Carpathian Vampire, When You've Never Known Love

CHAPTER 25 Hunting Vampires

  Alex had promised herself that she'd not again ask Father Zosimos to return her cross. Seeing his rather large silver one hanging firmly from a chain about his neck made her want to strangle him with it. Even light-haired, freckle-faced Stefan had a little gold one jangling. Standing before the two frightened men there in Zosimos's chamber, rather than admonish them, she simply said, "Let us not mention last night. I wish to help you rid the world of vampires."

  "Promise not to attack us," said Father Zosimos.

  "Unless provoked."

  Father Zosimos stared at her, looked away, but eventually said, "Agreed. We thought a peaceful coexistence had settled in between us and the vampires of Prahova Valley, but lately, even as far away as Bucharest, we've had some rather brutal attacks on our citizens. Do you know of this?"

  "The leader of the vampires has recently gained an advantage. Not sure what that means, but the Divine World believes the change is serious." Alex purposely withheld Alu's name, out of distrust.

  "You speak to me of the divine? The irony of that is compelling," He shook his head in admonition. "Are you sure these apparitions you see are from Heaven?"

  Alex didn't respond immediately. She stared at him. "Are you sure you represent Divine Will?"

  Father Zosimos didn't respond, just lowered his head.

  Stefan hadn't spoken, but watched her closely, and even now appeared hesitant. "What part do you play in all this? Father Zosimos tells a strange story of you being bitten by some divine vampire. Who are you? Aren't you really just one of them?"

  "Apparently, I am a vampire although I'm not allergic to sunlight. I do require blood, but I also have a gift. I can turn vampires back human. Perhaps, I even have the ability to inoculate. Radu Cuza might testify to that."

  "Radu has had enough of you, no doubt. But where do vampires hide? Can you take us to them?"

  Alex had anticipated this question. "You'll have to prove yourself, your intent. Perhaps we can work together, perhaps not."

  "Our intent is to rid the world of vampires. You've already said you wish that."

  "But I wish to restore their humanity."

  Stefan laughed, snickered and looked at Zosimos. "Humanity for bloodsuckers and murderers?"

  "Again with the attitude. My being here seems a mistake."

  Neither seemed forthcoming. Father Zosimos spoke. "Go out with them tonight. Learn to work together."

  "Can I trust a bounty hunter?" Alex asked.

  Stefan laughed out loud. "You don't trust us? You threatened to kill us all."

  "I told you not to mention last night," she said, taking a step toward him. "You shot me five times."

  Stefan held up both hands. "Peace. No offense."

  Alex then bid Stefan leave her alone with Father Zosimos, and after getting assurances from the priest, Stefan left.

  "I need to know what you're going to do with my assets," she said. "My ownership of my grandmother's home and my finances are all subject to your influence. Will you try to ruin me?"

  "Never will I take such drastic action," he said. "Let us both trust each other," he suggested. "Let's see where all this leads. Perhaps, we'll learn if your condition is permanent, or perhaps temporary as this Catalin suggested at one time."

  "I believe he's spoken plainly on that issue," she said, realizing Father Zosimos was no longer being honest. "But I'm pleased to hear you've not totally passed judgment. Perhaps you're right. After all, I am pregnant, and who knows the influence of divine forces on the future."

  "Yes. We're both concerned about the child. Perhaps after you deliver, we'll get a clearer picture of the situation."

  "You don't give a damn about this child," said Alex, growing more alarmed at his feigned sympathy. "You already told me to get rid of it."

  She couldn't take anymore. Alex turned her back on him, walked out of his office and left Monastery grounds.