VAMPIRE MAN (The Librarian's Vampire Assistant Book 6) Page 10

  “Now what?” I snap.

  “She helped put things in perspective. This world is filled with bad people, too, but I never let that stop me from living. Why should I see vampires any different?”

  Uh, because a vast majority are bloodthirsty fiends and one of them has put a target on your nipple—I mean back? “That is absolutely correct, Brandi. Nothing to be scared of. After all, what are vampires but people with immortality?” And superhuman strength and speed with a bottomless hunger.

  “I’m really glad you brought me tonight. Thank you. This is just what I needed.” Brandi slides her hand on my thigh.

  I won’t lie, it feels good. A little too good. I slide her hand away.

  “Oh, I’m so sorry.” Her cheeks flush red.

  I’ve made her feel bad, which displeases me. Especially because I am trying to do the right thing for once. I respect Brandi and do not wish to mislead her in any way. “Do not be sorry. It is just that, well, these are new pants, and you have cheese oil on your hands.”

  “I washed them after I ate. And you don’t need to make up lame excuses. I prefer honesty. I-I get that you’re…not…that you don’t like—never mind.”

  “Brandi, I find you very attractive. Make no mistake. However, you loathe vampires, and I must become one to survive. That creates two significant obstacles. One, you’re not in a position to turn me; and two, you will fear me the moment I return to my immortal state.”

  She gazes ahead through the windshield. “Yeah, maybe you’re right.”

  “I know I am.” I pause for a long moment. “You should stay away from me after I turn. Eventually, I betray everyone.”

  “Why?” she asks, an edge to her voice.

  “I do not know any other way. A leopard cannot change its spots.”

  “You’re an idiot,” she says firmly.

  “A human response. If you don’t understand something, you dismiss it.”

  “See. That’s what’s wrong with you. You’re a speciesist. You see everything as either human or vampire, when really you could be like Liza and define yourself. You can be whoever you want, Racker.”

  “What would you know, Brandi? You have lived less than a tenth of my years. I have survived the death of my parents, being enslaved, abused, and turned. I have lived through wars you’ve never heard of, and I’ve killed vampires a hundred times stronger to save people I care about.” I took down Michael Vanderhorst’s maker to save Miriam. Had I been a weak, touchy-feely pussy of a vampire, I would not have succeeded.

  “Is that why you saved me? Do you care?”

  “Well-that-that is not the point. I only meant…” I exhale. “I merely wanted to say that my callousness, even if it is appalling to some, specifically you, means that I am in a position to protect others when the ‘heroes’ will not because they won’t tarnish their good name.

  “Me? I do not care. I will gut, maim, dismember, or filet anyone if it means protecting what I value.”

  “So you value me,” Brandi says like an accusation.

  I don’t see the point she is attempting to get at. Yet, I realize that she’s cornered me. I cannot lie to her. “Yes, fine, I value you. Are you content now?”

  She smiles smugly. “I value you, too.”

  I am about to ask her why she’s pushing this topic when I spot Liza pulling up in front of us in a vintage red Porsche. It is a beauty. “Let’s go. And no more talking tonight. Not a peep. You are putting me in a bad mood.”

  “What if someone at the party says hi or asks me to dance?” she says with a spiteful tinge to her voice. “Would I be allowed to peep then? Or should I find a pen and paper for silent peeping? Or maybe you’ll peep for me?”

  I snarl at her. “If I were a vampire right now, I would punish that insolent mouth of yours.”

  “Such a big talker,” she throws back, not at all fazed by my growing irritation.

  “You-I—I swear, woman, you are begging for it.”

  “You wish.” Brandi points. “She’s leaving now. You’d better follow.”

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  We arrive at the golf resort perched high in the hills overlooking the Phoenix valley. Several cars are in front of us, being directed to parking spaces alongside what appears to be a banquet hall. The building has large windows on almost every side, allowing us a view of the party inside. People, people, more people. From our vantage point there’s a view of the sprawling city below—a blanket of lights stretching as far as the eye can see.

  “Wow,” says Brandi, “this looks fancy.”

  I agree. The people inside the venue are dressed to the nines in tuxes and gowns. “Good thing we dressed up tonight.”

  We park and exit the car. Liza walks over to meet us and has removed her peasant blouse. She is wearing a snug black dress that reaches mid-thigh. She must’ve had that on underneath.

  “You look stunning, Liza,” I say. Funny though, I have no urges to cover her in a shawl. Or parka, picnic blanket, or trash bag.

  I glance over at Brandi’s swelling cleavage and cringe. So. Much. Bosom… She really should put them away. What will the other males think of her? She is not a sex kitten. She is the marrying type. I should know because I am a sex kitten. And by kitten, I mean lion. Or maybe I’m more of a saber-toothed tiger?

  Screw it. I’m a pervert, a fucking animal in the sack. There is no creature in existence that represents my virility, and Brandi’s breasts are distracting me!

  Liza blushes, looking down at her dress. “Thank you. I don’t normally get all gussied up, but tonight is special.”

  “What sort of event is this?” Brandi asks.

  “It’s an awards thing for a charity I recently started working for. Really nice people. They already had the ceremony, though, so this is just the after-party.”

  “Sounds fun!” Brandi claps.

  “Yay…” I grumble under my breath. I am three hundred years old. After-parties are like tame brunches for vampires. I wonder why Liza would even bring us here. Then again, she has been off the grid for five hundred years. She’s probably starving for social situations.

  We take the sidewalk and enter the building. We’re immediately greeted by two lovely women in tuxedos handing out champagne.

  I thank them and go inside, instantly cocooned by flashing lights, the low pulsing beat of the music, and a vibe I cannot quite put my thumb on. Everyone’s dancing and laughing. People are drinking. But there’s a darkness here.

  “What sort of charity did you say this is?” I yell, speaking over the volume.

  Liza smiles. “VFC.”

  “I’ve never heard of it,” I say.

  “Vampires for Caring,” Liza says proudly.

  Oh no. How did I miss it? A room full of immortals! My stomach drops into my red socks. My secret is about to be revealed. I am Mr. Nice. Not a nice guy, like Liza believes.

  I look around the room. I do not recognize anyone. Not that Mr. Nice would have mingled with the do-gooder crowd.

  Liza continues, “Don’t worry, Brandi. This room is filled with nothing but good vampires.”

  “Really?” Brandi’s brown eyes light up.

  “No one here looks like a vampire. Why would that be?” I ask.

  Liza shrugs. “You’re human. You’re not supposed to notice they’re different.”

  “But I noticed you were,” I retort.

  “Ah!” She holds up her index finger. “That’s because I’m horrible when it comes to acting human. I’ve hardly spent any time with other vampires in over five hundred years. No way for me to learn.”

  I have lost my vampire-spotting mojo? This is not good. So is the fact that while I may not recognize anyone here, there is a strong possibility they might recognize me. I was and still am quite famous.

  I need to get out of here. Fast. But I do not want to alarm Liza. Think, think, think. What is a good excuse to leave?

  “Liza, I appreciate the invitation,” I say directly into her ear. “However, Brandi’s
cleavage is uncomfortable around vampires, and I think it’s best to leave.”

  Liza’s blonde brows shrug with confusion. “I wouldn’t have invited you if it were unsafe. Everyone here has taken a no-kill vow. Bagged blood only. And most who belong to the club are doctors, nurses, aid workers from all around the world. They’re all about saving lives, not taking them.”

  “This is great,” Brandi yells. “Who could’ve imagined?”

  Crap. She is not helping. I have to leave! On the other hand, no one has taken notice of me yet. And I do look quite different. Before I was overly thin and slightly sickly looking. Still handsome, of course. But I had not been in good health when Narcissismo turned me. Now, I look like I could be my svelte older brother. Tan, muscular, and much sexier. “I suppose I could stay for a little while.”

  “Stay as long as you like,” says Liza. “Oh, there’s Mandy, the president. I need to say hi. Be right back.”

  She leaves me standing at the back of the room next to Brandi, who looks completely at ease surrounded by hungry predators. On the other hand, it pleases me to see her overcoming her fear. No, it will do nothing to stop Julia, but I have already vowed to take care of that.

  “You look agitated,” Brandi says. “What’s up?”

  I notice a few vampire males checking her out. “I would be happier if you wore my jacket.”

  “You’re serious.”

  “We are in a den full of wolves. I don’t care what vows they’d taken. Vampires are vampires.”

  She rolls her eyes. “Fine. If it’ll keep you from snarling at everyone.” She holds out her hand.

  I remove my jacket and give it to her. She slides it on and rolls up the long sleeves. The hem nearly reaches her knees. “Better?”

  Not really. Now all I see is her cleavage in the opening of the blazer. “Let me go find a trash bag. You can wear it as a scarf.”

  “Stop it. Let’s dance,” Brandi says.

  “Dance?” Well, I do love to have fun. Mr. Nice was always up for a party and wild time. That was genuine.

  I offer my elbow, and we go up closer to the DJ in the front. Brandi is quite the mover. Hips, arms, lots of sexiness happening. I may have to cover her in dung to keep the men away. If only I knew where the nearest cow pasture was.

  I move closer to her so the hungry probing eyes in the room see she is with me. She continues moving her hips in a fast, but sensual rhythm. Suddenly I feel like a cobra, charmed by the music of her body. I am mesmerized by her slender neck and long legs. I am enchanted by her big soulful brown eyes and pouty little lips.

  Some techno-Latin tune comes on, and Brandi moves closer, nearly pressing her body to mine.

  I am about to warn her off—don’t want to impale the little woman—but she takes my hands and steps back, teasing me with her body. Close, then back again. Closer, then back again.

  She is a dance witch. And I am under her spell. I start matching her movements, and it is like our two bodies were meant to move as one.

  I am about to spin her, and she steps the wrong way. Our bodies collide, and she falls back. I stumble and land on top of her. Right on top.

  Ouff!

  I know everyone’s staring, but I’m caught up in the sensation of her soft frame beneath me. We lock eyes.

  I am not going to kiss her, but those red lips do look lonely. And what sort of self-declared fiend would I be if I did not take advantage of them?

  All right, maybe one kiss.

  “Um, you can get off me now, Racker,” Brandi grunts out her words.

  “My apologies.” I roll off and get to my feet before offering my hand to help her up. “I’m very sorry.”

  Her face is bright red, and everyone is still staring.

  I turn to the crowd. “Can you blame me for tripping her? How else can a guy like me have a shot at a woman like that?”

  Everyone laughs and goes on with their fun.

  Liza appears. “Are you two okay? I saw everyone looking and—”

  “My clumsy human feet.” I shrug.

  “I’m fine,” says Brandi, “but I think I’ll go find the ladies’ room and freshen up.”

  I flash an apologetic smile as she disappears toward the restrooms.

  “Shouldn’t you go with her?” I say to Liza.

  “She’ll be fine. This is a peaceful crowd.”

  I frown.

  “Dance?” says Liza.

  I am about to decline and go wait for Brandi, but it occurs to me that this is the chance I’ve been hoping for. “Actually, would you mind stepping outside for a moment? I have something important to talk to you about. It’s private.”

  “Oh. Okay. Sure.”

  We head toward the side exit onto a small patio area. Vampires do not smoke, so it is completely empty.

  The French doors close behind us. “Liza, I wanted to say how much I appreciate the effort you’ve made tonight to help Brandi.”

  “My pleasure. I like helping others—it’s my thing.”

  “I am glad you mentioned that because I have some news. Important news.”

  “Okay…?” Liza’s gaze grows tense.

  “A vampire friend of mine has informed me that they are in need of an ancient powerful vampire.”

  “For what? And who’s they?”

  “The vampires who are producing the cure. Rumor has it that the donor supplying the blood for the serum wants to be human again. But he can’t. It means someone would have to take his place. Also, for the cure to work on him, it would require the blood of a much stronger vampire. Otherwise, it won’t work.”

  “How did you hear about all this?” Liza narrows her blue eyes.

  “Like I said, through a vampire friend. I’ve been doing my homework, you know, because I want to become one. I figured it might be wise to ask a few questions about this cure—just in case I change my mind later on.”

  Liza makes circles with her hand, motioning for me to get on with it. “And you’re tell me all this because…?”

  “Because that vampire is you, Liza. You’re probably the only one in existence who could help the vampire who has been selflessly donating his blood for over five years.”

  “You mean the king. The king needs my help.” Liza’s lips go flat. I can tell she does not appreciate the wrench I’ve just thrown her way. I instantly start feeling as though this whole quest is a grand mistake.

  But why do I feel bad? I am simply doing what I always do. Surviving.

  “Liza, I am sorry. I should not have said anything.”

  “No.” She reaches out and squeezes my arm. “I appreciate that you told me. I would’ve been peeved if you hadn’t. I prefer to have the choice, yanno?”

  “Yes, but…I know you do not wish to remain a vampire.”

  “Look. It’s okay. I’m just…I was…crap!”

  “What? What is it?” I ask.

  She tilts her head toward the night sky. “I can’t believe this. It didn’t even cross my mind!”

  “What?”

  “The cure won’t work on me. I’m older than the king. My bloodline is purer too.” Her eyes tear.

  Dear gods. She is right. Even if she wanted to take the cure and become human again, it won’t work on her.

  Wow, I am getting my way, and I didn’t even have to lie and cheat for it? For once I feel like luck is on my side. Until I look over at Liza, who begins bawling. Her dreams have just been crushed. By me. Well, not by me, but I delivered the news.

  I pull her into my chest and hug her. “I am sorry, Liza. I wish—I wish I had not told you.” Because she would have found out eventually, and I wouldn’t have been the one to break her heart.

  “It’s fate. Fate has spoken. I’m going to stay this way forever.” She continues wailing into my shirt.

  “You do not know that.” I run my hand over her back.

  “I should have listened to you, Racker. You were trying to tell me all this before, but I didn’t want to listen. I got my head all stuck in the clouds,
filled with dreams like always.” She pulls back, sniffling. “Thank you for bringing me back down to earth. You’re a great friend. And I will grant your request.”

  “What request?”

  “For me to turn you.”

  “Huh?”

  “I think you will make an excellent vampire—we need more like you, vampires who care about others, who are willing to put themselves out there and tell the truth.”

  Now my eyes are tearing. She said yes! She said yes! And I did not have to seduce her or anything. I grab her and hold her again. “Thank you. Thank you.”

  “Liza? Racker?” Brandi’s soft voice comes from the direction of the doorway.

  I turn my head and release Liza.

  “What is…never mind.” Brandi turns and heads back inside.

  She thinks I have just lied to Liza—played her.

  “Come back. It’s not what you think.” I follow Brandi inside. The music is still pumping strong, and people are having a good time. “I didn’t lie, woman. I kept my word.”

  Brandi weaves through the crowd, moving too fast for me to catch up. “I did not seduce her!” I yell.

  Several vampires turn and look at me. One in particular catches my eye. It is Dr. Kleen, the royal physician.

  “Nice? What are you doing here?” Kleen says.

  Thankfully, the music is loud. Only a few people hear him. Unfortunately, they all know the name.

  “Nice?”

  “Ohmygod. It’s Nice.”

  “The Mr. Nice?”

  “What’s he doing here?”

  The chatter starts to spread like wildfire, jumping from one set of vampire ears to another.

  “Racker?”

  I turn my head to find Liza staring up at me. “Is it true? Are you Baby Nice?”

  Did she really have to call me that? “Do I look like a baby to you?”

  “Answer the question,” she growls.

  I could lie. I could make up a story and attempt to save my ass, but I do not want to. Frankly, hiding behind deceptions all the time is getting old. I’ve rather enjoyed being myself these past few days. “Yes, it is true. However, I am only just a little evil now.”

  “I can’t believe you duped me,” Liza snarls. “I thought we were friends.”