Druid Vampire Requiem

By KuroKoneko Kamen

It’s a thorny path for Becca to follow her heart...

Now a Huntress, Becca, who has been told of a prophecy that foretells she will defeat Dracula, believes that the only way to save Derek Dearg is to kill him. But what if she’s making a horrible mistake? As Becca struggles to accept Derek’s vampire side and her own blooming dark desires her family pays an unexpected visit. Derek jumps through hoops to gain the approval of Becca’s family, especially Becca’s religious mother, Emma.

As darkness creeps over San Francisco Derek gains new allies...

Homicide Detective Alex Wolfman and his police dog Maddy have been investigating the strange murders occurring in San Francisco. Now bodies are missing from the morgue, and he encounters the Thorns being attacked by zombies while sightseeing. Alex tries to protect them, but when the vampire Undertaker shows up Alex is defeated. All hope seems lost until Derek comes to their rescue.

The fight to save San Francisco from a Zombie Apocalypse begins...

When Becca is kidnapped by Dracula and thrown into his dungeon she meets Battle Nun Kendra Knight, and mad scientist Dr. Lazar Robinovitch. She realizes that unraveling their connection to Dracula will be the key to stopping the evil plot that he plans to set into motion Halloween night. Meanwhile, Slaine offers to train Derek in his vampiric powers so that he’ll be a match for Dracula. Becca has discovered Dracula’s weakness in the form of his heart, Kendra Knight. Will she be able to use his weakness against him and fulfill the prophecy?

• Language: English
• Publisher: KuroKoneko Kamen
• Release date: Dec 22, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310032547

KuroKoneko Kamen

Author KuroKoneko Kamen (Black Kitten Mask) has always had an interest in Japanese culture from folktales about yokai (ancient demons) to anime and manga. As a result of being an otaku a lot of her stories are set in Japan or have a Japanese theme. Even when in the midst of a pirate novel expect a samurai warrior to be thrown into the mix. Her latest passion is paranormal romance and she’s written stories where ghosts, demons, and angels find love. Keeping her company as she writes are her several dogs and cats, some of which are rescues (now including a pet turtle someone wanted to make a soup out of). To keep updated on new stories and specials visit the author’s facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/authorkurokonekokamen.

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Druid Vampire Requiem

By KuroKoneko Kamen

Copyright 2016 by KuroKoneko Kamen

Cover Design by Mathia Arkoniel

Smashwords Edition, License notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be resold or give away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This is a work of fiction. All characters are invented. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

Chapter 1: Nekomata

The doorbell of the Druid Vampire Hunters’ Headquarters rang. I’ll get it! Becca called out as she ran down the stairs and towards the front door.

Nathair caught her arm, and pulled her back from the door just as she was reaching for the doorknob. Idiot. It could be a vampire.

Becca rolled her eyes at the overprotective Druid. It’s not. I’m expecting a very important delivery.

Nathair raised a quizzical eyebrow at her. Delivery?

Becca shrugged. Hey, a girl’s got to shop. A devilish grin curled her red lips.

Nathair let out a defeated sigh. Women. Alright, fine, open the door. The Druid relented as he raised his arms and got into a fighting stance. Just in case.

Becca opened the door and sure enough it was the deliveryman with several packages for her from Amazon.

Miss…Rebecca Thorn? The deliveryman questioned as he looked down at his clipboard. He looked up, spotted Becca, saw how cute she was, and growing curious about whether or not she was alone tried to peer over her shoulder into the townhouse. She’s cute. Maybe she’ll offer me coffee if I help her bring these inside.

Becca moved directly in front of the deliveryman in order to block his view of the foyer. The last thing she wanted was for him to see something strange like an ink creature running down the hall. Yep. That’s me.

The deliveryman offered her a charming smile as he held out his clipboard. Sign here, please.

Becca signed her name with a flourish and handed the board back to him. Here you go. Thanks.

Do you need any help bringing these boxes inside? The young man’s tone had turned flirtatious.

Naw, I’ve got my own muscle right here. Becca pulled Nathair into his line of sight.

Obvious fear shone in the deliveryman’s eyes at the sight of Nathair’s tattooed face, his black mohawk, and the snake tattoos on his arms. Ah, I see…have a nice day! He quickly turned around, and ran down the steps. Nathair and Becca watched as he continued to run until he got to his delivery truck, hopped in behind the wheel, started the engine and took off, burning rubber. His tires were smoking.

Becca watched him go with an amused expression on her face. Seems like he’s in a hurry.

I tend to have that effect on people. Nathair rubbed the back of his neck.

Becca turned to smile at Nathair. Not on me you don’t. Now come on Mr. Muscle, carry these boxes up to my room for me, would you? She pointed at the boxes with an imperious wave of her finger.

Nathair looked at the pile of boxes and then at Becca. He arched his eyebrow at her. And since when do I take orders from you, woman?

Since we became friends…and well, I’m a girl. It’s a woman’s privilege to boss men around, you know? Becca gave the Druid an expectant look. In order to make Fia happy, you have to let her boss you around. She nodded to herself.

That so? Nathair shrugged, picked up the stack of heavy boxes, and followed Becca up the stairs. What’s in these anyways?

I decided to get myself my very own Huntress outfit. I can’t go vampire slaying in purple…it’s just not my color. Becca made a disgusted face.

Nathair furrowed his brow in confusion. So, let me get this straight. You ordered a new outfit so that when you go kill Derek you look good? He scoffed.

Becca stopped at the top of the stairs, and glanced back at Nathair. Yes, I did. And if I’m the last thing he’s going to see before he dies then, well… She shrugged. I want to look good for him. It’s the least I can do. Becca continued walking towards her room.

Nathair wanted to say: ‘You love him, don’t you?’ But he kept his mouth firmly shut. Becca was determined to ‘save’ Derek by killing him so that his soul, which was trapped in Hell, would be released. The tattoo artist didn’t want to ruin her determination. But he was a little suspicious of Fia and how gung-ho she seemed to be about the whole plan. Was Fia lying to Becca about this being the only way to save Derek? Nathair wondered darkly, but shook his head to clear it of such thoughts. Where did you get all of the money for this anyways? He asked curiously.

I used Derek’s credit card. Becca replied nonchalantly.

Nathair flinched, having sympathy pains for Derek. Oh man, you really are a bitch. Not only are you going to kill the poor bastard, but you decided to empty out his bank account first. His tone was teasing even though his words were cutting a little too close to home.

Becca laughed although it sounded a little forced. You know it. They reached the door to Becca’s room, and she opened the door and ushered Nathair inside. Nathair carried the boxes into the room and set them down on the floor. He turned to leave, however, Becca reached out and grabbed his arm, stopping him.

Hey, wait…I want you to stay here. I want to get your opinion as a man on the outfit I purchased. Becca revealed.

Nathair hesitated at the strange request, but then nodded. If this were all he could do for Becca then…he’d do it. Okay.

Becca let go of his arm. Great. She walked over, and shut and locked her bedroom door.

Nathair shot her a questioning look when he saw her lock it.

What? It’s better that Fia doesn’t come in here and misunderstand something again. Now, go sit on the bed and close your eyes so that I can get dressed. Becca made a little shooing motion with her hand towards the bed.

A muscle beneath Nathair’s eye ticked in irritation. Women. He stomped over to the bed, sat down heavily upon it, and closed his eyes obediently. Dude, Becca Thorn had him whipped.

Becca nodded in approval at this obedient behavior, and began to open up the boxes and sift through their contents. Becca stripped her clothes off, and picked up a pair of tight red leather pants and put them on first. Next were her boots. Last was the complicated red leather corset, which laced up the sides, and which also laced up the front.

Becca tied her hair up into a high ponytail and checked her reflection in the mirror. Alright! She was ready to go kill the man she loved - in style. Wow, that is so messed up. She turned to face Nathair, and cleared her throat to get his attention. Ahem. You can open your eyes now, Nathair.

Nathair opened his eyes, and couldn’t stop them from widening at the sexy sight before him. Becca was wearing a red leather corset that was barely big enough to contain Becca’s full breasts and which showed off a lot of cleavage. She had on a matching pair of leather pants that hugged her curves deliciously, and a pair of black boots. Her blue Celtic animal tattoos were proudly on display. Nathair’s mouth went dry at the sight of Becca in all that tight red leather. He was left speechless.

Becca tapped her foot on the floor impatiently as she awaited Nathair’s response and arched a red eyebrow at him. Well, what do you think? Do I look good enough to be the last thing Derek ever sees?

A wry smile curled Nathair’s lips. Can’t believe I’m saying this but…yeah. There are worse ways to go than having an angel of death in red leather come for your soul.

Becca blushed at Nathair’s unexpected words, and was strangely moved by them. Ah, thank you. An awkward silence descended between them. I got something for you.

A flash of surprise crossed Nathair’s face. You did?

Well, for all of the Druid Vampire Hunters, actually. Becca opened up a box and pulled out a smart phone, which she tossed Nathair’s way.

Nathair caught it easily and looked down at it. A smart phone?

Becca grinned. It’s the latest model, and this way I’ll be able to communicate with all of you in case something happens.

Nathair looked at the cell phone strap Becca had attached to the phone. It had a tiny green snake dangling at the very end of the cord. His lip twitched in amusement. It was fitting. Thanks. I like it.

Becca, with a box of cell phones in hand, and Nathair made their way out of the room, down the stairs, and to the living room where everyone was hanging out - Vortigern, Dealande, Fia, Ti, and Fean.

Hey guys. Becca greeted the Hunters casually as she entered the living room.

Everyone’s attention shifted to Becca. Fean glanced over at Becca and did a double take. Holy Mama, hot enchilada! Hello, hot stuff. He waggled his eyebrows at her playfully.

Ti hit her brother on the back of his head. Fean, stop being a pervert.

Ow. Fean pouted.

"Before I go on my mission, I wanted to give you all something as thanks for…well, everything. Without your help I never would have remembered my past life, or remembered what I am. You’ve also given me the strength to protect myself from vampires. Becca explained before she walked over to Ti and handed her a smart phone. Here, Ti, I want you to have this."

Ti took the smart phone and glanced down at it. She smiled as soon as she saw that it was purple, and that it had a cat cell phone strap attached to it. It’s my favorite color. And the cell phone strap is too cute. I love it. Thanks so much, Becca. The Huntress gave Becca a hug.

Becca felt her eyes tear up momentarily, but blinked her tears away. You’re welcome. She smiled and made her way over to Fean next. She handed Fean a yellow cell phone with a black crow cell phone strap.

Fean took the phone and grinned when he saw the little crow dangling at the end of the cord. Awesome, Becca. Thank you.

Becca walked over to Dealande’s scrying table that was covered in various crystals, and stood in front of the Druid seer. I got a very special cell phone for you, Dealande.

For me? Dealande questioned in a surprised tone. But they don’t make Braille cell phones, do they?

Here. Check it out. Becca handed Dealande the OwnFone cell phone.

Dealande took the phone and ran her hand over the front of it. Her eyes widened when she noted that six of the phone’s buttons were Braille. Four of the Braille buttons had names - Rebecca, Vortigern, Fia, and Nathair. Dealande ran her index finger over the Braille slowly and said the names aloud. This is wonderful. What a thoughtful gift. Thank you, Becca. She ran her hand down the cell phone strap and felt the butterfly-shaped charm at the end and smiled.

Vortigern was scowling at Becca as he watched what was going on. How did you get my telephone number in order to program Dealande’s phone with it?

Nathair, of course. Becca said as she rolled her eyes at the stern Druid and then tossed a smart phone Vortigern’s way.

Vortigern caught it easily. It was a simple black phone and had a lion cell phone strap. Good choice, girl.

Lastly, Becca approached Fia, and handed her a phone. I hope you like it.

Fia took the smart phone, and looked down at it. It was black and had a cell phone strap of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer! Fia couldn’t help it. She laughed. And her eyes widened in surprise. She hadn’t laughed in…forever. Thank you, Becca. Her tone was sincere.

Well, I’m going to text message Derek to meet me at the Golden Gate Park in the Tea House Garden. Becca whipped out her own smart phone and began to text Derek with her thumbs.

Wait. Fia objected.

Becca paused in her texting, looked up at Fia, and gave her a questioning look. Yes?

Ah, no, it’s nothing. Fia said awkwardly, and glanced away from Becca, unable to meet her inquisitive stare.

Becca shrugged carelessly and continued her text message.

***

Derek was sleeping when the smart phone Becca had given him beeped loudly at him. The vampire sat up in bed, immediately awake, and reached over to grab the phone from its place on the night table. He swiped his finger across the screen and brought up the text message Becca had just sent him. It read: ‘Hey Derek, mind if we meet up? There’s something very important that I need to talk to you about. I’ll be at the Golden Gate Park in the Tea House Garden around two o’clock AM. Becca.’

Holy shit! A text from Becca! And she wants to meet up and talk! Cinnia wants to talk to me. Derek still couldn’t get over the fact that Becca was the reincarnation of Cinnia. He grinned, feeling happy and excited by the prospect of seeing his wife again. My wife is alive.

Derek hurriedly dressed in his black hooded vest, black leather pants, and biker boots. He wanted to be ready in case the vampires or Druids showed up. After that, Derek headed up to the roof of his townhouse, summoned his dragon tattoo’s wings, and took off into the sky heading for Golden Gate Park.

The vampire landed within the Japanese Tea House Garden, and reached out his acute senses in order to find Becca. There! He could actually sense Becca’s presence again and relief flooded through him. Derek took off running through the garden that reminded him of his time in Japan during the Feudal Era.

There were several red maple trees, bonsai trees, small stone lanterns that were shaped like little houses with curved roofs, and magenta azaleas. The garden had several peaceful ponds with orange and white koi fish swimming in circles within.

Derek spotted Becca just up ahead, standing on top of a steep, curved bridge known as the Drum Bridge that was situated over a calm stream. A red pagoda with curved roofs could be seen in the distance. Becca was illuminated by the moonlight as she peered down at the surface of the water. His heart pounded inside of his chest at the sight of her in the red leather that Cinnia used to wear. His Cinnia…no, his Becca was right in front of him.

Becca! Derek called out and ran to her. Becca turned to face him, her expression unreadable. Once he reached her Derek pulled Becca into his arms and hugged her close. I’m so glad you’re safe. He said in a deep voice as he stroked her red hair, and marveled at the feeling of Becca alive and breathing in his arms.

Becca was stiff in his embrace, however. She was probably still unnerved by the fact that he was a vampire. Derek pulled back, gave Becca a questioning look, and cupped her cheek in a tender manner. Did the Druids harm you in any way? If they did… His tone was filled with menacing intent.

Becca shook her head. "No, the Druids were kind to me. They helped me to remember who I really am. What I really am."

Derek’s brow furrowed. Remember?

I remember my past, Derek. I remember being Cinnia. Becca revealed.

Hope flared inside of Derek’s chest. If she remembered being Cinnia then…did she remember how she used to be in love with him? Then you remember us-

Becca put her hand on Derek’s mouth to stop him from continuing. I remember…being a Druid Vampire Hunter. I’m a Huntress, Derek. It’s my destiny. That’s why I got these battle tattoos. She held up her arms for him to see.

Derek looked down at Becca’s arms. At first he’d thought he’d been imagining them since Becca had looked so much like Cinnia in that moment. But apparently the battle tattoos were not a figment of his imagination. They were real. Becca Thorn got battle tattoos? What’s going on? Why would she do that? Those are real? Becca, you didn’t have to get those. I will always protect you. You don’t need to fight…ever again.

Becca’s lime green eyes flashed with anger. You’ll protect me? Just like how you failed to protect me more than two thousand years ago? Her expression went cold.

Her words were a dagger to his heart. Becca…no, Cinnia, I never should have let you leave our home that night.

But you did. You did let me go, and then Slaine…killed me. Becca hugged herself at the gruesome remembrance.

Sadness shone in Derek’s blue eyes. I’m so sorry, Becca. You’re right, I failed to protect you. The vampire hung his head in shame.

"When Slaine tried to turn me…I was strong, Derek. I didn’t give into temptation. I didn’t drink. And do you want to know why?" Her green eyes were boring into him intensely.

Tell me.

I wanted to die, so that I could be reincarnated and meet you again. But you didn’t do the same for me. You didn’t die when Slaine tried to turn you. You gave into temptation and became a vampire. Everything ended between us in that moment, Derek. You’re no longer the man I used to love. You are a shadow of your former self. A ‘living’ memory. A soulless bloodsucking monster. Your soul was damned to Hell, Derek, when you were turned. The pain, sadness, and betrayal were apparent in Becca’s eyes. Her eyes were brimming with tears.

Seeing the pain in Becca’s eyes made Derek’s heart clench painfully inside of his chest. All Derek wanted to do was to take her pain away. But he was the one who’d caused it and that made everything worse. Cinnia, it wasn’t like that. I didn’t choose to become a vampire. I didn’t betray you. He started to explain.

Becca wiped the tears from her eyes with her hands in a frustrated manner. Her sad expression changed and became determined. It doesn’t really matter. I’ve decided to save you, Derek.

Derek’s brow furrowed in confusion. Save me? How?

Becca raised her arm. I’m going to kill you. She summoned her snake tattoo, and it leapt off her arm and flew at Derek with its maw open wide.

Oh shit! Derek reacted quickly and grabbed the snake in both of his hands before it could sink its fangs into his nose. He wrestled with the magical snake and ended up falling back onto the bridge. He continued to wrestle with the snake as it tried to bite him.

Derek hadn’t brought his sword with him, and so had no sharp weapons with which to defeat the snake. All he had were his fangs. The vampire sank his fangs into the snake and it exploded into blue ink. Derek stared up at Becca with blue ink dripping off his fangs and dribbling down his chin.

Becca stared down at him with this cold, aloof expression on her face. Look at you. You really are a monster, Derek. I’ll be doing you a favor by putting you out of your misery.

Becca…? Her words hit hard.

Becca raised her arm and summoned her unicorn tattoo next. It peeled off her arm and materialized in seconds. The horn on the unicorn was at least three feet long. Dude! It was longer and more deadly than the unicorn tattoo Cinnia used to have. Also, the unicorn looked slightly evil. Who gave you that tattoo?

Becca grabbed the unicorn’s mane with her hand and mounted it in one graceful leap. A Druid named Nathair did all of my new battle tattoos. Now, prepare to die, Derek! Hyah! Becca kicked the unicorn’s sides and charged at Derek with menacing intent.

Fuck! Derek scrambled to his feet, took off running down the bridge, and into the forest.

Get him! Unicorn! Becca ordered.

The unicorn lunged its horn at Derek and he was forced to dive out of the way. The unicorn’s horn ended up piercing a tall stone lantern, which exploded into pieces of rock and rubble. Derek continued to run as Becca pursued him doggedly on her ink unicorn.

Attack him again! Now! The Huntress shouted.

This time Derek barely got out of the way in time as the unicorn lunged its horn forward and ended up taking out a poor maple tree instead. The trunk snapped in half and the top half of the tree crashed to the ground with a loud thud. You won’t escape me, Derek. Just give up and let me save you!

Save me, my ass! I wonder if this is what you would call a bad breakup? Derek continued to run. However, magical battle tattoos were used because they were able to keep up with a vampire’s superhuman speed. Only Derek wasn’t a ‘true’ vampire because he didn’t feed from humans, and so wasn’t as fast as normal vampires. This meant the tattoos were in fact faster than he was.

Becca managed to corner him with his back to a large tree. This is not good. Derek thought to himself grimly.

Now! Becca ordered her unicorn.

The unicorn lunged its horn forward. Derek moved sideways but wasn’t fast enough this time to completely avoid the attack. The unicorn’s horn pierced his shoulder, and pinned him to the tree like a butterfly to a board. Shit!

Becca dismounted the unicorn and approached Derek, prepared to finish him off. She tilted her head at him, and eyed him curiously. Why aren’t you using your battle tattoos to fight back, Derek?

As Becca approached him, Derek realized she was planning on finishing him off. His only option left was to fight. Becca was right. He raised his arm, but then remembered Cinnia burning to ashes right in front of his eyes. No! He couldn’t fight Becca. What if he hurt her? He could never live with himself if that happened.

Derek lowered his arm. He looked Becca in the eyes and watched as she summoned her fox tattoo. Its head peeled off of Becca’s arm and she reached her arm out towards Derek. The fox opened its maw and prepared to bite Derek’s head off.

I would rather die than harm you. I will not fight you. But I won’t give up so easily either. Derek swiftly moved his free hand through the air, and brought it down upon his upper arm in a slashing motion, severing his own arm off at the shoulder.

Blood spurted through the air and some of it landed on Becca’s face. Derek’s arm landed on the ground with a thud. The shock that Derek had cut his own arm off to escape her was evident on her face.

Blood was gushing out of his severed arm and Derek bit his lower lip to keep himself from crying out at the pain. He grabbed the bloody stump of what was left of his arm, and staggered into the garden as fast as he could.

Becca watched him go, too stunned by what had just happened to move for a moment. Pull yourself together, Becca! The Huntress slapped her cheeks with her hands. He’s not the real Derek. He’s just a monster who looks and talks and acts like him…dammit! You won’t get away! Becca ran over to her unicorn, mounted it, and took off after Derek.

It didn’t take long to catch up to him. He was running while gripping his bleeding shoulder and a pang of sympathy went through her. No! I can’t feel sorry for him! Not now. I have to be strong. Becca shook her head. Get him!

The unicorn lunged forward and pierced Derek’s back with its horn. The horn exited out of the front of Derek’s chest. The unicorn then lifted Derek up off the ground, and with a toss of its head sent Derek flying. The vampire hit the ground and rolled until he ended up on his back where he remained unmoving.

Becca dismounted her unicorn, and raised her arm as she approached Derek with purposeful steps. She summoned her fox tattoo, and it peeled off her skin. It materialized and leapt off her arm to stand beside her. Follow me. Becca directed it as she continued her approach.

Becca reached Derek and stared down at him with a caged expression on her face. A pool of his own blood surrounded him. Blood was gushing not only from his shoulder but also from the wound on his chest now. His chest was heaving as he struggled to breathe. He was in a sorry state. Derek looked up and met Becca’s eyes. "Becca." His tortured voice was laced with sadness and regret.

Still not going to fight back, Derek? The Huntress demanded almost angrily.

Derek shook his head. No…never. I could never hurt you. And besides you’re right to kill me. I am a monster. And my existence puts you in danger, so it’s better this way, Becca. Kill me. And be safe and live happily. Don’t hesitate now.

A muscle beneath Becca’s eye ticked in irritation. You don’t have to tell me. That’s what I’m planning to do. And I’m not hesitating!

Derek’s expression turned sympathetic. Then why are you crying?

I’m not- Becca raised her hands to her cheeks to find them wet with tears. Shit. I’m not weak. I will kill him. I will save him. She quickly wiped her tears away. "I will save you, Derek. Fox, kill him."

The fox approached Derek, opened its maw, and latched its teeth around his neck. The fox slowly began to bite down.

Wow, Rebecca Thorn. You really are an idiot! Came a tinkling female voice.

Becca looked up to see what could only be an angel sitting on a low branch in one of the nearby red maple trees. The angel had short, platinum blonde curls, and wide blue eyes. She was wearing silver armor with spikes on it, and a pair of huge, white, feathery wings was outstretched behind her back. The angel was sucking on a lollipop. What did you just say? Becca snapped, angered that she’d been interrupted in the salvation of Derek’s soul.

Uriel whipped her lollipop out and pointed it at Becca. The Druids lied to you, dumbass.

They what? Becca whirled around to face the fox and ordered it to stop. Stop!

The fox stopped chomping down on Derek’s neck, and obediently pulled back. Blood was dripping down Derek’s chin and gushing out of his neck. His almost severed neck. Now I know how Nearly Headless Nick felt. Derek thought to himself dazedly as he tried to remain conscious.

See for yourself, fool. Uriel tossed something down at Becca, which she caught.

Becca opened her hands to see a round silver mirror. A mirror…?

"That mirror is enchantment proof, which makes it a useful tool to reveal vampires. Even ones that possess magic, and who can will a reflection to appear in mirrors like Derek and Slaine can. Although, in the state the poor guy is in, I don’t think he’d be able to use his magic to deceive you even if he wanted to. Uriel frowned and shook her head as she watched Derek bleeding onto the ground. If Derek is truly soulless like you think then he will have no reflection in that mirror. Why don’t you see what the truth is for yourself. After all you have nothing to lose."

Alright, fine, angel. I’ll play. Becca stomped over to Derek and crouched beside him. She held the mirror over his face and peered into the mirror expecting to see nothing. Her eyes widened in horror instead when she saw Derek’s reflection there. The mirror fell from her limp fingers to the grassy ground. No…no, no, no! That can’t be right! He has a reflection. So that means he has his soul back. But how is this possible? The Huntress demanded.

Uriel’s frown deepened as she stared at the redhead. "I don’t think I’m going to tell you why. After all I’m incredibly angry with you right now. Just look at what you did to my charge. Tsk, tsk, tsk. Uriel clucked her tongue as she stared down at Derek’s broken and bloody form. He’s a mess."

Then…I made a mistake? Becca looked down at Derek with a helpless expression on her face. This can’t be happening. I just wanted to save him. Angel! You have to do something. You can help him, can’t you? You can heal him, right? Becca looked up at Uriel and gave the angel a beseeching look as she clasped her hands together in front of her chest.

Uriel continued to suck on her lollipop, and enjoyed watching Becca’s emotional breakdown. It was the least the Huntress deserved after what she’d done to her charge. Finally, Uriel took the lollipop out of her mouth and smiled innocently at Becca. Oh yes. I have the power to heal him.

Then…come down here and do it! Well, what are you waiting for? Becca demanded, stood up and placed her hands on her hips as she glared up at the angel.

"Hmmm, I don’t feel like it. Besides, why don’t you heal him yourself? After all you’re the one who got him into this sorry state." Uriel shook her head at Becca.

Becca’s brow furrowed in confusion. Me? How?

Uriel rolled her eyes at the redhead. "Honey, he’s a vampire. How do you think? Feed him your blood. And he’ll be as good as new. I guarantee it." She bit into her Tootsie Pop and got to the chewy center.

Feed him my blood…? Becca gulped nervously, and looked down at Derek with a wary expression on her face. She touched the side of her neck in a subconscious gesture as she remembered what it had felt like when Slaine had bitten her.

Derek could see the fear in Becca’s eyes and it ate at his heart. No, don’t do it, Becca. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine eventually. The vampire gasped out, blood dripping down his chin.

Uriel snorted loudly at Derek’s words. Sure you will. The sun comes up in just a couple of hours, and you certainly won’t be healed by then. Which means you’ll be burned to a crisp out here. Yeah, you’ll be just peachy. Sarcasm was dripping from Uriel’s voice.

Derek frowned up at Uriel. Uriel, don’t…

Pull yourself together, Becca. You wanted to save Derek didn’t you? And now you can. The Huntress took a deep breath to steel her nerves. I’ll do it. Becca crouched next to Derek and held her wrist over his mouth.

Derek could see the blood rushing through her veins. Could hear her pulse. His pupils dilated and his fangs lengthened. He neared Becca’s wrist…but then turned his head away. No! I won’t hurt you!

Stubborn vampire. Becca scolded as she slid her wrist over Derek’s mouth and cut her wrist using his fangs.

Derek turned his head to gawk up at Becca in astonishment. She held her bleeding wrist over Derek’s mouth and a few drops of her blood fell onto his tongue. His pupils were blown. Becca. Derek growled before grabbing her wrist and sinking his fangs into her flesh.

Becca flinched at the pain, and gasped as Derek began to suck her blood. But then the strangest thing happened. Becca felt pleasure. Erotic pleasure as Derek sucked her blood. Her cheeks flushed, heat pooled between her thighs, and she rubbed them together unconsciously. She could feel Derek inside her - inside her head and inside her heart. He was feeling her emotions. Her soul had been laid bare before him.

As Derek fed on Becca’s delicious, sweet blood he groaned in bliss. He’d never tasted anything so damned delicious. It was incredible. It was life. It was Becca’s essence. All of her emotions began to flood into him. It was like he was reading her mind, heart, and soul. He could feel her emotions. Derek could feel her love for him, but he also felt something else. Are those her feelings for Slaine? He wondered. The hell?

Derek’s eyes snapped open and he peered up at Becca who was staring down at him with flushed cheeks. He didn’t know how long he’d been feeding from her, but…sometime during that time someone had kindly reattached his arm to his body. It had probably been Uriel.

Where is that pesky, meddlesome angel? Derek wondered and looked around the garden. But Uriel was gone. He removed his fangs from Becca’s wrist and sat up. He reached his hand up to gingerly touch his throat and was relieved to find that it had healed. Derek looked down at his chest and saw that the wound there had also healed. He looked down at his newly reattached arm and tried moving his fingers. He opened and closed his hand into a fist.

Derek was completely healed. Wow. The power of Becca’s human blood was amazing. The vampire could feel strength and power flowing through him in order to heal him completely.

You don’t need more? Becca asked with her rosy cheeks.

Derek shook his head. No. Thank you, Becca. I saw…I felt. The vampire paused. How do you feel about Slaine? He found himself blurting out.

Becca’s expression grew shuttered and she wrapped her arms around her body. You saw into my heart without my permission.

"Becca, you can’t possibly have feelings for Slaine can you?" Derek demanded jealously.

Becca’s green eyes flashed with anger. I already told you, Derek. I remember my past life as Cinnia, and so I remember our friend, Hunchback. So yes, I do have feelings for Slaine. I care about him.

Derek’s expression darkened. Hunchback is dead, Becca. All that’s left is Slaine. And Slaine is a bloodthirsty killer. A monster. Don’t forget that he tried to turn you. And he killed you in your past life!

Dead? Dead like you are? I wonder…? Becca glanced at a large stone nekomata, two-tailed cat demon, statue and thought about how Slaine would have loved that Japanese garden. She also remembered an example tattoo design of a nekomata hanging on the wall of Voodoo Tattoo, and wondered if Derek had ever been to Japan. And you’re wrong about Slaine. He’s not just a monster. He may have tried to turn me into a vampire again, but I forgive him for that because he did it because he’s in love with me. Hunchback…was in love with me too, and I never knew it. Never realized it. And Slaine…has saved my life twice since then! He saved me from Neena and the twins, and then again when the vampires attacked the Druid Vampire Hunters’ Headquarters.

Derek’s angry expression shifted to worry. The vampires attacked where you were staying? Did they hurt you? He reached his hand out towards Becca.

I would be dead right now if it weren’t for Slaine.

Derek dropped his hand. But then…the other vampires would know Slaine is a traitor.

Becca shook her head. He was wearing a disguise. I don’t think they knew it was him.

I see. Slaine saved you. Derek hung his head, and clenched his hands into fists. He looked up to give Becca a penetrating stare. Are you in love with him?

Becca flushed and stood up. She dusted her outfit off as she tried to get her emotions under control. I…I…that’s none of your business! Stop reading my mind without my permission, vampire! She clutched her head in her hands.

Derek stood up, brushed his clothes off and scowled darkly. I’m not reading your mind. I don’t have that ability.

O-Oh…well, good! And um, I should be going. I have very important things to do. Like getting ready to kill Dracula and save this city. Becca turned on her heel prepared to march off. However-

The Huntress swayed on her feet, suddenly feeling faint from lack of blood. She fell forward and would have fallen completely, but Derek was there to catch her in his arms. Derek then swooped Becca up into his arms bridal style.

W-What are you doing? Becca demanded hotly.

You’re anemic and weak from lack of blood. I’m taking you back to my place. Derek said firmly.

The hell you are! This is kidnapping, this is-! Becca immediately began to object.

Derek summoned his dragon tattoo’s wings; they emerged from his back, and spread impressively behind him.

Becca gawked at the blue, shimmery, gossamer wings. You…have wings?

Derek smirked down at her roguishly. They’re from my dragon tattoo. He explained.

Oh. Becca said, feeling like an idiot. Can you really fly?

Let’s find out, shall we? Derek flapped his wings and took off into the night sky. They soared over the Japanese Tea House Garden and flew past the pagoda.

Becca screamed like a banshee. Nooo! Put me down! Put me down! She wrapped her arms tightly around Derek’s neck, buried her face into his rock-hard chest, and closed her eyes.

Derek chuckled at her antics. Welcome back, Rebecca Thorn.

Oh, shut up. You’d be scared too if you weren’t used to this. Becca shot back.

Come on, Becca…open your eyes. Derek urged her in a deep, sexy