Shadow Kissed: The Vampire’s Chosen One

Chapter 5: Bazookas and Pie

-ELENA-

I was caught off guard when I ran into Eric in front of Whitwicky’s. I guess I really shouldn’t be surprised that Willy snitched on me considering the kind of reputation his Sheriff has. The majority of supernatural residents in California are probably terrified to cross Sheriff Eric Ashford. His vampiric history is pretty violent and gruesome up until a few hundred years ago. Though you wouldn’t know it just by meeting him the few times I have. Like all the vampires I’ve worked with in the past, I do my research on them to know what I’m up against.

Let’s start with the Baron, Gabriel Septimus. His history is similar to Eric’s. Violent and gruesome up until a few hundred years ago. Gabriel and Eric have been companions for almost their entire existence but nothing romantic according to our sources. Both of them ruled kingdoms in their early years, viewed as tyrants by outsiders and saviors by the people they ruled over. Gabriel is the comedian of the two, finding humor in just about any situation but takes his job as a Baron seriously, helping Eric to maintain law and order in California. It’s noted that Gabriel has special abilities. Glamour, which is more common amongst older vampires. A Glamour allows the vampire to bend the mind of lesser supernaturals and humans, making them do or say whatever they want. Glamours are very beneficial when The Veil fails to hide the real world from humans because vampires can use it to erase the event from the humans memory. Gabriel also has a rare ability called Persuasion that allows him to persuade lesser beings into telling him information they are hiding and they are compelled to tell him. Very handy, especially if you’re wanting to keep the bloodshed to a minimum.

Just for shits and giggles, I had Gabriel try both his Glamour and Persuasion on me...he was disappointed that I didn’t flash him my t**s or tell him if I’ve ever had anal s*x before. Watchers go through a special mental training to be able to fight against vampiric abilities such as Gabriel’s. I consider myself pretty good, seeing as how I’ve never had a vampire be able to overpower me mentally.

Moving on to the positively yummy Sheriff, Eric Ashford. Compared to Gabriel, he’s definitely the more serious of the two. Kind of on the broody side. Eric has managed California since the very first year that Los Angeles was established as a city, and of course, as the largest Hellmouth in the world. He’s done extremely well in his territory, only having a few major threats to the Hellmouth within the last two hundred years. The most recent was six years ago...which I stopped, unbeknown to Gabriel and Eric. Only a select handful of Watchers know that I was the one to end the previous apocalypse. It was determined safer for me that the details of the event be kept quiet, not knowing for sure who all supported Merrick...the vampire I had to stop from bleeding the dimensions into one another. It’s truly better this way so people don’t keep reminding me of the time I died by congratulating me on the accomplishment or asking nosey questions about how it went down. But I digress, back to Eric. Eric also has some special vampiric abilities. Glamour and a rare ability called Rage that I’ve never encountered before. Apparently, Rage hulks out the vampire, doubling his strength, speed, and endurance...perfect for combat. According to the Watchers records, Eric has never lost a war. I can’t even imagine what facing a hulked out vampire would be like. When I asked Gabriel about it, he told me that it would be similar to me taking on a dozen frenzied vampires at once. That doesn’t sound like a good time to me. Gabriel said he’s only ever known of three vampires in existence with the Rage ability, Eric being one of them. I suppose us Watchers should be thankful for that.

“Sheriff, to what do I owe this pleasure?” Melvin Whitwicky asks while taking a puff on an expensive looking cigar.

“I’m looking for Draco.” Eric tells the vampire arms dealer as he stands close beside me...which I don’t really mind. Other than the obvious booze smell that he reeks of, his scent is surprisingly pleasant. Like...I don’t know how to explain it. He smells like something woodsy and smokey. Musky. Whatever it is...I like it. I’ll just have to watch myself and make sure I’m not sniffing him like a weirdo.

Melvin gestures to the room with his hands. “I haven’t seen Draco in months. You put quite the scare into him from your last encounter.”

I raise a questioning eyebrow and glance at Eric who smirks at me. Guess I’ll be asking about that story later on.

“I know you still do business with him.” Eric replies, taking a step forward. I guess he’s trying to intimidate Melvin.

Melvin nods with the cigar in between his lips in agreement, stroking a hand through his red beard. “Aye but only through his minions and familiars. Draco rarely attends business drops.”

I step forward, siding myself by Eric. “Can you arrange a drop for us?” If we can’t get Draco, maybe we can get one of his lackeys to fess up to Draco’s whereabouts.

Melvin looks at me thoughtfully, his green eyes studying me. “You’re too pretty to be a Slayer.” I mentally roll my eyes and silently curse that I wasn’t born a man so I wouldn’t have to continuously deal with this s**t.

I sense Eric tense beside me and I’m fairly certain I heard a low rumble come from him. I shrug and choose to ignore it. “You can file a complaint with the Watchers Council.” I pop off, making Melvin smile behind his cigar.

The vampire takes the cigar out from his lips and blows a billow of smoke in the air. Gross. Melvin smiles at my look of disgust. I’ll definitely be showering tonight to get the nasty smoke smell out of my hair. Unfortunately, that’s just part of the Slayer biz. Sometimes you gotta bathe several times a day to rid yourself of atrocious smells, goo, blood, brains, slime, saliva...the lovely cigar smoke smell. Yeesh. Nothing like walking around smelling like an ashtray.

“It would be in your best interest to setup a meeting for us.” Eric threatens, his intimidating gaze never leaving Melvin. “Unless you would prefer me to persuade you?”

I would kind of like to see Eric’s form of persuasion, especially on the redheaded vampire in front of me that is trying my patience.

Melvin sets the cigar down in an ashtray on the expensive looking desk he’s sitting behind. I guess there’s never a shortage for the need of guns in Los Angeles. The vampire looks to be doing pretty well for himself, especially in the tailored brown dress suit he’s wearing. “That won’t be necessary, Sheriff.” Melvin replies while grabbing a pen and notepad. “I assume you’ll want to use different names to avoid suspicion among Draco’s familiars?”

Eric nods. “Gabriel will be going with us as well.” This will be our first mission with the three of us together...should be a party.

Melvin nods and begins writing down names. “Alfred.” He looks up at Eric. “Bruce.” He writes the name down before looking at me. “Selena. Are those satisfactory?”

I furrow my brows. Why do those names sound so familiar? Wait... “Did you really just name us after Batman, his butler, and Catwoman?”

Melvin smirks when

Eric sighs in frustration, pinching the bridge of his nose with his fingers. “Melvin...”

“That is quite the coincidence. An honest mistake.” Melvin assured us, however, his amused tone says it was anything but an honest mistake. He looks at Eric. “Paul.” He marks out the previous name and writes the new one down on the paper. Melvin looks at me and smirks. “Lois.” I’m sure my displeasure is written on my face at the name because his smirk widens. Melvin scratches out my previous name and writes the new one down. “And...”

“Keep Alfred for Gabriel.” Eric interrupts Melvin. I raise my eyebrows in surprise and glance at Eric who then adds, “He’ll absolutely hate it.” Eric looks at me with a smirk then winks.

I smile, shaking my head. You can tell Eric and Gabriel have been friends for the majority of their existence...they act like brothers, always eager to get a rise out of one another.

Melvin sets his pen down and leans back into the black leather chair he’s sitting in. He rests his elbows on the armrests of the chair and he laces his fingers together. “Anymore requests?”

“I know there’s a Sabbat warehouse in Santa Monica. We’ve been monitoring it closely.” Eric says pulling out his cellphone. “See if you can’t make the meeting there without raising suspicion.” Eric glances at me. “We can clean house while we’re there.”

I nod. Eric’s smart, killing two birds with one stone. The Sabbat familiars will need to be disposed of along with any other Sabbat that are located there. Familiars are humans that want to be vampires, so they do the bidding of their master in hopes of eventually being turned. Most familiars never get turned and are just used by the vampires, especially by Sabbat. They’re easily expendable plus they can do their master’s bidding during the day. In addition to cleaning house, knocking off a Sabbat warehouse may piss Draco off enough to show his ugly face.

Melvin picks up the pen and starts writing it down on the notepad. “Noted. Now, as with all my other business deals, I remain completely anonymous so I don’t end up feeling the sharp end of a stake if Draco gets word that I had anything to do with this.”

Eric nods. “Agreed.”

“Well, then. Our business is concluded. I will email you the details, Sheriff. Now please, get the hell off my property. You two being here is bad for business.” Melvin picks up the cigar and takes a puff.

I snort with laughter. “Yeah, I can see customers lined to the curb of your business.” I say sarcastically.

Eric bites his lip in an attempt to keep from chuckling. Melvin studies me for a moment as he puffs on the cigar. He takes it out of his mouth and points the cigar between his fingers at me. “I like you. You have spunk.” He opens a drawer in the desk and pulls out a card, holding it out to me. “My card. I’ll offer you a 30% discount on anything you wish to buy from me. I primarily sell firearms but I do get the occasional request for items that have more bang to them. Those usually take a few days to get ahold of though.”

I take a look at the card and can’t help myself. “So...we talking grenades, flamethrowers, and bazookas?”

Melvin looks at me wide eyed in shock and I glance at Eric who mirrors the other vampire’s expression. I shrug while looking at Eric. “I have to keep my options open.”

Eric’s expression shifts to amusement and he grins at me. Wow...he’s handsome. What? Why do I keep thinking about how good-looking Eric is? I look at Melvin who busts out laughing. He places the cigar in the ashtray on his desk before shaking his index finger at me. “Damn! I knew I’d like you! I’ll tell you what, Slayer.” He leans forward in his chair. “I’ll give you 40% off everything. If you desire a flamethrower, I’ll get you a flamethrower. If you want a f*****g bazooka...I’ll get you a f*****g bazooka!” He shifts his gaze to Eric as he points to me. “I hope you have insurance on her...because she’s about to royally f**k up all the undesirables in this city.”

Eric chuckles replying, “I may have to reevaluate the current insurance plan I have on her.”

Well, at least I gave everyone good laugh...little do they know that I was actually being serious.

~~~~~

-ELENA-

After we conclude the business with Melvin, we let ourselves out passing by a couple dozen of Melvin’s vampire henchmen, no doubt preparing for a fun filled night of handing out guns and tossing some junked cars around like basketballs. Yes. Most vampires are strong enough to lift a car. I don’t really know if they play around like that for entertainment, but the thought is amusing. I start walking down the sidewalk headed home after we exit the privacy fence surrounding Whitwicky’s Scrapyard.

“Have you eaten anything recently?” Eric asks me as he stops next to the driver’s side of the black Lamborghini.

I stop walking and purse my lips together while I look at him. “Why? You offering to feed me?” Hey, I’m the kinda girl that doesn’t turn down food.

Eric cracks a smile. “Why yes I am. I think it would be a good opportunity to get to know you better.” I furrow my brows and watch as realization hits Eric before he adds. “Professionally, of course.”

I shrug. “Sure.” What can it hurt? Beats going home and eating leftover pizza. I wish I could say my cooking skills were as good as my fighting skills...but then I’d be lying. My cooking skills are novice at best. I never really got to explore any hobbies because my duties as a Slayer have always been incredibly demanding.

Eric smiles again when I walk towards the passenger’s side of the car. We both climb in and Eric turns it on, making the Lamborghini purr like a kitten. “Anything in particular sound good to you?”

I click my seatbelt on. I can’t tell you how many car accidents I’ve been in...not because of my driving but because of the bad guys I’m usually chasing at the time. Better safe than sorry. “I’ve become fond of Red’s Diner. It’s in Downtown about twenty minutes from my apartment.”

Eric smiles. “I know the place. They have the best pie in California, in my opinion.”

I smile back. “Well, I can’t say much for the rest of California, but Red’s does have some good pie.”

Fifty minutes later, we’re walking through the entrance of Red’s Diner. It’s a pretty cool little place, decorated in a 50’s style of red, white, and black. Retro, comes to mind as I look at the black and white checkered floor that goes well with the red upholstered chairs, barstools, and booths accompanied by the white tables. The front of the bar is a metallic silver material, reflecting anything sitting in front of it. The bar is topped with a white countertop. Red lights glow underneath the bar countertop matching perfectly with the red lit Red’s Diner sign on the wall.

Yes, this little food gem became a quick favorite of mine. The food is good plus it’s open twenty-four-seven. With my constant night owl schedule colliding with my daytime schedule, I can always come here for a bite to eat.

The brunette waitress that meets us at the door looks to be in her thirties. She takes one look at Eric and I can practically see the drool in the corner of her mouth. I can’t really blame her. Eric is a delicious looking specimen. Tonight he’s wearing a grey t-shirt that tightly hugs his well defined muscles under a black leather jacket along with a pair of jeans that makes his ass look really good. What am I saying? I’m usually not like this, especially with vampires.

“How many will be dining with you tonight?” The waitress asks as she gives Eric a look over. For some reason, her doing this irritates me...and I don’t understand why.

“Two.” Eric replies, glancing at me beside him. “Do you have a seating preference?”

“Booth.” I reply with a smile.

Eric smiles back at me before turning his attention back to the waitress, who doesn’t seem too thrilled that I took his attention away from her. “A booth, please.”

“Sure, anything for you honey.” The waitress picks up two menus before gesturing for us to follow her.

Yeah, my irritation seemed to grow when she called him the nickname honey. What is wrong with me?

The waitress sets the menus on the table of the booth. Eric and I slide into the seat, one of us on each side so we’re facing each other. “My name is Anne and I will be your server tonight. Can I start you off with something to drink?” Anne looks at a Eric expectantly as she pulls a notepad and pen out of the black apron she’s wearing.

Eric looks at me. “Elena?”

Oh, he’s a true gentleman letting the lady go first. Annoyance flashes in Anne’s hazel eyes when she looks to me. “I’ll have a Coke, please.”

Eric glances up at Anne. “Make it two.”

Anne writes our drink orders down on her notepad and says right before she leaves our table. “I’ll be right back with your drinks.”

Eric turns his attention to me, resting his elbow on the table and cupping his hands. “So, how are you liking L.A.?”

“It’s not too bad. There’s plenty to do...which I don’t mind because I like to keep myself busy.” I reply, leaning back in my seat.

Eric nods. “I’m not surprised...your profile is pretty impressive.”

I give him a small smile. Most that look at my Watchers profile are impressed. I can’t say for sure why but I’m glad that Eric approves of my accomplishments. “Honestly, the Watchers Council has always liked to keep me busy and I just kind of became a creature of habit with staying busy.”

Eric chuckles. “Well, there’s plenty to do here in California.” He sighs. “There’s always something that requires my attention.”

I purse my lips together before I say. “That may be true, but you’ve handled L.A. pretty well since you’ve been running the territory.”

Eric studies me for a moment before tilting his head to the side and saying in a surprised tone. “You’ve looked me up?”

I don’t know why but I blush. “Well, not in a stalkerish way but I like to know who I’m working with.” I admit, trying to recover from the embarrassment I’m feeling.

Eric rubs his chin with his hand, looking thoughtful. Suddenly, he gives me a radiant smile. “So, did you like what you found?” He wags his eyebrows at me.

Gods, what is with Eric and Gabriel’s flirting? I seem to be less affected by Gabriel...Eric I actually have to recover from. Were they like this with Samantha? I can’t help but blush again. Say something to deflate his ego, Elena. “Eh, pretty average when compared to my previous Sheriffs.”

The knowing smirk on Eric’s face tells me he knows I’m full of horse s**t. “Is that so?”

“Yeah.” I reply unconvincingly. Damn...why am I off my game around him? Usually I just pop off with a smartass comment or a look that could kill to scare away flirtatious men. Not Gabriel...and definitely not Eric.

At this moment, the waitress returns with our drinks, setting them on the table with a couple of straws. “Are you ready to order?”

Eric and I look at each other when we realized we haven’t even opened the menus yet because we’ve been talking. Eric looks at the waitress. “We’re going to need a few more minutes.”

Anne gives Eric a flirtatious smile before replying. “Take all the time you need, honey.” She gives me a brief glance before walking away again.

“It seems as though you have an admirer.” I say quietly, opening a menu and start looking through it.

Eric gives me a confused look before briefly glancing in the direction of Anne. “Eh, she’s not my type.”

“Oh, are you an A-positive man?” I say jokingly referring to the woman’s blood type.

An amused grin appears on his handsome face. “A-positive comes in close second, but my favorite is O.” Eric opens the second menu and begins looking through it.

“I bet you a piece of pie that she gives you her number before we leave.” I can’t help but grin. The way she’s acting towards him, I can already taste the pie in my future.

“Deal.” Eric smirks. “You’re definitely different than the other Watchers I’ve had.” He raises his stormy blue eyes to look over the top of the menu at me. “I can honestly say...I’m excited to work with you, Elena.”

I don’t know why, but him saying that makes me smile. Maybe while avenging Samantha and protecting L.A., I can make friends with Eric and Gabriel. After all, it isn’t so bad having a couple of Elder vampires on your side with the kind of reputations and power they have. I can’t explain why, but I feel like I can trust Eric...and usually it takes awhile of me being around someone to feel that comfortable...especially with a vampire. Whatever is making me feel this way, I hope it doesn’t cloud my better judgement in the future.