Dead Hearts (Book 3): Vengeful Hearts

by Susanne L. Lambdin

  Dr. Leopold turned, towering over Logan, and gazed at him with calculating eyes. “The Kaiser wanted proof that Cadence’s blood is toxic to vampires. Every test subject died when injected.”

  Logan knocked over a beaker filled with clear liquid onto the tray with the frog. A foul stench rose as the acid sizzled and the frog dissolved. Leopold glared at him.

  “Agent Logan, I am not an emotional man, nor some amateur at work with a chemistry set. Dr. Kensington is creating zombie cyborgs to wage war on humans. Dr. Heston is trying to find a cure when he isn’t breeding werewolf hybrids, and Dr. Giglio is doing God knows what, but I am doing something for the greater good.”

  Logan laughed. “You think Cadence is the embodiment of Nietzsche’s Übermensch. I assure you, Doc, she’s not part of Hitler’s Master Race.”

  “I met Hitler during a brief stint as chief surgeon at Auschwitz,” Leopold said. “You see, Agent Logan, immortality is something I’m familiar with, but not something I care to share with others. Despite the Kaiser’s tedious demands, I have no intention of bestowing immortal life on vampires. My interest here is the survival of my own species. We lack physical prowess and that is what I’m after. Of course, if you tell the Kaiser that I’ve sabotaged his efforts from the start, I will make sure your friends kept prisoner here are killed in the arena. I might even arrange to have Rose Standish turned into a cyborg.”

  Logan imagined taking a scalpel and shoving it through Leopold’s eye. He would be doing the world a great service. Until he figured out what species Leopold and his staff were, he would put off killing them. It wasn’t prudent to kill something he knew nothing about. As far as Logan could tell, Leopold could be a vampire. A scalpel wasn’t the weapon he needed when he decided to kill him and his gruesome staff.

  “When I was a boy of six, I saw my mother murdered,” Logan said. “A vampire came to the door dressed as a cop. She let him inside. He sucked her dry and then turned on me. ‘Do you want to live forever? I offer a life free of pain, heart break, and remorse. You will be my son, and we will travel the world together, taking what we want, when we want, with no regret.’” His eyes grew dark as he recited the memory. “When my father found me, I was hiding under the bed. He believed me, and for the next twenty-five years we hunted down and killed supernatural creatures. The vampire was the Kaiser. One day I will repay him for what he did to my mother. That’s why I came here. I intend to kill him.”

  “The Kaiser isn’t a vampire, Logan. He’s a demon high lord. I don’t know what you think you saw but he didn’t bite your mother and drain her blood.” He paused, then added, “Hopefully, we have an understanding based on honesty” Dr. Leopold said. His eyes turned black as ink. “You’ll tell the Kaiser nothing, and I’ll continue what I’m doing. Still, I can’t help wondering which of us most resembles the virus, feeding off its host.”

  “Oh, it’s you Doc. You’re a monster. I just don’t know what kind yet.”

  Leaving the lab under guard, Logan decided to spend some time watching the Death Game fighters practicing in the basketball arena. As long as he didn’t talk to the prisoners, Logan was allowed to spectate. He climbed the bleachers with his two guards and took a seat on the top row. The Kaiser owned the most fighters, but the best belonged to Captain Pallaton and had at one time been at Cadence’s camp. Barbarella and Luna were werepumas, both deadly in the arena. Red Hawk was a werewolf from Chief Chayton’s tribe, and Cricket, Dodger, and Xena were Chameleons.

  The ultimate fighter was Dragon, owned by Salustra. She was a sexy Vampire Maker who Logan suspected of siring most of the Dark Angels. Salustra normally avoided Logan, but he was desperate to ask her about Rose. She was present and sat several rows from Logan, watching Dragon train by himself. There were no other fighters on the court. Bare-chested, his arms covered with dragon tattoos, he moved around a large mat, practicing karate.

  “How much money have you made off Dragon?” Logan asked. He climbed down to where Salustra sat and joined her. The guards remained vigilant behind him. “I know we aren’t well acquainted, but it’s no fault of mine. Do I have bad breath?”

  “You’re human,” Salustra said, as if this explained everything. She wore a mink stole around her shoulders. A blue velvet jacket, a skirt, and high-heeled boots completed her ensemble. Perfume clung to her like a second skin; her first skin was so pale, it was white under the lights.

  “Would it make a difference if I was a vampire?” Logan leaned toward her. “Just what do you do all day in your room with Dragon? Does he get bored, or do you entertain him?”

  Salustra flipped back her long black hair and gazed coolly at Logan. “I keep Dragon safe in my room. However you do smell, Agent Logan. You’ve been in Dr. Leopold’s lab. Did you learn interesting things today?”

  “Yeah, he cut open Huritt and removed his spleen, pancreas, liver, and kidneys. Then his assistant ate him,” Logan said. He laughed when her eyes widened. “Okay, maybe he didn’t eat him. But what do they eat? Leopold never leaves the lab, nor do his assistants. I assume they’re vampires because I’ve never seen them eat solid food. Care to enlighten me?”

  Dragon spun around on the court, gaining speed and moving so fast he seemed to turn invisible. The guards located around the court didn’t seem worried, since vampires could follow Dragon’s moves, while Logan only saw impressions on the mat left by the fighter’s feet.

  “You’re asking me to reveal Dr. Leopold’s species.” Salustra remained still. “I’m here to watch Dragon. I don’t think the Kaiser wants me to advise you on the origins of his medical staff. It’s obvious you know they are not human, so let’s leave it at that.”

  “Let’s not,” Logan said, pressing. “Let’s say you and I are close friends, and I would no more tattle on you than you would me. For instance, what if I told you I’d like to get a message to Rose Standish at Seven Falls. To tell her Leopold isn’t working on a cure. In fact, he’s nowhere near finding out what he desires most. Not until he gets his hands on a chameleon fighter, like Dragon. Your fighter is by far the most superior fighter, and what Leopold wants is superior strength for himself and his little helpers.”

  “Then as your friend, I’d tell you to be more careful. I’d also tell you that Rose doesn’t trust you, nor has she forgiven you for breaking her heart. You allowed Pallaton and Aldarik to enter Seven Falls, killing and capturing her allies. It’s because of you that Dragon came here and was captured. Of course, if he wanted to leave badly enough, he could at any time. No one is as fast, strong, or clever as Dragon.”

  “Maybe if someone convinced Rose that I’ve had a change of heart, she might think better of me. She might even forgive me, that is, if someone told her that I’d made a horrible mistake and would like to redeem myself.” He waited for Salustra to respond, but she said nothing. “I guess you’re not the real leader of the Dark Angels, after all. You might not be in communication with Rose, but if you were, I’d hope you would tell her what I said.”

  “Like all humans, you’re boring. Please go away. I have no intention of doing anything you suggest or providing you any information. But if I were you, I wouldn’t provoke Dr. Leopold. As I said, he isn’t human. He’s nasty if you get on his bad side…which is something you do not want to do. Now, goodbye.”

  Logan stood up and Dragon appeared on the mat, gleaming with sweat. The Asian teenager glared at Logan and could have cleared the distance between them in one jump. The look of hatred was apparent in Dragon’s eyes.

  As Logan left the court to return to his own room in an adjoining building, he wondered if Dragon could escape whenever he wanted. If that was the case, why was the legendary swordsman sticking around? Did it mean Dragon remained with intentions to kill the Kaiser?

  Get in line, thought Logan.

  * * * * *

  Chapter Three

  Snow was falling as the limo pulled up to Miramont Castle in Manitou Springs. With the red stone draped in giant Christmas lights and a large wreath on th
e door, it looked like an old man’s Christmas miniature. A squad of guards dressed in Renaissance costumes with spears stood beside torches looking like Christmas nutcrackers. Pine boughs with red ribbons adorned the staircase and hung over every interior door. A large Christmas tree stood in the center of the entryway, completing the festive atmosphere. As Raven, Pallaton, and Salustra entered the mansion, a servant in Renaissance garb received their cloaks. Captain Pallaton led both women to a large living room, styled with furnishings fit for a king.

  Twenty or more vampires, royally adorned, lounged on lush couches, drinking blood from silver chalices while listening to a string quartet. Raven sat beside a roaring fire, watching as Pallaton set a gift on a table covered with stunning presents. Salustra removed a small card from her bodice, set it among the gifts, and drifted off to socialize with the guests. The captain joined Raven on the couch.

  “You look upset, Raven,” Pallaton said. “Your first time out of the Citadel, and it’s supposed to be a birthday party, not a funeral. Try smiling.”

  “I didn’t bring a gift. I was so excited to come, I forgot to get something.”

  Trumpet fanfare and loud applause announced the arm-in-arm arrival of Queen Cinder and Lord Cerberus. The girl’s red hair was piled high, circled by a jeweled crown. A black gown and rouge-brushed cheeks gave life to her pale complexion. Lord Cerberus, a dark-complexioned child of eleven years, strutted forward in a silver doublet, black hose, and polished, buckled shoes.

  “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen,” Cerberus said, in a voice more manly than his appearance suggested. “Welcome to Miramont Castle! Come. Pay homage to your Queen!”

  A woman in a green brocade dress knelt before the vampire children. The queen and lord extended their hands to be kissed. The woman moved aside, allowing another guest to gesture the same. Pallaton gave Raven a lopsided grin, rose, and stood in line. When it was his turn to kneel, Cinder rushed forward throwing her arms around his neck. The girl kissed the captain right on the mouth, giving every impression that her body, while young, contained a maturing mind. “Must you?” Cerberus asked in anger. “Pallaton is old enough to be your grandfather. Shall I kiss every woman here?”

  The tiny queen tossed her head and laughed. “This is my party, and I will do whatever I please. Put me down, Pallaton. I want to see Raven.”

  Queen Cinder ran over and plopped beside Raven. Taking hold of Raven’s hand, she pressed it to her cool cheek. “You’re the prettiest one here, sweet Raven,” she said. “I’ve wanted you to visit us for ages. What do you think? Too many decorations, or not enough?”

  “Your home is beautiful,” Raven said. “I’m impressed.”

  A large, white wolf trotted over and sat at the queen’s feet. Raven had seen him in the queen’s company at the Citadel, but never in his human form. Everyone knew the story of Cerberus jumping into the arena at Cinder’s command. He helped the lone werewolf fight a small horde of zombies. The Kaiser awarded her the beast following the victory.

  “His name is Stephan,” Cinder said. “I know what you are thinking, of course. How does the man look? But I forbid Stephan to ever change back into his human form.” She smiled. “Do you recall when we first met? I’d strayed too far from my patrol, the Little Leaguers, and was being pursued by a nasty zombie. You killed the zombie, picked me up, and carried me all the way home.”

  Raven remembered, but never imagined that months later the same girl would become vampire royalty. “Of course I remember. You were brave. And I didn’t carry you. We rode back on my ATV.”

  “I was a child then. Now I am a queen. It’s because the Kaiser is so generous. I was terrified the first time we met, but now we’re all one big, happy family. I guess that makes you and me sisters, Raven.” She laughed. “No, that’s not good enough. From now on, you will be known as Duchess Raven in my home.”

  Giving a gift to Cinder was important. Raven couldn’t be the only guest who came without a gift to the party. The only suitable thing she had was her diamond necklace. Though she regretted it at once, she removed the Hope Diamond and placed it into the girl’s hand.

  “Happy Birthday, Queen Cinder.”

  “Le bleu de France!” Cinder cried out, as she slipped the silver chain over her neck. “The largest blue diamond in the world! It is said to be cursed. Every owner has died wearing this jewel. It’s the perfect gift for a vampire.” She glared at her guests. “No one else has given me anything this unique. Stephan!”

  Raven laughed when the werewolf laid his head in her lap. Her fingers tingled when she ran them through his thick, softer-than-silk fur. The queen smiled with approval as Raven kissed Stephan on the head.

  “You’re magnificent,” whispered Raven. He let out a soft growl and thumped his tail. “I want my own werewolf.”

  “I shall make sure you have one sired by Stephan,” Cinder said.

  “Did you hear that, Stephan?” Pallaton’s words were thick with sarcasm. He nudged him with the tip of his shoe. “You must set out to find a bitch suitable for breeding and present your Queen and Lord with a litter of pups. Not good for anything else, are you?”

  The wolf snapped. Cinder swiped her hand across Stephan’s nose. The beast dropped his head and let out a regretful whine.

  “Don’t be mean, Stephan,” Cinder said. “If I didn’t like you so much, Captain, I’d let Stephan bite you.”

  A servant rang a small bell. The little queen jumped up, ran over to grab Cerberus’s arm, and in a grand procession, the vampires were led to the dining room.

  Colorful flags bearing the mark of a boar, a unicorn, and a dragon hung over a long table covered by a silver cloth, set with gold plates and jeweled chalices. Antlers covered one wall, while a large stag’s head peered out with marble eyes above the main door. Gold candles surrounded by green wreaths lined the table. Hand-written, gold placards marked with elegant, silver-inked names topped each plate. The musicians took position in the corner of the room and quietly entertained. Raven sat next to Pallaton at the end of the table, near Cinder, the wolf at her feet. Lord Cerberus seated Salustra at the far end beside a silver-haired vampire named Jean-Luc. Spreading his arms, he commanded the party’s attention.

  “Thank you all for coming here tonight. A few of you are residents; however, most have traveled a great distance to celebrate Cinder’s 10th birthday. My Queen has ordered a special menu be served this evening. Our humans were fed a single item for one week to give each dish a savory taste. It will be your task to discover what it was.” He motioned a waiter as he sat. “Serve the first course, and make sure my guests have champagne!”

  Warmed blood was served in a gold bowl with a sprig of mistletoe in the center. Raven tried the soup, finding it spicy from hot peppers, feeling the tip of her tongue burning. She wondered if the human who was fed peppers had lived the seven days.

  “Tell us about the Holiday Games, Captain Pallaton,” Cinder said, dabbing her spoon into the thick soup. “We were dismayed the Halloween Games had been canceled. Will they never catch that outlaw Cadence and her band of mutants?”

  “She’s like Robin Hood,” a woman said with glitter in her hair.

  The silver-haired vampire lifted his glass of champagne. “You’re growing lax, Pallaton. But I offer a toast in your honor. To your success in locating Cadence. May you find her before you’re replaced by someone with more zeal.”

  Raven noticed Jean-Luc’s eyes turn bright violet, marking him as one of Salustra’s offspring. In response, Pallaton’s eyes shone vibrant amber, fangs sliding out over his full lip. The two vampires glared at one another. Violence was imminent, but Cerberus tapped his spoon against his bowl, shushing them both. The boy’s eyes became an intense shade of blue, his own fangs piercing holes in his bottom lip, causing blood to dribble into his soup. Pallaton leaned back, calm, and returned to his meal.

  “The soup is delicious, Lord Cerberus,” Raven said. The dark lord perked up and gestured for her to continue. “I’d say this huma
n ate nothing but chili-peppers. I should know, since my family came from Mexico.”

  “Are you aware,” began Jean-Luc in a snide voice, “that peppers are from the nightshade family?”

  Cerberus thumped the table with his hand. “Raven is correct. But do stop showing off, Jean-Luc. You may live here, but Raven is our guest of honor. Besides, the ladies are always right in this home, regardless of their answer. Isn’t that so, my queen?”

  “You’re very wise,” Cinder said. “Hurry everyone. Eat! The next course is coming.”

  Throughout the seven course meal, Raven marveled how human blood could be prepared in so many different textures and tastes. Her favorite was dessert. Raven guessed correctly that a young girl had eaten only spearmint leaves. Following dinner, the guests retired to the parlor. The next hour passed playing cards, drinking champagne, and nibbling on deep-fried blood nuggets with chocolate filling.

  “Would you care for a tour of the mansion, Duchess Raven?” asked Cerberus, rising from the table. He pulled Raven’s chair back. “Poker can be dull, at times.”

  Pallaton, Salustra, Jean-Luc, and three male vampires sat around the table. Jean-Luc was shuffling cards, his hands moving so fast it took mere seconds to shuffle the deck repeatedly. Other guests gathered in the library, listening to Cinder play the piano.

  “Get back here, Cerberus,” roared Pallaton. “I want to win back my money!”

  Cerberus flashed a mischievous smile. “We’re playing for rubies, but don’t worry, I have an ace up my sleeve.” He motioned to a red-haired servant girl. “Frances, give the Duchess a tour. I must return to the game.” With a stiff bow, Lord Cerberus returned to the parlor.

  The girl led Raven through the mansion, pointing out antiquities acquired by Cinder and Cerberus. By the time they reached the third floor, Raven was envious of the children’s palatial estate. One door at the end of the hall seemed to be off-limits when Frances turned from the door and gestured for Raven to follow. Raven ignored her tour-guide and tried the latch, finding it locked. The girl let out a shriek and backed away, trembling hard. Raven pressed against the door, listening for any sounds.