Miranda found her prey, a female hiding in the bushes with a sniper rifle loaded with silver ammunition. Silently, she came up behind her, the woman was taken completely by surprise as she felt something powerful punch through her back exiting through her chest. In shock, she looked down to see her heart still pumping blood through its arteries in a clawed, fur-covered hand. Blood poured from her mouth as her brain died. Miranda removed her hand from the woman’s chest cavity, letting her fall to the ground. She bit deeply into the still beating heart she held in her hand. Blood squirted from the plump organ as she ripped a chunk away. When she finished devouring the heart, she started on the body. Her teeth gripped the flesh, ripping it away from the bones.
Madeleine matched her prey’s footsteps as he inched closer to the mansion. The last one, the most daring assassin of them all was within a ten yard distance of the mansion.
“Hello, looking for someone?” she quipped.
The assassin turned around, attempting to aim the barrel at her, but it was too late. Her hand shot out, snatching the weapon from him. She turned the gun on him pulling the trigger, blasting a soft-ball size hole into his chest. Blood, bone and cartilage splattered the ground around him. The man’s eyes widen when the bullet exited through his back. He fell backwards onto the blood-soaked grass, choking and gasping for air. Madeleine watched him for the last five-seconds of his life. She looked up to see Daniel, Carmen and Miranda approaching.
“That’s all of them,” Carmen said. She glanced at Daniel and Miranda. “Are you sated?”
Both had transformed back into their human forms and they stood naked, their mouths and hands covered with blood.
“Well, I’m full, how about you?” Daniel smiled, looking at Miranda.
She shrugged. “I don’t know. I was going to make myself a few sandwiches earlier before I was interrupted. But this was much better.” She smiled wickedly.
“We’ll tell Elise she said that,” Carmen teased.
“The first chance I get,” Daniel joked.
Miranda shrugged once more. Carmen just shook her head.
“Come on, let’s clean up this mess. I’ll call Elise to let her know everything is okay.” Daniel walked inside the house to do just that. He dialed her cell and she picked up on the first ring.
“Everything’s fine, all five are dead,” Daniel said.
“Good. I’ll be home soon.” She hung up the cell phone.
Daniel called out to Sebastian who was still hiding in the cellar. The teenager opened the door and walked out. He looked at Daniel’s naked blood-splattered body.
“All that blood, you ate them didn’t you?” Sebastian asked.
Daniel shrugged. “Why let them go to waste simply because they’re society’s trash.” He chuckled. “Anyway, it’s safe now.”
Sebastian nodded and walked away. Daniel went to his bedroom to clean himself up. While he showered, he smiled to himself at his own cleverness. He had avoided having to help clean up outside.
Chapter Eleven
Darian flew high above his property, his vision as sharp as a hawk’s. He could smell where they were hiding and he focused on their locations. Mentally he called out to his coven and collectively, they answered him. There are five men on the grounds. He gave the location of the men. Kill them all except the one sitting in the large oak tree, he belongs to me.
Yes, master, they responded in unison.
Darian watched his mansion, he saw as his coven converged on the men. Miko, April, John and Annabelle blazed across the property, catching all of the would-be assassins by surprise. He smiled as he watch his coven feeding on their victims, draining their very lives from them. Silently, he lowered himself settling directly behind the sniper in the large oak tree. He stood there, his arms folded across his chest as he watched the assassin monitor his mansion through a pair of night vision binoculars. The man had no idea that Darian’s coven had stealthily annihilated his crew and were now feasting on their blood. He extended his mental powers to read the killer’s mind. This man was the leader of the three bands of assassins. He was also a member of the group of hunters who had initiated the kidnappings. Darian had found that bit of information most interesting. Just when he was wondering if the man would ever realize he was in danger and outnumbered, the assassin noticed one of his own being attacked by John and he aimed his rifle.
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” Darian said from behind him.
The man jumped, startled by Darian’s voice. He spun around on the thick tree branch, almost losing his balance. He managed to regain his footing as he stared at Darian standing before him.
“Don’t even think about aiming that rifle at me,” Darian warned in a calm voice.
“So, I guess now you want answers,” the man speculated.
“No,” Darian responded. The man jerked slightly, surprised by his response. “I already know why you’re here.”
“This is nothing personal, you just knew too much. I have other guys on the grounds, I’ll call them off if we can make some sort of arrangement…” the assassin’s voice trailed off as he watched Darian’s reaction.
Darian chuckled deeply.
“Why do you humans always feel that your lives are so valuable that you can use them as bargaining chips.”
He advanced on the man, catching him by the collar. He lifted him until they were eye level. “You should feel honored to die by my hands.”
He bared his fangs. The man screamed, but it was too late. Darian plunged his fangs deeply into the pulsating artery. Slowly he drained the man, taking in all of the information he could gather. A string of images that carried various memories raced through Darian’s mind as he continued to feed. He now knew where the hostages were being held. He knew who the kidnapers were. The blood trickled, then ceased along with the man’s heartbeat. He drew back and tossed the body from the tree onto the ground below. John, April, Miko and Annabelle walked up to their Master as he floated down from the tree.
“We’ve killed the others,” John said. They were all sated now and were enjoying the heat that flowed through their bodies.
Darian nodded. “I want you to go to Elise’s mansion, stay there. I will let you know when it is safe to return. Go now,” he ordered.
Without another word, they turned and walked back towards the mansion to get their belongings. Darian walked into his home to inform his human servants of the evacuation.
“We could stay and watch the house, we could tell you if there are people hanging around,” one of his servants suggested.
Darian studied him, his head tilting slightly. “Could you, Colin?”
The servant swallowed hard. “Yes, Mr. Alexander.”
“Just as you could detect someone planting a bomb in one of my automobiles?” Darian asked, as he stepped closer to the servant.
Sweat began to seep from Colin’s pores. The other servants looked on, but remained silent. Darian began to read their minds, it was as he suspected. The one standing in front of himbetrayed him, betrayed all of them. It was money he wanted, money and vengeance. He wanted immortality and it was something Darian would have never granted him. Colin had met with Adam at Desires Unleashed, it was there that he pointed out Gary and showed pictures of the others, as it was part of their arrangement for him to find their targets. Colin had informed their enemy of their supernatural status and he knew first hand that Gary was the youngest member of Darian’s coven. He was paid fifty grand for his services.
Colin could feel Darian’s judgment, and he knew that all of his secrets were now exposed. He tried to flee, but Darian caught him by his throat making it impossible for him to break free of the Master vampire’s iron grip.
“How dare you!” Darian growled, his fangs extending.
“I’m sorry, I just want”
“Your reason for betraying me is inconsequential, your death is inevitable.” With a jerk of his wrist, Darian broke the man’s spinal cord, snapping it in two. He released
the body, dropping it to the floor. He looked at the others; they were not part of it.
“Get rid of this.” He pointed at the corpse. “I want you to go to Elise’s home. Stay there until I contact you. Go.” When he spoke, his tone was calm and it seduced his human servants, almost putting them in a trance. They nodded, becoming focused and began carrying out Darian’s orders.
Darian went to his bedroom, where he washed quickly and dressed in a fresh change of clothes. Afterward, he sat down on one of the comfortable chairs in his living room and thought about the information he now possessed. He hadn’t suspected the governor of Illinois and the president of Synblood would be in on this scheme, although he was not overly surprised by such a revelation either.
“Master, we’re leaving,” John said.
Darian looked at him and nodded. He monitored them as they entered the garage, climbing into two SUV’s. They drove off toward Elise’s home. He closed the door, locking it behind himself then he took to the skies, flying at a miraculous speed. The wind whipped his beautiful jet black hair around as he shot through the nighttime sky. The city below was a blur of lights as his speed increased. Within five minutes, he arrived at Xander’s home, landing on the front porch. Adrian opened the door and stepped aside to allow him entrance.
“Thank you,” Darian said with a nod as he passed by.
“Don’t mention it.” Adrian closed the door and walked into the den, Darian followed him. The others looked up when they entered, waiting to hear an update.
Darian began to tell them what he’d learned. “There were twelve people involved in this kidnapping. I’ve killed one tonight. His name was Julian Chandler, the”
“the Director of the S.U.I.T. Organization!” Warren and Matthew exclaimed in unison, unintentionally interrupting Darian.
Darian nodded. “Correct. But the list goes on. Miriam Foster, the President of Synblood is involved as well.”
There was a collected gasp in the room from some of its occupants. Xander remained silent, though he was also shocked to find out the information.
Darian continued. “George Masterson, whom I’m sure you’re familiar with being as he is the manufacturer and distributor of those fancy, high-tech weapons that are at your disposal.” He looked at Warren and Matthew, who both nodded.
“Chandler and Masterson were working together. That explains why there were so many middlemen involved. They didn’t want anyone putting two-and-two together. Especially concerning those involved who are that high up in the political and financial ranks,” Warren said.
“This shit is deep. It seems like every time we take one of these bastards out, we pull back another layer,” Adrian stated.
“Because we are,” Xander added. “Please go on,” he gesture for Darian to continue.
Darian obliged. “Phillip Bison of Hightower Communications; Victor Foster, the actor; Jeffery Kingston, the President of Kingston Records; Walter Bailey, owner of the Esquire Hotel chain; Jesse Harthorn of Harthorn Advertising Agency; Amanda Patrick, owner of Amanda’s Fashions; Peter Johnston who owned KOTD Radio station; of course, we know about Richard Parker, the billionaire Old Port cigarette tycoon. But even I was surprise to hear about Governor Andrew Wallace. And to think, I held his campaign at my club.” He shook his head as he watched the collection of shocked expressions from all.
“I can’t believe this,” Tony said. He put his head in his hands, running his fingers through his hair.
Darian leaned against the door frame as he listened to the others speak.
“Hell, I can’t believe the governor is in on this… I almost gave his ass my vote!” Natasha fumed. “Now, I’m extra happy I didn’t. There was something about him that was slimy.”
“He’s not even the biggest player. The Chief of the S.U.I.T. Organization and Masterson had major pull. It’s no wonder they were able to get the type of ammunition they’re using,” Warren stated, tossing a glance to Matthew who nodded.
“Do you think Ryan and Jesse knew that he was involved?” Devin asked.
Matthew shook his head. “No. They were being paid for the drop. My guess is, Masterson made it possible for an entire crate of weapons to become available, weapons that weren’t on S.U.I.T. inventory so they wouldn’t raise an alert when crates went missing. But they needed someone to transport the weapons.”
“That’s where Chandler came in,” Darian added. “Jesse and Ryan were the 'go-to' guys when Chandler wanted a ‘job’ done. They weren’t so high up in the ranks and for a fee they worked as the ‘middlemen’ between Masterson’s guys and Chandler’s. That’s why Ryan and Jesse were needed. But Ryan became greedy and we know what happened to him.”
“That’s a lot of middlemen,” Sergio commented. “Well, it’s all coming together now. These guys are professionals and I’m about ready to give them a professional ass-kicking.”
When it appeared that everyone understood the situation, Darian continued. “That isn’t all, they had help. One of my human servants took the liberty of providing them with the information they needed. That’s how they knew who to take. Once he told them what we were, they monitored us and waited for the perfect moment.”
“Which one, Master?” Tony asked, stepping close to Darian.
Darian’s eyes settled on him. “It’s been taken care of, Tony.”
Frustrated, Tony walked away, plopping down hard in one of the plush chairs.
“I can’t believe the president of Synblood is in cahoots with these jerks. I thought she really cared about supernaturals. I’m just completely blown away,” Natasha said shaking her head in bewilderment.
Darian chuckled at her naiveté. “Natasha, my darling, the creation of Synblood was not made with the well-being of vampires in mind. If it were, they would have improved upon the taste. No. Synblood was a means to an end. It is a very profitable byproduct created as a way to make money from self-loathing and fear.”
“I don’t understand.” Natasha looked at Darian, hoping he would elaborate.
“Vampires who shun the gift of immortality have embraced the escapism that Synblood provides. They refuse to accept that they are natural predators and no longer human. They are creatures of darkness, as cliché as that may sound, it is a fact. However, drinking synthetic plasma from a bottle aides them in their denial, it allows them to feel more human. And as for the fear; Synblood allows the humans of the world to believe that they’re safe. They no longer have to feel they’re being hunted. It’s all a façade.”
“Well, I for one will never buy another robe from Amanda’s Fashions for as long as I live!” Elise declared.
“Good. I’m tired of picking up feathers from the floor anyway,” Sergio remarked.
Elise smiled slightly, leaning forward, she kissed him deeply. He caressed her cheeks with the back of his fingertips, enjoying the smooth texture of her flesh. When he pulled away, he planted a soft kiss on the roundness of her stomach.
“So where are they now?” Xavier asked, getting back on track. He was able to borrow a complete change of clothes from Justin, which fit him well.
“Montana,” Darian replied.
“Montana? There is a lot of land in Montana. Do you know the exact location?” Xander asked.
“I do, there is just one problem,” Darian said. He had everyone’s undivided attention.
“What’s the problem?” Devin asked politely. Secretly wondering what force on earth could cause Darian a “problem”.
“Montana is the territory of a very powerful Master vampire.” Darian looked at everyone, his forest green eyes settled thoughtfully on Xavier and Natasha for several moments then he looked at Xander. “We will have to attain his permission before we can enter. If he doesn’t grant us permission, and we enter uninvited, it will be a Challenge of Authority. Which you all know is a declaration of war.”
“Well, can’t you beat him?” Justin asked innocently. He had been so amazed by Darian’s display of power he couldn’t see him having any ene
mies he couldn’t best.
Darian turned to Justin, chuckling softly. “No, my dear wolf, I cannot.”
The room was filled with a deafening silence as the others contemplated the new development and wondered how they could overcome it, or even if they could.
“We have to save our members. I will not leave them to die for the sake of some vampire’s selfish pride,” Tatiana declared defiantly, finally breaking the silence.
Darian looked at her, he smiled slightly. He could appreciate her boldness, her strength, he understood her sentiments.
“I understand. I don’t want to walk away from this either. And quite frankly, I don’t believe that we can. On this day alone, we have killed over fifteen people. Our enemies are those who know some of our weaknesses. We can’t turn back now.”
“So do you think you’ll be able to negotiate a Safe Passage?” Xavier asked, stepping closer to Darian.
“I don’t know,” Darian said thoughtfully. “I hope that I can.”
“What’s gonna happen… you know… if you can’t?” Natasha asked obviously worried about this Master vampire.
The last one they had to contact for permission to enter his territory was in Russia. This Master vampire had demanded Homage from Xavier who had explained to her that vampires had rules and codes of ethics they had to work within. Still, this vampire angered her because he took advantage of Xavier. She didn’t care if it was his right as a Master, she didn’t like anyone abusing their position, no matter who they were.
Darian turned towards her. “Whatever happens, you will stay here in Chicago. I want you to go with Elise and the others.”
The Royal Flush (Knights of the Darkness Chronicles(Book Three)) Page 20
