I blushed, “Gosh… really? You… wow…” He grinned, “I will be around for a few days. I would like to teach you things. I float around, which you clearly know. I’d like to see you when I do.” I agreed, “Umm yes… Obviously… that’s like a serious honor.”
Sierra groaned, “Are you serious?! He’s a Vampire.” I replied, “I know that. He’s Charles Lennox.” She sighed, “Melanie, he’s a Vampire and we are Werewolves.” Charles chuckled, “She’s not from a pack that cares about that. Her Xander is quite close with Vampires.” Related to a partial one in fact.
Sierra glared at him, “Look Charles, if there’s something to know about Melanie’s Xander we already know it. I know all about his relatives.” He replied, “I’d imagine so, since you do protect them quite fiercely. Which now I understand. I’ll see you later, Melanie.” He flashed away.
Sierra waved, “Come on.” We went up into the diner. Hendrick said, “No way.” I asked, “No way what?” Caine growled, “You CANNOT run around with a Vampire who could drain you.” I reasoned, “If he wanted to drain any of us… well… he would’ve already.”
“Mostly his way of killing isn’t draining. He’s old. Draining us all would’ve made him feel sick… not sick… but super full. He doesn’t need that much blood… he’s old… like old old. Gosh… I need to sit down and write new questions.” They all groaned, and I ran to get my notebook.
True to his word Charles was around the next few days and I learned so much. I didn’t sleep much anyway, and I needed to soak up all I could while he was here. Plus, Edward and Booker were gone so Jean was in charge. Other than constantly trying to get me to sleep with him, he left me alone.
Charles and I talked a lot about the O’Toole’s, and I’d set him in the Resistance system so he could use what we had. Mostly because he could do it himself. I spotted him waiting and he smiled at me. I greeted, “Hi Charles!” I gave him a hug and heard Caine growl. He’d insisted on coming.
Charles instructed, “Get in the car. Today I’m going to teach you how to drive, my dear.” I admitted, “I do know how to drive… so you mean…” He cut me off, “You do not know how to drive like I drive. You need to learn more than evasive maneuvers.”
Yes! He was going to teach me everything I’d asked about. He got in the car, and so did I before he could change his mind. I noted it was a manual. I admitted, “I don’t know how to drive a stick shift, but I’ve read about it.” He replied, “You’ll learn my driving techniques in a stick shift first, then an automatic.”
I asked, “What are your techniques?” He smirked and revved the engine. I watched the dashboard, noting he let off the gas once the rpm’s were at six. He used the emergency break to fly around a cone. I realized he’d set up a course to teach me.
I could sense his attention on me, but I couldn’t get over the thrill. I watched every single move he made and noted when he made it. This was basically an equation. I had mapped out the angles and everything as he drove. I could do this. I would keep impressing Charles… then he’d keep coming around.
It was a little sad that he reminded me the most of home. He was a vigilante but so was I. He was a lost soul, and so was I. He knew how life really should be. He knew what was going on here wasn’t normal pack life because he’d seen it. He also knew that bad things happened and was disillusioned with the good façade life showed, with people in good places.
We were kindred spirits, and I hoped he sensed it like I did. He made me feel more normal. Before I knew it, Charles pulled over. I pointed out the obvious, “You really don’t drive like otherpeople. You drive like the fast and furious.” Easily like he was being chased.
He laughed, “I was driving that way before those movies made it popular. I’m surprised you’ve seen them.” Pain lanced through my heart. I’d watched them all because my brother loved them. I whispered, “T loved those movies.”
I nearly jolted when I felt his hand on my shoulder. He didn’t touch people a lot. In fact, from what I’d read about him, he made a point not to touch people. He defiantly knew we were kindred spirits. His tone was emphatic, “He would be proud of you.”
He was right and wrong. Tristan would be proud of what I was doing with the Resistance. He would be proud of every invention I had created. He would be proud I’d gone to the Supernatural Council. He would not be proud that I was in the Undergrounds.
He would also be terrified that I lead the Resistance. He would be furious that I was basically undercover with Hunters as Red One. Werewolves and Hunters shouldn’t mix. He would also scream at me to fight back when I took whippings and beatings without trying to stop them.
I realized I hadn’t said anything and quickly offered a halfhearted, “Maybe.” Charles argued, “There is no ‘maybe’ about it. You’ve started an organization that goes against evil at such a young age. You amassed your investments with little input from me.” He’d offered tidbits over the last several days. His tone implied he was going to do more. Which meant continued contact.
I snorted, “That’s not true. I asked for your opinions on all my investment options yesterday.” He chuckled, “Yes, and that’s a wise decision. However, you found the investments on your own. You didn’t just ask me to do it for you.” Well, that wouldn’t be nice of me not to do my due diligence.
He continued, “I would’ve because I like you, but you continue to fascinate me and simply asked for my opinion. Now, I want to see what you picked up.” He liked me? This was better than I expected. People never liked me anymore. I was the least popular person in Black Path. Maybe he would be my actual friend.
He got out of the car and indicated I should drive. I managed ok. I didn’t stall the car but I knew my shifting gears was choppy. He did it so effortlessly. I just needed to figure out the formula here. Then I’d do better. I hit several cones and wanted to groan. I was messing this up and Charles would go away because of it. I always ruined every good thing I got anymore.
I huffed and pulled over. He complimented me, “You did really well for your first try.” I argued, “I messed up.” He teased, “You are such the perfectionist. It was your first try.” I was a perfectionist. I had to do this well because I needed to help my people.
I was the voice of the forgotten and the Resistance leader. People counted on me, and I needed to do my best for them. I pulled my hair back into a ponytail. I declared, “I’ll do better this time.” He admitted, “Of that I have no doubt.” We practiced again and again.
He declared, “I’m beyond impressed.” I nearly let out a breath of relief which he caught. He said, “I do have to leave, but I will see you again. I’ll keep in contact. Email me if you need anything.” I said, “Umm I could just talk to you on the watch.” He laughed, “Yes, do use ILYX to contact me.” ILYX said, “Charles, I cannot put you in contact with yourself.” That amused him.
Charles instructed me on where to drive. I asked, “Do you have a contact coming to drive you? Or… well I can run back.” He snorted, “You’ll take the car back.” I saw a shimmer start andnodded, “Naturally, you have a Demon friend… you probably have several.” He replied, “I have few friends.” Umm ok.
A woman appeared, and I gasped, “YOU HAVE A VAMPIRE CHILD THAT SHIMMERS?! Former Demons retain their power to shimmer?! That’s so cool… and helpful… and…” He asked, “And why would you assume she is my child?” His child evaluated me.
I reasoned, “Only a child would reveal that to a maker. I mean you could be siblings… but you’re totally her maker.” She laughed, “I see why my maker is so amused lately.” Charles winked, “Do keep my secrets.”
I agreed, “Of course! I mean… even if I didn’t want you to like me… which I do… I’m aware you’re into mutually assured destruction. What you have on me is way bigger… than this… so… which you know so... I don’t know why I keep saying so.” He snorted, “Take care, my dear.”
He paused then added, “Maybe find something to do for yourself.” I asked, “Huh?” He said, “It could even help with your cause, but you do so much for other people. Find something you enjoy and do it.” I waved and they shimmered out.
I thought about his words the whole drive back. I loved to dance, but Beta Jason would throw a fit and Edward would never allow me to dance competitively. I had applied to Julliard but that went over poorly. Aunt Stephanie declined my spot before I knew I’d been accepted, and I was beaten within an inch of my life and shoved in the hole. I shivered just thinking about it.
