The Vampire SEAL Collection, page 34
“Are all the Sentinels your age?” Sam asked.
Great question. I’d been wondering how old they were. They all looked around our age, including Webb London, who was Dad’s second in command and drop-dead gorgeous.
“Well, let me put it this way. All the Sentinels turned vampire between the ages of seventeen and nineteen. It’s a requirement for the vampire SEAL program. We like them young so that we can mold them into good soldiers.”
“Didn’t you tell me that Webb turned at twenty?” I asked.
“I might have, but he was nineteen when he turned and I recruited him a year or so later,” Dad said.
“What does it matter, Jo?” Sam asked. “They all look as young as we do.”
“Not Dr. Vieira,” I replied.
“You’re right, sweetie,” Dad said. “Dr. Vieira turned later in his twenties. But…he is a doctor and not a Sentinel.”
“Pops? Did you start the vampire SEAL program?” Sam asked.
Dad’s cell phone rang.
“I did, with the help of a few people with the human military.” He slipped out from behind me. “I’ll explain it to you someday.” He dug his phone out of his pocket.
I sat there thinking about age. Vampires were immortal as long as they weren’t killed. There were only a few ways natural-born vampires could die, and growing old wasn’t one of them. As I learned recently, I could die if someone beheaded me, burned me to death, or drove a cobalt blade through my heart. None of those options sounded like a party.
“Go,” Dad said into his phone, walking toward the kitchen. Halfway there he stopped midstride. “They can’t be. They’re not expected for a few more days. I thought I had time to explain it to them. Merda!” His tone dropped to a low growl as he spoke the last word.
Uh-oh. What was going on? My father sounded irritated. I didn’t recognize the last word, but I imagined it was some curse. I opened my mouth to speak.
“Sam? Jo?” Dad said.
We jerked our heads in his direction.
“Why don’t both of you come and sit at the bar? I need to talk to you about a few things.”
I didn’t like the sound of this. Sam and I glanced at each other and he shrugged, as if he could read my mind. We made our way to the bar and pulled out two high-back chairs. Dad stood on the other side of the counter, biting the inside of his cheek, confirming my suspicions. He did that whenever he was irritated or worried about something.
Sam slid onto the stool with ease, given his six-foot height. I had to step up on the bottom rail to climb onto mine.
“First, I know I haven’t spent time with you like I wanted to. As you know, I’ve been busy with all the government bureaucracy. I had wanted to get started discussing school and other things, but it seems I won’t have time today either.” He let out sigh. “There are a few reasons, which I’ve mentioned, why you’ve been confined to this apartment. The critical reason is your bloodlust phase. As the two of you have experienced, the bloodlust period is difficult. You cannot be around humans while trying to get your hunger under control.”
I thought of Ben as he mentioned humans. I could still smell his burned-sugar scent that seemed to be glued to my brain. Yeah, he smelled appetizing, and my mouth watered at the thought.
Dad quirked an eyebrow my way. “Problem, Jo?” he asked.
I shook my head vigorously. I had to remind myself that Dad and my brain didn’t mesh well. His mind-reading talent was trouble with a capital “T.”
“To continue,” he said, “our world has laws and a process that governs who can make the change. It’s not like you decide one day you want to be a vampire and then you are.”
“I didn’t decide anything,” Sam said. His voice had a good amount of bitterness in it. “And you didn’t give Jo much of choice, now did you?”
Dad stared at the counter. It seemed Sam had hit a nerve.
“I’m sorry about that, son,” Dad said, lifting his gaze to Sam. “I truly am.”
“Dad, are you trying to tell us a something?” I asked before the two of them got into it.
Dad blinked. “Yes. I thought I had more time to explain a few of our laws, but…” He placed both hands on the counter. “I don’t know what’s going to happen or what they have in mind, but I want you to listen and obey.”
I had no idea what he was saying. My heart picked up an extra beat, and I started tapping my foot on the bottom chair rail. Who was I supposed to obey? Did we do something wrong?
“You’re not making any sense,” Sam said. “Why are you so nervous?”
Dad closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger. “Like humans, our laws are in place to protect our society, our people,” he said, opening his eyes. “If we didn’t, vampires would run rampant around the globe doing whatever they wanted to. There are some laws you’ll learn soon enough, but I was hoping to at least have the opportunity to explain the Eternal Protection Law. It governs the rules and regulations involved when natural-born vampire children decide to become fully-fledged vampires.” He glanced at Sam then me.
My nerves were doing some kind of tap dance in my stomach. I’d seen my father extremely pissed once before, but at this moment, he didn’t look as mad—more irritated, as if whatever he was about to explain were out of his control.
“The Counsel of Eternal Affairs mandates the laws within our world,” he said.
A choked laugh hung in the back of my throat. The Counsel of…Who were they? What was the Eternal Protection Law? As I deciphered Dad’s words, Sam snorted.
“What the fuck are you trying to tell us?”
“Son, I’ve warned you about your language. I don’t want any swearing under my roof,” he said, glowering at Sam.
The room became as quiet as a church. They both stared at each other again. Black threaded through Sam’s green eyes and silver dominated Dad’s emerald orbs. I had yet to get used to their ego-trip staring contests. They were so much alike in many ways, yet so different in others. Their relationship reminded me of pouring oil in water. It just never mixed well. I prayed everyday they would work out their differences. I guess I shouldn’t expect miracles since we’d only been together as a family for fourteen days.
“Dad? Counsel of Eternal Affairs. Remember?” I asked, trying to prevent an argument.
He broke eye contact with Sam. “Because I didn’t get prior written consent from the Counsel for both of you to become vampires, we have to explain and justify what happened.”
I didn’t like his reference to we. Plus wasn’t this a free society?
“So? That should be easy, right?” Sam asked.
“Well…yes…and no,” Dad added as he raked his hands through his jet-black hair. “The Eternal Protection Law is a law that the vampire government is extremely strict about. There’s a lot of paperwork followed by a hearing, then a board of vampires analyzes each case. If all goes well and they approve someone to become a fully-fledged vampire then you’re admitted to Grayson Manor to make the change. Afterwards, there are restrictions and steps you must follow during the bloodlust period before they will allow you around humans.”
A knock sounded at the door. As always, Sam grabbed my hand, stood up and planted his body in front of mine. I adored his protectiveness, but lately his smotherly-love was getting a little out of hand. We were in a secure facility and in Dad’s apartment, no less. Who could hurt me here?
I glanced at Dad, who was looking at his watch. His eyebrows were drawn together.
Before I could ask him if everything was okay, he strode over to the door, and opened it.
I peered around Sam to find Webb standing in the doorway. I had to keep my mind from wandering or else Dad would surely have a cow if he read my thoughts about Webb. But every time I saw gorgeous vampire I couldn’t control the racing of my heart. My body had a mind of its own. I gave myself a stern lecture to keep my thoughts at least rated G.
As always he looked handsome as ever. He had his wavy brown hair tied back in a low ponytail. His SEAL uniform fitted his body to perfection, especially the black T-shirt that stretched across his toned chest. But what always had my belly fluttering were his cobalt blue eyes. He looked past Dad, searching the room. When he found me, he slanted his head and smiled. A captivating smile that instantly clothed my body in goosebumps.
Sam growled as though he were staking his territory.
“What’re you doing?” I asked in a low tone only Sam could hear.
“Nothing,” he replied.
“Bull crap. You don’t have to protect me from Webb.”
“Oh, yes I do. There’s fire between you two,” he shot back.
I laughed then pushed him. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
I was beginning to think that maybe it wasn’t my father I had to worry about.
“Enter, Lieutenant London,” Dad commanded.
Webb followed Dad’s order. “Sir, they’re here. We should go.”
“Why are they here two days early?” Dad asked.
“The Counsel has a pressing matter with Lord James that suddenly came up.”
My father’s eyes widened as both he and Webb walked over to the bar.
“Christ. I can’t even take one day off without something happening.” Dad looked at Webb. “What’s going on?” he asked.
“Sir, I’m not sure. Regardless, we must take care of this matter with the twins today, if at all possible.”
My gaze volleyed back and forth between Webb and Dad. Who the heck was Lord James? He didn’t sound like military personnel.
As Webb placed his hands on the bar, Sam stood, blocking me from Webb.
“Son, stand down. Webb isn’t going to hurt your sister.”
“See, I told you,” I said as I pushed Sam out of my way.
My brother’s relationship with Webb—well, it was nonexistent. A couple of times during the past two weeks, Webb had visited Dad for his signature on military papers. Each time was the same. If Sam were in the room, he would hover around me, watching every move Webb made. When I asked Sam why he kept trying to protect me, his answer was always, “There’s something about him. I can’t put my finger on it. Until I figure it out, I don’t want him near you.”
Jeepers. If I ever went out on a date, I would be in serious trouble. No, scratch that. My date would be in serious trouble. Between Dad and Sam, any future boyfriend didn’t stand a chance. Nevertheless, it would probably be a very long time from now. Most boys never liked me as a human. Now that I was a vampire, it would snow in hell for anyone to like me.
“I barely scratched the surface of the Eternal Protection Law when you knocked. I guess we’ll see what they have to say.”
“What’s so urgent?” Sam leaned back against the high-back chair.
“The Counsel of Eternal Affairs is on the premises,” Webb said. “They’re here to meet with your father and both of you.”
“Why are they here now?” I glanced at Dad.
“When I filled out the paperwork last week,” Dad said, “they set a date for the hearing, which was six months out. When I explained the situation and that you’d already become vampires without their written consent they moved us to the top of the list.”
Biting my lip, I asked, “And why do you seem worried?”
“Because we didn’t follow protocol, and I’m not sure what they’re going to do.” Dad ran his hand through his hair.
I didn’t get it. “We’re already vampires, Dad. Why would any of this matter now?”
“Well…they can rule to have both of you sent to Grayson Manor for the duration of your bloodlust quarantine.”
“Grayson Manor?” I raised an eyebrow.
“In simple terms, it’s our vampire hospital,” Webb said. “All new vampires spend six weeks there, between the change and getting through the bloodlust period. As you know from your time in the apartment here, it’s usually critical in the first few weeks.”
Sam blurted out. “I’m not going down there and meeting with them. And, I’m not going to any vampire hospital. This wasn’t my choice.”
My father’s eyes silvered again as he glared at Sam.
“You will meet with the Counsel.” Dad’s tone hadn’t left any room for arguing.
My brother had issues with authority, especially the law kind.
“And if I don’t?” Sam argued.
I cringed. Here we go again. Anger dripped from Dad, spilling into the air.
“Then I’m afraid, they’ll take you into custody,” Webb offered up.
“You’re going with me, Sam.” I punched him on the arm. “We’re family. I know this wasn’t your choice and I’m sorry. But you’re not leaving this place without me.”
“We didn’t do anything wrong.” Sam’s voice dropped an octave.
“You’re right, son. You didn’t.”
“But you didn’t follow the law changing us into vampires now, did you?” Sam taunted.
Dad reached over the counter.
“Sir.” Webb lightly touched Dad’s arm before he made contact with Sam.
“Stop it, Sam. We’ve been through this.” My tone was soft, trying to calm him. “Why are you so worried about us going to Grayson Manor?” I asked Dad.
He was leaning against the counter, eyes liquid silver, with a snarl etched on his face.
“You’re safe as long as you’re on this base,” Webb responded instead as he guarded the raging vampire.
“The Plutariums are locked up,” Sam countered.
“There are more Plutariums than those we captured. They could use both of you as leverage to get their leader out of prison. The Counsel doesn’t care about our problems. They follow the law and our traditions with no exception.” Webb held out his arm, still keeping Dad at a distance.
“Grayson Manor or any place outside this base is not safe for you,” Dad added, his vampire eyes slowly changing from silver back to green, indicating his anger was dissipating.
“Look, Sam, let’s just listen to what they have to say,” I told him. “I lost you once. I’m not going to lose you again.”
I had no idea of the full details of the Eternal Protection Law or what the restrictions were for new vampires. I loved my brother; it was his resistance to authority and his anger that often clouded his vision. Regardless, we were in this together, and I would do anything to make sure we stayed together.
2
A chill skittered up my arms as I entered the war room. Nothing had changed since the last time I was in here. Except now the seats were empty. I hugged myself, trying to relieve a shiver as memories flashed back to that day…when Webb had dropped the bomb in front of an audience of vamps describing what I had to do to save Sam. Become a vampire. Several emotions washed over me and I clenched my fists.
“What’s wrong?” Sam asked as he stood next to me, our arms brushing. Waves of heat radiated off him. He had reluctantly donned a T-shirt for the event, which had wet spots peppered on the front and under his arms.
Why was he so hot? Did he have a fever?
“I should be asking you that. Your skin is on fire,” I said, placing my hand on his forehead as if I were his nurse.
“Yeah. I’m a guy. We give off heat.”
“Huh? You’re a vamp and vamps have cool skin,” I countered.
He shrugged. “We don’t really know much about what vamps are like though, do we? Beside, something is definitely wrong with you—I can smell fear all around.”
He was right. I was scared stiff. This room didn’t hold great memories. Plus, I had some apprehension about this meeting with the Counsel. What if they did send us to Grayson Manor? What would that mean?
I let out a sigh. “I learned about Uncle Patrick, and what he was doing to you, sitting in that seat,” I said, pointing to the back row against the wall.
“Don’t call him uncle. He doesn’t deserve the title. I don’t care if he’s family or not.” Sam tapped down my hand. “This place looks like a movie theater.”
“I don’t think they show movies in here. Unless they’re the kind that show criminals.” As the last word rolled from my lips, my Uncle Patrick’s face flashed before me.
I blinked a few times before glancing at Webb, who was gathering chairs and placing them behind the conference table below us.
“Jo? Sam? I need you to take a seat in the front row down here.” He waved his hand.
My father had made a detour to take care of something in his office. So he said. I got a sneaky suspicion he wanted to cool down before meeting with the Counsel of Eternal Affairs. When we reached the front row, he walked in from the side entrance that led to the command center for the facility.
Dad sat down next to me. A nervous energy jumped off him. A glance his way confirmed my suspicions. A muscle ticked in his jaw. Plus the beaded sweat on his forehead, gave me reason to wonder. Was there something Dad hadn’t told us? Were we here for some other purpose?
Dad leaned over to address both of us. “I need you to listen, answer the questions if you’re asked, and behave.” He finished, turned and leaned back in his chair, resuming his nervous habit.
Behave? The word alone sent a shiver down my spine. He really didn’t know Sam, although he was getting a good dose of my brother’s anger issues. As for me, I usually obeyed, which bothered Sam. Over the years he had been trying to get me to stand up for myself. It wasn’t until that dreadful night when I fought for my life against my foster dad that I started to come out of my shell.
The side door opened and Tripp walked in. He was one of the Sentinels who reported directly to Webb. He wore a black cargo uniform, which offset his sandy blond hair and bronze eyes. I’d first met him in Principal Jackson’s office at Durfee. He always seemed the business-like Sentinel, doing his job and obeying orders.
Following Tripp were two men and one woman. The two men were dressed in Armani suits, as though they had just stepped out of the financial district on Wall Street. While the two men fit the banker profile, the woman was nowhere close. Instead, she wore a simple green dress, belted at the waist. Her long blonde hair spilled silky strands down her back while her thick brown lashes fanned out, framing tawny eyes that spoke of confidence and compassion. She carried a stiff black leather bag and placed it on top of the table before she removed a small laptop.
