Surrender

by Cassandre Dayne

  “Why?”

  “I’m the only one who can keep you safe and alive.” Turning toward her, he advanced and cupped her face. “But hear me, I have little I can do to mask where you are from two of the most powerful vampires that have been created. While stories you’ve heard lead you to believe I’m the King, my powers have grown weak from non-use. If you disobey me, I’ll kill you myself. Do you understand?”

  Felicity nodded. “You’ll protect my boy?”

  “With my life.”

  Brushing her finger across his cheek, she smiled. “I believe you. Aleks, I want you to know something. No matter what you think, I’ve cared for you. Yes, I was told to get into business with you and to get into your bed so that I could find out things before…well, anyway and I followed orders because of what I thought was love and then to protect Dimitri but I never wanted you hurt and I’ve cared for you deeply. When we made love, it was me there with you, not my job.”

  Aleks sighed. “Whether that’s true or not, you don’t know what harm you’ve placed yourself in.”

  “Aleksandr, for my son I would do anything. I only wish he belonged to you.”

  Aleksandr inhaled deeply as he looked at the mist in her eyes and thought of Sasha and his unborn child. He’d loved her more than anything and when she was taken, he’d almost died of a broken heart until Durac brought him to his knees, turning his broken body into the monster he was today. So many years he’d been furious and now, he had no choice with what he needed to do. Tilting her neck, he plunged his fangs deep into her vein and prayed that he could actually protect her.

  ***

  Gazing out the window into the late afternoon sun, Logan Mitchell sighed, growing wearier by the minute. The time was drawing near to finish what he’d started. Taking a sip of bourbon, he shook his head. His need to feed was growing. At least the bait had been taken. His master would be happy. Chuckling, he wondered how Aleksandr would handle the most bizarre request. While he knew what was at stake for the others, his main concern was taking down the one man, the single vampire who had ruined his life. Sniffing, he was at least grateful he had stumbled upon the vampire. Forging a bond had been the best decision of his life, or his death. So many promises made and none kept and the man that had been his lover was going to face his wrath finally. For some reason toying with the Russian and destroying everything he’d worked to achieve was a powerful aphrodisiac. Then the vampire would come to him begging for forgiveness.

  “Sir, the boy is here as you requested.”

  He turned to stare at the human and smiled. At least he had several loyal subjects but then the master, one cold-hearted fuck, had taught him. “Very good. Is he secured?”

  “He is sir…he…I’ll leave you now.”

  Noticing the minion’s hesitation, Logan glided closer, studying his eyes. There was no way for humans to hide anything and while his powers continued to grow, he was certain that this scrumptious little man was completely in his maze. At least his powers prevented the worthless piece of flesh from being detected. “Tell me. You seem perplexed. Is there something wrong? Do you believe that my choices have been incorrect?”

  “No! No…sir. It’s just that…” Looking away, the human bit his lip.

  There was no doubt the man was nervous. “Speak freely.” Curling his lip, he knew that his prowess was formidable and while he didn’t need any little humans telling the tale, this one had already proven his loyalty. Perhaps he would be allowed to live. Then again, it wasn’t completely his decision at least yet.

  “The cop is tenacious.”

  “Yes and he’s been much more fun to play with than I anticipated. Had I known the joy of what he was going to bring to my game, I would have elongated the situation.” In truth, he had no choice. Decisions had been made for him about who and when to kill. Yes, he’d been taught during the first kill how to brutalize a man and it had been incredible entertainment. At least the kills that he’d completed were delicious. It had been a shame his master hadn’t allowed him to finish what he’d started.

  “He’s also getting close to Aleksandr.”

  Logan walked closer, studying the human. Was he playing both ends perhaps? “I’m well aware of that. What are you getting at?”

  “Won’t the detective be under Aleksandr’s protection now that they’re both aware the paintings were sold and others commissioned?”

  “Perhaps.” There was no doubt in his mind that Alexsandr would protect Jax Steele. From what he’d seen already the attraction was growing and curiously so. For some reason his master was hedging at telling him every part of what they were trying to accomplish. And Jax Steele was somehow smack in the middle of it. He fully suspected that Alexsandr would use him as he saw fit. Hmmm… “I can see you have some thoughts. What do you think I should do?”

  Surprised, the human opened his eyes wide. “I…”

  “Please. You’ve proven yourself to be most helpful. I would enjoy hearing your thoughts.” Swirling his drink, Logan smiled as the ache in his body grew. The scent of the boy and his new toy was strong. =

  “The cop will figure it out. He’s been grilling everyone and it’s just a matter of time. If he teams with Aleksandr then you realize what could happen?” The human eyed him cautiously, a nervous tick floating across his mouth.

  “You believe Aleksandr can best me?” Slamming down his glass, he narrowed his eyes.

  “I…I believe he has the upper hand if he works with Jax Steele.”

  Hissing, he knew the minion the right but challenging his strength was not something he tolerated. “And what would you have me do?”

  The human scuttled backward. “I only want the best for you. You know that!”

  Logan closed his eyes and held back his rage, sensing the other vampire was close. “Very well. Talk.”

  “The detective has a weak point.”

  “What do you mean a weakness?” =

  “Someone close to him.”

  Logan sighed. The detective wasn’t his target, merely a delicious morsel to look at and while the good detective may have to be a part of the casualties, his life or death wasn’t the main course. “I don’t care about the detective and you’re well aware of that.”

  “He’s growing important,” the human said, trembling.

  It was an interesting choice of words. “What do you know?”

  “There’s news on the street of another presence.”

  Narrowing his eyes, Logan cocked his head. “What do you know, human?”

  “I’m surprised you haven’t felt the creature.” Swallowing hard, the human wiped the back of his mouth with his hand. =

  In two seconds he had the minion by the throat. Slamming him against a wall, he lifted the thin human off his feet. Hissing, he spewed venom as his fangs elongated. “What’ve you heard?”

  Wrapping his hand around the vampire’s hand, he gasped and clawed. “I…pu-lease…”

  Dropping the human like a rock, he snarled and closed his eyes. He was well aware it wasn’t the time to lose his cool. There was still too much to do. “Talk or die.”

  “There…there’s talk about…about another va-vampire in the city.”

  “How do you know?”

  Coughing, the human rubbed is throat and lowered his eyes. “I followed Aleksandr as you asked. He was with a woman.”

  Waving his hand Logan shook his head. “Yes, I’m well aware of his taste for the woman, the club owner.” While he knew intimately about the Goth community and their beliefs in the old ways of the ancient families, the majority of information was incorrect. He’d heard the truth from the wisest of vampires and while he was certain many were true, the human was only talking about fear of the unknown. “You bring me nothing. Get out. It’s time for me to feed and you better be glad you aren’t on the menu tonight. I’ve grown very angry.”

  “You don’t understand. This woman, this club owner belongs to another.”

  Logan turned his murderous gaze to the minion, wo
ndering how he was able to tolerate being one for so long. He had watched Aleksandr for months with the luscious creature. He had followed them. Logan knew every lover and every aspect of Aleks’ life. Aleks would know if the woman was betraying him. “Another? And you truly believe that Aleksandr wouldn’t know? Little human, if you believe that a powerful vampire such as Aleksandr wouldn’t know, you have much to learn.”

  “You know of the war between the families?”

  “Yes. What are you implying?” His partner was certainly a wonderful taleteller and had spoken the family and the traditions. Granted, Logan was no fool and knew his partner and master had ulterior motives but he was happy enough to gain power a little at a time. The little minion certainly didn’t need to know of Logan’s powerful connections. Plying the man with money had been enough so far.

  “Some say their end or the beginning is coming to a head and that Aleksandr will have to make a choice or many will die. Some say that Aleksandr has grown weak by being away from the families for so long. The time of their Fade is upon them and if the right pieces aren’t put in place, then there will be casualties.”

  Rolling his eyes, Logan grabbed his drink, swirling the mahogany liquid before taking a large swig. “Riddles and stories of old, not proven.”

  “I saw him and I...heard some things. You may not believe but many of us do. The power is all around us. You must feel it.”

  “It’s not important what I feel. Tell me what you know.”

  As the minion told a rather tall tale, the vampire hissed. It was an interesting fact that his partner had found him and encouraged him to help, to aid in what the master vampire had called the beginning of the end. There was no trust in the land of the dead. Logan had baited his time in hiding for almost six months, hungering to take down Aleksandr, living in squalor as his skill improved. Shunned by everyone he had known, he had lived in the darkness only taking what he needed, planning and waiting for the right moment. Even his parents thought him a monster. Now it was time to take everything that he deserved. “Where is Felicity now?” The lovely club owner might be an even better bargaining chip.

  “Under protective custody because of an attack.”

  “And your thoughts on our detective?” Logan smiled at the human. There were so many things he didn’t know. An attack, eh? Then someone else was in the game. He developed a thought. Maybe having Felicity by his side would draw Aleks’ attention. “Our good detective’s weakness, what is it?”

  “A human who’s close to him.”

  Pulsing a finger across his mouth, he formulated another plan. “I have an idea but first I must feed.” Taking the boy had been a requirement from his master. The others had been his choice. Hmm…

  “What do you want me to do with the boy when you’re done?” The human asked quietly.

  This kill meant little else but adding a body and allowing a full feed and yet it would continue to draw attention, or so he thought. “Drop the remains off on our detective’s front lawn.” Chuckling, he loved his wicked idea. While the city screamed, he would slip in for the last kill.

  Turning to leave, the human stopped short. “I forgot to tell you. Do you know what Dragarn Dumas means?”

  Narrowing his eyes Logan smiled. “The end of the tale. Yes. I know what it means. How do you know this term?” The story told of a stormy night of passion, it remained as a poignant reminder of a history of the ancient vampires and something that Aleksandr fought to remove himself from. The story told in anger, little did he know that the story of the families and the symbols of their legacy could become so important.

  “The boy was mumbling the words saying he had to get back to his master. Knowing what I know about the families, I thought the phrase might mean something.”

  A flash of understanding passed within Logan. The minion might be right. If his instincts were correct, it meant that the two families were indeed in the same location. What would the Jicard’s give to have control of something so precious? “You’ve done well. I’ll find out what I need from the boy before I feed. Take care of our detective’s weakness. Be very quiet about what you do. If you do what I ask, I’ll give you a breath of life and forever.”

  His eyes opening wide, the human smiled.

  Logan walked toward the window and watched the minion stroll toward his car and thought about the past thirty days. His greed and blood lust had allowed him to enter into a partnership with promises he’d hungered for. Was he nothing more than a pawn? Did the boy hold some key and if he did, what did he know? He thought about the night he’d been approached, barely months before. The vampire had coerced him into a drink and then more, finally seducing him not only with his body but also with the promise of power. Snarling, he resisted pitching his glass across the room. What did I get myself into?

  Inhaling, Logan sensed him. “Aren’t you risking our plan by being here?”

  “Our plan? Please. You are nothing in this and it seems you couldn’t follow my guidelines. Trashing Aleksandr’s car and the woman’s apartment was stupid and you should be punished.”

  “What would you know of stupid? You act like this is nothing but a huge game.”

  “It’s what I want it to be,” the man snarled. “You’re an ungrateful prick.”

  “Why wouldn’t I be? Seems you’ve been lying to me.”

  The vampire snarled. “You take that tone with me? After all I’ve done for you?”

  Logan whipped around to face the creature and hissed. “Done for me? What, ply me with drink and seduce me?”

  “What would you call this lovely condo, brother?”

  Logan shook his head. It had all been about blood money. “I was a bloody fool to think you simply wanted to help me get to Aleksandr. I was fucking stupid. You’ve had ulterior motives all along and I was simply your pawn and I suspect I’m your fall guy, right?”

  “Meaning?”

  “Meaning, tell me, brother, what is Dragarn Dumas? You told me many stories of the family and needs. Is this something important you left out?” Logan curled his lip easily able to tell that he’d caught the vampire off guard. “Ah, I was right. This has little to do with besting Aleksandr. This has everything to do with something that you need. Doesn’t it?”

  Narrowing his eyes, he moved toward Logan as he elongated his canines. As his words came in scattered whispers, he closed the distance. “It has everything to do with Aleksandr Vasiliev. In your pathetic little world, all you care about is exacting revenge.”

  “So you’ve toyed with me.”

  “I’ve allowed you your freedom. Don’t vex me or you’ll end up dead. This is far more important than you realize. Yes, I needed someone that knew the city and you’re convenient and there are things I can’t and won’t tell you. You know nothing of my world. You were taken and stripped of humanity and what did you do? You took to the streets like a common whore.”

  “What the hell was I supposed to do?”

  “My understanding is you left your maker and not the other way around.”

  Logan hissed. “You have no idea what I endured. I didn’t ask to become a monster. I lost everything.”

  Leaning forward, the vampire hissed and pointed a finger. “You knew what Aleksandr was from the moment you became his lover. Don’t preach to me, boy. You got what you deserved.”

  Logan longed to retort but knew he would be killed just as the others were.

  “Yes, you understand. The end of the world for humans may just be in the beginning stages. Tell me, brother do you want more bloodshed on your hands?”

  Logan could easily tell he was treading on thin ice but he needed to know. There was another piece of the puzzle that wasn’t fitting. Clucking, he walked around the man that had indeed pulled him out of the dregs of hell and inhaled. “You smell of death and hunger.”

  “I smell of need. What do you know of Dragarn Dumas? It’s vital I know.”

  “May I venture a guess?”

  Laughing, the vampire swirled in Logan
’s direction. “You always have amused me.”

  “The Jicard family is interested in taking over and the amulet in question is within reach. The power to hold the throne?” Logan could tell by his actions he was correct. “Ah. I’m right. Well then soon we’ll take Aleksandr down and you can have all you’ve desired.”

  “You are not to touch Aleksandr.”

  Stunned, Logan inched back and stared at the vampire. While he was well aware the man could easily strike him down, rage built in his system. “You know exactly why I want him dead!”

  Lifting Logan’s chin with a single finger he leaned in and pressed his lips across Logan’s. “You’ll get all that you want. Have I ever denied you?”

  Shuddering, Logan hated the control the vampire had over him. “No, but I don’t understand.” Palming his chest Logan pushed his lover back.

  “I assure you this is all about taking down Aleksandr but there are some things you don’t know and I’m not able to tell you. However, you will have a prize.”

  Moving away from the monster’s grip, Logan eyed his haunted look. “What do you want?”

  “Jax Steele.”

  Narrowing his eyes, he was more than curious. “Isn’t he simply a cause and effect of the kills?”

  Smiling, the vampire eased back and folded his arms. “There are many things at work here, dear boy. Everything was calculated carefully for this moment in time. Jax Steele is more important than you know.”