Shutting the gates behind them, he warned Waters, “Double-cross us and I promise we’ll slay every demon vamp from here to Berlin. Starting with you,” he growled, dropping his fangs.
“I give you my word that you and Kai are safe, until Lisle is dead and dusted.” Waters held out his hand to him.
“Until Lisle is dead and dusted.” He took Waters’ hand and shook it briefly, neither wanting to touch the other for any longer than needed.
“Keys are in the car. Follow us.” To his men, “Let’s go.” Waters walked to the farthest SUV and opened the back door and got in. The nervous vamps backed away from him and Kai, getting into the car Waters waited in.
Unbuckling their swords, they put them and Kai’s rucksack in the backseat of the SUV Waters indicated they take. Kai drew her gun, warily searching the woods. He drew his, ready in case Lisle decided to return for a grand finale, and opened the passenger door for Kai. She slid inside. Shutting the door, he hurried around the car and got in, started the engine.
“Kai, can you find Lisle?”
Her eyes grew distant as she searched for her. “Found her. She’s twenty miles from here. Up there.” Kai pointed to the Harz Mountains. “Hiding from Jeremy’s men.” She frowned. “Alex, she’s becoming unhinged. Her mind is fracturing and she can’t figure out what century it is or who her enemies are. Being on the mountain is bringing back the suffering she endured in the cave the gypsies trapped her in.”
Steeling himself against feeling pity for Lisle, he put the car in gear and followed the other SUV back down the road. “Soon she won’t be suffering and will be at peace.”
“How the hell are we going to stop her, Alex? She must have been hit a hundred times and the bullets never slowed her down.”
“Taking her head is the only option left us.”
“That means we’ll have to get close to her. That’s dangerous. If she bites you or me, we’re finished.”
“Killing Lisle is a job now. Remember that. She’s a demon vamp who needs to be put down. Nothing more than that.” He flexed his jaw, focusing on driving.
“Right. And her killing and eating ten demon vamps in a matter of minutes doesn’t make her special? Just one of the regulars we normally hunt,” Kai said sarcastically, eyeing him like he’d lost his mind.
Flashing her a grin, Alex nodded. “See, you’re getting the picture.”
“Picture my ass. You’re trying to be positive and it’s not normal for you to be like this!”
Taking her free hand in his, Alex turned it and pressed a kiss in the center of her palm. “Lisle has no hope of defeating us, not as long as we stand together.”
“You know that Jeremy will turn on us as soon as Lisle’s dead, right?”
“I do. Once she’s dead, you take him out.”
“Excellent. I’ve decided not to waste energy on him. Bullet between the eyes and chop his head off.”
“Clean and efficient.” The other SUV sped up, forcing him to accelerate to stay with them.
Jeremy wanted to return to the safety of his people. Alex didn’t blame him. Being outside the protection of the anti-Damned powder Gaeta created made the hairs stand up on the back of his neck. Casting a glance at Kai, he relaxed. By the intense concentration on her lovely face meant she was scanning ahead, searching for traps and Lisle.
The night was clear of clouds, stars shining brilliantly in the summer sky. As they neared Magdeburg, the old city he knew and the one rebuilt after World War II blurred, making it difficult for him to keep it straight. The River Elba flowed as it had for thousands of years; the exception was her banks were lined with boats, buildings, and homes. Passing the crossroads, the road they was on connected to another leading over the bridge vastly different than the one he knew back in 1819. Cars streamed across it in an unending traffic stream. Flashbacks of the past and the present, gave him a headache. The SUV they followed maneuvered in and out of traffic, leading them downtown to city square. Alex’s cellphone started ringing. Digging it out of his pocket, he frowned, not recognizing the number. He answered it.
“Yes?”
“Jeremy Waters, here. There’s been a change in plans. The men I sent to track Lisle are not responding. I need to investigate if they are dead or are hunting her in an area with no cell service. I own a hotel a block from Club Vampyre and have made arrangements for you and Kai to stay in our most elegant suite as my guest. I will meet with you there after sunset.”
“Club Vampyre? You named your club after vampires?”
A soft chuckle sounded in the earpiece. “Humans are easily seduced. The idea of vampires partying brings the young out to the club in droves. Meet me and we will discuss our options concerning Lisle.” The call ended. The SUV in front of them applied the brakes and made an illegal U-turn, heading back in the direction they had just come.
“Club Vampyre, seriously?”
“You must give the Damned credit when it comes to PR. They know how to entice the humans into their clubs and society.”
“Yeah, they sure do. Alex, we aren’t staying at hotel owned by the Damned, are we?”
“No. We’ll find another to stay at, one where we can defend ourselves or escape, if the need arrives.”
“Good. Can we make a stop before finding a hotel? I really need to purchase clothes and personal items, especially a hairbrush. I really need one.” Running a self-conscience hand over her wild hair, Kai cringed. “God, I must look awful.”
“You look fine.” Pulling over, he parked and shut the engine off. “And I agree. We need clothes befitting our changed circumstances. The ones we stole are fine for the country, not for clubbing.”
“Or hunting the Damned. I miss my Slayer’s suit and the silver band I earned on my first kill,” she pouted, her lovely brow furrowed.
“When we are done here, we will return to the plane and search for your luggage. Let’s do some shopping.” He opened his door and got out as she did.
Holstering their guns, they blurred them. She reached into her rucksack and pulled out her wallet. When he met her on the sidewalk, Kai asked, glancing around the stores, “Think a clothing store will be open this late?”
“Damn, I didn’t realize it was midnight. We should be able to at least purchase some shaving cream, razors. Hairbrush and shampoo.”
Running her hand over his rough cheek, Kai teased, “Of the seven years I’ve know you, never have I seen you untidy.”
Running a hand through his hair, he realized it was as disheveled as hers was. Alex grimaced. “I must look a ruffian.”
“I think you look sexy, and it’s turning me on.”
“Really?” he said huskily, “perhaps we should skip shopping and find a hotel room.”
Her eyes went wide and her lovely mouth parted as what he implied sunk in. Instead of accepting his idea, she surprised him by saying, “Uh, I-I need to brush my hair and find clothes that fit me.” She plucked at the tight tee-shirt she wore, avoiding eye contact.
The fabric clung to her breasts like a second skin. Alex swallowed hard, his mouth gone dry. Forcing his gaze to drop to his own set of clothes, he had to laugh. “We look like teenagers.”
“Our professional selves are completely diminished, huh?” She grinned, back to her normal self.
Was she having second thoughts about him and her? It sung that she might reject him, especially after he opened himself to her. He decided to let the matter drop until a better time to talk to her about it.
Inspecting the store fronts, Alex pointed down the street. “Hey, there’s a clothing store open for business. Let’s see what it offers.”
To Kai’s delight, it was a store offering assortment of garments ranging from sleepwear to evening gowns. He offered, “I’ll wait out here while you shop.”
“Be right back!” Kai nearly skipped away in her eagerness.
Alex couldn’t blame her. The clothes they stole were uncomfortable and something he normally would not wear. He kept alert, in case other v
amps were in the area. People walking past him nodded politely to him, and he returned the gesture with an amused smile. Germans were such a happy and pleasant people. For the first time since the war, Alex found he missed his country.
The culture today seemed a blend of the old ways and a new, more technology advanced society. There were a lot of tourists walking about, eagerly sampling the treats offered by the small shops lining the narrow street, open late to accommodate their needs. The smell of aged ale and beer made him thirsty. Peering into the clothing shop to see where Kai was, he nearly swallowed his tongue. Kai was pressing a black, lacy bra to her chest, frowning as she tried to decide whether or not to purchase it and the matching underwear. Watching her, he found himself hoping she was reading his thoughts. Wanted her to know how much he wanted her. To his disappointment, she was busy shopping, seeming intent only now on selecting a pair of jeans.
Sighing, he entered the store. “Kai, I’m going to walk about, perhaps purchase a pint of German ale.”
“Go for it. I’ll try not to be long.”
Eyeing the bra and underwear wistfully, he replied, “Take your time.”
Returning outside, he wandered around the town square, purchasing a pint of local brew, he sipped it, finding it good, just not near as delicious as Herrick’s brew. A cold chill slithered down his spine and he faced the Hartz Mountain. He could feel her eyes on him, watching him, and plotting on how she could make him suffer some more.
A hand touched his back, whipping around; he began to draw his gun. Kai put her hand on his, stopping him from drawing it front of the people walking past them. “Easy, Alex, it’s just me.”
“Bloody hell, woman! You know better than to sneak up on me.” Wiping a hand across his face, he growled, “I’d thought Lisle had slipped past Waters’ men and come to torment me.”
“Sorry, I should have been more careful. I was just worried about you. You had that look on your face.”
“What look?”
“A man with his back to the wall.” She sat down two sacks of clothes she’d purchased. “Can I have drink?”
“What?”
“Can I have a drink of your beer?”
Blinking, he finally understood what she was asking. “Certainly.” He handed her the plastic cup, watching as she took a sip. “It’s not as good as Herrick’s.”
“I like the taste of honey in Herrick’s.” Kai handed the cup back to him. “The woman at the checkout counter said there’s a men’s store a block over. When we rise, we can head there to purchase clothes for you. Oh, and she recommended the Hotel Geheimer Rat. Said it was very clean and near the park. We can go to ground there at dawn.”
“Good. Let’s find a convenience store and purchase the personal items you listed. Afterward, we’ll check in at the hotel. Damn, I could use more blood. How about you?”
“I could feed again.” She blinked in surprise when he took the bags from her. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Bemused by her change of attitude, Alex refrained from commenting that it wasn’t long ago she would have been insulted by his offer of help. How the last couple of days had changed them both.
Purchasing what they needed at the convenience store, they returned to the car and drove three blocks to where the woman had said the Hotel Geheimer Rat was. Baroque-style in its design, the hotel was clean and well-cared after. Blurring their swords, they went inside to the lobby. Due to the music festival, there was a shortage of rooms. Taking the last one they had to rent, he filled out the form and paid with cash. The clerk signaled to a young man wearing a red bellman uniform.
“Please follow me, sir, miss.” Surprised the kid had an American accent, Alex motioned for Kai to walk in front of him as they followed the bellhop to the elevator.
The doors opened, and the human waited for them to enter it first. Following, he pushed the third floor button. When the doors opened, he escorted them to their room. The human offered to open their door and explain the amenities before Alex withdrew his wallet and gave him a large tip, effectively quieting him.
“Thank you, sir. I’m Edgar, and if you should need anything or have questions, please call for me.”
“Will do.” Alex opened the door, pointedly making it clear it was time for Edgar to leave.
Kai laughed softly, and the human smiled at her dreamily. “If we need any help, we shall call upon you, Edgar. Have a nice night.”
“You as well, miss. Have a pleasant stay.” Edgar nodded to Alex on his way out.
Closing the door behind the human, Alex leaned against it, amused by the human’s tactics. “Good thing we don’t sleep in beds, huh?” he said as he indicated the king-sized bed.
“Yeah, sure,” Kai replied, turning her face away, not before he saw her cheeks were red.
“Kai, what’s wrong?”
“I’m fine. Just hungry … for more blood,” she added quickly, turning a brighter shade of red. “Weird meeting an American kid working in Magdeburg.”
“Did you take a peek into his head?”
“Didn’t need to. Edgar is pretty open. Nothing dangerous about him.”
“Would you like to change first?” he asked as she withdrew the items she bought and placed them in the draws of the white dresser.
“No, I’d rather not waste time changing. I need blood badly.”
Contemplating their options, he commented, “We should use Edgar as a donor.”
“Alex! How could you suggest such a thing,” she exclaimed, shocked by his callousness toward the youth.
“Don’t get me wrong, he was a nice enough fellow. I was just thinking the evening has presented a goodly number of surprises and thought we might not want to press our luck further by going out.”
Chewing on her lower lip, Kai thought it over. “We probably should call in someone to feed on. Yet, it’s been a long time since I’ve played tourist. I’d like to look around Magdeburg. Especially since I keep having these split visions of the city in 1819 and now.”
“Should we leave our swords or take them?”
Checking the digital clock set on the night table, she answered, “Let’s take them in case we cut it close. Dawn is only a four hours away.”
“Want to go to ground early?” Alex asked her as he went to the window and gazed at the city.
“Not really.”
“Good,” he said, turning to face her, “because I want to check out Club Vampyre.”
“Now?”
“Yes. I think there is more to Jeremy than wanting to help us kill Lisle. Remember he offered us a room at his hotel?” She nodded. “Why didn’t he say it was Angel’s?”
“You think he doesn’t want Angel here, to find out he’s buying property and putting it in his name and not hers?”
“Angel will stake him out in the sun, if she found out he was in business for himself and not the greater good of the Damned.”
“Great. Your agreement with him was that we’d be unharmed until Lisle was dead. Once she’s gone, we’ll be outnumbered when Jeremy makes his move to finish cleaning up the mess Lisle made of his plans.”
“Which is why we’ll head over to Club Vampyre now, instead of tomorrow night. I want to scope out how ambitious Jeremy Waters has become outside Angel’s shadow. We need to see who is at the club. The mercenaries, who were with him at Wulf Manor, were at least fifty years turned and trained soldiers. Either Waters is attempting to make a bid to rule the Damned, or Angel might have made him a general in her army.”
“Sin said he was one of her generals during Angel’s declaration of war against the Borne. If Angel is a creature of habit, she will attempt to create her army in the same fashion. Waters is loyal to her. It would make sense she would send him out to recruit and build her army.” Kai grabbed the straps of her rucksack and tossed it over her shoulder. “Faeroes is aware of Angel’s plans and made a sweep of Berlin, shutting down the clubs ran by the Damned. He said he took back the city. Do you think Angel has spies watching hi
m and the Council, keeping track of them?”
“I would, if I wanted to win.” He saw her worry. “Faeroes isn’t lack with his and Anya’s safety. In fact, he’s taken extreme precautions to protect them and the Council members. Besides, it would take an organized assault to breach the fortress’s security systems and the Damned are fond of hit and run tactics. Anyways, the Damned are only one of Faeroes’s problems since taking command of the Borne.”
“Other problems?”
“He’s having difficulty organizing the ancient Borne and bringing them into the 21st Century.”
“Still? I thought he’d resolved most of their complaints years ago.”
“You must realize the ancients are confused. They long for the past and do not want to deal with the future. They clash continuously with the younger vampires, who lack the patience to deal with their oddities. Which is why Faeroes transformed the castle he purchased into the European meeting ground, to ease the older Borne in accepting new ideas.”
“Great. We are at war with the Damned, and the Borne can’t persuade their own to become unified. Why are the Damned so much more organized and determined than us? What makes them band together, stay loyal so strongly?”
“When I worked with Jarred, I remember fear was his favorite tactic to keep the Damned in line. Angel is a different creature. She knows her kind, what appeals to them, what they desire out of their immortal lives. She rules with an iron-fist, generous to those who are loyal to her. For example, Waters was a ghoul elevated to vampire. Never has a master vamp done that before. It will give other ghouls hope to be made vampires and that’s dangerous. For us.”
“Alex, I’ve been profiling a long time and have never encountered anything as organized as what I saw in London. The Undead are willing to work with each other, which was scary to see. If Faeroes can’t get the Borne to work together, Angel has a good shot at accomplishing her goal.” She fell quiet for a moment. “Ya know what we need to do, don’t you?”
“What would that be?”
Wulf's Redemption (Borne Vampires Book 3) Page 20