Night Vengeance Chapter One On light feet, Raelynn ran, keeping to the shadows.

She knew the tall one was not like the others she'd destroyed. She'd felt the push against her shields like the vampire had tried to do, but this one was different. She silently thanked her uncle for teaching her how to block all others from entering her mind. One glance behind her, told her the tall one had not followed, the poisoned shuriken had incapacitated him, for how long she didn't know. She veered into an alley, donned her hand claws, and with expertise and long practice climbed the side of the building to the roof. She jumped from roof to roof until she reached her own. She dropped down, opened the sliding doors of her home and entered. She pulled off her concealing hood letting her long, shiny black hair cascade down to the middle of her back. She walked into her bedroom, sat down at her vanity and stared at her reflection. Her clear blue eyes were courtesy of her white father but her hair, small stature and complexion came from her Japanese side, from her mother. Her gaze unerringly homed in on the photograph that was pasted in the upper right corner of the mirror, a photograph of her parents. How they had loved each other, Raelynn could still remember the affectionate smiles they gave each other over the breakfast table, she missed them, she admitted to herself. Sighing sadly, she stood and removed her weapons, and stored them inside the false bottom of her chest, covering them with her ninja garments. She closed the chest, pulled on her lacy nightgown and slipped between the sheets of her bed, within minutes she was asleep. ~~~~~*~~~~~ Justin suddenly staggered and swore. He looked down at his wound and swore again. White foam pulsed out of the wound; the shuriken had been dipped in poison, not enough to kill him, just enough to stop him from following her. He immediately went seeking into his own body expelling the poison through is pores and healing his wound from the inside out. He returned to himself and smiled ruefully, she'd gotten away this time - but next time - and there would be a next time, he would stop her. His plans to destroy the vampire thwarted, he dissolved into mist and streamed across the sky searching for prey. He landed in the park a mile away and called to him three young men dressed in gang colors, waiting for prey of their own to come by. Though usually he didn't need to feed on so many, healing his body had taken enough energy that it was now necessary. He drank deeply from all three,

one after the other, expelling the drugs that were in their blood. He planted memories of being afraid to cruise the park after dark again and sent them on their way. Justin left the park and began walking the streets, hands in his coat pockets, his thoughts centered on the woman who'd destroyed the vampire. Who was she? Where did she come from? He'd been in the city for months now and this was his first encounter with her. Well, he'd find her on the next rising and this time she wouldn't get away. ~~~~~*~~~~~ The phone rang, waking Raelynn from a sound sleep. She groped around the nightstand and grabbed the phone. "H'lo," she mumbled in the mouthpiece. "Where are you?" said a strident voice on the other end. "You're late for the meeting. Parker is on the warpath, yelling your name every ten minutes." Raelynn's eyes popped open and went to the clock. Oh lord, 10:15am, she was late. "Sorry Luce, tell him I'll be there in half an hour, have coffee waiting," she said and hung up. She got out of bed and quickly dressed, a pair of jeans and a t-shirt with a logo that said, 'Women Are The Power', she brushed her teeth, her hair, grabbed her purse and was out the door in 20 minutes. Ten minutes later, she walked in the door of Parker & Yakomura Advertising, waved to Luce, the receptionist on her way to the elevators. She pushed the button to the third floor. The doors opened and she sailed down the corridor to her office, dropped her purse in the bottom drawer of her desk, grabbed the coffee cup and papers sitting on her desk, and briskly walked out the door to the conference room. "Sorry I'm late everyone," she said as she sat down at the head of the table. "Let's get started. Frank, what have you come up with for the soap campaign?" Raelynn drank her coffee as she listened to Frank and looked at his design board. But her thoughts were not on soap, they were on last night's encounter with the tall one. His hair had been as black as hers, flowing freely around his broad, welldefined shoulders. When she'd gazed into his deep set, black-fringed gray eyes, she'd felt a sudden connection she didn't understand. She knew he wasn't human, so what was he, she wondered. While battling the vampire, she'd felt his presence and, as she'd destroyed the undead's heart, sensed his slight movement and felt threatened, so she'd thrown the shuriken, its tips carefully dipped in poison, at him. Her mind returned to the present just as Frank finished his presentation.

"That's good Frank," she congratulated him. "The soap people will love it I'm sure. I like the two scents you're offering but you should also have an unscented one for those with allergies and sensitive skin," she said and Frank nodded enthusiastically. "Anything else we need to discuss?" The five others around the table shook their heads. "Okay, that's it then, good job everyone. I'll call the soap people and schedule a meeting for" she checked her date book, "a week from today alright with you Frank? Can you have everything ready by then?" Frank nodded, "I can have the presentation ready for next Friday," he said. "Next Friday it is," agreed Raelynn and she penciled it in her date book. "I'll call them and set up a time for 10:00 am." Everyone stood and walked out the door except her partner, Parker, he stayed seated and stared at her. "Why were you late this morning Rae?" he asked. "Usually you're the first one in." Raelynn shrugged as she stood and gathered her things. "There was an old Charles Bronson movie on last night that I watched. I went to bed late and overslept. I'll be in my office until five if you need me," she said and quickly left. Raelynn entered her office and dumped her papers on her desk then dropped tiredly in her chair. She sighed and looked out the window. She didn't see the blue sky dotted with clouds or the pigeons flying by, but the face of the tall one. She couldn't get him out of her mind. His face was like an artist's carving; wide forehead, and square jaw, high chiseled cheekbones, he was beautiful in a rugged sort of way. She shook her head to dispel the image and turned back to her desk. She read ad proposals, had lunch at her desk, called the soap people and cleared her desk of all paperwork. At 5:00pm she locked everything up and went home. It was not yet dusk when a disturbance above awoke him. He growled, his fangs grew and his eyes burned red. He waited and waited, then burst from the ground, as soon has the sun set on the horizon. An old couple walking hand in hand in the woods cried out in terror as a dark figure of a man burst from the earth. They turned to run but it was too late, the figure grabbed them both by the throat and sank his fangs deep into their necks, alternating one from the other until they were both drained dry. He dropped them and laughed manically, their fear had given him a rush and he was feeling good. His cape swirled as he turned and walked away, leaving his two victims lying where they'd soon be found.

~~~~~*~~~~~ Sitting in her favorite chair, Raelynn grabbed the remote control from the table and turned on the TV. A commercial announcing Aroma Therapy Moisturizing Skin Lotion had her smiling proudly, Parker & Yakomura Advertising had made that ad a month ago. She took a bite of her turkey sandwich and flipped through the channels, a news report caught her eye and she turned up the volume. "found lying on the ground. The coroner estimates time of death occurred in the last hour and a half. Large gapping wounds on both their necks indicate they were mauled by some kind of animal. The coroner also reports that both victims were completely drained of blood. Their names are withheld" Raelynn didn't here the rest, blood pounding in her head, sandwich on the floor, she rose and like a mindless automaton walked to her room and opened her chest, it was time to go hunting. Justin rose from the earth and called the first person in his vicinity to come to him. It was a homeless man and his dog that kept growling as the man approached. Justin scanned the old man's mind, planting images of them meeting before. "Justin! Good to see you again," said the old man. "Quiet Jester! It's only Justin, nothin' to be afraid of." "Hello Sebastian, how are you this evening? And Jester?" said Justin as he went down on one knee and stroked the dog, his hands calming it instantly. Jester wagged his tail and licked Justin's hand. "Jester's just spooked 'cause of the killings?" said Sebastian as he looked beyond Justin and slightly shuddered. Justin instantly planted memories of friendship, camaraderie and protection in the mind of the homeless man and Sebastian visibly relaxed. "Killings?" Justin asked casually.

"Yeah, an old couple out for an evenin' stroll were found dead not far from here. Their necks were ripped out and they were drained of blood. The cops say it was an animal that done it, but I say it was somethin' else," said the old man. "What do you think it is?" Justin asked curiously. Sebastian looked right and left then stepped closer to Justin, "I think it's one of them creatures that only come out at night," he whispered then nodded, "yep, that's what I think." Justin knew the old man was right, it was a creature that only came out at night. It was time to hunt. He put Sebastian in a trance and drank just enough to ease his hunger then surrounded him and Jester with a protection spell and sent them home, a box in the alley off Hampton Street. He stood there and watched until he could no longer see them then shapeshifting into a black owl he launched skyward, and began his hunt for the vampire. ~~~~~*~~~~~ Raelynn stayed in the shadows as she stealthily made her way to the scene of the crime. She'd track the vampire from there and hope she found him before sunrise; otherwise more people would die this night. She climbed the rock wall circling Hitchcock Woods and landed deftly on the other side. She ran from tree to tree until she reached the yellow crime scene tape. She scrutinized the area and spotted the lone police officer on guard. She pulled out a long slim bamboo straw and a tiny dart dipped in sleeping powder. She aimed it at the officer and blew. The dart flew out of the straw and embedded itself in the officer's neck. She waited and watched as the officer suddenly slapped his neck when he felt the sting then his eyes rolled back and he toppled to the ground. From his perch high in a tree, Justin watched the woman run on silent feet to the officer. He saw her pull the dart from his neck and put it in the pouch on her belt then scan the ground. She walked over to where the bodies had been and simply stood there, staring at the depressions they'd made.

Suddenly she looked up, straight at him, "You can come down now tall one," she said softly. "I know you are there." Astounded that she'd detected him, Justin almost fell from the tree. He glided down and shapeshifted at her side. She stepped back and looked at him with her clear blue eyes. "I am Justin," he said and bowed. "Who are you?" "You are not like the other one," she said, ignoring his question. She looked him up and down, scrutinizing his face. "You are not the one I seek," she said and turned away. Without conscious thought, Justin moved quickly, grabbed her arm and suddenly found himself lying face down on the ground, the woman's knee firmly planted on his back, preventing him from movement. For a woman of small stature she moved as fast as him. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to grabbed you like that. I just didn't want you to leave before I learned your name," he said, thinking quickly. He could've broken her hold on him but he didn't want to frighten her if he disappeared in front of her eyes. Raelynn thought for a moment, she didn't sense danger from him or violence in him but she knew he was capable of it. She slowly removed her knee and stepped away from this Justin. She watched as he slowly stood and dusted himself off. "I applaud your quickness," he said. "It's the first time anyone's thrown me like that in a long time." "Centuries I would say," she said, shocking him to his core. How could she know he was centuries old? "I read your mind," she simply stated and turned back to looking at the ground.

Before he could respond to that she said, "He slept here." She pointed the slight depression in the earth. "This is where he emerged, see the way the dirt is displaced." Justin frowned, "Who slept there?" he asked still a little stunned she could read his mine when he couldn't read hers. "The vampire of course," she said impatiently. "That's why you are here isn't it? To track the vampire?" As he was about to speak, her head suddenly went up and she stepped behind a tree. He scanned and swore; someone was coming. She'd detected their presence before he had. He quickly stepped behind another tree and dissolved into mist, streaming up he made his way to the tree she hid behind and was surprised to find her no longer there, she'd escaped him again. Raelynn climbed the wall and paused. She looked over her shoulder but didn't see Justin. She wondered why she hadn't destroyed him the night before, then knew why, he fascinated her, his voice was purely amazing, she'd felt the light compulsion from it when he'd asked her name and she'd almost told him, but her disciplined mind couldn't allow that. She shook herself from her musing and jumped off the wall. Justin streamed across the city of Columbia, South Carolina; his senses alert to any sound that would let him know the vampire was near. He still couldn't believe she'd escaped him and without telling him her name! He'd put a light compulsion on his question and she should have answered with her name, but amazingly she hadn't. He couldn't understand it! Was he losing his touch? His ears attentive to the city sounds, Justin streamed across the night sky, his eyes vigilant, searching for any movement that would tell him it was she, the woman in black pajamas. Then he saw her on the roof of a building, she was running and about to leap over the chasm to the next building. He couldn't get there in time to save her if she fell; all he could do was watch, his heart in his throat as she reached the end and jumped.

Raelynn felt suspended in air for a few seconds then she pulled herself in and landed on the opposite roof exactly the way she wanted. She went to the side and watched the man walking nonchalantly along with no idea she'd found him. She saw him stop and talk to a woman scantily clad, a hooker. She couldn't hear what he was saying but she saw the woman's eyes become glazed and knew she was now in a trance. They began walking away so she turned to follow only to slam into a hard body blocking her way. Hard, warm hands grabbed her to prevent her from falling and her head snapped up to see who held her. The light of battle left her eyes as she stared up into Justin's face. She wasn't surprised to see him; deep down she had known he would follow her. She looked over her shoulder and spotted the vampire and the woman turning the corner into an alley. She quickly brought her arms up in between his and pushed out, breaking his hold. "He's about to kill again," she growled at him, then ran to the other side of the building and looked down over the ledge. Not letting her out of his sight, he followed and gazed down. Justin's eyes suddenly burned as he saw the man below open his mouth over the woman's neck. He instantly disappeared and reappeared behind the vampire. He grabbed the undead by his long, dirty, brown mane and pulled him away from her, and throwing the vampire into the garbage cans that littered the alley. Raelynn climbed down the side of the building using her hand claws and foot spikes. A little more than halfway down, she jumped and landed softly next to the woman whose eyes were open in horror, as she watched the beautiful face of the man she'd been about to have sex with turn ugly, as he face the other man who'd saved her. Raelynn quickly took out a dart and jabbed it in the woman's arm effectively

putting her to sleep, then turned to observe the fight between the vampire and Justin. "Who are you?" snarled the vampire. "I am justice undead one," Justin stated. "You have killed for far too long. It is time you slept the sleep of eternity." Raelynn's eyes rolled up at the formal words, 'why didn't Justin just attack?' she wondered. Did he think words were going to defeat the creature? She surreptitiously raised her arm and wrapped her hand around the hilt of her sword, ready to pull it out at the first opportunity. Her gaze steady, she stared at the vampire waiting for any wrong move he made. "Justice! Who are you kidding?" spouted the vampire. "You're just like me and feed on the same garbage I do," he pointed to the woman lying on the ground. Raelynn blended so well in the darkened alley that he'd not yet seen her. "That is where we differ undead one," Justin said. "To me, the humans are not garbage, they are life, and I preserve life." "They're not human, they're cattle! And I'm not letting you stop me from having my dinner," challenged the vampire as he took a step towards the woman. Justin immediately blocked him and Raelynn relaxed into her Shizen stance, ready for anything. The vampire roared and charged Justin. Justin leaped, jumping over the vampire, turned in mid-air, and landed facing the undead's back. Raelynn watched as the vampire twirled and charged again. Justin moved with speed and precision, he shoulder-length black hair whipping with every quick turn of his head. His big frame was oddly graceful, lean muscle and bone working together in a harmony of motion, the tendons in his thighs,

bunching under the loose legs of his jeans as he feinted and then pressed a vicious attack. Justin beat the vampire down and quickly jerked his head up when he sensed a whoosh of air go by. Alarmed, he glanced up and reared back just as Raelynn's sword passed before his stunned gaze and lay a hairsbreadth from the vampire's throat. "Want me to finish him off?" Raelynn asked coolly. Furious, Justin got up, knowing full well the vampire wasn't going anywhere with a sword to his throat and confronted Raelynn. "What the hell were you thinking? You almost took my head off with that stupid stunt!" he exclaimed. Raelynn was momentarily stunned. No one had ever yelled at her like this before. While she hadn't expected a thank you for trying to help him, she was shocked when he yelled at her. For a second an unholy light entered her eyes and she felt a prickling sensation along her arms, but ruthlessly she extinguished it and remained in control. "Do you want to do the honors," she asked Justin, indicating the vampire, "or shall I?" Before he could answer, the vampire suddenly grabbed the sword's blade and pushed it away, as he jumped to his feet he swiped his claws across Raelynn's stomach, cutting though her clothes to her skin and ran out of the alley. Raelynn' sword dropped from her suddenly weak hand and she doubled over in pain. Poison entered her bloodstream making her weak and cold, she groped for her pouch of healing herbs but it fell from her shaking hand. Her eyes glazed over and she went limp. Justin was at her side in an instant, his arms around her, catching her before she crumpled to the ground. He quickly grabbed her sword

and her pouch, then launched into the airshapeshifting into a large falcon and flew to Knight Industries headquarters, where he knew his lab techs could help her. He landed on the roof of his building, shapeshifting into himself. Cradling her in his arms, he quickly walked though the already open door and down the stairs.

"Justin, we didn't expect you until later!" said Devon, his friend and co-owner of K.I. Suddenly his demeanor changed when he spotted the figure Justin was holding in his arms.

"What happened? Is that who I think it is? The woman you told me about?" he asked.

Justin nodded, not stopping as he walked to the bank of elevators at the end of the corridor. "The vampire clawed her," he said and quickly relayed everything that had happened in the alley then threw the sword at his friend who caught it deftly. "Clean that would you, the vampire touched it."

"Wow, this is some sword. Early fifteenth century I'd say and in good condition too," whistled Devon admiringly. "Fine workmanship."

"There's still four hours before sunrise, send Oliver and Garrett after the vampire before he goes to ground," ordered Justin.

"Will do," said Devon just before the elevator doors closed.

On the ground floor, Justin quickly carried his precious cargo to the lab. He laid her down on a gurney and removed her hood. His eyes widened in surprise as he uncovered her beauty, just her wealth of black shiny hair had him inhaling deeply but it was her flawless ivory skin, which made him feel like someone had just punched him.

She moaned and he quickly gestured to a lab tech.

"Take these herbs and make a paste for a poultice," he said tossing the pouch to the lab tech.

He looked down at her again and found her pain-filled gaze, staring at him.

Justin laid his hand on her head and stroked her hair, "You're going to be alright, there's nothing to worry about," he said.

Raelynn looked away from him and examined her surroundings, she was in some sort of lab, and for a moment she panicked, remembering another lab a century ago, but she reined it in, controlling it, this was not the

same lab. Her gaze stopped on the lab tech whose hand was in her herb pouch.

Before his eyes, Justin saw the woman's expression change from mild fright to anger, her eyes, mere slits, focused behind him and he suddenly heard a whimper of pain. He turned and saw the lab tech holding his hand to his chest, his eyes filled with terror as he stared at the pouch then backed away as it levitated from the table and floated to the woman's outstretched hand.

Raelynn grasped her pouch and turned her steely gaze on Justin. "Do not touch what is mine ever again," she said in a low growl then gasped in pain and fell back on the gurney, breathing shallowly.

Justin just stared at her, stunned. The power she'd exuded in her weakened state was amazing; even he couldn't have exhibited that much power in the same condition.

He slowly bent down, careful not to startle her, "Will these herbs help you heal?" he asked.

Raelynn shook her head, "Just leave me alone a few minutes and I will be fine," she whispered through clenched teeth.

"Alright, I'll be back in a few minutes," he said and motioned for the lab tech to follow him out.

Raelynn watched as they left and the doors stopped swinging.

Outside the doors, Justin leaned against the wall; he ran his hands over his face still amazed at her power. She couldn't be human he thought to have power like that, though he had met humans who could move things with their minds, he hadn't met any who could burn a someone's hand.

He turned his gaze to the lab tech, "Go see Shaleena, she will heal you," he said. The lab tech nodded and left, passing Devon on his way.

Devon looked at Justin questioningly, "What happen to him?"

"She burned him," replied Justin.

Devon's eyes rose in surprise, "Burned him? How'd she manage that? She was unconscious."

"She woke up," replied Justin, closing his eyes tiredly. The sun would be rising soon and he had to make the decision either to let her go or lock her in.

Suddenly a bright white light filtered under the swinging doors. Devon gasped, stepped forward to go through but Justin's body blocked him.

"No," he said, "she's healing herself and I promised to leave her alone for a few minutes."

Inside the room, Raelynn sat Indian style on the gurney, her back and shoulders straight, her eyes closed. She called upon all the ancient witches of her line to come forth and help heal her tired body. The poison bubbled up from her pores, evaporating, a white intense light surrounded her, she looked down at the claw marks and watched them disappear leaving her skin without so much as a mark on it.

The light faded and she uncrossed her legs, sitting on the gurney, she waited for Justin to enter. She sensed another with him but no danger from either of them. They came in and Raelynn's eyes immediately homed in on her sword that Devon forgot he was carrying.

Justin stared into her eyes and saw no pain reflected in them. "You're better," he stated knowing the answer was yes.

Raelynn nodded, "My sword please," she said her eyes boring into Devon.

Devon looked down at his hand; surprised he still held the sword and hadn't dropped it upon seeing such a beautiful woman.

"Hmmm, I cleaned it," he said inanely as he stepped forward and held it out to her.

Raelynn slipped off the gurney and took it from him. She sheathed it and looked at Justin, "My hood?" she asked.

Justin looked around and spotted the hood on the floor. He remembered accidentally kicking it aside when he'd dropped it earlier as he'd witnessed her power. He bent down and picked it up, holding it in his hand for a moment before passing it to her.

Raelynn took the hood and made to leave but a hand on her arm stopped her. She looked up into Justin's face, eyebrows raised.

Justin dropped his hand from her arm, "At least tell me your name before you leave," he said.

Raelynn considered not telling him. She wasn't sure she ever wanted to see him again but that thought was unrealistic, for he was a hunter of the undead just as she was and she knew they'd meet again.

"You can call me Rae," she said and left the room. Devon moved out of her way and Justin joined him at the door, they watched as she walked easily to the elevator pulling her hood on. When she turned inside the cabin all they could see were her eyes.

The doors closed and Raelynn sagged against the cabin wall. It had taken all her grit and determination to appear well before both men, but in reality the power she'd used and calling upon the ancient witches of her line had taken a lot out of her. She felt battered and tired.

Just before the doors opened on the lobby, Raelynn straightened, drawing on reserves from deep down. Through the window she saw the dawn rising and knew if she didn't hurry there'd be no night shadows to disappear in.

The sun had just fully risen when Raelynn dragged herself inside her home. Weapons and clothes littered the floor as she walked into her room. She was too sore and tired to put everything carefully away; naked, she fell crosswise on her bed, instantly asleep. Justin arose his thoughts on Garrett and Oliver's report; the vampire had gone to ground before they could find him. Before he could leave to satisfy the hunger that beat at him, Devon entered his chamber that was located in one of the underground caverns below his K.I. building. "Sorry to bother you, I know you're in a hurry but you're going to have to settle for this," he said and tossed Justin and I.V. bag. Justin caught the bag and looked at Devon questioningly.

"We have a visitor, she arrived just before closing and wouldn't leave until she spoke to you. So the attendant woke me and I put her in your office," he said, smiling amusingly. Justin brought the bag to his lips and grimaced as he drank the blood. Finished, he tossed it in the wastebasket that was placed in a corner. "You could have warmed it up at least," Justin said as he wiped his mouth and dusted the dirt off his clothes. Devon's smile widened, "I could have but I didn't have time." "So, who's the she waiting in my office," he asked as they walked out of the chamber and up a hidden stairway. "I don't know, the hat she has on hides her face," shrugged Devon. "Didn't she give a name?" Devon shook his head as they reach the top of the stairway and he pushed a hidden button to open the wall. They stepped out and Devon walked down the corridor to the elevator. "Where you going?" asked Justin, frowning at his friend. Devon smiled sheepishly, shaking his head again, "I'm hungry, besides she asked for you not both of us," the stunned look on Justin's face had Devon laughing as the doors closed. Justin turned and went up another stairway leading to his private office on the top floor. He wondered who the woman was, it certainly wouldn't be Rae; she'd never come here willingly. He entered his office on silent feet and saw the woman standing at the windows, looking out over the city of Columbia, South Carolina. She'd taken her hat off and her midnight black hair was tied in a bun at the back of her head. The sensual curve of her neck had his fangs growing; the

I.V. bag had only taken the edge off his hunger but he suppressed his urge to sink his teeth in her and casually walked to his desk and sat down. He waited for her to acknowledge his presence but had a feeling she already knew he was there. He became aroused just staring at her back, the flare of her hips, her small waist, which he was sure his hands could span. Her legs had him envisioning them around his waist as he had her right there on his desk. A chuckle brought his head up and he was stunned to see Rae's clear blue eyes staring back at him, her full lips lifted into a slight smile. "That just might happen, only the future knows," she said as she walked to the chair in front of his desk and sat down. "What might happen?" he asked, confused. Rae didn't say anything, she just stared at him then his desk. Justin caught her meaning and blushed; he'd forgotten she could read his mind. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, shuffled papers on his desk then looked at her. "So Rae, why are you here? What can I do for you?" he asked.

Rae closed her eyes a moment still not sure she should've come. She'd awaken not long ago with thoughts of him in her mind, thoughts she couldn't shake. She hadn't been sure before, she'd thought him only a shapeshifter, because he's disappeared from her side to go after the vampire last night, but his earlier thinking to sink his fangs in her neck told her he was a vampire. Now she knew it was better to team up with this man, for it took a vampire to catch a vampiredidn't it? "What can I do for you?" he asked again, breaking into her thoughts.

Rae opened her eyes, "I think we should work together to catch the vampire killing Columbia's citizens," she blurted out. Oh why hadn't she eased into it she thought, disgusted with herself. Justin raised his eyebrows; surprised she would suggest teaming up with him. Since he'd encountered her, Rae had seemed to want to do things herself. But before he would agree to anything, she'd have to tell him more about herself. He leaned back in his chair and pretended to consider her words a moment. "If I'm going to work with someone, I have to know that someone. You want to tell me about yourself?" he said. "What do you want know?" she asked, steeling herself to give only short answers. "Well, all I know about you is your first name, Rae? I'd like to know a little more, like your full name? Where you came from? How old you are? Where you got your ninja training? And especially how you did the levitation thing last night?" Raelynn closed her eyes and sighed. She felt the compulsion in his questions. This man wanted more than just her name and age, and she knew she'd have to tell him if she was to gain his help, but she didn't have to tell him everything now did she. "My full name is Raelynn Yakomura," she replied. Justin waited for her to elaborate but one glance at her eyes, set mouth, and he knew she wouldn't. He sighed inwardly, it was going to be like pulling teeth to get any kind of information out of her.

"Could you elaborate a bit?" he asked. "My age doesn't matter, I'm old enough," she said. "You're right, your age doesn't matter," he agreed. "But I would like to know who taught you the ninja fighting techniques, you're very good." "My uncle," she reluctantly revealed, "taught me the ways of the Ninja, how to fight with all manner of weapons, how to track any animal, the four-legged as well as the two-legged ones." "Is he the one who told you about the existence of vampires? Or did you learn that from first hand experience?" he asked and knew he'd scored a mark on the last question for she paled and her hands clenched. Rae got up from the chair and walked to the window turning her back to him. "These questions are pointless," she said and turned to face him. "Are we to work together or not?" she asked pointedly. Justin sighed again, asking questions wasn't working. She wasn't going to give the answers willingly unless she trusted him and the way she looking at him; he doubted that trust would come soon. "Alright, we'll work togetherfor now," he said as he stood and walked to the door. "I'll be back in a few minutes, I just need to change," Raelynn said as she bent down and picked up a duffle bag he'd failed to notice when he'd come in the room.

Justin opened the door and pointed to down the corridor, "It's the third door on your right." Rae nodded and left. Justin hand clenched on the doorknob, crushing it as he watched her walk away from him, her hips swaying with each step she took. She reached the door he'd pointed out and went in without once looking back. He wondered if she'd felt the sexual tension between them as he had. He re-entered his office and grabbed the phone on his desk. "I want to know everything you can find on Raelynn Yakomura, ASAP," he said, "and send three units as well," he hung up and didn't have long to wait for Rae to reappear. Raelynn closed the door and leaned against it, breathing heavily. His thoughts of having her on his desk had aroused her to the point she'd had to control her impulse to just walk in his arms and let him do whatever he wanted with her. Pushing away from the door, she dropped her duffle bag on the counter, turned the cold water on and bathed her face, tempering the heat that had risen during their interview. Fifteen minutes later, the door opened and all Justin could see of the black figure was her clear blue eyes.
Justin led the way out of his building through the back and into the alley. "Where do you want to start?" he turned to her and asked. "In the same place he got away," she replied and began walking, staying in the shadows.

Justin followed her, admiring her caution, her alertness, she was mindful of even the smallest sound. Centuries ago he'd lived with a clan of ninjas and had seen the things they could do, but she was better, more in control then they'd been. Her ability to stay focused was phenomenal, even he wasn't that focused. His mind so clouded with her he almost crashed into her when she suddenly stopped. He looked around, they were in the same alley they'd been in last night and she was scanning the ground. "Do you smell it?" she turned and asked him. Justin frowned, "Smell what?" "The vampire's blood," muttered Raelynn, "and you call yourself a vampire." If Justin heard her, he didn't let it show. He closed his eyes and sniffed deeply, he sifted out the garbage smells and continued sniffing, a sweet scent drew him and he stepped toward it, he remembered this scent. It was Rae's blood. His mind crowed with memories of her gasped of pain, his hands clenched into fists, she shouldn't have been hurt. A soft touched on his arm brought him out of tormented memories and he looked at her. "I'm fine now Justin," she said. "You hurt the vampire when you fought him, concentrate on finding his scent." Justin nodded and Rae stepped away. She watched as he closed his eyes and start sifting through the smells again. He was amazing to watch, she wished she had his sense of smell but he was a vampire, she was not, so that put an end to that thought. Instead her gaze was drawn to himhis black hair, which he'd tied back, his broad shoulder that seemed solid and strong, his chest was wide and she had a sudden urge to

touch and trace itshe looked up at his face, his lips made her shiver as she thought of them kissing her Justin's eyes jerked open in shock as images of his own lips covering Rae's suddenly materialized in his mind. He turned his head and looked at her, her eyes were glazed and staring right at him. He could almost see the wanting in her eyes, he stepped to her and touched her shoulder. Startled by his touch, Rae grabbed Justin's wrist and twisted his arm behind his back. "What the hell were you doing?" she growled. "Me? You're the one who was thinking of my lips on yours, kissing you!" he exclaimed and swept his foot back, hooking her leg and tripping her, they both fell to the ground, and rolled until his long length covered her. Shocked and horrified, Raelynn froze and didn't fight back as she felt the evidence of his arousal between her legs. She stared at him, how had hehe had repeated her own thoughts aloud, but how, she wondered, her mind all a jumble. She searched his eyes, scanned his mind, sure enough the images of her thoughts were there, he hadn't read her thoughts, she, herself must have projected them to him. "Get off me," she whispered breathing heavily. "We don't have time for this." "You're right, we don't. But know this Raelynn Yakomura, we will finish this," he replied succinctly and got up, holding his hand out to help her rise. Raelynn looked at his hand as if it were a snake, she considered not taking it but the look in his eyes said he expected that, so she put her hand in his and let him pull

her up. He let her go then and went back to sifting through he smells. "There, I've found his scent," he suddenly said and opened his eyes. "Can you follow it to where he went to ground?" she urgently asked. Justin nodded. "Then take the lead," said Rae and stretched her arm, indicating he should go first, "but remember to stay in the shadows," she cautioned. Justin shot her an irritated look as if to say 'I know that' and took the lead. They traveled in the shadows for about an hour, the vampire's tainted blood led them to a construction site on the other side of town. Justin let Rae take over then for he noticed she was good at finding the vampire's patterns in the dirt. Her manner of searching fascinated him; she walked the perimeter and searched in grids, her eyes scanning for any abnormal or unusual disturbance in the dirt. She was very thorough and focused, letting nothing distract her from what she had to do. So instead of hampering her and offering his help Justin stayed alert for any intruders. Half and hour later she motioned Justin to her side. "Here's where he emerged. See the slight displacement here," she said pointing to the raised dirt that formed a circle. "He's probably healed by now, but can you detect his scent anyway?"

Justin closed his eyes, sniffed deep and nodded. "I've got it. He didn't clean his clothes, there's still traces of blood on them," he said. Raelynn smiled under her hood, he sure was good. Maybe this teamwork thing would work after all. They followed the vampire's trail south to the abandoned Belue cemetery and came upon him just as he finished killing his victim. Fire filled Justin's eyes as watched the young teenager fall lifeless to the ground. He growled and charged the vampire just as a shuriken speeded by him and embedded itself in the vampire's leg before it could flee. The vampire howled, grabbed his injured leg, hopping about. His eyes closed in pain he didn't see the body of his last victim and tripped over her, and impaled himself on the rusty, three-foot decorative iron grill fence surrounding the cemetery. Justin watched in frustrated amazement at the ineptitude of this pathetic creature then turned his surprised eyes on Rae, "Did that just happen?" he asked. Equally surprised, Rae only nodded. She couldn't believe the vampire had impaled himself. Justin formed an energy ball, and threw it, completely destroying the vampire's remains. He turned his gaze to the young teenager and sighed with grief as he formed another energy ball. They couldn't leave the body to be found and he was very sorry about that. He threw the ball and they watched in silence, as the girl's body became ashes. A few seconds later, Rae's lips twitched and she began to laugh. Justin looked at her, "What's so funny?" he asked.

"You. The look on your face when you went charging after him, then when he fell on the grate and killed himself," she said. "Well, I was really looking forward to fighting him!" he said. "I haven't had a good fight in weeks." Rae bursts out laughing again, "Oh you poor baby, we wouldn't want to disappoint you!" With that comment she kicked out her foot, catching Justin unaware and swept his feet out from under him. As he crashed to the ground, Rae jumped on top of him. ~~~~~*~~~~~ He'd finally found her and this time she wouldn't escape him, he thought gleefully. Whatever or whoever Knight's Security Corporation was, he'd have to thank them for putting him on her trail again. Now all he had to do was fly to this Columbia, South Carolina where she'd established herself and convert her, then he'd be able to control her, use her powers to destroy the one called Justin.

Laughing, Justin's arms closed around Rae's soft, sensual body, holding her close. He grabbed her hood and pulled it off, tossing it aside. "You little witch," he said, "I'll get you for thatbut not right now, " and he cupped the back of her head, pulling it down to him. "You are so beautiful," he whispered just before his lips closed over hers. As soon as his lips touched hers, Raelynn moaned with need. She opened her mouth and let him take full possession of it, demanding the same in return.

Justin's hands molded her body, stroking it, bringing it to a feverish heat. Rae's fingers tangled in his hair. She grabbed the silken threads and held his head still as she joined in their mutual seduction, her tongue she exploring his spicy taste. Lips locked together, he rolled, and brought her beneath his long, hard frame. He reached between them and cupped her breasts, squeezing lightly, teasing their erect tips. Rae moaned in pleasure, lifting her hips, seeking relief. Suddenly, reality intruded and she tore her mouth from his, "We can't do this," she whispered breathing heavily. Justin stared at her, "You're right, this isn't the time or place, but one day, you will be mine," he promised, breathing as deeply as she. He got up and helped her to her feet, then retrieved her hood and gave it to her. "I'll meet you in your office tomorrow night," she said and left, running on silent feet. Justin watched her disappear with one thought in his mind, to follow her. Transforming into an owl, he took to the sky, and kept her in sight as she weaved through the shadows of the city. He followed her into the suburbs to a little house in a cul-desac. Immediately he knew the house had been built to specification. It was Japanese style, with triangular chidori glabes on the eves and the roof, similar to the gabled roofs he'd seen on a visit to Japan some years ago. He noticed the blend of modern and traditional architecture when he saw the patio doors she opened. He flew into her backyard and landed under a jacaranda tree, transforming back into his human form. He looked on

in awe at the garden before him. The harmonious blending of Western and Japanese styles brought him immediate peace. In one corner, near a pond, hardy Japanese irises grew happily alongside perennials, and Japanese stone lanterns gave off a soft light. Under the lanterns sat granite benches and not far in another corner lay a millstone. The scents of Chrysanthemums, irises, perennials, roses, and other flowers, he closed his eyes and let the heady mixture of scents go right to his head. "Why did you follow me?" a voice broke through his peaceful musing. Justin opened his eyes and looked at her, Raelynn glanced away. The hunger and wanting she saw momentarily scared her. Though she'd been in the world for centuries, she'd never seen that look directed at her before. Was she ready for this? Another glance into his eyes and she knew the answer, she was. From the moment Rae found him in her backyard Justin had not taken his eyes from her; she was beautiful. Silently Rae stretched out her hand and waited. Justin placed his hand in hers and let her pull him inside. She led him to her bedroom and turned to him. She stepped close, rose up on her toes and started kissing him, his mouth, his chin, and his jaw line. She moved lower and ran her tongue up and down the column of his neck. Her fingers drifted to his shirt, slowly unbuttoning it, kissing every part of skin revealed. When she reached his jeans, Justin grabbed her arms and pulled her up. He fastened his lips on hers and plundered her mouth. His hands roamed down her sides, feeling her lush curves; slowly he pulled up her silk nightgown, his

fingers grazing the silky skin of her thighs. He pulled the nightgown over her head and stood back, gazing at her magnificent nudity. His arm rose, his fingers lightly touched her erect nipples, arching into his touch, Rae's breathing accelerated, and she trembled with passion. The aching heat between her legs was so profound she became weak in the knees. With just a thought, Justin's clothes disappeared. He swept her up in his arms. Shivers ran down their bodies as her breasts grazed his furry chest, arousing him even more. Rae's body trembled as her breasts scraped across Justin's chest, she wrapped her arms around his neck, her strong legs encircled his waist and kissed him passionately, pushing her tongue past his teeth into the depths of his mouth. Justin groaned, controlling the beast within as he returned her kiss, fanning the flames of fire searing them both. His hands squeezed her buttocks, his long shaft probed between the folds of her nether lips. As he carried her to the bed, the friction of her heat had him groaning passionately, he deepened their kiss as he sat down on the edge of the bed, Rae sitting in his lap. His mouth left her lips and he kissed his way to her breast, drawing one erect tip into his mouth, gently biting it. Rae moaned, arching her back, giving him full access to her breasts. She shuddered as he switched breast and began attentively paying homage to it. Her hands fisted in his hair, pulling him closer, she moved her hips back and forth over his shaft, her sexual energy bubbling to the surface. Her hands went to his chest and pushed him down, "I want you, now," she said and gently took his manhood and slowly eased inside her welcoming heat.

Justin let her ease down on him but gasped in shock as he came up against a barrier. She was a virgin! He tried to stop her, but one look in her glazed eyes and he knew she was ready for him. She impaled herself on him gasping in pain but didn't stop as she rode him. Hands on her hips, Justin guided her into a rhythm, lifting, meeting her downward thrusts. The beast within emerged, and he pulled her down to him. "Are you sure this is what you want?" he growled. Rae looked into his red eyes, "Yes," she sobbed, "this is what I want. I freely give you my life." That was all Justin needed to hear, he pulled her hair away from her tantalizing throat and sank his teeth deep into her jugular, feeding deeply. Rae gasped as pain and pleasure both sent her into an allconsuming orgasm that left them both breathless and shattered. At the peak of pleasure, Justin felt a surge of energy jolt into him. He passed his tongue over the pinpricks, and looked at her, he was startled by images of Raelynn's childhood seeping into his mind. He saw the face of a vampire he recognized, Salazar one he'd battled six centuries ago, but had escaped him. Like watching segments in a movie, he now saw the child Raelynn form an energy fireball and throw it at Salazar, singeing him. Stunned, Justin shook his head and the images disappeared as Raelynn fell on top of him, exhausted and weak. ~~~~~*~~~~~

Somewhere, in the cargo hold of a plane flying over England, an oak coffin shuddered and the being inside snarled madly. The bitch had given herself to another, Salazar thought angrily. He could feel the brief connection he had through her parents' blood; weaken considerably.

"That was amazing," she whispered just before falling asleep. Justin stared at her, felt her even breathing and wondered what the hell had just happened. The surge of energy he'd felt just has they'd found completion, baffled him completely. Where had it come from? And Rae's childhood memories? He looked at her thoughtfully and experimented. He closed his eyes and scanned her mind; the barriers were gone! In her sleep, she let down her guard and like a shadow, he entered and walked around her mind. He saw the child Rae again, crying, then a beautiful Japanese woman with the same color hair as Rae came and scooped the child up in her arms. Rae pointed to her scraped knee and the woman covered it with her hand. A white light emanated and when the woman removed her hand the scrape was gone, leaving not even a tiny trace of blood. Justin remembered meeting another woman, a long time ago, capable of doing thus, and she had called herself a witch. Could Rae's mother be a witch as well? He recalled the white light he'd seen from under the door at his lab and wondered if Rae was a witch too. Could she have inherited the gift from her mother? Suddenly his internal clock reluctantly pulled him from her mind; the sun would be rising in a few minutes, he needed to go to ground. Justin gazed at Rae and knew in that

instant he could never let her go, so he tore open his wrist and brought her mouth to it. "My love," he whispered in her mind, "you must drink, become one with me." Rae sluggishly opened her eyes and looked at him. "What?" she asked sleepily. "Drink Rae, become as I am, become one with me," he said. Rae knew what he wanted. He wanted her to become a vampire like him. She looked into his eyes and her heart melted at the love she saw there. No one but her parents had ever loved her like that. Taking his blood would mean she could never put up her barriers against him again. He'd know everything that was in her mind, even that she was a witch. She stared at him and slowly flicked her tongue out, licking the sweet blood trickling from his wrist. Then she closed her eyes and put her mouth over it and began drinking in earnest. She drank so deeply that Justin had to stop her and close the wound himself. He held her face in between his hands and kissed her deeply, licking all traces of blood from inside her mouth. "It's time to sleep my love," he said, "close your eyes and rest." Rae nodded, closed her eyes, sleep overtaking her instantly. Just as the sun was descending, Rae awoke deep in the earth and screamed in terror. She was frantically clawing her way to the surface when strong arms wrapped around her, pinning her arms to her sides. "Stay calm my love, everything's alright," said the voice. "I will get us out."

Rae turned anguished eyes on Justin as he opened the earth and floated them up to her backyard. She fought him and he immediately released her. She scrambled away from him, her arms around her stomach, shaking like a leaf. Fear turned to anger as she watched him wave a hand and fill the hole removing all signs it had ever been there. "What the hell did you think you were doing burying me alive like that? I could've suffocated to death!" she exclaimed. Justin raised an eyebrow, "Suffocated? I would never let that happen. You're now a part of me, killing you would be like killing myself. Besides, you're a vampire now and as we sleep in the earth during daylight hours, the soil rejuvenates and heals our wounds," he said. ~~~~~*~~~~~ The plane touched down and taxied to a stopped. Three men unloaded the coffin and rolled it into a hanger where Mr. George Leeds, a tall gaunt man dressed in black, waited to take delivery of it. Two of the men left to continue unloading the luggage while the third stood waiting for the Mr. Leeds to sign the release form, accepting delivery. Antonio Alvarez made the sign of the cross as he watched the gaunt man open the coffin. He quickly took off his cap and averted his eyes, giving Mr. Leeds privacy to view the body. Inside the coffin, Salazar opened his eyes and stared at George, his servant. A silent question was asked and George nodded, they were in Columbus, South Carolina and food was on hand. Salazar silently floated out of the coffin and

landed on the ground. On silent feet he walked to Antonio and touched his shoulder. Thinking it was Mr. Leeds, ready to sign the release form, Antonio turned and gasped in horror at the pale man standing before him. His eyes were red and sunken, his skin was stretched tight over his face and what made Antonio silently scream in terror, was the creature's fangs just before they sunk into his jugular, draining him dry.

That still didn't give you the right to bury me!" she exclaimed, attempting to control her quaking body. Needing to soothe her, Justin approached to take her in his arms but Rae quickly moved away. "No! Don't touch me!" she said as she walked towards her back door. As Justin moved to follow, Rae held up her hand, inserting an invisible barrier between them. His eyes widened in astonishment as he staggered back, unable to follow her. "No. You're not coming in. I need some time alone," she said and closed the door leaving him standing alone and bewildered under the night sky, wondering what had just happened. Rae sagged against the closed door and sighed. She knew vampires slept in the ground, but to wake up buriedshe shuddered at the memory. She looked at her dirt-encrusted fingernails and shuddered again. She pushed away from the door and within seconds was under the shower. She scrubbed and scrubbed the dirt from her clothes, her hair and body. Tears silently drifted down

her soft cheeks as she thought of the look of bewilderment on his face. He hadn't deserved her anger for she knew vampires slept in the earth, but she couldn't help herself, terrified she'd masked it by getting angry. Rae stepped out of the shower, shucked her wet clothes and wrapped a thick terry cloth towel around her body. She walked into her bedroom and went to the window, looking out over the backyard. She gasped in surprise to see Justin sitting on one of the granite benches; she thought he would have left. His elbows perched upon his knees and his head hanging, he looked so forlorn. Suddenly, as if he sensed her watching him, his head snapped up and he looked straight at her. Rae's eyesight, much improved since becoming a vampire, saw the tears in his gray eyes and was ashamed of her angry outburst. She could see the longing and love in his gaze and knew she couldn't leave him out there. She opened the window and leaned out. "Come inside so we can talk," she said. Justin kept eye contact with her as he slowly stood and walked to the door. He turned the knob, went inside and waited. "Go to the living room, I'll be there in a few minutes," her voice drifted down from upstairs. He entered the living room, sat down on the couch and waited for her. A few minutes later, Rae entered, wearing a beautiful silk kimono with dragon designs on it. In her hand she held two glasses of deep red wine. "Can vampires drink wine?" she asked.

Justin nodded, she handed him a glass, walked over to the easy chair and sat down, pulling her legs under her. She was very pale and he knew she needed to feed, he could feel the hunger beating at her but he didn't say anything, he waited for her to make the first move. Rae sipped her wine to fortify herself. She needed to apologize for lashing out at him. Her normal routine of drying off, putting on her kimono had calmed her somewhat and the wine was warming her insides. "JustinuhII'm sorry about earlier. I understand that now I need to sleep in the earth, it's just" Rae closed her eyes, her hand grasping the stem of the wine glass a little tighter. Her breathing quickened again as her thoughts turned to when she'd awakened in the earth and was clawing her way out. Justin immediately set his glass on the coffee table and knelt down in front of her. He pried her fingers from the stem of the glass and put it next to his, then he picked her up, sat in the chair and pulled her on his lap. "Shhhhh, it's alright Rae," he whispered, his hands, soothing, caressing her back and stroking her hair. "It's over, you're safe inside. I'm sorry you awoke deep in the earth. It's my fault, I thought you'd sleep longer than you did and I would have had time to bring you in the house." Rae could feel his remorse and knew he meant it. Her fear slowly receded, she nuzzled closer, her arms circled his neck, as her tongue tasted the salty skin at the hollow of his throat. Justin closed his eyes and groaned. He felt the desire rising inside him; he wanted to continue but the hunger beating at her also beat at him, they needed to feed. He pulled on her hair to pull her head back and look into her glazed eyes. "We cannot continue this, my love, we need to feed," he said.

Rae's glazed eyes cleared and she nodded. "First I need to finish what I wanted to say to you," she said. Justin nodded, waiting for her to continue. "Waking up in the earth really scared me," she said, looking down at her fingers that were playing with the buttons of his shirt. "Ever since I was a child, I've always been afraid of closed-in places. I can't explain it. All I know is that I panic whenever I'm in a place with no way out. So waking in the earth, surrounded by all the soilI couldn't take it," she said looking up into his eyes. "I need you to promise me something?" "Anything," he said as he twined his fingers with hers. "Promise me that I will never again wake up buried. Will you promise me that Justin?" she asked, her eyes imploring him. Justin immediately pulled her close, "Never again Rae, I promise," and he lowered his head, sealing his vow with a kiss. ~~~~~*~~~~~ Stanley Parks, the lab tech, stepped into the smoky bar. The toneless voice on the phone had said to meet him here. Drunken patrons sat in their chairs, their heads on the tables; even the bartender was drunk he saw. He looked around and saw a hand rise, beckoning him over. This must be the man he was supposed to meet. Stanley had overheard Devon on the phone this evening saying he didn't know any Raelynn, and knew he'd been talking about the woman who'd burned his hand. He looked down at his bandaged hand and was infuriated. He hadn't gone to see Shaleena, the healer for he didn't trust her, he didn't trust any of them who worked at Knight Industries. So he's gone home instead and had doctored himself.

She would pay for that, nobody hurts him and gets away with it, that's why he was here, to ensure the women got hers. He approached the booth and looked away in embarrassment, for an elegantly dressed man sat there, kissing the neck of a woman. He grimaced in disgust; he hated it when people displayed their affection in public, even though no one in the bar was watching. He looked at the bartender again and frowned, he still hadn't moved. He turned back just as the man lifted his head and licked the blood from his lips. Stanley's eyes widened in horror, as he looked into the man's dead eyes, he tried to back away but could no longer move. He gaze drifted to the dead woman's neck and saw two punctures, where the man's mouth had been. He turned his head and looked more closely at the other patrons in the bar, none of them had moved since he'd entered, they were all dead. "Sit down, Mr. Parks," said the man. Like a puppet, Stanley moved on stiff legs and sat down next to the dead woman. "Mr. Leeds tells me you work for Knight Industries, Mr. Parks," said the man as he took out a white linen handkerchief and dabbed away the blood from the corners of his mouth. "Whowho are you?" asked Stanley. "I am Salazar, Mr. Parks," he replied. "Tell me about the woman your company investigated." "All I know is, she has some kind of power. She did this to me when I tried to analyze the herbs in her pouch," he said and showed his bandaged hand to Salazar.

Salazar eyes homed in on the tiny dots of blood left on the bandage and licked his lips; he still hungered. He tamped down his urge to feed and asked another question. "What does she look like?" "She's small in stature, has long black hair, oriental features and when I saw her, she was dressed like those guys in the karate movies, you know, the ones that wear those black pajamas, ninjas I think they call them," replied Stanley. Salazar merely nodded and drummed his fingers on the table. Stanley glanced at the fingers and nearly screamed when he saw the nails grew longer. He swallowed and turned his gaze back to the man. Salazar knew Mr. Parks was afraid, but for him to be of any use, he'd have to win him over. He scanned Stanley's mind and though upper most in it was fright, Salazar also detected a tiny seed of evil. It was the need for revenge against Rae. He'd nurture that seed, and grow a garden of hate in this man. It was time he trained a new servant, Mr. Leeds was becoming too old for his taste. "You must be in great pain, Mr. Parks," stated Salazar as he gestured to Stanley's hand. "I could heal that for you, if you like." Stanley looked interested for moment then shook his head. "It hurts but it's bearable," he said. "Come Mr. Parks," cajoled Salazar as he slid out of the booth and walked to Stanley's side. "This won't hurt one bit, I promise." Stanley felt a buzzing in his head, and could no longer remember why he did not want this man touching his wound. He cried out has Salazar's hand closed over his; the pain was so great he lost consciousness for a few minutes.

When he opened his eyes, Salazar was sitting across from him and he no longer felt pain in his hand. He unwrapped the bandage and was stunned, the charred puckered skin that had been there was gone. Instead his hand was back to the way it had been before the bitch had burned it. Incredulous, Stanley turned his still stunned gaze back to Salazar, "How did you do that?" he asked. Salazar shrugged, "Do not worry, it's just a gift I am blessed with and it gives me great pleasure to help those who require it," he said. "That's why I wish to know about this woman." "What did she do to you?" asked Stanley. "If she is the one I think she is, then she killed my family and is responsible for turning me into a vampire. I have spent the past century hunting them," replied Salazar. "My God! That's incredible!" exclaimed Stanley. "How did she kill your family?" "She did the same thing she did to your hand, only on a larger scale. My family and I were vacationing in England and one night as we took a walk, we happened upon her chanting rituals with a vampire. Angry we interrupted her, she created this energy fireball and threw it at us. My father managed to push me out of the way, but my mother and he were trapped, unable to escape. The fireball struck them and they burst into flames and burn right before my eyes, until all that was left was their ashes. I must have made a sound because the vampire with her realized I hadn't perished with my parents and in an instant had grabbed me and sunk his fangs in my throat. See, " he said and pulled away the collar of his shirt, "I still bear his mark where he bit me."

Stanley leaned forward and looked. Sure enough two puncture wounds were still visible. Salazar put his collar back in place and went in for the kill. "You see Mr. Parks, the woman is a witch and she's the only one who knows where I can find the vampire that bit me. When I destroy him, I'll become human again and not stay this monster you see before you. Will you help me learn the name of the vampire and destroy the woman?" Salazar asked. "Yes, I will help you. What do you need me to do?" Stanley asked eagerly. "Someone in Knight's Industries ordered an investigation of this woman. I need the file they've compiled on her. Can you get that?" Salazar asked him. Stanley nodded and slid out of the booth. "I can't get it tonight, but I will in the morning. How should I contact you when I have it?" he asked. "I'll get in touch with you," said Salazar. Stanley nodded and like and automaton, turned and left the bar. George Leeds appeared out of the shadows and gave Salazar his cape as he stood up. "I have him Mr. Leeds," he said. "He will lead me to Raelynn and I will destroy her, after consuming her power of course," he finished and began laughing maniacally.

Justin and Raelynn walked into Knight Industries, took the elevator to the third floor and entered Justin's office. Justin walked over to his desk and called Devon to come in his

office. As they waited for him, he couldn't resist touching her, running his hands over her body. He pulled her closer and kissed her deeply. A sound from outside startled Rae, she broke away from him, jumping clear across the room as a knock sounded and the door opened. When Devon walked through the door, Justin was sitting at his desk and Rae was standing at the window, looking out at the night. "I was just coming to see you when you called boss man. There's been another death," he greeted and sprawled into the chair in front of the desk. "You remember Rae, the young woman from last night," Justin gestured to the woman standing at the window. Devon immediately stood and walked over to her. "Of course, how are you Rae? Last time I saw you, you were walking away, broke my heart you did," he sighed exaggeratedly and put both his hands over his heart. Eyebrow raised, Rae looked at him. "You have a heart? Aren't you dead like your boss there?" she said sarcastically. The shocked look on Devon's face made Rae smile. "Didn't think I knew did you?" she said and smiled, tweaking his nose as she walked past him and sat in the chair he'd vacated. Month open, Devon just watched her sit in the chair, then he turned his gaze to Justin, only to see Justin's wide smile. "Close your mouth Dev before a fly decides to make it its home," said Justin, chuckling. "Raelynn is one of us now."

Devon's eyebrows rose and surprise was reflected in his eyes. "When did this happen?" he asked as he walked over to Justin's desk and sat on the edge of it. "Last night," said Justin as his gaze turned to Rae and softened. Rae looked back at him, a twinkle in her eye and smiled. "Well, that's great!" exclaimed Devon as he stepped over to Rae and took her hand in his. "Welcome to the family Raelynn," and he gallantly kissed her hand. "Okay, that's enough," said Justin as he got up, rounded the desk and insinuated himself between Rae and Devon. Devon released Raelynn's hand and cocked his head, his grin wide. "So it's like that is it?" "Yeah it's like that, so keep your hands to yourself," said Justin, grinning back at his friend. Then his grin disappeared, "Now tell me about this new death?" he asked. Devon's smile disappeared too and he leaned against the desk as Justin sat on the arm of Raelynn's chair and stretched his arm behind her head. "Antonio Alvarez, a ground crew at the airport was found dead this morning in a hanger. Our friend at the coroner's office said the victim died from extreme blood loss and he found two puncture wounds on Alvarez's throat," stated Devon. Raelynn's face paled and she sat up straighter, her hands clenched in her lap. "Did the man have a family?" she softly asked. Devon shook his head, "I checked with our man in Immigration. Alvarez's family was murdered when he turned states evidence on the head of the Mexican militia three

years ago. The Government brought him out, gave him U.S. citizenship and a low profile job at the airport," he explained. "So there's no chance it could've been a hit, right?" said Rae, then she answered herself, "Of course not, blood loss and two punctures in the neck mean it's vampire related." "Then that's where we'll start," said Justin. "We'll have to stop at my place to pick up my weapons," said Rae as she rose and they headed for the door. "Wait!" Devon called to them. "There's one more thing you should both know before you leave." Raelynn and Justin turned in unison, waiting. "Justin, you asked me to do an investigation of Raelynn the other night, remember?" he said. Justin suddenly felt uncomfortable; he winced when he looked at Rae. Rae's eyes blazed with anger and she crossed her arms over her chest. "You had me investigated?" she asked softly. Justin raised his hands, "That was before I knew you Rae," he said in his own defense. "Why didn't you just ask me what you wanted to know?" she asked. "I tried that, remember? You weren't very forthcoming," he said. "I'm trying to say something here," interrupted Devon. Rae turned her angry gaze on him, "Get on with it then," she growled.

"When I called around to check on you, I must've alerted someone because now you're file is missing," he said. "Rae's eyes widened in surprise, "My file is missing!" "Someone stole it. I've been trying to track it down but haven't succeeded yet," he said. Rae looked at Justin, "Who would steal my file?" she asked. Justin shook his head, his gaze filled with concern, "I don't know, but Devon will find out, won't you Dev?" he said. "It could only be someone working for us," said Devon. "You two go, I'll find out the culprit." Raelynn walked out the door, but before Justin followed he looked at his friend. "No killing, understood," he said. Devon nodded curtly and watched he friend leave and join Raelynn. After Raelynn changed into her gear, and put weapons in place, she and Justin headed to the airport to start tracking the vampire that killed Antonio Alvarez. They entered the hanger and began looking around. A few minutes later, Rae plunged her hand into her the fanny pack strapped to her waist, pulled out a thin wallet and tossed it to Justin. "Here, while I continue scanning, flash this around and ask some questions, maybe we'll get lucky and someone saw something," she said. Justin caught the wallet, opened it, then raised his brow at what he saw. Inside was an FBI ID card for one Agent Michael Dawson. "And where did you get this?" he asked, surprised.

"The real Michael Dawson gave it to me some years ago, he thought it might come in handy someday, she replied, her tone plainly stating that someday was here. Justin shook his head and grinned, amazed even, she was certainly full of surprises, he thought. He turned, left the hanger, then scanned the area, and detected two heartbeats to the left. He walked toward the heartbeats. "Gentlemen, very sorry to disturb you," he said. The two men looked over their shoulders and put down the suitcases they'd just unloaded. "Can we help you mister?" the one on the left asked. Justin pulled out the wallet Rae gave him and flashed it at them. "I'm Agent Michael Dawson, FBI. Can you tell me anything about the man who died in that hanger over there?" he asked, pointing at the hanger behind him. The two men looked at each other unsure whether to say anything or not, then they shrugged and decided why not, the other cops who'd been here earlier hadn't spoken to them, so now it was their turn. "That night, me, Slim here and Tony unloaded a coffin and rolled it to the hanger where this weird lookin' guy was waitin' for it. Must o' been family," he said and Slim nodded. "Anyways, me and Slim left and Tony stayed behind to get the guy's John Hancock and that's the last we seen him." "What did the guy look like?" Justin asked. Slim cocked his head as if thinking, "He was really tall, 'bout 6''4 I'd say. His clothes were all black and he wore one of those black top hats, the kind ya see in them old pictures of Lincoln," he said. "He was skinny too, "added the other man.

As they described the man in black, Justin scanned their simple minds to get a more accurate picture of him. Once he gathered all the information he needed, he thanked them and returned to Rae. Entering the hanger, his heart nearly stopped when he saw her lying on the floor her arms outstretched, but her voice saying 'Don't move,' in his mind stopped him. He just stood and watched her. Rae, lying face down on the ground continued to absorb the trace of negative energy still present. She assimilated the information in her mind, nearly fainting when Salazar's face appeared. She opened her eyes and stood on shaking legs. Justin quickly came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. "What were you doing?" he asked. "I was absorbing the remnants of negative energy to determine who was here," she replied softly. "And did you succeed?" Rae nodded her head, "I know who's arrived in the city," then she looked up at him, "and you know him too," she said meaningfully. Justin frowned then his brow cleared and he looked down into her knowing eyes. "Salazar," he growled. "Yeah, Salazar," said Rae and shuddered as memories of long ago surfaced. Salazar, his fangs in her mother's throat, her father lying on the ground a gapping hole in his chest. Then Salazar's burning gaze turned on her, her mother's blood staining his lips.

Feeling her sudden distress, Justin instantly merged his mind with hers and was confronted with her memories of Salazar and the night he destroyed her childhood. He surrounded her with peace and superimposed the nightmare memories with them, together on her bed, making incredible love. Rae sighed, turned and wrapped her arms around his waist, laying her cheek on his wide chest. She was one lucky woman, she thought, finally, after all these centuries; she had someone to lean on, someone to love, she was no longer alone. Above her head, Justin closed his eyes in relief as he read her thought; she loved him. Sighing again, Rae pulled away, "Did find out anything?" she asked softly. Justin stuffed his hands in his back jeans pockets to keep from pulling her in his arms again and nodded. "A thin gaunt man was here to retrieve the coffin. The two other men left Alvarez alone to get the guy's signature and that the last time they saw him. "Did they get his name?" she asked. "No," replied Justin. "Damn. Okay, let me think," said Rae as she paced around the hanger. Justin smiled and watched as her behind swayed seductively with every step she took. She turned suddenly, a light in her eyes. "The cops!" she exclaimed and walked over to him. "The cops would have the manifest to whom the coffin was to be delivered to. So it wouldn't matter if the guy didn't sign it yet. Can you find out what precinct got the call?"

Justin nodded and took out his cell phone. "Dev, find out what precinct answered the Alvarez murder. I'll hold." A few seconds later he ended the conversation and put his cell back in his pocket. Rae looked at him expectantly, "Well, which on?" she asked. "The one hundred and first got the call," relayed Justin. "Then lets go," said Rae as she walked out of the hanger.

Half an hour later, Justin and Rae stood in the shadowed alley across the street from the one hundred and first precinct. They watched as policemen and women entered and exited the building. Rae looked up at him, "How are going to get passed them to search? There are too many cops coming and going," she said in a frustrated tone. Justin chuckled and squeezed her hand. "My love, you are a vampire, you have the ability to be undetectable to others. Can't the witch part of you do this?" he asked curiously, there was still some much he didn't know about her witch abilities. Rae shook her head, "Some of my kind can, but I never learned. Remember I told you my uncle raised me. He was human, not an immortal witch like my mother and father. He taught me what I needed to survive after he was gone, everything he knew, the rest I learned on my own through the centuries," she said. "How did you learn the rest?" he asked. Rae shook her head again, "Not now," she said. "I'll tell you all you want to know later, after we've gotten the manifest

and have rid ourselves of Salazar. Now tell me how to become undetectable," she imperiously commanded. Justin's eyebrows rose at her commanding tone, she truly was incredible, he thought. "Alright, what you have to do is visualize you body becoming insubstantial, merging with your environment. Become one with shadow and light, allowing thought and light to pass through you," he said. He watched as she closed her eyes and concentrated. She shimmered but he could still see her. "Think of yourself as a glass window, that reflects nothing, so while you can see people, they can't see you. But you must always remember, that the slightest emotion, or unguarded thought will expose you to others." Rae began again, she imagined herself as a window everyone could see through, shimmered and winked out of sight. "That was quick," admired Justin. "I've always been a fast learner," quipped Rae as she reappeared. She looked at him with an impish light in her eyes and he couldn't resist bending down to kiss her only to be foiled by her face covering. Undeterred, he hooked a finger in the soft material, pulled it down beneath her chin and melded his lips to hers, kissing her hard. Raelynn responded by raising her arms and circling his neck. Her tongue battled with his until breathless, Justin lifted his head and leaned his forehead against hers. "This isn't the time, but I promise you before the night is over I will finish this," he whispered breathing heavily. He straightened and stepped away, "Are you ready?" he asked.

Raelynn couldn't speak so she nodded as she replaced her face covering with shaking hands, so only her eyes showed, still glazed with passion. She took a deep breath and imagined she was a window, walked out of the alley and into the precinct. Justin did the same and followed her in. They stood just inside the bustling precinct and listened at all the talk around them. "I'd like to report a missing dog," said an old lady to the desk sergeant. "She answers to Josephine and is white with a pink ribbon on the top of her head." Rae heard Justin's chuckled in her mind when the desk sergeant sighed as they walked passed them and continued their way further inside the precinct. "We need to find Detective Cooper's desk," said Justin. "He's the one who got the Alvarez case." "Okay," replied Rae. "You take the left and I'll take the right, give a shout when you find his desk," and they separated. As she passed a good looking cop she couldn't resist and pinched his bottom. She had to contain herself from laughing out loud when the cop who'd just taken a drink of his coffee, spewed it out all over the suspect handcuffed to chair in front of him and whirled around to find another cop standing behind him. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" he hissed. "The other cop looked at him blankly, "What? I didn't do anything!" he whispered back. "You can play later Rae," Justin growled in her mind after he witnessed her actions. "Spoilsport," she growled back,"I was just having fun," and resumed reading the nameplates on the desks.

"Well fun is over, Detective Cooper's desk is over here and he's still sitting at it, so get your cute little behind over here," Justin ordered. Rae weaved her way over to him and stopped at his side. Detective Cooper was a young man, somewhere in his thirties, with short, light blond hair, blue eyes and a scar along his left cheek. He was really quite handsome, thought Raelynn, as she looked him over, not an ounce of fat anywhere. "There's no need for you to look at him like that my love ," Justin petulantly said. "Jealous are you?" replied Rae. "Of course not," Justin denied. Rae chuckled, yep, he was jealous alright. "Don't worry," she said softly, "you're the only one I love," and she caressed his buttocks then gave it a little tap. "Hey! Cut that out you little minx," said Justin and he moved to stand behind Detective Cooper to look over his shoulder. "Do you see the manifest?" Rae asked. "No," replied Justin as he saw the pile of papers on Cooper's desk. He realized their search wasn't going to be easy. "Well, get him to move the papers around," she suggested and waited. Justin bent down to the Detective's ear, "You want to open the Alvarez file," he whispered, putting a compulsion to do his will behind it, then he straightened and waited. Rae watched as the whispered words had Detective Cooper shuffling files around until he came to the Alvarez file. She

moved to stand next to Justin as Cooper opened the file and all three began to read the manifest. Oak Coffin, shipped by: Rest Haven Funeral Home, Ireland Deliver to: Mr. George Leeds Delivery Address: Hanger 4. Post Note: If Leeds not present, contact at 1410 Cedar Springs Road, 555-3675. Rae and Justin looked at each other, smiled and left the precinct. Salazar stared out the front room window, then turned and surveyed his surroundings. "You've done well," he said to his long time servant. Mr. Leeds bowed and left the room. The house was built in a secluded area outside the city, plenty of privacy for him and soon for Raelynn Yakomura as well. His eyes turned red with rage as he thought of her giving herself to someone other than him. She was his and would soon pay for her insolence. ~~~~~*~~~~~ Outside in the alley, Rae let the image of the window slip away and rematerialized beside Justin. "That was so amazing!" she exclaimed in delight and threw herself at Justin. Justin caught her in his arms and held her tight. He understood her feelings, for he remembered feeling the same way the first time he'd shimmered. "Let's get this back to Knight Industries, Dev can track down the neighborhood the address is in," said Justin.

Smiling, Rae nodded and winked out. "Hey, you minx! Wait for me!" he exclaimed and shimmering he went after her. Rae stopped beside a cop giving a citizen a hard time, she scanned his mind and her eyes narrowed when she heard him say, "Ma'am, you can't park here, it's against the law." He had a habit of giving women drivers a hard time, making them squirm. "But officer, there's nowhere else to park! I'm certainly not going to park all the way down there," the citizen said as she pointed to the darkness down the street. "There are no lights; it's too dangerous for a woman alone." Just as the cop raised his hands to push the woman back in her car, Rae grabbed his nightstick and pulled it out. The cop turned and stood there, mouth open as he stared at his nightstick seemingly twirling by itself, then it straightened and bopped him on the head. Unnoticed, Justin came up behind her, grabbed the nightstick out of her hand and dropped it at the feet of the slowly sinking cop. "What do you think you're doing?" he whispered in her mind. "That cop was going to make her move her car down the street where it's dark. Doesn't he know there's a vampire on the loose and a woman alone is easy prey?" she said huffily and turned back to the cop. "He needs to be taught a lesson!" "Assaulting him like that is not the way to do It," he sighed and replied. "Watch and learn." Justin entered the man's mind; he was disgusted by what he read there. Rae was right, the man needed to be taught a

lesson. He watched as the woman compassionately helped the cop to his feet only to be angrily pushed away. She landed hard against her car and winced in pain. With a wave of his hand, he turned on the man's side walkie-talkie and changed into an old woman. He walked up to the slightly dazed cop and rapped him on the shoulder with his purse. "Young man! I saw what you did," he shouted. "You are an officer of the law, you have no right pushing this young woman around like that," he said as he went around the cop and put his arm around the young woman. "I should report you to your superior! In fact, I think that's just what I'm going to do," he said and taking the young woman's hand, he began walking away. Rae watched curiously as the cop grabbed Justin's frail arm and swung him around. "Lady, I don't know who you are but you ain't talking to nobody," he growled angrily. "You'll mind your own damn business if know what's good for you." "Officer Stevens, you will unhand that woman instantly," said a hard voice from behind him. Stevens froze and looked behind him. He paled when he saw Captain Carmichaels standing on the precinct steps along with a dozen other cops. One by one, each cop looked at him disgustingly and turned his back on him; he was no longer one of them, his career was over. Justin stayed in the form of the old lady long enough to give his statement then left the precinct. Outside, he shimmered, grabbed Rae by the waist like he was carrying a football, and walked away. Rae wiggled and struggled, "Let me go you big ape!" she exclaimed.

Suddenly Rae landed on the ground, "Ouch! What did you do that for?" she growled aloud as she reappeared, she got up and rubbed her sore butt. "You told me to let you go," he said innocently as he too rematerialized. "I was only doing as you asked." Rae frowned at him, not sure if he was serious or not, but she let it pass. "That was amazing what you did back there," she said. "I didn't know we could change into people though." "It takes practice and lots of patience," he said and started walking. Rae fell into step at his side. She didn't even notice when he took her hand and compelled her to shimmer with him as she listened to his tale in her mind. "I remember one time, in 1842, I met this old prospector, his face was wrinkled but he looked timeless. He knew who and what I was and I would entertain him by shapeshifting into animals. One night, I decided to transform into him. It didn't quite work out though. My head changed but the rest of me didn't, where he was stooped over with age, I stayed straight and tall," Justin chuckled as he recalled that time a century ago. Rae laughed, "Wish I could've seen that," she said. "In 1842 I was at a temple in Tibet learning how to fight with Master Tenzin. He was old and timeless as well. He also taught me how to find inner peace. He also taught me to perfect my witchcraft and use it for good not evil. I remember he always called me Duprug, meaning orphan. He died a few months after I left the temple," she said sadly then fell silent. When he stopped walking, she looked up and was startled to see they had arrived at Knight Industries.

Devon met them in Justin's office, he looked at Rae dressed in her black pajamas and frowned as he watched her remove her hood. "Why are you still wearing that getup? You're a vampire now, you don't need to hide behind it anymore," he said. "I don't?" said Rae. "No, you can manufacture clothing, anything you need just by using your mind," he explained. "Plus you can shapeshift, so no more walking or running, unless your change into a four legged critter or a flying one. Didn't Justin here tell you?" he said and his eyes widened as he looked over her shoulder to see Justin making frantic cutting motions across his neck. It dawned on him then, that he had opened his big mouthwithout thinking and he smiled sheepishly at his friend. Rae's face closed and her eyes glittered dangerously as she slowly turned to Justin. Devon backed away, slowly inching toward the door. Rae turned her head and waved her hand, effectively pinning him in place. "Don't you move," she growled low then turned back to Justin. "What does he mean I no longer need this outfit?" she asked him sweetly. Justin's mouth opened but nothing came out, he had no idea what to say other that she looked really sexy in it. When he looked at Devon, his eyes promised, that one day his friend would be in his position, and watch out then. Devon blanched at just that thought, "UhRaecould you let me go, I need to do some work?" he asked. The look in Rae's eyes when she looked back at him, had him miming zipping his mouth shut.

Rae turned back to Justin, "Well, are you going to answer me?" she asked. As Rae had turned to look at Devon, the material of her black pajamas had pulled tight across her chest, emphasizing her breasts. He gulped and imagined how he'd remove her outfit; kiss every inch of skin revealed. When Rae turned back, the look in Justin's eyes intrigued her, so she merged her mind with his to find out what he was thinking. Her breath caught when she saw his hands undressing her as he kissed each square inch of skin he uncovered. Immediately she waved her hand, unlocking the invisible restraints holding Devon in place, "Get out Devon," she growled, her eyes glued to Justin's. Devon instantly turned to the door, "Stay, don't stay, isn't that just like a woman, can never make up their minds," he muttered as he softly closed the door behind him, leaving them alone. The soft click of the door, startled Justin from his imaginings, and the link they were sharing severed. He looked up, only to find Devon gone, and Rae standing before him, her passionate gaze hungrily looking at him. He cleared his throat, "UmmRae" he started to say, but stopped when she stepped towards him. "So you really think I'm sexy in this, do you?" she said as she put her arms around his neck. "UmI don't think we should be doing this right now Rae," he said stopping himself from grabbing her. "You did say we'd play later," she whispered just before her lips and met his.

His arms circled her and he raised her up, crushing her to him, and kissed her back, deeply. His hands under her buttocks, Justin lifted Rae and her legs went around him, her ankles hooking together. Justin's hands roamed over her back as Rae moved her mouth to his neck and lapped at his pulse. She felt her fangs grow and nip his skin. She licked the blood; loving the wild taste of him, it was incredible. She felt his blood flow down her throat and mingle with her own, bringing her to completion as his hands continued stroking her back, and her buttocks. Her shaking legs slid to the floor and she looked into his eyes. A satisfied smile appeared on his lips as he looked into her flushed face. "You did that on purpose to get out of answering my question, didn't you?" she stated as she slowly stepped away from him. "Now wait just one minute," he said incredulous. "You started this when you kissed me. Is it my fault you're irresistible?" Rae looked at him, "Alright, I admit I started it, but it's your fault I did. If your mind hadn't been so dirty I wouldn't have," she said, her eyes twinkling. "You're blaming me!" he exclaimed and began stalking her a glint in his eye. Rae backed away then turned and ran behind the desk. "You stay away from me you overgrownNeanderthal," she said, laughing. Before he could grab her, the door opened and Devon's head appeared.

"Is it safe to come in?" he asked. He looked first at Rae, then Justin. When his friend nodded, he opened the door wider and strode in carrying a blue file folder. He gave the folder to Justin, "Here's the route to Mr. Leeds house. It's outside the city in an isolated area. No other houses within miles," he said. Justin opened the folder and studied the route, then passed it to Rae who came to stand next to him. His internal clock told him dawn was quickly approaching; they had just enough time to get there and do a recon, but not to get back. He didn't relish the thought of taking Rae there, and then sleep unprotected. "We'll leave on the next rising," he told them. Rae's eyes widened, as did Devon's in surprise. "Why can't we leave now?" Rae asked. "It's too close to dawn to get there and then come back," he said. "We don't have to come back," she argued. "We can sleep in the earth anywhere, so why not find a nice safe spot and sleep there?" Justin shook his head and crossed his arms over his chest. "That is too dangerous," he said. "There are bound to be guards up and I wouldn't have time to take them down before the sun rose. Besides, I don't want you sleeping anywhere he is near," he stated. Rae looked at Devon for support; surely he would be on her side. Devon looked back at her and smiled weakly. He raised his hands as if in surrender and shook his head. "I am not participating in this discussion. Just think of me as Switzerland, I'm neutral," he said and left the room.

Frustrated, Rae turned back to Justin and stared at him. His face was completely closed; she couldn't read a thing on it, she merged her mind with his, and finally understood. He was afraid she would be hurt in some way. Afraid Salazar would get her while they slept. Her heart melted, she raised her hand and laid it on his cheek. "Okay, we'll go on the next rising," she said softly. "So what do you wan to do in the meantime?" she asked as she looped her arms around his neck and began kissing his throat. Justin's eyes darkened and his arms fell to his sides as he projected images of them, naked, limbs entangled, making furious love. Rae giggled and leaned flush against him. "Shouldn't we take this somewhere else?" she teased as she kissed and nipped at his throat. Justin closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around her, lifting her so her feet no longer touched the floor. He bent his head, sealed her mouth with his and shimmered, appearing in his chamber under Knight Industries. As he deepened the kiss, he waved his hand and a bed complete with bedding appeared, along with lighted candles in tall candleholders at each corner, bathing the bed in a soft, sultry glow. He carried Rae to the bed and let her body slowly slide down his. Then the door opened and Devon's head appeared around the door. "Oh good, your still dressed," he said the relief evident in his voice. He walked into the room carrying two I.V. bags. "I guessed you both wouldn't have had time to feed, so I took it upon myself to bring" his voice failed and he grew more pale then he usually was when he heard Justin's low threatening growl. "Ohoh, okay, I'm gone," he dropped the I.V. bags on the floor and slowly backed of the room.

As soon as the door closed Rae fell on the bed in a fit of giggles. "Oh that was priceless!" she exclaimed. "Or should I say speechless, he did lose his voice after all." Justin chuckled as he retrieved the I.V. bags from the floor. With his hands, he warmed each bag, and tossed one to Rae. "Here, you must be hungry, I know I am," he said but the look in his eyes told her it wasn't food he was hungry for. The I.V. bag in her hands fell to the floor next to his as his hands took hold of her arms. With just a thought, clothing no longer separated them as Justin bore her down onto the bed. He began to gently caress her breasts, but Rae was having none of that. She rolled to her side and hands on his chest, pushed him onto his back. She moved her lips over his chest, and ruthlessly caught one small nipple between her teeth. He gasped in pleasure as she sucked at the hard little nub, and then licked a path down, across his belly, around his navel. When she closed her lips around him, his hips arched upward. His fingers twined in her hair. In moments, Justin was panting, and he sought to move her away, but she persisted until his panting became a helpless plea. He cried out her name in a hoarse voice, and his entire body went rigid as his essence spilled down her throat. Slowly, Justin relaxed as Rae lifted her head, and slithered up over his body. She looked into his passion glazed eyes and licked her lips, catching a drop of sperm from one corner. Instantly, he hardened and she shifted, settling herself over him, poising herself to receive him. Justin's hands went to her hips and he drew her down hard, sheathing himself inside her. Rae's head fell backward and she closed her eyes.

She felt his hands glide over her back; he drew her downward, lifting his upper body, and capturing one of her breasts in his mouth. Gently he suckled her, then his teeth sank and he fed, the pleasure of his mouth increasing with the pace of his upward thrusts. He pulled her down to his chest, and, holding her tightly rolled them both over until she was beneath and he was above. He tipped her head upward and kissed her long and hard. Then he began moving in a slow, tormenting rhythm. Raelynn lifted her legs and encircled him, hooking her ankles behind his back. Justin slid his arms beneath her, cupped her buttocks, lifting her hips more tightly to hum, and thrust more deeply into her. His pace increased, and her body grew taunt, she panted helplessly as his body drove her higher and higher. Then they both cried out in sweet anguished joy as their juices met and mingled. Rae felt the throb of his body, and her own, convulsing around him. ~~~~~*~~~~~ Stanley Parks stopped the car and trembled as he stared at the house. He looked at the file on the passenger seat and shivered. Why was he here, he wondered. His mind was fuzzy, had been fuzzy for the last few days. He looked back up at the house and felt a sudden pull towards it. He opened the door, grabbed the file and left the car. His feet dragged as if he didn't want to go into the house but he couldn't stop himself from walking. As he climbed the stairs, the front door creaked open, and there stood his new friend, Salazar. "Welcome, Mr. Parks," greeted Salazar as he merged with the man's mind, planting memories of long time friendship

together. "Please, come in. I have anxiously been waiting for you. Do you have the file I requested?" Stanley's mind suddenly cleared and he was all smiles as he walked into the house. "Yes, I got it right here," he said and gave the file to Salazar, following his host into the living room. "Wow, nice place you got here Sal," he said as he looked around. The windows were covered with dark, red brocade, the carpet was a dark blue it almost looked black. The walls were a rich Mahogany and the furniture he was certain, was Tiger Maple. Salazar's eyes narrowed dangerously, "Do not call me Sal ever again," he growled. "Okay, okay," replied Stanley his hands raised in a placating motion. "I won't do it again." Salazar ignored him and sat down behind his desk. He opened the file and his eyes gleamed evilly as he read Raelynn's address. Soon, soon she would be in his grasp and all her power would be his, he would be unstoppable. ~~~~~*~~~~~ Justin shifted to his side; he reached over the edge of the bed and picked up a still warm I.V. bag. "You must feed my love," he said as he gave the bag to Rae. "I took to much from you, so you must be replenished." Sated, Rae languidly opened her eyes and smiled softly. She took the bag and raised it to her mouth. Her gaze never leaving his, she drank the warm blood, letting its slight thickness slide down her throat and fill her. Justin swallowed with difficulty as he watched her drink. He'd never seen anything like it. The way she drank was so

sensual that he wanted her again; he wanted to slide himself into her tight sheathe, and thrust until they were both panting. He swallowed again but couldn't stop himself from staring at her. When she finished, Rae flicked out her tongue and licked the corners of her mouth. "Mmmthat was good," she purred as she stretched her arm over the side of the bed and dropped the I.V. onto the floor. As soon as the bag hit the floor Justin was on her, kissing her, licking every remnant of blood that coated her mouth. Rae giggled and pulled him tighter between her wide-open legs. She sighed contently as he slid into her; she met his thrusts, mewling each time he drove home. They made love twice more before they were exhausted, then Justin compelled her to sleep. He picked her up, opened the earth, and lowered them into the hole. Lying down beside her, he pulled her into his arms, and commanded the earth to cover them, then they slept. Stanley wandered around the room, giving Salazar time to view the file; he was awestruck by the opulence surrounding him. A small strange crystal beckoned him and he strolled over to the bookcase. Fingering it, he looked over his shoulder to see if Salazar was watching, he wasn't. So he picked it up and held it in his hands. A combination of cold dread and comforting warmth enveloped him. The strange crystal began to pulse and a tiny light appeared within its center. As he stared at the light, a quick picture flashed through his mind. It was of Salazar, covered in blood; mutilated and dead bodies surrounded him, in his arms was a woman who looked familiar, but he couldn't place her face. There were tears streaking down her cheeks and blood on her neck.

Then he looked into the Salazar image's eyes and was helpless to resist the pull of its gaze. He took a step to join them but his foot wouldn't move. He looked down and gasped in fright to see a hand manacled to his ankle. His eyes traveled from the hand to the arm, then the shoulder, and finally his gaze settle on the face. His eyes widened as he saw his boss, Justin Knight. Suddenly his boss's eyes popped open and stared right at him. "Why?" his raspy voice asked. Stanley was jerked out of the strange dream when a hand snatched the crystal from his. He opened his eyes and stepped back when he saw Salazar's glowing red eyes staring at him. "Don't ever touch this again!" Salazar growled as he turned and reverently replaced the crystal on the shelf of the bookcase. Stanley backed away some more and dropped his eyes to the carpet. "Uhsorry, didn't mean to touch. Won't ever happen again. Soum the file, was it what you wanted?" he hurriedly asked. Salazar had to restrain himself from separating Stanley's head from his shoulders because he still needed him. He'd changed his mind about replacing Mr. Leeds, so once Mr. Parks usefulness was over, then so would his life. "Yes, it was what I wanted," he said. "You have done well. You must go back to Knight Industries now, keep your eyes and ears open for anything that would interest me concerning the woman in this file," continued Salazar as he walked to the bell pull and pulled on it. A door opened and Mr. Leeds appeared.

"Mr. Parks is leaving, please show him out Mr. Leeds," said Salazar. Mr. Leeds bowed, "Yes sir." He turned and ushered Mr. Parks out of the room. Stanley sat in his car and wondered what the hell he was doing here. He was on a road in the middle of nowhere; there wasn't even a house in sight. He looked at his watch and saw it was six in the morning; the sun was just beginning to rise. His mind was fuzzy as he tried to remember what he'd been doing for the last two hours. Shaking his head, he started his car and drove away. At the moment there was nothing he could do about his memory lapses, but work began at nine, and he needed to be there. ~~~~~*~~~~~ Justin rose with Rae in his arms, keeping his promise that she no longer awaken in the earth. He laid her on the bed and kissed her awake. Rae opened her eyes and smiled. Her arms circled his neck and their kiss deepened. Justin had just touched her breasts when a knock sounded on the door. Justin groaned, "If that's Devon, I'm going to tie him to a stake in the front of the building and watch him burn with the sun," he growled, frustrated at being interrupted. Rae giggled and pulled the sheet over her head as Justin got up and answered the door. "What is it?" he asked as he pulled the door open. Garrett stood on the other side, "Is that what you're going to be wearing from now on? Nothing?" he asked, grinning.

Justin looked down at his obvious arousal and blushed; behind him Rae couldn't contain herself, and burst out laughing. Justin shot a glowering look behind him then turned back to Garrett. "What do you want Garrett?" he growled as he stepped behind the door, hiding himself. Garrett chuckled, "Devon asked me to give you this before he left," he said as he gave him a piece of paper. Justin frowned, "Left? Left for where?" he asked, puzzled. Garrett shrugged, "He didn't say. He just said to give you that," he pointed to the piece of paper in Justin's hand. Justin nodded, "Thanks," he said and closed the door. As he walked back to the bed and Rae, Justin opened the paper, read and cursed. "I'm going to strangle him!" he growled as he crumpled the paper in his fist. "What? What's going on Justin?" Rae asked as she stuck her head out from under the sheet. "It's Devon, he's gone after Salazar, alone," he explained as he wave a hand and became clothed in a black t-shirt and jeans. Rae paled, "Oh lord, he didn't?" she said as she got out of bed and clothed herself in the same manner. "Yeah, he did, the idiot," sighed Justin. Concern for his friend's life was evident in his voice. He grabbed the second I.V. bag from the floor, warmed it, and tossed it to Rae. "Here, drink this. We won't have time to feed on the way," he said.

Rae drank half the bag and tossed it back to Justin for him to drink too. Justin tried to make her drink it all, but she stood firm. "You need your strength too. So drink, otherwise I'll weave a binding spell and you won't be going anywhere," she threatened. Justin gave in and drank the remaining blood, then they both shimmered. Once in the sky they shapeshifted into hawks and flew as fast as they could, trying to head off Devon before he confronted Salazar on his own. ~~~~~*~~~~~ Devon landed gently on the ground, shapeshifting back into his human form in the field behind the house he'd learned Mr. Leeds had bought a month ago. He scanned the area searching for hidden traps but could detect nothing. Slowly he advanced, keeping his senses alert. Suddenly, huge, skeletal birds swooped down from the sky; their sharp talons ready to dig into his flesh. Devon shimmered, disappearing from under them. He reappeared and flung ice balls at them. Encased in ice, the skeletal birds fell from the sky, and shattered upon impact with the ground. Devon looked at the house, "Is that all you got Salazar?" he yelled. "I thought you were more powerful than that!" he said, challenging the vampire. The ground shook and roots from the trees that surrounded the field sprung up, trying to wrap around his body. Devon immediately fashioned a machete out of thin air and began hacking at them. One sneaky root came up behind him and wrapped itself around his throat. The machete fell to the ground as Devon grabbed the root with his both hands and

pulled on it. The remaining roots instantly encircled him, draining his strength, and he lost consciousness.

He awoke in a dank, dark room. Devon tried to bring his hands up to touch his throbbing head, only to discover he was chained to a wall. Raising his head, he looked around; there was nothing but a skeleton sitting in a corner of the room and an iron door. Too weak to transform, he pulled vainly on the chains, but they refused to move. He looked down when he felt a warm substance running down his left side, his blood was trickling from several minor cuts. Suddenly, the heavy, iron door opened, and a man glided in. Instantly, Devon's eyes were drawn to him, he exuded power, and satisfaction. He was of average height, and he wore a hooded robe that hid his face. All Devon could see were twin red eyes. "Ah, you're awake," said the man. "You must be Salazar. Can't say it's nice to meet you. So what do you want with me?" growled Devon. "Such insolence," chuckled Salazar. "I want nothing with you my young friend." "You're no friend of mine," Devon spat out. "So if you want nothing with me, then why am I here, chained to this wall no less?" he asked, rattling the chains as evidence. "I guess there's no harm in your knowing. Since you decided to invade my territory, I decided to use you as bait," explained Salazar.

"Bait? What are you talking about? Bait for what" asked Devon as a sinking feeling came over him. "Your friends of course. They will come for you and that is exactly what I want," Salazar informed him. "Friends? Ha! I have no friends," Devon scoffed, trying to bluff. Salazar smiled, "No use trying to pretend you have no friends, Devon," he said and cackled cruelly when Devon's eyebrows rose in surprise at hearing his name. "That's right, I know who you are, and I know who will come to rescue you," he said gleefully. "Your boss, Justin and his new lady, Raelynn Yakomura." That said, Salazar turned and glided out of the room, the iron door clanging shut, and locking behind him. Devon sighed and dropped his head. He regretted having come on his own, for not waiting for his friends, now a trap had been set for those same friends, and he was the bait. ~~~~~*~~~~~ Raelynn and Justin flew over the house, their eyes peeled for any surprises. "Is that a machete down there?" asked Rae when she spotted it amidst the hacked up roots, as they flew over the field. "It has to be," replied Justin. "He's the only one I know who sometimes uses a machete." "So where is he?" she asked as she continued scanning. "I don't know. But don't worry, we'll find him," said Justin.

~~~~~*~~~~~ The clang of the iron door opening had Devon swiftly raising his head and stiffening his spine in an attempt to appear strong before his enemy. Salazar glided in and stopped in front of him. "So, what do you want now?" Devon asked, glad there was no weakness in his voice. He was hanging on by a thread; the blood that still trickled from his minor cuts had weakened him considerably. He would have called out to Justin, and warned him of the trap, but he couldn't, every time he tried to reach his friend's mind, his head felt like it was going to explode. Even just thinking made his head ache. So he just continued staring at Salazar, waiting for him to speak. "She is here, after all this time I will finally have her in my grasp! Her power will be mine!" exclaimed Salazar gleefully. He looked at Devon, "And it's all thanks to you. You and that insignificant human," he said. Devon frowned, "What human?" he asked, trying to get as much information as possible. "Why Mr. Parks of course," Salazar obligingly replied. Devon's frown deepened. Parks? He didn't know any Parks. "Trying to place the name are you?" asked Salazar. Devon remained silent. He'd known someone at the company had stolen Rae's file, what he hadn't known was that the person had also stolen files on Justin and the company too. "Don't bother taxing your mind trying to remember, you'll only hurt yourself," he said. "You see, after Mr. Leeds

bought this house, he sprayed this room with a chemical I developed many years ago. It's preventing you from using your mind to communicate with others, you can't even shapeshift to escape," he explained. "What human are you talking about?" Devon asked. "Ah yes, the human," mused Salazar. "I guess it won't hurt to tell you, you'll be dead soon anyway. It was your own Mr. Stanley Parks who told me all about you and all about Knight Industries too. I now know who owns it and killing him will be a pleasure. Not only because of who he is, but because he dared to take what was supposed to be mine!" he growled, possessive anger clouding his mind. "Damnit Devon! Answer me!" Justin's voice sounded in Devon's mind and his eyebrows rose in surprise. He quickly glanced at Salazar who'd turned away from him and concentrated. Justin growled when he saw Salazar's back through Devon's eyes, but Rae's presence in his mind tempered his anger. "Can you talk?" he asked Devon. Devon didn't want to risk mentally speaking in case Salazar was in his mind, too, so he kept his gaze glued to their enemy and when he shook his head, the image in Justin's mind went side to side. Devon realized that Salazar had lied to him. It was he who had somehow blocked his mental abilities, and not some special chemical sprayed on the walls. And Salazar's anger had temporarily let Justin breach through that block. Justin understood instantly that Devon could only respond with head movements. So his question had to be yes or no ones. "Are you in the house?" the image went up and down. "Are you upstairs?" the image went side to side. "Basement?" the

image went up and down. "Does Salazar know we're here?" again the image went up and down. "He's waiting for us isn't he?" up and down went the image, then suddenly the image winked out and Justin cursed. Salazar turned back and his eyes narrowed at the intense way his prisoner was staring at him, he scanned Devon's mind and chuckled when he found it blank, every thought wiped out. You were communicating with him, werent you? he asked in a menacing tone, then waved his hand in a dismissive gesture as if to say it meant nothing to him. No matter. My plans are already working. A few minutes advanced warning is of no consequence to me. Now I must go, but don't worry, I'll be back later," he said and left the room. As Salazar left Devon alone, black clouds rolled in to obscure Justin and Rae's vision. Lighting struck, and the intensity of the raising storm forced them to land. The wind picked up, pushing them back as they tried to move forward toward the house. Then four strange creatures with clubs in their fists, flew out of the black clouds, they looked like humans with wings. Rae recognized them. "Harpies!" she shouted to Justin over the howling wind. She grabbed his arm to make him stop with her and began chanting. "Manu Foray Danakaru Solokareek!" she pointed her palms forward and a stream of red light like from a science fiction ray gun poured out from them. The lights hit the first Harpy and like the game connect the dots; transferred from one creature to the other until all four Harpies were encased in the red light. The Harpies shrieked in pain as their bodies contorted, folded into themselves, then a thin white light streamed in

the middle of the red, igniting their evil cores, and they exploded, leaving nothing but tiny bits to fall to the earth.

Stanley parked in the underground parking lot under Knight Industries and hurried to the elevators. He fidgeted as he watched the numbers light up as he passed each floor. When the doors opened, he headed straight for Justin's office. He knocked on the door and waited, but no one answered. As he was about to open the door, another door opened and Garrett stepped into the hall. "Hey, if it isn't Stan the Man, what are you doing here so late?" he asked, smiling at the lab tech. Stanley yelped at hearing his name and whirled to face Garrett. "GGarrett. Hi. UhI'm looking for Justin and Devon. Would you know where they are?" he asked nervously. Garrett's smile dissolved and his eyes narrowed dangerously, "Why do you want to know?" he asked. Stanley's eyes skittered away from Garrett's. Earlier, as he was driving away from the house, from Salazar, images and voices had flashed in his mind. Memories had suddenly flooded in and he'd nearly crashed the car, only his quick reflexes had prevented it. He'd suddenly remembered what had happened in the bar, the file he'd given Salazar, and what he'd seen in the strange crystal. Guilt weighing heavy on him, he looked back at Garrett. "Please, just tell me where they are, this is something I can only tell them," he said, almost pleading. Garrett considered the tone of Stanley's voice. He was tempted to scan the man's mind, but his oath to Justin

stopped him from doing it. He decided to tell Stanley what he wanted to know. "Devon left to investigate some house outside the city. Justin and Rae went after him. They've been gone a few hours now," he said. As Garrett spoke, Stanley grew paler and paler. They'd gone to the house, to Salazar, to their deaths. He had to stop them, he had to stop Salazar, it was the only way he could redeem his soul. Without a word to Garrett, he spun around and ran back to the parking lot, got in his car and peeled away, back to the house, back to Salazar, praying all the way that he arrived in time. ~~~~~*~~~~~ From an upstairs window, Salazar's expression darkened as he watched his harpies explode. She may have stopped his harpies but she wouldn't be able to stop what he sent next. With a wave of his hand the storm ended and the ground began to shake madly. Rae fell to her knees at the first tremor. "Justin!" she cried out as the ground beneath her opened, swallowing her. On his knees, Justin quickly crawled to Rae and grabbed her hands before she fell in the deep pit. As he was pulling her up, an enormous serpent slithered up from the hole, hissing, it slinked toward him and coiled around him, squeezing him. Justin could do nothing to stop it, for if he let go of Rae, she'd be lost to him, forever. "Justin, you must let go," Rae sobbed in his mind. "No! No, I won't let you go!" he exclaimed. "Use your gift!" "Justin, I can't. I have to see it to use my power," she replied.

"Well, I can see it and it's one ugly sucker," he managed to say. He could feel a few of his ribs cracking and knew it wouldn't be long now until the serpent snapped him in two. "Isn't there a way you could do it without seeing it?" he asked a bit desperately. "No there isn't, unless" she began then stopped. "Unless what?" growled Justin. Silence met his question. "Come onsweetheart, now's notthe time togive me thesilent treatment. You cando that laterwhen I do something stupidthat willreallypiss youoff. Now unlesswhat?" he said, in jagged gasps, then a sharp spike of pain shot through him as one of his ribs snapped. His pain became her pain and Rae knew there wasn't much time before the serpent broke more than one of his ribs. "Keep your eyes on the serpent Justin. Whatever you do, don't take your gaze from it for one second," she ordered him. Justin nodded and stared at the serpent. Its head undulated back and forth and Justin's eyes followed, not once breaking eye contact. Rae closed her own eyes, a second later a triangle appeared in the middle of her forehead and her third eye opened. She focused her third eye to see through Justin's eyes and saw the serpent. It had an enormous head and long forked tongue, which flicked out. Its hissing hurt her ears but she blocked out all sound. Power well up and the ancient words spilled out.

"Serpentum Golmti Haikaoo Feltoree! Serpentum Golmti Haikaoo Feltoree!" she shouted. The serpent's head stopped moving. Its tongue retreated into its mouth and its body relaxed, uncoiling from around Justin. Justin began to close his eyes in relief, but Rae's growl to "Keep looking at it" had him opening them wide again. "Heretado Creesture Jabbadei" she continued. The serpent began to shrink and shrink, it shrunk until it was no more than caterpillar size. Rae sighed and closed her third eye, she was exhausted. The power she'd used had drained her and her body went limp. Justin quickly tightened his hold on her hands and pulled her up into his strong arms. "Herbsin my leftback pocket," Rae whispered in his mind, she was too drained to speak aloud. "It's not herbs you need love, it's blood," stated Justin. Rae smiled weakly, "YesI do need bloodfor my body, but the herbs willreplenish my drained energy," she carefully explained. Justin nodded, lifted her slight weight, plunged his hand in her left back pocket and pulled out a plastic baggy. He opened it and pulled out a few pinches of the unrecognizable, awful smelling herbs. "Mix it with water," she instructed. Justin waved his hand and a wooden cup materialized, filled with water. He added the herbs, and to his surprise, smoke wafted up off the top of the cup and a sweet aroma filled his

nostrils. With his finger, he swirled the mixture and brought it to her mouth. Rae drank it, then rested her back on his chest. After a few seconds, her whole body began to glow, encircling them both. Justin felt a burning heat along his ribcage, then found he could breathe much easier because his pain was gone. He gazed down at Rae and saw her eyes had turned white. This is what she had done in the lab when she'd healed herself just a few days ago. The glow gradually dissipated and Rae's eyes turned back to their clear blue. She smiled at him as pushed herself into a sitting position. Justin stood and helped her to stand. He pulled her in his arms and grazed her lips with his. "You are an amazing woman, and I love you," he said as he hugged her tight. Rae kissed and hugged him back, then they both turned and stared at the house. "Are you up for this?" Justin asked, his gaze still on the house. "Yes, I'm fine now. Let's do it," she replied, and as one, they moved forward. Stanley stood paralyzed at the sight before him. A huge snake had just emerged from the ground and was wrapped around his boss, squeezing the breath out of him. He quickly shook his head and ran to the trunk of his car. Shaking uncontrollably, he tried to fit his key into the lock, but they slipped from his fingers. He picked them up and finally succeeded in opening it. He grabbed the ax, he kept there because he was a volunteer fireman, and turned toward the big snake. As he ran

forward, a strange thing happened; the snake stopped and grew smaller, then seemed to disappear. Stanley slid to a stop and just gapped. Where did it go? He looked behind him, but all he saw was the house. A bright light from the corner of his eye had him turning back, and he saw his boss enveloped in its glow. He quickly rushed forward to help, but when he touched the glow, it propelled him backwards. He lay there stunned on his back, with his arms and legs spread out, and the breath knocked out of him. Rae heard a tiny sound from behind them and swiftly turned to see the lab tech she'd burned that first night in the lab trying to get up. It was his groan that she'd heard. "Justin!" she exclaimed as she ran to Stanley. Justin turned, incredulous at the sight before him. Rae was kneeling beside his employee, Stanley Parks. His eyes narrowed, "Stanley? What are you doing here?" he asked. Stanley looked up at his boss and shivered. "I remembered. I don't think I was supposed to remember, but I remembered," he babbled. Rae soothingly petted his hand, "Shhh, it's alright Stanley. Take your time. There's no need to rush," she said softly before glaring at Justin. "Can't you see he's frightened?" she scowled in his mind. "Well excuse me for wondering what the hell he's doing here!" replied Justin as he hunkered down on Stanley's other side. Unaware of their silent communication, Stanley plowed on, his gaze on Rae. "He said you killed his family, that he had

to destroy you. He said you were a witch and that you knew the name of the vampire that bit him. He said he'd get it out of you before he killed you, then he'd find the vampire that bit him and kill him too." "That still doesn't tell me what you're doing here now, Stanley?" said Justin. Stanley turned his gaze to Justin. "I had to warn you. Warn Devon. Where is Devon?" he asked as he looked around. "Salazar has him," said Rae. Stanley's shocked gaze widened. "Oh no! He's evil! He'll kill Devon!" he exclaimed and tried to stand but Rae's hand on his arm prevented him. "How do you know he's evil?" she asked. "He's a vampire. I saw it in the strange crystal," replied Stanley. At the mention of the strange crystal, Rae went still. "A crystal? What shape was it? The color? Did it fit in the palm of your hand?" she fired questions at him, her voice rising. "Rae, calm down," whispered Justin in her mind. Rae's tortured gaze lifted to his. "What is it about this crystal?" he asked. "I'll tell you later. First I need to know if the crystal is the same one he's talking about," she replied. "Answer her questions, Stanley," ordered Justin. Stanley nodded. "It's a small crystal, oval shaped, and it does fit in the palm of the hand. When I saw it, it was blue, but when I touched it, it turned green. Then a white light

appeared in the middle, and I saw dead and mutilated bodies. And I saw you," he looked back at Rae, "Salazar was holding you, his mouth was dripping blood and his fangs were embedded deep in your throat." Then he looked at Justin. "You were there, too. Lying on the ground at my feet. At first I thought you were dead, but then your eyes opened and you said 'Why'," said Stanley. Rae stood and stared at the house. Light now shined from every window as the wind picked up and buffeted them. The Crystal of Souls she thought. Salazar must have found it after she'd fled from him as a child. "The crystal must be destroyed," stated Rae. "It's the only way the souls will escape their nightmares and ascend to heaven." "But first we must destroy Salazar and rescue Devon," said Justin as he helped Stanley stand. Rae nodded, "You're right, Devon must come before the crystal, they would want that too," she said and visibly shook herself to get back on track. "But before we go, I need to apologize to you, Stanley," she said and stepped in front of him. "Apologize? To me? Whatever for?" asked Stanley, his eyes widening in surprise. "You've done nothing to apologize for. I'm the one who gave Salazar your file." "Stanley, Salazar manipulated you. He had control of your mind, and so you had no idea what you were doing," said Rae. "I'm apologizing for having hurt you, burned your hand that night, in the lab. I was in pain, but that's no excuse. I'm just very sorry I did it. I can promise you that I don't usually go around burning people. Can you forgive me?"

Stanley was stunned. She was apologizing for his hand? "I forgive you. I guess I would've done the same thing if I'd been in your situation," he said sheepishly. Justin gazed at Rae, "I'm proud of you sweetness," he said in her mind. Rae's heart filled with more love for this man, he was proud of her. Then Justin looked at Stanley, "Stanley, I want you to go home and then" he began only to be interrupted. "No," said Stanley. "I want to help," he looked at both Rae and Justin with a pleading gaze. Rae touched his arm, "It's too dangerous Stanley. Salazar has powers you can't even comprehend. He could kill by just thinking it!" she said. Stanley nodded, "I know that. He's a powerful vampire, which is why I'll let you two deal with him, and I'll rescue Devon," he said and smiled at the incredulous look that came over Justin's face. "No, it's too dangerous," Justin stubbornly repeated. "I won't allow it." he crossed his arms. "Justin," said Rae, "I think you should let him help," she said. Justin eyes widened, "I thought you agreed with me!" he exclaimed. "I do agree it's dangerous, but I know we can't be in two places at once," she argued. "Salazar is powerful. He's had centuries to accumulate every form of dark magic. So neither one of us alone can take him, but both of us, together, might succeed in defeating him. And while we're

going up against Salazar, Stanley can look for Devon and release him," she reasoned. Justin turned his back on both of them and walked a few feet away, thinking. She was right that it would take both of them to destroy the vampire and he certainly wouldn't let her face it alone. Damnit, he hated it when she made sense, he wished for once that she was wrong but knew that wasn't going to happen anytime soon. Without a word, he turned back to them and gazed at their hopeful faces. "Alright, will do it your way," he said. "Stanley, we'll get you into the house. Devon is somewhere in the basement, probably chained. Do you have anything in the trunk of your car that will cut through iron?" Stanley shook his head. "Then here," said Justin as he raised his hand and produced a manual jigsaw. "This should work." Stanley eyes widened as the jigsaw appeared out of thin air. "How-how did you do that?" he asked. Rae looked at him. "We have powers too Stanley, just like Salazar. Only we don't kill like he does. Devon also has such powers, but he can't use them. He's too weak and has lost lots of blood," she said, her voice mesmerizing. "He's going to need you to provide blood for him Stanley." Stanley's eyes were glazed as he listened to her soft voice, and he nodded. "I don't have any blood," he said. "Yes, you do," her voice echoed in his mind. "You will let Devon take your blood. You will not stop him from doing so ." Stanley nodded, "I will let him take my blood," he repeated.

"Good," said Rae then she looked at Justin. "Can you shield Stanley, so he's not seen walking into the house?" Justin nodded and using his link through Rae he cast an invisible shield on the man and Stanley disappeared. Then they both winked out as well and, side-by-side, slowly walked across the field toward the house. Salazar's fist hit the wall, making a hole. So, they'd defeated his serpent, well, they wouldn't defeat him. He turned around and marched to the door, yelling for Mr. Leeds. Within moments his servant appeared, "Sir?" he asked. He'd never seen Salazar so agitated before he mused to himself. Things just might be looking up after all. "Kill the prisoner," Salazar ordered as he turned back to the window. Mr. Leeds nodded and left. He didn't immediately head for the basement, but to the kitchen, where he unlocked the kitchen door effectively breaking the spell Salazar had cast to prevent intruders from entering. Justin, Rae and Stanley quietly approached the kitchen door. Justin held out his hand and frowned when it touched the door without passing through an energy barrier of any kind. He grabbed the knob and opened the door. "This is too easy. Stanley, stay here until we signal you," said Justin as he let the shield around Stanley and himself drop, and cautiously stepped inside. Once inside, they looked around. Justin stayed still, on alert for anything, as Rae walked to the swinging door and pushed it open slightly to peek, it opened on the dining room.

She turned to Justin and shook her head, then went to the closed door beside the counter, and opened it. Before her were stairs leading down, so she nodded to Justin, and he motioned to Stanley to enter. "This leads to the basement, find Devon and get him out of here. We'll deal with Salazar," Rae whispered in Stanley's ear. Stanley nodded and shaking, he slowly descended the stairs. Still looking out the window, Salazar raged. Where were they? Why could he no longer see them? He turned away and paced, glancing out the window every few seconds. If only he hadn't lost the link he had with her through her mother, he'd be able to sense her. As it was he was in the dark, he couldn't sense either of them. "Maybe you should stay here, Rae," said Justin as he looked down at her. "Are you out of you're cotton pickin' mind!" she exclaimed. "There's no way I'm going to let you face that vampire alone, he's too powerful. We have to combine our power to defeat him, you know that Justin," she finished. Justin did know that, but he loathed putting her in danger. The look in her eyes though, stopped him from voicing his concerns, so he nodded and led the way to the living room. Stanley reached the bottom step and trembled. It was dark, and he hated the dark. Fumbling in his breast pocket, he pulled out his penlight and switched it on. Shining the light in the dark corners, he nearly jumped out of his skin when it illuminated the head of a cougar mounted on the far wall. The teeth on that thing looked really sharp. Stanley gulped and stepped further into the room. The light showed a door to his left and he walked towards it. Hand shaking almost uncontrollably, he reached for the knob and

nearly dropped his penlight when he heard a groan from the other side of the door. He slowly turned the knob and bit by bit, opened it. Barely breathing, he shined his light in the room, and shuddered at the sight of the skeleton in the corner. He quickly moved the light away from the skeleton and continued arching the light around the room. Stanley gasped in horror when his light shined on Devon. "Ohmygod," he whispered, aghast at Devon's pasty complexion, and the blood coating his body. He rushed forward and immediately went to work. Yanking off his shirt, he tore it into strips, and used them to bind Devon's wounds. Grabbing the jigsaw, he began sawing the chains holding Devon to the wall. Devon groaned as the sawing motion made his arm move and his circulation came stabbing its way back. He lifted his head, "Stanley? Is that you? What are you doing here?" he asked. He was so confused. He ached all over and he was so weak. "Justin and Rae are here too," Stanley whispered as he continued sawing. "They're dealing with Salazar." "Hurry up!" growled Devon as another groan escaped his throat. "I'm doing the best I can," replied Stanley as he looked at the chain. He sighed when he saw he hadn't made much headway. "Maybe this would help," a voice from behind him said. Stanley whirled, dropping the jigsaw on the floor. Devon's head came up sharply, his lips pulled back, his fangs showing.

Stanley looked at the tall gaunt man before him, his gaze swinging to the key he was holding out. "Why are you doing this?" asked Stanley. "How old do think I am Mr. Parks?" Mr. Leeds asked. "Fifty, sixty maybe," replied Stanley. "I'm two hundred years old," said Mr. Leeds. "Salazar hasn't taken my blood in over a hundred years, but because he still needs me, he has made me take his. The things I've seen, the things I've done, are horrifying. I'm tired, Mr. Parks, I'm tired of bringing him victims to feed on, then disposing of the bodies. I'm tired of living. I just want my life to end, but it won't. As long as Salazar lives, I will live. That's why I'm willing to help you now," he explained. Stanley looked at Devon who nodded. He reached out his hand and took the key from Mr. Leeds. He unlocked Devon's chains and put his arm around his waist, supporting him so Devon didn't fall. Stanley slowly lowered Devon to the ground and tipped his head to the side, exposing his neck. "Feed," he simply stated. Devon looked sharply at him and saw the glazed look in his eyes. Justin must have compelled Stanley, he thought. He sank his teeth in the man's neck and drank just enough so he could walk out of the room under his own steam. It was his turn now to support Stanley. He was grateful for the man's contribution to his health, so he picked Stanley up in his arms, nodded to Mr. Leeds, and left. Leeds looked around the room, sighed and followed Devon, up the stairs and out of the house. Justin and Rae quietly entered the hallway and slowly made their way to the end, where a door was open. Light filtered out, spilling onto the hardwood floor.

Placing herself beside the door, Rae stiffened as she identified Salazar's raspy voice chanting a spell. The spell was the same one her mother had used countless times when tracking the evil warlocks that had ran rampant across the country. "Justin, we have to stop him now!" she whispered frantically in his mind. "He's chanting a locater spell, if he completes It..." "Can you counteract it?" Justin asked. Rae's mind raced as she delved deep into her memories and sighed in relief. She'd found it, the spell that would neutralize Salazar's attempt at finding them. Closing her eyes, she focused on the memory of her mother teaching her how to stop a warlock from finding her. "Foltenay Nabatu Seelaree," she murmured under her breath. The locater spell's power dropped and was no more. Inside the room they heard a crash as something went flying, the light went out, and that something hit the wall with a thud. "Damnit! Why didn't it work! I was holding the crystal as I said the spell. Witch! I'd kill you too quickly!" he roared. This was their chance to take Salazar by surprise. Justin quickly positioned himself by the door, opposite Rae. With a nod they burst into the room, Rae performed a tuck and roll, going low for Salazar's legs, but the vampire must have sensed something, for he shimmered, and Rae rolled right into the leg of the desk and hit her head. Justin prepared for an aerial attack when he was blinded by light. He swiftly closed his eyes, reopened them to see Salazar standing over Rae, his foot on her chest, and a long sword pointed at her neck.

"Hello, Justus," Salazar greeted. "Welcome to my humble abode. Why don't you sit down?" he said and pointed to the medieval straight back chair to his left. Justin stepped forward. "Uh-uh uh, don't even think about it. I can cut her throat before you ever reached me," Salazar threatened softly. Justin clenched his fists and tempered his anger. He needed to remain calm if they were to succeed in defeating Salazar. He sat down in the chair, his hands on the armrests when suddenly, metal clamped around both his wrists, and his strength began to slowly ebb. Salazar chuckled and lifted his hand. In it was a little black box with a red button. "You didn't think I'd be prepared for you did you, Justus?" he gloated. "Right about now, your strength should be diminishing at a low rate, that's the chemical I created, which when it touches skin, will draw the strength out of the victim." Justin tried to break free, but it was no use, it seemed he wasn't strong enough. "Justin, are you alright," Justin went still when he recognized Devon's voice in his mind. "We're in a bit of a pickle my friend," he replied as he watched Salazar grab Rae by the hair and pull her up. His eyes roamed over her face as she stumbled, her gaze when she looked at him was unfocused. He tried to reach her mentally but her mind was fragmented, jumbled. "I'm stuck in a chair with metal restraints that are sucking my strength out, Salazar has Rae, he's taking her out of the room." "Why isn't she fighting back?" Devon asked.

"She's dazed, she must have hit her head," replied Justin. He tried again to get out of the chair but it was no use, he roared in frustration. "Are you well enough to help me?" Outside, Devon was already nodding and heading back inside the house. "You cannot go back in there!" exclaimed Salazar's former servant as he put a restraining hand on Devon's arm. "You're strength has not yet returned for you to battle the master." Devon growled, "I have to, Justin is restrained in a chair and Salazar has Rae." "Oh no! No, no, no! The Chair of Calvitus! You can't touch the chair. It will draw all the strength you have left. No. I will go in your place. I know what to do; I was there when it was built," George Leeds said, and Devon was amazed that a two hundred year old human could move that fast. ~~~~~*~~~~~ Rae's head spun as Salazar pulled her up the stairs to the attic. He opened the door and pushed her, sending her sprawling across the gleaming hardwood floor. Dizzy, she sat up as she heard the door slam shut. Opening her eyes, she tried to glare at Salazar but didn't succeed for there was two of him standing over, her staring at her. "At last, your power will be mine and then no one will be able to stop me. I will finally have it all!" exclaimed Salazar as he walked past her to an open book sitting on a pedestal. Her head still spinning, Rae focused her gaze on the door and began crawling to it, but cried out when Salazar gripped her hair and pulled.

"Oh no, my dear. You are staying right where you are," he said as he dragged her to a chair that sat in a circle and pushed her in it. Rae's heart began to pound as she looked down and recognized the circle drawn on the floor. It was a ritual circle, meant to conjure demons, or in this case, transfer power from one to another. That was Salazar's goal. But what the vampire didn't know was that the first time she'd made love with Justin, she'd transferred some of her power to him as he'd made her a vampire. "I see you recognize the ritual circle and know its meaning," said Salazar his smile revealing rotten and yellowed teeth. Soon you will be dead and I will have everything I deserve." Rae wasn't listening; her mind was frantically trying to reach Justin. "Justin, answer me! Why can't I hear you?" she begged. ~~~~~*~~~~~ George entered the living room and gasped at the site of a man, he assumed was Justin, slumped in the Chair of Calvitus. He quickly grabbed some surgical gloves from the desk drawer and pulled them on. Then he went down on his back and scooted under the chair where he knew a metal lever, drenched in the same chemical as the metal clamped were, was and pulled on it. He heard the click as the clamps opened, freeing the man. He quickly stood, pulled Justin out of the chair and lowered him gently to the floor. He then grabbed the sharp letter opener from the desk's surface, cut his wrist and brought it to Justin's mouth.

Warm blood trickled down Justin's throat, his eyes opened and he stared at the gaunt man as he drank his fill. His strength returned, he closed the wound and sat up. "Thank you," said Justin. "Go, they're in the attic," George whispered as sat down hard on the floor. Justin nodded and stood. Halfway out the door he turned back and looked at Leeds. "Are you going to be alright?" he asked. George nodded, "I'll be fine. Just go, stop him from gaining her power," he said. Justin nodded and ran up the stairs. Rae cringed, as she smelled the noxious fumes of Dragon's Eye dust mixed with Black Poppy. This potent mixture was often used to paralyze warlocks and witches gone bad, making it easier to capture and destroy them. She tried to concentrate on the see through window and shimmer, but her head still hurt from hitting it on the desk leg downstairs. "Justin, where are you?" she cried in her mind as Salazar blew the paralyzing mixture over her head. Her limbs stiffened, her throat seized up, she could no longer move, couldn't speak; only her eyes and mind were not paralyzed. "I'm almost there, sweetness. Just hang on!" Justin exclaimed as he leaped up to the first landing and went for the second. "He's paralyzed me, Justin. I can't move!" she cried out to him. Justin could feel her panic as he rounded the corner and took the last flight of stairs to the attic. Though his face

showed no emotion except anger, Justin was terribly afraid, afraid he'd get there too late to save her. ~~~~~*~~~~~ Devon entered the living room to find George still sitting on the floor. Concerned, he knelt down at the man's side, his hand resting lightly on his shoulder. "George, are you alright?" he asked. George nodded. "I gave Justin my blood, so he could save the woman," he said. "Come on, let's get you out of here," said Devon as he helped George stand. "No. Don't worry about me. I may be weak, but I won't die, just yet," George said as he pushed away from Devon and leaned against the wall. "You have to help Justin. They're in the attic. Both of you just might have a chance at destroying Salazar together." Devon nodded, and his admiration of George grew. The man was truly courageous. He left George and ran to join Justin. ~~~~~*~~~~~ Justin reached the attic door, and cursed when he saw the smoke rising from his hand where he'd touched the knob. The knob had been dowsed in holy water. Behind the door he could hear Salazar chanting. "Cumita Daglytar Hotura Barrakitu!" A bright light began to filter under the door, and Justin knew if he didn't get it open, Rae would die.

"Think! Think!" he muttered to himself as he ran his fingers through his hair. Suddenly, from deep within his mind, a door opened and a memory emerged. A memory of the first time Rae and he made love, her childhood. He wondered why he was seeing her childhood now, and then it dawned on him. Her childhood memories were the key. Something in them would give him the answer he sought, a means to destroying Salazar. He sat down on the step and examined each memory that surfaced of Rae's childhood. He saw again the memory of her parents' death, then when she'd skinned her knee and her mother had healed her. Nothing there helped him so he went deeper into her earlier memories. He sucked in his breath at this one as he saw Rae at the age of maybe two or three. She was sitting on the floor, crying as she saw her mother sitting in a chair, a man stood tall over the chair and blew some kind of powder over her. He saw the woman raise her hand and freeze, she no longer moved. He heard the cackle of the man, then a crash as the door in the room he was seeing opened and a tall, handsome man came in shouting, "Luminas, Jorakee, Ambutu!" Justin swung his gaze back to the woman in the chair and saw her move. Her hand came down and she stood up, her face shining, her eyes glittered with stars as she spoke. "Warlock, you have chosen the black arts as your companion, therefore damning your soul, for this I sentence you for one eon inside the Crystal of Souls, where you will suffer untold torment, until such time that I or another crystal guardian deems your sentence fulfilled." She stretched out her arm palm up and the crystal he'd seen lying on the floor in the living room appeared in her hand.

Before the warlock could move, she pointed the crystal at him and a thin stream of smoke began emanating from it. The smoke swirled and curled around the warlock thicker and thicker until he could no longer be seen. When the smoke cleared, the warlock was gone, locked for an eon inside the crystal. The tall handsome man, Justin assumed was Rae's father, caught the woman before she fell, and then looked straight at him. "You have what you need," the man's deep voice whispered in his mind, then the images disappeared, and he opened his eyes to see Devon looming over him, shaking him. "Justin, snap out of it, will you!" He was shouting over the noise coming from behind the door. Justin blinked at his friend and smiled. "I know what to do," he said cryptically and stood. Both men walked to the door and nodded to each other. The noise coming from inside escalated as Justin and Devon with their combined strength, lifted a foot and kicked the door down. Fierce wind assailed them, whipping their hair about their heads as they fought their way into the room. Justin shouted, "Luminas, Jorakee, Ambutu!" and watched as Rae's arms and legs began to move. Salazar roared in anger and flew across the room at the two men he knew should have been dead by now. He kicked Devon in the stomach and sent him flying against the far wall as he turned and raked his long poisonous nails across Justin's chest. Rae cried out as she felt Justin's pain. She growled low when she saw Justin's blood, and her fangs grew. For the first time since she'd been turned vampire, her face took on a demonic expression as a burst of strength welled up, and

she leaped several feet, landing on Salazar's back, her own long nails embedded in his throat. "You will die for that!" she yelled. Salazar cried out and stretched his arm behind him, clamping his hand around her ankle and pulled her off him. "You bitch! You will die for this!" he shouted and thrust his hand toward her chest. ~~~~~*~~~~~ Stanley had seen the light show from outside and decided to follow Devon in, to see if he could help. At the entrance he saw a medieval suit of armor holding a sword, he pulled the sword from the metal hands and slowly walked up the stairs towards the attic. The noises he heard as he climbed made him shiver and want to turn back, but he still needed to make things right. So, with some difficulty, he swallowed his fears, and pushed himself onward. Stanley reached the door, just as Rae flew through the air, and landed on Salazar's back. He shuddered when he saw her face and her gleaming white fangs. Stunned, he watched in horror, as Salazar grabbed Rae by the ankle and jerked her from his back, and then he thrust his hand toward her chest, intending to deliver a fatal blow. He saw Devon and Justin rise and run to pull her out of the way but knew they'd be too late. So, without conscious thought, he reared back his arm and threw the sword with all his might. The sword caught Salazar in the stomach, propelling him backwards into the chair where he landed on his back inside the ritual circle.

Justin and Devon fell to their knees beside Rae. Her eyes were closed and from where Stanley was standing, he thought she looked unconscious. Then her eyes opened, she turned her gaze toward him and smiled. "Thank you Stanley," she whispered in his mind. "You have to leave now." Stanley nodded, turned and left the three of them to deal with Salazar.