Page 31 of Reaper's Revenge
“Francine,” I say directly, leaning in as my concentration zeros in on getting her to tell me what I want. “The man who came into the café and asked about me—what did he look like? Be as specific as possible, please.”
She tilts her head mechanically. “Certainly. The man was distinguished. A few sprinkles of silver at the temples. Brown eyes with a hint of red. They were cinnamon, like...” Her voice trails off, and for a second, her gaze flickers to mine with a hint of recognition. “Like yours.”
My hands are shaky as I place them in my lap, with my heart hammering against my ribs. I’ve seen this before. I know what the blank expression on humans who’ve been compelled by vampires looks like. I release a sigh, knowing I have to tell Reaper all about this. Francine isn’t just any human; she’s my friend. Whoever did this to her wasn’t any old vampire.
I continue with my questions, probing away, “Did he happen to offer you his name? Or a number? Something?” I ask, keeping my voice light despite the unknown pooling in my stomach.
“Yes. He said his name was Jay. Mr. Jay Drakemoor. He had a hint of an accent, but I couldn’t tell from where.” She mentions it all as if she’s been scripted to do so. “He did tell me if you received this message to also let you know that you’ve made your father proud.”
The encounter hits me like a burst of cold water. I know no one who fits this description. However, he was obviously a vampire, and to claim to either be my father or know him? Has my head spinning.
“Francine, look at me,” I order her, snapping my fingers in front of her face. “You need to snap out of it.”
Her eyes flutter, confusion washing over her features. “What, dear? I’m sorry, I don’t understand what just happened.” Her confused stare glances around, as she’s suddenly anxious and not her typical calm self.
I know what I have to do, and I hate it, but I have no choice. Reaper will hear me and take care of everything at the table. I already know what he’d want me to do, and after Veronica terrorizing me, I’m not ready to face another powerful vamp, just yet.
I stare deeply into her gaze, “Francine, I want you to listen very carefully. I never worked here. You never offered me a ride home. You never fed me. You never met me. You don’t know any bikers. You will never go out at night alone ever again. You will forget me and this night as soon as I leave.”
My eyes are full of tears as I concentrate, making sure the compulsion takes a deep effect on her to work properly. It’s the only choice I have as I make sure my mate is protected should this vampire have his own den. Until we find out more, we have no idea what to expect. “Do you understand me, Francine?”
“I understand, I don’t know you. I never knew you. I’ve already forgotten you.” She promises in a whisper.
Then we’re gone, vampires escaping into the dark of night.
Never existing in the first place.
The End