Damian's Immortal

"Damian," she read out loud.

She tucked the number away and left the bed and breakfast. She glanced down and realized she couldn't return home in clothing that was plainly not hers. After a quick stop at a clothier to pick up a long wool skirt and sweater, she changed in her car and drove home. Dread filled her as she drove up the familiar driveway to the stone manor.

The car still smelled of blood, and her thoughts went to Jule again as she exited the car. There was no sneaking in with a butler and maid waiting at the door. She hurried into the house and shed her boots and coat as fast as she could.

"My dear," her father called. He sounded pleased, unlike the moods he'd been in lately.

She braced herself to face him nonetheless.

"You're flushed. Are you well?" he asked.

"Just a bit distressed, Father."

"Come with me for just a moment, and I'll leave you to the rest of the evening."

She trailed him down the hallway towards the guest parlor. She was surprised to see three people within, none of whom looked like they fit in the refined, elegant spaces of the parlor. A man with caramel skin, a woman openly armed with a gun, and a man Jule's size with unnatural golden eyes.

"My daughter, Yully, has had a trying few days. It appears as if either you, Damian, or you, Jonny, sent someone to kill her. Look at her. What kind of creature would hurt a woman like this?" her father asked. "I've killed both the men who came for her and will kill any others. Gentleman, do not underestimate me."

Yully listened, dismayed by the lies stacking up on top of one another.

"It's a pleasure, Yully," the younger of the two men said. "Rest assured, I didn't send anyone to harm you."

"Thank you, Jonny," her father said. "Damian can't say the same. Jule was one of them."

"Jule," the large man said. "Jule tried to kill her." His piercing gaze went to her, and she felt compelled to answer him.

"Yes," she said. "Several days ago."

"He killed a Guardian as well," her father said. "He was a bartender where my daughter frequents."

"Jule wouldn't kill one of his own without good reason," Damian said, plainly unconvinced.

"Sean's dead?" Yully asked, not expecting the news.

"Yes, dear," her father said, attention on his visitors.