Bound by Blood (Vampire Romance) (20 page)

“As if she were my own. Why don’t you stay with us? We can sit in the sanctuary of the church if we must. We’ll weather the storm quite well there.”

She let her gaze touch his and she could see the worry there. “So you do think there will be trouble?”

“I know there will be,” he said quietly. He ticked the points off on his finger. “First, Alex would never have sent you here if there were no real danger, and secondly,” he extended another digit, “I have finished deciphering the inscription.”

“What inscription?”

“From Alex’s ring. That ring has guarded him far better than he was ever aware of. Now when he needs it most, he does not have it. But more important, in the hands of those who do have it, it can cause the utmost damage.”

Lisa sank into the chair. Philip had no reason to make anything up.

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t know, frankly.” Philip opened his own hands wide. “Not unless you know someone who knows Lengadocian, and who would just happen to know the correct meaning of this,” he pointed to the papers on the table, “Then, only then might we have a chance to combat it.”

“Combat what? Another vampire?”

“Possibly. But to really understand, we would probably need a scholar versed in ancient languages. I’m figuring this is early fourteenth century. I know French, but the words used here have a different meaning than my understanding. I have had more use for ancient Greek and hieroglyphics.”

Lisa brought both hands to her face, then let them slide down, meeting in front of her lips. “I might know just the person.”

Philip’s eyes brightened. “It could not only save Alex from certain death--”

Something she very much wanted to do. For now, they would have to get things sorted out, then she could worry about her feelings. “That sounds so strange when you’re talking about a vampire,” she commented.

Philip nodded solemnly. “Alex walks closer to the light than many mortals I know.” He slapped his hands on his thighs. “So, how do we reach this person? And how quickly?”

Lisa didn’t answer him directly. Instead, she opened her phone. It was three o’clock here, meaning it was eight in the morning in Cornwall. They would be awake. She hadn’t dialed the number in several years, but she knew it; it was forever stamped in her memory. She hoped he would be the one to answer.

“Hello. Dad?” She turned away from Philip’s startled gaze. “I’m fine,” she said into the receiver, and asked after him and her mother. She hadn’t realized how she tensed. The sweat on her palms made it difficult to maintain her grip on the phone. They were both in good health, something she had often wondered about, but couldn’t ask. She ignored most of the questions he was asking now. “Look, Dad, the reason I’m calling--” She closed her eyes at the disappointment she heard in his voice. He knew the only reason she called was because she was in trouble, just not the kind he referred to.

“Dad, I’m fine. I met someone in the States who was looking for a translation of an ancient text. We’re pretty sure it’s Lengadocien. Immediately, I thought you could help. If not, I understand.” More than he would guess.

“Really? You could do it? I might be able to fax it to you. Can I call you back in a few minutes while we work on the details on this end?” She rang off to find Philip’s gaze focused on her.

“Your father is a scholar?”
“A vicar. I...I told Alex about him.”

“But not the other way around, hmm?” Philip stood and headed to the table. “No matter. Right now, we want to get this to him as quickly as possible.” He held the original note in the air. “I’m not sure how well this will go through on a fax.
Lisa stood near him. She had to agree. The language was a convoluted one. The second note looked to be in better condition. “We can only try.”

Checking that Sandy was still working on her puzzle and watching television, Lisa called her father again. This time her mother answered. She hadn’t anticipated that, although she should have.

“No, Mom. I’m not coming to visit anytime soon. May I have the fax number, please. I can send these while we’re on the phone and make sure they go through.”

Her mother wasn’t happy to have the conversation interrupted, but she did as requested. Lisa scribbled the number and handed it to Philip. If her father retrieved it now, they would know if it were clean enough for him to work with.

Evidently it was. She heard him pick up the extension, breaking the tense conversation with her mother as she filled her in on all of the local gossip, including her first –and last – boyfriend.

“What in heaven’s name are you mixed up with now, Lisa?” She had to hold the phone away from her ear. It was loud enough to catch Philip’s attention too.

“Can you read it?”

“Read it,” he said. “Is there more?” He sounded slightly less booming now, merely curious. She heard her mother still on the phone, and then her father asking her mother to leave the connection, which she did.

“What does it all say? We only have a portion of it translated.”

“There’s not actually much in the note,” he said.
Blood of your blood will make the world new
. It’s what the translation refers to that has me concerned.”

“Dad, Philip is here –“

“Your boyfriend?”

She couldn’t help grinning. “Dad, Monsignor Philip is a retired archeologist working on a project. Could I put you on speaker phone so he can hear you too?”

She flipped the button at his agreement, and introduced Philip.

“How much more do you have? I gather my translation is not much different from yours.”

“It’s not, but I have no reference for it, which you obviously have. There is a little more here that refers to a particular inscription on a ring.”

“The Cardinal’s Ruby?”

Philip’s gaze flew to meet Lisa, who shrugged. Not that she really knew what he referred to.

“Yes.” Philip’s answer was cautious.

“That’s a myth,” her father declared. “It has been hunted for centuries. I think every grave that could have been dug up, was.”

Lisa tried to stifle her gasp at Philip’s warning glance. Instantly, an image of Alex’s ruby ring flashed through her mind.

“If it were true –“

“It it were true,” her father interrupted, “and it fell into the wrong hands, we better all say our prayers.”

“How does that inscription fit in with these translations?” Philip’s voice was steady.

“The translation is a series of instructions. The ring, and its inscription, is basically the key to make it all work. To finalize it, there were would be a ceremony of select persons who would ensure it came to pass. There are only certain times of the year, and certain years, when this can be done.”

Would vampires be considered persons?
She couldn’t meet Philip’s eyes just yet.

“We really appreciate it, Dad.”

“I have some information here, Lisa. Let me copy it and fax it to you soon. You’re not mixed up in any of this, are you? If you are, get out now, while you can.”

“Everything’s fine, Dad. I’ll call soon.”

She disconnected the link and stared at Philip. That conversation drained her more than she believed possible. She called Sandy into the room with her, explaining the child needed to stay with Philip and listen to everything he said. “I need to go help Alex, but will be back as soon as I can.”

“Shouldn’t I go home, Lisa?”

She wished she could, but until she understood Alex’s reasoning, she couldn’t guarantee she would be any safer there. She ran her hand down Sandy’s head. “Afraid not, sweetie. Alex will expect to find you here. He is worried about you, you know.” Placing her finger under the child’s chin, she tilted it toward her. “And Sandy, you do have to keep the necklace on, no matter what, as well as do whatever Monsignor Philip asks.” She gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, took the keys to Alex’s car and headed outdoors.

She felt tremendously exposed until she finally reached Louis’s office.

“This is becoming a habit,” he told her as she entered. “Does Alex know you’re meting me this often?”

“He didn’t show up,” she told him, her voice flat. She stopped in front of his desk. When he made no reaction, she braced her hands on the desk and leaned toward him, the silver pedant falling forward.

Louis backed away. “Think it might be what you’re wearing?” His gaze stayed on the amulet.

Lisa looked down, then straightened, tucking it back under the vee of her sweater. “Philip made me wear it; Alex knows about it. He was supposed to meet us but he didn’t show.”

“What do you expect me to do about it?” He leaned back in his chair, still watching her warily.

“Help me find him. At least tell me where he could be.”

“What? You think I have some kind of vampire GPS?”

“Don’t be flippant,” she told him. ”I’m worried.” She laced her fingers and put them behind her neck, letting her head fall back before straightening and focusing on Louis. From the look in his eyes, she realized she had not made the brightest move ever.

“Quit worrying about my blood,” she snapped.
Did she really say that? To a vampire?
She must have because she heard him chuckle.

“Louis, I’m serious. Philip translated the notes we received earlier.” She saw that immediately got his attention. “And the inscription in his ring.”

“What inscription?”

“Did you know it was the Cardinal’s Ruby?”

Louis’s eyes widened.

Chapter 21

“There is no such thing.” There was no inflection in his voice. It was a flat statement.

She wrapped her arms around herself and looked at him. “There is. And that’s the ring Alex always wore.”

“Wears,” he corrected automatically.

She gave him a wry smile. “Wore. Not only is Alex missing, but so is his ring. Remember, he told us Janelle has it, and we, Phillip and I, have reason to believe they—Alex and the ring,” she clarified, “are not together.”

Louis stood and came around to the front of the desk, leaning against it. “Are you positive?”

Lisa nodded. “We think she must have taken the ring for the inscription in it.”

“Alessandro had to have known. Why would he not say anything?”

Even though he spoke more to himself than her, Lisa answered anyway. “Probably because he didn’t want anyone to realize what it was.” She shrugged. “Then again, perhaps he did not know himself.”

“He had to have known.” He ran a hand down his face. “That myth is not a pretty  one.”

“I’m getting that impression.”

 “Do you have any idea where Janelle and the ring are?”

She shook her head. “I came to you for help in finding Alex.”

“Alessandro can take care of himself.”

She didn’t think so.
Some friend.

“That ring in the wrong hands can cause more havoc than this century has seen.” He met her gaze surely, not letting her look away. “What can you possibly tell me about the ring?”

“Not a lot. Philip knows more. There was something about the inscription only being useful on certain days of the year. I suppose even if we get the ring back, those who took it only need the inscription.”

“Possibly,” Louis said, “possibly not. They may need the stone itself.”

“What if they need Alex?” Her eyes widened at her next thought, that came out on a breath, but Louis heard her. “What if they don’t.”

“Either is a possibility.”

 “Look, he’s been gone for a while. Do you have any idea where he might be, or should I go to the station and report him missing?”

Louis gave her a sharp look. “That is the last thing he would want.”

“Then you’ll help find him?”

Louis gave a sharp nod. “But it will be a waste of time. It’s the ring that we have to be concerned with.”

Twenty minutes later Lisa was glad Louis was at her side. Ever since she learned of vampires, the night was not quite what it seemed. Every brush of air had her spinning to see who might be beside her. She was more comfortable with Louis at her side. It was the same when she was with Alex, there was a sense of leashed power. It was probably true of all vampires, she thought, recalling Carlos speed.

After consideration, and a series of phone calls to those who were no longer friends of Carlos or Janelle, Louis managed to pinpoint the Alex’s possible location. Lisa paced the entire time, wanting to move along at a faster rate. After what seemed hours, but in actuality was no more than thirty minutes, Louis had a lead. He wanted to use his preternatural speed and was willing to take Lisa with him, but she insisted it was necessary to take Alex’s car. She didn’t mind going with Louis, but what if Alex needed his car? If he was as weak as the last time he would have no strength. She didn’t know if Louis could carry them both, and she had no intention of asking. With resignation, Louis agreed to go with her. When they arrived at the desolate looking block of warehouses Lisa didn’t see how they could possibly cover the entire area.

“I will start at the far end of this block,” Louis told her. “It won’t take me long at all. You can start in this one,” he pointed to the warehouse behind them, and work your way to the other end. I will catch up with you.”

She tried not to shiver, but it was nearly impossible not to -- between her fright, and the fact that the wind had picked up and now whistled down the rows between the warehouses. She nodded and waited until he left. Then she turned and faced the building immediately behind her but didn’t enter. Obviously, Alex was not there or Louis would have sensed him. She had learned that much. Eyeing a building further down the block, she randomly entered one somewhere in between. It was as dark as she expected. She was glad she had the foresight to include a flashlight with her pocket of survival equipment, pitiful though it was. It wasn’t as if Louis would need such an item, she thought wryly.

She practically ran through the first building, letting her light sweep the corners. She didn’t want to call his name. Her breath came in shorts gasps.
Definitely out of shape.
She walked to the second building.

As soon as she entered the next warehouse, she sensed a difference in the air. She didn’t turn on the flashlight, and tried to quiet her breathing, pulling the top of her sweater over her mouth. Backing against the wall of the building, she slid along its perimeter when possible, remaining still every several feet. She closed her eyes briefly, forcing her other senses to work, straining her ears to listen to the sounds around her and tune out the ones commonplace to the area, the creak of the building, the wind between them and the distant sound of the train. She heard some movement, or was that her heart? She flattened herself against the wall and prayed no one would see her. The sound got louder and she held her breath. She opened her eyes the merest slit. There were two figures. She could barely distinguish the outlines of men in jackets wearing night watch caps. They weren’t being overly quiet, so maybe she only imagined anything sinister. When she no longer heard their voices, but heard a distant door creak open then close, she let out her breath.