Born of Fire Read online

  Shoving the wretched thoughts aside, he flipped on his computer and settled in for a full day at the office. He had an entire promotion package to put together, including an advertising campaign for the upcoming national competition in two months. The final fighters would be selected from both the special exhibition match he had set up as well as the subsequent state meet. All eyes were on him in the world of Martial Arts. Could he single handedly bring this new sport sensation into the limelight, perhaps the Olympics? Yeah, he aimed high. Enemies hoping to kick him to the curb were already hovering like vultures. They could smell blood as well as chum in the water based on Stash’s bad behavior if nothing else.

  His business tactics were just as brutal as the training he provided to the men and women who looked up to him, considered him a mentor. What he was hoping to do was secure Caldre as a new fighter, but that would remain to be seen until their meeting. He’d put all his eggs into one basket before and Sakima refused to make that mistake again.

  But what if he’s the one? You know what you must do. You can’t fight what must be completed, what needs to transpire.

  The very haunting thought remained coursing through every part of his body and soul, what soul he had. Sakima glanced out the window, refusing to accept Caldre was anything but a fighter and one he was attracted to sexually. As he sorted through his mail, he heard a commotion in the reception area.

  Bursting into his office, the man stood with a scowl on his face, his eyes flashing anger. “You think you can get away with this?”

  “Good morning, William. Exactly what am I supposed to be getting away with today?” William Forester was a colleague and had once been considered a friend. They’d had the same ideas, sharing them over countless months. Now they were bitter enemies, working against each other at every turn. While Sakima’s methodologies were usually pointed, sometimes unorthodox because of his nature in general, he didn’t usually allow his business operations to become jaded. William, on the other hand, was ruthless and some said his actions bordered on criminal. Even with William’s influential family, he’d gotten into several risky business propositions. They were both vying for the bigger piece of the pie. William was also the single entity who knew how much he had to lose if Stash was taken off the top heap. Someone had seen him talking with Caldre Parker. At least his nemesis was concerned.

  “We’ve all heard about your ‘donation’ to the facility, Sakima and of course the glow and show you’re going to present to the world during the exhibition match will mean more than just good sportsmanship. Am I correct?”

  Of course, the press had gotten wind of what Sakima was planning with the new sports complex. In a downtrodden economy, his ideas were decent news. “Cut the crap, William. I’ve made no bones about what I’m trying to accomplish. I’m a businessman after all and when I see an opportunity that’s viable, I seize it. Just like you do, I might add. And you have your family to back you up. I have to work for everything I achieve.”

  “I think you’ve bulldozed over everyone else to get the prize you set your sights on, no matter the cost. You certainly can’t put anything over on those of us who know your tactics. I’ve made certain to tell everyone what you’re capable of. You think that you can simply buy up all the best players and break the rules of the game with so many promises? What happens when you can no longer back up those sordid guarantees?”

  “Who’s breaking any rules, William? And sordid guarantees? You must be kidding. Your players are certainly top seeded and from the fights I’ve seen lately, the tactics your coach uses borders on heinous.”

  William chuckled, his eyes flashing. “At least I don’t hide my player’s weaknesses, allowing them to break the law. You forget, there are so many things I know, about you as well as your fighters.”

  William’s accusations were getting old and he certainly had no idea what Sakima was capable of, nor did he want to know. William had picked at Sakima’s life, as well as his past, ever since they’d started unraveling as partners. The man was looking to expose him about anything and everything. While Sakima’s business past was indeed colorful, if his real dirty little secret was let out in the open, he’d, at minimum, be forced to run. Again.

  His anger was rising, but he’d learned a long time ago he had to keep his emotions and his impatience in check. Losing control was far too easy for him and something he couldn’t allow himself to do. Ever. Humans had become casualties very easily and he enjoyed working and playing amongst the living. “Just what do you think you know?”

  “You taught me yourself not to take anything for granted nor to tip your hand before all the pieces are in place. That’s exactly what I’m going to do.”

  “Are you threatening me, William? I don’t think you want to do that. Not at all.” The attitude wasn’t surprising. William was afraid, but he was going to venture a guess his fear was more about what would happen to his entire world should his contenders continue to lose. It was a well-known fact William had placed all his worth into a group of fighters who had no chance of winning. Even his tactics had come into question with several judges within the competition circuit. The man seemed to be unraveling.

  “I don’t have a need to threaten you at all. Time will be my friend. That and your arrogance. I will say this. You think you’re much better at owning a franchise than the rest of us, don’t you? I know about your big facility you’re trying to create. Tell me this, are you burning down those buildings so you can have what you want?” William moved closer to Sakima’s desk, placing both hands on top and leaning over.

  “Excuse me?”

  “You heard me. I know about the latest fire in the warehouse district and I also know your name is all over the real estate options. I think you’re going to get what you want at any cost, even if it involves taking human life.”

  “How dare you,” Sakima fumed. To be accused of something so egregious was beneath even William. Burning the buildings? He had a sense of what was really happening here. For William to go to these tactics meant he was running scared for some reason. He knew very well that William was a gambling man. Perhaps he’d gotten in over his head. The ugly fact was easy enough to check out. “The truth is I’m skilled at both owning and operating a professional business as well as coaching and nurturing my fighters. That’s something you could certainly learn more about. I made no secret about the fact I will create a nurturing facility, enabling me to provide the perfect training ground not only for my fighters but others as well. If you’d spend more time giving back to your community versus fucking all those pretty little blonds you have your hands around and your cock inside, I dare say you’d be able to gain some respect out there. Maybe.”

  “Such a fucking bastard you are,” William hissed. “You think your shit doesn’t stink? You’re wrong. Dead wrong.”

  Sakima sighed, tamping back the beast hiding just below the surface. “What do you want and what do you think you’re accomplishing by brow beating me on a weekly basis?”

  “You forget you owe me.”

  Now he was weary of the bullshit. This was about money as well as honor. He was starting to question whose honor. Rising to his feet, he narrowed his eyes, his anger reaching a level his canines were breaching the surface of his gums. “Owe you? For what?”

  “You know exactly what you owe me for,” William hissed.

  “I strongly suggest you back down.” The sad truth was that Sakima had taken over William’s business in an effort to help keep him alive. Now he wasn’t so certain the decision had been worthwhile. The revenge William was seeking would compromise all that Sakima was trying to achieve.

  “Or what? Your threats are getting old. If you want to stop me, by all means go ahead and try. You don’t have the balls to fight because you know what I’m saying is legitimate. You’re barely more than a common criminal. There are so many scandalous aspects regarding your past, Sakima, things only I know. Perhaps it’s time for others to know the real you. Hmm? Yes.”

&
nbsp; Reeling back, Sakima refused to take the bait. “I’ll ask you to leave my office. This conversation is over.”

  “You think I don’t know what you’re doing?”

  “Either you back up your accusations with some proof or I strongly suggest you take a step back. I won’t tell you again.”

  William smiled as he leaned further over the desk, pointing his finger in Sakima’s face. “You’re dirty and you’re a thief, as well as pushing your players into doing your ugly biddings. You have no conscience and I’m going to tell the world what a freak you really are. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg as far as I’m concerned.”

  Snarling, he dug his fingers into the cool wood of his desk, fighting not to slice the man in the middle of his office. “This inquisition is over. Get out.” Hearing William cackle further enraged him. “You will never threaten me again or I will come back fighting. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

  “Oh, I understand all right. Interesting, even for you. Poaching fighters seems to be a bit beneath you. Even I can admit that. And to think you’re attempting to buy your way into fame and fortune is nothing but a game to you. We’ll see what you think when I single handedly take you down. My guess is your current investors would find your practices despicable. I would also guess they’d want to wash their hands of the dirty mess,” William huffed as he held up his hands and backed away. “You know what they say about fire…” His voice trailed off.

  “If you honestly think I’m going to stand by and allow you to continue with these threats you are very wrong. I strongly suggest you take your business, your franchise and your words elsewhere. You have no idea who you’re fucking with. Do I make myself clear?” Fire? The gleam in William’s eyes indicated the man was up to something.

  William grinned. “Crystal, my friend, but rest assured. I’m going to expose you for the monster you truly are. You only think you can get away with the bullshit you have for years. Just wait. My wrath is just beginning.”

  He waited until William stormed out of his office before exhaling slowly, allowing his fangs to fully elongate. Wrapping his hand around the base of his office phone, he didn’t realize the force he was using as he squeezed until he looked down. Seeing the twisted plastic, he sucked in his breath. The threats had been getting out of hand, as if William was playing a game. The man knew far too much about him and about his past. He was going to have to consider carefully how best to deal with the wretched prick.

  As he turned to stare out the window, he could only see blood and more than one ugly realization hit him hard. He’d fought for too long to hide his secret, one that would cost him his livelihood and quite possibly his life. He refused to allow this to happen. While he wasn’t a murderer, had never taken a human life for food or in anger, he may have to break his own code of honor, go against his spirit. He knew if he succumbed to the darkness every creature of his kind possessed and some feared, he would become lost to the need forever. There would be no turning back. It was a chance he was willing to take.

  For a few minutes he remained stoic, his body rigid, thoughts about almost one hundred years of being so alone. There was no way to fill the void buried in his blackened soul. For his kind to share anything other than brutality and death was extraordinary, almost an impossibility. He’d been given a gift, one so rare both his and… Sakima found it difficult to think his name. Zamir. Closing his eyes, he leaned against the window and the visions tumbling through his mind were an incredible but so very damning reminder of what he truly was—a monster, one feared by mankind. There would never be a chance to live peacefully together, sharing the same space. No human would choose to accept creatures that fed on blood and gore. The curse was a way to keep his kind in check. Some said the damning ancient beliefs were the Devil’s only way to fight the true spirit of his people. Almost as if a test, a sarcastic push. Only those with some level of humanity could fight off the effects, the growing need for blood, no matter what the cost.

  While some of his kind were merely partners in the way of human life, attempting to be more human than vile beast. They lived and breathed as a man or woman going about their day-to-day lives, indulging in pleasures those with blood and flesh merely took for granted. A subtle play by play of moments from his past rolled across his field of vision and he was humbled with need. After the savage mutilation of his tribe, Sakima had ceased to have the range of emotions that he once had, perhaps allowing himself to be intrigued by the dark and ugly side. The monster that had turned him knew how vulnerable Sakima truly was. However, his way amongst the living and his earthly spirit had been lost long before the beast had imprisoned him. But he could and did feel despair almost every day of his wretched life. There were days true death would be welcome. He was indeed in his own private Hell.

  Sakima glanced at his hand, flexing his fingers, clenching and unclenching. He longed to have the level of sensations he’d had as a boy and a young man, when so many aspects about life seemed fulfilling. During his youth, he was so eager to join the ranks of men in love, working hard for a living. He’d achieved everything he’d set out to, including marriage to a beautiful young woman. She’d brought two warring tribes together, securing a future and a happy life. Seeing her decapitated body lying in the ruins had taken the last of his humanity. From that day forward he was a shell of a man.

  He’d known even then he was different and the choices he’d made had determined his ultimate demise. Perhaps he’d deserved being used and turned by one so brutal, so bloodthirsty. His betrayal of his wife and family deserved nothing less. A century he’d spent serving one man, one horrible, disgusting creature that had taught him the more savage aspects of being a vampire.

  Sighing, he shook his head as thoughts about Zamir entered his mind. Zamir had brought him back from his depths of despair, healing and caring for Sakima in a way few could understand. Becoming lovers had been a natural progression. Or so he’d thought. Sakima’s servitude to the monster had lasted over a century, until a horrible fire, one ignited by members of a town fighting to take back their very humanity, had set him free. Fire meant their destruction, but fire also meant life in several ways. Some succumbed to the flames willingly, choosing true death over living life as a monster, determined to be free.

  Over time Sakima realized he’d never been free. Hunger and a growing need filled his mind and he succumbed to the creature he was. Murdering humans during the time was simply normal. Zamir had helped him yank back a certain level of humanity, learn to live amongst humans again, even helping him become less bloodthirsty.

  He could still envision his lover’s long blond locks, framing a chiseled face with the bluest eyes he’d ever seen. They’d never changed, never becoming the midnight color, the very signature of his kind. Some vampires said Zamir was more beast than vampire, one so evil he would destroy them all. But Sakima had known better. Zamir had been their salvation. Shuddering, he rubbed his arms as his thoughts meandered to Caldre. Very slowly he lifted his head, a quiet reverence filling his soul. The monster, as well as others of his kind, had taught him that the past always reoccurred. Reincarnation was a strong belief. The curse… A particular moment of their lives would be repeated once, a pattern of brutality, deceit as well as love forcing them to rethink how and what they’d done. When that happened, they would be facing the expiration of their existence unless the cycle was broken. There were no rule books, merely stories told in groups of his kind. The human creatures were hated because of the unknown.

  Soul Mongers was the term often used by the Elders after the great massacre. Another tribe had taken him in, attempting to nurture while warning him about their foretelling and the relentless bloodsuckers, they called the vampires. The Soul Mongers were perhaps the true enemy, humans who could take down what little the Indians had left. They were special, having been chosen long before they were born to fulfill a sacred destiny, one few knew and fewer still could understand. Perhaps they’d all succumbed to the spell of the vampire.
The ridiculous concept was something he’d thwarted from the very day he’d heard the ludicrous statement offered by an elder, a tribal chief so highly revered he was considered a patriarch. Soon after, vampires appeared in numbers.

  Later on, he learned many vampires believed this phenomenon was a righting of the world, allowing humans to take back the control they’d lost centuries before. An ancient curse forced souls of light with monsters from the dark to co-exist. Some said this would mean the entire annihilation of their kind. Sadly, a high percentage of humans considered Soul Mongers were murdered, the terror surrounding their existence horrific. Zamir had been sacrificed for this very reason. The love of Sakima’s life had been crucified, much like Christ of man had.

  Sakima cringed then laughed, his mind reeling from the very understanding. If the curse was to be believed, Caldre might be the final piece of his personal puzzle, the very repetition of his past he so feared. He was a human no less with zero understanding of how important his life was, even if it meant death. Sakima could choose life or death with the man, one who was to become his lover. If he desired, he could choose to become very human once again, enjoying the full kiss of the sun, the warmth of a lover’s hand. Sakima would experience the taste of food and the utter bliss of sex, his heart beating once again. Then he would die.

  In order to continue being immortal, he’d have to kill the Soul Monger. Caldre was without a doubt his nemesis. Instead of wanting nothing more than to torture and kill a natural born enemy, he wanted to live again. Terror raced down is spine. He only had one choice and the decision was terrifying.

  “You’re an ugly monster, one who deserves to die. You’re no savior, merely a damning human.”

  “Who are you? What do you want?” Caldre moved into the fog, determined to locate the person behind the cackling voice.