B0089ZO7UC EBOK

by Strider, Jez

  Vampire’s Eve

  By Jez Strider

  ©2012 Jez Strider

  I’d like to dedicate this book to my parents and my boyfriend. They’ve always had faith in me when I lacked it. Thank you to Amazon for giving aspiring authors the chance to self-publish so easily. To anyone who’s ever felt most at home in their local library or bookstore, this is for you.

  “You’re a million miles away, babe.” Marcus said as I stared lost in thought up at the ceiling fan. His hand slowly coiled around my waist as he pulled me closer against him in the bed. Marcus Hart was ruggedly handsome with his jet black hair tucked behind pierced ears. Whenever he wanted anything, it was hard to say no to his baby blues. His grandfather had come to America from Cuba and he had inherited many of his ancestor’s traits. Those genes combined with family of European descent mixed to give him handsome, unique features.

  Often, there was grease under his fingernails. It didn’t bother me. I admired him for working hard. He was only twenty-two, which was a plus. The younger they were, the longer they had to live. My brown wavy hair and dark green eyes complimented his looks. We were a sexy couple. Not that I’m saying we were a couple.

  The day I’d met him would have stopped me in my tracks even if he hadn’t been bloody and carrying his wounded golden retriever through the front door of my veterinary clinic. That day I’d saved his best friend’s life and he’d repaid me many times over since.

  I’d given a playful yelp and grin when he grabbed me, pretending to fight against his advances. Finally, I gave up and leaned up to kiss his lips. “Sorry. I have work early tomorrow. Gonna have to get some rest.” With both hands resting against his bare chest, I gave a shove. He didn’t budge.

  After seducing me to compliance with more cuddling and kisses, he eventually climbed out of my king size and into his faded jeans. My cat, Lucia, immediately hopped into the bed reclaiming her dominion. “Yeah, I know. No sleeping over during the work week. It’s just so hard to resist.”

  He was right. It was very hard to resist. But I’d set my rules and was sticking by them as we walked together toward the door. “Call me tomorrow. Don’t forget to tell Lewis hello for me.” Lewis was his dog and he’d healed up nicely in the past couple of months. The dog’s namesake was Marc’s favorite football player.

  “A’ight.” He’d given me a kiss before heading out. There were no “I love you’s” …they were against the rules too.

  I closed the door with a sigh and headed over to my sofa. It was true that I had work early the next day, although I’d actually just needed the alone time I’d become so accustomed to. My mind was caught in the past. It wasn’t uncommon. Having so many years of memories will do that to you. I found the playlist on my MP3 player labeled “Fire and Ice” and hit play. The collection was an album filled with love songs from the 16th century.

  As the music filled my home, I picked up a bottle of nail polish, rolling it between my palms to mix the solution. I was no longer in modern day, but in Venice during the 1500s. The musicians were playing music in the streets as I was preparing for my night on the town. My head reclined back as I reveled in the memories of humanity, memories of a world long gone. I suppose we never really forget where we come from or who we were in our human life. It’d been many lifetimes since I’d been home, but I found myself wanting to show Marc. How ridiculous. He didn’t even know what I was.

  Becoming so immersed in my thoughts was dangerous, but it had been a long time since I’d seen another vampire or felt hunted. Hiding what I am is relatively easy with all the false superstitions and myths planted in the media. No one suspects a person is a vampire when they walk around in broad daylight and basically look like a normal human. I usually just attribute my youth to good genes and lack of sun damage. Medical research supports my claims on the effects of too much sun. Besides, I rarely stay in one area longer than about fifteen years. My early life was hectic but I’d mostly avoided trouble in recent years.

  I should have known better than to let my guard down.

  I leaned up to start painting my toenails when my mind finally returned to the present. Before I could begin, a gloved hand covered my mouth. A normal intruder I could have easily bested. There had been more than one time when I’d been cornered in an alleyway. Oh no, but this was no normal deviant. He was stronger… far stronger than I was. My fangs extended and dug into his hand and blood began to trickle from the wounds. Unfortunately, the attacker didn’t seem fazed by the bite. I knew it was another vampire. My maker, I just knew, had finally found me and was meeting out punishment for my rebellion.

  The attacker had me pinned on my back and straddled me as I fought with every ounce of strength I had. The smell of expensive leather assaulted me. I kept my eyes closed at first, beating my fists against the man. My last thought before I opened my eyes and saw the other vampire face to face was of thanks. I was so thankful that I had sent Marcus home when I did.

  When our eyes met, we both froze. The look was one frozen in time across vast centuries. This vampire was not my maker. I knew him immediately, as if I had kissed him only yesterday. I knew every inch of this man. I knew that perpetual tan and short brown hair that curled up slightly on the ends when he went too long without a haircut. His expression contorted into one of confusion as his amber eyes took in the woman before him.

  “Cortigiana…” He whispered in a thick Italian accent, one which I’d learned to disguise long ago. To a person that didn’t know him, Antonio would have seemed calm. I could see his inner turmoil and emotion as he pulled me close, inhaling deeply the scent of my hair as he kissed my cheek lightly. “I…I’m sorry, Evelina. I had no idea you were my target. That you were even alive!” He stood suddenly, turning away and unable to face me.

  I cleared my throat, not sure what to say as the silence between us grew. Thoughts swirled like tornados in my mind. “Dante Sanuto sent you, didn’t he?” My thoughts were swimming. I’d already been dwelling on the past, but this…this was the past. I ran a hand through my hair before glancing toward my former lover. “Obviously Dante didn’t know about our affair or he wouldn’t have been fool enough to send you to do his dirty work.” I was furious and scared, but my heart thundered in response to seeing Antonio again.

  “For all his insight and wisdom, the Master doesn’t know everything. “ He turned to face me as I stood, walking over to him. “Perhaps he always knew and this is just a test of my loyalty.” The wound on his hand was already closing and the bleeding had stopped. Gently, I rested my hand on his shoulder. His attack hadn’t done any discernible damage to me. I was lucky he realized who he was trying to kill when he did.

  I laughed at my own foolishness. “So he tells me you die of the plague before he could save you, his most beloved bodyguard and I believe it. I suppose he told you I died with so many of the other prostitutes near the Rialto Bridge.”

  Antonio gave a nod, reaching out his hand to me as he noticed the music of our time. “I see you haven’t forgotten where you came from. Vostu balar co mi?” I took his hand, accepting the offer to dance. He’d always shown me his romantic side.

  The moment was surreal. How could I ever explain in words what it’s like to reunite with someone you’ve thought dead for hundreds of years? I knew he was struggling with the same emotions. I’d been a great dancer, but this was more like we were holding onto each other in a long embrace. There was too much I wanted to say, but I couldn’t. It had been too long since we’d last seen each other. I just hugged him more tightly.

  As the song changed, I pulled back slightly. “You can’t just barge in here, try to kill me, and then dance with me.” The humor in my tone was evident and he laughed. If I didn’t stop this now, I’d end up in bed with him for su
re and I wasn’t ready for that when it was still warm from Marcus.

  “You…you have not changed fair courtesan. Does it still get you in trouble?” He shook his head in disbelief. “And I’m very sorry. My feelings after seeing you again are a bit overwhelming.”

  “Well, I hadn’t had any trouble in a while.” I smirked, feeling vulnerable to Antonio and guilty of my thoughts even though Marcus and I weren’t officially exclusive. Marcus! It suddenly crossed my mind that Antonio could have gotten to him when he left. “You didn’t hurt the man that was here earlier, did you?” It took all my effort to make the question come out without my voice quavering.

  Antonio gave a small shrug. “I didn’t harm your human. It would have caused too much unwanted attention.” The tone of his voice had a hint of irritation at the change of topic. Suddenly, without warning he headed for the window and without looking back said, “I have to figure out what to do. I’m not happy about crossing Dante.”

  “You can use the…” Before I could finish my sentence he had disappeared, “door.” I said into thin air as I walked over to the window and peered into darkness. Yeah, he had to be overdramatic in his exit. I rolled my eyes. After closing the window I secured the lock and tested it just to make sure. The music was still playing and I shut it off in frustration as I passed by on my way to the bedroom.

  There was a painting of Venice on the wall. Why did I insist on surrounding myself with memories that struck such deep emotions? Many vampires are sadistic, but not me, I’m just an emotional masochist. I lifted the painting off the wall and set it aside, revealing a safe. I put in the code 1576 and pulled open the door. There were old photos and my journal inside, but the item I was after glinted faintly. I grabbed the .38, testing the sight as I aimed it at myself in my dresser mirror. Yes, I said mirror. Vampires have a reflection. I made sure the safety was on before putting the gun in the nightstand drawer beside my bed. The gun had been used before and I wouldn’t hesitate to use it again if I had to.

  My cat curled up against me when I climbed into bed. She gave my arm a few licks, before falling asleep again. “This cannot end well.” I mumbled out loud before closing my eyes. My heart ached as I drifted off to distorted dreams.

  The next day was so busy that I barely had time to dwell on or process what had happened the night before. I spent the morning running a blood drive. It was something I did every month. There were ulterior motives to my charity. A vampire has got to eat. Perhaps not as much as myths would lead people to believe, but to go without blood for too long means weakness and eventually death. Being respected and trusted in the community made it easy for me to steal a few bags of blood. I mean, people donate blood to save lives, right?

  After the blood drive, I headed by my house to drop off the loot. The door was still locked and the window closed when I entered my home. I shook my head at my paranoia and headed to the refrigerator. Before going to my clinic to finish the day, I had to get this blood stored. It’s easier to do than would be expected without raising suspicion. There are several bottles than I keep in my fridge that I fill up with the blood. They aren’t transparent, so I just write on the label “Diet.” If I keep beer and sodas stocked in front of the blood, people tend to steer clear.

  “Aren’t you going to offer me a drink?” I nearly dropped the bottles as I was putting them in the fridge. The voice was Antonio’s. He’d become very stealthy. This was no doubt in thanks to his Master’s training. Instead of combat, Dante had always encouraged me to study languages and read, but mostly to become the best at being his mistress. Pfft. I’d mastered that when I was alive if you asked any of my men.

  I turned casually, as if I knew he was there the entire time. He was holding my cat and she purred as he stroked his hand across her back. “She usually doesn’t take so quickly to strangers.” I said as I slid him a recently filled bottle of blood.

  “What can I say? Animals have great instincts.” He sat Lucia down and she wandered off carelessly. His gaze drifted to the bottle and he slid it back toward me. “I was teasing. I already ate.” When he flashed a grin, he purposely extended his fangs slightly.

  God he was good looking. Being a vampire seemed to make him even more attractive. It just seemed to fit his strong, aggressive demeanor and build. “You can’t just keep entering my apartment without calling first.” It would have been useful if you really did have to invite a vampire in first.

  “Don’t worry so much. I knew your boyfriend wasn’t with you.” He kind of spit the word boyfriend at me. “I’m leaving tomorrow and I suggest you pack and get out of here. Things could go bad when I tell Dante I killed you. He may not believe me or know I didn’t do it. If you are gone before I tell him…well, at least you’ll probably be safe for a while.”

  My heart was torn. “So this is goodbye? Again?” It wouldn’t have been the first time I moved without warning, but I had so much going for me at the moment. I was enjoying this life and I still had years before anyone became suspicious. “I’m not running.” I was putting my foot down on the matter.

  “Just give me some time.” Antonio pleaded. “I’ll find you again, when it’s safer.” He walked up to me and wrapped his arms around me in a protective hug. “I know you and that human…are together, but he won’t always be in my way.”

  It was hard to tell if this was a threat or he was just stating it as a fact. Before I could respond, he kissed my lips gently and walked to the door. “Ciao, amore.”

  I stood there. I wanted to chase after him. I didn’t want this to be the last time we met. My feelings for Marcus held me in place. The risk of Dante weighed heavily. Finally it was too late. In that moment of indecision and fear, Antonio d’ Artusio was gone from my life once again.

  Despite the fact that I wanted to stay home and brood, work had to be done. I buried myself in it. It was busy at the clinic and I was thankful for the distraction. Around five o’clock, Marcus showed up bearing a bouquet of sunflowers. He’d never brought me flowers before. He was more of a “let’s ride my motorcycle and have pizza and watch a raunchy comedy” kind of guy.

  “Thank you. They’re beautiful.” I gave him a long kiss as a thank you. “What’s the occasion?”

  He grinned infectiously. “Well…it’s been two months since you saved Lewis, which means, two months since we met.” His strong arms lifted me up and my legs wrapped around him. “I thought maybe you deserved a real date before I have my way with you.” In this position, I doubted we’d make it to the real date part. “You’ll have to forgive me.” His muffled words said as he nibbled at my neck and carried me to my office. With a quick rake of his hand, my desk was cleared of debris and I was sat on it. “If you weren’t so hot….”

  Marcus showing up was probably the best thing for me. All the jumbled thoughts in my mind were pushed away by his skilled touch. I didn’t even try to protest as he had his way with me in my office. My need for him to get rid of all the worry was real and with each thrust he pushed them further away. “This is the best real date I’ve ever been on….” I groaned out breathlessly.

  He gave me that wicked, naughty little smirk of his before entwining his hand in my hair and pulling every so often to guide me body. I trembled with pleasure and he looked intently into my eyes for a long moment before closing his own tightly, mouth slightly ajar as he released. Slowly, I leaned up enjoying a long kiss. “Amazing….” He gave a little wince as he backed away, helping me off the desk. “Again?” His smirk returned when he asked and I spun around, bending invitingly over my desk.

  The sun had begun to set by the time we exited the vet clinic hand in hand. Both our cheeks were still flushed. The last rays of sunlight glistened on the ocean. It was a sight that always stopped me in my tracks. There had only been a few times in my life that I hadn’t lived near water. I always felt more at home surrounded by it. In the distance, I could see the lights of the recently built boardwalk.

  “How about we go down to the boardwalk and grab a bite be
fore I take you home?” Marc asked as we walked toward my car. I still hadn’t decided for sure, despite my determination in front of Antonio, if I was running away, but I figured I didn’t have to decide tonight.

  “Sure, but only if I get a funnel cake.” My grin widened when Marcus rolled his eyes.

  Blood is great and all, but junk food holds such a special place in my heart.

  “Whatever you want, it’s near the lift anyway and we’ll take a ride.” The ride was one of those chair lifts that carry you over the boardwalk. “It’s no wonder you keep those diet drinks in the fridge. You get one of those funnel cakes every time we go to the boardwalk.” He laughed at me as we headed toward the amusement park.

  “You better watch it. You’re treading on dark territory when we get into it about my weight.” I was only sort of kidding. The time period I was born in, women were accepted and liked for being…. What’s the best way to describe it? Buxom, pleasantly plump, or maybe best of all rubenesque? Becoming a vampire hadn’t changed that. I was still heartily blessed with breasts and a noticeable ass.

  “Babe, I’m just kidding. You’re perfect.” He sounded apologetic. Sometimes he could be too blunt. I liked his recovery, though. I don’t care how many years I’ve been around. Being told I’m perfect never gets old or stops making me feel good.

  After finishing off my treat and Marc his beer and chicken wings, we headed over to the lift. I found the lift to be a romantic spot. The noise and smell of the park below, the view of the ocean, especially now as it was getting dark. I cuddled up against Marcus and he put his arm around me. Lots of things can be romantic. It’s not just fancy restaurants and jewelry. All the laughter and happiness drifted up to us.

  “We don’t do stuff like this enough.” He said…seeming to choose his words carefully so that I didn’t balk at the concept.

  Any other day, I’d have been more defensive. Not that day, though. Not after everything that had happened in the past twenty-four. All I said was, “Yeah.”