Real Vampires: Revenge of the Pirates

By Gerry Bartlett

A fight to the death...

Vampire Gloriana St. Clair is shocked when the queen of the pirates ends her own life rather than surrender to the king's justice. Peace at last and her lover Jeremiah Campbell is off to Edinburgh to share the good news. But the pirates are back, seeking...

Revenge.

With

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dragon Lady Publishing
• Release date: Dec 3, 2022
• ISBN: 9798985112269

Gerry Bartlett

Gerry Bartlett is a native Texan and former teacher with more than twenty published novels. She lives near Houston, Texas. Visit her at www.gerrybartlett.com.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

I woke as usual as soon as the sun set. Hard arms slipped around me.

What will you do while I’m away? He nibbled my neck.

Look for another lover of course. You insist upon abandoning me. Surely there is someone here who can satisfy me while you are gone. I squeaked when he rolled me underneath him.

Never joke about taking another man into our bed. He propped himself on his elbows to spare me his weight and stared down at me, his fingers tangled in my hair. You are mine, Gloriana St. Clair. He kissed a path across my brows to the swell of my breasts.

Jeremiah. His? I wanted to rail at him for claiming me as if I were one of his possessions, like his horse or his sword. But I couldn’t seem to find the strength to push him away when he kissed me deeply before exploring every inch of me with his clever mouth and hands.

I loved Jeremiah Campbell and wondered again why he kept me as his mistress when he could have his pick of the beauties in the king’s court. When we’d met, I’d been a poor widow, desperate for a protector and he’d been a hungry vampire, on the prowl for a tasty wench with healthy blood. I should have been a night’s meal and no more to him. I had no great accomplishments or fortune and my blond hair and blue eyes were ordinary. My full figure was to Jeremiah’s liking but I envied women who fit into their gowns without straining their bodices.

For some reason, my lover couldn’t get enough of me. It was almost as if I had cast a spell on him. I sighed when the proof of his desire nudged my thigh. I was no witch and had no spells, but if a spell had been cast then I was also ensorcelled. It mattered not how arrogant my man behaved or jealous of other men he seemed, I wanted only Jeremiah. He was mine. When he reached for me, I was caught up again in my own urgent need to have him.

He leaned back from a kiss and looked into my eyes. I don’t share, as you well know, my beauty. Save your lust for me alone. With that he wrapped my legs around his waist and made me gasp as he entered me.

Lust. We’d been on fire with it since the moment we’d met. I’d soon begged him to give me immortality. Did I regret my choice? It was only when I watched my friend with her new babe at her breast that I felt the pain of all I’d given up for this man who loved me so greedily.

We tumbled about on the bed, both satisfying our urges until we collapsed side by side.

You really have to leave tonight? I stroked his strong chest. Lord Jeremiah Campbell had been a warrior before he’d been turned vampire over one hundred years ago. He’d been in his prime then and would forever stay that way—handsome with dark hair, a muscular body and a leader’s way about him. He was his father’s heir but would probably never inherit the Laird’s title. The Campbell family traditionally sired their children before they were turned vampire. Had Jeremiah? Not that I knew of. He was not one to talk of his past.

The king commands my presence. He wants an accounting of our thrashing of those damned pirates. Jeremiah smiled and grasped my hand. I’m happy to give him one and will certainly tell King Jamie how you were the one who bested the pirate wench.

I doubt he’ll believe you. I’d surprised myself in that fight, using newly learned swordcraft to defeat Zarah, who’d led the pirate attack on our outpost. Our castle faced across the sea from Ireland. When she’d realized she’d lost, the pirate queen had flung herself off the battlements rather than surrender and face the king’s harsh justice. It had been a shocking end to our fight.

You were amazing, taking down their leader. Are you sure you won’t come with me? The king is bound to reward you for your bravery. Jeremiah grinned. You could even wear your britches and shock the court.

I laughed and kissed his smile. I could just imagine how the gossips would enjoy that!

As tempting as you make it sound, I will not go to Edinburgh. Not if you are still planning to stop at Campbell Castle on the way there.

I eased my hand from his and climbed out of bed. I strolled naked to the washstand and found my tooth powder. I knew what I was doing as I gave him that view of my body. I might be unhappy that it was bigger than I liked, but Jeremiah had a fondness for my full backside. A good thing since I was stuck this way forevermore!

I must. Da and I feel we owe it to our fallen lads to take their bodies home and lay them to rest there. We’ll say proper words and give recompense to their families. They died in service to the clan in that fight against the pirates. He appeared behind me, stroking my bum and humming his approval of my curves.

No, they died in service to their king, not just to Clan Campbell. I turned and hit him in the chest. You know I cannot bear to go to that castle with your mother in residence. She tried to have me killed, Jeremiah! And almost succeeded. She had even hired an assassin to pursue me. It was my own luck and skill that had saved me. I never again wanted to be within a day’s ride of the hateful woman.

Aye. I know how she sinned against you, Gloriana. I’m sorry and will never forgive her. If anyone else but my own mother had done such a thing, she’d be dead by now. Mother or not, I have told her that I won’t hesitate to put her down if she tries such again. His eyes were hard and I didn’t doubt he meant every word.

I gasped. Jeremiah! Kill his own mother to protect me? How could our love survive such a thing? I wrapped my arms around him. I pray it won’t come to that!

It shouldn’t. I have warned her to leave you alone. She seemed to listen this time. He pulled me close and kissed the top of my head. She is mad if she thinks getting rid of you will make me choose a woman more to her liking. I set her straight on that score.

Anyone would be more to her liking than a slut from the Globe theater.

I breathed in Jeremiah’s masculine scent and thanked the gods for his love and loyalty. My man was not to blame for his mother’s actions and he was leaving soon. I did not want us to part with this between us. I kissed his chest where I had pounded it.

Take care of your business in Edinburgh and hurry back to me, my love. Tell the king about the men we lost here and the sacrifices the Campbells made on his behalf. I’m sure he will shower you with riches and yet another title. I looked up at him with pride. The king had made him Guardian of the Coast and had given him this fine castle.

But you, Gloriana—

I put a finger over his lips. Please. Don’t bother him with tales of my fight with Zarah. I’m sure King James would rather think his men won the battle and you know it. Go. Strut about, bragging of your exploits. I find court very trying for a vampire. You manage it well with your years of practice, but to me it is not worth the side glances and courtiers wondering why we never appear during the day. I brushed my hand over his firm jaw then turned to wash my face in warm water. Clearly our trusted servants had tended to us while we’d still been dead when the sun was up. I dried my face on a cloth.

You were brave, fighting with a sword in your outlandish britches. Jamie will be amused. He took his own turn with the water and towels.

"Hah! The gossips would have a fine time with that tale. Leave me out of it. Ladies don’t behave in such a fashion and well you know it. Too many people already whisper of my connection to Shakespeare’s theater as it is. Your mother’s friends saw to it that my past as an actor’s widow is no secret. I might as well have slut embroidered on my bodice." I reached for my shift. Jeremiah had found me in an alley outside of Shakespeare’s Globe Theater with no memory beyond being an actor’s widow.

I’ll stay here and learn how to run a castle. It is past time I did so. I relied on Lady Anne to do it before but now that she has married her captain, she will be leaving and I must take over those duties.

He crushed me to him. Gloriana, never doubt that you are as much a lady as any of those shrews at court who think to taunt you. Once again, my mother has done her worst. I am sorry.

I sighed in his arms. You are too kind, my love. But clearly, I’ve never kept a fine house in order and have no idea where to begin. At least I’ll have Maggie here to guide me. A good housekeeper is sure to be the secret behind a well-run household. I hope so anyway. I kissed his strong chin. Maggie had been my friend at the Globe. Now she was married to Jeremiah’s man, shape-shifter Fergus. Both of them were loyal and very dear to me.

I was always careful not to disgrace him, this lord from a fine family. We’d not talked of marriage. Vampires were expected to live forever. That seemed too big a commitment for my Jeremiah. And for me? While I might yearn for his name, to be his wife, forever was impossible to imagine. Yes, and impossible to love and be loved by one person if I were honest with myself.

I should hurry. We have a long ride ahead of us and the nights are still short. Spring is a month away. Jeremiah picked up his own clothes. As soon as we were dressed, he grabbed the bag he’d packed the night before. I will miss you, Gloriana. Will you promise to miss me?

Of course, my love. I gave him a lingering kiss then followed him down the stone stairs. His men were waiting, horses and pack animals restless and eager to begin the journey. Fergus and Maggie stood nearby, watching the preparations. Maggie held their new baby. While I would appreciate their company, I knew Fergus would have protected Jeremiah with his life.

I wish you would take Fergus with you. We will be fine here. There are several dozen men to keep us safe. I tugged on Jeremiah’s hand before he could mount his steed. Won’t you reconsider? You know you have enemies.

I do. But you do as well. Do you think the pirates across the water are going to forget what you did to their queen? He nodded at Fergus. I hate to go with that threat so close. There have been rumors that they are mounting another attack. Now we are taking the garrison along with their captain from here at the king’s orders. I don’t like it, Gloriana. If it weren’t for the king’s command, I’d never leave you now. What I’ve done is buried my pride and asked MacDonald to send some of his men here to strengthen the castle walls.

I can’t believe it. You asked Robert for aid? I slid my arm around Jeremiah’s firm waist. Robert MacDonald was Jeremiah’s longtime enemy. They’d fought so many times that the king had grown weary of their rivalry and forced them to cry truce, sending them both to live in this isolated area near the Irish coast with orders to get along with each other.

The MacDonalds are also summoned to Edinburgh and court. They are merely sending men to aid you here. Jeremiah stared down at me, mind reading as he usually did. He knew I liked Robert MacDonald. So don’t go thinking you’ll get a nice visit from your ‘friends.’ MacDonald promised to send some of his best men here, in case of attack. Not for me, of course, but because of the affection he holds for you, dearling.

I grinned and stroked his cheek. Thank you. I know it wasn’t easy for you to ask anyone from that clan for a favor. If we had time, I would thank you properly. I kissed him then walked him to his horse. Hurry home. I’ll be waiting.

Too soon he was out of sight, a cloud of dust the only sign he and his men had been in the courtyard. A wagon with seven bodies wrapped in shrouds rumbled along near the end of the column and I bowed my head in quick prayer for the poor souls.

Oh, I hate men, don’t you? The voice came from behind me.

I didn’t need to turn to know who had spoken. I’d made friends with Florence daVinci after she’d arrived with Jeremiah’s father, Angus, Laird of the Campbell clan.

At times. Did you see how happy Jeremiah looked to be on the back of his horse? Once on his way, he never looked back. I linked arms with her.

His father beside him was the same, eager to be away. And Angus had promised me London, then Paris! Florence tugged me past the guards toward the path to the beach. Instead, Angus is off to see that witch he’s married to! I have a good mind to not be here when he returns.

I realized we had company on our walk. Valdez, my ever-present personal bodyguard, strode close behind us. I ignored him. A shape-shifter, he had orders not to let me out of his sight if I left the castle. It was irritating but I understood Jeremiah’s caution. Still…

Valdez, could you give us some privacy? We can be protected from a distance, can we not? I didn’t want him listening to Flo’s complaints. I was sure she would forgive Angus once he returned, especially if he arrived laden down with the kinds of generous gifts he was bound to bring her.

He waved us on. You may be sure I’m not listening to your idle chatter. I’ll shift and watch from above. He grinned. The Laird is but putting his duty above his mistress, Madame daVinci. I’m sorry if that stings. He changed quickly into a red bird and flew out of reach when Flo screeched at him in Italian and aimed a slap at him.

Not listening? Pah! Yes, I hate men and there is one of them for you, Glory. How you can bear being dogged constantly by one such as Valdez is more than I can understand. She muttered something else in her native tongue. Come with me to Paris. We will enjoy shopping and finding new lovers. She looked up at the bird now sitting on a branch nearby, gesturing at him in what had to be an insult.

That sounds lovely, Flo, but I have no money for shopping and no desire for anyone but my Jeremiah. I tugged her toward the beach. I could hear the waves crashing on the shore and smell the salt air. Come. I heard someone has moved into the hut where Helen Haig used to live.

That witch! Flo crossed herself. What is your fascination with her kind, Glory? I swear, you seem drawn to those creatures. They are evil. You have seen the proof yourself.

Flo was right. The witch, Helen Haig, had been possessed by a demon. Terrifying. Then a wizard had come to shore with the pirates. He had obviously been from Hell and had threatened me. I had managed to save myself by killing that wizard in a horrific fight. I shuddered, remembering.

I’ve told you before, Flo. I have known several good witches, helpful witches. Even Helen helped me before she was possessed. She had a potion that gave me a glimpse into my past. I want more of it. I am desperate to know where I came from, who I am. You can’t imagine how it is to have no memory of who you are. All I knew when my husband found me was my first name. I had no idea if I had a family who might be missing me. I started walking faster, eager to see if a new witch had moved into Helen’s hut.

"Non! Flo gripped my hand when the small house set back from the beach came into view and we could see smoke rising from the chimney. I know where I come from and it was not pretty. I was so hungry, I was ready to sell myself. If not for my dear brother, I would have. Yes, I can understand wanting to know if you have family somewhere. She looked down at her tiny feet and kicked at the sand. My family saved me. Your family? They must not have been missing you if they never came looking. You told me you were found abandoned in an alley. Alone. No family worth anything would have left you like that. Capiscimi?"

I hugged my new friend. The sadness in her eyes told me there were many things she would never share with me. In a way, hadn’t I sold myself to Jeremiah? Because I’d been so desperately hungry. I remember the first meals he’d had Fergus bring me. I’d gorged myself, thrilled at the tastes of chocolate and meat pies. The smell of meat cooking could still make my mouth water. I sighed. No more eating for me. Another thing I’d given up for love.

I shook my head. No wonder Flo and I had bonded so quickly, even though she was so small and perfectly shaped that she made me feel like a giant overstuffed goose. Jeremiah had done that, fed me too much before I’d persuaded him to make me vampire. I hadn’t realized I’d be stuck in my plump body.

I understand your concerns. But this is something I have to do. At least you remember your past, Flo, even if those memories are painful. I let go of her and looked at the hut. Obviously, someone was living there.

I choose not to remember the bad times, my friend. Flo tugged at my hand when I started toward the little house. "I only remember the good. It is how I like to live. Count your blessings, amica. You have a man who loves you and is generous. Let him be your family." She stared at me, her brow wrinkled with worry.

Perhaps you are right. If I ever find my family, I might hate them. But to not know...? It makes me want to try whatever I can to discover the truth. The potion I took before gave me visions that seemed real. I saw people and places. A woman who looked like me. She could be my mother! I let go of my friend and walked on. Valdez became a man again and stepped in my path.

You are not going in there. I have my orders.

His face was grim. It was a handsome face. He had the dark hair and eyes of his Spanish heritage and many of the maids in the castle had tried their luck with him. If he had indulged himself, I’d not heard of it. He took his duty as my guard very seriously.

Orders? To tell me what to do and where to go? I tried to push him aside. He was tall, strong and immovable. Jeremiah is not here. Now you take orders from me. Out of my way.

He pays my wages and does not want you anywhere near a witch, Gloriana. Can you blame him? He put out his arms when I tried to go around him. He is convinced Helen Haig tried to poison you with the last potion you took. Then she tried to kill you! You know this is not a good idea. Why else would you wait until Jeremiah is gone before coming here?

I flushed. I knew how my lover felt about witches. He hated them and didn’t trust them. We would never agree about that.

As I told Flo, Helen helped me. Her potion gave me visions of my past. I put my hands on my hips. She couldn’t help it if she was possessed, Valdez. She was a victim. Used by an evil wizard. I could see he wasn’t listening. Men! He had his orders and was determined to obey them. I was determined too, though, and was not going to let him stop me.

I put my hand on his arm. Come now, Valdez. You say you can tell if someone is evil. That is one of your own powers. Let’s go inside. If whoever has taken over the hut is a witch, you can examine her. See if you think she is bad or good. I stared into his eyes. We had been through much together and had become friends. I knew forbidding me to do anything did not sit well with him. The fact that Jeremiah was trying to dictate from afar where I could go and who I could see didn’t sit well with me.

Helen fooled me. I didn’t sense the demon inside her. What if that happens again? He ran a hand over his face.

Guilt. I could work with that. The wizard overpowered her and put the demon inside her after we met with her in her home. But he’s dead now so he can’t do the same to whoever is here now. Come with me into the hut. Surely you are not afraid. I saw I had made a direct hit. I turned to Flo. The three of us can visit this new person. She might not be a witch. Perhaps she is just be a traveler who took advantage of the empty shelter to make a home. Just then the smoke coming from the chimney turned a startling red and the odor made us gasp and cough. I knew what that meant. No ordinary traveler could create such an effect.

The door to the hut opened and a woman stepped out. A cat slinked out from behind her skirts. I recognized the cat. It was the same one who’d lived with Helen. I shivered and felt Flo at my back.

"Una strega!" Flo murmured.

The woman said something to Flo in rapid Italian and my friend crossed herself then spat on the sand.

Please, won’t you come in? The wind is cold off the water. The woman’s voice was soft with a Scottish lilt that was reassuring. It sounded the same as the locals in the castle. She looked ordinary enough, about my age, little more than one and twenty, and could have been a maid from the castle. She wore plain clothes with a plaid around her shoulders. Her dark hair was neatly arranged and her features were pretty instead of Helen’s bold beauty.

I was shivering but it wasn’t from the wind. Still, I couldn’t give up now. I grabbed Flo’s hand and pulled her with me as I walked up the path. Valdez stayed close, obviously deciding to avoid a skirmish with me. There were a few soldiers on the beach and they had noticed us, staring to see what we were doing.

Thank you. I am Gloriana St. Clair, mistress of the castle.

Aye, I have heard of you. She stepped back to let us inside. I am Fia Duff, cousin to Helen. We were not close kin but her family allowed me to move into her cottage. She looked down. Since she is gone.

I am sorry for your loss. I murmured it while I looked around. Not much had changed in the small place. Helen’s bowls and jars were still neatly arranged on shelves and I wondered if the same potion that had given me visions could still be made, if this woman had the skill for it.

No, you are not sorry Helen’s gone. Nor should ye be. I know yer man killed Helen for being possessed by a demon. I count that a blessing. She gestured at a bench. Please sit. Yer guard there can quit glowering at me. I mean ye no harm, mistress. Helen couldna help being taken over by evil. I am sorry if she caused harm to you or yours. She pulled out a bowl. Are you here to see your future? She poured water into the bowl. I am quite good at scrying. Better than Helen if I do say so meself.

No! The last time Helen had worked with her bowl and water, dangerous flying things had come out of it and almost torn off our heads. That had been proof that evil had been in this hut. Perhaps Valdez should have warned me off taking that potion. Not that I would have listened. He may have warned me. I suddenly couldn’t remember.

I shook my head. Now