Take a Bite Outta Crime Part 31 by Dellani Oakes

Thanks to Scott, they are able to breach the tunnel and find some of the captives. Tommy is among them. Someone drops a gas bomb, injuring Tommy badly.

"Call Margo," Kirk said as he watched the young man choke. "I don't think....." He gulped, not wanting to admit that his friend was dying.

Nero contacted Margo's team leader. Meanwhile, the crouched by the young human, guarding him against the others. So far, no one had found their hiding place. A few more vampires struggled up the stairs behind them, gasping and coughing. They had obviously been prisoners. Their clothing was tattered and filthy. Many of them looked like they'd been brutally tortured and beaten. For a vampire to show damage, it had to have been horrific.

Margo and Sandra joined up with Phillida and Drea before the assault on the castle commenced. Phillida had a laptop propped on the trunk of the car. Rapidly tapping keys, she frowned with concentration.

"Got it," she said with an evil grin. "On my mark!"

The vampire warriors fanned out around her. Drivers revved the cars as the others assembled on foot. There was no visible fence, but they knew that the barrier around the house was more effective than any stone or wire. There were sensors buried in the ground. If someone not wearing a special chip crossed the line, an ultrasonic sound was emitted, disabling the vampire in question. The sound had been known to kill humans.

Phillida hit the button on her laptop. Signaling her warriors, she advanced across the line. The cars surged forward, one vampire in each riding shotgun, laid down suppression fire as the others followed. Screaming like a banshee, Phillida led the charge.

Vampires appeared at every window and at the crenelated turrets on top of the castle, firing their weapons into the crowd. Many of their party were hit, some killed, their bodies dissipating in the breeze. A whirlwind of hatred, Phillida fired weapons with both hands, hitting everything she aimed at. Margo did nearly as well.

Drea wasn't as good as Margo, but she certainly was no slack. Sandra, who was a crack shot, felt somewhat intimidated by the skill of the other women until she remembered they'd all been alive far longer than she. Advancing quickly, they made the relative protection of the building's front. The opposition seemed to be concentrated on the roof, though there could easily have been people waiting for them on the first floor.

Moments after they reached the door, Nero yelled that they were being attacked from underground. Horrified, Phillida cased the area where they stood. The earth looked as if it too had been disturbed.

"Fall back! Regroup by the cars! I think they're under us!"

Heading back to the vehicles, more of the warriors were hit. Margo, Drea and Sandra dragged fallen comrades to safety. Phillida stood amidst the raining bullets like Robert Duvall in Apocalypse Now. And like that fearless commander, nothing hit her. She pulled something from her belt, tossing it over her shoulder toward the house as she walked back to the cars. A massive explosion rocked the armored limos and shattered the windows across the front of the castle. A huge, gaping hole appeared in the ground.

"Flash grenades in the hole," Phillida yelled.

A dozen grenades landed in the hole. Screaming and howling followed as the brilliant light took its toll. Once more, the assault team stormed the house, finishing off anyone that got in their way.

"Margo, where are you?" Kirk's voice held a note of panic.

"Coming in the front now."

"It's Tommy...."

He didn't have to finish. She understood.

"Where?"

He told her their position. With Phillida, Drea and Sandra running interference, Margo made her way to the stairwell where they hid. Phillida stood in the center of the great hall mowing down the enemy, reloading as quickly as she ran out. Drea ran with Margo, knowing her friend needed her more than Philly did. Sandra stayed with the vampire leader, following her lead.

Margo found the men hunkered down in the stairwell. Kirk and Oded joined the melee while Nero and Clovis stood guard over Margo and Tommy. Drea checked on Scott, reporting to Sandra that her fiance was alive and well.

Margo wasn't so lucky. She knelt by Tommy's side. His breath came in labored gasps, his pulse, weak and thready, raced. His color was terrible, pale and waxy. He was sweating, but his skin was cold to the touch.

"Tommy! Sweetheart, I'm here!"

"Margo," he gasped, trying to touch her face.

She grasped his hand. "You're gonna be okay, Tommy."

"No, I'm not, Margo. I got a lungful of gas. I can feel it eating away...." He coughed up blood.

"Tommy, no!"

"Turn him," Nero said gently. "He'll live if you turn him."

"Tommy?"

He couldn't speak, but nodded once. Closing his eyes, he raised his chin, exposing his neck. Margo kissed him, then let her fangs grow. Tears running down her face, she bit down. Tommy flinched, his body sagging as she drained his blood. Quickly, she bit her own lip letting a few drops of her blood trickle between his slack lips. For a moment, she thought he was gone.

© 2019 Dellani Oakes

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Books ~ Share the Adventure! Instinctual 2 by Amanda Mackey

After waking up in hospital not remembering much about her accident, Kate is surprised to find Jake by her side.

Kate Fitzpatrick doesn't know if her intuition is a gift or a curse, especially when it involves her ex-lover, Jake Alexander.

Even though she hasn't spoken to him in five years, when he left her broken hearted, his return both terrifies and excites her.

And it doesn’t take long before she discovers that Jakes arrival brings with it a whole world of danger, betrayal, lies and an attraction so powerful, it still leaves Kate breathless… 

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Books ~ Share the Adventure! Cross-Ties by Carolyn Bowen

Leah was a rebel. She chose to live her life outside the constraints of 19th century English society. She rebuked any parental control and choose to decide her own fate. From England to the Caribbean and then frontier America, she was loved by family and friends yet still had enemies. Sailing the seas with pirates lurking about helped chisel her character as she created a life of her own near the sea.

Explore the scenic countries with Leah and learn of the native cultures and taste their delicacies. As a mixed race female, she placed prejudices under her feet and learned to recognize and accept love even if it was against the law. 

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Books ~ Share the Adventure! Under the Western Sky by Dellani Oakes

It's small town Nebraska in the late 1970's and life in the small Midwestern town is quiet and uneventful. That's what Libby Marshall and Bobby Menedez think until Bobby's cousin, Ramon is beaten by a group of white boys. Racial tension is high after the beating and it's soon revealed that something quite evil lies hidden Under the Western Sky.

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Character Quote from Under the Western Sky by Dellani Oakes

"What's so important it can't wait?" Bobby snapped.

"The fact my little brother is tonsil diving with the girl across the street. Find a more secluded spot to feel her up, hermano. I could see you from the living room. What's Mamá going to say if she sees that? And Bitch Lady? She'll have the cops on you for statutory rape if you aren't careful," Maria scolded.

"I'm not eighteen yet."

"So? Neither is she. Who do you think would get in trouble? The nice Chicano boy, that's who. Remember who you are, Roberto Menendez, and don't you dare cross that line. Her mother may dote on you, and you may love one another with a love that transcends race, but the neighbors don't. You want to tongue f**k her, go inside. Clear?"

"Yeah, Mia. Clear."

"Good." Her tone and manner changed abruptly to polite conversation. 

"Now then, did you have a good time?"

He chuckled, kissing her cheek. "Just about the best time I've ever had."

© 2018 Dellani Oakes

Books ~ Share the Adventure! His Soul to Hold by TW Knight

Soulless and exiled from Heaven the Dark Knights have not abandoned their duty. For millennia they’ve battled demons, protecting human kind from Lucifer’s servants. Less than a year ago hundreds of demons escaped Hell world-wide, stretching the Knights resources to their limits. Now they face the greatest challenge of all—discovering love.

Breanna Thorn spent the last ten years fighting demons with her twin brother Sam, and she’s damn good at it. But at twenty three all she really wants is a normal life with dating, college and quiet. To balance the life she wants and the life she has, Bree studies demons and other supernatural creatures in hopes of better understanding the enemy. When she meets fallen angel Bass, Bree encounters a complication she never saw coming—love.

Bass’ persona of hedonism begins to crumble when he meets Breanna. She’s beautiful, intelligent, a kick ass fighter and the vessel for his immortal soul. He knows he’s no good for her but no matter how hard he tries to make Bree hate him; she keeps finding a way into his heart. He’ll do anything to keep her safe even if it means giving up everything he is.

After their parents are killed by monsters, demons, Sam Thorn focuses his life on protecting his sister and hunting the creatures that changed their lives. Now he finds himself swept up in a world where he’s surrounded by monsters and at risk of losing his sister—something he cannot, will not allow. When the rage burning inside him breaks free Sam finds he is a greater danger than the monsters he fears.

Hogart once walked the halls of Heaven, now he battles with voices in his head driving him further and further into madness. Being taken in by his fellow fallen angels, The Dark Knights, is both a blessing and a curse. Their energy quiets the demon within him but now he is permanently housed with the twins Sam and Breanna. The voices insist he kill them; his heart says otherwise. 

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Books ~ Share the Adventure! To the Ends of the Earth by Nelda B Gaydou

On the road to seek work in the cotton fields of Texas, an old Ford Model T truck breaks down and forces a change of destination that ultimately leads the protagonists to the Argentine Patagonia. Follow the anecdote-driven story of a devoted couple who spent their childhood in the U.S. Southwest during the Great Depression, met and married during World War II, and together undertook a lifelong journey of adventure and service.

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Take a Bite Outta Crime Part 30 by Dellani Oakes

Their presence known, the vampires find that there are others in tunnels underfoot. They lose one of their party, but manage to dispatch the attackers—for now.

"Probably. They'll wait a few minutes and come at us again. We may not get as lucky next time."

"I've got an idea," Scott said. "Does a flash grenade affect you like sunlight, if you're not protected?"

Nero and the others eyed him skeptically. Kirk held up his hand before the others could lose their tempers.

"Hear him out," he said calmly. "Go on," he replied without saying yes or no.

"Because if that's the case, we can access that tunnel and set off one or two to clear the way."

"We can't...." Nero said.

"Maybe not, but I can," Scott replied.

"There could be dozens down there," Kirk said. "I don't feel right putting you in that position."

"Will it kill them or disable them?"

The vampires exchanged an anxious glance.

"Depends on proximity," Cloves replied. "Those closest will fall to dust. The others will be badly burned."

"So, if I set off more than one, I can clear the way?"

They exchanged another anxious glance.

"Perhaps, but we can't follow and protect you," Kirk said.

"I know I'm not as old as you guys, but I'm not helpless," Scott said. "And I'm not scared. Well, I am, but I can do this. If we can get in this way...."

"Give him some," Nero said.

The other vampires dug in their packs and handed the human a half dozen flash grenades. With the ones he'd been given, he had nine. They knew what Scott suspected, not even the lotion they wore could protect them from the concentrated light.

"Help me dig in," Scott said.

The vampires dug into the ground. The earth was loose where Dietrich had disappeared. They lowered Scott into the hole, standing out of blast range. Scott had pulled the pin before they dropped him. Not knowing what he was getting into, was the most terrifying thing he'd ever experienced. He suspected he was probably surrounded. In fact, he could hear and smell the vampires, brushing against one as the dropped to his feet.

"Bleeder." They hissed and growled. One grabbed his shirt, trying to bite him.

Scott dropped the flash grenade and covered his eyes with dark glasses. He felt the heat as the weapon went off. Screams and roars of pain followed. He already had two more grenades ready. Tossing one ahead and the other behind as far as he could, he dashed forward on instinct and adrenaline. More screams and wails accompanied his wild dash.

Hands grabbed at him only to fall away. Figuring he was beyond blast radius once more, he lobbed another. Moments later, he came to a steel reinforced wooden door. He couldn't hear anything beyond it, but the screams and yowls of the injured vamps masked any sound. Fumbling with the door, he eased it open. He could tell there were more vampires inside. He could hear them and smelled their damp earth scent.

Terrified, he walked through the door and was miraculously unharmed. A voice spoke to him from his right. A faint light shone through what looked like a dungeon door.

"Scott?" someone whispered.

"Tommy?" He walked toward the sound. "I found him," he reported to the others. "The tunnel is clear. I'm in an underground room."

"We're coming in," Nero said.

The screaming behind him stopped abruptly, and Scott knew his friends had killed the injured vampires.

"Don't come any closer," Tommy said. "I think they've got the room trapped. "Wait for help."

Scott reported the information to the team. Soon, he was joined by Kirk and the others.

"Are you the only one down here?" Kirk asked Tommy as he and the team checked the area for traps.

"They've got the kidnapped vamps down here too. I talked to a couple of them earlier. They're in bad shape."

"And the other human?" Nero asked.

"I think he's dead," Tommy said sadly.

Sounds of fighting echoed down the stairs. The cavalry had arrived. Someone grunted over to the side and an odd smell filled the room.

"Oh, shit," Kirk whispered.

"What?" Scott asked.

"Go to the stairs. Tommy, get to the back of your cell. And try not to breathe too much."

Doing as they were told, the two humans found it difficult to draw a breath. Eyes watering, noses running, the coughed and gagged. Scott got halfway up the stairs before he collapsed. Nero caught up with him, dragging him up the stairs. He stood guard over the downed human as he tried to get his breath back. Several minutes later, Kirk and Oded carried Tommy up the stairs, setting him to one side. Clovis brought up the rear. Once he could speak, Scott asked what had happened.

"Gas," Kirk explained. "It's hard on us, deadly to humans. I hope we got him out in time."

Tommy didn't look good. He lay, barely breathing, in the alcove at the top of the stairs. Sounds of battle raged around them as Tommy gasped for breath.

© 2019 Dellani Oakes

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Red River Radio Presents Dellani's Tea Time with Gerald and Michael!

Is it really May already? Wow! Here in Florida, it's already getting hot – such fun! (Not really) As folks flock to the beach, or start planning their vacations in the great outdoors, the most important decisions need to be made: What sunscreen to buy, which bikini to wear, and what book to read while you sizzle in the sun. With us here today, are two wonderful authors with great books to share.

Join us TODAY from 4-6 PM EDT on Blog Talk Radio

First, alphabetically speaking, is Gerald L. Guy author of the Wolf Pack Trilogy – Chasing the Past, Dream Catchers and Act of Kindness. Welcome to the show, Gerald!

Second is Michael Mastrella author of Children of the Light. Welcome to the show, Michael!

Join Us Live Or At Your Leisuire!

Take a Bite Outta Crime Part 29 by Dellani Oakes

The vampires, with the two police officers, have circled the castle, ready to attack. Kirk recognizes the sophisticated surveillance system—something Andres had invented and marketed.

"You really don't want to know. It's up to Heinrich to disable them. When the light turns green, we can cross."

"Won't they notice if their perimeter goes down?" Scott asked, watching the light.

"Not if he does it right," Kirk said.

The light changed and the cars shot forward. Moments later, the light went back to red, catching the last car's fender. An electronic zap filled the air and the smell of ozone became almost overpowering. Part of the car fell on the ground, leaving a trail of smoke in their wake.

"That can't be good," Scott said.

"That might have eliminated our surprise factor," Kirk replied. "Going hot," he told the men in the car, then broadcast the information, in code, to the others.

Something under the car clanked loudly. Slamming on the breaks, the driver ordered everyone out. Not waiting to ask questions, they jumped from the car as it shuddered to a halt.

"Down!" Kirk commanded, shielding Scott's body with his own.

Suddenly, the world turned into a loud, explosive place. Pieces of the car flew past them, much of it airborne. The rest buried itself, burning and smoking, in the turf beside them.

"Report!" the driver bellowed.

They reported by numbers instead of names. Kirk answered for Scott. Unfamiliar with the system and stunned by the blast, he lay still.

"We all have a number. You're number six."

"Six," Scott wheezed. "Got it."

"You're not hit?" the driver asked anxiously.

"No. I'm fine. What was that?"

"Magnetic mine. There goes the element of surprise," Kirk said with a frown.

"Now what?" Scott asked.

"We walk," the driver said. Tipping his head toward the house, he took off at a trot that put Scott to shame.

"On foot? Really?" one of the others said. "Crap. These are new shoes."

His friend laughed at him. "You wore new shoes to a firefight? Are you crazy?"

"Unprepared."

"Do I call them by number?" Scott asked Kirk as they followed the others.

"I didn't think to introduce you. Hold up," he said into a wrist microphone.

Scott forgot he'd been equipped with that and an earpiece. The others slowed. Kirk made the introductions.

"The driver is Nero. He's ersatz leader, Number One."

Scott nodded. Nero touched his brow with a smile.

"Number Two and Three," Kirk pointed to the men from the front seat. "Dietrich and Clovis. Our backseat companion, Oded. This is Scott, my human. We protect him as our own."

The other vampires gave a curt nod. Nero looked alert. Using hand signals, he guided them off the road and into the brush. There wasn't much cover, but there was enough to keep a sniper from a clear shot if they stayed low.

"Are we rushing them?" Scott whispered.

"We'll have orders in a second," Nero replied. "Heinrich and Phillida are conferring."

"Shh!" Kirk had heard a murmur of something. He didn't think it was from his companions. Curious, he held up his hand for silence.

There it was again. Voices under their feet? What the hell? The earth shifted beneath them. Clovis fell to his knees. Dietrich dropped into a hole with a muffled grunt. One hand scrabbled at the dirt before jerking down once more. A gurgle echoed in their ear pieces.

"They're under us!" Nero yelled into his microphone.

The ground at their feet erupted as a dozen well armed vampires leaped out. Kirk pushed Scott behind him, protecting the human with his body.

"Bleeder!" one of the rival vampires growled. He charged Scott, apparently unaware of Kirk.

Scott dodged, doing a midair somersault before landing in a crouch. Kirk clothslined the charging vamp, knocking him on his back. With a roar, he stabbed the other vampire in his unprotected throat, severing the spine. Another swipe of his blade took off the head.

Already engaged by another vampire, Scott paid little attention to his friend's actions. Following Kirk's example, he went for the neck. For some reason, these vampires didn't protect themselves as carefully as his friends. They left themselves vulnerable to attack. Either carelessness, stupidity or arrogance, who could say? They fell easily to their weapons, but Kirk and his friends were missing one of their own.

"Do we follow in the tunnels?" Scott asked.

"Not unless you want to die," Kirk replied, wiping his blade on a dead vamp's corpse before it disintegrated.

"Report," Nero said as he straightened from his last victim. The other vampire's blood streaked his chin and white shirt, disappearing as the body did.

They checked in by numbers. This time, Scott knew what to do.

"Do you think there are more down there?" Scott asked Kirk.

© 2019 Dellani Oakes

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His Soul to Keep (Dark Knights of Heaven Book 1) by TW Knight ~ They are the Dark Knights of Heaven

Where fallen angels battle Hell’s demons, find their lost souls, and discover love while hunting for a prophecy that holds the key to either their redemption or their destruction.

At twenty-eight, Cassidy Long is happy with her life. She has a job she loves, a great family, and a future open to possibilities. That all changes after she discovers she is the vessel for the immortal soul of an angel cast out of Heaven, and the only way to break the bond is by her death. Spirited away, Cassidy finds herself in the middle of an eternal war and falling for her angel.

Rail is captivated by Cassidy immediately, but fears it’s only the connection to his soul fueling his interest. He’s vowed to never fall in love, but fate has different plans. The more he fights his growing feelings, the deeper in love he falls. Cassidy not only holds his soul, but his heart. Now, he will fight Heaven and Hell to protect her.

Heaven abandoned them, but they did not abandon their calling. Once they were the Watchers, teachers, and mentors to human kind. Now soulless and exiled from Heaven, forced into an endless war, some will fall while others rise to find their destinies. They are the Dark Knights of Heaven.

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Benji’s childhood was marked by strong family ties and sheer love of life ~ King of the Hill by Nelda Bedford Gaydou

Ten entertaining biographical stories set in Dickens County, Texas portray rural life during the Great Depression. They reflect the straitened circumstances, strong work ethic and close sense of community of the time, as well as the resilience and ingenuity of that generation. Despite the difficulties, or perhaps because of them, Benji’s childhood was marked by strong family ties and sheer love of life.

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Could This Be His Next Chance at True Love? ~ Savage Heart by Dellani Oakes

It's the summer of 1740 and rumors of war haunt the small community of St. Augustine, Florida. Already, Oglethorpe's troops are on the move. Scouting parties of Creek Indians have moved south, skirting the town, attacking outlying farms. Meli Chasseur's home came under attack and she is the only one to escape. Injured and afraid, she stumbles into Sailfish's camp. Could this be his next chance at true love?

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Discover how to maintain your balance on the choppy waters of life! ~ Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success: The Power to Transform Your Life One Step at a Time by Carolyn M Bowen

When surfers hit the waters, they use a technique called cross-stepping, or moving their weight forward and backward to stay standing. Cross-stepping isn't just a good idea for surfers, though - you, too, can metaphorically use the same strategy of zig-zagging motions to achieve success. In "Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success," career coach Carolyn Bowen shows you how to zig-zag your way to success one step at a time. She examines grieving, life planning, owning your power, becoming health conscious, learning to love again, and more. With "Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success," you'll discover how to maintain your balance on the choppy waters of life!

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Do you ever get the feeling you are being watched? ~ Instinctual Book 1 by Amanda Mackey

Do you ever get the feeling you are being watched? How much do you trust your gut instincts?

Kate Fitzpatrick's intuitive gift warns her that her ex-lover Jake Alexander has arrived in her idyllic hometown of Vernazza, Italy, but she tries to shrug it off as being overworked and tired.

When Jake appears in front of her in a lonely, dark alley looking sexier than ever, Kate's worst fears are confirmed.

She fights the magnetic pull between them, feeling guilty that her new boyfriend is out of town on business.

But after a serious fall that leaves Kate between life and death, she soon discovers that Jake's arrival, and their intense connection, may be the only thing that can save her…

To Buy Instinctual

Take a Bite Outta Crime Part 28 by Dellani Oakes

Kirk gets much needed information from the other vamp, before ending him. When they and the police officers get downstairs, they find that their cars have been disabled.

"So, we're dealing with vampires here?" Sandra was stunned. "I thought they were vampire Hunters—humans?"

"We were wrong," Kirk said. "This must be the work of a rival coven."

"Doesn't that make it that much more difficult?" Sandra looked worried.

"Yes and no. At least we know what kind of firepower to take to the fight," Kirk said as he whipped out a cellphone.

The humans looked on, puzzled, as he seemed to speak in code. Margo knew that was precisely what he was doing. It was a simple system that Andres had implemented as soon as he came into power. It was as much a part of them as blood drinking. Kirk had quickly and efficiently conveyed the information to their coven what he'd discovered.

Minutes later, two limos pulled up. The rear doors popped open. Kirk took Scott in one with him while Margo and Sandra got into the other. There were three other vampires in each car. All of them were armed and ready for a fight.

"Do you require weapons?" the driver asked the women.

"Please," Margo replied.

The man in the backseat with her and Sandra opened a hatch in front of him and started handing Margo a wide array of weapons.

"I suppose I shouldn't ask if you have a license for those," Sandra said wryly.

Margo chuckled. "We're all very legit. We each hold a concealed weapons license, among many other things. We don't purposely break the law, Sandra. It's far better for all of us if we do things legally, flying just above the radar. It's much easier to hide within a crowd than outside it."

Margo handed Sandra a lightweight vest with a mesh gorget to go around her neck. "The vest will stop both bullet and blade," Margo explained. "Some of our more archaic members prefer swords to guns."

"My Kevlar can't do that," Sandra spoke in awe as she put on the lightweight vest. "And this?" She fingered the gorget cautiously.

Margo cast her eyes at the young human woman. "I should think it was obvious. Even we can be harmed by a bite. Best to protect against it. Though we can bite and feed from anywhere, the neck is traditional, and most vulnerable. It also protects against a blade."

Sandra gulped. "Thank you," she mumbled.

Margo took her hand, gazing into the human woman's eyes. "You can stay outside," she told her. "We'll need someone on backup. You needn't be in the thick of it."

Sandra shook her head. "I don't back out when friends need me, Margo. But you have to admit, this is somewhat unsettling."

Margo considered for a moment. "Yes, had I encountered this when I was your age, I'd have found it disturbing as well. To be honest, even now, as long as I've lived, it's still frightening. The only thing that keeps me going is knowing that somewhere out there, the man I love is in danger. I'll do whatever I must to save him."

It was Sandra's turn to comfort now. She hugged the vampire woman close. "We'll find him and bring him safely home, Margo. Don't worry."

They rode for nearly 45 minutes before coming to a crossroads. To the north and west, the paved road continued. To the east, a rutted track continued as far as the eye could see. Several cars waited for them, their occupants pacing around the deserted highway. Margo saw Drea, and leaped from the car as it slowed. Sandra followed when the car stopped.

Drea saw her friend and ran to her. "Any further word?" she asked.

"No. Maybe Kirk's heard something. I think we're close. I can feel him, Drea. He's safe, at the moment, but terrified. What are they doing to him?"

"It's better not to think about it," Drea assured her.

"Is Phillida coming?" Margo asked.

"She's here already, coordinating with Andres. I'm glad she's here. If I've got to storm a castle, there's few more experienced and fierce than she."

"Not to mention she can mask our presence," Margo added.

The car with Kirk and Scott pulled up. The men hopped out, attired as the women were.

"Are we waiting for something?"

"Andres said to wait for Heinrich and the twins. They should be here.... Ah, there they are." Drea pointed to another car that had just pulled up.

Phillida signaled for them to get in the cars and follow her. As the convoy got closer to the compound, some of the vehicles circled to the right and left. The cars with Drea, Kirk and Margo followed Phillida.

The mansion, or castle, sat in a lonely spot, far from everything. They had a clear view of the countryside, yet no alarm seemed to have been raised. Kirk pointed out security features to Scott that the young policeman had never seen before.

"I told Andres not to market them," Kirk muttered. "If they've got his equipment on line, they hardly need guards."

"What do those do?" Scott pointed to an odd looking device mounted on a pole.

The cars had stopped just shy of the pole, idling.

© 2019 Dellani Oakes

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Take a Bite Outta Crime Part 27 by Dellani Oakes

A young vamp attacks Scott in the restroom. Kirk subdues him, demanding information, but Scott tries to stop him.

"He would have bitten you, Scott. Maybe turned you. If you were lucky, he'd have ripped your throat out."

"I wasn't going...."

Kirk hit the vampire, shutting him up. "I can get this information if you'll let me," Kirk replied. "We need to find Tommy, before something bad happens. If it hasn't already. Time is rather important!"

Scott made up his mind. Holstering his weapon, he backed away from the downed vampire. "Do it."

Kirk's fangs extended again. He leaned over the vampire, his fangs brushing the other's throat. "It's very painful," he whispered hoarsely. "It burns as you change. Like your insides are on fire."

"Y-you said eu-euphoria."

"I lied!" His teeth sank into the other vampire's throat.

A scream echoed in the bathroom. Kirk did not begin to feed. He let the other feel his fangs, letting him think about it.

"Okay!" The young vampire whimpered. "Okay, I'll tell you!"

The fangs receded. The dual holes closed slowly. Kirk kept the other man pinned to the floor.

"Where have they gone?" Scott demanded, weapon trained on the downed vamp.

"There's this house—more like a castle—outside the city. It's way out in the middle of BFE...."

The police officer and Kirk exchanged a look.

"Specifics," Scott demanded.

The vampire babbled several minutes, telling them everything he knew. When he was done, Kirk nodded. Before rising, he broke the vampire's neck. Rising, he dusted his hands. Scott eyed him warily.

"Why did you kill him? I could have cuffed him, arrested him."

"Your cuffs won't hold us. Having him in the car would have been deadly for us both. Now, he can't call anyone and tell them—can he?"

Scott shook his head. "Just not the way I like to do things."

Kirk washed his hands and put on his tie and jacket. "Me either, but it had to be done."

"Shall I call it in?"

"No need."

Black spots appeared on the vampire's body. Suddenly, he fell to dust, which disappeared with a soft poof. Nothing was left, not even a hint of what had happened. Scott shuddered.

"That's disturbing."

"Somewhat," Kirk added with a disdainful sniff. "Shall we get the others?"

"Lead on." What Scott didn't say was that he didn't want Kirk behind him. He'd held it together, because the vampire wasn't against him. However, he'd feel better where he could keep his eye on Kirk.

Kirk understood the other man's concern. He didn't say anything, but was careful how he moved, making no threatening gestures.

They found the women near the elevator. For some reason, it wasn't working. Sandy frowned. Margo bit her lip, drawing blood. Kirk staggered at the sight and smell of the drop of fluid on her pale chin. He reached out to taste it.

Margo knocked his hand away, slapping him. Scrabbling with something in her pocket, she extracted a vial of pills. Taking one, she forced Kirk's lips apart and put it under his tongue. Clamping his lips shut, she encouraged him to swallow. Closing his eyes, Kirk let the pill partially dissolve before swallowing it. Inhaling slowly, he nodded his thanks.

"Had to vamp out, huh?" Margo asked.

Kirk nodded once more. Scott told her what he'd seen. Having been unconscious for most of the fight, he didn't tell her about that. Seeing the bruises disappearing on Kirk's face, she reached her own conclusions.

"The elevator isn't working," Sandra said, touching the cut on Scott's brow.

"Then we take the stairs," Margo replied.

"It's sixty-seven stories!" Sandra exclaimed.

"Did you try the freight elevator?" Kirk asked.

"Is there one?" Scott queried.

"Place this size, has to be. Rich people don't want to see the hired help. Probably this way." He pointed down the hallway.

"Have you been here before?"

Kirk shrugged, shaking his head. "Nope. Acoustics are different down that hallway."

"And you saw the sign," Margo said with a smirk, pointing to the freight elevator sign on the wall.

Kirk winked. "Of course, but where's the fun if I spoil it for you?"

Fortunately, the freight elevator was working. Unfortunately, it stopped at nearly every floor. Fortunately, there was no one in the parking garage. Unfortunately, Kirk's rental car and the unmarked police car were both heavily damaged.

"How did they know which is yours?" Sandra asked.

Kirk tapped his rather impressive looking nose. "Superior sense of smell."

"That, and the Barr Nunne brochures on the front seat. Kirk, quit trying to out vamp us!" Sandra said with a grin. She punched his arm playfully.

"Seriously, even without that, there's a faint odor of Margo's perfume and my cologne that would alert them to the right car."

© 2019 Dellani Oakes

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