by Parker Blue
Oh, crap. Another blood bank, another vamp gone mad? “What kind of trouble?” I asked.
But Alejandro said, “Let's go,” and practically flew to the limo parked in the driveway. Austin jumped in the driver's seat and they took off.
Worried about who might get hurt, I jumped on the back of my motorcycle and zoomed after them. The blood bank was just outside Fort Sam Houston, in another of San Antonio's old hotels that had been converted to a new purpose. On my bike, I might be able to get there faster than Alejandro.
I did get there first, but a teenaged preppy type was guarding the door, holding her arms outstretched in front of it. “I'm sorry, the blood bank is closed tonight,” she told a man who was trying to get in. She looked a bit freaked out. Whatever was going on in there, a human volunteer like her shouldn't have to deal with it. Look what had happened to Brittany . . .
The man tried to push his way past, but she was determined to stop him. Before he could get too physical, I let Lola loose and she wrapped her wiles around him. Just like that, he was mine to command. I had a crazy urge to wave my hand in front of his face and intone, “These are not the droids you want,” but stopped myself. Fang's love for pop culture references was a bad influence.
Instead, I said, “The blood bank is closed. Go home.” I could feel him enjoying Lola's caress. Eeeww.
Obediently, he left. I wished I could wipe away the feel of his mind. The girl thanked me, but seemed determined to keep me out as well. Too bad I couldn't use Lola on her. Not wanting to hurt her, I flashed my SCU badge and said, “Police.” When she still hesitated, I added, “Alejandro is right behind me."
His name acted like an “Open sesame,” and she let me pass without further argument. Inside, it wasn't as bad as I feared. The place was totally trashed, but there were no bodies and no pools of blood. Only two guys facing off about ten feet apart, one short and bald, with fangs bared. They were both breathing hard and looked like they'd been fighting for some time. Strangely, there were scorch marks on the wall . . . and on the bloodsucker. I recognized the non-vamp—Andrew, the surly redheaded demon from the party.
"You killed Veronica,” Andrew yelled, and his eyes flashed purple as he punched straight out from his shoulder toward the vamp, a small fireball sizzling from his fist.
Baldy ducked, and the fireball splashed against the marble wall, singeing it.
"Andrew, stop,” I yelled. He was a fire demon with a bad temper . . . two things that did not go well together.
The vamp darted a sneering glance at me. “Slayer,” he said with contempt. “Come to help your friend? It figures."
"No, I've come to stop the two of you from making asses of yourselves. Looks like I'm too late."
Andrew snarled and clenched his hand into a fist again, turning toward me.
"I'd reconsider, Andrew, if I were you."
I let Lola loose, just enough to remind them what I could do. “Do you really want me to turn you both into mindless love slaves?"
Both guys backed off, but they didn't look happy about it. I relaxed a little. Maybe this wouldn't be as bad as I thought. “What's going on? Who started this?” I asked.
"He started it,” Andrew muttered.
The bald vamp pointed at Andrew. “I caught your friend here spying on us."
I shrugged. “So?"
The bloodsucker looked startled. “So? What do you mean, so? He was spying."
I shook my head and placed my hands on my hips. “Let me get this straight. You ask the demons to come out of the closet with you, ask them to trust you with their biggest secrets, then expect them not to come check you out and see how you operate?"
Both guys looked a little surprised. “Yeah,” Andrew said to the vamp, with a smirk. “Ditto what she said.” Though he was willing to go along with my story, I suspected there was more to this fight than he wanted to admit.
I turned on him. “And you—you say you want to keep our existence a secret, yet you practically set this whole hotel on fire?"
Andrew and the vamp both looked sheepish now. Geez, I felt like the grown-up in this situation. How messed up was that? I shook my head. “If you want the other side to take you seriously, you both need to practice what you preach."
The bald guy started to protest but a voice behind me cut him off. “That's enough, Vincent,” Alejandro said. “You are both culpable in this matter."
I turned around and saw Alejandro watching, with Austin lounging against the wall and cleaning his nails with the tip of a knife. “How long have you been there?” I asked.
Alejandro smiled. “Long enough to see that the Slayer doesn't always resort to killing or enthrallment to win the day."
I had done well, hadn't I? It was kind of nice to settle things with reason for a change. Dang, where was Fang when I needed an “Attagirl?"
Austin gestured casually with his knife. “So, is there any other unresolved business between you two boys?"
Andrew looked mulish. “I—"
The door to the back rooms burst open and two male vamps surged out, looking wild. They headed straight for Andrew and me. What the—? They had the crazed looks I'd seen on Lorenzo's face. I yanked Andrew out of the way and was about to pull a stake when Alejandro yelled, “Stop them from attacking the demons!"
Austin and Vincent flew past me and slammed into the two unhinged vamps. In a blur of motion, they each pinned a vamp to the wall and held them there while Alejandro flew to their sides to place his fingers against the temples of the wild vamps, one after the other. They slumped to the ground.
"Yours, I take it?” I asked drily.
Alejandro gazed at the two sprawled vamps, his expression sad. “Yes."
"What's the matter with them?” Vincent asked.
"The same thing that happened to Corina and Lorenzo,” Alejandro said softly.
Austin shook his head. “This is not good."
An understatement, but it could have been much worse. We were lucky Alejandro was on the scene. “Vamps suddenly turning into rabid animals at two different blood banks?” I said. “Does that suggest a pattern to you?"
"It does,” Alejandro said. Glancing at Austin, he added, “Close the blood banks down. All of them."
Austin tipped his hat. “You got it, boss."
I glanced around. Vincent was dragging one of the zonked-out vamps to the limo outside, and Andrew was nowhere to be seen. He must have sneaked out. Probably off to tell Micah his version of events before I could. Well, good luck with that.
"Close down the blood banks?” I asked. “You think the problem is in the donated blood?"
"It appears that way. I shall do a thorough investigation."
"Uh, how are you going to get your blood supplies in the meantime?” Would the lack of donations doom the New Blood Movement and their lofty goal of not sucking on unwilling humans?
"Let me worry about that. I assure you, we will not harm anyone. I won't allow it."
Yeah, right. “I believe that's what you intend to do, but how long can you go on this way? And can you speak for all of your people?"
"Yes. And we shall go on as long as we need to until we can find out what kind of tainted blood is causing this madness and stop it."
His tone was uncompromising, final. Instead of arguing with him, I went back to another subject. “Did you hear Andrew accuse Vincent of killing someone?"
Alejandro sighed. “Yes. And, before you ask, we shall question Vincent together. While we wait, tell me, have you considered my job offer?"
Only for a fleeting moment. “Uh, you were serious about that?” I asked.
"Very."
"Um, I don't think so. I'm happy with where I am.” Well, not happy, precisely, but at least it had to be better than working with the vamps, no matter how nice Alejandro and Austin were.
He nodded, looking disappointed but not surprised. “Very well, but the offer is still open if you should ever change your mind."
Thankfully I didn't have to ans
wer that because the bald vamp came back in. Turning to him, Alejandro said, “Vincent, please try to control Ms. Shapiro's mind."
Vincent looked uncertainly at me, but when I nodded, he did as Alejandro asked, so I was able to read his mind. “Go ahead and ask him,” I told Alejandro.
"What happened here between you and the fire demon?” Alejandro asked.
Vincent shrugged. “I was seeing clients and noticed the redhead had been sitting here for hours, but hadn't been called to donate. I asked the receptionist, and she said he was waiting for someone. It seemed suspicious so I asked him what he was doing here. He became angry and attacked me, accusing me of killing someone named Veronica. All I did was defend myself."
Vincent was telling the truth. “And did you kill this Veronica?” I asked.
"No,” he said, sounding bewildered. “I've never killed anyone."
I nodded at Alejandro. He was telling the truth about that, too. Then again, the fact that he was still here while Andrew had sneaked out probably would have made me believe him instead of Andrew, anyway. I released his mind.
"Thank you, Vincent,” Alejandro said. “Please wait in the limo with Austin."
When Vincent left, I said, “I'm sure Andrew was acting on his own—I'll let Micah know what happened."
"Thank you. And please assure him that I will do everything I can to find out what is causing this madness in my people. Obviously, something is tainting the blood they drink, and I must test it, find out what it is."
"Do you have someone who can do that?” I could ask Gwen for a lab recommendation, but that might be stretching the limits of what she'd be able . . . or willing . . . to do.
"I do. The Movement has friends in many places."
Good to know. “Do you think this is deliberate?"
"Yes, I do. Someone is targeting our blood banks. The only question is, who? And why?"
"Who has reason to? Maybe those free-agent vamps who want to keep killing humans?"
He thought for a moment, then said, “It's unlikely. They would be more likely to steal our supply of blood than poison it.” He raised an eyebrow at me. “With Micah's people present at both blood bank incidents, it leaves me to wonder . . . “
I winced. “I know it looks suspicious, but Micah is not behind this.” Though that didn't mean all of his demons were guilt-free. “I know the demon at the first incident didn't start that trouble. We'll make sure to question the fire demon about the confrontation here."
"It can't be a mere coincidence that these blood bank attacks began so soon after Micah's gathering, where we announced our intention to reveal ourselves to the world."
He was right. The fact that Andrew had been at the party when the encyclopedia had been stolen wasn't lost on me either. Did the books have something in them that showed how to poison vampires through the blood they drank? I didn't remember reading anything about that, but I hadn't read the whole set of books, either.
I knew this much: So far the evidence hinted that a demon was responsible for drugging or poisoning—whatever you wanted to call it—the vamps. “We have been questioning our own kind, just like I've been questioning your guys,” I assured him.
Alejandro's eyes narrowed. “You're questioning everyone about an item that was stolen . . . right after Micah announced the Encyclopedia Magicka had been returned. That's what's missing, isn't it?"
The surprise on my face must have answered for me. Alejandro said, “Of course. It must list the strengths and weaknesses of my people, including something that can poison their blood. That's a very dangerous weapon to leave in anyone's hands, much less an enemy's."
"Yes, we know. We haven't let anyone else know it's missing, and we're doing everything we can to find out who took it and why. I know you don't have any reason to believe me, but—"
"On the contrary, I do have reason to believe you.” At my surprised look, he added, “You are the one person respected and trusted by both sides. A part-demon who fights evil, a vampire slayer who can discriminate between the good and the bad . . . you are our best hope to avoid a war between my people and yours."
That sounded way too much like, “Obi Wan, you're our only hope.” I gulped. Crap—I was no Jedi Knight. Good thing Fang wasn't here. He'd be laughing his butt off.
Alejandro smiled at my shell-shocked look. “I know it is a great deal of responsibility to lay on your shoulders, but won't you help us?"
Find the missing encyclopedia, catch the person responsible for the blood poisoning, and avert an inter-species war? Oh sure, piece of cake.
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Chapter Ten
Even reluctant heroes needed to sleep and eat once in awhile, and it was time for me to do both. When I got home, I found Shade asleep on the couch, with Fang and Princess sacked out on the floor beneath the coffee table. The female demon watching Shade told me he'd insisted on leaving my bed free for me. I didn't see any sense in arguing with her and Gwen was in bed too, so I grabbed something to eat, texted Micah with my suspicions about Andrew, then crashed.
When I woke, it was to the delicious smell of frying sausage and the sound of laughter. I dressed, grabbed my phone, and followed my nose to the kitchen. Shade sat at the table along with two of his demon friends—Mood and Josh. Mood had her hand on Shade's to keep him grounded. Though Shade was normally pale—which came with being all blond and gorgeous and working at night—he wasn't as white as he'd looked yesterday, so I guessed he was feeling better.
Gwen was dishing out the sausage with her famous banana pecan pancakes and maple honey butter. Oh, my. “Any of those left?” I asked hopefully. Gwen's cooking was the best I'd ever tasted.
"Sure,” she said with a grin. “We're all having seconds now, so there's plenty."
I grabbed a chair and a plate then took a bite and closed my eyes in pure bliss. Heaven.
IT'S ABOUT TIME YOU JOINED THE LIVING, Fang said as he came in through the doggie door with Princess.
Hey, someone has to work to keep us in pancakes and sausage, I shot back, ridiculously pleased to see the little mutt. I scratched his ears and asked out loud, “Have you eaten?"
"Don't let him tell you he hasn't,” Gwen said with a laugh. “He and Princess pigged out already."
Princess sniffed. I AM NOT A PIG. I AM A PUREBRED CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL.
Shade stifled a laugh and leaned down to assure her she was a beautiful dog.
Feeling guilty, I said, “Gwen, how much do I owe you for all of this food? I can't expect you to foot the cost for me and all of my friends . . . and cook for us, too."
She waved it away. “Don't worry about it. Your cousin Micah thought of that already. He sent over some money for groceries. Plus you know I love to cook. It's fun to have so many appreciative mouths to feed."
The mouths she spoke of were full of pancakes and sausage, so they all grunted, made yummy noises, and nodded to prove their appreciation.
Fang snorted. TALK ABOUT PIGS . . .
"See?” Gwen said with a laugh. “It also gives me a chance to make some of my favorite things."
Well, if she was cool with it, who was I to bite the hand that fed me?
Fang groaned mentally.
Okay, okay. I'm not up to your standard of humor, Fang, but come on, admit it, you missed me.
ALWAYS, BABE, he assured me.
But there was something in his tone . . . something that sounded like guilt. He'd probably been too wrapped up in his new girlfriend to notice I was gone. I was happy for him, I really was, but couldn't help but feel a little jealous at the loss of some of his affection.
NEVER, he asserted, licking my hand. YOU AND I ARE A TEAM. BESIDES, HOW COULD YOU FUNCTION WITHOUT ME?
I probably couldn't. Smiling, I asked him, Any leads on who took the books?
NOPE. NOT A CLUE.
Has Shade asked Mood and Josh about that night?
NOT YET. THERE HASN'T BEEN A GOOD TIME TO BRING IT UP.
Okay, then I
would. And it seemed like a good time to learn more about Andrew, since they all seemed to be such good friends. Tell Shade to guard his expression.
Shade jerked a little and looked at Fang, then nodded at me. Oh great. We'd have to work on that. Josh and Mood had been very careful to keep in contact with him at all times, so his naked emotions were on full display.
HE'S DOING BETTER, Fang said defensively as Shade froze his expression into a mask of fierce concentration and focused on his breakfast.
I knew that, and I hadn't meant to be snarky. Fang accepted my apology but before I could ask them anything, my phone rang—Micah calling to return my text from last night.
I haven't been able to find Andrew,” he said. “Are you sure he's the thief?"
"Pretty sure."
"I take it you can't talk now?"
"Not really.” Not freely, anyway. I had to be careful what I said around his best buds.
"Okay, I'll keep looking. Call me when you can."
"Will do, I said and Micah hung up.
"That was Micah,” I told everyone. “He's looking for Andrew. Do you know where the fire demon hangs out?"
Josh shrugged. “Rivercenter Mall, mostly. Why?"
No sense in lying. They'd find out the truth sooner or later anyway. “I ran into him last night,” I said, trying to sound casual. “He tried to flash-fry a vampire. One of Alejandro's gang. An innocent vamp."
Mood looked surprised. “He did? Why?"
"I was hoping you could tell me why. He said something about a ‘Veronica?’”
"Oh,” Mood said. She and Josh suddenly looked sad. “She was his sister."
The operative word being was. A motive, maybe? “Killed by a vamp?” I asked, pretty confident I knew the answer.
"No,” Mood said, surprising me. “She died of ovarian cancer. She was only twenty."
Geez, that shocked me.
"Cancer happens to people of all ages,” Gwen said softly.
Fang added, SHADE ASKED ME TO TELL YOU THAT A FIRE DEMON'S NATURE MAKES CANCER WORSE, SPEEDS THE GROWTH OF THE CELLS. VERONICA WENT VERY FAST.
Everyone looked depressed. Dang, not my intention. “I'm sorry. I didn't realize."