Flip Side: Kansas Vampires Book 2

By Angel Edenburn

Unique among vampires, Isys's legendary powers are both coveted and feared. Now that her quiet unlife has been disrupted, she seeks to regain her peace. Unsettling dreams and visions plague her, while an old enemy waits for her to make a misstep. Will her clan join her in her fight? Or will her actions bring disaster to them all?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lost Aardvarks Press
• Release date: Nov 18, 2017
• ISBN: 9798869216267

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Lorelei

Aman in a dark motorcycle jacket and pants stood in the shadows of the alley. He watched a group of adult women in half tops and harem pants or skirts leave the dance studio across the street. Traffic was quiet at night on the street of this small town.

One of the women, a coppery-skinned beauty with neon purple hair said, Lorelei, make sure you call me when you get home.

I promise I will. The brunette in red-and-gold harem pants waved before she unlocked the door to her old Ford Taurus. She adjusted her sheer black sari more closely around her body and then dropped her bag on the passenger's seat and slid behind the wheel.

The man's eyes glowed. He ran down the alley in the opposite direction to where a red Suzuki Katana sat in the shadows behind the building. The keys were still in the ignition. He mounted the bike, then rode around the block before following the Taurus. The few vehicles on the road were heading in the opposite direction. He kept a safe distance behind her, making sure to turn off his lights when he was away from town.

She drove through a trio of tiny towns. One was so small that he only had to slow down to 45 miles per hour instead of stopping at a stop sign or light when they reached the center of the town. There was no traffic on the main streets and the businesses that lined them were all closed down for the night. Furniture, appliance, and clothing stores as well as a lawyer and even a thrift store selling second-hand items showcased their wares in the plate-glass windows. Locked doors and a simple alarm system were all the security needed, along with an occasional drive-by of a city police officer. These were peaceful towns with few hardened criminals. Even then, most of the law enforcement had a good idea of who the usual suspects were, and most likely where to find them at any given time.

It wasn't difficult to keep her car within sight in the light traffic. The hard part was making sure she didn't catch on to him following her. He turned on his lights through town, then shut them off again once they were on the open road. Not many people would drive an hour just for a dance lesson once a month, but Lorelei did. Her other lessons were much closer to home.

This was one of the few times she was vulnerable. The rest of the time she had someone with her, had one of her animal protectors nearby, or was inside her house with all the wards active. After every rain, she replaced the line of salt around her house to keep the protections in place. She had refreshed the barrier earlier that night and it hadn't rained again. He ground his fangs together. The rain had to come today when she was sleeping. There had to be a way to get to her.

She signaled her turn into a small gas station, open 24 hours. The front door to the building was propped open and the clerk sat on a parking block, smoking. The blond woman snuffed out her cigarette, then brushed off her jeans before making her way inside.

No. Don't stop and talk to her, the man on the bike muttered. He turned left at the light, then circled the block to the back of the gas station. He parked out next to the dumpster, then dropped two quarters in the red box marked AIR. He dragged the hose over to his bike, all the time watching her out of the corner of his eye.

Lorelei parked next to the fuel island and then got out. Using her card, she paid at the pump and filled her car with gas. She leaned against the car door until the pump clicked off. After replacing the nozzle, she went inside.

He groaned. Lorelei and the clerk stood talking for a few seconds, then Lorelei walked over to the soda fountain. The women talked while Lorelei filled a large cup from the flavored ice machine. She maneuvered a plastic lid onto the top of the colorful cup and stabbed a straw through the hole in the middle. From somewhere beneath her costume, two dollar bills appeared in her hand. Lorelei dropped them on the counter in front of the clerk before walking out the door. The clerk waved to her, then turned back to ringing up the price of the drink and putting the change in a foam cup in front of the register with an advisory marked in bold, black block lettering: Leave one, take one.

He turned away and pretended to air up his tire as Lorelei drove away. She turned left, blending into traffic without having to stop for a red light. Cursing beneath his breath, he rolled up the hose and started his motorcycle. The light turned red as he turned to follow her and he had to sit for a full rotation before following. Her car had disappeared up the road, heading for the other side of town. In a few more blocks she would be back out on the highway.

He moved as quickly as the speed limit and traffic would allow. Her house was only a couple of miles outside of town. If luck was on his side, she was heading home and would stay there for the rest of tonight.

He slowed at a rough gravel driveway that led away from the highway and down a small hill. He turned off his lights and continued on up the hill to the next county road to make a U-turn. Traffic from both directions made him wait for a few seconds. When the road was clear, he drove back down the hill to Lorelei's driveway. The glow of her car's dome light dimmed, then went out as she walked to her front door. He shut off his motorcycle and rolled it over behind a stand of wild currant bushes and cotoneaster shrubs to wait.

Lorelei set her mug on the table and picked up her phone. What do you want now? she asked when she answered the call.

Girly, youse best be telling us what da boss wants to know.

Stan, you just searched my house last night and two nights before. I don't know where Kayle is or who else is in on this. The Vampire Council's Elite Guard should know that by now. Her voice sounded as weary as she felt.

Well I gots to be sure youse isn't hiding him anywhere, Stan said. Now open the door before I kick it down, little girl. Until dey is caught, youse on da hook. I gets to search yer place whenever I feel like it. Council's orders.

Kayle and the rest of the Strike Force are on the run. You and your goons should be doing more to find them than hassling an administrative assistant. She walked over to the window and pushed the curtains aside. Two Harley-Davidsons and a Dodge Ram pickup truck sat in her driveway and three men stood on her porch. A beefy vampire waved at her through the window. She shot him the finger. Kick my door down and Count Lukas said you're paying for it.

Jus' open da door, missy. Stan ended the call.

Asshole, she muttered as she stomped to the door and jerked it open. He's not here.

The men marched inside. We gots to make sure you're not holding out on us. Stan leered at her.

Lorelei knew she was no raving beauty. Her figure was a little too thick and curvy for many of the young vampires. Her mousey brown hair framed an oval face and green eyes. She often joked that her nose belonged on a garden gnome. She planted her hands on her hips and glared at him. My underwear drawer and my china cabinet are not large enough for him to hide in and there better not be any damage this time.

Bossy little bitch, ain't she? one tall vampire asked.

She tinks she's someting special 'cause she works for da boss as his personal snoop, Stan said over his shoulder.

If your men aren't intelligent enough to figure out that someone Kayle's height can't possibly be anywhere inside my house without being detected, then maybe you need to hire smarter muscle. She smiled at him, though she was sure it looked more like a grimace.

Dey found dat Charlie Manson dude under da bathroom sink. Stan shrugged.

She scoffed. And he was what? Maybe five-and-a-half feet tall, if even that? Kayle is over six feet, you fool.

Stan moved over so he could stare down at her cleavage. If youse knows what's good for youse, den tell us where dat little fugger is.

In the living room, one of the men pushed the couch over with a thud. Nothing under there.

His companion laughed. How about in her bed?

That's it! Get the hell out of my house! She hit Stan in the chest with both hands and pushed him in the direction of the front door. That goes for the rest of you, too!

Easy dere, sweetness. Don't hurt yerself. Stan raised his hands in mock surrender as she herded him out the door.

You two. She pointed to the remaining vampires standing in the living room. What are you waiting for? Leave! Grumbling, the men followed Stan outside. When they were through the door, she shut and locked it. Bunch of swinging dicks.

Her phone beeped, indicating she had a new message. She groaned and tapped the screen twice. A text message appeared on the screen.

Come to my office.

Immediately.

Count of Swords

She sighed and gathered up her laptop and a stack of files, stowing them in a messenger bag.

CHAPTER 2

Isys

A few days later

I 'm not a real vampire. My new fangs are only half grown in and my soul sister wants to break our bond. She sat down heavily on the blue loveseat. Her cell phone fell from her hand.

What happened, Isys? What did Crystal do to you this time? A lithe figure stood in the doorway. His dark hair was pulled into a tight braid that rested over one shoulder. His high cheekbones and prominent nose were softened by his jawline and the concern in her eyes.

Sh-she doesn't want anything to do with me anymore, Lukas. It's over. Isys bit her lip, then turned her head away. A single hot tear ran down her cheek.

I can't say I'm sorry. It's gonna be alright, baby. He retracted his fangs, but his hazel eyes still glowed with an eerie red tinge as he walked over to her.

How? I'm a freak. An empath. And now she hates me. She clung to him.

He held her and stroked her hair. I think she uses everyone. Don't take it personally.

I still can't believe she betrayed me. I thought she was my soul sister.

She may have been once. Lately, all she did was make you unhappy. It's not worth it. Let her and all the pain she caused you go. He tipped her chin up. Her eyes met his.

She took in a deep breath, shuddering as she let it out. You're right. But now what?

Nothing. No one has to know that you don't have a soul sister until you choose a new one.

True. I don't have to replace her if I don't want to. I went without one before. She took another cleansing breath, then touched the back of her hand against his smooth cheek. Her pale skin was stark against his olive complexion.

There is something you need to go do. Right now before any more time passes. He smiled. Once you do that, the connection will be broken.

She gave a half-smile and stood up with his help. I'm going to go do it now. Break the bond forever.

You'll feel better once it's over, he called to her as she trudged up the stairs to her bedroom.

She sat on the bed for several minutes and stared at the carved wooden chest at the end. The tick of the clock and the rustle of the breeze brushing against the closed window were the only sounds in the room. She moved over to kneel in front of the cedar box. Her hands shook as she opened the carved wooden lid. Inside, a small beaded bag lay hidden beneath several vintage quilts. Placing the antique silver brocade bundle on the bed, she gently lifted a small leather bag from beneath the folds of the dark silver fabric. She walked downstairs with the bundle cradled in her hands.

Lukas stood with his back to the room in front of the pale stone hearth. A small fire crackled in the fireplace. You can do it, he whispered into her ear and hugged her.

She placed the beaded leather bundle on the outer ring of smooth stone, then tugged the ties open. Inside a nest of dried herbs lay a small chunk of shiny red volcanic glass. Her hand wobbled as she held the stone up to the glow of the fire. Once joined together by the elements and the blood bond, let it be undone. Forever.

She placed the glowing burgundy stone on the edge of the hearth next to the herb bundle. Her arms shook as she took the fist-sized chunk of limestone Lukas pressed into her hand and brought the rock down once, twice, three times until there was nothing but dark red bits.

She sprinkled the herbs over the shards and, using the leather to scoop up the mixture, threw it in the fire. Let the sacred blood bond be broken. Never to be again, she whispered.

A blue flame flared. She grabbed her right wrist as a red blister covered her palm. An image of her bloody hands wielding a sword flashed before her eyes.

Lukas pressed a cold cloth to her hand and then helped her to sit on the couch. The flames hissed and popped and the chromium flashes slowly faded. It's done. The tie is broken. She is out of your life forever.

You don't have to sound so happy about it. She sank back into the cushions.

All you do is cry. He walked into the other room for a few minutes. Here. Drink, he said when he returned.

She accepted the mug of blood and took several big swallows. The food filled her belly but she still felt hollow. Slumping back onto the couch, she closed her eyes and curled up. A knife of sadness was wedged firmly in her heart.

He sat down next to her. Skip belly dance rehearsal tonight. Go take a hot bath.

I am a little tired, but I think I'll feel better if I go. Isys held her cup out to Lukas. I need to text the dance mistress and let her know I'll be late.

He stood up. Where's your phone?

Um. She chewed on her lip for a moment.

In the other room?

In my dance bag, I think.

How's the hand? He moved closer to her and peeled the compress away. The blister was gone, but her skin had only partially healed, still angry red, and tender.

She pulled away and grasped the cold pack again. I'm fine.

He moved over to the stone hearth. Using the fireplace tools, he swept up the remainder of the shards and herbs and tossed them into the fire. The chromium flame blossomed, giving a last gasp before fading away. Go get dressed if you're going. I'm heading to work from the office tonight. And I'm going to be looking for a new female bodyguard for you.

She gulped the last of the blood in her cup, then stood. I will just brood on this if I don't do something. I'm going.

I'll see if one of the guards can take you. He gently pulled the empty cup from her hands.

She stood, then held out her arms to Lukas. Please, don't send Stan with me.

He pulled her to him, resting his chin on the top of her head. I'll see who else is available.

I promise to come straight home and stay out of trouble tonight. She pulled out of his arms and ran up the stairs.

I've heard that before, he muttered.

CHAPTER 3

Lorelei

Lorelei parked her battered burgundy Ford Taurus in a space as near to the door of the dance studio as possible. Most of the slots close to the building were already full. She shouldered her dance bag. Hold the door, please, she called and hurried up to the entrance.

You can't be serious. A brunette with the figure of a runway model and an attitude of superiority rolled her eyes and sneered. They're considering anyone for guild membership these days.

Lady Chianti. Lorelei bobbed her head in greeting.

Look at you. Forty pounds overweight and nothing to look at. Chianti gave the door a shove and walked away. Lorelei ran the last few feet and managed to catch it before it closed.

She trotted into the dressing room and set her things down. Rehearsal didn't start for another ten minutes, but she wanted to be ready. Around fifteen women and a trio of men stood in small groups, chatting. They were of all ethnicities, shapes, and sizes. She unzipped her jacket and knelt next to her bag.

Chianti sauntered up to the front of the room and pulled her tee shirt off. It would be nice to have a private dressing room, she said loudly.

A blond man dressed in a crop top and baggy pants rolled his honey-brown eyes. It would be even nicer for you to keep your clothes on.

Chianti turned around to face him and pulled off her jeans. You're just jealous because I look better than you do, Simone.

Bee-otch, puh-leez. Simone walked away.

Lorelei kicked off her tennis shoes and exchanged her leggings for a pair of baggy harem pants. Hey, Simone, she said with a smile.

He squealed and rushed over. Lorelei!

Ready for this? She hugged him.

He held her hand and led her over to a place at the front of the room. You're up front with me.

Chianti glared at them. Freaks.

Simone leaned over close and whispered in Lorelei's ear. Are you sure you don't have a spell to turn her into a toad? Or a lotion to give her warts? Lorelei giggled and shook her head.

A woman with ebony curls and warm blue eyes clapped her hands. Okay, everyone. Time for class.

Lorelei concentrated on the dance mistress and the lesson. Halfway through the drills, the door opened. She glanced over her shoulder to see Contessa Isys take a place at the back of the class. She spotted a stocky, dark-haired man in the hallway before the door closed. His hooded eyes caught Lorelei's attention before he disappeared behind the closed door. She'd seen him several times before, always near the Contessa.

Somebody thinks she doesn't have to be here on time, Chianti said in a stage whisper.

The Contessa informed me she would be a few minutes late, unlike some lead dancers, the instructor said pointedly and stared at Chianti.

For the remainder of rehearsal, Lorelei focused on learning the choreographies for the group numbers. By the time she'd finished her cool-down exercises, she was tired. After changing out of her dance clothes, she pulled her phone out of her bag and checked for messages. There were none.

Lorelei, you did great tonight. Have a safe trip home. The instructor smiled at her.

Thank you, Mistress Nala. Lorelei nodded and packed her dance clothes into her bag.

Simone walked over and hugged her. I better see my Lorelei at the next rehearsal.

I have to attend as many as I can if I want to be considered for guild membership. She picked up her bag.

Just be careful of Chianti. That plastic plaything is a mean one.

Believe me, I try to stay out of the way of all of the head dancers. Better to be invisible to everyone but the troupe leader. While Chianti was busy changing her clothes, Lorelei hustled out the door and headed home.

CHAPTER 4

Isys

Twitch started the 1988 Malibu blue Camaro and drove it close to the studio door. Isys walked over and stowed her dance duffel