B0089ZO7UC EBOK by Jez Strider Read Free Book Online Page A

pounding and I rubbed my eyes roughly.   “Do we have to worry about the police?”
    Antonio spoke first.   “Dante had some police on the payroll.   Besides, we are relatively secluded out here.   None of the patrons are going to speak out.   It would do harm to their precious reputations to admit they were here.   Unfortunately, I do have to stay here for a while to keep the business afloat.   There would be too many vampires looking to feed on the streets if this place goes under.”
    “Are there really that many vampires?”   The shock in my voice must have been evident.
    “Dante had many…admirers.   It’s going to be hard to usurp his throne, but I can do it.”   I knew there was more he wasn’t telling me, so I glared at him until he continued.   “He was my father and I’m not much younger or less powerful than he.   I just never wanted to oppose him.”
    For a long moment my mouth hung open in shocking revelation.   “You…you were already a vampire when we were together in Venice.”
    Marcus had taken a seat in a nearby chair.     His fingers were tapping the armrest impatiently.
    “I want to go home.”   It was hard to explain how I felt, but something was strange.
    Antonio gave a slight incline of his head to Marcus, who brought my clothing over.   They both helped me out of the bed.   I knew they hated each other, but despite the tension, they were working together for me.
    “The blood you’ve had from me and my father.     It’s going to change you, mio amore.   That is why you feel so sick.   Your cells are mutating into something different.”     He forced a smile, trying to reassure me.  
    I didn’t want to change.   I was fine the way I was.   “How so?”
    “You’ll need to feed more often.   More than likely any vampire skills will be greatly amplified.”   His hand lifted in a slight gesture toward Marcus.   “He has volunteered to let you feed on him until the process is finished and you can fend for yourself.”
    Marcus just gave me a little grin and wink.   It was hard to tell if he was excited about me drinking from him or the fact he could give me what Antonio couldn’t.  
    “Once again, I’m glad everyone else had decided what’s best for me.”   I said with a heavy dose of sarcasm in my voice.   Stubbornly, I made them let me get dressed by myself.   When I was finished, my brow was dotted with sweat and I had to sit back down.
    Both men ignored my comment.   Antonio tossed Marcus a set of keys.   “Take my Fiat and don’t let her out of your sight.”
    “She’s not leaving my place until that psycho is dead.”   Marc responded.
    Antonio got down on his knees in front of me.   “I’m going to get him.   I’ve got some men that I trust assigned to help Marcus guard you, okay?”
    All I could do was give a nod.
    “Alright,” he stood and kissed my lips gently.   “I’ll be in touch as soon as I can.”  
    Antonio and Marcus had another angry look at each other before Marcus crouched in front of me facing away.   I wrapped my arms around his neck and he carried me out of the room on his back.   I must have fallen asleep again because I don’t remember much for a while after that.

 
    The radio was playing softly when I awoke.   I thought I’d heard Delilah introducing the song before it started playing.
    “Seriously? You’re listening to love songs?”   I asked Marcus as he looked over from the steering wheel.
    He laughed.   “Not really.   I was more lost in thought and I figured the kind of music I like would wake you.”
    “Probably.”   This music was definitely not what I needed.   My heart was tender enough without love songs pulling at it.   I turned the music off completely and rolled down my window.   My body was still burning up with fever.
    “We’re almost home.   Then you can get the real rest you need.   From what I understand it could take about a month before you feel completely