Seven

Shane built himself a chamber at Decadence and had plans to make his stately home more hospitable to Candace. He wanted to fortify the club with iron and salt, but that would also mean trapping Alejandro inside and the warlock was having none of that.

“It’s no way to live,” he said. “I’d be giving him too much of my energy if I let him control my very movements.” Candace and Shane countered with the argument he spent most of his time inside the club with them anyway, but they ultimately had to agree with him.

If Tenebro was upset during periods of happiness for Alejandro, he had to be fuming. The time spent indoors had improved their ménage skills tremendously where diversity and acrobatics were concerned. Partnering with a female who possessed the ability to levitate didn’t hurt. Candace enjoyed individual time with them as well. Shane’s sweetness and eagerness to please combined with Alejandro’s belief that he owned her body when inside her, created the perfect dark and light pleasure cookie.

Months had passed without so much as a swarm of locusts or any other possible sign Tenebro was even in the same realm. No one wanted to suggest the possibility he had moved on for fear it would jinx the current calm. The club was busier than ever. Alejandro made a sport of materializing in random convention halls, using his powers of mental suggestion to bring in business. Tourists walked through the doors who never knew they wanted to see a burlesque show, but Candace and the performers treated them like V.I.P. guests.

“You really need to stop doing that,” she scolded him.

“Doing what?”

“I highly doubt these rabbis walked in here of their own accord. Release them.”

“You’re no fun at all.”

“Now.”

Alejandro stared at the men, exhaling deeply. He made flicking motion with his hand and the group of men stood up simultaneously, marching out in a single file line. “Happy?”

“Very. Thank you.”

Shane entered the club after working in his office all day. “Honey, and honey’s warlock-demon, I’m home. What’s with march of the rabbis?”

Candace motioned with her thumb towards Alejandro. “This one misbehaving as usual. And how was your day?”

“You’ll never believe who called.” He groaned as he said the name. “Professor Wallace.”

“He’s the one who wanted to start the vampire museum,” she explained to Alejandro.

“Why? Your kind are so boring,” he teased.

“He claims to have a coffin,” Shane continue. “Remember those he mentioned? I think it’s from Italy.”

“How the fuck did he manage that?”

“Everything has a price.”

Candace paced back and forth, wringing her hands. “I need to go see it. I’ll buy it from him and send it back.”

“Why? You said those coffins were most likely for humans, not vampires.”

“I’ll feel better if I know for sure. I don’t want a human corpse being passed off as vampire either.”

“It’s probably empty. Every now and then they get excited about some tomb and open it up to just find some bones and a lot of goo.”

“He hasn’t opened it yet?”

“No. Professor Wallace said he was hoping you would join him, since you’re his little diamond and all.”

Candace grabbed her stomach and made a retching sound. “He’s probably keeping it in his bedroom.”

“Oh, that’s another bit of news. He said he bought an old warehouse building near downtown.”

“Great. He’ll have more room to pile up coffins.”

“Let’s go,” Alejandro said, jumping up and rubbing his hands together. “Candace won’t let me take over minds so it’s going to be a boring night.”

“I’ll see if he can meet us,” Shane said, wandering off with his phone to his ear.

“Are you sure you want to come? Landry can hang out with you if you’re bored.”

“And miss a date with a nutty professor and a corpse? Not a chance.”

“This professor … he’s not so crazy about warlocks.”

“I guarantee you he’s never met an actual warlock.”

“Still. He’s elderly. I don’t like him, but we need to be somewhat nice to him.”

“He’ll never know. Tell him I’m an insurance agent. I promise to be on my best behavior.” He crossed his heart and started to hold up his fingers as a pledge, but instead pressed them against his lips, simulating oral sex with his tongue.

“Save that for later.”

Shane returned carrying a backpack. “He’s there now. We’re welcome to join him.” They watched him slip his arms through the straps.

Candace fiddled with one of the metal clasps. “What’s in the backpack?”

“I grabbed some cash from my chamber. If he’s ready to deal, I’d rather get it over with and never have to see him again … until he gets another one.”

“Good thinking.”

“Or we can go find a roulette table and let it ride,” Alejandro suggested. Candace flashed him a disapproving glance. “Fine. Away we go to rescue a coffin.”

*****

The building stood in the Stratosphere’s shadow. Its wide opening recessed several feet within a white concrete face. The upper level had large multi-paned windows topped by curved accent windows.

“It has a mausoleum-esque quality about it, but there’s ample parking,” Alejandro said, imitating a real estate agent.

“They’ll be dying to get in. Womp womp,” Shane added.

“I’m leaving you two comedians behind.” Candace walked through a heavy door, holding it open for the guys. The interior space was expansive and empty except for a few random cardboard boxes and metal shelving strewn about. Several hallways sprouted off from the main room in every direction. “Professor Wallace?” she called out.

The sound of clanging and whistling came from a hallway in front of them. She called out again as they got closer.

“Down here,” a voice called out. “In the basement. Watch your step.”

Shane took the lead, following the voice until he reached a door propped open by a bucket filled with debris from the empty warehouse. Concrete steps were lit up by fluorescent lights that buzzed with a constant annoying frequency. Marks in the dust showed that something had been dragged down the steps.

Professor Wallace popped his head out from a side room at the bottom of the stairs. “This is an exciting night!”

“You must be thrilled,” Candace said. “I have to say this building is impressive.”

“There she is,” Professor Wallace climbed back up several stairs just so he could offer his arm to her. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

She pointed behind her. “This is Alejandro.”

“I’m her insurance agent.”

“Nice to meet you. Maybe you can give me the friend’s discount to insure this building. I’ll have to get one of your cards before you leave.”

“Yes, you will,” Candace said, smirking over her shoulder. “Where is this historical find of yours?”

Professor Wallace held her hand and led the way to the side room. “It’s not climate controlled upstairs yet. The cement walls of the basement provide the perfect temperature.” He stopped, allowing her to move in front of him. “Voila!”

Candace gasped. “It’s beautiful! I thought you were receiving a coffin. This is a sarcophagus. Look at the detailed carving.” She walked around the marble structure, reaching out to touch it before stopping herself.

“You can touch it.” He stood beside her, running his hand along the smooth material. “Wouldn’t it make a great welcome desk? The body will be placed behind glass. We won’t leave it in here.”

She faced him and shook her head. “I came because I’d still like you to reconsider this whole idea. I’ll reimburse you for the purchase price.”

“It’s priceless.”

“And so is resting in peace, which this person clearly won’t be doing as part of an exhibit.”

“Don’t you think the soul is gone?”

“I do, but this whole idea smacks of extreme disrespect.”

“Disrespect? Humans disrespect themselves all the time while they’re living. Why should death be any different?”

“Here we go.” She tried to keep her cool, walking circles around the sarcophagus. “And what about misleading people into thinking these are vampire remains? How do you justify that?”

“It’s not really misleading if something can’t be proven or disproven.”

“I’ve had enough of this.” She threw her hands up in frustration. “Let’s lift the lid. I’ll be able to offer the proof.”

Professor Wallace grabbed the top two corners of the marble lid, squatting slightly and lifting the stone just enough to slide it partially open. Alejandro started to join them but stopped when he saw footprints in the dust that followed the drag marks. They led to the exact spot where the sarcophagus was placed.

“How many guys did it take to carry that down here?” Alejandro asked. “It must weigh a ton.”

“Four or five.” Professor Wallace shrugged and said, “I wasn’t really paying attention.”

Candace peered into the marble opening and smiled when she brought her head back up. “It’s empty!” She laughed and breathed a sigh of relief.

Professor Wallace removed his glasses, wiping them clean on his shirt. “That’s because it’s for you.”

“Excuse me?”

Alejandro’s mind started racing. “There’s only one set of footprints. Run, Candace!”

He rushed forward, but Professor Wallace raised his hand, causing a row of silver bars to drop to the floor, leaving Shane and Alejandro on the other side. She screamed, running until she slammed against the bars. Her skin sizzled on impact, sending her recoiling into a corner.

“What the fuck is going on?” Alejandro faced the professor. His fists were clenched so tightly, blood dripped from his palms.

Professor Wallace laughed. “It took you long enough to realize it was me. You’re slipping.” He laughed louder and louder until the sound became a growl, growing deeper as a funnel of wind started in the enclosed space. The funnel turned dark and smoky as it swept up the professor, absorbing him into its power as tiny particles of energy. The smoke crept through the bars until it formed another shadowy being on the other side. It continued laughing, revealing the internal flames providing its power.

“Tenebro,” Alejandro seethed.

“I knew you’d come back for this one,” Tenebro said, turning his vaporous head to Candace who was now hiding behind the sarcophagus. Shane tried to lift the silver bars to release Candace, but a zap from Tenebro sent him flying against the opposite wall, opening a gash on his forehead. “Humans are like annoying flies.”

“It’s me you want,” Alejandro growled. “Let them go.”

“Nope.”

“You will never have her.”

“Have her?” His murky energy howled with laughter again. “I don’t want her. She was just the bait.” He turned his attention to Shane, stinging his eyes with the vapor rising from a simple move of his arm. “I like your new car. Sorry about the old one, but I wanted to speed things along. This guy was soooo easy to manipulate,” he said, patting the top of his head. “A few old pictures and he was obsessed with getting inside that vampire pussy.”

“You killed Professor Wallace.” Shane returned to his feet, crouching in a fighting stance.

Tenebro picked him up by the backpack still attached to his shoulders and shook him hard. “You silly ninny. He’s not real. I could have easily taken on your face, but I have no interest in fucking the dead. You probably don’t either. I just needed someone to make Alejandro jealous.” Tenebro brought Shane closer to his face, staring into him with fiery eyes. “You’ve served your purpose. I got into your head, made you fall for her. I release you.” He threw Shane towards the top of the steps, sending him rolling back down a few of them before he braced and stopped his fall.

Alejandro roared, causing his energy to swirl and smoke, growing into a figure nearly as large as Tenebro. “Why must you do this?”

“The warlock within has made you soft. That whore mother of yours contaminated our lineage. I would prefer to kill you, but since I’m forbidden from killing one of my kind, I will banish you repeatedly until you embrace your demon nature. I will hunt you in every realm for eternity.”

Alejandro rushed forward and slammed against Tenebro, causing a ball of smoke and fire to fill the room. Every crack and crevice turned black with a grimy soot that reeked of sulfur. It was hard to tell who was winning. Candace got as close to the bars as she could without injury while trying to follow the fighting swirl of energy.

Tenebro gained the upper hand, throwing Alejandro down hard enough to crack the cement. He pointed towards Candace, sending a ribbon of smoldering soot through the silver bars. It came closer to her, swirling around her head and settling in a circle around her feet. Tenebro snapped his finger and the circle burst into flames. She screamed and tried to fly higher, but the flames rose with her, forming a cage of fire.

“Let’s see if you’re still a slow learner,” he said, lifting Alejandro to his feet. “Her life or banishment?”

“Take me,” Alejandro said, widening his stance.

“No hesitation? No, no, no. You haven’t learned a fucking thing. I want you to think about this. Remember banishment and that feeling of nothingness? Not knowing how much time has passed? This time I’ll send you for a hundred years.”

“Take me.”

“I’m giving you a chance! Be a real fuckin demon for once! You owe her nothing!”

“I love her.” Alejandro dropped to his knees. “I’m not going to fight. You will have to take me.”

“You are a fool,” Tenebro sighed and shook his head. “It’s your eternity. Suit yourself.” He waved his hand at Candace, instantly extinguishing the flames.

“You don’t have to do this, Alejandro.” She reached for him, burning her skin against the silver once more.

He swiveled on his knees and looked at her. “I’ll find you again. Please don’t watch this. Look away.”

“I’m not leaving. You’re not alone.” She continued reaching towards him, ignoring the pain and steam rising from her arm.

“How fucking sweet. Let’s get this over with.” Tenebro spread his arms wider. He spoke in tongues, paying tribute to his darker power. A ball of flame grew in his hand as he continued reciting his spell. He lifted the ball overhead, staring at Alejandro. “See you in a hundred years, cousin.” He was about to release the ball when a flash of white cut through the dark cloud.

Tenebro froze and began screeching. Candace felt the air being sucked past her and into his open mouth. The darkness of his body split open like a burning log, glowing brightly and then crumbling to pieces. The vapors swirled around themselves, shrinking with every turn until it all vanished. When the air was clear, Shane’s body became visible.

“Shane! Let me out, Alejandro.” He sent a blast to the bars, creating a safe hole for her to climb through.

Shane was badly burned. Thin layers of his flesh peeled off as they tried to hold him. “It worked,” he mumbled.

“What worked?”

“The salt and iron. We won.”

“We did.” Alejandro bent down and whispered in his ear. “You hang in there.”

Shane had been carrying around salt infused with iron shavings for months in case the rumors about their demon fighting properties were true. Tonight he’d added two full containers to his backpack when he loaded up the cash. With Tenebro focusing his attention on Alejandro, it gave him time to rip large holes on top of the containers and leap from the top step with the granules spraying everywhere.

Candace held his hand and he whispered for her to come closer. “Not true what he said. Not true. Never in my head. I chose you.”

“I know you did. And I chose you. We chose you.”

Alejandro ran his hands above Shane’s body, trying to heal his wounds. “I can’t undo another demon’s work. We’re going to lose him.” He scooped his arms under Shane to pick him up. “We need to get him to the hospital.”

She placed her hand on his arm to stop him. “There’s another way.” Candace cradled Shane’s head, gingerly stroking a small patch of skin on his cheek that wasn’t injured. “Would you like to try my blood?”

“Do it,” Alejandro said. “Quickly.”

“No. It has to be his choice.” She turned back towards Shane. “It will heal you, but it might also turn you. I have no idea how your body will respond.”

Shane hesitated. His labored breathing was the only sound in the room. He looked at both of them and nodded. Candace extended her fangs and bit into her wrist. The blood came fast, dripping across Shane’s chest and face as she brought it to his mouth. He tried to suck on the wound, but he was weak. “It’s okay, just swallow it.” He choked, spraying the blood on her face. “Easy, easy. Just keep trying.”

They remained until the worst of his wounds showed signs of healing. Alejandro carried him outside before handing him to Candace for a quicker flight to Decadence. He drove the car back, not wanting to leave any evidence they were ever there.

What the fuck just happened? Am I free? He had no idea what that even felt like, having looked over his shoulder for so long. Alejandro knew a warlock or demon couldn’t kill another demon, but he wondered if a human could. He knew one thing for certain, Shane had saved his life and he would do anything to return the favor.

Candace was waiting for him when he returned.

“How is he?”

“He’s resting now, getting stronger. Is Tenebro gone for good?”

“I have no idea. I didn’t even think the salt and iron would work.”

“You saved this place from the kitchen fire, didn’t you? Thirty years ago. The last time he banished you.” Alejandro nodded. “I wasted so much time being mad at you. That anger fueled me.”

“That’s exactly what he wanted. Tenebro was pulling more strings than we ever knew. I don’t want to waste another minute thinking about him. We just have to look after Shane.”

“We are a hot mess, aren’t we?”

“A beautiful fucked up mess of a chosen family. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Candace and Alejandro cradled Shane in the bed of the shared chamber. It wasn’t immediately clear who was holding who with the jumble of arms and legs. The only thing they could be sure of was facing what the next nightfall would bring together, as an army of three.