Kiss of the Vampire

by Terry Spear

  The shower shut off and whispered voices followed.

  Her blood heating, Caitlin paced across the suite. How could her foster parents have expected her to chaperone the princess?

  The bathroom door jerked open, then Dylan stormed out of the steamed-up room, slamming the closed door behind him. All he wore were shorts. His hair, chest, and arms were dripping wet, his eyes as hard and cold as icicles. He stalked toward Caitlin, and she stood her ground, though her heart rate increased tenfold, while he looked bent on murdering her.

  Had she interrupted their fun? Good.

  She only wished she could use her abilities now and put him in his place herself.

  He grabbed her arm and jerked her toward the balcony. She couldn’t shake loose of the huskily-built creep no matter how hard she tried. Grabbing the door, he yanked it open and tossed her onto the narrow patio that accommodated two plastic chairs and a table.

  She cried out, but her scream was caught by the breeze and drowned out by the ship splashing through the ocean, its engines thrumming at a dull roar. She hadn’t ventured out here before, not this close to the water. A cold sweat erupted on her skin.

  For a moment, Dylan glared at her, murder in his eyes. Then he smiled the most satanic look. “You didn’t die the last time you were on a boat. But you know, if you fall from this height, you wouldn’t have to worry about floundering in the water with the sharks. The fall would kill you.”

  She tried to look tough, unafraid, but her knees shook.

  He took a step toward her. Grabbing up one of the patio chairs, she used it as a shield. Just as quickly, he tore it from her grasp and threw it aside. She bumped into the balcony’s wall, and her heart skipped a beat. Seizing her wrist, Dylan jerked her to the railing.

  Twisting, she tried to pull free and screamed again. But he secured her by the waist, lifted her, and slammed her stomach against the railing.

  “Look good, Caitlin,” he snarled, his voice as black as the water several stories below them, where white foam capped the miniature waves like whipped cream. “You tell anyone I was with Alicia and you’ll go missing.” He shoved her head down, forcing her to see her family’s watery grave. Threatening to push her over the top, his body wedged against hers so she couldn’t kick him, couldn’t move. “A poor mixed up girl who missed her mommy and daddy and little sister so much, she jumped. Didn’t you tell the doctor that you wanted to die?”

  “Alicia.” How did she know? Unless…unless Caitlin’s psychiatrist had told her foster parents and Alicia weaseled it out of them. But wasn’t that privileged information?

  “You wished you’d died with your family? Here’s your chance.”

  The railing dug into Caitlin’s stomach. She gripped the rod with all her strength. “Please, dear God, don’t let him push me over.”

  “You won’t tell anyone. Understand?”

  The ship carved through the waves, sending the water flying in a fishy spray.

  “Understand?”

  She would not be cowed. She would not!

  He released her, and she stumbled back to the deck, her arms and legs shaking as she collapsed on the patio. Stalking off, he slammed the patio door shut. She couldn’t move, couldn’t stand, couldn’t cry, just sat on the deck, feeling numb all over.

  Alicia stared at her through the glass, then said something to Dylan. He shook his head, brushed her aside, and left. Alicia opened the patio door. “Are you all right, Caitlin?” This time there was no sarcastic edge to her voice.

  Alicia’s hair was wet, but she was fully dressed, a bright red hickey on her throat. It clashed with her peach shirt. Odd how something like that would catch Caitlin’s eye, when the ocean was so close by. When the black water threatened to swallow her whole. Just a few inches farther over the railing and Dylan could have thrown her overboard. Would the fall have killed her?

  Divers off cliffs in Acapulco, Mexico, could dive over a hundred-and-thirty feet, couldn’t they? And survive?

  She was a good swimmer. She could swim for a while. Without a life jacket? Forever in the black waters? Until the sharks came to feed.

  “Caitlin.” Alicia touched her shoulder. “You’re scaring me. Why don’t you come inside?”

  Why? Caitlin had finally gotten this close to the ocean. Why ruin a good thing? If she returned to the room, maybe she’d never be able to get this close again.

  “All right. If you don’t want to come in right now, just stay out here. Uhm, you come in when you want.” Alicia walked inside and shut the door, but she stood staring out the glass at Caitlin.

  Caitlin wanted to stand, to look over the railing, to see the ocean and not be afraid, but she sat frozen to the patio unable to move an inch in any direction.

  ***

  Swearing he heard Caitlin’s silent plea for help, Levka rubbed his temple and concentrated. Determined not to return to the wheelchair, he stiffly walked alongside Ruric, attempting to help him locate whoever intended to pull a prank on a passenger or passengers. But he couldn’t help worrying about Caitlin.

  Finally, Ruric grabbed his shoulder. “I’m listening for the teens who were planning some mischief. What are you listening for?”

  Levka stood taller. “We have the same mission in mind. Arman and Stasio, as well, as they eavesdrop on people’s conversations.”

  Ruric began walking again. “It isn’t so, Levka. You’re trying to hear Caitlin’s thoughts. Unless you wish to reveal who and what we are, I suggest you don’t tell her we can converse telepathically.”

  “I fear she may already know this on some level.”

  Stopping, Ruric faced him. “How?”

  “Stasio tested her last night. Told her telepathically that she was getting sleepy, though I would not have suggested it. But you know how he is.”

  “Yes, out of control.”

  “Caitlin looked in Stasio’s direction, but seemed confused. I think she didn’t believe others could have her ability. She probably has met only maybe one or two in her lifetime, if that.”

  “We shouldn’t pursue this. Unless you’re willing to make her yours.” Ruric raised his brows and smiled.

  “I worry about her. That’s all.”

  Ruric turned down a connecting hall. “You kissed her last night.”

  Levka said nothing, realizing no matter what he said, Ruric would know the truth.

  Ruric looked over at him. “You did not drink her blood.”

  Glowering at Ruric, Levka did not respond.

  Disbelief filled Ruric’s face. “Did you?”

  Quickening his pace, Levka scowled. “No, I did not. Not in the way you mean.”

  “What other way is there?”

  Levka wouldn’t say.

  Forcing him to stop, Ruric stepped in front of him. “What other way?”

  Levka narrowed his eyes, but Ruric wouldn’t back off. “She’d bitten her lip earlier, and the blood had dried.” He pushed Ruric aside and continued down the hall.

  Ruric didn’t follow at first, then he ran to catch up. “You tasted her blood. She is in your system forever.”

  “How can we discover the pranksters if you’re going to question me to death?” For several minutes, they walked in silence, then Levka said, “Now you are not listening for the prankster’s conversation.”

  “If you make her yours—”

  “I have no intention of doing so.”

  “If you do, Levka, you’ll have to get the league’s approval. You know how they are about turning a mortal.”

  “I have no intention of doing that.”

  “You have already kissed her and tasted her blood. We never get emotionally involved with someone we drink from, unless we want to turn that individual, to make them our lifemate. Despite denying it to me and to yourself, you have already claimed her. But you must get the league’s permission before you make her yours all the way. You cannot break the rule. Those who go against it, earn the death penalty, along with the one they have chosen. That’s one rul
e we just cannot break.”

  Levka stopped in his footsteps. “You’re not listening, Ruric! I didn’t drink from her, exactly. And I will not—”

  Ruric held up his hand for silence, and they both listened.

  Directly above them on the next deck, they heard Alicia’s tearful voice, “I’m…I’m worried about Caitlin. She…she’s acting like she did before…when she first came to live with my parents and me. Can…can one of you guys talk to her?”

  Chapter 8

  Levka turned so quickly, only another vampire could see his action.

  Ruric grabbed his arm. “We walk there like the mortals would do,” Ruric warned.

  Glaring at him, Levka stalked off in the direction of Caitlin’s stateroom.

  “What if she isn’t there? Shouldn’t we speak to Alicia first? Find out what’s going on?” Ruric asked.

  Levka telepathically communicated to Arman, “Where’s Caitlin?”

  “Her stateroom. We’re on our way there now,” Arman responded.

  “What’s happened?” Levka asked.

  “Alicia said that Caitlin’s on the balcony but too scared to leave it now.”

  “We’re nearly to her room. Don’t bring Alicia.”

  “But, Levka—”

  “Don’t bring her, Arman.”

  Ruric shook his head. “How can you deny you want Caitlin? It’s written all over your face, in your actions, your thoughts.”

  Ignoring his friend, Levka knocked on Caitlin’s door.

  “Wait until Arman brings Alicia’s key,” Ruric said.

  “Caitlin, open your door for me.”

  Ruric let out his breath. “You’re getting deeper in this with no way out.”

  “Caitlin.” When she didn’t respond, Levka swore under his breath. “Forget it.”

  “Wait!” Ruric said, but Levka vanished and reappeared inside the stateroom.

  Seeing the balcony door open, Levka moved with vampiric speed and reached the narrow patio in a fraction of a second. Caitlin was sitting cross-legged on the deck, her arms hugging her body. One chair sat half on the table and half on the other chair. He didn’t think the wind had caused it.

  He was crouching before Caitlin and resting his hands on her shoulders when Ruric said, “Invite me in, Levka!”

  Levka communicated privately to Caitlin, “It is me, Levka. Look into my eyes.”

  When she didn’t respond, he lifted her chin. “Caitlin, look at me. You tried to be my friend when I didn’t wish one. Let me be your friend and help you now.”

  Her eyes lost their faraway look and rested on his gaze. “I…I—” Her eyes implored him to help her. “I can’t get up.”

  “I’ll assist you, Caitlin. Lean on me. It’s okay to be afraid. Just use my strength now, and you’ll overcome your fear.”

  He helped her to stand, her eyes never leaving his gaze, but when he took her wrists, her mouth dropped open, and she winced. Fighting the compulsion to look down, to see what was wrong, he kept his eyes focused on hers, willing her to come with him, to feel safe with him. He shifted his hands to her waist. “Come with me, and we’ll play some cards?” He was not sure how else to handle someone he had so little control over.

  She didn’t say anything, just inched her way back into the stateroom with his guidance.

  A key twisted in the lock. Then the door to the room opened. Arman called out from the hallway, “Invite us in, Levka!”

  “We’re coming to you.” Levka sensed his friends’ annoyance with him, but they had no need to enter her room.

  Once he’d shut the balcony door, he asked, “Why were you on the patio, Caitlin?”

  Her eyes watered, but she didn’t answer him.

  “Were you trying to force yourself to face your fear of the water?”

  She broke eye contact with him, and instantly his blood chilled. It reminded him of Cassandra. When she didn’t want to reveal her darkest secrets, she’d break the connection between them. He glanced down at Caitlin’s wrists. Finger marks had bruised her slender wrist. Looking back at the balcony and the mess that the furniture was in, he realized Caitlin must have struggled with someone.

  “Caitlin, tell me what happened to you on the balcony.” He tried to keep his voice calm, but he was losing the battle.

  When she wouldn’t speak, he sat her down on one of the beds. "Arman, Ruric, Stasio, you may come in.”

  “About time,” Ruric grumbled.

  “Do I always have to be last?” Stasio asked.

  “He always goes in alphabetical order,” Arman said in a teasing manner.

  “Arman, find Alicia and question her about Caitlin being on the balcony.” Levka pointed to her bruised wrist. “She didn’t go to the balcony on her own, and she won’t tell me what happened.”

  Arman’s face darkened. “At once, Levka.”

  “Gently.”

  Arman bowed his head, but Levka didn’t believe he was in the mood to be gentle.

  Despite Arman always wanting to stay out of mortals’ affairs, it appeared Caitlin had gotten under his skin, too. She was like a siren of the sea, calling to Levka and his friends, and if they weren’t careful, she would pull them all under.

  “What can I—?” Stasio started to ask.

  “Stay with her. Come with me, Ruric.” Levka led him onto the balcony.

  “What are we looking for, Levka?”

  “The fishy sea breeze is so strong it nearly masks any other smell. But I can still catch a subtle whiff of Caitlin’s jasmine perfume if I concentrate hard enough.”

  “Yes, I smell it.”

  “Is there any other scent that you can make out?” Levka walked toward the chair stacked on the other furniture.

  “Like?”

  “Someone’s cologne?”

  “You don’t think Alicia made Caitlin come out here?”

  Levka took a deep breath and analyzed the air. “Her flowery perfume, different, more rose-like, is here, too. Probably because Alicia tried to get Caitlin to return to their stateroom.”

  “I smell nothing else but the pungent fishy sea breeze. You suspect Dylan was here?”

  “I smelled his cologne in the stateroom, the same as when he sat at our table.”

  “Yes,” Ruric said. “The odor is as obnoxious as him.”

  Levka and Ruric returned to the room, rejoining Caitlin and Stasio. “Would you like to play a game of cards with us?” Levka asked her again.

  Her eyes gazed into his. They were full of questions for which he didn’t want to answer, not now, not in front of his friends.

  “You…you talked to me like this.”

  He took a deep breath. “And you responded in the same manner.”

  She stared at him, and he could tell she didn’t trust her instinct to know it was really so.

  “Caitlin, do you want to go to one of the lounges and get a soda? We could listen to a band, or play cards, or something.”

  “You…you’re telepathic.”

  He looked at his friends. They both gave him their best card faces, no emotion whatsoever. Though he knew behind those masks they felt plenty.

  “Yes, Caitlin, I am.”

  She looked at Stasio. “And him?”

  Stasio bowed his head.

  “And Ruric?”

  Ruric reacted in the same polite manner.

  “Is…is that how you became friends?”

  No. But Levka couldn’t tell her that. How could he break the news that they had been friends long before this and only when the onset of the bloody plague infected them, did they gain their telepathic abilities? “It’s one of the things that keeps us together,” he said, skirting around the truth.

  She took a deep breath. “I knew you were different. From the first time I saw you, I knew it.”

  “Are you disappointed?”

  She reached for his hand and when he offered it, she used his strength to pull herself up from the bed. Her mouth suddenly gaped. “You’re…you’re walking.”


  “I’m almost as good as new.” Which was mostly the truth. His rib wasn’t quite healed, but everything else felt back to normal.

  “I’m so glad.” Her words sounded as if the sentiments came from the heart.

  “He’s too ornery for any injury to keep him down,” Ruric joked, trying to pull Levka out of the quicksand.

  She gave half a smile, but didn’t contradict Ruric.

  Levka steered her to the door, wishing she would say his meeting her was the best thing that could have ever happened. Yet, the way he treated her at first wasn’t exactly Texas friendly.

  “I’ve only known one other who could talk to me like this,” she suddenly said.

  Levka’s heartbeat quickened. “Who was he?” He couldn’t squash the annoyance he felt that he had not been the first. And why he assumed it was a guy, he couldn’t fathom.

  “He had a name like yours. Russian sounding. He said it was Vlad.”

  Russian. A vampire? If it was so, knowing another vampire had targeted her and could add to their growing troubles, Levka couldn’t look at his friends. “Are you still in touch with him?”

  “After the accident, I didn’t see him again. But then, I was pretty much out of it for several months. He might have seen me, and I never knew it. Then he gave up on me.”

  Guardedly relieved, Levka wrapped his arm around her shoulders and guided her into the elevator. “Let’s go to one of the lounges.”

  “Can you help me overcome my fear of water?”

  “I can try.”

  She slipped her arm around his waist, making him realize he was getting in way too deep. “Then take me to one of the lounges with a view of the ocean.”

  Ruric shook his head. “Deeper and deeper into the darkest space we go without a single star to light our way,” he said for Stasio and Levka’s benefit.

  Levka gave Ruric a scathing glance. “If the vampire left her to fend for herself in her darkest hour, he has no claim to her.”

  Ruric opened the door to the lounge. “Didn’t I tell you Levka had staked his claim to her for his own?”

  “Do not use the stake word, but yes, we knew that from the beginning when she reached her hand out to the beast, she had captured his heart,” Stasio said.

  “I have not claimed her as you put it,” Levka argued privately with them. “I will not go there.”