Dark Salvation (7 page)

Alyssa cringed. “That’s horrible.”

“She would know, too,” Nicholas scoffed. “Damn near died from a wound like that.”

Curiosity widened Kitara’s brown eyes. “So, it does work?”

“That’s a discussion for a later time, sweetheart. What else did the guy tell you?”

“That was it. You killed him before I could get anything else out of him.”

Before he could think of a response, a sound outside caught his attention. The tell-tale clip-clop, the sound of his second least favorite vampire approaching, soured his mood. Ian was home. The front door opened, sending a rush of cold air inside.

“Well, hello there.” Ian’s eyes instantly locked on Kitara.

A quiet growl rolled up Nicholas’s throat. He glared at the crippled vampire.

Ian’s clothes were wet under his coat. He reeked of rum and soda. That lightened Nicholas’s mood immensely. It appeared the playboy had struck out for the night.

Kitara’s guarded stance melted away when she spotted Ian’s prosthetic limbs as he pulled off his coat and scarf. She gasped. “Oh, dear. Do you need any help?”

“Thank you. No. I am more than capable.” Ian smiled cheerily despite his haggard appearance. “I haven’t met you before. Give me a moment and I’ll give you a proper greeting.”

“That won’t be necessary, Ian.” Nicholas suddenly felt the need to place himself between Ian and Kitara.

“Ian? That’s your name?” Kitara stood and shoved past Nicholas, holding out her hand to greet him. “Are you a vampire too?”

“Oh, goody. She knows about us. That makes life easy.” Ian flashed her a brilliant toothy grin and offered her his good hand to shake. “You heard correctly. Care for a bite?”

Kitara recoiled and Nicholas could barely contain his laughter.

“Just playing. Or am I?” Ian laughed and gave her a playful wink. “Just one bite and I guarantee you’ll beg for more.”

“Enough Ian, she’s here as my guest.” Nicholas’s tone was icy. She wasn’t his, but he was not about to stand by and watch Ian put moves on her.

“Really?” Ian responded with skepticism and muffled laughter. “I would have never assumed. You…of all people…brought a girl home?”

“Oh. It’s not like that.” Kitara backed away slowly as if she didn’t want to be seen next to Nicholas.

The way she said that had Nicholas questioning her meaning.

“It’s never like
that
,” Ian added with a floppy wave of his hand. “We often wonder about him.”

“It’s okay. I’ve got plenty of gay friends.” Kitara said.

Nicholas crossed his arms and shook his head. His tone remained dangerously cold. “Attacking my manhood is lame, even for you, Ian. But I guess you have to work any angle you can, considering you’re half a man.”

Ian puffed out his chest. “Half a man who’s still getting more action than you.”

“By the looks of you, not tonight.”

“Really, guys?” Alyssa broke in. “Pull it out, measure it, and be done with it.” She turned to Kitara. “Looks like you have a fan club.”

“So, he’s not… gay?” Kitara whispered to Alyssa.

Nicholas gritted his teeth, and held back his angry retort.

“He’s damaged goods,” Ian answered.

“He’s heartbroken,” Alyssa added.

“He doesn’t need any of your pity. You can all shut the hell up,” Nicholas said. “We have much more pressing concerns to deal with than my personal relationships.”

“Or lack thereof,” Ian quipped. 

Lysander cleared his throat and tossed another log onto the fire. “Why don’t we settle in and discuss the church. I’d like to go have a look at it myself.”

That brought everyone back on point.

Kitara pinched the bridge of her nose. She shouldn’t have tried to block Nicholas. The after- effects of using her mental abilities were coming back to bite her. She hoped that it wouldn’t become a full-blown migraine. That was the last thing she needed, to be laid low in a house full of vampires. Headache or no, she was annoyed that she’d been left behind at the house while the rest of the vampires, except Ian, went back to the church.

“They should have let me go with them.”

“They’re only looking out for your safety.”

Ian’s look was sympathetic, but it had no effect on her. He’d been just as bad, arguing for her to stay behind while the rest of them took off to inspect the church.

“Bullshit. I don’t care what they said. They just don’t want me getting in the way. I don’t need a babysitter, Ian.” She paced up and down the length of the parlor, wearing a track into the hardwood floor.

“Don’t call it that. You’ll spoil the mood.” Ian patted the spot next to him on the couch. “I’ve been told I’m excellent company.”

The others had been gone less than ten minutes, and even with her headache threatening to turn migraine, she was feeling cabin fever. “Whatever. I don’t like being cooped up here. I should be out there, with them, looking for Jeremy.”

“Let me ask you something. What happens if you do find Jeremy, and he doesn’t see reason… does a poor crippled vampire like me stand a chance?”

A giggle that couldn’t be suppressed bubbled up from her chest. Try as she might, it was really hard to be angry around Ian. His personality was something else. Cocky, but in such a playful way you couldn’t take him too seriously. “You’re terrible, you know that?”

“Satisfaction guaranteed, or your money back.” Ian waggled an eyebrow at her. “Haven’t had a complaint yet.”

“You’re something else, Ian.” She shook her head, then set herself down heavily on the couch. “So, how did it happen?” She pointed to his prosthetic body parts in an effort to shift the conversation. “Tell me a fantastic story to take my mind off of things.”

“Careful now, dearie, you’re starting to sound as sullen as my roommates.”

“They are a serious bunch, aren’t they?

“Yes, they are. But, being on this side of things, I understand why. Until recently I had never dealt with the Saints. Our local werewolf pack keeps things pretty safe. My roommates, on the other hand, have fought one too many battles these last few months. But honestly, they all need to lighten up. What’s the point of having eternity if you can’t enjoy it a little?”

“Exactly! They should lighten up… and let other people help them too.”

“Well, now… I wouldn’t go that far. I agree that you need to stay behind, and not just because I’d like a shot at you. You’re too close to a Saint. That Jeremy guy. Your judgment is compromised, and that could get you killed.”

“Now who’s sounding too serious?”

“In all seriousness…” He unstrapped his prosthetic arm and lifted his stump up, for her to get a good look. “I lost my limbs to the Saints. And I’m a big tough vampire.” Ian replaced his prosthesis after Kitara had taken a good look. “See now, you’re a cute little witch.”

“Pagan.”

“Whatever. You’re still cute. And the Saints are not good people. If they can do this to me, imagine what they would do to you.”

“So I keep hearing.”

“Then why hold your heart for one who has converted… when you can take the low road with me?”

“You really don’t give up, do you?”

He held up his good hand giving her a salute. “Not until my dying breath.”

“So, do you get stuck babysitting often since you’re … injured?”

“No.” He puffed his chest out. “I have other, more creative talents.”

“Like?... wait, don’t say it—”

“I do recon for the clan.”

She was shocked to get a real answer from him. And that answer gave her a perfect idea of how she could still contribute even if she had to be locked away like some damsel in distress.

“Recon work, eh? I’ve got a proposal for you, if you’re interested.”

Mischief glinted in his pale blue eyes. “Does it involve you, me, and a hot tub?”

“Close.” She shot him an impish little grin. “It involves you… and my camera.”

“And what would I be photographing?” His eyes traveled the length of her body. She shivered under his eager and predatory gaze.

“The church yard and anything else suspicious in the surrounding areas.”

He let out a disappointed sigh, but it was short-lived. That cheery, infectious smile quickly returned. “Not as enticing, but I might be interested.”

“I can’t go anywhere. I’ve already got a target on my back, but you…”

“Are brave and noble, handsome, an excellent kisser, I know. Go on. You flatter too much.”

Laughter bubbled up her throat. She liked Ian. His playful attitude had such a disarming quality. She’d almost forgotten he was a vampire, he seemed just like “one of the guys” she’d drink with back home – a horn-dog in spirit, but completely harmless. “Exactly. Which is why you’ll brave the cold and go do some recon work with this.” Kitara pulled out her favorite camera: a Nikon 18-megapixel Digital SLR camera. It was the backbone of her business and went just about everywhere with her.

“Nice!” Ian looked appropriately impressed. “I’ve got a point-and-click myself. It takes good pictures, but this is a beautiful piece of equipment.”

“Take good care of it. That’s the bread and butter of my business.”

“You shoot for a living?”

“Yeah, why? You got a wedding you need me to cover?”

“I might. If only you would say yes.” He leaned in and rested his head on her shoulder.

He really was one of the guys. “Maybe in another lifetime… if you bring me back some good shots. Deal?”

For a cripple, he moved pretty darn quick. Ian was up and already heading for the door. “Take good care of my baby,” Kitara called after him.

“If anyone comes home before I do, just tell them I had to step out for a bite.”

She smiled sarcastically. “I didn’t say you could stop for a snack.”

“Oooh, slave driver… I like that.” He winked. “But seriously, let me take the fall for leaving you without a babysitter. You don’t want to be on the receiving end of one of Lysander’s lectures.” He smirked at her.

“Aww, such a gentlemanly thing to do.”

“I try. Don’t wait up…”

***

Nicholas flipped up his collar against the cold breeze. It wasn’t snowing now, thankfully, but the chill in the air bit his skin. He checked his watch. 3 a.m. Daylight would come soon. He didn’t like leaving Kitara with Ian, but they’d had no other choice. He didn’t expect to see a fight, but time was short. He needed to get in and out quickly. They needed to be unencumbered, and Ian, though still fast for a cripple, was too much of a liability. And Kitara wouldn’t stay home by herself. Get in, get out, and get home, fast. That was the plan.

The old church yard came into view. Black windows gave no indication of inhabitants inside, but there were some peculiar tracks in the snow. Large ones. Fresh enough that they could have been from this very evening. And based on the amount of them, they belonged to more than one person. Nicholas picked up the bitter tang of body odor and the cloying scent of cheap cologne as well. These people were either completely oblivious, or ignorant to the fact that their prey was also hunting them. The Saints’ operation had suffered greatly when they stopped using vampires to hunt vampires. Their weapons might be better, but the soldiers wielding them were among the most clueless he’d ever seen. Still, though, excitement played across Nicholas’s stony face. There was hope for some action this evening.

“You seeing what I’m seeing?” he called to his companions.

“We’ve got company,” Lysander replied, but his voice did not hold the same excitement as Nicholas’.

“What’s the plan?” Reckless Alyssa could always be counted on to jump right into a battle.

“I’ll cover this entrance.” Nicholas pointed to the doorway nearest him. “Lysander, you and Alyssa take the main doors.” The prospect of a little action had his heart jumping with anticipation and his fangs itching to sink into hot flesh. “If things turn south, rendezvous back at the house. Are we clear?”

With a nod of assent, the hunting party broke ranks, heading for their assigned entry point. Nicholas crept up the concrete stairs to the south entrance of the old abandoned church. He reached the door and paused to see if he could pick up any more scent clues. Cold and snow gave the air a crispness that burned his nose, but still he picked up the subtle smell of humans. Sweat, skin, and blood were faint, but they were there. The door, he noticed, had been used. The lack of snow dusting its old brassy handle told him it had been recent, too.

He put his ear to the cold wood and listened.

Nothing.

Stealthy and silent as a cat, he pulled the door open and then shut it behind him. As much as he wanted to come face to face with a Saint, he’d rather it be on his terms, and that meant not making any unnecessary sounds. Human though they were, they still had some very lethal weapons. Caught by surprise, he might end up crippled like Ian for the next few centuries.

Inside, the scents of the human inhabitants was stronger. He picked up one definite… possibly two close.

Nicholas’s fangs tingled, and his body hummed with energy. This was what he’d been waiting for – a real sign of the Saints’ return. He crept down the narrow hallway, following the thick cloying scent of cologne. Male, that was for sure. But then, most of the Saints were male. Females were usually not stupid enough to be swayed into their ranks. Which was perfectly fine by Nicholas. He’d dispatch a woman if he absolutely had to, but he’d rather not.

Old death, a rank stench that only vampires and wolves had the ability to smell, accompanied the cheap scent of cologne. They must be on the lower levels, near the crypts.

After the last battle, the clan had worked to clear out the repository, reclaiming the supernatural artifacts for themselves, but the crypts had been left alone. No reason to disturb the dead; but perhaps they should have if the Saints were still interested in them.

“Where the hell are we supposed to be looking?” Nicholas overheard. The speaker had a high voice for a man, one that sounded as if age had not had the chance to deepen it. Those bastards got younger and younger each year. Soon, he’d be fighting toddlers. That infuriated Nicholas more than words could say. Corrupt a man, one capable of making their own decisions, sure, but kids? The Acta Sanctorum went too far. The youth of this generation already lacked maturity as it was – Alyssa was proof of that, and she’d been
technically
adult when she was turned. At her tender age of twenty-five, she was still more child than he’d been at twenty. A sad statement for modern humanity.

“I don’t know. Could be anywhere,” another male voice replied. This one at least sounded adult. 

What could they be after?
Nicholas paused to eavesdrop.

“Father Richard said it was here. He said those creatures were guarding it.”

“Well, Father Richard should have been more specific. We’ve been here for hours, and I don’t see anything. I say we call it a night.”

“We can’t leave yet. Newbie-boy is still poking around in the crypts.”

“I can’t believe you sent him down there alone.”

“He’s a big boy. He can handle things. Why don’t you have one last look here in the rectory, and then we can call it a day, okay?”

Nicholas stepped up to the doorframe, still listening as the men rummaged around inside the adjacent room. What could they be after? He was certain they’d stripped every last supernatural remnant from the building.

“You can look. I’m done. We’ve been here for hours and haven’t found a scrap. Those vamps cleaned house pretty well. I’m sending the boss a text and getting the hell out of here before a vamp comes up in here for a snack.”

Fear. Nicholas loved that sound. He watched the shadow of the man inch closer to the door where he stood, waiting.

“You locked and loaded?”

“Yeah.”

“Then quit worrying about vamps. You got protection.”

That last bit made Nicholas pause.
Protection?
He let the word roll around in his mind. What were the Saints up to? And what kind of protection did those two terrible excuses for soldiers have? The Acta Sanctorum’s arsenal included many new types if incendiary weapons, as well as some new chemical concoctions that caused all kinds of havoc on a vampire’s ability to heal. He’d need to be careful with his attack. Take both out together, so that one did not get the chance to use his
protection
.

“I’m still not keen to hang around this place waiting to run into one.” The younger man’s voice cracked with fear. Nicholas almost felt sorry for him. He was probably too young to know what he’d signed up for when he joined the Saints, and that mistake would be his last.

“Quit your bitchin’, man! How else are you going to earn your fangs? I’ve got two pair on my tags already.”