Blood & Roses: Warriors of the Krieger

by Theresa Hissong

  “He’s going to come back,” I reinforced the warning. “Dragus, we have to do something. Could we maybe talk to the doctors here, find some witches, or even check the histories? There has to be something we can do!” I drew in a jagged breath. The panic was severely close to bubbling to the surface.

  “You need to calm down, Charity,” he begged.

  “I wish everyone would quit telling me to calm down!” I flinched when the pain in my chest peaked. Dragus jumped to his feet and immediately ripped the covers off. His huge fingers carefully unbuttoned the bottom half of my shirt. He removed the bandage, looking for any sign of bleeding. I noticed the hole was stitched closed, but still leaked blood from around the edges.

  “How bad does it hurt?” he asked, concerned.

  “Not as bad, but it hurts to yell.” I narrowed my eyes, threatening him to protest. “Now, talk to me. We have to do something, Dragus.” He reached over to the side table and opened a new package of gauze, and made quick work of covering up my wound. I wondered why he was doing this, instead of the nurses. He finally sat down in the chair and sighed.

  “I’ve already started the research,” he promised. “If the doctors can find a cure, they will. I promise.” A promise I intended on holding him too. He chuckled softly in response after reading my thoughts.

  We sat there staring at each other for a while. Immediately I threw up a block on my thoughts. It’s something we can do, but since I haven’t done it very often, it was hard to accomplish. I needed to ask him about the dream; it was time.

  “Why are you blocking me?” he demanded.

  “Because I am thinking of something to ask you and I don’t want you reading my thoughts before I ask you,” I laughed.

  “What is it?” He looked concerned, like I was about to drop a bomb on him or something. I figure it would be best to just to come right out and say it. After a steady breath, I asked.

  “I use to dream about you. When I was human,” I paused to watch his face. His breathtaking smile lit up his face. “You know about this? Don’t you?”

  “When I was human, I use to dream about you too,” he smiled. “In my dream, you were dressed in a white gown, sitting on the top of a hill outside my family home. I would run to you every time. When I would ask who you were, you would tell me, ‘You will not know me for many centuries, but I am the one who will love you for eternity’. It wasn’t until I became a vampire that I knew you had not even been born into this world yet. I spoke with Akalika and told him about you. He explained to me that you were my destiny.”

  “Lydia told me about Akalika. She said he was the first Krieger and his abilities were passed to each one of his sons. Were you the one who visited me in my dreams?”

  His face saddened, “Yes, I’m sorry if I scared you. I wanted to know you, but because you were human, I couldn’t track you. For months I would search for you, tell you that I was looking for you and you never would tell me where you were. As soon as I would tell you that I had been looking for you, you would smile and then disappear. I assumed that was when you woke up. Then after a few months, you stopped dreaming. I thought that you had died. When I saw you in the club, it took all of my power not to run to you, just as I had done in my dream.” He kissed the back of my hand and sighed.

  “When you came into the club, I was sure it was you, but I was afraid to say something. I thought you might think I was crazy,” I laughed and then flinched from the stinging in my rib. “Ow!”

  “Are you okay?” he stood over me, hands fluttering above my rib, not touching.

  “I’m fine, Dragus.” I tried to stretch, hoping that would ease the pain, but I flinched again when it made it worse.

  “No, you’re not,” he growled. He pressed the button to call the nurse’s station. A soft voice answered and Dragus shouted orders to the poor woman, “Ms. Harwood needs pain medicine now!”

  I laughed, “Dragus, you are going to give these nurses a lot of unnecessary stress.”

  He held my hand gently and smiled, “Only the best for you. I don’t want you in pain.”

  We were interrupted by the nurse as she came running into the room, “Sorry, Master Dragus. I got here as soon as I could.”

  After my injection she immediately stepped out of the room. Dragus looked pleased that I was now relieved from the pain. I felt the weight of the Morphine pressing down heavily on me. I yawned involuntarily.

  “Sunrise is close, mi amado,” he smiled. “Get some rest. Hopefully we can take you home tomorrow.”

  I rolled over onto my side and I let Dragus rub circles on my upper back, until the medicine floated over my vision and I succumbed to its weight.

  Chapter 8

  Charity

  Saturday evening, I woke in my own luxurious, pillow top bed. I stretched and rolled over to look at the clock, a few minutes after sunset. I forced out my super vamp senses and detected four human males and one Krieger, Ashby. All here to watch my land, or probably here just to make sure I didn’t go gallivanting through the woods looking for Adam, which was something I intended to do, but not tonight, no matter what the Krieger said.

  I quickly showered, thankful not to have a nurse there with a washcloth to help me. Then I dressed in my skinny jeans and a Nights shirt. It felt so much better to be home and into my own clothes. Thankfully, the stitches had been removed before we left the hospital early this morning, around three a.m. I had forced myself to get up out of that bed and move around. Dragus helped, well damn near carried me through the halls of the hospital. I had to scold him a few times; telling him that I wouldn’t get any better if he kept helping me along.

  My mind shifted to work. It was the weekend and I needed to get back to the club. Lydia had been in charge while I was away. The place was in perfect hands, but I was a little disappointed that the club ran smoothly without me there. I always felt that I was needed there and I felt at a loss when I realized that maybe I didn’t need to spend so much time at work. I laughed to myself when it hit me that I could actually take some much needed time to myself…or with a certain warrior.

  I didn’t even talk to the men outside my home. Once in my car, I backed out of the driveway and was on my way to the Red Cross. I called Lydia, reminding her to meet me at the clinic.

  Looking over, as I passed Mr. Jones’ ranch, I noticed two Krieger Hummers parked in the driveway; wondering why they were there. Most likely giving him warning about the Lycans and Adam living in the woods. Dragus had told me, while I was in the hospital, that there had been multiple sightings of werewolves in the forest. I was totally depressed that I may not be able to help Adam.

  There may be nothing I can do, other than go on living my life. After the first fifty years of my new existence, I learned to grow a tough skin when it came to certain things. People die and life still moves forward. Mourning those who have passed on only last for so long, then they are forgotten. Like old relics, important to the bearer, but considered null to the acquirer.

  Although this had been my belief for a long time, a small part of my heart squeezed for Adam. I think it’s because I’ve felt his pain. Granted it was through the telepathy, but it was still excruciating. Either way, I’m planning on making good on my promise to help.

  My cell rang, bringing me back to reality. It was Dragus.

  “Hello,” I smiled to myself.

  “Mi amado,” he whispered. “Where are you?” He asked politely, even a withering sigh put in for good measure.

  “On my way to the R.C., to meet Lydia,” I laughed. “Are you checking up on me?”

  “Well,” he paused. “Yes.” Wow! He’s actually sounded…normal. No me-warrior-you-woman attitude tonight. I liked it.

  “I’m fine Krieger. What are you doing?”

  “I’m with a team looking for Adam.” His voice lowered a level when he spoke, like he was hoping I wouldn’t catch on to what he was doing.

  I gasped, “You are not in the woods! Are you?” The thought of anyone being out t
here during the night, made my skin crawl; I hoped he would listen if I begged him not to go.

  Okay, so after these past couple of weeks, Dragus was growing on me, a lot. I’ve been feeling possessive of him, like he was mine. Warrior or not, the thought of him in pain caused me heartache and I needed to get over that. He was a Krieger, the strongest of our kind. Lydia teased me that I was getting close to bonding with him. Although I denied it to her face, deep down I felt it coming. Was it love? Hell, I don’t know.

  “Nope, I’m on the edge of Shepherd’s Forest, about to go in.” Point for Dragus, he made a funny, but I didn’t like it.

  “Listen to you, trying to be a comedian. Now seriously, please don’t go in there, it’s too dangerous,” I begged.

  “This is what I have been trained to do, for the past 500 years, I know what I’m doing,” he laughed. I didn’t care if he had been hunting Lycanthropes for the past two thousand years; I couldn’t fathom the idea of him being hurt, or much worse, poisoned. I’m pretty sure the other Krieger would give him hell if I told Dragus he couldn’t go into the woods. The Head Krieger being told to stay home by his woman wouldn’t go over well. I had to trust him.

  “Okay, I trust you, but please promise to call me tonight at the club,” I begged, my voice a little shaky.

  “I promise,” he said. After a short goodbye, I slapped my phone shut and tossed it in the passenger seat and headed over to the Red Cross.

  I was still thinking of my Krieger when I pulled into the clinic parking lot, and like usual, Lydia was standing there tapping her foot. It was nearing seven when we entered the building. Mary, the lady at the counter, stood up when we walked into the lobby and nodded for us to go on in.

  Robbie was waiting patiently for me reading a copy of the latest Cosmopolitan magazine. He looked up and immediately his eyes welled up with tears. The magazine was tossed into a bin beside his chair and he flung himself at me.

  “Oh, Charity,” he cried. “I was so worried. Are you okay?” He stepped back and gave me a good once over, patting my arms, my forehead and my hands.

  “I’m fine, doctor,” I laughed. “Did you miss me?”

  “Terribly,” he sighed. “I heard you were coming in tonight, so I have a surprise for you.” As he said this, he patted the side of his neck and smiled. I wondered what he had eaten tonight. Robbie pulled up a stool in front of his chair and took a seat. After my customary kiss on the cheek, I leaned in and bit into his vein.

  Oh wow, a flavor explosion flooded my mouth. I moaned when my taste buds were assaulted with sweet blackberry pie. Robbie laughed and rubbed my back, urging me to enjoy. Granted, warrior blood was the best, but this tasty treat took me back to an earlier time, when life was simple. I loved Robbie for his faithfulness, but it made me a little sad. I’ve never talked about my upbringing to anyone but Lydia; it’s just something I don’t like to talk about. It was a long time ago.

  I was welcomed back at the club with open arms, or more like a movie star, getting the royal treatment. Lydia had taken care of everything while I was away. The liquor locker was stocked, the bills were paid and the employees were happy. Abby was the first one to hug me tonight.

  “Oh, Char,” she spoke in her lovely southern American accent. Abby was born in Memphis, Tennessee and has only been out of her transition about five years. She was turned at the age of twenty-one. Abby was dying from a brain tumor and was granted emergency vampirization. Immortality has done her well. Abby is about my height with blonde pixie like hair and big green eyes. Her face still held a small amount of a child’s roundness. The poor girl had lived a rough life. Her mother had died in an alley from an apparent overdose and her father was serving a life sentence for murder. Abby had told me that she was starting to go down the same road as her mother when the diagnosis was given. That one thing changed her life around, but it was too late. The cancer was not operable and chemotherapy wouldn’t help. Now, she has changed her life around and is in college.

  Jackson scrambled out from behind the counter and scooped me up in a bear hug that had me gasping for air. “Charity, don’t you ever scare me like that again!” He was the cutest thing I have ever seen, baby blues that would melt a demons heart and shoulder length brown hair. High cheekbones framed his face; a supermodels dream. Jackson was no Krieger, but he was still built pretty nice. He too was a few years out from being turned at the young age of twenty.

  Newly turned vampires have to go through a rehabilitation program, teaching them how to live their new eternity. The program has been structured to teach them how to control their thirst, apply for their citizenship, and find work. This is where I come in. I am contracted by the government to hire newly transformed vampires. Mostly they’ve already had experience in the service industry and fair quite well at my little club. I don’t mind at all helping these kids, as I call them, getting on their feet.

  By the time I made it to my stool at the East bar, I had been passed from person to person gaining hugs and well wishes. My ribs were still a little sore, but manageable. The club was pretty full tonight; Lydia had booked a live band that was to start within the hour. The lead singer and Lydia had a fling back during World War II and she was excited to have them here tonight.

  “I can’t wait to see Walter again.” Lydia was practically bouncing in her seat. She had used hot rollers on her hair and looked exceptionally well. Of course, Lydia was in her prime tonight, tight black leather mini skirt and a matching bustier with red lace ribbons for ties. She was in total tramp mode.

  I noticed a few old friends sitting at a booth in the far corner and hopped off the stool to make my rounds. Pete and Josie were friends from my days in Paris. They moved to Port Royal a few years ago and have opened a chain of gas stations and convenience stores. There was no need for me to hang around long at their table; they were meeting with a business consultant tonight for drinks. I didn’t want to bother them. Customers loved the fact that I mingled with the crowd. After stopping by a table of business men, I glanced over at Lydia.

  Walter and his band had made it in and were setting up. Lydia was standing next to the stage batting her eyelashes at him. I couldn’t blame the girl, Walter was a treat to look at, just think George Clooney, from his E.R. days.

  The tug on my elbow made me gasp and I spun around to see who it was. Then I completed my spin and headed for the office.

  “Aw, come on Charity. I just wanted to say hello.” Romeo begged. Yes, his name really is Romeo and he is a self-proclaimed Casanova. Not to me anymore. Long story short, we dated. We broke up.

  “What do you want Romeo?” It was very hard to keep my voice polite, believe me, I was trying. Romeo was a jerk and thought that he could get away with having multiple women and I just didn’t swing that way. He really disgusts me. Oh, right! I wasn’t going to talk about it.

  “I was in town and wanted to say hello. I’ve missed you. Come on baby. Talk to me please,” he pleaded, again. Romeo was a pretty boy. I’m talking total Hollywood metro sexual. He wore the best suits, the most expensive jewelry, drove the nicest cars and slept with the best women. Dark brown hair sculptured to his face, dreamy brown eyes and even though he was pale from being a vampire, you could still see that his skin had once been a deep olive color; a typical Italian heartthrob.

  “Do not call me baby!” I growled and kept walking.

  “Is this any way to treat an old friend?” Man he was persistent. After a deep, calming breath, I turned to face him, my back ended up against the office door. Romeo stepped up only allowing a couple of inches between us. He did not understand the concept of personal space. I was extremely uncomfortable. He was so close that I noticed he smelled of Polo cologne and red wine.

  “It’s a busy night for me, make it quick,” I urged. He placed his hand flat on the door behind me. His arm was close enough to brush against my right ear. I shivered from his closeness. There was nowhere for me to move. I clamped down on my panic. This was Romeo. Although he was a playboy an
d was a little overly flirty, he would never hurt me.

  What is up with my luck lately?

  “I heard you were hurt. Are you well?” he asked. I didn’t buy his worry. It was fake concern.

  “I’m fine, Romeo. What are you doing here?” I demanded.

  “I’ve been managing Walter’s band for a few years now. When I heard that Lydia wanted him to come to Port Royal, I just had to see you.” I looked over Romeo’s shoulder and caught Lydia’s attention. Her eyes narrowed and she used her vamp speed to come and save me.

  “Romeo, What are you doing to my Charity? You better back off, she’s dating a Krieger,” she announced proudly.

  “I just wanted to say hello, Lydia. Could you be a dear and give us some privacy?” he purred.

  “Romeo, please go away,” I demanded. He was starting to make me a little nervous. Romeo reached up and traced my jaw with his thumb and smiled. I flinched and shivered at his touch. He was about to cross a line, because Dragus would sense my fright and that would not be good for Romeo.

  “Oh and look, here he comes now.” Great! That’s not what I needed right now. Lydia’s smug expression didn’t faze Romeo. He leaned in closer to stare into my eyes. I turned my head and looked over his shoulder.

  Dragus’ head turned just as our eyes made contact. Blood seeped into his eyes and his lips pulled back over his sharp fangs. Before I could blink, Dragus had used his super vamp speed to come to my rescue. He placed one hand on Romeo’s shoulder and spun him around. I wish I could have seen the look on dear old Romeo’s face. I bet it was priceless. Jerk!

  “Is there a problem here?” Dragus’ voice was like a full blown hurricane. His voice thundered above the music that was coming from the speakers.