66: 66 Weapons and Wolves (AVOT)

66 Weapons and Wolves (AVOT)

Daisy woke up feeling well-rested, the comforting warmth of the bed embracing her, but the space beside her was cold and empty. She almost groaned at the absence of Rhain but then remembered his promise to make breakfast, and she realized she had overslept. Was her mother awake? Was Rhain managing to keep her entertained?

With a mix of haste and concern, she rose, fearing he might need rescuing from her mother's inquisitive nature. But as she began to dress, she hesitated, reflecting on how skillfully he'd handled the situation yesterday. Today wouldn't be a problem either, she reassured herself, feeling a warmth in her chest.

Her belief was confirmed when she entered the dining hall. Her mother was sitting at the table, a satisfied smile on her face, while Rhain served the table with grace and precision. She was mid-sentence when she stopped and turned to Daisy, her eyes twinkling. "Here you are," she beamed.

Rhain looked up, his eyes meeting Daisy's. "I told your mother I kept you awake and you needed to rest some more," he said, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

Daisy's eyes widened. He told her that! Was he out of his mind?

He gave her a knowing smile, and her mother appeared unaffected. 

So they were so casual now that they could talk about such matters? Daisy felt a twinge of discomfort, as if she were an outsider now. 

Breakfast flowed smoothly, with Rhain's culinary prowess at the center of conversation, though he didn't partake in the meal himself. Strangely, her mother didn't comment on his abstinence.

Afterward, Daisy assisted her mother with cleaning up and then offered to prepare a relaxing bath for her. Once her mother was contentedly soaking, Daisy went to find Rhain. He was at his office, his complexion pale, almost sickly.

"Are you alright?" She asked, her voice tinged with worry as she stood at the door.

He rose and approached her, his eyes softening. "Nothing serious. Just some consequences of eating human food," he explained with a smile. 

She reached for his face, finding his skin cold. Her hand traveled to his chest. No heartbeat. He truly had a heart that didn't beat.

He placed his hand over hers, his touch gentle. "I need to show you some things," he said, his voice grave.

She nodded, allowing him to lead her into the hall. Her heart pounded with nervous anticipation. If Rhain was serious about this, the danger must be real. What exactly could vampire hunters do? How powerful were they? Questions swirled in her mind.

"I have hidden some weapons around the house," he began.

Weapons?

As he guided her through hidden compartments and secret caches, revealing pistols, daggers, crossbows, and more, Daisy's heart beat faster. 

"Rhain?" She breathed, her face turning ashen, as the grim reality sank in.

Rhain paused, a pistol in his hand. His face softened, and his eyes held a look of profound regret. "Daisy," he said, carefully putting the pistol away. He cupped her face between his hands. "I am so sorry. It is all my fault."

She took his hands, her eyes wide and filled with confusion. "But… we have been safe so far, haven't we?"

Rhain's gaze faltered, and it looked like he wanted to reveal something but held back. "Daisy, once I find a way to ensure your safety, I'll tell you everything. Right now, I can't. Vampires can extract information from your mind. I know I haven't earned your trust, but I hope you can trust me."

Her heart pounded. "I thought hunters were the problem?" she stammered.

He took a deep as though steadying himself. "Vampires could be too. If anything happens, trust your instincts. Don't ignore it this time. Come with me," he urged, taking her hand and leading her down the hall.

They descended to the basement, its vast space dimly lit by a recently kindled fire. He guided her further in, his movements deliberate and focused. Stopping before a hidden door, he turned to her, his eyes intent. "Try to remember this way. If anything happens, I want you to hurry and hide here, until I tell you to come out. There are weapons inside you can use."

He opened the door, leading her into another hall filled with the cold, metallic scent of hidden armaments. A chest near the wall contained an array of weapons, and he began to explain, his voice steady. "Daggers are best for vampires. They're fast to use if the vampire is close. These ones are the most effective; aim for the heart or neck," he instructed, showing her various blades.

"For hunters, I suggest pistols. Don't let them get close, and don't hesitate," he continued, demonstrating how to load the gun. "I'll teach you how to shoot."

Daisy felt a wave of panic rise within her, the information overwhelming her senses. Rhain must have seen her distress, for he approached her slowly, as if afraid she might crumble. "Daisy, you can still change your mind," he told her, his voice soft and pleading. "I won't force you to stay with me."

She took a shuddering breath, steeling herself. "I'm fine," she said, more to herself than to him.

His eyes narrowed, and his face became intense again. Perhaps because he wasn't done. After the weapons, he led her out to the garden, a mystery in his eyes. What now? Traps in the bushes? Guards at the gates?

The garden was gloomy, filled with the haunting scent of damp earth and rain. "Don't be frightened," he cautioned her.

She frowned, her mind racing. "What are you going to show me?"

"Your husband's extended family. Remember when you wondered if I was raised by wolves? It's the opposite."

She blinked, trying to make sense of his words. "You... you have wolves here?"

He nodded.

Her eyes widened in disbelief, and her heart was in her throat. "In this garden?"

"Yes, but don't worry. They are special wolves, and they're here to protect us," Rhain reassured her, his eyes calm and steady.

Was that safe? Before she could ponder further what it meant to have wolves in their garden, Rhain let out a soft whistle. 

Suddenly, prowling beasts with sleek black fur appeared from the shadows, their ominous presence felt as they stepped from behind bushes or came around corners as if ready to strike.

Their eyes, glowing with a golden intensity, made her step back in alarm. But what truly frightened her was their low, resonant purring as they closed in, a sound that seemed to reverberate in the very depths of her soul. Terrified, Daisy clutched Rhain's arm and hid herself behind him, seeking his protection.

He placed his hand reassuringly over hers, while she kept her gaze locked on the wolves. Something about their aura, their presence, was reminiscent of vampires. It set off alarms within her, igniting an instinctual urge to flee.

"They won't harm you, Daisy," Rhain said, his voice gentle as he looked over his shoulder at her. 

Summoning her courage, she watched as they neared. Suddenly, their demeanor shifted. The threatening aspect vanished as they settled down and began to wag their tails, looking almost innocent and obedient. Their thick black fur gleamed, soft and inviting.

"Come," Rhain said, taking her hand gently and leading her forward, his touch both comforting and steadying. "I'm sure you will like them."

She allowed him to guide her, her heart pounding as the wolves eyed her curiously. "This is Daisy," Rhain introduced, his voice tinged with affection. Then he leaned into her, his breath warm against her ear. "They will just smell you. Don't worry," he whispered as they slowly approached.

She couldn't help but stiffen as they neared, their noses nuzzling her dress, sniffing her intently. Then they began to purr, not unlike the threatening sound from earlier, but a sound that was gentle and soothing, conveying a sense of acceptance.

"They like the way you smell," Rhain smiled, his eyes twinkling.

She couldn't suppress a nervous laugh. "Hopefully not to eat me," she joked.

He chuckled, his laughter rich and warm. "They won't," he promised, as she felt their soft fur against her legs. They circled her, some rubbing against her like innocent kittens, their eyes filled with some sort of wisdom.

Now, she felt an unexpected urge to touch them. Hesitant at first, she reached down, her fingers lightly brushing the top of one wolf's head. The wolf was still, then leaned into her touch, encouraging her to explore further.

The sensation of their fur beneath her fingers was mesmerizing, rich and silky. She soon found herself crouched down, stroking their fur with a smile, all fear forgotten. They were beautiful creatures, their essence woven with mystery and grace.

While she enjoyed petting them, Rhain regaled her with the history of the wolves, explaining how some had become family through adoption and others through a unique breeding ritual involving the sharing of his own vampire blood. These were, in essence, vampire wolves. How strange and fascinating, she thought.

He introduced her to each of them, but it was two of the wolves that stood out to her: Ravager, with his menacing appearance, and Myst, a sleek creature who seemed particularly attached to Rhain. She found herself wanting to learn more but Rhain reminded her that her mother was finishing her bath, and wouldn't take kindly to the sight of the wolves. Just as they were about to retreat indoors, the wolves tensed, their ears twitching, teeth bared.

"It is just Tiberius," Rhain said, his voice calm.

Daisy looked around, and after a moment, the ethereal figure of the white-haired vampire came into view. His hair shone like glistening silver, and his eyes, almost a midnight blue now, were stunning. There was an effortless grace to his movements, and his coat seemed to float despite the lack of wind.

The wolves relaxed, recognizing him, and Tiberius approached with a warm smile. "Good morning."

"Good morning," Rhain and Daisy replied in unison. Then Rhain's expression turned more serious. "What brings you here?"

Tiberius's gaze shifted to Daisy. "I hope you have been well," he said, his voice gentle.

"I have, thank you. How about you?"

"I am in good health, thank you."

When they exchanged pleasantries, Daisy felt Rhain's hand on her back. "Well, I believe we have a few things to discuss," Rhain said, looking at Tiberius at first and then Daisy. 

What else was there to know on this crazy day?  1

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