Vampire Assassin League Bundle 4 - Eternity

by Jackie Ivie

  Ashley couldn’t breathe. Not at first. And then she managed a gasp. It was choked with liquid that stained the ground in front of her. Shit. That looked like...blood? Bad sign. She couldn’t even tell how she’d landed. On her front? Back? Legs? Oh...God. Her legs were pinnacles of absolute fire. And her head was level with the ground. That meant a couple of things. She’d survived impact. And she wasn’t paralyzed. But...that couldn’t be. Nothing on her body worked. Maybe every limb was broken.

  A rustling sound came behind her. Footsteps? Maybe a...moose. Elk? Deer? Anything but a wolf. Or worse. A pack of them. That would be really ironic. Surviving a sky fall only to be eaten by wild animals. Helpless. Pinned.

  Something neared her head. She tried to turn her neck and check, but a twinge of liquid agony stopped her as it raced down her spine. Okay. That wasn’t remotely good. She might have a broken neck and by a supreme stroke of luck, she’d manage to avoid touching her spinal cord. But...the slightest move could change that.

  Her view dimmed. Then altered as what looked like a man went to his knees beside her head. She couldn’t tell what he looked like exactly. He was wearing a robe with a large hood that shadowed his features. And he had a walking stick thing that he placed across his knees.

  Or a scythe.

  Well. That was that. She was about to meet the grim reaper. But maybe he’d take the pain away.

  “Hello there.”

  She opened her mouth to answer. More liquid gushed out. He put a hand up.

  “No. Don’t say anything. You don’t have much time.”

  But—?

  “You only have a minute. Maybe less. How do you want to use it?”

  But...I survived.

  She didn’t speak, but for some reason he heard her anyway. Or he must have, since he answered it.

  “Yes. You survived impact. But you have slammed into the forest floor. You’re probably a lot shorter, you have inoperable internal injuries, and I’m wasting time speaking when I could be feasting. Want to know why?”

  Yes.

  “I’m Akron Profit. Vampire.”

  She sputtered the reaction. More blood came up, choking her. Shutting off her air. Several seconds passed as she coughed and fought and finally got a breath. Then another. And every one of them sent fire-stoked pain through her.

  “What happened to you was no accident, Ashley. Somebody wanted you to die.”

  Her eyes went wide and she stared. And he was harder to see than before. Indistinct. Blurred. She fought to stay conscious.

  What happened wasn’t an accident. It was...murder?

  He chuckled. “And that’s why I’m talking to you rather than draining you, my dear.”

  Why?

  “I’m not normally this generous...but I have my reasons. And I like your spunk. So. I’m giving you a choice. You understand? I offer you immortality. Complete recovery in a matter of minutes.” His voice went to such a deep timbre the night air shuddered with it. “And I can promise you revenge.”

  Revenge...

  “Or I can watch you perish and become fodder for the carrion of this forest. You might never be found. Your choice, Ashley.”

  She opened her mouth. Blood came out again. And this time she didn’t just cough it out. She breathed it in. That started a coughing spasm that sent even worse pain. He leaned closer. The walking stick tumbled off his knees into the space between them. Only it wasn’t a walking stick. It was a long sword, in a beautiful scabbard.

  “No. Don’t speak it. Just think it. Or blink. Once for no. Twice for yes.”

  The pain?

  “All gone. Never to return. You have my promise.”

  He moved closer, and despite the blackness closing in around his head, she saw why. He had very long fangs. White. Spiked. Vicious looking. They glimmered in what light the night was willing to part with.

  And Ashley blinked.

  Twice.

  CHAPTER TWO

  Are you ready to begin?

  Ashley frowned slightly. She was certain she’d heard the question, but unsure of how. It hadn’t been audible. The words had simply entered her head. That was odd. Disconcerting.

  Open your eyes.

  She’d been right. She wasn’t hearing anything with her ears.

  Ashley. Do it now.

  She opened her eyes. Blinked. What the hell? Her head was still just above the level of the forest floor, but the view had changed somehow. Actually...it was more a matter of how she was seeing the view that had altered. Everything was in perfect focus, easily seen and recognized. The trees were mostly evergreens, sprinkled with leafless aspens. She’d slammed into a span of snow-glazed deadfall that had several freshly-broken branches and limbs littering the area. They must be victims of her fall. Everything was truly weird. It was sort of like wearing night vision goggles only without the greenish haze. The colors looked pretty close to normal but muted slightly. It was incredibly clear even with a person blessed with perfect vision. She’d been rated at 20/20 eyesight, but it looked like she’d just gained 20/10. Or better.

  Akron was standing about a yard away. She craned her neck to look up. He had long legs, covered in some dark material. Atop that, he wore a cloak-thing with a hood that shadowed his face. He was leaning forward slightly, resting both hands atop the hilt of the sword she’d seen earlier. All told, he was probably exactly how she’d have envisioned a vampire to look...if she’d ever thought of it.

  “Am I dead?” she asked.

  His hood nodded. Once.

  “I don’t feel dead.”

  “That’s because you’re one of the lucky ones.”

  Oh good. He spoke aloud instead of telepathically sticking words into her head.

  “Lucky? I just plummeted almost ten thousand feet, broke every bone in my body, got changed into a vampire...and I’m lucky?” Ashley wiggled a finger. Then all of them. And if she had more room in this hole her body was smashed into, she’d have checked for more movement. Strange, she didn’t feel remotely dead. She felt the exact opposite. Wonderful. Healthy. Strong.

  “Oh, yes. You are. Very. Very. Lucky.” He paused between each word, as if for emphasis. “You need help?”

  “With what?”

  “Rising from your grave.”

  “Wow. You don’t pull punches, do you?”

  “You want things sugar-coated?”

  “I’m a forensic science major. I don’t sugar-coat anything.”

  “Exactly. So. Do you need an assist from there?”

  “I plowed into the ground at close to 100 miles per hour. I might need a shovel or something. I think I’m stuck.”

  He chuckled. Or something that sounded like it. “You’re a vampire now, Ashley. You have powers, but I must warn you. You’ll need to re-learn just about everything, including how to move. A little goes a long way.”

  “A little what?”

  “Flex your legs. Jump. You’ll see.”

  She did. A moment later she was watching the same view she’d had just before she’d hit the first tree. And then she slammed into a new obstacle. It was Akron, stopping her ascent by wrapping his arms about her in something resembling a hug. She hadn’t been hugged since her parents died. It felt strange, too. She wasn’t at all sure she liked it.

  “Um...wow.” It was all she could manage.

  He chuckled again. This time she was certain of his reaction since she was being held right next to what felt more like a solid wall than man.

  “We can fly?”

  “Not exactly. We have the ability to levitate and then move with a speed resembling flight. I’m going to release you, Ashley. I won’t let go. I need you to concentrate on how you move. And how rapidly. We’re going to descend slowly. No need to create another crater down there, now is there?”

  “Wait! Isn’t that...a campfire?”

  Ashley jerked her head toward a light source some distance off. Her movement would’ve spun her in circles, save for his hold on her. He could be right. She might a
ctually have to re-learn basic motor skills.

  “Perhaps,” he replied.

  “Oh. No doubt about it. That has to be our camp. I believe I’ve got an appointment with a murderer. And what better way to catch one than to walk in when I’m supposed to be dead? Jeez. I’m getting shivers just thinking of it.”

  “You’re not ready, Ashley.”

  “For surprising them? How ready do I need to be?”

  “You need training first.”

  “In how to kill? Oh, please. I’m well versed in all things death-related. I’m a forensic student, remember? And I don’t think I’ll have any trouble at all once I figure out who wanted me dead.”

  “What makes you so sure your killer is one of them?”

  “Um. Good question. I guess I’d watch. And if one of them reacts...I’d have my answer, wouldn’t I?”

  “What happens if none of them reacts?”

  “I guess I’d have to go to the lab and figure it out.”

  “Impossible. You’re undead, Ashley. Newly created. You cannot handle sunlight. There is no going back. Ever.”

  “But you promised me revenge.”

  “And you’ll get it, but first things first. We’re going to descend back to your deathbed to scoop a bit of burial dirt into a vial. And then we’ll depart. I’ve a jet standing by not far from here.”

  “We’re just going to leave?”

  “Yes.”

  “And my murderer is getting away with it?”

  “For the time being.”

  “That sucks.”

  “Ah. The young. So...impatient.”

  “And the old. So close-minded and slow.”

  “Ashley. Please listen. You will have your revenge. I guarantee it.”

  “Oh, yeah? When?”

  “When it’s time.”

  “And just when will that be?”

  He shrugged. “The passage of time is meaningless to an immortal. You’ll see.”

  “I don’t want revenge when he – or she – is old and gray. I want it now!”

  “In time. And soon. I also promise that.”

  “You make a lot of promises, I notice.”

  “I also promise you sweetness.”

  “Sweetness?”

  “The act of revenge is one thing. The sweetness will come from the totality in gaining it.”

  “What does all that mean?”

  “A goal that’s easily reached is like ashes in one’s mouth. A goal worth savoring is one worth preparing for. Envisioning. Reaching for. It’s not just the destination in any journey. It’s the path you must take first. Trust me.”

  She sighed. “Look. Can we spare the lecture? Just tell me you have a lab. Is that too much to ask?”

  “Oh. This just gets better and better. I almost can’t believe it. And...as it happens, I do have a laboratory.”

  “Seriously? Is it up to date?”

  “I believe so.”

  “You don’t know?”

  “I haven’t been down there for decades. No one has. That is the domain of our alchemist, and he’s rather...territorial.”

  “Alchemist?”

  “Self-described. He studied under Giordano Bruno. You ever hear of him?”

  “Yeah. Bruno. Imprisoned and tortured by the Roman arm of the Inquisition. Burnt to death at the stake, I believe in...what? 1600? Let’s see...I think the charges against him were blasphemy, heresy, and, oh yes. He believed in the concept of a universe and the plurality of worlds. Those complete bastards.”

  “Ah. You have heard of him.”

  “I studied him. And you expect me to believe you actually have a lab run by one of his students? Seriously?”

  “Oh. Lucien is more than just a student. He was another visionary, and that placed him directly in the Inquisition’s path as well.”

  “He was tortured, too?”

  “Some.”

  “Burnt?”

  “Oh. No. I saved him from that.”

  “And did you let him get his revenge? Or is he still waiting?”

  He chuckled again. “You possess a quick mind and appear difficult to sway. I believe you two will get on just fine. Just don’t call him Lucifer, like the others are wont to. He’s not particularly fond of it.”

  “Right. I’m reserving judgment until I see the lab. It’s updated. That’s what you said. Yes?”

  “Again. I believe so. I may not have gone down there, but I do see the expenditures and what odd pieces of equipment get ordered. And if you need something, we will get it. But first I need to see to your training.”

  “Oh, come on. I’m a vampire. I’m pretty sure I can get the hang of it. I’m assuming I’ll grow fangs at some point. Then I’ll bite people and suck blood. How much training can I need?”

  He chuckled again. “You’re not just any vampire, Ashley Reed. You’re one of us now – a vampire assassin.”

  She straightened and that lifted her head slightly. “Assassin? Wow. Now, that sounds promising.”

  “Oh. It is. So. Are you ready yet?”

  “Yes. But I’m still reserving judgment on this Lucien fellow.”

  “Fair enough.”

  His arms loosened. Then he was moving away from her, but still holding onto one arm. That left her hovering in mid-air. Just hovering. Without any means of support. It was better than amazing, more thrilling than a high altitude jump, easily eclipsing the heart-stopping joy of racing her old boyfriend on a bullet bike. And beating him. Which had been the death knell to that relationship.

  Oh. She was reserving more than judgment. There wasn’t anyone who could match her in lab work. And if this Lucien character had the same opinion of women as most other seventeenth-century males, it was going to be a pleasure meeting him.

  And then some.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Oh, no. Lucien. No.

  The beaker was definitely still warm, holding a slight bit of heat at the bottom. Right in the center. That was odd. He’d killed the flame over an hour ago. Plenty of time for cooling any liquid. But that wasn’t why he’d checked. He was stalling. And ignoring. And denying.

  Lucien set the flask back on its pedestal in a studious fashion. It shook slightly, rattling glass container against metal rack. That wasn’t just odd. It was disastrous. Not to any contents. They weren’t volatile. He’d been toying with an enzyme mixture to preserve blood after death set in. The taste of feeding from a corpse was vile, but so far nothing he’d created seemed to change it. He hadn’t been passionate about it, though. It was just something he worked on when nothing else was pressing.

  Just like this night. There wasn’t any warning. He’d spent the night messing with mixtures. Stirring. Checking. Discarding. It was probably close to dawn, although he didn’t check the clock. It didn’t truly matter. Night and day were interchangeable to him. Natural daylight never penetrated his environment. Everything was always the same. Nothing about this night had been remotely different.

  Lucien stepped back from his table, rubbing his thumbs subconsciously along his finger pads, while working at controlling how it felt. Nothing stopped what happened. He couldn’t still the sensation, and he couldn’t calm the tremors. Because that was the second time he’d tested that beaker for temperature in as many minutes. The scientist in him had needed verification, while everything else had fought the rising panic.

  Because he didn’t need an instrument to gauge warmth. He’d actually felt it.

  Oh, no. No. No. A thousand times no.

  He didn’t want a mate. Not now. Not ever. Lucien didn’t need one. Desire one. Or hunger for one. He couldn’t recall ever worrying over it. Or even thinking of it. He saved that nonsense for the others. Like Nigel. He was one of the youngest of them, and spent countless hours lamenting over the lack of a mate...as well as the love act that accompanied it. Why not Nigel? He could mate. Not Lucien. He was meant for higher things. He was immune from emotion. Removed from anything physical. Mating wasn’t in his future. It would bring complic
ation. Time spent away from his passion. And why him? Huh? He hadn’t the first idea how to even speak to a woman. As for the other? The physiological urges of the flesh? He’d suppressed them long ago. He couldn’t have a mate. He refused.

  No!

  Lucien bared his teeth, allowing the fangs room to elongate, and gave sound to the cry. It vibrated through the space with the volume he’d given it, bouncing off sconces, making the torches flare. Because he had the capability of breathing again, too.

  Oh.

  Hell.

  With his rotten luck, it was probably a truly bothersome woman.

  “Hey! Lucifer! You down there? This is Nigel. You know. The terminally debonair, handsome, charming, sexy...young man upstairs. And I want to put an emphasis on young. Hey. I just had a thought. I’m not even twenty. Just think. I’m the perfect age for cougar bait. Wow. What a concept.”

  A speaker sparked to life, the tinny quality giving perfect tone to Nigel’s barely matured voice as he droned on and on. Lucien snarled at it, and then worked at conquering an instant spark of anger before he replied. It would never do if Nigel suspected. None of them could.

  “So. You going to answer or what? Lucifer?”

  “Don’t call me that,” Lucien replied. Good. His voice was just as calm and even as always.

  “About time. So, hey. How is hell, anyway? Probably quiet. And peaceful. And without interfering females who think they know everything. Yes? Please tell me yes, because right now I’m hoping there’s a man cave still somewhere in the place.”

  “What...did you just say?”

  “Oh. You haven’t heard? I have a new assistant, courtesy of the Macedon fiasco. Her name is Lizbeth. She used to be a student of...uh. Archeology something-or-other. Right now, she’s just a pain. She’s only half turned, but I think that’s the side that won’t shut up. Excuse me for a sec.” His voice faded. “What? No. I do not have the accounts jacked up. You are wrong. Well. Guess what? Even if you are a woman, you’re still wrong sometimes. And don’t give me another statistic, okay? Just because you can quote all kinds of facts, does not make you smart. It makes you a bore where I come from. Oh, yeah? The Seventies rule, baby. Always did. Always will. Read your history books. I can’t fix it right now. I’m talking here.” His voice came back, although it was in a fuller volume. “You still there, Lucifer?”