Zaphira's Flame's
chapter 4

We didn’t spend much time at the precinct after what took place at the club, my head still a little fuzzy. At five I checked out, saying I had to go home, and get some rest.

Zack tried to get me to go back to his place, so he can keep an eye on me, but I told him I was fine, and said I would call him later to confirm that I’m fine.

Walking into my house, there’s something wrong, I don’t know what it is, but I can feel it. Pulling out my gun, I started doing a sweep of the house, going from room to room. Walking through my house, there’s no one in my house, but I still have the feeling that there’s something wrong, it’s just nothing that I can see. Re-holstering my gun, I went into my bathroom, having a hot shower washing off the grime from today. Stepping out of the bathroom, wrapped in a towel; I walked into my living room, turning on the news I went to grab a cold beer from the fridge. Grabbing my dinner from the freezer, I threw it in the oven, took a swig and went to get dressed.

Pulling on a pair of sweats, and a grey T-shirt listening to the news, there talking about the animal attack; saying that the cops found the animal, and took care of it.

The oven beeped, taking it out, I sat on the couch, changing the show to some crime show, relaxing.

Everything that happened today, has left me drained; I was attacked and fed on by a vampire; they tore at my flesh, and tried to drain the life out of me.

Taking another swig from the bottle, the fuzziness finally all cleared, I sent Zack a text telling him I was okay, and that I would check in with him in a while. My boss called, saying that I can have the day off tomorrow if I want it, but I don’t think I can, I need to get back to work.

Not feeling very hungry, I just picked at my food, I wonder if that has something to do with the blood Alex gave me.

He seemed so concerned about me when he thought I was going to die; he did everything he could to save me. Even after he knew I was okay, he still hadn’t let go of me; holding me close to him. Suddenly feeling very tired; I lied down, pulling up the blanket off of the back of the couch, almost pulling it over my head.

Closing my eyes, everything just drifted away; wanted to forget everything that happened today.

Opening my eyes, I’m in my bed, but I didn’t come to bed last night, I fell asleep on the couch, so how did I get in bed then? Looking at my clock it’s almost seven, I don’t have to be in till nine.

But the question remains, how did I get into bed last night? Climbing out of bed, my gun is on my nightstand, but it’s not in its holster which doesn’t make sense; since I never leave it out of its holster when I get home. Grabbing it, I walked to my door, opening it and looking out, but I don’t see anyone out there.

Walking out, gun raised all my curtains are drawn; but there’s a blanket and pillow on my couch as if someone other than me slept there last night.

“Morning Z I didn’t wake you did I?” Lowering my gun. “Dam it Alex! What the hell are you doing here?”

Alexander is in my kitchen making breakfast. “I came to check on you last night, your door was open; so I let myself in, and I found you on the couch. You are a very deep sleeper I might add. I picked you up and put you into bed. You didn’t even stir. I didn’t want to leave you alone, so I slept on your couch just to make sure you were alright. As I carried you, you were talking in your sleep; I didn’t get much of it, but what I did get, you said something about fire. Does that mean anything to you?”

Sitting on one of my kitchen chairs, putting my face in my hands. “Zaphira what is it? What does that mean?”

Taking a deep breath, looking up at him. I have no idea how to tell him what’s going on with me.

“Ok. Here it is, I’ve been having these dreams, and I have no idea what they mean. My body is on fire; but my skin isn’t burning or anything. My whole body is aflame.” The look on his face, he knows what these dreams mean his eyes, are swirling with red. “What does it mean Alex? I know you know, so just tell me. What does the dream mean?” He moved forward so he’s closer to me.

“Yes I know what you’re dreams mean. You’re surrounded by flames, Z I think it means you’re somehow in transition. I’m sorry to tell you this, you’re becoming a fire demon.” “What? How can I be becoming a fire demon? No; that’s not possible.”

Alex put his hands up, stopping me.

“I know. It’s not easy to hear. But it’s true, anyone who’s in transition has dreams about what they’re becoming. I am so sorry, this isn’t the best way for me to tell you, but you have to talk to someone about this. I know a lot of people in the demon world. After we eat we’ll head there and see what we can replace out.”

I nodded and looked down at myself. I’m still in my track pants, but I’m in a blue tank top. “How did I get this on?” He flashed me a smile and went back to the stove. “You go get dressed and I’ll finish up in here.” I nodded. “Thank you. I really do appreciate everything you’ve done for me.” I said as I got up and headed to my room. I called my boss saying I won’t be in today, that I need some time, which also means I don’t have to wear my usual cop clothes. There’s a small bag on little bench by my window.

Opening it it’s a pair of designer jeans and a flowing back top. They both look very pricey, but where did they come from? Setting them back in the bag, I went to my closet; to pull clothes out, most of them are work clothes, but for this, I need something not so official.

Going through all my hangers, but there’s nothing I would wear to meet with the demons in.

Going back to the bag; pulling out the clothes, there are no tags, but I know they cost a lot.

Pulling them on, I pulled my hair up; and went back out; Alex had a full breakfast I didn’t know that vampires can eat like that, but apparently they can. “You look great.” “Thank you, and thanks for the clothes, but you didn’t have to do that.”

“I know. But after what happened, it was partially my fault. I asked you to come to the club, so I wanted to do something to say I’m sorry.”

“You have nothing to be sorry for. None of this is your fault. I came because I care about this world; I don’t want anything to happen to it.”

Looking at myself in the mirror, the jeans fit like a dream, there the best pants I have ever owned. The top flows around me, dipping low in the front.

“We’ll eat, then head out.” I nodded, taking a sip of my Coffey. “Can I call Zack and ask him to come?” Shaking his head. “No. where we’re going, he can’t come. He won’t be able to handle it. Sure he can handle us, but he won’t be able to handle the demons. I’m sorry, but that’s how it is.”

“I understand that, but this doesn’t feel right, going into this without him. But it makes sense, we’ll tell him after. I mean he doesn’t even know, about the dreams, but I should tell him, sooner or later.”

“You’ll tell him, but not until we know what’s happening to you. Have something to eat, you look like you could use it.”

I nodded, taking another sip, as he sat across from me.