Quentin Heart, Vampire Bounty Hunter

by Kell Amber

  Quentin didn’t know what to say.

  Jaks solved that problem by fisting Quentin’s necklace in one hand and then tugging him closer. Jaks’s lips were soft but firm in a dry possessive kiss that branded a stamp of ownership across Quentin’s soul.

  By the time Jaks lifted his mouth, Quentin had almost forgotten how to breathe.

  Jaks murmured, “I can’t let you put yourself in danger. I’m sorry if that upsets you.”

  “And I can’t let you control me.” Quentin jerked out of Jaks’s hold. He cast a quick spell to keep Jaks in place as he fled the mansion with his wolves. His heart ached at the separation. He’d become way too attached to a vampire he barely knew. The crack of energy when he landed in his mother’s hospital room was testimony to his unease.

  She lay on her side, sleeping, her thin frame curled into a ball. He remembered her as the vibrant woman who’d always greeted him with a bright smile and a warm hug, before cancer ravaged her body. She’d been his one point of stability in his life. As a single parent, she’d been Quentin’s entire world.

  “You can fight this,” he whispered to her, his heart breaking. He slid into the chair beside her bed.

  The shift of air warned Quentin seconds before a wet nose against his hand heralded the wolves’ arrival.

  “Hey, Wolf Dad,” he greeted. Lars lay down beside him, settling his chin on Quentin’s shoe. “Now that I have Glenn back, we should see what we can do about breaking your curse.”

  “Hey, Q,” Quentin’s mother whispered, her eyes fluttering open.

  Quentin smiled at his mother and tried to appear encouraging.

  Her broken laugh barely made a sound. “It’s okay. I know I look like shit.”

  Quentin brushed the hair back from her face. “You have looked better, but you’re still my best girl. All the boys were always jealous that I had the prettiest mother.”

  “What have you been up to?”

  He didn’t really want to tell his mother about his new job, but she had a way of finding things out. If he didn’t tell her and she found out later, it would be much worse. Unable to keep anything from her, he spilled everything he’d been doing lately.

  After he told her about Jaks, she laughed until she began to cough. Quentin stood up and offered her the glass of water by her bedside.

  She took a quick sip before motioning him to set it back down. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. I wish I could do something more.”

  She held out her hand to him. He pressed it between his palms. “Sometimes life deals you a hand you have to accept. Even with your magic, sometimes you’ll find life is out of your control. Be happy with the time you have on this earth and enjoy every minute of it. How is your friend doing?”

  “I can’t believe Glenn is a vampire.” He shuddered as he remembered the look in Glenn’s eyes. “It will be a while before I can talk to him again and not worry about him trying to bite me.”

  “I thought you didn’t mind vampires.”

  “I don’t, but Glenn was almost mindless. He wanted to drink my blood, and in the end, I don’t think he would have stopped with just one sip.”

  “He’ll get under control. I’m sure it was the newness of it all.”

  “I know.”

  “How is your schooling doing? Develop anything new?”

  Quentin shoved his glasses back up his nose, where they threatened to slide off again. “Things are going fine. I’ve been doing some research with spell balls. I think I might get a patent soon.”

  “That’s great.” She patted Quentin’s hand, always supportive.

  “I think so.”

  “Don’t worry about my bills. When I die, you can sell the house and get some money.”

  Quentin didn’t want to think about his mother dying or the fact her house wouldn’t cover the cost of her debt. “Speaking of your house, I caught a guy checking it out yesterday. He gave me a creepy vibe.”

  “He won’t get past through the spells you put up. Only your father and uncles can get through because of their blood connection with you.”

  “He visited before?”

  “When you were younger, your father used to come see you. He stopped when you were seven and could see through his invisibility charms. He was really proud of your abilities, you know.”

  “No, I don’t know. You never talked about him.” Quentin rolled the idea around in his head. He never knew his father had bothered to come and check on him.

  “That’s because I didn’t want you to be longing for a man who could never be a proper father for you.”

  A soft woof drew Quentin’s attention, and he spoke to the wolf. “It’s too late now. You only came to find me because you need my help. If you hadn’t been cursed, you wouldn’t be here.” He couldn’t easily dismiss a lifelong grudge.

  “He’s sorry. He always missed you,” his mother said.

  “Too little too late. I don’t need a father anymore. I could’ve used one when I was nine and wanted someone to play ball with.”

  “You’ll always need a father, especially once I’m gone. Don’t cut him off because he didn’t behave how you wanted.”

  “No. You’ll have to make sure you stay around because I can’t deal with things without you. What am I going to do about Jaks without your advice?”

  “I love you, Q. Don’t dismiss your pretty vampire because you have trust issues.”

  “How do you know he’s pretty?”

  “All vampires are pretty. In my younger days, I had a bit of a crush on a vampire rock band.”

  “Did you, now? I had no idea my mother was a closet fanger,” Quentin teased.

  A grin spread across her thin face. “I was a bit of a wild child in my youth. You need to do that.”

  “Do what?”

  “Go wild. You’ve always been an old soul in a young body. Now you’re looking after me. Once I’m gone, I want you to promise me you’ll go out and party. Let your vampire take you dancing. Go have some fun.”

  Quentin thought of his studies, his bills, and growing list of relationship problems. “You’ll just have to stick around and make sure I do what my mother tells me to.”

  “Willful child.”

  Quentin stayed by her side while she fell back asleep.

  Back at her house, after a quick phone call to let Jaks know he’d made it home safely, Quentin went to bed.

  Chapter 6

  Quentin woke up the next morning surprised to be alone. He’d almost expected to wake up in Jaks’s house or in his arms. The vampire had been annoyed at Quentin when he left.

  The wolves were still sleeping when he tiptoed out of the house. Two men waited at the bottom of his steps. Quentin’s magic flared, swirling around to identify them.

  Vampires.

  “Can I help you, gentlemen?” He kept his voice calm and cool, not betraying his dismay.

  The vampire on the right had hair like moonlight and skin almost as pale. The one on the left had reddish-brown hair and a caramel complexion.

  “I’m Vele and this is Parson. We’re your escorts this morning,” the pale vampire said.

  “I don’t need anyone following me around.”

  Vele tilted his sunglasses down his nose to pin Quentin with a blue-eyed glare. “Master Jakinson said we watch you, so we watch you.”

  “You can’t go into my lab. Tell Jaks that’s where I went.” Quentin focused on his lab.

  He was jolted out of his concentration by a hand on his arm.

  “Not so fast,” Parson grabbed Quentin’s arm.

  A snap, and a bracelet circled his right wrist.

  “What’s this?” Quentin tapped the bracelet with his finger.

  “We’re clipping your wings,” Parson said.

  “I don’t think so.” Quentin wrapped his left hand around the bracelet and pushed. His left hand glowed red and began to melt the metal. Once he’d weakened the bracelet, he snapped it off and tossed it away. He looked back up to see the
vampires staring at him. “I didn’t just come into my power. I’m not going to be contained by a minor trap spell. Like I said, I’ll be in my lab.”

  Shaking with anger, Quentin teleported outside the lab, only to be stopped by the dean.

  “There you are, Mr. Heart.”

  Quentin winced. The gods were plotting against him. “Hello, Dean Mearson.”

  The dean’s wide smile relieved some of his fears. “I want you to know you received impressive reviews on that seminar you taught yesterday. The students were thrilled with your techniques. Thank you for taking that on for me.”

  “You’re welcome.” Quentin glanced around but didn’t see anyone willing to help him distract the dean. How did he always end up alone with her?

  The dean ran her hand along her purse strap, a motion that struck fear into Quentin’s heart. She only did that when she was getting ready to ask for something. “When are you going to be ready to defend your dissertation?”

  “I’m wrapping up my final analysis on spell balls. I hope to be finished by next month after testing.” He didn’t dare relax quite yet.

  “Good. I want you prepared to be an assistant professor next year. I’m giving you the first-year spell-construction class.” She nodded, and her ponytail bounced as she spoke emphatically. “I think it aligns nicely with your skills. What do you think?”

  “Really?” As much as Quentin would rather stick to pure research, he liked the idea of an assistant professorship. “I’m flattered, Dean Mearson.”

  “Don’t disappoint me, Mr. Heart. I’m counting on you to be a bright light in the department and bring in fresh ideas.”

  “I’ll do my best.”

  She flashed Quentin her best professional smile. “I know you will. You’ll do the university proud. We’ll discuss this more later. I’ll have my assistant call you and set up an appointment.”

  “Thank you.”

  The dean gave her good-byes and then scurried off on her spike-heeled shoes. Quentin always ended conversations with the dean, feeling equal parts confused and terrified. He had taken two steps toward the lab when a clap of thunder shook the air.

  A woman wearing an emerald gown appeared in Quentin’s path.

  Great—I don’t have enough strange things happening lately.

  The woman’s ears were pointed at the top where they peeked out of her honey-gold hair. Quentin idly noticed her vibrant eye color matched her dress.

  “Are you Quentin Heart?”

  The temptation to say no hovered on his tongue… “Yes.”

  “Do you have my husband?”

  “Not unless he’s a nosy, overbearing vampire, and even then, I don’t know if I’d call him mine.” His stomach churned at the thought of Jaks being married.

  “You must have him!” she insisted.

  “Why?”

  “Because he has run out of allies.”

  “Who are you talking about?”

  “Lars Trehorn, the fae king. I am Allinea, his wife.”

  Quentin didn’t have any loyalty toward the man who’d abandoned him, but he wouldn’t turn anyone over to this hard-eyed woman. “I’ve never met my father.”

  A light green glow surrounded him.

  “You speak the truth.” She glared at him as if offended by his truth telling. “How can that be? I would’ve thought he’d find you.”

  Unlike the vampires whom Quentin had enjoyed toying with earlier, this fae woman oozed danger. Not necessarily evil, but power. Quentin doubted she used that power for anything good.

  “My father abandoned me when I was born. I’ve had nothing to do with him.” He didn’t know for certain how Lars had been turned into a bone wolf, but he had a feeling this woman had something to do with it.

  “He didn’t abandon you. I trapped him in the fae realm. His affair with your mother was a mistake. I thought it kinder to keep him from you than to kill you at birth.” Her tone indicated she really did consider herself to be a reasonable person.

  “I’d thank you, but I’m a bit torn over your sense of compassion.”

  “That’s because you’re still a babe. If you see your father, give me a call.” She pulled a business card out of the air and handed it over. “It’s an inter-realm number. I’ll pay the charges.”

  “Thanks.” Quentin tucked the card into his pocket. She remained standing before him. “Was there anything else?”

  “You’ve grown up quite well, Quentin Heart. Your father would be proud of you. When I find him, I might let him visit, after all.”

  “Um, thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  She vanished.

  “Great. One more mystery to solve.” Speaking of mysteries, Quentin had forgotten to ask the vamp escorts how Glenn was doing. He pressed Jaks’s speed dial on his phone.

  “You shouldn’t have ditched your guards, my sweet.” Jaks’s voice rolled across the telephone line like the silken threads of a spiderweb trying to lure Quentin into its net.

  “I’m certain their day can be spent in a better pursuit. How is Glenn doing?”

  “Your friend has gorged himself on blood and is now in hibernation. It will take him a week to acclimate to being a vampire. I will let you see him as soon as I’m convinced he can handle being near wizard blood and will not try to bite you. It wouldn’t go well for him if he decided to chomp on my man.”

  “Thank you for taking care of him. I’m not sure what I would’ve done if you hadn’t been there to take charge of him.” Probably be lying on the forest floor, a hollowed-out husk, who had let his friend drink him dry.

  “You’re welcome.” Jaks’s voice dipped into a low sexual purr. “Now come home so that I can let you show me your appreciation.”

  “First of all, your mansion isn’t my home. Second, I have things to do. I just called to say thank you.” Quentin had to get off the phone before the vampire changed Quentin’s mind about staying away.

  “You can show me how thankful later.”

  “Sure, when I come to pick up my signed form. Great, I’ll see you then.”

  Quentin hung up before Jaks could respond. Better the vampire learn sooner than later that Quentin wasn’t going to be pushed around by anyone. He didn’t really want to hunt vampires, but if it would keep his mother in a good hospital, he’d track down every evil bloodsucker on the planet.

  A chime filled the air.

  “Fuck, someone’s in my lab!” Quentin ran toward the building, rushed through the retina scan, and then hurried to his lab.

  It only took him a few minutes to find Professor Rendall sitting behind Quentin’s desk.

  “Find something interesting, Professor?” Quentin asked.

  Rendall jumped. His hands jerked up and papers flew from them, some falling to the floor. “Mr. Heart, why are you sneaking in here to scare me?”

  “I was wondering what you were doing in my lab, going through my papers?” Quentin was glad he’d spell-locked his most important records.

  Rendall cleared his throat. “As one of your advisors, it’s my job to review your work.”

  “No. According to university policy, I am to be given a week’s notice before any of my work is officially reviewed by a staff member. I just talked to the dean, and she didn’t mention a review.”

  Rendall quickly recovered. “What are you working on? Your notes don’t make any sense.”

  “They do to me. Now, if you’ll excuse me, Professor, I have work to do.”

  Rendall stood, stomping across Quentin’s fallen notes on his way to the door. “One day you’ll need me, Mr. Heart, and I will remember today.”

  “And I’ll remember not to ask you for help. By the way, anything taken out of the lab by anyone but me will be spell-erased.”

  He saw Rendall reach for his pocket but halt the motion when he saw Quentin watching. He cleared his throat. “Your dissertation had better be solid. I would hate to have to hold back your degree.”

  “Yes, that would be bad since the
dean just offered me an assistant professorship. She’d be very disappointed.” Quentin kept his tone neutral.

  Rendall’s face flushed. “She won’t be the dean forever.”

  Quentin didn’t say anything. The words threatening to burst out were not appropriate to say to a faculty member. If Rendall ever got into a position of power, Quentin would have to make sure he had a backup job. Maybe he’d let the vampires eat him, after all.

  He waited until Rendall left before taking a long breath. “I hope my day improves.”

  Quentin sat at his desk and placed his hands on the top. “Reveal,” he whispered.

  A layer of yellow light glowed across the room, slipping into all the nooks and crannies until finally it vanished. No listening devices or other spying spells had been left behind. Quentin relaxed. No one had tampered with his lab.

  He stood back up and walked over to his whiteboard. With a wave of his hand, he erased the encryption spell blocking the casual observer from reading his work. Rendall must not have been in Quentin’s office for long if he hadn’t broken the simple code.

  Examining his work, Quentin added a few more notations. His entire dissertation was based on energy exchange in creating portable magic. He added a few more notations to fine-tune his latest trap.

  Several times, he tried to start on a new spell design, but he couldn’t concentrate. With thoughts of his father trapped in the body of a bone wolf, he felt restless. Maybe it was time to go to the library and do some proper research.

  Quentin reset his wards and made them a bit stronger this time. The spell he used should persuade intruders to move on to something new. Professor Rendall glared at him as he passed.

  “Decided not to work today?”

  “I have something else I have to do.”

  “Did you really get offered an assistant professor position?” Rendall asked.

  “Yes.” Quentin left before Rendall could ask him anything else. He didn’t have the patience to deal with the annoying professor. If Rendall stole anything of his, he’d firebomb the bastard.

  Quentin left the lab building and walked across the grassy quad toward the library. Questions crowded through his head. Had his father wanted to see him all this time? Did he care? Had Lars’s wife kept him from getting to know Quentin?