Vampires Among Us [Vampires Among Us 1] (Siren Publishing Classic)

by Alice Brown

  “If you want to be mad at someone, be mad at me. Don’t take it out on poor Marshall!” she stated sternly while glaring at him.

  Kevin ignored her glare and sauntered over to stand in front of her, holding up a tissue for her. “I am not mad, love, and even if I was, I am damn sure it would not be at you! Now, as for ‘poor Marshall’ over there, that might be a different story!” Erica could easily see the grin on his face, and knew he was teasing her. She quickly wiped her eyes. She had the remainder of the team waiting to thank her personally.

  By the time Erica arrived at the end of the line, she found herself spent and extremely emotional. It was very sweet of the team to want to thank her, and she accepted their gratitude and had hugged each one. Replaying in her head that awful night with the nightmare was playing havoc on her emotions. She would have to get herself pulled together before arriving at the committee meeting.

  Kevin was at her side immediately as she finished up with the last team member. “There is an empty office where you can fix yourself up before heading down to the meeting,” he gently whispered in her ear, and then took a finger and wiped away a tear. “Come, I’ll show you.”

  After Erica had a few minutes to pull herself together and touch up her face, she and Kevin headed for the elevator. On the ride down, he casually stated, “I do believe you might very well be the one and only human female on this planet who will look a vampire straight in the eye and issue demands to him.”

  Erica realized he was speaking of her reaction to him earlier, and how said reaction must have looked to the remainder of the team. Kevin was the boss, and she had allowed her temper to show itself earlier.

  “I didn’t mean to embarrass you in front of your coworkers. I shot my mouth off before thinking,” she softly apologized.

  Kevin brought her chin up, so he could see her face. “Please don’t apologize. I find it humorous and refreshing. I don’t want someone that is a doormat. I want someone who will stand up to me every now and then. It helps keep me in line.” He finished with a kiss, and then flashed Erica his famous smile. “Please don’t change. I love you just the way you are.”

  As they stepped out of the elevator, they walked arm in arm to the building being used for the committee meetings.

  Strolling down the sidewalk, Kevin glanced over to Erica. “Do you know the top two things I love about you?”

  “No, but I have a feeling you will fill me in,” Erica replied, as they continued walking.

  “The first is that you are not afraid to stand up for something you believe in. The second is that you will not allow blame to come upon someone who you feel isn’t responsible. Those two things tell me a lot about your character, Erica. That is the first thing I fell in love with.”

  The couple was quickly approaching the building, which housed the committee meetings, so the discussion was dropped for the moment. Kevin wrapped his arm around Erica just a little tighter as they entered the building, the receptionist waving them on through. It was actually the same building used by the council board, and Erica’s committee used a different room. As the meeting started, she was surprised and amazed to learn that she had missed a lot during her absence. Construction teams, plumbers, and electricians had already been awarded contracts for the job, and construction had already been started. The first two apartments would be finished by the end of the day, and the third and fourth would be finished within another two days. A groundskeeper had also been employed to set up the walkways with the necessary greenery. Popular opinion on the project was running high. Most of the elderly currently living aboveground thought the idea was great and were just waiting for all apartments to be built to move in. They’d even had some elderly that were currently living underground that liked the idea of moving into a small village where they could all be together. The committee quickly made the decision to give priority to those who were living up above first. The elderly that were already living underground were not that far away from the center, so they could easily join in on the activities and socialization until all apartments were done.

  As the meeting continued, Erica spoke up with two questions that had come to mind. “Do we have anyone helping these elderly move their furniture and belongings when they are ready to move? Also, are there any type of stores or small shops down here so our elderly won’t have to travel far to pick up things they might need?”

  “We really don’t have any type of retail business down here, although it is something we should consider,” one of the committee members responded.

  “Really, there are no types of retail businesses down here at all?” Erica verified. “What does everyone do that works down here on a daily basis, or how about those who are already living here? Do they truly have nothing?” she asked in absolute shock. She would have assumed since the underground area was already developed, it would offer something in the line of retail shopping. “Are you telling me there are absolutely no types of shops or small businesses available down here?” She glanced around the room to find six heads shake their heads “no” at her, while frowning.

  The shopping center idea took on a discussion of its own, and it was quickly decided that even though they currently didn’t offer anything, the idea had merit. Each member of the committee felt that a small shopping center could be a benefit to the entire community. There were enough vampires working underground every day that could also use the shops as well, and there were more than enough willing vampires who would love to start their own business. Erica instructed her team to get word out that they would look over any business proposals that could be housed in small shops near the retirement village, and then forward them to the council for consideration.

  A huge map of the underground development hung on the back wall, and they were able to find a spot on the map that would be the ideal location for the shopping center. Erica reminded the other members that the whole idea would have to go to the council for consideration first. Without the council board’s approval, they could do nothing.

  With the upcoming wedding, and trying to finish the semester of school, Erica felt like she had more than enough to handle. Smiling sweetly, she looked over to one of the committee members. “George, would you be available to put together a proposal for the underground shopping center? It will need to be ready for presentation for the next council meeting.”

  “Sure, I can take care of that. I believe the next scheduled meeting is a week from tomorrow, but I will get confirmation on that,” George replied with a smile. Erica noticed he seemed to puff out his chest a little, like he was proud to be in charge of something important. Hum, she thought, wondering how many other members would be interested in taking on a task.

  Erica knew she would be speaking to Charles about the matter of a retail center within the next twenty-four hours. The least she could do was give him a heads up as to what was coming. She felt he would be all for it. It looked like the perfect way to help their community grow.

  Erica now reiterated her first question about having someone help these elderly vamps move. All the other members looked at her for a moment, a little reluctant to inform her that no, this matter had been overlooked also.

  By this time, she was becoming a little frustrated. “Come on, I know we are talking vampires here, but we are talking about the elderly, which have already started losing strength, not to mention they are very brittle and tend to break easy!” She stopped her little tirade and took a quick glance around the room. Several committee members were now grinning over her last comment. All of the other committee members were vampires, and all knew both Charles and Kevin very well. None of them would ever think anything less of Erica because she was a human. She now continued, “Most of these elderly vamps don’t have family around. And let’s face it, their friends are just as old and in as bad of shape as they are. The least we can do is offer some assistance in getting them moved in and set up in their new apartments!”

  Kevin, who had remained silent throughout the entire
meeting, now spoke up. “What do you think of getting some of our teenage half-vamps to help with this project? I think it would be a good experience for them, and I can’t imagine not getting a good response if we ask for their help.”

  Erica smiled over at him. “That was a wonderful idea.”

  Another committee member, Sara, spoke up. “I can take this project on. I know several of our teens, and feel sure I can talk them into helping,”

  Erica smiled as she glanced around the room. They had tackled two major problems this afternoon, and had potential solutions for both. She was pleased with the outcome. The meeting ended shortly thereafter.

  Kevin and Erica toured the construction site after the meeting. It was coming along so much faster than Erica ever dreamed of. The opening ceremony was scheduled in just two short weeks. That would give her another two weeks after the ceremony to finish with the wedding details. She had made the decision to take a break from classes for at least one semester. She currently had less than two weeks to go on her current semester before being finished.

  When Kevin and Erica returned home that afternoon, the entire family was waiting for them.

  “Erica, we need to know what kind of a wedding you want, so we can start working on the details,” Jennifer immediately blurted out, just barely allowing the couple in the door.

  “Jennifer, give the girl a chance to breathe!” Rosetta admonished lightly, then turned to Erica with a gentle smile. “Jennifer is right, though, we are all willing to help, but this is your wedding, we need to know what you want first.”

  “Well, I haven’t had a lot of time to think about it,” Erica replied. “I had always imagined an outside wedding, but with the sun not being good for you guys, that, of course, will have to be reconsidered.”

  “Nonsense!” Jennifer exclaimed. “We will just have an outdoor, evening ceremony. Oh, I can see it now. Thin, white tents under a starry night. Why, Erica, it will be beautiful!” The dreamy look in her eyes told everyone around her she was in her own little world for the moment.

  “Jennifer, you need to be a wedding planner,” Elizabeth grumbled as she rolled her eyes at her sister. “I truly think you have missed your calling in life!”

  “Well, I wouldn’t mind being the wedding coordinator for Kevin and Erica’s wedding. This could turn out so pretty!” Jennifer exclaimed excitedly.

  “Oh great, give her one more reason to confiscate my credit card!” Kevin moaned, shaking his head in exaggeration. Then, he looked up and grinned at his sister. “If Erica agrees, I’ll call my accountant tomorrow morning and have him set up a card in your name that you can use for the wedding. Just don’t go out and buy yourself a new car with it!” he warned with a teasing glint in his eye.

  Erica looked at her new family. “I would love any help I can get.” Turning to face Jennifer, she continued, “And if that means you will take the job of wedding coordinator, that is fine by me.” She had been up all day and was suddenly feeling very tired. The last thing she wanted to worry about was wedding details.

  “Oh, goody, goody!” Jennifer exclaimed, coming over to hug Erica. “Now, the first thing you will need to do is make a decision on your dress! That has to be ordered immediately!” she pressed.

  “Give me until tomorrow, and I’ll have an answer for you,” Erica stated, just wanting to retreat to her bedroom and kick off her heels. She glanced up at Kevin, and tugged on his hand lightly, hoping he would get her silent message.

  “Erica, whenever you have a chance, I need to speak to you in my office about today’s meeting,” Charles broke through Erica’s thoughts.

  “Can we get with you in a couple of hours?” Kevin asked his father.

  “Sure, I’ll be there all night,” Charles responded.

  Kevin had Erica upstairs in little time. She made it to the couch, and collapsed. Leaning her head back, she felt Kevin sit down next to her and pull her in his arms. He placed her head on his shoulder and rubbed her back soothingly.

  Kevin held her tight and watched her sleep. With the upcoming wedding and the retirement village, her schedule was getting ready to go into overdrive. He made a silent promise to provide as much help and assistance to her as possible, and to get Jennifer to take over as many wedding details as she could. That should take some of the load off of her.

  After her short nap, she found herself full of energy and starving. Kevin quickly fixed her something to eat, and then they went down to speak with Charles.

  “Hey, Charles, did you want to speak to me about today’s meeting?” Erica inquired, once she and Kevin had been seated.

  “Well yes, I take it that the meeting included talk of adding some shopping facilities, since I’ve already received three calls from interested potential store owners.” He had placed his hands behind his head and sat back in his chair. “So, what’s this all about?”

  Erica instantly became worried. She had thought she would have a chance to present her idea to Charles first, not have him hear about it secondhand. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think the word would get out so quick. The idea was discussed, and I’m having George put together a complete packet to be presented to the board at your next meeting,” Erica hurried to explain. “We found a potential spot on the map, but I made no promises. I stated very clearly that this entire idea would have to be presented to the council for consideration, and without their approval, the idea would be dead.”

  Charles grinned at his newest adopted daughter. “I must admit, Erica, when you take on a project, you certainly don’t do anything halfway! I think it is a wonderful idea, and I look forward to reading the report. You’ll have my support on it. I have been trying to tell everyone for years that we need our underground society more developed.” He paused for a moment as he sat upright in his chair. “Why in the world should we continue giving our money to outside businesses that are run by humans, not that I have anything against that, mind you, when we could set our own businesses up and help support our local society?”

  Erica smiled at him. It was nice to know she’d have at least one council member’s vote on this. “I thought it would be a great way of helping our own economy.”

  Charles now glanced over to Kevin. “You know she is going to keep you in line from now on, right?” It was easy to see the twinkling, teasing glint in his eye.

  Kevin grinned as he answered, “I’m very much counting on that!”

  “By the way,” Charles stated, changing the subject and turning to Erica, “I have come across some interesting information regarding your past.”

  Erica was suddenly sitting up straight in her chair. “What did you find?” she breathed. She had waited a long time to put the pieces of a puzzle together that made up her life. At times, over the years it had seemed hopeless. Maybe now she would have some answers, and be able to obtain peace.

  Kevin seemed to sense her mood, and reached out to pull her over into his lap.

  “Your biological father is a vampire.” Charles stopped for a moment, allowing Erica time to digest this. She was already shaking her head in denial.

  “How can that be, when I’m not a half-vamp myself?” She now asked, a bit perplexed.

  “I’m getting to that. It seems your father got your mother pregnant, and as you have probably already guessed, they were unwed. That is where the story takes an interesting turn.” He paused briefly.

  “I have spoken to your father. He tells me that he himself was turned after your mother was already carrying you. He went back home, and of course you have to understand that oftentimes a newly turned vampire feels like they are losing their minds. They don’t understand what is happening to them, and it is not uncommon for them to lash out. That is one of the many reasons why it is against our law to leave a newly turned vampire alone. It is mandatory that the vampire that does the turning stick around and help the newly turned vamp through the transition. Unfortunately, this is one of the hardest laws to enforce. Most newly turned vamps don’t know or remember who changed
them, so it becomes next to impossible to enforce the law. I don’t know how much Kevin has told you about our family, but Rosetta and I found each one of our children newly turned, and left to defend for themselves. We took them in, showed them our ways of life, and they each chose to join our family.

  “Anyway, I’m getting sidetracked here. Your father states that he remembers going back home shortly after being turned, confused and angry. He didn’t realize what he was doing at the time, or at least that is his story. He ended up attacking your mother, saw what he had done, and left. He states that he left her alive, and as far as he knows, did not change her. He knew the law would be after him, so he took off and hid for the next several years. Eventually, he came to terms with what he is, and proceeded to live his life. He is currently residing in Atlanta.

  “Now, put all of that together, and I have a definite theory on you. I told you a while ago I found it interesting that you are so comfortable around vampires, and then your dreaming abilities just piqued my interests. The theory I have is that you do indeed have a little bit of vampirism running through you. If your father’s blood, which was already changed, came in contact with your mother’s when he attacked, and mind you it probably was a very tiny amount, that blood conceivably could have gone straight to the fetus, bypassing her completely. It wouldn’t have been enough to change you, but that is where I believe your dreaming abilities are coming from.”

  “Wow! Is that even possible?” Kevin inquired. “Could she really have a trace of vampire blood running through her?”

  “I don’t see why not. No one would have believed a vampire could have shapeshifter abilities until you came along, Kevin,” Charles replied.

  Kevin glanced down to Erica with a grin. “Well that explains why she can fight me off trying to force a state of calmness over her,” he stated while shaking his head. “And here I thought I had just managed to find an extraordinarily stubborn woman!”