The Vampire's Betrayal

The Vampire's Betrayal by Raven Hart

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Authors: Raven Hart
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confident she was back in Savannah, probably asleep upstairs, or William wouldn’t have returned to American soil. He’d given Melaphia his solemn vow to return her daughter. That was money in the bank. With Connie and Renee back, all was right with my world. Well, almost all.
    As if on cue, Connie asked, “There’s something else, isn’t there?”
    “Why do you say that?”
    “I can tell.”
    For a split second I pictured myself saying Well, sugar, that’s when the heavenly host deputized you to murder me with a sharp stick. But I decided against it.
    The best way to commit a lie of omission is to tell some relevant truth instead. “There was some unpleasantness down there. With some demons. I’ll tell you about it sometime, but not right now. The important thing is that you accomplished what you set out to do and we’re both back here safe.”
    “You’re right. I’m sorry I got testy earlier.”
    I shrugged. “We’ve both been through a lot today.”
    “That’s what I mean. I know that whatever happened in the underworld, you risked your whole existence on getting me back here, put yourself literally through hell, and I’m grateful. I’m sorry if you interpreted what I did as…running out on you.”
    She’d been right earlier. Not everything was about me and I shouldn’t have taken what she did personally. I just couldn’t help it. I shrugged again, not trusting myself to say anything else. I hoped for all I was worth that there would be plenty of time for us to work out all the kinks in our unique relationship.
    I’d add my neediness to the list of things I just didn’t want to think about right now.
    Right after that Slayer thing.

 
    Five
    William
    Melaphia was about to go upstairs to Renee when Jack entered the kitchen leading a very much alive Connie Jones by the hand. Our shock must have shown on our faces.
    “Connie!” Melaphia moved woodenly to Connie’s side and gave her a hug. “It’s a miracle.”
    While Melaphia put on a show of welcoming Connie back from the underworld, Jack asked, “How’s Renee?”
    “Safe and sound.”
    “Thank God.”
    By that time, Melaphia had released her hold on Officer Jones.
    “Indeed it is a miracle,” I said. “We were convinced you were lost to us. Jack, how did you do it?”
    “I don’t know. It just happened.” Jack beamed, unable to take his gaze from his lady love.
    Melaphia and I exchanged the most subtle of concerned glances. Our world had just become more complicated by tenfold.
    “Are you sure you’re quite all right, Officer Jones?”
    “Yes, and please, call me Connie.”
    “This incredible turn of events calls for a celebration.” I tried to sound as happy as I could. “Melaphia, we should have some champagne.”
    “That’s very kind of you, William,” Connie said, “but I’m really exhausted after…everything that’s happened. I think I should be getting home.”
    “If you must,” I said. “But there’s something I need to say, first. Your reasons for traveling to the underworld are your own and none of my concern. Whatever the reasons may be, the risks are too great. I have forbidden Melaphia to help you or anyone cross that portal again. Is that clear, Melaphia?”
    Melaphia looked down at the floor, genuinely chastened, and nodded silently.
    “Don’t blame her, William. I twisted her arm,” Connie admitted. “I promise I won’t do it again.”
    “Good. Because there are not only risks to you, but risks to Melaphia as well, not to mention Jack, who’ll always be fool enough to try to go and fetch you back. See that there isn’t a next time.”
    “I understand.”
    “I must ask for your word.” I half-expected Jack to challenge me just on principle for being too bossy, as he would put it, but he nodded instead. He wasn’t eager for his girlfriend to repeat the escapade.
    “I give you my word.”
    “Good,” I said with a sigh. “And congratulations on your safe journey.”
    Jack accompanied Connie

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