Hex and the Single Witch (Vehicle City Vampires)

by Roxanne Rhoads

  “We are very sorry about the girl, Detective Rose. We had no idea Charlie was dating a human. Since puberty we have provided him with a steady stream of women, a constant feeding source he could not drain. We didn’t know he’d go elsewhere.” His mother was in tears fearing for the life of her son.

  “A constant food source? You mean women to have sex with?”

  “Yes,” the dad replied. I tried not to look at him. I wasn’t successful. “He’s still learning control so we supplied him with witches, vampires, and other supernatural women he could not drain. In the years to come he’ll be able to have sex with humans without draining them. If his control is great enough he’ll be able to feed off sexual energy from afar—just a visit to a club, a closeness to someone aroused.” He arched his eyebrow and looked at me. I swear he winked. Maybe I just imagined it. “But for now he is so very young…”

  “He’s never had sexual contact with a human before this?” I asked carefully.

  “No,” the father replied. “He had no idea how much control it would take. He drained her before he knew what happened, and then ran home immediately to tell me, completely devastated by it. He really cared for her.”

  “Where is he now?”

  Satinka replied, “The Guardians have him downstairs.”

  “What do you plan to do with him?”

  “He has to be taken out of school and his contact with humans must stop. Slowly human contact will be re-introduced under strict supervision,” she said carefully, watching for my reaction.

  “Yes, I will teach my son how to make love to a human without draining her,” the father stated like it was no big deal.

  Hmm… I guess to an incubus it wasn’t, like a human teaching their boy baseball. Baseball didn’t involve sex though. Incubus feeding tactics were something completely different. Kinky, I thought to myself.

  “So what do we do about her parents?” I asked the hard question everyone else seemed to avoid.

  The room went quiet. No easy answer.

  Satinka finally said, “I will have the Guardians supply a suitable killer to be framed for her death. It will be a man who has killed but has not yet been caught by the human police, no worries an innocent will be blamed.”

  “And the cause of death?” I asked as I scanned the faces of everyone in the room, all tried to remain blank yet some had pinched brows and tight jaws.

  “Strangulation.” Satinka replied calmly though I could see the turmoil in her eyes.

  “There are no marks.” I responded instantly. I could see why Malone got so upset about the supernatural cover-ups.

  “There will be. We’ll cover it on this end. You sell it to your human cops,” she said matter of factly.

  “Of course. I’ll do my job as liaison.” I replied with a touch of sarcasm. I tried to be as distant as she appeared to be, but I couldn’t help feeling this situation just wasn’t right. Too bad I couldn’t see a better answer.

  “Thank you for being so understanding,” the sobbing succubus stood up and took my hand. “He’s my son, my only child. I waited centuries for him. Thank you for not taking him away.” She sniffled.

  I nodded and extricated my hand from hers. I nodded at Satinka and steered clear of papa incubus on my way out. I couldn’t take the chance of making a fool out of myself if daddy incubus got his hands on me.

  Even though I was sure I’d enjoy it.

  Chapter 17

  The next day The Guardians hauled in a killer as promised. He wore the poor dead girl’s DNA all over him. His fingerprints were also found on her throat. Seems he made a pass at her, she shot him down, and he raped and strangled her.

  A few of The Guardian’s witches spelled most of the crew into believing the story. Malone was a hard sell. Seemed he didn’t spell well, at least not when it came to mind mojo. Had something to do with the natural mental blocks he had up. The same reason I never got a read from him.

  “So poof, the case is all wrapped up. Too bad the real killer goes free.” He paced around his office.

  “Malone, he’s just a kid. He’s not a killer. He’s being punished and the problem will get worked out. It won’t happen again.”

  He stopped pacing and turned to me. “What if it does?”

  “It won’t.”

  “Anwyn, you don’t know that. Monsters are unpredictable.”

  “He’s not a monster; he’s a teenage boy who is wrecked because he accidentally killed the girl he loved.”

  Mike’s glare was cold. “A teenage boy. That’s all? I’m sorry, Anwyn, that’s not how I see it.”

  I had to get away from him. I couldn’t reason with him when he was all worked up about the “monsters.”

  “I have to go, Mike. I’ll see you later.” I turned to walk out the door, my hand on the knob. I expected him to say something else or ask me to stay. But he didn’t. So I left. I heard him sigh as his door clicked shut behind me.

  Mel met me in the hallway. “Where are you heading?” she asked.

  “I don’t know, why? Where are you going?”

  “Girl, I’m starving. It’s lunch time, and I need food. Want to head down to Halo Burger with me?”

  My stomach rumbled at the mention of Halo Burger. They had the best burgers in Flint. “Sure I could go for a QP.”

  “Sounds good.”

  We walked silently from the station across Saginaw Street to Halo Burger.

  After we sat down in a booth with our food, Mel asked playfully, “So what’s the deal with you and your men?”

  “My men? There are no men, Mel. It’s just Galen, and so far we’ve barely made it past second base.”

  “You can fool yourself, Wyn, but I know better. You have men issues, plural. Galen and Malone. I think Galen is drop dead gorgeous and a wonderfully sweet guy, but if you want my opinion he is just too damaged. He’s trouble with a capital T. A devil with an angel’s face. Malone on the other hand is sexy beefcake supreme and has a lot less baggage than vamp boy.”

  “Malone has plenty of issues of his own, the main one being his problem with the ‘monsters’ as he likes to call us.” I snarled and bit into my burger.

  Mel laughed. “Hey don’t take it out on your burger.”

  I chewed and talked, I know very unladylike. But, I was hungry, and Mel and I had been friends long enough manners didn’t apply. “Malone didn’t agree with how we handled the incubus boy.”

  “I know but you have to see his point of view as well. He’s seeing the poor dead girl and thinking she isn’t getting justice. Malone’s all about justice. He thinks the boy deserves a more severe punishment than a slap on the wrist.”

  “Mel, he’s been taken out of school, taken away from all his friends. He’s not going to have contact with any humans for quite some time. Sure he’s at home, but his house is his prison.” I put my burger down and took a drink chewing on my straw as I listened to Mel.

  “I know, Wyn, but he killed her. It surprises me you aren’t more upset about that.” She stared thoughtfully at me as she chewed.

  “I don’t know, Mel. I’m trying to do my job as the Preternatural Liaison. Maybe I’m trying too hard to side with Others and I’m forgetting part of my job is also to protect the humans. I just don’t want anyone else to get hurt. I don’t want things to go badly.”

  “I know this is hard for you, but you must remember to see both sides of the story. Try to be as fair as possible to each one.”

  “Wow, so much easier said than done.”

  “You got that right, girl.”

  Chapter 18

  Days went by with no break in the murder case and thank the Goddess, no new murders by vampire or incubi. I didn’t see much of Malone, which was fine by me. I got called out to a few cases that involved Others in petty thefts and a few magickal mishaps, but nothing serious. Malone didn’t even have to come around and flash his Detective Shield.

  Galen visited me a few times for chaste dates. He took me out to dinner again and we even went to s
ee a movie. He still kept doing that me-at-arms-length thing. Electricity continued to flow between us, leaving my nerve endings raw and aching for him to really touch me. I wanted him so bad. My body blazed, always on fire whenever he came near. The vibes from him told me he felt the same way, yet he stayed as far away from me as he could. Our kisses—so heated and passionate—abruptly put to an end before they progressed to something more. I was going mad with need.

  “Galen?” I got his attention one night as we watched old movies on television and ate popcorn, absurdly normal, comfortable…and slightly boring. I wanted to feel his fire. I wanted to dive into the spark filled electrical pool we created when we were near each other. When we kissed I waded into the shallow end of that pool. Too bad our passionate kisses were so extremely rare, not a chance to even get really wet…yet. The frequent kisses on the cheek and the quick hugs left me craving a diving board directly over the deep end so I could immerse myself in ecstasy.

  Crazy, middle school kids were getting more action then me.

  I know Galen was from another era but this courting crap was killing me. The pent up need and desire inside me pushed my patience to the breaking point.

  I sat on the sofa seething with need.

  Concern filled Galen’s beautiful green eyes as he asked, “What is wrong, Anwyn?”

  I scooted closer to him on the sofa. “Come here,” I purred in the sexiest come hither voice I could manage.

  Something dark, dangerous and utterly sexual flashed in his eyes as he moved closer to me on the sofa. That look promised wicked things. Wicked things I would enjoy very much. His mouth curled into a sensual smile as he moved nearer.

  When our lips touched sparks literally bounced off of us, his eyes widened and he looked a little startled. I could barely manage a wow as I melted against him. I wanted him so bad.

  My dreams lately had been of wild images of me and him, me and Malone, me getting very freaky and having lots of sex. See what happens when a girl went without for too long then got not just one but two hot guys in her life? Perverse dreams I could never imagine acting out in real life. Though there were more than a few things I wanted to do with Galen right then and there. It was time for at least one of my naughty dreams to come true.

  He pushed me onto my back and covered my body with his as his mouth seemed to devour me.

  I moaned against him.

  He pulled away from me just a little with a growl as I mewled in protest. “Anwyn, you are tearing apart my control.” He growled again, this one deeper, scarier. It traveled the nerve endings of my skin and blazed a trail to my heated core.

  “Why control anything, this is what a new relationship is supposed to be like-all crazy lust and passion. And lots of sex. Lots and lots of sex. Sex which hasn’t been happening yet. I want that Galen, I want that with you.” I wrapped my arms around him fearing if I let him go he would bolt.

  “Anwyn, I want it too. I want you, God, I really want you. You have no idea how much I want you, need you…” Part of that was clear from the size of the hard bulge stretching his jeans. “I just do not know if it is safe.” The sexy look on his face turned pained and the shimmer in his green eyes faded.

  “Galen, we’re not human. There are no diseases to pass around and I’m not sure about vampire procreation but I am on the pill in case that could be an issue.”

  He pulled away slightly and gave me a hard look. “Anwyn, I am talking about the murders and you and me, and blood and sex. Not simple, mundane things like diseases and birth control.”

  I pushed at him and sat up. “Huh?” Now I was confused. I knew he worried about the murders, but I thought we decided he definitely wasn’t the one committing them. But the blood and sex remark left me really confused and worried.

  “Some vampires feed because they have to; it is like you eating a cheeseburger. You need to eat but it is nothing amazing. Others experience blood drinking like you might experience a really good piece of dark chocolate; it can be an almost orgasmic experience. While others…others experience the blood and sex together as an ultimate high. That is how I am, Anwyn. That is how I was made. Sex and blood go together. When I have sex, I want blood with it. I crave it, need it. If we have sex I do not know if I can stop myself from drinking you. And I do not want to do it against your will. I never want to hurt you, Anwyn.”

  “Oh.” I wasn’t sure about being a midnight snack. I scooted away from him. On one hand it sounded very sexy and erotic. The thought of Galen sliding his fangs inside my vein as he thrust in and out of me made me tingle. But on the other hand, I had never been bitten by a vampire so had no idea what to expect. Maybe it would hurt, bad.

  “Now, I have scared you away. Have I not?” Awful sadness appeared to wash all over him again.

  “Not scared, just thoughtful. Maybe you’re right, we should take this slow.” I really needed to determine if I was ready to be a vampire’s girlfriend. It had all sounded fun and interesting. And Galen was flat out gorgeous. What girl wouldn’t want to stare into his face? The chemistry between us spiked off the charts but I had no idea if I wanted to become a blood dinner...uhh donor.

  “I better leave now, Anwyn.” He stood up. The look on his carved features remained painful to see. I knew he must feel as though his worst fears had been confirmed, as if I rejected the vampire in him and even feared him. I didn’t need my powers of knowledge to figure that one out. I couldn’t do anything about it, I needed time to process.

  “Okay.” I watched him grab his jacket and walk out the front door. I didn’t try to stop him. I needed time to think about the whole fang thing.

  Chapter 19

  Sat there just thinking for a while and then I heard a knock at the door. I jumped off the couch and rushed to the door figuring Galen came back.

  Not Galen.

  Malone.

  “What the hell are you doing here, at my house,” I turned to glance at the clock by the TV, “at midnight?” Malone had never stopped at my house before. I wondered briefly how he knew where I lived then remembered, hello, he’s a cop and we work together. Getting my details wouldn’t be hard to do.

  He smiled a bit hesitantly. “Hey, Annie, I was driving by and saw the light on, thought I’d drop in.” He peered over my shoulder and into my living room. “You alone?”

  I moved aside and let him in. “Of course I’m alone. You see anyone else here?”

  “No. That’s good. I didn’t see any other cars in the drive, but you never know with you Others, some of you fly and teleport and who knows what else.” He looked nervous as he glanced around my living room.

  “Right, my other car is a broom,” I replied snarky-like.

  “Really?” Surprise crossed his chiseled features. For once I caught him off guard.

  “No.” I laughed. Then he caught on and laughed, too. Unease between us dissolved as laughter filled the room.

  “Sorry, Annie, I’m not used to you cracking jokes.” His manner came across totally different now that he wasn’t in the police station or in his work clothes, his usual swagger and rough cop routine were gone. Now he simply acted like a normal guy. A really good looking normal guy.

  Why did I let him get away with calling me Annie? No one ever called me Annie. I hated it. Annie reminded me of a poor little orphan girl and I didn’t want any part of how close to being true that was for me. All of my friends called me Anwyn or just Wyn. Yet, I let him call me Annie. “So you’re telling me I’m not funny? You’re just going to barge into my house in the middle of the night and insult me?”

  He looked flustered again. “No, Ann, shit this is not going well. Maybe, I should leave.” He turned to go. I grabbed his arm.

  “Mike, I’m just playing with you. You’re just not used to being on the receiving end of the humor are you?”

  He smiled crookedly at me. “No, I guess I’m not.”

  Curiosity got the best of me. “Come in, sit down and then tell me why you felt the need to be out here this late at nigh
t.”

  “Pull-ease, this isn’t late for either of us. We’re both used to being up until dawn. I think I’m just restless. It’s been awfully quiet the last couple days don’t you think?”

  “Quiet, you mean as far as the supernatural activity goes? Yeah, I suppose, but the power and mischief can’t be flowing all the time.” I gestured towards the sofa so he could sit down. His fidgeting in my doorway was making me nervous.

  “But it is October, Annie. Halloween is coming. All this quiet doesn’t sit well with me. Don’t you Others hold Halloween, or Samhain or whatever you all call it, as a sacred holiday, a major power day?”

  “Well, yes but that’s still weeks away.” I walked away from him toward the kitchen. I needed a drink if I was going to be able to chat with Malone amid his nervous energy.

  “Weeks away in a place where crime and preternatural activity rates have been astronomical over the past couple of years and steadily escalating for the past six months.” He followed me. “Flint has already broken the murder record with sixty-two deaths being ruled as homicides this year—and the year isn’t even over yet. But, now we’ve suddenly had almost a week of practically no preternatural activity at all, barely even any human crime!”

  Wow, when he put it that way it did sound bad. But there were other possibilities.

  “You know Flint is gearing up for all the Halloween festivities—like tomorrow’s Zombie Walk. Plus HorrorCon, Fang Fest, The Vampire Ball, and all the other Halloween and Harvest Fest activities are coming soon. Maybe people are just so preoccupied with fun the crime is on the backburner.”

  “Zombie Walk? That is just people dressed like zombies right?” he asked nervously.

  “Well, yeah. I mean there are real zombies, but they are rare. It takes a super powerful necromancer to raise the dead and make a zombie, and I don’t know of any who still exist.”

  “Zombies are real?” He looked dumbfounded.

  “Mike, would you like a drink?”