by Anjela Renee
The phone went dead. Could it be true? Did someone really know where his love was after all this time? He put his phone away and decided to order a coffee and pastry. He sat for a few minutes when a text came through. All it said was go to Detroit, Michigan. He immediately got up and left. It was time to go find Salihah.
Connor arrived at his pack meeting, late as usual. They always met in the woods. Occasionally, the pack-master would arrange pack meetings in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula but he almost never made the trip to those. Everyone liked to shift afterward and hunt.
“You smell like a Vampire,” Anna whispered as he stood next to her. Anna was his younger sister and was constantly worried his job with the vampires would corrupt him.
“It’s all part of the job, baby sis.”
“You always smell like Vamp. Couldn’t you at least take a shower?” Anna replied, making a face.
“I had dinner with Sally.”
“Again?” Anna asked as she tucked her auburn hair behind her ear. “Please tell me you’re not sleeping with her.”
“Don’t you worry about me. What did I miss so far?”
“Beowulf is trying to take Gunther’s mate—says he treats her badly and he wants her.”
“For crying out loud, if I wanted to listen to this kind of thing I’d sit at home and watch one of those smutty daytime talk shows.”
Anna started laughing.
“Shhh, don’t let the Alpha hear you talk like that.”
“He hates me already. What do I care?”
Connor stood by his sister, half listening to the rest of pack business. When it was over, it was party time. Everyone started eating and drinking. Connor stayed until everyone shifted and quietly slipped away.
Chapter 2
Connor was back at his office. It was after 2:00 a.m. at the VC office in Detroit. VC stood for vampire court. The Council headquarters were in London, England but they had an office in all the major cities. It was turning out to be a quiet night; only a few minor incidents, mostly new Vampires behaving badly. Connor was in charge, but there were dozens of Vampires and other paranormals working for the VC, keeping the peace throughout the city. He sometimes missed getting in the trenched and kicking some Vampire ass, but he worked hard to get where he was and had no plans on going back.
The secretary’s intercom line started buzzing. Connor quickly finished an email he was working on and answered the call.
“Yes.”
“Mr. O'Connor, you have a call from the VC Council.”
“Put the call through,” he said to his assistant.
“This is Connor,” he said as he answered the phone.
“I am Gerald Delance. I am calling on behalf of the VC Council,” the man said in a very pronounced British accent.
“What can I do for you, Mr. Delance?”
“I am calling with good news. The Council has finally reached an agreement. The world will be made aware of the existence of Vampires at midnight tomorrow.”
Connor couldn’t believe what he was hearing. The VC Council had been debating this issue for the last fifty years. He thought they would never come to an agreement.
“I see. How will this affect my position?”
“It won’t right now. It is imperative that all Vampire laws be upheld and newbies be contacted immediately to avoid any problems.”
“Yes, of course.”
“We are encouraging all Vampires to stay in tomorrow.”
“I will pass this along. Thank you for the call.”
“It was a pleasure, Mr. O'Connor.”
Connor hung up the phone. He wondered how the world would take the news.
Humans just didn’t accept differences easily.
Sally was sitting at a table in Bloodlust, the local Vampire club. She was drinking a glass of A+ blood with red wine. She had come straight from her dinner with Connor, and she couldn’t get him out of her mind—his muscular build, his auburn hair, and intense green eyes. Would it really be so bad to start dating officially? She just didn’t want to take a chance and lose a really great friend. She was so lost in thought she didn’t notice that someone had sat down at her table.
“Hey, Sally.”
Sally looked up to see Prena sitting at her table. Lizzy, Prena’s roommate, had had a psychic vision, and they had rescued Abby from a kidnapper. Ever since then they had become great friends. Prena was a beautiful tan-skinned, brown-eyed Asian with short black hair with pink streaks.
“Prena, what are you doing here?” Sally asked.
“Just dancing and having a few drinks. Lizzy’s taking a break from anything Vampire so I’m on my own. You looked like you were lost in thought.”
“It’s nothing really, just some personal things.”
“Is it Javon or Abby?”
“No, not at all. They’re doing great; I can’t wait for the baby to come.”
“You know you can talk to me. I'm a great listener.”
“It’s just that I’ve been spending time with Connor,” she started.
“The werewolf, right?”
“Yeah. He’s great, handsome, sexy, and fun. I love everything about him, but he wants to be more than friends.”
“I’m still waiting for the problem. He sounds perfectly yummy.” Prena laughed, wiggling her eyebrows.
“Werewolves and Vampires don’t date,” Sally told her.
“Sally, is that something that should really matter?”
“It shouldn’t but it can be a difficult situation for both of us. His pack will never accept me and the Vampire Community will never accept him.”
“Screw ’em; you deserve to be happy. I say go for it and stop worrying about what other people think. Oh look, there’s Pierre! He promised me a dance and I see he’s on break now.”
“Pierre, the Vampire bouncer?” Sally asked.
“Yeah. I can’t help it he’s like a big mean teddy bear.”
“Go get your dance, I’ll be fine.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes; go before he gets away.”
“Thanks, Sally.” Prena jumped up and gave Sally a quick hug before running toward Pierre.
It was almost dawn when Dakarai arrived in Detroit. After he received that text from Maurice, he wasted no time taking his private plane. It was a warm summer evening and Dakarai was in a limo on his way to his hotel. As he watched the scenery, he wondered where exactly Salihah was right then. Did she look the same? Or maybe she changed her appearance. He remembered the first time he’d seen her at the open-air market in Giza, selling grain and bread with her mother. She wore a traditional cotton dress and a stylish Egyptian wig. He wondered what she would look like without the wig. Was she bald or did she cut her hair short?
He didn’t like to venture out during the daylight hours, but back then there was little choice. She was young and beautiful. Dakarai started visiting more often, always watching from the shade. It was only a matter of time until he knew she was the one for him.
The limo pulled up to the Townsend Hotel. Since he was already checked in, he picked up his key at the front desk and headed straight for his suite. He could feel the sun rising and needed to rest.
Maurice had sent a text to Dakarai telling him to go to Detroit. He needed to set it up perfectly. He would deliver Sally to him on a silver platter once Mary was his again.
It was almost dawn in Detroit; he decided to give Dakarai a call.
“Dakarai, my friend.”
“Maurice, it’s past dawn. What do you want?”
“Just wanted to see how Detroit is treating you.”
“How do you know I’m in Detroit?”
“If you love Salihah like I love Mary you would move Heaven and Earth to get to her.”
“I’m here, Maurice. Now what?” Dakarai said impatiently.
“Now the plan begins. I’ll call you.”
Maurice hung up the phone. It was time; time to return to Detroit and claim what was rightfully his. It was time for
Mary to return to him.
“Jacquelyn!” Maurice yelled.
Jacquelyn ran to Maurice when he called.
“Yes, Sire?”
“How many times have I told you not to call me that? It annoys me to no end—just Maurice.”
“All the other Vampires call their makers Sire or Master. They say it honors you.”
Jacquelyn was average with a slim build, curly brown hair, and hazel eyes. She was on the verge of killing herself with alcohol and drugs when Maurice found her at a nightclub. He turned her and she had been more than grateful ever since.
“It is time; we are going to America,” Maurice said to her.
“Really?”
“Go pack. We’re leaving this evening.”
Chapter 3
Sally sat up in her darkened room. She saw a figure slowly walk toward her. The shadowy figure got closer until she could make out the face of Connor.
“What are you doing in my room, interrupting my rest?” Sally said accusingly as she stood up.
Connor didn’t say a word. He pressed his lips against hers, silencing her, pushing her back down on the bed. He pulled away and Sally moaned. She didn’t want the kiss to end; she needed more. It had been a century since she felt the touch of a man. As Connor leaned down toward Sally, she could feel his hot breath on her neck as he whispered to her.
“Tell me you want me,” Connor demanded in a husky voice.
“I want you; I need you now.”
Connor quickly took of his clothes. Sally could see the evidence of his desire for her. Her whole body shook with need. It had been so long since she had seen a naked man. She reached for his length, taking him into her hands and stroking the velvety soft skin. Connor moaned as she continued to touch him.
He kissed her as he helped slip the straps of her silk nightgown off her shoulders. It fell to her waist, revealing her small perfect breasts. He kissed her neck and slowly made his way down, taking the small bud of her breast in his mouth and sucking gently. Sally moaned as her pussy became wet with need. She tore off the rest of her nightgown. She was now completely naked, wet, and ready. His hands made their way down her body, past her dark, moist curls. He found her small bundle of nerves, touching her in just the right way. She moaned with ecstasy. She could feel herself getting closer and closer to her orgasm. Her fangs extended and she felt the need for his blood as well as his body. Connor explored her pussy; she was so wet for him.
He used one finger and entered her slowly. She was so tight. His cock ached to be inside her. He penetrated her with one finger and finally two; he used his thumb to stimulate her clit as she got closer and closer.
“Come for me; scream my name.”
“Oh, goddess I'm coming, yes Connor, yes.”
Sally awoke suddenly from the most erotic dream she had ever had. She reached down and touched herself; she was wet and swollen from an orgasm she had while she slept. She wondered if she could get that turned on from a dream, what it would be like to have Connor for real. She wanted to feel his hands and mouth on her body. She stood up, her legs feeling shaky. It was nearly 10 p.m. As much as she loved the weather in the summer, she hated the short nights. She took her evening shower and dressed in a white sundress. She checked her phone and saw a text from the vampire council.
All vampires are requested to stay at a safe location this evening, watch TV at midnight for a special announcement.
Sally walked downstairs in her bare feet. She found Abby and Javon sitting on the couch discussing colors for the baby's room.
“Good evening, lovebirds.”
“Hey, Sally. What do you think about this color?” Abby asked, holding up a paint swatch.
“It’s lovely. Is it a cream?”
“It’s called cream dream,” Abby said enthusiastically. “I think it would be great for the baby’s room!”
“I agree. I know a great painter; I can have it done immediately,” Sally stated. “Did you get a text from the vampire council?” Sally asked Javon.
“Yes. Do you think they finally did it?” Javon asked.
“It’s possible; we will find out soon enough. Did Connor mention anything?”
“We had dinner last night and he didn’t say anything.”
“Should we order in dinner?” Abby asked. “I’m starving”
“I will order. Any preference?”
“I want a diabetic; they have such sweet blood,” Abby replied as she looked through another baby catalog, this time one with cribs.
“Make that two,” Sally replied as she started looking at the catalog with Abby.
“I’ll be right back,” Javon said as he left the room to make the call.
Sally sat with Abby, doing her best to fake interest in several cribs that basically looked all the same. She wondered what Connor was up to and wanted to call him about all this VC business but couldn’t get the courage to do so. Her phone on the table started to vibrate. She picked it up and saw it was a message from Connor.
Thinking about you. Please consider what we talked about.
-Connor
Sally smiled; she was definitely thinking about it but couldn’t seem to get past the thinking part.
Connor sat in his one bedroom condo on the Detroit River, watching the TV. It was almost midnight; he had given everyone the night off since all vampires were supposed to be indoors. He had the office calls routed to his cell for emergencies, but he was hoping it wouldn’t be necessary.
He watched as the regular newscast played the normal tragedies for the Detroit area. An abandoned house burning, a police officer shot during an arrest, and a large quantity of drugs confiscated. As he watched, it was interrupted by a special report. He watched as the head of the Vampire Council, Andre Veneche, stood at a podium smiling. He was very old, at least one thousand years, with dark hair and dark eyes. He had porcelain pale skin, and was dressed very professionally in a suit.
“We now take you to Washington, DC, where there is a press conference. It has just been announced. Vampires really exist,” the news anchorwoman announced. The camera was then focused on Andre. He waited a moment than smiled before he began speaking.
“Dear Americans, it is my pleasure to announce to you and the world that we, the Vampires of the world, are real. This is not a hoax. We have been your neighbors since the beginning of time; we only wish to make our presence known. We no longer wish to hide in the shadows like frightened children. As we speak, your neighbor, even a relative, could be a Vampire. We wish no one any harm; we only wish to continue as we always have as members of society. And to answer the most obvious question, yes, we drink blood but only from willing donors. There are bottled blood products on the market that many prefer to use exclusively. Thank you for your time.” Andre walked away as cameras flashed and reporters tried asking further questions but with no response was given.
Connor leaned back on the couch after shutting off the TV. It was done. The Vampires had come out. It would be a new day with new problems for him to deal with.
Sally, Javon, and Abby sat together after watching the announcement on TV. Sally was from around the time the pyramids were built, but even she never thought she would live to see this day. They all just stared at each other, not sure what to think or say.
“I can’t believe they did it. I’m not sure if I should be happy or scared for my life,” Sally said, trying to break the tension in the room.
Abby seemed to be frozen with a look of terror on her face while holding her pregnant belly. She, no doubt, was worried about what it would mean for her baby. Javon took her into his arms and kissed her reassuringly.
“It will be okay, my love; we can live openly now.”
“I’m scared, Javon. What if we become targets for vampire hunters or religious fanatics?”
“I will protect you; you never have to be scared when you are with me.”
Javon and Abby held each other, comforting each other, and Sally felt like an intruder in a private moment. S
he slipped out, deciding, despite the council’s recommendation that she needed to leave the house for a while.
Chapter 4
Sally left the house, grabbing her purse on the way out. She decided to go to Bloodlust for a quick drink. She needed to get out and think about everything: Connor, the Vampires coming out, everything. Her head was spinning. She got in her silver Audi sports car and checked her reflection in the mirror before leaving.
It’s just a drink; I’m sure everything will be fine.
Sally arrived at Bloodlust and found a seat in the back room. She sat down and ordered a special drink, good time red wine. It was made from an intoxicated human’s blood and red wine. There were only a few other vampires; apparently most obeyed the council and stayed in. When her drink arrived, she quickly downed it and ordered another one. She began enjoying the effects of the intoxicated blood. Feeling a bit more brave than usual, she picked up the phone and dialed Connor.
“Connor, my big sexy werewolf. Would you like to come and meet me for a drink at Bloodlust? I’m feeling very looonly,” she slurred into the phone.
“Sally, are you okay? You sound drunk.”
“I’m getting there. Did you know intoxicated human blood can make a Vampire drunk? It’s wonderful.”
“Sally, you stay there; I’m coming to take you home.”
“I’ll be waiting, Sexy.”
Sally hung up the phone and grinned. She continued drinking, consuming two more drinks; then she hit the dance floor, dancing around to the thumping techno music. One of the other few Vampires decided to join her on the dance floor. She could tell he was a young one, but very cute. They danced together for a few minutes longer until she felt a tap on her shoulder. She looked over to find Connor standing there scowling at the young Vampire.
“Sorry, Man, didn’t know she was taken,” the young Vampire stammered before rushing off.
“Connor, my big sexy werewolf,” Sally shouted before jumping in his arms, kissing him. Connor was thrown completely off guard as Sally kissed him slowly and deeply. She teased him with her tongue as her fangs descended. She moaned in his mouth as he pulled away.