Wanted: Vampire - Bad Blood

Aug 10th

At the stroke of midnight, Tara Callister stood alone behind her house. A circle of tiki torches illuminated the large clearing, and only the crackle of flames interrupted the stillness around her. Even the tall oak trees held onto every branch and leaf as if awaiting her visitors. Normally, the area served as the perfect assembly place for her coven. Tonight’s meeting was private, personal.

Just as she finished casting a protection spell on herself, the three Misters—a title given to the sisters for their mysterious and mischievous nature—showed themselves dressed all in black. They came from a dark coven that vanished without a trace or explanation. Three years ago, Tara’s white coven took them in, blindly believing in their promises to change.

But Tara wasn’t blind. More than once, she’d caught them preying upon new members and sabotaging the spells to help the ozone layer. That threw the whole coven’s magic off balance. Her attempts to expose them ended with her being reprimanded for making an accusation without proof. Besides that, she gained three new enemies.

Well, well, you’re braver than we gave you credit for. We almost took bets on you not showing, but no one wanted your side. Mandy, the plump older woman with fiery red hair spoke first. Shadows danced across her face, concealing the hairy wart above her lip.

Why wouldn’t I? Tara asked without fear. You said you wanted to talk, right? You said we could come to an understanding after you proved yourselves as true white witches.

Mindy, the short one with black hair, and Misty, the brunette with the pizza face, both released wicked cackles as they approached her in a group.

Tara held her ground. Is that your intention or not?

Two yards away from her, the threesome stopped and pulled out their wands. Of course, dear Tara. Do you think we would lie to you? Or hold a grudge because you ruined our reputation with the coven? That wouldn’t be very nice of us, would it? I’m only going to turn you into a toad, Mandy said.

And I’m only going to turn you into a cat, Mindy added.

And I’m only going to turn you into a dog, Misty promised.

Mandy, the leader of the group spoke again, Actually, we’re all going to hit you at the same time and see how you turn out. We’re quite curious.

The three witches raised their wands simultaneously. They froze when Alexis and Malik, Tara’s best friend and her best friend’s creator, appeared in the sky and landed on either side of her.

What’s this? Malik asked. An untrustworthy witch? That’s unheard of. Unfortunate for them as well, he added with a sneer.

The Misters stepped back warily, appearing irritated by the interruption. So you’re hanging out with vampires again, Tara? That does change things, doesn’t it? Please accept our apologies for the misunderstanding a moment ago. We were only trying to scare you a bit… for the trouble you caused us. You understand, don’t you? You see we need the coven right now until we can re-establish our own, but no hard feelings, dear. We’ll see you at the next meeting. Ta ta, for now, Mandy called as they turned and hurried out the narrow path in the trees.

Tara waited for them to disappear before she hugged Alexis and then Malik. He seemed as surprised by the gesture as Alexis.

Thank you both. I owe you one! Tara hurried off to the trees in a different direction and returned with a video camera. "I’ve got them now. Now the coven will see their lies. They’ll have to expel them."

You’re very clever, Malik said, but wouldn’t it have been easier if I would have just killed them?

When Tara turned to him, her smile was almost evil. "Of course it would have been easier, Malik."

Two months later…

Tara narrowed her eyes at the hairy beast that outweighed her by at least eighty pounds of pure muscle. She leaned forward, leveling her face to his. Passing the round, leather object between her hands, she wiped her palms on her jeans one at a time and then pulled outward on the neck of her blue jersey. Her fingers explored the baseball until she found the stitching and traced it to the most comfortable grip. With a glance down the field, she lifted her arm, kicked out her left leg, and sent the ball skyrocketing across the empty stadium.

Squinting against the setting sun, she waited until it landed with a thump, bounced, and rolled a little further. Ha! I told you I don’t throw like a girl. Tara danced around in a circle and waved her baseball cap in the air.

The huge wolf barked three times, the ferocious sound echoing off the bleachers. His open mouth revealed teeth as sharp as knives, and when he pawed at the dirt, his claws tore up the grass. The display left no doubt that one angry swipe could kill her or scar her for life.

No way. Two out of three sailed way past the 50-yard line. You lose. Tara put her hands on her hips and smirked. Now fetch!

He stalked around her like she was prey, his topaz eyes lit up in warning.

Hey! She raised her hands and backed away. I was kidding about the fetching.

Joel shook his head, then pounced and tackled her. He held her flat on the ground with a large, powerful paw and licked long lines of saliva across her face.

Okay. Squealing through her laughter, she wiped off the dog slime with her sleeve. Enough. You’re getting grass stains all over my clothes.

After a whimper, Joel removed his paw and tongue and trotted across the field. She stood and smiled as he gracefully picked up both balls in his mouth, then returned and dropped them at her feet.

The top of his back reached her waist so she didn’t need to bend over to stroke the soft, gray fur on his neck. That’s my boy.

He rubbed his side against her legs, licked her cheek, and gazed at her with those beautiful amber eyes. Let’s go home, she said, utilizing the same cheerful tone she always used on Alexis to ward off depression.

Tara packed the balls in her bag and led him to her sports car. Since he couldn’t fit in the front seat, he climbed into the backseat without complaint. He did whimper, however, when they arrived home and were greeted by the scent of pot roast which drifted through the house.

Smell good? When Joel nodded, she scratched behind his ears. I thought you’d like a special meal for a very special night.

Anticipation sped her movements as she showered, changed, and fed him the cooled roasts and the bowl of blood she’d saved. In the living room, she put in a movie and sat down on the end of the sofa, leaving enough room for Joel to stretch out. When he did, his eyes closed, and his head fell across her lap.

Tara giggled and rubbed his belly. You look completely satisfied.

His tail thumped against the sofa, and his tongue lapped her chin.

Good. She swiped the sleeve of her sweater across her chin and wiped it dry. Tonight, the Misters will be excommunicated, I’ll gain the coven’s approval, and then they’ll agree to help me on the full moon. In two weeks, you’ll be your normally dead self again.

Joel returned his head to her lap in a listless move.

Look, no one’s sorrier than I am that we missed the last full moon. Tara pulled his nose up so she could gaze into his eyes. Coven politics never work quickly, but I promise you, we won’t miss this one. You’ll be batboy again this very month, I swear it.

He nodded and closed his eyes.

She soothed the soft fur on his stomach and waited until his breathing grew shallow. She liked watching him eat and sleep, things he never did as a vampire. She liked spending time with him too. When she wasn’t at work or a coven meeting, she’d spent every minute with him for the last month. They took long walks in the park and cuddled each night. He needed her for the first time, and even if he’d only returned so she could break the evil spell that kept him a wolf, she wanted to enjoy the time she had with him.

Taking a slow breath, she gathered her resolve and began in a low voice, I want you to know that just because I remove the spell doesn’t mean you have to stay. I’d love it if you did, but I’ll understand if you leave too. She slipped a tapered fingernail into her mouth and chewed for a moment before she continued. We only dated during March, and I was the idiot who broke up with you. I wasn’t prepared for what you asked me, that’s all. What I’m trying to say is, I realized how much I missed you after you disappeared, but it’s okay if you don’t want me anymore. I’ll help you anyway. I just don’t want you to think you owe me anything.

When he didn’t stir, Tara slouched and dropped her head, letting the muscles in her shoulders relax and the knot in her stomach loosen. Just saying the words she’d been holding in for a month made her feel ten pounds lighter. Of course, he wasn’t supposed to be asleep when she said them. She planned to work up to telling him when he was awake.

At 11:00 p.m., she kissed Joel’s cheek and scooted out from under his head. I’ll return soon with great news, she whispered. Leaving the back door open, she bounded down the steps.

Thunder rumbled in the black night sky, and a fierce wind blew, yet Tara wiped the brown strands of hair out of her face without a worry. Nothing could ruin the evening ahead. She slipped through the small path that led through the trees and found the weather calmer in the clearing. The oaks blocked most of the wind, and the thunder faded as though trying to appease her. Two tiki torches shrouded the area with a dim light and the scent of pine cones. A low roar of chatting voices filled the space as dozens of happy women visited and shared the good deeds they’d done in the last two weeks. Besides Tara, only the ceremony leader knew about the evil in their midst.

She spotted the Misters easily. Their grey sweaters stuck out amongst the sea of white the other witches wore. Her skin tingled with excitement, and she smiled when she saw them in attendance. That meant they hadn’t been told yet.

Her gut twisted as she examined the trio more closely. A blonde stood in the middle of their tightly huddled group. Penelope, the newest coven member, held her horror-stricken face down and away from the crowd.

Closing the distance, Tara put her hands on her hips. Leave her alone, she demanded.

Mindy and Misty both winced, but they didn’t move.

Mandy stroked her red hair and coughed out a hoarse laugh. Of course, dear Tara. She nodded to the other two who stepped into a line beside her. We’re done with her anyway. We hear you’ve been playing house with a wolf. How precious.

Tara stiffened as she stared into the witch’s hazel eyes. What do you know about it?

Penelope here just told us. It’s so sad when a fellow witch turns away from her so-called sisters. Telling secrets and gossiping goes against the coven rules, doesn’t it?

I’m sure you’re all really concerned about following coven rules, Tara spat. She glanced at Penelope’s guilty face and then eyed each one of the Misters. Don’t you dare cause trouble for her, and don’t pretend like I don’t know what you really are.

The threesome glared.

Ignoring the warning in their dark eyes, Tara pulled Penelope away from the group. Are you all right?

She folded her hands at her chest, moisture accumulating on her lashes. I’m so sorry, Tara. They made me tell them.

Don’t worry about it. It’s fine. Tara dismissed the situation and glanced around. The other witches all turned off their cell phones and tucked them away before they continued their conversations. Midnight was nearing.

No, it’s not. Tremors rippled through Penelope’s body, and her head shook, freeing the tears which rolled down her cheeks. They were right, I don’t belong here. I’ll tarnish the coven.

What? When the girl’s eyes turned glassy, Tara gripped her shoulders and shook them once. Penelope, don’t doubt yourself. This is what they do, they’re preying on your fears. You have to snap out of it.

Her body stiffened as though she’d just been lassoed by an invisible rope. Her eyes grew to the size of quarters, and her body shivered. I don’t belong here!

Tara shook her again, trying to get her to focus. Look at me.

Penelope pulled away. I don’t belong here, she repeated, near hysterics. More sobs spilled out before she ran toward the path and disappeared into darkness.

What did you say to her? Mandy asked loudly enough to gain the attention of the other witches. I heard Tara threaten Penelope. She scared the poor girl so badly that she left. What kind of a white witch would do such a thing?

The clamoring witches finally hushed, all eyes falling on Tara. Anger surged through her, and she had to clench her fists so she didn’t do something she regretted. Her nails dug into her palms.

Monique, the ceremony leader, cleared her throat. I will speak with Penelope tomorrow, and we will deal with this after she tells her side of the story. She draped a long white robe over her shoulders and pulled her straight red hair out from under it. For now, I would like to call our new moon meeting to order.

Though surprised by the implied support, Tara tossed a smug look at the Misters.

Monique called out a spell to light the rest of the tiki torches which lined the clearing. Welcome fellow witches of Central Point, Oregon, she said, bringing the group in to form a tight circle around her. We’ve gathered here during the new moon to renew our magic and give thanks to the powers that be. As you all know, the new moon is our opportunity for new beginnings, and we shall have a new beginning tonight. Our elder sisters have handed down an order. Mandy, Mindy, and Misty, you are hereby banished from this coven, beginning immediately.

Gasps fell out around the circle, and hands flew to mouths as the group turned toward the Misters.

Mandy stepped forward, her face flushed. On what account?

To say it simply, fraud, Monique said. They’ve received undeniable proof that you three are indeed still dark witches who’ve infiltrated us under false pretenses. You swore to uphold our ways, yet you were caught in the act of preparing to perform an evil spell.

What proof is this?

I cannot disclose—

Go ahead, tell them. Tara folded her arms across her chest. Her heartbeat rose with her exhilaration, and a sudden feeling of power raced through her veins.

Monique hesitated, her expression grave. All right. Tara Callister has provided video proof of you three trying to mutate her into a toad, a cat, and a dog.

Silence fell over the crowd, and stares of resentment pierced the Misters. Tara smirked when they wheeled on her, hatred and surprise on their faces. Then Mandy smiled and tipped her head as though she were conceding a game of Cursed Cauldron. The three spun and walked toward the path.

The remaining witches rushed to shake Tara’s hand and thank her for cleansing the coven. She beamed, feeling victorious and satisfied. For a moment, she felt like she truly belonged. Until she caught Monique’s glare.

Sisters, she called. We shall thank Tara properly on a different night, but for now, I’d like to get back to tonight’s agenda. We must give thanks, and I wish for us all to renew our white vows.

Monique raised her hands to the moon and began to chant her gratitude. The other witches followed, including Tara, who could barely concentrate. She hoped she hadn’t lost Monique’s approval.

Monique had been her mentor and the one who brought her into the coven. Under her wing, Tara felt a kinship with her fellow sisters. That is, until the day Monique discovered she was dating a vampire. Then everything changed. As a creature of darkness, he was considered an inappropriate mate for a white witch in their pure coven. Monique ratted on Tara, got her suspended for a month, and then refused to remain her mentor. She wasn’t a malicious person, but she followed every coven rule and drew a thick line between black and white.

The ceremony lasted only an hour. No more was said about the Misters.

Afterward, Monique caught Tara and pulled her away from the departing witches. What was that? she hissed, folding her arms across her chest.

What do you mean?

You confronted them, no, worse than that, you challenged them to continue their ill will toward you.

Tara shifted her weight to her left foot and ran her fingers through her shoulder-length hair. I… Well, at least they don’t hold it against the other witches. It’s just me now. Maybe I did it for the good of the coven, she said decidedly.

Monique’s face set in a scowl. You play with dark witches, and you will become dark. What did you do to Penelope?

Tara’s mouth fell open. She’d thought Monique’s dismissal of the Misters’ accusation was a sign of trust, but that hope crumbled with her question. I guess you’ll just have to ask her.

Monique took a calming breath, but her voice remained cold. You must understand my suspicion. You’ve already been suspended once for dating a vampire, and now you’ve asked us to help remove an evil spell from the very same one. Vampires are wretched creatures, they drink human blood. You’re messing with darkness as it is, and we’ve only agreed to help because you’ve cleansed us of the Misters.

Her final words voided the prickle of all the rest. Tara’s heart bucked like a stallion inside her chest. So they’ve agreed to help then?

Yes, they’ve agreed, but if Penelope gives me any inclination that you’ve threatened her in any way—

She won’t.

Monique sighed. Fine. Just remember, once he’s turned, you can’t be with him.

Gripped by suspicion, Tara eyed her. You prolonged the vote until after the last full moon, didn’t you?

She nodded without even trying to deny it. You know the rules.

Internally, Tara’s heart beat faster, and her stomach muscles tightened at hearing the admission. She struggled to keep the malice out of her voice, How could I forget?

Monique grinned with satisfaction and removed her robe. Blessed be, Tara.

The farewell gesture, when reciprocated, meant they would part with well wishes and without animosity toward one another. As a white witch, she had to reply. Blessed be.

Exstinguo. Monique waved her hand in a circle, extinguishing all the torches before she hurried to leave.

Once alone in the darkness, Tara breathed in the fresh night air and listened to the rustle of leaves, allowing nature to relax her. The hair on her arms prickled as a chilled wind blew through her bones. Sensing danger, Tara spun.

A lone torch at the far end of the clearing flickered to life. The Misters stood below it.

Tara faced them and appraised the situation. They’d changed into black clothing, the more suitable color for their type. Hands at their sides with no sign of wands or trinkets, their faces were calm.

She relaxed a little even though she hadn’t worn her crystal, the source of her power. What do you want?

We wanted to congratulate you, Tara. You finally got us out of your silly little coven, Mandy said. But not to worry, dear, we shall return the favor.

"You can’t sway my coven anymore. Unlike you, I am a white witch."

Hearty laughs ran through the group.

You? You can’t be serious! You honestly believe you’re a white witch? Mandy snorted as the three donned arrogant smirks. I know pure black witches who are less conniving. Just because you’re in a white coven, dear, doesn’t mean you’re pure. Why, I believe you proved that only an hour ago, didn’t you?

Ignoring their implication, she returned a smug grin. Yes. Yes, I did.

That’s right. Be happy, rejoice, for soon you’ll be without as well. The sad part is you know you don’t belong with them either. You believe in an eye for an eye, just as we do. It’s who you are. It’s in your very soul and shows through in every action you take. Face it, Tara Callister, you were never meant to be white.

Tara sucked in a sharp breath. Her resolve slipped. I’m not like you, she insisted, wrapping her arms around her waist.

Mandy grinned. We’ll see about that, and we’ll see how white of a witch you really are. Ta ta, dear Tara.

The Misters snapped their fingers, and the group disappeared. A moment later, the torch flashed and died out.

Tara growled, her irritation growing by the second. Your parlor tricks don’t impress me.

When they didn’t respond, she took deep breaths until she reached the edge of serenity. I’m not bad, she reassured herself.

Yes, you are, Mandy’s unmistakable croaky voice taunted on the wind.

Tara cringed, holding back her temper. Years of accusations rushed to the forefront of her mind—kids at school, her mother—screaming for notice in the darkness. She tossed them out.

The Misters were simply playing on her fears and self-doubt, just like they’d done with Penelope. They wanted to provoke her to act against them; that was how they planned to get her kicked out of her coven. The fact that they’d mistaken her for a new witch who could be easily manipulated doubled her irritation. Her nails dug deeper into her palms, and drops of blood trickled between her fingers.

Tara marched home, but her anger stopped her from crossing the threshold. Instead, she jumped into her car and squealed out of the driveway, heading for Penelope’s house. She wanted to make sure the witch was all right and confirm that she planned to clear things up with the coven.

No one answered the knock, but when Tara returned to her car, Monique drove by, scowling.

Shit, Tara huffed as she slammed her car door. She could only imagine what was going through Monique’s mind. Frustration tumbled through her thoughts, an eruption nearing the surface. She needed a drink and a quiet place to sort out the night’s events.

Five minutes later, she stepped inside Charlie’s Tavern. Country music hummed from speakers in the rear where a midsized crowd played pool and cavorted. Her favorite spot at the end of the bar was occupied by a girl with long, straight black hair. Gothic makeup accented her perfect ivory skin, and her full drink perspired on the bar, making Tara’s mouth water. The roughnecks seemed to be leaving her alone.

Sliding onto the stool beside the woman, Tara raised her hand to the bartender. She ordered and downed her first drink within a minute. The whiskey stung her throat, but the burning worked to peel off a layer of her frustration. Keep ‘em coming, she called as she checked the eight ball clock on the wall. She had only forty-five minutes left to accomplish her goal and make it home to Joel stress-free.

You look thirsty, the girl beside her said with a smooth, sugary voice.

Tara nodded without making eye contact. She felt the chick’s eyes on her but she didn’t want to start