All I Want for Christmas is a Vampire(27)

 

"Then you believe me?"

 

"Yes. I know you wouldn't make something like this up." He took her hand in his. "Tell me everything."

 

She closed her eyes briefly. "It was terrifying. They were inside my head, ordering me to do things against my will. My mind was screaming no, but I couldn't stop them."

 

Carlos squeezed her hand. "It's okay, love."

 

"Then out of nowhere, this big guy in a kilt showed up, brandishing a sword, and yelling at the vampires to leave me alone."

 

Carlos's amber eyes lit up. "Oh my, a macho hero."

 

"That's what I thought. He stabbed one of the vampires with his sword, and it turned to dust. The other ones released me, so they could fight him. And that's when I realized my mind was free. So I joined in on the fight."

 

"Oh, good for you, girl."

 

"Then the two bad guys vanished, and—"

 

"Vanished?"

 

"Yeah. It's another vampire thing. Then the Scotsman grabbed me, and we vanished, too."

 

Carlos gasped. "Merda! Where did you go?" His eyes narrowed. "Are you saying the Scotsman is a vampire, too?"

 

"Yes, but he's a good one. His name is Connor, and he took me to Romatech Industries."

 

Carlos nodded slowly. "I've heard of that place. It's run by that famous scientist who invented synthetic blood."

 

"Roman Draganesti. I met him. He's the leader of the good Vamps."

 

"Good Vamps?"

 

"Yeah. Roman gave me a blood transfusion. Then Connor offered to erase my memory of the whole ordeal. They really don't want people to know that they exist."

 

Carlos gave her a wry look. "I can believe that."

 

"But I couldn't let them erase my memory, 'cause I needed to tell Sabrina that she was right."

 

"Claro."

 

"Luckily, there was another option. Connor knew I could fight, so he offered me a job, guarding the Vamps during the day. You see, they're totally helpless then. And they're in desperate need of mortals they can trust."

 

"So that's where you've been during the day?" Carlos asked. "You're guarding vampires?"

 

"Yes. Today was my second day. It's a fairly easy job. They're basically dead during the day, so there's not much going on. But I do have to stay there. I'd be in big trouble if I left them unguarded."

 

Carlos snorted. "If they're dead, how could they know if you left?"

 

"I have to call in reports to my mortal supervisor, Howard. And he's watching me on monitors. He's been very understanding. He's taking over for me Friday so I can take my final. And he let me use the answering machine today when every ditzy female in the city was calling for…him."

 

"Him?"

 

"I don't want to talk about him. I've got enough problems without…him."

 

"Ah." The corners of Carlos's mouth tilted up. "So is this him one of them?"

 

"He's a Vamp, yes. A very annoying one." Of all the Vamps, Ian was the only one who suspected her of a hidden agenda. The fact that he was correct just made it more aggravating.

 

The man was driving her crazy. Since her attack, she had every reason to hate vampires. The damned monsters deserved to be hated. It was like they'd stripped her humanity by reducing her to nothing but a food source. And when they'd taken over her mind, it had felt like her soul was being squashed. So how the hell could she find Ian so attractive?

 

For a second, she'd thought he must be controlling her mind. But she'd never felt the jab of cold air on her brow. Nor had she heard his voice in her head. No, her attraction was real. Crazy, but real.

 

Any man would be blessed and honored to receive yer love. Her heart had almost stopped when he'd said that. It was the loveliest thing anyone had ever told her. It made her feel attractive and…worthy. I am worthy to be loved.

 

The way he had looked at her, like he was reaching deep inside her, had made her painfully aware of an emptiness in her soul. He was dangerous. And beautiful.

 

"Menina, it seems to me you have a conflict of interest."

 

"I'm not going to let him get to me."

 

Carlos smiled. "I wasn't referring to him. Though I suppose he does explain that mushy look on your face."

 

"Excuse me?"

 

Carlos chuckled. "I was referring to this new job of yours. You're paid to protect the Vamps, yes?"

 

"Yes. I took a vow to protect them."

 

"But at the same time, you want to prove Sabrina's telling the truth about vampires. Seems to me, if you expose the secret about vampires, you will be breaking your vow to protect them."