Kane (Rosewood Book 3)

Book summary

In "Kane," a man's idyllic life is shattered, pushing him into a relentless pursuit of revenge that leads him down a dark and supernatural path. Struggling to come to terms with his newfound existence, he encounters the enigmatic Rosewood family, offering a chance at redemption, but can he find the strength to leave his past behind?

Excerpt from Kane (Rosewood Book 3)

I’ve always valued my life … until now. At this point, I only wish for an end, but even that is highly unlikely. No, I am doomed to walk this earth as a monster, a thing for all eternity, and I am told to be happy for it!

This so-called 'happiness' grows inside me like a disease. Festering away, and eating me from the inside out. I abhor it greatly. So much so, I have killed those whose paths crossed mine.

"God, take my life! I no longer wish to be a part of this world you created, for I, being what I am, remain a creature made not by you, but by Satan himself!" I screamed, then fell to my knees in supplication.

* * *

I roamed the Earth, for my home is far from any comforts. My hatred stems from my condition, a condition I have not chosen, but one that was thrust upon me in such a vile way that I seek revenge for it.

Sounds like ill will, I know. With my Christian upbringing, I should turn the other cheek, but this thing that took my soul from me does not deserve tolerance—more of a payback. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. I smiled. Justice can be so rewarding.

It was a dark, damp night. I, being on my usual jaunt came upon a magnificent house. Large in stature, with a wraparound porch. The ornate grounds featured gardens that bloomed flowers of every kind and an apple orchard that lined the back edge of the property, next to the forest.

I knew it wrong to peer into people’s windows, but then again I was not your typical human, and so, without regret, I peeked in. Inside, a husband and wife sat next to a blazing fire that burned in the hearth. My heart wept for the contentment and pleasure they seemed to be feeling. Then, a few minutes later, she walked in. Surely, their daughter. I've never seen such beauty bestowed on one such as herself, for she took my breath away. Small in stature, slender, with green eyes deeper than any emerald. Her hair shone fiery red when met with the firelight. She had a genuine love for her parents; it showed on her face. Such warmth spilled forth in the way she presented herself, and in how she spoke, soft, loving.

I had to make her mine, but not in the usual fashion one would do in my position. I may very well be a vampire by nature, but I have not forgotten my manners. No, I would approach her with much caution and finesse so as not to cause her fear… But how?

I pulled away from the window and looked out into the darkness before me. There had to be a way. Thoughts freely swam in my head, envisioning images of her and me in conversation such as the one I just witnessed—a touching tableau. No, not in intimate ways, but in kind gestures that procured friendship. Intimacy would come much later…but for now, I had to introduce myself to her parents. Surely, with so many acres, they would need help. Yes, that would be my plan, and once underway, I would begin my courtship.

The sky was filled with clouds, which made my plan of action easier. I didn't want to wait any longer than necessary, but I didn't want to rush it either. Foolish mistakes can happen. I walked at a pace that would make me seem a typical person out for a walk. Fall was approaching, but its coldness was still long in coming. Typically, weather and its changes don't affect me, but if I am to blend in, I must dress accordingly.

Their house, at the top of the hill, stood like a castle, with its black, wrought iron fence keeping out all creatures…except me. You see, I would be welcomed, and eventually, become family after I was done. Devious, but I promise, all is good.

I thought of what I would say to them as I made my way up to the door. It had to be convincing, although I excelled at such a task—to compel others to do my bidding. I felt quite reassured.

The door opened right away to show my hand still raised, ready to knock. I immediately lowered it to my side.

The gentleman wore a look of disdain. "I think you already know what I am, or if not, you are a fool."

Well, he had just answered my question. The only way he would say something like that would be because he was like me: a vampire. This brought another question to mind…

He smiled as a light laugh came trickling out. "No, I am not the one who changed you, and I already know why you are here, come in, won't you?"

I rarely felt uncomfortable—it's usually my victims that are made to feel this way—but now the shoe was on the other foot. I stepped over the threshold, but with some trepidation. Even though I was welcomed in, there remained a small chance that he could attack me. I was a joke; if the man wanted me dead, he need not have waited for me to accept his invitation.

"You are Kane, am I correct?" His expression stilled and grew serious.

"How is it that you know my name?" I asked.

"I know all the vampires around here… I make it my business. You see, one cannot be too careful. Please, sit down."

As I sat, I noticed his wife sitting off to the side. She was quiet, slender in frame with long brown hair. I couldn't see her eyes, for she kept her head down. Was she scared? Surely, not of me; I gave her no reason, which made me wonder if she was afraid of her husband.

I directed my attention toward the man and was met with an icy stare.

"So, you make it a point to know everyone in our small community, and why is that?" I asked. A valid question, especially when he’d made his proclamation in such an affirmative tone.

He tilted his head back—a gesture of laughter, but not a vocal one. He was mocking me, or so it would seem. He was somewhat courteous―not really though, and was cold and disdainful. My question was genuine, I made no disrespect toward the man, so why this show of power? Unless he was proving something to his wife, but then again why?

He shot an incredulous gaze as if I should know but hadn't a clue.

"You surprise me. Why I thought for sure, you of all people would know my reasons. Kane, you were not created yesterday. You've been around for some time now, and yet you act oblivious to what is going on around you. Pity, maybe it was a mistake inviting you in."

"Sir, you confuse me, but I can attempt to enlighten you." In bitter tones, my words invoked a seriousness that could not be denied. His hospitality could use some improvement, and so this was my opportunity to offer him a lesson or two.

I stood, giving a glance at his wife, who seemed a bit tenser now. Good; my teaching skills were working, even though I had not said a word … It was called body language.

"You seem to know all about me, or so you claim, but I think not. Your words have no credence, but I grant you, when I am done, you will know me well. Maybe once all is said and done, we can discuss what I had originally wanted to talk about when I came here."

In a blurred movement, I had him up against the wall, a foot off the floor. "I know exactly what I'm up against, and what goes 'round our little community."

In the same manner that I had taken hold of him, he now had my head in a headlock and gave a quick twist.

I awoke on the floor of their parlor, looking straight into the eyes of an angel—the one I’d seen enter the room before things went awry. She was lightly dabbing my face with a cool cloth. Without malice, I pushed her hand away as I got up. I wasn't quite steady on my feet, but then, even vampires have a limit to recovery, a misconception in the world of immortals. Humans think we are invincible, but only to a point. Granted, we were human once, so that does present a problem at times.

I found him, my killer, as it were, sitting in his leather chair, and acting as though nothing had happened. His wife still sat in the same chair but now actively knitting away. I could have been a speck of dust for all she cared. The only one who cared if I was alive or not was this angel, whose skin smelled like rosewater, and whose heartbeat connected with my dead one. How odd; I’d never had a human, as I assumed she was, connect with me like that. With this, I mean that when a vampire is near, I get a strong vibe, a sense of presence. It's hard to describe, but I wasn't getting that from either female.

Then, without even looking at me, engrossed as he was in reading his paper, he said, "I see you've recovered. Took you long enough, but sometimes it takes time to come back from the dead. For me…" He laughed. "I recover quite fast. So, without further ado, tell me what brought you here, besides rudeness."

"Father, really now, can't you find it in your heart to show some compassion? If anyone was rude it was…"

One look—that's all it took, and she was silent. What was with this man that evoked such terror, even within his own family?

Anger boiled inside of me, and I could feel my muscles tensing up. If this man continued with his ways, I may not be able to control myself, and that was one thing I was trying to avoid at all costs.

I took a deep breath, exhaled slowly, and choose my words carefully. "I came here looking for work."

"What makes you think I was hiring?" Still, he kept his attention fixed on his paper.

I found this gentleman if you could call him that, detestable, and I had my doubts about wanting to help them out. But if I did that, I would have to forgo getting to know his daughter, and that was not going to happen. So, I put aside my judgments and continued with this conversation.

"Let's just say a hunch. You do have a lot of land, and you don't present yourself as the type of man who would get his hands dirty. You're more like a businessman." And I emphasized 'business'.

He finally put his paper down, folding it ever so neatly, and gave me his attention.

"You are right in some respects. I do have a lot of land, and I do not deal with menial labor. If I do take you on, there are some restrictions you will have to abide with. The most important one is that you stay away from my daughter," he said adamantly.