Well, I was sorry about that.
- Okay. And thank you on that one. So it's the ritual that makes sense, not the design?
- You could say that. Good luck to you. If you feel anything, you tell me, okay?
- Absolutely! Goodbye.
- Goodbye.
I clicked a button and looked sadly at Valentine.
- There you go. All zeroes. Do you think Slava will find out more?
- I don't think so. I hope not. He does have eyewitnesses, not librarians, after all.
- Yeah, but you're the only one who can talk to those witnesses. They're bastards, not eyewitnesses. At least they'd write a memoir...
- Vampires? I don't think so.
A few minutes Valentine crumpled, and then he decided.
- Julia, here you are, Mechislav, you...
I sparkled with my eyes.
- No comment.
- But...
- Val, are we friends?
- Yes.
- Shut up, then. Let's have a fight. Hard.
- Then I won't say anything.
- And take me home.
- No.
- Oh, yeah?
- It's the only way. You're going to the gym. You just need to relieve the stress.
- And Charles...
- And a little boxing would be good for him, too.
I wasn't arguing. Maybe this is really the best way out.
Charles wasn't arguing either.
* * *
- Andrei, what does Leoverensky know?
- So far, nothing.
- Why?
Leonidas didn't raise his voice, he didn't fight, but his voice would give anyone the creeps. Don't let him be a vampire. But you don't have to be a vampire to inspire awe. Sometimes it's enough to be a professional.
- The motorcycle was found two hours later. They stole it from a biker and hid it for a while at an empty cottage. They moved into the car and drove off. Trying to trace it didn't work out. City, lots of people. But the smell was memorized by all of us. They tried to wipe it off, doused the bike with gasoline, but they didn't think about the cottage. And they smelled a lot stronger there. Now we're gonna look all over town. Let's run from tonight!
- And so far, no results?
- It's a big city.
- And the mind is small. Where did they move to the car?
- In a free parking lot. A lot of people leave their cars there...
- So send a few people over there. Have them talk if anyone remembers a car or a number... I'll ask one of the vampires tonight. Just find me the people who left the cars there. And the vampires will use hypnosis to get them all out.
- That's right, Chief.
- Look. Mecislav will skin us if anything happens. He'll start with me and eat you. And Yulka will add.
The smile on the werewolf's face spoke for itself. They did not particularly believe in the anger of Mieczysław.
- This one can. I'm gonna send people to the parking lot to do some checking.
- I'm waiting for the report at 7:00 p.m.
* * *
The phone call took me by surprise. I looked at the screen. To whom did I give up early this morning? The number was a stranger.
- Yeah?
- Yulia Yevgenyevna?
It was a woman's voice. I think it was familiar. But not with my lack of hearing to recognize someone by their voices.
- Absolutely, me. And who are you?
- You probably don't remember me. I'm Dasha. Bear.
I really forgot about bears a long time ago. There's only one maniac enough on top. And Alfonso's getting nervous, too.
- I think I remember. And what do you want from me, Dasha?
- Maria Ivanovna instructed me to talk to you.
- What about the details?
- The thing is, one of our girls is pregnant. And we would like to...
- My help?
- Yes.
I felt like the last shit. If it was my will, I would have helped without conditions. But is there a choice?
No, it's not. So...
- You know my terms.
- We do. But Maria Ivanovna can't agree yet. In exchange for your services, she offers another. She relieves you of Alfonso da Silva's too close attention to your new toy, and in exchange...
- Can you do that? Can you really do it? How?
I couldn't take it. And who would? Charles was hysterical. And it was also clear that I could nail Alfonso, but not make him back down.
- Let's just say. She has her own channels.
I sighed.
- The full moon is in a few more days. Let me talk to Mieczysław tonight - damn it!!! - and then let you know his decision?
Dasha was silent for a few seconds.
- Absolutely. You can consult with him. And we'll wait for your answer for three days. Okay?
- Fine," I assured you.
Although I had no particular doubts. Mechislav would agree. After yesterday (Bastard, Bastard!!!) he would try to disagree.
I was more interested in something else.
How do they know about this whole story? Oh, there's information flowing somewhere. The river is flowing. And this is bad. We know who has the most information is the winner. And what kind of victory can we talk about if everything we know is known and all the people know?
Not about any.
We'll have to talk to Mecislav tonight.
With one thought of "talking," there was a cramping sweet cramp on the body. And I almost moaned out loud. Oh, my God, why would I do that!? Wasn't there enough trouble?!
Valentine had a sympathetic look at me.
And this one knows!?
Oh, my God, what for?
* * *
Edward invited his hair. And I looked in the mirror again. Yeah, you don't have to do anything, it's a waste. Well, Belinda, the vampire who turned him, had an original sense of humor. Or rather, the original tastes in bed.
What the hell with her. Edward sincerely hoped that Belinda had long been assigned to the hottest frying pan in hell.
And he's got another thing going on right now.
When Slava let him know that the free place of Prince Tula, and he also determines who to take the vacant throne, Ed did not believe his ears.
- Slava, are you out of your mind? - I was genuinely surprised at him. - That the Council...
- The Council is not against its own laws," Mieczyslaw cut off. - Ivan Tulsky actually decided on my surname, he attacked us, so his territory is now my domain, and his people are tied to me. And it's very tiring and difficult. So far I've put Boris there, but you have to come soon.
- I can't, I have research," confused Edward.
- And I don't care. The will to come with your vampires and take Tula under control.
- If only in a month.
- Ed, are you crazy!? I can't hold them that many!
- But you've been for a month now...
- So what!? I'm exhausted and tired. I've got a lot of business to attend to. I'm already quiet about the blood and the power I have to take from her. I'm just afraid of overloading her.
- How many times a month do you take her blood?
- Twice a week. Or even more.
Edward grabbed his head with his free hand. The second one was a "mouse".
- Slava, are you crazy!? The girl's just gonna bend over! Stop it right now!
- No, Edka, I think you should look at her. You're a researcher. You know, we've been like this for a month, and all she's got is a blush on her cheeks.
- Not cupcake?
- Tiptoe to your tongue. No, it feels like the more Julia gives me, the more she gets. But that's where it comes from...
- Okay. I'll come and see. But not until a month and a half later.
- I thought you said a month from now.
- Slava! And the experiment!? And the lab!?
- Shit! Edka, I know you're a biochemist. But you should have a conscience too!
- Slavka, wha
tever you want, but I'm getting some experience. I also have negotiations with local werewolves. I also have to get the agreements.
- Whose other approvals do you need?
- I'll try to talk to North. And Amanda.
- Are you crazy? With that... sweet lady!?
- And I'll send emissaries to neighboring areas. To get them to agree to our relocation.
Mieczyslaw sparkled his eyes at the smiling face in Skype (taking into account the sharpest fangs - that's another spectacle).
- Okay. Send your men. I'll add mine. And let them ride. Who do we have around here?
- Alexei. Florenza. And your favorite...
- You call her that again, I'll knock her teeth out.
- The new ones will grow up. Okay. I'll get Rachel, Aristarchus and Nyomi to come to you. Have them get approval for our move. There are still 15 vampires and 20 werewolves. I'm gonna finish the experience and go to the Council. First to Amanda, then to the North.
- Okay. I'll be waiting for you.
- Try not to overload your name. How many seals does she have?
- Two.
- Slava, you're definitely crazy. The surname must adapt to the seal, at this time his body begins to change, and - the whole. Most of all it looks like the cancer of all organs at once. And it takes all her strength. And you're loading her up, too? How does it only carry your legs?
Mechislav remembered how Julia the other day tried to kick him in the knee for the innocent (from the point of view of a vampire - what's the big deal, well, slapped a girl on the ass, but she herself asked for such tight jeans) joke - and laughed into the tube.
- He's doing great. And not only does he carry his legs, he uses them for the wrong purposes.
- Okay. But you still have to get her to run some tests. Blood in there, urine...
- Okay, I'll give it a try. You get here soon.
And so, in early September, having received all the approvals, Edward finally came to a friend. So far, alone. Well, aside from two bodyguards. The rest of the vampires and werewolves will start moving later. After Edward is officially declared Prince of Tula.
Although he sees the sky, he should have worked furiously to obtain consent for his resettlement from Elizabeth and Florence. Ah, all women are bitches.
The brakes squeaked. Slammed the car door.
- What kind of alternative deer spurts out here!? - There was a ringing female voice behind his back. - Val, we've solved the situation immediately! Or I'm gonna hurt somebody! I don't have enough of the rest!!!
Edward snorted a snort. The voice was young and fervent and very... warm. The vampire couldn't say he had musical hearing, but he could tell his intonations by "excellent". The girl was obviously upset about something - and so she snapped at everyone she came across.
Well. We're gonna have to look at this little girl. And teach her some courtesy. A little bit. A couple of smiles will suffice.
The vampire made a gesture to the guards not to interfere and jumped out of the car.
- What's the matter!? - he prophesied and stared at a tall 17-year-old girl standing next to a healthy jeep. There was a tall guy standing next to the car with red hair and dark glasses - it was September night, and a blond werewolf was sticking out the window.
- Yulia, stop busting your chops," he asked. But the girl ignored common sense - and stared at Edward. It's a bit cheeky. The vampire was even alarmed for a few seconds. He expected a very different, but not a poisonous question:
- Are you coming to us from St. Petersburg or Moscow?
* * *
I was shaking and pounding. I didn't want to go out with Mieczysław. Not at all.
You should. And I didn't want to look at everyone else either.
You see...
They know everything. They know what happened between me and the vampire.
They do.
All I have to do is burn with shame.
And now Mechislav won't leave me alone. He'll use everything. So what do I do?
How can I even look him in the eye when I see him!?
And everyone else!?
We didn't have enough problems without it!
I was psyched. And I knew it. I was still shaking at home. But when we got to the Three Sixes, I got all pissed off. The most convenient place to get in the back gate was a black Merced. What a nerve!?
Oh, okay. Someone's gonna get angry, huh?
We have to.
So I went on the attack.
By the way, I can tell you right away - it's best to tear down the anger of the Mersuvians, if you have a dragon and a werewolf behind you. Then the result of the battle will certainly not be in favor of the Mercedes owner.
I jumped out of the car. Charles followed me.
But in response to my request, this jumped out of the car...
Everyone is already used to "new Russians". But what was born was... even the "newest Russian" would repent of his appearance. Imagine a mix of Godzilla and a gorilla. And the figure is taken from the gorilla, and the charm is taken from Godzilla. This closet, more than two meters tall, able Peter the Great knotted in a knot, not particularly straining. And Arnie Schwartz, too. Cause it's a jock. And there were such muscles under a simple white shirt that it became clear that this comrade and the lantern post would pull out of the ground, he would not think.
I wasn't thinking either. But in answer to my question about the original address, the gorilla squint and prophesied:
- Girl, is that you?
I squinted. Somehow I thought this guy was more friendly. So I went on the offensive.
- You, you. No doubt about it. Your car?
- It's mine.
- So take her farther away. You're in the way.
- And you can walk.
I'm ready to swear, with the pure eccentricity in his eyes. But I can't take 20 for a rupee, either.
- Or maybe you could come by yourself. According to democratic principles?
- The senate?
- No. K... in... or on... Choose voluntarily, according to democracy and - stomp. Don't get in the way of busy people.
* * *
Edward squinted.
For the first time, his appearance didn't work. Not even the opposite. That's funny.
When you've been scared for so many years, somehow you get rid of human impudence. Or... not quite the impudence?
Who can behave so cheeky in the fiefdom of the Prince of the City?
The vampire smiled, showed his fangs and asked uncertainly:
- Julia? Leoverenskaya?
- Twenty years like her," the girl said, gauging the vampire with a suspicious look. - And you?
* * *
How does that face-headed guy know me?! And what kind of plague is on our heads!? Not enough Alfonso, did the Council send us any more details?
And I've already managed to grab it and send it. Uh, yeah...
Why don't you just kill Mecislav so he doesn't swear?
Let him swear! It's not yet known who will be more angry with whom! Because I'm RRRRRRRRRRRR!!!
Gorgeous Godzillych smiled even wider. What a collection of fangs. He'd be in Hollywood playing nightmares.
- Edward. Mieczyslaw and I are friends already...
Edward...
If I hadn't been so angry, I would have thought, remembered and broken my head. But anger stimulated the adrenaline release, and I remembered.
- So it's YOU Mecislav who wants to shove it in Tula?
- I'm a vampire," said the vampire.
Whoo! Whoo!
The sigh of relief came out on its own. What can we do about it? Alive me, alive... And nervous!
- That's great. But you could have done it early. Where have you been for so long?!
Edward with a reconciling smile scattered his hands.
- You couldn't have done it early. I couldn't leave the lab.
- Yeah? I was genuinely interested. Are vampires and science combined? - And what do you do?
-
I'm a biochemist.
I missed it.
- Really?
- Yes, - Edward was surprised.
- And I am a biologist," I happily reported. - I mean, I'm still studying, but I'm already thinking about my diploma. Can we talk about scientific topics later?
- No question," nodded Edward. - And where's Mecislav?
- And the tail knows him. I'm gonna try to find it and send it to you now, okay?
- Okay.
- Val, will you arrange for dear guests?
- Yes, lady lady lady, the werewolf sang stupidly. - Right away, my lady.
I threw my purse in the sass. The werewolf caught it and threw it over to Charles.
- Gentlemen, please follow me. I'll take care of the car. - And it's half a dragon. - You keep an eye on her there. And don't forget to remove the heavy objects.
Bastards.
Okay. It's a good thing I'm psyched. Now I'm going to find Mieczysław and tell him everything! All of them! I'll get him for both the Crimea and Rome and the pop pear.
Yeah, in your dreams.
The vampire just wasn't at the club.
Bastard!
* * *
For the first time in the last two hundred years, Mecislav caught himself in a shameful emotion.
He was scared. Simple as that, he chickened out.
And he ran away.
Now he was sitting in his office in Wolf Fight. Julia's not going to come here for sure. She still can't stand Daniel's drawings. Anything that might remind her of her dead love.
Love, goddamn it!!!
That was the most hurtful thing!
Mecislav understood very well - if Danielle had stayed alive - and by that time everything would have been over between them! Three times it's over! Five! At least a hundred and five! No woman has lasted more than six months with Danielle! He found a new muse very quickly!
If that idiot hadn't managed to die so... so not in time!
We like to idealize the dead. There's nothing wrong with them. A dead person gets better in our eyes. Deficiencies are washed away by tears, increased by the prism of love of dignity. He won't hurt anyone anymore. He will not answer your repentance with anything like: "Where were you while I was living? ", you won't get the bitter truth in your face or hear the bitter truth about yourself...
Mecislav would even agree to a daily muzzle, as long as Daniel and Julie had this hobby.
No!
Instead, Danielle dies in the midst of passion! And Julia now firmly believes that it was her only love.
Ring of Madness Page 174