Real Vampires: Glory Does Vegas Bartlett, Gerry (good fiction books to read .txt) 📖

“North!” I had to accelerate or risk someone bumping into me, the horns were still honking.

“Right, go right!” He put a paw on my horn, almost making me hit the car next to me. “Shut up, you stupid tourist.”

My talking dog got us some looks. I smiled, like I was a ventriloquist. I hurriedly turned off the Strip. More hotels. More casinos. Then we came to a building that didn’t have neon. It had windows with awnings and a black lacquered door. The number was right and there were lights on inside so I parked in the lot behind it. I was surrounded by luxury cars and pickup trucks, a real mix of vehicles.

“I guess this is it.” I let Valdez out and picked up his leash. “Do I just walk in or do I knock on the door?”

“Step up to the door and see what happens. I see a peep hole. I’m sure we’re being watched.” Valdez was still talking out loud.

I glanced around to make sure no one saw him do that. No mortals were paying attention to us. The few nearby were going into the large casino/hotel across the street. This nondescript building was getting no attention. I raised my fist to knock when the door opened.

“Well, well, well.” The man who stood there showed his fangs. “Karla told us there was a new vampire in town.” He held out his hand and drew me inside. “Come, let me show you around.” His hand was cool in mine and I shivered. Ancient vampire, very ancient. “Shifter. There’s a playroom for your type upstairs.”

“I’m staying with her until she tells me otherwise.” Valdez was so close I felt his heat against my hip.

“Let him stay. I’m sure you understand that I’m curious, but cautious.” I smiled but certainly didn’t show off my own fangs. Yes, I guess I was considered ancient by most standards, but I didn’t feel the need to measure mine against his.

“Glory. What a wonderful name. You do whatever you wish, my dear.” He led me to a large room in the back. It was decorated with lavish Oriental rugs, velvet couches, a huge TV and low tables. A bar was against one wall. That’s where I saw Karla, leaning against it, her white hair glowing in the lighting from an overhead crystal chandelier.

“Sebastian, leave her alone. She came to see me.” Karla moved away from the bar, two goblets in her hand. “Dominic did finally send over some of his best Romanian as an apology. Please, join us and I’ll introduce everyone.”

I took the goblet and inhaled. “Yes, I recognize this one. It’s delicious.” I held out my glass and nodded. “To new friends, I hope. I look forward to knowing you.”

Next to me Sebastian chuckled. “Oh, it is so nice to meet fresh, um, blood.”

Karla was in his face so fast I almost spilled my drink on her beautiful suit. “I will ban you from this house if you say one more word, jӓkel.”

“Relax, my skӧnhet. I play with her. Have you forgotten how to play?” He took her hand and ran his fangs over the back of it, leaving twin lines of blood.

“Out of my sight. Take your shifter with you. I have had enough of you for tonight.” Karla licked the blood off the back of her hand. “I am sorry, Glory. That one is out of control.” She watched him chuckle then signal a man who stood near the door. They both left through the front door, which banged behind them.

“What does jӓkel mean?” I sipped my drink, a little rattled by the scene.

“Devil. That one does his bidding.” Karla drank down the contents of her own goblet and signaled for a refill. “Stay clear of him, Glory.”

22

Someone else working with the Devil. I felt like I wasn’t safe anywhere. Karla put her hand under my elbow and steered me to a couch where two women and a man were sitting watching a movie.

“Come, Glory, don’t let Sebastian upset you. Surely you have seen his kind before. I sense that you are not a young vampire. There is one like Sebastian in every crowd, no? He likes to stir the pot, see what rises to the top.” She laughed and let her own fangs show. “Let me introduce you to these three.” She frowned and picked up a remote control. “Can we pause this movie for a moment?” She muttered under her breath. “They have already seen it at least a dozen times.”

“Twenty-four, but who’s counting? You, I guess.” The man in the middle extended his hand. “I would get up but you can see how comfortable I am with my ladies on either side. Dennis O’Hara.”

I reached down to shake his hand. “Glory Simpson, this decade.” I couldn’t resist his smile or the twinkle in his green eyes. He had the kind of good looks I liked—dark curly hair and dimples to go with those twinkly eyes. His good humor was contagious. It was quite a relief after Sebastian’s intensity.

“These ladies are Marlene Davies on my right and Connie Washington on my left.” He put his arms around them again. “We have come to an understanding, as you say, this decade. We’re sharing a shifter to guard us during the day and they let me keep them happy before sunrise.”

“You try anyway, Dennis.” Marlene winked at me. “Sorry for not getting up. This movie is his favorite. We put up with it because it gets his blood stirring, if you know what I mean.”

“Bruce Willis! Need I say more?” Dennis grabbed the remote from Karla. “Die Hard 2.”

“He wants to watch Armageddon next.” Connie shuddered. “At least vampires can’t have nightmares. He loves to watch violence.” She stretched out a hand with a business card in it. “Here’s my number. If you need a roommate, let me know. I’m ready to move on.”

“Connie, my dark