Nightshade: A SimLit | Chapter 38: The Triple A

"Is everything in order?" The blonde woman asked, lifting her eyes from the computer screen only to glance at the young man in front of her.

"Yes," he replied. "The Triple A is assembled and ready for duty. Our agents await your command."

"Good," she replied, and looked back down at her computer. "Your task will be simple enough. Find The Arcane... and eliminate them. And after that, every other supernatural creature as well. We will rid the world of them... we have to."

---

"So... let me get this straight," Caleb said. "You're telling me that you live with vampires?"

"Yes," Aubrey replied. "You act as if that's more ridiculous than you explaining that you want to recruit me in a secret supernatural organization..."

He laughed softly. "No, I just... wasn't expecting that. Well, the good news is, if I can convince them to join, you're off the hook."

"Right. Which is why I called for them to come downstairs. They sure are taking their time," she sighed. "Well, I can't say that I was entirely disinterested in..." 

"You called?" a voice interrupted.

Caleb looked up at Onyx as he entered the room, a blush spreading across his cheeks. He hardly heard him continue to speak.

"Who's this?" Onyx asked, glancing at Caleb. He could feel the difference in him, something familiar... 

Caleb smiled, hoping that Onyx didn't notice how flushed he was. "Caleb Vatore," he introduced himself quietly, the confidence in his voice disappearing.

"He's here to find other vampires," Aubrey added, "for something very important."

'So he is a vampire.' Onyx returned the smile. "It's nice to meet you. I'm Onyx Nightshade. I've never actually met another vampire, other than my... mother," he said, trying not to think too hard about her, knowing he would only remember her death and get upset. 

Caleb was silent, completely mesmerized. It almost felt hard to breathe. 'Usually I'm the one that's alluring to others... but he's so...'

His thoughts trailed off as a woman approached. 

"Oh, right, you said there were two vampires," he smiled at Aubrey for a moment before looking Amelia up and down in an analyzing manner. "And who is this?"

Amelia gave Onyx a confused glance, and he gave her a reassuring look. "This is my wife, Amelia," he said, then lowered his voice. "His name is Caleb. He's looking for other vampires, apparently, and Aubrey told him about us."

She nodded silently and looked back to Caleb. "It's nice to meet you."

'Wife?' Caleb frowned. "Yes, a pleasure to meet you as well..."

"So, what brings you here, searching for vampires?" Amelia asked.

Caleb stood and approached them, ignoring the tightening in his chest as he got even closer to Onyx. 'He's very handsome. Too handsome...'

"My sister, also a vampire, belongs to an organization called The Arcane. Their goal is to achieve equality for supernatural creatures and humans alike, and end discrimination," he began. "However... it seems a threat to this organization has recently risen..."

"A threat?" Amelia frowned. "What do you mean?"

"They call themselves The Triple A. They want to kill us," Caleb said, his voice growing much quieter. "Not just The Arcane. All of us. They're much like... the Vampire Slayers that rose against us long ago..."

Onyx froze. 'Vampire Slayers? Mom said that my dad was killed by humans... did she mean...?'

"We're a peaceful organization trying to come up with ways to prove we're no different than anyone else. But now, we've been forced to violence to defend not only ourselves, but all other supernatural creatures as well. They have to be defeated. But there are so many of them... so my sister has sent me out to find willing humans to turn into vampires and fight for our cause. I never expected to find other vampires. We're quite the tightly knit community. So... what I'm asking is... Onyx, Amelia, will you join The Arcane? Will you risk your lives to fight for our freedom? Our very existence?"

Onyx and Amelia looked at each other silently, a mixture of fear and determination evident in their eyes. Amelia was the first one to speak as she glanced back at Caleb.

"I... I want to help in any way I can, but... I've only recently turned into a vampire. I know nothing about fighting, or powers, or..."

"That's fine," Caleb nodded. "If we recruit humans, they're starting from nothing, too. We can train you."

"But," she continued, looking down at the floor. "I...I don't know if putting my life on the line is the kind of risk I'm willing to take... I have so much ahead of me, with Onyx, and..." She felt Onyx's hand on her shoulder, and she looked up at him. He gave her a reassuring smile and looked at Caleb.

"We've come a long way to be together. It's a long story," Onyx began. "I can't throw that all away. My purpose is here. Like Amelia said, I'd love to help. But being on the front lines... I can't do that. I need to be here, with her," he smiled. "I'm sure I speak for both of us when I say we're more than happy to help you find recruits, or train with your members to help them become stronger, or anything else you need us for that isn't dangerous."

Caleb smiled. 'They really care for each other. As handsome as he is... I guess I can't have him.' He sighed. "You two look like you would have great potential to become very powerful vampires. I could see you on the front lines... but... I understand your decision. Regardless, your offers would be a big help. If I need anything from you, I will let you know," he nodded. "Thank you. Again, it was a pleasure to meet you both."

"You too," Onyx smiled at him, and Caleb met his gaze, feeling his cheeks warm up again.

'Curse your good looks...' Caleb thought and averted his gaze to Amelia.

Amelia reached for Onyx's hand, noticing the way that Caleb stared at him as if he were his next meal. She grasped it tightly and looked toward the archway leading to the stairs. "I suppose we shouldn't bother you any longer..." She walked toward the stairs and Onyx followed, returning the tight grasp of her hand.

'There's something about that man that I don't trust...' Amelia thought, glancing over her shoulder at him. He was watching every step they made toward the stairs.

Caleb glanced at Aubrey and managed to give a charming smile. "Well, thank you for your help. I suppose I should try to go find some humans. Sorry for troubling you. It's unfortunate that your vampire friends didn't work out for me." He turned to the door and took a step forward.

'"Wait," Aubrey called after him. "I... have an offer to make you."

He turned back to her as she approached.

Her hands went to his chest and she met his gaze, a blush on her cheeks. "I'm willing to become a vampire and join you..."

Caleb froze, but convinced himself to play along. "And the catch is?"

"You see, my husband's sister would never let him become a vampire. And I doubt my daughter would be interested after all the lies she's been fed about them, you know..." Aubrey smiled. "I'd become a vampire without any catch to it and help, but I'd be left without any family someday. No one to turn to..."

Caleb forced a smirk. "I see where you're going with this. You just met me and your catch is that you want me?"

"There's something... irresistible about you, Caleb Vatore," Aubrey grinned. 

'Yes, I'm beginning to know how you feel,' Caleb thought. 'I couldn't be less interested now... but... my sister needs vampires...'

"I'll become a vampire if you promise to be mine," she stated. "That's the catch."

"Deal," Caleb said, hoping the reluctance he felt wasn't noticeable. "I'm yours."