Deceptive Changes: Kat LaMond Book 1

by R A Baker

  “Yeah, I’m still Katja, Todd. How did you think I got away from those other two? Not by kissing them. I killed them and took their heads.”

  “It’s just something new, Kat, calm down,” Todd said quietly.

  “Don’t tell me to calm down. You guys look like you can’t trust me. What did I do that makes you think that I would harm you?”

  “You have a knife in your hand, Kat,” he said, pointing at my hand.

  I looked down. Damn, I sure as hell did. “Oh. Sorry.” I put the knife on the night table. “I think I’ll go sleep in the office. I think you guys need to adjust to the new me.” Hell, maybe I needed to adjust to the new me.

  I grabbed my weapons and went into the office. I made up the pull out couch. Damn, I had forgotten pillows. I grabbed my gun and left my office to grab pillows.

  When I came back into the office Trace was sitting on the bed. “What do you want, Trace?” I demanded.

  He put his hands in the air to show he wasn’t armed and didn’t mean me any harm. “I’m not afraid of you, Kat, and neither are the guys. We’re just worried about you, that’s all.”

  That isn’t what Todd had said earlier, but I let it go. “I don’t see why you should be worried. I’m still me. I’ve taken on the responsibility of being Todd’s enforcer, that’s all.” I put the gun on the night table and tossed the pillows on the bed but didn’t walk closer. “I think you should leave. I have to get some rest.” Trace looked at me. I could tell he was hurt but at that moment it didn’t matter.

  He stood up. I moved away from the door and his way out. He started to come to me and I held up my hand. “I think you need to adjust, Trace. Go sleep with the guys, talk to them if you want, but leave me alone. Right now I think I need to adjust.” He stepped away from me and walked out the door, pulling it closed. I fluffed my pillows and laid awake all night.

  I couldn’t get the past hours out of my head. Again I had to kill. I didn’t want to kill, I hadn’t wanted any of this but I was in it whether I wanted it or not. I finally fell asleep as the sun made its way up the horizon.

  >< ><

  When I woke up it was close to noon. I went into the kitchen and found my men in there. I didn’t say anything. I went directly to the fridge and pulled out a bottle of cranberry juice and a salad. I took the food into the office and ate my food.

  I tossed the bottle and plate in the trash bin after stuffing myself with food and drink that tasted like paste and started working.

  >< ><

  I worked until the sun set on the office side then I left the office and walked into the sitting room. I watched the sun set and relaxed against the couch.

  I was slouched and half asleep when my men came in. “Katja?” Erick’s voice was so soft that I thought it was a dream. He called my name again, this time louder. I lifted an eyelid and saw that it wasn’t a dream.

  “Yeah, Erick?” I sat up straighter and looked at them.

  “Can we speak with you?”

  I sighed and nodded. “What did you want to talk about?”

  “We came to apologize for our behavior.”

  I squinted an eye at them, was this for real? “Why? You guys needed time to adjust.”

  “It isn’t the adjustment. That was fairly easy. It was our behavior toward you. We treated this situation badly,” Trace said quietly.

  “I just didn’t expect it, that’s all. I thought you understood that I was now a killer.” They tried to deny it but I could tell it was half-hearted. I stood up. This wasn’t a conversation to have sitting down and since they were standing it only seemed right if I was too. “Todd, you wanted me to be your enforcer, right?” He nodded. “I am. Now what?”

  “I don’t know, Kat.” He shrugged his shoulders and looked at me. His gaze was unsure as I looked at him.

  “You don’t know? I’ll tell you what I know, Todd. Now that you have become king, you have to get your people in order. Several attempts on my life isn’t cool. I will not stand by and let them harm you or me. I will kill them, Todd.”

  “I know, Kat.”

  “Then what do you want me to do? Do you want me to not be your enforcer or do you want me to be your enforcer? You can only have it one way, Todd.” I cleared my throat and waited for him to answer.

  “I don’t know. You’re extremely special to me. I also know that that tattoo means something more. I don’t want you to be my enforcer, that’s the Todd you sleep with, but the Todd who is king says he needs you. I have a dilemma and I don’t know a way out from it.” He sounded helpless and unsure.

  “Then take me as me. Take me, all of me, as your sweetheart. I can’t be both anymore. I walked away from this a little bit ago and all it got was me roped in again. I’m tired of running from it. I will be Katja the enforcer and Katja the sweetheart but not one or the other. I can’t. Take your pick, all of you.” I watched the decisions flow across their faces.

  Trace was the first. “I want you as you come, Kat. I can’t be without you. I love you so much.” My heart clenched at the L word.

  I looked at Erick and Todd and waited for them to speak. Erick and Todd started speaking at the same time. “I can’t…” Todd looked at Erick. Erick gave him a go-ahead nod. “I can’t live without you, Kat. I need you as well. You should know that. I’m not talking about being my enforcer. I need you. I need to talk with you, see you, feel you, and touch you.” He bowed his head and stepped back. Erick spoke next.

  “I agree. I need you, as well. I did not sleep easily last night. You bring such joy to my life, our lives, that I can’t possibly live without you.”

  “So, you think you can deal with Katja the vampire killer?” I asked and paused. “You know, all bloody and carrying her weapons around?”

  “We can,” Trace said. He was so sure of the other two.

  I nodded. “Okay. Well, I’ll be taking things a bit slower. I need time to adjust to this.” I couldn’t tell you what ‘this’ was but it had something to do with me. They nodded and left the room. I went back to slouching on the couch. Finally I laid out flat and fell asleep.

  Chapter Fifteen

  For a couple weeks I slept in the office. I worked and caught up on all my paperwork. I conversed via email with Starla, as the guys didn’t want me going out since Todd found out that I had a bounty on my head worth a lot of money.

  Today, I finished my work and talked them into letting me go to my office-office. I gathered my paperwork and told them I was ready to go. They smiled huge smiles at me. I hadn’t seen a whole lot of them since we talked about me being a killer.

  “Kat, are you sure you want to go today?” Todd asked me quietly.

  “Yes. I need to get the hell out of this house. I finished all my paperwork. I’m sure I’ll be stuck in the office, here at the house, for another two weeks with more paperwork so you won’t need to worry too much about me.” I realized with some sadness that that was the longest conversation we’d had in over two weeks.

  “Okay, then.” Todd started to the door.

  “Hold on. Aren’t you going armed?”

  He looked at me and nodded. “I am armed, Kat.” I shrugged and followed him. I was armed too.

  >< ><

  Todd drove us to my office; they flanked me, this time without the pretense.

  I walked into the office and once more stopped the floor. I waved my hand and they went back to whatever they had been doing. I dropped off the paperwork with Starla. “I’m really sorry that I haven’t been in.”

  “It’s not a problem, Kat. I know you’re busy. I’m just glad that you’ve been able to help with the backlog of paperwork.”

  “Is there any more?” She looked at me in an odd way and shook her head. Damn, I had been hoping that I would have work instead of twiddling my thumbs and avoiding my guys. “Okay, call if you need my help.” She nodded. I could tell our friendship and work relationship was being strained by me not being available.

  “See ya, Kat.” She looked at my bodyguards
and went back to work.

  I left the office. I was so bummed about not being able to work or do anything except stay home. It wasn’t like they couldn’t find me at my house.

  >< ><

  When we got home, they wouldn’t let me out of the car without first being in position and it was really starting to annoy me.

  We went into the house and I turned on them. “Look, it’s not like the assassin can’t find me at the fucking house. I always go places armed to the teeth. It’s not like I’m helpless.”

  “We know that you’re not helpless, Kat. Just bear with us for a little longer, we might have a bead on the assassin and the buyer.”

  “I want to be there when you find him. I’ll kill him myself.” They looked at me weird. “What? You want to kill the person or vampire responsible?”

  “It may not be in this country.”

  I looked at them and grimaced. “I don’t care. I’ll be very good at hiding the body. You know, burning and whatnot.”

  “We don’t want you involved.” Todd said the words like they were final.

  I tipped my head up a fraction of an inch and glared at him. “I don’t care. I’m going and I will be a part of this. You can’t take me out when it’s my life at stake here.” I turned on my heel and walked out of the room. That was my final word on this whole stinkin’ mess.

  I stomped into my office and slammed the door. I looked around the room and sank down to the floor. I leaned my head against the door and lightly banged my head. This was ridiculous. I couldn’t believe that Todd would even consider leaving me out.

  I sighed and went to my computer. The insurance money had come in a few days ago, so this was as good a time as any to find a new car. I pulled up Mercedes’ website and looked at the new vehicles. I couldn’t decide if I wanted a Mercedes AMG C63 or if I wanted an SUV. I suppose I could just go to Germany and check the vehicles out. Maybe even test drive them on the Autobahn.

  Going to Germany was just an excuse, I had to leave the house, get away from things for a few days. I felt like some prisoner and I couldn’t stand it, not a moment longer.

  I grabbed the phone and called a private jetliner that I used once in a while. I made reservations and was scheduled to leave in two hours. I left my office and walked slowly to the bedroom. No one was there. Good. I grabbed a small bag and filled it with business clothes and club clothes.

  I dropped my bag at the door and went into the kitchen. When I walked into the kitchen I found my men sitting and chatting. Crap, how was I going to get my keys without them noticing? I looked around the kitchen and found a set of keys on the counter. I went to the coffee pot and poured a cup of coffee and swiped the keys.

  I turned in a way to put the keys in my pocket without them seeing and sat at the table with them. “I just wanted to say, you’re right, Todd. I won’t interfere,” I said.

  He looked at me suspiciously. “What changed your mind?”

  “I’ve been thinking. It’s not good for me to be out there what with a bounty on my head and such.” I hated to fib to them but I wanted to make things right before I just left. “I’m going to go back to work.” I stood up and kissed each of them on the cheek. I turned in the doorway and looked at them. They were happy.

  I left the kitchen and walked directly to the door grabbing my bag in one motion. I let myself out and pulled out the keys. I hit the button and lights flashed, luckily the thing didn’t beep at me. It was Todd’s truck. I got in and started the truck. My heart was beating hard as I pulled away.

  I drove to the airport and had about twenty minutes to get to the jet. I didn’t have to go through a long security line since I was using a private jetliner service. I boarded the plane and within minutes after taking my seat the plane started down the runway.

  A stewardess came over to me and asked if she could get me anything after the plane leveled out. “Just let me know when I can use my cell phone.” She nodded and went into the front area. I leaned back and enjoyed the stop and go of the plane.

  The plane finally took off. That’s the best part of flying is take-off and when you level out. I love it when you can feel the power of the jet taking off and then when your stomach flops around when you level off. That’s the best parts of flying, to me.

  A half hour later the stewardess came up to me and let me know that I could use my cell phone. I figured we were far enough away now to call the guys. I pulled out my cell phone and called the house. My heart swapped places with my stomach when Erick answered the phone.

  “Katja, where are you?” He didn’t sound happy.

  “I’m on a plane. I’m sorry I lied to you but it was the only way. I had to get away. Tell everyone that I’m sorry.” I choked on my tears.

  “When will you be back?” His voice was quiet and sad.

  I shoved the tears aside and said, “I don’t know. I have a week’s worth of clothes and if I plan on staying longer, I’ll just buy more.”

  “What about your responsibilities here?”

  “I’ll take care of them when I get back. If you need me I’ll be on my cell phone. Though, I’ll have to buy a new SIM card so I’ll call and let you know the new number.”

  “Where are you going?”

  “I’m not telling you. You’ll just follow. Why don’t you and the others get on with your lives? It’ll be for the best. Take care, Erick.” I clicked the phone shut. I leaned the already comfy chair back and cried.

  The stewardess came in. I sniffled and dried my tears with my hands. “Here’s some tissue, Ms. LaMond.” She handed me a tissue box and asked if I’d like something to drink. I nodded and asked for a glass of Riesling.

  She turned, walked into the galley, and came back with a glass of wine. I drank it down while she stood there and handed the glass back. “Another, please.” She nodded and went back into the galley.

  I cleared my throat and cleaned my face with the tissues. “Here you are, Ms. LaMond.” She handed me the glass and a tray with bread, cheese, and meats on it. “Enjoy. If there’s anything else I can get you, please do not hesitate to hit the button.” She smiled a fake stewardess smile and went back into the front cabin. I picked at the meal and drank the wine.

  After I finished the meal, I fell asleep. I didn’t wake up until the captain announced that we were to land. I used the bathroom and took my seat. We landed at Frankfurt International. I disembarked with my bag and went through Customs.

  I immediately went to the Sixt rental agency and rented a BMW. The lady agent at the counter told me where to go; down a long corridor and an elevator ride I made it to my car. I beeped it open and got in.

  It was a cute, black, BMW 1 series hatchback. I got in and drove out of the airport. I didn’t actually know where I was going. I just wanted to drive for a while. I got onto the Autobahn toward Koblenz.

  I remembered back when I first came here. It was in the summer and the roads were clean, though still bumpy from winter. I went from Frankfurt and then hopped a charter flight to Affalterbach. A limo picked me up and took me to the Mercedes plant. I got to see them finish my car and everything. It was fantastic.

  I shook my head to clear the memories and continued on the A48. I didn’t know what I was going to do in Koblenz but I knew they had a nice shopping district. My phone rang. I grabbed it from the center console and looked at the number. It was the house; at least I didn’t need to grab a SIM card. I ignored the call and kept driving.

  I followed the GPS directions to city center Koblenz and parked. I grabbed a couple knives from my bag and strapped them to my arms. It was chilly enough to require a jacket, thankfully, so I tossed on my leather corset jacket, hiding the knives.

  I started walking around. I browsed shops, purchasing some clothes in a few of the stores. I used my credit card, so I knew if Trace really wanted to get a hold of me, he’d know how. I didn’t plan on staying in Koblenz. I planned on going down to Trier or back to Frankfurt.

  My phone rang again. I looked at the num
ber and it was the house. I was waiting for the lady to come back with some clothes that I wanted to try on, so I answered the phone.

  “Yes?”

  “Kat, where are you?” Todd demanded. “Erick said you called but wouldn’t tell us where you were going.”

  “I left a trail. If you want to, follow it, I’m not stopping you. I have to go. My clothes are here.” I clicked the phone shut and tried on the various clothing items. I found a couple pairs of jeans and three shirts that I liked.

  I paid for my items and left.

  I walked back to my car, taking in the picturesque environment I had found myself in, and spotted a man standing by the passenger door of my car. I stopped walking and watched him. He was taking pictures of some nondescript building. He turned as if he knew I was watching him. I raised an eyebrow at him.

  He stepped away from the car and took three steps in my direction. “Hello, ma’am. I was just admiring your car. You see I’m an American and I don’t really get the opportunity to see these nice machines.”

  I backed up. “How did you know it was my car?”

  He smiled, and muttered, “I guess I fucked that up.” He pulled out a gun, keeping it low, and said, “Get in. We’re going for a drive.” I thought about yelling or something but it would do no good to have someone get into the cross-fire. I sighed and beeped the car open. He walked me to the passenger door and had me go in that way, only to be prodded into the driver’s seat.

  I started the car, once I was situated, and started driving. “Where are we going?”

  “I’ll tell you where to go, don’t worry your pretty little head about it.” He kept the gun pointed at my side. I thought about grabbing the knives but it wouldn’t do any good. I looked at his seat belt and realized that he had buckled up. Damn, this guy took precautions.

  Chapter Sixteen

  We drove until the sun set and I still had no idea where we were going. He took me on a number of back roads and then told me to turn into a field, which I found was actually an overgrown driveway. He had me stop about two hundred feet from the house.