by JJ Krzemien
Rushi’s brother fidgeted. “It wouldn’t be all of them. Only a few will be there.”
“It’s a good start.” Rushi licked her lips. “For decades we’ve been sitting here in this hole in fear of the Amigis. I’m tired of it. George?” She turned her head and glanced up at him. “You in? Edgar?”
George nodded. His eyes filled with adoration. Huh, a dhampir couple.
“I’m tired of it, too,” Edgar said quietly. “No matter what, I’m helping Lili. I want you all to know that.”
“Well, I think this is stupid.” Xiang moved to put the recliner between him and his sister.
She waved a dismissive hand at him.
I felt torn. Half an hour ago, I’d have told them all to listen to Xiang. They didn’t need to risk their lives and the lives of other rogues. However, now that I knew they were vampire hunters, they were the perfect hybrids to go up against the Amigis. And Rushi was right, eventually they’d need to stand up and fight back. Why not now?
“The four of us need to talk about this, alone.” Edgar stood and gently touched my arm. “You may stay in our guest room.”
“Thank you.” The thought of sleeping indoors was delightful. Wondering if I’d have my blood drained during the night, not so much. But, if they hated vampires so much for feeding on people, maybe they didn’t do that themselves.
Heading to the entryway, I picked up my pack. “I’ll leave you all alone for a while. I have an errand to run, but I’ll be back later.”
Edgar grabbed my shoulders, turning me to face him. “I won’t let you go out there. It’s not safe.”
Gosh, this guy was bossy. “It’s fine. Oscar gave me a protection locket.” I pulled it out and dangled it in front of him.
He caught it and stared. “Didn’t do you much good against us, did it?”
“Well,” I sputtered, “what do you mean? You didn’t want to hurt me. And besides, it did warn me—”
“So you’re simply too dense to heed its warning?” He glared at me.
I glared back. “Insulting me isn’t going to earn you any points.”
“And being careless is going to get you killed.”
“I’ll be careful.”
He shook his head. “Absolutely not.”
“I’m going out. I need to find the Tribe. I’m going to check out Powell’s.” I took the locket back and slipped it under my shirt.
“Fine.” His jaw flexed. “I’ll take you there. It’s only a few blocks away.”
This guy was really annoying. I knew he was trying to protect me and that I was being difficult, but I didn’t like his attitude. Over protective guys always punched some deeply rooted button that instantly turned me off to them.
I sighed. “Whatever you need to do, so that I can get to Powell’s Books.”
He took me at my word, hauled me onto his back, said “Hold on”, and started running at dhampir speed.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
I climbed the stairs to the third floor of Powell’s Books alone, after spending fifteen minutes convincing Edgar to let me go on my own. He’d finally given in, but I was sure he lingered nearby, out of sight.
On the third floor was a small room to one side. Called the Rare Book Room, and it housed just that, mostly collectibles with a hefty price tag. At that time of night on Christmas Eve only a few people were up here.
To enter the room I had to get a pass from the clerk at the counter. And leave my backpack with him. He kept squinting at me and then smiling. I took the pass and my claim ticket and went into the Rare Book Room.
It smelled of old leather and parchment. I ran my fingertip along the edge of a bookshelf, surprised at the lack of dust. Old and pristine. Not sure what I was scanning for yet. Should I march up to the bookseller and ask for information on the Tribe? Or maybe there was something in one of these old, rare books. I decided on the direct approach.
An old wooden desk was nestled between two tall bookshelves. “Excuse me, do you have anything on the Tribe?”
The woman at the counter eyed me over silver-rimmed glasses. “Which tribe are you interested in? Oregon has many Native American tribes, some of the most popular are the Nez Perce, Chinook, and Tolowa.”
I stared back at her. “Uh, I’m more interested in the tribe of vampires and gargoyles. The hybrids.”
She smiled. “You’re in the wrong section, dear, you’ll want to try the fantasy fiction in the Yellow Room on the first floor or mythology in the Purple Room on the second floor.” She handed me a map of the building.
“Thank you.” I turned away. No hope there.
There had to be something in here. Or maybe it was only a rumor. I spent the better part of an hour looking through the shelves, combing through any section that seemed like it could have been relevant. Nothing.
Giving up, I was about to exit when the woman made a throat clearing noise and gestured for me to approach. Had she remembered something that might help me? I stood in front of her desk and waited.
“What are you?” she asked in a low voice.
A chill crept up my arms. Should I trust this woman or not? She was either Tribe or Amigis, and the odds were fifty-fifty. If I left now, I’d never know the answer and lose my chance of finding the Tribe. It was a risk I had to take.
I swallowed. “Nephilim?” It came out as more of a question than a statement.
She nodded and opened the book in front of her to a random page. Glancing at the clerk outside and the one other customer in the room, she leaned closer. From her pocket she pulled a folded piece of paper and slid it across the desk.
“Open this after you leave here,” she said. “And tell no one.”
I took the paper and slid it into my jean’s pocket.
“Now go.” She closed the book and stood.
“But—” I had so many questions.
She shook her head. “Not now. Go.”
My legs trembled with excitement. The Tribe was real and they could be found at Powell’s like the rumor said. What did the note say?
After hurrying from the room, I went to the clerk’s counter and handed him the pass and claim ticket. He set my pack on the counter at the same moment his phone chirped. His eyes widened as he stared at the screen. When he turned his shocked gaze to me, my heart started to race. The locket vibrated and warmed. Now it decided to warn me?
“You’re—” He tried to grab my backpack, but I got to it first and swung it over my shoulders.
I backed away from the counter as the guy’s expression changed from shock to determination. “You, girl, stay right there. Don’t move.”
My pack hit something solid and I spun around. Edgar, golden eyed, took me by the shoulders and shifted me aside.
“Run home, Lili, as fast as you can. I’ve got this guy,” Edgar growled.
I started toward the stairs, then turned and hid behind a bookcase. As annoying as Edgar was, I couldn’t let him get hurt for my sake.
A strange crunching sound filled the room and it reminded me of when Oscar shifted into a gargoyle. Peeking around the corner of the shelf, my gaze found a scaled-skinned beast where the Amigis clerk had been standing. The creature stood on two feet like a man, but his skin had turned into iridescent scales. Claws protruded from his fingers, and when he roared, flame burst past pointy teeth.
“Oh, shit,“ Edgar said as he dodged the fireball and a shelf went up in flames.
The dragon-man came out from behind the desk, his golden slit-eyes tracking Edgar’s movements. When Edgar attacked, going for the throat, the beast swiped with his claws and took a chunk out of the dhampir’s arm.
Edgar hissed and backed off, cradling his arm.
The beast advanced, flames pouring from its mouth. Edgar dove behind a tall shelf right before it caught fire. The inferno started to spread around the room.
I glanced over at the Rare Books section, but the woman from the Tribe was nowhere in sight. She had to be a hybrid, why wasn’t she doing anything to help?
&
nbsp; The creature stalked Edgar around the bookcases, seemingly unfazed by the flames. Overhead sprinklers spritzed water everywhere, but they were no match for this fire.
My pulse was raging in my ears and I wanted to run away from the destruction. Run from the fire. But I couldn’t leave Edgar there, who had managed to get himself trapped in a corner with the beast closing in.
I grabbed a heavy book from the shelf and stepping out from my hiding place, threw it at the beast. It hit his head and bounced off. I cringed at the sound of the impact.
The monster turned toward me, pinning me with his glowing eyes.
Edgar saw me at that moment, too. “Lili, run!“ he yelled.
My vision blurred with tears—tears of anger. I was tired of running. I was tired of letting everyone get killed to protect me. I was pissed off.
A weird tingling sensation formed in the pit of my stomach and spread through my limbs. I glared at the beast, clenching my fists. A burst of energy exploded through my pores; the beast’s knees buckled and he collapsed on the floor.
He wasn’t dead, he writhed on the hardwood, his face contorted in pain as he roared. A second later, Edgar screamed. He was also on the floor.
What was wrong with them? I took a deep breath and the angry knot in my stomach lessened. The beast leaped up and ran for the stairs. I let him go, not sure what else I could do.
Edgar got to his feet just as a fiery bookshelf collapsed onto him. He brushed off the flaming debris and sprinted toward me. Taking my arm, he gave me a hard look, then pulled me along behind him down the stairs as the sirens of the fire trucks grew louder.
At dhampir speed we were down the three flights of stairs and out into the street in seconds. Night had fallen, and it had begun to snow again. We sprinted to the dhampirs’ apartment along slick, frozen sidewalks.
As if hearing us approach, George answered the apartment door. His broad frame filled the door’s opening. At the sight of us, he moved so we could step past him. Edgar let me go long enough for me to ditch my pack, and then we went straight to the living room; my heart pounding and hands shaking.
Rushi and Xiang studied us with bewildered expressions.
George took his usual place behind Rushi’s chair. “What happened?”
Edgar shook his head at them, then turned to me and took my shaky hands in his.
“Are you okay?” His green eyes showed concern.
I nodded. “But you’re not.” I glanced at his arm. His sleeve was torn and bloody, but the wound had healed.
He followed my gaze. “It’s nothing.”
Slipping my hands from his, I sat on the couch. The Tribe, Amigis, Edgar, it was all too much. And the note. The note! Fishing it out of my pocket, I unfolded it.
Train station. 6PM. December 26th.
My shoulders sagged with disappointment, loss, and despair. Every negative emotion seemed to press down on me.
“No,” I breathed. “That’s too late.”
Rushi rocked forward in her recliner. “What the hell is going on? Someone start talking.”
“The Amigis,” Edgar sat down next to me, “they were at Powell’s. We took care of it.”
That was hardly what I’d call taking care of it. Letting the note fall to my lap, I said, “Someone from the Tribe was there, too.”
Xiang whistled. “So it’s true. The rumor’s true.”
“Yeah.” I stared at the piece of paper. “She gave me this.”
Edgar took the note, read it, and passed it around to the others.
“That is too late,” George said. “That’s when we’re supposed to be rescuing Oscar.”
My core writhed and palms felt slick. Had they come to a decision about helping me? Or was it going to be me and Edgar against the Amigis? Just like tonight. What was that beast? I had so many questions for Edgar, instead I focused on the other three dhampirs.
“Have you decided?” I blurted.
George nodded.
“I won,” Rushi said. “Even my brother will help you get Oscar back. Kick some Amigis ass while we’re at it. I’ve waited decades for this. You’re a little angel. Pun intended.”
I sighed, letting out the breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding. “Thank you.”
“Now,” George said, “you need to make a decision. Rescue Oscar or rendezvous with the Tribe.”
“I know. And I-I can’t let him die.” Tears welled up before I could stop them. I turned my face away from the dhampirs.
“Can you give us a moment,” Edgar said to the others. Leather squeaked as the recliners were vacated and the three dhampirs left the room.
Edgar scooted closer, pulling me into him with one arm. His chest was solid and warm. He smelled like Old Spice.
I wiped away my tears, but let him hold me, realizing no one had held me since my parents died. And it felt so good. I sighed.
Edgar stroked my hair as he spoke. “You should meet up with the Tribe, while we deal with the Amigis and get Oscar back.”
They—he—would do that for me? With my head resting against his shoulder, I considered his suggestion. I could do that. I could let them deal with all of the danger while I ran off to meet the Tribe. It was tempting. But I wouldn’t. Oscar was in trouble because of me. The Amigis had ruined my life. I couldn’t run anymore. I was tired of running.
Finally, I pulled away and sat up. “What was that thing? Are all Amigis like that? Why did it run away?”
Edgar shook his head. “No, no, most Amigis are humans. That was a dragon-shifter. A rare and deadly hybrid.” He pushed his hand through his hair. “And if it hadn’t been for you, I’d probably be dead right now, or at least wishing I was. How’d you do that?“
“Do what?”
“Make us feel all that pain? That’s what scared the shifter off.”
I stared at him. “I don’t know,” I finally said. “I didn’t do anything. I was just mad.”
He frowned. “Well, you did something,” he paused, “Thank you for not leaving me there.”
I glanced away, not knowing what to say. Mr. Macho was thanking me for saving his life which was probably not something he did every day.
“Why couldn’t you kill it?” I asked.
“Dragon-shifters have scales for skin, which is really tough to bite into. I should have been more prepared for a fight, that was stupid on my part.” He took my hand in his. “I want you to meet up with the Tribe. Leave the rescue to us.”
I’d already made up my mind. “No, I’m coming with you.”
He scowled, his handsome features tightening in disapproval.
“It’s my decision and I’ve made it.” Tentatively, I squeezed his hand. “Please don’t argue with me. I’m tired.”
Rushi called from the other room, “You two done yet? I can hear you chatting.”
Edgar nodded and returned the squeeze, then hollered back, “Come on in. I’m sure you’re eavesdropping anyway.”
Rushi entered first, flashing her fangs at Edgar. George and Xiang followed, claiming the two chairs. Rushi settled onto George’s lap.
“So, what’s the plan?” Xiang asked, looking at Edgar.
“We’re all on board for the Oscar rescue. We still need a plan, but let’s figure that out in the morning.” Edgar stood. “I, at least, don’t intend to die during this little adventure. We should all get some sleep.” He took my arm, his hand felt warm through the cotton sleeve. “Let me take you to your room.”
“I need to grab my backpack—”
“It’s already done.” He gently tugged. “Come. And put this in your pocket.” He handed me the Tribe’s note.
“Good night.” I waved at the dhampirs.
He steered me down a long hallway. I tried to study the eclectic decor on the walls, but my awareness kept drifting to the hot guy walking next to me. No boy in my entire school even compared. Part of me criticized myself for being attracted to Edgar. On the other hand it was such a nice distraction from everything else. What could it hur
t?
Edgar was a few inches taller than me, maybe six foot. He kept hold of my arm, guiding me clear of the end tables and sofas that hugged one wall.
“What made you decide to let us help you” he asked.
I considered his question. “Because you’re already hunters. By accepting your help, I’m not putting inexperienced people in danger.”
“No, you’re not. If anything, you’re the inexperienced one. I wish you’d reconsider.” His breath rustled my hair and he inhaled as if he were sniffing me. “Although I know you won’t.”
We stopped in front of a plain white door.
“Here we are.” He turned the knob and stepped inside, towing me with him. The light was already on. He let go of my arm and walked to the middle of the room. “I hope this will suffice. There’s an en suite bathroom, through there.”
Larger than my normal bedroom, it had a huge four-poster bed, armoire, writing desk, dresser, chair, and a sofa. Along the far wall two small windows met the ceiling. My backpack rested at the foot of the bed. George must have snatched it up and brought it in here.
“This is great, thank you.” I so looked forward to sleeping in a real bed and indoor plumbing.
Edgar leaned against a bedpost as he watched me take in the room. “If you need anything, I’m right across the hall.”
“Thanks. I think I’m good for now.”
An awkward silence filled the space between us as we stared at each other. I could look at him for hours, he was so damned good looking. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed and his lips parted.
“Good night, Lili.” He strolled to the door and closed it behind him.
I shook myself, coming back to my surroundings. With a sigh, I sat on the foot of the bed and hauled my backpack up. In the main compartment I took out the bundle of toiletries and my only spare set of clothes for tomorrow. I was betting on the dhampirs to have a washer and dryer.
From the small side pouch, I took the ransom note. It was still folded into a tiny square and I flipped it over and over before placing it back in the pocket. We really needed to come up with a good plan tomorrow. Hunting vampires, Edgar and the others had surely done something like this before. Hopefully that dragon-shifter wouldn’t be there.