Although Brandon asked in a calm tone, his voice sparked fury in Steven. He leapt to his feet, pounced on Brandon, then swung his hard fist into the young vamp’s face. Once, twice and on the third time bones crunched.
“I told you to shut the fuck up.” Steven punched Brandon’s jaw one more time to ensure the fledgling understood.
With his message delivered, Steven stepped back and shook his bloodied hand. Damn young ones were always rebellious. Even though he’d trained Brandon how to feed off humans, clean up after his meals and explained where to find good pussy, the vampire still disobeyed him. Normally the young looked to their elders for guidance and followed their instructions. Not Brandon. He had a hard-on for disobeying authority. The Order saw the quality as a benefit and wanted Steven to mold Brandon, make him a quick killer, train him how to sniff out the vamps in hiding, show him the proper way to clean up. To date, the only molding Brandon had done was to Debbie.
The young vampire coughed and twisted in his recliner, his bloodied face hardly recognizable. He leaned over the edge and spit.
“Sorry, Steve.”
He loomed in front of the battered young vamp. “Don’t make me break your fucking neck. I will do it to shut you up.”
Leaning his head against the recliner, Brandon gently shook his head. The broken bones in his face would heal, but he’d have to suffer with pain until they did. Stupid prick. He only listened when Steven used violence. The boy never learned.
Steven returned to his spot on the sofa and lay facing the ceiling. Although Brandon’s questioning annoyed the hell out of him, he couldn’t help but wonder what had happened to Debbie. He’d left her at the bar to see if anyone had information about Kyle’s girlfriend while he took Joe and Michael for a question and answer session. Steven caught a lucky break with Joe. His girlfriend, Julie, was Katie’s friend. After he wiped Michael’s mind and sent him on his way, Joe led him to his girlfriend’s house. Finding Katie’s number on a note taped to the refrigerator, he had Joe call it. The line rang and rang. Two hours later with no answer and an irritating neighbor’s dog yapping, Steven decided to leave a different kind of message, one that would definitely grab her attention. He taped the note with her phone number to the container with Joe’s fingers, then left the dog in the bathroom for Julie. He’d figured she probably didn’t know about vampires since Joe didn’t, so the gruesome welcome home surprise should’ve put a nice chill in the air for her. If Steven could get her attention, maybe she’d trade Katie in for her boyfriend. Humans were so vulnerable with their emotions.
He ran a hand through his hair as the question about Debbie returned for the hundredth time. What had happened to her? Everyone in town was human, which meant they were incapable of fighting a vampire. For another matter, none of the humans he’d read had a clue vampires existed. It would seem unlikely for Debbie to run into trouble. If she had, she would’ve snapped them in two within seconds. The Asian was fast, faster then he was on his feet. The odds of her running into problems had to be next to none.
Steven blew out a puff of air. So where was she? Why didn’t she answer Brandon’s repeated calls? She’d spent the last twenty-two years glued to the man. She wasn’t the cheating sort, especially with humans. None of them could match her stamina. Hell, Brandon could hardly keep up. Debbie’s appetite for other vampires and her prior relationships over the last century instilled jealousy in Brandon’s heart. When he’d learned Kyle was once a fling and happened to be on the most wanted list, he took a keen interest in finding the vampire. Nine months of research and a little luck tracked Kyle to the university he taught at in Michigan. They spent two weeks interrogating the minds of the staff members on the campus. Several remembered Kyle Brown, yet all records of his tenure there were missing. Brandon set to work again, searching the nearby states for one Kyle Brown. Three months later, they were snooping around in Mishawaka and Steven had found the five-century-old vamp. Brandon took great pleasure in chopping his head off while he and Debbie held the vamp on his knees.
Unable to sleep with questions of Debbie’s disappearance plaguing him, Steven sat upright. He wedged his hand into the front pocket of his jeans and withdrew his cell phone. While neither he nor Brandon could search during the day for Debbie, he knew of someone who might be able to track her location. If she was a hunkered in a house in town, they could find her after sunset. Brandon could finally stop bitching.
Steven dialed the number to his friend. Brandon watched and made no effort to speak.
“Hello?” asked the man on the other end of the line, his voice groggy.
“Chaz, it’s Steven.”
“Hey, man. Where are you? Sun’s up, ya know.” Chaz lived in Arizona where the sun had risen a few hours ago.
“I’m calling to wish you an early happy rebirthday.”
Chaz chuckled. “Man, it’s not for another year.”
“Two centuries is a big deal, old man. In case I’m not there, I want you to know I care.”
“Man, you better fucking show up for my party. It’s going to be wild. Women everywhere naked, dancing and fucking. You don’t want to miss it.”
Steven smiled from the image his friend had given him. “In that case, count me in. I’m a sucker for pussy.”
“Yeah, I thought that would get your attention.” Chaz made a grunting sound. “So what’s going on? I know you didn’t call this early to talk about my rebirthday plans.”
Brandon leaned forward and removed his shirt. He wiped his face, clearing the blood away. Muscles complimented his bare chest and arms. The intricate tattoo running from his shoulder to his wrist seemed to move when light from the screen flickered. Tricks of the eye, Steven told himself. Brandon tossed the soiled shirt at Joe’s head. The dying man didn’t move an inch.
“I’m in Indiana and–”
“Why the fuck are you there?”
“Brandon found one of the vamps listed for extermination. I came with him to see the job through.”
“How is the young runt?”
“He can suck my dick.” Brandon mumbled.
“Fine, but trying to rest.” Steven glared at Brandon.
Chaz made a bit of a breathy sound as if he were moving, walking. “Did he behead the vampire?”
“Beheaded and burned,” Steven said.
“Wow. Kudos for the kid.”
“He’s lost his girlfriend, Debbie.”
“Lost?”
“She’s not answering her phone.”
“Maybe she decided to hump human beef for a while.”
Steven pointed his arm at Brandon right as the young vamp rose from his chair. Glowing eyes and long fangs revealed Brandon’s anger.
“Sit the fuck down,” Steven barked.
Chaz laughed. “That’s right. Tell the pup to stay put.”
Brandon opened his mouth to say something, but when Steven jumped to his feet, he quickly shut his trap. Steven glowered at Brandon. He wouldn’t hesitate to knock more sense into the young vamp if he had to. Fortunately, Brandon took the hint and returned to his chair like a whimpering dog, head lowered.
“So, how can I help you?” Chaz asked.
“Could you track her cell phone and give me the coordinates?” Steven returned to his spot on the sofa.
“Now?” Chaz asked as if it were a huge ordeal for him. The man was a genius with computers and gadgets. It might take him five minutes to trace her number. Yet, clearly he lacked enthusiasm to do much during the day. Most vampires did. Everyone needed some beauty rest.
“No, not now. How about in five hours? That way we can find her once the sun sets here and you can sleep for a bit.”
“Sounds good to me. I’ll set my alarm.” Chaz sounded more willing to help.
“Can you track another number for me too?”
“Sure man, I’ll trace any number for you.”
An idea popped in Steven’s head. “Hang on.” He lowered the phone and looked at Brandon. “Where’s Joe’s phone?”
Brandon reached around to his back pocket. He removed the phone and handed it to Steven.
“I’m going to read you a number,” Steven said as his thumb slid over the screen. He scrolled down the list and found what he wanted. “Actually, I have two.”
“Okay, give ‘em to me.”
Steven read the two numbers, then listened while Chaz repeated them.
“We’re looking for these two women in town. Hopefully you can help us.”
“Two women? I should catch a plane tonight.”
“No need. We won’t be here long once we find them, which I’m hoping is tonight.”
“Uh-oh, sounds like they have a date with death.”
“Let me know what you have later.”
“Sure thing.”
“Call me at this number.” Steven lowered the phone, then met Brandon’s gaze. “We’ll find out where Debbie is and go pick her up. Then we’ll decide what to do with the two bitches.”
Brandon nodded as he settled into the recliner and relaxed with his feet up. For once, the young vamp adhered to Steven’s command. Maybe now they could both get some sleep. Then later this evening, they’d snack before leaving. And after they found Katie and Joe’s girlfriend, they’d have a feast. They’d get rid of the bodies and catch the next plane to New Mexico.
Pleasant thoughts of their night ahead occupied Steven’s mind as he lay on the sofa with his eyes closed. Soon, they’d finish their job and return home. Brandon could get his dick sucked by his girlfriend and Steven could find some sweet pussy to devour. Sundown couldn’t come quick enough.
18
“You actually cried because he gave you pajamas?” Katie asked as they headed for their hotel room. They both carried a pair of roller skates over their shoulders and were sweaty and hot from having spent the last two hours at the rink, skating, thinking and chatting. But what fun they’d had.
“I couldn’t help it,” Jules replied. “I really wanted the sexy, red negligee. I even told him how much it was and where to buy it for Valentine’s Day. I don’t know why he didn’t listen. Come on, what man buys pajamas instead of sexy clothes for V-Day?”
They both laughed as they came to a stop in front of the door to the hotel room. Since they’d left the rink they’d shared humorous moments from their relationships with their significant others. Katie’s cheeks hurt from laughing at some of the stories. The bit of comedy came at the right time. They’d each lost a loving man and the thought of never seeing them again left a sore spot in their hearts. Although they hadn’t confirmed Joe’s death, Jules came to the realization he was probably gone. Instead of dwelling on the grim news, Jules shared an embarrassing moment, which started a chain of them and more. They each took a turn providing amusing episodes from their lives. With wide smiles and laughter, their moods brightened. Even though their loved ones no longer existed, the happy memories would last forever.
“It’s the thought that counts,” Katie said as she dug inside of her purse, searching for the keycard.
“The thought provided little entertainment that night.”
The grin on Katie’s face held firm until the door opened. Riker stood inside with a slight glow to his green eyes and a frown indicating his discontent. His attire consisted of the usual black clothes. He grabbed Katie by the throat and yanked her into the room. Jules gasped as he dragged Katie to the bed. Katie’s purse and the skates fell off her shoulders and hit the floor with a thud.
He pushed her down and straddled her. “Where have you been?”
He squeezed her throat, constricting her airway. She choked as she attempted to breathe.
Jules dropped her belongings and leaped on Riker’s back. She swung her arms and hit his head, all while cursing and yelling to release Katie.
He tightened his grip on her neck. Rage rushed to Katie’s head instead of panic. Who was he to think he could control her? She didn’t have to check in with him, ask permission, or wait for his approval. He wasn’t her father, her boyfriend, or even a friend at this point. How dare he threaten her.
“Get off me you fucking asshole.”
His glowing eyes widened.
Fuming with ire, she grabbed his head and dug her thumb into his eye sockets. The vampire growled in protest. He let go of her and rose from the bed, throwing Jules off his back. She stumbled back until she smacked against the door.
Katie leaped from the bed with her hands fisted. Riker’s hands covered his eyes. His fangs dripped from his curled lip. She swiveled her head, quickly scanning for a weapon nearby. Nothing but the television and lamp offered suitable defense material. Where were her clothes and the rest of her belongings? Glancing at her purse, she recalled the knifed ring was inside it.
She snatched her bag and straightened quickly. Riker lowered his hands and revealed red smudges on his face. Katie shoved her hand into her purse.
“Wait!” He held his hands up and blinked his eyes as if trying to clear his vision.
Katie found the ring wrapped in the protective cloth and clutched it.
“How long have you been able to do that?” he asked.
“Do what?” She slowly slid her hand from her purse.
“Communicate with your thoughts.” He rubbed his eyes with his bloodstained hands. “Get off me you fucking asshole.” He repeated her words.
Katie froze with her mouth open. “You heard me? Kyle never heard me.”
“Never?”
“Not ever. We tried to communicate telepathically and it never worked. I couldn’t hear him and he couldn’t hear me.”
“Maybe your anger forced your thought from your mind.”
Katie didn’t have a chance to ponder the idea as she heard a melody coming from Jules’s purse on the floor near Riker’s side. They stared at her bag while the tune continued.
“I’ll get it,” Jules finally said and retrieved her purse.
Katie and Riker exchanged eye contact. She pushed another thought his way. “Don’t ever touch me again, asshole.” “Did you hear me that time?”
“Hear what?” he asked.
Obviously, she needed to practice more on sending him messages. Then again, maybe it was best he didn’t hear her so he wouldn’t be angry.
“Uh, I don’t know who this is,” Jules said, staring at the phone in her hand. “Should I answer it?”
Katie dropped the knifed ring in her purse as she stepped closer to Jules. The number on the screen triggered alarm bells for Katie. She snatched the phone from Jules’s hand. “It’s Ben.”
She ended the annoying melody. “Hello?”
“Hi. Is this Katie?”
“Yes, Ben. My phone is destroyed.” Katie shot a heated look at Riker. He turned and disappeared into her bathroom.
“I was hoping I could catch you with Julie. I tried your phone, but it kept going to voice mail. Now I understand why.”
Katie headed for the bed. “What’s going on, Ben?” She sat and placed her bag next to her in case she needed to grab the knifed ring again. Jules took a spot on her other side.
“I wanted to let you know I left the station after your visit and conducted a little research. It seems you were right about the deed.”
Katie silently applauded his efforts. Maybe now he’d take her advice. Perhaps later, he would understand vampires actually existed and one lived in Mishawaka over the last nine years.
“I wouldn’t lie to you, Ben.” Not without good reason.
“I took your advice and left work. I told them I needed a few days off.”
Riker walked out of the bathroom with a towel in his hands. His face was clean from the blood smears. Though he appeared calm, the vampire’s temperamental nature left Katie on edge, thus the reason she kept the knifed ring close to her. He wiped his fingers as he headed for her.
“So you left town.” Katie said.
“No. I grabbed a few things from my house and checked in at the Fairfield. I know you want me to leave, but if you’re in danger I want to be a
round to help you.”
Riker shook his head, indicating his disapproval. His vampire ears had without any doubt heard Ben’s words, which meant Riker knew Katie had shared too much information.
“I appreciate that, Ben, but I assure you, it won’t be necessary. I’m quite capable of managing the situation.”
“After what I’ve found, I’m rather anxious to hear your explanation for the situation.”
Riker crossed his arms and continued to hit her with his glare of condemnation. Seeking a more pleasant view, Katie looked at Jules.
“I’ll provide you with answers soon, and if I need anything I’ll call you. But for now, I highly advise you to avoid contact with your fellow officers and stay where you are.”
“I’m here if you need me.”
“Thanks, Ben.”
Katie ended the call and then handed the phone to Jules.
“He found a deed with Kyle’s name?” Riker asked.
“Yes, I told him to look for it.”
“Why?”
She twisted to face him. “He’s a detective, and a good one. He suspected something unusual at Kyle’s property, especially after this dark-haired man showed up at the station. I wanted to talk to him to see if he had anything new on the stranger. He offered an exchange of information.”
“You spoke with him today?”
“Yes, Jules and I stopped by for a visit.”
“Did he have new information on our assassin?”
“Yes, and no.”
He quirked a brow. “Explain.”
“He said the dark-haired man didn’t return to the station. Someone else did. On his way out he passed by Charles’s office and got a backside view of the stranger.”
“Let me guess, we have another vampire.”
“Based on what he’s told me, I believe we have two to destroy instead of one. And don’t worry, he doesn’t know anything about vampires.” Although she continued to use the word we, she really intended to say I. She wanted to destroy them, but understood the need for someone to watch her back so she didn’t end up six feet in the ground.
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