Guardian's Hope Read Free Page B

that
fascination to extremes. For most, it was play acting, but for some
it was more. They drank real blood or sharpened their teeth to
unattractive points. They thought the life glamorous. Reality was
different.
    There were few real vampires in the world and
they suffered for their curse. Most of the Paenitentia who turned
vampire were killed outright, usually by close friends or family.
Those allowed to live were kept locked away in attics or basements,
becoming more insane with their thirst until they died of
accelerated aging. Some escaped and from their few short years of
terror and bloodlust came the legends. Otto was the only one he’d
heard of who had beaten the odds and that was because of Grace.
    Some Paenitentia, especially the younger,
enjoyed a night or two at these vampire wannabe hangouts. In a
place like Bloodsucker’s, a member of the Race didn’t have to worry
about keeping their fangs in check. He didn’t think Col or Dov
would be interested in a place like this, but they’d never stayed
out for three days either. It would only take a few minutes to
check and it shouldn’t be hard to spot two matching blonde
goliaths.
    The place was a madhouse. Nico squinted his
eyes against the strobes flashing over the dance floor. Two blew
out a second apart. A pitcher of beer flew across the room. He
wanted no part of this. Looking over the heads of the crowd, he saw
no sign of the twins and was turning to leave when he saw her. She
was crying and floundering in the sea of dancers while they
laughingly pushed her from one to another. He knew immediately by
her dress she didn’t belong here. The crowd was being vicious and
cruel, but this was human business and therefore none of his. He
turned toward the door and just as quickly turned back again as
another anguished cry rose from the crowd.
    With an annoyed huff and shake of his head,
Nico strode to the center of the crowd and shoved aside the nearest
offenders, sending them careening into the tables behind them. He
lifted the woman into his arms, one arm around her shoulders and
the other under her knees. His fangs flared and he hissed a warning
at the man nearest him who staggered back, arms outstretched.
    “Whoa, man, we were just having a little
fun.”
    Nico bent until they were nose to nose.
“Maybe I’ll come back and you can have a little fun with me.” He
smiled when the would-be vampire blanched and sweat broke out on
his brow.
    As he reached the door with the woman still
in his arms, a waitress ran up to him and held out a coat and a
shoe.
    “They’re hers. I couldn’t find her purse.”
She held the door for them and winked as he passed through. “And
honey, you can come back and rescue me any time. Name’s Nora.”
    Nico nodded his thanks. Once outside, he set
the woman down and propped her against the wall of the building.
She kept shaking her head as if trying to clear it and swayed
dangerously when she tried to stand on her own. He helped her into
her coat and she leaned against him covering her eyes with her
hand. The pins that held her hair coiled at the base of her neck
had come loose and the knot of dark red hung askew.
    “It’s all right,” he whispered while he
rubbed her back. “You’re with me now and no harm will come to you.
I promise.” He held her away from him while he reached for the
handkerchief he kept in his pocket. She used it to wipe her eyes,
then brought it to her nose but changed her mind and handed it
back.
    He refused it. “Go ahead and blow. It’ll
wash,” and after she had, “Come, I’ll take you home.”
    She held out her hand to stop him. “I can
walk,” she said and took a step, staggered, and went to one
knee.
    “No,” he chuckled, “I don’t think you can.”
He scooped her back into his arms.
    “You can’t carry me. I’m too heavy.” She
slapped her hand ineffectually.
    “I can and you aren’t. My car is just around
the corner. Tell me where you live and I’ll see you home.”