- We're getting closer. There's a circle!
- Some vampires who will try to influence us with magic," Danielle explained over my shoulder. I'm not offended. He's not interested in me right now. But I have a chance, too.
I pulled a pack of condoms out of my pocket and tore the wrapper off with my teeth. Then I unwrapped one of the condoms. Thank you, Nadya. Although you put them in for another case! But what can't you think of to survive? I poured most of the water out of the bottle into the rubber. It fits. We have good rubber products! Bo-holes made!
- And how do your vampires feel about holy water? Let me in the front line," I suggested.
Daniel intercepted me and placed me next to Mieczysław, and he hugged me tightly behind my waist with his right hand. It seemed that I was intercepted by a steel hoop.
- Crush it, damn it!
My arm was a little loose, but it crawled higher to my chest. Well, not a bastard?! At a time like this, groping a poor girl?!
It's like a vampire read my mind.
- It's nothing personal. Hold on tight.
We got shaken up pretty bad. And the same second I noticed a circle. It wasn't a geometric figure. It was just five vampires standing in the middle of the road holding hands. They were moving slowly. One of them, one of them, one of them released his hand and drew something in the air. And something cloudy and white floated around them. This white thickened before my eyes, taking the form of an octopus, and rushed toward us. A few tentacles gently enveloped me, touching only men. And - I saw it on the example of Boris - getting absorbed and crawling into their bodies. Vadim sniffed tightly. Boris fell to the wheel with a rag. I heard Daniel's pain screeching from behind. It was just the two of us. Mecislav intercepted the bus with one hand, holding me firmly with the other hand. My fingers were stiffened in a dead grip. Just don't drop my projectile! Not until I finish it. A couple more meters...
And in that moment, the cloud finally got to me.
I got hit in the face by something cold and hard. Like a piece of ice. But this ice was also stinging and slimy and somehow unclean. Like a frozen trail of a giant slug. And that slug wanted... wanted our lives. It was his purpose to eat, drink other people's lives and power, accumulate his own and destroy it.
The disgust was too strong for me to throw up. The slug crawled into me and was going to make himself comfortable. I could only feel it inside me - and hate to watch it fly away - what? That life force? I guess. The disgust was so complete that I couldn't even move, because if I did, it would move inside too. And it would be... nauseous...
Mecislav sewn like a huge cat - and that sound gave me strength. You can fight this slug! The Leoverenskys do not give up without a fight! God sees!
Deep down inside my soul, my beast from the mirror, stripping my claws with a whitish mutt. The numbness has receded. I knew it wouldn't last long, but it won't be long, will it? The bus was already two or three meters away from the vampire circle. And that distance is available to me with my human strength!
I screamed with disgust, horror, and hate. And that fear spilled out into one crazy scream:
- Take that, fascist, grenade!
And I threw a condom. Oh, my God! I would never get that accurate if I was aiming. But I did. And the condom exploded over the heads of the vampires gathered in a circle.
The wild howling cut through the night. Vampires didn't burn, no! Their skin just dripped off, like from Duchka. They melted and fell to the ground like they were burnt with acid. The swordsman turned the steering wheel, and the bus went straight through the vampire circle. Who didn't run away, it wasn't my fault. From under the wheels, I heard some nasty smack and crunch. I'm confused. I hurriedly closed my eyes. The only real thing left was the hand that hugged me at the waist and the air hitting my face.
And the darkness in the blissful cloud that enveloped my mind. The worm was slowly dissolving, and now I was absorbing it. And something was changing and shifting inside me. Some scraps of words, thoughts, feelings were flickering. The mind could not cope with the flow of foreign energy. Registers were overloaded. The computer was hanging.
I think that was the last connected thought before he fainted.
And then a calm voice, with fur running through my skin.
- Open your eyes, Jane. It's okay.
That voice could only belong to one person on the planet. I mean, a vampire. Medislav. And I wasn't going to show my weakness before him. Like hell I was!
- Is it over already?
I slowly opened my eyelashes. Mecislav was on his knees right above me. I was lying on one of the bus seats, and my legs wouldn't fit on it, hanging on the floor. Mieczysław could stand next to me or bend over the rail, but where there! That vampire just knelt down and leaned over me like a lover. I imagined it so vividly that blood spurted to my face and the body became suspiciously hot.
- It's all right, there are no more enemies left - the voice was soft and soothing. But it also excited me. I flinched.
- Do me a favor, get away from me!
Mieczyslaw laughed and got up on his feet easily. His eyes seemed almost black in the shade.
- You threw your... projectile, and you fainted in my arms. Other than that, everything's fine.
All what? Specifically, who?
- Danielle? Vadim? Boris?
- Everybody's alive and well.
I took a breath. Now we can talk about less important things. Like...
- What about the vampires that attacked us?
- I hope they're done. I didn't stop and kill them.
- You took a bus ride on them, didn't you?
- So what? Even if somebody got wrapped up on wheels, there's not much to lose.
- Sociopath," I typed.
Mechislav seems to be offended.
- If one of them is still alive, he'll survive. You saw for yourself what condition Danielle was in, but he's cured! And these will heal. But in the next few days, they're not my opponent.
- Is that what you want?
- Absolutely.
I just took a breath. Really, what difference does it make to Mieczysław if somebody was flattened by a bus into a cake? I don't think a seven hundred year old vampire would care about such a little thing. What about me? I will. The scariest thing in my life so far has been dissecting an ascarid...
[7]
. And I'll only get off the bus now with my eyes closed. Or I'll see my brains on wheels, and I won't eat meat for a week. Not to mention brain bones.
- Jane, I have to thank you," the vampire interrupted my mind. - It's very fortunate to have the holy water with you.
- You won't get enough thanks, my female instincts woke up immediately. - Something more substantial will be offered?
- I can offer you a bag of tinned blood," Vadim snuck up. Mechislav did not even raise his voice to him. He just sparkled his eyes, and the guy was blown away by the wind.
- Well, what do you want? Or who?
The voice of the vampire was mesmerizing. With that voice... oh, if I could talk like that, all the guys in the institute would follow me around with dogs... velvety, caressing, tempting - and hinting at something very intimate. That's what I wanted to say, "you." I restrained myself with a colossal effort of will.
- Vodka and herrings," I demanded in a bowed voice. - Atlantic, spicy salts.
Mechislav clapped his eyes. His view was frankly confused. Apparently, no one neglected him for the fish. Well, they should have. I really wanted a lot more herring now.
- If we're in town, we'll stop by," he finally gave birth.
I had a snort.
- Come on, I was just kidding. Can you answer the question?
- Which one?
This time the voice was normal, not like a gigolo on vacation. So I decided to ask about what I saw.
- And there, on the road, what was that around them?! So white?
- White?
- Yeah... They called it in, and then it rushed towards us. - I remembere
d his sticky touch, and I got stuck. - It wanted to... eat...
I think the vampire was surprised. It's a rare sight. I wish I had a camera now!
- Is that how you saw it?
- What is that?! That slug octopus?
- What's that?
The vampire was clearly confused. I wince, but I explained.
- Such a white cloud, nasty as slime, but with tentacles like an octopus. It just waved them at the guys at first and hit us both with all the carcass. Apparently, it's formed. These, in a circle, somehow fed it...
- Did you see that?
- Idiot question!
- Don't get cocky, Curly!
- Are you gonna answer or not, vampire?
For a moment, we crossed our eyes. But arguing with a woman... How's the classic? The hell does a woman get angry? And if the hell he didn't, the vampire wouldn't try. That's right. Just a little more, and I'd just get in a fight. Mechislav wouldn't cripple me, but to fight a girl in front of her subordinates is to lose face. So he chose to answer.
- It was the spell of life slowing down. We fall into a daze from them - and Andre's servants only have to get us out of the bus. They were slower on me than the others. But even I would have succumbed to their power sooner or later. There's something I owe you, Jane.
The rock is flowing, the seas are burning, and the devils are flying. The vampire admitted he was grateful to me?! However! But why not take advantage of it?
What's the benefit, though? It's a lot of trouble. And that acknowledgement is worth less than a toothpick. And he'll treat me like that toothpick. Use it and throw it away.
- Promise you won't walk in my dreams, that'll be enough. - And I couldn't help myself. My tongue is my enemy. - Or next time, I'll let you through the meat grinder.
There was definitely a mockery in the green eyes.
- Where are we going now? - I asked.
- Now? To my man. We will have to come as kings, but not as travelers or conquerors. Andre must be visited by kings.
- I'm coming with you.
There's only one name in my mind. Katya. She's been with him for 24 hours now. And Dyushka's fantasy isn't healthy. Will I manage to get her out in time?
- It can be dangerous.
- I'm not asking anyone to protect me! And those who attacked first are to blame.
Mechislav rolled his eyes.
- Danielle, try to talk your woman out of it.
- I'm not his woman!
- Danielle! You found her, you bring her up! I'm going to break her neck!
Hmm. And my grandfather promises I won't sit on my ass for a week. But he's more convincing. Which is what I said.
Mecislav Vitievato scolded.
There was anger in the vampire's voice, and I felt it like a hot palm on my skin. But it wasn't directed at me. It was directed at someone else. Daniel? The vampire was instantly with me.
- Jane, you're tired. You need to rest.
- I don't!
I really felt like I'd been charged from a socket during my holiday. It gave me the creeps. All the hairs on my body stood up. My head was ringing and light and my heart was beating like clockwork. It was just great for me!
- What's happening to me?
- If I'd known! Even the legends don't say anything about it!
That's nice. And how it feels like me. Getting caught up in some half-mystical shit nobody can even figure out. But is it bad that I feel like an eternal engine? Where's Duke?! Look out, Fanger! I'm going to look! And I'm coming to your grave. And if you only touched my friend, I'll bury you separately from some parts of your fang body. I swear on a tail that I don't and won't have. There!
- Whether you like it or not, gentlemen vampires, I'm coming with you! That parasite has my friend!
- I'll talk to him about your friend," promised Mecislav.
I just had a snort.
- Your word is no guarantee! I'm going with you - or going alone! In that case, I'll see you at Duke's reception!
- What if I told you to tie you up and put you somewhere? Like in the basement?
I shrugged my shoulders.
- Try it. It's not that hard. But I tell you, when I get out of there, I'll give you a bath in holy water! You can't keep me tied up forever, and your hypnosis is one-figure.
A few seconds, the vampire was definitely thinking about something.
- That's right, too. Okay. You're coming with us. Fifth.
- Mecislav! - Danielle jumped in.
We also burned him with the gruesome looks and the vampire drooled. Mecislav turned to me.
- I'll take you if you promise to keep quiet and obey me in everything.
- I promise," I said with a clear conscience.
Why didn't anyone believe me? I told you the truth, didn't I?
Chapter 6
Strangely, to a friend's house. Mieczysława, we got there without incident.
I'm conveniently set up closer to Daniel. A vampire looked at me and pulled me under his barrel. I immediately curled up with a bun and put my head on his lap. It's more comfortable.
We kept quiet, and I had time to think. How does Mecislav feel about me now? After what happened on the road?
That's a good question. And the answer is even better.
Such notions as "gratitude", "honor", "dignity", "honesty" - in principle, cannot be included in the vampire's vocabulary. Not to mention a seven hundred year old. And this has nothing to do with romance. And neither is my bastard character. Suffice it to remember what Danielle told me about the vampire community. The rat pack, that's what it is. And if anyone wants to, they can go to the pet store and explain honor and decency to the caged hamsters. If it turns out and the hamsters become noble or at least understand what it is - then I believe in the nobility of Mieczysław. With all four limbs. And in the meantime...
It's very likely that Mieczyslaw was really in my dream. There, in the dandelion clearing. And he wanted something from me. I just can't remember what it was. But I don't think he got it. Something got in the way. Me? Or a vampire attack?
Oh, who cares! Wife boss or man in the family head? By the way, I've always been confused by that phrase. Isn't it clear? A decent family is that two-headed eagle from the Russian coat of arms. Just global questions (about making money and planning very large purchases) is solved by a more beaky head, and local (ie, everyday type of sour cream to buy in the soup) - less beaky. And it does not matter who is more cranky in the family - husband or wife.
If there is peace and harmony between the heads, the bird flies higher and higher. If not, both heads in the wall and in different directions. Sorry, I was interrupting.
Actually, it doesn't make any difference what or who interrupted Mieczysław.
It's just that a vampire will try to get it another time. And no gratitude to me will stop him. You can feed, scratch and pet the guinea pig, but as soon as it wants something from you, it starts to bite. It's the same principle with vampires. And the gratitude and conscience that they have, the guinea pig is the same.
And there's no point in falling into romance. Danielle, by the way, is also a vampire. But he lied to me. He could be lying to me now. And he may have plans of his own. Ha, maybe?! I'm sure he does! There's no such thing as fluffy vampires. And if there are, they don't live long. Wings and haloes go a little differently, too. That's it.
What am I supposed to do in this situation?
Just one thing. They won't let me go anyway. So all I can do is be around vampires. Help in any way I can. And be glad no one wants to bite me or hurt me like Duchka. Besides, if the power in the city changes, it will be possible to make an amicable agreement with Mieczysław. And my family will not be touched. That's the most important thing for me. As for me...
I don't think I can get out of this mess in one piece. Thank you, if you're still alive. And thank you even more if Katka is still alive. But I can hardly believe it.
But there's still no choice.
I can run away
now and frame my family. Maybe I will stay alive. But my family's vampires will be dealt with on principle.
I can stay and set myself up. But Mom and Grandpa will stay alive and well. Anyway, they'll have a better chance.
Make your choice, lady...
Well, I'm not a lady. And there's a clear choice. I owe it to myself to make sure my family doesn't get hurt because of my stupidity. I'm staying with the vampires. I'll eat with them, sleep with them... Anyway, I'll do whatever it takes to stay alive. And I'll pray to all the gods that they don't know my reasons. Because there's no better reason for blackmail.
* * *
- What are you thinking, Curly?
Cheers! What does this... this bloodsucker do?!
- If you feed an alligator to a vampire, will it poison him or not? - I immediately gagged. - Crocodiles love stale meat, don't they?
Mechislav has lost his voice. Vadim snorted a snort.
- You're confusing a vampire with a zombie.
- Not at all. Even though you are not a rotten woman, but still seven hundred years - a good period of endurance - I found it.
- We've arrived," woke up from the stopper Mechislav. - Get out. And also, curly hair, behave yourself in front of outsiders.
- If you call me curly, you'll wait and see what's worse," I said. - Okay, Klykosavr Brontozavrovich?
- Danielle, help the lady, the vampire ordered it. And he took off (literally, through a window, levitating) from the bus.
I guess he just didn't know how to treat a woman he didn't like.
Daniel silently picked me up and jumped off the bus too (a bad example is contagious). Right through a broken windscreen.
- Crazy! - I barked. - You're badly affected by your buddy! Oh, mommy!
- What's wrong? - The vampire was worried. - How are you feeling?!
- It's okay, I swung it off. - Mentally and physically, I'm in full health. It's so, nervous...
The other question is that I knew this house. I mean, the country palace. It was built by my grandfather's distant friend Alexei Ivanovich Snegirev. A distant friend is also a grandfather's expression for those who seem to be closer than an acquaintance, but you can't write such people as friends either.
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