Always the Vampire

“What about healing Saber? Aren’t you taking him outside to the circle?”


“No need. We shall do it right here.” Cosmil pointed at floor on the other side of the island and a wooden stool with a white padded seat appeared. “Saber, sit there. Francesca, Triton, go.”

We went, right after I changed out of my costume into workout shorts and a tee. First we tried a telepathy exercise, but that was a bust. Triton and I were far too tuned into Saber and Lynn, and not each other.

Within five minutes, Triton called a halt. “Since this isn’t working, spar with me.”

“I won’t be much of a partner. Saber’s only taught me a few moves.”

“Then I’ll attack and you react.”

Without further warning, he swept my legs out from under me. I fell hard enough that it momentarily stunned me.

“Is that payback for my protect-Lynn plan?” I asked, flat on my back.

“Hell, yes. I don’t like it that she’ll be at the mercy of a redneck stalker and two vampires you barely know.”

“Hey, those vampires can dance.” I sat and held out a hand for him to help me up. As he grudging complied, I admitted, “It’s not an ideal situation, but it beats having her all the way in Daytona if trouble comes knocking.”

He lunged at me, and this time I jump-flew backward ten feet.

Triton smiled. “Good move. Now come at me.”

I did, and he fell backward, taking my momentum but thrusting a foot in my belly to toss me over his head. I would’ve eaten dirt, but my flight instinct kicked in. I levitated upright, turned in midair, and landed on my feet, astounded and outright impressed with myself.

“You want to go again?” Triton asked, up and in a defensive stance.

“I’ll quit while I’m ahead. Triton, have you fallen for Lynn all the way?”

He looked toward the shack we were fast approaching, his expression one of guarded longing. “I’m infatuated, and I’m fascinated that she’s the only other dolphin shifter I’ve met.”

“And?”

He raked a hand through his hair. “I’m frustrated. I feel like I got her into all this, yet I can’t be with her. I can’t be the one to protect her.”

“But you trust her in your gut?”

“Yeah, I do.”

“Then why didn’t you want me to mention the amulets?”

“Cosmil said it’s need-to-know. Lynn understands about the danger and where it’s coming from, but we haven’t told her about our major weapon.”

“Makes sense. If the worst happens, she can’t reveal what she doesn’t know.” I smiled up at him. “Is your age difference an issue?”

“It doesn’t seem to be. I want her damned desperately.”

“Then be patient. After all these years of waiting, a week or so isn’t a deal breaker. Besides,” I added, bumping his hip as we reached the porch steps, “Cosmil’s giving you all night to impress her.”

He flashed a grin. “I’ve already done that. This’ll be an encore.”

A moment later, when we walked though the cabin door, a bell pinged madly.

“What the hell is that?” Triton asked.

Saber turned from the stainless counter, excitement lighting his eyes.

“The tracing spell got a solid hit. Let’s roll.”





NINETEEN




I barely had a chance to see Lia and Cosmil bent over the maps spread on the island counter as Saber hustled us right back out the cabin door. Lynn wasn’t in sight.

“Wait, Saber,” I said as my feet hit the porch. “We need the am—weapons.”

“Got ’em.”

“What about communication?” I asked as we trotted across the yard. “We have a phone glitch out here.”

“Cosmil is taking care of it.”

“But we’re not ready to fight.”

He opened his passenger door and all but shoved me in as Triton climbed in the back. “Let’s find the bastard first, then we’ll see about being ready.”

In seconds, the engine roared, and the SUV tore over the packed earth of Cosmil’s straightened drive toward the state road.

“Where did they find Starrack?” Triton asked, leaning between the seats.

“The outskirts of Hastings.”

I shook my head. “They can’t be more specific?”

Saber handed me his cell. “Call and ask.”

I did, and Lia not only answered, she stayed on the line as we flew past Hastings, then on toward Palatka. The tracking spell may not have been GPS accurate, but she managed to guide us to an abandoned, boarded-up house in a deserted area just off the highway. Saber rocked the SUV to a stop in what was left of a wide gravel-and-weed drive.

“Do you smell the Void?” Cosmil said over the speaker.

I cracked the window and cautiously sniffed.

“I smell something, but it’s not all the Void. Guys, you see anything?”

“We need to investigate on foot, Cosmil,” Saber said. He reached across me to pop the glove compartment and pull out the giant flashlight, then passed it back to Triton.

“Be careful. All of you. Francesca, drain the Void’s energy if you find it. Do not hesitate. Let Saber and Triton handle Starrack. And check in as soon as you can.”