Tall, Dark, and Vampire (Dead in the City)

by Sara Humphreys

  “Do you know what I had time to do when I was in hibernation?” His voice dropped low as he walked slowly toward the center of the dance floor, taking Suzie with him as he stopped behind Damien’s dying body. “I had time to think about how I’d kill you for putting me there.”

  Olivia and Doug countered Brutus’s movements, keeping a safe distance but keeping him in their sights.

  “Your father isn’t going to be happy with you, Brutus,” Olivia said as calmly as possible. “I’ll bet he’ll give me a flipping medal for dusting your sorry ass.”

  “Are you kidding?” Brutus laughed, and his long brown hair fell across his forehead. “He’s been bored as hell, and I finally livened things up.” He smacked Suzie on the ass, and she winced. “She interrupted me, lover. What was I saying? Oh, yes. Making you suffer, Olivia. Oh, I came up with many wonderful ways, but I ultimately decided that killing you would be too easy. So, why not bide my time and hit you where it really hurts? Wipe out this little family you’ve made for yourself.” He kicked Damien’s chair with his foot. “Even this human. Kill them one by one in front of you.”

  “Stop it,” Olivia screamed. “Don’t touch him!”

  “Well, he’s almost dead anyway.” He lifted one shoulder. “I was going to kill this one too after I followed her home the other night,” he said, squeezing Suzie closer to him. “But I decided to turn her instead and have some fun with her. I always liked blonds, and this one is a virgin. Bonus.”

  Suzie whimpered and tried to pull away as he kissed her head, but he was too strong.

  “When I saw your little bartender leaving the club with that human buffoon, I realized that I found the perfect opportunity to get the ball rolling. I would’ve had a slaughter fest, and we did get off to a nice start, but you had to make a big fat mess with my rogues in the tunnels.”

  “No.” Olivia shook her foggy head. “An unregistered vampire killed Ronald Davis. It was Rogue One, not you.”

  “Please.” He sighed. “The Presidium’s computers aren’t hacker-proof. I glamoured a Google geek, and he changed my ID in the system so when they ran the blood sample it came up as an unregistered rogue. Then I ate him. Dinner and a show. Really, Olivia,” he said wearily. “It is the twenty-first century. Get with the program.”

  “I don’t think we’ve had the pleasure,” Doug interrupted.

  “No.” Brutus winked. “But I met your partner, and he tasted great. Did you know that the sweetest bit of blood is that last pump of the heart as the life fades from the body?”

  Before Olivia could stop him, Doug screamed and squeezed off two rounds, but Brutus, who was two thousand years old, shot up to the arched ceiling in a blink. Frantic, they pointed their guns in the air, but Brutus was nowhere to be seen, and neither was Suzie.

  A gust of wind whooshed behind them, and Olivia felt something slash her across the throat. She tried to get out of the way, but she wasn’t fast enough. She covered her neck with one hand and could feel the blood seeping through her fingers as she stumbled, struggling to regain her footing and still hold her weapon out in front of her. Doug linked his arm around her waist and held her against him while keeping an eye on their surroundings.

  Doug glanced to the front door and started backing up toward the entrance with Olivia tucked in his arm. We have to get him by the entrance to the club. His grip tightened on her.

  What are you going to do? Her weakened voice whispered into his mind, and she fought the panic that welled up inside. She felt like she was dying and deep down she knew that she was. Telepathy was all she could manage.

  Trust me and hope that Suzie gets away from the door.

  “Now you’re hiding?” Doug taunted him and shouted into the pulsing lights. All of his experience as a cop taught him that guys like Brutus were impotent losers, and if you egged them on a bit, they’d come running. “All this time, you wait for revenge, and now you’re hiding like a little bitch in the shadows. What a pussy.”

  Snarling, Brutus appeared ten feet in front of them. When his boot-clad feet thundered onto the floor, with Suzie still in his grip and bleeding from the neck, he grinned, his fangs dripping with blood as he stalked toward them.

  “Hiding behind a girl?” Doug glanced at Suzie and then to Brutus. “What a pantywaist. Some two-thousand-year-old vampire you are. I was hoping for a fight, but it looks like you’re too much of a chickenshit to take me on.”

  “Please,” he sneered. “I could dust you in under a minute.”

  “Oh yeah, Brucilla? Looks to me like you only take on little girls. Hey Liv, wasn’t that one you told me about only twelve? Nice. You’re a coward and a pervert.”

  Doug let Olivia go, and as she slipped from his grasp to the floor, she prayed his gamble would pay off. Brutus was far older and stronger, and by all accounts, Doug shouldn’t stand a chance, but then again, nothing about Doug was standard issue.

  “Where’s your dress?” Doug mocked him as he backed up to the large wooden doors. “Your daddy’s dress is real nice. Maybe you could borrow his.”

  Brutus screamed in rage and tossed Suzie, who went flying across the room. Her petite frame slammed into the bar, and she landed in a motionless heap. Olivia watched through fading vision as Brutus flew at Doug with remarkable speed and force. He grabbed him by the throat, but just before Brutus leaped, Doug propelled himself backward with all of his strength, and the two men burst through the wooden doors like a couple of torpedoes.

  Olivia instinctively rolled away from the rays of sunlight as an ear-shattering explosion rocked the air. As they landed on the sidewalk in the dawn of early morning, a high-pitched shriek of agony and defeat pierced the air as Brutus burned and exploded in a noxious cloud of black smoke and ash.

  At least, Olivia prayed it was Brutus… and only Brutus.

  The pulsing lights of the club mixed with smoke and the golden rays of sunshine, which fleetingly reminded Olivia of a dreamscape she once shared with Doug.

  Tears rolled down her cheeks as she waited and prayed for Doug to emerge from the light, and like an answered prayer, the hulking shadow of Doug Paxton stepped into the club amid the smoky glow.

  He picked her up and cradled her to his chest as he strode with her into the warm beams of sun that streamed into the club.

  “You looked like you could use a little sun,” he whispered as he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.

  For the first time in three centuries, the prolonged exposure to the rays of the sun didn’t burn. She smiled as it bathed them, and tears fell as she reveled in the miracle of their love. In the miracle of him.

  “Secure the building.”

  A familiar, deep baritone that Olivia hadn’t heard in over a century filled the room as the music shut off and the lights ceased flashing. Doug’s muscles bunched as he prepared to fly into the daylight. Doug, wait.

  A minute later, the house lights came on, and twenty special-ops sentries charged into the club with guns drawn. Olivia watched with relief as some of them tended to her coven, Damien, and even Van Helsing.

  Covered from head to toe in protective sun gear, a soldier zipped behind them like a ghost. In a matter of seconds, he hung a blackout curtain across the broken doorway and stood guard to handle curious humans who may want to investigate.

  “Well, since you probably could’ve killed us by now, and it looks like your boys here are helping our friends instead of staking them into oblivion, I think it’s a safe bet you’re an ally.” Doug’s fingers pressed into her as he held her tightly. She knew he was scared for her, but to his credit, he didn’t let it show. “However, the woman I love is dying, and I don’t have time for pleasantries or vampire bureaucratic bullshit,” Doug stated bluntly. “So let’s have it. Who the hell are you? And why couldn’t you and your recon squad have shown up five minutes ago?”

  “I am Emperor Zhao,” he said with a regal bow. He
walked over to them calmly, bared his fangs, and made an incision in his pinky finger. He held his hand in front of Doug and tipped his head. “If you would allow me? It will heal her swiftly.”

  Doug glanced at her, looking for reassurance, but all she could manage was a weak smile. Olivia had heard tales of the emperor’s charity and kindness, but some thought it as much of a legend as the bloodmate stories. He gave the emperor a curt nod and watched as he held his finger over Olivia’s mouth.

  The rich, decadent scent of his ancient blood filled her nostrils, and she opened her mouth like a baby bird. As soon as the first, fertile drop landed on her tongue, his age-old power surged through her body like an electrical current. Icy-hot sensations flickered through her system as he healed her. Within seconds, the deep wounds on her throat closed, and she was rejuvenated.

  “Thank God,” Doug whispered as he rained kisses over her face and hugged her.

  “Actually, it’s Zhao,” the emperor quipped.

  “Thank you, Emperor Zhao.” Olivia placed her hand on Doug’s shoulder as he put her down, and she once again stood on her own two feet. She bowed her head in gratitude but remained in Doug’s comforting embrace. “And thank you for helping my coven. Forgive me for asking—how did you even know about this or where we were?”

  “My cousin, Jerry, informed me of what was happening.” He smoothed his red tie and glanced over his shoulder at the flurry of activity behind him. “He said you spared him in spite of the fact that he betrayed your trust.”

  “Jerry, huh?” Doug gave Olivia a sidelong glance. “He’s quite a character.”

  “Yes,” Zhao mused. “Every family has at least one, even us vampires. Speaking of family, we will see your coven is brought to full recovery, Olivia. It’s the least I can do for the two sentries who put down this rogue coven and stopped what could have become a slaughter of this great city.”

  “If there’s anything I can do to repay you—” Doug said as he pulled Olivia against him and kissed the top of her head. “I can’t thank you enough for helping Liv.”

  “Yes.” He flicked his dark eyes back to Olivia. “Actually, there is something. Detective Paxton, you and Olivia are going to be my new Czars of New York.”

  * * *

  Chapter 17

  Doug looked the massive vampire up and down, trying to figure out if he heard that correctly. The emperor exuded power and radiated authority, which was partially due to his physical size; the man had to be six foot four, and beneath his expensive navy suit, he looked like he was in incredible shape. His air of sovereignty and control went beyond the physical, and if Doug had to guess, Zhao was even older than Augustus and Brutus.

  He had a head of thick, jet-black hair and sharp, dark eyes that didn’t waver from Doug and Olivia. Doug held her tighter as he surveyed the heavily armed military escort Zhao had with him and noted that both of the girls and Damien were loaded onto stretchers and had blood drips hooked up. Looking at Olivia, there was no denying that this Zhao guy had an ancient vampire whammy cure in his blood.

  “I’m sorry.” Doug shook his head, not sure if he just heard what he heard. “Did you say you want to make us the new Czars of New York? I can’t imagine Augustus will take kindly to that.”

  “Augustus is dead,” Zhao said flatly. “As are his senators. I will not tolerate weakness or inconsistencies in the Presidium. Our race has survived for several millennia as a result of clear and thoughtful leadership. Allowing men like Augustus and Brutus to run free would be our undoing.”

  He raised one hand and two soldiers came directly to his side.

  “Take the wounded to the Presidium offices, and see they are tended to. The human must be turned.” He flicked a sorrowful gaze to Olivia. “You have already turned two new vampires this year, so I would have your progeny, Pete Castro, be his maker. I realize this human is important to you, and we will assure his transition is smooth. Also, the one that Brutus turned will need healing blood to assure her turn is successful. As you can see, they are receiving healing nourishment. However, the turn will be done at the Presidium.”

  Doug watched as the soldiers took her family out of the club through Olivia’s office. He turned his attention back to Zhao, who stood ramrod straight with his hands folded in front of him. He looked like a politician but without the bullshit. He strode to the center of the dance floor and looked around, appraising the space. Doug and Olivia followed him as he continued to speak.

  “New vampires should be made only with great thought and consideration. Becoming immortal is a privilege and should be given as a gift, not used as a virus to annihilate the world. Augustus was aware of what his son, Brutus, was up to, and that kind of enabling is dangerous and unacceptable.”

  “Not to sound like an ingrate,” Doug began, “but why would you come here and deal with this yourself? Why not just send the hit squad?”

  Zhao clasped his hands behind his back and nodded. “I must take blame for this mess. I permitted Augustus to forgo the execution of Brutus when he created the rogue nightmare in Las Vegas. Olivia disagreed, but to her credit, she followed the orders she was given.” He took her hands in his and kissed them regally. “I should have listened to you, Olivia.”

  Olivia looked as surprised at the gesture as Doug did. “Thank you, Emperor Zhao.”

  “The two of you will take over New York City and the rest of the northeastern territory as of tomorrow.” He held up one hand to silence them before they could ask anything else. “I am making you co-czars for three reasons. First, Olivia has the required experience as a sentry and the wisdom that comes with it. Second, Detective Paxton, in addition to your experience in law enforcement, you have proven yourself to be loyal to our people and have adapted to becoming vampire in a remarkably short amount of time, which is likely a result of your angel bloodline.”

  A smile cracked Zhao’s face, but Doug and Olivia looked at the emperor as though he’d stripped naked and done a jig.

  “What did you say?” Doug looked at Zhao as though he’d lost his mind. “Angel bloodline?”

  “Yes,” Zhao said with a faint smile. “You have angel blood in your lineage, and it is that unique heritage that has allowed you to transition seamlessly into our world. It is what kept you from being glamoured during your first human life with Olivia all those years ago.”

  “Angels?” Olivia said with genuine wonder as she linked her arm around Doug’s waist. “I don’t mean to be disrespectful, emperor, but are you sure? I mean, how do you know that?”

  Emperor Zhao threw his head back and laughed heartily.

  “Have you not studied our origins, Olivia?” His eyes crinkled at the corners. “The first vampire was a fallen angel, cast from heaven when he swore that man would love him more than God himself.” Zhao turned his dark eyes to Doug. “He gave some humans eternal life and allowed them to drink from the immortal blood of an angel, but as with many privileges, the gift has changed over time.”

  Sadness washed over him, but he straightened his broad shoulders and continued.

  “The blood of our forefathers, the blood of our very origins, runs in your veins, Detective Paxton. Who better to watch over one of the greatest cities in the world?”

  Doug and Olivia clung to one another.

  “I’m no angel,” Doug said on a laugh.

  “Perhaps not, but your ancestor was,” Emperor Zhao said with a knowing grin.

  “This is nuts. How the hell can you even know that?”

  “You have an aura around you, a pale blue light, which is a dead giveaway to your heritage.” He turned to Olivia. “Your progeny, Pete—his demon blood gives his light an amber hue.”

  “A light?” Olivia looked at Doug and shrugged. “I don’t see it.”

  “You’re far too young, my dear.” His smile faded. “Augustus saw it, which was why he was so quick to agree to take your life in exchange f
or Maya’s. As bloodmates and daywalkers, you will have more freedom to manage the territory and maintain control over this part of the realm.”

  “But.” Olivia’s eyes widened. “We—I mean—I thought that you hated the idea of daywalkers and that the elders viewed us as a threat. I heard that the last time a bloodmate pair revealed themselves, they were targeted for termination.”

  “Not by me,” Zhao said in a voice tinged with sadness. “Regrettably, some vampires do fear it, and somewhere in the rumor mill, it has been assumed that I do as well. I think I have been removed from the governing of our people for too long, and my absence was perceived as apathy, but hopefully my actions tonight will change that. I have been alone for three millennia, and that isolation is not something I would wish on anyone.”

  His mouth set in a thin line, and he paused. “I do not fear that you have joined as bloodmates… I envy it.”

  Emperor Zhao bowed. Doug and Olivia did the same. Moments later the club’s house lights went out, and the strobes and lighting flickered to life.

  Through the flashing lights, Doug saw a sly smile on Zhao’s face. “I will expect the two of you to meet me at the Presidium offices at sundown so we can discuss your new stations.” He winked. “But for now, I leave you to enjoy the day.”

  Then in a shimmer of red smoke, Emperor Zhao vanished into the air, leaving Doug and Olivia alone. Doug turned to Olivia and found her looking at him with a wide smile, which prompted him to do the only thing that came to mind.

  Kiss her.

  He captured her lips with his, tenderly at first. He intended to kiss her sweetly and cherish the fact they hadn’t lost one another. However, when her soft, plump lips melded with his, and her cinnamon tongue explored eagerly, there was no holding back the flood of need that consumed him.

  Lust. Relief. Passion. Love. Desire.

  Olivia.

  His mind touched hers as he tangled his hands in her red curls and kissed her greedily. This woman, the woman he dreamt of and longed for, was here in his arms, and no one would take her from him.