by Gerald Lopez
“You two are going to be just as crazy as the newby vamps when you get to New Orleans,” Deegan said. “I can feel heat radiating from both of you and filling this room.
“Fill the duffel bag, the others will need some refueling,” Gerard said as he drank a fifth bottle of blood. Thanks for getting my flamethrower for me, babe.”
“I’m just glad you kept it ready for use,” Deegan said.
“Are you doing OK, Ger,” Rory said.
“Yeah, reminds me of when I was mortal and went out drinking. I do feel a little flush. One more each, then we’ll see what we can do.”
After they each drank one more bottle of blood, Rory cleared his mind and focused solely on finding Samuel.
“I can see them, Ger,” Rory said. “The wild energy those young vamps give off is intense enough to locate easily. Then I was able to home in on Samuel’s thoughts. Grab hold of my arm and hang on, Ger. I’m gonna get us there fast. Deegan give him the duffel bag.”
“Wait, wait,” Deegan said, then he ran and got Samuel’s extra scythe, along with a long sword, from the bedroom closet. He gave the scythe to Rory and the sword to Gerard. Can you manage the sword and the flamethrower, Gerard?”
“Yeah,” Gerard said. “That’s Samuel’s Civil War blade you got. Good thing he’s kept it sharp.” He wrapped his arm firmly around Rory’s arm. “Focus on that location and on Samuel, Rory. Deegan cross your fingers this will work, then call Celia and Monty to come stay with you and the kids.”
“Will do,” Deegan said.
Rory tried to focus in on Samuel with his mind. He concentrated on getting into rhythm with Samuel’s body—his breathing, and his essence then willed himself and Gerard to him.
“Hoooly Sheee-it!” Gerard said.
Gerard and Rory disappeared right in front of Deegan. “My God, they’ve really done it, Aileen. Your dada really did it! Now we just gotta pray they’re not too late.”
Chapter 38
Two New Recruits
RORY AND GERARD had prepared themselves for battle before they’d left Samuel’s home. They’d dressed in shorts and sneakers which would allow them to move freely once they arrived at the warehouse. They had drunk as much blood as their bodies could handle in order to fight the newby vampires on equal terms. And unlike the newbys, Rory and Gerard still had their wits about them. Both had weapons at hand and ready. And they’d brought plenty of bottles of blood to give to their vampire allies, so they could renew their strength.
Energy like he’d never felt in his life ran through Rory’s body. He felt hot and ready for anything. This time as he traveled to the warehouse there was no swirl of hazy colors around him. The change in location was instantaneous. As soon as his feet hit the hard concrete of the warehouse floor he swung hard. The scythe in his hand went cleanly through one vamp, and Rory kept swinging till he’d cut off the head of another vamp. Gerard fought alongside him. The two were in front of Samuel who lay in a puddle of blood behind them with an elder female vamp tending to his wounds. Somehow Rory knew Samuel was safe at present.
For a moment no newby vampires appeared, so Gerard and Rory went to Samuel’s side.
“Good God, Samuel,” Gerard said, then took a bottle of blood out of the duffel bag he held, drank a bit from it and handed it to Samuel.
Janelle, whose shorts and T-shirt were covered in blood, joined them.
“They’ve been attacking us in waves,” Janelle said to Rory and Gerard. “I think they’re probably assessing the situation and checking you two out.”
Rory handed Janelle the duffel bag as Gerard saw to Samuel. “There’s plenty in there for all of you.”
Cesare and Paul joined the group and Janelle passed the duffel bag around. They all took bottles of blood and quickly drank them.
“That is just what the doctor ordered,” Nelson said.
“Samuel’s stable, for now,” Gerard said then turned to Rory. “We’ve got time to help them finish things here before we take Samuel back.”
“Then let’s do this,” Rory said. “Make them come to us, Ger.”
“Will do,” Gerard said. He walked forward with his flamethrower ready to use.
Rory went to Samuel’s side and spoke quickly. “Hang on for me just a little longer, babe.” He then turned to Luisa. “Watch over him for me, please.”
“That’s what I’ve been doing, honey,” Luisa said. Enjoy the party, baby.”
Gerard aimed his flamethrower at a nearby float and soon flames were all around the warehouse. The sound of young vampires screaming filled the space and mere seconds later they were charging at Cesare, Rory, and the others.
Janelle let out a loud battle cry, grabbed a rope and swung forward on it. She chopped off several vampires heads as she flew across the area. Gerard used the flamethrower on a small group of vampires headed his way. While they screamed out in agony he moved the flamethrower over his shoulder, picked up the sword he had and used it. He put the burning vampires out of their misery by chopping them to bits then moved onto another group.
Rory fought in front of Samuel and Luisa. He used the scythe like an expert. It felt one with him as he swung to and fro attacking any vampire that came close. With his energy the newby vampires were no match for him. They were falling dead to his left and his right. He heard Nelson talking to a young vampire as he fought to the side of him.
“What did you call me, boy?” Nelson said to a vamp heading his way. “That’s one thing you never call a black man and former slave.” He ran forward slicing his opponent across the waist and decapitating him before he’d even know what happened. Then he ran, full of fury, toward a group of ten vampires.
Rory saw blood hitting the air and newby vampires falling dead in heaps around Nelson. Then he busied himself with two vampires. He kicked the one at his left in the stomach then chopped his head off.
More vampires were flowing into the room from a side door. Rory ran up to meet them with Gerard by his side again. Together they fought in such unison that it was as if they’d always done so. That’s when Rory realized that Samuel had been using his body to fight. He’d merely been a vessel and that’s why the scythe felt so at home in his hands and how he knew how to kick and attack.
In front of Rory and Gerard, Janelle had jumped onto a pile of dead bodies using them to spring forward above an oncoming group. By the time she’d reached the ground she’d taken off more than a few heads. Paul and Cesare were no slackers. Their swords were constantly swinging and taking out new vampires as they entered the warehouse.
Rory concentrated on putting all of his energy into every swing of the scythe. Gerard stayed constantly at his side fighting. Things became a blur of blood and motion and Rory felt himself moving almost on automatic. He gave in completely and let Samuel use him as a surrogate fighter without trying to do anything himself. That gave Rory a chance to see Janelle’s fighting style. Janelle needed no help and seemed to be relishing the battle. She was like a spinning top, moving with astonishing speed and chopping heads off as she went. Cesare, Paul, and Nelson were now fighting together.
Rory raced about the room, sometimes jumping off a downed vampire’s limp body to fight another vampire in midair. He twirled, twisted, and spun to avoid getting cut and to land deathblows on his enemies. At one moment he chuckled, thinking to himself how glad he was that he went to the gym regularly.
The battle ended in less than half an hour. The disembodied newby vampires’ corpses were scattered everywhere in the large warehouse space. Everyone who’d made it through the battle was dripping in the blood of their enemies.
Cesare thanked everyone as did Paul. Samuel moaned in pain at the back of the building.
“Good-bye folks,” Rory said. “I’m getting Samuel back home now that things are over. The quick and easy way.”
“Not without me,” Gerard said.
After downing three bottles of blood apiece, Gerard and Rory lifted Samuel and supported him in their arms. Rory focused on hom
e and the kids and they disappeared from the warehouse.
“Incredible,” Janelle said. “I’d heard such a thing was possible—being instantly transported where you wish.”
“I’ve only known one other vampire who could accomplish that feat,” Paul said.
WHEN THEY GOT back home, Celia ushered the men into the master bedroom where she immediately started tending to Samuel’s wound with Monty’s help. Rory tried to help but Samuel pushed him away.
“Go, check on the kids,” Samuel said.
Rory tried to say something but Samuel pushed him back with a pained expression on his face. “Pppp… please—go!”
Gerard grabbed Rory’s arm and ushered him out of the room, closing the door behind him. They could hear Samuel screaming loudly as they went into the kitchen. Rory tried to turn back but Gerard held his arm tightly forcing him to stay.
“Leave the man his pride, Rory,” Gerard said. “We’re old-school folks, Samuel and I. He doesn’t want you to see him like that. It makes him feel ashamed and embarrassed.”
“That’s ridiculous!” Rory said.
Gerard put his arm around Rory and spoke in a gentle voice. “He knows you were there for him and that you saved his life. In his way he’s trying his best to keep you from seeing the pain he’s in. Let him feel he’s done something for you.”
“I understand,” Rory said. “We made a pretty good team—the three of us.”
“I was wondering if you realized Samuel fought through you,” Gerard said.
“It took me a while but when I finally understood everything I just sat back and let Samuel take over.”
“There aren’t a lot of people or vampires who have that kind of trust in their partners to open themselves up so completely,” Gerard said. “You and Samuel have something very rare. I can’t think of two people who deserve such a special relationship more.”
“I can,” Deegan said, entering the room. “You know it took a lot of trust for me to let you two go off. Not that I didn’t worry about you when you were gone.”
“I know, babe, and I’m sorry for making you worry,” Gerard said. “But it was for a good cause.”
“I know that, but you’re still making it up to me later, when we’re in bed.”
“Whatever you want, Deegan,” Gerard said. “Later, I’ll be yours to command.”
“Don’t think I won’t hold you to that.”
“Oh, I know you will. And I’m looking forward to it.”
“Young love, ain’t it sweet,” Rory said and laughed.
Celia walked into the kitchen and spoke. “Samuel’s right leg is completely gone below the knee. And the pain of the wound caused him to black out. “It’s a clean cut, though and that means it’ll heal faster.”
Gerard said. “That’s good. Those newby vamps were fast, Celia. Samuel didn’t have the extra blood we had for energy and the newbys must’ve snuck up on him somehow.”
“But he still fought by your side, Ger.,” Rory said. “Using my body.”
“Like I said earlier, you two have a strong enough connection he could do that,” Gerard said. “But you’re the one that made it possible. You are one brave son of a bitch, Rory Baker. I liked fighting alongside you.”
“Thanks for trusting in my crazy idea about the blood and transporting ourselves to the warehouse.”
“Your whole plan made sense,” Gerard said.
“I couldn’t believe your plan when Deegan told me about it,” Celia said. “Only one other vampire has been able to transport himself like you two did—the original vampire father of us all.”
“Enough small talk,” Deegan said. “You two use the guest bathroom to clean up. I don’t want those sweet babies waking up for a snack and a diaper change and seeing you both covered in blood.”
“Samuel will be fine,” Celia said. “It’s the next part that’ll be hard.”
Chapter 39
Good Days
“GOOD MORNING, SAMUEL said as he slowly opened his eyes.
“Hi there, sleepyhead,” Rory said and kissed Samuel’s lips.
“I don’t hear my little girl calling for me,” Samuel said.
“The kids are outside with Deegan and Gerard. Celia and Monty left just a while ago.”
“I’m sorry, Rory.”
“Sorry for what?”
“For involving you in the battle.”
“It was our battle,” Rory said. “And I’m just glad you’re back home safe and sound.”
“And missing half of my right leg. Damn that hurt. It took a few suggestions from Monty and a lot of blood to deal with the god-awful pain. I won’t be much help around here for a while.”
“You still have two good arms to help with the kids,” Rory said. “And I can think of at least a few good uses for the rest of your body parts.” He ducked under the covers, pulled down Samuel’s boxer shorts and sucked on his cock.
“Oh damn,” Samuel said through heavy breaths. “With that kind of service a man could get used to lying around in bed all day.”
Rory got out from under the covers and kissed Samuel’s lips. “Don’t think I’m gonna let you lay around in bed all day. There are already a pair of crutches just waiting for you by the door.”
“You are amazing, Rory. Thank you for saving my life.”
“I’ve got plans for you now that you’re my man in real life and not just my dreams.” He started to duck under the covers again but Samuel stopped him.
“I’m not so much of an invalid I can’t partake of some of this fun,” Samuel said. “Aim your big boy my way, babe.”
They got into a position to sixty-nine. When they were finished they dressed in T-shirts and shorts and Samuel tried out his new crutches.
“This is not fun,” Samuel said. “I can’t believe how you and Gerard got to the warehouse. How did you know I needed you?”
“My whole being knew,” Rory said. “My right leg even gave out in the dining room, probably around the time yours got cut off. I love you, Samuel and I’ll always do what it takes to be at your side when you need me.”
“I believe you,” Samuel said. “Hell you moved Heaven and Earth to get to me in my hour of need. Can you give me a hand with these back steps now.” He chuckled. “It’s not quite as tough as dealing with newby vamps but it is sort of a pain at present.”
Rory helped him down the back steps of the porch and Aileen went running to them dressed in her finest golden princess attire.
“Dada! Daddy! Dadda! Daddy!”
Samuel managed to pick her up with one arm and hug her. Aileen giggled then looked at Rory and the three of them hugged.
While they played with the kids, the adults talked.
“Rafael and Roget went to New Orleans this morning at Cesare’s request,” Gerard said.
“They’re not concerned there may be more newby vamps, are they? Rory said.
“No,” Gerard said, as he watched Aileen put a tiara on Deegan’s head and chuckled. “They want to get rid of any evidence the Gauthier cult was there. If we had anything to worry about Cesare would’ve left them here to protect this place.”
“Janelle is really impressed with you and Ger, Rory,” Deegan said. “I think she’ll be paying us all a visit real soon.”
“I like her,” Rory said.
“The girl can fight,” Gerard said. “She took out a lot of those vamps by herself. Samuel, you and Rory must be running out of liquid refreshment. Deegan and I will donate to the cause before we leave, fresh from the tap. Cesare said he’s sending supplies soon.”
“You two are to rest with your happy little family,” Deegan said.
“I think some of what you were engaged in earlier will be fine too,” Gerard said and smiled mischievously.
“That did give me an idea of my own to put into action once we get home, Ger,” Deegan said.
“Sounds good,” Gerard said. “But the tiara stays with Aileen.”
Everyone laughed. Deegan and Gerard took turns letti
ng Samuel drink some of their blood inside Aileen’s playhouse, out of the children’s sight. Rory declined their blood saying he still felt energized from the night before. Once Gerard and Deegan had gone, Samuel joined Rory and the kids in the sand box.
“Gerard is going to burn off some of his excess energy with Deegan,” Samuel said to Rory as he sat down. “How are you doing, babe?”
“Other than feeling an urge to run a marathon or rather participate in a decathlon, I’m fine.”
“I still feel my right toes sometimes, but I look down and they’re not there,” Samuel said.
Aileen giggled and wiggled her toes. Samuel responded by tickling her feet and accidentally knocked down the sand castle she and Rory had made.
“Uh-oh,” Rory said and smiled.
“O—o,” Aileen said and giggled.
“Nothing but good days from here on out,” Samuel said.
“Amen to that,” Rory said. “Can I order some quiet ones for a while?”
“You can order whatever you want, but I’m not sure you’ll get them,” Samuel said. “Life can have unexpected moments even for mortals so imagine how it is for us vampires.”
“As long as we’re together we’ll be fine,” Rory said.
“Stop blabbing and help us rebuild our kingdom, Dada,” Samuel said.
Rory responded by playfully pushing Samuel back, getting on top of him and kissing him. Aileen giggled the whole time.
“You brute, attacking an invalid,” Samuel said and laughed. “Watch out babies, soon he’ll be kicking sand in your faces.” He looked over at the twins who were lying on a blanket oblivious to things.
“They have it easy.”
“Yes they do,” Samuel said. “They’d better enjoy it before I have them mowing the yard and chopping wood.” He chuckled, then Rory started tickling him and he laughed.
A knock on the door interrupted their playfulness.
