Last in Line

by Sydney Addae

  Reaching the lobby area, Baron was met by two vampires. He snatched their names from their thoughts, Bacas and Strates. They watched him approach. Baron did not slow down and walked past them to the outside. They materialized in front of him. Bacas held out his hand for him to stop. Baron ignored him. Strates reached out to grab Baron and found himself on the ground looking up. Baron continued walking as Bacas attempted to barrel into him from behind. Baron jumped up at the last moment and kicked him in the back as he came down. Bacas hit the ground and jumped up. Both men came towards him again.

  “I suggest you tell him what you want, rather than attempt to bully him. You won’t succeed.”

  Recognizing Lukian’s signature scent, Baron didn’t turn at the voice behind him. Instead, he enclosed himself in a tight energy field. The two vampires appeared reluctant in taking Lukian’s advice. Baron watched them. A few moments passed.

  “Lukian, why are you here?” Baron questioned through their link, turning his back on the vampires. They growled at the insult but remained in place.

  “I have been trying to reach you, Baron. There has been a horrible situation that requires your expertise.”

  “I have been busy. You could have come to me.”

  “No, Baron, I could not, and once you see what has happened, you will understand. Come with me,” he asked. Baron nodded and disappeared.

  They walked into the infirmary. Baron’s first impression was that someone had died. The man lying on the table appeared gaunt. Another man sat next to the table, holding his head in his hands. The grief was palpable. Baron looked at Lukian.

  “The hunters rigged the stunner and hit him with it two days ago. He is alive but disintegrating before our eyes. Do you have any idea what has happened?” Lukian asked as Baron moved closer to the table.

  Rugger watched the inventor walk close to the table and tensed. Something was amiss. He smelled of people long dead. Rugger’s mind was awash with memories and he had trouble separating the past and present. Covertly he watched. He didn’t remember this Baron; random thoughts flew in his mind as he looked at his companion lying on the table.

  Lukian showed Baron the stunner. Baron took his tools from his pocket and examined the device. “Damn, it’s been altered.” Shaking his head as he put a small tool on the device, he watched in horror as the needle went into the red area, signaling lethal.

  “Who the fuck had this, Lukian, and why did they amp the setting to lethal? They would have needed a lab to do this. What the hell is going on?” he demanded, looking at Lukian.

  “You can get those answers later young Bulgar. Right now, there is a man suffering that needs help. Fix this!” Rugger snapped. His eyes blazed at the moments wasted in nonsensical talk. Orton needed help now.

  Baron and Lukian froze at Rugger’s words. Lukian had not introduced him. Baron turned and looked at Rugger closely. His haggard appearance and glazed eyes caused Baron more unease. He felt his linemen stirring; for once he welcomed their presence and advice. “This looks familiar, but I cannot place it,” Sven said.

  “Have you tried to give him blood?” Baron asked.

  “Podge!” Rugger yelled. Moments later a round man entered the room. “Tell him everything you have done.”

  After sharing all the information with Baron, the man left the room with a sidelong stare at the man on the table. Baron asked Bulgar what could be done for the man on the table. The answer that came back was not encouraging, Orton was dying and no one knew how to stop it. Lukian communicated to him that he had stayed the past few days to keep Rugger’s fits of rage contained. So far only four humans had died, including the three hunters Rugger had interrogated. Lukian had received a frantic call from the regional head of the Hunters. The man in the hospital had died. Hunters were missing. He wanted Lukian to share any info with him.

  Lukian continued sharing the conversation with Baron through their private link so he would understand how explosive the situation was. Lukian had demanded to know how a rookie had gotten hold of a tool that was supposedly well supervised. The rookie was the leader’s nephew. The missing hunters were his brother and other relatives. Lukian didn’t bother telling the leader they were dead. He did explain what had happened.

  “Why was a vampire attacked for shopping?” he asked the leader.

  “I don’t know. It should never have happened. It was a mistake.”

  “A costly mistake,” Lukian replied coldly. “The device was tampered with and the vampire has not yet revived. In fact, it appears he is dying minute by minute.”

  Silence had met his response. “So I take it you are aware of this, this tampering of devices so that they kill instead of stun,” Lukian continued.

  The leader’s sigh could be heard across the line. “Yes, I was aware.”

  “Then you need to be aware that the person dying is Orton, Rugger’s companion.”

  “Shit! How much time do I have?” the leader shouted.

  “Have for what?” Lukian replied innocently.

  “Before Rugger comes after the Hunters,” he stated firmly.

  “I don’t know,” Lukian lied. “What have you told your people about the supposed rebellion?”

  “What rebellion?”

  “The vampires, those not happy” Lukian snapped, frustrated with the situation.

  “Nothing, it’s not our affair. We only get involved if humans are involved. Now, are you going to share any information about Rugger or are we on our own?”

  “The One granted us the right to live free as long as we did not harm any and did not expose ourselves. I believe He did that to ensure we lived in relative peace. He also gave us the right to defend ourselves. There is no court or tribunals set up to try a Hunter when a vampire life is taken in error. So we handle it ourselves. Much blood will be shed. Your young hunter fed a fear that had been festering for a while. In this, you are on your own.”

  Baron eyed Lukian as the final details of the unfolding drama hit. Lukian shared that the devices needed to be deactivated. He didn’t trust Rugger not to use them on others. Baron nodded as the information continued to pass between the two of them.

  “Can you help him?” Rugger asked in a small voice.

  “I can give him blood, that may increase his chances. But other than that, I don’t know what to do.” Baron handed the re-calibrated device to Lukian as Rugger watched.

  “Do it, what do you need?” Rugger asked.

  “One minute.” Baron disappeared.

  Rugger stared at Lukian. Bacas and Strates walked in and stood behind Lukian. At that moment, it mattered not that Lukian was the leader of the “police” for his people. He knew that if Baron did not return, his life would be forfeit.

  Moments later, Baron returned with tools from his lab. “I need to connect him to this type of equipment.” He began moving around, preparing Orton to receive blood. The device he would use would bypass the smaller veins and hit a major artery, which held its own risk with Vampires because the blood was ingested and then pushed through their system rather than created by bone marrow. No one spoke as he continued.

  “Where’s the blood?” he asked without looking up.

  “Podge is bringing it.”

  The small man waddled in, handing a bag to Baron, who connected it to the equipment. Turning on the small generator, the machine started.

  Orton gasped.

  Rugger and Podge moved closer as the blood continued to flow into thirsty veins and organs. Lukian watched Baron. Baron watched the dials. He stopped the flow.

  Orton gasped again.

  Rugger looked at Orton and then at Baron. “Why did you stop? That was more than I have seen from him in days.”

  “His body has to accept it. Otherwise, it could kill him. We have to wait and give it in increments” Baron explained. An hour later he repeated the process.

  Orton’s heart continued to beat sluggishly. After an hour, Rugger glared at Baron. “Give him more blood.”

  “It’s not
time, it could do more harm than good.”

  “Give him the damn blood!” Rugger yelled. His veins stood out on his forehead as spit flew from his mouth. His face reddened like an over-ripe tomato as he stood slowly from his chair.

  “No, it could kill him and I will have no part in that,” Baron calmly replied. He sensed Icar and Brevar stir within him.

  “Podge take over.” Rugger’s energy pulsed in the room as he paced in a tight circle.

  “Rugger, you are making a mistake by being impatient,” Baron said. “Give his body time to receive and react to the blood I’m giving him. I know you don’t want to cause him more distress.” All attempts at reasoning seemed to inflame the man more.

  “No, I do not wish to cause him distress. But he is close to returning. Can’t you see that? He wants us to proceed!” Inhaling, Rugger shook his head and glared at Podge, who stood between Rugger and Baron. “Continue Podge, I will not tell you again.”

  “Rugger, I wash my hands of this if you persist in continuing. I will turn this over to your man here, but first you must hold me and mine harmless in the event I am right and Orton dies. Call in your men and make the statement in front of them. Then I will leave everything here for you and them.”

  Lukian and everyone in the room looked at Baron as if he had lost his mind. No one challenged Rugger except Orton. And Orton lay barely alive on the table. Baron didn’t flinch under Rugger’s glare or energy surge. He waited. That in itself gave the others pause.

  “Everyone in the training facility, hear my voice,” Rugger spoke while watching Baron. “I absolve Baron,” he spat. “If anything happens to Orton due to my taking over his care. I am not agreeing to his instructions to go slow and he is free to leave.”

  Baron handed the mechanisms that regulated the flow of blood to Podge, looked at Lukian, who nodded and left.

  As soon as he hit the parking lot, Baca and Strates came at him in a rush. Baron ran towards them and disappeared, taking them with him. They wound up in a dark field not far from the hotel. The two men looked surprised as they looked him over again. Throwing up an energy barrier to prevent them from teleporting, Baron ran towards them again wasting no time. Punching Bacas in the face and hearing a satisfying crack, while kicking Strates in the stomach with his steel toe boots started the melee. Both men backed up, shook their heads, but did not fall.

  Baron grinned. The men circled him; he stood still in the circle and waited. He felt the movement to his right and jumped straight up in the air, out of the way. Grabbing the one hand on his downward return, he swung the man into the oncoming assailant, causing them to kiss one another with a loud bang. The sound and vibration of their impact caused Baron to fall backward slightly. Both of the faces dripped blood from the impact. In the background Icar and Ian praised his moves, each taking credit for training him.

  Baron graciously allowed them time to regroup. He just would not allow them to leave or call in reinforcements. He needed to get back to the hotel, but he needed to make a statement loud and clear. He was no one’s patsy.

  One of the men produced a knife. He looked around nervously. It was obvious they were confused. Baron had felt them trying to leave and send out telepathic communiqués. To no avail. They finally realized they were dealing with more than they’d bargained for. Finally, he moved in close to attack. Baron feinted to the left and kicked the knife away. Quickly, he followed up with three jabs to the face and stomach. Bacas fell to his knees as Baron kicked him again in the leg, barely missing his groin. Strates threw the dagger at Baron while his back was turned. It landed in the upper flesh of Baron’s shoulder. Baron pulled it out, flipped it over, and threw it into Strates’ neck. He dropped onto the asphalt, gasping for air.

  Baron felt them try to leave again as he walked over to Bacas. His leg was broken at an odd angle. His face strained with the pain. Strates bled out onto the pavement. Baron ignored him.

  “Why did you attack me?” Baron asked, noticing that Bacas bled slightly as well.

  “You were dis... disrespectful to, to our... Master,” he said, breathing against the pain.

  “How was I disrespectful? He is wrong. Orton is going to die; he may be dead even now. Should I not have tried to warn him?”

  Detached, Baron watched as Bacas breathed through the pain, even as his eyes rolled back in his head. “Hmmmm, do you need help getting home?”

  Bacas slumped forward as Baron removed the barrier and left with congratulations and advice from his linesmen ringing in his ears.

  Chapter 21

  The next morning, Baron, Simone, and Camilla were working their way through the buffet. Lukian strode into the lobby, looked around, and headed in their direction.

  “Baron,” he nodded.

  “Lukian.” He turned to Simone and Camilla. “Ladies, this is Lukian, an acquaintance of mine. I have asked for his assistance in this area. He is much better connected than I.” He nodded in Lukian’s direction. “Lukian, this is Simone and this is Camilla.”

  “Good morning,” Simone murmured, her mind obviously somewhere else.

  Camilla stared at Lukian, and then looked at Baron. Both men looked at her, Baron in amusement, Lukian in admiration.

  “Well, damn, hi, Lukian. You are a welcome addition.” Taking her plate to the table, they openly stared at one another. Baron and Simone sat and began eating. Lukian took a seat next to Camilla.

  “Any news, Lukian?” Baron asked as he drank his morning water.

  Lukian’s demeanor instantly changed. Everyone felt his grief and looked at him, food momentarily forgotten.

  “We lost Orton this morning. The training facility is a mess. Rugger went berserk and we lost Podge as well. Bacas and Strates are missing. And I have called in the few sentries that were not trained here, for damage control.”

  “I’m sorry,” Simone murmured, reaching her hand towards his, only to be stopped and captured by Baron’s hand. Simone sent him an evil glare, which he ignored. “Was he a family member?”

  Lukian had missed the byplay between Simone and Baron. “No, he was my mentor and trained me for my current position. He was brave and strong. He will be missed.” Glancing at a silent Baron, he said, “I have alerted Brieloff. He will be here later today. What do you have on your schedule? He mentioned he’d like to talk to you.”

  Baron knew he’d be expected to explain his role in the situation. “We will be hiking today. We have some information and will be looking into it. Tell Brieloff I will contact him as soon as I return.”

  “Baron, did you know the man that died?” Camilla asked.

  “Yes, I knew him. Not as well as Lukian, but I did know him. Why?”

  “Would you like me to cast a circle, see if I can get some information?”

  “A circle? What do you mean?” Lukian asked Camilla.

  “I am a spiritualist and have some success in talking to those that have passed on from this side.”

  “A very good one too,” Simone threw in, patting Camilla’s hand. “Baron, if you need to go and take care of that, Camilla and I will get started with a guide and you can meet up with us later.”

  “No.”

  “No, that’s it. No explanation. No let’s talk about it or think about it?” Simone huffed as she straightened in her seat.

  “Pretty much, that’s about it,” he said, taking in her outraged expression. After a few moments of staring, Simone threw up her hands.

  “I’m trying to be supportive here. But you are going all Alpha on me. I want you to know this stuff is not going to always work. I’m distracted right now with Marissa. But one day soon, we are going to have a long talk about partners in relationships, dude.” She stood and glared at Camilla, who was trying not to laugh.

  “Are you about ready?” she snapped. Camilla threw up her hands and broke out laughing as Baron pulled Simone onto his lap and kissed her temple. Simone’s appearance changed instantly. She began smiling and pulled him into a long kiss. Lukian and Camilla looked at
each other and smiled.

  “Actually, I had forgotten about your dilemma, Baron, and understand why you have been out of touch lately.”

  Baron reluctantly pulled away from Simone and looked at Lukian. They couldn’t communicate an entire conversation telepathically with an audience; it would be obvious something was off. Lukian wanted Baron to know something.

  “Yes, we are getting closer, Marissa is here somewhere in the mountains. I wonder if you know anyone we can talk to for more information.” Baron’s eyes drilled into Lukian as he thought of the one person who knew everything that went on in the mountains. He dropped his head on Simone’s shoulder and closed his eyes. What a fuck up, he thought, sounding like Icar. Last night, he had been so drawn into the situation, he’d forgotten to ask anyone questions about a small child lost in the mountains.

  “I know someone who may have some information. Perhaps if you met with Brieloff, he could save you a lot of time by asking around. He knows everyone in the mountains. If anyone has seen your niece, he’d be the man who can find out that information. He should be here in a few hours. I think it would be worth the short delay,” Lukian said aloud.

  Baron looked at the hopefulness in Simone’s eyes and knew he wouldn’t deny her this opportunity. “What do you want to do, Simone?”

  “I want my little girl back. How can we accomplish that in the fastest way possible?” she answered, meeting his gaze.

  “By investigating every lead and not stopping until we have her back,” he whispered.

  Baron glanced at Camilla fiddling with the tablecloth. “What do you think Camilla?” he asked, as he pulled Simone’s head under his chin and stroked her back.

  “I don’t know, Baron. I hate we were so late getting here. Even though the sun’s just coming up, I want to be proactive.” Turning to Lukian, she squinted up at him. “You really think we’ll get some answers from this guy coming in a few hours? This isn’t just a stall so Baron can help with the funeral and all that.” Holding out her hands towards him, she rushed to explain. “I don’t mean to be rude or anything. It’s just I know you want Baron to talk to this guy. That has nothing to do with Marissa, so I don’t want to waste time if this is just a ruse. I mean no disrespect to your friend that has crossed over.”