“Maybe you should talk to her—I mean, she did catch Nice, and she saved your life. Even I’ve forgiven her.” Though, I wouldn’t ever trust her. I’m not stupid.
“Her actions are a start, but she is the reason Nice was able to separate you and me for five long years.” He silences his phone again and returns to our conversation. “Which is why it is important for us to get back the life that was stolen. So will you say yes? Say yes to a human life with me?”
It’s not easy to reconcile the fact that Michael isn’t doing this out of love, because he can’t really love in his current state. He’s doing it out of a deep sense of right and wrong, out of loyalty. To me and Stella.
I glance over at our daughter, who’s not paying attention to any of this. She’s thoroughly engrossed in a book about squirrels. I wonder how becoming human will affect her. What if she needs me longer than I live? What if someone finds out she’s not human? “Who will protect her when we’re gone?”
“She will be fine, librarian,” Michael says. “We have the experience and knowledge to raise her to be strong, fearless, and independent, just like her mother.”
More than he’ll ever know, I appreciate his words, but they’re not nearly enough to convince me. “Can I have time to think about it?”
“Of course.” Michael dips his head. I can tell he’s displeased that I don’t want to jump in without giving it serious thought. I never wanted to be a vampire, but it does have its perks. “However, I advise you not to take long. The assassin will try to finish the job. Unless they see we are human again.”
I can’t believe I forgot about that. “How do you know? And how in the world would we show him or her we’re human again?”
“There is a spy among us. That is the only way they could’ve known I’d be at your library, and where to find me in Miami. This is why we must move fast; I will be making the announcement tomorrow about the cure. We will parade you and myself—posing as Freddy—as proof that the serum works. The spy will report this back to the assassin, who is very clearly a vampire hunter. Problem solved.”
So this was why he wasn’t giving the assassin priority? He figured the issue would resolve itself. “But what if the assassin goes after Freddy?” This plan is based on the real Freddy staying behind and pretending to be Michael, the Executioner King.
“They would be very foolish to murder the only vampire capable of offering a cure to vampirism,” says Michael.
“The serum will significantly reduce our population,” Freddy adds. “It’s also a cure for anyone in the future who finds themselves turned against their will.”
He has a point. I guess. But, “Are you absolutely sure this person wants to kill us because we’re vampires?”
“It is the only logical explanation,” says Spock—I mean, Michael. “So you will give it some deep consideration this evening?”
“Yes. Of course.”
“Very good. Now, let us leave Freddy to his work. There are many preparations to make in the lab downstairs. I will take you to one of my safe houses. And do not forget, we must put on a convincing display as we leave for anyone watching.”
Both men look at me expectantly.
“Display?” I ask.
“Well,” says Michael, “you and Freddy are supposed to run off together after the big announcement tomorrow.”
“Oh, you mean the affair.” I’m supposed to make people believe I have secretly fallen for Freddy, the kinder, nicer vampire. And since Michael is posing as Freddy, he means I’m supposed to put on a show with him.
My stomach flips. I still love Michael, and it hurts to think that any affection he might show would be fake when mine is real.
“Do not look so afraid, librarian,” says Michael. “I merely meant that we should hold hands or that you might giggle at my jokes as we leave. We are not going to copulate in the lobby.”
I shrug casually. “I’ll hold your hand while you pretend to want me. Got it.”
“I may not feel desire, but you are still mine,” he says.
We exchange meaningful stares. My stare says that I belong to no man. His stare says guess again.
Breaking the stalemate, Freddy walks over and reaches for my hand. “Miriam, in case I don’t get the chance tomorrow, I just want to wish you and my brother good luck on your new journey. Have faith that this will all work out as God intended.”
It’s strange to hear a vampire talk about God or not be filled with bitter cynicism. Maybe living with monks was a good move for him. In any case, I think he’ll make a wonderful king.
“Thank you, Freddy,” I say. “I appreciate the sacrifice you’re making.” Stepping in to be the vampire king is no easy task. There is no such thing as peace. There is never a dull moment. Our kind is constantly struggling with our demons and our hunger.
He kisses the top of my hand. “It’s my pleasure.”
Michael slaps Freddy’s hand away. “Paws off the librarian.”
I blink at Michael. For a man who claims not to have emotions, he sure is acting possessive.
The flicker of hope rears its head. Maybe his soul isn’t gone. It’s just been hiding under a rock.
Freddy chuckles bemusedly and goes behind his desk. “All right, you two lovebirds, make haste, and be careful. Take the underground passage after you’ve done your PDA.”
Again, my stomach starts rolling. I don’t know why I’m so nervous about this. Maybe because I didn’t allow myself to really believe that Michael and I might be together again. Now that there’s a chance, I’m realizing how big this is. He and I haven’t been a couple in years. It feels like we’re going on a first date and then eloping tomorrow.
But what if he takes the serum and his emotions never come back? What if he does heal that part of his soul but discovers he no longer loves me?
Ugh. I want him back so badly that it hurts. If it doesn’t happen, it’ll be like losing him all over again.
“Come on, sugarplum, time to go,” I say loudly to get Stella’s attention.
She looks up with those big brown eyes from her spot on the floor. “Can I take the book, Daddy?”
“Of course. My books are your books. You may have anything you like.”
Michael hates sharing. With a passion. Especially his books. It’s his one pet peeve in all the world. The fact he would share with her is touching.
She takes her prize, and we walk out into the hallway.
Michael holds out his hand. “If you don’t mind…?”
I try to smile, but can’t. “Sure.” I slide my shaky hand into his.
Just before we reach the elevators, he stops. “What is the matter, librarian? I thought you would be pleased by our plan. Instead you look like you swallowed a bee.”
“I’m-I’m-I’m—never mind. I’m just a little nervous,” I lie.
“Nothing to fear, librarian. I will not let you down this time,” he says dryly. “I give you my word.”
I push away any thoughts of him being wrong again. Too many times he made that same promise, only to be blindsided by something truly terrifying. Nice kidnapping me. Nice turning me. Michael promising to love me forever and then losing his soul.
Stay positive, Mir. After all, things are finally looking up. I got Stella back. Nice is in jail. By this time tomorrow, I might be human again. And, if I’m lucky, I might have Michael back, too.
Michael gives my hand a gentle squeeze. “Ready for some PDA?”
I nod, and a calming vibration passes through me. Even now, our connection is still there, still so powerful. I hope it’s enough to get us through whatever comes next.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
After successfully putting on a little show for some guards and a few other vampires hanging out in the lobby, Michael, Stella, and I made our way through an underground tunnel just on the other side of the jail. I don’t know if I flashed enough goo-goo eyes, but I hope my acting gets people talking.
Who am I kidding? The vampire world is incredibly nosey. Especially
when it comes to Michael and me. If they had a tabloid, we’d sadly be on the front page every day.
Hell, maybe there is no spy. I’d bet my autographed copy of Fanged Love that the vampire hunter is just following the latest gossip about us on Facebook. That knitting group keeps pretty close tabs on things and isn’t exactly careful about screening people when they join. Do you like to knit? Are you a vampire? Those are the only two questions asked.
Before hitting the highway, Michael stops for gas and snacks for Stella, promising to get us girls real supplies in the morning. I still have on Lula’s skimpy black dress and heels, which is why I keep fidgeting in the passenger seat. That and I’m nervous about being followed.
“You may relax now. We’re almost there, librarian,” says Michael as we pull off the highway in our nondescript black sedan. The neighborhood is just outside the city in an area that looks like it might’ve seen its heyday in the sixties. Lots of mint-green ranchers, Laundromats, and vape shops. I immediately know Michael chose this location for this particular safe house because I keep seeing Indian restaurants and we’re near train tracks. Food and alternate mode of transportation.
“Sure. Okay.” I don’t say much else as we drive, other than giving a few reassuring words to Stella, who, to her credit, seems much more occupied by what junk food I’m going to let her eat for dinner. Otherwise, my mind is on high alert, scanning every vehicle in sight. That Keeper is out there somewhere, and while Michael might not be worried, I’m a mother. I worry until I’m absolutely sure there’s nothing to worry about. And then I worry some more.
“We are here.” Michael hits a button on his phone, and a few seconds later, we’re pulling up to a tiny pink house with a dried-out lawn and one big window next to the front door. The garage door is flush with the front of the home and is already open, so we pull inside.
“Safe and sound,” says Michael.
Safe? Then why is there a sense of dread lingering in my mind, like something bad is about to happen? Even the hairs on my arms are standing at attention.
“Are you sure this place is secure?” I whisper, wanting to protect Stella from worrying. Not that she looks at all concerned. In some ways, her strength gives me peace. She will never be afraid of imaginary things like monsters. No one will ever tell her she runs like a girl or that she can’t grow up to be whatever she wants.
My only fear is that she will always question where she belongs in this world. It’s a terrible way to grow up. I would know. While my friends were going to Girl Scout meetings or soccer games, I was practicing killing vampires with a garden hoe or chopsticks—my parents were big on being prepared and using everyday items as weapons. Then, when I was just sixteen, they sent me to do my first kill. It was just before Christmas, and the vampire worked at a department store in the mall. She had been killing innocent humans, following late night shoppers to their homes and making it look like robberies gone bad.
So, just as I was trained to do, I scouted her out, and right before closing, I walked into the perfume department where she worked, armed with a metal kabob skewer. When no one was looking, I walked over, smiled, and shoved the skewer right in her heart. Two seconds later, there was nothing left of that evil, murdering vampire other than a dustpan’s worth of fine ashes. I walked out of the mall, drove to IHOP, got pancakes for dinner, and then went home. My parents barely said a word. They knew if I was there, it was because I’d done the job and done it right.
I admit, killing vampires was a rush the first few times, but after several years, I began feeling more and more isolated. Books were my only friends and gave me a place where I could escape the pressures of my family. Eventually, books became my whole life. I stopped killing. My parents hardly spoke to me after that, and then they were murdered by Clive six years ago, about a year before I met Michael. My grandparents were already gone by then, three passing of old age and another missing after what we assumed was a vampire-hunting mission that ended badly. But before I lost them, they all broke ties with me. I was a huge disappointment to the family for not wanting to be a Keeper.
The point is, if there is anything I can do to avoid Stella growing up, feeling like she has to be something she’s not just to feel loved, then I will make it happen. If I can get her away from vampires and give her a normal life, I’ll do that too.
“I am very certain it is safe here. Are you coming?” Michael looks at me, and I realize the engine’s off. The garage door is closed behind us. Stella is already out of the car and inside the safe house, as indicated by the open rear passenger door behind me and the lights on inside whichever room is adjacent to us.
“Oh. Yeah. Sorry.” I give a quick nod, trying to mask my heavy thoughts.
He gives my resting hand a squeeze. “It will be all right. There is nothing to fear.”
I inhale deeply and offer him a shallow smile. “Thank you. But how sure are you that this serum will work and that everyone will believe Freddy is you? Or that you’re Freddy?” Their personalities are not the same. Freddy is much warmer and, also, he can say my name.
“Do you believe I’m Michael?” He smiles.
My mind does a little summersault. “What do you mean?”
“It’s a simple question. Do you, in this moment, think you’re talking to Michael?”
Hold on. Back at headquarters, they left the room. “Did you switch clothes again?”
He stares but doesn’t reply. It’s then I notice a little bit of a slouch and a non-Michael vibe coming off him.
“Freddy! Dammit!” I swat his arm. “I was drooling over you and thinking about asking you to bed—”
“Calm yourself, librarian.” He lifts his chin. “It is indeed me, Michael. I was simply proving my point. For one split second just now, I had you convinced I was Freddy again.”
I mash my lips together. I hate feeling like a sucker, but he’s right. I did fall for it just now. “You big jerk.”
“I wanted to ease your worries. We have rehearsed well for this.” Michael goes silent for a long moment. “Do you really mean that—the part about asking me to your bed?”
My face gets all hot. Strange how I’m a vampire and I still blush. “It was really more of a figure of speech.”
Michael falls silent for another long moment. “You could ask me. If you wanted.”
I look at him, feeling confused. Did he just ask if I want to sleep with him?
He doesn’t flinch. Not a smile. Not a blink. “That is, if it’s what you wish. I am at your service, librarian. Now and forever.”
I can’t believe what I’m hearing. He’s offering himself like it’s his duty. I don’t know whether to be upset or touched that he wants to be sure I’m taken care of. Really taken care of.
“Thank you, Michael, but I don’t think I want to be with you unless it’s what you want, too.”
He stares straight ahead at the windshield. “I have not been with anyone since you. And I must admit your risqué outfit is giving me urges.”
“Are you being serious right now?”
“These years apart have taught me two things. My loyalty to you will never end.” He shrugs. “And I will never give up on us. Something inside me will not allow it, which can only mean I want you and only you. Therefore, the logical choice is for us to build a life together.”
His words mean more than he’ll ever know. They confirm that Michael, even this version of him, is what I’ve been searching for my whole life. It’s the one thing I could never find in a book. True love. Because if I can love this version of him, it means something. And if he can go through this much trouble to make me happy, even if he gets no real joy from it himself, I know he means it when he says he’s never giving up on us.
“Thank you. I’ll think about it,” I say, and leave the car, smothering a grin.
“Think about what?”
I enter the brightly lit pale yellow galley kitchen through the open door joining to the garage.
Michael storms in after me, gr
abbing me by the wrist and yanking me into his arms.
My breath hitches as he pulls me in tight, holding me to his tall, muscular frame.
“What is there to think about?” His dark eyes burrow into mine, and I feel his possessiveness deep, down to the marrow of my bones. “I am doing all this for you and Stella. I’m leaving my throne.”
I try not to laugh. “I meant, Michael, that I would think about inviting you to my bed. But I’m definitely going along with the plan.”
His eyes spark with emotion—and suddenly his lips are on mine.
My heart flutters so fast that it feels like a smoldering coal burning through my chest. It almost hurts. Almost.
His tongue glides across mine and flicks against my small sharp fangs. I can’t explain how good it makes me feel. Those things in my mouth have been a constant reminder of how far I’ve fallen from grace. At least according to the way I was raised.
I break our kiss, and I smile up at my king. “Let me get Stella fed, and then the night is ours.”
“You’re not going to give her those mini chocolate chip cookies I saw you buy at the convenience store, are you?”
“Nope. Those are for us.” Actually, I bought them for me. Wine doesn’t have the same effect as before. And now, for what I have in mind, I’m going to need a little courage.
CHAPTER TWENTY
The inside of the safe house doesn’t have much: a large safe with cash, a few weapons, medical supplies, and some cans of coffee.
I conduct a thorough check of the home, ensuring the bars on the windows and doors are in good shape. There’s no one hiding in the attic. Everything’s locked up tight, and to the best of my knowledge, we weren’t followed.
I get Stella set up in the small bedroom with the little cot. In the closet, I find a pillow and blanket, both still wrapped in plastic from the store, and tuck her in, promising this will all be over soon.
“We’ll go home,” I say, pushing a stray lock of her golden hair off her forehead. “And then you’ll have your bed and toys. You can go to school again. Would you like that?”
The Librarian's Vampire Assistant, Book 5 Page 12