“Regardless, all creatures need rest. Even vampires, Ms. Dillinger.”
She wondered if that was his lingo for he wanted to get some R-and-R since he carried on with the subject. When Kyle had a strong desire to unwind, he’d pick Katie up and take her to bed with him. Of course, his version of taking it easy involved a little foreplay and love. Relaxing with Kyle was always a pleasure. If Riker’s persistence was a hint to similar activities, he could take a cold shower. She wasn’t interested.
“You can go lay down at any time, or cozy up in that bathtub. Either way, I’m fine right here.”
His lips twitched. “Leave you alone so you can slip out of here and face the two vampires on your own. Not likely.”
“What makes you think I’d do that?”
“The fire in your eyes when you look at Jules. The fury perfuming from you at the hospital was so strong I could’ve pick it up outside the building. I wasn’t born a vampire yesterday.”
Deciding not to argue, she simply sighed. He was right on all accounts, but she wasn’t a fool. Running out to fight the two vamps before sunrise seemed like a good idea, but it would probably lead to her death. No, she wouldn’t do it. She had too much to live for then to let a vampire kill her. Undoubtedly, they were pissed off about having to clean the minds of an entire police force. Her best chances of beating the vamps would come after the next sundown.
“I’m not going anywhere. I want them gone for good,” she said flatly.
Katie twisted and leaned over the armrest to peer into the bedroom. Jules hadn’t moved and was sleeping peacefully. She needed the rest and to completely shut down her brain, if even for a short while. Upon wakening, she’d have to face the pain all over again, which was not a good reason to get out of bed. Katie knew first hand what Jules would go through, having suffered the same loss recently. Fortunately, they had each other and could pull through their heartaches together.
She returned her gaze to the television. Faulty light signals led to several car accidents and someone burglarized a couple of homes according to the news. The announcer mentioned other minor events, but not a single one referenced the raid at the orchard. Although Katie thought it odd someone hadn’t spoken about the event, perhaps keeping it silent was for the best, especially for the sake of the young woman recovering in the hospital.
The announcer finished the local newscast and switched to the world news. Violent protests continued for the fourth day in Europe. Several were injured, many killed. The numbers were adding up and due to the current politics, no sign of relief was in sight. Katie shook her head in disgust. What a waste of life, killing each other over such menial, non life-threatening opinions. The world contained menacing creatures wanting to enslave humans and drain them dry, yet no one believed in the existence of nonhumans. When would people wake up? What would it take them to notice their lives were in serious danger?
“Some things never change,” Riker said. “For as long as I have walked, man has wanted to conquer. Vampires and humans are not much different from each other.”
Katie frowned and crossed her arms. Maybe humans and some vamps had similar morals and beliefs, but one detail still separated the two. “Except vampires feed from humans.”
He veered his gaze to her. “Survival, Ms. Dillinger. If humans had to feed from vampires–”
She held her hand up, interrupting him. “I get your point, but it doesn’t change the fact the majority of vampires kill humans to survive. There’s no need to kill, you and I both know it.”
“It’s an ancient belief that has survived through the centuries. The Order thought the old ones could change if everyone agreed. They were wrong. Try telling a two thousand year old vampire he can’t kill anymore and see what happens.”
She regarded him with wide eyes. “You hunted a two thousand year old vampire?” She started to have new respect for Riker.
“Searching for the old ones was my job for three decades.”
“Were you able to convince this vampire to change?”
“No.”
“But how–” She recalled an early conversation they’d had when he’d mention the Order’s plan failing and heads were sent to them. Obviously, Riker was one of the few who’d survived.
“How did I survive?” The corner of his mouth inched to the side. “I have my ways.”
Katie chuckled inwardly from his elusive answer. From hunter to educator, Riker seemed to have quite the interesting history. Curiosity nudged her.
“You’re three centuries older than Kyle. How did…” Unsure of the tactful way to ask, she let her question linger. Frankly asking how one died seemed inappropriate. Even when she’d asked Kyle, she wasn’t sure of the proper way to inquire without seeming disrespectful.
“How did I become immortal?” He eloquently asked on her behalf.
“Yes.”
He slid his leather jacket off his shoulders, then slipped each arm out one at a time. Solid muscles protruded from the short sleeves of his tight t-shirt, an impressive sight most females would admire. He laid the coat on the empty cushion between them. “A rogue vampire took me and changed me. He later admitted he’d seen me quarrelling with three men over a woman and was impressed with how I managed to bring them all to their knees. He was looking for people to build an army and thought I would make a good warrior for him.”
Katie’s curiosity reached a new high. His soft tone, much unlike his stern, dry one, led her to believe his past wasn’t a happy one painted with rainbows.
“Were you a part of this army?
“For a while. Most of us do not have joyous memories of our early years. This was yet another reason why the Order wanted to change things centuries ago.”
“And you killed humans for food?” The small amount of respect she had dwindled fast.
“We all have at some point. Even Kyle had.”
She inhaled a calming breath to lower her growing animosity. Although she disliked admitting it, he had a valid point. Kyle had mentioned he’d killed a few humans. He also regretted it every night since. The guilt weighed heavily on his mind. He wanted to wash it away, but couldn’t. For him, teaching young vamps not to kill was one way to lesson the heavy burden.
“Did he mention how he became immortal?” Riker asked with a slight tilt of his head.
Katie rose, tucked one leg underneath her, then sat again. “No. He didn’t like to talk about it. I asked a few times, but it seemed to bother him. I eventually gave up.” She’d asked at least a dozen times and he’d consistently refused to share any information with her about his change from human to inhuman. The first have dozen requests he’d dealt with by changing the subject. She persisted, but he turned away from her. After enough frowns and rejections, she decided not to pursue the matter any longer.
“Do you know how he became immortal?” she asked.
“I do, but maybe he didn’t want you to know.”
She stiffened, not liking the notion Kyle’s mortal death was some big secret. The vampire no longer existed. Why continue to hide the information? “He’s gone now. Since he can’t tell me, why don’t you? Really, what can it hurt?”
He kept a steady gaze on her. His hesitation magnified her interest in knowing what had happened to Kyle to make him keep his lips sealed.
“A rogue bit him,” Riker said, his expression impassive. “The vamp killed his entire family. Kyle struggled with the memories. They always bothered him. I believe it’s one reason why he bonded with Hector. The Egyptian had a way of calming the soul and enlightening the mind.”
Katie’s mouth hung open as she stared at Riker, aghast. A rogue wiped out Kyle’s family? Now she understood why Kyle disliked her questioning him about his change from mortal to immortal. The memories pained him. Yet, he genuinely loved her. Why couldn’t he share the knowledge of his past with her? And why hadn’t he spoken about Hector? Kyle had shared plenty of other events in his life, given her a wealth of information about vampires. Why did he keep som
e secrets? It didn’t make sense.
She lowered her eyes. “I don’t understand why he never told me about his change or Hector. I bared my soul to him and I thought he had, too, with me.” But maybe he hadn’t. The window of doubt opened and now she questioned Kyle’s motives. Yes, he loved her. She was sure of it, but was there an underlying reason for him to keep secrets?
“Make no mistake, Kyle cared for you. Maybe he was waiting until the right time to tell you.”
“But he shared so many other events, and knowledge.”
Riker leaned closer. “Tell me, Ms. Dillinger, how did you take the news when he first told you he was a vampire?”
She turned her head away, knowing where Riker was heading. Kyle’s admission to her came as a massive shock. She’d struggled to believe the truth for a couple of weeks. As she reflected on his beliefs, morals and the decent man he was, she accepted him. Slowly, he opened up like a flower, sharing his knowledge, teaching her, showing her how to fight. But it took time, years. If Kyle had informed her someone had predicted she would be a war leader, she wouldn’t have believed him. In fact, she probably would’ve walked out on him.
“I get your point.”
“Would you believe the prophecy if he’d told you?”
“No. I’m not sure I do now, but I know someone has to stand up and get others into action before it’s too late.” And this was her new goal once she removed Brandon and his friend from walking this planet. With Andy and Jules’s help, maybe Ben’s too, she could start a training academy and teach others how to fight and use weapons. Slowly, she’d introduce the fact vampires existed. She would prepare humans for battle, for the great war if it ever came.
Riker crossed his ankles. “I questioned it for a very long time, but I have seen enough evidence. The prophecy is real.”
“And I’m the one.”
He turned to face her. “Without a doubt.” The words flew from him quickly and assuredly, surprising her.
Katie took in a deep breath as she rose from her seat. “Yeah, well don’t be disappointed when you learn it’s not me.” She stepped around the sofa.
“Ms. Dillinger?” he said, stopping her from entering the bedroom. “I hope you wake up to reality soon. Otherwise, you will see more bloodshed.”
Her heart pounded faster, not with fear, but anger. His stern tone sounded eerily similar to one of a general’s–demanding attention and obedience. Was he trying to force her to follow an old Egyptian’s prediction? Or scare her so she would believe? Such tactics did little to persuade or motivate her.
“I’m awake. I have been for years. If you’re goal is to frighten me so I believe, then you’ll fail.” Her strong tone revealed her unwavering confidence.
He turned his gaze away from her and directed it at the television. “I’m here to help and protect you, not be your enemy.”
And yet, they argued as if they were. What a great companionship.
“I’m going to take a bath. I hope you’re in your own room when I get out.”
Katie headed into the bathroom. She paused at the end of the dresser and picked up one of her bags of clean clothes. A hot shower would ease her anxiety from the day’s events and help clear her thoughts from Riker’s comments. Clasping the bag, she took a quick glimpse at Jules. Her best friend looked dead to the world. Tomorrow would be a new day for her and Katie would help her get through it. They were, after all, best friends until the end.
Katie stepped into the bathroom, flipped the switch, then shut the door behind her. The bright lights caught her off guard and she blinked to adjust her vision. Staring in the mirror, she first saw her brownish-red locks twisted in every direction. A horrid sight for her eyes and she wondered who else thought the same. She wasted little time and undressed.
Leaving the dirty clothes in a pile on the floor, she stepped into the bathtub. The suite had a garden tub to soak in, but she wasn’t in the mood. Catching a few hours of sleep seemed like a better idea. Having found the perfect temperature, she stood under the spray of the shower. For several long minutes, she simply stood there and let the water caress her head and body. She twisted, stood still for a while, turned again and stopped. When she felt relaxed, she took to washing her hair. After she finished cleansing, she spent more time enjoying the massage of the spray.
Clean and refreshed, Katie shut the water off and then swung the curtain liner to the side. The hot water had soothed her mind and body, preparing her for a nice nap. She reached for a towel on the rack as the door clicked and swung open.
“Get dressed, now,” Riker said as he stepped in the bathroom.
Naked and with a shot of rage running straight to her head, she yelled, “What the fuck are you doing? Get out!” She’d forgotten to grab the towel and opted for pointing at the door while balling her other hand into a tight fist.
He quickly scanned her body. “We have a problem. Get dressed.”
“Leave!”
When he finally turned and shut the door, she grabbed the cotton towel.
Fury made her flush instead of the realization he’d witnessed her naked. How dare he barge into the bathroom? She quickly dried, rubbing the towel over head and body. He’d said they had a problem. The vamp irritated the hell out of her, but he wouldn’t have stormed in without good reason. Hurrying, she donned clean clothes. She dashed from the bathroom with her wet hair a worse mess than before her shower.
“What’s wrong?” she asked, stopping next to him.
He had his leather coat back on and stood maybe two feet from the television, facing it. “Listen.”
Katie watched the screen and heard the newscaster repeating a call for help. Police reported an all points bulletin for two women connected with the disappearance of Mr. and Mrs. Jennings. The reporter stated the police sought the two women for questioning. Anyone with information on their whereabouts should contact the police immediately. The police would deliver a reward of ten thousand dollars to the person or persons who locate the women in question. Photos of Jules and Katie appeared on the screen with a telephone number for the station.
“Holy fuck,” Katie said, then lifted her hands to the sides of her face. The beat of her heart kicked up a notch.
“I need to dispose of your car,” Riker said.
“My car?” Katie gave him a pleading look with her brows raised. “Please, don’t ruin my car. It was a gift from Kyle.”
“I have to move it out of sight.” He withdrew the keys from his jacket. “Do you know of any secure hiding places?”
“Kyle’s barn, but I think there’s still a guard posted at his property.”
He stepped around her. “I can handle him.” He headed for the door.
“Wait. How will you get back?”
He paused and twisted to face her. “Don’t worry. I’ll find a way.”
Katie’s mind raced with possible solutions. He could command the patrol unit stationed at the property to bring him back, assuming a cop was there. Not a bad idea, but if someone wasn’t guarding the property, Riker would be stuck having to use his feet to get back. And Kyle’s barn was at least fifteen minutes of driving distance away. Tracking back on foot at vampire speed could still take him over twice as long. She considered other options. She couldn’t contact Ben. He’d talk too much and she couldn’t explain quickly enough. The only other person she could trust was Andy. Although she disliked the thought of putting him close to Riker, she could think of no better options.
“If you promise to leave Andy’s mind alone, I’ll call him and have him meet you at Kyle’s. He can bring you back.”
He turned the knob and opened the door. “Do it. I’ll handle the hotel clerk as well. Just do not leave this room.” The last part he emphasized strongly.
“I won’t. Promise.”
Riker gave her a nod before he strode down the hall.
Katie shut the door, then leaned her back against it. The police wanted her and Jules for questioning. Why would Charles put such an advert
isement on the news? She and Jules now looked like criminals. Maybe that was the intent.
Blood flowed to Katie’s head in a rush. Brandon and his partner were at play. An all points bulletin would surely bring Katie and Jules into the limelight. If someone turned them in, cops would detain her and Jules at the station, or worse. The police could escort them to the vamp’s hiding place at the orchard.
Clenching her teeth, she rushed to the dresser in the bedroom. She dug inside her purse and found Andy’s phone. The vamps had pulled a trick out of their hat she hadn’t thought of, but if she and Jules stayed inside the suite all day, they would survive. The plan sounded easy enough.
Katie found Andy’s number in the contact list. Somehow, she had to convince him to pick up their cold friend. Riker agreed not to touch his memories. If ever there was a time to test the vamp on his word and loyalty, here it was.
The phone rang once, then Andy answered. “What the hell is going on?”
“I need your help.”
25
Katie lay on her side, facing the curtained window. A touch of light peeked in around the edges. She’d dozed off a little after Riker had settled into his cozy tub. He’d returned to the suite with Andy a good hour before sundown and informed her he’d successfully hidden her car in the barn. She’d given Andy the location of the keys when she’d apprised him of the situation and had requested his assistance. Turned out calling Andy for help was smart. Kyle’s property didn’t have a patrol unit guarding it when Riker and Andy arrived, so Riker had said. He would’ve made it back to the suite in time if he’d ran, but the vamp would’ve needed blood to refuel. The thought of him feeding from someone bothered her, even though he wouldn’t kill the person. As things stood, Riker passed her small test and she trusted him a bit more. By all accounts, Andy seemed like…Andy. They’d conversed for ten minutes, then he left to head back to the bar. He promised to deliver food for her and Jules later.
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