Try Me

by Parker Blue

  Like I had a choice. Shade had already disappeared around the side of the house. The guards ran after him, guns drawn. Being shot wouldn't help Shade calm down any. “Wait,” I yelled, jumping out of the car and waving at them to stop. “We're trying to help."

  They slowed and one of them said to the other, “She's the Slayer. Alejandro did say she's a friend."

  The other one glared at me, obviously wanting to disagree. “Talk fast and make it good,” he barked.

  I explained what was going on. “You go tell Alejandro, and we'll take care of the demon.” I turned Lola loose on them a little, to get them under control. “Your first job is to get the vampires to safety, right? Move!"

  The two men nodded and bolted inside the mansion. Fang yelled, COME ON.

  He bounded to the left and I followed him around the side of the house. Shade and Andrew were slugging it out and the smell of gasoline was everywhere—on the grass, the trees, and even on the brick walls. With the assistance of dark magicks, Andrew might even be able to make brick burn. Crap. He was really determined to see everything go down in flames. And with the trees so close to this side of the house, it could spread to the rest of the neighborhood quickly.

  I hurled Lola at him, but it did no good. He was too angry, too caught up in the wild, twisted magick, and Lola couldn't grab a toehold.

  Andrew head-butted Shade, who fell backward, looking like he was about to explode at any moment. What would be worse? Andrew's fire magick or Shade losing control, then channeling every vicious demon who wanted a way into our world?

  Andrew looked triumphant. I crashed into him, taking him down. At that moment, I seriously thought about staking him, even though he wasn't a vampire.

  I wrestled with him, trying to pin him. But though I was stronger, he was bigger and wilder, thrashing in all directions, so that it was hard to hold onto him.

  Finally, Andrew went rigid and glared at me. My skin began to grow warm. Heat swallowed me.

  "Get off him, Val,” Shade yelled.

  "No!"

  DO IT, Fang yelled. YOUR CLOTHES ARE SMOLDERING.

  So that was why I felt so warm. Crap. I sprang away from Andrew. Tiny licks of flame ignited all over my clothes.

  "Roll,” Shade said urgently, shucking his hoodie.

  I rolled in the dirt as Shade beat out the flames with his jacket. Fang danced around, yipping with worry and anger.

  Andrew scrambled to his feet. “Dirty vampire lovers,” he shouted. He blasted a fist of flame at the house. The house and the trees next to it went up immediately, the flames licking greedily along the brick and bark, hungering for more fuel. Crap, crap, crap. I was no longer on fire, but everything else was.

  I didn't have any power over the elements. Where the hell was Micah?

  "No!” Shade yelled.

  CONTROL HIM, Fang barked.

  It hadn't worked before, but maybe it would now. I gathered my wits together and dug down deep then thrust Lola's needs into Andrew, who was raising his arms and dancing like he'd just scored a touchdown.

  This time, I caught him with his magicks down, so he froze in place.

  NOT HIM, Fang said. SHADE!

  What? I glanced at Shade and saw him standing stock still, his arms spread wide, fists clenched, and head thrown back as if he were straining against something. His ribbons of light whirled faster than I'd ever seen them, and purple flashed so that it looked like the mother of all lightning storms going on inside his body.

  Oh, no. And when Shade's anger opened up the doors between dimensions . . .

  WE'LL BE BUTT-DEEP IN DEMONS, Fang said. STOP HIM.

  I pulled half of Lola's attention away from Andrew and slammed it into Shade. She wasn't as needy, wasn't as strong since she'd already fed, and the energy seemed to disappear into him, out the other side to . . . somewhere else. Another dimension?

  No, no. This couldn't be happening. I pulled some of the energy from Andrew and fed it into Shade. It helped slow the whirling energies a little, but not enough. Ignoring the raging fire behind me that had now leapt to a couple of trees, I threw myself at Shade and wrapped myself around him, hoping the bodily contact would help.

  Shade's face was distorted in agony. “No,” he screamed. “Kill me!"

  "No,” I shouted back. I siphoned more energy from Andrew, but it still wasn't enough. If I let go of Andrew, he might set fire to the whole city. He looked crazy enough to do that. But if I didn't focus all of Lola's energy on Shade, Shade would kill himself rather than let a herd of demons into our world.

  No way. Not going to happen.

  Hoping like hell I could capture Andrew again after Shade was under control, I released Andrew and concentrated Lola's entire attention on Shade. Wrapping myself even tighter around him and dragging him down to the ground, I kissed him hard. I forced even more energy into his body, letting the tendrils fill him up with lust and longing, grounding him as much as I could in this world, in this body.

  Slowly, it worked. I felt Shade relax as he gradually gained full control of himself. I knew he was okay when his arms went around me and he returned the kiss.

  "Dude,” Kyle said above us. “This is so not the time."

  Shade pulled away and laid back on the ground, looking wiped out. “Thanks, I'm okay now. Go get Andrew."

  I scrambled up and saw Micah and Mood had arrived with Ludwig and Kyle. Ludwig was using his massive fists to punch huge geysers of water at the fire. So that was his talent. He was a water demon.

  "Mood, can you control Andrew?” I called.

  She shook her head, looking strained. “I've been trying to reach him, but he's too strong. I can't . . . “ She slumped. “I lost him."

  "Can you help me with Shade? We really, really need Shade to stay calm."

  "Sure,” she said, looking glad for something to do.

  I glanced around. The sun was setting, and I couldn't see Fang anywhere.

  I'M OVER HERE, came Fang's voice. ANDREW IS HEADING FOR HIS CAR.

  I ran through the woods. The hellhound was smart enough to stay out of Andrew's sight, but he'd followed him after the coward had run off.

  I caught sight of Andrew at a distance, as he was about to climb the estate's wrought iron fence. I wasn't sure if Lola could reach him, but I had to try. I slammed Lola into him with all my might. “Stop, right there!"

  It worked. Andrew froze with one foot on top of the fence and the other on this side. A dazed expression replaced the fury on his face. I walked slowly toward him, debating what to do. I could tell him to impale himself on the fleur-de-lis decorations on top and claim he'd done it to himself on accident. Who would know?

  YOU WOULD, Fang reminded me.

  "Yeah, well, it was only a fleeting thought.” I sighed. “Andrew, get down from there and come face the music."

  With Lola suffusing every part of his body, Andrew had no choice but to follow me back to the house. He looked almost groggy, as if I were the Pied Piper and he was a hypnotized rat. I was glad to see that Ludwig had put the fire out, but there was a loud argument going on between demons and vamps at the front of the house. Alejandro and his two lieutenants were outside, now that the sun had set.

  Shade hung back and stayed out of it, thank heavens, but the rest were having a shouting match amid the stench and smoke. Mood looked too tired to control anyone but Shade.

  When Austin saw us, he flashed his fangs at Andrew and snarled, “Fire demon."

  Everyone turned and surged toward us, but I held up my hands. “Stop unless you want to end up in thrall like him."

  I let them have a taste of Lola, just to remind them what I could do. They simmered down, but Luis, for one, still looked murderous. Even Alejandro glared at Andrew.

  "He's just a stupid kid,” Micah said.

  "He's adult enough to try to kill everyone in this house,” Luis bit out. “Justice demands that you hand him over to us for vengeance."

  "He wasn't totally responsible for his actions—the dark ma
gicks in the books had a lot to do with that,” Micah said. “But he'll be punished, I promise you."

  "How?” Luis sneered. “In the human courts?"

  "No, by us,” Micah said. “I promise you, he will be appropriately punished."

  Alejandro made an impatient gesture. “Can we trust you?"

  Micah stiffened to his full height, and Ludwig ranged himself alongside his leader, clenching and unclenching his fists. Damn. Looked like a fight was about to erupt again.

  "Stop it,” I insisted, pushing a little with Lola to make my point. “Alejandro, Andrew isn't the one who poisoned your blood. Another demon did that."

  "Demons,” Luis spat. “I knew it."

  I felt like slapping him but stared down Alejandro instead. “It was your fault, Alejandro. You didn't warn the others. You didn't tell them the truth."

  "What are you talking about?” came Alejandro's furious question.

  "Andrew was angry because the vamps refused to turn his sister to save her life."

  This news made the other vamps trade frowns. Austin looked taken aback. “We can't turn demons."

  Alejandro nodded. “There is a prohibition against it."

  "Because . . . ?” I prompted. I knew the truth about demon blood making vamps sick, but I wanted him to tell his people, not me.

  Alejandro's nostrils flared. “That is a private matter for our kind only."

  Oh, he knew all right. But he was keeping it secret from the others. I was beginning to hate secrets.

  "Alejandro. Don't you understand what I'm getting at? This explains what happened to Lorenzo and the others. What made them go mad."

  Alejandro's expression changed as my point sank in. “So that is what happened to my people."

  "Yes. The donated human blood was mixed with a demon's and that is what made your vamps crazy."

  Austin and Luis looked stunned.

  "His blood?” Luis asked, pointing at Andrew.

  "No, someone else's,” I told him.

  "The books told you of this?” Alejandro asked. “The books with the dark magicks?” At my nod, his eyes narrowed. “Where are they now?"

  Good question. “Andrew?” I asked.

  He shook his head. Still under Lola's control, he had a zombie expression. “I don't know."

  "What do you mean, you don't know?” Everyone stared at him in shock.

  "They didn't want to burn in the fire, so they told me to hide them, and I did . . . but I can't remember where."

  HE'S TELLING THE TRUTH, Fang said in disgust. THE MAGICKS HAVE CLOUDED HIS MEMORY.

  "They must be found and destroyed,” Alejandro insisted. “They could be very dangerous in the wrong hands . . . to all of us."

  No kidding. “Secrets are dangerous in the wrong hands,” I reminded him. “If the fact that vampires couldn't drink demon blood was common knowledge, Veronica would have known the vampires couldn't turn her, and so would Andrew, and this never would have happened."

  Micah spoke. “This settles it. Andrew was a victim of vampire secrecy."

  I turned on him. “You're no better."

  He looked taken aback. “What?"

  "Always with the damned secrets. Ooh, let's not let anyone else know what makes us vulnerable, let's not let anyone know what the encyclopedia can do, let's not let anyone get close enough to help us.” I knew I sounded like a drama queen, but I didn't care. “Who died and made you keeper of all the demon secrets?"

  "Well, my father did, actually."

  Fang snorted in amusement, but I ignored him. “If the Demon Underground hadn't kept secrets even from their own, kids like me wouldn't have to grow up feeling like freaks. And we might have figured out that Josh is a phase demon long ago, and— “ Alejandro made a negating gesture. “Some things should be kept confidential, for our very survival."

  "Maybe. But at what cost?"

  "You can't really expect us to reveal all our secrets,” Micah protested.

  "Okay, maybe not. But at least you can think about it and see what makes sense to share."

  Alejandro and Micah both looked stubborn, but I was glad to see I got them thinking about it.

  "What about these two criminal demons?” Luis asked. “The fire demon and the phase demon must pay for what they did to our people."

  Before they could start arguing again, I asked Alejandro, “Are the poisoned vamps doing better?"

  "Yes, Lorenzo and the others are almost fully recovered."

  That was a relief. “Then why don't you and Micah decide the punishment together?” They were the most level-headed of this bunch, and it would help to set a precedent for inter-species cooperation.

  They looked at each other. Micah frowned. “Providing he remembers that Josh and Andrew were crazed with grief, influenced by dark magick, and believed that your people were responsible for Veronica's death."

  Alejandro inclined his head. “And providing you are able to keep the two under restraint until a decision is made."

  Micah nodded decisively. “Val, if you would please put Andrew to sleep?"

  I let Lola surge deeper into him. “Andrew, go to sleep."

  He slumped down to the ground, passed out.

  Micah nodded. “Good. Kyle, if you would keep him there until we are ready to deal with him?” To the others, he explained, “Kyle is a dream demon."

  Wow. He was sharing secrets and everything. Progress.

  Micah held out his hand to Alejandro. “I apologize for what my people did. I hope we can make up for it somehow."

  Alejandro took his hand and smiled. “By agreeing to be by our side when we come out, perhaps?"

  Micah winced. “I'll have to think about that. Shall we talk later, after everyone has had a chance to cool off?"

  Alejandro nodded.

  As Micah and Alejandro discussed the arrangements, and Ludwig and Kyle hauled Andrew off, the other vamps went back into the house. Shade came up behind me to sling an arm around my shoulders and murmur, “Great job."

  AW, SHUCKS, Fang complained. WE DIDN'T EVEN GET TO KILL ANYTHING.

  "That means she's getting better at controlling situations,” Shade told him with a grin.

  I leaned into him, loving the feeling as his arms closed around me. “Thanks."

  "Sorry I was more of a hindrance than a help."

  I pulled away to look into his face. “No, you weren't."

  "Yes, I was, and without you, San Antonio might be on fire or overrun with demons right now. Thank you for stopping me . . . without killing me."

  "Hey, I couldn't kill you just when I'm getting to know you. And thank you for helping me with Lola. I have much more control now."

  He grinned and kissed me on the nose. “So we're good for each other. You help me control my demon and I'll help you control yours. Like we're destined to be together or something."

  Fang rolled his eyes. OH, GAG ME.

  Shade laughed and lowered his voice. “Even without making love in the usual sense of the word."

  I felt myself flush at the thought. That was a decision for another time. Too much had happened today to think about that. For now, I was happy to just be with my new boyfriend. I sighed in contentment. I'd learned where my strength came from, caught the thief, and, even though I hadn't retrieved the encyclopedia, at least no one else could find it, for now.

  I was learning to get Lola under control, and had even improved my relationships with Dan and my family. Now that I could sit back and let Micah and Alejandro take all the responsibility, make all the decisions, and keep the hotheads under control, life was good. But not too boring, I hoped.

  "Val,” Micah called. “Can you come here a moment?"

  I reluctantly peeled myself away from Shade.

  "Alejandro reminded me of your agreement to come work for him,” Micah said.

  Uh-oh. I hoped he'd forgotten that. Shade rejoined me and hugged me hard with one arm. Though he didn't say anything, I knew he was urging me to get out of this any way I could. Luckily, it
looked like Mood was keeping an eye on his temper still.

  I smiled brightly, as if my cheeriness would hold back the darkness about to descend. “But no one else was hurt, so the agreement is null and void."

  "Not exactly,” Alejandro drawled. “I believe you said if someone else tried to harm my people, you would come to work for me. Andrew did try."

  "That wasn't my intention and you know it. Besides, we just helped you avert a grisly death by fire here. You owe us."

  Alejandro regarded me thoughtfully. “Perhaps. Shall I suggest a compromise?"

  "Like what?"

  "You come along to all of the discussions our two groups have together. You seem to have a knack for helping people to see reason, and for ending conflicts as well as starting them."

  Relieved, I said, “Okay, I can do that."

  But Alejandro wasn't finished. “And you work for me for a short period of time."

  "How short?” I asked apprehensively.

  "Let's say . . . until the books are found and dealt with, and we have revealed ourselves to the world."

  "Don't do it,” Shade whispered.

  But I had no choice. I'd given my word. Besides, I had to find those books, no matter who I worked for.

  "Can we put this in writing . . . in a contract?” This time I wanted it spelled out exactly how long I had to work for the creatures I was accustomed to slaying and exactly what I was to do.

  He smiled. “Of course."

  I didn't trust that smile, but I'd make sure I had a damned good lawyer to help me put that contract together before I signed away my life. “Okay, deal,” I said and shook his hand, wondering if I was making a mistake.

  THE QUESTION ISN'T IF YOU'RE MAKING A MISTAKE, Fang informed me. THE QUESTION IS, HOW BIG IS THE MISTAKE GONNA BE . . . AND HOW MUCH IS IT GOING TO HURT?

  I glanced at him. You really think it'll be that bad?

  He looked gloomy. UNFORTUNATELY, YEAH. BUT AT LEAST YOU'LL GET YOUR WISH.

  What wish?

  YOU WON'T BE BORED.

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  A Note From Parker Blue

  Dear Reader,

  Thanks to all the fans of Bite Me who asked me for more adventures with Val, Fang, and the others. I have to say, I didn't expect Shade to be such a major character in the series. He showed up in Bite Me as a throw-away character, but he fascinated me so much I gave him a bigger role in that book than I had planned.