Warm Bloods and Vampires Unite: Legends of the Undead, #2

By Darrel Day

This is the second book in the series Legends of the Living Dead. In Warm Bloods and Vampires Unite, Mia and Michael continue to try and free Michael from Tiaton and the Islands. New and old vampires, a werewolf and the Loa do everything possible to make it impossible. 

Spain and the kingdom have all they can handle with Lucinda and Braxton trying to take over the castle. Fucia and Felicia, trapped in the dungeon, seem helpless to stop them. Warm bloods and vampires unite on both sides of the fence. Many will have to die so that others may live.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Darrel Day
• Release date: Nov 22, 2017
• ISBN: 9781979301688

Darrel Day

Darrel Day is a 12 time published author of suspense thrillers, short story collections and biographies. His books are available in both print and on all e-readers.  Residing in a smalltown in Iowa, Darrel enjoys the outdoors where he gathers inspiration for his writing.

Book preview

Prologue

Time is more often an enemy rather than a friend. It does not stop to wait for anything nor does it slow down. We find ourselves needing more than it gives us to finish what we need done. We are never satisfied with how much time we have. It is either too much or too little; never just perfect. A single moment less or more was enough to save a life or change history.

Time for a vampire changes as the need to hurry through life before it ends is not an issue. Unless an enemy causes their death, a vampire will see century after century pass by. Time only becomes important to a vampire when there is danger to deal with. 

Mia had spent centuries wishing she had been somewhere a second sooner. She had watched friends; loved ones die because she had been a second too late to save them. A foul elder vampire had been quicker than her and it had cost her dearly. To save a friend or her own life, Mia had needed only a few seconds less to have passed. She might have saved Luke’s life had she been quicker. She wished all too often that time could stand still long enough for her to stop a tragedy from happening. She was never graced with time doing as she wished it would do.

In a world where vampires walk freely among warm bloods, Mia had found something very unfamiliar to her. Her life had been changed by the discovery of a zombie named Michael. She had found a love she didn’t know existed. She had been given a reason to want time to stop and allow her to simply enjoy his company. But, as always, time had not stopped and life and death went on all around her. Mia would continue to ask time to stop and let her live for herself and Michael, even if just for a second or two.

Chapter  1

Mia and Michael needed to figure things out. Braxton had left a mess that would need cleaning up. Fucia was still out there, though Mia wasn’t certain where. Sending Tina to claim Sebastian’s castle left her worried for Tina’s safety. Forgetting that Michael could read her thoughts, she pondered on what they would do next.

You gave her some of your energy before she left us, Mia. I would think she could stand against most vampires unless they were older.

If Braxton decides to go to the castle, she doesn’t stand a chance against him. He is nearly as powerful as I am. Fucia should be no issue. She has enough problems without adding to the calamity that is ours to see, Michael. I want to go to Spain to see Rico. It has nothing to do with wanting him back. I simply...

Mia, you don’t need to defend yourself to me. I understand your desire to see this man. He is part of your past.

He is a part of my past I thought had died centuries ago. Now I find my father did not kill him as he thought he had. So much had happened in that one short night. Discovering my mother had been part of trying to kill Rico knocked the wind out of me. I really just want some answers as to where he has been for the past few centuries.

Then we should go to Spain and see this, Rico. You do wish for me to go with you, right?

I would have no other with me, Michael. We will tell Fallon and her family we must go away now. They have been so kind to share their home with us while we rested. I feel completely healed and I am ready to do what needs to be done to balance the world of vampires. Surely Carter has gone running back to tell Braxton of the deaths that have occurred within our realm.

Are you not the heir to all that Sebastian held as his own?

In truth, all that he possessed should be mine by rights and no one has come forward to challenge me, yet. Remember that I did say yet, I have a feeling that isn’t far away.

Mia walked with Michael until they reached Fallon’s home. Fallon was waiting outside for them. Her smile was bright as she moved across the ground.

Where have you two been for so long? I was going to come find you but mother told me to stay. She thought you might need some time alone.

That was kind of your mother, Fallon. Michael and I were enjoying your beautiful forest and the water. It has been a very long time since we could simply walk and enjoy.

Paul and Joshua came outside to greet them. Joshua had a hug for Mia as he always did. Had it not been for his insistence, Fallon would have died as a mortal. Her body filled with sickness; turning her was the only way to give her more time with her family. It had taken her mother and father time to come to terms with Fallon being an undead. Seeing that Fallon was still their daughter and the change had not altered her personality aided them in their acceptance of Fallon’s new life.

I wondered if we would see you again, Mia. I know that your sadness as well as the battle has been hard on you. I am terribly sorry for any losses that you have suffered.

Thank you for that, Paul. Michael and I will be leaving soon. We need to take care of some unfinished business. We are hoping it will not include more violence or death.

Take me with you, Mia; please? I have so much learning to do and you could teach me.

What learning do you need, little one? You are doing well and your parents need you here to watch over them.

Fallon hugged her father tight to her. He pushed out a bit as she squeezed. A frown formed on her face as she looked up at him.

Do you not like my hugs anymore, father? Have I done something to cause you to push me away?

Paul wrapped his arms around his daughter. He squeezed her as he smiled down at her.

My precious daughter; you could not do anything to make me not want your hugs. Forgive me for giving you that impression. You are much stronger than perhaps you realize. When you hug me, you nearly squeeze the very breath from me. I push back only to catch my breath.

Fallon smiled at her father before turning back to Mia and Michael.

Please teach me the ways of a vampire, Mia.  It is true that I am young but you were the same at one time. There is much to learn about the structure of the vampire kingdom. I wish to rise up and be the vampire that you are. I cannot learn to defend myself or where I fit into this new world you gave to me without guidance.

Where we go may hold danger; perhaps even death, little one. I don’t wish to have to come back here to tell your family that we lost you, should that happen.

Being here doesn’t protect me anymore than anywhere else, Mia. You know yourself that is true. Sebastian would have killed me as quickly as any other vampire that got in his way. There are some that know we harbored a vampire and a zombie here. They may seek to take their revenge on my family. How can I defend them if I have not been properly taught?

Mia smiled at Fallon as she took in her words. She was impressed by Fallon’s desire to be more than just a night creature searching for blood.

I am sure you would have been either a lawyer or a politician had you gone out into the world as a warm blood. Your argument is strong but, I must leave the final decision to your mother and father. They will be the ones without their daughter for the time you are with Michael and me.

Fallon turned to her parents; her eyes pleading with them even before she spoke.

Please father, allow me to do this thing I ask for. I wish to be better than I am now; smarter in the ways of surviving. I am your daughter still but, I am a vampire and must know the ways of this world I live in.

I too listened to your words, Fallon. I agree that you would have made a wonderful lawyer. If this is important to you then you must do it. You have a strong bond with your brother, Joshua. You can tell us you are safe and alive through him. I give you my blessing if Mia wishes to be your teacher. I will trust you to bring my daughter back to us safely, Mia.

Mia thought on this offer. She was nervous inside to be Fallon’s mentor and at the same time, she was excited to do such a thing. She leaned into Michael, speaking softly into his ear. 

This involves you as much as it does me, Michael. I need to know your thoughts before I give them my answer.

I think the girl would benefit greatly from you, Mia. There is much to be learned and who better to teach the young vampire than you?

My answer then is yes, Fallon; I will take you with Michael and me for a time. When I tell you it is time to go or hide; you must obey me without question. If you do not then I will simply return you to your parents and be done with you. There will be no second chances.

Fallon agreed to Mia’s conditions. She would not wander far from Mia’s side. She would absorb everything Mia said and did. She would learn from the best and emerge as one hell of a vampire. Fallon was pleased far more than she could convey to Mia and her father. She was ready to go when they were.

Are we going straight to Spain, Mia? I want to see Spain so badly.

We have one more stop to make first, Fallon. I want to check in with Tina; mainly because I don’t trust Carter or Braxton.

Don’t they want to see you dead, Mia?

What they want and what they get isn’t the same thing, little one. We will just do a fly by and if all is well, you will see Spain by tomorrow.

Please take care of her, Mia. She is still young in our eyes.

I will watch her closely, Paul. She is a young vampire, therefore her strength is not as mine is. Sadly, you will have left this world long before she realizes her full potential. I will teach her the ways of survival.

Mia held one of Michael’s hands as Fallon gripped the other. Together they left the safety and solitude of the Keys. The ocean mist blew against their faces as they skimmed just above the water. Mia delighted in the sounds made by the excited young vampire with her and Michael. She wished she could still feel the same things she felt so very long ago.

Perhaps it is good that we can speak to one another’s mind, Mia. There are things we may not want the young one to hear.

I agree, Michael. She is still learning and we have lived forever I think.

‘We have only one hundred years to try and set things in order. We must endeavor to put Braxton and his posse in their proper ranks."

Why are we so limited by time, Michael? Do you know something I don’t?

Michael was silent for a moment. He was at peace with the fact he could hear Mia’s thought when he chose to. She did not have the same freedom with his thoughts. He had things to think on he didn’t need to share with Mia at this moment. They were simply his issues. He decided to speak aloud for a time.

When one hundred years has passed, someone you and I are not fond of will be free again.

I nearly forgot about her. Maybe she will have chilled by then, so to speak.

Michael laughed at Mia’s remark. He didn’t picture Tiaton ever chilling.

You found humor in my words, I see. I like to hear you laugh, Michael. It is a good thing.

Who are you talking about, Michael? Is it somebody I know?

She is not anyone you want to meet, little one. She is from a very faraway place where I was sort of born.

I didn’t know zombies were born, Michael.

They are not born, Fallon. Michael is trying to be sarcastic. He doesn’t carry it too well, I’m afraid. Zombies are created by dwellers of the islands. Most are not like Michael.

Michael’s thoughts strayed back to the islands Mia spoke of. He thought of Tiaton and of Liatia. So much had happened since his Mambo had taken her own life. Michael wondered if he would ever stop feeling he had caused her death. How many centuries would pass before the memory of the islands became just that; memories?

Is she evil or friendly like you, Michael?

She is a bad spirit that seeks to own or destroy me, Fallon. She is not one you need to think of at all.

Where is she now?

She is asleep on an island far away from here. It is best that we leave her there as I do not know what she can hear.

If she is sleeping, how can she hear anything, Michael?

He did not answer Fallon’s question but instead spoke to Mia again.

She will wake for certain when the time comes, Mia. The Ghede promised us only one hundred years. I am still not certain even he can hold her there for so long. As she sleeps, we both know her strength returns to her. Once awakened, I am unsure how strong she will be.

Maybe she will have forgotten about you and me by then. Surely she must have other places to go and people to see, right?

One can only hope, Mia. We may want to do a, what did you call it; a fly by over the islands on our journey to Spain.

I see no reason we cannot do that, Michael. Maybe you can convince Ghede-boy to hang onto her for another, oh say, thousand years?

Once again Michael smiled at Mia’s words. There was no reason to respond to her remark. They both knew that was not going to happen.

Mia saw the castle coming into view. She was overwhelmed with images of the centuries when this was her home. Sebastian had at times treated her as best he knew how. Never a gentle man, Sebastian tried to give Mia everything she desired except soft love. When he took her sexually, there was no tenderness in his touch. Mia had come to know sex as a violently erotic act. She rarely walked away from Sebastian without cuts and bruises. After a time, she came to want to be taken in such a way.

You are mine to do with as I please, Mia. I will treat you as a sex slave if I wish or I can treat you as my queen. The choice is always yours but the sex shall never be soft. Soft is for weaklings, Mia. Remember that always.

She had kept his words with her for nearly a century. When she tired of the same ravaging of her body time after time, she went seeking others. She found mortals to be much gentler in their lovemaking ways. They touched places inside her soul Sebastian had never found.

Michael looked out over the castle. He tried to take in all the surroundings so he would not read Mia’s thoughts. Though he and Mia had both had many lovers in their past, Michael preferred not to see her body being taken by others. He looked inside the open windows of the castle as Mia hovered above the tower.

Is this your very own castle, Mia?

Mia was brought back to the present by Fallon’s question. She could see Fallon’s eyes dancing all around; taking in the beauty of the five century old castle.

This castle belonged to a very old vampire, Fallon. He was killed in a recent battle therefore leaving the castle and all he possessed to me. I gave this castle to Tina as a gift for her helping Michael and I defeat our enemies. I want to be sure she has settled in. She is very dear to me.

As Mia set Michael on the floor of the castle’s third level, she began to search the castle for Tina. Entering the throne room, Mia saw splatters of blood on the walls and floor. Touching her finger to the blood and then to her tongue, Mia could see through Tina’s blood the battle that had already taken place. Painfully, she watched as Carter ripped at Tina’s body. She saw Tina fighting with all that was inside of her. Two other vampires fought at Carter’s side.

Mia recognized John Lively standing beside Carter. She did not know the female that fought with them. The female appeared to be less experienced in the art of battling other vampires. Mia saw Tina reach out and tear away a piece of the vampires flesh from her scalp. Tina screamed out and ripped at the vampire again. Mia watched as Carter stood and watched the female fight back.

What is it you are seeing Mia? You need to tell me what we are walking into.

I have not finished yet, Michael. Give me a moment please.

Mia touched the blood again and tasted it. She leaned against the wall as she watched again. Her heart broke as she watched her best friend being attacked by Carter’s mob. She saw Tina rising up, trying to escape. She was pulled down by Carter and held in place by Carter and John. The female reached down and pushed her fist into Tina’s chest. Mia cried out when she saw Tina’s heart extracted from her body. Her anger exploded when she saw the female bite into Tina’s heart. She sucked the blood from it before spitting the flesh to the floor. Carter grabbed Tina’s hair, stretching her neck tight. Suddenly the images were gone as Mia slid to the floor.

Michael reached down and lifted Mia from the floor. Pulling her close, he held her as she cried. Tears had become a common thing for Mia. She wasn’t certain she liked it. It made her feel weak inside. She could not afford to be weak; not physically or emotionally. Any show of vulnerability could mean her death and the deaths of those she cherished most in life.

I need to see where her body was when she died. Walk with me; both of you. I don’t want either of you out of my sight.

Michael and Fallon followed Mia down the long hallways. There was a coolness to the castle that only Michael felt. Fallon walked between Michael and Mia, looking around in awe of hallways that seemed to go on forever. The castle walls reached up higher than any ceiling she had ever seen. She wished Mia had given her and her family the castle to live in. She was certain she would never leave it except to feed.

Passing by an opening in the wall, Fallon could see a large patio area filled with flowers and statues. Some of the statues had eyes that felt as if they were following her. A forest stretched out to the other side of the garden area. Deer and birds filled the pasture. Fallon liked the way the deer stood and watched them as they passed by. She was sure she would never have to leave the safety of the castle; not even to forage for nourishment.

Mia stopped without warning. Fallon walked right into Mia’s body, nearly knocking Mia over. No words were spoken as they all stared down at the mark on the brick floor. There was no mistaking they had found where Tina’s battle had ended. The scorched remains of her once beautiful body would be forever etched in Fallon’s mind.

Mia knelt down and placed her hand in the ashes. She pulled back with a loud gasp. She witnessed Tina’s last seconds, feeling her pain as if it were her own. She stood and faced Michael and Fallon.

They are still here within the castle, Michael. Keep the little one hidden while I search for them. If you speak to me, use your mind. I don’t know what Carter can sense.

Does he know we are here, Mia?

I don’t...

Mia’s words were cut short by a voice behind her. She stepped in front of Michael and Fallon, as she turned to face Carter and his companions.

I might not have known you were here if not for your anger, Mia. How foolish of me not to post a watch for you. It was so very nice of you to bring along dinner. I am absolutely famished since Eve drained poor Tina. Imagine, she actually told me you had given her the castle as if it was yours to give away. A pity she had to be disposed of.

Your fight is with me, vampire. Leave the other two alone and I may spare your life.

Carter laughed at Mia as he rubbed his hand along the wall where Tina’s blood had spilled. He moved closer to Mia; Eve and John close behind.

I see you brought a foul creature with you. What abomination is he or does he only follow orders as do his kind?

I take orders from no one, vampire. You speak of me as if you have knowledge of me. Trust me when I say you have never met anything quite like me. I will pull your extremities from you like a warm blood does an insect.

You always seem to hang with the nastiest creatures, Mia. Too bad they never live long enough to enjoy their time with you. What a shame really. I think I could find a use for one like him. The little vampire is still nearly a newborn. I can barely smell her.

Do not sell her or the man that stands beside me short, Carter. Either one of them have the ability to kill both of your sidekicks.  As for you, I think I can take you on sufficiently. What you did to Tina sealed your fate. I will kill you while I watch Michael and Fallon drain the life out of your friends. You may have bitten off more than you could chew, Carter. I think I am going to enjoy killing you.

Mia stepped forward, pushing Michael and Fallon behind her. She was going to make certain that Carter paid for what he did to Tina. She would make them all pay for Tina’s death.

Chapter  2

Braxton was rather proud of himself. He had managed to overtake the kingdom with little to no effort. He had set into place the vampires he trusted most. Carter would secure the castle that had been Sebastian’s before his death. He would need to deal with John Lively when the opportunity presented itself.  Judas was one Braxton could never fully trust. Judas had made his way in the vampire world by cheating and stealing. He would kill nearly anyone if the price was right. He turned to look at Lucinda.

I am still unsure what to do with Rico. He may still hold a torch for Mia. If he does; that causes a problem for me. I cannot have the leader of my guards turning on me to be with Mia. I have no place for such things in my kingdom.

Maybe you should kill him before he can betray you, Braxton.

I would do that except for the fact he is a very old vampire. He is easily as aged as Mia and I am unsure if he has discovered the abilities and power that come with his age.

Is he stronger than you, Braxton? You seem to be a very capable vampire yourself.

I am strong, yes; but if he has found his strength, I would stand little chance of defeating him.

Not if you were able to distract him, Braxton.

How do you suggest I go about doing that, my wannabe queen?

You might tell him Mia is coming back to sit at your side. Offer to give her to him in exchange for his loyalty.

Although I do love the way you think, I am unsure the plan would work. If Mia were to come back and Rico discovered my lies, I would have two very old, very pissed vampires to deal with. My ending would be fairly simple to figure out, my dear Lucinda. I am afraid your life would be over also. Knowing you wish to be one of us would be the very reason they would not turn you.

You could turn me now and I would rule at your side, Braxton. We would hold this kingdom tightly between us.

I need you warm until we have the loyalty of both sides, Lucinda. When we have secured our places in the hearts of the living and the undead I will make you my queen. For now we need to find our allies and build our army.