“Leka.” Kai placed a hand on my shoulder, pulling me out of my trance.
I mentally shook myself. “Sorry. Um, we can use any of the computers in the perimeter offices. They’re the only ones with access to the software.”
I headed for a corner office far away from the conference room, not wanting to be any closer to the memories.
I breezed into the space and pressed the power button on the computer, praying that it turned on after being untouched for several months. I squealed inside when I heard the telltale beep that signaled it was booting.
I set my phone down on the desk and focused on logging into the back office of the computer, where I could access the voice recognition software.
As I waited for the program to load, I couldn’t help but praise my grandfather. He really did know what he was doing in this field. He was old school, yet open to all that modern technology had to offer. He took advantage of his historical wisdom and the plethora of technological advances over the centuries. He’d amassed a ton of electronics, software, weapons and more. I was slightly shaken when I realized that it all belonged to me now.
The moment the program was open and ready, I played back the conversation between myself and the unknown vampire.
“Two matches had been found,” the computer relayed.
The group gathered around, waiting with me.
“Alexa Lorrayne Jackson, daughter of Sharon and Stewart Jackson. Date of birth is confirmed and available. Birth city is confirmed and available. Three-hundred sixty-two relatives are identified and available. Current location is unknown.”
I gaped at the screen. Here I thought I only had Aunt Claire left. I guess Cesar wasn’t exaggerating when he said he’d built an army.
“Wow, Lex. That’s a big family reunion,” Gabi stared at the screen with me.
My picture was visible in the top left corner. My stats spread from left to right beside the photo. The three-columned list of my relatives all blurred together. A first and last name as well as a city and state or country was provided.
I cleared my throat, clicking ‘Next’ to obtain what we’d really come for. I would have to go climbing into my family tree another time.
“Kalia Lexus Constancia, daughter of Sheeba and Arrameo Constancia. Date of birth is confirmed and available. Birth city is currently unavailable. One relative is identified and available. Current location is Cape Town, South Africa.”
I enlarged the picture of Kalia. It was a grainy photo that was probably snapped by a traffic camera based on her movements. Even without perfect pixilation, the girl’s attitude came across in the picture perfectly.
She was dressed in black skinny jeans tucked into combat boots. A sleeveless hot pink shirt poked out beneath a black tank top. Oversized metal stud earrings gave her a hard edge, but the pile of tight curls falling around her face softened it. Her mother’s African American ethnicity shined beautifully in her curls while her father’s Hispanic heritage gave her smooth, olive skin. Her lashes covered her eyes, but from the tiny visible slits, it appeared she had green-grey eyes, a unique coloring given that both of her parent’s eyes were most likely brown.
I clicked several links and pulled up as much information as possible on the girl. From what I gathered, her father was a vampire; her one confirmed living relative.
I frowned as I continued reading. “This can’t be possible.” I highlighted the information and stepped back. “How can she be one-hundred percent vampire but have a human mother and full-blood vampire father? Shouldn’t she be a vampeen?”
“Shit,” Kai murmured.
Shit wasn’t good.
I butted my way back to the computer, pulling up her photo again. I knew my features were scrunched as I pondered her status.
I pressed my bottom lip between my teeth as I examined her image. She looked young. Her cheeks were still slightly rounded with baby fat. Her chest didn’t extend very far, indicating that either she wasn’t blessed in the bosom department or she possibly never got the chance to develop. She appeared short. Taking into account the downward angle of the photograph, I would guess she was just five feet tall.
I firmly pressed my lips together, considering the pint-sized pistol of spunk. If I had to guess, she looked about fourteen. “Is it possible for a vampire to bite a vampeen before she changes, overriding her DNA and changing her early; essentially wiping out her human-vamp mix?”
“All armies have forbidden feeding upon children,” Kai stated.
My mind was busy working, tossing around all the facts. “Do you think her dad could have bitten her ahead of time, because he wanted her to be on his side? If she’d changed, she would have technically been a vampeen with fifty-percent vampire.”
“You never know,” Gabi offered.
I sighed. Something about the situation didn’t sit well with me. Of course, that could have been because she had one of my men. I pulled out my cord and downloaded the information on the girl into my phone. I immediately sent it out to the High Authorities, the Bladangs, Jack and all of my primary vampeen army contacts. Bad past or not, Kalia was now on my hit list.
“Let’s go. I’ll follow up with everyone on the road.”
“Lexi, would you mind terribly if I obtained a copy of this software? I’ve seen hundreds of voice recognition programs on the market, but none with a complete log of all vamps.” Jack stared at the screen with fascination.
I knew it was wrong to judge a man based on his past; people change. I was apprehensive to give him access to this program because of what he’d put us all through. If he had access to software like this, I could only imagine how much the ante would have increased.
His expression slipped, revealing his hurt. “Forget I asked.”
“I’m sorry, Jack. Of course you can have a copy of it. My only requirement is that you encode it so that it’s impossible to hack on your system. I’m trusting that you won’t abuse it.”
He gave me a small smile. “I am a changed man, Lexi.”
Gabi wrapped her arms around him, hanging onto his side. She smiled proudly. “He really is, Lex.”
“Alright.” I knew this was a good way to mend our rocky past. Jack could never prove himself, unless I took a leap of faith.
Humanity involved risk. We lived off an honor system. The risk came into play when someone destroyed his or her honor. I was a firm believer in second chances, but that’s what they were: chances…risks. I was choosing the side of humanity, and humility, with Jack. All of us must grovel for redemption at some point; so it was always best to give the forgiveness you’d be seeking…the second chance you’d be hoping for.
Chapter 9
Kai, Gabi and Jack left, going to attend to some Bladang business, leaving Drexel and me to drive home alone.
I immediately called my managers, my primary contacts for the vampeen army. I ordered them to deploy our best operatives to the general area that Rashik was taken from. I sent up a silent prayer that they wouldn’t get hurt in the process. I knew I was going to have to face Cecilia and Kalia eventually, but for now, I’d send in the experts.
My heart was heavy as I called the High Authorities and relayed everything. I sent them out a profile. Auggy agreed to send in a team to back up my men. My gut twisted at the knowledge that I was launching a war against the vampire army in doing this. I was against war, but I wouldn’t be walked all over, not when it involved others.
Cecilia crossed the line when she sent in Kalia. Taking my people, doing God only knows what to them, infuriated me - perhaps that’s exactly what she was aiming for. She wanted to evoke a reaction from me. She wanted my attention, beyond a little note of presence…and she got it.
I breathed through the constriction around my chest. My baby’s heartbeat was steady in the background, a soothing melody keeping me calm when I wanted to act out, when I wanted to whip into action with my vampeen employees. I never thought it was fair for one man, for one person, to delegate the fate of others from beh
ind a big desk. It was so easy to lose touch with reality when you were secluded in a large office for too long. I never wanted to lose my perception…my humanity…my humility. These men and women were risking their life to handle business that was mine, not theirs. I would feel never-ending guilt if anything happens to them.
“Calm down, Baby Cakes.” Drexel took my hand, securing it in his. His touch was a reminder of where I was, of my present. “Listen to that baby’s heartbeat and remember why you’re sitting back. You’re not lazy. You’re not a heartless leader sending others to die. You’re doing your best to protect everyone, especially that little one inside you who can’t protect itself. Plus, I was one of those guys. We fucking live for that shit.”
I nodded, giving him a meek small smile. He was right. Right wasn’t always easy though.
I sat back in the seat, keeping my phone in my free hand in case anything happened.
I gazed out the window, watching the scenery fly by. The sun was already beginning to set. Trees flew by as Drexel sped down the highway. The closer we got to home, more buildings, dwellings and proof of life became visible. It was vastly different from the secluded lifestyle my grandfather created out in the middle of nowhere.
“I can’t believe I have so many relatives,” I mused.
I knew I would never meet most of them, but just knowing that they were out there was comforting. Family was the ones who had your back no matter what. Knowing that they were the product of my grandfather though, I knew there was a chance that many of them wanted nothing to do with me.
“You know you probably employ a good many of them,” Drexel stated.
“Hmm. I hadn’t thought of that.” I frowned as I mentally reviewed my employees. I’d met many of them, but there were still left thousands I’d yet to introduce myself to. “I have six thousand eight-hundred sixty-two vamps on payroll. I’ve wanted to scale back. It feels like a dinosaur to gaze at, but I know many of them rely on me for income.”
“You have time to think that one through.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right.”
My mind was racing, turning over thoughts about the business and life in general. I spaced out for the remainder of the drive. Drexel held my hand, keeping me cognizant of where I was…keeping me from completely loosing myself in my head.
Drex opened the apartment door for me. I slowed as I walked in. Two men, both tan with nearly black hair, dark-brown eyes and unimpressive statures stood beside Kellan. One seemed slightly older than the other based off the wrinkles beginning to line his forehead and cheeks. Kellan was holding a double oven in his arms. He was hovering it over a set of cabinets that had been removed.
“Um, what’s going on?” I asked, finally gaining my wits and venturing forward at a steady pace.
“Buenos Dias,” one of the men smiled and nodded.
“Bueno,” the other added, again smiling and nodding in my direction.
“Buenos Dias. Perdon, pero, que tu haces aqui?”
“Estamos remodelando su concina con su esposo,” the first one, the older one, answered. He was dressed in dirty, paint-splattered jeans and a worn blue t-shirt. He had a fit, athletic build that was obviously gained from hard work. His skin was leathered, a sign of hours spent outside, beneath the sun.
The second one eyed me shyly. He merely continued to smile at me.
I gave him an awkward smile in return: at least it felt that way. I wasn’t quite sure what he was looking at. It wasn’t completely unnerving, but I wasn’t comfortable either.
Noticing, the first smacked him on the back of the head. “Dejar de mirar, cabron.”
“Su esposo le dijo que estaba embarazada, pero yo no lo veo,” he explained.
I glanced down at my stomach. I wasn’t showing, so that made sense. “Cual es su nombre, señors?”
“Me llamo, Pedro.” The older man’s eyes creased in the corners as he smiled. He smoothed his hand down the front of his blue shirt before extending it towards me.
“Es un placer conocerte. Soy Lexi.” I shook his hand before turning to the other man.
The other man took my hand. “Gamo.”
“Un placer, Gamo.” I smiled, withdrawing my hand. Kellan turned back to me, having officially installed the oven in place. He gave me sexy smile, his eyes sparkling with something untouchable. “Tiene familia aqui?” I asked, focusing on the men again.
“Mi esposa y tres niños,” Gamo said with pride.
“Mismo, pero tengo cuatro niños,” Pedro stated.
“Que bueno.” I smiled warmly.
No wonder Gamo was looking at my stomach, with them having wives and three and four children each. I didn’t want to assume anything, but I had to wonder, judging by the work they did, why they’re here rather than working for a major company.
I scanned the kitchen. They’d worked quickly. I had two more double ovens installed. They’d added another set of vertical cabinets to the left of the kitchen, extending into the dining room, for extra storage. Coming around the island, I noticed they’d also installed a single oven in the island.
“They’re all ready to use right away?” I studied Kellan.
“Of course. Pedro knows how to wire houses. Gamo is good with carpentry.”
I opened my mind in case the men understood more English than they let on. “Where did you get them?”
“Outside Home Depot.”
I frowned. “How did you get them?”
“They had a guy there who spoke English. He translated and delegated who went where.”
“So, what you’re telling me is they’re probably illegal.”
Kellan shrugged. “Doesn’t matter to me. They did good work and didn’t steal anything.”
I glanced back at the men. They had made themselves busy wiping down the floors and the counters around us. That nagging feeling settled in my stomach. These men were standing outside a Home Depot waiting for work that probably didn’t come every day. And somehow, they had to support their families with that income.
“How much did they ask for?”
“Seven dollars an hour.”
“That’s not even minimum wage!”
Kellan’s eyes softened as he pulled me into his arms. “You can’t save the world, babe.”
I wrapped my arms around him. “I know, but this isn’t right. They’re hard working men just trying to make a better life for their families.”
“I’ll give them more.”
“Good. We have plenty, so give them a lot more.”
“I don’t have a lot of cash on me.”
I gazed up at him, chewing on the inside of my lip as I thought. “You have to take them home, right?”
He nodded, eyeing me closely. “What’s going through that pretty little head of yours?” He smirked.
“Stop by the bank, please. There’s an ATM withdrawal limit of a thousand dollars a day on each of our cards. At least give them each that.”
He brushed his lips against mine. “If that’s what’ll make you happy.” His eyes displayed his amusement.
“It is.” I got lost in his emerald eyes for a moment, reveling in the feel of him around me. Abruptly, my mouth started to water and serum rose in the back of my throat. “And, maybe a strawberry milkshake on your way back?”
He laughed. “Weren’t you just out?”
“Yeah, but I didn’t think about it then.”
He kissed the side of my neck. “One large strawberry milkshake will be in my hands when I return.”
“Thanks.” I shrieked when Kellan’s hands ventured down and squeezed my rear. “Hey!” I felt my face redden as I looked at the guys.
To their credit, they turned away, feigning unnecessary tasks.
“Let’s go.” Kellan released me and nodded his head towards the door as he spoke to the men.
“Gracias por todo.” I smiled and waved at each of them.
“Tenga un buen noche,” Pedro nodded, following Kellan towards the door.
“Igual.�
� Gamo lingered, gazing at me for a moment. There was something in the depths of his eyes. A part of me wondered if he sensed something different about me. Maybe he was sensitive to the supernatural, but then again, he didn’t pay any mind to Drexel on the sofa or Kellan, whom he worked with all afternoon.
“Tu ‘ta bien?” My brows dipped as I took him in. His pulse was normal; his heartbeat was only slightly elevated.
His eyes twinkled as he analyzed me. His hand shook slightly as he extended it towards me. I placed my palm against his, wrapping my fingers to shake his hand, but he immediately clutched his other hand on the opposite side, enclosing my hand in his. His eyes widened; his irises darkened as he appraised me. I felt a strange, warm current run through me. He was no longer looking at me, but into me. “Tu eres especial, nena.” His tone was reverent; his voice awed.
My lips curled up as I met his gaze. “Si, Gamo. Soy especial.” I nodded my head, confirming his knowing words.
A wide smile lit up his face. “Tener cuidado, Lexi.”
“I will.”
He released me. My entire body felt an energetic slap, as if my aura was smacking against me. I watched in amazement as he strolled towards the door, closing it behind him, as if nothing had happened. It was only the glisten of his eyes that said he’d experienced something he’d been longing for.
You didn’t always know why people crossed your path, but little moments like this confirmed it was always for a reason. I wasn’t sure if this experience was for Gamo or me, but I felt like we both took a little something away from it, at the very least a mutual respect for one another.
“Èl lo sabía,” Drexel casually stated from the sofa, dropping the magazine he’d been flipping through on the coffee table. It made a loud thud as it connected with another magazine.
5 Darkness Falls Page 6
