Before she knew what had happened, Deb was out of the chair. She pushed Vincent back and slammed him into the wall. A roar came from her throat and then she stopped. Vincent had changed back. The anger drained from her and with it all her strength. The chair was six feet behind her, she was standing. Alix passed her a mirror.
Deb took the glass with a shaky hand and raised it to her face. Her eyes were black, totally black, her brow had swollen and she had fangs. “I… I… I don’t understand,” she said and hurried back to her chair. Just before she made it her legs gave way and she had to haul herself into her prison with the power of her arms.
Vincent held the mirror and looked smug, but Alix rushed to her. He dropped to his knees and came down beside her. “You have no control over your change but we can teach you how to do it at will. You are strong and powerful in your vampire form, Deb. When you change, you can do anything.”
Vincent peered down at her. “Now do you understand what I meant by how you are special? We do not know exactly what you are, but you are exceptional. We will protect you. We will take you away from here and keep you safe.”
Thoughts started whirling around Deb’s head like tiny little helicopters stuck in a circular pattern. “No. I will not run, you can show me how… teach me what I am but I will not leave my family.”
Vincent growled and slammed his fist into the wall.
Chapter Seventeen
Vincent stood and watched Deb drive away. This had not gone as he had planned. He had behaved like a child, had deliberately provoked the girl and now she ran home afraid and confused. She was like greenwood. Young and flexible but she swayed to her own rhythm and would not be molded by the wind. He must take his time, be cunning and patient. There was so much more they needed to discuss. Why didn’t she need blood and would she if she started to change more? How would they train her? How would they keep her safe and should they tell her about Dagmar and Alix’s involvement? Vincent had thought about this long and hard and he knew the man’s betrayal would hurt her badly. At the moment, the risk of how that would affect her was too much for him to take. No, for now they would keep Alix’s involvement between themselves.
Vincent sniffed the air; he couldn’t smell another vampire, but that didn’t mean much. If a skilled hunter were here, they would be hard to find and if they were older than Vincent’s five hundred and thirty-six years then they would be difficult to kill. It was imperative that they disguised Deb’s transformation. Got her to keep a low profile and somehow they had to persuade her to leave.
Alix walked across the car park, a swagger to his hips. “She will meet us tonight at the old shed on the east side of the woodland.”
“Good. We have much to do.”
***
During the drive home, Deb was buzzing. She had moved, she had leaped across the room and if that had actually happened, then she had thrown a vampire into a wall. A laugh burst out of her, it sounded young and carefree. Her whole life had changed, she had her mobility back. Plans were racing through her mind. She imagined running, dancing with Alix, going shopping without the indignity of everything being above her head. She stopped at a red traffic light and her imagination ran wild. Maybe she could go back to college? No, she could do more. If what they said was true, she could forget about reporting crime. Now she could solve it. If she carried on with her job at the paper, doing all the slush jobs, shaking hands and keeping out of trouble then she could use the resources and tackle crime at night.
A honk behind her told her that the lights had changed and she pulled away from the junction. What about daylight, crosses and garlic? Both Alix and Vincent had been out in the daylight, and so had she so that could not affect them. Doubt hit her like a mule kick to the guts. This had to be some form of a dream, some type of hallucination. There was no way she was a vampire and her useless legs hung down from her chair. Angry she pinched her thigh and felt nothing. This had all been some silly joke and she had fallen for it hook, line and sinker.
Deb drove back in deep depression and rushed to her room. Once there she slammed the door and wheeled to her mirror. There were no fangs peeking over her lip, no black eyes staring back at her, just her own light gray ones. She tried a growl, tried to get angry but nothing happened. Staring back at her was just a face framed by long caramel brown hair, a face that looked five years too young and one that looked gullible. She had been fooled, the men were no doubt enjoying their joke, and perhaps she would even appear on YouTube as their latest victim. How could she have been so foolish to believe that someone as hot as Alix would look at her twice? How could she have been so stupid to believe in vampires?
Turning she reached for her phone; she would call the police and report what she had really seen. They would understand if she told them she was afraid. She started to dial, but she remembered cold yellow eyes staring back at her, eyes that spoke of hunger and death. Throwing the phone onto the bed, tears prickled at the back of her eyes before bursting their boundaries and streaming down her face. A sob wracked her body and she did not hear the knock on the door. Brett rushed in, his face excited beneath the mop of brown hair. It softened as soon as he saw her and he raced across the distance, threw himself to his knees and hugged her close.
“I’m so sorry Deb, it must have been terrifying,” he said as he pulled her to him.
It had been so long since they hugged, so long since they had been brother and sister, in fact, so long since they had been anything but broken. She rubbed at her face. “It was just such a shock, that poor girl. But I’m fine now.”
“Good, but one thing’s for sure, you’re not going anywhere alone. From now on I will be with you at least till this nutter gets caught.”
Deb smiled and felt herself full of love. This boy who messed up because of his pain but he was a good brother. She understood that he would do anything to protect her and she loved him so much. Having him around would be fun, at least for a little while. “Thanks, Brett, you’re the best.” Panic squeezed her heart and raised goose bumps on her arms. If he came with her, how would she meet Alix? Ten minutes ago she believed they were con artists, but she knew in her heart they were right, knew that they could help her and knew she was different. How could she ditch him if she were to keep her meeting tonight?
Brett pulled back, his face crimson he avoided her eyes. “I’m going to the grill tonight, want to come?”
Deb smiled; she had an idea and knew who would cover for her. “Yeah, I can arrange to meet Nova and Summer. Thanks bro you are the best.”
***
Brett pushed Deb across the car park, neither of them noticing the tall blonde man who hugged the shadows, his eyes focusing intently on the couple. Backing through the door into the grill, Brett pushed Deb across the crowded floor and toward the booth with her waiting friends.
“Oh my God, how are you?” Summer asked and rushed over to Deb. She took the wheelchair from a blushing Brett and piloted it across the room. “That must have been so awful. I bet you were terrified.”
Deb’s mind was in a whirlwind. She had almost forgotten the dead girl and a spike of guilt hit her chest. How could she be thinking about herself, thinking about Alix when some poor girl lay dead, covered in blood with her throat ripped open? When some family was coming to terms with the loss of a loved one? “It was pretty awful,” was all she could manage.
Summer patted her knee and Deb swore she could almost feel it. A smile started on her face, but she dropped her head. It would be inappropriate to be so happy. Right now she wanted to talk to Nova, wanted to tell her friend what happened today, but Nova sat very still. She was wearing a red checked jumper and yellow plaid trousers. She looked a little like Paddington bear and Deb let a smile cross her face. “It is so good to see you two. It makes life feel right and good and that there is a future.”
“We worry about you,” Nova said. “You could have been hurt.”
Deb was touched and felt the warmth of love coloring her cheeks. “You t
wo are just great. I’m fine, in fact, I’m better than fine and I want to ask a favor.”
“Anything,” Summer said. “Just let us know what we can do to get the old Deborah back?” She winked and the three girls settled back into to their happy routine.
As always it started with Summer. She was organizing a party for some African charity. Deb thought it was for Ebola, but her mind had started to wander. Nova looked tired and she had lost weight. Deb wanted to get her alone and talk to her, to tell her about Alix and about her legs but of course she couldn’t.
“Deb, are you alright?” Nova asked. “You look so sad.”
Deb looked up to see her two friends staring down at her. Concern lined their faces. What should she say?
“I was just wondering the same about you? Summer, you look like you're bursting to tell us something and Nova, you look tired and have you lost weight?”
Summer blushed and smiled her secret smile and Nova dropped her head. Deb knew it would take a bit to get the information out of her friend. She would have to work on it and see what she could find out. “Okay, Summer spill.”
“I’ve met this man. He is gorgeous with a capital G. Blonde, six foot two with the body of a special forces solider. He has the cutest blue eyes and just a splattering of blonde stubble. He’s coming to the ball with me and I can’t wait for you to meet him.”
I guess love is in the air. “What’s his name?” Deb asked.
“It’s Isaac Valhos. He’s an investment banker and he drives a Range Rover. Says he’s thinking of moving here, but right now he’s just checking out the territory. I think he likes what he sees.” Summer looked so confident, but she let out a girlish giggle when she met their eyes.
“That is fabulous news. When can we meet him?” Deb asked. She couldn’t help but notice that Nova looked so sad.
“He’s coming to the dance on Saturday; you must all be there to meet him.”
Deb looked at Nova and they nodded. They would endure the party to make Summer happy, besides Deb was curious and maybe she could show off Alix. “Now, Nova spill.”
Nova bit her lip and then looked up. There was moisture in her eyes and a vulnerability that Deb had never seen before. Their friend was a quiet girl, happier with a computer than in a crowd but she had always been relaxed around them. “What is it?” Deb asked.
With a face so pale that her freckles looked like a measles rash, she chewed on her lip before answering. “My dad lost his job a while ago. So far, he hasn’t been able to get another one and it looks like we’re gonna lose the house. We’re moving in with my aunt Rebecca. She’s a bit weird and believes and believes in all this woo woo stuff.”
Deb felt so mean. Nova had tried to tell her about this the other day, but she had been too full of herself. Too worried about her own problems. Summer was already comforting their friend. “What can we do?” Deb asked.
“Know anyone who needs an accountant?” Nova asked, her eyes wide and pleading.
Deb didn’t, but she was sure that Mace would. “I can ask around, and don’t worry, your aunt lives near, we can still meet up.” As soon as the words left her mouth Deb cursed herself. That was the kind of thing Summer would have said. “Nova, I’m sorry and I’m sorry for how selfish I’ve been.”
Nova and Summer both got up and came to Deb. On either side they had a group hug and there was something about it that filled Deb with hope. She would get Nova’s dad a job, she would learn how to change and she would use her powers to help as many people as she could.
The girls sat back down and both of them were staring at Deb. “Right,” Summer said. “Now it’s your turn to spill. What do you need us to cover for?”
Deb quickly explained about Brett and how he was feeling guilty. She looked across; he was playing pool with Luke, Nick, Hanna and some other girl she didn’t recognize. She was short with a shoulder length blonde bob, wearing a denim miniskirt and a figure hugging white top. “The thing is,” she said, “I’ve also met a guy.”
“Oh, wow, the stud from the other day; tall blonde and brooding?” Summer asked.
Deb nodded; it was good to see the delight on her friend’s faces. “His name is Alix and we were going to meet up tonight, but there is no way my brother would let me go alone… and to be honest, I would like a little privacy.”
Both Summer and Nova let out a howl of delighted laughter before they agreed that Brett would think she was having a sleepover.
Chapter Eighteen
Around nine Deb and the girls left the grill. Deb smiled at Brett; he managed to pull his eyes off the blonde bob just long enough to see his sister leave. The girls were laughing and happy as they walked out into the cold night air. “We must do this more often,” Nova said. “It’s so good to see you happy again.”
Deb hugged her tight. “Things will work out for you. I promise. I will talk to Mace; he knows lots of business men.”
She hugged Summer too and got into her car.
“Be safe,” Summer said.
Deb waved and drove off into the night. It was a thirty-minute drive to the old shed that stood abandoned on the east side of the woodland. As she pulled off the well lit roads and started down the rutted track that wove beneath the trees, she started to panic. What was she doing here? What would happen if the guys were…? What if this was all some kind of trick, some con to get her alone in the woods? It was too late, she pulled out into a clearing and nearly rammed into the back of a sleek black Mercedes. It crouched like a beast ready to pounce before a dilapidated log cabin that had a weak light at the window.
Deb wondered if she should have invited her brother or even if she should have come at all? Her door opened and Alix beamed in at her. His face was earnest, friendly and cute enough to bring a smile to her lips. “How muddy is it?” she asked.
“It’s not too bad. I’m so glad you came. Now let’s get started.”
Alix guided her across the dirt forest track and into the cabin. It was just one room and the furniture had been moved to the sides. Four hurricane lamps provided ample light and lounging in the corner was Vincent. On a chair behind him sat a large black rook. The light slid off its feathers like sun off an oil slick and it opened its thick black beak and cawed pitifully. There was a plate next to Vincent. Casually he tossed a piece of meat at the bird. He had a glass in his hand and Deb could smell that it contained whiskey and… blood. He was drinking blood.
“Come in, Deborah. I can see by the sick look in your eyes that you can smell my drink. That is a good thing; it means that your vampire senses are kicking in.”
The door slammed behind them and Deb jumped in her chair. She cursed herself, it was only Alix. The thought of drinking blood made her stomach churn and she reflected back to the woods earlier and how the scent of blood had made her mouth water. She did not want to think about it and latched onto the bird. “What is that bird and why has it been following me?”
“Vincent laughed and the sound was like wet silk, smooth to the touch but slimy underneath. “The bird’s name is Igor and he is my familiar. He keeps me informed of certain things. Would you like a drink?” Slowly he swirled the liquid around the glass. Deb could pick out the pungent scent of blood and it made her stomach growl, yet repulsed her.
“Do I have to drink… blood?”
Alix had walked across to Vincent, sat down next to him and the two men shared a look. It was Vincent who answered. Deb wondered if he was the leader here.
“We don’t know. In your human form, you are able to eat real food, am I right?”
Deb thought about it. There were times when food revolted her, times when she could not keep it down, but most of the time she could eat normally. “Mostly,” she said.
“I see,” Vincent said. Suddenly he was kneeling next to her. “I believe that the more you turn, the harder it will be to eat solid food. If that happens, you will have to drink blood.”
Deb felt as if the world had dropped out from beneath her and she was falling
down and down and that any minute now she would stop and she would be in hell.
“So, do you want to turn or do you want to stay weak and useless?”
Anger sparked inside her. How could he call her weak? How could he call her useless? She had worked so hard, had built up her arms and she lived an independent life. All these thoughts flashed across her mind in an instant and her legs moved, hitching forwards an inch on the footplates. A smile came to her lips, her legs had moved. She looked up at him. There was a cheeky glint to his usually cold gray eyes. He had provoked her, trying to get that reaction.
Vincent took her hand in his and squeezed. “Well Deborah, do you want to turn?”
A tingle ran up her arm from his touch and all thoughts of blood were gone. She wanted this, wanted to run and jump, to be able to walk into a room and be on eye level with everyone else. But most of all, she wanted to have sex. Heat rushed to her face as the thought crossed her mind and she pulled away from his hand. “Yes, I want it. I really want it.”
Vincent stood. “Good, then we have much work to do. Come Alix, let’s get started.”
They spent all night alternately provoking and encouraging Deb until she could first move her legs and eventually she could turn at will. It was exhausting work and sweat ran from her human form and dried instantly when she was a vampire. “Do you sweat?” she asked as she changed back. Sitting in the chair she could feel the sweat as it ran down her back.
Alix and Vincent laughed, but it was Vincent who answered. “No, we have no body temperature. It is confusing that when you look human it appears you are, whereas when we look human we are still vampire.”
Greenwood: Paranormal Vampire Romance (The Darker Side of Deb Book 1) Page 8
