The Complete Vampire Project Series: (Books 1 - 5)

by Jonathan Yanez

  “Thank you, Abigail.” Sloan took a step toward the door. “Shall we?”

  “Of course.”

  Abigail motioned for the group to follow her as they exited the small, simple house and walked next door to a much larger, more extravagant building. Sloan was surprised she hadn’t noticed the gigantic house when they were walking to Elijah’s home. By comparison, the estate they were being shown to was a mansion.

  Abigail opened a small fence for them and the group walked past a lush garden and followed grey stone steps to the large oak door.

  “No one lives here?” Aareth asked, looking up into the dark windows covering the second story of the building.

  “No.” Abigail opened the door and led them inside. “This house used to belong to our mayor. When he was attacked and passed away, no one moved in.”

  “We’re staying in a dead guy’s house?” Jack asked.

  “Yeah.” Abigail looked at him and frowned. “I guess when you put it that way, it isn’t really that nice.”

  “Oh, no.” Jack fumbled again. “I mean, it is really nice, I just wasn’t expecting that answer.”

  “The rooms are located upstairs. Let me know if you need anything. I’ll be right next door getting dinner ready. When you’re done settling in, just come over and we can eat.”

  Aareth was already lost wandering the house.

  “Thank you, Abigail,” Sloan said to the young girl. “This house will be fine.”

  Abigail smiled and left the travelers to settle in. As soon as she was gone, Sloan watched as Marcus turned to say something to his son.

  “Don’t say a word,” Jack scolded his father.

  “What? I wasn’t going to say anything… besides, you should be more careful about falling out of chairs. We haven’t even started tracking the animal yet.”

  Sloan had her own warning for Jack, but it could wait. For now, she busied herself in exploring their new quarters.

  The house was extravagant and what immediately struck Sloan was how expensive creating a house like this must have been. From the hand-carved statues that were placed carefully around the house to the stone fireplace and library, Sloan could tell the Mayor of Burrow Den had been doing very well for himself before his untimely demise.

  Sloan made her way up to the second floor made up mostly of bedrooms and washrooms. She chose her own room, a small, simple space that reminded her of the many foster homes she had lived in growing up. Aareth chose a similar space, leaving the master bedroom and one other that faced the Ahab house.

  Sloan wasn’t surprised in the least when Jack chose the room overlooking Abigail’s house. Sure, he might have left the master bedroom for his father out of respect, but it didn’t seem like he minded.

  “I had a feeling you’d take this room.” Sloan stepped into the doorway.

  Jack jumped and whirled around.

  “Listen,” Sloan said, hating the way she sounded in her own ears. The last thing she wanted to do was come across like a scolding sister. “I know you’re an adult, so I’m going to treat you like one. We’re emissaries of the Queen and here to do a job. That’s it. No fraternizing with the locals or flirting with the town girls.”

  “I wasn’t going to do anything like that.” Jack’s face turned red for the second time that day.

  “I didn’t think you would. I’m just making sure, Romeo.”

  “Charlotte,” Aareth’s voice could be heard from somewhere down the hall, “leave the kid alone. Come on, let’s go eat dinner.”

  Sloan bristled at the mention of her first name. “I’m going to kill him before this is all over.”

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Jack

  Dinner was a simple affair of mixed vegetables, warm biscuits, and honey-glazed chicken. Elijah was still absent from the house, but this didn’t seem to bother Abigail as she entertained her guests.

  Jack admired how comfortable she was talking to them as strangers and how she took it upon herself to make sure they were cared for. The way her eyes twinkled when she smiled and the soft layer of freckles around her cheeks just added to her overall attractiveness.

  “I hope you all are comfortable staying next door. If there’s anything that’s not in the house, just let me know and I’m sure I can get it for you.”

  “Thank you, Abigail, that’s very nice of you. I think we’re fine at the moment. If we do need anything, we’ll be sure to let you know.” Sloan dabbed at the corner of her lips with her napkin.

  “How is it that no one has moved into the mayor’s house?” Marcus asked as he finished his plate. “It seems like it’s one of the biggest and nicest homes in the town.”

  “It’s, well,” Abigail looked down at her plate and took a long breath, “complicated.”

  “How so?”

  “When the mayor and other people started being attacked, the entire city was looking for an answer. Citizens of Burrow Den were beginning to blame each other and things were reaching a boiling point. My father calmed them by introducing the idea that maybe the animal was sent to confront those who held worldly possessions in too high a regard.”

  “You sound like a politician.” Sloan’s aggressive tone caught everyone off guard. “You’re saying your father told everyone a god sent an animal to attack the rich.”

  Abigail cleared her throat uncomfortably and Jack knew he had to step in before Sloan tore her apart.

  “Maybe we should ask Elijah ourselves,” Jack said.

  Sloan only nodded.

  Jack caught Abigail looking at him and the small smile she gave him was all the thanks he needed.

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Jack

  That night as Jack got ready for bed in the deceased mayor’s house, he couldn’t help thinking about Abigail and what she had said. Her explanation about how her father handled the attacks seemed forced. Jack could tell she wanted to steer clear from the subject, but she hadn’t.

  Jack tossed and turned in his bed as the moon rose high in the night sky. Minutes turned into hours and still he couldn’t sleep. His body was exhausted, but his mind wouldn’t turn off. There was something strange going on in the town of Burrow Den. Something that went far beyond simple animal attacks.

  It was while Jack was considering the possibility of Sloan actually killing Aareth for calling her by her first name that he heard the first yell.

  It wasn’t loud, but he knew to hear it from the second floor and through his closed window, it had to be a yell.

  Jack turned onto his stomach and pushed aside the curtains that half concealed his view outside. It was a clear night and he had a perfect angle of the town of Burrow Den below. The house he was staying in was one of only a few that stood two stories tall. He didn’t have to search far for the noise that caused him to look outside. It was coming from Abigail’s house.

  Jack listened intently, holding his breath as he heard more shouts. He could tell they were yells coming from an argument and not cries of help by the tone used. Abigail was yelling something and Elijah was shouting back. After a few minutes, Abigail stormed out of the back of the house and slammed the door behind her. A few seconds later, Elijah’s tall frame appeared, leaving out the front door. Jack watched until the tall man’s fleeting shadow was lost in the darkness.

  She stood in her backyard, clenching her hands and practically shaking. Jack was sure he hadn’t seen anyone that angry in a very long time, even Sloan. He watched as Abigail put her hands on top of her head and paced back and forth.

  Jack realized he had no business interfering. He knew Sloan had warned him about meddling with locals; still, he couldn’t help himself. More than he knew, he already cared about Abigail, and if there was anything he could do to show her kindness, he was going to do it.

  Quietly, he made his way from his room, down the staircase, and out the front door. It was warm, so he didn’t bother with his jacket. He took his wand belt, just in case.

  There was a small path that ran between the two h
ouses with a white picket fence separating the properties. Jack could see Abigail on the other side of the fence. Her arms were wrapped around herself as she stared into the darkness opposite Jack.

  Jack kicked himself for not already knowing what to say. He was standing ten yards away from her, but nothing resembling a smooth icebreaker was coming to mind.

  “Hey, are you okay?”

  “Oh, Jack.” Abigail turned around quickly, wiping her eyes on her white blouse. “You scared me.”

  “Sorry.”

  “No, it’s fine. Are you okay? Did you need anything?”

  Jack was taken aback and impressed by her again. She was clearly upset to the point of tears; still, when she saw him, she was asking if there was anything he needed.

  “I’m okay. What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing, it’s silly.” Abigail cleared her throat and laughed. “I’m sorry if I woke you.”

  “No, I was already out for a walk,” Jack lied. “Tell me what’s bothering you.”

  “Do you ever feel like you’re being torn in two different directions?” Abigail took a long breath and stared into Jack’s brown eyes. “Like two versions of you are fighting inside?”

  “You mean there’s this person that people want or expect you to be and then there’s another voice in your head telling you there’s another way.” Jack knew exactly what she meant.

  “Exactly.” Abigail stood quiet for a second and just stared at Jack.

  “My father is a great man and I love him, but he sees the world so black and white.” Jack looked up into the clear night sky. “He always makes the right decision, no matter what the consequences. I don’t know if I can do that.”

  “Your father is really nice, Jack. You’re lucky. I can tell how much he loves you just by the way he looks at you. My father… is a bit different.”

  Jack hesitated, not wanting to push her into a conversation that made her uncomfortable. Instead, he took a few steps forward and let his hands rest on the white picket fence that stood between them. Abigail smiled at him again and also took a few steps toward him, closing the distance.

  “My father has nothing but the purest intentions, but he sometimes lacks common sense,” Abigail went on to explain. “When my mother left us, my sister and I were only kids. I can’t blame my father much, but he didn’t have the slightest idea how to care for two girls. I’ve grown up taking care of them both in a way.”

  “That sounds like a lot of work. I can’t imagine being thrust into a situation like that.”

  “It has its up and downs. It’s just that everything has become more complicated now with the attacks on the town.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Abigail stopped herself and looked deep into Jack’s eyes. She stared at him, on the verge of opening her mouth and revealing a secret. Jack could tell by her expression how badly she wanted to say something. Instead she cleared her throat and lowered her head.

  “I’m sorry, it’s late and I should really be going to bed.”

  “Okay, if you ever need someone to talk to, I’m a good listener.”

  “Thanks, Jack.” Abigail gave him a knowing grin. “I’m glad you were randomly out for a stroll at one o’clock in the morning and stopped to talk to me.”

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Jack

  The next morning Jack, Marcus, Sloan, and Aareth walked over to the Ahab house to find a note on the door that read:

  Dear Guests,

  I’m sorry I can’t personally be here to welcome you this morning, but I need to go and take care of my sister. Food is ready for you on the table as well as a list my father compiled of who the creature has attacked, people who have seen the beast, and where the last attack took place.

  Be safe,

  Abigail

  Aareth opened the door slowly, almost as if he expected an ambush. When he didn’t see anything, he walked inside and took a seat at the table. “Does anyone else get a weird feeling from this family?”

  “There’s definitely something else going on here beside animal attacks.” Sloan voiced what they were all thinking. “Today, we’ll find out what.”

  Breakfast was a modest meal of eggs, bacon, and fruit. Abigail had already set the table for them neatly with folded napkins at each place setting and an arrangement of flowers as the centerpiece.

  Jack brought himself back to reality as his mind drifted to Abigail and the conversation he’d had with her the previous night.

  “Jack, are you listening?”

  “Ummm… yeah, Dad, sorry. What did you say?”

  “Why don’t we let Sloan and Aareth talk to the eyewitnesses and check out the last murder scene. You and I can take a walk in the woods surrounding the town and see what we can find. Sound like a plan?”

  Jack nodded, once more aware of his surroundings. Sloan hunched over the list Elijah compiled, Aareth turned the combination of gears on his electric gauntlets, and Marcus was just finishing his meal.

  “Okay, Marcus, Jack. I know I don’t have to tell you to be careful, but I feel like I should anyway.” Sloan looked up from the paper. “We’ll meet back here for dinner, say six o’clock. Keep your eyes open. There’s a long list of deceased city members here. We can be sure of one thing already; this thing knows how to kill.”

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Sloan

  “Can I see that list?”

  “Sure.” Sloan handed the list of names to Aareth.

  Aareth took the paper as the two continued to walk down the town’s main dirt road. There were thirty-two names on the list of deceased town folk and only three on the side that had been compiled of eyewitnesses.

  Sloan waved to a few of the town’s people who passed at varying intervals and smiled back. The sun was warm. Sloan was eager to get to the bottom of the killings and complete her mission. She had a good feeling about the day but couldn’t help but notice the frown on Aareth’s face.

  “What is it? Did you find something?”

  “There are so many attacks in the course of just over two months. We need so much more information than this piece of paper is going to tell us. Who knows if this list is even accurate.”

  “You think the preacher is lying, don’t you?” Sloan slowed her pace and raised an eyebrow.

  “Maybe not exactly lying, but—maybe withholding information.”

  “I got the same feeling.”

  “We need to go someplace where we can get the truth, someplace where we know they’ll talk to us without a filter.”

  “Where’s that?”

  “A bar.”

  “We’re here to work.” Sloan scowled as she looked on Aareth’s grin. “Not to get drunk.”

  “Excuse me, sir.” Aareth was already ignoring her as he flagged down an older gentleman who pushed a wheel barrow in both of his strong arms. “Where can we get a drink around here?”

  “A little early to be drinking, son,” The man cocked his head to the side and looked up at Aareth. “Even if there was someplace to get a drink at nowadays.”

  “You mean there’s no bar or saloon in the entire city?”

  “Used to be.” The man lowered the wheelbarrow and wiped sweat from his forehead. “We used to have quite a few, but they got shut down when their owners and operators died.”

  “All of them died?” Sloan asked. “From the animal attacks?”

  “That they did.” The man rocked back and forth on his feet as he nodded. “Well, I guess if you’re hurting for a drink that bad, you still might be able to find one inside The Corner Saloon. That was the last bar to close. It just shut down last week. It’s down this road another block and to the left. Don’t let Preacher Ahab find you there. He’s not a big supporter of the drinking business.”

  “We won’t.” Aareth extended a hand. “Thanks for the information.”

  “No problem, anything I can do to help.” The man shook Aareth’s hand in return.

  Sloan and Aareth turned from wheelbarrow-rolling citizen a
nd headed in the direction he pointed out.

  “What are the odds of all the places to get alcohol being targeted?” Sloan asked as her boots kicked up miniature dirt clouds.

  “Not to mention the mayor and the police officers and sheriff in this city,” Aareth continued her thought.

  “This is starting to look less and less random. It sounds like coordinated attacks.”

  “How is the animal targeting certain people and not others?”

  “I don’t know, Inspector Emerson. You tell me.”

  Aareth took a deep breath. “This is getting more and more confusing by the minute.”

  “Agreed. Looks like we’re here.” Sloan pointed to a single-story wooden building. The wood structure sported a large sign that read The Corner Saloon above its swinging double doors.

  “Ladies first.”

  “Such a gentleman.” Sloan stepped onto a creaky wooden porch and entered the dark building. The saloon was one large room with tables and chairs thrown every which way like a tornado touched down inside the building. Near the back of the room was a long bar.

  Behind and on top of the bar, glass was scattered everywhere. The stench of spilled alcohol and blood filled Sloan’s nostrils and made her cough. Gore marks and spatters could still be seen around the floor, walls, and even ceiling.

  “Wow.” Aareth coughed past the smell. “Wheelbarrow guy didn’t tell us we’d be walking into a war ground.”

  Sloan forced herself to move into the room and made her way to the bar. They were alone besides the stench of the building that met them at every turn.

  “Well, so much for finding someone willing to talk to us.” Sloan fixated on a particularly large red mark on the back wall.

  Sloan was still looking around the room, when they both heard something crash behind the bar. Sloan jumped back, and in one quick motion, drew her sword. Without even thinking, she flipped the switch that heated the blade.