Caramel: Book 3 of the Lord Emperor Vampire Series

NOTE: I have changed the name and company of the 2:00 meeting to Petty Logistics. It seems to suit the crime they are discovered perpetrating against Shadow Inc. Silly rabbit, you’re sooo road kill.

Ignore my little rant in the previous Q&A section. I get bitchy with the heat. Yes, I’ll just get bitchier. (It’s a medical oddity) bwahhaaahahah

Thanks to the Loyal for your words of encouragement. Just because I’m a snow bunnie, doesn’t mean everyone is. Fly my pretties, enjoy the warmth and the sunlight. Us computer geeks will stay inside and keep from frying. Laur(x3); Demon Akasha; Rosemary; k(x2); l (welcome, nice to hear from you); Rosei; Spirit and shiden--oops and Mihara and Lioncourt! Thanks. MUAH!

Chapter 122: Starvation

I pulled out a pair of sunglasses from the breast pocket. I guess my goggles didn’t project the right amount business savvy. I settled them on my face and looked at the warehouse. It didn’t feel safe. “Marcus, I need some information.” I could find people, but I didn’t have the fine control the older vampire had from decades of practice.

“My apologies, Xavier. I won’t interfere with Armor’s time again.”

“Sex took care of it.”

Marcus turned toward the building, “There are seven in the catwalk armed with rifles. Only two have any confidence. Not good. They are at opposite ends of the building. Hired muscle and his two sons are with him on the main floor. He actually has no respect for you whatsoever, Lord Xavier.”

“Thank you, Marcus. I’m going to need Armor back up in the catwalk.”

“What are you going to do, Xavier?”

“I guess I’m going to have to earn his respect.”

Armor straightened out of that slouch. My vampire was 6ft 4. Azrael’s was 6ft 2. “Be careful, X”

“Don’t miss, Pretty.”

“Haley, you’re with me. Anything happens, I want you on Petty. Hades has met with Harrison Petty once. This is not a social call.”

Armor disappeared around the corner of the building. “Lord Alpha?”

“We wait for Marcus to give me the all clear.” There was a brand new pack of smokes in my pocket. I still stank of smoke, so a cigarette wouldn’t hurt and it would keep those watching busy. Haley wrinkled his nose. I actually had a lighter this time.

“Alpha?”

“The pack asked me to ask if you will run with them tonight.”

“Run?”

“It is something Lycan do. It is an honor to be asked…even more so when it is the Alpha Pack.’

“Just the Alphas?”

“Ping and I will run too.”

“I can barely keep up with you.”

“Very few can keep up with me. I’ve always been speedy.”

/Good to go, Lord Emperor./

“It’s Showtime.”

Haley got the door. I left the shades in place, I could see clearly as I stepped into the shade of the warehouse. Harrison Petty of Petty Logistics was, or should I say, used to be a main supplier. Problems moved them down the list of reliable suppliers and it seemed things were getting worse. Can you say stupid? Maybe the early problems were just happenstance, but the report in the file was that Petty now was shorting us deliberately. He was filling our orders, selling 25% of our delivery to some competition at higher prices, then turning around and sending our “backorder” a few weeks later. Hades had one hand written note in the file. Fuck’em.

Simple and easy to understand.

I was in a lovely dark blue pinstripe suit. I looked good, maybe I should say, I looked respectable. I was the public face of Shadoe Inc. Haley fell back to my shoulder. He was in a tan suit that complemented his hair and complexion. Ping has improved his image in a sort period of time.

/One shooter down./

I let a slight smile cross my face.

“Sex!”

“Mr. Von Drachenfeld.” Haley returned.

“Apologies, Mr. VD.” That got a snicker from son number one. Haley bristled again. I reached back and pulled his to my side, making sure to stroke his hair. I could see the disgust on their faces. Homosexuality wasn’t too popular with the Pettys.

“What happened to Hades?”

“Hostile take over.”

“I never thought that little prick would get ousted.”

“So what is he doing now?”

I glanced over at Haley, “Liam?”

The pup rolled his eyes. “When isn’t he?”

“What?”

“I’d say that Hades is doing his lover right about now.”

“Are you all queer?”

“You’ll find the strangest bedfellows when you get into big business.”

“Meaning?”

“I think Shadoe Inc. has bent over and held it’s ankles long enough.” I pulled my Glocks and took out the right kneecap of son number one with my left Glock and the right kneecap of son number two with my right Glock.

“Fuck.” Harrison took still. Staring at me.

Yeah you hate filled homophobic bastard, I’m more than just a pretty face. “No thank you, you’re not my type.”

“Who do you think you’re fucking with?” His face got red and he screamed at me

“Nobody.” I let my voice stay cool and calm. “Nobody jerks around the Corporation without reaping the consequences. Yes, I have replaced Hades. I did not to come here to conduct negotiations.” I returned evenly. “So, you and your pitiful excuses for sons are going to be another example of my leadership style.”

“Another example…”

“If I have to leave my office…people are going to die.”

“So you think.”

/Catwalk clear./

“So I know. Armor!” The sound of a falling body echoed through the vast expanse. Mr. Petty stared over at the splat that once was an enforcer in his little army.

“On your knees, Mr. Petty.”

A dim spark of realization hit Mr. Petty hard. “What…what are you planning on doing?”

“Restructuring your operations. Of course, our contract is now null and void, however, there are penalties that must be paid. Your sons have paid their debt.” I dropped my left Glock and walked closer. My right never wavered. “Now, you have a choice. I can shoot you in the head and the debt to Shadoe Inc will be fulfilled, or I can kill one of your sons, and the debt will be considered paid. Can you pick one?”

“Jimmy.” The second son.

I shot Harrison in the face. The man didn’t deserve to be a father. He crumbled to the ground and began kicking. It was just an automatic response. I think the movement freaked the little Pettys more than the shooting.

I looked at the four hired muscle. “Your contract is over. Leave now and live or your can stay and die.”

The muscle disappeared into the shadows. Haley looked over at the two remaining Pettys. I stepped between them where they laid on the ground writhing in pain. I snapped my fingers. That somehow caught their attention. “Our business is done. Our association is over. If you wish to escalate this, you, your family, your pets and anything else that has touched your life will die. I’m not Hades. I don’t have the patience to deal with crap like this.

Armor walked out of the darkness to stand with the Haley and me. Number one son, Chad grimaced, his face sweaty and pale. “Three of you…we had hired professionals.”

“There are professionals, then there are professionals.” Haley stated. His nose twitched.

“Haley?”

“Drugs.” Haley was better than a drug dog. It wasn’t long before he sniffed out the secret stash. “Cocaine.”

“So that’s what you fucked us over for. Get out if you can. Your building is forfeit.”

“That’s over 1.5 mil.”

“Too bad, Shadoe Inc bought this. So now you owe us interest.” I dialed the office and made arrangements for someone to come and pick this up. I personally would have liked to destroy the whole shipment, but then I’d owe the corporation money and probably a little more blood on the Stone of Punishment. I gave a little shudder. It was great that someone had taken the time to break the shipment up into stackable boxes. Both of the young Pettys were still on the floor. Chad was glaring at me with absolute hatred in his eyes. Unfortunately it was because of the drugs, rather than his father. As I said, he wasn’t much of one.

“You are thinking again.”

I reached up and rubbed at my forehead. “When my children get here, I’m not going to be like that guy.”

“That is for sure.” Armor leaned over and pressed his lips to my ear, “What are you going to do with him? He cannot be left behind.”

“I know.”

I don’t really know what division or floor these guys came from but they arrived in an armored car. Where I had the Loyal, my men in black, these guys were the men from glad. Haley pointed out the original stash he sniffed out, then lead them to different areas he had explored on his own, pulling out more drugs, money and guns. That Lycan nose comes in handy. The Pettys were fucking us hard and smiling at us while they did it.

Haley hopped back to my side. His eyes were wide with acceleration and glittered with the hunt. “Good boy.” He rubbed his head along my shoulder. I reached back and ruffled his hair.

A man in white approached. “Lord Von Drachenfeld, we have everything, we are on our back to headquarters. Shall I call for a wrecking crew?”

I looked at the warehouse. Hmmmm. “I got it.”

“Sir?”

“How long have you been here?”

“A little over ten minutes.”

“That is more than ample time.” I took off my jacket. Haley collected it and looked up at me. “Marcus?”

“One is inside. One is outside.”

“Let’s hope the right brother got out.” I fashioned my Hand of Light bow. Haley grabbed Marcus and dragged him backwards away from me. I called up a little bit larger arrow with a wider shaft and drew it back. I let my shaft loose and tracked it as it passed through an upper window. /Explode./
Fuck! The building shattered like a glass figurine that falls out of a grandmother’s china cabinet. The roof splintered and scratched out the sky. A Blue fire ball ripped out the side walls, crumbling them like so much tin foil. Hand of Light shot out the windows sending glass shrapnel out in a mesmerizing glittering shower of death. The ground rumbled then a shock wave hit us. The limo lifted up on its side and rolled over in a scream of crunching metal.

Instinctively I staggered back and my Phoenix wings snapped out wrapping me in protective custody. Armor and Haley! I pivoted on my heel and gritted my teeth as I snapped my fiery wings wide. I kept well back from them as I burned hotter to get my wings wider. Armor and Haley were protected in the shade of my fire. It might have taken all of ten seconds for everything to be over. The Armor car was the only left standing in the vicinity…and me. The Armored car was scorched but didn’t look any worse for wear. I couldn’t say the same.

My legs shook. I was naked, wrapped in flame. My backside was speared about five times with flying debris but I had a hunk of rebar sticking out of my chest – back to front. Armor scrambled back to his knees. I watched him through the blue filter of the Phoenix then dropped to my own knees. He was yelling at me. I couldn’t hear anything but the roar of my flame. He took a step toward me to have my Pup grab him around the knees. Armor fell like a redwood in the dirt. I looked down at the glowing red metal bar sticking out of me. That wasn’t right. It should hurt. Why didn’t it hurt?

I got blasted with a fire extinguisher. Oh…there is was. I screamed. Oh god…get it out. Somebody get it out. Now that I was approachable, Armor scrambled up to me. “Hold still, Little One.”

I couldn’t move. I was on my knees looking down at the red bar. I gave another scream as the bar was jostled. Clouds of pain threatened to draw me back to the darkness. The rod got jerked out of me. I fell forward. I smelled cooked. My hand slapped over my exit wound. I got pulled back into my big man’s arms. I heard that locomotive called Unconscious coming for me.

“Healing Light….Xavier…Little One…you need to use…Light.” My hearing was dodgy. I was losing every third word. I watched stupidly numb as Armor ripped his wrist open. Hot acid poured into my searing wound. I spasmed and screamed and flopped out of his hold. I had to get away. Haley jumped on my neck pinning me to the ground.

“Alpha….Alpha….Alpha…please Heal…”

Heal. Heal….I can do that. I burst into Healing Light. The agony ripped through me again. The Lycan went flying as I thrashed. I kicked at the weight on my legs. My fangs dropped to the full extension. I was thirsty. I have never been this thirsty. My mouth dropped open and I panted like a dog. So thirsty. The scent of blood was in the air. I snapped my head around at the sweet smell of caramel corn. A man in white was laying on his back propped against a tree. He had a huge chunk of metal sticking out of his leg. The Healing Light faded but my crystal vision remained. I was hungry…so hungry. The burning agony that was my side was gone. I just wished and I was at the white suit’s side. Sweet. I missed sweets…I used to live on candy. I loved candy. I want candy. The vampire started when I suddenly appeared at his side. He brought his arm up as he saw my fangs. “My Lord!”

I tore into his throat. One hand was in his hair the other at his shoulder holding the full expanse of his neck open and vulnerable. I drank him dry. It wasn’t enough. I needed more.

“Alpha!”

Lycan. I turned my head and narrowed my eyes at him. He skidded to a halt. Too small. Apples assaulted my nose. The big brown haired vampire grabbed the pup and dragged him away. Apples were sweet and juicy.

“Xavier! You are blood starved. You need to feed.”

He was big enough. I could probably get full off of him. Pretty to look at. Too bad I’m going to have to kill him. Apples….pretty. Pretty? I let go of my empty caramel corn blood pack and stood up. Sweet.

“Oh, Little One.” There was such sadness in his voice, on his face, in those chocolate brown eyes.

Pretty…no. I can’t eat, Pretty. I need Pretty.

There was a groan off behind me. Another white suit was laying on the ground. He smelled of violets. He struggled as I dropped on him. He groaned and scratched my face as I dug my fangs into his neck. I forced a binding down on him hard. I drained him. Still hungry…

“Little One…”

I snarled at the tall man. I jumped to my feet and was at his side before he could react. I tripped him and he landed hard on his back. The Lycan rolled out of the way. I sat astride his chest. My crystal vision let me see each pulse of his heart that moved the blood through his body. Sweet. I leaned over and pressed my nose into his hair, inhaling his apple essence. Nature’s candy. I rubbed my cheek against his own.

“Alpha, NO!” I twisted glaring at that annoying little mouthful. He wasn’t worth draining.

“Mine.”

“I have always been yours, X.” I turned back as the vampire spoke. Blood was smeared all over the side of his face. “If you need it all, take it.” He turned his head and offered his throat.

Blood. I was covered in blood. I covered the apple vampire in blood. Pretty…he looked good in my blood. He needed to stay marked like that. He was mine. I lowered my fangs back down to his neck. I got slammed into hard by the pup. I twisted and caught him by the scruff of his neck and drove him hard into the dirt. I laid on him opening my mouth as wide as it would go so I could sever his spine. I stilled. I buried my face into his hair. I had my mark on him. He was mine too.

So hungry and thirsty. I can’t eat these ones. I can’t feed off of what is mine. I shoved myself off the prostrated puppy and ran towards the woods. I needed more. I had to find more.

There was no one…wait. A faint blood trail leading off from the burning wreckage. I ran toward it. He was bleeding heavily. A Human. Humans were tasty.

He was laying there panting as I slowly stalked up to him. I stood overtop of him looking down at him. He opened his eyes when he realized he wasn’t alone. I watched the blood oozing out of his mangled leg. Too much precious blood had already leaked out onto the ground. I smiled down at him letting my fangs lengthen. I licked at the blood still clinging to them.

“Lord Alpha!”

“Xavier!”

“Lord Emperor!”

I tuned out the cries behind me. I only needed to hear my prey. “What the fuck are you!” He scrambled forward. I reached down at grabbed at what used to be his knee. He screamed yet still had the presence of mind to draw on me. I caught the muzzle before he could bring it to bear and threw it over my shoulder. Since he was already bleeding…I dropped to my knees and buried my face into his femoral artery. I chugged his blood. There wasn’t as much as I hoped. He had spread most of it into the ground. His arm slammed down on me when I first latched on, but it was nothing. I let him smack at me. He wasn’t hurting me.

“No….no….no..”

I pulled back and wiped my forearm across my mouth. I was all bloody now. I licked my lips clean and watched the human expire. I licked the blood off my arm. I wiped at my face then sucked at my fingers. He was finger lickin’ good. I laughed. It rang through the small woods.

A chopper passed overhead. I glanced up at the trees. I got a sharp stabbing pain in my ass. I reached behind me and grabbed at whatever just punched a new hole in me. A dart? I stared up at the canopy and saw Vampires dropping to the woods floor.

“Lord Emperor!” I was still hungry. I turned and bolted, weaving my way through the trees away from the burning building. My vision went wonky. I stagger stumbled into the trees. I could hear the new vampires chasing behind me. I willed my wings. I clipped another tree trunk and ended up sprawled in fallen pine needles. Spikey.

I heard children squealing in play. Snacks. I needed more blood. I squinted and saw the woods end about three hundred yards ahead of me, right beside a playground. I got shot in my wing. Damn it. I turned and looked back. Too many. I could use the Hand of Light but the whole woods would burn. I turned back to the noise. I could smell them….they were delicious. One of those humans on that playground was a sugary fruit roll thingy. I had to find it. I used my wings for balance. I crashed back to the ground. Crawling forward dragged my wings behind me foot by agonizing foot. I could smell that sweet blood. I needed more…more.

I closed my eyes and hung my head for a moment. Well I thought it was a moment. I opened my eyes and found myself surrounded by Vampires in forest green camo riot gear. There were red laser points all over me. I just need something to eat. I flopped onto my ass and dissolved my wings.

“Don’t move, Sir.”

“Hungry.”

A blood pack flew at me. I caught it. It was cold. I wanted something hot and pulsing with life. I dropped the pack and tried to get to my feet. My legs were working right.

“Stay down, sir.”

I needed that fruit rolly. I rolled onto my stomach and tried to get up. Nothing wanted to work for me. I wobbled as I hoisted myself to my knees.

“Little One.”

I let myself fall and sprawled on my back. “Apple.” I lifted my arm up to him. I frowned. I thought I lifted my arm.

He pushed his way through the Vampire circle and crouched before me. His brown hair hung forward. I really thought about it and watched as my arm moved and caught his hair. I brought it to my nose. Nature’s candy. “Please…”

“Lord Marcus….”

“This is not you Xavier. You will regret this when it passes. Come here. Let me take care of you.”

“So hungry, it hurts.” I whisper through my fangs.

“I know Little One.” I reached out and touched him. He pulled me into his arms. Familiar. He was my familiar. I turned my face toward his neck. I dropped fang. Before I could get more of the blood I needed, something warm pressed to the back of my neck and I short circuited. I stared up stunned at those dark brown chocolate eyes. He shocked me. He grabbed the dropped blood pack brushed off the woody debris that clung to it. I turned my head away.

“Cold.”

I fanged the bag and filled his mouth with blood. The shock and the darts were making me tired. He leaned over and pressed his lips against mine. I went to push against him when warm blood seeped out of his mouth. I greedily kissed him, taking all the nourishment I could get. He feed me like this three times. I still clung to his lips when the heavy darkness that was calling me finally claimed me. “My Little One, what am I going to do with you? You have gotten so strong…so fast. And you still have so much to learn.”

Apples…I was in an orchard. I was safe and warm and full. I slept.