Chapter 23 – The Zoya

I held Chloe’s hand as I drove away from Bushnell Falls, mostly because I was convinced this was the last time she’d let me anywhere near her.

“Where are we going?” she asked.

We were shrouded by complete darkness; the only light came from the truck’s headlights. “Somewhere private,” I said. I pulled to a stop in front of a rundown building located at a dead-end street. “Don’t worry. We’re not going inside.”

Chloe stared out the windshield, an expression of disbelief etched across her face. She probably thought I was a lunatic for bringing her here, but no one ever came here, and I was confident we wouldn’t be interrupted.

She licked her lips, and I narrowed my eyes. If I stayed inside this truck with her a second longer, I’d end up kissing her again, and I wasn’t sure I’d be able to stop once I started. I needed to focus on telling her the truth, not making out with her.

“C’mon, we can sit on the tailgate. Might be a tad cooler.” I got out, and she met me at the back of the truck.

I put the tailgate down, and she hopped up to sit. I sat right beside her, close enough that our bodies were touching. Fear stole my voice—fear of telling her about my family’s curse. Fear of her reaction. Fear of losing her once she knew the truth. I wanted to prolong this moment just a tad longer, to simply feel her next to me.

She tucked her hands under her legs and looked up at the stars, seemingly at a loss for words like I was.

“I’m not sure where to begin,” I finally said.

“Start by telling me about that kiss.” She angled her body toward me. “What was that? Did you see all those things, too? Did you feel all that? Or am I crazy?”

“You’re not crazy.” I didn’t so much as crack a smile, even though I knew she was trying to lighten the mood. “That shouldn’t have been our first kiss.” Regret filled my tone.

Her shoulders slumped. “Well, it’s good I’m not crazy, I suppose,” she mumbled.

I wanted to tell her that kiss meant everything to me, that I wanted to do it again and again until she told me to stop, but that was off track, so I didn’t say anything about that. I needed to stop procrastinating.

My sharp inhale cut through the dead quiet. “Isach isn’t who you think he is.”

“Yeah, you’ve already said that. But why? What does he have to do with any of this?”

“Everything.” I shifted, then hopped off the tailgate. I paced in front of her, one hand firmly on the back of my neck. Why was this so hard? Probably because I knew once I came clean, she’d leave, and I’d never see her again.

“Maybe you should start at the beginning because I’m totally lost here. Tell me how you know Isach and why you don’t like him.”

I stopped pacing for a moment and studied her. She had the most vibrant smile I’d ever seen in my life. Her eyes, big and brown and oh so innocent beckoned to me. How could I tell her I was cursed when I knew she’d leave me? I took a step toward her. Then another and another until I was right in front of her.

My gaze dropped to her legs, to where I tentatively put my hands. She tensed but didn’t push me away. Right now might be the last time I was ever able to be this close to her. I needed to take a moment to relish in her trust, in how she sat perfectly still and allowed me to touch her.

Slowly, I caressed my hands up her legs, my gaze following their movement so that I could memorize this moment forever. She sucked in a breath. My hands continued to roam up—over her hips and waist, up her stomach and rib cage, then back down.

Featherlight, I trailed up my fingers up her bare arms, causing goose bumps to form. “You’re so beautiful, Chloe.”

I cupped her face with my hands and peered into her eyes, holding her gaze for several long moments. I wished I knew what she was thinking right now, how she truly felt about me. If this was truly the last few minutes I had with her, the last time I’d ever kiss her, then I had to make the most of it.

Inch by agonizing inch, I lowered my mouth to hers, giving her plenty of opportunity to tell me no. But she didn’t. Her eyes fluttered closed, and she leaned into my kiss. Knowing she was so eager to kiss me again only made this moment more special. And heartbreaking.

I released her face and put my arms around her, pulling her toward the edge of the tailgate and closer to me until our bodies were pressed so tightly together not even a breeze could pass between us. I kissed her softly, the way I should have kissed her the first time. Tender and loving.

When I started to pull away, she whimpered and pulled me back to her. And just like that, I was lost. A goner. I couldn’t lose her. Not now. Not ever. I needed her more than I needed anything or anyone else. She was part of me now, my reason for existing. She grazed her fingernails along the nape of my neck, and I kissed her a little harder. I was spiraling out of control, and I was taking her with me.

“Chloe.” I groaned and then nipped at her bottom lip before breaking the kiss.

She took several deep breaths. “What was that for?”

I smiled at the obvious effect my kiss had on her. But then my smile faded just as quickly. “Because I know once I tell you the truth, you’ll never want to speak to me again, and selfishly, I wanted one more kiss.”

“I’m sure there’s nothing you can tell me that will make me stop talking to you. I mean, you told me you’re a vampire, and here I am.” She held out her arms.

I sighed warily. “You have no idea how badly I want that to be true.” Right now, I wanted that more than anything else.

“Okay then, tell me.”

With a quick nod, I stepped out of her reach so she wouldn’t do anything to distract me. Of course, simply being near her was a huge distraction, but allowing her to touch me right now would send me over the edge, and there would be no coming back.

“Do you remember I told you Sean promised to take care of us because he thought we were his redemption?” I didn’t wait for her to answer. “Well, he feels he needs to make amends because of something Isach’s family started centuries ago.”

“Okay,” she said slowly.

“The Zoya are witches practicing dark magic.”

She stared at me, eyes wide. I mentally cringed at her silence. If she believed in vampires, then believing in witches shouldn’t be too much of a stretch for her. Still, I needed to explain things better.

I hopped back up on the tailgate and sat beside her. “That’s why Isach and Marc have been able to manipulate you into seeing things that aren’t real. They’re using magic to alter your perception.”

She remained silent as she momentarily closed her eyes. “Why? What have I ever done to them?” Her voice cracked, much like my heart.

“They’re doing it because of me.” I hung my head, ashamed and feeling guilty. “It all started with a man named Rector Zoya.”

She shivered, and I had to refrain from wrapping my arm around her and pulling her close. If I did that, I’d never make it through this story.

“My father—Sean—married the love of his life. Annmarie Lewis. She didn’t know what he was, but he’d always planned to tell her eventually. He hoped she would be so in love she wouldn’t be able to deny him. And then he was going to change her so they could spend eternity together.”

She rubbed her hands up and down her arms. “He never told her?” Disgust dripped from her tone, and I was more thankful than ever that the truth about me had come out. I knew hiding that from her wouldn’t have been good.

“No, and it’s something he regrets to this day.” I frowned. “In order to keep our existence a secret, we do whatever we can to blend in, and that often means pretending we’re human. Doing human things. Following human traditions. It’s easier to be what others expect us to be for as long as it suits us. A couple of months before the wedding, Sean and Annmarie lost control of themselves and…” I raised my eyebrow suggestively. “Sinned.”

“Oh.”

“That was blasphemous back then. For her, anyway. For Sean, it was normal. That’s the thing about vampires—we’re not bound by societal rules or expectations. We do whatever we want. When we can safely get away with it.” I forced a laugh. “They swore to behave respectfully until after they were legally wed.”

She laughed.

“But the damage was already done, and it set them on a path that would have a permanent ripple effect.” I took a deep breath, then continued. “And it all happened right here in Keene Valley. No one in town knew the truth about Sean, and he lived here peacefully. Until Rector Zoya arrived.”

She sucked in a sharp breath and waited for me to keep talking. I wasn’t sure if her lack of questions was good or bad. Surely she must have some thoughts about what I was telling her.

“Rumors followed Rector into town. There were whispers that he was something bad, something evil. Pastor Jonah was the one who first declared that Rector was a witch. He tried to intervene, to create a mob to run Rector out of town, but Pastor Jonah went missing. After that, the town simply shunned Rector. Everyone except Annmarie.”

“Did Rector know about Sean?” she whispered.

“Not until it was too late.” I hopped off the tailgate again, too restless and agitated to sit still for too long. “One night, Sean heard Annmarie talking to her maid. She was pregnant.”

She gasped. “What? Vampires can have children?”

“No.”

“Oh.” Her brow furrowed in confusion. “Oh,” she said, realization dawning on her. “Rector.”

I gave a quick nod. “At first, Sean didn’t believe it. He thought she was lying. Or that she’d lost her mind.” I grunted. “But then he heard it—the tiny heartbeat. The smell of new, fresh blood. He was overjoyed and believed it was some sort of miracle, a human-vampire hybrid he’d helped create. He didn’t know Annmarie had been unfaithful to him. Rector used his magic to mask their relationship. My father never had a clue. Annmarie knew she couldn’t stay married to Sean when she was in love with another man and carrying his child. So, she did the only thing she could think of.”

Chloe closed her eyes and listened as I recounted the horrible story of my father’s biggest regret and the subsequent fallout that had lasting consequences for all of us.

Annmarie ran toward Rector’s home on the outskirts of town. Her heart raced, thundering so loud in her ears it drowned out the sounds of everything around her. Tears streaked her face. She tripped on a rock and fell to her knees, the hard, uneven ground unforgiving beneath her. She cried out in pain and clutched her protruding belly.

Forcing herself back onto her feet, she gathered her skirts and continued on. Only a few more feet before she reached safety. “Rector!” She pounded on his front door. “Rector, please!” Panicked, she glanced behind her. There was no sign of Sean.

“Annmarie?” Rector ushered her inside and closed the door, whispering words that would seal them in while keeping everyone else out. She let out a breath. “Tell me what is going on.”

Annmarie gasped for air, but she could not get any words to come out.

“Shh.” Rector took her face into his hands and wiped her tears. “Do not worry, my dove.”

She shook her head, her curls bouncing around her face. “He thinks this child is his.” She placed her hand on her stomach and stared up into Rector’s compassionate, green eyes. “We must go. Now. Tonight.” Annmarie took his hands and pleaded with him. “Sean does not know I am here. Now is the perfect time to flee.”

Rector led her through his small house and into the sitting room. Thankful for the warmth of the fire burning inside, Annmarie hugged herself.

“Sit.” He nodded at the armchair. When she sat, he handed her a teacup full of a clear, odorless liquid. “That will calm your spirit.”

She took a sip, the hot drink soothing her. The trembling in her hands stilled.

“We cannot leave yet, Annmarie.”

Fresh tears spilled down her cheeks. “Why not?” She set the cup on the round table situated beside her chair. “You said we would be together, Rector.”

“And we will, my love. I promise you that.” He kneeled before her and took her hands into his. “But your Sean is not what he seems. He’s a monster. A blood drinker. If we leave now, he will hunt us to the ends of the earth.”

With a huff of indignation, she yanked her hands from his and stood. “You expect me to believe I’m wed to a vampire? Sean may be a lot of things, but he is not a monster.”

“I have been watching him.” Rector rose to his feet. “And I am not a liar. My magic does not work on him the way it works on humans. I need more time to ensure our safety.”

“And what am I to do? Go back and pretend I am happy to be his wife?” She put her hands on her hips. “If you have had a change of heart, say so, Rector. Do not fill my mind with horrific stories.”

“My mind has not changed.” He gave a hard shake of his head. “But we must not be hasty. Sean will not harm you. Of this, I am positive.”

More tears pooled in her eyes as realization settled over her. “You are sending me away?”

“Only for a short time.” He put his hands on her shoulders and placed a kiss to her forehead. “You must do this, Annmarie. For us.” He rested his hand on her belly. “For our child. I will come for you tonight.”

I paused to take a breath.

Chloe blinked several times as if trying to work something out in her mind. “Wait… Rector knew Sean was a vampire?” she asked.

“Yes, and he attempted to use that to his advantage, but it backfired horribly.” I took hold of her hand. “You doing okay?”

She nodded.

“Annmarie returned to Sean and pretended everything was fine. She attempted to verify what Rector had told her, but she wasn’t able to. Then, later that night as he’d promised, Rector showed up at Sean’s door.”

“Sean! Show yourself,” Rector bellowed from the front yard.

Annmarie’s heart leapt into her throat. What was he doing? Did he have a death wish? Confronting Sean was not part of the plan. She forced herself out of bed, gritting her teeth against the pain, and shuffled to the front room. Pulling back the curtain, she peered out the window.

Sean stepped onto the porch, the picture of confidence. “You have no business here, Zoya.”

“Show your real self, Halstead.” Rector took a few steps forward. “I know what you are.”

Annmarie’s breath caught, and she covered her mouth with her hand. No, Rector. Please. Don’t do this. But he continued to advance on Sean.

“Leave now or I will expose you for the monster you are,” Rector said.

Sean flung his head back and laughed. “You have no room to issue threats, witch. I could burn you before anyone would hear your screams.”

“I only want what is mine. Give it to me, and you can live in peace,” Rector said.

“You have nothing here.”

“Oh, but I do. Annmarie. The child. They are mine, and I want them. Now.” Rector raised his hands, shouted something she didn’t understand, and then the sky rumbled with thunder.

Her head spun, and she reached for the wall to steady herself. A sharp pain sliced across her stomach. “Ow,” she cried. Her nursemaid was by her side in an instant.

“Miss Halstead, whatever are you doing out of bed?” Simone gently clutched her arm. “You must rest. The baby is coming.”

Another stabbing pain doubled her over, and she had no choice but to allow herself to be escorted back to the birthing room Sean had insisted upon. “No.” Annmarie cried out in pain, clutching her stomach. “They will kill each other.”

I stopped talking, unsure if I could finish this story. What happened next wasn’t pleasant, and I worried what Chloe would think of my father. Of me.

“What happened next?” she asked, enthralled.

“The details are a bit fuzzy. Rector’s arrival tipped Sean off to the illicit affair, and Sean went into a blind rage. One of the downfalls of heightened emotions.” He frowned. “He barely recalls the events, but he knows he remained outside with Rector for quite a while. With his magic, he was well-prepared for a fight against a vampire.”

“Enough of this foolishness,” Simone hollered from the porch. “Mister Halstead, your wife needs you. She has delivered.”

“Is she well?” Rector asked. “And what of the child?”

Simone straightened her shoulders and jutted her chin. “The child did not make it.”

“No!” Rector dropped to his knees with a pitiful wail.

Sean barged through the house and into Annmarie’s quarters. She sat up in bed, eyes wide. “Please, do not hurt me…” Tears clogged her voice. “I can explain.”

He towered over her, face twisted in rage. “Do you think you can betray me like this, Annmarie? You are my wife! And you have been out there letting that witch put his filthy hands on you.”

“I never meant to betray you, Sean.” She had to make him understand. Deep down, he was a kind, compassionate man. If she could speak to that part of him, she could explain and make this better.

“He will burn for this,” Sean hollered. His eyes were black as oil, lifeless and evil.

It was then that she knew for certain—Rector was right. She’d married a vampire. How could she have been so blind? “No. Please, Sean. Do not hurt him. This is not his fault. I will take full blame, just please let Rector go.”

“You would pay with your life to save your dirty witch?”

“Yes,” she whispered. “I would die for him.”

“So be it.” With a snarl, he bared his fangs.