Pierce: A Vampire Series: Novella 1: Pierce: A Vampire Series, #1

By Jolie du Pre

As fanged creatures run rampant throughout the city after sunset, the life of a young African-American woman named Alicia starts to take a dark turn that may also plunge her right into the arms of her one true love. Between all the bloodlust, deceit, heartbreak, and the taking of innocent human lives, romance and the strong bonds of friendship still prevail. But it’s a notoriously crazy vampire like Bess that has made it her eternal life’s purpose to dim that sliver of light until she gets the one thing she truly wants: Dagon. With Bess’s reckless, unrequited pursuit to make him 100% hers, who will have to pay with their lives in the process? Friendships will be tested, relationships will be challenged, and humanity will be abandoned. All in the name of love and vampiric desires. 

(This Pierce book is a novella at approximately 24,000 words.) 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jolie du Pre
• Release date: Dec 7, 2015
• ISBN: 9781519958945

Book preview

1

Alicia Johnson buttoned her work shirt and put on her apron. She glanced around her tiny apartment and looked at the overdue notices lying on her kitchen table. All her credit cards were maxed, all of them, and if it weren’t for the do not disturb feature on her cell, it would be buzzing like crazy with bill collectors.

Why had her finances turned to shit? The answer was obvious. After Darnell had cheated on her, Alicia had left him. Leaving Darnell also meant leaving the security his income provided. She knew that taking care of herself would be a struggle, but she’d have her self-respect. At least that was what she told herself back then.

Fully dressed, she grabbed her purse and opened her door. The winter wind hit her face immediately. It was at least a ten-minute walk to the bus stop, possibly longer in the snow. She closed her door and double locked it, pulled her coat’s collar up around her neck, and set out for the walk.

At the bus stop, she stood inside its shelter, moving her body from side to side to warm herself. "Beware of Vampires" the sign facing her read. All the bus stops carried them now, complete with instructions.

Vampires get out only at night . . . Contact the CDC for a free vampire survival kit . . . Stay alert . . . Do not panic.

Alicia looked away. She couldn’t remember when the attacks had begun, but the panic within the city was real, especially after several people claimed to have seen them. Not everyone believed in vampires, even with the increasing evidence, but Alicia did. That was why she chose to stay in her apartment as soon as the sun began to set, and that was why she refused to work at the restaurant at night. She was struggling financially, but at least she was still alive.

One hour and fifteen minutes later, outside the restaurant, in twenty-degree weather, Alicia stood with Leslie.

The owner, the same guy who carried the keys to the door, always drove into the parking lot ten to fifteen minutes late and this morning was no different.

Alicia folded her arms. She was always on time, always, even though she had to take two buses. What was his excuse?

Aren’t you cold? Leslie asked. You look cold.

I’m fine. But in truth, Alicia’s coat wasn’t warm enough, and neither were her eight-year-old boots. Her red wool hat did the job, not that Alicia wanted to take it off once she got inside. If she couldn’t afford a new coat and boots, she certainly couldn’t afford trips to the hair salon.

Leslie pulled her fur jacket tighter to her body and pushed her blonde hair under its hood. Her parents made her wait tables to teach her responsibility. She didn’t need the money. I hear black people get colder in the winter than whites do. Is that true?

Alicia laughed. I don’t know. What kind of question is that, Leslie? If you didn’t have that fur on, you’d be freezing too.

But you just said you were fine.

I lied, okay? And I’m tired of waiting out here. Dale’s always late, and I’m sick of it.

Yeah, I’m sick of it too. Good thing vampires don’t come out during the day, huh?

That’s what they say. But if I saw one, we’d just run over there to your new car.

You like it? My parents bought it for me. I don’t like the color, though. I’m gonna make my daddy get me a different one.

Seriously?

Yeah, I want a red one, not a blue one.

Alicia rolled her eyes. Whatever, Leslie. She looked around. Where is Dale? It’s cold out here.

Oh, wait! Leslie pointed. Here he comes.

Yeah, I see him. Taking his merry old time, as usual.

2

In the king-sized bed , Dagon rested next to Bess, who lay next to Vince. The heavy drapes blocked out the sun that would ease into the night in a few hours. Then, they could continue on their way. Louie was eager for the three to join him and the others at his mountaintop mansion, over 1,000 miles away.

Dagon, Bess, and Vince all agreed that one year in the apartment they had shared in New York was long enough. They had done a good job covering their tracks, despite the number of murders they had committed, but staying in one place for too long was never a good idea for a vampire.

Now they rested in Chicago before traveling on. Colorado was a long way away, but Louie’s house was the perfect place to take up new residence.

Vince sat up and stretched out his arms. I still don’t know why I agreed to do this, sitting in a car, driving across country. Louie told me he’s got some hot ones living with him. If we had flown, maybe my face would be buried in some nice bush right about now.

Bess opened her big blue eyes. Vince, do you ever think about anything other than sex?

No, but if you’d fuck me, maybe I’d shut up.

Bess laughed. Not a chance, asshole. I wish I could warn those poor vamps about you. But if they’re smart, they’ll figure it out soon enough.

Wow! Why all the hate? Sometimes, you’re a bitch.

Okay, guys, enough, said Dagon, sitting up now with his legs out from under the covers and his feet on the carpet. The vampire was blessed with attractive features, including his arresting eyes. Vince, you know how much I love my car. If you didn’t want to come along, you didn’t have to. I asked you and Bess to go with me because I enjoy having you guys around, that is, when you’re not yapping your mouths off at each other. But if you want to get on a plane, then go do it.

Vince brushed his blond hair from his eyes. Come on, Dag. I’m just kidding with you. I’m sorry.

You love your car, that’s for sure, said Bess. I love it too. Plus, driving at night is peaceful. Not as many humans out, but we always seem to find one when we need one.

Bess traced her finger down Dagon’s back, which caused him to hop off the bed. Her desire for Dagon was not reciprocated, yet. She’d keep trying until it was.

3

At home , after her shift at the restaurant, Alicia found herself in a familiar spot – staring at the bills on her kitchen table.

What are you looking at? Shonda sat on the sofa, eating a slice of pizza.

My bills. I don’t even know what to pay anymore.

Girl, I know your credit score is fucked. How’d you get so far behind?

You know how I got into this mess, Shonda. Why are you asking me that?

You were a fool to leave Darnell. Honey, they may stray, but they always come back. Now look at you. Soon you won’t have a pot to piss in. How much do you need this time?

Alicia joined Shonda on the sofa and grabbed a slice of the pizza.