Once he was deep enough in the trees, Thomas stopped and looked around. How was this supposed to work anyway? Lawrence had said Thomas needed to grease up the pistons, but that was no better than nonsense, and the older vampire had never explained himself.
Against the growing darkness from the oncoming storm, his hands looked like spiders hanging in their webs. He clenched his hands into fists, trying to feel the difference in his strength. It was no good. Without a way to compare what he could do now to what he could do before, he might as well have been running in place.
A boulder lay a few feet away, and Thomas stomped through the undergrowth to stand next to it. It was a decent size, bigger than what he could have hoped to lift while he was human, but small enough he didn’t think trying to move it would be outside of his abilities as a vampire.
Thomas cracked his knuckles and stretched his shoulders. He wasn’t entirely sure what purpose that served, but he’d seen Nelson and Sean doing similar stretches the few times they’d dragged him to the gym. Thomas smiled smugly. He was stronger than both of them now, and all it’d cost him was his humanity—something he was convinced the gym did, too.
Squatting low, Thomas gripped the boulder tightly and began to pull.
He grunted and strained, but the boulder didn’t budge.
So much for being strong. It was good Sean and Nelson hadn’t witnessed his attempt. Thomas furrowed his brow and considered the boulder in front of him. He was doing something wrong. Although he wanted to forget what had happened at the hospital, Thomas tried to analytically remember how it felt when he’d upset the crash cart and pushed Dr. West. All he could think of was he hadn’t felt human. Maybe that was it.
Thomas focused on the inhuman part of him that lurked around his mind. When he tried to grasp it securely, it slipped away. Full of determination, Thomas backed the animal side of his mind into a corner of his thoughts and pounced.
The change was immediate, as if he’d flipped a switch.
The moment Thomas focused on that other part of himself, a surge of strength flowed through him. His arms bulged and with a generous spray of dirt, and he tore the boulder from the ground, easily lifting it over his head. Looking up at it in all of its exposed glory, he would have hazarded a guess the boulder weighed nearly as much as he did. Yet it felt so light in his grasp.
Laughing in wild triumph, Thomas tossed the boulder to one side, where it embedded in the ground with a dull, heavy thud.
Brushing the dirt from his hands, Thomas smirked as he considered what else he should try. Deep thunder rumbled, the storm almost here. In his excitement for testing his abilities, he’d forgotten his desire to stay dry for his first shift at work.
He already knew he could run faster than ever before, but he wasn’t sure how fast he could run.
Bending down to make sure his shoes were tied, Thomas took a sprinter’s crouch, breathing in and out. The other times he’d run, his enhanced speed had taken time to work into. Now that he knew how to tap into his strength, he could probably access his speed immediately. With a slow exhale, he pushed off from the ground, lunging forward in a full sprint.
Wind and branches whipped his face as he tore through the trees along the stream. He pushed harder, following the trees into a deeper section of woods preserved from becoming a housing development to protect wildlife. Obstacles that should have slowed his progress melted away in front of him, no match for his strength and agility. The speed was almost overwhelming, and Thomas was unbalanced as he pumped his legs. It was the fastest he’d ever gone on his own.
It was like being on a bike barreling down a hill. It was exhilarating, but some part of his mind warned him he shouldn’t be moving this fast.
As he gained more momentum, Thomas’ foot snagged a thick root.
He launched face first in an uncontrollable tumble as his foot ripped the root from the ground, showering dirt all around him. He hit the ground and rolled until he slammed into a tree.
“Ow,” Thomas grunted once the world had stopped spinning around him, and he staggered to his feet.
Thomas checked himself all over. Moist dirt clung to his clothes, which were covered in small tears. A few shallow scratches were scattered over his chest and arms. He’d survived almost unscathed.
“Unbelievable.”
Thomas turned his hands over, feeling a little emboldened by the fact he’d recovered from a fall that, last week, would have put him in the hospital with broken bones and numerous lacerations.
He felt invincible.
Thomas scanned his surroundings, looking for something else to test his new abilities. He wanted to push more limits of his power.
Behind him, the underbrush rustled.
Thomas’ entire body locked up automatically in response, his sense of invulnerability wearing off in a heartbeat. Surely there were animals living in the forest here. He’d left the security of the maintained park with only birds, squirrels, and the occasional small animal that wandered from the woods. Lawrence had explained vampire bodies were built to take on human prey in direct confrontation. But would his superior strength and speed help him against a larger animal?
The rustling grew louder, accompanied by snapping twigs.
Thomas backed away, trying to see through the net of branches. A breeze brushed past him, carrying a scent that made the hairs on Thomas’ neck stand on end.
It was a primal scent, a mixture of human and animal. Thomas didn’t recognize it, but his curse did. A deep-rooted, instinctual fear awoke inside of him, chilling him to the bone.
A sound like thunder rumbled through the air, rattling in his head. Thomas’ eyes bulged. It wasn’t thunder. It was a growl. Thomas reacted on pure instinct.
Thomas spun around and sprinted through the trees. This time he didn’t need to search for his inhuman speed. Fear and instinct took hold and he ran faster than before, helping him with his footing. He forced his way through brush and branches, none of them posing a threat to his enhanced strength.
Unfortunately, whatever had been approaching through the brush wasn’t impressed. It snarled behind him, keeping up with his unnatural pace.
Lightning flashed as the storm finally broke, a torrent of frigid rain pouring through the canopy of trees like a breaking dam.
Thomas strained his vision. Again, his fear allowed him easy access to his abilities. Ahead to his left, there was a pathway with a concrete platform and a steel grate. A drainage port.
Thomas veered left, making a beeline for the drain. The thing following him changed course as well, its breath remaining steady. He couldn’t tell if it was human, animal, or supernatural, although it probably wasn’t human. Hopefully it was so focused on him it wasn’t watching its surroundings.
He sprang forward, clearing the drain with ease and hitting the muddy ground on the other side. He barely kept his feet as he slid forward. Behind him, an agonized howl accompanied booming thunder. The beast was caught in the grate.
Thomas didn’t wait around to see how hurt it was or if its injuries would prevent it from pursuing him. He ran, breaking out of the trees a few feet from the drain. He didn’t stop.
Thomas kept running until he was several blocks into the city in the middle of a parking lot by a neighborhood grocery store. By this time, the rain had begun to lessen. Thomas stumbled to a halt, but not because he felt safer. He’d finally discovered the limits of his fortitude.
Bending over double, Thomas drew in gasping breaths. His sides stung with each inhale. This was what he was used to feeling like when he ran.
It was a few minutes before he could move again, and his hands shook uncontrollably while he waited. When he could, Thomas took a moment to get his bearings, wondering how close he was to a subway station. Then he set off, checking behind him every few steps.
As he reached the edge of the parking lot, he passed a yellow patch of light from a street lamp. On the other side, a subtle movement caught his eye. Thomas froze. His luck had been hor
rible lately, and he wasn’t going to take any chances.
“That was some impressive speed,” a low voice called through the rain.
Shock surged through him. He’d been seen. Glancing around, Thomas charted escape routes in his mind. If he could get to the Red Lightning Pub, he would probably be in the clear.
“Don’t be scared, boy,” the man said as he stepped into the circle of light. “I don’t mean any harm.”
The man was tall and muscular with silver-gray hair that made him look older than what his physique suggested. His well-tailored suit accentuated his shoulders and a blue ascot. Rather than looking approachable, the man’s immaculate dress was unnerving.
An intimidating, polished walking stick hung in his hands. At first glance, it looked to be made more for fashion than function. The grain of the wood shone in the pale light, and the overall aesthetic was almost enough to distract from the bottom of the cane, which had been filed to a wickedly sharp point.
“C-can I help you?” Thomas asked, his voice muffled behind the scarf.
“You want to be careful this time of month,” the man said, ignoring Thomas’ question. “The full moon is approaching. The werewolves are on the prowl. But from the looks of it, you already know all about that.”
Thomas swallowed nervously. This man knew about the supernatural creatures in the city. Was he one of them?
“I’m not sure what you—”
“You were running from something. The only thing vampires need to worry about in these parts are werewolves, but never mind that. I haven’t seen you around before. Are you new in town? Or perhaps a fledgling?”
The man sauntered toward Thomas, his cane clicking on the pavement. Thomas had a hard time looking away from the man’s eyes. They were familiar to him, but he couldn’t place why.
“Do you know me?” Thomas asked, stepping back as the man stepped forward.
“Not yet, but I’m always on the lookout for talented people like yourself.”
Catching up to Thomas, the man extended his hand politely. Thomas hesitated for a moment then clasped hands and shook. After they broke apart, Thomas was holding a glossy business card.
ERNEST DRESSLER
Thomas looked up at the man called Ernest, observing him suspiciously. “How did you know I was a vampire?”
“Humans can’t run like that, boy,” Ernest said with an icy smile. “Besides, when you get to be about my age, you start to recognize the face of the curse. You must be young. I keep a pretty close eye on the vampires that come and go in this city, but I haven’t heard a word about you.”
Ernest was walking again. He circled Thomas, looking him up and down. Thomas flinched every time he heard the cane strike the asphalt. His predatory instincts flared as his fear intensified.
“A fledgling shouldn’t be alone like this. You might end up in trouble.”
“I’m doing fine, thanks,” Thomas said coldly, turning to face Ernest and backing up a few steps.
For a moment, Thomas thought he could see anger in Ernest’s eyes, but then the man shrugged.
“I didn’t mean to say you weren’t capable. I’m just worried about you, little brother,” he said, smiling again. His fangs slowly extended beyond his lips.
“I’m not your brother.”
“Under our curse, we’re all family,” Ernest said. “But I admit I’m wondering how a young vampire like you has been surviving without help for so long. Without blood, you should be half crazy by now.”
Thomas opened his mouth to answer, but instinct held him back. Ernest. The name sounded familiar, but from where? His mind reeled to find the answer. Lawrence had mentioned the name the first day they met. He’d said something about the vampire who bit Thomas returning to Ernest and the blood junkies, whoever those were. This man was trouble. Thomas wasn’t sure why or how, but he was trouble all the same. The less Ernest knew, the safer Thomas would be.
“I have my sources.”
Pleasure gleamed in Ernest’s eyes, and for the first time that night, his smile looked genuine.
“We all do, boy,” he purred. “The source surrounds us. But not everyone has the courage to do what’s necessary. You seem smart, though, smarter than a lot of our kin in this city. If you ever need any help, you can find the address on that card there. I’d welcome you to our flock in a heartbeat.”
Thomas felt ill. This man thought he’d attacked someone for their blood.
“No, I’m not—I didn’t—”
He stopped short when he saw the dangerous look on Ernest’s face. Thomas realized why this man’s eyes looked familiar. Ernest’s eyes had the same menacing look as the man who’d attacked Thomas a few nights back.
“I’m not sure I’m looking for a flock quite yet,” Thomas amended. “But I’ll keep you in mind once I am.”
Ernest’s smile was back. “Perfect,” he said and began to walk away. “I’ll be looking forward to your call, boy. Some big changes are about to happen in the city, so I’m sure you’ll want to be careful you aren’t falling in with the wrong crowd.”
Thomas gripped the business card until it bent in two. He could feel the fibers in the paper beginning to peel apart. Ernest’s cane continued to click as he walked across the parking lot and down a side street half a block away.
Not until he released his breath did Thomas realize he hadn’t been breathing. All of his muscles were as tight as a wire—he had to consciously tell himself to relax his grip so he didn’t destroy the card. Once he did, Thomas read the bold font.
ERNEST DRESSLER
Proprietor of the Sanguine King Casino
196 Renfield Lane
555-6557
Thomas started tearing the card but paused as the rip reached the center of the card. He’d only been with Ernest for a moment, but the man’s sinister expressions and warnings made him nervous. What did he mean by “big changes” in Colesbrooke? If anyone could shed some light on the encounter, it was probably Lawrence. He’d mentioned Ernest and the blood junkies before, so maybe he’d be willing to share more information.
Speaking of Lawrence, Thomas glanced at the lamp post. It was getting late, although he didn’t know how late. He should have enough time to swing home for a change of clothes before work.
Thomas swore under his breath and pocketed the business card. He had more questions to ask.
◆◆◆
“When I gave you the rest of last night off, I thought you’d put some shine in your shoes, kid. Didn’t I lend you an umbrella? Or is this what is passing as fashionable nowadays?”
Despite his change of clothes, Thomas was soaked to the bone and flecked with mud as he walked up to the counter. Instead of replying, he collapsed into a seat.
Lawrence grimaced.
In some distant corner of his mind, Thomas knew he should be as dissatisfied with his appearance as Lawrence was, especially since there were a few early patrons. But the guests had gathered around the stage, sipping drinks as a young college kid played jazz on a saxophone. No one spared a second glance for the ragged new employee who was lost in his thoughts.
Lawrence muttered under his breath and pulled the jug of red lightning out from underneath the counter. Instead of pouring out a glass, he slid the entire jug over to Thomas.
Thomas hastily tore the lid from the jug and raised his head back, guzzling the fiery liquid as quickly as he could.
“Whoa. Take it easy, kid. I know it’s good, but you don’t wanna get spifflicated so soon. You’re supposed to be workin’ tonight, remember?” Lawrence said in a dry tone as blood spilled down Thomas’ face. “What’s eatin’ you?”
Dropping the jug, Thomas wiped his face with the back of his hand. He wasn’t sure if it was the alcohol or the blood, but he felt slow warmth spread through his body, replenishing the vitality he’d lost during his escape.
“You will not believe what just happened to me,” Thomas said. His thoughts were scattered as he tried to decide where he should start. “I met
the scariest thing I’ve ever seen.”
Lawrence watched him with a blank expression then busted out laughing.
“Oh. Did you go to the park? On tonight of all nights? That’s rich, kid. That’s a keeper. I swear, you’ve gotta be the unluckiest fledgling I’ve ever met,” Lawrence said, shaking with laughter as he slammed his hand on the counter. “The woods are werewolf territory, kid. The full moon is a few nights comin’.”
Thomas was confused. What was Lawrence talking about? He was trying to talk about Ernest, but the older vampire was rambling on about the park. As his mind caught up with his mouth, Thomas remembered his encounter in the woods. Lawrence’s intuition was uncanny. Was it a werewolf? But that wasn’t the issue right now.
“Don’t be callous, Lawrence.” A feminine voice came from behind Thomas.
A pale, slender woman dressed in jeans and a cotton blouse took a seat next to Thomas. Lawrence, having finally gotten his laughter out of his system, shook his head.
“Ah, horsefeathers, Vivian. I’m just givin’ the kid a hard time. But can you blame me for havin’ a laugh? I tell this kid to go clean up nice for his first day behind the counter and what does he go and do? Wanders right into real monster territory,” Lawrence chuckled. As he spoke, he got out a wine bottle and glass, pouring a drink and setting it in front of the newcomer.
The woman reached for the wine glass and gave a small nod of thanks to Lawrence before swirling the liquid around, making sure the blood and wine were thoroughly mixed. She sipped her drink as she turned and looked over at Thomas.
“If that’s true, you are lucky to be alive,” the woman, Vivian, informed Thomas gravely. She had a slight accent Thomas couldn’t quite place. “I’ve been around for quite a while, and there are only few of our kind who can say they’ve seen a werewolf so close to a full moon and lived to tell the tale. In fact, I’d say you’re the first fledgling I’ve ever heard of who could claim such a thing.”
Thomas was distracted momentarily by a flash of pride. He’d done something most fledglings couldn’t claim, had he? How was that for being clumsy? Then he remembered what he was supposed to be telling them.
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