E.V.I.E.: 13 Slayers, 13 Missions

by Lexi C. Foss

  Beck pulls away and then stands. “Tomorrow night, we try again to find the twins. Be ready.”

  He flashes away, leaving me cold and lonely. Sadness creeps inside me, infecting every part of my being. When I finally do drift off to sleep, eager to see Laurent, I’m met with empty dreams.

  He doesn’t show up.

  “This way,” Beck says, prowling through a dark alley.

  Laurent is at my back, but he’s cold and distant. After what happened the night before, he hasn’t spoken a word to me. At first, I thought it was for the best, but now it just hurts. Sure, he bit me a few times, but I asked for it. And, like Beck said, he couldn’t control it, but it’s not his fault he’s still a new vampire.

  If Jude knew what I’ve been up to lately, he’d throttle me. Slayers aren’t supposed to fraternize with vampires. We can use them as allies and have them as friends, but romantic relationships are frowned upon. Hard to kill them when you’re in love with them.

  Eventually, I’ll be forced to kill Laurent.

  My chest aches just thinking about it.

  Beck slows at the sound of voices around the corner. One of them is familiar. I’m racing past Beck before he can stop me. I discover Ricardo—the vampire from the Castlerock bar who stood me up for our one-month date for information—pinning a feral vampire to the wall, snarling at him.

  “Ricardo,” I bark out.

  “Leave, girl,” he hisses. “This doesn’t concern you.”

  “It concerns me,” Beck rumbles. “That vampire has the blood plague.”

  Ricardo cocks his head, eyeing up Beck. “And you know this, how?”

  “Experience.”

  “You’re like twelve,” Ricardo grumbles.

  “I’m old where it counts,” Beck states. “A seventeen-year-old body means nothing to me except what I was forced to be in for eternity. My experience and knowledge outmatch yours.”

  “We want the same thing,” I tell Ricardo, approaching slowly. “We can compare notes.”

  An arm encircles my waist and I’m pulled against Laurent’s chest. I’m shocked by the claiming move.

  “Start talking,” Ricardo says, his hold steady on the vampire that fights him to no avail.

  “The twins we’re looking for are infected with the blood plague. As soon as we find them, we can deal with them and this problem goes away,” Beck says to Ricardo.

  “But what about the ones they’ve infected?” Ricardo demands. “If it’s a plague, it’s only a matter of time before everyone’s got it.”

  “I’ve been following this problem,” Beck tells him, “and because of their royal blood line, they’re the carriers. All they can do is infect others, but those infected can’t continue the infection. If we deal with the source, the problem will be eliminated.”

  “You’re gonna kill ’em, slayer?” Ricardo asks, smirking.

  “The infected ones, sure,” I reply, “but the twins are going home.”

  “Interesting.” Ricardo releases the feral vampire. “Do what you do, slayer.”

  On instinct, I shove Laurent away while withdrawing my stakes. Since I’m the only blood pumping body here, the vampire charges my way. The red lightning crackles to life as I swing at the approaching psychopath. My stake drives through its heart, a perfect hit.

  It screeches as it falls to the ground. Flames light up the dark alley. The vampire screams until all that can be heard is the popping of its flesh as it burns.

  “That will always be disturbing as fuck,” Ricardo mutters. “So what now?”

  “Don’t be a stranger and contact me if you hear anything on the twins.”

  Ricardo stalks away without another word, leaving us in silence. I peek over at Laurent, catching him staring intently at me. He looks away and it makes my heart crack down the middle.

  “You and Mercy need to come by my home soon,” Beck says, snapping me from my thoughts.

  “Why?” I frown at him.

  “Her condition worsens each day. I know you haven’t fulfilled your obligation to me yet, but you’ll just be in debt.”

  Laurent’s jaw clenches, like he wants to approach me, but he remains still.

  “I’ll think about it,” I murmur. I’m not completely sure I trust a vampire to heal my child, but I’m running out of options. The transfusions aren’t working like they should.

  “You won’t have to think too hard,” Beck warns. “When it’s time, you’ll know.”

  11

  Laurent

  One Week Later…

  Each night we hunt for Weston and Wynona. All we find is a trail of infected vampires that have to be put down. I’m in awe of Castilla. She’s a force of nature. Small, but powerful. The way she wields the ruby stakes is something my mother would have been proud of.

  It was supposed to be me.

  I’d been given the stakes when she died. Taught how to slay the evil of our world. Sad fact was, I didn’t want to. I wanted to play my guitar and sing. A lover, not a fighter. Mom would roll over in her grave had she known what a pussy I grew up to be. I kept my heirlooms but never used them until Weston and Wynona arrived. I’d forced Castilla into that box, never considering the fact she’d be trapped there or could have died. And, rather than using the ruby stakes on those two beasts, I froze. Watched in sick horror as they slaughtered my wife and baby boy. I’d wanted to die after that. I felt like I deserved it for being unable to protect them.

  My only thought as I’d transitioned from human to blood-thirsty beast was that I did manage to save sweet Castilla.

  But then my thoughts were ravenous.

  I wanted to break apart the trunk and feed on her pure blood that beckoned to me. Had I not locked her away, I would’ve done just that. They’d all be dead.

  “See you around,” Castilla says, stopping in front of the door at her apartment. “There’s always tomorrow.”

  “Wait,” I murmur, unable to stop from reaching out and touching her wrist. “I need to apologize.”

  Her brow lifts and her lips part. “For what?”

  “For what happened last week.” I wince at the memory despite my mouth watering. “When I lost control. When I bit you.”

  She steps closer, her head tilting up. “You’re blaming yourself for something you can’t control.”

  “I can control it,” I argue. “At least, I think I can. I just…you tasted…” I run my fingers through my hair, shooting her a pained expression. “I just wanted you. All of you.”

  “I’m going to go get Mercy from next door and tuck her into bed. Want to come by in a bit and talk?”

  “Dreamwalk?”

  “Real talk.”

  No. Absolutely not. I can’t.

  “Yes,” I murmur. “I want to talk about everything. All that’s happened to you. Mercy. Your job. Everything. I just want to hear your voice and watch your lips move, Castilla.”

  She laughs and it makes my black soul sing. “That’s not creepy or anything.”

  My eyes are glued to her pert ass in her leather pants as she walks next door. I flash outside and it isn’t until I’m standing in front of Beck I realize I didn’t just flash—run at top speed—but I teleported.

  “Ahhh,” Beck says, his eyes wide. “New ability.”

  “They seem to keep coming.”

  “This is good.” He cocks his head to the side, studying me. “I overheard you’re staying to talk.”

  “You heard correctly.”

  “You know your way home.” He starts to walk away, but I grab his bicep before he can get far.

  “Beck, wait.”

  He lifts his brows in question.

  “I…” I trail off. “Aren’t you worried I’ll lose control again?”

  “No,” he says, surprising me. “I’ve been observing you since that night. Your powers are growing, which means so is your control. You know the point of no return, and I think you’ll avoid crossing it in the future.”

  “And if I don’t?” My heart cracks
down the middle at that thought.

  “You will.”

  His faith in me gives me hope.

  “But, Laurent?”

  “Yes?”

  “Don’t turn yourself off to everything around you. You must be aware of threats always.”

  I give him a fierce nod. “To protect Mercy and Castilla.”

  “No,” he says, shaking his head. “Castilla can protect them both. I’m talking about you.”

  “Don’t worry about me,” I scoff.

  “Wynona and Weston want you back.”

  “I’m no good to them now,” I growl. “They don’t need me.”

  “No, but they’re spoiled royalty. You were one of their toys that’s been taken away. They want you back. That’s the intel I’ve gathered. I want you to be careful.”

  “Of course.” I give his bicep a squeeze. “Thank you. I’ll see you soon.”

  He teleports away, leaving me alone. I practice my own newfound ability, imagining where I want to be, and then appear there.

  Castilla gapes at me and Mercy, who’s awake, giggles.

  “Hello there,” I greet, not meeting Castilla’s irritated glare.

  “Are you a superhero like Mommy?” Mercy asks, her little voice like tinkling bells.

  I grin at her. “I am. Your mother is a tough slay—”

  “Time for bed,” Castilla interrupts, cutting me off with a sharp look. “Feed Dracula, brush your teeth, and then I’ll tuck you in.”

  “What’s your name?” Mercy asks me.

  “Laurent.”

  “I’m Mercy.”

  “That’s a beautiful name, Mercy. You’re a beautiful girl.”

  “My bat is beautiful too,” she says, smiling up at me.

  “Bats are beautiful?” I tease. “I’ve never seen a beautiful bat before.”

  “Because you haven’t seen Dracula!” She grabs my hand, tugging me to her room. “Look. Isn’t he the prettiest bat ever?”

  I peer into the box to inspect the bat with a damaged wing. “He’s something, all right.”

  “Teeth. Bed,” Castilla reminds her.

  “One day Dracula is going to heal and fly to the full moon,” Mercy says, ignoring her mother. “And turn into a vampire!”

  A laugh tumbles out of me. “Is that so, huh?”

  “My aunt Loey knows magic,” she explains. “I’m going to ask her to get Dracula a magic necklace that turns him into a vampire.” Her nose scrunches up. “Do you believe in vampires? Miss Edna says they’re not real.”

  “I believe that anything is possible,” I murmur, patting her on the head. “Better listen to your mother and get your teeth brushed.”

  “Will you tell me a story?”

  “I could sing you one.”

  Castilla sucks in a sharp breath.

  “You can sing?” Mercy asks.

  “I think I’ve still got it.” I wink at her.

  Mercy hurries off to brush her teeth. I turn to look at Castilla. Her arms are crossed over her chest and she gnaws on her bottom lip. The same bottom lip that started something I almost indefinitely finished last time.

  “You’re good with her,” Castilla says. “Like you were with me.”

  I remember Castilla was such a sweet girl—too sweet to be Demi’s daughter in fact. I’d been worried at first to become a stepfather, but Castilla was a good kid. Made life easier because she was well-behaved. We’d connected over music, which was always my passion. Hell, most days when I felt like leaving Demi, I stayed for that kid. She needed me in some way and I refused to let her down.

  I ended up leaving her in the end.

  I’m here now, though.

  Everything may be all messed up and our relationship dynamics have changed, but my overwhelming need to protect her and be here for her hasn’t.

  I step closer until our chests touch. She lets out a shuddered breath of air when I run my fingers through her silky hair. My other palm splays over her leather-covered ass and I squeeze, drawing her closer so she can feel my erection between us.

  “I shouldn’t want you,” she whispers. “Wanting you changes everything I’ve been trained to do.”

  “I know I’ve wronged you.” I lean my forehead against hers. “I want to make it all right.”

  She clutches the lapels of my jacket. “Laurent, you didn’t wrong me. You were a victim. If anything, you saved me. You saved me long before those vampires showed up just by being you.” Her eyes water as they meet mine. “I adored you. So badly I wanted to be yours.”

  “You are mine.” I lean forward, dropping a kiss to her lips. “All mine.”

  “Back then, I wanted you to be my father.” She sighs. “Now, I want you in other ways. It’s all fucked up and if anyone finds out, like Jude, I’m so screwed.”

  “Your boss?” I growl, my chest tightening with jealousy.

  “And friend. He’s like a brother to me.”

  “It’ll be our secret then. I’ll have you however I can get you.” I kiss her again and again and again and—

  “You’re kissing Mommy! Are you getting married? Are you going to be my dad?”

  Castilla and I fly apart, caught in the act by Mercy. The little girl has her hands on her hips, eyes bright with hope and a smile on her cute face. Castilla’s face is bright red.

  “We’ll talk about it another day,” Castilla evades. “Into bed, miss. It’s late.”

  Castilla tucks Mercy in and then sits beside her. They both look at me in an expectant way. Waiting. So hopeful and excited. My heart threatens to burst.

  I need my guitar.

  Beck brought one home recently when I revealed my love for music. Without considering what I’m doing, I teleport home, grab my guitar, and teleport back before their next breath. Mercy squeals with delight while Castilla shakes her head. She’s smiling, so she’s not too angry with me.

  “There’s music in everything, Mercy,” I explain as I strum my guitar. “You just have to listen for it.”

  I spend the next half hour singing everything from nursery rhymes to songs I made up for Castilla until Mercy falls asleep. Leaning the instrument against the dresser, I hold a hand out for Castilla. Without hesitation, she takes it.

  I walk her back to her bedroom and close the door behind us. Nerves flicker in her gaze, but she waits for me to make the next move. Gently, I unbutton her vest and pull it down her arms. It falls to the floor with a heavy thud since her stakes are inside. She raises her arms so I can pull off her black tank top. Her tits jiggle with each nervous breath she takes. I cup them both and dip down to kiss her.

  “So beautiful and mine,” I murmur as I pull down the cups of her bra. Her breath hitches when my thumbs caress her nipples. “Say it, Castilla.”

  “Yours.”

  I grin against her lips as I unhook her bra. Once it falls to the ground, I make quick work of her leather pants. She looks hot as fuck in them, but I need her naked. Her palm presses to my chest, pushing me back as she pulls off her boots, pants, and socks. Standing in just her black panties, she waits for me to undress. My moves are quick and jerky as I yank off every offending piece of clothing. Her brown eyes darken as she drinks in my naked form. I grip my cock and stroke it, loving the way her eyes latch onto the movement.

  “You forgot something,” I murmur, stepping close to her so I can cup her pussy over her panties. “Or maybe you forgot it on purpose.”

  “Maybe,” she breathes.

  I push the fabric away to tease her clit with my finger. She moans, grabbing my shoulders to hold on. Each time I bring her near her orgasm with just my fingertip, I pull away so I can enter her body with it.

  “Please,” she begs. “I need you.”

  “I want you coming around my cock,” I growl. “Not a second before.”

  “Then fuck me already.”

  She cries out when I shred her panties, leaving her bare. I take her to the edge of pleasure once more but pull away at the last minute. Wrapping an arm around her wais
t, I pick her up and prowl over the bed with her in my arms. Once I have her settled, I wrench her thighs apart and tease her with my cock, never entering her.

  I was adamant about feeding before I came tonight, but it doesn’t stop the intense craving to suck her dry. But, as Beck reminded me, I’ve grown stronger lately. I can control those urges.

  “Bite me, Laurent.”

  Except when she says that.

  Fuck.

  “Castilla,” I warn. “You test me, woman.”

  “You won’t let me die. Do it.”

  I push my cock inside of her, loving the way it squeezes the hell out of me. With a hard thrust, I bury my dick deep inside her. Slowly, I fuck into this woman, desperate to make her forever mine.

  That’d break Beck’s number one rule.

  Don’t turn anyone into a vampire no matter what.

  I pounce on her, eager to kiss her pretty mouth. Her cunt squeezes my dick in a vicious way that has me losing myself to my animal urges to take and own. I fuck her like she might disappear. Hard. Claiming. Nearly violent.

  She pulls away from our kiss, turning her head to the side to offer her pretty neck. I don’t think twice. I simply bare my fangs and pierce her flesh. Intoxicating blood surges from the puncture wounds into my mouth, feeding the feral beast inside me. I suck in a long pull with each hard thrust into her. Her moans are addictive. With each gulp of her heavenly blood, I feel as though our bond strengthens and grows unbreakable. It isn’t until she comes with a yelp that I manage to break away from her neck. Blood runs from the wounds and I quickly lick it until it heals. She murmurs my name as she digs her nails into my shoulders. I come with a savage roar, filling her with my seed. I’m too starved for her in every way to pull away. Instead, I hug her tight and nuzzle my nose in her hair. I like having her impaled on my cock and trapped beneath me where she belongs.

  Eventually, I pull out of her, but don’t let her go out of my arms. Dawn will be upon us soon and I’ll need to be in the safety of Beck’s home when that happens. Until then, I listen to her whispers as she tells me every horrible thing that’s happened to her since I locked her in that trunk.