A Hunt Among Vampires (The Angel Series)

by M. Cheykota

  “Was your aunt an angel too?” He asks, running his hand up and down my arm.

  “No, she was the human sister of my mother’s human form.”

  Christien nods in understanding. “Fighting humans is quite different than fighting vampires or weres. You will need more lessons if you are going to be around vampires all the time. Kayle and Pantor, another one of my vampires, are responsible for most of the weapons training. Since I do not trust you around anyone except Kayle, I will train you myself.”

  I roll my eyes. “I told you that I know how to fight. I just need to learn how to do the vampire stuff.”

  “That is also covered during training.” He pulls me closer to him and whispers seductively in my ear. “I should experience your skills first hand to know how much more you need to learn.”

  I giggle. Did I just giggle? “You have already experienced my fighting skills first hand. I seemed to do well enough against you. Plus, you saw me fight off Hassan’s vampires when they attacked and I did okay.”

  “Those were very young vampires. They are nothing compared to going against vampires that are older and more experienced.” He informs me seriously.

  “A vampire cannot use mind control against me.”

  He shrugs. “Just as you are not able to use mind control against them, so you must rely on your strength and speed more than others. This will be an advantage and disadvantage. If we knew the full extent of what angels could do, perhaps this would give you the upper hand. The only way I can determine and unlock your potential is to push your limits. It helps that I am strong and I have recently gained new powers I did not wield before.”

  “Oh really.” I sit up on the bed. “What kind of powers?”

  “Until recently, I have not been able to teleport, or travel by thought. This is a new ability that only the strongest vampires in the world have. It is a draining ability so I have limited my use of this power unless necessary.”

  I gasp. “I remember Austin telling me about that power. When did you get it?”

  “Only in the past couple of days have I been able to teleport. I have been wary of experimenting because of the weakened state it leaves me in.” Christien admits, feeling slightly embarrassed by his weakness.

  “How did you know you could teleport?”

  “I knew that capability exists because I have heard about it. I understand the concept of what to do. When I drank your bagged blood along with my feeding on you during our sexual encounters, I noticed a significant power gain. I am an old vampire, powerful in my own right. With your blood, my powers have increased. I cannot imagine the power a vampire would receive if they were to drain you or get their hands on a large amount of your blood.” He gives me a pointed look.

  I stubbornly lift my head. “I didn’t think about that and I’m not apologizing for my negligence anymore.”

  Christien nods in acceptance. “After noticing my increase in power, I waited until I was alone and performed a test to see if I was capable of teleporting. When I was successful, I realized the implications of having that much of your blood on hand. It is dangerous chatte. Not only for you, for anyone who knows about it. That is why I have commanded Kayle and Tyler not to mention it to anyone. I wiped the memories of my servants of the events that happened this morning. No one will know what happened. Your safety is the most important thing to me. You are my mate.”

  “I am not...” I begin, but he interrupts me.

  “You are my mate. It is very rare in a vampire’s lifetime that they find the one person with whom their soul resonates. We have both experienced the attraction from the first moment we met. I knew immediately that you were the one for me. I will be patient, but know that you are mine and we will be together.”

  “You don’t know that we are soul mates. It could be my angel blood calling to you.” I tell him disbelievingly.

  “Have you experienced our level of attraction to any other person, vampire or not, during your lifetime?” He asks knowingly.

  “No, but just because I haven’t doesn’t mean we are mated. I don’t do relationships. I definitely don’t want a relationship with a vampire. I swore to myself when I was young that I wouldn’t get involved with one. My mother expressed how dangerous it would be for me to fall in love with a vampire. I am not going to let you sweep me off my feet and carry me away. My life is no fairytale.”

  “I would never hurt you Jessica. I only want you safe. I do not covet power like other vampires. I prefer trying to blend in with humans and living a quiet, normal existence. My territory in France is small. I have only a few vampires compared to other masters my age. We keep to ourselves. I do what I can to preserve the human race, not try to dominate or destroy them.”

  “I don’t doubt your good intentions Christien. I just don’t know what I want out of my life. I am truly immortal. You are long lived, but you can still die. If someone was to remove my head, I become a spirit and can retake human form if I take another body. I have no idea what that would do to my vampire half, but I am an angel. My mother did tell me that much.”

  “I am glad you will never have to experience true death. You may be immortal, but I have lived on the earth for over 1500 years. I have seen, heard and done much over my lifetime. I am more than capable of living as long as you will on this earth. You have no reason to fear my death.”

  I sigh, unable to refute his argument. “I have always been alone. I don’t know how to be part of a group, vampires or not.”

  “We will not think about this issue right now. For now, I am happy to have you in my life. Many vampires go mad, as they get older without a reason to live or get bored with life. I do not see that becoming a problem with me anymore now that I have you.”

  “At least, not right now.” I mutter under my breath.

  Christien ignores my comment and changes the subject. “Why did you run away this morning, ma chatte petite?”

  “Why should I stay? Your servants are now scared of me. Kayle really doesn’t like me much and your other vampires make me wary. The only one who truly wants me there is you and that is because you think I’m your mate. I don’t really fit there. I don’t really fit anywhere.”

  “Yes, you do.” He pets my hair affectionately. “You belong with me and mine. I told you my servants do not remember the incident. My vampires will get used to your presence. As far as the way Kayle feels about you... I think his original opinion of you has changed drastically since you have saved his life, more than once.”

  “Great, another puppet.” I moan.

  “No chatte, he is not your puppet. He may not have understood our relationship before, but he understands how I feel about you now. Kayle and I have been together for a very long time. He is the first vampire I have ever sired. He is very protective of me and he does not want to see me hurt. I feel the same way about him. He is my son in many ways, but he is also my best friend. I trust him explicitly.”

  A strange possessive feeling washes over me. I bury it in the back of my mind. “I feel the same way about Roman. I’ve never been able to let down my guard around anyone until I met him. There is something about Roman. He is different from other people I have come across during my short time out in the world. He makes me believe he will do anything to keep me safe. I know I hurt his feelings by keeping my blood a secret from him, but at the same time, I know he will understand why I did and forgive me. He knows me like no other does. No one knows all my secrets, but he’s the one that has gotten the closest.”

  Christien’s power begins to trickle over my skin, drawing my attention to his face. His eyes have their vampire glow and his jaw muscles flex. “Are you sleeping with him?”

  Is he jealous? I wonder. “You know Roman only sleeps with men. He likes women well enough, but he doesn’t want to settle down and have puppies.”

  “Are you sleeping with him?” He asks, angrier this time. More power washes over me and I rub my arms.

  “Are you sleeping with Kayle?” I throw back at h
im. “Austin told me that vampires aren’t usually very picky about their sexual partners when they get older.”

  “Jessica.” His voice is tight and his power ramps up.

  I move away from him guardedly as he stands beside the bed.

  “Please answer my question.” He says in a strained tone.

  “I can do what I want to do. You don’t own me Christien so you can stop all this possessive macho crap.” I slide off the other side of the bed and stand with my hands on my hips.

  “He cannot... no. You cannot sleep with him anymore Jessica!” The release of more power nearly causes my knees to buckle. “You are my mate. He cannot have you.”

  “Stop, Christien.” I gasp for air that seems to be disappearing as his power fills the room. I grab on to my bedpost to keep me upright. “I can’t breathe.”

  He finally sees me struggling and regains his temper. It is easier to breathe and I collapse on the bed panting.

  “What the hell was that about Christien?” I blurt out harshly.

  “I am sorry ma chatte petite. I did not mean for that to happen.”

  He takes a step towards me and I cringe. He stills.

  “I think you better go now.” I mumble, staying out of his reach.

  “Jessica...” He starts to beg, but I cut him off.

  “Leave, now!”

  I can see the sadness and regret fill his eyes. He nods and walks out of the bedroom. A moment later, I hear the front door close. Scrambling to my feet, I rush downstairs and lock the dead bolts behind him. I grab my laptop and hug it close to me. Still feeling anxious, I go to the basement level and enter my safe room, locking myself inside.

  Chapter 6

  The lighted walls give the room an eerie glow, but I can see perfectly fine. My feet carry me to the back of the room to the small studio area I have created with a bed, couch and small table. I turn on my laptop and check my email. No one has requested my services so I log in to a secret underground site for fellow assassins. I browse the site to see if there are any contracts available for pickup. Normally, I do not pick up these types of contracts because they don’t pay enough, but today, I am just looking for some action to release some of the stress I am feeling. I see there are a couple of kidnapping requests, several desires to perform hits on some local drug dealers, bank jobs, smuggling, and one for a shakedown. None of them is worth my effort, but I look over the contracts in my area anyway.

  Wanted:

  Quick pickup and delivery

  Pay: $2000

  Location: Tempe, AZ

  Contact: Redman

  Wanted:

  Pickup and hold for ransom

  Pay: $4000

  Location: Phoenix, AZ

  Contact: Lakeside

  I don’t even bother with the ransom request. I have no desire to bring anyone near me for any length of time. I usually avoid kidnappings because sometimes you need to kidnap children. I may not stop others from doing the job, but I don’t feel comfortable in performing them myself. I continue browsing until I come across an interesting post.

  Wanted:

  Bodyguard, tonight, experience necessary

  Pay: $10000

  Location: Phoenix, AZ

  Contact: Timon

  I click on Timon’s name and it brings up his contact information. Without a second thought, I pull out my secure cell phone and call the number. Surprisingly, the contact answers on the second ring.

  “Yes?” A man with a deep voice answers.

  “You may call me Olivia. I am responding to your request for a bodyguard.”

  He is quiet for a moment. “What kind of experience do you have?”

  “Enough. What type of proof would you need? If you need a reference, you can contact Rubio and ask him if I am reliable.” I state the name of a crime boss I’ve worked for before. If he is familiar with the scene, he should know who Rubio is.

  “Are you squeamish? I need a bodyguard, not a date.” The deep voice asks.

  “I am deadly. Normally I wouldn’t bother with such an insignificant contract, but today is your lucky day.” I respond with annoyance.

  “You will need to be tested before I hire you.”

  “If you insist.” I roll my eyes even though he can’t see me. “So tell me about the job?”

  “You will learn about the job if you pass the test. Be sure you pass the test. Be at this address in a half hour. If you’re late, don’t show up.” He rattles the address off quickly. “Simon will be conducting the test. If you pass, he will bring you to meet me.”

  “I’ll be there.” I hang up. If the contract weren’t for $10,000, I would have told him to kiss my ass. The money is nice, but nowhere close to what I am accustomed to making on a job. I just hope I see some action out of it. I log off my computer and leave my laptop in the basement. Grabbing all of my favorite weapons, I lock the basement door on my way out. When I reach my kitchen, I drop all of my weapons on the table and dig out the blood in the cooler Tyler delivered over a week ago.

  There are at least 10 bags of blood in the cooler. Not wanting to become a liability due to my blood thirst, I polish off all 10 pints of blood. Never have I been able to do that before my powers started coming online. My body must be using it faster than I can take it in. Feeling fully sated, I choose not to return downstairs for more blood. Instead, I run upstairs and change into my black leather pants and matching halter-top that I often use when on the prowl. The outfit is comfortable and flexible. The soft leather also allows me to move silently while wearing all my weapons. I run back downstairs to the kitchen to load all my weapons. Tonight, I will be carrying the twin desert eagles, multiple silver stakes, twin daggers and my wrist blades. In addition, I have added a handcrafted, obsidian blade I only use when I might be required to go through metal detectors. The blade is light, sharp and nearly undetectable when it is sheath along my inner thigh.

  Locking the door behind me, I realize I left my car at Christien’s place. Snarling, I move over to my backup mode of transportation throwing on a thin leather coat over my weapons and shades to shield my eyes from the bright sun. The jacket will hide my weapons nicely, minus the stakes in my hair, while I am riding. My backup ride is a blood red Ducati 999R. After a second thought, maybe the motorcycle isn’t a bad idea. I can get in and out of tight spaces faster with it than my car.

  The address given to me by Timon is not far, less than 15 minutes away from my place so I have plenty of time to get there. I arrive almost 10 minutes early. Scouting out the area, I see nothing out of the ordinary around the small building. Taking a deep breath, I make my way to the front door, keeping all of my senses on alert. I am not too worried, but caution might as well be my middle name.

  The door opens right as I am reaching for the handle. A huge biker with elaborate dragon tattoos stands in the doorway looking me over. I allow his gaze to wander over my body, stopping twice at my breasts before he speaks.

  “What can I help you with, miss?” His voice is harsh from smoking. I can smell the nicotine leaking from the pores of his skin. My nose wrinkles on its own accord.

  “I’m Olivia.” I announce confidently.

  He gives me another quick appraisal.

  “Enough already.” I roll my eyes.

  “I’m Simon. Come on in.”

  I walk pass him and enter what looks like a multipurpose room or an old gym. Immediately, I notice we are not alone. There are at least 10 men standing along the edges of the room.

  “Do not be alarmed. They are here for your test.” Simon whispers near my ear.

  I jerk my head away from him before he can get too close. “If you don’t want me to gut you, I suggest you don’t get that close to me again without my permission.”

  He chuckles as he motions me to the center of the room.

  Looking over in Simon’s direction while keeping my senses alert, I ask, “Is this a lethal test?”

  “These are some of his best guards. It would impress Timon deeply if yo
u were able to defend yourself against them.” He looks over at a guard near a door in the back of the room. The door opens and a toddler, no older than three, comes into the room.

  “What in the hell is this about?” I ask, becoming more and more wary about this job.

  “Do you like kids?” Simon asks.

  “I don’t know any. Why is she here?” As she gets closer, I notice several of the guards noses flare.

  Oh shit! They cannot be vampires. This cannot be happening.

  “Your test is to protect her from them.” Simon points to the men around the room. “If she dies, you fail.”

  “I can kill them then? I don’t think your boss would like that.” I ask Simon, squeezing my fists to control my temper.

  “You may disable them, but I doubt you can kill them.” The man escorting the girl pulls out a knife with a jagged edge. Simon reaches for the kid, brings her close to his body and accepts the knife from the man.

  “If you get lucky and kill a guard, I do believe the boss would be upset. I will determine whether you can hold your own against them. When I am satisfied, I will end the fight.” He says, ushering me towards the middle of the surrounding guards.