took you long enough!”

“I had to get a few things together for Nathaniel,” Emily replied, composed and calmer than Randy expected.

Shaking off the suspicion that something was wrong, Randy took the valise from her and headed toward the stables. They were half way there when Stalkers started running and yelling. Turning to see what was wrong; Randy saw smoke billowing out of the window he was recently standing under.

Grabbing Emily and pulling her as quickly as possible to the stable, he yelled, “What the hell did you do?”

“Just a little going away present for Thomas.”

“You crazy bitch! We could have gotten away without anyone the wiser! Now the whole damn place is awake!”

Emily just shrugged and opened the stable door. “We can still get away if you quit gawking and move.”

“Emily!” Thomas roared across the yard, looking directly at them.

Randy rushed into the stable and closed the door, barring it with a heavy oak beam. Looking around, he spied a pitchfork. Knowing it would do little good, he picked it up anyway. “Stay back!” he ordered as the door came crashing in.

Emily screamed and hid behind a bale of hay, covering Nathaniel’s body with her own. Randy braced for the fight of his life, scared despite himself at the hatred emanating from Thomas who stood in the opening, fangs bared.

“We don’t have to do this,” Randy tried to reason with Thomas.

“You think you can just take my son and leave?” Thomas demanded, stepping closer.

“His mother was taking him,” Randy replied. “I was just tagging along.”

“Nobody is taking my son,” Thomas stated. Looking at Emily, he added, “and anybody that tries is going to die,” before lunging at Randy.

Night Stalker: Randy-Quandary

2010-04-30T13:36:00.000-05:00

Randy stared, dumbfounded. He had thought Emily was resigned to her and Nathaniel’s fate, but evidently not. One thing he did know for certain was that he wasn’t crazy enough to take Thomas’s son from him. The man had many faults, but Randy knew he truly loved the boy and would go to any lengths to find him should he disappear.

“Sorry, but I can’t help you,” he told Emily.

“What?” she gasped. “Don’t you want out of here? I can help you!”

“Oh, I want to leave this God-forsaken place, but alone, not with the two things Thomas covets most in the world in tow.”

“But you have to help me, help us, Randy!” Emily pleaded. “Nobody else will.”

“Oh, I believe that. Nobody is that stupid.”

“You know he wants to make Nathaniel just like him. Heartless, unyielding, a thoughtless killer.”

“It’s not my problem,” Randy replied, unable to look the woman in the eye.

Emily sighed and turned to leave. “I’m leaving the door open. If you can leave here, and leave us behind to face whatever Thomas has in store for us, with a clear conscience, then go ahead.”

Randy watched the woman go; silently cursing the Fates and everything else he could think of.

Night Stalker: Randy-Surprises

2010-04-21T15:09:00.000-05:00

Randy sat contemplating his escape. He didn’t have much else to do while in the dungeon and he knew the first chance he had to leave he better take. If he managed to get away, he did not believe Thomas would pursue him. After all, everyone knew what he’d been doing now so there was no point.

Randy thought the best course of action for everyone involved was to separate himself from Thomas. Now that other Stalkers knew Thomas was invading people’s minds, they might not blindly follow his orders for killing Randy and Sophie. It seemed to Randy that none of them liked the idea of Thomas playing around in their thoughts anymore than he did. Thomas had to have seen the same thing.

Randy knew he could no longer stay around the man or one or the other of them would end up dead. He was smart enough to know it would most likely be him because Thomas had more friends. Randy smirked, thinking of all the times he’d declined invitations to hunt with others or play cards, realizing now that it was important to have friends, or at least make people think they mattered like Thomas did. Randy had no delusions that the man really cared about anyone, with the exception of Emily and Nathaniel, and he had his doubts about how deeply the feelings went for Emily.

As if thinking about her conjured her up, Emily stepped into the darkness of the dungeon. Surprised to see her, Randy just gawked.

When she pushed the board securing the door closed, Randy smiled. “So you set me free and then Thomas has reason to kill me. Is that it?”

“No,” Emily stated, opening the door. “I let you go and you take me and Nathaniel with you.”

Night Stalker: Randy-Dreams Invaded

2010-03-29T22:06:00.000-05:00

“What the hell did you do to us?” Randy demanded, pushing Thomas against the side of the castle, the man’s head smacking solidly against rock.

“Get your hands off me!” Thomas roared, shoving Randy away and bearing his fangs.

Randy stood his ground, leaving the men chest to chest. “Come on, asshole, I’ve been waiting for this for a long time,” he goaded, snarling in Thomas’s face.

Thomas smiled when a group of Stalkers surrounded them. Stepping back, he brushed himself off and ordered, “Take him to the dungeon.”

“What?” Sophie, who had been quiet until then, demanded. “You can’t be serious, Thomas.”

“Oh, I am very serious,” Thomas replied, evil emanating from every pore of his being. “Randy needs to learn who is in charge around here.”

“But, Thomas, he just wanted to know what you did to us. How did you invade our dreams?”

At her question, the Stalkers dragging Randy away stopped and faced Thomas. “That’s right, boys,” Randy quipped, “pretty soon, you’ll really be puppets on a string when Thomas is controlling your every thought…awake and asleep.”

“I didn’t control your thoughts,” Thomas scoffed.

“But you were in their dreams?” one of the Stalkers asked, clearly disturbed by the revelation.

Thomas sensed the mood shifting and decided he better put an end to the speculation quickly. He knew he should have gotten rid of Sophie and Randy long ago, but sentiment held him off. He vowed to remedy the problem soon.

“Yes,” he answered the man, “I connected with Sophie and Randy during their dreams last night. I’ve been connecting with others as well. I told all of you we were all connected. That I know what is going on with every Stalker, no matter where they are.”

Randy could tell by the disbelief on the faces of those in the yard that nobody had believed Thomas’s claims. He had to admit that he hadn’t fully believed them himself until last night. Now he knew the man was even crazier than he thought. He also knew something else. He had to get the hell out of town and fast, and if he wasn’t mistaken, Sophie had better go with him because Thomas didn’t look any too happy to have his actions revealed.

Night Stalker: Randy-Dreams

2010-03-17T18:49:00.000-05:00

“What the hell!” Randy gasped, sitting bolt upright in bed. He knew it had only been a few hours since he lay down, not nearly enough time for sundown to have arrived. “Now I have to deal with Thomas in my dreams too? That shit’s not right!” he spat, falling back into bed and hoping to resume sleep.

After tossing and turning for the rest of the day, Randy rose at sundown and went in search of Sophie. He wanted to tell her about the strange dream because she had been in it also. He was rounding the corner into the dining room when Sophie ran headlong into him.

“Whoa! Hold your horses,” he teased, steadying her.

“I’ve been looking for you,” she informed him, pulling him outside. “I had a bizarre dream today.”

“What did you say?” Randy asked, coming to a stop beside the fountain, stunned.

“I had a dream about you and Thomas today,” she started. “You were peeping through Julia’s window and Thomas startled you. I came upon the two of you just in time…”

“To stop the fight,” Randy finished, sinking to the edge of the fountain in shock.

“How did you know that?” Sophie demanded, sitting beside him.

“Because I had the same dream.”

“How is that possible?” Sophie asked, worry clouding her eyes.

“I have no idea,” Randy replied, standing, “but I bet I know someone who does,” he added, striding purposefully away.

Night Stalker: Randy-Decisions

2010-03-10T17:22:00.000-06:00

“Why the long face?” Sophie asked Randy, sitting down beside him on the bench.

“I’m thinking it’s about time I skip this joint.”

“What!” Sophie screeched! “You can’t leave! Who will I get into trouble with?”

Randy laughed, “So you only want me around to take the blame when you do something wrong, huh?”

“No,” Sophie replied, frowning. “I need you.”

“Did I hear you right? Did the ‘I can take care of myself’ tough girl just admit to needing someone?”

Sophie scowled at him. She knew he was making fun of her, but she also knew he cared for her as much as she did him. They had been through a lot together, and helped each other out of tough situations more than once. She really didn’t know what she’d do if he left.

“I’ve learned life is much easier with a friend. I’ve finally grown up.”

“That you have, little one, that you have,” Randy replied. “I’m proud of you.”

“Yuck! Don’t get all mushy on me!” Sophie teased, slapping his knee. “Just tell me what’s wrong.”

“I haven’t liked the way things were going for a while now, as you know, and it’s only getting worse. Thomas and his minions run everything, deciding who lives and dies, while the rest of us have to watch our every move. I know he said he’s in charge of Stalkers everywhere, has some connection no matter how far away we are or some such shit, but I doubt he’ll give me a second thought once I’m gone. Out of sight, out of mind.”

“I know what you’re saying, but things have calmed down since Nathanial was born. It’s not as bad as it used to be.”

“In some ways it’s better but it some it’s worse. I’m telling you, there is going to be trouble with Thomas’s happy little family one of these days and I don’t want to be part of the fallout.”

“Don’t do anything rash. Think about it a while longer,” Sophie asked. “Please.”

Randy sighed. He was ready to leave but he would miss the girl. He wasn’t sure how it had happened that his best friend was a child, but it had nonetheless. He had thought of asking her to leave with him, but it didn’t sound like she even considered the idea.

“Okay, I’ll give it a little longer, but if things get worse, I’m outta here,” he told her. “You could always come with me,” he added shyly, testing the waters.

Sophie studied him silently for several moments. The idea was appealing, but she didn’t know if she could live without the sense of family she had at the castle. She had found she enjoyed being a part of a bigger whole.

“We’ll see,” she softly replied.

Randy patted her hand and ignored the tear gliding down her cheek that signified the truth.

Night Stalker: Randy-Foreboding

2010-02-25T16:07:00.001-06:00

“He is a cute little bugger,” Sophie cooed, bouncing Nathaniel on her lap.

“That he is,” Randy agreed.

“I can’t believe Emily threatened to kill him along with herself. She’s one determined woman.”

“Yes, and Thomas is willing to put up with almost anything to keep her in Nathaniel’s life.”

Sophie watched Randy, sensing something more. “What are you thinking?”

“I’m wondering when almost will happen and what it will be?”

“You’re always looking for trouble, do you know that?”

“Trouble is always there, waiting to be found,” Randy chuckled.

Sophie shook her head. She used to believe something terrible was going to happen as well, but things had calmed down considerably in the last few months. The baby was eight months old now, healthy and happy, and bringing Emily and Thomas closer together every day. Sophie didn’t understand why Thomas kept Emily around but now knew the woman was going nowhere anytime soon.

Nathaniel laughed, watching a squirrel sneak a nut and dash back up the trunk of a huge tree in the courtyard. He begged to be let down, so Sophie obliged, laughing along with him. He turned onto his knees and followed the squirrel, sitting at the bottom of the tree, waiting.

Randy and Sophie waited as well, curious to see how long Nathaniel would last. They had both noticed the child had an abundance of patience when he wanted something. After ten minutes of absolute silence and stillness, the squirrel slowly descended the tree trunk, feeling safe enough to try for another nut.

Sophie gasped when Nathaniel grabbed the squirrel as it was passing by, held it in both hands, snapped it’s neck and sank his tiny fangs deep into flesh. Finished, the baby dropped the carcass and crawled back to Sophie. She quickly wiped blood from his face.

Randy laughed, “You’d think he did something wrong from the look on your face.”

“You have to admit it is a bit disconcerting seeing a child take a life,” She defended herself.

“That’s what I thought the first time I saw you do it.”

“But I’m not a baby!”

“Same difference to an old codger like me,” Randy quipped. “There’s something wrong with kids killing people,” he added, shaking his head.

Sophie thought a minute and then had to agree, “I never thought about it before, but you’re right. Seems to be against the natural order of things. Maybe that’s why Thomas is so strange, because he’s been like this his whole life.”

“Doesn’t bode well for this little one, does it?” Randy asked.

“No, no it doesn’t,” Sophie agreed, a chill passing over her flesh.

Night Stalker: Randy-Promises

2010-02-17T11:11:00.001-06:00

Randy and Sophie watched, as over the next few months, Emily came to love her son despite what he was. The beginning was bad for all concerned, filled with rage and sadness, but the baby himself finally brought Emily around.

Smiles and giggles, followed by rolling over and sitting up, all captured Emily’s attention and stole her heart. By the time the baby could crawl, Emily was totally lost. The only thing she refused to participate in was feedings. The one time she had worked up the courage to try was a disaster that all agreed need not be repeated, even after the changes.

Randy remembered that day clearly. For some reason, Thomas had put him in charge of the feedings after the first few weeks. Randy believed Thomas got frustrated too easily waiting on the baby to finish, so delegated the job to him.

He had laid the baby on a pallet and taken a man from the village. After the veins were opened, he held the baby to the man’s neck and urged him to suckle.

Emily had turned away while Randy prepared the man, unable to watch the taking of life, but forced herself to look back when Randy told her it was time for the baby to feed.

The baby started to drink of the man’s blood, held gently in Randy’s hands. When he broke free and Emily saw the blood on his lips, she lost it. Screaming, “No more! I can’t stand it!” she grabbed the baby and ran from the house.

Randy chased after her, as did Thomas who saw her barge through the courtyard. By the time they caught up with her, she was at the edge of the cliff, rocking back and forth with the baby.

“Emily,” Thomas whispered.

The woman whirled around, tears streaming down her face and shouted, “How could you do this, Thomas! How could you knowingly bring a child like this into the world?”

Randy noted that although she was condemning the child’s birth, she was holding him tenderly and kissing the top of his head. Thomas saw the same thing and knew she had been coming around before today.

“Nathaniel is our son, Emily, and he is very special.”

“He isn’t special, he’s a monster!”

“Am I a monster? You loved me at one time. Did I ever hurt you?”

“Not me, but you have hurt others. Many others,” she sighed.

“Only to survive, Emily. Only to survive,” Thomas stated. “And Nathaniel will be the same. He will not hurt people just to hurt them.”

“But why does the have to hurt them at all?” she asked. Beseechingly, she begged, “Can’t there be another way?”

“He must have blood to live, Emily.”

Randy sensed Thomas’s mistake at the same time Emily’s eyes narrowed.

“He has to have blood, but it doesn’t have to be human blood does it?”

Thomas stilled.

“That’s what I thought,” Emily sighed. “You’ve been feeding him human blood so he’ll get a taste for it instead of animal blood because you want him to be a hunter like you!”

Thomas started to deny it but stopped when Emily took a step closer to the edge. “Yes! Yes! He is my son and I want him to be a great Stalker!”

“He can be great and not kill people. He can be a great man despite his heritage, and if you don’t agree,” Emily stated, eyes shining, “we can end all the heartache right now,” she added holding one leg over the side of the cliff.

“No!” Thomas shouted.

“You will feed him animal blood instead of human?” Emily asked.

“Yes, yes.” Thomas agreed.

“And you will not just kill me and do whatever you want?”

“No, I could never kill you, Emily.”

Randy smirked, knowing Thomas spoke the truth. Randy, Sophie and the other Stalkers had all expected Thomas to kill the woman after the scene when the baby was born. To everyone’s surprise, he was gentle with her, bringing woman and baby together whenever possible and trying to forge a bond. Randy finally figured it out after hearing Thomas remark to another Stalker that he did not want Nathaniel growing up without a mother the way he had, that there were some things only a mother could provide for her son.

Emily studied Thomas for several tense minutes before backing away from the edge. Thomas rushed forward and encircled mother and son in his arms. When Randy turned away, all three had tears in their eyes.

Night Stalker: Randy-After Birth

2010-02-04T15:54:00.000-06:00

An ear-splitting scream roared through the great hall and out the doors into the courtyard, startling Sophie and Randy. “What the hell?” Randy wondered, rushing back inside, Sophie close on his heels.

They came to a halt at the door of Emily’s room where pandemonium had broken loose. Emily was screaming and crying, crouched in the corner, wild-eyed and shaking. Thomas was standing over her holding the baby, trying to calm her down.

“You’re scaring the baby, Emily,” Thomas said, trying to cover the infant’s ears.

“That’s not a baby!” Emily shouted, trying to shrink even farther into the corner.

“Of course it’s a baby,” Thomas sighed. “It’s our baby.”

“That thing is evil! Keep it away from me!” Emily ordered.

“He only nipped you, Emily. He didn’t know any better.”

“Are you crazy, Thomas? That thing drew blood!” She screamed, baring her breast, which featured two small puncture holes.

“He’s just hungry,” Thomas replied. “All babies are hungry when they’re born.”

“That thing is not getting any milk from me!”

“This is your son,” Thomas stated, grabbing Emily up with one hand while holding the child in the crook of his other arm. “Look at him!” he ordered. “He’s perfect.”

Emily stared at Thomas, dumbfounded. “Perfect? How can you say that, Thomas? The child has fangs for God’s sake!”

“I know,” Thomas smiled, baring the fangs he had kept hidden until then.

“No!” Emily whispered, pulling away, shocked to watch Thomas’s teeth elongate and shine in the moonlight streaming through her bedroom window. “No! It can’t be.”

“Oh, it can and is, Emily dear,” Thomas purred. “You’ve been saying you wanted to get to know the real me, well here’s your chance.”

Night Stalker: Randy-The Birth

2010-01-27T16:45:00.000-06:00

Randy stood back and watched the impromptu ceremony, wondering what would happen when Emily realized what Solomon was and that he could no longer legally marry people. He wasn’t so much concerned for Thomas’s welfare as excited at the prospect of the blowup to come.

Once the last vow was spoken, Travis, a country doctor Thomas had turned a few years earlier just for the purpose of having one, pushed Solomon out of the way and shouted, “Everyone, back up! I need to get this baby out now!”

“Push, Emily,” he ordered, seeing the head already crowned.

Emily screamed, crushing Thomas’s hand and pushed, sweat dripping down her face. Randy thought the whole birthing process was grotesque. The blood, afterbirth and the screaming all left a bad taste in his mouth. He wasn’t going to miss the birth of this particular child though, and since Thomas had forgotten all about him, he watched, waiting to see the child.

A cry wailed through the room. Randy looked over the doctor’s shoulder and saw a squalling, red mass bawling for all he was worth. He shook his head in amazement, even jaded as he was, still amazed at the miracle of life, especially in this instance.

Quietly leaving the room, Randy walked outside. Sophie pounced the moment she saw him, demanding to know what had happened.

“Solomon married them and then the baby was born,” Randy told her.

“Is the baby normal?”

Randy knew all of them had been wondering what a child of a Stalker and human would be like. Some had even thought Emily wouldn’t survive the birth.

“He seems to be normal, except he does have fangs already.”

“Good thing for Emily it’s not breast milk he will be hungry for,” Sophie smirked.

Night Stalker: Randy-Delivery

2010-01-18T17:52:00.001-06:00

“Solomon! Solomon!” Randy shouted, running from one room to another. “Damnit, where is the man!”

“What’s the ruckus?” a grey-haired, stooped shouldered man emerging from the dining room asked.

“There you are!” Randy sighed, grabbing the man by the arm and dragging him down the hall. “We have to hurry. Come on man, quit dragging your feet,” he yelled when they weren’t progressing as quickly as he’d like.

“What’s the all fired hurry?”

“There’s a baby waiting on you.”

“What?” the man stammered, stopping dead still. “I don’t want anything to do with no babies!”

“It’s not the baby that needs you, Solomon, it’s the parents, so get a move on.”

Solomon followed Randy down the hall, still uncertain what was going on. His uncertainty came to an end when he walked through the doorway of Emily’s room and heard her scream, “I’m not having this baby until we’re good and well married, Thomas! It can bloody stay inside me until then!”

“Be reasonable, Emily, you have to deliver the baby,” Thomas beseeched. One look at the concern in the doctor’s eyes and he added, “Come one, Emily, push! You have to push!”

“I’ll push when I’m good and ready, Thomas. You better be getting a preacher here now!”

“Emily…Thomas,” Randy whispered. “I have Solomon.”

“Finally!” Thomas shouted, rushing toward the man. “Come, come, he said,” pulling Solomon toward the bed where Emily lay panting. “Let’s get this over with.”

“Are you a preacher,” Emily asked suspiciously, eyeing the disgruntled, disheveled man.

“I wa…,” he started, but stopped when Thomas stepped on his foot. “I was ordained many years ago.”

Emily’s eyes shone. She grabbed his hand and squeezed, “Thank, God!”

“Okay, marry us, Solomon,” Thomas ordered. “My son is waiting to be born.”

Night Stalker: Randy-Demands

2010-01-09T20:51:00.000-06:00

“I’m just saying you shouldn’t be worrying about a wedding right now,” Thomas soothed, caressing Emily’s damp forehead. “Concentrate on yourself, pamper yourself.”

“I don’t want to have this child out of wedlock, Thomas,” Emily sighed. “I’ve told you this before.”

“I know, honey, but you don’t seem up to the task of a big wedding.”

Emily heaved again. Sinking back, she sagged and whispered, “I guess you’re right. A big wedding would be too much in my condition.” Squaring her shoulders and looking Thomas in the eye, she added, “but I do want to be married when this baby arrives. So make it happen, Thomas, one way or another.”

Randy grinned at the look of consternation on Thomas’s face. If nothing else, he loved the way Emily kept the man off kilter these days. Even Sophie agreed it was nice to see a crack every now and then in Thomas’s façade.

Watching Thomas help Emily up and lead her away from the fountain, Randy wondered what would happen now. He had heard Emily threaten to leave once already if she wasn’t married soon. He knew Thomas didn’t want that, so was sure he’d come up with some way for them to get married.

“Randy,” Thomas snapped, pausing before leaving the great room, “clean that mess up.”

“See if I agree to be your best man,” Randy grumbled.

“What?” Thomas asked.

“I’m your man,” Randy shouted, saluting.

Night Stalker: Randy-New Beginnings

2009-12-31T15:48:00.001-06:00

“Excuse me!” Emily shouted, pushing past Sophie, almost knocking her down.

“What’s got her in such a hurry?” Sophie muttered, watching Emily rush around the corner. “She’s usually not even up when we all come in in the mornings.”

“Let’s find out, shall we?” Randy replied, ushering Sophie in the same direction.

They spied Emily entering the powder room at the end of the hall just as they rounded the corner. Stopping outside the door, Randy placed his ear against the wood and listened while Sophie kept a lookout for others. What he heard inside brought a twisted smile to his mouth.

“Looks like Thomas got what he wanted,” he whispered.

“What?” Sophie asked, pushing him aside and listening herself. “He wanted to make her sick? I thought he loved the woman.”

“Silly child,” Randy chided. “She isn’t sick, she’s pregnant.” At Sophie’s astonished look, he added, “At least morning sickness is one thing you’ll never have to put up with.”

“She’s going to have Thomas’s baby?” Sophie whispered, still taking the information in.

Randy watched several emotions work their way across her face. She finally settled on resignation, squared her shoulders and said, “I pity the child,” before heading to her room.

“That’s a girl,” Randy whispered, glad she wasn’t letting the news destroy her. Although he wasn’t so sure it wouldn’t destroy them all in the long run.

Night Stalker: Randy-Changes at Home

2009-12-21T18:28:00.001-06:00

Over the next few weeks, Emily moved all of her belongings to the castle. Sophie scoffed at all the frilly trappings and fancy furniture covering every available surface. What amused Randy most was Thomas’s attitude. Deference had never been in the man’s nature until he met Emily, but now Thomas waited on her hand and foot and bowed to her every whim.

“Something besides setting up house is going on here,” Randy told Sophie while they watched Thomas smile and kiss Emily’s hand. “Thomas wants something from her.”

“She should give it to him,” Sophie said. “He’s certainly giving her enough!”

“Oh, I’m sure he’ll get what he wants,” Randy stated. “One way or another.”

Emily’s laughter tinkled through the great hall. Randy had to admit, the woman brought a new atmosphere to the place. He just wasn’t sure a castle full of vampires needed pink brocade sofas and flowers littering the halls. What self respecting Stalker would admit to sipping tea out of dainty china cups, he mused, watching two burly oafs do just that.

The thing that intrigued Randy and Sophie most was how Thomas handled the whole vampire situation with Emily. As far as they could tell, he hadn’t told her what he was. Randy knew that would have to change soon, now that she was fully moved in. Before, Thomas told her he worked during the day and could only see her at night after he was finished. Now that she was here to stay, Randy wondered what he would tell her.

“Maybe he’ll tell her we’re all working on rebuilding the keep,” he muttered.

“What?” Sophie asked.

“Just guessing what Thomas is going to tell Emily about all of us now that she is here to stay. How he’s going to explain the fact we never go out until the sun goes down.”

“That is going to be interesting, especially since Emily is making noises about a wedding,” Sophie replied. “A wedding day.”

Night Stalker:Randy-Trouble Moves In

2009-12-18T16:19:00.000-06:00

“What are you doing?”

“Shit, girl, you trying to scare me to death!” Randy snapped.

Ignoring him, Sophie asked, “Who are you peeking on this time?”

“Look for yourself,” Randy replied, stepping aside.

Sophie cautiously moved to the window. Everybody knew Randy was notorious for looking in windows, and sometimes he saw things people would rather keep secret. Sophie also remembered her own recent mistake of watching others unaware. What she saw this time seemed somehow worse than all of that.

“What’s she doing here?”

“I do believe Thomas is moving her in,” Randy replied, standing beside Sophie, watching Emily and Thomas dance in the candle light.

“No,” Sophie gasp, “he wouldn’t. Not this soon,” she whispered.

“Seems Thomas thought a week was a long enough mourning period for Isabelle,” Randy replied.

Sophie stared, transfixed by the sight before her. She had never witnessed Thomas so enamored in someone. Even with Isabelle, he was always his cold, calculating self, in total control. With Emily, he seemed to be holding her tightly, scared she would disappear.

“It’s different somehow, isn’t it?” Randy asked, voicing her thoughts aloud. “It looks almost like he really cares about her.”

“Thomas doesn’t care about anyone but himself,” Sophie scoffed, trying to reassure herself.

Randy would have agreed with her before tonight, but now he had his doubts. What he saw through the window tonight was a man in love and that spelled trouble for all of them, because a man in love thought with his heart and not his head.

“We need to get to know her,” he told Sophie.

“Why?” she asked. “I don’t care to know her.”

Randy knew some part of Sophie still wanted Thomas for her own, but he was proud of her restraint. She had learned to control herself. Self preservation overrode lust, he decided.

“Because she is important to Thomas, and whatever is important to Thomas should be important to us.”

“Since when did you want to get on Thomas’s good side?” Sophie asked, shocked.

“OH, I don’t give a damn about Thomas,” Randy assured her, “I just want to be in the know so I can prepare for the carnage that’s about to come.”

“What carnage?”

“If I’m not mistaken,” Randy told her, “and I rarely am,” he added with a wink, “that woman is going to tear this place apart.”

Night Stalker: Randy-Forming the Council

2009-12-10T17:14:00.001-06:00

The atmosphere of the group was subdued the next day. Even the Stalkers who had taken part in the act were unsure how to behave. Everyone knew things would never be the same again. Now, like children, they waited for a clue from Thomas, telling them how to proceed.

Randy and Sophie sat in a corner of the hall, watching the others wander around aimlessly. No one was talking to anyone else, all scared if they said the wrong thing they’d end up like Isabelle. Randy had told Sophie that Thomas was going to have to talk to everyone, that he couldn’t leave things the way they were. He had placed himself as head of the clan and it was time for him to step up.

“Who do you think will be next?” Randy heard one of those closest to him finally get the nerve to ask another.

“Whoever pisses Thomas off I guess,” his companion replied.

Randy nudged Sophie to draw her attention to the stairs Thomas was regally descending. He had found a black leather coat with a fur collar somewhere and was sporting it like plumage to indicate he was the head bird in the flock.

“Everyone,” Thomas intoned. “Gather round please.”

Once everyone was in the great hall, he spoke. “Last night was unfortunate. Unfortunate, but necessary. No threats to me can be allowed. Do I not take care of you?” he asked the assemblage.

“Yes,” they replied.

“Have I not taught you how to survive as Stalkers? How to hunt and take care of yourselves? How to defeat your enemies? Am I not your father?”

“Yes!”

“I am forming a council. I will be the Grand Councilman, but some of you will also sit on the council. Stalkers I have come to rely on, can trust, and know will make the right decisions. I’ve come to believe we need structure and order for us to grow and thrive. I can make this happen. Are you all with me?”

“Yes!” the group roared.

Sophie whispered, “Remember when he didn’t want anyone telling us what to do?”

Randy shook his head, “This isn’t going to be good,” he said. “Not good for us or them,” he added, looking at the adoration on the faces of his fellow Stalkers. “They just don’t know it yet.”

Night Stalker: Randy-First Punishment

2009-12-01T18:38:00.000-06:00

“AAARRRGGHHH!”

“That doesn’t sound good,” Sophie remarked to Randy, looking up the stairs where the scream came from.

“We’ve talked about this before, Isabelle,” they heard Thomas say next. “You don’t own me and you never will.”

“You bastard!” Isabelle screeched, “How dare you make a fool of me this way! You’ll pay for this, Thomas.”

“Sounds like Isabelle is feeling better, “Randy smirked.

“I bet Thomas wishes she weren’t,” Sophie giggled, watching a candlestick come bounding down the stairs.

“Quit throwing things!” Thomas roared.

“Go to hell!” Isabelle countered.

“This is more entertaining than the theater,” Randy quipped, sitting back to watch.

What happened next surprised not only the others who had assembled but Sophie and Randy too. Everyone heard another scream, followed by shattering glass and then saw Isabelle come rolling down the stairs.

“Damn,” Randy whispered, standing over the still body on the floor. Kneeling, he checked the body. “She’s still breathing,” he informed the group, “but just barely.”

“Not for long,” Thomas said, watching from the top of the stairs, blood covering his face from a gash in his head. Slowly descending, he called to those gathered, “Come, everyone, gather round.”

Randy watched all the Stalkers, a name Thomas had recently started calling them, form a circle around Isabelle. He and Sophie stepped back, curious, but unwilling to participate in whatever was coming next. When Thomas reached the bottom step, he stopped and raised his hands to silence everyone.

“Isabelle committed a crime against your leader. She would have killed me where it in her power. For this, under the new rules we live by, she must be punished.” He intoned, watching the reaction of those assembled. “Do you agree?”

Randy watched in disgust as all the Stalkers yelled, “Yes!”

Sophie’s eyes got wide and she buried her head in Randy’s shoulder when Thomas reached down and pulled Isabelle up by the hair. Shaking her, he yelled, “Attack!” dropped her, and stepped back, content to watch the Stalkers bite and tear at Isabelle’s body until nothing was left but a wilted husk.

Isabelle’s screams for mercy were more than Randy could bear. Lifting Sophie in his arms, he left the great hall, saddened by his part in the woman’s death.

“What have we done?” Sophie asked, broken.

“Created a monster,” Randy replied.

Night Stalker: Randy-Seed Planted

2009-11-23T21:32:00.000-06:00

“I can’t believe Thomas is sneaking out,” Sophie whispered to Randy, watching Thomas tiptoe out the back door. “I don’t understand why he doesn’t just dump her, if he’s tired of Isabelle,” she continued.

“I do believe he wants both, my dear,” Randy replied.

“Men are never satisfied.” Sophie huffed.

“No, no we aren’t.” Randy agreed, smirking. He then turned to her and added, “Not feeling sorry for Isabelle are you?”

“Hardly!”

“Good,” Randy stated, heading in the direction of Isabelle’s room. “Let’s go check on the poor dear, shall we?”

“Of course,” Sophie replied. “We need to let her know we care.”

They stopped in front of Isabelle’s door, listening until her cough subsided before knocking.

“Come in,” Isabelle cried weakly.

“Hello, Isabelle,” Randy and Sophie chorused upon entering, Sophie secretly thrilled at how bad the other woman looked.

“No wonder he’s straying,” she whispered to Randy.

“Shhh,” he ordered, walking closer to the bed Isabelle reclined in.

“How are you feeling?” Sophie asked Isabelle, concern lacing her words.

“I’m a little better today,” Isabelle replied, eyeing the two suspiciously. “Why do you care? Hatching another plan to take Thomas from me?”

“No,” Sophie assured her. “I’m through with all that. You won.”

“There never was a competition,” Isabelle smirked.

Randy squeezed Sophie’s hand to still the slap he sensed coming. Stepping forward, he said, “I thought maybe you were well when I saw Thomas hitching up the wagon, all dolled up like he was going to a party or something.”

“What are you talking about?” Isabelle demanded. “Thomas said he was tired and went to bed early.”

“Maybe it was someone else we saw in the yard just now,” Randy replied, looking sideways at Sophie.

“No, it was Thomas alright,” Sophie assured him. “I’d know that walk anywhere,” she added with a wink to Isabelle.

“Maybe he went to get you a present,” Randy surmised, “to make you feel better.”

He could tell Isabelle wasn’t buying it by the tense expression on her face. He knew the seed had been planted. Grabbing Sophie’s hand, he backed toward the door and said, “We’ll let you rest now. I’m sure Thomas will be back soon with a perfectly good explanation.”

“I’m sure you’re right,” Isabelle offered, watching them leave.

“I think that went very well,” Randy remarked to Sophie once they were a ways down the hall.

“You are one devious bastard,” Sophie replied, smiling.

“Flattery will get you everywhere, darling,” he laughed.

Night Stalker: Randy-Scandal

2009-11-15T20:04:00.000-06:00

Randy watched Thomas watching the woman across the street. He had followed Thomas into town, curious where the younger man was going while Isabelle was sick in bed. He knew his suspicions where correct when he spied sun glinting off coppery tresses.

“You sly bastard,” he whispered, “just what are you up to?”

Thomas sauntered across the street when the woman with the redhead went into the general store, leaving her unattended on the sidewalk. Randy watched them exchange smiles and Thomas lift her hand for a kiss. He slipped into the shadows in the alley next to the general store to listen to their conversation.

“How was the play the other night?” Thomas asked.

“It was splendid, Thomas, just like you promised it would be.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed it. I thought you would be pleased.”

“The only thing that would have made it better, were if you could have gone with me,” the woman brazenly replied.

Beautiful and brassy, Randy thought, whistling softly through his teeth at her audacity.

“Let me make it up to you tonight, Emily,” Thomas offered. “Come to dinner with me at the Rogue.”

Emily lowered her lashes, simpering and making Thomas wait for her answer. “I’d like that very much, Thomas.”

Randy actually saw Thomas release pent up breath. He had never seen the man that worried about a woman’s answer.

“I’ll pick you up at seven,” Thomas said, kissing her hand again.

Randy followed Thomas back to the castle, pondering his and Sophie’s next move. He was even more convinced Emily was just the wedge they needed to break Thomas and Isabelle up, and hopefully, although Sophie wasn’t aware it was part of the plan, break Thomas completely and end his dream of ruling over every other vampire.

Night Stalker: Randy-The Other Woman

2009-11-07T17:11:00.000-06:00

“Her?” Sophie questioned, a grimace straining her face.

“Yes.” Randy replied.

“I think you have it wrong, Randy. Why would Thomas risk losing Isabelle for her?” Sophie asked, studying the woman. She could see nothing special about her. Nothing special enough to draw Thomas’s attention anyway.

“I’m not sure,” Randy conceded. “I just know he seemed pretty damned interested the other night. He stalked her, not letting her out of his sight and if another man got around her, he ran him off.”

“I just don’t see it,” Sophie mused.

Randy could understand her skepticism. The woman was pretty, but not exceptional. Warm red hair cascaded down her back and freckles spotted her chest, which was interesting, but nothing other women didn’t possess. Staring at her, Randy had to admit she was a shapely winch, but no more so than Isabelle. He started to answer Sophie when the woman lifted her head and looked right at them.

“Damn,” he whispered while Sophie gasped.

“I guess we don’t have to wonder anymore,” he remarked, pulling Sophie into the alley and heading back to the castle.

Night Stalker: Randy-Plotting Revenge

2009-10-29T18:35:00.000-05:00

Randy found Sophie stomping about the courtyard, mumbling to herself. He watched for a while, letting her blow off steam, before he approached. He didn’t think she would not take what Thomas was saying about her lying down and wanted to see what her next move would be.

“Leave me alone, Randy,” Sophie ordered, brushing by him on another round of the yard.

“What? You don’t want to share your next great plan for winning Thomas over?”

“You can be a real ass, you know that, Randy?” she replied, a tear slowly rolling down her cheek.

“Shit, kid, I didn’t know you were really upset. I thought you’d be plotting revenge.”

“Revenge? How am I going to do that? Everyone pities me! Nobody believes that we slept together. They all believe him!”

“I told you it wouldn’t work,” Randy stated. “The only thing that has me puzzled is Isabelle believing him. I thought she was smarter than that.”

“She believes anything he tells her,” Sophie snapped.

“No, I don’t think that’s it,” Randy mused. “I think she believes what she wants to believe.”

Sighing, Sophie replied, “It doesn’t matter anyway. Everyone does think I’m pathetic, just like Thomas said. I can’t believe they think I just crawled into bed with him right before he woke up and that he didn’t touch me. I even described the whole thing!”

She had at that, Randy thought, remembering the embarrassing dinner conversation the night before in which Sophie had entertained them all in great detail about her night with Thomas. He knew what really upset Sophie the most was when Thomas suggested she had watched he and Isabelle make love, and that was how she knew about his birthmark and scars. When Sophie’s face turned red, it sealed the deal in everyone’s mind. Randy knew she was remembering the night he caught her outside Thomas’s window, and not the night in question, but her credibility was shot.

“So what? You’re giving up?”

“What else can I do?” Sophie asked. “I tried and failed. Thomas will never be mine.”

“That doesn’t mean he has to be Isabelle’s.” Randy smirked.

Sophie stared up at him. Randy saw a light come back into her eyes. He wasn’t sure why he was doing what he was doing, but that had never stopped him before. Grabbing Sophie’s hand, he pulled her into the woods, saying, “This is what I have in mind…”

Night Stalker: Randy-Consequences

2009-10-21T13:14:00.000-05:00

“I think it’s perfectly clear what’s been going on here,” Sophie purred, sitting up, allowing the sheet to slide slowly off her breasts.

“Cover yourself,” Thomas sneered. “I’ll call Isabelle back in when I want to see a woman. I certainly don’t want to look at a little girl.”

Sophie grabbed the sheet and jumped to her feet. “That’s not what you said last night.”

“You and I both know you made last night happen,” he replied. “I don’t know how or what you thought it would get you, but it only showed how pathetic you are.”

“I don’t think Isabelle thinks I’m pathetic,” Sophie smirked.

“No, Isabelle thinks you’re a spoiled brat, which is also true.” Thomas agreed. “Don’t worry about Isabelle. I’ll handle her.”

“Fine,” Sophie stated. “It’s not like last night was that great anyway. You’re no better than that rutting pig you set me up with.”

The slap Thomas landed on Sophie’s cheek sent her reeling against the wall.

Composing herself, she looked him in the eye and said, “You’ll pay for that, Thomas,” wrapped the sheet around herself and left the room, Thomas’s laughter ringing in her ears.

Night Stalker: Randy-The Day After

2009-10-04T14:48:00.000-05:00

In his befuddled state, Thomas did not realize whom he was with. He only knew a warm body was lying next to him, smooth hands running over his body, soft lips whispering sweetly in his ear.

He responded exactly as Sophie thought he would. By the time Isabelle awoke the next morning and staggered into the room she shared with Thomas, the damage was done.

“No!” she screamed, spying Thomas and Sophie lying tangled in the sheets, sleeping peacefully.

“What the hell?” Thomas muttered, holding his throbbing head and looking at Isabelle. “What are you screaming about?”

“How could you?” Isabelle yelled at him, picking up a statue off a nearby table and throwing it at his head. “And with that…that child!”

Thomas ducked the flying object and in doing so, fell atop Sophie who was snuggled in the covers, smirking.

“Sophie?” Thomas asked, stunned to find her in his bed.

“Hello, Thomas,” Sophie purred, caressing his chest softly. “Good morning.”

“Aaarrgghhh!” Isabelle yelled, charging for the bed.

Sophie pushed behind Thomas. She laughed watching Thomas hold the woman off while he tried to calm her down.

“Shut up, Sophie,” Thomas snapped, dodging Isabelle’s fist and finally subduing her. “Nothing about this situation is funny.”

Isabelle sobbed in his arms, asking over and over again how he could do this to her. “You are mine, Thomas!” she finally yelled, pulling his face to her.

Sophie smiled slowly. She knew Isabelle had finally made a misstep.

Thomas pulled away from Isabelle, a dangerous look in his eyes. “I belong to no one,” he stated unequivocally, pushing Isabelle to her feet. Rising himself, holding the sheet around him, he walked across the room and opened the door. “I think you should leave now, Isabelle, and let me get to the bottom of this.”

Isabelle stood, stunned. “You want me to leave?”

“Yes.”

Sophie watched in glee while Isabelle’s shoulders slumped and she quietly left the room. Her triumph was short lived, however, because Thomas turned on her and said, “I don’t know what’s going on here, Sophie, but you are going to be sorry.”

Night Stalker: Randy-Seduction Started

2009-09-27T18:12:00.000-05:00

By the time Sophie got Thomas up the stairs, he was so out of it he had no idea she took him to her room instead of his own. Sophie led Thomas to the side of the bed and helped him sit. She then helped remove his boots, and started on the rest of his clothes.

“Hold your arms up,” she ordered, pulling his shirt over his head. “Now, you’ll have to help me a little on the pants,” she told him, pulling him to his feet and propping him against her side.

Thomas could only hold on, leaving Sophie to unbutton and pull his pants down herself. He fell over once the pants were around his ankles. Luckily, Sophie saw him falling and pushed him onto the bed, so he had a soft landing.

Thomas thought it was hilarious. Sophie shushed him, putting her hand over his mouth when his laughter became too loud. She kept it there until was sure no one was coming into the room to see what was going on, and then lay back with a sigh. “This is not how I envisioned this.” She muttered.

When Thomas rolled onto his side and pulled her close, snuggling his face into her neck and mumbling, “so soft,” she changed her mind, whispering, “now that’s better,” and threw her leg over his.

Night Stalker: Randy-Plan Unfolding

2009-09-23T13:35:00.001-05:00

Sophie sauntered over to Thomas and casually asked, “Everything okay with Isabelle?”

“Yes,” Thomas replied. “She’s fine, just tired.”

“That’s good. We wouldn’t want anything to happen to her.”

Thomas looked at Sophie suspiciously. “Since when do you care about Isabelle?”

“Oh, I could care less about her, but I want your little party to be a success and I know you’d be worried if something was wrong with her. Didn’t you say you have to be on top form to pull this off?”

Thomas knew Sophie was up to something, but he didn’t have time to figure out what. She was right about the party…he did need it to be a success, and for that to happen, he had to be focused.

“The party is going fine.”

“What is the point of all this again?”

“We need to be more organized. There are too many of us now for everyone to be doing his or her own thing. There needs to be more order and a clear chain of command.”

“And, of course, you are to be the head of the chain?”

“Of course,” Thomas smirked.

Sophie grinned back. “I guess it’s only fitting since, technically, you made all of us.”

“Exactly,” Thomas replied on a yawn.

“Looks like you might need to join Isabelle.”

“No, I have to stay,” he replied, yawning again. “I have no idea why I’m so tired,” he added and then swayed on his feet.

“Whoa,” Sophie said, grabbing his arm to steady him. “You okay?”

“I think I need to sit down.”

“Come over here,” Sophie ordered, guiding him to a terrace table. “I’ll get you some water.”

Thomas sat with his head in his hands. He had been concentrating on the party and working to make sure everything was ready, but had no idea why he was feeling so tired. He was beginning to think he was coming down with a cold, but he had not had a cold since he was a child. He thought he was too strong now, but maybe he was mistaken. Something was definitely wrong.

“Here,” Sophie said, handing him the water glass. “You don’t look so good.”

Thomas downed the water, noticing his hand tremble while doing so.

Sophie’s eyes glittered, noting the drug taking effect. “I think you really should go lay down. The party can go on without you. The speech is over and everyone is just enjoying themselves.”

Thomas looked around and saw that she was right. Everyone was drinking and talking, they didn’t need him right now, and he really did feel awful.

“Okay,” he whispered, “but I think you’re going to have to help me.”

“Be glad to,” Sophie replied, pulling him close and putting his arm over her shoulder. “Lean on me.”

Night Stalker: Randy-Plan Implemented

2009-09-15T18:11:00.001-05:00

Randy watched from the corner while Sophie put her plan into action. He knew she was going to do it at the party tonight, and had tried to dissuade her once again to no avail. She was bound and determined to have Thomas, no matter the cost.

“Here are your drinks,” Sophie said, handing Thomas two glasses.

Randy wondered how long the sleeping agent she had put in the drinks would take to work. He watched Isabelle for signs of drowsiness, thinking she would be affected first, being the smaller of the two. He still couldn’t believe he had agreed to watch Isabelle and warn Sophie should she awaken too soon. I must be an idiot, he silently admonished himself.

Isabelle and Thomas were dancing when things started. Yawning, she covered her mouth and apologized for being so tired. “I don’t know what’s come over me,” she said to the guests around them.

Thomas led her back to their table and went to get her another drink. Isabelle was so tired she rested her head on her arms on the table. By the time Thomas returned, she was fast asleep.

Thomas looked around helplessly, not sure what to do. He could not leave the guests, but it didn’t look good for Isabelle to be sleeping. He finally noticed Randy and motioned him over.

“Isabelle isn’t feeling well. Will you take her upstairs for me?”

“Be glad to,” Randy replied, easily picking Isabelle up in his arms.

Sophie winked at him as he walked by. Randy groaned and shook his head in return, starting up the stairs.

Night Stalker: Randy-Plans Revealed

2009-09-09T21:24:00.000-05:00

“You can’t be serious,” Randy whispered, stunned after hearing Sophie’s plan.

He sat down heavily on a stump, shaking his head at the sheer audacity of the girl. He didn’t believe her plan would work for a minute, but he knew she was determined to see it through.

“You don’t look anything alike.”

“We’re the same height and basically the same size,” Sophie countered. “The rest won’t matter.”

“It’s not going to work, Sophie,” Randy stated emphatically. “Don’t do it!”

“I thought you wanted to help me.”

“No,” Randy said, “I wanted to find out what you were doing so I know how to stay out of the middle of it. Little did I know it would be something this stupid.”

Sophie huffed up and sputtered, “It’s not stupid! It will work. I’ve been watching Isabelle, I know what to do.”

“You wouldn’t know what to do with a man if you had a willing one right in front of you,” Randy laughed.

Sophie rushed to him, grabbed his head in her hands, rubbed against him and kissed him for all she was worth. She held on when Randy tried to push her away. Held on until he stopped fighting and started responding. Then she broke the kiss off, smiled and stepped away.

“Bitch,” Randy snapped, pulling himself in control again.

He could hear Sophie’s laughter ring through the woods when she walked home.

Night Stalker: Randy-Watching and Waiting

2009-09-02T14:55:00.000-05:00

Randy watched Sophie watch Isabelle over the next few weeks. He knew Sophie was planning something, he just hadn’t figured out what yet. He also knew things would change drastically in their group once it happened.

One night, after returning from a hunt, he spied Sophie outside Isabelle’s bedroom window. He silently crept up behind her. He could see Isabelle sitting at her dressing table, brushing her hair. Thomas was standing behind her, kneading her shoulders. Sophie’s spine stiffened when Thomas lowered his hands to Isabelle’s breasts.

Clearing his throat, Randy broke Sophie’s trance.

“What are you doing here,” she demanded, glaring at him.

“Peeping through the window, same as you,” he replied smugly.

“Leave me alone, Randy,” she ordered, heading into the woods.

“You need to stop whatever it is you’re planning,” he stated, falling into step beside her. “Let them be before you cause more trouble than you can handle.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“You’re planning something. I can see it in your eyes every time you look at Isabelle.”

Sophie stopped and faced him. Stepping closer, she stabbed her finger in his chest and hissed, “Mind your own damn business.”

“I would, but something tells me whatever you have planned is going to impact my life and I’d like to have a say in it.”

Sophie studied him in the moonlight. She knew Randy didn’t much care for Thomas, but she didn’t know if his dislike was strong enough or if he would try to stop her from taking action. Randy was an enigma in many ways. He stayed to himself most of the time and only hunted when he had to. His penchant for peeping in windows was legendary, and had resulted in more than one fight. Fights Randy invariably won because he was a mean bastard.

Shrugging her shoulders, she decided she might as well trust him. If he kept following her around he’d foul up her plans and she wasn’t about to let that happen. “Very well, let’s talk,” she replied, turned, and led him farther into the woods.

Night Stalker: Randy-Rage Unleashed

2009-08-20T15:57:00.000-05:00

The first hard thrust shattered Sophie’s fantasy. Pain unlike anything she had ever felt before ripped through her body. Along with the pain came rage.

Grabbing the man’s head in her hands, Sophie exposed his neck and sank her fangs all the way to his jugular. The man bucked and screamed, but Sophie held tight, legs wrapped around his torso, sucking until the thrashing stopped. Pushing him off her, she stood, shaking from the aftermath. Wiping blood from her mouth, she spit on his lifeless body and walked out.

Once outside, the rage subsided and heartache took its place. Sophie now knew Randy was right, and that sleeping with a stranger wasn’t going to satisfy her. Squaring her shoulders, she vowed to get what she wanted. One way or another, Thomas was going to share her bed.

Night Stalker: Randy-Loss of Innocence

2009-08-17T18:12:00.000-05:00

Sophie inwardly cringed when the man ran his hands down her back. She simpered the way Isabelle had shown her and lightly slapped his hands, pushing away.

“Come on, little one, Mickey won’t hurt you,” he assured, reaching for her again.

She sucked in sharply and bared her fangs when the man started nibbling her earlobe. At the same moment her fangs touched his neck, she remembered her purpose and froze. You’ve came this far, she admonished herself, go through with it. Sophie allowed herself to rest against him, stifling the urge to finish him off quickly. Closing her eyes, she imagined Thomas holding her. Relaxing against him, she indulged in fantasy while the man indulged his lust on her body.

Randy turned from the window when he saw the man push Sophie’s dress off her shoulders. Sighing, he shook his head at her stupidity and headed back to the keep.

Night Stalker: Randy-Truth Ignored

2009-08-01T21:48:00.000-05:00

Randy watched Sophie simper and blush at something the slimy bastard said. He couldn’t believe Thomas was letting her go through with this charade. Randy knew Sophie was in love with Thomas, and no matter how many men she slept with, she always would be. He had tried to talk to the girl, but couldn’t convince her to halt the plan.

“Just shut up, Randy!” she had shouted after he told her sleeping with another man wouldn’t make Thomas want her. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Go ahead then, make yourself miserable,” he’d replied, turning away in disgust when she continued to powder her nose with the new puff Isabelle had acquired for her.

Her tinkling laughter brought him back to the present. He saw her place a small hand on the man’s arm, sneak a peek to see if Thomas was watching, and then allow herself be led away. Randy saw Thomas smirk before he grabbed Isabelle’s hand and turned to head home.

“You know what she’s doing,” Randy stated, stepping in the couple’s path.

“Step aside,” Thomas ordered.

Randy stood his ground, staring Thomas in the eye. “A real leader takes care of his people. He doesn’t purposely cause them pain.”

“Some people have to be taught a lesson,” Thomas replied.

Randy knew from the way he said it that Thomas wasn’t only talking about Sophie. He offered a smirk of his own and laughed outright when Thomas brushed past him with a solid thud against his shoulder.

Night Stalker: Randy-Sophie's Training

2009-07-22T15:46:00.000-05:00

“No, no, not that way,” Isabelle scolded.

“But I’ve saw you act that way to attract men,” Sophie countered.

Isabelle sighed, “I’m a woman and you are not. The kind of men we look to attract is different.” A shudder passed through her body before she continued, “You are looking to attract a low life who prays on young girls. He does not want a seductive woman. He wants a child who doesn’t know what she’s doing.”

“Then why do I need training at all?” Sophie asked. “I really don’t know what I’m doing.”

“Because,” Isabelle stated, “we have to assure you get the man. There is an art to all this. You have to know just enough to entice him.”

She looked Sophie over from head to toe and then said, “You’re pretty enough. We just have to spruce you up a bit and teach you to be more demure…something you’ve never been in your life.”

Sophie stuck her tongue out at Isabelle and huffed to the corner. “I don’t know why I can’t just grab a man and have my way with him.”

“Because, young one,” Isabelle advised, “even men require a little wooing to perform the act. If you kidnap someone he won’t be as receptive to you. He’ll be too scared to perform. No,” she added, “you have to make him want you for it to work out the way you wish.”

Sophie watched suspiciously while Isabelle went to the wardrobe and looked inside. She saw the woman move aside garment after garment, searching for the perfect one. Finally, she pulled a pink dress out and held it up for Sophie’s inspection.

“Pink,” Sophie moaned. “I’ve never wore pink in my life.”

“Oh, I know,” Isabelle sneered, “but pink is a very demure, childlike color.”

Sophie eyed the garment closely, and then quipped, “At least the blood will be easier to wash out afterwards.”

Night Stalker: Randy-The Beginning

2009-07-15T17:53:00.000-05:00

“You can’t be serious,” Sophie sputtered, incredulous.

“Of course I am,” Thomas replied.

Sophie looked around at the barren landscape, raging sea, and tattered village in disgust. “You want to make this God-forsaken place our home?”

Thomas laughed, “Since when did God have anything to do with us? It’s better He has forsaken it.”

Sophie looked to Randy for support. “Surely you don’t want to live here either?”

“The way I see it,” Randy answered, “is it doesn’t really matter where we call home long as there’s enough people to feed on.”

Sophie stomped her foot. “You two make me so mad!”

“Quit acting like such a child,” Thomas scolded.

Randy watched, knowing a fight was coming. Sophie was self conscious about still being a child while Thomas had grown into adulthood. She had complained so often that Thomas threatened to kill her. None of them knew if he could actually kill another vampire, but Sophie wasn’t taking any chances. She’d been quiet on the matter for a few weeks now. Randy could tell her silence was fixing to come to an end.

Sophie charged Thomas. While Thomas was bigger and stronger, Sophie had rage on her side. Thomas didn’t even have time to wipe the smirk off his face before Sophie knocked him to the ground. Fists flying, she hit everywhere she could reach, not giving Thomas time to catch his breath. Finally, after a thorough beating, he caught an opening and pushed.

“Harrumph,” Sophie let out, landing ten feet away.

Thomas started to go after her, but Randy put a hand to his chest. “Let her be,” he ordered. “People are watching.”

Thomas shrugged the hand off and glared at Randy. “Never touch me again,” he roared. “Do I make myself clear?” he asked, stepping toe to toe with the older man.

“Perfectly,” Randy replied, stepping back.

“Both of you need to understand something. I am in charge. I made you and I can kill you. I will not have anyone undermining my authority.”

“Calm down, Thomas,” Sophie soothed. “Nobody is questioning your authority. I just don’t understand why you want to live in a place like this.”

“You don’t have to understand,” he stated. Waving a dismissive hand in the air, he added, “You can leave anytime you want.”

Randy could tell by the scared look on her face, Sophie had never entertained the notion. He, on the other hand, had thought of nothing else the last few days.

Thomas was amassing an army, loyal subjects who would do whatever he said. Randy hadn’t paid much attention until recently, when he noticed all the people Thomas turned were older. He only killed the young ones. After listening to Thomas talk, Randy figured it out. Thomas wanted older people because they were more frightened about changing. They listened to whatever he said and feared him. The younger ones still had fight in them like Sophie, leaving Thomas without total control.

Randy did not relish the idea of being Thomas’s minion. He was biding his time, waiting to see what happened next, before heading on.

“I don’t want to leave,” Sophie whined.

“Then behave yourself,” Thomas snapped.

“Don’t talk to me like I’m a child!”

“You are a child, Sophie; you might as well quit complaining about it.”

“I don’t know why you couldn’t have waited a few more years before turning me,” she wailed. “I’ve seen the things you do with the women before you turn them,” she added sheepishly.

“Like watching, do you?” Thomas teased.

Blushing, Sophie hung her head. “I can’t help it. I may be a child on the outside, but I’m not on the inside anymore.”

Thomas thought for a moment, and then took Sophie’s hand. “I may have a solution for your problem.”

“How’s that?”

“There are certain men who like young girls. We could find you one. Trick him into thinking he was in control until the last minute,” he told her. “You’d have to learn what to do though. Isabelle can teach you.”

Sophie cringed at the mention of Isabelle’s name. Randy knew there was a rivalry between the two, but he also knew Sophie didn’t have a chance. Isabelle was Thomas’s woman. A beautiful redhead with milky white skin, and freckles across the bridge of her nose, Isabelle turned heads wherever she went.

“Why can’t Tanya teach me?”

“Because Tanya wouldn’t know how to entice a man if her life depended on it,” he replied. “It’s Isabelle or nothing.”

“Okay,” Sophie acquiesced, her excitement at the thought of having a man overriding her distaste for Isabelle.

“Very well,” Thomas stated. “Let’s go home then, and begin your training.”

Randy shook his head and fell into step with the other two. For some reason, he didn’t think this was going to go well.

Night Stalker The Grand Councilman:The End

2009-06-22T15:34:00.004-05:00

(This is the last installment of The Grand Councilman. I will be doing Randy's story next.)

Thomas and Sophie ventured forth, taking wherever they pleased. Sophie came to realize it was she or they and lost all squeamishness. She had always been a survivor, so it wasn’t hard to feed once she realized the consequences if she didn’t.

After being together for a few years, the pair decided they wanted more company. They often got on each other’s nerves, and wished for someone else to talk with for a change, so decided to make more of their kind. They agreed an adult would be a welcome addition to their group, because adults could go places unnoticed that they couldn’t.

“What about that one,” Sophie asked, poking Thomas in the ribs.

“Ow!” he yelped. “Watch who you’re poking, girl.”

“Yeah, yeah, you big baby,” she teased. “Do you see the guy?”

“I see him. He’s a derelict. Why would we want him?”

“I’ve been watching him. He’s stolen three apples, a chicken, and pinched a woman on the ass in the last thirty minutes.”

“So you think he’s our kind of person, huh,” Thomas inquired, grinning.

“Yep, I believe he’d fit in nicely,” she agreed. Scrunching her nose, she added, “We don’t want any hoity-toity person who thinks they’re better than us.”

“I see your point. Those kinds of adults can’t help but boss kids around. We know from you, that people keep their basic personality traits after being turned, so we need one with not too many scruples.”

“He certainly fits that description.”

They watched the man amble around for another half hour before approaching him. He was just sitting down to eat one of the purloined apples when he spied them. They came to a stop over his reclining form in the alley.

“Leave me alone,” he ordered, looking them over. “I don’t have any money to give you beggar rats.”

“Oh we don’t want your money, Mister.”

“No, we want something even better,” added Thomas.

“What’s that?” the man asked, squinting into the noonday sun.

He couldn’t quite make out their faces. Their tattered, soiled clothes had told him they were street people like himself, but he couldn’t tell much else about them. If he could have seen the pallor of their faces, he might have been more on guard.

“Your blood of course,” Thomas replied before he and Sophie grabbed the man.

He let out one strangled yell before they each bit into a side of his neck. Thomas had to pull Sophie off when he felt the man’s heartbeat slowing. She fought, wanting to sate her hunger, but he overpowered her and held her down until she came to her senses.

Pushing him off her, she stood and mumbled, “Sorry.”

“It’s okay,” Thomas assured her. “I know how hard it was to stop.”

They watched over the man for an hour. When he hadn’t roused in that time, they thought he was too far gone to change, but after another few minutes, he began to stir.

Sitting up, the man grabbed his neck and scooted against the wall in fear upon seeing the two kids hovering over him. “Stay away!” he screamed, holding his hand out in front of him.

Thomas and Sophie backed away, waiting to see what would happen next. The man rose unsteadily to his feet. Wiping blood off his hands, he shook his head, trying to clear it.

“What’s wrong with you two?” he demanded. “Biting a man like that is crazy!”

“Do you feel different?”

“Feel different?”

“Yeah, how do you feel now?” Sophie asked again.

“Actually, I feel better than I have in years,” the man replied, studying their smug expressions intently, before asking, “Why, what did you do to me?”

“We helped you.”

“Helped me?”

“Yes. You just said you felt better than you have in years. You’ll also note that you aren’t thirsty or hungry any longer,” Thomas added. “Well, not hungry for food anyway.”

“What’s that supposed to me?” the man asked suspiciously.

“You’ll see,” Sophie smirked. “Just come with us.”

“Why would I go anywhere with you two after you attacked me?”

“Because you’re curious,” Thomas told him.

The man shook his head and smiled. Whatever they were, he had to hand it to them, the kids had smarts.

“What’s your name, boy?”

“Thomas and this is Sophie. And you are?”

“Randy,” the man replied, extending his hand. “Can’t say it’s nice to meet you, but it sure has been interesting so far.”

“Are you ready to go now?” Thomas asked.

The man looked around at the trash strew alley, down at the apple resting at his feet, flexed his hands that no longer cramped and hurt, and decided he might as well follow the kids. “Why not? It’s not like I’m leaving much behind.”

Night Stalker The Grand Councilman: Follow the Leader

2009-06-09T22:18:00.000-05:00

The girl looked at the blood on her hands in disgust. “What have you done to me?” she demanded.

“It seems I’ve made you like me,” Thomas replied. Shrugging, he added, “Although I’m not sure how I did it.”

“You bit me, that’s how you did it,” she snapped.

“I’ve bit plenty of people and none have became like me.”

“I guess I’m special,” she replied, a sarcastic bite to her voice.

“It had to be because you broke free too soon,” Thomas mused. “Somehow what I have was transferred to you through the bite. It’s just like the bat did to my mother.”

“What bat?”

“A bat bit my mother when she was carrying me,” Thomas told her. “That’s why I am the way I am.”

“What kind of bat?” she asked.

“A vampire bat near as I can figure,” Thomas informed her.

“I’ve never heard of a vampire bat.”

“I hadn’t either until I started trying to figure out what happened to my mother. From the description my father gave, the vampire bat is the only one that fits the size,” he told her. “I also found accounts of other people being bitten and acting strangely. Although none of them were quite like me,” he added with a smug smile.

“You mean they don’t kill people?” she asked.

“Not that I found evidence of. They hunt and kill animals,” he said. “Until they die themselves, that is.”

“Die?” she stammered. “What do they die of?”

“Nobody I talked to knew. They wandered off into the woods and just dropped dead, no wounds or anything.”

“Doesn’t that worry you?”

“Why should it?”

“Well, if they are like you, doesn’t that mean you could die anytime?”

“I don’t think they were like me. I’ve been this way since birth. They were all adults when bitten. I also think human blood is the key to our survival.”

“Our?”

Thomas smiled. “You still don’t think you’re like me? Didn’t his blood taste good?” he asked, pointing to the man at their feet.

The girl winced, staring at the fallen man. Thinking about the way she had attacked him, she shuddered. No matter how disgusted she was with herself, she knew he was right…she was like him.

“Lead the way,” she told him, shaking her head sadly at fate.

Night Stalker The Grand Councilman-New Blood

2009-06-03T21:43:00.000-05:00

Over the next few years, Thomas roamed the countryside. He found food easily, finding that people were careless, going places late at night they should stay away from at all costs. He thought about his father occasionally, but only as a reminder of his past. He was much more concerned with the future.

He knew he was special, meant for grand things. He just had to figure out what and how to make it happen. Something occurred on his twelfth birthday to shape his destiny, and forge his future.

While out hunting, Thomas spotted a lone girl. She was puny, digging through a garbage pile in search of food. Thomas snuck up on her. Grabbing her from behind, he sank his fangs deeply into her scrawny neck.

He underestimated her strength. She brought her foot back, kicking him in the shin. Her pointy boot hurt, causing him to release her for just a moment. It was long enough. She ran into the night, trailing blood behind her.

Thomas followed. He was sure he would find her corpse soon. After what seemed like hours, he did find her, but not like he suspected.

She was doubled over, squashed back as far as possible into a corner between two buildings. Thomas watched while she shook and moaned. He was astounded when she reared back after thirty agonizing minutes and howled into the night in rage.

Spotting Thomas, she rushed at him, fist pummeling. He quickly subdued her, not quite sure what was going on.

“This isn’t possible,” he muttered. “You should be dead.”

“Well I’m not,” she stated, trying to pull free. “No thanks to you. What were you trying to do? Eat me?”

Thomas laughed. “No, just drink you.”

“What?” the girl asked, shrinking away as far as she could.

“Drink your blood,” Thomas replied. “It’s what I do.”

“You’re crazy.”

“No, just hungry,” Thomas assured her. “Just like you.”

“Yeah, but I don’t drink people’s blood.”

Thomas started to reply when a drunkard walked into the alley. Wasting no time, he pounced on the man. He didn’t know what was happening, when suddenly he was thrust aside and the girl reached for the man’s throat. Thomas watched, enthralled to see someone else suck a person dry.

When the girl finished and wiped blood from her chin, Thomas quipped, “What was that you were saying about you not drinking people’s blood?”

Night Stalker The Grand Councilman: On His Own

2009-05-28T12:54:00.001-05:00

Thomas smelled the whiskey before he saw his father. Walking more fully into the room, he spied his father passed out on the floor. He could see tracks left by tears soaking his face.

Thomas shook his head, never having understood human weakness. After hearing the story of his origins, he knew why.

He knew he was part human, but he believed it a very small part. He thought the infected blood circulating through his veins before he was born made him more bat than man. It was the only conclusion he could come up with as to why he had no feelings, love for his fellow man, no humanity.

In the woods, he had decided he no longer needed his father. He hadn’t for a while. He was capable of hunting his own food, and that was really all he needed. He also knew his father was miserable, only staying with him out of a sense of duty.

A grunt alerted him to the fact his father was coming around. He knew he had to act quickly. The one thing he could give the man for taking care of him until he was capable of fending for himself was to make his death less painful.

Silently, Thomas crept toward his father. Once there, he crouched, ran a single finger down his father’s cheek, whispered goodbye, and sank his fangs into the pulsing vein on the side of the fallen man’s neck.

Night Stalker The Grand Councilman: Emotions

2009-05-24T13:32:00.001-05:00

Thomas left his father to his memories and roamed around the forest for a while. He wasn’t sure how he was supposed to feel about killing his own mother. He knew most people would feel at least regret, but he felt nothing. He also needed to decide what to do about his father. He knew things could not go on the way they were. Neither of them was happy with the situation. Shrugging his shoulders, he continued to wander.

A sound ahead drew his attention. Thomas stopped and listened. Finally, he could make out voices. Slowly, he walked toward them.

Hiding behind a giant oak tree, he peered around and watched a man and two children ready camp. The father was teaching the children how to start a fire. Thomas listened, fascinated by the warmth in the man’s voice when he instructed the children. The only emotions Thomas remembered hearing from his own father were fear and disgust.

When one of the children cut his finger, Thomas felt his blood rise. He squashed the feeling, deciding not to kill the little family. He thought they were better to him alive, so he could study the way normal people interact, than as food.

He stood vigil until all three settled down for the night, then turned for home. He now knew what to do about his father.

Night Stalker The Grand Councilman-Conception

2009-05-18T16:46:00.000-05:00

Thomas watched his father stare back through the years. He saw tears spill down his cheeks, and tremors shake his body. He knew his father still missed his mother terribly, and couldn’t understand why he had even kept him. Thomas thought surely he could have found a willing family to take him, or given him to the church. The only reason he could think for his father keeping him was his keen sense of obligation.

Once he had gathered his thoughts, his father began. “Your mother was so happy to be pregnant. She had wanted to start a family right away, but it didn’t happen. We kept trying, and finally, three years after we were married, she got pregnant.”

A small smile slipped through the cracks of grief when he thought back to her happiness, but was quickly overshadowed by sorrow. “It was very hot that summer, so we often left the shutters open at night,” he added, before breaking down in sobs.

Thomas stood silently while his father pulled himself together, waiting impatiently.

“We were sleeping,” his father started back up, “when all of a sudden your mother screamed, jumped out of bed, and started flapping her arms around. I couldn’t tell what was going on at first for the darkness, but then saw movement around her head. I ran to her side to shield her from whatever was after her. She kept screaming and jumping around, slapping at the movement. Finally, I could tell what it was. A bat was after her.”

Thomas laughed, “You expect me to believe I’m the way I am because a bat bit my mother when she was carrying me?”

“This wasn’t an ordinary bat. The thing was two feet wide, with razor sharp teeth. It was determined too. By the time I chased it from the house, it had bit your mother three times.”
He shook his head before continuing, “She wasn’t the same after that, not really. She kept saying she felt funny, that you weren’t moving as much as before, and she was tired all the time. The doctor tried to assure her everything was ok, but even he knew something wasn’t right when she gave birth,” he added ominously.

He looked Thomas in the eye and finished, “There was hardly any blood during or after your birth. The doctor said he’d never saw a cleaner birth,” he shuddered, and added, “I think you were sucking her dry from the inside.”

Night Stalker The Grand Councilman-Origins

2009-05-12T15:32:00.000-05:00

Thomas was satisfied with the answers the doctor gave for his mother’s death, but he still wished to know how he became what he was. He knew the only person who could tell him was his father. He only hoped he wouldn’t have to kill him to accomplish the task.

When he returned to the house, he found his father passed out at in his bedroom. He considered waiting, but then thought better of it, deciding his father might be more forthcoming while drunk.

“Father,” Thomas shouted, banging the bedroom door open.

“What the devil!” his father roared, holding his head. “Keep it down, Thomas, my head hurts.”

“We need to talk.”

“Not right now, son. We can talk tomorrow.”

“No, Father,” Thomas stated. “We are talking now.”

His father stiffened, “I am your father, Thomas, and you will do as I say.”

“Not this time, Father. This talk is way overdue,” Thomas returned, pulling a chair up and sitting down. “You will talk to me. Do I make myself clear?”

His father started to say something, but the look in Thomas’s eyes stopped him. He hated to admit Thomas scared him, but there was no getting around it. He had seen the destruction the boy was capable of, and did not want it aimed at him.

“What do you want to talk about?”

“How I became what I am,” Thomas told him. “You and my mother are normal, so what happened to me?”

“It’s not what happened to you, it’s what happened to your mother while she was carrying you,” his father sadly replied.

“Explain.”

Night Stalker The Grand Councilman-Mother Murder

2009-05-07T14:58:00.002-05:00

The doctor looked at Thomas, contempt covering his face. “I sent them home, and you killed your mother.”

Thomas nodded. He had always suspected as much, but never could get his father to confirm the suspicion.

The doctor continued. “When I got there, your father told me she was determined to nurse you that night no matter how much it hurt. He said she asked him to leave the room, she would come out when you were full.” He heaved a weary sigh, “The only problem was, by the time you were full, she was dead. You had sucked her dry.”

“I will never forget the site that greeted me that night,” the doctor continued, pain etching his face. “I walked into the room to find your mother seated in a chair by the window. You were still in her lap. Your father hadn’t had the courage to move you. He came to me instead.”

Thomas watched emotions play across the doctor’s face, the primary one being disgust.

“She had you nestled in the crook of her arm. You were still suckling. Blood was running down your chin and had soaked her breast. So much blood! Even though there was nothing left, you just kept sucking. You were latched on so hard, when I pried you away, her nipple ripped off!” he shouted, a shudder passing through his body.

“Is that all?” Thomas calmly inquired.

“Isn’t that enough?” the doctor asked, astonished. “What more could there be?”

“Very well then, I believe we’re done here, Doc,” Thomas stated, walking toward him.

The doctor pushed away, knocking the chair over. “No!” he screamed when Thomas pounced.

Night Stalker The Grand Councilman-Signs Missed

2009-04-30T17:17:00.001-05:00

“Have a seat, Doctor,” Thomas offered, pulling the only unbroken chair in the room forward.

“Now, tell me about that night.”

“What do you want to know?”

“Everything.”

The doctor sighed, “Your mother brought you to see me because you were acting strange. She was worried because you getting enough milk, were very pale, and sickly.” He shook his head before continuing, “I should have paid more attention!”

Thomas watched while the doctor wrestled with his conscience. Finally, he prompted him with a nudge to continue the story.

“I checked you over. Everything seemed normal. I suggested she get a wet-nurse, that maybe her milk didn’t agree with you. Your father spoke up, saying he couldn’t afford to pay a wet-nurse.”

The doctor eyed Thomas, disgust written on his face. “Then your mother told me it wasn’t that her milk didn’t agree with you, but that it hurt when you nursed, that you bit her.”

“And what did you have to say to that, doctor?”

“I told her some infants develop teeth sooner than others, but they still have to be nursed,” the doctor spat. “I issued her death sentence!”

Night Stalker The Grand Councilman-Persuasion

2009-04-25T22:36:00.000-05:00

I never should have become a doctor in this God-forsaken country, Timothy McGee thought, opening the door to the two-room hovel he called home.

“No, you shouldn’t have, Doc,” Thomas said, right before knocking him to the floor.

“How? Wha…?” the doctor stammered, sliding away from Thomas.

“How do I know what you were thinking? I don’t really know myself, it just happens. It is rather fun though.”

“You are an abomination!” the doctor screamed. “I told your father we should have killed you that night!”

“That night? Would that be the night I wanted to talk to you about? The night my mother died?”

The doctor shook his head. “I can’t speak of it.”

“Oh, you can, and you will, doc,” Thomas stated. “One way or another.”

The doctor screamed when Thomas launched at him. He threw up his arms, but it did no good. Thomas hit him so hard, his head bounced off the wall, causing him to see stars. Thomas then slapped him twice. Timothy thought his head was going to disconnect from his body, so powerful were the blows. How can such a small boy level such massive blows, he thought asininely.

Thomas grabbed him by the hair, pulling his head back and looking in his eyes. “Are you ready to answer my questions now?”

“Never!”

Thomas picked him up and threw him across the room. The doctor landed on his eating table, breaking it in half. Thomas then picked up one of the table legs and proceeded to beat the doctor about the shoulders and stomach.

“Enough!” Timothy begged. “I’ll tell you whatever you want to know. Just please quit hitting me.”

“I knew you’d see it my way,” Thomas smiled.

Night Stalker The Grand Councilman-Knowledge Refused

2009-04-24T17:55:00.001-05:00

Thomas silently padded to his father’s bedside. The steady breathing assured him his father was sound asleep, so he quickly left the room.

Once outside the house, Thomas took no precautions of silence. He ran swiftly through the forest toward the village square.

He watched from the shadows, hunger he knew he could not quench, growing in his belly. This night he had reserved for information, not feeding off the beggars so ready to talk with a young boy. Finally, he spotted the man he was looking for.

Thomas slipped into the inn behind a group of drunken revelers.

Sidling up to the man he wished to speak with, he stuck his hand out. “Hello, my name is Thomas Murphy.”

The village doctor stared open-mouthed at the child. He didn’t wish to speak to the child, not tonight or any night.

“Go away, child,” the doctor ordered, dismissing Thomas’s proffered hand.

“No,” Thomas replied. “We need to talk.”

“There is nothing for us to talk about, now run along.”

“Oh, I believe there is plenty for us to talk about, doctor,” Thomas stated. “I want to know about the night my mother died.”

The doctor’s pale face went completely ashen at the request. Shaking his head, he told Thomas, “I refuse to speak of that night. I made an oath to your father.”

Thomas looked the doctor in the eye and smiled, revealing two tiny, razor sharp fangs. “You will talk to me here, or I will find you later.”

The doctor reared back in his chair, almost toppling over. Righting himself, he stood and shouted, “Demon child!” before running from the inn.

Thomas ignored the stares and whispers of the other inn patrons, shrugged his shoulders, and whispered, “I guess we are going to have to do this the hard way,” before following the doctor.

Night Stalker The Grand Councilman-Knowledge Seeked

2009-04-19T19:06:00.000-05:00

After returning home, Thomas watched his father hug the dress to his chest. He knew his father kept it tucked safely away, taking it out when he needed comfort.

Thomas no longer remembered his mother. His father talked about her, trying to keep her memory alive, but Thomas had no desire to remember a dead woman. He knew weakness made his father hold on to the woman, the same weakness that caused sentimental moments with her dress.

The one thing Thomas wanted to talk about, his father refused to discuss. The night his mother died was a forbidden subject in their home. Thomas knew it had something to do with him, but wasn’t sure of the circumstances. The stares and whispers whenever he went into the village told him whatever it was, people blamed him, and he was determined to find out about that night.

While his father would not broach the subject, Thomas knew the villagers would have no such qualms. He has planned a trip to the village tomorrow night, leaving after his father falls asleep. He has made many such forays into the night in his young life, but feels this one might be the most important yet.

Night Stalker The Grand Councilman

2009-04-15T16:03:00.000-05:00

Thomas stalked the deer, waiting until it reached the clearing before pouncing. Even though he was only five, Thomas held the deer firmly, subduing it and sinking his fangs deeply into its neck.

His father retched, watching the carnage from the bushes. He didn’t know how much more of this he could take. His son was a monster, and he had no idea what to do about it. Sighing, he turned for home, not wanting Thomas to notice him.

Thomas raised his head, blood dripping of his chin, to study his father’s retreating back. He had been aware of his presence from the first moment. He knew his father did not understand his need for blood. He often wondered what his father would do should he find out about the beggars.

Shrugging his shoulders, Thomas went back to the deer, sating his hunger for the night.

Night Stalker Derek-The End

2009-04-08T19:38:00.000-05:00

Derek watched Nathaniel head north down the path before ducking into the forest. He knew the path led through the forest a mile or so from the castle, and planned to meet up with Nathaniel there.

“Where are you going to go,” Derek asked, stepping out of the trees and into step with Nathaniel.

“America.” Nathaniel stated.

“Why America?” Derek questioned. “What’s there?”

“It’s not so much what’s there as what isn’t…my father,” Nathaniel replied. “I want to get as far away from him as possible.”

“Makes sense,” Derek said, shaking his head. “Want some company?”

“I thought you didn’t agree with my way of thinking?” Nathaniel asked.

“I don’t, not really. I’m gonna take humans, because they are food,” he stated, and then held his hand out before Nathaniel could reply. “But, I don’t have to take them all the time, and I can be choosier.”

Nathaniel shrugged his shoulders, “You’re welcome to come along then.”

“Good. Good,” Derek stated. “Besides, I’ve heard they have some interesting music in America.”

Night Stalker Derek-Consequences

2009-04-02T13:46:00.002-05:00

Derek knew something big was happening when he entered the castle gates. Everyone was in motion, running to and fro, setting things down, and then heading inside. A foreboding settled low in his gut, causing Derek to shutter, when he followed the group inside to see what was going on.

“Damn,” he muttered, seeing Nathaniel captured between two elders, standing in front of the Grand Councilman.

“This is an outrage!” The Grand Councilman thundered. “My own son acting against me!”

Nathaniel stood straight and tall, facing his father’s wrath with dignity. Derek could tell he hadn’t come quietly however, for bruises were forming over his face and arms. His birthright was the only thing that kept him alive, Derek was sure.

“What do you have to say for yourself?” The Grand Councilman demanded of Nathaniel.

“I couldn’t let it happen again,” Nathaniel stated.

“Couldn’t let what happen,” The Grand Councilman asked. “What in the devil are you talking about?”

“I couldn’t let you bring another child into the world to face what I’ve faced.”

“What you’ve faced!” The Grand Councilman sneered. “You’ve faced a life of luxury! You’ve faced freedom to roam the world! You’ve faced a father who has let you get by with far more than you should have… even outright treason! How dare you talk to me about hardships in your life? ” he ended on a scream.

“Well!” he shrieked when Nathaniel said nothing in reply.

Derek saw all the others in the room shrink away, trying to become as small as possible. Everyone knew Nathaniel’s stance on his father’s behavior, and feared what might come of this confrontation.

“I am your son, so I feel the same blood lust you do. I take lives…ruin lives…all the time, so I can survive. The difference between you and me is I take no joy in butchering humans. How can I when I’m part human myself? A war rages within me, Father. A war between my Stalker side and my human side. A war I cannot win!”

“You’ve talked about this nonsense before, Nathaniel,” The Grand Councilman sighed. “You are not human. Forgot that part of yourself, bury it. You are a Stalker.”

Nathaniel shook his head sadly, “That’s the problem, Father, I can’t forget it. When I hear the screams of our victims, my heart cries. When I take children, they haunt me!”

“Haunt you?” his father laughed. “Nothing haunts a Stalker!”

“Oh, but they do,” Nathaniel assured him. “I hear their cries and pleas whenever I try to rest. They will not let me be!” Nathaniel vehemently informed his father before continuing. “That is why I took the woman. I couldn’t let another child go through the pain.”

The Grand Councilman started to snap something scathing, but stopped short at sight of the tears streaming down Nathaniel’s face. “What do you want from me, Nathaniel?” he asked instead.

“I want you to consider the humans feelings. Don’t send the Elders out to slaughter without regard. Only feed when absolutely necessary. I want you to show compassion, Father.”

The Grand Councilman laughed, “Compassion for humans? They are food, Nathaniel, nothing more.”

“Then turn the Elders on me, Father, for I am food also.”

A gasp went through the chamber at Nathaniel’s last statement. Some of the Elders shared Nathaniel’s sentiment, but had never told the Grand Councilman. They believed Nathaniel was going to cause real trouble one day.

The Grand Councilman sighed heavily, “I don’t know what to do with you, Nathaniel. You bring descent among the group, go against my wishes, and thwart my plans. What is a father to do with such a son?”

“Send me away,” Nathaniel offered.

“You want to leave?”

“Yes,” Nathaniel stated unequivocally. “If you will not change, or kill me, I see no end to our troubles. I would be better for all concerned if I left.”

The Grand Councilman looked around the room, noting all those who were shaking their head in agreement. He knew many disliked Nathaniel, and some even wished him dead. The whispers had grown in the last few months, to the point the Grand Councilman actually feared for Nathaniel’s life on occasion.

He would miss the boy. Even with all their problems, he did love him. He knew Nathaniel would never believe this though. They were too different to survive in the same place. The boy did have a point.

With regret, the Grand Councilman ordered, “Very well then. You are hereby banished from the realm until such time I invite you back.”

Nathaniel shrugged the Elders hands off, and turned to leave the chamber. Before he reached the door, the Grand Councilman spoke again.

“Nathaniel,” he whispered. “Take care of yourself, and don’t do anything that will make it impossible for me to take you back. One day, you will want to return.”

Nathaniel turned to his father. “I don’t think so, Father. I hope I never see this place again.”

With that, he left.

Derek quietly slipped out behind him in the confusion that followed.

Night Stalker Derek-Ramifications

2009-04-01T15:23:00.001-05:00

The next night, the Grand Councilman was in a rampage. He ordered the Elders to find Lady Waycott and the traitor who had set her free. Derek wondered what would happen when he found out it was his own son who aided in her escape. He hoped his own part in the matter was never discovered.

Derek managed to avoid questioning for two more days. When called before the Grand Councilman, he guarded his words carefully.

“I received word you were seen in the garden the night Lady Waycott disappeared,” The Grand Councilman accused. “Is this true?”

“Yes,” Derek replied, knowing there was no reason to lie about this part.

“Well,” the Grand Councilman grated harshly when Derek said no more. “Do you know anything about the disappearance?”

“I’ve heard the same things everyone else has,” Derek stated, not adding anything extra.

The Grand Councilman looked Derek over, trying to figure out if he was hiding anything. Derek knew if he had proof, he’d already be dead, so endured the scrutiny.

“Very well then,” the Grand Councilman said. “If I find out you had anything to do with this you will be sorry,” he added, dismissing Derek.

Derek heaved a sigh once outside the chamber door. I hope like hell that boy is on the other side of the world by now, he thought, shaking his head.

Night Stalker Derek-Escape

2009-03-25T16:38:00.000-05:00

Derek led Nathaniel and Lady Waycott through darkened hallways, and then down steep stone steps to the dungeon.

“It’s a trap!” Lady Waycott screeched to Nathaniel, holding his arm tightly.

“Shhh,” Derek ordered, pulling them both into a secluded doorway.

Two Elders passed within inches of their hiding place. Nathaniel held his hand over Lady Waycott’s mouth until sure the Elders were gone.

“Okay, Derek, where are you taking us?” Nathaniel demanded, releasing Lady Waycott.

“Out,” Derek stated. “There’s a secret passageway at the end of this chamber. It leads to the stables.”

After he checked to make sure no more Elders were close, Derek ushered the others forward. They passed by several decaying corpses locked in the dungeon’s cells. Lady Waycott stopped, a quick inhalation of breath choking her, shocked at the sight.
Nathaniel tightened his grip on her hand, pulling her onward.

Derek reached the door. “Follow the passageway until it dead ends. There is a trap door at the top of the ladder on the wall,” he told Nathaniel.

“Thank you, Derek,” Nathaniel said, shaking his hand.

“Don’t think me,” Derek replied. “I was never here.” With that, he disappeared back into the dungeon.

Night Stalker Derek-Choosing Sides

2009-03-19T16:10:00.001-05:00

Nathaniel did not notice Derek watching from the shadows. He shifted the suitcase he was carrying to the other hand, opened the door, quickly snuck into Lady Waycott’s room, and closed the door behind him.

Silently crossing the floor, he whispered in Lady Waycott’s ear, “Wake up, My Lady.”

Frightened, Lady Waycott started to scream. Nathaniel saw her intent and covered her mouth with his hand.

“Shhh,” he admonished. “We don’t want anyone to hear.”

He held her until she stopped shaking. “Are you going to be quiet?”

She shook her head yes, so he removed his hand, and backed away.

“I’m not here to hurt you,” he stated, trying to put her at ease. “I’m here to help.”

“Help?”

“Yes, I’m going to get you out of here,” he replied, handing her the suitcase. “Quickly, put some clothes on so we can go.”

“How do I know you’re telling the truth?” Lady Waycott demanded.

“You don’t,” Nathaniel replied, “but is it really any better to stay here?”

Lady Waycott looked around the room, shrugged and opened the suitcase.

Nathaniel turned his back so she could get dressed, going over his plan while he waited. He knew there were several places where things could go wrong, but he had to take the chance. He could not let another woman face the same fate his mother did. I will not let it happen! He silently vowed.

Once dressed, Nathaniel grabbed Lady Waycott’s hand. “Stay close to me and don’t make a sound,” he ordered. “This isn’t going to be easy, and if we’re caught I don’t know what he’ll do to you.”

Lady Waycott nodded, holding his hand tightly while he opened the door.

“What the hell are you doing?”

Nathaniel and Lady Waycott both jumped, startled to find someone else in the hall with them.

“Well?” Derek demanded.

“I’m getting her out of here,” Nathaniel informed him. “And you aren’t going to stop me.”

“Is that right?” Derek hissed. “What if I called for the guards?”

Nathaniel eyed him closely. “You won’t do it.”

Derek wasn’t sure how the kid new that. He was always surprising him, the way he was able to judge people. He couldn’t believe the same blood ran through Nathaniel’s veins as the Councilman’s.

“Damnit!”

“Just let us go, Derek. No one has to know you saw us.” Nathaniel reasoned.

“Nathaniel,” Derek began, but stopped when a sudden noise caught his attention in the great hall.

Lady Waycott tensed, grabbed Nathaniel and whispered, “What do we do?”

Footsteps were coming closer. Derek sighed, and said, “Come this way.”

Nathaniel and Lady Waycott hesitated, and then followed, not sure whether he was taking them to safety or ruin.

Night Stalker Derek-Problems

2009-03-17T15:19:00.000-05:00

Derek did not know what the boy had planned, but knew nothing good would come of it. He had asked what Nathaniel meant to do, but an Elder came around the corner when the boy started to speak, effectively ending the conversation. He had since found no occasion to speak with Nathaniel alone.

Derek was musing over the problem, when a noise caught his attention. The noise had come from the west wing of the castle, where Lady Waycott was stashed. Silently, Derek made his way in the direction of the sound to see what was happening.

He knew Lady Waycott herself was not the cause of the sound, for she had not been out of the room in three days. Every time the Grand Councilman would ask if she was ready to marry, she threw something at him. The Grand Councilman finally ordered all items removed from her room. Derek wondered how she liked sleeping on the floor.

Derek stopped and peaked around the corner. What he saw set his heart pounding.

“Damn,” he muttered. “Now what am I going to do?”

Night Stalker Derek-Family Discord

2009-03-12T15:17:00.000-05:00

“Hello, Nathaniel,” Derek said, spying the youngster in the garden.

“Hello, Derek,” Nathaniel returned.

Derek wondered what put the sullen expression on the boy’s face this time. Nathaniel was seldom happy, moping around the castle, worrying about one thing or another.

“What’s on your mind,” Derek inquired of Nathaniel after several minutes of silence.

Nathaniel eyed him wearingly before speaking, “My conscience.”

Derek laughed, “We aren’t supposed to have those. We are Night Stalkers!”

“I know,” Nathaniel sighed, “but I can’t seem to squelch mine like the rest of you do.”

Derek knew this was true from witnessing the many battles between Nathaniel and his father, The Grand Councilman. He often wondered why the Grand Councilman had not sent the boy away before now. If not to save arguments, then to stop him stirring up trouble in the group.

Derek had heard Nathaniel speaking to some of the Stalkers before the battle just past. Nathaniel tried to convince them not to partake, but was unsuccessful. Derek was not sure if Nathaniel’s father knew of this or not, but he did know the Grand Councilman was aware of other acts of betrayal.

“Are you still troubled by the taking of Waycott Keep?” Derek asked. “I heard you talking to some of the others,” he continued at Nathaniel’s shocked expression.

“Yes, but this is something more serious,” he stated. “I have to stop him!”

“Stop who?”

“My father,” the boy stated solemnly.

Night Stalker Derek-Choices

2009-03-10T15:48:00.001-05:00

Derek stood in the shadows, watching The Grand Councilman explain her fate to Lady Waycott. He could tell from the expression on her face she wished to be dead with her countrymen. When she spit in his face, Derek thought he Grand Councilman understood also.

A resounding slap sent Lady Waycott flying across the chamber. She landed in an unconscious heap against the far wall.

“Have her confined to her room until she comes to terms with her fate,” The Grand Councilman ordered.

Derek watched two Elders drag Lady Waycott’s limp body away, thinking it would be a cold day in hell before that lady embraced marriage to a monster.

Night Stalker Derek-Bloody Nightmare

2009-03-05T05:53:00.000-06:00

Derek wiped blood from his chin, dropped the maids head, and stood. Around him, bodies littered the great hall, Elders standing over them shouting triumphantly. Derek never understood why they felt so triumphant when their enemy was so easy to kill. He would like to fight a worthy foe one day, test his skills on someone who had a chance.

A scream snapped Derek out of his reverie.

“You!” Lady Waycott shouted at sight of him. “What are you? Why have you brought death upon us?”

She then looked around the room at her fallen countrymen. The gaping neck wounds were more than she could take. Doubling over, she emptied her stomach, wailing into the night.

“I am but the messenger of death, My Lady,” Derek whispered, softly wiping a tear from her cheek before turning to leave the room.

“Kill me then, you beast!” she yelled at his retreating back. “Kill me!”

Sighing, Derek replied, “I can’t do that, My Lady. There are worse things in store for you.”

Night Stalker Derek-Orders Followed

2009-03-03T15:39:00.001-06:00

“Was your mission successful?” the Grand Councilman inquired of Derek.

“Yes,” Derek answered.

“Good, very good,” the Grand Councilman replied, the bloodlust in his eyes enough to turn Derek’s stomach. “We will be very busy tonight. Tell the other’s to prepare.”

“Yes, My Lord.”

Derek knew the castle folk of Waycott Keep would be dead come sunrise. The Elders were hungry, and he had set forth the plan, which would allow them to feast until their hearts were content.

He only hoped Lady Waycott was long gone before nightfall, because her fate was to be much worse than the others. The Grand Councilman wanted her for his bride.

Night Stalker Derek-The Beginning

2009-02-27T14:22:00.000-06:00

Derek watched Lady Waycott closely while singing his song, wondering if she would catch the dual meaning of his words. He would have much preferred delivering the message directly, but never found the right opportunity.

"The bloody battle raged
Around the damsel, men fell
Worchester shouted, 'Send them all to hell!'
Before an arrow sung through the sky
Aim steady and true and the mighty Lord fell "

Derek snuck out the back of the castle during the turmoil that ensued after Lady Waycott shrieked and passed out.

“Guess she got the message,” Derek giggled, quickly disappearing into the surrounding forest.

Night Stalker Clarissa- New Beginnings

2009-02-20T18:31:00.000-06:00

Nathaniel and Clarissa made their way down the back stairs and exited the house. With only an hour before daybreak, they had to find shelter quickly.

Nathaniel was watching Clarissa closely. Rage was the driving force ruling her emotions, but he knew pain and regret would set in when she thought back on the night. In his experience, the young had volatile emotions, changing at the drop of a hat. When the tears came, he would be there for her, sharing the pain and easing it.

Remunerating on how best to help Clarissa get acclimated to her new life, Nathaniel missed the question she posed.

“I’m sorry, what was that again?” he asked.

“I wondered if we have to go back to the cave with the others,” Clarissa softly inquired, a worried expression on her face. “I know they are your friends, but sometimes they scare me.”

Nathaniel squinted into the night, thinking. He knew the others were rough for Clarissa. They hunted nightly, killing randomly and without remorse. He had been with them for a few months with no success in changing their behavior, in making them understand the error in killing indiscriminately. He knew they would pay the price soon.

“No,” he told Clarissa. “We don’t have to go back. I think it’s time to move on.”

Heaving a deep sigh, Clarissa took his hand, and they walked into a new beginning.

Night Stalker Clarissa-Paying for Your Sins

2009-02-16T17:16:00.000-06:00

Clarissa’s father fought Nathaniel, trying to get to Ann. He kept screaming for Clarissa to stop to no avail. The hunger was too strong for Clarissa to ignore had she wanted to.

Ann’s lifeless body hanging limp in her arms, Clarissa turned to her father. Blood smeared around her mouth, and dripping down her chin, she spat in his direction.

“You brought this on yourself, Father,” she sneered. “Had you moved us, your secret family, to a better location, Mother would still be alive and I wouldn’t be a monster.” Walking toward him, she asked, “Was it worth it?” before snatching him into the air.

Shaking him violently, Clarissa screamed at her father, “You did this to us, and now you are going to pay!” before throwing him across the room.

Clarissa’s father tried pleading with her, “Please, baby, don’t do this. I’m sorry! I know I was wrong. I will make it up to you, I promise.”

Clarissa laughed, “How will you make it up to me?” She looked at herself in a wall mirror, the blood on her face a grotesque reminder of what she now was. “I can’t even go out in daylight any longer. I live in darkness because of your selfishness.” With a shake of her head, she continued, “No, you can’t make it up to me. Life as I knew it is over.”

Her father watched Clarissa’s progress across the floor with terror-stricken eyes. He could see the determination and hatred brewing in her gaze.

When she reached his side, Clarissa softly whispered, “Your life is just over,” before silencing his screams forever.

Night Stalker Clarissa- Reckoning

2009-02-13T15:06:00.000-06:00

Nathaniel and Clarissa arrived in London late the next time. Clarissa remembered the address from the infamous missive, so they went straight there.

Clarissa looked up at the grand house in disgust. Her house was a shack compared to her father’s wife’s home. She added one more thing on the list for which her father was going to pay.

It seemed what she had heard about London was true. There were only a few homes on the block with the lights off. Every other had a party in progress. Nathaniel said this would be good for their cause. He told Clarissa people wouldn’t be paying as much attention to the coming and goings of others.

They made their way quietly to the back of the house. Clarissa and Nathaniel peered in the glass of the back door and watched the housekeeper bustle around before heading back out. Once the room was empty, Nathaniel wrapped a scarf around his hand and thrust it through the glass to open the door.

Once inside, the pair cautiously searched the top floor, while the party was occupying all the guests downstairs. Finding the largest and most opulent room, they sat to await Clarissa’s father’s return.

A little past three in the morning, footsteps approached the door. Nathaniel and Clarissa stood to either side, waiting to make their presence known.

A woman entered first, followed by Clarissa’s father. Clarissa’s anger grew when she saw her father grope and kiss the woman, backing her toward the bed.

Unable to watch any longer, Clarissa stepped forward and shouted, “Stop it!”

The shocked couple stared in mute surprise and the two pale apparitions in the room.

When Clarissa’s father found his voice again, he demanded, “What is going on here?” Peering more closely in her direction, a dumbfounded look on his face, he asked, “Clarissa?”

“Yes, Father,” Clarissa hissed. “Glad you remember me.”

“Father?” the woman sitting beside him asked. “What is she talking about, James?” Scanning Clarissa from top to bottom, she then shrieked, “No! You had a child with that whore! How could you, James!”

Clarissa was on her in an instant. Although aware she was stronger than before, Clarissa had no idea the extent of her power. She picked the woman up and threw her across the room without even thinking about it. After one shocked second to take her newfound strength in, she turned to her father.

“How could you let them bury Mother in the pauper’s yard,” Clarissa beseeched her father.

Her father sighed, “I had no choice, honey,” he explained with a look at the woman groggily sitting across the room.

The woman made unsteady progress to her feet, and stated, “Damn right he had no choice. He wasn’t going to use my money to bury his whore.”

Nathaniel shook his head at the woman’s stupidity, while watching rage build in Clarissa. The woman realized her mistake too late. Clarissa was already smashing her head against the wall before she could defend herself.

When Clarissa’s father tried to go to his wife’s defense, Nathaniel calmly knocked him to the ground.

Clarissa looked at the bloody mess writhing at her feet in revulsion. While contemplating the damage she had done, a new feeling began to form. The woman’s blood seemed to be calling to her, causing Clarissa to shake with need. With one backward glance and a sinister smile at her father, Clarissa grabbed Ann and sunk her fangs deeply into the soft flesh of her neck.

Night Stalker Clarissa-Mourning Resolve

2009-02-10T14:51:00.001-06:00

Clarissa was sick to her stomach after killing the deer. Nathaniel worried, but suspected it was the act of killing and not tainted meat that made her sick. Never being around a child turned Stalker, Nathaniel wasn’t sure what to expect. He realized they would have to learn together.

On the fifth day after her abduction, Clarissa witnessed a whispered conversation between Nathaniel and another Stalker. She wouldn’t have paid much attention, except they kept looking her way while talking.

After the other Stalker left, Nathaniel asked Clarissa to join him outside. Worried, but more curious, Clarissa followed.

“I have some news,” Nathaniel began.

Clarissa could tell he was nervous. She didn’t know what to make of it, never seeing Nathaniel anything but sure of himself before.

Seeing her curious look, Nathaniel continued, “We’ve found out they are going to bury your mother tomorrow.”

Clarissa digested this information, a jolt of pain searing her heart. She took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and asked, “Where are they burying her?”

Nathaniel hesitated, confirming Clarissa’s fears. They were going to bury her mother in Kruger’s Cemetery, the pauper’s yard.

Rage consumed Clarissa, clearing her head and settling her resolve. Nathaniel watched the inner turmoil, waiting to see what would happen.

“I want to go to London,” she stated in clipped precision. “My father has some things to account for.”

Night Stalker Clarissa-Coming to Terms

2009-02-09T17:10:00.001-06:00

Over the next few days, Clarissa came to terms with her situation. She missed her mother, but knew there was no going back to the real world. Each day, the hunger grew, fighting with her internal disgust at what would have to happen.

She got to know the others in the group, and became especially close to Nathaniel. He explained why he changed her instead of taking her, showing a softer side to Stalkers that helped Clarissa tremendously, quieting her anxiety about being a monster.

The other Stalkers in the group were rougher, more intent on survival than retaining any human qualities. Clarissa kept herself apart from them whenever possible, dogging Nathaniel’s every move, learning what was expected.

When the pain became unbearable, it was Nathaniel who took Clarissa out to hunt. He knew she wasn’t prepared to take a person, so her first hunt was for deer.

Clarissa found she was capable of killing. She realized when hunger is strong enough, survival instinct kicks in, and it really is you or them.

Night Stalker Clarissa-Awakening

2009-02-03T15:52:00.001-06:00

Clarissa awakened to darkness. Feeling around, she discovered she was lying on the ground. After her eyes adjusted, she saw others sitting against the wall of what appeared to be a cave, watching her. When one of them pushed forward and held out his hand, she recoiled.

“No! Stay away!” she wailed.

The stranger brushed hair from her eyes, and lulled, “It’s ok, little one, you’re safe here.”

Safe? How can I be safe in a cave full of strangers? Clarissa’s frightened mind cried.

“Where’s my mother,” she managed to squeak past the lump in her throat.

The stranger moved closer, the light from the small fire highlighting his face. It was then that Clarissa remembered what happened.

She started screaming and couldn’t stop. Finally, Nathaniel could take no more. He gathered her in his arms, ignoring her protest, and rocked her. All the while, repeating calming, soothing words.

Clarissa fought to be released at first, but then the gentleness overtook her. She was so tired, and scared. After a while, her screams subsided, and she fell asleep in Nathaniel’s arms.

Night Stalker Clarissa-Turning

2009-01-29T15:39:00.001-06:00

Clarissa cringed away from the monster. When he casually wiped her mother’s blood from his mouth, she almost fainted. Scurrying to the corner of her bed against the wall, she held her arm out in defense.

Nathaniel was fighting an internal war. He knew he should take her and be done with it, but then he remembered her laughter from the day before. He had awakened from a nightmare and seen her dancing in the meadows; her laughter had lulled him back into sleep. He couldn’t stand the thought of her tormenting his dreams like the other children, so he knew there was only one alternative.

She fought, but in the end, was no match for his strength. Clarissa could have sworn she heard him say, “I’m so sorry, little one,” before his fangs sunk into her neck.

Night Stalker Clarissa-Terror

2009-01-28T14:56:00.002-06:00

Clarissa watched her mother and father, feeling sicker by the moment at the deception. The more she thought of all the ways her life was different from her friends, the angrier she got.

She now understood why they never lived in town, never went to London, and why she wasn’t allowed to mention her father’s business. She wanted a regular life like her friends, but most of all, she wanted to know why.

Why her father was with her mother when he had another wife? Why her mother put up with it? Most importantly, did they not care that she was a bastard child?

She had finally worked up the courage to asked her father about everything, when he stated he had to leave, but would return in the morning. He had some business to attend to in town that night and the meeting would end so late that he’d just stay at the local inn.

Deflated, Clarissa stood by her mother’s side and watched the carriage roll out of sight.

Sleep did not come easy that night for Clarissa. She kept worrying over what exactly to say to her mother and father, and about what would happen should her friends find out. When sleep did finally claim her, it was a troubled one full of nightmares. So vivid were her dreams, she almost slept through the terror her mother was facing.

A horror-stricken wail awoke Clarissa. Startled, she sat up in bed, unable to believe what she was seeing. In the floor, her mother was fighting with a man. The man was very pale, with black hair and wearing tattered clothing. Her mother was scratching at his face to no avail.

Clarissa started to get out of the bed when the man pushed her mother’s head back and bit her neck. Clarissa saw blood trickle down her mother’s throat.

At Clarissa’s scream, the man jerked away from her mother to stare at her. His shocked expression slowly turned to resignation. He dropped her mother’s lifeless body to the floor and stalked toward the bed.

Night Stalker Clarissa-Pretenses

2009-01-27T15:06:00.001-06:00

Clarissa decided she was going to wait and confront her father first about the matter. She couldn’t bring herself to ruin her mother’s happiness just yet. Seeing her flit around the house, fixing this, straightening that, singing the whole time, was almost more than Clarissa could bear now that she knew the truth of their arrangement. She couldn’t understand how her mother could be happy being her father’s second choice.

What hurt Clarissa the most was losing respect for her father. She could no longer think of him without crying. She was putting on a brave front for her mother though.

She knew her mother was watching from the front porch while sewing, so she was laughing and smiling while running around the meadow. She even picked some wildflowers for the table centerpiece.

Clarissa stayed outside most of the day, only returning home upon hearing her father’s carriage arrive. With a heavy heart, she walked through the door of their house, tears in her eyes.

Night Stalker Clarissa-Decisions

2009-01-26T08:04:00.000-06:00

Clarissa didn’t know what to do about her newly acquired insight into her father’s life. She was even more uncertain how to approach her mother, or what she thought of her mother now that she knew the truth.

She had returned the missive to her mother’s drawer and retreated to her room, claiming a stomachache. Her mother was too excited at the imminent return of her father to pay much attention.

In her room, Clarissa contemplated her life thus far. She now understood why her parents did not live together. She no longer wondered why they never went to town together, and only took holidays to dismal, remote places.

At the thought of the loneliness from missing her father when he was gone all these years, and the awkwardness involved with explaining the situation to her friends, she grimaced. She would much rather continue the little fabrications she’d been perpetrating, than tell anyone the truth.

The thing that troubled her most was how her mother could be any man’s whore. The same mother, who told Clarissa to hold her head high, know her worth, and never be any man’s chattel, was allowing a man to rule her life and the life of her child.
How could you let him use you this way, Mother, Clarissa silently fumed.

Night Stalker Clarissa-Good News, Bad News

2009-01-22T13:36:00.000-06:00

Clarissa knew something had changed when she walked in from school and heard her mother singing. She quickly proceeded to the kitchen to see if her father had returned.

Her father wasn’t there, but her mother was actually dancing around the kitchen. Clarissa couldn’t believe her eyes. She could not fathom what brought about this drastic change.

“Oh, there you are, darling,” her mother trilled when she spotted Clarissa. “I received the very best news today.”

She thrust the post at Clarissa, waiting impatiently while she read it, which didn’t take long. Her father only writes one sentence when corresponding with her mother. The sentence he had taught her to read.

I will be there next week.

Clarissa smiled and grabbed her mother in a hug. “I can’t believe he’s coming back this soon!”

“I know! Isn’t it wonderful!” her mother gushed.

“I guess Ann recovered quickly from her ailment,” Clarissa mused.

She didn’t notice the angry look her mother shot her way, because she was already headed to her room. After delivering her schoolbooks to their proper place, she decided to put this missive with the others in her mother’s dresser.

She stifled her shock upon seeing the words on the missive that took her father away. Picking it up to inspect closer in the hopes that she had misread, she sank slowly to the floor.

The party has been moved up, James. Leave your whore and return at once. Your subjects await you.
Your loving wife,
Ann

Night Stalker Clarissa-Sadness and Seeking the Truth

2009-01-21T14:28:00.000-06:00

The house was quiet for the next few weeks. Her mother and Clarissa both brokenhearted at the abrupt departure of Clarissa’s father.

Clarissa didn’t fully understand why her father never stayed with them. Her friends all lived with both their parent’s. The one time she asked her mother who Ann was, it led to a torrent of tears, so she had never brought the subject up again…until today.

“Mother,” Clarissa whispered.

“Yes, dear,” her mother replied absentmindedly, hanging clothes to dry.

“Who is Ann?”

He mother stiffened, clutching a shirt tightly in her hands. She slowly turned and said, “She is your father’s responsibility and has nothing to do with us.”

“I don’t understand. Is she is sister or something?” Clarissa guessed. “Is that why he has to take care of her?”

“No. She is not his sister,” her mother stated flatly. “She is his to see after none the less.”

“But…” Clarissa started.

“That’s enough, Clarissa!” her mother yelled. “I don’t want to talk about this anymore. I’ll explain when you’re older. You wouldn’t understand now.”

“I’m twelve, Mother. I understand more than you think I do,” Clarissa stated adamantly.

Her mother sighed, “That may be so, but you wouldn’t understand this. I’m living it, and I don’t even understand why I do it.”

Night Stalker Clarissa-Changes

2009-01-20T16:24:00.001-06:00

The weeks her father had been with them flew by for Clarissa. He ate with them every meal, played with her in the back yard, took them for walks, and sang her to sleep at night. It was a blissful time she would always remember. Unfortunately, it didn’t last.

Clarissa could tell her father’s mood had changed by the scowl on his face when he came in from getting the post. He asked where her mother was, and then set off to talk with her. Clarissa knew she shouldn’t, but couldn’t resist the urge to listen in.

At the door to her mother’s bedroom, she peeked through the keyhole as she listened to her parent’s conversation.

“I have to live, Mary. I received this missive today stating Ann is sick and my assistance is urgently required,” her father explained, handing her mother the missive, forgetting she couldn’t read.

“Oh no, darling, not yet,” her mother replied, head downcast. “I knew it was too good to be true, you staying with us.”

After the forlorn admission, Clarissa’s father pulled her mother into a smothering embrace. He stroked her hair, soothing, “I’ll be back before you know it. I’m sure she’s not deathly ill, just having another one of her attacks,” he intoned. “I’ll go calm her nerves and can then come back here to you. You know I don’t want to leave, but I must.” He lifted her chin, and implored, “You do understand, honey?”

Clarissa’s mother squared her shoulders and looked into his eyes, “Of course, darling. I understand.” With a wistful smile, she continued, “You know we’ll be waiting for you.”

Clarissa rushed from the door when she saw them heading toward it. She was sitting at the kitchen table by the time they walked in. She pretended to be surprised at the news. The tears she didn’t have to fake.

Night Stalker Clarissa-Happiness

2009-01-19T13:24:00.001-06:00

Clarissa could tell that her mother was happy with the new arrangement also. Her father being around more caused her mother to smile and sing. Clarissa couldn’t remember the last time her mother had sung. She thought it was probably last summer when her father had stayed with them a whole month. She missed the soft tunes wafting through the house when the music left her mother’s soul.

Clarissa giggled at the sight that greeted her upon entering the kitchen later in the evening. Her mother was sitting on her father’s lap, kissing him on the ear. At her giggle, they broke apart, a blush covering her mother’s face. Her father laughed and swatted her mother on the bottom before he called Clarissa over.

“How’s my muffin this evening?” he inquired.

“I’m fine, Father, how are you?” Clarissa primly replied, then curtsied.

Her father released a hearty laugh before grabbing her into a bone-crunching hug.

Night Stalker Clarissa-The Beginning

2009-01-18T18:49:00.000-06:00

Clarissa shrieked with joy when her dad threw her into the pond. Not even the frigid water could dampen her excitement. Her father was seldom able to spend time with her. When he informed her today was for them alone, she couldn’t believe her good fortune. She knew exactly what she wanted to do.

She barely let her father finish breakfast before dragging him out the door. She pulled him along the edge of their property, headed toward the meadows. She wanted to share the beauty of the meadows with her father.

Before this, only her best friend had seen them. The meadows were her secret place, where she came to dream. Today a dream had come true, her father was hers alone.

After rolling around in the meadows for a while, her father suggested they take a swim. Clarissa hadn’t been swimming since the summer past, so was enthusiastic at the prospect.

Lying on the bank drying in the sun with her father, Clarissa was the happiest she had been in months. She was sure of her father’s love, and secure in the knowledge of her place in the world. Her smile rivaled the sun when her father took her hand and told her he loved her. With a sigh, she snuggled into his side and fell into a contented slumber.

About the Night Stalker Series

2009-01-18T18:47:00.001-06:00

I have been writing my Night Stalker series for a few months now. If you would like to read the opening story, and the other character stories I've completed, follow this link: Night Stalker Today.com Blog. This is the link to the beginning of the series, from there you can follow the other links on the side bar.

Today I begin Clarissa's story. After hers, there are a few more character's for you to get acquainted with.

I hope you enjoy the stories!