Vamp Chronicles
HIT THE ROAD JACK
Book 3
by
Christin M Lovell
Edited by
Susie Hatfield
Hit the Road Jack
Copyright © 2011 by Christin M Lovell
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Cover Copyright: © konradbak - Fotolia.com
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This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents, and dialogues are products of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
~~~Vamp Chronicles
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Diary of a Vampeen
Vamp Yourself for War
Hit the Road Jack
The Innocence of White (short story)
Vamp Versus Vamp
Darkness Falls – Coming Winter 2012
The Breaking of Dawn - Coming Spring 2013
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This book is dedicated to my cousin, Morgan. You’re fierce. You have sass and class, just like Lexi. Continue to be bold, continue to pursue; continue to always be you.
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2 If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us: 3 Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us: 4 Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul: 5 Then the proud waters had gone over our soul. 7 Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.
Psalm 124:2-5;7 KJV
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Chapter 1
“Ugh, school, again. I can’t believe the break went by so fast,” Mel groaned as we walked the crowded halls of Cooper River High School. The same reluctance was shared by most of the students catching up in stairwells, corridors and along locker lined walls.
“It went by fast for you. But then again you slept oh, a hundred hours or so whereas I passed only twenty that way,” I commented with a touch of sarcasm as we approached her locker.
“That’s not my fault Chiquita.”
“Yea, yea.” There was a pause of silence before we broke into laughter.
“Is this what I have to look forward to every morning?” Kellan cut in.
Absently, I lifted our entwined hands to peer at my gorgeous ring reminding me of my one true love, and vampire, Kellan. It never left my finger and he rarely left my side. The only exception was when Gabi and Mel came over for bonding time, boy chat, closet raids and makeovers. Lately the guys had made a habit of coming together and trailing us on our outings. I didn’t blame them or get irritated by the over-bearance. Kellan, well all of them really, were shaken up over the last attack in my house Christmas Eve. Being vampeen doesn’t make me invincible despite being immortal. They all lingered around on edge. My only distraction was my school work. So much so that outside my photographic memory I would have aced my exams still.
“Uh, Lex?” Mel passed a hand in front of my face as if to snap me out of a trance. I jolted my head and snipped at her hand. She jumped back. “Holy sugarplums Lex! I mean, geez Louise!” Kellan snickered trying to disguise his amusement. I on the other hand didn’t care. I was chuckling languidly which set her off. “That was so not funny guys! Ugh!” She slammed her locker door and stomped ahead of us.
I shrugged. “I thought it was funny. Mortals,” I sighed mockingly shaking my head.
Halfway to first period she caved; her anger subsided and was replaced by shared dread.
“I hate this four-by-four system. The classes go on forever and are fast paced to get through a massive text book in half the school year,” she whined slowing her pace to catch our relaxed stride behind her.
“On the upside you don’t have classes you hate all year,” I added cheerfully.
She glared over her shoulder. “I don’t exactly consider that a consolation prize.”
“Someone’s a bit cranky today.”
We rounded the corner towards the science section of the building. With one fluid yank Mel was beside Kellan and I was pulled back to stay in place. He took a deep breath inhaling through his nose.
“What is it?” I whispered. My words ran together as my eyes filtered the hall for danger. Serum threatened to flood my throat.
“Vampire,” Kellan hissed.
“Dangerous?” I asked.
He cut his eyes at me. “We’re all dangerous. You of all people should know that by now.”
“This day just keeps getting better,” Mel sighed. “I’m not standing here all day though so let’s go.” She freed herself from Kellan’s grip, not that he fought to hold her.
“I’m going with her,” I announced releasing his hand to pursue my hot-headed best friend.
“Why are you so on edge?” I pressed as we entered our new Chemistry classroom. It was a large room. All the desks were nearly piled on top of each other in the front to make room for the many lab tables and supply cabinets claiming the back seventy-five percent of the space.
“I… It was hard getting ready for school without my mom. The first outfit of each semester we usually picked out together. It was sort of our thing…” she trailed off. Just because her mom turned out to be a vamp assassin and tried to kill me didn’t mean I was any less compassionate for my best friend, especially since I lost both my parents the month before. Truth was it had been hard on both of us but we rarely spoke of our similar grief. She wrapped her hand around the locket I gave her for Christmas; inside was a picture of Melinda, her mom.
“I’m sorry. I miss mine too.” My voice was barely audible as we slid into seats side by side in the middle row.
The final bell rang just as Kellan whisked in. He settled beside me but never looked at me; he was staring straight ahead. I followed his emerald eyes to a pair of hazel eyes locked on us from the podium… from our new teacher.
I shifted uncomfortably and for peace of mind reached to stroke the chain of my necklace, a weapon capable of mass destruction and a gift from the Bladang leaders – Kai, Kalel, Gabi and Rafi. It was still intact hanging just below my collar bone. The teacher grinned and gave a quick, unarmed nod.
“Hello class. My name is Mr. Jameson and, in the event you didn’t review your schedule or observe the lab in the back, this is Chemistry.” He stepped out from behind the stand exposing a lengthy, slink figure that looked like it belonged to a runner. He was fit but soft and feminine in a way. He ran a hand through his dirty blonde hair trying to force it away from his eyes. He appeared harmless enough dressed in a button-up shirt under a vest; it was the kind most ancient professors adorned, yet he could barely pass for thirty. That was clue number one that he was a vamp.
He began to pace the rows, weaving amongst us. He continued speaking of chemists, alchemy and future projects we could anticipate covering this semester. As he traveled down towards me, Mel and I stiffened and Kellan slipped releasing a low, territorial growl. Mr. Jameson stopped abruptly beside me and turned towards Kellan.
“Is there a problem Mr. Bancroft?” His tone held an innocent menace; concurrently his voice didn’t match his body. His gaze held Kellan’s for a solid minute, but he didn’t reply.
“Kellan, answer him. Don’t start trouble,” I projected the plea. He remained silent.
“Well, it seems we do have a problem then. Alexa, Kellan, both of you see me after class,” he ordered. At first I found it peculiar that he knew our names as identified with our faces, but given his demeanor I somehow knew that he had been aware of us for a while.
“But I didn’t do anything,” I rebelled.
“I’m afraid you’re guilty by association Miss Jackson.” His eyes danced devilishly. I suddenly felt uneasy. I would have sw
orn the walls were closing in on me.
“Don’t worry babe. I’ll protect you,” Kellan’s thoughts entered my mind. I knew he would never abandon me, but hearing it silenced my anxiety momentarily.
Books were distributed, the roster was confirmed and unnecessary overviews shared despite the outline in the front of our text books. By the end of the period serum swelled my mouth in fear of what was coming, not only after class, but all semester.
Mel picked up on the threat and was a nervous wreck all through class; she was on the verge of a panic attack by the end to the point she texted Craig to come get her ASAP. I felt horrible. Granted she would transform as I did in March, but she wasn’t one of us yet and shouldn’t be subjected to the danger of it all.
“Call you later Lex,” Mel said as the bell rang. She followed the crowd of students scurrying out into the busy halls and safety.
Kellan and I were on our feet immediately. I tossed him my gold dagger. I pressed my palms to the sides of my charm, an upside down cross, activating my shield. I was grateful for the protection in this moment as I prepped myself for battle. Our eyes were glued to Mr. Jameson as heads bobbed between us; he was alarmingly attentive of our every move yet his expression was unreadable. He wasn’t intimidating but also not harmless.
As the last student fled, Mr. Jameson raised his arm up and out from his side. With the flick of his wrist the classroom door slammed shut and locked. I instantly tensed. Outside the buzz of conversations filled the air; in here it was silent tension. With one limber leap over the desk Kellan stood directly in front of me protectively. Mr. Jameson paid him no mind; I was shocked as he turned away and in a half second settled in the office chair behind his desk.
“Sit,” he gestured his hand towards two seats in the front row. When we made no movement he added, “Keep your weapons out but please sit. I mean you no harm.”
“Then what do you want?” Kellan pressed, remaining in his spot.
“You are the chosen ones; the ones prophesized of, are you not?” He busied himself in a desk drawer searching for something.
“What’s it to you?” Kellan hissed between gritted teeth.
“Relax. He’s clearly not interested in fighting,” I said pressing a hand to his back to calm him.
“Sit and I will tell you.” Kellan refused to budge. Against his will I hopped into the next aisle over and made my way to the before suggested seats.
“I’m afraid we aren’t trusting due to some recent incidents so if you could just cut to the chase I’d really appreciate it,” I stated. He looked between me and Kellan for a moment. As the bell rang, officially making us tardy or absent from second period, I hadn’t decided yet, he removed a worn black book from his drawer. Gold embellishments laced the binding but no visible title was displayed. In fact, no words or symbols appeared anywhere on the cover. It was a solid black fabric stretched over hard ends offering no clue to its contents. He noted my curious observance.
“Allow me to introduce myself. I am William Jameson and I am your Eislom or guardian of wisdom.”
“Eislom? What is that?” I interrupted.
“As I said, I am your guardian of wisdom; I am your guide, your assistant. My sole purpose is to ensure that you fulfill yours. I am here to provide you with the resources and knowledge you lack. Now have you read the prophecies?”
“Uh… um…” I stuttered trying to wrap my brain around what he claimed. Kellan was suddenly seated next to me.
“I figured as much; hence the journal. It’s written in Slavak, old Russian essentially. I have taken the liberty of translating it for you.” He whipped out a large four inch black binder filled to the brim with 3-hole punched paper. “This is sacred and confidential. You must guard it with your lives. It provides you the keys needed to unlock your powers together. Now we will need to meet regularly. There is much to teach and more to learn.” Kellan and I sat motionless with dumbfounded looks on our faces.
“Is he legit? Is this real?” I asked. “Dr. Zhan never mentioned an Eislom.”
“I don’t know. I’m reluctant to trust anyone right now.”
“Oh wonderful, you’re already linked! You’re right on schedule with that feature. As for your hesitance, please confirm my participation with Dr. Zhan and anyone else you deem necessary to trust me. It’s imperative that you trust me.” He pulled out a legal pad and began making notes.
“Now I see you’re engaged or at least promised to each other. Have you claimed each other physically?” He was businesslike, as if he were conducting a job interview.
“Huh?” we exclaimed simultaneously.
“You’ve swapped blood but it seems you carry the blood of many vamps Alexa so I need to know if you two have mated.” He didn’t hesitate; he was direct in his explanations and didn’t waste one second on questioning us.
“Mated?” I stumbled peeking at Kellan whose forehead showed the same worried creases and cheeks flushed with embarrassment and rage on the subject.
“Yes, mated. Oh for heaven’s sake. Have you two had intercourse?!”
“How old are you?” I smirked, allowing the outrage to subside. It seemed to lighten his mood a bit.
“Three hundred and twenty-three. I suppose the reference gave it away. However, I must know if you’ve had sex. Is that the modern term?”
“Yes, that’s the modern term and no we haven’t done it,” I spewed the information trying to withhold emotion.
“Oh dear, now I am not an advocate for adolescent promiscuity; however, I must insist that you two do this as soon as possible.”
“You insist?” I didn’t know whether I wanted to laugh, cry or scream over the suggestion.
“I’m releasing you two at once. You must go home with the journal. Read through it. You must consummate your union in order to unlock the powers between you,” he babbled. He seemed overwhelmed by the thought; almost flustered by the parallel.
“Are you serious?!”
“Do I appear dishonest to you? Would I, a professor of academics, typically promote such recklessness early on? No, of course not! Go home at once and study this journal. You will need it to bring all you ought to pass.”
“We have classes. We’re in a school you know?” Kellan chuckled. I could tell he wasn’t buying into the story. I didn’t know for sure if I was either. Given everything I’d heard, seen and experienced the last couple months though, I couldn’t just discredit it as nonsense.
“Go home. I will file all the papers for you and obtain your assignments. Meet me tomorrow morning at 7am here in the classroom. Come through that back door there. It will be unlocked,” he said standing to pass the binder and journal to us. I looked at Kellan. Our glances were similarly shocked and yet not shocked, both receptive and rejective. Mr. Jameson gracefully approached us and set the books on the desk in front of me. “I know you are uncertain at this time, but please hurry along. We have no time to waste. 7am,” he reiterated with urgency. I nodded my head.
“So do we leave or stay?” I eyed the books before me, shifting impatiently in my seat. Kellan seemed to be just as restless.
“We will take your word for what it is: possible truth. If we choose to believe you then we’ll be here tomorrow morning.” He stood and reached for the items. His gaze was on me the entire time expectantly watching my reaction.
“Very well then,” William agreed rising at the same time as me.
“You do realize that encouraging students to skip school doesn’t make you a very good teacher,” I stated and asked moving to collect my book bag slung on the back of my chair.
“I encourage traditional students to attend class daily however you two fall within another category. Your future success relies not on this nonsense. Quitting tomorrow would further expand your learning opportunities in fact. Alas, we will take one step at a time and the first step is to trust me,” he explained. He slid his hands in his pockets and relaxed his stance. He was calm and comfortable despite our threats.
“Where are you from?” I looked at him quizzically.
“Can’t you tell by the accent?” he teased with a grin.
“England?”
“Very good. London to be exact though the London of my time versus today is quite different I’m afraid.” He spoke but his lips pursed and forehead wrinkled showing signs that his mind was elsewhere. I simply nodded.
As we left I realized I wanted to trust him, this Eislom as he called himself. Without my parents, I was lacking an authoritative guide. Sure the High Authorities and the Bladang Leaders stepped in and out, but with them it was usually all business. With Mr. Jameson, I felt like he would be more like my dad. It sounded foolish, even now, but it’s the feeling I got with him. I was apprehensive to trust anyone, but the emotional side of me, the human part, was overwhelmed at the idea.
“It’s not foolish babe. I know you miss your parents. Just remember that in our world emotions are weakness. We need to be careful,” Kellan warned pulling me into his arms as we roamed the empty halls towards the parking lot.
“I know you’re right. I’m trying but it’s hard to go against what dominates me. I am seventy-five percent human, remember?”
“You’re still twenty-five percent vampire and have had more vamp blood in you than anyone I know.”
“Point made,” I sighed pushing open the doors to freedom.
Chapter 2
“His story checks out. Dr. Zhan confirmed everything,” Kellan announced as he entered the family room. Craig, Mel and I quickly turned our attention to him as he plopped down on the sectional beside me.
“What did he say?” I jumped on the subject instantly.
“That we should listen to everything he said. He actually worked with the prophet before his assassination. He fled with the journal and has spent his years studying and preparing for us to arrive and connect.” His words came out with confidence but I could tell he was still trying to comprehend the reality of the news.
“Jiminy croaks!” Craig exclaimed scooting to the edge of the sofa cushion waiting for more.
3 Hit the Road Jack Page 1