by Rose Pressey
“Do you think they’ll sense us here?” I asked.
He stared for a beat before finally answering. “I want to say no, but at this point, I honestly don’t know. I think it’s a distinct possibility. Anything’s possible after what I’ve seen since I met you.”
I cringed on the inside. He had a very valid point.
“I can order room service for us,” I said when the realization hit me that we were all alone in a hotel room. Alone with a luxurious-looking bed and gorgeous surroundings. The only thing to hamper the situation was the vampires hunting us down like wild animals. What a way to suck the romance out of the situation.
“That sounds like an excellent idea.” Jack stared at me as if I was a bloody steak. And I knew for a fact he was hungry.
“I bet you’re starving,” I said.
I needed to order the extra-bloody steak for Jack. He looked down, studying the carpet. I knew what he was thinking without him saying a word. He craved blood. I knew he didn’t want to, but it was out of his control.
Chapter Nineteen
How to Date a Vampire, Rule #19:
Vampires need to feel sexy too.
After about thirty minutes, a knock sounded on the door. I was afraid to answer it, even though I knew we’d ordered room service. Luckily, when Jack eased the door open, it really was our food. We enjoyed our dinner with a bottle of red wine and romantic dim lighting. Vampires roamed the streets looking for us while we enjoyed a marvelous evening. Suckers.
Once the food was gone and the wine bottle empty, I knew there was only one thing left for us to do. My pulse quickened at the thought. I swallowed hard when I met Jack’s stare. He was thinking the same thing; I knew by the flare in his eyes.
The gentle light on the nightstand glowed, highlighting the luxurious sheets and overstuffed pillows. They beckoned us to the soft comfort. Jack didn’t speak as he guided me over to the soft covers. The comforter felt like a fluffy cloud as I leaned back. Jack slowly slid on top of me. With his face mere inches from mine, he leaned down and placed a series of feathery kisses across my lips.
“I’ve wanted you since the first day I saw you.” Jack slowly unbuttoned my blouse, caressing my exposed skin with his hand.
“Oh, Jack.” Those were the only words that broke through the fog in my head. My tongue seemed to have only one purpose at the moment… and it wasn’t talking.
When he’d removed my clothing, I helped him slip out from his shirt. He then stripped off his pants and tossed them across the room. My gaze focused on his hard chest, trailing down lower and lower. He rolled over onto his back, and I moved onto his lap, straddling him. I began with a kiss, exploring his mouth with my tongue, then I traced the outline of his abs with tiny kisses and licks. I ran my hands over his bare chest and nibbled on every inch of exposed skin. After a short time, I moved onto my back, and Jack pressed his body against mine.
“You feel so good,” he whispered into my ear.
I thought I might explode from desire.
I ran my fingers through his hair as he placed soft kisses around my ear, then trailing lower until he reached my neck. The blood pounded through my veins as my heart rate climbed. His mouth felt hot against my neck. I knew this was dangerous territory, but I couldn’t make him stop. Never mind that he looked as if he wanted to make a meal out of me. Thoughts of need and want for Jack consumed my mind. My toes curled as he licked and sucked the entire region of my neck. His tongue and lips pulled off maneuvers I’d never experienced before. I was aware of my pulse in each spot he touched. But he stopped. I moaned in protest. Somehow he’d controlled his desire and moved away from my neck. He’d showed control that I wasn’t sure I was capable of.
After the evening that I’d dreamed of since the day I met Jack, we drifted off to sleep in each other’s arms, although perhaps it was better described as passing out. Despite my contentment, the thoughts of vampires flooded my mind as I drifted off, kind of like counting sheep. Except they were vampires instead of furry animals.
The orange-and-red streaks of sunrise stretched across the sky as sunlight filled the room. I woke a little disoriented. What day was it? Where was I? Finally, when I fully woke, I remembered I was in a hotel room with Jack. How could I have forgotten something as wonderful as that?
I reached over to squeeze him, unwilling yet to force my eyelids open. My hand met with empty space; all I felt were the crumpled-up sheets. I opened my eyes to discover Jack wasn’t beside me. I jumped up in bed and looked around. The room was dim, but light broke through the fabric of the curtains making everything in the room visible. Jack was nowhere in sight.
As I hurried over to the door, I noticed a few drops of crimson red liquid on the ground. Where had they come from? I kneeled down and dipped my finger in the fluid. It was definitely blood, the slight coppery scent hit my nostrils. I checked my neck in the mirror. Nothing. Jack hadn’t bitten me, but somehow I knew he wouldn’t. I trusted him.
I hurried and dressed. He was probably just down in the lobby. Before slipping out the door, I dialed Jack’s number. Of course, there was no answer. First, I’d check with the front desk to see if they’d seen him or maybe they had a message for me. Perhaps he’d gone out to get breakfast? My stomach twisted into a knot. No, he knew the vampires were looking for him. He wouldn’t risk it.
I made my way to the front desk. The short, gray-haired man behind the counter was almost hidden from view until I was right up beside the counter.
“I’m staying in room two-thirteen. Did you see the man I’m staying with?” I asked, holding my breath for his answer.
He glanced up from the computer screen. “As a matter of fact, I did. He left not long ago with a blonde-haired woman.” He pointed toward the door.
“Did she have pink in her hair?” I asked.
“I don’t know. I didn’t look close enough for that. I’m guessing by the stunned look on your face this wasn’t a planned departure?” He smiled smarmily.
Just as I’d suspected. Sophie had found us. But how did she get Jack to leave with her? Why hadn’t I woken up? I’d woken up around four and he was in bed with me then.
I didn’t satisfy him with a comment to his remark. I’d so complain with a comment card when I got a chance. “Thank you,” I said over my shoulder as I ran for the door.
***
It didn’t come as much of a shock when I realized someone was following me. But who? Sophie or that Quinton guy? They were the logical choice, but when I glanced over my shoulder, all I saw was the shadow of a person as they ducked behind a group of people. The person was too big to be Sophie. This was definitely a man. The silhouette looked the same size as the shadow figure who had been in the graveyard right after Sophie and Nelson had confronted us.
With so many vampires lurking around looking for Ernie, Jack, and me, it could be any number of them. I had to get away from this person. I wouldn’t let the vampires follow me all the way back to my house. No way.
There was only one place I knew I could turn and that was the graveyard up ahead. I had the layout of that place memorized. I could walk it in my sleep if I had to. It had started to become my go to place for supernatural chases. I’d lost the werewolves in there last time, and I figured I could lose this person following me now, too. I picked up my pace, praying that my imagination had gotten the better of me and this person wasn’t really following me after all.
When I glanced over my shoulder, I noticed that he had picked up his pace as well, but he still hid behind the mass of people. It was daylight, but every time I turned around and tried to get a better look at him, something would block my view. The sun was rising, rapidly adding light to the situation. Maybe soon I’d be able to make out the face of the crazy person following me. When I reached the gates, I made a quick right and darted through the opening. I ran down the main aisle, then made another quick right. Had the shadowy person followed me inside? I knew they had to have seen me come in here. Where would I hide? Should
I run all the way to the back of the cemetery? If I shifted into werewolf form, I’d be able to jump the stone wall that surrounded the place and get out of there without being noticed. At least in my mind that was how it would work out.
“What are you doing back here?”
The loud voice startled me and I let out a gasp. I spun around. The soul collector stood behind me. He wore that same dirty suit. The wrinkles and distortion of his face were even more noticeable in the early morning light. He seemed a whole lot scarier when I was in this place by myself.
“I didn’t know you owned the graveyard. This place is open to the public, in case you didn’t know.”
Yes, I definitely had a death wish. I was I getting an attitude with a soul collector. As in, he could collect my soul any time he wanted.
“I told you to stay out of here. You are disturbing me and interrupting my work.”
What, did he get paid by the hour? Did he have somewhere else to go? All interesting questions, but I figured I shouldn’t ask them at the moment. Maybe another time. Like a week from never.
“What are you doing back here? Do you know someone buried here?” He scowled.
“Would it make it okay for me to stay in here if I said yes?”
“No, it wouldn’t, so get out,” he yelled.
“You don’t allow people to visit?”
“Once. That’s all. You are here too much.” He pointed for me to leave.
“Someone was following me and I’m hiding in here from them, okay?”
Would I get any sympathy from this thing? I didn’t even know what kind of creature to call him. He wasn’t human. Was he capable of any emotion? It didn’t seem like it.
A ghostly woman glided behind one of the crypts. “See, you are interrupting again. I will not have this.” His voice grew louder.
“Okay. Okay I’ll leave.” I gestured with my hands. “Just keep your voice down. You’re going to get me caught.”
I didn’t want to leave just yet, but it didn’t appear as though I had much choice. He was forcing me out. I stood up from the crouching position I’d taken behind a crypt.
“I’m going.” I held my hands up in surrender.
I moved slowly down the aisle. When I glanced over my shoulder, he was still watching me, a warning glare in his eyes. Would I ever be able to come back to the cemetery again? It was a pretty place to visit when people or creatures weren’t chasing me. I moved a few more steps and glanced back again.
“Get out of here,” he commanded.
“I’m going. I’m going.” Not very patient that one.
I eased around the crypt onto the next path, looking to my left, and then to my right. I didn’t notice anyone, thank goodness. Maybe the person had given up on finding me. I hoped that was the case. I eased my way toward the gate, but felt a presence behind me again. I was almost afraid to turn around, but I knew I had to. It was much better to know what kind of enemy you faced rather than be attacked and not know what was coming at you.
As I slowly turned around, my heart raced. I braced myself for what I was about to see. When I spun around, it was the soul collector again. He stood in the middle of the aisle pointing for me to get out. Whew. At least it wasn’t the strange man ready to attack. I hurried through the gate and back onto the sidewalk.
As I left the graveyard, I looked over my shoulder, not only to see if the person was back there somewhere, but if the soul collector had come after me, too. He was definitely someone I didn’t want following me home. I’d made it a short distance, when I felt someone walking close behind me. It figured, as soon as I’d let my guard down, thinking I was safe was when the bastard popped up. I should turn around and give him a good whack in a region that would change his voice forever.
I spun around and my face met with a hard chest. My heart thumbed. I looked up to see a member of the very efficient pack police.
“Ms. Cruz. Out for an early morning stroll?”
I paused. What was he getting at? This guy didn’t just show up to make small talk. The only time you got a visit from the pack police was if something was wrong. Very wrong.
“You could say that, yes.” I kept walking.
“But would you say that?” he asked.
Oh, he was so witty. Pin a gold star on his butt.
“Is there something you needed, officer?” I asked through gritted teeth. I didn’t have time for the enigma of the pack police. Just get to the point, I wanted to yell. But I didn’t want to end up behind bars waiting for my parents to bail me out like a sad little puppy waiting to be adopted, so I refrained.
“I know you and your family have had some problems with the vampires lately.”
I nodded. “Yes.”
“The vampire leader has requested an inquiry into the death of two male vampires. We heard the last time these men were seen alive was at your apartment.”
Did he think I had something to do with it?
“We just have to investigate all avenues, that’s all,” he said when he noticed my expression. “Do you mind if I walk with you and ask you some questions?”
“I guess not, but I’m kind of in a hurry.”
This was where the real dilemma came into play. Did I tell him about my missing boyfriend? That would make me seem even more suspicious. No, I would keep it quiet and handle this myself. They wouldn’t be of any help anyway.
“Do you have any idea where the vampires were going once they left your apartment?”
“No. I have no idea. They just took off. I guess they wanted to talk about the fight at my parents’ house. But when I told them there was nothing to discuss, they left.”
Now see, that wasn’t a lie. I’d just left out a little information, but it wasn’t a lie. We walked in silence for several seconds. I suppose he was trying to think of what to ask next. What else was there to say? I had no other information for him. Well, no information that I was willing to share.
“So nothing else was said?”
“Nope.” I shook my head. “Nothing that I remember.”
“No argument or exchange of heated words?”
“Um, no. Not really.”
Okay maybe that was a little fib.
I hurried my pace. “I have to tell you I’m a little upset by all of this.”
“What do you mean?” he asked.
“I mean, they were fighting with my parents, then they came to my home. Isn’t there something the pack police can do to stop this harassment?”
“You can get a restraining order, but until they actually carry out a crime, I’m not sure there’s anything that can be done.”
“I doubt they would be afraid of a restraining order, so that seems like a waste of my time. Listen, I have no idea what could have happened to the vampires. It’s very unfortunate,” I said.
And that wasn’t a lie, I had no idea what had happened to them. It was a little unnerving, actually. To know that they’d been at my house and an hour later they’d disappeared. That was a short time frame. I wondered where they’d gone after leaving my place.
“Do you have any idea what may have happened to them?” I asked.
“No, not really. I know the vampires are investigating. We’re trying to cooperate as much as possible. Listen, I really appreciate you taking time out of your morning walk to talk with me.”
Was he being facetious? “No problem,” I said.
I was just glad he hadn’t caught me in the graveyard. That wouldn’t have looked like a leisurely morning stroll. “Again, it’s no problem and, like I said, if I think of any other details, I’ll be sure to let you go.”
I was antsy for this conversation to be finished. Did Jack’s disappearance have anything to do with the disappearance of the vampires? Did the vampire leader think Jack had something to do with the missing vampires? No, they’d wanted him before that? And how could Jack have done anything to two strong vampires? However, they had been terrified when they looked at Jack. That had been a weird situation.
The officer cleared his throat, breaking me from my thoughts. “Well, you’ll let me know if anything else comes up?”
“I sure will,” I said as I ran up the steps to my building. I barely glanced over my shoulder and acknowledged him. That was the last I hoped I saw of him.
I had made it back to my building faster than I’d run to the hotel last night. The sinking feeling in my stomach seemed to carry me the few blocks back. The comfort I usually felt when I saw my apartment was nonexistent.
A little patch of concrete in front of the office was the only space I had for flowers. Normally I’d stop and smell the roses. I displayed a few planters with rosebushes, so every time I walked in my building, I’d stop. That was unless bloodsucking vampires or crazy werewolves were hot on my trail. It wasn’t much, but it gave me a few seconds of pleasure and relaxation each day. Just a little whiff was all it took… normally; they’d lifted my spirits when I needed it most in the past. My philosophy was that one should never be without flowers. Despite my spirits needing a boost, there was no time to stop this morning. The flowers wouldn’t have helped this time anyway.
I hurried up the stairs and immediately went to Jack’s door. It was locked. I knocked on the door, but there was no answer. I hadn’t expected one.
Jennifer peeked her head out of our door. “Oh my God, Rylie. There were vampires next door looking for Jack. They came by here, but surprisingly, they didn’t come inside uninvited. I guess they only do that for you.”
Oh, lucky me.
I couldn’t believe Jack was gone. The vampires liked to slip around under the cover of night taking things that didn’t belong to them. Apparently, Sophie had waited until just before sunrise to steal Jack away from me. What a dirty little trick.
“Jack’s gone,” I said breathlessly.
“What do you mean he’s gone?” Her eyes grew wide.
“I mean he’s gone. Disappeared. Last night vampires came for him, so we took off and stayed at the hotel. This morning, Jack was gone. I know the vampires took him.”
