Blood Relic

by Lucretia Stanhope

  Chapter Sixteen

  ALICE DRAGGED HER last waffle-fry through the mixture of ketchup and mayonnaise on the wrapper from the burger she already devoured. Was it the final meal of a condemned woman, or fuel for a super-witch? Super-witch.

  While she chewed, her gaze drifted toward the concrete building at the end of the block. The den. In plain white letters that were faded it read: GARAGE. Simple. A closed down business wouldn’t stand out. As she had walked from the hotel her cab driver recommended, it was hard not to notice that one out of every three shops looked like it hadn’t been opened in years.

  She reached in the front pocket of the backpack in the chair beside her. A prop. It held the few meager belongings a witch on the road might carry. Nothing extra. Nothing fancy. Part of a costume.

  Den located. Going in.

  The message went to Matthias, Amarok, Sarg El, and Reginald, who Sarg El said must be looped in, since he was leading the squad. They wouldn’t be pulling out targets until her last report saying she’d reached the top. Until then, they were just backup if things went south, she missed a report, or hit her panic button. Not happening.

  She dumped her trash in the bin and stepped outside.

  Isolation greeted her. An empty Styrofoam cup rolled by as the warm breeze blew. It carried the same scent out into the night of cooking grease that had attracted her to the burger joint, to lure in more hungry souls meandering the desolate streets. What happened here to chase away the people who at one time dreamed of running the now-closed shops? Economy, crime, or vampires?

  Magic vibrated from the den. Dark. Moderately powerful. Strangely alluring. More of a bait than the promise of crispy fries. Was that how witches found supernatural creatures to chop up? Was that why vampires were drawn to them? Her? Doesn’t matter.

  A quick push confirmed the front doors were locked. Of course they were. No lights were on inside and all of the magic was tugging to the back end of the building.

  As she rounded the corner, two vampires, who were as burly as Reginald stopped talking to each other and focused on her.

  “What do we have here? You lost?” One of them said as he assessed her with solid black eyes.

  Alice pulled the token from her pocket and extended her hand. Did he really think ‘scary eyes’ would deter a seasoned den witch? Maybe, but not a super-elf-witch. “I hope not.”

  “With friends like that.” The second vampire paused midsentence and whistled. “I’ll take her to Ambrose, you got this?”

  The vampire scoffed. “Yeah. His tastes are all over the place this week.”

  This week? How many witches had her shadow sent? As much as he followed her, how did he have time for anything else?

  He didn’t wait for an answer before he turned and opened the back door. “Come with me.”

  She stepped inside. Without the streetlights it took her eyes a few seconds to adjust to the darkness. Magic and pleasure mingled with pain and blood in the air, forming a thick tangible layer of mixed signals. The conflicting sensations slammed against her in a wave of confusion. She flicked away static that gathered.

  “Let’s go.” He nudged her forward. His hand sparked when it touched her.

  Her shoes stuck to the floor as they walked the hall. Don’t think about what that could be. Images of bloody witches being dragged away flashed across her mind. Stop it.

  At the end of the hall, he stopped.

  A few patches of white paint hung on to an otherwise bare wooden door. A silver deadbolt halfway up matched the silver knob.

  He pulled out a key and ushered her inside.

  She waited on the other side until he locked them in. Locked her in. He had a key. Alice scanned the room.

  A few paired-off couples were deep into the night’s feedings. One of the pairs were undressed, having sex. She turned away, heat rising from her chest. Since when was it about more than blood for the monsters?

  The vampire beside her chuckled.

  Could he see her blushing in the darkness, or did he just feel it in her vibration? Did they pay extra for that?

  His mouth cocked up at the sides. “With the token you have, I expect you won’t be partaking in that sort of thing.”

  Alice raised a brow and put on her most defiant face. “With magic like mine, I partake in whatever I choose.”

  He licked his lips. “No doubt.”

  Disgusting. Lecherous creatures. She mimicked his smile and licked her lips, while staring him down. No fear. They fed on that as much as blood. Amarok drilled it into her mind on past missions that predators react to prey. Don’t be prey. It played like a mantra as they walked.

  A row of doors lined the back wall. Private rooms?

  The doorman led her to the door in the far-right corner. He knocked four times. “Special delivery.”

  The vampire who opened the door trained an intense stare on Alice.

  “What is this?”

  “Lucius sent a snack. Where do you want her?”

  “He’s not here.” The vampire stepped out of the doorway and circled her, stopping after two passes. “You have a token?”

  “I gave it to him.” Alice thumbed in the direction of the other vampire. She pursed her lips and increased the strength of the magic she had on hand. “I have other places I can be, if there is a problem.”

  The vampire who walked her in flicked the token to the other one.

  He turned it front to back in his hand. “Do you?” His gazed drifted over her. “Leave her with me.”

  Alice followed him into an office and waited as he closed the door. “Is there something wrong with that token?”

  He didn’t offer a seat. “How do you know Lucius, dear?”

  “I don’t.” What had she walked into? Was Ambrose going to be dangerous like Nathan, or dangerous like Reginald? “I don’t know you either. I’m Alice.”

  “How did you get this?” He spun the token under his forefinger on the desk. “What are you? Is that elf I’m feeling?”

  “I am witch and elf.” She turned her palm up. A small ball of swirling purple energy formed. “The magics complement and strengthen each other.” Her fingers twitched and the ball grew.

  “Interesting.” He laced his fingers together. “I’ve never tasted a mutt.”

  “It could be your charming demeanor that puts us off.” She pulled the energy back into herself and rested a hand on her hip. Don’t overdo the bravery. This isn’t a coven den. “Does that token buy use of your den to work a few nights? I’m not trouble and I’ll be on my way within a week, if you’d prefer.”

  He laughed, dropped the coin, and snatched her jaw, holding her in a gaze. “You are going to sit in the corner and shut up. My conversation will be a blur of nonsense to you.”

  Alice backed away and lowered herself in the chair. As much as her instincts said to run, this was exactly where she needed to be. Maybe the conversation he thought she wouldn’t understand, would give her more answers.

  The muscle beside his eye twitched while he waited for whoever he’d called to answer the phone. “And hello to you. Yes, she is.” There was a pause. His gaze flicked back to Alice. “While she is tempting, she’s mouthy, and a risk. You have until the end of the night or I’ll send her away with the highest bidder. I want a hazard fee for holding a hybrid.”

  Her palms sweated as Alice held in her reaction to the conversation she wasn’t supposed to be able to hear.

  Ambrose slipped his phone in his pocket and turned back toward Alice. “Come here.”

  She stood without hesitation and walked to him.

  “You are going to come with me, do as I say, and do not attempt any magic, no matter what happens.” His pupils grew as he attempted to trance her.

  “Yes.” She put her hand in his when he extended it, rubbing her thumb over the targeting ring. Did that work? She swiped and pressed again. Better to be positive than let this creep get away. The thought of Amarok busting into the den and taking Ambrose down made her smile.<
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  They walked to the farthest room, which he unlocked.

  There were a lot of locked doors. Keeping witches in, or vampires out? She glanced around while he closed the door. A mattress with no sheets and stains that looked an awful lot like dried blood took up the center of the room. A dim light struggled to illuminate the tiny space, but managed to reveal manacles attached to the wall in the corner. What had she gotten herself into? She backed up and crashed into him.

  “Easy, dear. I’m not hungry.” He spun her around. “Take off your clothes and jewelry. Pack it all in that backpack for me.”

  “Yes.” How far would she go not to let him know she couldn’t be tranced? Far enough to get to the top vampire. A strip show for a rude vampire was probably going to be the easy part. She tugged her shirt off.

  His gaze flicked down from her eyes.

  Was he more man than monster? Should she seduce him? He wasn’t going to kill her. Not unless the stalker didn’t turn up. Maybe a sip would ensure her survival, if that happened. He would want more. Matthias assured her they would all want her blood. She kicked off her shoes and rolled her pants down slowly.

  He kept his distance.

  Alice turned her back to him to fold her clothes and tuck them in her bag. Either she still sucked at playing sexy, or he wasn’t in the mood. She took off her earrings and put them in the front pocket. Next her watch. Now they couldn’t track her. Amarok would find her. He knew her scent. Maybe Matthias could use their new connection to find her. He could feel her emotions at a distance, even if they couldn’t communicate without eye contact. Why hadn’t she opted for the implant again?

  “I do have things to do.” His cold finger brushed her back.

  Her bra came loose as he snapped the fastener.

  “Yes.” After she stripped and put everything in the bag, she turned. “Now what?”

  “Stand still.” He snapped off her bracelet, pulled out her hair clip, and reached around to unfasten her necklace.

  Thank god she had the new ward and didn’t wear her mother’s necklace. Would she have broken protocol to rescue that? Her thumb rubbed over the targeting ring. Didn’t matter. It was safe on her dresser at the PPK.

  “Stand still.” He held her gaze a moment.

  “Yes.” She swallowed. Her heart pounded. Matthias had been the only man to see her undressed until then. Her fingers balled into fists, the nails digging into her palm. Why did this feel like more of a violation than the feedings? I hope Amarok is rough with you.

  He shoved all of her things into the bag, never taking his eyes off her. “You are going to stay in here. No magic. Sit on the bed and wait for Lucius. If I have to come in here again, I will chain you to the wall.”

  Lucius? That name had been tossed around. The token belonged to him. King moth, Lucius. “Yes. I’ll sit on the bed.” She lowered herself to the floor and sat on the edge of the bed, not wanting to sit back in anything gross. Was he going to leave her there naked? Surely Lucius wouldn’t drag her from the den undressed.

  Ambrose left with her bag.

  The lock clicked.

  When the door opened again it would either be Lucius to collect her or Ambrose to sell her to the vampire who paid the most to kill her. She rubbed her hands on her arms to generate warmth. Whoever left with her would be sorry. She wasn’t the prey. They weren’t the predator.

  MATTHIAS POUNDED ON Alice’s door. After a few minutes he leaned against it, searching for her presence, that he knew wasn’t there. Her text said she mailed her things, checked into a room, and was heading out for food.

  The stalker arrived, holding back to a distance that made him little more than a flicker against Matthias’ radar.

  Time to reel him in. Matthias made his way to the front desk. “Did the pretty blonde who was staying in the back check out?”

  “Who’s asking?” The man behind the counter held out his hand and blinked slowly, making a face that indicated he wouldn’t answer until Matthias paid him.

  “Yes, or no, will suffice.” Matthias put a single dollar bill in the man’s hand. “That is a hundred, and you are going to tell me what I want to know.” While he had plenty of cash, the vampire watching him would expect him to simply trance humans. Humans were easy.

  “Yes, she left after lunch. No idea to where.” He folded the money and put it in his pocket. “You need anything else?”

  “Thank you, no.” The bell above the door rang as Matthias left.

  The distance between them remained. How much clearer did he have to make it that he wanted Alice? He started toward the den.

  The vampire followed, narrowing the gap.

  “Can I help you?” Matthias took a challenging stance when he spun around.

  “I can help you.” The vampire fell into stride and gestured for Matthias to walk with him.

  “You are the one who has been following me?” Matthias looked around, pretending to be cautious. Up close it was apparent he underestimated the age of the vampire, who was easily older than his own maker. “I’m listening.” His tone held the respect that older vampires who honored customs gave to their elders.

  “The witch you enjoy.” He paused, peering at Matthias. “She’s clearly very special to you. A vampire of your age and means shouldn’t have to chase around a witch.”

  He let eagerness work into his voice. “Do you know where she went? I will pay a finder’s fee.”

  “I can do you one better. I specialize in helping vampires of our standing avoid falling prey to our addictions, while still feeding them.” His refined demeanor didn’t waver.

  That was a pretty way to say break the law and kill witches. He didn’t appear to fear the repercussions, though a vampire that old feared little. “I don’t follow. Do you know where I can find her? Is she at a den that sells witches?”

  “Better. You’ve been around long enough to know what a relic is, I trust.” A glint in his eye indicated he probably enjoyed this part. The moment he either made a small fortune or killed off a vampire who knew too much.

  Matthias imagined it wouldn’t matter to him which way it ended. Money was easy to accumulate, danger was hard to come by and one of the few things that made them feel alive. Danger and love. This mission had Matthias keyed up with both. “She made one?”

  “She will. For the right buyer.”

  “I’m your buyer. What is your price?” Eagerness filled his voice, contradicting his instincts to snap the vampire’s neck for suggesting they kill his dearling.

  He started walking again. “You understand the risk dictates the price. Since the initial risk is mine, I require half now and half on delivery.”

  “That’s reasonable.” Matthias allowed his usual calm to return. The prospect of a relic would have relaxed an addict. “What is the price?”

  “A billion.”

  That was it? A billion for Alice’s life. His jaw twitched. “Half now. I will pay you the other half, if you produce a functioning relic.” Matthias raised a finger. “I am prepared to offer you an additional half billion if she survives and you bring her to me.”

  “I will find you at the Central den after the relic is made.” The vampire narrowed his eyes. “I make no guarantees regarding her safe return. It’s rare they survive.”

  “I’ve heard. Do what you can. I’m willing to pay to be the one who drinks her last drop.”

  “Ahhh, yes, that final moment is beautiful. The last drops are the sweetest. I will give her the care and support needed to survive, if she has the strength of will.” He extended his hand.

  Matthias shook his hand, resisting the urge to strike while he had the element of surprise. Instead, he used the contact to tag him for the squad. “That is all I ask. I will need an hour to gather the down payment.”

  If it took longer than anticipated for a retrieval squad or if Alice’s tracker malfunctioned, at the least this vampire would try to ensure she stayed alive. The extra money might entice him to give her a drop of blood if things got d
ire.

  On the way to get the cash he typed a fast message to Alice.

  You are bought and paid for. He’s older than we thought. I offered a bonus for bringing you to me alive. Even with that, please be careful with this one. The old ones have…

  He paused. Short tempers? Less humanity? A stronger inclination to kill? Don’t scare her. You are an old one. He deleted the message and started over.

  He approached me, and the deal is complete. I’ve marked him. You tag the rest, my love. See you soon.

  No warnings. She knew the risks. Pointing them out would send her a signal that he didn’t have faith in her. He made a fast report, letting them know he’d tagged the vampire, and sent it to Sarg El and Reginald, and started pacing while he waited for his next orders.

  Chapter Seventeen

  THE LOCK CLICKED and a second later the door flew open, smashing into the wall. Ambrose took one step and flung the door closed, rattling the frame. The overhead light flickered as the force vibrated the walls.

  Alice jumped to her feet and covered her mouth to muffle her scream. “Where is Lucius?”

  “How do you know Drew?” Ambrose cleared the distance between them and held her by her throat. Saliva spattered her face with his angry words. “Don’t play with me, witch.”

  She pried at his fingers and gasped for air.

  He thrust into her mind, searching her surface thoughts without loosening his hold.

  Memories flashed as he searched. She focused on keeping anything PPK related locked away, even as the lack of oxygen blurred her own thoughts. “Don’t.” The word coughed out.

  As her last night in the den replayed, he let up on his hold. “You don’t know him.”

  She backed away when he let her. Who was he to the nasty vampire? “I don’t understand. I thought a vampire named Lucius wanted to feed from me. Who is Drew?”

  “Lucius is the only reason you are alive.” He smacked her across the face. “That’s for the difficulty. I don’t like complications.”