Fighting Evil

by Mary Abshire

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Water glimmered on Dimitry's face as he stepped into the light. The expensive black suit he had on matched the dark hair on his face and head. Deep red cufflinks, the color of blood, caught my eye when he reached into his pocket and withdrew a white hanky.

  "What are you doing here?" Jeremy asked.

  Dimitry wiped the raindrops from his face. "I came to check on Jessie and see for myself that she was all right." His gaze found mine and I looked away.

  Drake shut the door. The room became silent without the clatter of the falling rain. He walked past Dimitry, then came to stand next to Jeremy. "She will be fine."

  Dimitry's attention darted from Drake to Jeremy. "Perhaps." He stuffed the white cloth back into his pocket. "I would like to check on her myself. I think I am entitled to that since I did save her life."

  A knot in my gut tightened. So the Russian vampire thought he had leverage since he’d saved my life. Fine, I'd play along with his game if it would make him leave faster.

  Slowly, I rose. I held onto the armrest for support. "I'm fine. You didn't need to check on me." I walked around to the back of the chair, then leaned against it.

  Drake came to stand next to me. He crossed his arms as he stared at the Russian vamp.

  Dimitry stepped around Jeremy and headed toward me. The vampire gazed up, then down my body. I had the sudden urge to shower. "You say you are fine, but you appear half dead. I am surprised to see you standing, considering the amount of blood you lost."

  Jeremy moved closer. A muscle flexed in his jaw. He was ready to attack if and when the approval was given.

  "I gave her a small amount of my blood earlier," Drake said. "I was about to share more before you arrived."

  "Perhaps she should sample from mine since I am much older and stronger."

  The wicked smirk on Dimitry's face encouraged me to smack it off. If he thought he could flaunt his strengths and think it would impress me, he was sorely mistaken. In fact, I thought less of him for bringing it up.

  Drake lowered his arms to his sides. His calm eyes met mine. "It is your choice, of course."

  Did he really think I would choose Dimitry over him because Dimitry was the stronger vamp? How wrong he was. In all honesty, the mere thought of drinking blood sickened me. I'd seen enough blood over the last couple of days to last a lifetime.

  "I appreciate the offer, but I'm not taking anyone's blood." I shifted my eyes from Dimitry to Drake.

  "Jessie—"

  I lifted my palm to Drake. "No. I need rest and, later, I'll eat something."

  "Maybe she is planning to gain her strength through other means." Dimitry turned his cold gaze to Jeremy.

  Irritation building, I bit my tongue to prevent myself from telling him off. What was Dimitry trying to do? Start an argument between Jeremy and Drake? See who I would run to for support? What devilish thoughts coursed through his evil mind?

  "No," I said, voice elevated. "I'm not, and it's none of your business anyway."

  Dimitry tugged on his cuffs. "The VETOV would be interested in knowing if you are gaining energy from another demon. One might think you are more dangerous—"

  "Whoa," I said.

  "She hasn't been feeding from Jeremy," Drake said. Tension tightened his eyes.

  Dimitry's lips curled. "Have you asked her?"

  My heart leaped when Drake's gaze met mine. I couldn't lie to him. I had siphoned energy from Jeremy since we arrived at the fort.

  Jeremy moved in front of me. "She doesn't have to answer to you." Heat fanned out from his body.

  Dimitry stared deep into Jeremy's fearless eyes. "No, but she will have to answer in the meeting."

  "Fine, and since you know she is being cared for, you can leave now." Jeremy stood stiff and flexed his fingers. Clearly, he was not intimidated by the evil vamp. He only had to touch the bloodsucker to set him on fire.

  "I assume you were aware and did not bother to mention this," Dimitry said to Drake as he back stepped.

  "Assume what you will. I am more than capable of providing an explanation if one is needed." Confidence thickened Drake's tone.

  I peered around Jeremy's arm at Dimitry. "I appreciate your concern, but as you see, I'm in good hands. You can leave now."

  He flashed a phony smile. "Of course you are. Should you need any assistance, just say my name."

  Jeremy extended his arm toward the door. Quietly, and very much like the asshole Dimitry was, he walked out. And just in time as my legs gave out from under me. I caught myself on the armrest. Both Drake and Jeremy rushed to help me. They each took hold of an arm and guided me to sit on the recliner.

  "Be careful," Jeremy said, and lifted a finger to his lips.

  Drake gave Jeremy a sour look. He was stuck in the same position we were, unable to speak freely. Every word could be heard by one of his peers. We were going to have to choose our words wisely.

  "I can care for her," Drake said.

  Jeremy arched a brow. "Can you?"

  Drake took a step toward Jeremy. The tension thickened in the room as the two glared at each other.

  "Stop," I said. "Please."

  I shook my head, frustrated, drained, and ready to throw up. Dimitry's short appearance added conflict between Jeremy and Drake as well as increasing my already high anxiety level. Thanks to Dimitry, the VETOV were going to question me, possibly Drake too, about taking energy from Jeremy. As if I didn't have enough problems already.

  "He didn't come here to check on me," I said. "He came here to start trouble."

  "That's what vampires do," Jeremy said.

  "Not all of us." Drake looked away from Jeremy.

  "If she would have never met you, she wouldn't be here now," Jeremy said.

  Drake jerked his attention back to Jeremy. His black pupils enlarged. "This is not a game, demon."

  Jeremy took a step toward Drake. The two would kill each other if I didn't do something fast. Rising, I slipped in front of Jeremy with my back brushing against Drake.

  "Enough, Jeremy. That's enough!" My head throbbed violently from my swift movement.

  "Are you defending him?" Jeremy asked, irritation lacing his tone.

  "I'm trying to stop you two from fighting." As usual. "I think this is another one of their tests."

  Jeremy stepped back, shaking his head. "Whatever. I guess some things never change."

  My temper flared. Blood rushed to my head. "What does that mean?"

  "It means I need to leave for a while." He strode to the bedroom.

  Drake gripped my arm with a cool hand, keeping me from following after Jeremy. "Let him go."

  "I'm so sick of all of this," I said behind clenched teeth.

  Jeremy returned to the living room with his shoes on. "Don't wait up for me." He headed for the exit.

  I bit my lip, watching him leave. Part of me wanted to stop him, to apologize, and ask him to stay. Another part of me said fuck him and his attitude. Drake's logic persuaded me the most. Jeremy needed to let go of his anger, somewhere away from us. He slammed the door on his way out and I flinched.

  "As for you, it's time for rest." Drake lifted me in his arms as if I weighed nothing. My legs shot in the air and I tried to avoid hitting something. The swift motion increased the pounding in my head. I closed my eyes and swallowed. Drake carried me into the bedroom. "Don't worry about him. He can take care of himself."

  While I knew Jeremy could kill a vampire by quickly setting them on fire, a part of me still worried. Sean had been a good warlock and Renaud had snuck up behind him. What could stop Dimitry from doing something similar to Jeremy?

  Drake laid me gently on the bed. "I may not have much time. The forecast called for sun today."

  I slid my legs under the covers. "Will you stay with me for a while? Lay with me?"

  A delightful grin curled his lips. "How can I refuse?"

  After he tucked me in the covers, he curled up next to me. The pillow cushioned our heads while we
gazed into each other's eyes. Oh, how I longed to spend an entire night alone with him, in his arms, and enjoying his love.

  He glided his fingers over my forehead, brushing away my bangs. The soft, cool touch eased some of the ache. "Everything they do is a test. You know this."

  "Mm hmm." My eyelids wanted to close, but I forced them to remain open—at least partially.

  "Be yourself. Be honest. Do not fear them."

  Well, so far I had done all of those things. Yet, trouble still found me.

  I inhaled a deep breath. "Why do you think Dimitry saved my life?"

  Drake traced the edges of my lips, tickling me. "I don't know yet." He laid his palm over my check. Cool energy penetrated my skin and spread, soothing me. "Trust your gut."

  The message was clear. He didn't trust Dimitry either. By telling me to rely on my gut, he wanted me to listen to the demon within me.

  I gently bumped my nose next to his and kissed his lips. If I’d had the strength, I would've taken advantage of our time alone.

  He caressed my face with his cool fingers. "Sleep, my love."

  Safe and cozy with my lover, I did as instructed.

  ****

  My eyes flew open at the sound of loud thumps from the living room. I stayed still with my head on the pillow, wondering if I had dreamed the noise. Light poured in from the oval windows. Drake was gone and I didn't see Jeremy in the room. I listened for sounds—creaks of movement or breaths of air. I found only silence, until the heavy thump started again.

  Pushing the covers away, I slipped out of bed. My head felt clearer and the ache was mild compared to earlier. Sleepiness still lingered, but it didn't weigh heavy upon me. On my way to the living room, I glanced at the clock. The time showed it was mid-afternoon.

  More bangs on the door echoed throughout the lodging.

  I headed toward the exit. "Who is it?" I asked, a few feet from it.

  "Room service. I have food," the voice replied.

  The voice was unfamiliar to me. I suspected it was another servant. I opened the door slowly, peeking through the crack. A robust man with short dark hair and a clean-shaven face stood next to a cart. His dress was casual and his charming smile gave him a non-threatening appearance. I widened the opening for him.

  "You can come in." I stretched my arm out.

  "Is everything all right, miss?" the young man asked as he pushed the cart into the living room. He gave me a quick once-over. The smell of cooked meat floated in with him. "I've been waiting for a few minutes."

  "Sorry, I was sleeping." I ran my fingers through my hair, hoping I didn't look like Medusa.

  "I should be the one apologizing. I didn't know anyone was still sleeping at this hour." He parked the cart near one of the recliners.

  The aroma of potatoes and steak floated in the air, stirring my hunger. "Who sent the food?"

  "I'm not sure. I was told to bring it here." He stepped back, then faced me. "If you need anything else, just call the main number." He headed back the way he'd come.

  "Thanks." I watched him leave, securing the door behind him.

  I strolled to the cart. Unlike earlier, my belly welcomed the thought of food. Maybe it was the delicious smells filling the room. I lifted the silver cover. Steam floated up from a juicy steak with red potatoes and steamed vegetables. Yummy. I set the cover aside and picked up the utensils wrapped in a white cloth. Underneath, I found a tiny envelope with Jeremy's name on the outside. I set the utensils down, then picked up the card instead. The back wasn't sealed. Curiosity gnawed at me. I lifted the flap, then slid the paper out. The cover showed an embroidered S. Immediately, I assumed the note had come from Sophia. I read the inside and it said, A pleasure doing business with you. Come back again soon. Sophia.

  "Fuck," I said as I lowered the card.

  He’d done it. He’d taken the money, had sex with her, and gave her his blood. Part of me wasn't surprised. The man often thought with his dick instead of his head. What surprised me was the fact he’d let a vamp bite him. He hated vampires. Perhaps he’d changed his mind. I slid the paper back in the envelope. Jeremy wasn't my boyfriend. He was free to fuck whomever he wanted.

  Since he wasn't around to devour the hot and fresh food, I took it upon myself to make sure it didn't go to waste. Besides, my belly growled with hunger. I picked up the utensils and plate, then sat in the recliner.

  After cutting the steak, I took my time eating piece after piece of the tender meat. The soft potatoes and steamed vegetables complimented the meal. I finished the broccoli, zucchini, peas, and carrots first. Halfway done with the steak, another thud at the door startled me and I almost choked on the food in my mouth. As I finished chewing, I wondered who else would stop by. I doubted it was another servant since one had recently delivered food, which meant the uninvited visitor was likely a vampire. My appetite died. The person pounded on the door again. My pulse quickened. I didn't want to answer, but I had nowhere to hide. Damn it to Hell, I hoped it wasn't another bloodsucker coming to kill me.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Three more loud thumps rattled the door.

  "Just a minute," I yelled.

  I placed my dish back on the cart, then strode to the door. With a deep breath and a racing pulse, I twisted the knob and pulled. A large figure in a dark cloak stood outside.

  "May I come in?" the familiar Russian asked.

  My mood quickly headed south. Of all people, I did not want to see him, talk to him, or let him inside. Dimitry had caused enough problems. Yet, he had saved my life. I longed to understand the reason why. Offering a flat grin with my lips pressed together, I gestured for him to enter.

  He strode past me, bringing an instant chill to my bones. I shut the door, keeping my eyes on the vamp as he stopped in the living room. As he turned to face me, he removed the cover from his head. "Thank you."

  "Why are you here?" I asked in a calm voice.

  A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "I came to check on you."

  I didn't believe him for a second. I crossed my arms and stared into his dark eyes. "I'm not a fool."

  His smile widened. "No, of course you are not."

  "What do you want?"

  "What I have always wanted." He slid his hand inside the lining of the cloak.

  "I haven't changed my mind. You're wasting your time."

  He withdrew a folded piece of paper and handed it to me.

  "What is it?" I eyed the note, not wanting to touch it.

  "An offer for you to consider." He stepped closer, arm outstretched with his proposal between his fingers.

  The vamp was moving too close to me. I snatched the document from his hand and took a step back. Though I was tempted to tear it up, I was curious to see what he was willing to give me. Any large amount of money would undoubtedly make me laugh.

  I unfolded the paper. A list of names was on it. Drake was at the top, then Jeremy, Dani, Kyle, and Lester—everyone dear to my heart, everyone close to me. Sean's name was at the bottom, crossed out. Confused, I stared at the note. When nausea and fear surfaced within my soul, I realized the true nature of his proposition.

  He grabbed the list from my hand before I could say a word. Then he withdrew a Zippo and flicked it. An orange flame consumed the paper. "My offer is non-negotiable, and I assure you, I am quite capable of fulfilling my end of the bargain."

  Eyes wide, I stared at the fire consuming the list. My heart raced and my stomach twisted. Renaud had murdered Sean. I was certain of it. The evil vamp tried to kill me, too. His removal from this earth was right. But now I wondered if Dimitry was just as responsible for Sean's death. Had he been the mastermind, the planner, the one who gave the order to kill? I started to believe he had. And now he was planning to destroy Drake next. If I still didn't give him what he wanted, he would murder everyone else I cared about.

  He dropped the fiery small ruins of the paper onto the ground, then stomped on it until the flame was out. A small pile of ash and a black mark on
the floor remained.

  I lifted my shocked and worried eyes. My blood was boiling and the demon in me wanted to react fiercely, but I'd already fought one vamp and nearly died. I felt better, but I hadn't fully recovered. There was no way I could beat Dimitry in my current condition.

  "Why?" I asked.

  "Why what?"

  "Why did you save me?"

  One side of his mouth stretched. "You are a rare creature, unique"—his eyes traveled down my body—"beautiful, and very, very tasty."

  Anger flooded me. He cared nothing about my life or the lives of others. He only wanted to use me for blood and sex. Motherfucker.

  "And you think threatening me will persuade me?" I asked.

  He couldn't get away with bullying me. I would inform the other members of the VETOV. They would have to listen.

  "You misunderstand. My offer is not a threat. You have a choice." His deceitful smirk failed to support his words.

  I took a step back from him. "I will tell the others about this."

  "Please, tell them whatever you wish. And bring your evidence."

  Fuming mad, sweat trickled down the back of my neck. The only proof I had of Dimitry's threat was a small pile of ashes on the floor. The VETOV would never support me. The members would believe Dimitry's story over mine any day of the week. I was doomed.

  Heart pumping fast, I stood speechless. Everyone I loved and cared about was in danger. If Dimitry had a part in killing Sean, he could easily find a way to murder everyone in my life.

  Dimitry reached inside his cloak. "I will give you two hours to think it over." Moving toward me, he handed me a small business card. "Think about it. Send me a message."

  Fury burned deep within me. I slapped his hand, knocking the card away. It fluttered to the floor.

  "Get the fuck out." I glared at him.

  A smile played on his lips. "Keep in mind, your actions and choices are under review by all of us. I, for one, think you could be of value, and I am confident I can persuade other members to believe the same."

  My loathing for him intensified. According to his game, he would vouch for me and convince the others to support me if I agreed to give him blood and have sex with him. And, he would spare the lives of my friends. Damn the Russian vampire. He was evil at its finest.