The Veiled Series Collection

by Stacey Rourke

  “Not yet,” Vlad picked up on my line of thought and ran with it. “But if we can target the areas where the police officers and military are being blocked in, we could help them fight their way out and add numbers to our side.”

  “If I can point something out?” Micah glanced up from a notepad where she had been frantically jotting down equations and notes. “Dorian has had centuries to set up this entire metaphorical chess board. Any move we make, he’s thought of. Any attack we launch, there will be some horrible surprise waiting for us. When it comes to the tactical battles, we can’t win. We have Vlad the friggin’ Impaler and the Dragon Queen on our side, and we still won’t win. Why? Because, he’s already seen them both coming and considered every possible angle.”

  “Thank you for injecting that uplifting pep talk, Mics.” I frowned.

  “No, I’m not trying to be discouraging!” Micah’s chair squeaked as she pushed back from the table and rose to her feet. Following her own path of logic, she paced the length of the room. “He expects us to meet him on the front lines—and by all means we have to. We need to divert his attention, so we can catch him off guard.”

  With a toss of my head, I shook off my newly acquired reptilian attributes. “If he’s considered all options, how can we catch him off guard?”

  Without glancing my way, Micah wagged a finger in acknowledgment of my point. “No one has ever found the portrait that allows him to maintain his immortality. Combine that with our knowledge that he can travel through mirrors, and it points to a hypothesis of the painting’s true location.”

  Vlad’s eyes closed, his head falling back as the realization slammed into him. “He hides it away within his mirrors. How did I never deduce that?”

  “Don’t be too hard on yourself, Micah’s brain works at a higher frequency than the rest of the living or undead population.” Lacing his fingers behind his head, Finn leaned back in his chair and popped the two front legs off the floor.

  Leaning one hip against the table, I folded my arms over my middle. “This is all brilliantly intuitive, Mics. Really, it is. But unless you have some sort of magical high priestess stuck in your back pocket, it doesn’t exactly help us enter that mysterious realm of his.”

  Eyes brightening, Micah swiveled my way on the ball of her foot. “We don’t need magic. We have science.”

  “I’ve seen that movie. Those are the last words you hear before accidentally calling forth a plague of zombie-dinosaurs,” Carter grumbled out of the corner of his mouth.

  Elodie’s head tilted with interest. “Is that a real thing? I would watch that.”

  Ignoring the peanut gallery, Micah pressed on. The words tumbled from her lips at record speeds thanks to her growing excitement. “Moving through matter involves molecules achieving unbelievable speeds. Scientifically speaking, that’s how you are able to dissipate into the cloud of smoky bats since joining with the Dragon. Even so, that alone won’t be enough. We need your molecular makeup to reach speeds it never has before. And I think dosing you with sulfur is exactly how we do that.”

  A hammer of silence fell fast and hard onto the room.

  No one moved.

  No one blinked.

  Myself included.

  Natalie raised her hand as if waiting to be called on. “I’m sorry, sulfur? The same drug Dorian Gray is using to turn vampires into mindless killing machines? That sulfur?”

  “I know it sounds crazy—” Micah resumed the pacing which seemed to be powering her brain.

  “Batshit,” Thomas interjected.

  “With that injected into her blood stream, everything within her will be kicked into overdrive. If we can perfect the cocktail, she should be able to assume her ominous roiling smoke form and pass directly through the glass. And, if my calculations are correct, and part of her ability allows her to whisk people up in that cloud of hers, she should be able to take a small team with her.”

  “Or, they’ll slam right into the mirror, which is funny as hell for the rest of us.” Having reached his maximum level of attentiveness, Finn pulled his phone out of his pocket. Finding the device still to be useless, he cast it aside with a thump.

  “Do I need to remind you all that the cocktail Micah is suggesting is the same one Vincenza was dosed with on her wedding, right before the unfortunate bloodbath? No offense,” Elodie lobbed that last part my way with her usual emotional detachment.

  My shoulders rose and fell in a dismissive shrug. “None taken. It’s the truth.”

  “It’s not exactly the same,” Finn interrupted. “In that case someone rolled her brother’s head to her. I think that was way more of a catalyst than the sulfur.”

  Pausing behind Finn’s chair, Micah clapped a hand on his shoulder. “I beg you not to help me. Not just now, but ever again.”

  Closing the space between us, Vlad placed a protective hand on the small of my back. “There are many elements of this plan I don’t like.”

  With my palm on his cheek, I brushed my thumb over the curve of his bottom lip. “You don’t need to worry about me, my King.”

  “And I’m not.” Tipping his chin toward my wrist, he dotted a kiss to the heel of my hand. “I’m worried about the people who are currently trapped. You and I are the strongest warriors to our cause. If we aren’t front and center when a counterstrike is made, it will alert Dorian that we’re planning something. And considering I am following you through that mirror with or without an invitation, that does create a bit of a hiccup.”

  Fighting off a grin, my brows playfully lifted. “Oh, you are, huh?”

  One rogue lock of sandstone hair fell forward and tangled in the forest of his lashes. “Indeed. I don’t care if I have to cling to your back like a baby howler monkey, I will be there when we bring Dorian down. After all he’s done, and all he’s taken from me, I need to be part of ending this vendetta once and for all.”

  Natalie bumped Carter’s arm with her elbow, jerking her chin in Vlad’s direction. “See? That’s why they tell you never to meet your idols. You hear them say things like that and it ruins the whole merciless killer façade.”

  “You’re right. Dorian will be watching every minute of the front-line attacks. If you and I aren’t there, he’ll see us coming from a mile away.” Chewing on the inside of my cheek, I glanced to Micah. “Any chance you’ve mastered cloning technology? That would be super convenient right about now.”

  Micah threw her hands up in apology for her professional failure. “Sorry, I was busy making a test-tube vamp.”

  “What I need is a better class of genius,” I playfully jabbed, and tossed her a wink.

  “Brought you back from the dead,” she poked back.

  “Like two years ago. How long are you going to ride that gravy train?”

  “If I may,” Vlad politely interrupted, “I think I may have a solution. Back when Dorian sought to claim the Dragon from me, he tried countless spells and experiments in the dark arts to lure it out. All of which failed miserably. Still, I indulged his efforts because I longed to be free of the darkness. One of his more creative attempts was an incantation that allowed him to appear as me for a brief while. His hope being simply looking like me would be enough to fool an ancient demon.”

  Folding her arms over her chest, Elodie’s lips sank into a scowl. “That’s it. I refuse to lose to a guy that moronic.”

  “Young, but far from moronic,” Vlad corrected, stalking a slow path through the room. “Never make the mistake of thinking he’s anything but clever and conniving. We must all be at our best if we are to defeat him. As to the spell, I remember every word after sitting through it countless times. Once we gather the needed ingredients, I could invoke it over members of the magi. Every attack we launch could be led by a version of Vincenza and myself. In the confusion of us being everywhere, we can sink into the shadows of nowhere where he hides.”

 
“I will lead one of the charges.” The rasp of Rau’s voice drew the group’s attention to the door. He stood weak and wilted, but alive. “I’ve watched you in battle, studied your techniques. Do me the honor of picking up that mantle as your son.”

  Walking across the room on whispered steps, Vlad caught his son by the shoulders. “Dorian has taken from you more than anyone. You will join Vincenza and I on our journey into the mirrors. Perhaps by aiding us in defeating Dorian, you can begin to heal from the time he took from you.”

  “And, hey, if things go south, at least you’ll get to die with your Pops.” Finn snorted.

  Vlad’s head snapped in Finn’s direction, his tongue teasing over the tip of one fang. “A man who always has something to say. Finn, I do believe it’s time for you to become a man of action. You will join us as well.”

  Finn blanched. Swallowing hard, he managed a tight smile. “It would be my honor.”

  “There’s a good lad.”

  “I’ll be there to administer the sulfur and monitor the dosage to ensure it does what we need without the risk of an overdose.” Micah plunged her hands into the pockets of her lab coat. “Then I’ll stand guard outside of the mirror to keep your exit free and clear.”

  Drawn to the window, I peered out at my sea of followers. Oblivious to the chaos outside of our little oasis, they cooked over fires, strummed guitars, and shared in laughter and fellowship. If we didn’t act, this would be nothing more than a temporary reprieve. Still, I hated the thought of putting any of them at risk.

  Sensing my hesitation, Elodie edged up beside me. “Make it their choice. Those who want to fight are welcome to. Those who don’t, can stay behind with the understanding it may fall to them to protect the manor.”

  “And how can they possibly stand against Dorian’s army?” I whispered, as if afraid speaking the words out loud could somehow cause the worst to happen.

  Elodie’s chin lifted with a regal air. “Dorian’s army is motivated by bloodlust and mind-control. Both of which are easy to manipulate. You proved that the other day with your actions on the hill. Those people out there? They have something to fight for. Their lives have been restored. Or, they are seeing hope for the first time since becoming Nosferatu. Either way, they have you to thank. They will stand and fight alongside you, Vincenza. We all will.”

  Chairs squeaked behind me. A ripple of motion moved through the room. By the time I turned around, every single one of them were on their feet in a show of solidarity for their newly titled queen. Unshed tears burned behind my eyes. A fist of emotion closed around my heart. I didn’t know how it was that fate led me to these people, but the truth was I needed them far more than they needed me.

  Swallowing hard, I fought to keep my voice from cracking. “Thomas, go outside and spread the word. Those who want to join us on the front line are welcome to do so. All others need to be prepared to defend themselves here. Elodie, take full stock of all weapons and prepare all the magi for war. The rest of you… we don’t know what’s going to happen from here. This is a fight the world has never seen against an enemy with nothing to lose. Spend tonight like it’s your last night on Earth, because it very well could be.”

  If I knew then what I know now, those wouldn’t have been the last words I spoke. I would have told them how much they meant to me. That they filled the void of family after my own was ripped away. Of course, I had no way to know that was the last time we would all be together…

  Chapter Fourteen

  Vinx

  Dressed in a simple black tee and faded jeans, I cradled Batdog in my arms and scratched his belly as the sun faded into the horizon. “Do you think anyone got any rest?”

  Sliding up behind me, Vlad wrapped his arms around my waist and nuzzled against my neck. “I doubt it, my Queen. My own mind refused to quiet. We can only hope that they found quiet moments of solace, as I did with your body curled around mine.”

  Hearing Vlad’s voice so close to his pointy little ear, Batdog lifted his chin and gave the King of the Undead a quick slurp to the cheek.

  “When this is all over you should really consider schooling men of today on chivalry. Just by teaching them how to talk to ladies we could make millions. Panties would be dropping for miles around. Not even kidding, we could buy a second castle.”

  “We’ll add that to the list of things we could do once we stop the dismantling of the civilized world. I think a holiday somewhere tropical where the hunting is good and clothing is optional should be at the very top of that list.” A quick squeeze to my hips and Vlad stepped away to tug a shirt on over his bare-chested magnificence.

  “You say things like that and pull away. Now I see how you got that son of the devil reputation,” I mock pouted.

  “Only devilishly handsome.” He winked and adjusted the fabric of his grey Henley over his sculpted abs. “As much as I would love to block out the world and make this a cozy little lovenest for two—”

  Batdog interrupted with a bark and a whine.

  “My apologies, of course I meant three,” Vlad corrected, and offered my pup an apologetic pat to the belly. “Still, I have to step away. I need to get the ingredients for the incantation together and run a trial or twenty. The last thing I want is to flub something up and have versions of us blazing into battle with our heads on backwards and tails growing out of our crupă.”

  Head tilted, I considered that visual. “I don’t know. It would give us an element of surprise.”

  Returning to my side once more, Vlad planted a quick peck to my forehead. “We shall consider that Plan B if I can’t get this to work properly. And what of you, my Queen? Is it time to rally the masses for a motivational speech of solidarity and triumph?”

  “That sounds exhausting. Can I snuggle my dog and watch Netflix instead?”

  Batdog squirmed in my arms in his wiggly approval of that idea.

  “Whatever you want, my Queen. Just promise me you will not allow Micah to begin administering the sulfur until I’ve returned. If the worst were to happen I want to be there to act as your tether.”

  “Pinkie swear.” I held up the digit and walked him through the word binding ritual. “But if your goal is to protect others from me, maybe bring the magi… and the national guard.” Even after he tossed me a grin and left the room, I continued to shout suggestions after him. “If you could get your hands on a bazooka or two, that might be helpful! Vlad? Vlad! What about a tank? Do we have a tank? Hey, I know the Hulk isn’t real, but maybe we could zap someone with some gamma rays and see if we can conjure up a giant green beast to slow me down a little? I feel these are all valid suggestions!”

  Sauntering past, Carter glanced in at the sounds of my shouts. “Who… are you yelling at?”

  “The monster in my head. It’s hard of hearing.” Plopping Batdog onto the bed, I waved him in. “Got a sec?”

  Carter glanced down the hall toward the stairs. “The magi are planning some tactical combat training with the volunteers. But I can’t think of a better excuse to be late than the Queen of all Vampires demanded a council with me.” He stepped inside, closing the door behind him.

  “Council with the queen…” My nose crinkled. “When did we start talking like characters from Downton Abbey?”

  “You’re right. Let me try that again.” Rolling his shoulders, Carter slouched into a gangsta lean. “’Sup, Vinx? How it is, guurl?”

  “Nope. Worse. Way Worse.”

  For the first time since… I couldn’t remember when, we shared a heartfelt laugh. Which was exactly what I needed to brave the awkward conversation I felt was long overdue.

  Dragging my tongue over my lower lip, I racked my brain for how to begin. “Listen, Carter, I know why you pulled the little blood trick and followed me to meet Dorian. And I—”

  “No, you don’t,” Carter interrupted, his cocky half-grin firmly in place. “I was yo
ur first.”

  “Uh, I don’t want to go into all the different ways that statement is inaccurate, but let’s just say there are a plethora of them.” My gaze drifted to Batdog, who coped with the uncomfortable dialogue by spinning in three circles and flopping down on my pillow.

  Even as his smirk blossomed into a bright smile, a shadow of sadness darkened Carter’s cobalt stare. “I mean, I’m your Peter.”

  I blinked his way once… and again. “You’re my what now?”

  Combing his fingers through his hair, Carter hunted for another way to articulate whatever message he was struggling to convey. “I’m saying I was your first disciple, like Peter… with Jesus… in the bible.”

  “I am familiar with it, yes. What I don’t get is how we got from the good book to here.”

  “What I’m trying to say—in the most convoluted way imaginable—is that I realized how amazing you were long before the miraculous healings and brazen self-sacrifice. Did I confuse it with lust? Of course I did. I’m a dude, and you’re insanely hot.” He waved one hand down the length of me to further prove his point. “But I see you now, Vinx. I see what you’ve become, and you know what? I’m not the least bit surprised. Because that spark that’s in you? The badass, bold leader who people flock to in times of uncertainty? That’s not the Dragon. Hell, that’s not even the science mojo Mics and her crew worked on you in the lab. That’s you. One hundred percent. And that is exactly why I will follow you to the ends of the Earth just to be a part of the history you’re writing.”

  I opened my mouth to argue, only for him to halt me with one raised finger.