A.M. Scott's Blog, page 3

Working Class Vegas Vamp Chapter 13

Working Class Vegas Vamp is a free urban fantasy serial, usually publishing on Tuesdays. It is unedited and subject to change. If published later, it may differ significantly, and will probably include additional material. Typos and English errors are likely; feel free to leave a comment or write me at am {AT} amscottwrites.com (revised as a standard email address. Pesky bots!) Available for a limited time only!

Haven’t started yet? Chapter 1: https://www.amscottwrites.com/2024/10/29/working-class-vegas-vamp-chapter-1/ ‎

Chapter 13

I kept my seat, but it took some effort. If the Alpha wanted to kill me, it would have been easier to dispose of me in the desert. But his house bordered the desert, so maybe disposing of bodies was easy. They knew the territory and the scavengers. “That’s why I drink blood now, so yes.”

He sat back. “You’re a cool customer. Good.”

I didn’t bother holding back my sigh of exasperation. ”You can stop testing me any time now. I’m not hiding anything from you. I’m here because you’re the lesser of evils and fighting you is a waste of time. Plus, freeing your sister means tweaking Theo’s nose, which I’m always happy to do. That’s why I helped—“ I clamped my mouth shut. He might not know about the gargoyle and badger raid, and I wouldn’t betray them. “Others.”

His thick, dark brown brows rose. “Others?”

I nodded once. “Others.”

”Those others wouldn’t happen to be the gargoyle who shot me full of sedatives and a bunch of badgers, would they?” His lip curled. “They made everything worse.”

He probably hadn’t enjoyed the knock-out drug hangover. “Worse for them, for you, or everyone? Or Theo? Because if a bunch of badgers made things worse for Theo, I’m on Team Badger.” I raised my arms like a cheerleader with pom-poms. “Go Badgers!”

He frowned. ”Theo wasn’t happy, but their actions didn’t hurt him. He’s increased his security, which will make my mission more difficult.”

I scoffed. “Breaking into Theo’s cell block is impossible. Getting out is harder.” I’d spent my first two weeks as a vampire in those cells, learning to control my bloodlust.

“I don’t have to break into his cells. My niece is enthralled, living happily trapped in Theo’s apartment.” His fists clenched. “The badgers tried to get her to come with them and she refused. Got hysterical about it. That’s why things are worse.”

That explained why the gargoyle had a human-size harness. But in that case, he shouldn’t have helped me until the badgers returned. Maybe he’d known it was a lost cause. But the Alpha had bigger problems. “The longer she’s enthralled, the harder it is to break.”

A low growl sounded. “I know that. Fighting it doesn’t help, either.” A series of pops followed.

I looked at the couch—the Alpha had ripped holes into the cushion on either side of him with his claws. Time to change the subject to something more positive. “Okay, so how can I help? Because I have a few more hours before I pass out for the day.”

“How does enthrallment work? And how can I break it?” He leaned forward.

I sat back and looked at the ceiling for a moment. “I wish I knew. I have to capture a person’s gaze, then think hard at them.” I shrugged. “I don’t have better words, really. I think at someone, telling them they want to please me, make me happy and they’ll get their greatest desire in return. It doesn’t always work.”

“Can you turn it off?”

I wasn’t doing anything right now, so why was he asking? “I’m not doing it all the time. It takes effort.”

“Are you sure about that? Because it feels like you are.” His thick black brows wrinkled and his eyes squinted. But even the squished, skeptical look couldn’t diminish the effect of his rugged good looks—that jawline could cut glass.

“No.” I tsked. “If I was trying to mesmerize you, you’d never know.” Although I wasn’t sure I could do anything to an Alpha were. Or any were. I’d only mesmerized humans, and only when I absolutely had to. “Ask Janet. I’ve never tried to enthrall her or anyone else who worked with me.”

He leaned back. “I have asked Janet, Troy, Matias and others. They all say you’re the best boss they’ve ever had and they love working for you.” His lip curled up. “But none of them can tell me why they feel that way. They just do. Sound familiar?”

I mirrored his position, relaxing into the chair. He was trying to anger me, and it wasn’t going to work. “I am a good boss. I’m fair and I protect my people from stupidity when possible. They may not be able to articulate what I do because I protect them from that, too. It’s my job, not theirs.” I was proud of my management skills.

“Can you mesmerize someone who’s already been mesmerized? Take over from another vampire?”

I scoffed. “I don’t hang out with other vampires. They’re not nice people.”

“Including you?” One brow rose.

“Yes.” I lived by taking from people. Of course I wasn’t nice. Humans might be near the top of the food chain, but I was an apex predator.

He leaned forward, his elbows on his knees. “If I can retrieve my niece, will you try? Because I’d rather have her in your clutches than Theoden’s.”

He seemed awfully trusting. “You don’t know me. I might have a basement full of enthralled humans.”

His full lips flattened and he huffed. “I know where you live, where you work, and where you have storage units.” He lifted a brow when I objected. “Probably not all of them. But enough that I was able to put a tracker on your current vehicle. I hadn’t found the one you drove on your original escape. But my point is, you don’t have a basement. Or anywhere else to store humans. And you go through a lot of blood boxes.”

I wanted to snarl, but held back. “So you were bribing my roommate, too?”

”Didn’t take much. You chose poorly.”

“I was aware, thank you.” But I hadn’t realized she’d sold me out multiple times. I hope she ended up living on the streets. At least for a short time. She deserved it. ”Why would you bother?”

He gave me a half-smile. “Because if Theoden’s interested, I’m interested. I started tracking you a very long time ago.” He shook his head. “And you should have known that a long time ago, too. Seriously, why do you think Janet’s wasting her talents as a cocktail waitress?”

”I though she liked the money.” I took people at their word too much, evidently.

He snorted. “Her tips don’t pay for an hour of her salary. She’s a financial wizard. My CFO, actually.” His lips clamped tight and he scowled. “Are you sure you’re not trying to mesmerize me?”

I held up both hands, palm out. “Definitely not. But I’m told I’m easy to talk to. One of the reasons I’m a good bartender.” I’d known Janet was smart but I didn’t pry into my people’s lives.

He shook his head. “You’re a manager, a leader, not simply a bartender. You’re holding yourself back. Trying to make a smaller target for Theoden?”

”Yes.” It was my turn to clamp my mouth shut. He was too easy to talk to, making it hard to keep up my guard.

“Stop. It’s not working and it only hurts you. If you want him out of your life, you’ll have to get rid of him and take over.” His gaze bored into mine. “If Theoden’s successor takes over, they’ll want you under control, too. No master vamp will allow a baby vamp to thumb her nose at their commands. And if they believe in the prophecy, they’ll want you under control even more.” He jabbed his forefinger towards me. “Step up. Take charge. Take the fight to Theoden.”

I shook my head. “That’s a war. What happens to your niece in a war? I’ll tell you.” I leaned forward. “She ends up dead. Collateral damage. War is hard on bystanders.”

His mouth twisted for a moment. “I’m aware. Fought in several, each one uglier than the last.”

A military veteran—his hypervigilance and air of command came from real wartime experience. Several wars also implied he was even older than I’d thought. But he’d kept up with technological advances. He was a highly intelligent and motivated man. But I’d lived through the mob wars and drug dealer territorial fights, and I’d lost friends and colleagues. Regular people in the wrong place at the wrong time, not mobsters or police.

He tapped the coffee table once. “My niece isn’t living now. Death might be kinder. But regardless, prophecy is a double-edged sword. You can be used, you can use it, or you can actively refute it. Ignoring it won’t keep the true believers away and it makes you more vulnerable to those attempting to use it.” He smirked. “I’d bet that group includes Theoden. He’s too smart to believe in hokey religions and ancient weapons when he’s got so much money on his side.”

I couldn’t hold back a laugh. “Are you misquoting Star Wars at me?”

He shrugged. “If the fandom fits…”

“A closet Jedi? That makes sense.” It did. He was a hero for his people, and probably others. But I had to remember he was on the list of people who wanted to use me. “Back to the current hokey religion. Do you have a copy of this prophecy?”

He grimaced. “Not a complete one. I have a blurry shot pulled from a video. I’ve had several people and artificial intelligence programs try to reconstruct it, but confidence is low.” He pulled out his phone, scrolled, and selected a page. “This is the most likely version.”

The Prophecy of the Unbound Queen

When the dusk bleeds into an endless bright,
And battles rage over control of the night,
One shall rise—a queen of shadow’s creed,
By choice alone, not by chains decreed.

In mortal flesh, her fierce heart was concealed,
Yet by her will, service for all is now revealed.
With fangs unsheathed, she claims her boundless might,
A sovereign born to rule the endless night.

None who stand in her path shall be redeemed,
For her command reigns supreme.
A tempest fierce, she leads her kin with grace,
The unchained dawn none can hope to replace.

She brings no peace, no mercy to the fray,
Yet freedom fierce as stars keep threat at bay.
The world shall know her rule, unbent, serene,
When black night turns bright and towers turn the desert green.

Behold the rise of the queen freely turned,
Her power flows where hearts and heavens burn.

I couldn’t hold back a laugh after reading this piece of nonsense. “Why in the world did Theo think this was related to me? I get that Vegas is dusk bleeding into endless bright and towers turning the desert green. Mob wars might fit the second line, but there’s nothing here that says Charlene Flammen is the chosen one. This could be any woman. Or considering where I work, any man.”

The Alpha shrugged. “I don’t think we’ve got all of it. Supposedly, there’s a whole book, all in elegant, handwritten script.”

I snorted. “Something about a crone with hair of silver?”

A growl rumbled—emphatic enough to feel and hear. “Don’t put yourself down. Enough people will do that for you. You might look older than the average vampire, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t gorgeous.” He grimaced. “Looks aren’t important anyway. What’s important is that Theoden believes you are the Unbound Queen. You are a leader, even if you’ve never embraced the role. And the only way you’re getting out of this alive, and my niece gets free, is if you take over.”

I didn’t like the sound of that at all. “If Theo really believes this thing, why has he let me be all these years? Why push me now?”

“I don’t know. I can only speculate that there’s more in the prophecy that details the timing. Maybe something about the comet that just appeared?” He shrugged. “Or something else related to the night sky? That’s always a popular choice for ancient, hokey religions.” His mouth twisted.

“Do you know where this prophecy is located? Getting a hold of it might be a good way to start.”

He shook his head. “I don’t think that’s the place to start. We start with you stepping up to lead your fellow vamps through the endless bright.”

“And how am I supposed to do that?” I wasn’t a miracle worker or a cult leader.

He leaned forward, with his elbows on his knees. “You stop Theoden’s people from rampaging through the humans. Spin it as doing it for their own good, that you are the protector of the people. Lean into the unbound queen myth—lead them down a path of longevity with less excess.”

I frowned at him. “That’s not exactly what this prophecy says. It’s more about ruling and might than control.”

“It’s a prophecy.” He smirked. “You can make it say what you want to say. I know you’ve warned Theoden about the Lost in Vegas group and he ignored it.” He tilted his head. “Which is odd. Theoden is quite selective and rarely mesmerizes anyone.”

I sniffed. “Of course he doesn’t. He’s a billionaire; he’s got people falling at his feet constantly. Why work for anything when it’s offered freely?”

“True. But he’s still very picky and precise. He used to control his people tightly, too. It’s only been in the last five years that they’ve been allowed this level of freedom over the tourists.” He huffed. “Now I get it.” He stared at the far side of the room.

“Get what?”

His gaze met mine, his brown eyes lightening to an amber glow. “He’s waiting for you take control. He wants the unbound queen to appear. Since you haven’t changed, he’s making you move.” His smile was unsettling. “He’s making sure you’re free of every chain. He knew you’d quit when he bought the Royale. You’d do anything to stay out of his grasp.” He leaned forward again. “I’ll ask you again. Charlene Flammen, do you want to live?”

***To be continued***

Working Class Vegas Vamp Copyright © 2024 by AM Scott. All Rights Reserved.

Cover by Achlys Book Cover Designs

The post Working Class Vegas Vamp Chapter 13 first appeared on AM Scott.

Working Class Vegas Vamp Chapter 11 & 12

Working Class Vegas Vamp is a free urban fantasy serial, usually publishing on Tuesdays. It is unedited and subject to change. If published later, it may differ significantly, and will probably include additional material. Typos and English errors are likely; feel free to leave a comment or write me at am {AT} amscottwrites.com (revised as a standard email address. Pesky bots!) Available for a limited time only!

Haven’t started yet? Chapter 1: https://www.amscottwrites.com/2024/10/29/working-class-vegas-vamp-chapter-1/

Chapter 11

 

I woke and crawled from my den, leaving my chair and shelter there. A bit of a risk not returning it to my vehicle, but if I got caught by Theo, he’d shelter me from the daylight. Probably in a cell. If I got caught by the sun, it was my own fault. Outside, the dusty air held the memory of intense heat, and the bright lights of the Vegas Strip shimmered in the distance, smaller casinos flashing nearby.

I retrieved my bike and took a different route back to the areas of the park frequented by the public, then rolled to my car. When I was within two blocks, I noticed dogs barking and howling. Dogs loved me, so something else was upsetting them. Many dogs didn’t like weres. I turned away from my car at the next intersection. I’d get a burner phone, call a ride share, and retrieve a different vehicle.

Until Theo started this latest battle to own me, I’d thought the Vegas Pack was independent. But from the way the Alpha had herded me into Theo’s car—his nose on my backside had left an impression—that wasn’t true. No sense in taking chances that they’d tracked me down.

A man turned the corner in front of me. A woman appeared across the street, then another on the block ahead of me. I stopped, but they didn’t, so I continued forward, then turned to my right and churned my legs, riding along a rough alley. Feet pounded behind me, and two figures appeared in front of me. I ditched the bike and ran for the stucco-covered wall to my right, but a woman crouched on top of it before I got more than a single step.

They had me cornered. I stood with my back to the fence, knowing any were could easy jump it and get behind me. Men and women stalked towards me, stopping in a semicircle about fifteen feet away. None of them would look in my eyes; they kept their gaze on my chin or forehead. I was caught, at least for now, but I made myself relax. Showing fear might be deadly.

We all stood there, them not looking at me, but I was looking back. Although their height, coloring, and ethnicity varied, each person was in outstanding physical condition. Almost certainly weres then, probably wolves, coyotes, and other canines. Generally, you didn’t see cats in these numbers unless it was a lion pride. Other were species were rare and I didn’t know much about them. This group didn’t look like gargoyles. They had a certain sheen to their skin, and when they stood still, they blended into the background.

After about five minutes, two people shifted to the side and a man walked through the gap. He wasn’t the tallest man there, or the biggest, but he was definitely in shape. He had an air of command, his own mesmerizing quality. While mine cajoled, his demanded, rather like Theo’s but with a lot more intensity. He must be the pack Alpha.

I crossed my arms and tapped a toe. He might intimidate his pack, but I wasn’t one of his. He crossed the empty space surrounding me, stopping within arm’s length, and met my gaze. I stared back, but didn’t try to push my will on his. Even if it worked, there were too many others here. They’d keep him from doing anything like letting me go.

I’m not sure how long we stared, but I know I had to concentrate to keep my anger and fear active. He didn’t push for submission exactly, but rather a feeling that I’d be safer with him.

Neither that, or anything else was likely to work on me. I’d been around too long to put my happiness, security, or welfare into the hands of another. I wanted to roll my eyes, but wouldn’t be the first to drop our stare off. Maybe I should try mesmerizing him; that would make him blink. It would also make him hostile, and I wasn’t ready to go there—yet.

”Alpha, we’re drawing attention. Cops inbound.” The volume was low, but the man’s words were clipped and business-like.

He didn’t break our stare-down. “Copy that. Team One, get my vehicle. Team Two and Three, return to your usual activities. I’ve got it from here.”

I snorted. “Do you?”

He raised a heavy brow above his deep brown eyes. “Unless you’d like to keep our stalemate going until sunrise?”

“If going with you means returning to Theo’s control, yes. I’d rather burn.” I meant every word.

His head reared back, but he didn’t drop my gaze. “I have no intention of bringing you to Theoden.”

I sneered at him. “Intentions don’t mean much. Especially when you’ve shoved your nose into my butt doing just that.”

Someone snickered, but it cut off abruptly. “Sure that was me?” A thick brow rose and his lips pressed together.

“Absolutely? No. Fairly certain, yes. Simple deduction, Watson. I’m surrounded by canines who call you Alpha. Wolves rule the canines. There’s only one in wolf alpha in Vegas and only an alpha can turn at the new moon. Supposedly. Therefore, you’re him.”

“Logical.” He stared at me while nodding. “And partly correct. I am the wolf alpha. I still have no intention of delivering you to Theoden. Especially if you help me.”

“Help you? Do I look like I can help myself, let alone you?” I raised both hands, gesturing to the wolves surrounding me. “Besides, you’ve already betrayed me to Theo once. Why would I trust you?”

He leaned closer. “Because Theoden has my niece. My human niece.”

Chapter 12

A vulnerable hostage. Now the Alpha’s actions made more sense. “I’m sorry to hear that. But I still don’t know how I can help.” He’d trade me for his niece in a heartbeat. I couldn’t trust this guy, no matter how sincere he seemed.

“I know you don’t. But I do, at least to some extent. I know Theoden has kept you in the dark. I can tell you what I know and help you, but only if you’re willing to help me. But first, we need to leave. Are you willing to listen? I can promise you shelter for the coming day no matter what.”

”Sure, if I can follow in my car.” Never let go of your options.

“Fine.” He swept his arm to the side, bowing slightly. “Lead on.” He turned to the woman behind him. “Follow us.”

“Yes, Alpha.” The woman curled her lip and glared at me before turning away to climb into the large SUV that pulled up. Two men got in with her.

I was fairly certain that same woman drove Theo’s limo last night, but I didn’t ask. I picked up my e-bike and pushed it back to my Forrester. After I opened the hatch, the Alpha picked up my bike and slid it into the back, then got in the passenger seat. A piece of paper stuck out from the driver’s side door handle. I snatched it, and pretending to tie my shoe, took a glance at it. “1 escape. The Badgers.” A phone number finished the message.

Aware the SUV full of wolves who didn’t like me much had just pulled up to my bumper, I shoved the paper in my waistband, got behind the wheel and started the car. “Where am I going?”

He frowned. “Summit Club Golf Course. You didn’t know it’s the pack home?”

I shrugged. ”I mind my own business.” I listened to the chatter and gossip, but if it didn’t pertain to me, I didn’t care. The never-ending stream of inter-pack drama at the bar went in one ear and out the other. I’d probably heard the pack house location at some time or another but had no reason to retain the information, since I didn’t plan on visiting.

“That is a mistake. You should learn everything you can about everyone around you. And form alliances. Ignorance is dangerous.” He scanned our surroundings constantly, glancing at me occasionally.

I shot a glare at the annoying, and very alert, man. “Thanks, Captain Obvious. But tell me, who’s going to stand against Theo with me? No one can do that, not here.”

“You think leaving Vegas will save you from Theoden?” He huffed. “Even if you could, it’s not likely. Every major city has someone like him, and they cooperate, when it suits them. Most of them are much worse than Theoden. And treat other supernaturals like cattle. Every one of them would love to get their hands on you. Theoden’s influence has actually kept you safe.”

“You’re kidding me, right?” This had to be part of his game. He was setting me up, softening me for Theo. “Why would any of them want me? I’m a middle-aged nobody. A bartender. I don’t belong to Theo, so I can’t be used against him. It’s ridiculous.”

He turned towards me, scowling. “Theo turned you. You took the blood vows. He owns you.”

“No. He doesn’t. I would have died before swearing to obey him. Or any man. Or woman, for that matter.” Or so I believed. But I’d wanted to live, so it was hard to say what I would have agreed to at that moment had Theo demanded a price.

His brows rose and he jolted back in his seat, then recovered his emotionless expression. “Interesting.” He nodded and returned to his search for threats. “There’s rumors of a prophecy—”

I snorted. “Oh, please. I don’t believe in destiny and I’m no chosen one.” The idea was ludicrous. Pure fiction, and then that role always went to some clueless kid, eagerly searching for meaning in their life. I didn’t believe in predetermination or any of that ridiculousness. I believed in hard work and perseverance.

Or stubbornness, most would call it.

“I didn’t say I believed in the prophecy, just that there is one, supposedly. Like most prophecies, what I’ve heard is very vague and could be applied to a large number of people and situations.” He waved like he was brushing away a fly. “But rumors say Theoden believes it. And that the prophecy refers to a woman turned immortal who is free of all chains. I’m sure there’s more details that lead Theoden to believe you’re that person, and that’s why he didn’t make you take the vows.” The Alpha turned towards me again, inspecting me. “I’ll help you, but you’d better help me.” He snarled. “If you betray me, you’ll regret it.”

I pulled to the side, threw the car in neutral, and glared at him. “Let’s get something straight, here, buster. If I agree to help you, I will. I appreciate the information you gave me, but I don’t owe you for it. Understood?”

“But you owe me for not taking you straight to Theoden and trading you for my niece.” He leaned in, his face only inches from mine.

Ridiculous man. “Like that would work. You know better. Theo won’t let go of anything that puts you and your pack at his beck and call.”

“I know that.” He snarled again.

I tapped him under his sharp jaw the same way I’d tap a misbehaving dog. “Don’t take that out on me.”

He reared back. “Did you just boop me?”

“Booping is for good dogs. Snarling is bad.” I kept my expression blank. “Bad dogs get corrected.” His lip curled. I held up a finger. “Don’t make me do that again.”

“Do that again and lose your finger.” His face morphed, his nose and mouth stretching into a furry wolf’s snout, and he snapped his huge teeth less than a quarter inch from my finger. Then his face reformed into his human visage.

Having expected violence, I didn’t react, but it took everything I had to stay in place. I hadn’t expected a partial shift. Or known that was even possible. Plus, his teeth were huge. “Then don’t snarl at me. Threats will get you nowhere, fast. Even Theo learned that much.” His shifting control and speed were impressive, especially at the new moon. Or maybe the shifters I’d overheard lied about that. It seemed that the Alpha—I still didn’t know his name—was right that my ignorance was dangerous.

“Theoden told me that my niece’s blood is sweet. I’m going to snarl.” It was his turn to be expressionless.

I sighed. “Understood. We’re both on edge, so let’s try to not antagonize each other.”

“Agreed. Let’s go.” He pointed towards the windshield. “I’d rather have this discussion in my home. And that puts you closer to a sun-safe shelter.”

I checked, then pulled back onto the road. “I had one that worked fine.”

“A bed will be more comfortable.” He turned to look behind the vehicle.

“Well, sure.” My back was stiff from a day spent on a too thin pad over very hard rock. “But freedom is more important.”

“I’d agree. My sister deserves that too.”

“And if you get her back, are you going after him in revenge? Or attacking to keep Theo from taking others?” Because I didn’t want to live in a war zone. It never ended well for anyone.

He looked up at the roof of the car. “My pack is well-off, not multi-billionaires. We can’t buy the kind of firepower or influence that Theoden can. So no. Even when I get her back, I will not seek revenge. If she’s safe. If she’s harmed, he’s a dead man.” He pointed to the right.

I made the turn. “He’s already dead, but his brain doesn’t know it. I’m fairly certain vampires are zombies, but without the rotting.”

He barked a laugh. “That explains a lot.”

“And we want blood instead of brains.” I shrugged. “Zombies.”

”Zombies or not, Theoden is a dead man if my sister is permanently harmed.”

I needed to redirect this conversation to something useful. “Back to fixing my ignorance. If Theo is killed, what happens to his sworn vampires? Are they free?”

He shook his head. “You should know these things.”

I scowled at the road ahead. “If I knew, I wouldn’t ask. I didn’t have a normal vampire upbringing, okay? I got out of Theo’s tower of terror as soon as possible.” He ran his businesses like a human CEO, but other than a few at the top, his vampire community acted like interns competing for a single job without any pesky laws to limit their predatory instincts. I’d been at the bottom, and their abuse had been unlimited until I learned how to fight back.

”Interesting. And troubling.” He sucked in a noisy breath. “Okay. If Theoden didn’t appoint a successor, they’d be free. But I’m sure he did. He’d keep the person’s identity secret, because they don’t have any protection against attack until they take over and inherit those blood vows. But he’d be foolish to leave that position open. It’s happened occasionally, but when the vampires are freed, they fight for the lead and it turns into chaos. Generally, other vampire rulers step in and kill them. They don’t usually keep the territory. They seem to have a limit for both square miles and the number of vampires they can rule. But that’s a guess based on observation, not a fact I’ve been told.” He grimaced. “But I’ve also heard there’s a vamp taking over multiple territories in California.”

He was being generous with his information, but I was sure there was a reason. “Do you get told a lot of vampire facts?”

He looked out the window. “Sometimes. Under special circumstances.”

He’d pinged my curiousity. “And what are those?”

He frowned at me. “None of your business.” Blood rushed to his face, and he turned to the window again.

“A lover? That would explain a lot. Not sure why you’re embarrassed, though. Vampires are persuasive and present company excluded, beautiful.”

He twisted to scowl at me. “You’re beautiful.”

I scoffed. “I’m too old to be beautiful. I’m striking, maybe, or interesting.”

“Beauty is more than skin deep. I know you’ve treated Janice and Troy, and all the other supernaturals who worked for you with respect. You’re tough, but fair, and stand up to management. You’re good at convincing others to do things your way, without using mesmerization.” He reached out and ran his fingertip along the curve of my jaw. “But you are physically beautiful as well. A few lines doesn’t change that.”

I jerked my head away from the seductive glide of his raspy pad. “You’re smooth. No wonder a vampire spilled her guts.” I pulled up to the gate, but it opened before I could stop.

The Alpha returned the guard’s salute, then directed me through the widespread luxury homes. The fairways were unusually large for Vegas, sprinklers making the grass sparkle in the beautifully designed landscape lighting. “Won’t some homeowner report a stranger to Theo?”

“Not if they want to live here.” He directed me through the development. We drove west, rising into the foothills. “They’re mostly pack members and other supes. The few human residents work for my pack.” He pointed at a huge house. “Drive around back and into the garage.”

The gigantic, three-story house had the typical Vegas exterior of sandy stucco and red tile roof, but the landscaping was lush and had water features, too. The plants and ponds were low, leaving nothing to hide behind, and the lighting minimized shadows. Bars covered the windows, including the upper stories, and the door appeared to be metal. The overall effect was medieval-style luxury and security on a massive scale.

I drove around the side to the back, and pulled into the open garage door—one of four. Beyond the house was an iron bar fence, then open, dry land rising into the hills. “Where do you get all the water?”

Alpha smirked. “A water witch owed me a big favor. I wanted pools for my pack members. But it turned out better than I planned, because the golf club fees pay for most of the overhead. Humans love exclusivity.” He got out.

“Not just humans.” I joined him in the garage. Shiny black and white checkerboard coated the floor, and the interior walls were tan, matching the exterior stucco. Dark wood cabinets lined the walls, except for a small office area with a desk and chair, a computer on top. The other four stalls held the same large, black SUVs I’d seen behind us. Luxurious, but practical.

Alpha led the way to a door, entered a code into a pad and put his hand on a sensor. A glint in the wall above the sensor told me there was a camera there; probably facial recognition. The pack took security seriously. A thunk, and the door opened, revealing a large mud room with benches on two sides and hooks above. Clothes hung from a few pegs—perhaps pack members patrolling in wolf form. Except I’d been told that changing at the new moon was extremely difficult for most weres. But the badgers invading Theo’s had all been in animal form, so maybe that was false.

The second security door led to a commercial kitchen, but we took a right, entering a short hallway. At the end, a great room with couches, chairs, and entertainment centers held at least ten people, but we didn’t join them. Alpha opened a door on the left, and trod down a staircase. I followed him to the basement; it made sense that any light safe room would be below ground.

At the bottom of the stairs, a smaller seating area with leather couches and a bar on the left hand wall had a vaguely British Pub scheme. Alpha led me to another security door and opened it, revealing another hallway with closed, blank doors, all secured with electronic locks. After Alpha opened it, the end door revealed an office, with a large mahogany desk holding three monitors and a fancy-looking chair. The sealed concrete floor in front of the desk was empty, without a rug or a guest chair. To the left of the desk was a leather couch with two club chairs, a photo-realistic forest decorating the wall behind the couch. The right-hand wall held an open door revealing a bathroom; beyond that door was a small bar area. Another secured door was behind the desk to the left.

“If you’d like to use the facilities, please do so. Would you like anything other than water?” He strode to the bar, pulling glasses off a shelf and filling them from the tap. “We have an excellent filtering system.”

“Water is fine. The bathroom would be welcome, thank you.” I entered, closing the door behind me and turning on the fan. The Alpha’s manners reminded me of my childhood and I found myself responding in the same fashion. It didn’t seem likely that he’d be my age—weres, especially wolves and big cats, often died violently. I’d never know unless he told me; like vampires, weres didn’t age, either.

I used the facilities, washed my hands and face, and wiped my body with a washcloth to remove the grit of last night’s hideout. Hopefully the light safe room would come with a shower. A comb would be nice, too, but for now, my fingers would do.

After stalling as long as I could, I left the bathroom. The Alpha sprawled in one corner of the couch, and tipped his glass back. His throat moved as he swallowed, the everyday occurrence somehow sensual.

I looked at the forest scene behind him. I knew better than to let animal magnetism get to me. The man was admittedly sexy; he’d look perfect on a romance novel cover. His dark, brooding good looks, combined with his confident, but not arrogant attitude and surprisingly good manners added up to an attractive package. But pretty didn’t equal good. I crossed the room and sat in one of the chairs, picking up the glass of water on the low dark wood table between us, and drank. I almost finished the glass before I put it down.

The Alpha put his glass down on a coaster and leaned forward. “So, Charlene Flammen, do you want to live?”

***To be continued***

Working Class Vegas Vamp Copyright © 2024 by AM Scott. All Rights Reserved.

Cover by Achlys Book Cover Designs

The post Working Class Vegas Vamp Chapter 11 & 12 first appeared on AM Scott.

2024 According to The Amazing Sleeping Man

To all our friends and family,

Some long time recipients of this letter may remember me mentioning  several years back that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) was going to allow a Break-dancing demonstration in the 2024 summer games. So I figured, based on the weight of the IOC, Break-dancing was going to make a huge comeback. Really, the only thing making it more of a sure thing is if Bobby and Cissy from The Lawrence Welk Show started doing Break-dancing numbers.

So,  being one to never miss out on a good investment opportunity, I purchased 25K Break-dancing cardboard mats. These were carefully constructed to Olympic specifications. At least this is what the prospective stated, I think. My reading of Chinese is rather limited. Unfortunately, after this year’s games, the IOC announced Break-dancing would not be in the 2028 games. Win some, you lose some, I guess.

On a brighter note, AC/DC has announced that they will tour the US next year. I sure hope the tickets are going to be cheaper than our Taylor Swift tickets from this summer. Then again, they were worth it. She put on a great show; it was the bee’s knees and I do not think I have seen Anne Marie so happy since we saw the double header of John Tesh and  Box Car Willie at the Holiday Inn in Cedar Rapids.

In the same vein of good news, the US election is over. No more political ads. I bet you never thought you ‘d be happy seeing commercials for Supplemental Medicare ads.

As far as things here go, well, not much has happened other than two family medical emergencies, one major weather calamity, one of us passing out, and one dog deciding he was part cat and could climb trees.

In July, my mom had a weird medical episode. Doctors still are not sure what happened, but it might have been a drug interaction. So I made a second trip down to lovely Florida, in July (why doesn’t anyone retire where the weather is nice and there is decent surfing, like Tahiti?) to help out. We decided my parents needed to move into Assisted Living. That was a fun conversation.

Thankfully, my parents acquiesced and are now happily moved into the nicest place in Panama City Beach Florida. All told, I spent 5 weeks there during the last year. The humidity was so bad that five minutes after a shower, I felt like I needed another shower.

The first time I was in Florida, dodging thunder storms and the odd gator attack, Anne Marie’s brother had a severe medical event. He hadn’t been to a doctor in years, and he ended up face down in his work parking lot. With specialized care, he’s recovered a lot, but damage remains. After the event, Anne and her siblings took turns flying out to Vegas to help him with everyday living, insurance issues, the doctors, and his card counting skills. They continue to visit every month or so, while he does a lot of  PT, living in a specialized facility.

The second time I was in Florida, there was a major wind event in Missoula, Montana. The winds were at hurricane speeds and knocked down hundreds of trees. Anne Marie got the call to form up a quick response force for Team Rubicon at 11:30 that night. She got it organized and was up there cutting trees and drinking beer before the city government knew what was going on. The operation lasted two weeks, with her slinging chainsaws all day and then driving back home to take care of our mutts.

I got home in time to help on the last couple of days and was beat; I do not know how she did it. Some of the cutting was real engineering type stuff, trying to figure out how to cut and remove a hundred and fifty foot spruce without doing more damage to a house or car. Or you know, getting someone killed.

Then, Anne Marie was in Vegas helping her brother when I decided to inspect the floor at the local grocery store. I got out of the truck and felt a little dizzy. Nothing terribly new for me. I had this happen years ago and come to find out, I had loose marbles in my head. My inner ear, to be exact. It is an easy fix with head turning exercises to maneuver the marbles back into the right spot. So I made a mental note to start those exercises again and headed into the store.

I got the basics, like a family size bag of Chips Ahoy cookies, a gallon of whole milk, and a carrot. One needs to have a vegetable. I stopped to peruse some magazines–too cheap to buy them–and as I was putting one back, I looked over at my basket to make sure the milk was not crushing the cookies…  The next thing I know, I feel like I am waking up from a deep sleep and I am trying to figure out why I am looking at the floor. I was amazed at how clean it was.

As I was getting up, a lady asked if I was OK. I said yes. After all, how long can you lay in a grocery store aisle before someone comes along? Fifteen seconds maybe? So there is no way I was unconscious. I then decided I should leave, but by the time I go to the checkout I was pretty ditzy, I mean dizzy.

So I dumped my stuff on the counter making sure the cookies were safe, and then just leaned against the counter. By the time my stuff got to the register I was on my knees. The checker asked if I was all right. Yep, I am fine, just trying to keep the wear on the soles of my shoes to a minimum. Sensing there was an emergency, she summoned management and they sat me in a chair.

A week earlier, my doc had changed my blood pressure meds and I was back in the normal range after a couple of days. Well guess what, that medication really, really works well. Like my BP was 70ish over 70ish while sitting in the chair. So I got an ambulance ride.  I have stuffed a lot of people in ambulances, but have never ridden in one.

Now the hilarity starts.  I had been to the shooting range earlier, so I asked the handsome paramedic what should I do with this weapon, as I pulled it out. He asked if it was loaded. No, I just carry it around in case I need an improvised hammer. They spent the majority of the ride trying to figure out what to do with the pistol and making sure my insurance was up to date.

To make a short story longer, the nurses were cute, except for the guy with a beard, and the cop at the hospital was perplexed about the weapon. I lied and said I was not unconscious at any point. They did some tests, then I called a friend to pick me up. A nurse and cop walked me out of the hospital, where I got my weapon back, my friend gave me a ride back to my truck, and I drove home without my milk and cookies or the carrot. All told, four hours shot. (Pun intended.)

On to more exciting things. As a result of a wet spring, hot summer, and the above mentioned stuff, we managed to get a whopping four hikes in and about 400 miles of motorcycle riding. We hope next summer is better.

When Anne is not out teaching Team Rubicon members how to deforest the planet, or deployed to disaster zones (she’s gone to the South twice this year for Hurricane Helene cleanup) she continues writing science fiction.  Anne has also branched out to writing exciting military veteran romantic suspense, plus vampire stories; those are on her website, too. I think she uses our relationship as inspiration for her stories; the romance ones, not the vampire ones. If she starts on Werewolf stories I will keep my distance during full moons.

We also have a YouTube channel: The Amazing Sleeping Man – YouTube.  I recommend you watch, “Who Needs a Cat.” It is kind of different. Yes, both of those dogs are ours and nothing was harmed in the making of the video. I also recommend the 24 March 2023 video. There is some awesome dancing at the end and contrary to what many think, no alcohol was involved. We just need a few more subscribers and then we can be classified as “Influencers.”  Yep, sure sign the world is ending is when I am a recognized influencer.

I also met up with an old friend from school. We had not seen each other  since about 1986. He is still trim, fit and other than a few gray hairs, looks the same. (Yeah, I hate him.)  What are the odds that two guys from Sumter High School, Sumter, SC, would end up in Montana? I do not ever remember us talking about living in Montana. Great minds and all that.

Well, I need to go. I have an appointment with a guy about buying some cardboard. With any luck we will be “Back in Black” soon.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, bla bla bla…!!!

Anne Marie, Zoe, Shepherd Book, and Me.

 

The post 2024 According to The Amazing Sleeping Man first appeared on AM Scott.

Working Class Vegas Vamp Chapter 10

Working Class Vegas Vamp is a free urban fantasy serial, usually publishing on Tuesdays. It is unedited and subject to change. If published later, it may differ significantly, and will probably include additional material. Typos and English errors are likely; feel free to leave a comment or write me at am {AT} amscottwrites.com (revised as a standard email address. Pesky bots!) Available for a limited time only!

Haven’t started yet? Chapter 1: https://www.amscottwrites.com/2024/10/29/working-class-vegas-vamp-chapter-1/ ‎

Chapter 10

I woke, blinking in the darkness lit by a few electrical lines, hunger driving me to move. When I stretched, the lights popped on. I’d survived another day—yay me. Now to hope no one waited outside, then get out of the casino without getting spotted on a security camera. That would be the real trick; speed was the only answer, despite the attention that might bring.

One of my many storage units was nearby. Assuming no one had broken in, I’d have another identity, clothes, and cash. And an electric bike, which could get me to a vehicle. Assuming Theo hadn’t covered every casino with his people. With any luck, the raid on his tower and his fancy store had slowed his attempts to find me.

That distraction wouldn’t last, but soon, I’d be gone. First, I had to get off the Vegas Strip. Theo could have had weres out all day sniffing for me, figuring I’d only get so far. But Vegas was a difficult place to search by scent. There were thousands of people from across the world, bringing unusual food, perfume and cologne with them. Plus, I’d taken a dip in the chlorine-laden waters of the Bellagio. Add in the prevailing scent of marijuana and alcohol everywhere, and it became an almost impossible task. If he’d done his research and found my friends, they’d have a better idea of where to search, but getting it out of them would take more than a few hours. Plus, I knew people at every major casino—and most of the minor ones, too. But I didn’t want to put anyone in danger, though.

I doubted Theo would think of a parking garage cleaning closet, but people who worked for him might. Time to go. I undid the cord, and replaced everything, then opened the door. No one waited for me, so that was one bit of luck. Hopefully, it would hold.

I could use two vampire traits effectively: speed and mesmerizing people. I’d be better if I practiced more. I’d need blood soon, and more if I exerted myself, so I’d be using both skills tonight.

I walked up the stairs and straight to the self-parking entrance, slowing when I came into sight. Families and couples often dropped off their luggage, letting a single driver park. I’d have an opportunity soon. And if one didn’t appear in the next ten minutes, I’d move to another garage and find one there.

I sauntered, watching carefully for my chance. A family van, then a luxury SUV pulled up and unloaded. Stopping, I leaned against the wall where I could see the long drive to the drop point and mimed smoking a cigarette. Doing that, no one would look closely enough to see I didn’t have one. But I couldn’t stay long, or a security camera would focus on me and I’d be identified.

Then the target careened into sight, and I couldn’t hold back a smile.

From the erratic steering and loud music, the driver was drunk or distracted. Loud male voices whooped and hollered. Perfect—I’d be doing the area a favor by stealing the car and getting these idiots off the street. Screeching to a halt, the car pulled up and five young men piled out, going to the back of the SUV and pulling out luggage. I walked closer, blending into the crowd. The driver was at the back too, arguing with one of his friends about his luggage.

Grinning, I sprinted through the crowd, hopped into the driver’s seat, and threw the shifter into drive, stomping on the gas. The key fob rested on the console—lesson one of driving in town: keep the fob in a pocket. The car beeped, complaining that the tailgate was open, so I glanced at the controls, and pressed a few buttons, and eventually, it closed. By then, I’d left the speed bump loaded behind the casino road behind and turned on Paradise Road. I slalomed through the traffic like a ski racer at the X Games, then turned on to Flamingo Road and slowed to the going speed, which was still ten miles an hour over the limit.

When I spotted the popular local chain restaurant Blueberry Hill, I parked, leaving the fob in the car. I wiped the steering wheel and and door handles with a sticky, alcohol-soaked napkin, and sprinted down a side street. Keeping my speed up, I kept going, running through the shadowed parking lots of the numerous low-cost nursing homes in the area. They all had cameras, but not casino-quality. Once out of that area, I slowed to a walk, starving.

Maybe I should have waited at the restaurant and found a victim. But no. I’d control my hunger. Speed and distance was my only chance. Then I’d get money and transport. Reaching the storage facility, I entered the code into the gate, and another into the door, climbed three floors and unlocked my five by five unit. Inside, I changed into dark leggings, a tight-fitting concert t-shirt, cross-trainers and a bike helmet. I opened the false bottom on the cheap overstuffed chair, purchased for this exact reason, and pulled out a hip pack with cash, pre-paid credit cards, a few props and a new identity as Lena Sparks.

Maybe the name was a little too on the nose, but it was better than Charmaine Flame, the first one the forger suggested. Picking something close to my current name was easier to remember, but also easier to find. However, Lena Sparks was a real person; a bike messenger doing a booming business. I couldn’t use her identity for long, but that was okay—I had a plan. I got the bike outside, and rode to my next storage facility, using a convoluted route not easily followed by car.

Inside that facility, I pulled the cover off my rusty 2001 Subaru Forester and checked the tires—they still looked full. If not, I had a tire pump. Opening the back, I slid the e-bike inside, closed the door, got in and drove away. I wouldn’t try to leave Las Vegas—after last night, that seemed foolish. Plus, I needed to feed before I thought more about shelter.

Driving towards Henderson, I found another popular chain restaurant and parked. I hated taking advantage of people but at this point, I was starving. Unfortunately, buying blood boxes would get me picked up in a heartbeat. If I was in the country, I could find a large animal. But here, I needed an adult human. And not a drunk or someone higher than a kite, which at this time of night, became challenging in Vegas.

But out here in the suburbs, it was possible. I pulled out a cigarette and waited for my victim to appear. Vehicles pulled in, carrying groups and families, but finally, a single man parked near me. I walked towards him. “Hey, got a light?” I kept my voice low and sexy, and thought “look at me” at the man.

The man turned, scanned my body and then looked into my eyes. ”Sure.” He dug a lighter from his pocket and handed it to me without looking away. He wasn’t wearing a ring, which wasn’t a guarantee, but better than seducing a happily married man.

He didn’t look away, because I didn’t let him, pushing my will into him. I controlled my revulsion at my action and walked backwards, and he followed. “Thanks. But that’s not what I really want.” I smiled slightly and kept moving into the shadows behind a big blue SUV, keeping my focus on his eyes and sending my thoughts to him, telling him I was safe and he wanted to make me happy. I didn’t know why this mental ability worked, but it did, most of the time. I put the lighter back into his pocket, then took his hand, rubbing his wrist. Good veins. I moved my hands up to his elbows, rubbing the insides, while keeping his gaze. I kept shoving my thoughts at him, asking him to surrender, to make me happy.

He pushed into my body and I allowed it, but rested my head against the vehicle to keep his eyes on mine. His hands gripped my hips.

I whispered, “If you want me, say you’re mine.”

“I’m yours,” he slurred.

Completely under my spell. “Such a strong man. A good man. A generous man. You want to give me everything, don’t you?”

“Yes. Everything.” He shoved his pelvis into my stomach.

He was under my command. “Close your eyes and you’ll have your wildest dreams.” He closed his eyes and I turned him around, leaning him against the SUV. Then I raised his arm, lowered my fangs, and licked his inner elbow several times. Each time, he shuddered. Knowing his skin was numbed, I bit down and drank, counting the seconds and pulling away after taking a pint. I licked the holes until they closed, then released his arm.

I didn’t want to stop—it took every bit of will I had to let go—but I wouldn’t kill or injure to feed myself. Bad enough that I had to steal someone’s will and body to live.

The man flopped against the SUV. “You had the best time with your dream woman. You’ll have a wonderful, happy life.” I tucked a hundred in his pocket and left, getting in my car and driving away. The man would wake soon and never know how he ended up with an extra hundred dollars.

I knew, from listening to gossip at the drag bar, that it was much easier for me to enthrall someone than most. Perhaps it was because an old vamp turned me, or maybe it was an innate talent, or a combination of both. I’d always been persuasive. I certainly wasn’t asking Theo. He’d never tell me the truth, anyway.

Even though I needed the ability to stay alive, it made me sick. The mesmerizing was the primary reason I’d left Theo’s den as soon as I could. He and his friends took anyone they wanted, for as long as they wanted, without any thought for the consequences to that person. A lost day in Vegas wasn’t unusual and most people recovered, laughing it off. But a week away from your significant other, then stumbling back claiming no memory, and the police dismissing the experience with a “you’re lucky to be alive” platitude ruined marriages and lives.

Decades after I’d left Theo’s lair, I’d served a group of Theo’s lackeys laughing about a social media group they’d found called “Lost in Vegas,” all people who’d come for vacation or work and couldn’t remember anything.

After I got off work, I looked up the group. Some of the posts were obviously people who’d overdosed on alcohol and drugs, but a majority described the symptoms of mesmerization. There were comments from individuals claiming to be law enforcement, and some of those seemed real. Some of the requests for direct messages were obvious creeps and scammers, but there were also indications that someone was forming a serious group to investigate and punish those responsible.

I’d warned Theo that he was playing with fire, but he laughed it off as the fears of a baby vamp. The older vamps didn’t understand the power of social media or the strength of large numbers. Which was stupid, because humans had banded together to take out vamps before, and been successful. Theo knew that, but chose to ignore it.

Just one more reason to stay far away.

Maybe that was the existential threat he’d been worried about. If so, he’d created the problem—he could deal with it.

And if I got caught in the fallout, I’d be angry, but I deserved punishment, too. I was part of the problem, even if I only took the minimum I needed to live.

I had a more immediate problem, though. I had to find shelter for the coming day, and a way out of Vegas. Maybe I should drive out now—Theo would be dealing with the attack. But he was experienced, had lots of people, and he was intelligent. He could keep searching for me and expand that search to find his attackers. I’d be better off laying low for a while, then getting out.

I didn’t want to risk any of my acquaintances or friends, so it was back to natural lairs. I kept going south to Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area. Like Red Rocks, I’d found plenty of places where stacked rocks left hollows I could hide in. Every vehicle I’d stashed around the city—and I had three more, all “owned” by people in care centers—had an emergency pack that included a fire shelter and something to sit on. Sadly, blood boxes had quick expiration dates, and no one had managed to successfully dehydrate blood so that it retained the qualities that kept vamps alive.

I drove south, found a quiet neighborhood to park in, pulled my emergency pack and my bike, and rode. Sneaking into the park on a bike was easy, and I reached my hideout fast. Stashing the bike out of sight, I crawled through the narrow passage and came out in a small hollow. I opened up my little chair, and pulled out the fire shelter. I had a few hours before the sun would rise, but after last night’s close call, I was happy to just relax for a while.

Besides, I needed the time to make some plans. I had to avoid Theo and all his people, while also avoiding all my friends, and then get out of town. While I wanted to go north, maybe I’d need to go south instead, at least temporarily. Out of the Vegas area, I could swing back north. But I hadn’t scouted light-safe lairs to the south, while I had to the north.

What I’d never figured out was why Theo was so determined to control me after he’d allowed me decades of freedom. First, he’d turned me without any of the usual blood vows of fealty and obedience, after knowing me for only a few nights of casual conversation. I’d learned that was almost unheard of; most vamps with the ability to turn others only turned those who had served them for many years, people they knew well and often, intimately.

After I’d gained control of my urge for blood—something I’d also accomplished much faster than most—I’d left Theo’s without fanfare, never guessing that was odd. Or that Theo would be angry about it. Or that he could probably find me whenever he wanted to, but had left me alone. I’d been blissfully unaware, staying with a female vamp who’d visited Theo one evening and offered to help me. I hadn’t known she saw me as a rival until she told me; after I laughed at the idea of me as Theo’s consort, she helped me find a job and a safe place to live.

I hadn’t stayed in either for long, and I’d remained far away from that female vamp. I’d heard Theo had rejected her bid to remain at his side forever. Which was too bad; she’d been a much better choice for the job than me. If that’s what Theo wanted me for, which I kind of doubted. Why would he, when he was surrounded by beautiful, intelligent women? Sure, I was clever, but I’d never gotten past high school. And I appeared too old next to Theo, who looked like he was in his twenties.

Not a mystery I could solve. My problem was getting out of Vegas. I should have bought a burner phone before I got here to research routes. But I hadn’t. Instead, I could decide how many days I’d remain in this spot. Two was a good starting point, if I moved my car every night. I could change it out with one of the others as well, but that meant returning to Vegas proper. I hadn’t stashed anything to the south, a failure I should have anticipated.

I really couldn’t make any more decisions until I got more information. After I survived another day, I’d check out some of my south end acquaintances and see if anyone was watching them. I was pretty good at spotting tails and surveillance on me and others. I might miss an older vampire with the gift of shadows, but most of them were too proud to do footwork.

The night was almost gone. I shook out the fire shelter and pulled it over my body, and released the chair sides so I could lay back. Then I waited for the blackout of day.

***To be continued***

Working Class Vegas Vamp Copyright © 2024 by AM Scott. All Rights Reserved.

Cover by Achlys Book Cover Designs

The post Working Class Vegas Vamp Chapter 10 first appeared on AM Scott.

Working Class Vegas Vamp Chapter 9

Working Class Vegas Vamp is a free urban fantasy serial, usually publishing on Tuesdays. It is unedited and subject to change. If published later, it may differ significantly, and will probably include additional material. Typos and English errors are likely; feel free to leave a comment or write me at am {AT} amscottwrites.com (revised as a standard email address. Pesky bots!) Available for a limited time only!

Haven’t started yet? Chapter 1: https://www.amscottwrites.com/2024/10/29/working-class-vegas-vamp-chapter-1/

Chapter 9

Before I recalled what he said, I hit the water, my arms and legs flailing. “Ah!” I clamped my lips shut and tried to roll to the side, but my bottom hit the concrete with a thunk. I rose, and managed to get my feet under me, standing with my head just above the water.

Flashes of light were probably cell phone cameras. I swam to the nearest dark point, gripped and rolled over the bulky concrete railing, and crouched. The flashing never stopped, so rather than trying to blend in, I ran. Sprinting full speed, I careened through the crowds, grateful my orthopedic shoes stayed on despite their squishy state. The difference in sole height wasn’t important when I was on my toes.

I ran north, dodging people, to the pedestrian bridge crossing Las Vegas Boulevard. I’d lose any pursuit in the shops outside the Horseshoe. Standing on the escalator, I turned sideways, looking for anyone chasing me, and tried to slow my gasping. While I watched the crowd, I ran my fingers through my hair, slicking it back, then gathered the material of my dress to one side, tying a knot at my waist and wringing some of the water out. That tightened and shortened the dress, letting me blend in better. I didn’t notice anyone chasing me, so I continued, merging with the tourists. On the other side of the boulevard, I entered the nearest drugstore and bought flip flops, a sun hat, and pink heart-shaped glasses, using the prepaid credit card tucked into my bra. I had cash in my waist belt, but didn’t want to draw attention getting it out.

At a shop outside the Horseshoe, I bought a tight, short, sparkly black dress and a tote bag purse, almost wiping out that card. Then I entered the Horseshoe like I belonged there, and walked towards the back of the casino to the bathrooms. I used a dozen paper towels to dry off a little, then changed into my new dress in a stall. Throwing the old lady dress and shoes away, I stuffed the hat and sunglasses into my bag. I also pulled some cash and a key out of my waist pouch.

Leaving the bathroom, I sat at a nearby $1 slot machine, and fed it the rest of my credit card. The best way to stay anonymous in a casino was to play the slots.

A server found me quicker than I expected. “What can I get you?”

I didn’t recognize her, but since she was middle-aged, we probably had mutual acquaintances. I glanced at her nametag. “Can I get sparkling water with lime, please? And is Tricia working tonight, Sunny?” Her name was as fake as her smile. But that was smart.

“Sure, although you look like you could use something stronger. Tricia’s off tonight, sorry.” She sauntered off before I could ask for anyone else.

That was okay, though. I pulled the card from the machine and got up, dropping it on Sunny’s tray on her return trip and grabbing the plastic glass of water. “Thanks. Have a good night.” Strolling into the the shops connecting the Horseshoe and Paris, I sipped the water and watched for anyone tailing me in the dark shop windows, but I was mostly alone. I took an abrupt left, turning for the parking lot. I threw away the glass and entered the brightly lit parking lot.

Despite the lights, there were plenty of shadows if you knew where to look, and I did. The Horseshoe, formerly Bally’s, was one of my first jobs in Vegas, ironically, as a cocktail waitress. In the bottom of a garage stairwell, I held my breath and inserted my old key. It turned, and no alarms appeared to go off. Since silent alarms were normal—guest experience was everything in Vegas—that wasn’t a guarantee. But I knew the renovation money had gone to the front of the house, not the dregs of the support equipment.

While bright lights and security were important for guests, no one cared about the employees cleaning the parking lot. In the concrete room, rolling garbage cans were pushed against the walls, while brooms and other hand tools hung on the walls. Most of the space was taken up by an industrial sweeper.

There was no way to lock the doors from the inside, but with a little ingenuity, I could secure the space. I wrapped electrical cord in a figure eight around the old-style crash bars so they couldn’t be pressed down, which also tied them together. Then I rolled the sweeper close to the doors and tied the ends of the electrical cord to the machine.

It wasn’t perfect, but it ought to work for a day. It was the best I could do, so worrying was useless. I would, of course, but that would end when I passed out. I put the seat on the sweeper back, grabbed a garbage bag for a blanket, and found the most comfortable position I could.

While I waited for the sunrise, I thought about the night and all the mistakes I’d made. My biggest mistake was moving too soon. I should have stayed another day in my cave. I would have been bored, but I doubt they’d have found me. I could have moved the vehicle the after the first night then driven away safely, because running official roadblocks two nights in a row was probably more than even Theoden could pull off.

Then when I got the ride out of Theo’s lair, I should have grabbed my tote bag. I had more money, cards, identification and lair options in there. Those were all useless now, as was everything in my suitcases and car. Of course I had more stashed, but I had to get through the coming day. If I was discovered here, I’d end up naked in the morgue and give some poor worker a heart attack when I woke. Or more likely, Theo had someone there, and I’d find myself in a cell in the tower.

I’d rather be naked and free—that was easier to fix. But for now, I had no choice but to relax and hope I woke up here tomorrow.

***To be continued***

Working Class Vegas Vamp Copyright © 2024 by AM Scott. All Rights Reserved.

Cover by Achlys Book Cover Designs

The post Working Class Vegas Vamp Chapter 9 first appeared on AM Scott.

Working Class Vegas Vamp Chapter 8

Working Class Vegas Vamp is a free urban fantasy serial, usually publishing on Tuesdays. It is unedited and subject to change. If published later, it may differ significantly, and will probably include additional material. Typos and English errors are likely; feel free to leave a comment or write me at am {AT} amscottwrites.com (revised as a standard email address. Pesky bots!) Available for a limited time only!

Haven’t started yet? Chapter 1: https://www.amscottwrites.com/2024/10/29/working-class-vegas-vamp-chapter-1/ ‎

Chapter 8

I screamed, clutching his neck.

He jerked his head away from me. “Stop screeching. You could break glass. Hang on tight for a second.” He let go, and I clamped my wrists tight, scrabbling for a grip with my toes on the glass. Miraculously, there was a tiny ledge. The man reached around my waist, and a click sounded. “Now, I need to turn you around.”

“Turn? Are you kidding me?” I’d have to let go of my death grip around his neck.

“I got you. There’s a belt around your waist.” He clamped his hands on my hips and twisted me. “Let go.”

I blew out a breath and released my grip on my wrists. I’d have bruises tomorrow. “Okay.”

“Got to toss you a little. Don’t flail your hands around. When I’ve got you, find that ledge with your heels.”

“Toss me?” I rose and spun in the air and couldn’t hold back a squeal. Then his big, strong hands gripped my hips again. The lights of Vegas highlighted the scene of my  death, far below. I scrabbled against the smooth glass with my feet, then improbably, found that tiny perch. “Okay, my heels are on the ledge, but…” I reached back and grabbed the railing on either side of the man. If he let me go, I wouldn’t be able to hang on long, but at least I had a chance.

Straps flopped over my shoulders. “Gonna get a little familiar now, sorry.” He bent slightly and reached between my legs.

I almost jumped, but didn’t want to lose my tenuous perch. Latches snicked and the straps tightened. I assumed I was harnessed to the man. “Yikes.” That was a lot of pressure in a sensitive spot.

“Good thing you’re short.” The man said in my ear. “I’m bringing you back to this side. Then I’m going to unlatch you for a minute. Stay here.”

He gripped my hips again, pulling me up and sliding me over the railing. A quiet snick-snick, and I was on my feet again. He strode to the doorway, where the iron torches were still holding the shutter open, ducked inside and whistled.

He could have put my harness on while I was standing on the balcony. Dropping me over the side was cruel. I’d take his offer of a way out because I had no alternatives, but I wasn’t sticking around. People who enjoyed terrorizing others were dangerous.

Rustling and clicking of talons on marble signaled the badgers return. Clanging sounded, the torches bouncing on the balcony and the shutter slammed down. The badgers rushed to the railing, grasping the top rail with their long, deadly front claws.

I knew they were strong, but could they really boost their massive bodies over the railing? And if they did, what then? Badgers couldn’t fly.

The man joined them, pulling a tether from the first badger’s back. The badger’s teeth clamped on it, then it hurtled its body up and over the railing, falling like a rock. I ran to the edge and peered over. A parachute deployed, and the badger sailed away.

“Hey, come help. You slowed me down. Pull the red tether and hold it out so the badger can bite down.”

I turned and reached for the harness on the badger next to me. It turned and bared its teeth at me. I recoiled, then realized it was waiting, not threatening. I grabbed the only red cord I saw, sticking out from a bulging backpack, and held the end out to the badger. Long, thick, sharp teeth clamped down, then the badger launched over the railing and was gone. I moved to the next, and the next, then only the man and I were left.

“Turn your back, darling, and let’s blow this popsicle stand.” He made a spinning motion with one finger.

I snorted and spun, and barely kept from jumping when his firm hands clamped on my waist. A latch clicked, and I rose into the air, the straps between my legs pressing hard. I was trying hard not to think about how we were getting down. No matter what, it wasn’t going to be a comfortable ride.

“This could get a little dicey. His hands fastened on my hips again. “Legs up and over.”

I lifted my legs, thankful for my strong stomach muscles, and let them slide over the railing. The lights of Vegas sparkled and dazzled my eyes, and my heart pounded at a rate it hadn’t since I was alive. I’d been afraid since I was turned, but not completely terrified. Still, the man had gotten here somehow, and probably had a parachute like the badgers.

“Don’t scream.” Soft lips brushed my ear, then his hands released me.

I fell. The ground rushed up to meet me and I clamped my lips together, but I’m sure whimpers broke loose. After what seemed like forever, I jolted upward.

”Oof. You’re different than carrying a badger.” I twisted, trying to see above me. “Stay still. I know it’s scary, but it’s hard enough to steer a double load. Don’t make it harder.” He laughed. “Just lay back and enjoy the ride.”

Typical guy—making bad innuendo-filled jokes. “Right. Because that line has always worked.”

“Hey, just trying to reassure you. We’ll be fine, gliding gracefully all the way to the scene of the crash.” His voice was velvet; low, soft and strong and his body was cool behind mine in the hot desert air. With all his muscles and the way he held that security shutter up, I was fairly certain he was a gargoyle. But he could be some other kind of supernatural. I’d never researched the whole range of possibilities; I had enough to deal with those who came my way through my job. Or threatened me.

“I thought we’d coast farther, but I underestimated the load. And no, I’m not calling you fat.” He chuckled. “A badger would have been just as bad. Or maybe worse.” He sucked in a breath through his teeth. “We’re at a steeper slope than I’d like, so I’m going to jettison you early.”

“What?” He’d better not drop me. We were still at least a hundred feet in the air!

“Don’t worry. You’ll have a safe landing. Just gonna get a little wet.”

I looked ahead. Plumes of water blasted into the air—the Bellagio Fountains. They were playing “Fly Me to the Moon,” and I barked a laugh at the irony.

“Sorry I can’t actually fly you anywhere. The best I can do is glide. But despite the fact that I’ll be getting a beautiful woman soaking wet, I’m happy it’s you. If I dropped one of the badgers in the water, they’d come up swinging with those nasty claws. Can’t do much damage, but it still doesn’t feel good.” His low voice was rich with laughter. “You’re not gonna claw me, are you?”

I ignored the beautiful woman comment. I wasn’t a beauty. And if I had been, no one was beautiful wearing an old-lady mumu, no makeup and hair that had been squished under a wig for more than twenty-four hours. He was a flirt; the habit was undoubtedly helpful, especially for a guy with muscles like his. I couldn’t remember his face, but gargoyles had glamor; he must have precise control I hadn’t seen before. “No. Not much point.” I held up my right hand. “My nails are short and round. Besides, you got me out of there. You could dump me in the nastiest golf course pond around and I’d be thrilled.”

“Fair warning. I’ll release you first, then I’ll keep gliding. I’m hoping my glamor holds so no one spots me. But they’ll see you. Get out of there and get moving. Do you have somewhere to hide?”

I hadn’t planned on returning to Vegas, so I hadn’t made any arrangements. I had plenty of emergency bolt-holes around the city, but no way of knowing which were still safe. And half of them had relied on my access to the Stardust. But that wasn’t the gargoyle’s problem; it was mine. “Sure. I’ll be fine. Thanks for the save. I owe you one.” I hated saying it, but it was true.

“You helped me and I’m pretty sure losing you will annoy Theoden. And might please the wolf Alpha. So we’re even. Especially after the lousy landing coming up.”

Please the wolf? He was part of the problem, not the solution. We spiraled down over the water. The song and show had ended, and the crowd dispersed. I scanned the mass of people, searching for large groups I could blend in with. Although blending in when you’re dripping wet isn’t easy. A crowd of young women wearing tiaras and sashes and drinking huge frozen drinks remained near the south side of the fountain railing, dancing to the music. I pointed. “There. Near the bridal shower.”

“Good choice. One more drunk girl. Although, you won’t exactly blend in. That dress is hideous.” We glided lower, the spiral tighter.

“I know.” But wet, it would cling. And I had an hourglass body, so all I had to do was tie a knot at my waist, and the dress would look okay, if not exactly like a sparkly bridesmaid outfit.

“Well, Char Flammen, it was a pleasure flying with you. I hope you get away clean.” He laughed. “Keep your eyes on the horizon, don’t anticipate the landing, and raise your legs, because I’m not sure how deep this thing is. Better to break your tailbone than your ankles.”

He knew my name, but I didn’t know his. We dropped suddenly, my stomach rising, then I rose for a split second.

Gravity took hold, and I fell like a rock.

 

***To be continued***

 Working Class Vegas Vamp Copyright © 2024 by AM Scott. All Rights Reserved.

Cover by Achlys Book Cover Designs

The post Working Class Vegas Vamp Chapter 8 first appeared on AM Scott.

Working Class Vegas Vamp Chapter 7

Working Class Vegas Vamp is a free urban fantasy serial, usually publishing on Tuesdays. It is unedited and subject to change. If published later, it may differ significantly, and will probably include additional material. Typos and English errors are likely; feel free to leave a comment or write me at am {AT} amscottwrites.com (revised as a standard email address. Pesky bots!) Available for a limited time only!

Haven’t started yet? Chapter 1: https://www.amscottwrites.com/2024/10/29/working-class-vegas-vamp-chapter-1/ ‎

 

Chapter 7

 

“Thanks for the smooth ride. Hope you find a better employer and a better alpha soon.” I hitched my tote bag to my shoulder and got out, walking to the only door I saw—a shiny chrome elevator. The alpha werewolf stayed right behind me—I had no doubt he’d herd me into that shiny box trap if I ran. Or maybe just drag me by my ankle.

If I’d seen an exit, I would have tried even with Beowulf on my heels. I slowed, and he nudged the middle of my back. I spun. “Hey, don’t rush me to Mordor, okay?”

He snorted, but backed off an inch. “Gee, thanks.” As I got closer, the door opened. I dragged my feet, but eventually entered, and the door shut. After a stomach lightening trip up, the door opened again on a semi-circular foyer. The floors were black marble shot with red veins, the walls dark-stained wood, and the ceiling festooned with security cameras. Two big men in dark suits held small machine guns, the straps resting across broad shoulders.

The bearded man on the right pulled a phone from his pocket and tapped. A section of the wood wall slid away, revealing a gorgeous reception area that practically screamed spoiled billionaire with dark tastes. More black and red marble flooring, leather and chrome furniture, beautiful hand-knotted Persian rugs, and a sheet of glass overlooking the Vegas Strip. I was sure that light-proof shutters closed automatically before sunrise. The clean-shaven man on the left said, “Please make yourself comfortable, Ms. Flammen. Someone will be with you shortly.”

I tried to smile, but I’m pretty sure it was a grimace. I trudged forward and the wall slid shut, trapping me inside. Alone—the werewolf stayed outside. I’d miss him, except he was Theoden’s lackey. The impression of modern luxury with a grim edge continued. Black and white abstract paintings decorated the solid walls, a bar of dark wood and black leather stretched fifteen feet long, and priceless antiques rested on the occasional tables scattered throughout the seating areas. Everything was clean; almost sterile, without any hint of habitation or presence. A shiny showplace, not a home.

I could test the doors, but there was no need to bother. I couldn’t see them, but I was sure there were cameras and more security. Since Theoden would undoubtedly make me wait, I’d get wasted. I walked behind the bar and opened the refrigerator—as I suspected, it was packed with excellent blood wine. Taking the first bottle, I popped the cork and drank deeply, while strolling to the window.

Neon glared from extravagant edifices, competing for the title of most outrageous, while at the bottom of the glittering monuments to money, tourists gawked and rushed to empty their pockets. On the gritty concrete behind the flashy Strip, workers scurried to fulfill visitor’s dreams and fill banks with cash.

Every casino owner wanted more and more, and none more than Klaus Theoden. Not happy with simple money, he was out for blood. And mastering every being in his domain.

“Charlene.” Theoden whispered in my ear.

I spun and threw the bottle at him. I’d thought I was alone!

He jumped to the side, and the glass shattered on the floor, spraying shards and blood red liquid across the shiny black marble. The wine almost blended in; black marble was a wise choice on Theoden’s part.

His brows raised. “I knew you’d be unhappy, but I didn’t think you’d physically attack me.”

“I didn’t hear you come in.” I rolled my eyes and tried to control my jackhammering heartbeat. “That’s what you get for startling me. And abducting me.” I glared. “You deserve far worse.”

His shoulders rose a tiny bit and his right eyebrow quirked higher. “Perhaps.” Unbuttoning his designer suit jacket—black as his heart—he sat on a couch, sprawling across two seats. “Come, join me.” The very picture of a king secure on his throne, all he needed was a crown on his brow and slave girls at his feet.

I leaned against the window. “I’m good here.” I certainly wasn’t sitting at his feet, next to him, or within arm’s reach. I might not be able to fight him off, but I wasn’t going to put myself in harm’s way, either. Not that it mattered. Trapped here, he was fast enough and powerful enough to kill me at any time. I had nothing to lose.

“Suit yourself.” He stared at me for a good thirty seconds. I didn’t look away, living with the discomfort of staring a predator down. I controlled my reactions, and he’d better not forget I was a predator, too.

“Do you know why I brought you here?” One corner of his lips lifted ever so slightly.

I held back a snort. “Because like a three-year-old, you can’t understand the word ‘no’?”

He crossed his ankle over his knee, displaying a red sole. “I understand, but I choose not to obey the commands of a baby vamp who ought to know her place.”

I didn’t bother to hold back this time, and snorted loudly. “I didn’t give you any commands except the one to leave me alone. I’m never going to be your lackey, slave or plaything.” I leaned forward. “My body might be stuck here, but you don’t own me. And you won’t.” I’d rather die for good. He ought to know that by now.

“We’ll see.” He waved his hand like he was shooing a fly. Not that an insect would dare appear inside the monument to cash he inhabited. “I didn’t bring you here to prove a point. I don’t need to prove I rule Vegas.”

I didn’t bother to hold back the eye roll, either. “I think there’s a few men out there who’d disagree with that assessment.” They were all the same kind of man, though. Ruthless, ambitious, and rich.

“If I wanted to rule all of Vegas, I would.” He brushed non-existent lint from his jacket sleeve. “But that would be more trouble than it’s worth. Besides, I believe that competition is good for everyone, including me.” His lip curled slightly. “But when I play, I win. Always.”

I yawned, not hiding my disdain for his villainous monologue. Eventually he might get to the point. Or I’d pass out with the sunrise. I hoped for the first, but accepted the second was more likely. Theo had enough years as a vampire to hold off the effects of the sun to some extent.

“There’s a threat coming.” He leaned forward, trying to demonstrate his sincerity. Which was as fake as the rest of his pretty package.

“A threat to you, to me, or an existential threat?” I quirked a brow. “Because if it’s existential, I believe the answer is forty-two.”

“What?” His brows almost met.

I wanted to laugh, but kept my expression serious. ”Forty-two.” I said it very slowly, like he was a child. When he continued to gaze at me, clearly confused, I repeated my words. “Forty-two. That’s always the answer to life, the universe and everything. Why don’t you know that?” Too bad none of his guards were here. I’m sure someone would be snickering by now. But, that might be fatal, so it was just as well.

“You are misinformed. Forty-two is definitely not the answer to this particular existential threat to all supernaturals.” His jacket vibrated and he whipped out a phone, swiping and holding it to his ear almost faster than I could see. “What.”

With that kind of speed, he could separate my head from my body before I even realized he’d moved. I pushed my fear aside. All it would do is make him enjoy the moment more, and I was determined he’d get as little pleasure from my captivity as possible.

“Put it on the screen in here.” Theoden crossed to the end of the room, leaving a breeze in his wake.

I stayed where I was, but turned my head. A view of the exclusive shops on the first floors of the building appeared, the name of a trendy jewelry designer flashing on one side. Clearly shot from the ceiling, the edges had the warping of a fish-eye security camera. Well-dressed patrons mixed with tourists in shorts and t-shirts in the wide mall, a few of each filtering past the security guard at the door.

A man in a suit and a girl in a short, tight, shiny red dress passed the guard. The girl did something to the guard—probably shocked him with a taser—and he fell to the floor. Lights flashed, and a metal grate fell from the top of the doorway, but the man held up one arm and stopped it. He had to be a gargoyle; no other supernatural could hold against that kind of pressure.

Before the security gate hit the man’s hand, a mob of people wearing black hoodies, sweatpants, gloves and masks sprinted through the door, smashing glass cases and scooping jewelry into bags. In less than thirty seconds, they left, and the gargoyle let the security gate fall as the girl in the dress rolled the guard out of the way with one high-heeled foot. Then they ran, following the mob.

The cameras switched, following. At the front of the shopping mall, bars had dropped down securing the doors, but the mob left through a shattered window, the gargoyle and the girl somehow disappearing in the group. Outside the mall, the mob scattered, some climbing into vehicles immediately, while others kept running. They’d probably get picked up farther down the block. A flash of red on the back of a motorcycle might be the girl, but the gargoyle had disappeared.

The video played again, but I watched Theoden’s jaw flex and the hand not holding his phone clench tight. “Figure out who they are and find them. Now.” He listened, his anger clearly increasing. “That’s what I pay managers for. Fine. I’ll be down shortly. Increase security in the casino, but don’t shut anything down. Not yet.” He slid his phone into his jacket pocket, and rolled his shoulders. Then he turned to face me. “Our discussion will have to wait.” He strode out and the wolf alpha entered.

I ignored the wolf and crossed to where Theo had stood, watching the smash and grab. I’d seen video of this kind of attack before, but it was gutsy to steal from the king vamp. Were they all supernaturals, or just the two out front? From the speed of the attack, I thought the people were all some sort of supernatural, but not all gargoyles, because they weren’t known for speed.

The well-planned attack was expertly executed, but surely Theoden’s people would find enough evidence to discover who at least one or two of the perpetrators were. I truly doubted they’d be wandering Theo’s penthouse lounge with me after they were caught. Theo clearly thought this might be a distraction for a larger heist in the casino, but perhaps I could take advantage, too.

I strolled towards the bar, looking for a lighter and a propellant of some sort. Wolves weren’t fans of burned snouts. Hair spray would be ideal, but unlikely. If all else failed, high-proof alcohol and a rag made a Molotov cocktail. Before I reached the bar, a high-pitched noise made my shoulders rise and the wolf, lying on Theo’s couch, ducked his head between his paws, trying to cover his ears.

Glass tinkled, a warm wind blew the delicate drapes across the windows, and a man wearing skin tight black stepped inside. The security shutters I’d speculate about slammed down, but the man held up one hand, stopping the shutter over his head, like the gargoyle downstairs. Muscles bunched in his arm and chest, but he didn’t waver. His other arm came up, firing a weapon into the werewolf on the couch. The muffled thwapping noise indicated it was an air-powered weapon, but whether it was a drug dart or a lethal impact round didn’t matter; I had to get out, now, even though it meant leaving my bag behind.

I ran past the man holding the shutter, his face striped black and white. I didn’t know if the colors were paint or natural, nor did I care. Stopping at the glass railing of the balcony. I turned, searching for ropes or ladders, but there was nothing. The man got to the balcony somehow; he had to have a way out. A high-pitched whistle, and the dark edges of the balcony shifted.

Dark gray, low-to-the-ground shapes jostled, then streamed into the luxury lounge. Huge claws skittered against the dark marble tiles, white striped faces glancing at me, then focusing on the doorway. Badgers—a lot of them.

I didn’t know much about werebadgers, other than to avoid them at all costs. Vicious and stubborn, they never stopped.

“Hey, you know where the switch for the shutters is?” The man in the doorway turned to face me.

“No. This is my first time in this room. Hopefully my last.” If I knew where security was, I might be able to get out on my own.

“Not a fan of the Vamp Chief?” His eyes narrowed.

I met his gaze straight on. ”No. I’m not one of Theo’s and never will be.” I left out that he’d turned me, but that didn’t matter to anyone but vamps.

“Find me something to hold this, and I’ll help you.” He put his other arm up, both of them trembling.

I didn’t want to get trapped on the balcony or inside, but all I saw was flimsy furniture. Then I spotted the answer—iron torch holders. I ran to the stand at the corner and yanked, the iron rods heavy in my hands. I pulled them close and half-dragged the awkward load to the door, standing them next to the man in a row.

“Thanks, darling.” The man lowered his arms.

I held my breath, but the rods didn’t collapse. “How are you getting out of here?”

A white grin flashed. “With you. Let’s go.”

He took my hand, dragging me to the railing. “Hope you’re ready for this.” He picked me up, bride-style, then held me out over open air, and dropped me.

 

***To be continued***

Working Class Vegas Vamp Copyright © 2024 by AM Scott. All Rights Reserved.

Cover by Achlys Book Cover Designs

The post Working Class Vegas Vamp Chapter 7 first appeared on AM Scott.

Working Class Vegas Vamp Chapter 6

Working Class Vegas Vamp is a free urban fantasy serial, usually publishing on Tuesdays. It is unedited and subject to change. If published later, it may differ significantly, and will probably include additional material. Typos and English errors are likely; feel free to leave a comment or write me at am {AT} amscottwrites.com (revised as a standard email address. Pesky bots!) Available for a limited time only!

Haven’t started yet? Chapter 1 is here: https://www.amscottwrites.com/2024/10/29/working-class-vegas-vamp-chapter-1/ ‎

Chapter 6

I stopped next to a uniformed State Patrol officer and rolled down the window. Forcing my voice to a high, quavering tone, I asked, “What’s the problem, officer?”

He shined a flashlight in my face, moved it through the entire vehicle, and returned the beam to me. “License and registration, please, ma’am.” He held out his hand.

“Of course.” I opened the glove box and removed the registration, then pulled my fake driver’s license from the pocket in my tote bag. Handing both through the window, I kept up my act, squinting and shading my eyes from the bright lights.

The officer stepped away, and used the microphone attached to his shoulder, announcing my fake name and all the associated ID numbers. My identity should hold up; I’d obtained it years ago and never used it.

The officer returned, handing my documents back. “Please open the trunk, ma’am. We’re searching for a fugitive.”

I frowned. “The only thing back there are suitcases. My granddaughter is about to have a baby.” Although, I hadn’t checked my trunk after I returned from my hideout; that may have been a mistake.

“Open the trunk, ma’am.” He put a hand on his weapon.

I thought about objecting, but that would blow my cover. “All right.” I punched the trunk button, sending the lid upward.

The officer drew his weapon and moved to the back of the vehicle. “Clear!” He slammed the lid, and returned. “Thank you for your cooperation, ma’am. Please move ahead to the next station.”

“Next station?” I wasn’t faking puzzlement, but the man had stepped away, pointing forward. The marked car in front of me rolled out of the way, so I eased the accelerator down, stopping next to another man with a raised hand. With another row of vehicles blocking the way, I had little choice.

A dog’s paws landed on my window frame and a big, black, wet nose thrust against my face. I reared back, but it was too late. A rough tongue rasped along my neck, followed by a bark in my ear, making me wince again.

That wasn’t a dog. I put a hand on the snout and shoved, rolling up the window, while paws scrabbled against the glass. “Get that thing away from me! That’s disgusting!”  A fully shifted werewolf during a new moon—Theoden was playing at the high roller tables tonight.

Before I could react, a nightstick shoved into the gap, keeping the window from closing. “Ms. Flammen. Step out of the vehicle.”

Nothing left to do but keep bluffing. ”I don’t know who you’re talking about, young man. Remove your stick, now.” I kept my tone high and quavery, then snapped the last sentance. I didn’t use command voice often, but I’d found it fairly effective, and it took less time than mesmerizing.

The stick slid out of the gap until the werewolf clamped his massive jaws around the baton, halting it. With the moon far from full, it was probably the alpha werewolf, and my command meant nothing to him. I’d never met the Vegas Pack alpha; Janice said he despised the Strip. She’d also implied the alpha hated Theoden as much as I did, and yet, here he was, running me down like a mouse.

The Nissan couldn’t ram through the roadblock, and fast as I was, a were in wolf form would easily catch me on foot. The last line of official vehicles blocked a bridge, so driving off either side meant a dropoff the car couldn’t handle, and the riverbed was dry, so I couldn’t lose the wolf in the water. Assuming I could get out of sight, which was unlikely.

I had no options left.

The wolf let go of the nightstick, but both bodies blocked the door. I yanked the useless wig off my head and sighed with relief when the itching stopped. Taking the glasses off, too, I glared. “Well, if you want me to get out, move! Men.” I shoved the door, expressing my loathing in the only way I had left, and stood up, bringing my tote bag with me.

The werewolf crowded close, the man extending his arm to point beyond the roadblock. “There’s a car to return you to the city, ma’am. I’ll get your luggage and someone will drive your vehicle back.” The wolf herded me through the line of police cruisers to a waiting limo. Theoden loved his fleet of shiny black cars, and the convenient drivers even more.

The wolf’s huge jaws depressed the back door handle, and pulled the door open before the driver’s door opened. A woman stepped out–another werewolf. Long dark hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing a face men would fight over. “You better not scratch that!

The wolf snarled, and the driver jumped, then bowed her head. Then he shoved the top of his massive head against my bottom, urging me into the vehicle.

“Rude!” I glared, but got in. Typical limo, with bar service and comfortable leather seats all around. Except the bar included bottles of blood wine. I didn’t want to be here, but since I was, I’d take advantage of the amenities.

I reached for a bottle, but the werewolf jumped inside, knocking my arm away. “Watch it, dog.” Leaning forward, I grabbed the bottle. The wolf ignored me, curling up on the bench in front of me, and putting his snout on his paws. He was huge, taking up the entire seat, and nothing but lean muscle over solid bones.

Yeah, no way I’d have outrun a wolf built to take down elk or buffalo. Or maybe a mastodon. I opened the bottle and took a long drink. Delicious; a willing donor combined with a good wine. But nothing less than the best would do for Theoden.

A snarl drew my attention to the alpha–he glared at the bottle in my hand. I snorted. “You’ve got a lot of nerve. I need blood to survive. You’re running free women down like a fox hound for the so-called Night King of Vegas. I know which is worse.” His dark brown eyes met mine and his lip curled, but his protest subsided. After holding my gaze for at least thirty seconds, he looked up and away, then turned his back on me. I tipped the bottle back. No reason to show up sober. Theoden had me in his clutches, and my days of freedom were gone. Being drunk might be the only way to survive the nights to come.

The car sped away from the scene of my defeat. Hopefully, he’d get bored quickly. I couldn’t imagine what he wanted from me, a middle-aged working class vamp. Not when beautiful young women and men surrounded him. Humans threw themselves at his feet, vamps bowed, werewolves served him, while everyone else did their best to avoid his attention. I certainly did, but he’d made a point of seeking me out.

Probably because I’d escaped his command from the start. I drank again. I still didn’t know why he’d turned me without promises of fealty and loyalty. Perhaps he’d already figured out I wouldn’t have accepted his terms? He certainly hadn’t expected me to walk away from his luxurious high-rise home only a month after my turning.

Theo’s Den—my name, not his—was a high-end condo development, just a block from the Strip. After the owners got convicted on racketeering charges, he’d bought it, renovated the top five floors for his favored vamps and supporters, then rented the lower fifteen floors to anyone who could afford it—and were willing to “donate” a pint of blood every month. Humans were told the donations went to a blood bank—true—but supernaturals knew that bank was for the benefit of Theoden and his vamps. Some of it went to Theoden’s blood box bottling company, so I bought his competitor’s more expensive but ethically sourced product instead.

The lights of Vegas grew brighter, and I drank faster. I’d rather not remember the coming conversation. Finishing my bottle, I reached for another, but a massive, rough paw pushed my hand away. Lip curling, the werewolf growled.

“Really? I’ve been avoiding Theoden for years. My freedom is gone. If I want to drink my way into captivity, why shouldn’t I?”

”Because we’re here, Ms Flammen,” the driver said. “Take the elevator—you’ll be sent to the correct floor.”

Great. Off to my doom.

***To be continued***

Working Class Vegas Vamp Copyright © 2024 by AM Scott. All Rights Reserved.

Cover by Achlys Book Cover Designs

The post Working Class Vegas Vamp Chapter 6 first appeared on AM Scott.

Working Class Vegas Vamp Chapter 5

Working Class Vegas Vamp is a free urban fantasy serial, usually publishing on Tuesdays. It is unedited and subject to change. If published later, it may differ significantly, and will probably include additional material. Typos and English errors are likely; feel free to leave a comment or write me at am {AT} amscottwrites.com (revised as a standard email address. Pesky bots!) Available for a limited time only!

Chapter 5

I drove slowly along the highway outside Red Rocks Canyon Park, acting like every other stargazer sneaking in after hours, and found a slot in a small parking area on the side of the road. Taking my tote plus a low camp chair from the backseat, I followed the trail into the rock formations. After about a half a mile, I checked carefully around me and left the path. Fifty feet off the path, I sprinkled cayenne pepper on my footsteps, put on a crime scene technician’s suit, and made my way to a cave I’d discovered. I’d spent many nights finding bolt holes in and out of the city, and that preparation would pay off now.

As a marker, I’d left a small pile of pebbles at a rock formation. Rolling a two-foot diameter stone away from the entrance buried the pebbles. I wriggled through the opening, pushing the chair and tote in front of me. Last time I’d been here, nothing lived inside, but that could have changed. A rattlesnake or spider bite wouldn’t kill me, but it wouldn’t feel good, either. I hadn’t seen any animal tracks outside, so hopefully, my lair would still be safe for the day. I clicked the flashlight on, hoping the light caused any critters to leave.

After crawling fifteen feet, I emerged into an opening. It wasn’t a true cave, but a place where towering hoodoos and boulders had crashed into each other over the years, leaving a hollow about five feet in diameter. Inside, I blocked the entrance with another boulder, set up my chair, sat, and turned off the flashlight, looking for any hint of sky. Not seeing any stars, I unfolded a wildland fire shelter above me, fastening it to the chair’s high back above my head with Velcro, then slid my feet into the far end, and shoved the sides underneath my arms. If any sunlight penetrated my lair, the combination of reflective aluminum foil, woven silica cloth, and fiberglass should keep me safe. I’d heard of vampires surviving full sunlight for a full day in fire shelters. Not something I wanted to try, but I might not have a choice.

As the earth rotated, bringing the sunrise closer, I sucked down a blood box and reviewed my actions. Despite my care, I was traceable; if Theoden had found out about the car, he could have put a tracker on it. He also could have gotten Clover to put trackers on my suitcases or clothing—if he’d penetrated the security on my room, which was difficult, but possible. He also could have stuck a tracker on me in the crowded back hallway of the casino, but I’d take care of that tomorrow. Anything small enough to hide on my skin wouldn’t have the power to penetrate all this rock.

He also could have used traditional methods; a drone could have followed every car leaving the apartment complex last night, backed up by people in vehicles. I hadn’t noticed anything like that, but I’d be moving fast when the sun went down tomorrow. I drank a second box and waited for unconsciousness, praying I’d escaped.

God might not care about vamps, but it didn’t hurt to ask.

*

I woke. Unmoving, I listened, then opened my eyes to pitch blackness. Clicking my flashlight on, I pulled the fire shelter off, wrinkling my nose at the crinkling noise. If I’d been followed to the park, Theoden would probably track me with weres, and they had good hearing. But the sound was unavoidable, so I balled the shelter up and slid it into my tote bag, then stood and stretched, loosening my body.

No time for my usual meditation and yoga–speed was literally life tonight. Rolling away the stone blocking my temporary lair, I crawled out and listened again. Hearing nothing but the wind and a few insects, I stood, then climbed the stack of boulders I’d slept under. My Tyvek suit rustled, but ever-blowing Vegas wind covered the noise.

Looking back at my car, I saw only one other vehicle, and a yellow tag on my windshield. The other vehicle, a small SUV, appeared empty, and didn’t match the cars from last night. The tag could be an official warning to move the car, or a note from Theoden’s people–there was no way to tell from here.

Decision time. Did I risk checking and possibly keep the car and my remaining stuff? Or leave it all behind just in case? If they’d tracked my vehicle here, they’d probably find me quickly, no matter how fast I hiked. Despite the pepper distraction, Theoden would have weres on my tail soon.

Speed was more important. Removing the isolation suit, I climbed down, and stuffed the thing into my tote bag, then took a different route back to the trail. Exaggerating my shoe-caused limp, I shuffled along the official trail to my car, then yanked the tag. My shoulders sagged in relief–it was an official warning that the vehicle would be towed after 24 hours. I tossed my chair into the backseat.

Inside the car, I started it and drove just over the speed limit along the highway. I’d head north and leave Vegas—forever. I had an acquaintance in Salt Lake City; I could beg shelter for the night if I could reach him. And he still lived there. And he was willing to cross Theoden—as he grew richer, fewer and fewer people risked his displeasure.

If I could reach Oregon, I could hide out in a lava tunnel for a night or two. But that meant making good time tonight, driving two lane highways in the middle of nowhere. If I hit a deer or some other furry critter, I was dead. Or I’d find out if the shake-and-bake—the wildland firefighter’s grim nickname for the fire shelters—really worked.

Whichever way I decided to go, I had to go north first. My head itched; the wig charm was running out. At the end of the loop road, I turned north west on highway 95. I’d head for Reno and if I couldn’t get farther, at least I’d avoid falling into Theoden’s clutches.

He was hot, rich and entitled. I might be physically attracted to him, but I knew better than to get involved with anyone like that. I’d learned the hard way that those kinds of men were all about the chase. Once they got you, they used you and threw you away, taking what little money and self-esteem you had left, leaving you with nothing.

I’d survived and recovered, but I’d never make the same mistake twice. Wealthy men were nothing but trouble. Leaving Vegas was the smart thing to do, so I drove north.

My headlights speared the darkness, but if I’d had human eyes, they’d be completely inadequate. Fortunately, I saw better than most and had avoided all furry critters determined to commit suicide by old lady car for an hour so far.

Suddenly, headlights from both lanes made me squint. Joined by flashing blue and red, I put my foot on the brake. Turning around before a road block would only get me chased. If I was lucky, the State Police were looking for a fugitive from the nearby prison.

But I was fairly certain I wasn’t lucky tonight.

***To be continued***

Working Class Vegas Vamp Copyright © 2024 by AM Scott. All Rights Reserved.

The post Working Class Vegas Vamp Chapter 5 first appeared on AM Scott.

Working Class Vegas Vamp Chapter 4

Working Class Vegas Vamp is a free urban fantasy serial, usually publishing on Tuesdays. It is unedited and subject to change. If published later, it may differ significantly, and will probably include additional material. Typos and English errors are likely; feel free to leave a comment or write me at am {AT} amscottwrites.com (revised as a standard email address. Pesky bots!) Available for a limited time only!

Chapter 4

 

Matias opened the doors, watching his bouncers check IDs. I peered around his massive body and breathed a sigh of relief. Theoden wasn’t waiting at the VIP rope. I checked in with Tanya backstage, and made sure Security was blocking the stage door.

But when I returned behind the bar, Theoden was sitting in his usual seat. And the owner of the Casino Royale, Don T. Ald, sat next to him, with a fleet of men in somber suits surrounding them. I’d seen the owner here exactly once; he’d watched as the police arrested the Fantastique’s manager for embezzlement. Appearing now couldn’t be good for me. My feet slowed, but despite the dread weighing on me like an anchor, I continued. Better that I know what was going on–avoidance would do no good.

When Theoden spotted me, his lips compressed and his brows rose, then he reclaimed his usual stoic expression. “Charlene, a bottle of Pappy’s with enough glasses for all of them. Doubles.” He waved at the suits. Roger hovered on the outskirts, obviously uncertain of his role in this show. As he should be—he was outclassed big time.

I turned and reached for an unopened bottle, keeping my expression blank, despite the sinking sensation in my stomach. Placing it on the bar, I gathered glasses. I poured two straight triples for Theoden and Don immediately, then checked with the minions. “On the rocks or straight, gentlemen? Raise your hands for rocks.” Hands came up—split half and half. I grabbed tongs and the special “kinky boot” ice cubes, each landing in the glass with a tink. Then I poured generously; no reason not to when Theoden was buying the bottle.

“Pour for yourself and your two colleagues as well.” Theoden lifted his glass—straight, no kinky boots for him—and nodded.

I didn’t grimace, but I didn’t bother pouring myself a shot, either. I delivered glasses to Janice and Troy, exchanging raised brow looks with both, and filled a glass with water for myself. I already knew I didn’t want to toast this moment.

“Sign here, here and here, sir.” One of the suited minions pointed at a paper inside a leather folder in front of the current casino owner. Don scrawled on the paper, then slid it in front of Theoden. He signed and handed the folder to the man standing next to him; a stamp thumped on the paper, and the man notarized both signatures. A thin, red leather book was placed in front of Theoden; he printed and signed, then Don did too.

Theoden’s attorney took the notary book and put it in his briefcase. “Sirs, we’ll send official copies to your offices.” He held up his glass. “Congratulations, Mr. Theoden.”

Bloody daylight–I’d been right. Tonight was a very bad, no good, awful night.

Don slapped Theoden on the back and held out his hand. “I hope the Royale is as good to you as it was to me.” He shook Theoden’s hand and tossed back his drink like it was cheap swill, thumping the heavy glass on the black plastic. “I’ll enjoy the Malibu bikini babes while you fight the desert heat, the tourists and the headaches. Best of luck.” He slid off the stool and walked out the door, waving without turning. Half the legal staff followed.

Theoden’s lawyer snorted. “He’ll be back in less than six months. Guy doesn’t know when to quit.”

“That’s true. But it won’t be this casino.” Theoden clinked glasses with his lawyer, then turned to me. “You’re not going to congratulate your new boss, Charlene?” He purred my name in his deep, rumbling voice, and raised his brows.

I stared at him and reviewed my assets. Another year would have been better, but I could do it now. Holding his gaze, I poured my water in the sink and undid my apron, taking my casino ID out of the pocket and placing it on the bar in front of Theoden. “I quit.” Then I walked away without a backward glance. Troy gasped. Janice’s snicker cut off abruptly.

Matias joined me before I reached the locker room. I glanced at him while I unzipped my thigh-high boots and packed everything in my tote. “Making sure I don’t rob the place blind on my way out?”

He snorted. “Standard procedure, you know that.”

I grinned at him and rose. “I do. Thanks. For everything.”

He opened the back bar door for me and walked beside me, his footsteps much louder than mine in the now-busy back hall. We wove through carts filled with booze and food to the outer door, busy minions hurrying to fulfill their master’s orders.

After opening the exterior door, Matias stepped out first, looked both ways, then beckoned me out. “I’ve enjoyed working with you, Char. I wish I could offer you something other than luck, but I can’t. I need this job.” He held out his hand.

I shook his cool, rough hand and smiled. “Oh, I know. I’ve burned my bridges. Take care, Matias, and tell the crew and cast goodbye for me. I’ll miss most of them.”

“Will do. Watch your back. Guy buys a casino for you and loses, he’ll be out for blood.” His big head swung back and forth, his brows drawn together in worry.

I snorted. “I can’t believe he thought it would work. Hope he loses his shirt on this lousy place and you all get better jobs.”

“Don’t worry about us.” He jerked his head to the side, away from the door. “Get going. Fast.”

I trotted away, eager to leave Theoden’s territory. At the edge of the Royale’s property, I stepped across the invisible border and slowed slightly. A long, black limo pulled up beside me, the passenger side window rolling down. “Ms. Flammen, I’ve been directed to give you a ride.”

I kept walking. “No thanks. Not interested in anything from your boss. Bye now.”

The window rolled up, but the limo shadowed me until I let myself in the gate at the Paradise Road apartment. Then I broke into a run, thudding up the stairs and down the hall to my front door. I unlocked the door and entered.

Clover sprawled on the couch in leggings and a sports bra, smoking a cigarette. I snatched the smelly thing from her lips and doused it in the sink, spraying the room with freshener before she realized what I’d done. “Hey, that’s mine.”

I glared at her. “The deal was no smoking in the apartment, not even on the balcony. You know that. You’ve got until the end of the month, then you’re out.” I yanked all the blood boxes from the top shelf, stacking them in bags, and carried them to my room.

“You can’t throw me out! I have rights!” Clover struggled to her feet and staggered towards me.

I put a hand on her forehead, holding her away. Silly little girl. “I owe you nothing. You broke the rules, over and over.” I shifted my hand to grip her chin. “Listen good. The rent is paid until the end of the month. Straighten out your life while you can, Clover, because Theoden won’t be paying you any more.”

“What? Theoden’s not paying me!” She looked down at the carpet, her right hand clenched around her phone.

I pushed her, sending her tumbling back to the couch while sliding the phone from her grip. “He doesn’t need you. He bought the Royale. Good luck.” I let myself into my room and locked the door behind me. On my phone, I logged into my bank accounts and transferred everything but the minimums to my Bitcoin wallet and off-shore accounts.

Ignoring Clover’s tiny fists pounding on my door, I grabbed my big suitcase and packed practical clothing, leaving my pricey uniforms behind. My toiletries and makeup went into my smaller suitcase, and the blood boxes. Two changes of clothes went in my tote bag, along with my emergency escape supplies.

Lifting the bed, I unlocked the safe under the floor, and tossed the gold, silver and cash into the tote bag. Then I pulled out a thin waist pouch with cash, cards, and ID, a short gray wig, a loose flowered dress, a pair of gold-framed glasses and white tennis shoes with one sole higher than the other. In the bathroom, I wiped the makeup from my face, and lightened my brows to silver with a brow pencil. After putting on the dress and shoes, I slid the glasses and wig into place, and added short white gloves. As a last touch, I put a pre-paid credit card in my bra.

The charmed wig instantly transformed me into a harmless old woman. I rounded my shoulders, and the uneven shoes made me limp, enhancing my appearance. Cameras in the hallway could catch me, but I wasn’t leaving through my front door or my living room balcony. I rolled my suitcases to the closet, pulled the hidden lever, and yanked the folding stair off the ceiling. It banged on the floor, and Clover screeched.

I entered the code, undid the padlock, and withdrew the security bars, then heaved the hidden door up. Warm desert air blew down. I grabbed my suitcases and placed them quietly on the roof, then joined them. Crouching, I closed the hatch and secured it, then lowered the fake air conditioning tower into place, covering my escape route from casual eyes. Or a drone. I scanned the skies, but didn’t see any, and I’d moved rooftop security cameras away a long time ago. Removing my phone from the pocket of the ridiculous mumu, I took the sim card out, broke it in two, and threw it across the roof.

When the next airplane roared above me, I lifted my suitcases, and trod carefully across the portions of roofing I’d padded with rubber mats. At the far side of the big complex, I uncoiled a rope from the front pocket of my smaller suitcase, and lowered my luggage to the ground. Then I followed, rappelling down the rough stucco wall, and rolled my cases to a slightly dented silver 2003 Nissan Sentra. Pretending it took all I had, I struggled to load the cases into the trunk, and drove to the front of the complex. A series of elderly women had used this vehicle to run errands for years now, but they all knew it could disappear at any time. Alice, the current “owner,” rarely drove anymore; she wouldn’t miss it.

Leaving the car running, I slid my keys, gate fob, and Clover’s phone into the mail hatch on the manager’s office door, along with a note asking her to return the phone. I really didn’t care if she did or not, knowing Clover had betrayed me for cash. Or cigarettes, which was even worse. Then I removed the battery from my phone, dropping that and the phone out the window as I left the lousy apartment complex for the last time.

I wouldn’t miss the place, not one little bit.

 

***To be continued***

Working Class Vegas Vamp Copyright © 2024 by AM Scott. All Rights Reserved.

The post Working Class Vegas Vamp Chapter 4 first appeared on AM Scott.