Be Not Like (Vampire Assassin League Book 33)

by Jackie Ivie

  Flames shot through the windows. Fire ate his flesh. He didn’t even have time to scream. A large mass reached out and engulfed him. Blackness closed in. Instant cool doused the flames, but it wasn’t enough to halt the burns. He curled into a fetal position, his entire body encased in agony, his mind white-hot. It wasn’t possible to handle this level of agony and remain sane.

  “Stay down,” a voice commanded.

  Paul Henry knew that voice. Akron Profit was here. Somehow. But it didn’t matter. Existence had become a whorl of absolute agony. Pain accompanied every moment. Shudders filled each breath. Silent screams came in concert with his heartbeat. He’d never wished for death. Never even considered the possibility.

  He did now.

  And Akron told him not to move?

  Movement was impossible. Comprehension, a struggle. He hadn’t known pain and agony mangled perception. Hearing. It even cancelled vocal chords. He tried answering, but his throat didn’t work. Nothing came out. And then the bastard started cheerfully whistling.

  Whistling!

  Paul Henry’s jaw dropped. Literally. Painfully. He moved a hand to assist. Only his arm wasn’t working well, and his fingers throbbed with anguish. It took a few moments to find his lower jaw hanging from what might be facial muscle. He somehow cupped it, cradled it, and gingerly lifted it back into place. Held his teeth together. Shook spasmodically. This was bad. He couldn’t feel much except pain. He couldn’t tell if his face was intact. Or even if the flesh was still there.

  The whistling stopped. The plane leveled off.

  “You truly like to exist on the edge of disaster, Paul Henry.”

  Paul Henry grunted a reply, barely recognizable as one. He couldn’t answer coherently. The pain was too hellish.

  “You had to wait until the very last second to turn this plane around, didn’t you? The very last second.”

  His jaw felt like it might be attached again, but pain was a visceral entity. It messed with his vocal chords, making his answer a mass of grunts and whistles.

  “Why...if I was human, you’d have given me gray hairs. Not to mention your grandfather.”

  “Who?”

  It didn’t even sound like a word, but Akron answered as if he’d heard it.

  “Your grandfather. I think he’d have needed medical intervention. He still might.”

  “I don’t have—. They are—.”

  The words ended with sobs. He couldn’t finish. He’d received medical training, along with everything else. He was a burn victim. His nerve endings fried. The wounds should grow numb. But nobody had told him it would take so long!

  “Oh, yes, you do. And no, he definitely is not gone. Chester’s biological father is my second-in-command. And don’t worry. I can hear and understand you just fine.”

  “But how—? What—?”

  Akron might be able to hear and understand, but it hurt to talk. And this was a pain beyond his experience. It also took massive effort. And he couldn’t string many words together.

  “I’m telepathic, and I told you I’d speak of things in due time. Well. Now is the time...and we do seem to have a bit of it available.”

  “What?” Paul Henry asked.

  “Time. Oh. By-the-by, you can come out now.”

  “Out?”

  “From beneath that cape. It’s crafted from UV blocking material. But it’s safe out here, too, because all my aircraft are equipped with special windows. Flick of a switch and they go black. Any and all sunlight blocked. And, as you very well know, sunlight can be lethal. Especially to a new vampire.”

  “But, I’m not—.”

  Damn it! I told her to watch the fangs!

  “It wasn’t Eska. You’ve been a vampire since you first awakened. In my dungeon. In chains. I changed you. And before you react, you need to understand that I had permission from your next of kin, and I had no other choice. Everyone on your flight was dead, or close to it. I barely got to you in time. Hmm. That has a familiar ring, doesn’t it?”

  “How—?”

  “Can I hear you? I told you, I’m telepathic. I don’t use it often. It tends to disturb and disquiet. But we’re past that stage, aren’t we?”

  ‘Yes.’

  Paul Henry answered in his mind. Akron answered, with a gleeful tone.

  “I am so glad this worked. You have no idea.”

  ‘Excuse me?”

  “You weren’t on oxygen when you awakened, young man. I was pumping carbon monoxide through your mask. That will give anyone a headache and general ill feeling...even a vampire - as long as they have sensation. Since you were a newborn, I had to time this perfectly.”

  ‘Perfectly?’

  The pain was ebbing. Paul Henry hadn’t noted it due to his focus on listening. Computing. And evaluating. But pain was definitely less acute. A lot less.

  “I knew your mate was arriving. That brings every sensation back. Or, in your case, makes for a simple changeover. Almost unnoticeable. I also knew you were a cold-hearted, non-emotional sort, so I figured you’d be easy.”

  ‘Asshole.’

  Akron laughed. Paul Henry let go of his jaw. Tenderly worked his chin back and forth. Relief ran over him like a wash of cool water. The burns must have finally numbed enough. There was a throbbing sensation, but pain was at a manageable level. He lifted his arm. Touched the shroud covering him. Moved his hand along it. Found an edge. Slid it down. Peeked out.

  Akron was in the pilot’s chair, dwarfing that side of the cockpit. He wore a long black robe with a hood over his head. It wasn’t possible to see his features, but it was obvious he hadn’t padded his physique. He was a large figure. And very imposing.

  Paul Henry unfolded carefully. Eased onto his knees and then maneuvered into the co-pilot seat. He settled into the fine leather. Regarded the instrument lights for several moments before he spoke.

  “I apologize,” he said finally. “I usually have better control of my temper. And my tongue. And I rarely profane. At least...I didn’t before.”

  “Well. I did warn you. Remember?”

  “You never said I’d start swearing like a bloody sailor!”

  “You are not a cold fish anymore. It isn’t just vampirism that changed you. It’s a combination of factors. Granting you access to all manner of things: Passion. Intensity. Emotion. These are necessary ingredients for enjoying life to its fullest. Some people are born knowing these skills. Some learn it as they go. Some go to their graves never learning what it feels like to live fully. And some – like a certain stubborn fellow I can name – have to almost die first.”

  “Must you?”

  “What?”

  “Tempt my temper and tongue again?”

  Akron laughed aloud again. Heartily. The cabin around them rumbled. “I do find you entertaining, Paul Henry Beethan. I truly do.”

  Paul Henry lifted his hand. Viewed it with interest. And then worry. He held out both arms. Did the same visual check. His chest and belly were next. He was covered in angry-looking skin. Open wounds. Blackened edges. It was pretty damned ugly. The scars that would ensue were incalculable. Paul Henry had been known as a handsome sort. He’d always taken it for granted. His eyes stung. He blinked rapidly. Stared unseeingly at the now-dark sky outside. Wondered if Eska would find him worth viewing now.

  “Don’t worry, lad.”

  Oh, shit.

  Akron’s tone sent a stab of tears directly to where Paul Henry was fighting them. He took a shuddered breath. Held it.

  “I could have teleported us right back to the complex. But I didn’t. You want to know why? Because we not only require time to clear the air, you need to heal.”

  “Heal?”

  “You’re a vampire. You’ll be good as new before you see her again. You have my word.”

  Damn it.

  Paul Henry tightened every muscle in his frame. Willed the emotion back. A tear still escaped. He felt it slide down his face. Drop onto his belly.

  “So. Are you ready?” Akro
n asked.

  Paul Henry took another shuddered breath. And another. He couldn’t answer. He waited for a heartbeat to pass. Another. Cleared his throat. “For what?” he finally asked.

  “Negotiations.”

  Paul Henry sat up straighter. “Negotiations?”

  “I am assuming, by your actions in turning this plane around, that you are amenable to joining my firm.”

  “I just want to be with Eska.”

  I have to be with her!

  “That requires association in the Vampire Assassin League. You understand?”

  “Yes.”

  “Very well. I’ll open. You will be required to obey my orders when given.”

  “I will not kill for you,” Paul Henry countered.

  “Hunters? Or sanctioned hits?”

  “Either,” Paul Henry replied.

  “Very well. I can agree to that.”

  Paul Henry glanced to the figure beside him. Felt his muscles loosen slightly.

  “But you will not be allowed to kill vampires again without consequences. Agreed?”

  “Agreed,” Paul Henry replied.

  Akron grunted.

  “I will not divulge any Hunter secrets.”

  “Fair enough. I agree to that, as well,” Akron replied, “but from now on, you work for me.”

  “Work for you?”

  “I have a quartz crystal resonating power plant at the Tunguska complex.”

  “You do?” Paul Henry started smiling. It felt good. Nothing on his face felt out of sync, either.

  “It is one of my...many ideas for the future. Most of them alternative. In the area known as fringe science. May I assume you are of a like mind?”

  “No one ever asked me that before.”

  “That’s because the Beethans are short-sighted nincompoops whose only goal seems to be eradicating what they don’t understand. They probably thought you were just wasting time with higher education until you could take up the reins of the company.”

  “Is that supposed to be a negotiating tactic?” Paul Henry finally asked.

  “No. It was me losing my temper. Where were we? Oh, yes. Your field of expertise. The Vampire Assassin League has complexes throughout the globe. Many of them fueled with archaic methods. They are in severe need of updating. I have unlimited access to material and funds. All I needed was a theoretical physicist.”

  “I don’t have my degree yet.”

  “You don’t need one with me, but if you wish, we can set up night classes or correspondence ones. You will require another identity for it, but it’s a minor issue. I’ll have your grandfather set it up.”

  “Is there a down side to this?”

  “Yes. You are a vampire. You cannot go out in the sun. Eat normal things. Do team sports, etcetera.”

  “But I’ll be with Eska?”

  “Of course. Actually...once you are reunited, I sincerely doubt anyone will be able to separate you two.”

  Paul Henry sucked in a breath. Held it for long heart-pounding seconds. Released it with a rush. He would do anything to be with Eska. They both knew it.

  “Then I agree.”

  “We have an accord?”

  “Yes.”

  “Excellent. You will receive a VAL tattoo shortly. A sword. Even if you do not use it for me, you may have need of it. For defense.”

  “Defense?”

  “Most associates do not want to kill Hunters. We are forced to. It is they who want to eliminate us. You understand?”

  “I can handle any Hunter.”

  “That, I do not doubt. I just watched you in action. But you have a mate now. Not that Eska will need your help. She is more than adept with an ulu knife, but...?”

  Paul Henry’s heart thudded. His pulse ratcheted up. His muscles twitched. He sneered, and he could feel his canines growing.

  If anyone touched a hair on her head—?

  “I’ll take the sword,” he said. He didn’t even care that anger stained his reply.

  “Excellent. Well. We will be arriving shortly. And look. You are almost healed.”

  Paul Henry looked at his hand and arm. Down at his torso. All he saw was tanned skin and light pink spots where the gaping wounds had been. And then he noted the shadow of a tattoo appearing on his bicep. Large. Dark red. And pretty damned cool.

  “Before you rush off to your beloved, I have something for you.”

  “What?”

  The man fished about in his robe. Pulled out a small square box. Paul Henry looked at it for a moment before taking it. Flipped open the lid. A ring was inside, with an enormous diamond atop it. He whistled.

  “I didn’t have much to go on, but the usual is to purchase and select a ring according to two month’s salary. Or, in your case, allowance. Yours was probably astronomical. Hence the stone.”

  “When did you get this?”

  “Just after you were changed. No. Just after I sent the instruction for Eska to get here.”

  “You were very sure of things.”

  “Not at all. I wasn’t sure of anything. But I hoped. And I know how mating works. So...I did a little setting up and stayed out of the way.”

  “You are...much different than I expected,” Paul Henry remarked.

  “I do not doubt that, either. So. You ready? I am truly excited about this. Yours is not the first engagement ring I have selected. I enjoy this sort of thing...as you will find out when you meet your grandfather. But...not yet. Eska is waiting, and...well. I know how this mating thing works. When you do meet him however, I insist on being there. It should prove one of the most entertaining episodes of my entire existence. To be eclipsed only by the next meeting you will no doubt enjoin.”

  Paul Henry leaned back in his chair far enough he could secure the ring box in a front pant pocket. “What will that be?”

  “When you meet your new grandmother.”

  And Akron’s laughter resounded through the small cabin again.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  There had been hope.

  All Paul Henry had to do was turn back.

  That’s all.

  Eska had been moved to another bed chamber, this one across the hall from the one she and Paul Henry had basically destroyed. That was probably a good thing. She couldn’t take the reminder. Her heart had been replaced with a yawning chasm of pain. Her belly was twisted in knots. Her chest felt like it was clamped between two blocks, making every breath a chore.

  She’d screamed until she was hoarse. Pleaded until the rest of her voice ran out. Akron had been immobile. His face carved in stone. His attention riveted on the plane that got smaller and smaller on the monitors. He’d opened a satellite tracking view. Watched it some more. His stoic bearing told the tale.

  Paul Henry was not turning back.

  Sunrise was moments away.

  She could barely see through tears as dawn lit up the monitors. Akron had vanished. Nigel cried out. Eska couldn’t take it. She’d turned and fled. Somehow reached this chamber. Stood in the center of it now, and shook. Nothing was warm anymore, but what did warmth matter anyway?

  She didn’t know why she questioned anything. She’d been reanimated for such a short time. Found bliss. Ecstasy. Wonder. And everything else that mattered...only to lose it. She wondered if her body would shut back down now, and send her back to undeath. And, if so, how long she’d have to suffer first.

  Or...maybe, it would be better to join Paul Henry in real death. All she had to do was step outside. Her tears slowly abated. The room grew indistinct. Time might have passed. She had no idea how much of it. And she didn’t care.

  ‘Eska?’

  The name came as clearly as if Akron stood in the chamber with her. Eska lifted her head. She was alone still. Akron hadn’t even used a cell phone.

  ‘Can you hear me?’

  “Um. Y-yes,” she stammered aloud.

  ‘Come back to the command center.’

  “Is he—?”

  Her throat closed off. She couldn�
�t ask it.

  ‘Just come back. Now.’

  The words were commanding, yet gentle. It could mean anything. Or nothing. Eska raced through the halls again, flew the steps, disturbed some of the hanging quartz crystals as she rushed past them. She slammed through the metal doors. Ran into the center of the room. Spun around. The metallic doors smacked back into position, sending a reverberation through the room. The monitors had been lifted out of the way. The space felt like an empty stage. And it was completely empty of occupants.

  “Akron?” she whispered.

  A solitary light came on, illuminating one end of the room. And then Paul Henry stepped into it. He stood with his head bowed, light glinting on golden strands of his hair. He was dressed exactly as she’d last seen him: Shirtless. Wearing black leather pants. Holding the sword he’d been given, tip down. He took a deep breath that lifted his chest, and put definition through his torso. And then he looked up.

  Eska squealed. Flew at him.

  “Whoa! Stop!”

  He put a hand up. She came to a halt just shy of barreling into him.

  “Before you jump on the merchandise, I have something to say.”

  “You’re giving me more ground rules? Now?” she asked, incredulously.

  He shook his head. “Uh. Not quite.”

  He moved the sword into one hand. Shoved the other into a front pocket. Fished about...brought out a small box. Eska’s heart stopped. She clasped her hands before her breasts. Her eyes flew wide. She nearly squealed again.

  “I’m...a bit new to this...um...emotion thing,” he started.

  “Yes,” she answered rapidly.

  “I hope...you’ll bear with me.”

  “Yes,” she repeated, even quicker this time. She was dancing with almost uncontainable excitement.

  “Oh. Eska. You are so beautiful,” he told her next.

  His hand tightened on the sword handle as if for balance, and he went down onto one knee.

  Eska’s entire being was instantly infused with light. Joy. Unbelievable wonder. She probably glowed. The combination was heady. She didn’t realize she’d lifted from the floor until he spoke again. She looked down. He had his neck craned to look at her. He gestured with a hand.

  “You want to come back down here? Please?”