Waking The Devil: Kansas Vampires Book 3

By Angel Edenburn

A Kansas-centric trio of tales from the world of the Kansas Vampires brings together unlikely alliances and introduces new characters. Everything from sweet to spicy, filled with action and adventure, this is sure to be a wild read.

Waking the De

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lost Aardvarks Press
• Release date: Nov 9, 2018
• ISBN: 9798869226969

Book preview

Chapter One

WAKING THE DEVIL

Waking the Devil

Justus’ Story

Small town Kansas on a Saturday night...

The signs ahead proclaimed the city limits of yet another spot in the road with a speed limit of 30 miles per hour. Justus parked his white BMW S1100 RR motorcycle in front of a low, clapboard building. His shoulders ached and his hips hurt from all of the rough roads and potholes. Stretching, he took a good look at his surroundings. Several mud-crusted pickup trucks were scattered around the dirt parking area. A neon beer sign flashed out through one barred window. He walked into the smoky building and sat down at the bar. Gimme a Jack and Coke.

Are ya gonna run a tab? A skinny young man wearing jeans and a patriotic tee shirt asked from behind the bar.

Justus pulled out a twenty-dollar bill.

The man nodded and fixed the drink. Here ya go. He pushed the glass across the bar.

Justus took the glass and sipped his drink. If I want another, I'll let you know.

Several middle-aged men sat at the other end of the bar, chatting about the fluctuating weather and farming. Two younger men played pool on one of the two green-felted tables in the corner. Justus thought they looked vaguely familiar, but he couldn't place them. From the jukebox at the end of the bar, a gravelly-voiced male singer lamented his infidelity and loss of his true love.

A short but curvy woman walked into the bar. None of the men greeted her or seemed to notice her. She looked out of place among these cowboy types in her indigo jeans, motorcycle boots and jacket, and purple motorcycle jersey. Her brown hair was neatly pulled back into a braid.

She walked over and sat next to Justus. He appraised her: voluptuous figure, heart-shaped face, hazel eyes, snub nose, and a cupid's bow mouth. She smelled like honeysuckle. He turned his attention back to his drink.

I know who you are, she whispered in his ear.

And?

I want to know why you’re in my territory. When someone like you comes here, it means trouble. She sat with her back to the wooden bar and studied him for a moment.

Just passing through. I'm not sure who you think I am. Justus smiled.

She flashed her fangs. Since when does the Sergeant-at-Arms of Swords stoop to drinking in the middle of nowhere? Not enough adventure in the big city for you?

He leaned close to her. I think you know what kind of fun I'm looking for.

Oh, really?

Why don't you keep me company for a while? He sipped his whiskey. Let me buy you a drink.

She sat up and put a few inches of space between them. What makes you think I'd be interested in you? She smirked.

You're not wearing a ring and you're one of the few unmated out here in the central region. He gently took her hand. And you haven't threatened me or tried to kill me.

Yet. But I can always change my mind.

His lips brushed against hers as he said, Why don't we go somewhere private to continue this discussion?

She shivered. I might know a place.

A man walked into the building and straight up to Justus. Get your hands off of her.

Without looking at him, Justus said, Only if she says so.

Stormy, let's go. The man grabbed her arm and pulled her off of the bar stool. Several of the bar patrons moved away from them. The two men playing pool stopped their game and watched.

The man's hooded brown eyes glowed briefly. Now, Stormy. His black hair was cut in a short Caesar style, softening his broad forehead.

Let's take it outside. She broke free of his hold and walked out the door. Justus and the other man followed her.

Once outside, she turned to both men. Justus, Sergeant-at-Arms of Swords, meet the Duke of Pentacles, Sebastian Bois D' Arc.

Justus laughed. The hell he is.

Sebastian drew back his fist to hit Justus. Stormy stepped between them. Sebastian, you’d better leave while you still can.

Get in the car, Stormy, Sebastian said.

Didn't you hear her? Justus asked.

Justus. I've got this, Stormy said.

Sebastian's eyes widened and he stood up on his tiptoes. Easy there, babe.

Justus looked down over her shoulder and saw she had a small blade held against Sebastian's groin. He smirked. You play rough.

I play to win. She looked up at Sebastian. Now leave before I let Justus finish the fight you started.

This isn't over. Sebastian showed his fangs.

I say it is. Stormy wiggled her hand and Sebastian gasped.

He glared at her. Remove your knife.

Stormy did as he asked. Goodnight, Duke of Pentacles, and do not return to my territory.

Sebastian growled, then walked straight over to his yellow ‘Vette and drove away.

Justus whispered in her ear. You really know how to turn me on.

Stormy spun around. Justus held his hand over hers. Hey, she said.

Leaning down, he whispered, Why don't we go somewhere more private?

To talk. She walked over to her Kawasaki Ninja 6000 motorcycle and unlocked her helmet.

Justus put on his helmet and started his bike while he waited for her. She led the way out onto the highway. They rode for several miles until she bumped her indicator, turning off onto a dirt road, and he stopped at the edge of the pavement. Turning around at the next field entrance, she rode back to him. I promise it's not far. You won't hurt your precious Beemer if we go slow enough.

He shrugged, then followed her along a winding road up to the top of a hill. A castle-like sandstone structure sat atop the summit. She parked her motorcycle and locked her helmet to the side.

What is this place? Justus asked.

Haven't you been here before? It's Coronado Heights. Supposedly, Coronado and what was left of his men camped here when he was looking for the city of gold. Stormy sat down on one of the cement picnic tables that overlooked the valley.

Justus sat down next to her. Why did you call Sebastian ‘duke’?

Because he is. He's the last of his clan.

He snorted. Sure.

Okay, tell me.

He smiled at her. Tell you what? That you’re hot and I want to fool around with you?

Very funny. You don’t sound convinced Sebastian is who he says he is. She studied him for a moment. And I’m not going to be anyone’s side bitch. How are things with the married dancer, by the way? Last I heard, you got the crap beat out of you by her husband.

I don’t wanna talk about it.. He pulled her into his arms. The real Duke is in the area and he’s gonna be pissed that his brother is laying claim to his title.

Stormy let out a low whistle. This won’t end well. Sebastian’s jealousy of Andreas has been brewing for centuries.

You know Twitch? Justus asked.

I know Sebastian thinks he’s a badass but Andreas is the real thing.

How long has pretty boy been hanging around? Justus asked.

She shook her head. Too long. A few weeks.

Is he alone or is his entourage nearby?

I’ve seen the guy with the dreadlocks that smokes those little cherry cigarettes, but he doesn’t stay around. She pushed out of his arms and began to walk along one of the trails. Also, some dude that looks like a bouncer with red-gold hair passed through here a few days ago.

Justus caught up to her and turned her around to face him. Tell me more about him. Does he have an accent?

Yeah. He sounds like he’s from somewhere in the deep South.

Where did he go when he left? Which direction? His pale blue eyes glowed.

Her eyes widened. He said he wanted to find his daughter and his girlfriend, but I had a feeling he was lying.

If his lips are moving, he’s lying, Justus muttered. What else do you know? Is he staying in the area? Is there anywhere someone like us could stay around here?

She held up her hands in surrender. Whoa there. All I know is I saw the bouncer-type a few days ago when he asked Hunter’s permission to be in his territory.

Justus snorted. How’d Hunter take it?

Not well. Hunter told him that he had better apologize for his rudeness and learn who the real power was around here. Mr. Bouncer proceeded to get all smarmy. I told him there really wasn’t much around here and he’d better keep traveling.

And then what?

He mentioned crashing in KC somewhere before he climbed back into that black Hummer he was driving. She looked over at Justus. I was glad he left. There was something about him that creeped me out. Hunter said his aura was the wrong color or something like that.

Yeah. He’s one of the really bad guys.

Your tone of voice makes me glad I sent him on. Who is he?

Justus was silent for several moments before he said, Roman.

Roman? She frowned then her eyes went wide. You mean Remy, formerly known as Jari?

Justus nodded.

Is he still after you and the rest of the Horsemen?

I don’t know what you’re talking about, Justus said coolly.

She reached out and took hold of his hand. I think you do.

He jerked his arm away and kept walking. That’s a fairy tale for sires to scare their newly-turned offspring with.

So why are you bothered by my asking?

He turned back to her and stood looking down at her. You don’t back off, do you?

Not easily. There is something big happening and I want to know what it is. She met his gaze. I know that Sebastian runs with a bad crowd and his friends are migrating my way. I plan on keeping me and mine safe.

Justus ran a hand through his hair. Stay away from that piss ant, because when this all goes down, he will be in the middle of it.

She put her hands on his shoulders and looked into his eyes. It’s what you’re not telling me. What do I need to know?

He pushed himself out of her arms, his voice low and rough. Stay out of the way. If you won’t, then you better pick the right side to join up with.

Are you saying that your side is the one to take shelter with?

He turned his head and looked at her. Are you offering to side with us?

It would make things clearer if I did. She cocked her head. And sleeping with you is not part of the bargain.

Justus shook his head. You’re one tough lady.

That’s why this is my territory.

Don’t you share it with Hunter?

She shook her head. No. But his territory is next to mine and it does make things easier with Rex on one side and Hunter on the other.

Justus smiled. Yeah. Stormy sandwich might be fun.

She rolled her eyes. Don’t even go there.

Just jokin’ with you. I know Hunter don’t like to share.

She smiled widely enough to show her fangs. And you keeping your gun holstered shouldn’t be a problem.

Ha ha. Very funny. Justus quipped.

Hunter should be here shortly. She walked a bit further up the trail.

Justus followed after her. Wait. How does he know where to meet us?

Because Rex and Hunter were playing pool in the bar and I always try to bring interlopers out here for a chat.

The confident strides and smooth motion of Stormy’s hips distracted him. Justus shook his head to clear it. So you act as bait?

I can take care of myself. Hunter likes to watch. Whirling around, she faced him and flashed her fangs. Enjoying the view?

Blinking, he took a step backward. Uh, yeah.

You can’t blame him, someone said from the path behind them.

Justus spun around with his Glock 19 in his hand. Nice to see you too, Hunter.

You’re getting sloppy in your old age. How the hell you been? Hunter asked and slapped Justus on the shoulder. So, what’s your next move?

Justus put his pistol away and followed Stormy up the path to the castle-like structure at the top. I’m trying to find where Roman is holed up, Justus said, resting his hip on the low stone wall.

Do what to whose puppy? Hunter asked, his forehead wrinkling up in confusion.

Mr. Smarmy Bouncer that was through here is actually Jari, now using the name Roman. Stormy walked over and stood next to Hunter. You were right about something being off about him.

Glaring down at her, Hunter asked, And you didn’t think to tell me this?

Justus ran a hand over his shaggy hair. I just told her who he was.

Stormy walked past Hunter and hopped up onto the top of the low wall. And the only one of Jari’s—I mean, Roman’s crew I knew by sight was Sebastian. Balancing with her arms out, she walked along the top of the wall.

At least you didn’t call him ‘duke’, Justus muttered.

Stormy? Hunter pulled her from the top of the wall to stand next to him. What aren’t you telling me?

That it looks like the Horsemen may be back together because Andreas is in the area, she said, smiling widely enough to show her fangs.

Justus glared at her and muttered, That’s just a stupid legend.

The hell it is. When one of the original Horsemen is standing right in front of me.

What are you going to do about Roman? Justus asked him, meeting his gaze.

Justus thinks I should side with him, but I’m not so sure. What do you think, Hunter? Stormy’s voice was cool.

I want to know what Luther’s next move is, Hunter said.

Justus crossed his arms. Wouldn’t we all.

Stormy turned to look at the road to the highway. I’d be hunting him down while making sure my family was safe.

Justus walked over to stand with his back to the castle tower. Are you with me or not?

Hunter looked at Stormy.

And where do you stand, Justus? Who are you siding with and why? Stormy watched his reaction.

Justus replied through gritted teeth. I think you know where my loyalties lie.

Should I pick a side, or should I just tell you all to get out of my territory and watch as you all blow each other to Valhalla? Her voice was calm and conversational.

Well? Justus asked impatiently.

Hunter put his arm around Stormy’s shoulders. Where you go, I go.

Looking into Justus’ cool blue eyes, she said, Better to deal with the devil I know.

Justus offered his hand. Lady Stormy of Wands, do you swear loyalty to Count Lukas and his faction?

I swear by the sacred oath of blood and swords, I give my loyalty to the Contessa of Swords, Stormy clasped his right forearm in a gladiator handshake.

I didn’t see that coming, Hunter muttered, and let go of her.

Justus released her hand and turning to Hunter, asked, And you, Sergeant-at-Arms of Wands, what say you?

Clasping the offered hand, Hunter said, I swear my loyalty to the Count and Contessa of Swords.

This still doesn’t solve the problem of where Roman’s hiding. Justus walked over to the path leading down the hill. The clouds broke, revealing a cold, grey moon hanging low and pregnant in the sky. A car drove slowly down the highway for a couple of miles, then turned and doubled back to cruise by the turn for Coronado Heights.

Stormy snarled, That pompous jerk. He’s stalking me.

Are you sure? Hunter asked.

Looks like the headlights on the ‘Vette from the bar. Justus drew his pistol, leading the way down the hill to where they'd parked the bikes.

His proprietary attitude’s getting on my last damn nerve. Hunter broke into a ground-eating trot, pushing past Justus.

Oh, no you don’t! Stormy’s short legs pumped as she gave chase. Hunter reached the bikes first, with Justus hot on his heels. Get off my bike, she said when she caught up to them.

Sitting astride her motorcycle, Hunter held his hand