“Kate, I’m here to help you remember,” Raymond said as he held out his hands. “I can help you focus back to the day you spoke with the authorities and I can read your mind for the names.”
She hesitated and glanced over to Sterling, who nodded in agreement. Sterling watched as Kate put her hand into Raymond’s hand and was told to close her eyes. Raymond talked about the day Tiffany had been kidnapped and of the following days when Kate had been questioned. She never uttered a sound, but when Raymond opened his eyes and let go of her hands, he wrote down an additional name on the sheet of paper. “Thank you, Kate,” he said as he handed the sheet back to Dixon.
Kate looked over at Sterling and whispered, “That was easy.”
Leaning in, Sterling replied, “You’re doing great.”
Dixon interrupted the two. “There is also the issue of Mark Bailey who is sitting in the federal prison right now awaiting trial.” He scanned along the computer screen. “He’s been through a psychiatric screening in the last 48 hours. He appears to have gone senile.”
Sulie now looked over at Sterling and Kate. “Which one of you lobotomized him?”
Kate tentatively raised her hand. “I didn’t mean to. I’m not good at compelling yet.”
“It’s just as well. He remembers nothing and hasn’t talked to anyone.” Raymond commented.
Brandon addressed the table, “Bailey was the one responsible for the death of Lenora Miller. His fingerprints were found on the murder weapon, as well as all over the house. The man was a clumsy ox when it came to crime. We’ve had to scrub the case file as well, and that was a doozy considering an arraignment had already been done and the authorities were ready for an indictment.”
Sulie now gazed over to her brother, Raymond. “Is Bailey a threat with his mind gone?”
Raymond stonily said, “He needs to befall some sort of deadly accident. Even just the word vampire could bring back all of his memories.”
Sulie looked over at Dixon. “Heart attack?” Dixon nodded. It wasn’t as if Mark Bailey would ever be right again, if he was ever right in his head to begin with. And, he was a threat who knew way too much. “What about the guards that were watching him during your visit, Kate? Did you compel them, and if so, do you know how they are fairing?”
Sterling cut in. “I arrived moments after she left. The guards are fine and shouldn’t need to have their memories erased. They don’t know who or what we are.”
“I also stopped the video recorder when I walked in,” Kate interrupted.
“The CCTV?” Dixon asked.
Kate looked over to Sterling, who nodded affirmatively to Dixon.
“Good. That means we don’t have to erase video.” Dixon typed some more on the computer and then looked up at Sterling and Kate. “I’ve texted Daniel to wipe the minds of the female officer you spoke with Kate. Sulie will handle the heart attack.” He nodded at Sulie, and she nodded back. Dixon typed some more. “So we’re done with your portion of the cleanup, Kate.”
*******
There was a file folder in front of Brandon. He retrieved two forms from it and slid one across the table to Sterling, the other to Kate. He focused his attention on Sterling and the first document. “This is the form declaring Kate formally as your mate, Sterling.”
Sterling held the document in his hands, carefully looking at it. “When I helped the government pen this document in 1867 I never expected to sign it.” He looked over to Kate who smiled at him. Her hand caressed his arm as he smiled back at her.
“I filled out everything. I need you to read and sign it.” He handed Sterling a pen.
After quickly scanning through the document, Sterling paused. This was a huge moment for him. He noticed on the form the “vampire” section was filled out instead of the “human” one. In his wildest imagination of ever having an opportunity to fill out this form, he never expected the vampire portion to be filled in. He never thought he’d marry a vampire, if he ever married at all.
Sterling read on the form where it declared Kate as a mate, not as a wife. “Brandon, Kate and I plan to marry. This box needs to be filled in.” He pointed to the box on the form and showed the error to the man.
“Can’t check the box unless you have a marriage certificate. We’ll amend the form once you two are married.” Brandon hesitated, and then added. “Sterling, you need to read the text right below that box very carefully.”
Sterling scanned down on the form. The section Brandon referred to indicated that if Sterling did provide a marriage certificate and claimed a wife that he would forfeit any and all mates, both prior and future, while his wife still lived. Sterling looked up at the man. “It’s fine, Brandon. I agree. We’ll provide a marriage certificate as soon as we get one.” Sterling signed the paper and handed the pen over to Kate.
Kate quietly studied her contract. It too had been filled out by Brandon. “Kate, I need you to fill out an estimate of how much blood you consume in a week. I only need an estimate, and we can modify the amount if we need to.” He watched her fill out the section about blood delivery. “The next section deals with any children you have prior to becoming Sterling’s mate. I didn’t know …”
She cut him off. “No children.” She marked the box indicating no prior children and skipped over that section of the form. The next question asked if she was currently pregnant, so she marked no on that one as well. She grimaced when she saw the section about all pregnancies required paternity testing.
“What’s wrong, sweetheart?” Sterling asked.
“Paternity tests didn’t exist in the 1800s when you drafted this form,” she said coldly. “You want me to submit to paternity tests when I’m pregnant?”
He forgot he had amended the form a while back, and her hurt expression cut him deeply. “Please understand. I wrote that section decades ago, when I didn’t trust women and never thought I’d ever fill this form out unless someone claimed to be having my child.” When she still looked unsure, he added, “I trust you Kate. I added that section so I wouldn’t be trapped. That’s all.”
Her eyes softened as he gazed into them. “You were a mess before me. You know that, right?” She marked through several sections on the form. “I’m going to change a few things.”
Sterling waved his hand. “Fine.”
The pen marked through an entire page. “One mate. Not three,” she said, stressing the word one. Scanning further down the page she began reading a clause aloud, “‘In regard to traveling without his intended mates, Sterling is allowed to …” Her eyes grew wide as her voice trailed off. “Oh, no, no, no. THAT ain’t happening.” The pen now marked across an additional page.
Kate continued reading the form. It contained multiple pages, but half was for being a human and the other half for being a vampire. She finally arrived at the security section and needed to put checks next to quite a few boxes. The government would do a thorough background check on her; she’d have to get a retina scan done, fingerprint scans, have her voice recorded … it was so much to do just to be allowed access to live in the private and secure mansion.
Sterling noticed her indicate she had no plans to join the Colony in any official capacity and was relieved. He didn’t want her risking her life out in the field. He wanted her to stay at home safe and sound, pursuing her academics. As she was about to sign the document, Sterling stopped her. “Brandon, we need something indicating some sort of travel arrangements for Kate if I’m away on assignment. Not in an official capacity of course, more personal.”
Brandon nodded. “I understand. That would not belong on the mate contract. We will have to append your personal travel documents, and get Kate a set of her own. Since you and some team members will be flying to Europe with the President this week, I can have those papers ready for you later today, as well as an expedited passport for her.”
Sterling grimaced inside. He had forgotten about the meeting with the Prime Minister of England. But, on the flip side, he wondered if Kate had eve
r been to Europe before.
Kate signed the mating document and slid the paperwork back to Brandon. He glanced over all the forms and handed them to Raymond for his approval as leader of the Colony.
Raymond sat silently throughout the entire event, and signed both documents with a huge smile on his face before handing the forms back to Brandon.
Brandon returned the forms to their folder. “Congratulations on your engagement.” He reached over and shook both Sterling’s and Kate’s hands. “Kate, we need to get those security scans done. If you have some time now we can do them, and then if you all are free at five o’clock I’d like to buy you all a drink at McGreggor’s to celebrate.”
“Sure,” Sterling said. “We’re going to visit Jackie and William’s new baby girl, Hannah, but we can do that after the scans are done.” He glanced over to Kate to see if she was ready to leave. She had a pensive look about her. Her eyes were furrowed and her lips pinched. “You okay?” he asked.
Kate took a deep breath before she looked over to Sterling with a sly smile on her face. “Do you think we could get something to eat first? I’m starving.”
She had already fed this morning, but Sterling agreed. “Sure. I have blood in the car. William and Jackie will have more blood at their place as well.”
Her bright blue eyes held a twinkle. With a great big smile, she said, “I’m thinking more of a hamburger.”
EPILOGUE
“Your father’s an ass!” Sterling said as he entered Fang Manor and walked into the living room. Since it was movie night, the occupants of the house, and even the members of the team who did not call the mansion home, were all present to witness Sterling’s frustration.
Kate followed him into the room, closing the door behind her. “I warned you that my family is not pleasant.” She rubbed her little baby bump as she glanced around at the sizeable audience collected around the television. “Oh, good evening everyone.”
Sterling wanted to get himself a beer from the refrigerator, but had agreed to forgo any alcohol as long as Kate had to miss it because of the baby. He regretted that solidarity oath right now.
“We weren’t expecting you home until tomorrow,” Raymond said, pausing the movie.
Sterling raked his fingers through his hair. Another day with his in–laws, especially without alcohol, and he would have gone postal. “Her family is insane,” he finally said in as calm a voice as he could muster.
“My mother is fine,” Kate corrected.
Sterling nodded and put his hand on the small of her back. He knew the car ride had been uncomfortable for her, and he was going to put her into a warm bath and massage her once they got upstairs. “Other than Kate’s charming mother, her family is insane.”
All the seats in the living room were taken, so Raymond allowed Kate to sit on the couch in his place. He then turned on the overhead lights. “What happened?”
Sterling’s jaw tightened and his hands balled into fists. “Her oldest brother accused me of taking advantage of an invalid. He got up in my face and told me to leave Kate and the family alone. After I politely asserted myself to the gutless weasel, he backed down.”
“He threatened to beat the crap out of my brother if he ever called me an invalid again,” Kate translated.
When Sterling saw the concern in his father’s eyes he said, “Don’t worry. He’s a half–breed. And a runt at that.” Turning back to Kate, he continued, “Her oldest sister …”
“My second oldest sister,” Kate corrected.
Sterling huffed and rolled his eyes. “Like that distinction matters, Kate.” He shook his head and continued. “Her second oldest sister hit on me!”
“She’s like that, especially if she’s downed a few bottles of vodka.” Kate hesitated until Sterling looked at her questioningly. Shrugging her shoulders, she admitted, “Ok, she’s a slut. Always has been.”
“She told me that if I enjoyed lying down with the quadriplegic sister that I should try one that didn’t resemble a dead body.”
Kate’s face winced in emotional pain. “Yeah, I don’t like that sister very much. I didn’t know she had put it quite like that though.”
“Well, she did. I was able to walk away from her, but I did punch her father for his remark.”
“He broke my father’s nose.” Kate grimaced. “And, I think, a rib or two.”
“The man had it coming.” Sterling said with no remorse. Looking at his father, he added, “Yes, Dad. Her father is a purebred. I caught him off guard.”
“What did the man do?” Ben asked.
“He called Kate a slut for being pregnant out of wedlock.” As glances traveled around the room, and a couple of gasps, Sterling added, “The man is lucky I left him alive. I don’t want him at our wedding. Our baby is a blessing and I won’t have him ruining our day.”
“You’re so sweet to defend my honor Sterling, but I warned you what he’s like,” Kate said.
“Sweetheart, you’re my wife.” He then corrected himself, “… fiance. No one talks like that about you, ever. Plus, you were my wife in my heart before I ever made love to you. I told you so when I proposed to you before our first time together.”
“I don’t necessarily want them all at our wedding either right now, but what else are we going to do?” Kate rubbed her belly and stared down at her baby bump.
“I remember having issues with my own in–laws, but they were never this bad.” Raymond then rolled his eyes, “Well, except my father–in–law wanting to kill me after your mother died.”
“Once the baby comes, I’m sure her father will soften up,” Sulie chimed in. “I’m guessing your mother is supportive?” she asked Kate.
“The car is loaded with baby blankets, toys and a bassinet. It’s her first grandchild and she’s thrilled.” Kate looked up at Sterling. “She thinks you’re the best. I’ll never forget the smile on her face after you hit my father.”
Sterling gave a half smile. “She’s still invited to the wedding. The other’s can stay home.” Taking a deep breath he looked around the living room. He took a headcount and noticed every member of the colony, plus the humans Dixon and Brandon, were in this room. It was rare to get everyone together at one time since everyone had such busy lives.
He knelt beside Kate. “Marry me.”
“I am.”
“No. Right now.”
Kate looked disbelieving at him for a moment, and then laughed. “We don’t have a license, we need to find someone to marry us … things like this just don’t happen on the spur of the moment.”
“Sure they can.” He glanced over to his good friend Daniel, “You still have your license?” When he nodded, Sterling looked towards Kate. “Daniel can marry us. He married my father and Alex. What do you say?”
“Seriously? Right now?” Kate gazed around the room, but stopped on Sulie. Sulie was already crying and wore a huge smile on her face.
“Kate, why wait? We can do the entire song and dance thing for your family later. Let’s just get married for us now. I love you.”
After a brief pause, Kate finally said, “I’m a mess. I must look like a fright.” She ran her hand through her hair.
Sterling leaned in, his hand caressed her cheek. “You’re beautiful, and absolutely glowing. Marry me. … Please.”
She stopped trying to fix her hair. “Ok. … Yes.”
The ceremony was very simple, with merely an exchange of vows and a promise to shop for rings in the morning. They expressed their love for each other and their plans to stay together, never to part.
Ben was the only one prepared to give them a wedding gift. With Kate’s shield down, he could see her very fuzzy aura, but now it was different. “Kate, the pregnancy is far enough along that I can see the baby’s aura along with yours. It’s fuzzy, but I can tell you something about the baby if you want.”
“I know. It’s a boy.” Kate said as Sterling helped her off the couch.
Ben smiled, “I’m not talking about gender.�
�
Sterling looked over at Ben with concern. “What is it?”
“Twins.”
THE END
About the Author
Dear Readers,
I hope you enjoyed reading my novel, United Service (Book Two of the Colony Series). Please leave a review on Amazon, BN, and/or Goodreads.
Please visit my website (http://www.reginamorris.com) for more information about the other novels in the Colony Series. Feel free to contact me through my website, through my social media sites (see my website for the list) or by email at [email protected].
I live in Austin, Texas with my husband and two children. I graduated high school in Germany and I attended the University of Texas at Austin where I received a degree in Computer Science with a minor in math. After enjoying a career in software engineering, I discovered that writing is in my blood, and had to put pen to paper!
The opinions I express in my novels are my own. My stories are my own intellectual property. Copyright (c) 2013, Regina Morris
Sincerely,
Regina Morris
Other Books in the Colony Series by Regina Morris
Vampires exist among us. They can be our neighbor, best friend, our child’s teacher …
They alter their aged appearance based upon the amount of blood they consume. They move to a new area, drink a lot of blood, and appear young. Slowly they limit their intake of blood and age, right in front of our unsuspecting eyes. After decades, they fake their death, move, and do it over and over again.
Most live quiet lives in an effort to blend in.
Some however want power and control.
The Colony is an elite group of vampires sworn to protect the President of the United States from these rogue vampires.
Eternal Service (Book #1)
Available Spring 2013
When Raymond, part of a covert special ops team of vampires who protects the President of the United States, teams up with a federal operative of the human female persuasion—who has no idea that vampires even exist—will his mission or his heart be compromised first?
United Service Page 28
