The harsh mechanical voice of her cellphone jarred Kyra, cracking her tunneled focus on the backlogged paperwork that Shuang had been putting off. She scrambled to answer before voicemail picked up; banging her head on the corner of the heavy desk in the process. "Ow, son of a whore."
Shuang laughed, "Not the first time I've been called that. Please tell me you don't always answer the phone that way." Kyra huffed, rubbing furiously at the smarting pain, "Only when I'm here at the dojo. The moms think it's funny. Are you on your way in?"
"That's why I'm calling actually. I have some errands to run tonight and won't be coming in. Rick will be filling in for me."
"Sexy errands?" Kyra asked, drawing out the first word causing him to laugh again. "Afraid not. Vampire errands," Shuang correct, "But I'm bringing Momo with me so there's still hope."
"Dirty old man," She teased, "Well, enjoy your super-secret vampire errands. I'm going to finish up on some work here and then head home. Don't do anything I wouldn't do. Wait, no, scratch that; do everything I wouldn't do then tell me about it. I have to live vicariously through the two of you."
Shuang snorted, "You're hardly a decrepit spinster, baby girl." Kyra laughed, turning back to the computer, "Bitch, please. I'm half a step away from adopting six cats and living in stained sweats while binging on Netflix and pizza rolls."
"Like Mo and I would let that happen," Shuang lightly replied, "Make sure Rick gives you a ride tonight."
"Yes, Mom."
"I hate when you guys call me that," He stated, "But I'm completely serious on this one." Kyra waved off his concern, "I promise that I'll be a good girl; I won't talk to strangers with candy or anything. Scout's honor. Now, leave me alone. You're distracting me from your paperwork, unless you want to come and takeover for me."
Shuang hastily declined before hanging up making Kyra laugh as she continued her work. Shuang may have lived for eight hundred years and had dealt with a great many things but the paperwork that came with owning a business seemed to be his nemesis. The moment she had offered her help he had rushed out and bought every possible piece of specialized equipment she could have needed.
In truth, she was all too happy to help; the extra work helping her to stay busy. Working for the firm was great but was only part time, leaving her afternoons completely empty. She missed the endless stream of children and their broken cords that once filled the apartment. When Shuang opened the dojo she had instantly insisted on helping; eager to hear the laughter of the kids and the excitement in their voices again.
The evening class had just started; the tiny voices of its participants filling the walls, trickling into the office causing Kyra to smile. She returned her attention on the computer in front of her, happily losing herself in the work.
"Was that Ky?" Momo asked as Shuang tucked his phone into his back pocket. The lithe vampire leaned against the glass display case with a nod, "Yeah, I wanted to let her know that I wasn't going to be there tonight. You about ready to go?"
Momo nodded, "Yeah, just have to count the deposit and then I'm all yours." Shuang grinned, reaching over to drag his boyfriend into a warm kiss, "I like the sound of that." He waited patiently as Momo finished cleaning; making sure everything was in order for the next day before bidding his co-workers a goodnight.
"Where we heading?" Momo asked as they pulled out of the bakery's backlot. Shuang eased his sleek black car into traffic before answering, "I need to speak to the sheriff about some business but then I figured I could take you to dinner, maybe hit a club."
"And afterwards?" Momo drawled, tangling their fingers together. Shuang shot him a smirk, "We could snuggling in on the couch, watch some Cupcake Wars or have dirty, primal sex that'll leave you walking funny tomorrow. Whichever you want."
"We could skip the evening out, you know."
Shuang laughed, "Dinner and dancing maybe but the sheriff would have my head if I missed my appointment with him. Believe me, he's not a vampire to cross." Momo's brow furrowed slightly, "You sound like you're afraid of him, Shu."
"It's not fear, babe, but a heal dose of respect. Not only is the sheriff several centuries older than me he's from a very distinguished, very powerful bloodline. His maker was known only as Death for over a millennia and after his transition he was known as Death's Shadow. The pair of them are pretty much legends in the vampire world. Only a complete idiot with a death wish would cross them." Shuang explained.
Momo leaned back in his seat, his fingers tightening marginally around Shuang's, "So, basically, they're vampire gods?" Shuang sighed, "Let me put it this way, when they both declined a position in the Authority, the vampire ruling council, they were asked very kindly to take some kind of position in our government so the Authority could keep an eye on them. For whatever the reason, they both chose to become sheriffs, the lowest level. No one knows why and no one dares ask."
"Should I be worried?" Momo asked after a few moments of silence, "I mean, are you going to get in trouble for bringing me along? I can wait in the car." Shuang smiled, brushing a kiss against his cheek, "No, babe, it's fine. The sheriff works out of a vampire club here in the city; you'll hardly be the only human there. Besides, you and I have a blood bond, remember? It's a big deal to us vampires and practically an instant death sentence if someone messes with you. Even the sheriff knows better than to threaten a bonded."
He pulled into a packed parking lot, the bass of the music thrumming through the car. Shuang leaned over the center counsel, cupping Momo's face, "The moment I saw you I swore that I would protect you, whether at your side or as your shadow. I would never put you in harm's way. I will kill anyone that threatens me or mine. You are safe, you will always be safe; of this I swear." He sealed the vow with a deep, passionate kiss. "I love you, Momo. You are my light, my beloved, and my bonded."
"I love you too, Shu." Momo said breathlessly, "Let's finish your business so I can show you how much." Shuang smiled and was pulling his boyfriend from the car a scarce moment later, tugging him towards the entrance. They were almost to the door when Momo came to a halt, "Wait, Fangtasia? The sheriff works out of Fangtasia?"
Shuang gave him a confused look, "No, the sheriff owns Fangtasia. Mo, is there a prob-"
"Ah, Shuang, good you're here. The master doesn't like to be kept waiting." A smooth voice stated dully from the doorway. Pam stood off to the side as a bouncer checked behind her. Her face darkened slightly when she caught sight of Momo, "You. What are you doing here?" She scanned the lot behind them, "Your pet is going to have to wait in the car, Shuang."
"Is there a problem, Pamela?" Shuang asked, stepping between the chic vampire and Momo. "He's not allowed inside," Pam answered, leveling Momo with a fierce look, her fangs coming out, "And he knows why."
The long line of club goers and tourists began to twitter at the spectacle. Pam shot them a glare that quickly quieted the humans. "If he's not allowed in than you can tell the sheriff that we can have our meeting in the parking lot. I'm not leaving my bonded outside," Shuang hissed between his fangs.
Pam studied them for a moment before heaved a sigh, retracting her fangs, "Fine." She stepped to the side, allowing them to enter. She caught Momo's arm as he passed, "She isn't meeting you here."
"No," Momo answered with a sharp jerk of his head, "I would never bring her here." Pam scowled up at him before letting him go, "Keep it that way."
"What in the name of Shangti was that about?" Shuang demanded as he led them to the bar. He quickly ordered their drinks, a Tru Blood for him and a Manhattan for Momo, before looking expectantly at his boyfriend. Momo sighed, running a hand down his face, leaning heavily against the sticky bar, "Shit. Fuck, I should have pieced it together. Shu, babe, I promise I will explain everything, just not here, okay? Please? Not here."
His gaze carefully slid over to the raised stage, focusing on the throne in its center; more importantly, the vampire that occupied it. Eric's piercing blue gaze stared back before his eyes quickly glancing around the club, taking in each face. Momo watched as the vampire's face twisted in disappointment before instantly shifting back into bored expression. He motioned for Shuang a moment later.
"We will talk about this later," Shuang demanded. Momo nodded, "I promise, Shu. The moment we're alone." Shuang took one last swig of his drink before moving towards the dais, "Stay here. Like right here. This shouldn't take long."
Momo took a hard pull from his drink, "God, I hope not."
Kyra let out a grateful sigh as she shut down the office computer, stretching her arms over her head. It had taken her forever but she had finally quelled the mountain of paperwork. Gathering her things, she pulled her phone from her bag, having it read the time as she pulled the office door shut behind her. It was far later than she anticipated, the late night class was starting in a few minutes; the students already stretching out on the mats under the watchful eye of Rick.
He glanced in her direction as she made her way towards the door. Rick stepped off the mat, intercepting her before she could slip out the door, "I'm supposed to take you home. Shu's orders." Kyra smiled up at him, patting his arm, "What mommy Shu doesn't know can't hurt him."
"Please, don't do this to me," Rick begged, "Shu will kill me. Just wait until the class is done." She sighed, "Rick, I've just fought my way through three weeks' worth of paperwork. My eyes are killing me, and that's saying something. I really just want to shower and curl up with a book. My apartment isn't far and I know the way by heart. Despite what Shu may think, I'm not a child that needs an escort. I'm an adult and I've been getting around on my own for years."
Rick shifted uncomfortably, "You know that's not what this is about. No one thinks that you aren't capable of getting around on your own."
"I know," Kyra said, "I didn't mean for that to come out as nastily as it did. I'm just tired. Look, I'll text Shu on the way and let him know that I had to pound you into the mats to get away." Rick laughed, "You can leave out that last part. Just be careful, okay?"
Kyra promised before slipping out into the muggy night air. She smiled as she walked, her fingertips skimming along the rough exteriors of the buildings as she passed. The late hour meant she had the sidewalks to herself and traffic was minimal; most people out this late were heading to the many bars and clubs that dotted the city's streets. Despite the danger, she loved the city at night. The oppressive heat of the sun was gone, the noise quieted, the people absent; yes, she loved the city at night.
The first few long blocks passed unremarkably enough, it wasn't until she made the third turn in her voyage that she began to take notice of the discreet noises behind her. Soft fabric shifted slightly, two pairs of footsteps light against the pavement that echoed her steps for the last block. Kyra made a sharp right turn as the next block instead of going left, turning off the main road. They still trailed behind her even when she took another right. There were no bars on this street, no businesses or restaurants open. She was certain of it now.
She was being followed.
Kyra carefully shifted her bag higher on her shoulder, her hand slipping in to one of the inside pockets as she listened carefully to the people behind her. There were two of them. From the sounds of their steps, they were larger than she was; most likely men. They were wearing loafers, not tennis shoes which meant they weren't concerned with her out running them. She was able to glean one more important piece of information, she couldn't hear them breathing. The smell of dirt and fresh blood curling through the heavy southern air. Her pursuers were vampires.
She slid a set of silver knuckles on, a gift from Shuang, under the cover of her bag as she crossed the street, trying to keep a mental map of her turns. She was two blocks over from the street she started out on, running parallel to it. She was dead if she got lost now. Kyra pulled her phone from her sweatshirt pocket, dialing Shuang as she took another turn.
"Pick up," She murmured, "Please pick up." Kyra exhaled when the call was sent to voicemail. Her hand crept back into her bag, tucking a small mace can of colloidal silver, another gift from Shuang, into her jean pocket.
A left turn. Four blocks from the main road, still parallel. She had just passed a Chinese restaurant and the men following her seemed content with the distance between them. Not that the few yards would mean anything when they decided they were tired of following. She dialed again, silently praying as she took another turn; adjacent to the main road now.
"Come on, pick up."
"Have you had any problems with anti-vampire groups since opening your business?" Eric asked. Shuang shook his head, resting his arms on his knees, shifting forward in his chair, "Nothing too dramatic. A few protestors occasionally but they haven't obstructed my business and there has been no vandalism."
The sheriff's reply was cut off when Shuang's cell rang again. "I'm sorry, sir." Shuang said, pulling the phone from his pocket, checking the name, "I'm not sure why she's calling." Eric waved off his concern, "I'm in no hurry. Go ahead and answer." Shuang shook his head, sending the call to voicemail again, "No, I know you're time is important. I don't wish to waste it. It's a friend of mine. She'll leave a message if it's important."
She was screwed; she was so very, royally, screwed. Kyra exhaled a shaky breath as she tucked her phone into her back pocket. Shuang wasn't answering, Momo was going to be no help; she was on her own. Her mind was whirling as she turned another corner. Six blocks from the road, parallel again. She couldn't panic. Panicking wasn't going to help her; it would only get her killed. She took a deep, calming breath before returning her full attention to the men behind her.
They weren't there. No sounds came from behind her. She didn't dare stop but she did slow her pace. Had they turned when she was distracted with her phone? Maybe they entered one of the apartment buildings she had passed? God, maybe she was being completely paranoid, maybe they hadn't been following her at all.
The wafting smell of blood flitted around her a scant second before she slammed into a chilled body, another thick form appearing behind her. "Scream and I'll tear out your throat," A deep, heavily accented voice stated in front of her as a pair of meaty hands bit into her shoulders, "You're going to come with us without a fight, you understand?"
Her mind went blank for a moment, allowing the man behind her to push her forward a few steps. Glamour, the bastard had tried to glamour her. Kyra dropped her shoulder, her bag falling to the ground; gaining the vampires' attention. Her body moved from memory, months of Shuang's training, of him beating her into the mats, taking the forefront.
She drove her elbow back with every ounce of power she could muster, slamming into the throat of the vampire behind her with the force of a sledgehammer. His cry of surprise trailed off in a gurgle as his windpipe collapsed as he stumbled back. Kyra twisted her body, following the momentum, her back foot catching the other vampire with a solid kick to the head.
You're small. Shuang's voice rang out in her head. Small means fast. Your goal in any fight is to debilitate your enemies as quickly as possible. This is doubly true for vampires. Surprise is the best weapon you have. Aim for the soft spots, the throat, the eyes, the nose, the joints. Do as much damage as you can. Don't go for the win. Your one and only job is to survive.
The vampire in front of her was falling; his back foot brushed the toe of her planted shoe. She brought her leg down from the roundhouse, smashing her entire weight into his knee. Kyra felt the joint break, heard the sickening crunch of bones shattering. His screams echoed through the dark street, a chorus of dogs barking at the sudden wail.
She was yanked off her feet, the other vampire recovering far more quickly than she had anticipated. A wheezing hiss, her only warning before a hand fisted in her hair yanking her head to the side. Kyra couldn't stop the cry of pain as his fangs punched into her neck. It burned like acid, pain like she had never experience tearing through her system. He tore out small chucks of flesh as he withdrew before driving in again. Fog filled in brain, the agony overwhelming; the pitiful moans of his fallen comrade fading into the white noise that stuffed her ears.
Your one and only job is to survive.
Kyra brought her fist up, hurling it into the temple, the skin beneath the silver knuckles popping and sizzling. He tore away from her with a howl. She stumbled back, quickly righting herself. She was losing a lot of blood, cotton already filling in mind. Her fist swung out as she prayed that she would connect. She did, the very edge of his jaw; but it was enough, Kyra knew where he was now.
She drew arm back, throwing a perfect straight punch; right into the vampire's mouth. His teeth shattered under the assault, his cry was of pure anguish. Her blooded hand closed around the can of colloidal silver, spraying him directly in the face. He fell to his knees in front of her, clawing at his face as the skin began to melt away. Kyra smashed her foot into his face, his nose collapsing under the assault.
The first vampire was attempting to stand, his shoes scrapping the concrete to her right as he tried to find a purchase. She took a step to right, swinging her foot again; the toe of her shoe connecting with the underside of his jaw, snapping his head back. Kyra leaned over, emptying the rest of the colloidal silver in his face before scooping up her bag, leaping over his fallen form to run.
Kyra ran as hard as she could down the deserted streets, completely lost now. She yanked her phone from her pocket, commanding it to call the only person she could think of.
"Hey, baby girl." Momo greeted, signaling the bartender for another drink. "Momo," Kyra's voice was shaking, her breaths coming out sharp and fast. She sounded terrified.
"Baby girl, what's wrong?" He demanded, turning away from the bar to signal to Shuang. But his boyfriend instantly appeared at his side; Eric towering behind him, his face a mask of barely concealed fury. "You have to help me." Kyra begged. There was a sudden large crash over the phone as Kyra shrieked. He could hear her swearing as she scrambled to locate the phone.
Shuang was gone instantaneously when he overheard the sheer panic in her voice, using the blood he had given her to locate her. Eric grabbed Momo by the arm, leading him away from the main part of the club and into a hallway before shoving him bodily into an office; Pam appearing behind her maker, shutting the door behind her. He glared that the vampires as Kyra came back on the phone, "Momo?" There were tears in her voice.
"Ky, I'm still here, baby girl. Are you okay? Shu is on his way. Okay? Just stay where you are, baby girl." Her breath was a staccato rhythm, broken only by a pained whimper, "I fell. I fell bad. There's so much blood. Oh God, Momo, I'm really hurt. I can't stay here. They're going to find me."
Eric's face darkened, his fangs exploding from his mouth in rage. The Viking was pure primal instinct, an apex predator as low, menacing growl filled the small space, making Momo suddenly, painfully aware of his mortality. The only thing that was keeping him on his feet was the fact that the vampire's wrath wasn't aimed at him but was, instead, directed that the fools that had dared to put the fear in Kyra's voice.
She screamed, the noise cutting and bright, but Shuang's soft voice followed; cooing and calming. There was a muted exchange of words before Kyra burst into tears; Shuang came on the line a moment later, "Babe?" Momo's grip on his phone tightened, the case digging into his palm, "Is she all right? What happened?"
"She was attacked by vampires. She was able to get away from them but crashed into a bench while she was running. She's, shit, she's hurt bad. I'm heading to the apartment." Eric snarled, ripping the phone from Momo's grasp, "Bring her here. To the back entrance of the club. Pamela will be waiting to let you in."
"Sir-" Shuang began but Eric cut him short with a roar, "This is not a fucking request." He threw the phone against the wall; it exploding into a shower of pieces. Momo lurched away from him, pressing himself against the wall as Eric turned towards Pam, "Go."
She hesitated for briefest of moments but vanished from the room. Seconds ticked by in the length of centuries as Momo warily watched Eric as he prowled the confined space; completely conscious that the smallest of infractions would set the vampire off. Pam reappeared, holding the door wide as Shu carried Kyra into the room before slamming the thick door shut, turning the industrial lock. Momo's breath caught in his throat as took in the state of his best friend.
Blood covered nearly every inch of her; the side of her face gouged and ripped from the rough concrete of the sidewalk. Her hands shredded, several fingers hung at odd angles as one shoulder hung listlessly. Kyra's shirt and jeans were destroyed, the skin beneath bloody and torn. Blood pumped sluggishly from her cavernous wounds at her throat as she fought for every ragged breath. Bile rose when Momo caught sight of the bone jutting out from her leg; glistening and jarringly white, the wickedly sharp point stuck out like a spear.
He took a step towards her but Eric was there first, gently pulling her broken body from a hesitant Shuang's arms. The room was deathly silent save for the craggy, wet breaths torn from Kyra's lungs. "We have to set the bones before I can heal her," Eric stated, his voice a thread of sound but there was no hiding the absolute command buried within them. He would butcher anyone who dared to disagree. He sank into the couch as the other two vampires took their places. They moved so fast Momo couldn't even see their movements; seemingly pulling the joints and bones back into place at the same time. The scream the came from Kyra was inhuman, covering the sickening snap of bones reconnecting. She jerked in Eric's arms but they were bangs of iron around her, stilling her from harming herself more.
Tears began to stream down her face, the pain tearing her back into consciousness. Eric susurrated soft, foreign words against her matted hair. His name came out on a jagged puff of breath, her face tilting towards him as the tears continued to fall. The velvet words continued even as his massive fangs tore into his wrist before pressing the gaping wound to her lips. Kyra seemed to struggle, the stream of inky crimson vibrant against her skin; but Eric shifted her closer, his hand carefully stroking her throat, calming her into drinking the blood.
"Eric, you can't," Pam hissed. Eric's focus shot to his progeny with lethal intensity. He bit out a vicious string of words in his native tongue causing Pam to fall to her knees, her head bowed and a perfectly manicured hand trembled at her mouth. Her marker stared at her unblinkingly for a tense moment longer, "Inform him then. I'm certain that he's already aware that something happened. Tell him that I'm going to need him here." Pam nodded as she shakily stood, heading to the door. She hesitated, her hand on the handle, "Would you have-"
Eric cut her off, "No. I wouldn't have carried through with that threat. But I wouldn't test me on this. He isn't wrong; I have no control when it comes to her. This is why I need him here." Pam nodded, "I'll try and convince him then. Knowing grandsire, he's probably already on his way here."
"Sir," Shuang hesitantly spoke after Pam had left, Momo still carefully restrained in his arms. He had wisely remained silent, making sure that his bonded hadn't interrupted either. He was sick with worry over Kyra, wanting to see to her care himself, but, he knew better than to try and take her. Eric would kill him as easily as snuffing out a candle. The sheriff was pure instinct guised as a man; death would be delivered mercilessly to anyone that dared to intervene.
"Don't." Eric declared simply, biting into the healing flesh of his wrist before returning it to Kyra mouth. Her wounds were nearly gone, her coloring bettering with each mouthful she drank; the blood of an ancient was an awe inspiring thing. Momo stirred in his arms but Shuang shook his head; arguing with the ancient wouldn't do any good.
A few long moments later, Eric withdrew his wrist. Kyra, despite her torn clothing and the blood drying to her skin, seemed to be fully healed. She murmured something sleepily against Eric's chest, her hand tangling in his shirt; her fumbled words causing Eric's eyes to soften for a moment. The Viking stood, his sleeping prize clutched high on his chest, "When she wakes, I'll get the full story from her. You are dismissed until then."
Shuang straightened to his full height, maneuvering Momo behind him as he planted himself in front of his sheriff when he tried to turn away, "With all due respect, sir, I'm not letting her leave with you." Eric's cobalt eyes darkened, "Don't think that her love for you will keep me from killing you, Shuang. You're overstepping."
"Wait, wait!" Momo interceded, pushing between the two vampires, "Shu, back off, okay? You getting into it with him isn't going to help Ky, it'd just upset her. Look, Eric, please, we're just worried about her. Just let us take her home. She'll be scared out of her mind if she wakes up somewhere unfamiliar after all of this. If the vampires who did this come after her again then the apartment is the safest place for her; we'd have to invite them in. We even have an extra light-tight room if you want to stay. Please."
Eric was silent but nodded his consent. Momo let out a breath of relief but Shuang was still tense; his eyes narrowed on the older vampires. "You rescinded your claim on her," He stated harshly, "You gave her up. While I do appreciate your actions tonight, you have no right over her, sheriff."
"Tell me, Shuang," Eric snarled, "If you were to rescind your claim over your human would you still not be vested in him? Kyra became mine the instance she traded herself for her cousin. Whether I claim her or not, she will always belong to me. But since there seems to be some confusion over this, let me be perfectly clear: She. Is. Mine."