Wounded Soul

by Annabelle Jacobs

  “That’ll be perfect.” She paused, breath hitching. “I know I’m overreacting and being a drama queen, but thank you for not mentioning it and indulging me. I love you.”

  “Hey.” Ian wished she were there with him so he could give her a hug. “I love you too, but I don’t think you’re anything of the sort, and it’s no trouble. Honest.”

  “Thanks, Ian. I’ll see you later.”

  They hung up, and Ian closed his eyes, phone on the bed beside him. As knackered as he was, he could do with a few more hours’ sleep, but now all he could think about was vampires. Where did they live? In the city itself or the outskirts? Did they work? Could you spot them in a crowd? Were they all super attractive, or did they look the same as they had in life?

  When he and Blake had first discovered this at age sixteen, none of those questions had occurred to them. The main things they’d wanted to know back then were, did they really drink blood, could you stake them anywhere, and did they smell funny because they were essentially dead? Still valid questions in Ian’s mind, but now he had so many more.

  In the light of day, far from being alarmed at the prospect of the undead walking amongst the people of Bristol, Ian couldn’t wait for Blake to get home so he could bombard him with questions. Clearly vampires weren’t new to the area, and he’d been safe for the last fifteen years, the task force must be doing something right. Mind now buzzing with all the things he wanted to talk to Blake about, he got up and headed for the kitchen.

  It was going to be a long nine days.

  FINALLY FIVE-THIRTY rolled around and Ian powered off his laptop with a groan. Blake was due round at his flat later, and as his excitement grew, the day had dragged on and on. Thank God he hadn’t had to visit any of the other sites, his mind was all over the place, he wouldn’t be safe out on the motorways. He scooped up his keys, texting Cate on his way out.

  What time are you coming round tonight?

  Her reply came as he was unlocking his car.

  Blake offered to pick me up at seven. Be there about twenty past, depending on the traffic around town.

  What take-away do you fancy? Normally Ian would cook, any excuse to use his kitchen for something other than a meal for one. But he was both knackered and far too excited to see Blake to concentrate on cooking tonight.

  Pizza. I need some greasy carbs in my life.

  Ok. See you later x

  Can’t wait.

  No, neither could Ian.

  The ride home wasn’t too bad. He worked in North Bristol. Well that was where he was based. His job took him all over the South West, but today he’d been in his own office. Even so, by the time he got home, showered, and ordered pizza, it was already ten to seven.

  Cate texted to let him know they’d arrived and were on their way up. Thankfully she’d used her key this time, because he really couldn’t be arsed to move from his spot on the sofa.

  “Ian?” Cate called as she opened his front door. The smell of garlic and cheese wafted through the flat towards him.

  “In here.”

  Cate appeared at the living room door, pizza boxes in hand. She lifted them up a bit. “We met the delivery guy at the door downstairs.”

  “Where’s Blake?”

  “Here.” He came up behind Cate, grin in place and looking as good as he always did.

  Seeing him still caused a little ache in Ian’s chest, but not the heart-wrenching want it would’ve done a couple of weeks ago. Maybe if he fucked a few more people, it’d go away entirely. The thought wasn’t as appealing as Ian thought it should’ve been and he pushed it aside. “Come on in, sit down.” He gestured to the empty seats beside him. “Me and Cate can eat while you tell us everything you did on your training.”

  Cate nodded enthusiastically while Blake laughed and gave him the finger. “Yeah, and you can fuck off. I’m starving.” He sat down on the chair and grabbed one of the pizza boxes.

  Ian grabbed the other and flipped the lid, offering Cate the first piece, as she sat down next to him. They managed to eat two slices each before Ian couldn’t wait any longer. He set the box down and sat forward. “So . . .”

  Blake laughed at him and half choked on the bite of pizza he’d taken. “Fine. Go get me a beer and I’ll answer your bloody questions.”

  Ian was up like a shot.

  “But there’s some stuff I’m really not allowed to talk about.”

  “We’ve heard that before,” Cate muttered.

  Blake shook his head, accepting the beer from Ian and looking uncharacteristically serious for once. “No, I mean it. I had to sign all sorts of shit.”

  “Fair enough.” Ian took a drink of his own beer and tried to think of what to ask first.

  Cate beat him to it. “Are vampires really real? I mean did you see any?”

  Ian didn’t think she’d actually believe it deep down until she saw one for herself. Which he hoped like hell never happened.

  Swallowing a swig of beer, Blake looked from Cate to Ian, then back again. “Yes, they’re real. No I haven’t seen one in person.” He held a finger up as Cate went to interrupt. “But I’ve spoken to those that have. And I’ve seen video footage.”

  “Footage?” Ian asked, excitement building. “What sort of footage?” He was already imagining a chase through the city streets, climbing up walls, jumping over railings—

  “They recorded the meeting the VLCD had with the coven leaders.”

  Ian couldn’t hide his disappointment. “A meeting?”

  “Yeah. What were you expecting, a high-speed chase through town?”

  “No. ’Course not.” Ian smirked, and Blake rolled his eyes, knowing him only too well.

  “It was an historic meeting. One where some of the covens agreed to stop feeding on humans in return for not being hunted by the VLCD or anyone associated with them.”

  Cate set her beer down on the coffee table with a bit of a clang. “What do you mean some of the covens?”

  “Okay, so remember I said there were covens all over the country?” Blake glanced between the two of them, carrying on when they nodded. “Well, not all of them agreed to give up their current lifestyle.”

  Cate’s hand went to her throat. “So you mean . . . ?”

  “Yeah,” Blake said softly. “There are vampires out there that still hunt humans.”

  “Oh my God!”

  Ian was right there with her. He glanced out the window at the darkening sky, then back at Blake. “Should we be concerned?”

  “No. The Bristol coven agreed to the VLCDs terms fifteen years ago and, as far as I’m aware, have stuck to the agreement. They get their blood from the hospitals with the VLCD’s help. And I believe the other covens are supposed to inform each other when they enter another’s territory, and if an agreement is in place, then that coven will inform the VLCD so we can be on the lookout.”

  “Call me sceptical, but I can’t see that happening.” Ian downed the rest of his beer, suddenly needing another one. He stood and raised his bottle. “Anyone want another?”

  Blake shook his head, “No thanks, I’m driving.” But Cate readily accepted. Ian suspected she’d be drinking a lot more by the end of the night at this rate.

  “And you’d be right,” Blake said as Ian sat back down, answering his earlier statement. I’m still learning all the ropes, but from what I already know, I’m not sure many of the covens stick to that particular rule, but there’s not much we can do about it.”

  Fuck, Ian had so many questions now. More than he had before. “So there could be vampires roaming around town that you don’t know about if they don’t let the other covens know?”

  “In theory, but bear in mind, if anyone turns up dead and we suspect a vampire is involved, we’re going to go straight to the coven leader and start asking questions. It’s in their interest to keep an eye out for rogue vamps in their territory. There’s only been two vamp-related deaths since the agreement was made.”

  “That you know of,” Cate
said.

  “Yes, that we know of.” He looked a little frustrated, and Ian tried to dial back his thirst for information. “As neither were caused by the Bristol coven.”

  Sighing, Ian rubbed the back of his neck. “Sorry. I’m sure you weren’t expecting an interrogation when you came round tonight.”

  Blake barked out a laugh. “You’re kidding right? That’s exactly what I was expecting, and it’s fine, honestly. I’d be the same if it was one of you in my place.” He sat forward, elbows resting on his knees. “Look. From what I understand, even if a vampire enters the city to feed, they still have to be careful. Their targets tend to be the homeless or people out on their own in the very early hours away from the centre. But vampires have been here for years. Just because you know about them now doesn’t mean they’ve suddenly become more dangerous than they were before.”

  “Yes, but ignorance is bliss.” Cate sent him a withering look. “We didn’t know we needed to worry before.”

  “And you don’t now either. The agreement the vamps have with the VLCD protects you.”

  “What happens to them if they break it?”

  “I can’t discuss that.” The look on his face told Ian that whatever it was, it wasn’t pleasant.

  “How do they know who broke it? It’s not like they can test for DNA, is it? Because they have all different people’s blood in them, right?” She shuddered at the thought, and Ian grimaced.

  “There are other ways to test for DNA,” Blake offered, but Cate ignored him, her mind seemingly stuck on vampire anatomy.

  “Do they have other bodily fluids?” she asked. “I mean they’re dead right? Do they smell dead? I’m guessing no, or we’d all be able to spot them a mile off. Are they all handsome and alluring like in films? Are they cold to the touch? Are they super-fast, and can they do that mind control thing?” She finally stopped to breathe and Blake stared at her, mouth opening and then closing as he seemed to struggle with what part of that to answer first.

  Ian laughed, and Cate gave Blake an apologetic shrug. “Sorry. You know I babble when I get nervous.”

  Blake reached out and took her hands in his. “I know this is huge, and it’s gonna take a while to sink in. I can’t really discuss what vampires are like, mainly because I don’t really know all that yet. I have a ton of stuff still to read through and more training to do. But . . .” He gave her hands a squeeze and glanced at Ian. “I can tell you that they are fast—amazingly so—and as for looks, I’m pretty sure they don’t change all that much from how they were in human life.” He let go of Cate and sat back, reaching into his pocket and pulling out two miniature aerosol cans. He handed one to Cate and one to Ian.

  Ian took his and examined it.

  “Don’t spray it,” Blake said quickly. Both Ian and Cate immediately put them down.

  “What are they for?” Cate eyed hers with suspicion. Ian could tell she was dying to pick it up and spray it.

  “I know I said you have nothing to worry about, but just in case, I want you to carry these when you go out at night.”

  Ian pointed at his where it sat on the table. “Are they some sort of pepper spray? What good will that do?”

  “Ooh.” Cate was on the edge of her seat. “Is it holy water? Will it burn their skin?”

  Blake’s smile was wry. “Not exactly. But it will temporarily blind them if you can get it in their eyes. Long enough for you to get out of there and call me.”

  “And what will you do?”

  “Contact the VLCD patrol. Trust me, no vamp wants to get caught by us. When they know we’re on the way, they’ll run.”

  He made it seem like they were an elite special-forces unit. Which Ian supposed they were, but he struggled to picture Blake being a part of something like that. “How will they know the VLCD have been notified?”

  “They’ll know. Trust me.” He yawned, and for the first time that night, Ian noticed how tired his friend looked. “I’ll send you my work number as well, just so you have it. But it’s only for emergencies.” Another yawn had him covering his mouth with a muffled, “Sorry.”

  “Must have been a tough two weeks?”

  Blake laughed. “You have no idea.” He tapped his temple. “I’m not sure I have any room left in my brain, and I ache everywhere.”

  Cate smirked, “That’s because you haven’t used it in a while.”

  “Piss off.” He grinned at her though, then turned serious again, pointing at the mini sprays on the table. “Please carry them with you when you go out, just for peace of mind, but don’t use them on anyone unless they have fangs, or I’ll have some explaining to do.”

  Ian wanted to ask so much more, but Blake looked knackered. “You should probably go home and get some sleep.”

  “Yeah, I’ve got my very first coven inspection tomorrow.” He perked up as he said it, excitement burning in his eyes. “And no,” he added before Ian or Cate could say anything. “I can’t tell you anything about it other than I’ll be unavailable tomorrow night.” He stood and stretched, then glanced at Cate. “You ready to call it a night?”

  “Yeah.” She stood too, smoothing out her clothes. “Not that I’m likely to ever sleep again after all that.” Bending down, she scooped up the spray and tucked it inside her bag. Ian made a mental note to put his inside his jacket. Though if a vamp got close enough for him to use it, it’d probably be too late. Not that he was about to mention that to Cate.

  He walked them to the door and gave them both a hug goodnight.

  Cate turned to him as Blake opened the door. “You seem strangely unfazed by this whole thing. Aren’t you the least bit scared now you know they’re out there?”

  Ian shrugged. “Course I am.” In truth it was the most exciting thing to happen in years, and for once he wished he’d followed Blake into the police force. “But there’s nothing we can do about it. So . . .”

  She stared at him for a moment, then rolled her eyes. “Ugh, of course you’re not scared; you’re enjoying all of it aren’t you?”

  “No, I—”

  “Oh, don’t give me that bullshit. I bet you’d give anything to go with Blake tomorrow.”

  Ian smirked, unable to stop himself. “It’d be interesting, that’s for sure.”

  Cate shook her head. “Unbelievable. The pair of you.”

  Maybe she had a point, but fucking vampires!

  How could he not find it all a little bit fascinating?

  Blake finally dragged her out the door, and Ian locked it behind them, leaning against it as he took a moment to process the evening. He hadn’t asked nearly enough questions, and new ones kept popping up the more he thought about things. Maybe he should write them down so he didn’t forget. And he should probably limit himself with how many he asked, or Blake would soon get pissed off with him.

  But fuck me.

  Blake was going to a vampire coven tomorrow night.

  Ian had never been more jealous in his whole life.

  AS HE SETTLED into bed later, still buzzing from everything Blake had told them, his phone chimed with a text message, startling him.

  Blake’s name flashed up on the screen.

  Talk of the devil.

  Left my bloody jacket at yours. My wallet’s in it. Any chance I can pick it up in the morning? What time do you leave for work?

  You’re in luck, he typed back. Working from home tomorrow morning. Pop round any time before 12.

  Great. See you tomorrow.

  Setting his alarm for seven instead of six, Ian put his phone on the bedside table and closed his eyes.

  As he drifted off, his mind filled with shadows lurking about the city and fangs flashing in the moonlight.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Jesse sat on his window ledge, staring out at the dull sky. Thick clouds replaced the blue, and the sun was nowhere to be seen. The overcast sky made the coven’s surrounding lands look bleak, matching his mood perfectly.

  Not for the first time in the last few days, he had his
phone in hand, a message to Ian open on the screen. It was blank. He knew he couldn’t tell him anything more, couldn’t take it back either, but the temptation to contact him was strong. Strong enough that he got as far as opening up Messenger before stopping himself.

  Leaning his head against the glass, he closed his eyes, remembering the way Ian had looked the morning he left—beautiful, tempting, breakable. He’d done the right thing, the only thing.

  But why does it hurt?

  He rubbed absently over his chest where his heart should beat but no longer did. It ached, though. That space tucked behind his ribs felt hollow, which was ridiculous considering he’d only seen Ian twice.

  What the fuck was wrong with him?

  His door creaked as someone opened it.

  Jesse started to smile, assuming it was Lys, but then he caught an unwelcome scent and a hiss bubbled out of him. “What the fuck do you want?”

  “Charming.” Peter’s soft footsteps sounded behind as he crossed the room towards Jesse. “What’s got you in such a foul mood?”

  “Nothing.” Jesse didn’t look away from the window. “And why didn’t you knock?”

  Although the rooms were soundproofed, their hearing usually picked up someone knocking on the door. Those with manners anyway.

  “I didn’t think you’d be up to anything that warranted a knock.”

  Jesse ignored him, not interested in seeing Peter’s face, but his reflection appeared in the glass regardless. Their eyes met, and Jesse saw the moment that understanding dawned.

  “Ahh. The human’s got you all in a tizz.” Peter came to stand beside him, arm brushing Jesse’s, making him want to shy away, but he held his ground. “Things not going as planned?” He didn’t try to hide the amusement in his voice; then he mock gasped, bringing his hand to his mouth. “You’ve not bitten him, have you?”