“One day, he vanished. Kano ravaged the vampire’s beloved temple and became known as the greatest in the land, the human who defeated a monster.” My father’s pride over our family killing innocent people made me gag. I wanted to get Romi out of here.
“I had suspicions after he first arrived. You see, as the king of the underworld, you learn a few things about its inhabitants. Vampires are power-hungry creatures. Many seek me out wishing to join my forces, and in return I let them feed.”
If my heart still beat, it would have stammered. The man before me was no longer my father but a villain.
“Watching him fight and claim you. It was like a dream come true. It wasn’t until he brought you to your studio after the event that I knew who he was. My guards saw you two rutting like animals together, his tattoo displayed from the sliding window to those who watched. You going to his home where the wisteria grows only confirmed my thoughts.”
Uncontrollable tears fell and I shook my head. I felt violated in every way. The evil man caressed my cheek, and I tried to move as far away as the chains allowed. I hated this man, and wish I’d let Tatsou kill him weeks ago.
“I know he is an original vampire. I’ve been searching for one. Now I have his greatest weakness. You turned into a useful tool after all, unlike you, Hiromi.” A new man dressed in camo pants, boots, and a black shirt across his muscles stepped up and handed my father a sword. No!
“You have dishonored your family, and you are no longer useful to me.” He stood and stared into Romi’s wide eyes.
No! Come on, new vampire strength, don’t let me down! I roared and flexed my muscles to break the chains. My father raised the sword, and Romi’s head turned to me.
“Romi!” I screamed and snarled at our father. I heard a crunch, then a clink and the sword moved in slow motion as I leaped for his body, and we crashed to the ground.
“Go!” I demanded as I ripped her chains off the chair and moved faster than she could see toward the guards standing in the way.
“Let’s go!” she cried, while grabbing Father’s sword. She took off at a full sprint out of this hellhole. She’d make it out, and I’d be right behind her.
Suddenly, a sharp pain stabbed me through the chest. I choked as blood bubbled up from my lips. My head looked down and there was a sharp silver spike pointing through my sternum like that creature from the alien movie. I fell to the ground and a man quickly moved me to another chair and wrapped more chains around me. These burned my skin.
“Sorry I was late. The original hasn’t shown up yet.” A newcomer lifted my father off the ground. I blinked over and over as the taste of my own blood flooded my mouth.
“You’re here now.” My ex-father patted his shoulders and turned his malicious stare on me.
The black-haired man in the navy suit sniffed the air and asked about my sister. There must be multiple ways out of this cave for them not to run into each other as she fled.
“She escaped. We’ll find her another time. This is more important.” He circled me, assessing me and the stick protruding from my chest.
“That sneaky vampire. Changing you so you’d stand a chance against me. This I did not see coming.” He laughed and I hissed at him. My skin itched around the metal, and I wanted to pull it out so the itching would stop.
“He truly loves you. A monster no one could kill has staked his claim on my daughter. Delightful. We are going to have fun testing your new powers. Those gifts are close to the original himself, and soon, when he comes for you. I will have him change me in exchange for your life, and I will be the most powerful man in the world.”
I shook my head. “He won’t change you, and you will never be more powerful than him. People don’t fear second best or guns or swords. Others will fight you.” I spat my blood on the ground, and I wished it was acid. Too bad that wasn’t a vampire power, acid spit. My ex-father would look like the phantom of the opera if so.
“You are right, my daughter. People do not fear guns or power like they used to. They fear monsters, and I will become the scariest of them all.”
Chapter Thirty- Six
Tatsou
I gave Kat a head start before chasing after her. Eleanor offered to help me with her transition into vampire-hood, but I declined. Kat needed me, even if she hated me. I had forced her into this life, and I’d be the one to see her through it.
My friend and I parted ways shortly after Kat left. She gave me her number so I could call her whenever I felt like having a chat or if I needed another set of fangs. I lightly jogged back to the Sakura property wanting to give Kat space. From what I remember of other changing humans, it took a few hours. She would be feeling hot and achy when I arrived but the worst of it was yet to come.
I listened for heartbeats and guards talking around the premises as I ran back to the studio.
“Kat?” I slid the back door open and stepped inside. The lights were off, but I saw her car out front. She should be home.
“I know you’re angry, but I’m not leaving you.” I rushed through the rooms, and she wasn’t here. I darted for the main house and watched four guards play a game of cards while on duty. Without them noticing, I slipped inside and searched for my Kat. The scent of blood wafted from the hall where the bedrooms were. I darted to the origin of the smell and cursed. Misake Sakura, Kat’s mom, lay dead on the floor. Blood leaked onto the mats from her neck, and I growled. Another vampire was near. I shouldn’t have given her a head start. Fuck.
She wasn’t in the house. I stomped outside to where the guards were and gripped the biggest by the throat.
“Where is she?”
The other men reached for their guns and fired multiple bullets into my torso. The sting only pissed me off more. Kano had his daughter, a transitioning vampire in his grasp. I would burn down the whole damn property to find her.
