Vampire Charming

by Cassandra Gannon

  Chapter Four

  EXT. THE OBSIDIAN FORTESS-NIGHT

  ROLAND rides his horse towards massive gate, knowing that this will be his first meeting with FANG. Everything that comes later will build off of this decisive moment. The cinematography should be done from a helicopter, so we can get a feel for the grand scope of it all. ROLAND is riding fast and looking incredible. Also, he’s shirtless. He draws the Silver Sword and screams FANG’S name at the glassy, black walls of the palace. It all begins now…

  ROLAND

  (Screaming)

  Fang! Come out and face me like a man, Werewolf! It all begins now!

  SENTRY ON WALL

  (Apologetically clearing his throat)

  Ummm... Fang’s not here, kid. He just left.

  ROLAND

  (Confused and pissed)

  He left? He can’t do that. We’re supposed to have a confrontation!

  Damn it, this is totally fucking up my plans, dude. Where’d he go?

  SENTRY ON WALL

  (Shrugging)

  He’s out looking for some Vampire. It all seems kinda weird, if you ask me.

  Redrafted Film Script- “From Here to Infinia”

  Slade didn’t have to see the woman to know she was nearby.

  His heightened senses lit up whenever Jane came close. The incredible scent of her drifted passed him and his body jolted. Gods, that citrusy aroma would be the death of him. No other being smelled as good as Jane Squire. She was just a human, but something about her was unnaturally appealing.

  He looked off to the left, spotting Jane peeking into the mouth of the cave. Slade was sitting around the Satyr brothers’ fire, waiting for the rebels to arrive. The horned siblings were getting increasingly tense as Slade told them of his plans for Infinia. He wasn’t sure what was troubling them, but their uneasy shifting was dampening the victorious mood.

  The sight of Jane lifted his spirits, again.

  Slade had been torn about leaving her alone in the tavern earlier. On the one hand, everything Vampire within him had revolted at the idea of letting her out of his sight. On the other hand, he could clearly see that Jane was close to the breaking point. Inter-dimensional travel had been more difficult for her than he’d imagined. If Slade had tried to force her to come with him to meet the rebels, she might have bolted.

  He didn’t want that.

  Even if he could’ve quickly tracked her down after she fled, Slade wanted her to stay with him because she believed in him. More and more, his Dark Instincts told him that Jane Squire was vital to his epic destiny. That he couldn’t succeed without her. That he’d been led to that dreary grocery store for some greater purpose. He couldn’t explain it, but the feeling was growing stronger. Keeping Jane happy was paramount. So, he’d reluctantly allowed her to stay behind in the safety of the bar and now she’d come to her senses, rejoining his journey.

  She was moving closer, quietly edging towards him like she didn’t want to be spotted by the men drinking from tankards. When she realized she had his attention, she put a silencing finger to her lips and made an emphatic “Get over here!” gesture with her free palm, still staying hidden from the others.

  The woman was so odd.

  But --Christ-- he’d missed her in the hour they’d been separated.

  Slade had never actually missed anyone before and the feeling was uncomfortable. It was wrong to desire his second-in-command. Their working relationship would suffer. Rationally, he knew that, but his Dark Instincts didn’t care. They just wanted to drown in the tart fragrance of her hair and the infinite color of her stormy eyes. The longer he was around Jane Squire, the more insistent their wanting became. Never had his Dark Instincts been so hard to ignore.

  It was also difficult to ignore the rocks hitting him.

  Pebbles rained down when Slade didn’t move fast enough to suit her purposes. Jane Squire delighted in heaving small objects at him. She had no idea how a subordinate was supposed to act.

  “Jane, what are you doing?” He demanded, rubbing a sore spot on his skull. “Stop pelting me with stones and come sit by the fire.”

  Jane Squire’s palm slapped against her forehead in frustration.

  All four Satyr brothers turned to look at her, their beady eyes narrowing. “Who’s that?” Cal hissed. Or possibly it was Hal. Or Val. Or Al. All four of them looked identical, so it was hard to tell.

  “That is my second-in-command, Jane Squire.” Slade waved her forward. “Welcome, Jane. We are discussing our battle strategy. What know you of Werewolf weapons?”

  She stepped forward, staring up at the ceiling like she was praying for patience. “Werewolf weapons?” She said tightly. “Not much. But, at least you still have the golf clubs. They’re bound to come in handy. God only knows when your rebel forces might need to caddy for you.”

  “That’s true.” He patted the bag beside him. “I don’t think golf clubs are made of silver, though.” He turned back at the Satyr Brothers. “Are golf clubs made of silver?”

  The four goat-men exchanged confused glances, like they had no idea what to say to that perfectly clear question. They often looked that way when Slade spoke.

  “I was being sarcastic, Slade. Do they look like fucking golfers to you?” Jane snapped. “Why do you even still have that stupid bag?”

  “Amalie told me it will be useful and I trust her word. She is a powerful witch.”

  Jane let out an agitated breath, like she was trying to calm down. “We need to talk.” She bit-off in an exaggeratedly level tone. “Like a lot.”

  “Of course!” He smiled at her, pleased that she always called him “Slade.” Most beings addressed him as “your majesty” or “King Slade,” as was proper with underlings. But, Jane was his friend. He enjoyed the fact that she used his given name. Her voice gave it a sultry sound that fed into his bloodstream. “I am always eager to hear your ideas.” He patted the rock next to him. “Come here.”

  “I meant alone.” She persisted with a determined expression on her face. “You and me. Outside. Alone.”

  “Yes, but…”

  “Now.”

  Several of the brothers frowned at each other, apparently concerned that a mere servant would speak to their new monarch in such a disrespectful way. Slade understood their feelings, but he was too content to care about Jane’s continued impertinence. The insecurities that had plagued him of late went silent when she was beside him. Jane was the one person he was totally sure of. She would guide him to his destiny. He knew it.

  Plus, she smelled the incredible.

  “Uh, Vampire.” Hal or possibly Al began in a worried voice. “I mean, King Vampire. I don’t think it’s such a good idea for you to leave. Stay here and let us make you an offer you can’t refuse.”

  Jane made a scoffing sound. “Jesus, if this becomes some kind of Godfather porno, you’re on your own, Slade.”

  He wasn’t sure what to make of that or of Hal/Al’s proposition. “It’s fine, minion.” Slade assured the man. “Wait here.” He bounded over to Jane, even though he should’ve moved at a more aloof and regal pace. He’d missed her while they were separated. How did she make him miss her so much? And was he going crazy or did she not look so plain in the moonlight? “What did you wish to speak about?” He lowered his voice. “Women troubles?”

  “Get over here, you gigantic moron.” Jane seized hold of his arm and tugged him into the night. “Have you completely lost what little mind you have?” The cave was set on a small incline. The golf clubs clattered as she dragged him down the hill.

  “No, I…”

  Jane herded him passed the tree line, so they were hidden from view. “Did you ever consider that the strange men who pick you up in bars aren’t people you want to go home with? Huh?” She gestured back towards the cave. “You can’t trust them. They’re working for the Werewolf. And --Jesus--I cannot believe I just said that.”

  Slade’s eyebrows compressed. “No. The Satyr Brothers support the rebels. Th
ey wish to defeat Fang and help me claim the throne. They are very interested in my plans to unite Infinia.”

  “Says who? Them? Because the half-naked bartender says they’re notorious bad guys. They’ve lured you here to sell your pretty, empty head to that Fang guy’s soldiers.”

  Slade considered that possibility. “You believe she’s right?”

  “Yes! It’s easy to believe people are rotten, because they always fucking are.”

  “That’s not true.” Slade found it sad that she’d say such a thing. Jane Squire was too young to be so cynical. “Most people are good. Not as intrinsically honorable as Vampires, but…”

  Jane interrupted him. She did that a lot. “You’re so naive, you shouldn’t be allowed to roam free in the world.” She jabbed a finger at him. “For whatever reason, I seem to be stuck with you, so just do what I say, alright? We’re leaving.”

  Slade crossed his arms over his chest. “You’re being unduly suspicious. The Satyr Brothers are our first link to the rebels. If we abandon them, how will we begin our quest?”

  “It won’t be much of a quest if you’re dead.”

  Slade shook his head. “I cannot allow pessimism and fear to influence my choices. This is my destiny.”

  “King Slade?” One of the Satyr brothers called from the cave’s entrance. It might have been Val. “Where are you? Why don’t you come back inside and buckle your saddle belt? It’s going to be a bumpy night.”

  Slade turned to answer him, but Jane slapped a hand over his mouth. “Don’t you dare.” She warned. “At least it’s not Brando this time, but All About Eve should still sue them for screwing up that quote so badly. It just sounds ominous and sleazy.”

  Slade couldn’t think of a single response to that. The feel of Jane’s fingers over his lips sent a fire flickering through his system that shorted out his brain. He blinked at her, stunned by the passion that ignited when their skin met. The instant heat was like nothing he’d ever experienced. He had to shift his hips to hide the intensity of his reaction. If she was a Witch, he’d swear that she’d cast a spell on him. The lust he felt for her was spiraling out of control and all she’d done was touch him.

  Jane yanked her hand back and gave her head a clearing shake. “Okay.” She swallowed hard. “Right. Look… The brothers are tricking you.” She dropped her gaze like she was uncomfortable with the way Slade was staring at her. “Can’t you see that?”

  Slade tried to concentrate on her words, but it was nearly impossible. Did she feel the heat between them, too? How could she miss it? He had to clear his throat before he could talk. “Success can only come through risk, Jane.”

  “You know what else come through risk? Death. Taking risks is almost always a bad idea.”

  Slade slowly shook his head. “You’re wrong.” He said simply. “Unless you take risks, you’ll never have anything that matters.”

  Jane looked at him again, studying his grave face. “Okay, we’ll try this another way.” She gave him a tight smile. “You think I’m your loyal sidekick, right?”

  “You are my most trusted friend.” He agreed. His Dark Instincts had more faith in Jane Squire than he’d ever had in anyone. He had no idea why, but he didn’t question it.

  “Then, listen to me.” She leaned closer to him. “We’re trapped in some cheap knock-off of Willow. And Willow was already kind of a knock-off. If we’re going to survive this crappy movie, we need to be smart. Now, I don’t have your experience at potentate- ing, but I doubt the current ruler is looking for any kingly competition. Fang isn’t going to welcome you with open arms.”

  It was hard to dispute that logic. “Werewolves are so selfish.”

  “The point is, stealing his crown won’t be easy.” She shook her head. “And don’t you think this all seems way too easy? You just walk in a bar and some random hooved guys are instantly setting you up on a date with the super-secret underground? Even for a movie, that’s too big a coincidence.”

  Slade pondered that. He hated to admit it, but Jane Squire made a small bit of sense. Obviously, the people of this land would be thrilled to have him as their majestic leader. But, Fang’s henchmen would be everywhere, trying to stop Slade’s ascension with all sorts of chicanery. It never paid to underestimate the duplicity and avarice of his enemies. Perhaps, he should…

  Jane suddenly grabbed his arm, again. “Get down.” She tugged him lower, ducking behind a strange shrub with bright orange berries shaped like dominos.

  The woman enjoyed manhandling him, but Slade didn’t mind. In fact, it just made him think of other ways she could touch his body. Wicked, hot, wonderful ways… Jane inspired very un-gentlemanly thoughts about kings and pretty little servant girls. He’d never had those kinds of fantasies before, but with Jane his mind was filled with all sorts of startling new ideas.

  “You see?” She hissed at him, oblivious to the fact he was picturing her fingers stroking every inch of his skin. “I knew it was a set-up.”

  “What?” Slade dragged his attention away from her and blinked over at the clearing.

  Armed soldiers began arriving, carrying massive swords and obsidian shields. Riding beasts that looked like a cross between a rhinoceros and a dinosaur, they thundered closer. With wart-covered skin and hideous, oversized bodies, the men could only be Goblins. The species was amoral and dangerous, often hiring on as mercenaries. Moving down the wide path, they surrounded the hill.

  Slade’s eyes narrowed when he saw the howling wolf painted on their armor. These were no rebels. These men fought for Fang. Slade recognized the dreaded insignia, which had struck fear into the hearts of beings throughout his former homeland.

  Jane was right. This was a set-up.

  “If we don’t live through this, I told you so.” She muttered. “Remember that.”

  Slade ignored her complaints, quickly running through battle scenarios. His first instinct was to attack the Goblins. Even greatly outnumbered, he could sweep the field. He’d done it before. If something went wrong, though, he’d leave Jane all alone at the mercy of their enemies. He might have lectured Jane on the importance of taking risks, but even a one percent chance of endangering her was too big a gamble.

  That feeling of purpose returned, so different that his uncomplicated desire to rule Infinia. Keeping the small human beside him safe trumped his need for a quick victory. Slade put a hand on her shoulder, easing her behind him.

  Jane looked up at him in surprise, like she wasn’t used to being protected.

  In the clearing, one rider pulled away from the others. From the golden regalia on his uniform and the enchanted creature he was riding, he was clearly the leader of the group. He removed his helmet, glossy black hair falling to his wide shoulders. “Where is the Vampire?” He demanded in a deep voice.

  Even from the distance separating them, Slade could see the lupine yellow of his eyes and the savage angles of his face. There was no mistaking his old enemy. “Fang.” He snarled.

  “He’s here, your highness.” Al or Val called from the mouth of the cave, his voice shrill and nervous. “He just stepped out for a moment.”

  “Holy buckets.” Jane breathed. “That’s Fang? Because… wow.”

  Slade flashed her a glare.

  “Oh come on. Look at him.” She pointed towards the false king. “You know he’s gorgeous. I mean, it kind of makes sense, actually. If this place is supposed to be some lousy film, of course the human-ish characters are going to be Hollywood beautiful. Even Tegan the bartender looked like a Playboy centerfold.”

  Slade didn’t have a clear recollection of that woman and he had no idea what Playboy was. He also didn’t care. He glowered down at Jane, angered at her disloyalty.

  She questioned his status as handsomest Vampire ever born, yet she drooled over that mangy dog? He wasn’t sure why that surprised him. Wolves were irresistible to women, as Melessa had so graphically proved in the royal bathtub. For some reason, Jane’s interest in Fang pissed him off even more than h
is ex-wife’s affair.

  “You cannot seriously find that animal attractive.”

  “I have eyes, don’t I?” Jane arched a brow. “For real, are you sure your prospective fiancée isn’t happy being held prisoner? There’s probably a line of princesses waiting to be kidnapped by that guy.”

  “You’re still drunk.” Slade decided. “Fang is as hideous outside as he is within.”

  “Keep telling yourself that.”

  “The Vampire stepped out.” Fang repeated in a dangerous tone. “You mean you lost him.” The Werewolf dismounted from his irritatingly lovely mount and swept forward, his black cape billowing. “You let him escape.”

  “And is Fang really riding a unicorn?” Jane asked quietly.

  Slade made an annoyed face. “It’s a pegasus.” Not even Slade had ever owned such an exquisite animal. The beautiful creature was pure white, with glossimer wings and the unmistakable look of a thoroughbred. It made Slade miss his own mighty steeds. He really should have had a better lawyer in the divorce.

  “The Vampire didn’t escape, King Fang.” Val or Al stuttered out. “A human woman came and asked to speak with him. He just went outside to talk to her. He’ll be back any moment. He would have to be crazy to wander off into the Endless Woods.”

  “You furry fool.” Fang spat. “You let some bitch steal the Vampire right out from under you?!”

  Jane’s eyes narrowed. “Okay, you’re right. I’m suddenly thinking this guy’s a dick.”

  “I am Slade, King of the Vampires. I’m always right.” Still, he was delighted to hear her come to her senses. “And Werewolves are always dicks. It’s one of the reasons they hate Vampires. We are popular and likable, while they are the cruelest and most deceitful creatures in the supernatural world.”

  “Not that you’re biased or anything.”

  Fang stalked up the small hill, his boots crunching on the gravel. “Fan out and locate them.” He ordered. “Do what you want with the woman, but I want the Vampire alive. We need to discover if more of his kind are in hiding. Fucking Vampires won’t contaminate my land.” He scowled out into the darkness, like he was trying to see through the dense trees. “And don’t underestimate him. This bloodsucker has already killed a dozen Wood Elves.”