Toxic

by Eve Langlais

  “It’s not easy for my kind to take a life or even injure another, no matter how heinous they are.”

  “No, of course not,” I taunted. “You and so many others would rather sit on your high fucking horses and look down on those of us willing to dirty our hands. Then condemn us even as you reap the benefits.”

  He rubbed the bridge of his nose. “It’s not like that.”

  “Really, then let me ask you, will your people join us in rebuffing the daemons?”

  He shook his head and I snorted.

  He looked pained. “It’s complicated.”

  “There’s nothing complicated about fighting to survive.”

  “It’s not our battle.”

  “Well, it is mine, and I will do whatever it takes to ensure I and my kind survive, which also means saving the humans. And as far as I’m concerned, anyone who doesn’t join us in our fight for survival shall feed us to keep us strong.”

  “You make it all seem so black and white.”

  “It is.” Live or die, could the choice be any more basic?

  “If you understood what I was-”

  “I really couldn’t give a rat’s ass what you are. You could be a purple people eater or a fucking mythical unicorn. I’d still expect you to step up and be a man. To fight against the daemons and the certain death they’re promising.” A nasty idea floated free. “Unless you’re a different type of daemon? Is that why you can’t fight?”

  He looked horrified. “No, most definitely not.”

  “So you’re just a pussy.”

  “Would you stop that,” he snapped back. “This has nothing to do with courage.”

  “Or a lack thereof. Sure, whatever. Get out.” I waved my hand dismissively at him. I never could abide cowards.

  “I can’t leave yet.”

  I faced him and met his troubled blue eyes with my dark ones. “Oh, yes you can.” Attraction or not, I wouldn’t betray my people for a man who hid secrets and refused to fight. I called my people through my mental link with them. They flooded into the room and at my silent commanded gripped Rafe’s forearms.

  He sighed with resignation. “This isn’t over, Ellie.”

  “That’s Countess to you. Only my friends may use my real name.” I turned my back as my people escorted him from my home and life. The door slammed shut, but the expected elation at getting rid of him didn’t materialize.

  I didn’t understand the gnawing pit in my stomach. Feeding didn’t banish it. Sleep merely helped it grow.

  And alone once again, annoyed, horny and frustrated, I did what I did best. Caused havoc.

  Chapter Eight

  For the next couple of days I kept myself busy. It didn’t stop me, however, from thinking about Rafe. Is that even his real name?

  I watched his press announcement to the humans where he glossed over some of my bloodthirsty habits to present us as human beings albeit with a specialized diet.

  His calm reassurance, though, did nothing to stop the fanatics from sharpening their stakes. Apparently, no matter how benign we were painted, the humans just weren’t quite ready to accept us. Churches found themselves bursting at the seams as thousands returned to the religious fold and sermons preaching intolerance for the evil creatures-like me-ran rampant.

  News reports from around the world held disturbing tales of humans stabbing people with wooden spikes. The ironic part was none of those killed were actually vampires.

  And while a loud rabble of humans clamored for our annihilation, muddying the media with their rabid venting, the daemon incursions spiked.

  Through my worldwide network, I received reports from cities all over citing new daemon sightings and atrocities. I sent out double squads, teams of eight vamps or more to take care of the problems, but with our limited population and resources, I was finding it harder and harder to keep up.

  Hence my current meeting with the queen. I’d flown by private jet to Calgary, then hired a car to drive to her castle hidden from human eyes in the Canadian Rockies. A pretty place if you didn’t mind the cold and isolation.

  I wasted no time upon my arrival, immediately seeking my queen out to establish a new plan of action.

  I paced her throne room, my heel boots clacking on the marbled floor. “We need to bring the humans into the fight.”

  “They’re not ready.”

  I whirled to face Lily-a name I used to address her only in private-where she sat slumped in her throne. Her usual proud bearing wilted under the growing pressure. Never before had I seen her so defeated, and this before the battle was fully engaged. “I don’t give a crap if they’re ready to handle it or not. If we don’t tell them, they’re going to die. Besides, don’t you think they’re about to start noticing that more and more people are dying? It’s kind of hard to hide bodies torn to pieces and eaten. Has it occurred to you who they’re going to blame first?”

  Lily sighed. “I know we’re about to get tarred, but truthfully, I’m more concerned about the widespread panic once we announce the daemons are coming.”

  I flung my hands up, my tone and body language beyond exasperated. “Coming! They’re already bloody here.”

  “And so far, you and the army have managed to take care of them.”

  “For how much longer? I’m stretched thin. Too thin. We need numbers to bolster our ranks or they’re going to wipe us out even before the main forces arrive.” If only fledgling vampires weren’t so damned blood thirsty, I’d go on a creation binge and increase the ranks of the army myself. “How are the talks with the shapeshifters going?” With them at our side, we’d have the strength and numbers to stall a while longer.

  Lily’s eyes sparked. “Stubborn animals. I had them this close,” she said holding her fingers a half inch apart. “Then, wham. All of a sudden all the alphas started beating their chest like the primates they are and claiming they needed to choose one leader to hold sway over all the clans.”

  “So they hold an election and choose one.”

  “I wish,” Lily sighed. “They’re holed up in my guest quarters right now trying to decide who will battle who for control of the clans. They claim it could take weeks for a final decision.”

  I slumped onto the steps leading up to the dais and lowered my head to my knees. “Oh, for fuck’s sake.”

  “What about Dr. Angelus? Have you thought about approaching him again? Ask him to speak to whoever is in charge of his people.”

  I growled in reply. I’d of course told Lily that Rafe wasn’t human even as I hid how he’d affected me. Some humiliations didn’t bear repeating. I also didn’t mention the fact that Rafe had called me daily asking to meet since I’d booted him from my house and life. I had no interest in speaking to him. Lying jerk. He’d made it clear he and whatever group he belonged to wouldn’t be making a stand with us. “Rafe and his people are a dead end I refuse to waste time following. You know our only choice is to tell the humans. They need to arm themselves and prepare for the apocalypse.”

  “Just give me a little more time,” my queen pled.

  It angered me to see her acting so helpless. Over the years while I’d grown harder, she’d gone in the opposite direction and grown softer. No, that wasn’t the right word, she’d become more diplomatic as she prepared us for the day of our eventual outing. Turned out she needn’t have bothered. Movies and books had done to our reputation what actual acts couldn’t. Well, the acts that came to light that is. “Fine, handle the humans whatever way you like. But I want it noted that as your general in charge of your protection and that of our people’s, I think the time to arm the humans is now.”

  “Duly noted.”

  “In the meantime, may I talk to the shifters and reiterate the need for speed in their decision?”

  Lily eyed me with trepidation. “Ellie, you’re not going to do anything crazy are you?”

  “Who me?” I smiled at her, and not reassuringly judging by the frown knitting her brow.

  I left the throne room with th
e sound of my queen’s resigned sigh drifting along with me. I thumped down the halls, the clacking of my heels and the vicious scowl on my face scattering those in my path. I loved my queen, but I really felt she was putting the petty fears of humans before common sense. Yes, what we had to say would freak them out, but it wouldn’t get any better a day, or two, or even a week from now.

  Frustrated, I made an executive decision and headed towards the wing housing the guest quarters where the alpha leaders of the shapeshifters were residing with some of their people while negotiations occurred. I had a simple solution to our current problem with them. Sorry Lily, but in some cases, talking just isn’t the right route to take.

  The vamp guard I had posted outside the guest wing stood up straighter at my approach.

  “Don’t interfere no matter what you hear,” I instructed, striding past him into the gathering area for guests. My eyes quickly scanned the space, taking in details. The ceiling stretched above me almost three stories, the upper levels ringed with balconies where a few faces peered down at me with curiosity. The main floor contained scattered couches and chairs filled with a few human types who also didn’t look upon me with the right level of respect-or fear.

  One large brute-who stank of bear-stood at my approach. “We are done talking for the day,” he told me in a gruff voice.

  “I’m not here to talk,” I replied.

  He smiled at me. “Ah, well why didn’t you say so, sweetheart. I’m always up to pleasing a lady.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Oh, please, cub. Give it a break. The only thing that would please me would be you and your buddies getting your shit together and signing the agreement.”

  He scowled at my rebuke. “We will sign the treaty when we can come to a consensus on a leader for all the clans.”

  “So what are you waiting for?”

  “The strongest, of course,” he said, flexing his impressive biceps.

  “Let me get this straight. Whoever fights and wins gets to be in charge?” I questioned.

  “More or less.”

  “Perfect. I challenge you all.”

  There were gasps and the behemoth in front of me chuckled. “But you are not a shifter.”

  “Is that all it takes?” I replied sweetly. I shifted, my form melting and reforming into that of a large black kitty. I’d once ingested a whole big cat shifter pride who’d pissed me off by eating one of my servants. Apparently the assimilation of so many souls in quick succession gave me a power that most vamps didn’t have-and I wasn’t about to let them in on my secret. And I didn’t consider my answer to Rafe a lie-he’d asked if I turned into a bat. I couldn’t. He should have asked me about other animals.

  I roared and swished my tail while the wide eyed alpha beheld me with a hanging jaw. I melted back into my human shape-complete with clothing, which I’ll admit I didn’t understand-and smiled. “Now that we’ve ascertained my eligibility, I repeat my challenge for leadership of all the clans in the coming war.”

  “Never. I won’t follow a blood sucking bitch,” he snarled, no longer smiling.

  “Pussy,” I taunted. “What’s wrong? Afraid a woman will beat all of you?” Growls erupted around me and I grinned wickedly.

  The big guy in front of me gave me a fierce scowl. “There’s only one of you and a dozen alphas. You won’t win, so butt out. We will choose a leader for the clans in our own time.”

  “I’m tired of waiting,” I growled. “None of you seem to grasp the fact that we are about to face an enemy of gigantic proportion. Fuck you all. I’m done being nice. Now we do things my way. All alphas not willing to bow to me as leader will meet me in the courtyard in ten minutes.”

  “And if we don’t?” he crossed his arms over his wide chest.

  “Then you are of no use to me, and I will have you all placed under arrest and thrown in the dungeon.”

  “You wouldn’t dare!” His face flushed red with anger.

  I stepped closer and met his glare. My tone emerged low, but I amplified it so all could hear my words. “I am the general of the queen’s army. I am also a really nasty bitch when pissed off, which would be right now. I would suggest you take my offer because I can guarantee one thing, I will follow through. If you’re not with me then you’re against me, and unlike some other cowards out there, I have no problem eliminating all of you to protect my back.”

  Something about my words, tone or posture must have convinced him I spoke truth. That, or I was just more alpha than him. Shifters had a tendency to bow to those stronger than them, a trait I intended to cash in on.

  “What are your terms?” he asked through gritted teeth.

  “If I win, I control the tribes during this crisis.”

  “And if you lose?” asked a male voice to my left.

  I didn’t bother turning my head. I kept my eyes locked on the big guy. “If I lose?” I shrugged. “Not going to happen, but if it does, then tell you what, you can all pack up and go home to hide in your caves, or dens, or wherever you park your furry asses when you’re not acting like obstinate children.”

  And with that temper firing comment, I pivoted on my heel. I could feel the burning stares boring into my back as I strutted out to await my challengers.

  I hoped there were several as I had a lot of frustration to work out.

  Why is it I’m the only one who grasps that we need to come together now and prepare for the coming invasion?

  Speaking of preparing, I stripped off my coat and blouse, leaving on only my black sports bra and stretchy black jeans. I enjoyed the feel of the cool evening air as it brushed over my skin, its touch hardening my nipples. I kicked off my boots, my bare feet providing a better grip on the paving stones of the courtyard.

  People filed out, mostly shifters judging by the smell, but I also sensed some of my brethren, too, come to watch their general wrangle the animals back in line.

  I stretched and warmed up, not truly a necessary act, but it helped focus my thoughts-well, one thought-win. I didn’t bother listening to the whispers rising from the huddled alphas. They could strategize all they wanted. I didn’t intend to lose.

  “Come on. I haven’t got all night,” I called out, impatient at the delay.

  The herd dispersed to ring the open area I’d chosen for the fight, and the battle for power began. They threw the minor alphas at me first. I yawned as I batted away their feeble punches. I didn’t even grimace as they rained blows on me. Heck, I didn’t even waver. When I’d felt they’d had enough time to take me out-unsuccessfully-I dropped them with a single blow and placed my bare foot on their throat.

  After the fourth borderline alpha, I laughed aloud. I could see their plan-tire the vampire so that when the big guns came at me, I’d lack the strength to take them out.

  Idiots.

  I took care of the first round with ease. The watching crowd stopped jeering and instead glared at me with angry stares. “Ready to concede yet?” I asked.

  Growls and booing catcalls answered me. Thus did the next round of attacks start with a tougher bunch of alphas. They were wiser to me by now and circled me cautiously before darting in to attack. I took them down with well-aimed kicks and blows. Several even shapeshifted into their animal forms with no success. I beat them all.

  A light sweat covered my body, and my blood pumped fluently from the exertion. Nothing like a good workout to feel better.

  My frustration mostly abated-and now being worn as bruises by the losers-I smiled at the last alpha standing, the behemoth from inside.

  “Okay, big boy. Get your ass over here for a beating so I can be declared champ.”

  “Cocky bitch,” he snapped. “Just because you beat them out doesn’t mean you’ll be able to take me. The leader position is mine.”

  “Then I guess you should have done something about it before I had to butt in. Too late now. I’m not putting up with any more shit. You said the last one standing gets to be leader. Well, that’s you or me big guy, so let’s see how your
pretty muscle does against little ol’ me.”

  The massive alpha’s posture screamed pissed-off and despite my threats, he stalked towards me, stripping as he came to show off impressive musculature. Unfortunately for him, though, he wasn’t a match for my strength-actually neither were my brethren, including my queen. The only beings that actually came close, and recently surpassed it, were the daemons.

  I smiled at the approaching alpha and bared some teeth. I couldn’t resist taunting him some more. “So did you want me to let you make a good showing or just get this done?”

  He didn’t reply, just gave an inarticulate cry of rage and charged at me, his body rippling into that of a grizzly bear-a huge one with massive freaking teeth. Such a predictable move.

  I met his charge without changing shape. I tackled his immense furry body, my momentum tumbling us to the ground. My hands wrapped around his throat and squeezed. He thrashed, snarled and snapped his teeth at me. I snarled and gnashed my teeth right back. The furry body shifted into something with skin. The behemoth’s hands came up to pry my hands from his neck. He also used his weight to roll our position until I lay under him.

  I smiled up at him. “I know you like to be on top, but…” I rolled us again so that I ended up straddling him. “I prefer to be the one in charge.”

  I finally allowed him to feel my full strength, my hands pinning him helplessly. I prepared to mark him, something I hadn’t done with the others. But with this stubborn fellow, I needed more than just a victory. I needed his loyalty. Putting myself in charge of the clans was all well and good, but I needed someone they’d actually listen to who could relay my orders and ensure things were done my way.

  The alpha’s eyes widened as he caught my intent. He struggled fiercely beneath me, his body bucking as he attempted to throw me off. I clamped my thighs tighter and leaned in for a bite.

  He bellowed in rage as my teeth punctured the skin of his neck. His wasn’t the only one crying out. A furry body came flying out of nowhere only to get batted down by someone who’d entered the ring of our battle. Intent on taking some of the alpha’s nourishing rich blood-which most vamps wouldn’t eat because they said it tasted funny-I ignored whomever came to my unnecessary aid. Truthfully, a whole football team could have tried to tackle me and I would have still kept my grip on the bearshifter’s neck. No one came between me and my food.