in-cip-i-ent

inˈsipēənt

adjective

in an initial stage; beginning to happen or develop

synonyms: growing, emergent, dawning, inceptive, initial, inchoate, developing

"Hello, beautiful." I looked in the mirror at myself, and took in the damage. Oddly, I looked worse than yesterday. "Prancing peacocks peed on the prepossessing portrait of Peter Pan." 

My voice was better, at least. Lots of soothing tea yesterday had lowered the croak-factor from all out crow mating call to more of a gentle huskiness. Kinda sexy, actually.

I dabbed concealer over my bruised cheeks, then layered on foundation. I made my face a smooth canvass of pale, then dabbed on a slight tinge of pink in each cheek from an eyeshadow container. Then I surveyed the results in the mirror. I wouldn't be winning any beauty contests, but then again, with the too-square chin and too-large nose, that had never been an option.

A dash of pale pink lipstick helped my cut lip look more natural, and a few swipes of mascara helped conceal the lingering bloodshot look of my eyes. As good as it was going to get. Feeling mischievous, and with a real smile on my face for the first time in a few days, I decided to send a text off to Liam. I thought of the word of the day, and decided I missed sharing those with him. Even though he hadn't been in on the sharing, it still felt like some kind of a ritual that I'd let go to the wayside lately, with all the drama. Drama that he was going to explain to me.

Looking forward to your incipient honesty, Liam. I hope you're going to wear your truth-telling pants, because I have a lot of questions.

I smirked and tucked my phone away, then went to the kitchen. I hadn't consumed anything yesterday except a bunch of honey in my tea, and found myself suddenly ravenous. As I began pulling out ingredients for breakfast and cracking eggs into a pan, I began making a mental list of all that I would pester Liam to disclose. I still wanted to know about that damn door, but now there were other, more pressing issues. I mainly wanted to make sure I wasn't going completely insane and hallucinating.

As I sat down to eat my eggs and toast, I pulled my phone out again and poked Devon's name on my contact list with my thumb. It rang a few times, then he answered.

"Hey, Jack. You okay?" His voice sounded groggy with sleep.

"Yeah, sorry, I didn't mean to wake you up. Just wanted to see if you were okay." It was only half a lie. I wanted to see if he was freaking out about seeing some sort of unnatural thing, too. But you know, that was secondary.

"It's cool." There was a shuffling sound and he grunted as if hauling himself to a sitting position. "Yeah, I'm good. Just been sleeping. Got some great pain meds from the hospital, man."

"Awesome." I grinned and shook my head. "Your text said nothing serious. Your bass-playing fingers okay?"

"Such a mercenary," Devon said, but I could hear the note of teasing in his voice. "Yeah. Just got some crazy bruises on my back. That bitch was so strong, Jack. She must have like... martial arts training or something, taking us out like that."

"Hmm. Yeah maybe. Sorry I dragged you guys into it. I didn't mean for you to get hurt."

"Wasn't you beating on us. Don't worry about it. We were all drunk and... You know, whatever."

"Yeah." I paused and cleared my throat, phrasing the next question carefully. "Did you see how she got away?"

"Nah, I was out cold." Devon laughed, then groaned. "Damn, that hurt. Anyway, I think Robbie was still awake. He said something weird happened, but wouldn't tell me more."

"Did the cops ever come by?"

"Yeah, they stopped by the hospital. They kept me overnight because I had a really mild concussion, but they let me go super early yesterday morning."

"We were all lucky I guess." I glanced at the clock on the microwave. My first student was coming in fifteen minutes. "What did you tell the cops?"

"Just what happened. Why?"

"Don't want them trying to arrest me for assault on Simone or some shit."

"Nah, there's no way," Devon replied. "They said they were going to put her on some kind of watch list or something, so if anybody saw her they would bring her in for questioning."

Sounded like after Devon confirmed my story and suspicions, the cops were taking it a little more seriously. "Good. That's good." Then new doubts began rising in my gut. What if they found her with Ajax, or Liam? What if Ajax was hiding Simone? What if...

Gah. I really needed Liam's three o'clock appointment to be here already so I could have my answers. My mind was tripping over itself with possibilities and attempts at explaining the impossible.

"Okay well... You should get some more rest. I'm going to call Robbie and see how he's doing," I said. "Seeya Sunday for a band meeting?"

"Sounds good." Devon hung up rather abruptly. Probably going to chug more pain pills and pass out.

Lucky man. I dialed up Robbie next. It rang a few times, but then went to voicemail.

"Hey Robbie, it's Jack. I just wanted to check on you, make sure you're okay. I'm hoping you're just resting right now, in which case, good! Give me a call back today around four or five, I'm teaching until then. Thanks!"

I hung up, then glanced at the clock again. Ten minutes left. I pushed aside all of my worries and concerns with a huge effort of will, and focused instead on shoveling forkfuls of egg into my mouth.

***

"I know, I know, practice makes permanent, not perfect," Colton, one of my older students, grumbled good naturedly as he began piling his books back into his arms.

"Exactly." I grinned and planted my hands on my hips. "Why don't you get a book bag?"

"Shut up with your logic." He planted the empty smoothie cup on top of the books, then hooked his finger through the plastic loop on his water bottle. "See? Totally efficient."

"Whatever you say." I went to the door and opened it for him. "See you next week."

"Sure thing - oh, hey!" As Colton stepped out, he jerked his head up in surprise, then nodded and continued down the stairs. 

I peered forward around the door to see what he was exclaiming and nodding about. Of course it was Liam, standing there on my tiny front porch with his hands behind his back.

"Hey. Been lurking long?" I asked, stepping back from the door to let him through.

"Approximately..." He glanced at his watch. "Three minutes."

"How dare you. That puts you at a whole minute late."

"Then our slate is clean, for you were four minutes late yourself." It may have been just my imagination, but Liam seemed almost in a good humor today. His eyes were lit with some inner glow of satisfaction, and the corners of his mouth were curled in a small smirk.

"Touché," I said wryly. I gestured him inside, as he was still waiting on the doorstep. "Well, come in."

He stepped through, ducking his head to get through the doorway. As usual, I felt my heartbeat pick up at his presence. Just the pure physical force of his being was oppressive, yet energizing at the same time.

"Come into the kitchen," I offered, making my way past him. As I walked by, I brushed my shoulder against his, and felt a small, almost electric shock sensation through my arm, making me feel warm and tingly.

Sigh. I really hoped he had some good answers for me today, because I wanted to kiss him. And if he was a crazy creeper or major crime lord or... something... he'd have to come off my kiss-list forever.

"Can I get you anything to drink?" I asked politely, opening the refrigerator. "I have orange juice, milk, tea, or... looks like some leftover peppermint schnapps."

"I do not require it." He came forward to me as I closed the refrigerator, and I backed up against it, tilting my head up to look at him. 

"Uh." I cleared my throat and focused my eyes on his adam's apple, covered in dark brown stubble, right in front of me. "Hi there."

"You are looking better," he said as his hand drifted up to brush over my cheek. His thumb pressed there, and I winced as it prodded the still-tender bruise a little too firmly. He jerked his hand back and frowned. "You are still in pain?"

"Well yeah," I said reasonably. "I mean, I'm feeling better. But believe me, the makeup is covering up a world of ugly."

He did not look amused. He exhaled harshly and pushed away from me, pacing for a moment before pulling out a wooden chair at the kitchen table. Then he came back to me, took me firmly by the shoulders, and planted my butt down in the chair. He sat across from me and nodded, eyes still concerned and angry.

"When I saw you, I thought you were healed."

"I don't know if anybody could heal that fast," I replied. "It really is better today. Way better than it was."

"I wish to see your face unadorned," he said, brows lowering over his fierce blue eyes.

"Well, get used to disappointment. We have things to talk about." He looked like he was about to argue, so I cut him off. "I want to thank you."

Stunned. That was the only word for the funny look on his face. "Thank me?" he repeated. "For allowing you to come to harm?"

"No, for... for saving me." I looked at him incredulously. "Are you kidding? You got there just in time. Yeah, maybe I'd have been more careful if you told me more, but I was the drunk idiot who ran over to confront somebody I knew was dangerous. You saved me. And you stayed with me until I felt safe. That really meant a lot."

"It was my honor and duty."

He said the most antiquated phrases, but so seriously that it was impossible to find them anything but natural coming from his lips. I sat there in silence for a long moment, still not meeting his eyes, trying to focus my thoughts.

"I have a list."

"A list?" Liam quirked up one brow.

"Of questions," I clarified, pressing my fingers to my temple. "How did you get there so fast, last night? I had just texted you, and you showed up five minutes later. I'm assuming you were at your club, in which case, there's no way you got there so quickly. Also, how the hell did you disappear? You and your boss and Simone... just all gone at once. That was crazy. I've been thinking I might be insane. Oh, and what did you do with Simone? Ajax broke her freaking arm. That was psychopathic, even though she did deserve it." I sat back, pulling my knee up to brace it between my body and the edge of the table, and locking my fingers around it. "Basically... what the hell is going on? Because it's starting to seem like it's a lot more than some weird new drug."

Liam's mouth twitched up in a small smile, and he relaxed back in his chair. "Oh, is that all?"

"Yes, that's all. For now," I said hastily. I decided to put aside the door question for another day. I didn't want him to clam up and get all grumpy now, when he was finally opening up to me.

"Simone is... one of Ajax's employees," Liam said. "He is handling the issue with her. It is better if he punishes her for her actions rather than involving human police."

"Ugh," I interrupted and scrubbed my eyes, forgetting about the mascara until it smeared on my palms. "Don't, just stop. I can already tell this is going to be another vague answer I'm going to hate. Be honest with me."

"I do not own what you spoke of as truth-telling pants," Liam said, his deep voice still holding a hint of humor. "But I am honest."

"Technically honest is different than really honest."

"Truth be told, Jacqueline..." Liam's voice had a quality of expansive good will, mixed with resignation. "I am glad this day has come. However, I have reason to believe you will not react particularly well to what I have to say, and I have been... stalling."

"Stalling," I repeated blankly. "Well. Stop it, then."

"I must take steps to protect you," Liam continued, ignoring me as if I hadn't spoken. "Despite the laws, it is necessary. There have been breaches of this sort before. It is not insurmountable."

"Will you stop talking in crazy person riddles?" I lifted my hands in frustration. "My brain is going numb from combination boredom and excitement, I'm not built for this!"

"I apologize." Liam leaned forward. "Allow me to take your hand. I can monitor your pulse, and comfort you if you require it."

"Comfort me? Am I going to need comfort?"

"Perhaps soothe is a more accurate word." He looked uncomfortable for a moment, with his hand outstretched. Almost like he was anticipating rejection.

I reached forward and pushed my small, calloused fingers against his palm, feeling a soft shudder go through our joined hands at the contact. Holy crap. Just the feel of those his fingers stroking gently against my wrist, locating my pulse, sent it skyrocketing.

He looked up at me, his bright, discerning eyes seeming to delve into my mind with a glance, and gave a knowing smile. "Be calm."

"Then talk, already," I grumbled, but I felt my body melting into a relaxed state by the hypnotic rubbing of his thumb on my pulse point. Was this normal?

"You were correct, Jacqueline." He gave me an approving glance. "Simone is not a recreational drug user, though it was certainly an astute enough leap of logic, given your world view."

"Hah. Knew it," I mumbled, my eyes drooping half closed. My mind was still sharp, focused, but my body felt heavy and boneless.

"She is what you would call... I suppose a succubus would be the closest word in your language. I call her simply a Vassal. She takes her sustenance from the life force, the talent, the emotions, and the pain of living beings, such as your friend Isaac."

It took a long moment for all the words to really sink home in my brain, and I jerked upright, my eyes popping open wide. "What?" My voice came out in a screech, and I attempted to pull my wrist from him.

He kept my hand in his in a gentle but unbreakable grasp, and I was too stunned to continue fighting it. He watched me patiently until I dropped back down into the chair and took a deep gulp of air, staring at him.

"Explain... more?" I demanded.

"Many of the patrons of Underworld are like Simone," Liam continued as if there had been no interruption. "When well fed, they are lethal enemies, with superior strength and speed to humans. Though of course, they require a steady source of nutrition. Most are able to take small amounts of sustenance from multiple victims, and allow them time to recover. Simone had a habit of latching onto one, in order to drain them dry. A dangerous tendency for us all."

I concentrated on breathing, finally allowing one little squeak of air through my lungs. "And are you... you're... like her?" I swallowed hard, staring at our joined hands. Was he even now sucking out my soul, or something? I gave another tug at our hands to test his grip, but it was still as firm and unmoving as stone.

Liam blinked and tilted his head thoughtfully. "No, Jacqueline. We are... something else entirely."

"W... We?" My stammer hadn't been this out of control since I'd been ten years old in front of the freaking class during a spelling bee.

"Ajax, myself, my brothers. There are others, of course." Liam evaluated me with his gaze. "They do not matter at present. Small steps, Jacqueline."

"S-so... what, you're... vampires? Or s-something?" I stared at his skin on mine in horror. But he was so warm. So comforting. Was that part of it? Some kind of terrible power even more strong than Simone's? I had felt something was wrong when she was touching me, but with Liam, it felt completely right.

A startled bark of laughter escaped him, and I winced, thinking vaguely that the first time I'd made him laugh, I was too in shock to even appreciate it.

"Hardly," he said with a hint of amused disdain. "Those creatures of the night are a fiction. As I said, we are something else entirely."

"Oh."

He assessed me briefly, then decided he could keep talking without sending me into apoplectic shock. "We are creatures that walk the earth, like your race. We just possess a different set of skills, you might say. You know my last name is Cerberus. How familiar are you with ancient myths and legends?"

"Uh." It appeared I was limited to single-syllable responses at the moment.

"Never mind. Time for that later. To answer your questions more specifically," Liam continued, his tone far too casual for the topic at hand. "You sent me a text that you spotted Simone. I could not take the risk that you would confront her alone, so I transported myself and Ajax there together. It is a swift and efficient form of movement. Humans seem to be incapable of it. We disappeared in the same way. You are not insane in the slightest," he finished with a firm nod and a small smile. His sharp eyes peered at me, and he shook his head, reaching forward to stroke my cheek. "You are too pale. And you smell of fear and confusion." He wrinkled his nose. "Not pleasant. Be calm."

"I... I..." I was still speechless. Breathless. I choked out a hysterical laugh. "Calm. Yes. I'm super calm I'm so calm. I'm like a cool fucking ocean breeze." I managed to suck in air and quell another laugh. Breathe. Focus.

"I have brought you into my world," Liam said solemnly. "You are not strong alone. I must keep you safe. It has become apparent that you are too stubborn and curious to allow ignorance when there is knowledge to be gained. Aside from which, I find that you are... that I cannot..." His fingers began stroking my wrist again gently. "I cannot leave your well being to chance. I need to know you are protected."

I couldn't address that right now. My brain stuttered over the information he had just given me, and dismissed it as utterly ridiculous. Instead my eyelids fluttered as my mind went back to the list of questions. "Uh... And w-what about Simone?"

"There is no need to concern yourself with her." He waved his hand dismissively. "She is dead."