by S. L. Gavyn
I shook my head. “It took all the magic stored in the council’s reservoir just to make one small vial.”
“That’s something I never got. Why was magic stored in there in the first place?”
“Back in the old days instead of killing a Fabled for his misdoings they would strip him of his magic and make him live out the rest of his days as a Human. They needed somewhere to store the magic that was taken so Lucian created the reservoir. The magic had sat in there dormant until he used it.”
“To make a serum that would turn a Human immortal all because he had a dream someone who would one day be important to him would need it. That was kind crazy if you ask me. Why don’t they take the Fabled’s magic anymore? You would think they would prefer that over death.”
I just looked at him. “It wasn’t a dream but a premonition and yes it was crazy. All that work just to turn a Human inHuman. And, they don’t take the magic anymore because every one of the Fabled who were turned Human went crazy. I’m talking bat-shit and not the I’m-just-going-to-rock-and-talk-to-myself-in-the-corner type. There was a lot of bloodshed because of it so they stopped doing it.”
“Whoa. Okay, I guess that makes sense. I still don’t understand why Lucian went through all of that trouble.”
“Especially since converting the power in the reservoir into his spell about killed him.”
“Yeah, I think I’ll just stick with becoming a Vamp.”
“I guess that’ll be alright. You’re right. Not all Vamps are bad. It’s just the old, power hungry ones that play the mind games. You’ll be a pion for at least a few centuries and when you start in with the manipulations I’ll be there to slap you upside your head to knock some sense into you.”
“Uh, thanks. I think.”
“No problem. Now let’s see what we can find out about the missing Vamps so we can catch these killers.”
He nodded and we got to work looking into their lives.
We had a starting point in that they all lived in Fort Worth. The previous Vamps were found in nearby Dallas and had been taken from the surrounding area. The distance between both cities is only about fifty minutes so it’s feasible the killers are still in Dallas and gathering their new vics from Fort Worth. Or perhaps the killers were from Fort Worth to begin with. Whatever the situation it was apparent they were collecting new Vamps so we need to find a connection between them in order to prevent more Vamps being captured.
Tristan took on the task of finding out the vics last moments before their disappearances while I tried to find a connection with their families and everyday routines. A victim can be picked up almost anywhere under any conditions. We don’t know if the killers were physically abducting them off the streets or luring them in either by coercion or sympathy. And, just because they were last seen at the office or a friend’s house doesn’t mean they didn’t stop by their favorite coffee shop on the way home. Once we know where they frequented and who they were usually with it made it easier to assume where they may have gone when they were taken.
After several hours of digging I found that Mr. Ortega was friends with one of the new victim’s sire. I called the older Vamps and arranged a meeting with them. It could be a total coincidence or they could be the key to cracking the entire case.
“I found a similarity with two of the missing Vamps. They both frequented a club called Eternal Darkness. Then again, it is the most popular Fabled destination in the greater Fort Worth area but I think it’s worth checking out.”
“Do you know if they were there the night they were taken?”
“One vic, Elena Carter, her friend said she was supposed to meet her there that night. The other, Richard Dunlap, was known to go there on Friday nights and that was the night of the week he was supposed to have vanished.”
I nodded. “When do you want to check this club out?”
“I’m ready now. The club opens in an hour or so. It’s likely the owner will be there by now.”
“I’m assuming the owner is a Vamp?”
“Yep.”
“Great. I can’t right now. I’m supposed to meet up with Mr. Ortega and his friend. We could go afterward.”
“I’ll go check out the club while you meet with the sires. It shouldn’t be too much trouble. We can reconvene in the morning to discuss what we found out.”
“Are you sure? My meeting shouldn’t take more than an hour or two. We could go after.”
“By then the club will be in full swing and we’ll be less likely to get to talk to the bouncers and owner. You don’t think I can do this?”
“Of course you can do it. I just thought it would be better if we split up. You could talk to the owner while I question security but if you want to do it all by yourself, go for it.”
“We are splitting up. You’re exhausting one lead while I another.”
I waved him off. “Yeah, yeah. Text me after you leave the club so I know I don’t have to go pound any heads.”
“Yes mother.”
“That reminds me. You know the drill. No one knows about your relationship to me.”
I didn’t want someone trying to hurt him because of me. I have a reputation as being a hard ass and there are quite a few Fabled who fear me. There are also quite a few with a score to settle.
“I know. You act like this is my first case.”
“It is your first case. Those lame ass misdemeanors don’t count. You’re in the big leagues now. Better pull up your big-boy pants.”
“Ha ha.”
He turned around and left before I could say anything else.
I met the sires at Mr. Ortega’s house in Dallas. Like you would expect of a six hundred year old Vamp his house was huge and screamed of understated wealth. He led me into a sitting room where a younger looking dark haired woman sat on the couch waiting for me.
“You must be Ms. Rivero. I’m so sorry for what has happened to your family and the council is doing everything it can to find and return your child to you.”
“I do thank you for that, Thief. Already you have done more than our own leader in just meeting with me and hearing my plea for Elena’s return.”
I nodded to her while ignoring the name and took a seat in the chair facing the couch as Mr. Ortega sat next to Ms. Rivero. He put his arm around her shoulders and she leaned into him for support.
“I understand Elena frequented a club in Fort Worth named,” I looked at my notes. “Eternal Darkness. Are you familiar with it?”
“I have never been there myself but many other Fabled have been. Elena was supposed to meet her friend Amanda there that night.”
“And that was two weeks ago, correct?”
She nodded. “Do you know anything else about this club? Do you think someone there might have hurt her?”
“I don’t know for sure. It is known to have some pretty unsavory people there but the upper-class is also known to frequent the club. I have heard the owner doesn’t allow mistreatment of the customers but that doesn’t mean one didn’t follow her on her way home.”
“Yes, but you said she was supposed to meet someone but didn’t show. Perhaps someone found her outside the club. Is there anyone you know of that would possibly want to hurt her?”
Again she shook her head. “She was loved by everyone.”
“Did she have a boyfriend?”
“No. She didn’t like men.”
“Alright. A girlfriend then?”
She shrugged. “There was someone she had met and was interested in but we didn’t really have time to talk about her before she was taken.”
Tears started down her face and there was a slight pink tint to them.
“I’m sorry to have upset you Mrs. Rivero but is there anything else you can tell me? Anything out of the ordinary at all. The slightest thing might have the biggest impact.”
She took the time to dry her tears before answering. “Other than this new love interest nothing had changed recently.”
“You don’t know where
she met this woman?”
“No. I wish I would have found out more but I didn’t expect…”
She broke off on a sob so I looked at Mr. Ortega.
“Does anything regarding Elena’s disappearance seem similar to Howard’s?”
He shook his head. “Not really. Other than the lack of anything that’s it. Howard was taken after work while Elena was stolen at night in another town. Howard and Elena didn’t even know each other. I didn’t meet Gina until six months ago.”
“I see. I know this will sound personal but are you two involved? I only ask because I wonder if it might have something to do with why Elena was chosen.”
“No. We are only friends.”
“Alright. I think that will be all for now.” I gave Ms. Rivero my card. “If you think of anything else, even something small, give me a call. Again, I am sorry you, and especially Elena, are being put through this.”
She took my card then stood and through her arms around me. I tried not to make skin to skin contact. The last thing she needed right now was to have some of her magic stolen. She looked barely able to stand up as it was. “Thank you. Knowing you are on the case means so much. I know you will help us.” She pulled back to look at me. “And, I know you will make those bastards pay.”
I smiled at her. “Oh yes. Once I finish with them there will be nothing left.”
“Make them suffer. As I have suffered and like poor Oliver has suffered.” She turned back to look at Mr. Ortega before turning back to me. “You will make them suffer.”
I nodded. There were no words that would make her feel better. She wanted to know that whoever did this wouldn’t get away with it and I gave my word I would do it. There was nothing else to say. In her mind it was as good as done.
I had just pulled into my garage when a text came through.
Vamp a dead end. TTY in AM.
It was from Tristan. Well, even though he didn’t get any good information at least he was safe.
Chapter Six
“Zero to headless in 6.5 seconds”
I woke at six the next morning and went for a jog. When I got back I saw I had three missed calls. Before I could check to see who it was my phone was ringing again. It was K. She was my only girl friend but we rarely spoke. I wasn’t really the type to hang out with on the weekends and she knew that.
“Hey,” I answered.
“Sunny. Thank the Gods. I thought I was a goner for good.”
“Whatcha need, K?”
“Well, I’m kind of in a pickle and was really hoping you could help me out.”
“What kind of pickle are we talking?”
“Oh, definitely the sour kind. I’ve been kidnapped by Weres.”
“What!? What do you mean kidnapped?”
“I’ve been abducted by the alpha of the local pack. Technically he had his wolves take me but you know what I mean.”
“Okay, so you need me to break you out of wherever he’s keeping you?”
“Um, not exactly. See, he set up a challenge. If I win the challenge then I’m free to go.”
“Alright. So what’s the challenge?”
“Fight his beta and kill him.”
“You’re so dead.”
She laughed. “I know I would be if I was the one actually fighting but the alpha allowed me to pick a champion.”
“Ah. Now I understand. The alpha wants you to lose but doesn’t want you hurt. Let me guess. If your champion loses, you have to mate him.”
“Please Sunny. I don’t really know anyone else who is a sure bet.”
“Did you dump him? Is that what this is about?”
“Actually I broke it off with Victor over a month ago. It was the knowledge that I was engaged to someone else that put him over the edge.”
This doesn’t surprise me. Well, the engaged part kind of does but not that a man is going to such extremes to win her. K was light elf and they were notoriously promiscuous. K has left a line of scorned lovers behind her.
“When is this challenge to take place?” I asked.
“How long until you can get here?”
I sighed.
Canada, the Great White North. Instead of working on my murder investigation I was meeting with the alpha of the Yukon Territory just outside of Whitehorse. He owned a huge cabin and a bunch of land around it which was all wooded. Wolves and their woods, that’s one thing the stories didn’t lie about. The question was, what is K doing in Canada?
Luckily there was a portal in Whitehorse and the alpha was kind enough to have a truck waiting for me and a guide to take me to him. The guide only showed a moment of surprise when I got out of my car. No doubt he was expecting some burly guy with piercings and tats. Well I do have the piercings (in the usual places) and one tat (not going where that one’s at). Only I was five-six with a lean build. I had my hair french braided with the tip of the braid touching the waist of my jeans. I didn’t bother to dress fancy for this occasion. My typical t-shirt, jeans, and leather jacket with functional boots was my attire for the day and if anyone didn’t like it I could always kick their ass like I’m going to kick the beta’s.
The ride to the cabin would take almost an hour so I sat back and let my mind take me back. I really shouldn’t be doing this for K. After all, she was the one who physically made me immortal. Sure it was Roman who coerced her and it was Lucian’s elixir to begin with but it was K who gave it to me all those years ago. I can still remember the taste…
“Well, it took you long enough. I’ve been waiting all morning for you.”
“Sorry. Have you met the therapist next door? He is hot.”
“Oh, Dr. Alexander?”
“Yeah. Don’t you think it’s funny that he looks like he could be the older brother of the guy from the club last night and his name is Roman too?”
K shrugged. “I never thought about it before. I usually just call him doc.”
“Well, you call him that. I’ll just call him three shades of fine.”
“That’s kind of long don’t you think. Maybe you could shorten it to TSF.”
“How about Dr. Fine.”
“Now that just sounds funny.”
“At least it doesn’t sound like a venereal disease.”
“Maybe you should just stick with Roman. Come on. I want to celebrate our success.”
“I thought we did that last night.”
“Come on, Sam. We need an inaugural drink in our official office.”
“Okay, just nothing too strong. I’m still hung over from last night.”
“Light weight.”
I laughed and had a seat at one of the chairs opposite her desk. She walked over to her side table and pulled out a bottle that looked older than me and held an amber liquid. So much for it not being too strong. It looked like she was pulling out the good stuff. I looked around the office. It spoke of success. Everything was strategically placed to draw the eyes and make you feel like the person who owned it knew what they were doing and was very good at it. Whatever it was.
K brought our drinks over and motioned for me to stand up with her. Once standing she handed me my drink then held hers out for a toast.
“To us. May we be friends forever and succeed in all our endeavors.”
I clinked my glass to hers and noticed mine was a slightly pinker tint than hers. I figured it was a trick of the light and drank the entire contents in one gulp just as K had done. I managed to sit the glass on the desk as my head instantly began to swim. I obviously missed because I heard the sound of breaking glass before I too fell.
I don’t remember hitting the floor. As a matter of fact I don’t remember much other than intense pain until I finally woke lying on K’s couch in the office. I do remember some voices. K’s and Roman’s. Hers sounded worried while his sounded reassuring. I thought he was assuring her that I wasn’t seriously injured but now I know he was assuring her the potion was working and the extreme pain and convulsions were part of the changing process. When I finall
y could open my eyes. Roman was the first person I saw. He smiled at me soothingly.
“Hello Sunshine. Do you feel better?”
I tried to nod but my head felt like it might explode.
“Try not to move too quickly. Karen tells me you hit your head when you passed out.”
“I’m so sorry, Sam. I didn’t know you would get hurt. I just wanted us to celebrate,” K still sounded worried.
“S’kay,” I managed to get out.
“When you feel up to it, I will take you back to your hotel room. You need to rest but I would prefer to keep an eye on you. You had quite a nasty bump.”
I reached up to my head but Roman took my hand.
“Don’t worry. We put some ice on it and the swelling has went down now.”
“How…how long…”
“How long were you out?”
I nodded barely.
“Oh about ten minutes or so.”
And the swelling had already went down?
“Do you feel able to stand? I will take you to the hotel so you can lie down.”
I slowly managed to sit up. K was hovering nearby looking nervous. I tried to give her a reassuring smile.
“It’s alright, K. I’m feeling better now.”
“Oh thank Gods. I was so worried,” she said as she started to descend but Roman intervened.
“It’s alright Karen. I’ll take her back to her place and stay with her.”
He turned back to me and held out his hand. I took it and slowly rose.
He gave me a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, Sunshine. You’ll be safe with me.”
If only I had known then that he was the reason for my condition. The elixir he made K give me changed me that day. It’s weird when I think back to the days afterward. I felt better than I had in years but I contributed that to my new lover, the therapist. Having someone tell you you’re beautiful does something to your self-esteem and can make an older woman feel young. Or at least that’s how I convinced myself that nothing had changed. Besides, who would complain because they feel younger? I still looked the same when I checked my appearance in a mirror. It was later explained by Lucian that Fabled can look any age and because I believed I was forty-five I looked forty-five. It wasn’t until almost five years later when I about cut my finger off on a piece of broken glass and healed almost instantly that K finally broke down and told me the truth about myself. To say I was pissed that my entire life had been changed without my permission was an understatement. I broke off my engagement to Roman and ended my partnership with K. Both had betrayed me.
