VAMPIRE MAN (The Librarian's Vampire Assistant Book 6) Page 12

  Once her blood is in my veins, she must kill me to trigger the transformation. The thought of dying still disturbs me. For Brandi. For Brandi.

  I inhale sharply. “Yes. Ready!”

  She is about to bite down when the front door explodes into a hundred splinters. In the blink of an eye, the king’s guards have Liza in a headlock. I am flung to the floor like a ragdoll.

  “By order of King Vanderhorst,” says the largest man to Liza and me, “you two are under arrest for treason.”

  “Treason?” Liza whimpers.

  “Yes, for violating the royal decree,” says the same man. “Anyone caught attempting to turn this man into a vampire will be put to death.”

  How did they know? Unless…they’ve been spying on me.

  Vanderhorst! He’s been just waiting for the opportunity to punish me. I bet he’s had people tailing me since he left. And keeping an eye on any vampires I’ve been associating with.

  Liza gives me a hard look. “Run, Racker! Run! Go save Brandi.”

  Oh crap. Liza starts moving faster than I have seen just about any vampire move. She starts pushing the guards back. I see what she means. She is a horrible fighter. Who pushes another vampire as a form of attack?

  Still, it is working. I take the opportunity and run.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  I escape the raid at Liza’s, feeling just about every acceptable male emotion under the sun. Rage, anger, wishes of a painful death toward my enemies, visions of dismembering my enemies, tattooing a photo of one of my bowel movements on my enemies’ faces.

  Those are all emotions, yes?

  Don’t care. I feel them all for whoever took Brandi. It was Julia or one of her minions. Then there are the guards who showed up and arrested Liza. Then, finally, there is Vanderhorst. I know he was behind the raid.

  Wasn’t good enough leaving me to wither and die alone, was it, Dad?

  I stop at a mini-mart and grab some fuel—a glazed doughnut—and then decide I have no choice but to call in some favors from my army of vicious psychopathic vampires. I need help locating Brandi, and once I do, I’ll need even more help to take out Julia.

  My only option to prevent my army from eating me is to convince them I am still and will always be Mr. Nice. The news of Dr. Kleen’s discovery is likely spreading through the vampire community, which will back my story. The risk is that they might not care and eat me anyway. It is a risk I must take to rescue Brandi.

  From my car, I start making calls, starting with Vlad the Viper—he likes cars. Owns several Vipers. But I get a “Sorry. Can’t help. I broke both my fangs yesterday in a horrible car accident.”

  Useless!

  I call Mittens, the vampire unicorn. Really, she’s just an old crazy woman who loves dressing as a unicorn and got turned. She was fun to party with. Very dirty fighter too. But Mittens says she’s in Scotland, attending the national unicorn festival. She would never be able to get here in time.

  I call Chucky the Cheeky, Simon the Sucker, Fran the Fornicator, and Murray. Just Murray. They are either out of town at the festival or do not answer.

  I am ready to break my phone to pieces. How is it possible that all these bastards are on holiday at some ridiculous unicorn festival! Have they no shame? They are ruthless vampires. Not…not…ten-year-old girls!

  I scroll through my phone, viewing name after name. The rest are in no position to confront Julia (too weak) or they have no means to track her.

  I get to the last name on my contact list and stare for what seems like an eternity. He is the best tracker ever known. And he is an extraordinary fighter.

  I can’t. I can’t do it.

  But if I truly want to save Brandi, I must.

  I hit call and wait for the voice to answer. “Hello?”

  “Vanderhorst, it’s me. Please do not hang up. I need your help.”

  I spend over thirty minutes telling Dad—I mean, Vanderhorst—all that I have been through since they left town last week, including meeting Brandi. To my surprise he doesn’t call me a lying bastard, he does not hang up, he does not challenge me. He simply listens to every word.

  And when I get to the end, there is nothing but silence.

  “Vanderhorst? Hello?” He hung up. Why wouldn’t he after everything I put him, Miriam, and Stella through?

  “I am still here,” he says.

  “You are?”

  “Clearly. But what I do not comprehend is why you are telling me all this.”

  “Because I need your help.”

  “I am the last person you should call for that.”

  “Let me rephrase.” I clear my throat. “It is Brandi who needs your help, and think whatever you want about me. I do not care. I deserve your hate. But she is not me. She is good—just some girl who took the wrong bus and got snared in Julia’s trap.”

  “What’s it to you?” Vanderhorst asks. “In your mind all humans are expendable. Except my wife, whom you can’t have.”

  If there’s any hope of getting his assistance, I must make amends. Time to put it all out there. “I am sorry for what I did to you. And your wife and daughter. I know now what I threw away. I know why I threw it away. What I don’t know is how to make things right.” I go on to spill my horrid guts to the one vampire I have vowed to destroy. I tell him about Narcissismo, about how he taught me to wear a mask of deceit, and how I became lost in the lie. Mr. Nice never existed. Only my need for power made him real. “But that is what I have learned, Vanderhorst. The family you invited me into is the only real thing I have known since my parents were taken. And while I have to atone for my sins, I will not stand by and allow this lovely human and her family to be destroyed by a predator like Julia.”

  “How do I know you’re not putting on an act now, only pretending to be sorry because you’re after something? It might be another trick.”

  “It could be, but I know you, Vanderhorst. You would never turn your back on someone who needs you. Someone being taken advantage of by a vampire. Your conscience won’t allow you to gamble with that life. And, frankly, your feelings about me are irrelevant in the situation.”

  “True, but there is still the matter of what you’ve done. If I help her, I want something in return.”

  “Name it. Anything you want.”

  “I spoke to Dr. Kleen right before you called. I know you’re going to turn back to how you were.”

  “And?”

  “You will go to prison until you turn into a vampire again. And once you do, entombment. For eternity. That’s my price. If you think so highly of this woman, if you care for her so much, and you’ve truly changed, then you will make this sacrifice.”

  Entombment? It is punishment reserved for the evilest of vampires. Oh. Wait. I guess that was me. I can’t imagine being stuck in a dark, cold, steel box until my body is so weak, I disintegrate. I hear some vampires never dust. They become petrified mummies. Still alive! The thought sends a chill down my spine.

  On the other hand, if doing this will save Brandi and make things right with Miriam and Vanderhorst, then I have to do it. At least they will know I am telling the truth. Their time was not wasted on me. They changed my heart.

  “I agree,” I say. “Prison and entombment.”

  “I will have those guards your friend pushed around take you to Cincinnati. And no funny business, or I’ll call off Brandi’s rescue.”

  I forgot about Liza. I will have to find a way to make things right with her too. She’s been arrested. But first, I need to make sure Brandi is safely retrieved.

  “How will you get Brandi back?” I ask.

  “You let me worry about that, Nice.”

  “Racker. My name is Steviuus Nicephorus Racker. My vampire master called me Racker.”

  “Then why Racker? Are you still his slave?”

  I inhale deeply. For once, this oaf is right. “No, I am not.”

  “Then?”

  “Then call me Steviuus.”

  “Sounds like a sweete
ner.”

  That is right, Vanderhorst. Because I am Mr. Sweet now. “Call me whatever you like, just save the girl.” I pause. “And one more thing, please tell Miriam I am very sorry. She was a good mother to me. If it weren’t for you both, I would not be who I am today.”

  He doesn’t respond immediately. Then, “I will pass along the message. After you’ve fulfilled your end of the bargain.”

  He wants proof I’ve changed, that I am honest. I silently curse him—the man who raised me, who hates me, who treats me like a human being and is there when I need him. God, I hate myself for liking him so much. “Thank you. And good luck, Dad.”

  “Likewise…son.”

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  The next morning, I am beat after a restless night.

  I have made a deal once again to trade my life for Brandi’s. Being good is getting exhausting. How does Vanderhorst do it?

  Around ten in the morning, I arrive at the private airport where the king’s guards’ jet awaits to take me to my fate. I spot Liza being ushered up the staircase by two guards. My inner vampire stirs with anger. The outcome of her situation must be rectified, especially because she did not do anything wrong. Not technically. I would have become a vampire again with or without her help. I will make sure she is freed before I am locked away.

  I walk up the staircase and am greeted by one of the guards dressed all in black. Most guards are not incredibly powerful, but they are well trained. They know how to work as a team to overcome vampires who are much stronger. They also carry weapons such as chocolate-coated bullets and chocolate spray.

  “Good morning, sir. You may take the seat over there.” He points to a seat next to Liza.

  “Thank you.” I go over and sit with her. She’s still in her hot pink pajamas.

  “So they caught you, huh?” Liza sighs.

  “Not exactly. I had to—”

  My cell rings. It’s Miriam. “Hello?”

  “Nice? I got a text from Michael just now, and it was very suspicious. He said he was in Cincinnati and would be staying a few days. And when I asked him if he was able to track down your friend, he said he had a lead, but she got away. Does that sound strange to you?”

  Yes. Because one thing I know about Vanderhorst is that he has worn many hats over the years, one of them being a detective. He loves a good mystery. Like a dog with a bone. Once he gets a whiff, he won’t stop.

  I, too, love a good puzzle, but this does not qualify. I know exactly what is going on. Vanderhorst would not have given up so easily on finding Brandi. He would not be heading to Cincinnati and abandoning the deal he made with me. He’s willing to do anything to have me entombed.

  “Something is wrong,” I say. “He is in trouble.”

  “I thought so too.”

  “Did he mention where he was going?” I ask.

  “Vegas. He found out that the vampire who took your friend recently applied for a visa.”

  Societies require a vampire to request a visa before entering their territory. I always ignore the rule. I was never law abiding. Neither is Julia.

  So why would Julia apply? She knows I’d come looking for Brandi. Obtaining a visa would leave a paper trail. An easy-to-follow paper trail. A trap.

  “Did he say anything else? Any specifics where he’d start looking?” I ask Miriam.

  “No.”

  All right. Where would I go? Where would I start looking if I were Vanderhorst? The wheels start turning. Julia’s professions are bad interior designer and madam. The latter is what she is known for among the unsavory vampire crowd.

  All I need to do is start asking around. The problem is, if I get anywhere near one of those vampires, they will wish to snack on me. I still smell delicious and human.

  “Not to worry, Miriam. I will find him. I will get him back.”

  “How?”

  “I have spent my existence as an evil vampire. I know how they think and where they hide. There isn’t a trick I haven’t seen. I will call you with an update in a few hours.”

  “Thank you, Nice.”

  “Steviuus. I go by Steviuus now.”

  “That sounds like a sweetener.”

  “That’s me. Mr. Sweet.” I end the call and look at Liza. “You’re going to have to turn me.”

  “What? Are you crazy? I’m under arrest and facing execution for almost doing it yesterday.”

  “Then you have nothing to lose.”

  “Racker, I really can’t—”

  “What is going on here?” says the head guard. I think his name is Wallace or Wilfred. Something with a W. I go with Wallace.

  “Wallace, I have just received a call from—” I catch myself from giving the incorrect information. “From the king’s brother’s wife. Freddy Vanderhorst has been taken. We need this flight to go to Vegas.”

  “My name is Wilber. And nice try. I have my orders. You two are to be taken straight to Cincinnati. Also, the king hates his brother.”

  The king doesn’t hate his brother; this is simply part of the bigger lie I discussed earlier. When Freddy took over as king and assumed Michael’s identity, they needed to come up with a reason for Miriam’s departure back to Phoenix and being seen with a man who looks just like the king. They told everyone that Miriam was now with Freddy, the nicer twin. The brothers pretend to be rivals over this, but they are actually quite close.

  “Call the king,” I say. “Tell him what I just told you. Let him decide if we should ignore the fact that Freddy is in danger.”

  The guard stares for a long moment. “Fine. I’ll make the call.”

  Meanwhile, the other guards start preparing the plane for takeoff—closing the door, starting up the engine, and coordinating with the control tower.

  A minute later Wilber returns. “He says he will send a group of guards to Vegas.”

  “But we are only an hour away.”

  “And,” the guard continues, “we should go immediately to assist. We are much closer than his men, and he doesn’t know what sort of support we will get from the Vegas Society of Night Buffet Lovers. He says everyone’s in Scotland for that big unicorn festival.”

  Night buffet, meaning hunting down unsuspecting drunk tourists for snack time. “Okay then. Let’s get moving.”

  Wilber tells the men and then goes to the cockpit to inform the pilot.

  I take my seat next to Liza.

  “Well?” she asks.

  “My dad is in trouble. And if you hurry, I will be turned by the time we land.” I give her a look. She must know how serious I am about this. “He is a good man, Liza. Far better than me. I cannot allow anything to happen to him.”

  “They’re never going to give me the cure if I do this.” She looks at me with pleading eyes.

  “Tell them I tricked you. That I lied.”

  “Why would I say that?” She frowns.

  “Because I am Mr. Nice. They will believe you and punish me instead.” Even if I save Vanderhorst, my past won’t be forgiven. “Please, Liza. I will do everything in my power to make sure you are not punished. Please?”

  “Fine. Open wide.” She chomps down on her finger and then shoves it in my mouth. I wrap my lips around the digit and suck.

  Yuck! Blood tastes terrible! Just as I am about to make a sour face, she takes hold of my head and snaps my neck.

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  When I wake on the plane, I am alone, it is dark outside, and my nose feels like it is on fire. Gah! So many smells! So many sounds. I can see everything clearly despite the lack of light.

  I pop up from my seat and start feeling my face. Then my muscled pecs and washboard abs. Everything is hard as a rock. Dear gods. I’m back! I am a vampire again! I am also still a very sexy man. Phew.

  My moment of jubilation quickly retreats into fear. Well, not fear, really. I don’t actually feel afraid. More confused. Where did everyone go? I head to the front of the plane and spot a note sitting on the control panel.

  Racker: We went to rescue t
he king’s brother. I’m helping them with tracking to cover more ground. Sorry, couldn’t wait for you to wake up.—Liza

  They went without me? But how the hell do they think they’ll find Julia? I’m the one with the seedy network. I’m the one with the evil mind. They have no hope of hunting her down, let alone avoiding one of her traps.

  I call Liza, and it goes to voicemail. I do not have any of the guards’ information, so that is not an option. I can only call Miriam and ask for Freddy’s number.

  “Hello?” Miriam’s worried voice comes through the phone.

  “I need Freddy’s number.”

  “Why? What’s going on? Where’s Michael?” Her voice is pure panic.

  “I am still working on it. But I need to speak with the king.”

  “I’ll text you his contact information, but please call the minute you hear anything. I love him. I love him so much…” Her voice fades into a sob. “I can’t lose him. Not after everything we’ve been through.”

  Her pain tugs on my cold heart. I see now that I do still love her, though it is nothing remotely romantic. It never was. Miriam had merely been a thing to conquer, to show the world that I could take away something from the legendary Executioner.

  “Do not worry, Mom. I mean, Miriam. I will find him. I vow it.” I end the call and dial Freddy the moment his contact hits my phone.

  He picks up immediately. “Yes?”

  “Vanderhorst, it is I, Steviuus, formerly known as Mr. Nice. I need to know where your guards went with Liza, the woman who was on the plane with me.”

  “You’re not with them?” he asks.

  There’s no time to explain. “I had the flu. They had to leave me behind, but I’m feeling better now. Where did they go?”

  “You had the flu a few hours ago, and now you’re all better?”

  “I am a very fast healer. Where did they go?” I repeat.

  “Julia was last seen at some underground vampire bar called the Randy Unicorn. They think that is where my brother went.”