Page 13 of Beasts

Feeling a growing need to understand the dangers within this house, I ask, “Has anyone else killed in this house?” It’s a direct question, but necessary for my peace of mind.

Nolan hesitates, biting his cheek as he contemplates his response. His expression confirms my suspicions. “There have been other deaths, yes. But none of us ever wanted them to happen.”

My curiosity, mingled with a sense of dread, prompts another question. “Have you killed anyone?”

The discomfort in Nolan’s eyes is evident. “There was an incident a few years back. It was unintentional, and I’d rather not share the details. It’s not something I’m proud of.”

His admission that he’s taken a life doesn’t scare me as much as I thought it would. Instead, I feel a pang of sympathy for him, imagining the horror of not being in control during such a critical moment.

“So, who else has killed?” I ask, my voice steady despite the gravity of the topic.

Nolan leans forward, his expression grave. “Are you sure you want to know? We never killed out of desire.”

“Yes,” I say firmly, hoping my resolve will encourage him to be open with me.

He begins reluctantly. “Kane has had his issues, particularly around water. The incident with one of the triplets was accidental, but there have been other instances. Before he joined us, he struggled with controlling his urges. Between turning eighteen and coming here at nineteen, he... he killed three people.”

My jaw drops in shock. The revelation that Kane, who always seemed so affable, has taken lives is difficult to reconcile. These beings I’m living with, each battling their own demons and impulses, suddenly feel more real and dangerous than ever before. Nolan’s explanation about Kane’s nature provides insight into the complexities of living among such beings. “Mermaids and mermen have a natural coldness. It’s almost a biological compulsion for them to turn warmth into coldness. Kane, he sometimes blacks out and realizes what he’s done afterward. But here, he’s been under control, except for the incident with one of the triplets. Just remember to lock the bathroom and avoid the pool when he’s around.”

I manage a small grin, pondering the thought of still being here come summer. “Anyone else?” I ask, sensing there are more stories hidden within these walls.

Nolan hesitates before continuing. “Reyes accidentally killed his best friend when they were teenagers. They were at a construction site, and a misstep led to a tragic fall. That’s when Reyes discovered he was a medium.”

I admit my unfamiliarity with the term. “What exactly does that mean?”

“It’s someone who can see and communicate with ghosts.” Nolan’s explanation leaves me in awe rather than shock.

“That’s incredible,” I respond, genuinely fascinated.

Nolan nods, a touch of sadness in his eyes. “It changed him, though. He was bombarded by voices from the other side. It made fitting in difficult, especially at school.”

“So, he’s not crazy? There really are ghosts?”

“Yes, one of them is his friend Ivan. They’re always together. Reyes tries to help other spirits move on, but he seems unable to let go of Ivan. Maybe it’s guilt or something else.”

I nod slowly, absorbing this new information. “Anyone else?” I probe again.

“There are more stories, but I’d rather not share without their permission. Unless you’re curious about something specific?” Nolan looks at me, waiting for my next question.

I think for a moment before asking, “So, Oliver has never hurt anyone?”

Nolan pauses, his sly smile fading into a more serious expression. “Trying to steer the conversation from killing to hurting to see if you can get more information?” He assesses me with a discerning gaze. “I understand your curiosity, especially given your fear of vampires. But I hope you won’t misinterpret what I’m about to tell you.”

“I’m trying to keep an open mind here,” I assure him, though I feel a twinge of anxiety about what he might reveal.

“You’re doing well,” he acknowledges, then starts to pace the room. “Oliver is unique, even among vampires. He despises his vampiric nature, almost as much as you fear it. He’s been known to starve himself for months to avoid consuming blood. His self-imposed starvation means he often battles a severe thirst and hunger.”

“So, has he done anything wrong?” I ask tentatively.

“He’s suggested that he has, but none of us are certain if he’s actually killed anyone. He admitted to biting someone a long time ago, but he’s changed since then. When he can’t bear the hunger anymore, he does feed – but safely.”

I’m intrigued. “Does he have a regular source for blood?”

Nolan chuckles at my alarmed expression. “It’s us. We voluntarily donate our blood to him. It’s safer for everyone if he gets what he needs from us, rather than seeking it elsewhere. We have all the necessary medical supplies for it.”

I can’t help but remark, “So it’s like a vampire support group? Isn’t it risky for him to consume demonic blood?”

“That’s a valid concern. Surprisingly, it hasn’t posed a problem. Vampires need magical blood annually, so Oliver is actually quite fortunate in that aspect.”

---