A Vampire for Christmas(86)

The storm still raged beyond the walls of the building, darkening the morning sky. That false night had made it possible for Ramirez and his men to invade their peace. The wind howled and blew snow into the hallway before one of Ramirez’s vampire crewmen shouldered the door shut and strode into a nearby room at the front of the house.

She hurried to the room’s entrance and peered inside. Fear gripped her heart as she realized that Damien was at an immense disadvantage. Not only was Ramirez there, but also two other large and powerfully built vampires who were minding the large wood-and-leather trunk at their feet.

Damien shot her a glowering look when he realized she had disobeyed him. “I told you to stay upstairs.”

Why should she miss all the fun, amigo?” Ramirez said with a sly smile and a gentlemanly bow made ungainly by his large belly.

Damien gritted his teeth, controlling his anger. The hot-tempered youth he had once been had already cost him too much. As much as the demon within wanted a taste of blood for the harm done to Angelina, Damien would not release the beast. Being with Angelina, tasting her goodness of spirit and body, had imbued him with the renewed sense of the humanity she claimed had always been in his heart.

He could not squander that precious gift, especially not on a day like today. This Christmas Eve would be different, even if at the end of this confrontation Angelina would be forced to leave him. He loved her enough to let her successfully complete her mission here on Earth and return to Heaven. Maybe in time, some God somewhere might allow them to meet again in another existence.

Mi amigo,” Damien began with what he hoped was a good-humored smile. “We both know what you want. But I will not give you the fight you desire until you return Angelina’s wings.”

Ramirez chuckled loudly, displaying a bright gold tooth engraved with a skull. A new addition since their last encounter. As the vampire realized it had caught Damien’s attention, he said, “Do you like? It seems appropriate considering that I am a master of death. Especially your little friend’s demise.”

The Devil himself would approve,” Damien replied calmly, trying to placate the other vampire in the hopes of securing Angelina’s wings without bloodshed.

Ramirez laughed even more briskly, but then narrowed his eyes to consider Damien. “Do I sense a change? Is it possible that you’ve actually grown wiser?”

Wiser and stronger, Pedro. But I guess you will find that out as soon as you return Angelina’s wings,” Damien challenged, aware that he was walking a tightrope to gain his objective.

Ramirez jammed his hands on his hips and the action drew attention to the long knife and pistols tucked into his belt. He stood there for what seemed like an eternity, contemplating Damien and his demand.

Then Ramirez moved so swiftly, Damien had little time to react.

He stepped in front of Angelina just as the point of Ramirez’s pistol tipped upward and he fired.

Searing pain erupted in Damien’s side, but he held his ground and did not engage. “Worried I might best you this time?” he taunted, each word coming on a short breath due to the agony in his side. It would not last long as his vampire body was already at work, expelling the bullet and sealing its path into his body.

In response to Damien’s gibe, a dull flush worked across the other vampire’s face and low chatter rose from his crewmen.

Ramirez pulled out his long thin knife and the blade glinted even in the subdued light in the room. He tossed the blade back and forth between his hands before jabbing it toward Damien.

Damien ducked backward, but the tip grazed his mid-section, opening a thin line across his abdomen. Even though the cut was not deep, it burned brutally.

Silver? You must be worried, mi amigo. Did you promise the Devil something you’re afraid you cannot deliver?” Damien parried and dodged another swipe of the blade, all the time keeping Angelina behind him.

I promised him your soul and I intend to deliver.” Once again Ramirez slashed at him, catching Damien across his bicep. Fire erupted along his arm, but he held his anger.

I will not fight you until Angelina has her wings and without a fight…”

There would be no killing. No sin to damn him eternally. Damien understood that now. Despite the fact that Ramirez had taken his life and the demon was a part of him, Damien’s soul was apparently still up for grabs.

Ramirez lowered his weapon, seeming to realize that if he was going to pay the Devil his due, he would have to do as Damien had asked. With a reluctant jerk of his hand in the direction of his men, he commanded, “Give her the sea chest.”