Reborn to Bite (Vampire Shadows Book 1) (13 page)

Gabe started walking as he spoke and the others followed. "We'll do a pattern search. If we run into a vampire, Robert will do his thing and I'll shoot it through the heart with the crossbow. If that doesn't work, we improvise."

"I can help too, you know," Sabine said.

Gabe ignored her and continued walking. Robert gave her a studious look before following Gabe. Sam readied his cross and stake, following the others. Darren checked his gun and went off to their right flank, donning the goggles.

"Fine. I'll just protect your backs then." Sabine felt the hair rise on the back of her neck. She tried to concentrate for a minute on what might give her that feeling, but the source eluded her.

They walked into the gloomy darkness without a word, following the path leading into the park, watching the shadows cast from the faint light of the moon and listening for signs of life. The group paused at a small street for a car to pass, then continued into the trees beyond, heading diagonally through the park.

Trent paused to check his phone after it buzzed in his pocket. Sabine stood with him and waited while he typed a response as the rest of the group blundered on through the darkness.

"Who was that?" She asked, eyeing Trent's jugular as she waited for a response.

He closed the phone and put it in his pocket. "Esmerelda. We need to head for Stow Lake."

"Did she mention who all would be there?"

Trent shook his head and started walking.

Sabine felt too drained to try reading Trent's mind, so she settled for trudging alongside him. She wasn't looking forward to the mile walk or meeting the witches. She sniffed the air and reaching out with her senses. Her stomach cramped in response to her exertion. Her mind taunted her.

Blood, blood everywhere, but nothing to drink!

Squirrels scampering through the trees, and the heartbeats of dozens of people punctuated the sound of rustling leaves, buzzing bugs, and the flow of traffic in the distance. She'd never find a meal with a group of vampire hunters watching, though.

Sabine came up even with Gabe as he scanned the trees with his crossbow. "You should be careful with that. You could shoot someone's eye out."

Gabe turned to her, his night vision goggles making him look like a nerdy alien. "That's the idea."

"Just please don't hurt an innocent person by mistake."

Gabe rolled his shoulders, annoyed. "I can manage that, I think. These goggles have thermal coloring. We can differentiate warm blooded from cold blooded. You're colder by twenty degrees it says here."

Sabine felt a tickling in her mind and glanced at Robert. She was getting a bad feeling about him. "You know what? I'm gonna jog ahead. The witches are at Stow Lake, and I can make sure the way is safe for you guys."

Gabe opened his mouth to say something, but Sabine was already gone. He stopped and looked back at the group. "How did she know where the witches are?"

Trent pushed past him. "I got a text. I'd better go after her and make sure she doesn't get shot in the back with a crossbow."

Sam and Robert shared a look with Gabe as Trent disappeared into the brush ahead of them.

"Where's Darren?" Sam asked.

They looked around, but Darren was missing.

"I said no!"

Sabine ran to the sound of the woman's voice, her feet barely touching the ground. A quarter mile separated her from the vampire hunters when she stopped at the edge of a small clearing. A man wearing a fancy jogging suit and a sideways baseball cap was climbing all over a woman in a sun dress and denim jacket. His prodigious fake gold chains dangled in her face as he struggled to hold her arms and lift her skirt.

"Eddie," the woman implored, trying to break the man's grip. "Let go!"

"Just relax, it'll be over in a few minutes," the pig said, trying to get a decent grip on the struggling woman's underwear. He outweighed her by fifty pounds, and used that advantage to hold her wrists one-handed.

Sabine rushed over and grabbed Eddie's neck, lifting him up off the woman as easily as if he were made of paper mâché.

The woman gasped. "Oh my God!"

Sabine turned the man to face her and pulled him in close, avoiding a few attempted punches and kicks. Staring into his eyes, she said "Date rape playtime is over, Eddie."

His eyes glazed over as his mind fell under her control. She held him immobile, but he would still be aware of what was going on.

Sabine turned her gaze to the woman. "Are you okay?"

"Y-Yes, thanks," she said, pulling herself together and scrambling back. Her eyes were like saucers, staring at how Sabine had subdued her would-be rapist.

Sabine sent out a little bit of glamour. "You should rest for a few minutes, to get back your strength."

The woman nodded and collapsed on the ground, out cold.

Sabine turned back to Eddie. He had apparently gotten a dose of the message too, because he was out like a light. Sabine focused on his jugular and sighed as she sank her teeth into his neck. She drank fully, enjoying the warmth that filled her body and the feeling of completeness. Part of her wanted to end this rapist's life and was tired of being denied. Once again, she put the feeling back in its little box.

The sound of stealthy footfalls rapidly approaching told her that it was time to wrap up. She licked the wound closed, and tossed Eddie on the ground like a half empty soda can.

Trent burst into the clearing a moment later, and quickly surveyed the scene. "What did you do?"

"I stopped a date rape," Sabine said, and walked over to the sleeping woman. She reached down and shook the woman awake. "You can wake up now, you're safe."

The woman blinked. "What just happened?"

"Eddie tried to rape you," Sabine said, kneeling by her. "What's your name, miss?"

"Scarlet. Who are you? How did you lift him like that?"

Sabine leaned in and stared into her eyes, sending a tiny bit of energy into the woman's mind. "I didn't pick him up."

"Okay," the woman said, accepting Sabine's help getting up.

Trent gave Sabine a disapproving look. He crossed his arms over his chest.

Scarlet approached Eddie's unconscious body. "What did you do to him?"

"I knocked him out," Sabine said, watching Trent's raised eyebrow. She dared him with her eyes to say something.

"So he's not hurt?" Scarlet asked, grabbing her bag and straightening herself.

"You're not seriously worried about that asshole," Trent said, coming forward.

She was startled for a moment and took in Trent's large frame. "Oh, not at all. I just wondered if he'd gotten what he deserved yet." She hauled back with her right leg, and kicked him hard in the stomach.

"Ooooof!" Eddie woke, grabbing his gut in pain.

"That's for attacking me, you sonofabitch!" Scarlet pulled out a can of something, and fiddled with it for a second before aiming at Eddie's face.

Eddie swore a blue streak at her, holding his midsection.

A stream of pepper spray shot from the can in Scarlet's hand into Eddie's face, coating his eyes and mouth with noxious liquid fire.

He screamed.

After a few seconds of letting her unload its contents onto the writhing, pathetic man, Sabine grabbed the can away from Scarlet.

He reached blind into his pocket and pulled out a butterfly knife, fumbling as he twisted it open. "I'm gonna cut you!"

Darren stepped up from the bushes from one direction, and Gabe, Sam, and Robert approached from the other. They watched as Eddie half-sat up and waved blindly, trying to slash anyone close.

Trent kicked the knife out of Eddie's hand and caught it in mid-air.

"What do we have here?" Gabe asked, slinging his crossbow back and raising his goggles.

"Eddie, don't ever call me," Scarlet said, walking off.

Eddie held his stinging eyes and tried to stand. He gave up and sat on the grass, cursing.

The hairs on the back of Sabine's neck started to tingle, so without a word she turned and started walking toward the lake. The vampire hunters shared a few glances with Trent and started following her.

They walked for several minutes in silence, each watching the trees for signs of anything unusual. There were quite a few homeless people around, but no vampires. At least none that popped out and greeted them. That was the only way Sabine figured they'd know one if they saw one.

"Is anyone going to explain what just happened back there?" Gabe asked, a few paces behind Trent and Sabine.

They came to another break in the trees, and Sabine turned to face the hunters. "I stopped a date rape. It's no big deal. I do stuff like that all the time."

"But how-"
did you know it was happening?
Gabe was starting to say when she interrupted.

"I have really good hearing, Gabe. That's how I knew it was happening."

"Why did you intervene?" Robert asked, his stare making her nervous.

"I bet Scarlet back there isn't asking why. She's just thankful someone was there for her. That's more than I got a year ago."

She turned and kept walking. The others followed.

"You used vampire speed to get ahead of us and take him down." Darren said.

Sabine just nodded and kept walking.

"Just exactly how fast are you?" Gabe asked, holding the crossbow aimed at her back.

Sabine stopped walking. Keeping her back to Gabe, she said "Pull the trigger and find out."

Trent turned to give Gabe a warning glare.

Gabe ignored him as he approached, focusing on Sabine. He stopped directly behind her. He hesitated a minute before lowering his weapon. Then he chuckled and kept walking.

Sabine frowned and followed with the rest of them. "What's so funny?"

"I was just thinking about aiming for your heart. And when I thought about where your heart might be, I thought that your heart seemed to be in the right place. Figuratively speaking."

Sabine scowled at him. "That's not funny when you're the one in the cross-hairs," she muttered.

The small group made their way across the concourse and the Japanese Tea Garden. They approached the eastern edge of Stow Lake cautiously, watching for any signs of vampires. As they were deciding which way to go, Sabine's cell phone rang.

She fished it out of her bag and flipped it open. "Hello?"

"Good evening dear, it's Esmerelda."

Sabine looked around, half expecting to see the woman standing right next to her. "Where are you?"

"Please go to the Roman Bridge on the north side of the lake, and I'll meet you on the other side."

"Okay, but-" Sabine heard the tone indicating the call dropped. "That was abrupt. Well, I guess we turn right," Sabine said, putting the phone away.

"Are you working with the witches, hoping to use us in some sacrificial ceremony?" Gabe asked.

Sabine stopped mid-step and turned back to look at him. Sam and Darren and Robert were all staring at her as well.

Sabine threw up her hands in frustration. "You know what? Stay here. Go back. You'll probably be safer. If they want anyone, it's me, but if you get involved, then the consequences are on you."

"I believe her," Sam said, looking less confrontational than the others.

Robert put a hand on Gabe's shoulder, and whispered into his ear, underestimating Sabine's hearing. "I got your back. If she tries anything, I'll take her down."

Nice
, Sabine thought, turning and leading the way up the stairs toward the Roman Bridge.

Sabine and the others stood on the sidewalk of Stow Lake Drive on the north side of the Roman Bridge, and stared at the gathering on the far side. She counted twenty-five women, arranged in groups of five, some on the steep hillside path which climbed up behind the main group. A small army of witches, dressed in a variety of Halloween costumes on the younger ones and normal clothes on the older ones. Esmerelda was among them and wore a concerned expression. Standing next to her was her granddaughter Elise, who covertly waved at Trent and Sabine. Most of the rest glared with animosity toward Sabine.

No big deal. Just like Junior High
, Sabine thought to herself. The little tremor in her hand and that ants-crawling-on-skin feeling weren't fear talking. Nope.

The place felt alive with energy. The witches on the other side of the bridge shimmered, like a mirage on a hot desert.

"They have normal body temperature," Darren said before lifting his goggles.

"Witches?" Gabe asked Sabine.

Sabine shrugged. "I'm guessing yes."

"Well, might as well get the party started," Trent said, walking onto the bridge. Of course, he had nothing to fear. Esmerelda wouldn't let them do anything to harm a member of her husband's pack. They watched as Trent made his way across the bridge with a casual stride.

Sabine looked back at the others. "I have to do this. You guys should stay here."

Darren eyed the women. "Those ladies look lonely to me. I think I'll go."

Sam laughed, and patted Darren on the shoulder. "Spoken like a true man of action. I'll be your less attractive wing-man."

Gabe smirked. "I'll go just to witness Darren go down in flames. Possibly literally."

They looked back to Robert. He looked lost in thought.

"You coming too Robert?" Gabe asked.

Robert's attention snapped back, and he shook his head. "I'll stay right here, thanks. You kids have fun."

Sabine turned and faced the witches, taking a deep breath to steel herself. "Okay, let's do this."

She walked forward onto the bridge, overcome by a feeling like she was wading through electrified jello and walking on duct tape. Her skin tingled. Each step felt worse than the last one, until finally, the feeling melted away. She stepped onto the ground at the other side of the bridge with every nerve tingling.

"Amazing," one of the witches blurted out.

"It's Impossible!" another spat.

"I told you, Heather," Esmerelda said, regarding the one who thought something impossible.

"Hi, ladies," Darren said, smiling as he shook himself. "Did you guys feel that? I have goosebumps. Must be all these lovely women."

The other men rubbed their arms and shook themselves as they completed the bridge crossing.

Sabine scanned the witches' faces, one to the next, seeing a mixture of fear, contempt, curiosity, and amazement. Now that she was close to all the witches, she sensed that some of them had strange heartbeats and a different energy. She moved a little to the side, and watched the expressions on the women. The unusual ones didn't track her with their eyes. Magical holograms? A chill crept up her spine.

"I heard you all wanted to meet with me."

The one called Heather stepped forward, a silver cross adorning a fashionable red pencil dress and matching blazer, and sporting very high heeled red pumps. She looked to be in her early thirties with long blonde hair tied back in a ponytail. She wore scholarly glasses, and the only thing that marred her perfect look was the stone cold contempt in her eyes.

"Explain how you got past our wards, vampire," Heather said as greeting, then as she saw the cross on Sabine's chest, "How can you wear a cross?"

"I told you-" Esmerelda started.

"I want to hear it from the vampire!" Heather yelled.

Sabine gritted her teeth. "I have a name. It's Sabine. Would you like me to go around calling you witch?"

Heather laughed, and leveled a mean glare at Sabine. "We all know what your human name was, vampire."

"Maybe 'witch' with a capital B is more like it," Sabine muttered. She looked around for Trent, hoping to borrow some emotional support. He was staring at her with a blank look on his face. She turned to the other men, and they had those same looks. Mind control? "What did you do to the guys?"

"Nobody will interfere with your trial, vampire. Especially not your thralls," Heather said, focusing on Sabine.

"Thralls? Trial? Excuse me? Trial for what?" Sabine asked, looking to Esmerelda.

Esmerelda's eyes were sad. "Thralls are what some people call a vampire's human servants. People who are enthralled by a vampire to serve without question. Heather, I believe I can vouch for Trent. He's not a thrall."

"And we'll be talking about your complicity in this later, Esmerelda," Heather said, glaring.

Another woman stepped forward. She looked forty-something, and wore a casual long sleeve knit sweater over jeans and sneakers. Her jet black hair was cut shoulder length with bangs, framing her lean face. "Sabine, my name is Phoebe. You have done something we didn't think possible by crossing the water just now. The wards we put up would stop any vampire."

Heather interrupted. "The entire peninsula of San Francisco is a vampire-free Haven, upon which you're trespassing. You're apparently immune to our wards. Otherwise, you'd realize that vampires are not allowed in our city!"

Esmerelda smiled, and walked over to stand by Sabine. "She is what I told you, a vampire with a soul, and her essence is not evil, even though her power may be born from darkness."

Sabine swallowed. "I understand you don't want me here. But can you release my friends?"

Heather spat. "Your thralls don't have a part in your trial."

"Um, they're friends; not 'thralls'. In fact, they're vampire hunters, and we're in the process of tracking down a vampire that may be repeating the ceremony that I went through a year ago."

"The resurrection ceremony that Esmerelda mentioned?" Phoebe asked.

Sabine nodded and put a hand on Gabe's shoulder. "Gabe here had a tip that some witches were working with a vampire to do some ceremony tonight. I'm afraid the vampire who turned me and had Regina and Michaela resurrect me might be doing his sick experiment again tonight. Or worse."

"Working a spell like that could have been how the wards collapsed last year, Heather," Phoebe said.

Heather got a manic look in her eyes. "So it's possible that the wards could come down again tonight?"

Phoebe and Esmerelda shared a thoughtful glance, and nodded.

Phoebe approached Heather. "Heather, you should consider that Sabine might be a better ally than an enemy. She is not affected by our wards, but she was Regina's and Michaela's friend. They spoke of her often. I don't think she's a threat to us. Perhaps the Goddess has a purpose you don't yet understand."

"Are you forgetting that she's a vampire? We can't allow even a single one here, or they all might latch onto her as a clause that breaks the ward," Heather said, pulling a wand out from her coat. "She needs to be exiled. I simply can't have any vampires within the city."

"Now wait just a second," Sabine said, raising her hands. "You can't just send someone away." Then she had a guilty thought about how she planned to do the same to the biker gang in Sam's neighborhood. Karma, biting her in the ass preemptively?

Phoebe put a hand on Heather's wand arm and turned the younger woman so they could have eye contact. "We had some very specific clauses in the wording of the spells. Sabine isn't an ordinary vampire. She's not evil."

Heather glared at Esmerelda. "Adding those clauses was your idea if I recall."

Esmerelda nodded. "It made the spell stronger and easier. And more judicious."

Sabine started to wonder about the witches and their wards. If they had driven the vampires and whatever else out of San Francisco, that would explain why she had never encountered one. The big question then became... where had all those vampires gone? She thought about the night she had dug herself out of the ground. She had been buried in the park, north of the Golden Gate Bridge; which would have been outside the wards. That was probably where the ceremony was happening now, if she had to guess.

Sabine sent a telepathic message to Trent to see if he was there or not. She sensed him fighting the mind control, and she sent him encouraging thoughts.

Trent blinked.

Sabine addressed Heather, trying to make eye contact to keep her from noticing what was happening with Trent. "These wards took a lot of energy. If you went to all that trouble, it must have been for a lot of vampires. How many were forced out by your magic?" Sabine asked.

"It's none of your-"

"Over a hundred, Sabine," Esmerelda said, cutting off Heather's reply.

Sabine did her best to contain her shock. A hundred vampires? "Where did they all go?"

"I don't care as long as they're not in our city, but you're about to find out," Heather said, waving the wand in a circle.

An iridescent bubble formed in the circle of air scribed by Heather's wand. It wobbled like a soap bubble but seemed to gain substance, and started growing.

Phoebe put her hand on Heather's shoulder. "Heather, no! Dismiss it! We should try to work this out."

"Okay, what's that?" Sabine asked, backing up into a solid wall of muscle. Trent's strong frame was her only source of comfort, strange as it sounded in her mind at that moment. She felt him move behind her, gently patting her bottom with the hand the witches couldn't see.

"It's a Ley bubble, vampire," Heather said in the pause, looking over the growing bubble. "It's going to take you away."

Sabine opened her mouth to say something, but Heather bent down and blew gently on the bubble, sending the undulating mass of energy straight at its vampire target. Sabine shook her head and rounded behind Trent, hiding as the bubble approached.

Esmerelda was suddenly there, too. "It's okay dear, I'll go with you."

"No!" Heather yelled, running forward to pull Esmerelda back. Heather reached out to pull the older witch away, only to have Esmerelda grasp Heather and tug her into Trent as the bubble warped up and around the four of them.