Two of the other vampires swung their blades at Alec but he dodged one and jumped over the other, catching the vampire around the throat with his legs and using his momentum to throw one vampire into the other. They both bounced off the wall several feet away. When he came down he landed in a crouch, ready for the fifth to attack him as well.
Instead, Alec looked over to see the remaining vampire was aiming for Steven, his blade moving in a slow deadly arc directly towards the young man’s throat. Alec jumped over the vampire’s head and into the path of the slashing weapon. He used the edge of his hand to hit the flat of the blade and knock it away from doing any damage to himself or Steven. Before the vampire could recover Alec took a step back, pushing Steven behind him and kicked the vampire square in the chest, slamming the vampire backwards onto the floor.
Alec continued to push Steven behind him as he pointed the semi-automatic weapon in his hands at the nearest vampire and pulled the trigger. Nothing happened. Damn. The safety was on. The vampires were recovering far quicker than what Alec had anticipated. He quickly flipped the safety and squeezed the trigger. Bullets blazed out of the end of the gun tearing through the air and towards their targets. The vampire in the line of fire jumped and dodged to keep from being hit.
Behind him, Steven was in shock. Alec turned, pushing Steven, but continued firing at the five vampires that had attacked them. The vampires were between them and the front exit so Alec grabbed Steven and ran towards the back of the hotel. Alec briefly thought about forcing his way out the front but was afraid that Steven might get hit in their exodus.
The vampires had all flipped up in the air, off of walls or onto the floor to land in the nooks and crannies of the hotel lobby to avoid the flying missiles. Alec had the gun looped around his shoulder so he dropped it to swing freely. He grabbed the detonation switch he’d stuffed in his pocket, pressed the red button and flipped it to the ON position. Then he hurled the vest at the oncoming vampires, turned to run with Steven pushed in front of him and released the button.
A loud boom sounded behind the fleeing men and Alec felt the ground lurch and heat wash over his back. It brought back uncomfortable memories of the night he had been 'turned'. Steven headed towards the back of the hotel and the exit that would be located there. Alec grabbed his arm and stopped him.
"There will be cops back there. They might shoot first and ask questions later. Besides these vampires could tear through them easily. I don't want that on my conscious."
Instead Alec found a stairwell that led up and they entered. He looked around and found something that he could use, then closed the door and placed the metal bar in the handle of the door and easily bent the metal so that it prevented the door from opening. He knew it wouldn't hold but it might buy them some time. He and Steven quickly climbed the stairs and went up several levels. It was nothing to Alec but poor Steven was sweating and breathing heavy. Alec quietly opened the door to the fourth floor. He didn’t hear anything but he stuck his head out and checked to make sure. They quickly ran down the quiet, deserted hallway. Alec needed a way to get out of this building and to get to Marcus and Silas.
He wasn't sure what Marcus and Silas were doing at the moment but Alec hoped they were calling off their attackers or calling in reinforcements. Occasionally, Steven would turn to look at him oddly. He probably had a million questions but knew now was not the time to ask them.
Alec spotted a window that said FIRE ESCAPE and headed towards it. He quickly flipped the latch on the top, opened the window and let Steven pass through first. Then Alec climbed through, checked to make sure there was no pursuit and closed the window. He held the gun ready just in case he needed it but hoped he wouldn't. He scanned the ground for cops but thankfully there were none in sight. They were in some sort of alleyway with service trucks parked nearby and a security fence blocking the building behind it. Alec grabbed the sliding ladder, pushed it down and told Steven to climb.
Steven was having trouble with his backpack swinging around so Alec took it from him. He unzipped it and stuffed the gun inside. He probably should have ditched it but was afraid they might need it again. Alec had never done anything like this in his life. A part of him felt really guilty for destroying someone else's property but he hadn't really had a choice at the time. Steven climbed down the rungs of the ladder as quickly as he could from level to level. Alec scanned the hallway one more time for pursuit and then jumped to the ground.
As Steven was climbing, he saw Alec hurtle towards the ground and almost yelled in fright. Alec landed on his feet and motioned for Steven to hurry. He looked up but there was no one on the small landing they had just vacated. Steven finally reached the ground and Alec tried to get the ladder back in place as quietly as possible. The vampires would probably still hear it, but he didn't want to attract the attention of any passers-by or the police.
The two young men quickly made their way down the small alley between the hotel and the security fence, Alec scanning ahead for cops and behind for the vampires pursuing them. The two of them stopped before they reached the street.
“Here, put these in your pockets in case you need them,” Alec said handing Steven the silver crosses he had pulled off of Victor’s body. Steven stuffed them in his front pocket.
"Get rid of the tactical vest too."
Steven didn't like the idea of removing his sole source of protection but realized it was necessary. Underneath he had on a black Under Armor t-shirt that clung to his body from his sweat. He felt exposed. Most of the time he wore loose baggy clothes to hide his body. He didn't like the way he looked. Alec quickly took his vest off as well. When he pulled it up over his head, the T-shirt he was wearing came with it part of the way and he had to pull it back down. The cold breeze on his exposed skin gave him goose bumps.
Alec thought about making his way through the alleyway beside the hotel to the front of the building but there was a brick wall between this building and the one beside it, cutting them off. Not a good place to be stuck if they were ambushed. Instead he decided that they should circumvent the buildings and come out on the other side a street or two away from the feds and Silas. They peered around the corner to see if anyone was coming and then quickly exited the alleyway. Had they lost the vampires? They should have been in pursuit but Alec didn't see them. Not that he was complaining or that it was a bad thing they weren't pursuing, but it made him nervous.
The Devil sends his regards. So much for incognito. Who was the Devil? Why was he after Alec? Why in the world had he sent five vampires after him? Alec briefly considered ditching Steven. He could move faster without him and maybe Steven would be safe. Well, as safe as someone could be in a situation like this, he guessed. But Steven seemed to know some things about the Senator and his son, and the vampires. And what sort of files had he and Victor found on the Senator’s computer? Something unusual was going on and he knew that Marcus and Silas would want to know. Maybe they'd get their answers from Chris, the arrogant little shit.
The two men had been lucky so far and hadn't run into anyone. Alec assumed the police barricade had cleared out everyone and hadn't let people back through yet. He wasn't sure how they were going to get through that one. He thought about it and decided once they reached the barricade he'd have Steven wait in the shadows. Then he'd approach the cops, tell them who he was and he'd wait for Silas and Marcus to pick them up. Surely they would know what to do.
Alec outlined his plan to Steven who looked reluctant but considering the alternatives agreed that was their best option. Finally, Alec saw blue lights flashing, lighting up an area ahead. He peered carefully around a corner and saw several cop cars were blocking the roadway and five or six cops monitoring the area. Alec found a place for Steven to hide and then carefully stepped around the corner with his hands up in the air.
Instantly a spot light was turned on, blinding him and lighting up the surrounding area. Several male voices started yelling orders at once. He walked
a little further and then a deep male voice yelled, "Get on the ground." This phrase was yelled multiple times so he did as requested. Several cops rushed over, pinned him down roughly and cuffed his hands behind his back. He was bodily picked up by two offers and led over to the cars.
"What's your name?" one of the officers, a black man with a small mustache asked while searching his pockets.
"Alec Carson."
"No ID," the officer said to another.
"Listen, I need you to call for Silas Montgomery or Marcus Roma. They are with the FBI right now. They can vouch for me."
Both cops looked doubtful. The others were surveying they area for anyone else in the area, shining the bright spot light back and forth. Alec hadn't really thought about them searching the area. The remaining cops drew their flashlights and walked towards the area where Alec had come from. Damn! They were going to find Steven.
"Contact the FBI officers dealing with the hostage problem in front of the hotel. They will tell you, I'm with them." Alec tried to sound calm and authoritative instead of panicky, like he felt. He heard the cops yelling and realized they had found Steven.
The cops seemed more interested in what was going on with Steven than listening to him. They both had hands on their weapons ready to draw if necessary.
The cops came back around the corner with Steven in tow with his hands cuffed behind his back. They were carrying his backpack as well. Alec wasn't sure if they'd gone through it yet or not. He knew he should have dropped that damn gun.
"Just let the FBI know that you are with Alec Carson." Damn he thought, the FBI thought his name was Michael.
"Tell them you have Michael, the one that was negotiating for the hostages. They will come get me."
The black cop squinted at Alec. "Who's Michael?"
Alec sighed. "It's a long story but it's me."
"But you said your name was Alec Carson…which is it?" The black cop was starting to get suspicious. Great, just what Alec needed.
"My name is Alec Carson, but the FBI knows me as Michael, like the archangel.”
The cop rolled his eyes. "Do they now? And you were negotiating on the behalf of the FBI as the archangel Michael?” he asked sarcastically. “Makes perfect sense, right guys?” The cop scoffed.
“Look, I know how this sounds, but I promise if you’ll just get ahold of them and ask for Silas Montgomery everything will be cleared up.”
One of the other officers opened Steven's backpack and said, "Uh, you need to check this out, Sarge." The cop searching the backpack was wearing a pair of disposable gloves. He carefully pulled out the semi-automatic gun to show it to the other officer. The black officer looked back at Alec.
"You need to come with us to the station. We have a few questions."
"Sir listen," Alec was almost frantic now. "Get on the radio and let the FBI know I'm here. Ask for Silas or Marcus."
The cop just said, "Let's go,” and pulled Alec by the arm towards his car. Alec jerked loose from him.
"You don't understand. I need to talk to Marcus or Silas." Alec was almost yelling now trying to get the cops to listen to him.
"You guys are in danger." The cop had his hand on his weapon now. He opened his mouth to say something when suddenly the end of a blade appeared through his throat, spraying blood all over his uniform. The cop’s eyes were wide with fear and pain and then he slumped to the ground.
Alec snapped the handcuffs easily and dodged the sword swing aimed at his chest. He jumped to the top of the police car and then dodged again as the blade bit into the roof where he'd been standing. Alec kicked out with his right foot catching the vampire in the jaw and flipping him backwards away from the police car. One of the other cops pulled his gun and opened fire at Alec, who jumped straight backwards and landed in a roll on the ground to avoid more bullets.
Alec saw one of the black-clothed vampires stalking a female police officer that was firing shots and shouting orders into her police radio. The vampire dodged the bullets easily. The female police officer was frantic and crying. She wasn’t sure what was going on. Before the vampire could get any closer, Alec kicked the police car sideways to take the vampire down.
The police cruisers tires squealed in protest as the car hurtled sideways towards its intended victim. With an easy jump the vampire cleared the car and quickly closed the distance on the cop, crushing her throat with one hand.
Alec looked around and jumped straight over one of the cops that was attempting to shoot a vampire and landed beside Steven who was huddled on the ground whimpering. Alec turned him to get to his cuffs and ripped them open and threw them aside. He grabbed Steven's backpack, pulled Steven off the ground and shoved him towards the safety of the street. Alec turned to help the cops but quickly realized that they were all dead or dying.
"Come on," he said and pushed Steven ahead of him away from the carnage and chaos. He knew though that the cops hadn’t stood a chance. The vampires had mowed right through them. More blood was on his hands. Shit.
Steven and Alec ran blindly through the dark streets not caring which direction they were going as long as it was away from death and destruction. Alec stopped to listen several times but didn't hear any sounds of pursuit. They saw several passing cars but no one paid them much attention. Alec thought about flagging one down but was afraid of what would happen if the vampires attacked again. He didn’t want to see any more innocents killed.
"Gimme your wallet," a rough voice said from an alleyway causing both young men to jump. Two mean, greasy looking men stepped around the corner. One had a knife open and was cleaning his nails with it. The other had a gun tucked into the waistband of his jeans. Both of them looked like they hadn't bathed in several days. Alec could tell by the smell it had been longer.
Alec just shook his head. "Go away. I don't have a wallet." He was too tired for this.
The other man peered at Steven. "Whatcha got in that backpack?" Steven had his arms wrapped around the pack clutching it to his chest like a life preserver.
"Let's take a look see, shall we?" the first man asked and reached for the backpack. Alec's hand shot out and grabbed the man hand. He started squeezing.
"Look dude," he said getting in the man's face. "I've had one hell of a night. You and your buddy need to walk away now before you both get hurt." This close Alec could smell the cigarette smoke and liquor on the man's breath.
The man with the knife rushed at Alec. Without batting an eyelash Alec tilted and kicked the man square in the chest, slamming him several feet backwards and into a wall. Alec hadn't meant to kick him that hard, but he was accustomed to fighting vampires not humans. Besides, he had warned both of the men.
The other guy went for the gun in the waist of his jeans. Alec was still twisting and squeezing his hand. He easily grabbed the other to prevent him from pulling the gun out.
"Seriously?" he asked the man staring at him. The man brought his knee up to hit Alec in the groin but Alec turned effortlessly and avoided it. Having had enough, Alec let go of the man's hands and hit him in the chest with the palm of his hand. The thug flew through the air and slammed against the wall and slid down to lay groaning beside his cohort. Alec just shook his head and he and Steven walked away.
Alec heard the gun behind him cock and turned to find the thug back on his feet with his gun pointed at Alec. Clutching his chest, the man smiled nastily and pulled the trigger. Steven threw himself to the side and huddled on the ground. Alec easily dodged the flying projectile and started walking towards the man with the gun. The thug’s eyes grew round with surprise and he started squeezing the trigger over and over. Alec dodged the bullets easily, moving his head and body out of the line of the flying projectiles. He cleared the distance between himself and the thug, looked at the man through narrowed eyes and punched him squarely in the face. The man crumpled to the ground, unconscious this time. So much for not letting anyone know where he and Steven were.
Alec h
ad no clue what was going on. All he knew was that he was in a strange city, surrounded by strange people, and walking with a witness that was wanted by the police and FBI. Hell for all he knew he might be wanted as well. He had no clue where he was going or where he should go. He looked at the sky and realized that it would be daylight soon. They would be a little safer then. They would just have to avoid the cops instead of cops and vampires. Nice.
Steven looked dead on his feet. He had wilted quickly in the last thirty minutes or so. They hadn't done any talking simply because they'd been doing too much running and hiding. Thankfully it would be daylight soon and they could find a place to hole up and rest for a few hours and try to figure out a plan. Steven stumbled and nearly fell, but Alec put out a steadying hand. He nodded his thanks.
Alec had been looking around for an empty or derelict building they could rest in. Hopefully, they wouldn’t have to fight with an old wino for the spot. He found what he was looking for and crossed the street, Steven following slowly behind him. The doors and windows of the place were boarded up but that didn't present a problem for Alec. He easily tore the boards away, wincing at the sound of nails being ripped out of wood. He opened the door, stepped in to check it out and then motioned Steven in. He checked behind him to make sure no one was watching and closed the door. There was an old heavy desk sitting there so Alec moved it in front of the door. No one would get in without them knowing it.
Steven dropped his pack on the ground and then slid down the wall to the floor. He looked exhausted. Alec kept peeking out the window to see if there was anyone out there.
"Is this it for the night?" Steven asked. "If I need to I can take more meds and I'll be up and ready to go in no time." He laid his head back.
"What are you talking about?"
Steven opened his backpack and pulled out a pill bottle and shook it at Alec.
Shadow Born: Book 1 of the Shadow-Borne Chronicles Page 20