Claiming the Evil Dead

by Mary Abshire

  "You got the picture, just remove the curves. Now, I really need to find her or my cousin. I'd appreciate if you could get some extra eyes to help, too."

  Drake shook his head, showing his discontent.

  "You sound anxious to find them," he said slyly.

  I hesitated. "I am."

  "Well, lucky for you, I have teammates I can call for help. But this will cost you more than a simple date."

  I winced at my impending doom. Lucky? Not me, never. If I were lucky, I wouldn't be asking for help. Drake lunged forward with his hand extended. I twisted away, keeping the phone out of his reach.

  "A week's worth of dates and I'll go to one of your games," I blurted out as an offering. I knew it was a lowball offer, but I threw it out anyway.

  He chuckled. "I expect more than that."

  Drake reached for the phone. I fell backward on the bed, dodging his grasp, then crawled toward the headboard.

  "Two weeks of dates and a couple of games," I urgently replied.

  "More," he said.

  Drake's eyes grew wider. He grabbed my ankles.

  "Two weeks, five games, and my home address." Urgency had me spitting out words fast.

  Drake grunted as he pulled me toward him. My heart thumped fast as I slid over the bed. I had no way of escaping him. He was in reach of the phone and went for it.

  "No negotiations. Call me when you have one of them." The words raced out of my mouth, then I hit the end button.

  Drake snatched the cell from my hand. He took one glance, sneered, then threw the phone on the bed. "Damn it, Jessie."

  I shot up from the bed. "We need help. Alex has slipped through our fingers twice, and now another person is dead, possibly two."

  "We don't need his help if you have to give yourself to him." His eyes transformed into black marbles as he took a step closer to me. Two sharp, white teeth peeked out from beneath his upper lip. I realized a pattern to his vampyness. Strong emotions—good or bad—brought out the beast in him. I could relate.

  "Drake, I can handle him. It's dates, talking, eating, and watching him skate on ice, nothing more. Trust me."

  "Your home address," he pointed out with a growl.

  "So he'll know where I live. Big deal." I shrugged. "I don't live alone."

  "He's a full-blooded demon. You're not."

  "That doesn't make him better than me."

  He moved closer so we were only inches apart. "It makes him untrustworthy, Jessie. It makes him deceitful, selfish, and greedy. You don't even know what his greatest strength is."

  His elevated voice and angry tone didn't frighten me. I put my hands on my hips and stood my ground. "He won't hurt me."

  The deal with Jeremy wasn't as bad as Drake was making it out to be. He needed to realize that.

  "He'll use you," Drake said.

  "And you won't?"

  The words flew from my mouth too fast. Silently, I cursed myself and wished I could take them back.

  Drake stared at me as silence grew between us. He took a step back. "Do you really think I would use you for my personal gain? After everything…"

  I took a deep breath. I should have answered him with a "no," but I didn't. Trust him? Sure I did, didn't I? I said I did. I believed he wouldn't hurt me. If trust wasn't the issue, what was? Why was I still holding myself back? What was wrong with me?

  When he lowered his gaze, I knew I'd hurt him. He had more than a noble soul. He had a heart, and I'd hurt it. He turned and headed for the door.

  "Drake, wait." I blocked his path. "I'm not good at this." I waved my finger between us.

  He met my gaze and I saw a touch of sadness in his eyes.

  "It was wrong for me to say that," I said.

  He crossed his arms. Good. I had his attention and could sense that I had a chance of making things work between us. To start, I needed to stop holding myself back from him.

  "I hear what you're telling me about Jeremy, and I will proceed with the utmost caution. Since we aren't going to agree on whether or not we need his help, I'm going to ask that you be patient and stay by my side."

  He lowered his eyes as if he were considering my words.

  I held my palm up to him. "Please?"

  He looked at my hand, then took it into his. "You're right, I don't agree, but I will be patient, and I will stay at your side."

  The determination in his voice comforted me. A thankful smile settled on my face. Our relationship still had a chance of surviving.

  Drake leaned closer and gave me a gentle kiss. "If he gets too close, I will step in the way. And if he ever hurts you in any shape or form, I will kill him."

  I swallowed and gave a nod. I wasn't going to argue with him.

  Chapter Eighteen

  I sat on the sofa, dressed in a black halter top and plum skirt with my legs crossed, half-watching the Seinfeld rerun on the television. Drake sat across from me on the other sofa wearing the same black pants from earlier and a dark gray polo. His phone laid in front of us on the coffee table. Our gazes jumped from the television to each other, to the phone, and back at each other. We were waiting with the patience of an old married couple. We both knew the phone would ring with information on the whereabouts of either Veronica or Alexander. We just didn't know when.

  Gazing at Drake, I realized our relationship was heading in a direction I never would have thought possible. I never thought I would be able to share myself with another person, especially a vampire. I never thought I would trust another supernatural creature. And I most certainly never thought I'd sleep with one. My-oh-my, how my life had changed in less than a week.

  I held no regrets with Drake, except maybe not opening up more to him. Every time I looked in his eyes, I saw compassion. He had a dead body, but not a dead heart. Lila was right. But how far were we going in this relationship? How far was I willing to go?

  I jumped from the sofa when the phone vibrated on the table. I picked it up so fast it slid from my hand, and I fumbled around with it as if it were a hot potato. Drake smiled in amusement. By the third vibration, I held it firm enough within my hand and hit the talk button.

  "Tell me you have good news," I said.

  "Betty Boop is at the Underground. I'm on my way there now to confirm," Jeremy said.

  Sheer joy coursed through my veins. "Where?"

  "West Illinois. I'm fifteen minutes away."

  "We're on our way." I ended the call.

  Drake stood. "I know where the Underground is. It should take maybe fifteen minutes to get there."

  He headed for the door and I followed behind him while I tucked the phone in the pocket of my skirt.

  At the elevator, seconds ticked by like minutes. This was a golden opportunity for us, and I didn't want to miss it. If Veronica knew something about the abduction, played a role in it, or had more information on Alexander's location, I desperately wanted to know. I tapped my fingers on my thigh, trying to ease my nervous energy.

  "Are you going to introduce me to her?" I asked as we stepped onto the elevator.

  Drake pressed the ground level button, then the doors shut. "I want you to wait in the car for me. I will bring her out."

  I kept my lips sealed as I stood in the back. Whatever his plan was, I'd follow it. Time was of the essence to save lives.

  The elevator stopped on the fifty-ninth floor. Drake turned sideways but remained by the button panel as the doors opened. We both stared at the empty hall and waited, but nobody was around. The hairs on the back of my neck twitched. I stiffened, recognizing the sign.

  The doors began to close. I rushed forward and extended my arm, hoping the sensor would catch my movement. It did and the doors retreated.

  "Jessie?"

  I stepped into the hall. Again, I saw no one in sight. A rush of cold air swept past me. "Someone is here."

  Drake exited the elevator. He stood at my side, looking baffled. "Here?"

  I nodded.

  Looking for clues, I swiveled my head from si
de to side. The silent hall smelled of mildew. Dim lighting revealed gray carpeting and dark blue walls. Everything looked normal and right in its place. The prickling hairs on my neck didn't agree.

  "Do you know of any—"

  "No," he quickly replied. "I don't stay here much."

  Right. How could I forget?

  Sighing, I took a step to my right, another, and another until I reached the end of the hall and found another smaller hall with four doors, two on each side. No shadows or ghosts were in sight. I glanced over my shoulder at Drake. He was as quiet as a mouse, but he cocked his head from side to side, as if listening to something only he could hear.

  "I don't see anything," he whispered as he approached me. "I can hear twelve people on this floor, including you."

  My skin itched with the intensity of a bad case of poison ivy. Alerted, I pivoted my head in the opposite direction. My heart jumped. A lanky man with slicked-back, dark hair, dressed in a sharp business suit, stood in front of one of the doors. Head down, he stared into his hands. His ghostly image shimmered under the dim lighting. While I didn't know his crimes, I knew he had some, and I had to act.

  Drake put his hand on my shoulder. I twisted to face him. He opened his mouth to speak, but I held up my hand to stop him.

  I looked back at the spook near the door. He saw me and stared with steadfast eyes. I put on my happy face and strolled down the hall.

  The tall spook watched me with wide eyes and a look of pure amazement. Hands at his sides, he tilted his head from side to side in an exploratory fashion. Good. Maybe he wouldn't run.

  "Good evening, sir," I said with a nod. I stopped within arms range of him.

  His large eyes stared at me in disbelief.

  "Can I help you with anything?" The stench of decomposing flesh perfumed from him. I held my breath, blocking the repugnant odor.

  "I…I…" He stuttered, then pushed his hands in his pockets. "I lost my key." His pants moved as he dug for his key. He looked down at himself, then back at me. "You can see me."

  There was a touch of surprise in his voice. Maybe he would be an easy soul to catch. I nodded. "Yes."

  "Can he?" He pointed at Drake.

  Drake stood several feet behind me with his attention directed past me. Did he see my spook too? He narrowed his inquisitive gaze.

  "I don't think so," I said to the spook.

  "But you can see me," he said.

  I sighed. I didn't have time to talk to this guy, but I knew there had to be a reason the elevator brought me to this floor. Who am I to ask for details?

  "I don't know where your key is."

  I reached for him and he took a step back from me.

  "What are you doing?" All the wonderment in his tone went south.

  I clasped my hand around his forearm.

  "Hey!" he protested, and tried to pull away.

  I shortened the distance between us. "You are wanted somewhere."

  He kept tugging his arm, trying to break free from me. I held on with a relentless grip. My stomach tightened in preparation for the newcomer. Mouth open, I inhaled.

  His ghostly image sprang forward into my mouth. He traveled down my throat with ease, having given up his fight. Sucking in his soul was as easy and as natural as blinking. Over half his soul disintegrated with record speed before I inhaled again. With one last breath, the remnants disappeared. I shut my mouth and swallowed.

  I turned to leave and paused, seeing the gold plate on the door. The engraving showed 59A. I'd inquire with the management later.

  "Jessie?" Drake called out softly.

  "Coming."

  His gaze stayed fixed on me as I drew closer to him. I came to a halt in front of him.

  Eyes full of trepidation, he examined me. "I don't know how you do it, but it frightens me."

  This, from a vampire? I laughed. They were fearless killers. What did they care about besides their next meal? But Drake was different. From the short time I'd spent with him, I realized his next meal was the least of his concerns.

  I checked my cell phone. Ten minutes had ticked by. Jeremy would beat us to the club. I reached for his arm. "We should go."

  He said nothing more as we rode down in the elevator. The silence seemed eerie while he gazed at the floor. He even looked a bit pale. Maybe I really had frightened him. Sending a soul to Hell was serious, eternal, and painful for the damned. It was a one-way ticket with no hope for return. Yeah, it was fearsome.

  I touched his arm. "Hey, are you okay?"

  "I'm in awe of you."

  The answer took me by surprise. I didn't know what to say. Saved by the bell, literally, the elevator doors opened to the garage. I took his hand into mine and we walked out together.

  "You said you saw me perform in Louisiana."

  He dug inside his pocket with his free hand. "I did, but from a distance."

  Such an odd answer, I thought. What did distance have to do with anything? I sensed there were more thoughts swirling in his head than he cared to share. "Is there a problem?"

  Stopping at the passenger door, he backed me against the car. He pressed his hard body against mine and glided his hands down my bare arms. Pleasurable tingles spread through me while my nipples budded. When he brushed his lips over my cheek, my heart fluttered.

  "I love what you do and the reason why you do it."

  He moved closer to my mouth. I thirsted for his kiss. His lips delicately touched mine, teasing me. I leaned into him, cupping my hand around his nape. The kiss started delicately, but my body begged for more satisfaction as his cool tongue slithered into my warm mouth. When a vibration erupted from the inside of my pocket, our delicious kiss ended abruptly. He stepped back as I withdrew the phone.

  "Hello," I answered.

  "I've got my eye on her. Tall, pale, short black hair, and red lips. She looks as cold as ice. Definitely not my type. How soon will you be here?"

  Drake held the car door open for me. As I slid into my seat, he shut the door.

  "We're on our way now."

  Drake settled behind the steering wheel and started the engine. His movements were so fast we were out of the parking spot within two seconds, tires squealing.

  "I'm not a babysitter, Jessie," Jeremy said. "Make me wait too long and I'll take you home with me."

  I glanced at Drake. He clenched his jaw.

  "He won't get the chance," Drake snarled.

  "See you soon." I ended the call, then slid the phone into my pocket.

  Drake zoomed from the parking garage. I braced myself in the seat as he sped between cars and through yellow lights. The swift movements and horns blaring energized my pulse. My stomach flipped a little too.

  "I can't stay in the car. Jeremy is expecting to see me. I have to make an appearance."

  The bluish veins in his hands bubbled over his skin as he tightened his grip on the wheel. "All right, but I don't want you out of my sight. I will leave Veronica behind to ensure your safety."

  Meeting his eyes, I smiled in response. There was no doubt in my mind he would drop everything for me. How honorable. How loving. How gallant. He was my knight in shining armor, and I had fallen for him. God help me, I had.

  Drake swerved into a surface lot next to an apartment building. My heart slowed to a normal beat as I realized our adventurous ride had reached its end. Car parked, we left it and headed for the thumping music.

  We crossed the quiet parking lot. The humid night air reeked of dampness. Brushing my fingers through my hair, I wondered how long it would take the frizz to arrive.

  Bouncers dressed in military garb stood in front of the entrance. Young women flirted with them. The bouncers saw us coming straight for the door and lost their smiles. Drake glared at them with his laser eyes. Without any resistance, the men stepped aside and let us pass.

  Down the stairs, we entered a world that reminded me of a secret war games hiding room. Illuminated world maps encased in glass covered several walls. Tables were designed from govern
ment-looking crates branded with hazard signs. Dim lighting, concrete floors, and visible metal ductwork gave a feel of being…well, underground. Minus a dance floor, the club was one big social infrastructure.

  A chill touched my bones while a round of goose pimples sprouted on my arms. Veronica had to be nearby. I glanced around and spotted Jeremy sitting at the bar. He was talking to a young lady with long blonde hair. Her face was one big smile and her hand kept touching his bobbling knee.

  I tugged on Drake's arm. "He's at the bar."

  He wrapped his arm around my waist, then escorted me toward Jeremy. Jeremy turned his head and noticed us. He leaned closer to the woman flirting with him as if he were whispering in her ear. The blonde vacated her seat two steps before we reached the bar.

  "The woman of my dreams has finally arrived," Jeremy said with a huge smile directed at me.

  "Dream on." Drake pulled me closer to him until my hip bumped him.

  Jeremy wiped the smile clean off his face when he looked at Drake. "Ten feet ahead past the bar."

  Drake kissed my ear. "Stay here. I will be back soon."

  I nodded. He left, but not without sending a sharp glare at Jeremy. Jeremy met his glare with equal malicious intent.

  "Who's your new girlfriend?" I sat down on the vacant seat.

  He lifted his hand for the bartender. "A whore looking for a quick fuck. Not that I mind, but her timing is bad."

  I wasn't sure how to respond to his crudeness. Scratch that. I knew how; I just didn't want to, courtesy withstanding.

  Jeremy ordered two rounds of shots. He knew my taste too well. I cringed a little inside because of it. We both lifted our glasses at the same time and downed the clear liquid as if it was water.

  He twirled the glass over the counter. "This mafia business must pay well."

  "Better than my day job."

  "And what is your day job?"

  "Boring."

  He chuckled and shook it off.

  The chatter of voices overpowered the techno music streaming from the speakers. I looked around. Pretty boys and pretty girls carried on conversations, giggling, touching, and flirting. I glanced ten feet over and saw Veronica sitting on a cushioned bench, long legs crossed and on full display. Her ruby-red lips added color to her glowing, pale skin. Take away the vampire charm and she still had a unique charisma that could lure any man.