Between Books









Between
Books: Volume

Nineteen- Training Day

After The Forbidden,
Before The Damned
December 2005

Arizona... Boot Camp

“Okay, people. Listen up, and listen up good," Shabazz said, slowly
pacing before the team in the yard. “WeÅ‚ve spent the first three weeks
in this house building obstacles courses, the shooting range, and
blocking off this backyard with white lines for sprints. Just the effort
of building all that by itself was conditioning your bodies and getting
your minds ready to focus. Lifting sand bags and initially running ten
miles a day had purposeto build stamina."

He cast a no-nonsense gaze around the team. “Then six weeks after that
of being on a regimented schedule of lights out at dawn and revelry at
ten a.m. to run some more, with me sporadically waking you up out of a
dead sleep with a bullhorn blast, was a necessary part of driving your
bodies hard and making your concentration laser. The moment you heard
battles stations, you learned how to scramble and find your weapon, and
then fall into a protect-the-house-or die-trying formation. People, IÅ‚m
impressed. But we got more work to do." He looked at Marlene and gave
her the mat.

“ItÅ‚s been rough, I know," Marlene added calmly. “But all of this was
designed so you could click up to the next level and push for fifteen
miles in the desert heat without dropping. Each of you had to be able to
lift at least your own body weight or moreto be able to fend off a
predator or drag a teammate to safety, if necessary, and the sprints
built speed and agility. Job well donebut we ainłt hardly finished
kicking your asses yet."

“Not in the least," J.L. said with a cool smile from where he sat on the
ground with the other senior Guardians. “These predators can fly, so
wełll be advancing to working you on high wires with a harness so you
really know how to fall or contort your body to hold on to something
thatłs grabbed you mid-air. Gotta be able to use your weapon while
falling or being yanked airborne."

“Yo, J.L.," Jose said, shaking his head as he leaned forward. “Remember
the Amazon, man? We ainłt given these newbies proper rites of passage."

The newbies glimpsed each other with nervous expressions. Dan shook his
head. Damali hung hers down to keep from laughing. Carlos let out a sad
chuckle.

“ThatÅ‚s cold, man," J.L. said, flopping back on the dirt. “Damn! But we
gotta do it."

“Tomorrow, youÅ‚re gonna fill fifty-gallon steel drums with the nastiest
shit, literally, you can imagine," Dan said in a nonchalant tone. He met
shocked expressions unfazed. “You heard us youÅ‚re gonna collect and
build us a were-demon tunnel so you can get cozy pulling your Glock and
holding onto it in tight, low, slippery crawl spaces, and learn how to
maneuver quickly on your bellies in places filled with maggots, worms,
garbage, and maybe choice left-overs from the sewer, snakes, beetles"

“No," Marjorie said, standing with her mouth open for a moment. “No, we
most certainly are not, young man."

“Aw, hell to the naw," Inez said, getting up with Juanita and Krissy.
“Uh, uh."

“For what?" Bobby shouted, jumping to his feet. “Are you people sick!"

“Levels Three and Four of Hell," Carlos said with a low, rumbling laugh,
and then stretched out on the withered grass.

“Why!" MarjorieÅ‚s eyes shot to her husband and then to Carlos. “Richard?
Are we supposed to be going to Hell now? Have you lost your minds?"

“All I know is somebody better talk to me, “Juanita said, pecking her
neck and waving her finger as she spoke.

“IÅ‚m not doing it. Period," Krissy announced and folded her arms.

“No. We rebel. This is mutiny. WeÅ‚ve been through enough," Bobby argued,
his terror-stricken gaze ricocheting around the team. “Dan, I thought we
were cool! You sold us out to the seniors, man! Tell me one good reason
why we should go through that fraternity pledge bull?"

“Because," Berkfield said with a weary exhale and fell back on his
elbows. “If youÅ‚re in trouble and gotta hide in anything a dumpster, an
abandoned nest, or even inside the body of a dead predator when seconds
count, you canłt hesitate, son."

Everybody paused as the senior squad members smiled. Then as hard
reality set in and the flustered newbies sat down, their groan rippled
through the team. Big Mike stepped up and smiled.

“Glad everybody can now see the logic. Hesitate to drop down into
something just because itłs nasty, and youłre dead. We be tryinł to
avoid all that. So take a nice, long, hot, clean shower tonight and kiss
your squeamish, punk-ass sensibilities goodbye," Mike said, pounding
Riderłs fist.

“ItÅ‚s the little things that count," RiderÅ‚s said, smirking. “Rivera,
youłre luckyyoułve already been down there so how about if you manage
the new kids, huh? Make sure itłs really nasty enough to be realistic
wouldnłt want ęem to feel cheated."

“Done," Carlos said, watching shoulders slump around him. “Got a
Polaroid snapshot of that shit in my head."

“DonÅ‚t forget the dead animals, man," Jose said. “Like we had to do
find us some dead squirrels, half decayed rabbits you know, you know?"

“It will be decades before I speak to you, or do anything else,
brother," Juanita whispered to Jose in a private hiss. “Believe that
shit."

Jose chuckled and opened his arms. “Baby, IÅ‚m just trying to make sure
youłre ready."

Mike lifted his green Army fatigue t-shirt and landed a thudding punch
against his brick-hard abdomen. “A hundred sit ups every morning before
the run, and now y'all can finally get to five-hundred sometimes without
puking. Everything is about preparedness, just like the sit-ups, so you
could take a body blow and not have the wind knocked out of you. The
brutal, leg-elevated, clap push-ups, then one-handers that yłall
complained so much about, was good for ya. Same as how we followed those
by the ropes and rings exercises was for upper body strength to make it
possible for you to pull up and out of a nasty cavern fastjust like the
rappelling exercises off the Grand Canyon was all about saving your ass
from a pit. Ainłt nothinł but rock down there in some spots. Gotta know
how to climb a ledge, sink an anchor, and use a rope, and pull outta the
inferno."

Shabazz pounded MikeÅ‚s fist as he passed him. “Some of you called
Marlene a sadist when she took away your coffee and other body
pollutants and put yłall on a deep-tissue fast. Maybe she is." He winked
at Marlene and made her smile. “But she wasnÅ‚t as sadistic as she
couldłve been, ęcause she brought in four Port-A-Potties, since we only
got one bathroom, until yłall was cleaned out good." He chuckled as the
group collectively groaned at the memory and then glanced at Rider, who
hadnÅ‚t given up his vices or yielded to MarleneÅ‚s cleanses. “ThatÅ‚s a
good source for your tunnels. Start getting slop from there. The
Port-A-Potties, since folks got so much to say."

“Oh my God," Inez groaned, covering her mouth. “IÅ‚ma be sick."

“Cool," Carlos said casually. “WeÅ‚ll add it to the tunnel drill."

Inez shot Carlos an evil look. “IÅ‚ma remember this, Rivera, till the end
of time."

“Good baby, thatÅ‚s what itÅ‚s all about," he said taunting her.
“Remembering what to do when itÅ‚s necessary. I gotchure back, Ä™Nez."

Inez just rolled her eyes and sucked her teeth.

“Well, not everybody gave up everything and had to go through all of
this crap," Marjorie said, indignant, and scowling at Rider.

“MaÅ‚am," Rider said, unfazed by her dig, “Most of us didnÅ‚t have the
luxury of the boot camp preparation, and learned it the old fashioned
way in the streets. Coupla the old team didnłt make it, thatłs why wełre
doing this." He shot a glance toward Jose that spoke volumes, not having
to mention what happened to Dee Dee or the early squad of newbies. “IÅ‚ll
tell you about all of that later, Marj. We lost some kids same age as
yours, and I vowed, never again on my watch. But suffice to say that, we
ainłt trying to make life difficult just to amuse ourselves. Itłs a
bitch for us to have to deal with you new kids on the block. Ask any of
the seniors one-on-one and theyłll enlighten you, if you have further
questions."

“IÅ‚ll say," Carlos muttered, gaining nods from the other senior Guardian
males.

“So, letÅ‚s all get comfy with the idea of learning fast, so we can all
get back to life before newbies, shall we?" Rider said, glancing around
the junior squad. “WeÅ‚re making it as easy as possible for you
new-jacks, in the long run. Ask Dan," he said, motioning toward Dan with
his chin. “Kid got caught out there solo one night, attacked by a female
vamp in a parking garage, and was hunkered down under a dead body when
we found himainłt that right, Daniel, my boy?"

Rider and Marlene shared a knowing gaze, and her eyes told the other
seniors that the mention was necessary and all right.

“Yup," Dan said, reaching over to pound RiderÅ‚s fist. “Dude might smoke
a pack of Marlboro Reds a day, but IÅ‚d trust his nose any night. Next
mission I was on was in the freakinł Amazon," Dan said tactfully, going
to a mission that would spare MarleneÅ‚s heart. “We were stepping through
carcasses and bodies, and all sorts of muck that you donłt even wanna
know about, Mrs. B. Listen to these guys they saved my ass, literally,
and I had to learn how to use a slingshot and Glock with creatures
running straight me. Frankly, IÅ‚m lucky to be here."

Shabazz glanced around as the newbies settled down and just closed their
eyes in distress. “Okay. Any more questions or mutiny broiling in the
ranks?" He waited for everyone to look at him and then nodded. “Good.
ęCause the more seasoned vets here can hang with toxins in ęembut yłall
canłt. Donłt ask me how Rider does it." Shabazz looked at Berkfield.
“But when that sun kicked your asses in the desert on the first week of
runs, your hearts were thanking Marlene Stone that you didnłt have
unnecessary caffeine and other pollutants in your systems. Youłve got
the cardio-vascular make-up of a solider, by now. Give the woman props."

“Word," Mike said, nodding to Marlene, also trying to take the sting out
of the passing mention of Raven, like Shabazz had. “Your systems should
be tuned-up like a mutha. The body engine running clean and efficient."
Carlos just stared at Mike for a minute and glanced at Jose, J.L., and
Dan. The four Guardians discreetly leaned behind the newbies to share
sidebar commentary.

“ThatÅ‚s the problemgood cardio, clean engine, tuned-up like a mutha
and no where to run on the Audubon, catch my drift?" Jose said to Carlos
in a confidential mutter.

“Brother," Carlos grumbled quietly, “If I donÅ‚t get outta this house
gridlock to burn off this energy soon, my engine is gonna start to knock
and ping."

J.L. shook his head. “I feel you, man," he murmured just above a
whisper, receiving a sly fist pound from Jose. “IÅ‚m gettinÅ‚ a nervous
tick."

“This is crazy-making, if ever I lived it," Dan whispered and briefly
closed his eyes.

“No lie," Carlos said quietly, but kept his eyes on Big Mike.

Mike smiled and chuckled, hearing it all. “What can I say?"

Shabazz kept pacing, tucking away a grin and ignoring the sideline
distraction. “The old Chinese proverb applies, better to be prepared for
the opportunity that doesnłt come, than unprepared for the one that
does. We may not do battle again for a while, but chances are that we
will. So you need to be glad Marlene was on point. Ultimately, even if
not today, youłll thank her for the cleansings that made your systems
better able to handle the training stress. Just like youłll eventually
thank her for showing you the isometrics and finding muscles in your
bodies that you didnłt know you owned. Flexibility, people, is the key.
You have gotta be able to spin, turn, flip, pivot, or contort your body
in seemingly unnatural ways to get out of a hold or bondage situation.
Tell ęem C."

“Truth," Carlos said, rejoining the more generic team conversation. “If
the vamps or their human helpers capture you, one of their things is
hanging the victim upside down, bound, to let ęem bleed-out into a tub
or platter. Youłve gotta be able to pull yourself up with stomach
muscles alone before you pass out, thread your body through your arms to
get at the binds, and then get yourself down with the quickness."

Krissy blanched and Juanita glimpsed her. Inezłs eyes were as wide as
saucers. Bobby stared unblinking, and Marj sat forward like she was
ready to take notes. But Berkfield simply nodded, as though having heard
it all before when he was in the military and in the Police Academy.

“Just like Ä™Nam," Berkfield said.

“Yep. If youÅ‚re a POW, you wanna get out whole, and need your mind and
spirit right to withstand whatever torture," Mike said, giving Berkfield
a nod of respect.

“All right," Shabazz said. “So, now weÅ‚re starting to get endurance and
stamina. Tomorrow wełll work on weak stomachsthe squeamishness. Worry
about that tomorrow. Me and J.L. have been working with yłall to show
you some break-hold-kill martial arts moves, just like Damali has been
working with you on using a blade and how to effectively scale a wall
for an escape. Riderłs been getting you ready, teaching you how to hold
a firearm, clean it, load and reload it blindbecause youłll primarily
be working in the dark. Brother Riderłs finally got most of you able to
shoot now, dead aim, without blasting off your own foot." He motioned to
Dan and Jose. “YouÅ‚ve also been taught how to use specialty weapons, and
should be able to do the same thing with a cross bow, sling shot bombs,
and use a long distance shoulder cannon, mortars, C-4 explosives or
grenades, without blowing yourselves or the rest of us up."

“So, now you guys donÅ‚t think I was just drunk and stupid when I put the
blindfolds on you and made you load clips, do ya?" Rider said
triumphant, spitting as he got up to walk down the row of Guardians who
were seated on the ground. “The key is to try to shoot one of those
bastards from a distance, if possible, and not have to get up close on
it to tangle with it."

Damali smiled and gave Rider a wink, finally deciding to enter the
discussion. There was so much running through her mind that she almost
didnłt know where to begin. Plus, Carlosłs vibe was so thick it was
starting to become near impossible to concentrate whenever he was
around. She drew in a deep breath and counted to ten, trying to focus on
teaching, although that was the last thing she felt like doing today.

“Every night," Damali said in an authoritative tone as she stood, “when
you guys were ready to drop, the reason me and Mar had you go into deep
meditation with us to try to access your individual special skill, was
because you have to sense the predator before the predator senses you.
Yes, people, even when youłre exhausted. Especially then. Imagine youłre
under heavy fire, and theyłre still coming at youthatłs when your
senses have to be razor. So all this pushing was about taking you to the
limit and beyond, the same place the vamps are gonna take you on any
given night."

“Your noses, if youÅ‚re a tracker, have got to be able to detect the
slightest variation in the normal human scent patterns," Jose said,
scanning the group with a steely glare. “If you got special hearing
capability, like my man, Mike, you better holla and tell somebody the
moment you hear something weird. If youłre a tactical," he said,
glancing at his senior teammates, “the moment your skin starts to crawl,
thatłs a battle stations alert. And, like Mar and D been telling you, if
you get a strange vibe or image up in your heads, move and tell the
team."

“ThatÅ‚s what IÅ‚m talking Ä™bout," Shabazz said, resuming his pacing with
his hands behind his back. “WeÅ‚ve been doing basics. Getting your bodies
honed, your minds focused, so when it comes time when itłs not a drill,
your spirits are ready and all the rest automatically kicks in."

“But we have to still keep working," Marlene said, now walking with her
stick and using it as a pointer. “This has to be second nature, like
breathing. Building stamina and learning how to use a weapon is one
thing." She turned and smiled at the senior team. “But today, weÅ‚re
gonna show you what happens when you donłt have a firearm and itłs
hand-to-hand."

“Oh, shit" Bobby said, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees.

“Yeah," Big Mike said with a deep chuckle. “Oh, shit. Å‚Cause IÅ‚m coming
at ya, young buck, and gonna get in ya hard."

“We gotta fight him?" Juanita asked, nervously glancing at her junior
teammates.

“The average battle-bulked male vamp or werewolf is what? Six-five, two
hundred fifty pounds of pure muscle mass? And those arenłt the big ones,
just the remaining ones wełre pretty sure are still around. We got the
huge boyz down in the subways in New York," Shabazz said with a sinister
smile. “Mikewhatchu weigh, mantwo-seventy-five, at six-eight?"

Mike leered at the newbies. “IÅ‚m your worst nightmare. Imagine me on
your ass in the dark and you ainłt got no gun."

Marjorie scooted closer to Berkfield.

“Yeah," Mike said, in a deep, baritone voice. “Get on the mats. Krissy
first."

Krissy stood and glanced around nervously. “Why do I have to always be
first!"

Mike grinned. “Å‚Cause IÅ‚d pick you off firstyouÅ‚re the smallest
youngest and female."

Carlos laughed. “Damn, man, why you scarinÅ‚ the girl in broad daylight
in fronta her Mom and Pop?"

“Because I want her to be scared enough to piss her drawers but still be
able to battle and come out alive."

“Go Ä™head, baby," Berkfield said nervously as Krissy approached the mat.

All the color had drained from her face as she edged toward it, and
finally stepped onto it, and then cringed.
“See this here boundary," Mike said, motioning toward the perimeter of
the mat. “ThatÅ‚s all the space you have to work in. If you fall outside
of that ten-by-twelve space, IÅ‚ve just killed you by slamming your purty
little body through a wall." He allowed his slow line of vision to rake
the group. “They work in close quarters, so you canÅ‚t maneuver." He
returned his gaze to Krissy. “This afternoon, IÅ‚m a werewolf." Mike
dropped down on all fours and looked up at her with a snarl. “Go for
it."

She screamed as he lunged and then tried to turn to run. Mike had her
legs and she was on her belly in two seconds.

“Stop!" Damali said. “YouÅ‚re dead. Your legs have been ripped out of
their sockets and hełs eating you by now. Back in position. In a flat
out run, a werewolf or any were-demon, has got you beat. No more than
you can outrun a lion or a panther, forgedaboutit. Frontal attack, you
gotta go over the top."

Krissy rolled over, nodded and got back up, breathing hard. She and Mike
resumed their previous positions. This time when he lunged, she did the
gymnastics move Damali had shown them to take a running leap towards
Mike even though he was charging, pushing off the mat to flip over him,
and landed on his back facing his butt.

“Cool, but open your eyes, Krissy," Damali said, laughing. “What is
supposed to be on your hip, but in your hand by now?"

Krissy peeped her eyes open as she sat straddling Mike. “My Bowie?"

“Yes, your Bowie, girl," Damali said. “When he turns his head," she
added, motioning for Mike to oblige, “heÅ‚ll be pissed off and going for
your legs with his jawsthe Bowie goes in the exposed side of his
throat. But youłve gotta move fast, ęcause that sucker will be snapping
and then try to reach with sharp claws to pull you down."

Mike yanked Krissy off his back by her leg, rolled her over, and pinned
her. “Two hands on that knife, looking me in the eyes before I rip your
face off. Plunge it into my heart," he said, guiding her hands to his
massive chest. “This is why you have to be able to take a fall, have
upper body strength to stab through muscle and bone at short range, and
your thighs gotta be steel to hold onto a predator, if ya gotta ride
that motherfucker into the ground. Got it?"

Krissy quickly nodded eyes wide. Marlene gave Mike a glance for the
language, but everybody knew it was for shock-value effect. Obviously
Marlene did, too, because she didnłt flinch or speak on it. The goal all
the seniors had was to get the newbies ready with adrenaline pumping so
theyłd know how it felt when it wasnłt a drill. It was in no onełs best
interest to pull punches. The new kids on the block had to learn.

After hełd read Krissy the Riot Act, Mike helped her up. She simply
nodded again still shaken. Mike looked around. “Next victim. I just ate
her for lunch." Then he smiled. “Ah Juanita, Juanita."

“Aw, noooo" Juanita said, laughing nervously, and then slowly went to
the mat to face Mike.

“IÅ‚ma show you how fast these boys move, girl." He waited until Juanita
took a fighterłs stance, centering her core weight and then he began to
circle her. “Like your style. I see somebodyÅ‚s been paying attention to
Damali." When he lunged, he quickly pivoted and reached up to grab
Juanita mid-air before she landed on his back, and then put her down on
the mat hard. “YouÅ‚re dead."

“Then what was I supposed to do!" Juanita said, getting up from the mat
salty with attitude.

“You were supposed to snatch that Bowie off your hip if he was
circling," Damali said coolly, “to make him lunge faster without
thinking and ram it in his eye, yank it back before his claw or jaws
take off your arm, and do the other one when he lunges againand the
second he rears howling, be out." Damali demonstrated, getting Mike to
circle her in a low crouch, then quickly grabbed her imaginary knife,
mock stabbed out both his eyes as he instantly lunged, then she pivoted
and fled off the mat as he reared holding his face.
Juanita nodded with respect. “I got it. Shit."

Mike stood and motioned to Bobby. “That was the females. Depending on
whether or not I ate already" he said chuckling, “The ladies might have
extra time to do me while I was trying to get at ęem before I killed
ęem. The weres always try to attack the females from behind, if they
can, on all fours."

Marjorie covered her mouth, making Mike laugh harder.

“You betta know it," Carlos said with a sly grin. “YÅ‚all do have that
advantage, but Bobbyłs ass is gonna be toast."

Bobby stepped onto the mat, and the moment he did, Mike reared, snatched
him up by his shirt and body slammed him onto the mat hard, and then
covered his Adamłs apple with his mouth before Bobby could breathe.

Mike backed off him slowly. “You are so dead. Your chest cavity and
lungs were in my fist, your throat gone, brother. What move shouldja
have made?"

“Go for the wrist with both hands, take the gash from the claws, spin
under the arm, let it go, and hit the spleen or some shit with the
Bowie."

Mike patted Bobby on the head. “Good boy. YouÅ‚re learninÅ‚."

“The problem is, youÅ‚re all trying to avoid getting slashed. You canÅ‚t
think about that, and gotta move and fight till you either escape or
your bodyÅ‚s twitching in his canines," Shabazz said flatly. “The
werewolfłs free arm just raked down your back or his jaws crushed your
skull, if you donłt move fast enough." Shabazzłs eyes keened on each
newbie. “This ainÅ‚t ballet or a disco move like youÅ‚re doing The Hustle,
all slow. The demon reaches out with one paw to slashthatłs the wrist
Bobby grabs. For a second, the creature is gonna wanna keep his center
of balance on three of his four legs and also not expose his underbelly
to you. Thatłs the only thing that gives you a second before he does
rear up so he can grab at you with his free paw, and before he does,
youłre greased lightening. Block, duck, under, stab, overthen ride him
to hit the creaturełs neck, spine, anything you can get to make him
howl."

Shabazz let out a heavy exhale filled with frustration and looked at
J.L. “Yo, J.L., show this young buck how itÅ‚s done," he said, beginning
to pace. He stared at the newbies as J.L. stood. “J.L. is a little
bigger than Bobby, slighter of build that Dan, but way smaller than
Mike. I want those brothers to show you how youłve gotta incorporate
everything wełre teaching you into a battle with a beast to survive."

“Aw, shit" Jose said quietly near CarlosÅ‚s ear.

Carlos glimpsed Dan bristle from a sideline glance, then quickly glanced
at Krissy and Inez. He didnłt even have to verbally answer Jose. Both
men knew the deal. J.L. was gonna have an opportunity to shine and bust
some moves that would knock Krissyłs head back just watching, while
Mikegoing up against another seasoned vet, would also be out there
free-styling for his woman in a way that he wouldnłt do if it was just
one of the juniors.

It was in both combatantsł eyes as J.L. got on the mat. Carlos could
smell the testosterone spike in the air as J.L. gave Mike a cool martial
arts bow and Mike squared his shoulders with a brief nod. In any
species, this was a volatile situationrutting males, females in season,
a competing male in the wings, an old goat on the sidelines not ready to
let his daughter go, an older champion being challenged in front of a
young female he needs to get with in the worst way, months of pent-up
desire to mate flaring and nowhere to burn off the energy but in
blood-sport combat. What was Shabazz thinking? Obviously the fact that
Shabazz was probably the only man in the house still getting some had
made him blind. Carlos just shook his head.

Damali felt it; Carlos knew that for a fact as he casually allowed his
gaze to slide over her. The womanłs hands had balled into nervous fists
in her lap. Marlene had caught the vibe but just bit her lip, casting a
disapproving glare to Shabazz, who picked up on the issue too late to
stop it. The man was clearly trapped between needing to teach and all
the drama on the team. Pride as the teamłs boot-camp leader wouldnłt
allow Shabazz to back down, either. For him, it was all about control,
focus, the training.

Rather than shut down the sparring match, Shabazz just sat with a heavy
sigh and shrugged. “Okay, gentlemen," Shabazz warned, and then glimpsed
Marlene from the corner of his eye. “Remember, this is a demonstration
and we donłt need to be taking nobody to the Emergency Room from this.
Two minutes of skills display, just to show these newbies what a serious
confrontation against a were-demon looks like, then IÅ‚m calling time."

Both men nodded and never spoke. Hard glares collided before each man
left the ground. Mike lunged and made a snapping motion with a swipe.
J.L. dodged the bite and swipe as though he where a phantom, one with
the wind. He flat-palmed Mikełs jaw and used his leverage against it to
flip onto Mikełs back and landed the first mock stab into Mikełs
ribcage. Not to be outdone, Mike grabbed at J.L.Å‚s leg, but like an
acrobat, J.L. went up on one hand, palm flat on Mikełs back for a second
in quick handstand, and popped Mikełs neck twice with his invisible
blade.

Furious now, but having to own up to the fact that he was stabbed in the
ribs and his jugular was severed, Mike reared. But rather than J.L.
falling backward, he propelled his agile body over Mike to stand in
front of him.

“Damn thatÅ‚s a crazy move!" Jose said, leaning forward.

Mike lunged, J.L. sidestepped him. Mike was off the matthe werewolf had
just crashed through the imaginary brick wall. But everyone knew that
was plausible, so Mike was still in the match. J.L. dashed to the far
side of the mat as Mike turned, roared and came at him again.

Krissy was practically hyperventilating. Inez was watching with both
hands on top of her head as though it was the final seconds of the Super
Bowl and her team was in the end zone.

The moment Mike was an arm length before J.L., both challengers moving
at incredible speeds, J.L. cart-wheeled his body over Mikełs head,
landed on his lower back, hit him in long pulls own the side to gut him,
and then flip rolled to the opposite side of the mat.

By this point, from what Carlos could determine, the were-demon had been
stabbed in the ribs sustaining a lung puncture, had been hit in the neck
opening his jugular, and his entrails should have been hanging out of
his side from the knife drag. Both men were breathing hard, sweat
running in the Arizona sun, making t-shirts stick to overheated bodies.
But on the last lunge, J.L. dodged the left-handed grab from Mikełs huge
fist, and had rounded his right arm, getting behind it so Mike couldnłt
use that one to claw him yet, Mikełs forearm was like a tree limb.
Carlos and braced himself. Mike didnłt pivot, he put his full weight
into the back handed blow, his full forearm colliding with J.L.Å‚s
abdomen.

Krissyłs shriek felt like fingernails going down a blackboard, and every
man in the yard cringed. J.L. was on his back, dazed, the wind knocked
out of him, but it was as though the junior Guardianłs female scream
gave J.L. enough energy to backward roll out of the way of a
drop-to-the-mat body slam from Mike. J.L. flipped up and stood,
teetering on his tip-toes at the edge of the mat, using his hands to
balance himself in the air so he wouldnłt be disqualified by going
through the invisible wall. If Mike had connected, they would have
definitely had to take J.L. to ER.

But Mike was up in a flash, J.L. was on the edge of the mat. Mike hurled
a roundhouse punch that looked like it came all the way to Arizona from
Mississippi. J.L. ducked, the punch went over the mat line, signaling
that the werewolf had just punched through the wall. While crouched and
before Mike could back up to snatch him, J.L. popped Mikełs stomach
twice with rabbit stabs, and dove out of the way before Mike could stomp
him.

However, J.L. misjudged his distance from Mike as well as how fast Mike
could pivot, and came up right into an elbow in the jaw. Blood spattered
Mikełs shirt. J.L. spit out blood but not teeth, and that was the only
indication the team had that Mike was actually pulling back a little on
some of his blows.

“Okay," Shabazz standing up and rushing between both Guardians with his
arms outstretched. “Before J.L. needs a wire to hold his jaw together,
and before you go through another wall, IÅ‚m calling this a draw."
Shabazz bowed at both combatants, who smiled, bloody, and then gave him
a respectful bow.

“Now you can see how brutal this fight can be and how seconds count,"
Shabazz added, slapping both men on the back as they heaved in air. He
looked at Mike with a nod. “The werewolf took it in the jugular, which
should have begun to slow it down by now, in the lungs to impair its
breathing, in the side and directly in the abdomen, and the creature
injured itself going through a wall and then sending its fist through
one. But the sucker kept comingand will in real life, until it drops
from the injuries. A coupla minutes can seem like hours when something
that huge is coming for you."

Shabazz then looked at J.L. “This man lived to fight another day,
because he used everything he had with skill and precision. The
potential victim used his smaller size and his sweet moves with stellar
agility gotta give it up, man," he said, pounding J.L.Å‚s fist. “ThatÅ‚s
how you survive against a big predator." Shabazz chuckled and looked at
Mike. “You gotta give J.L. his propsthe one-handed handstand was deep."
Mike laughed and pounded J.L.Å‚s fist. “You lucky we cool."

“You lucky I ainÅ‚t have a wall to run up and really show you a sweet
move," J.L. said, talking trash.
Both men laughed and Mike grabbed J.L.Å‚s hand, yanking him into a
brotherly warriorłs hug. J.L.łs chest slammed against Mikełs hard and
J.L. gazed up with a smile. Then they both burst out laughing and pushed
off each other to play box for a moment as J.L. rejoined the team. The
Guardianłs stood and clapped.
“Man you gonna have to show me that crazy Enter the Dragon, Bruce Lee
jawn you just pulledyou been holding out," Jose said laughing. Then he
glimpsed DanÅ‚s tense expression and backed off. “But you know, if it was
a firefight, our boy woulda blown Mikełs ass up with a slingshot."

J.L. gave Jose a nod with a half-smile, understanding. Dan walked over
and shook J.L.Å‚s hand, trying to remain impossibly neutral.

“Definitely a sweet move," Dan said, and then dropped J.L.Å‚s grip and
sat down, clearly worried.
Both J.L. and Dan glimpsed Krissy and the expression on her face was so
lit up that J.L. glanced away as Berkfield bristled. Inez just sat on
her hands in the junior section excitedly rocking with a big smile on
her face. She wasnłt even aware thatłs what she was doing until Juanita
put a hard hand on her leg and gave her a silent glare to chill. When
Mike walked off the mat to guzzle some water but looked over his
shoulder and winked at Inez, she started subtly rocking again. Juanita
just threw her hands up and sighed.

Strolling back on the mat and pitching his water bottle, Mike lifted his
t-shirt, and then wiped the sweat from his brow, causing Inez to quickly
fan her face before he glanced up.

Mike finally pulled his focus away from Inez and smiled at Marjorie.
“AwÅ‚ight, Mom."

Marjorie got up with a nervous sigh and approached the mat. “Mike now,
IÅ‚m just asking that"

“Go easy?" Mike said, laughing. “Not a chance. J.L. just warmed me up
for you, hon."

He came at Marjorie, and she shrieked, pulling out the invisible blade
and then something happened that no one expected. A current ran off her
fingers and blew Mike back two steps and felled him.

“Oh, shit," Mike said, jumping up quickly and rubbing his chest. “You
go, gurl!"

“I didnÅ‚t mean toI just didnÅ‚t want him to knock me down and eat me."
Marjorie spun in a circle staring at her hands.

“ThatÅ‚s what youÅ‚re supposed to do, sis!" Shabazz hollered. “Mar, you
see that?"

“Awesome," Damali shouted and jumped up, giving Carlos a high-five as
she passed him to sit farther away from him after she hugged Marjorie.

“Go, Mom!" Bobby hollered, quickly standing up with Krissy.

“Mom, whenÅ‚dya learn to do that?" Krissy yelled, running over to the
mat.

“Wow, Marjall these years, had I known you could blow a hole in my
chest, I wouldnłt have complained about dinners being late." Berkfield
beamed with pride. “Did ya see her?"

Commotion broke out on the team. Marlene smiled and closed her eyes.

“Yes!" Marlene said in a satisfied murmur. “This was what IÅ‚ve been
waiting for." Marlene opened her eyes, walked over to Marjorie, and
hugged her. “ThatÅ‚s how you use your special powers, lady." She stared
at the group. “In a jam, this is what you want to come out, if itÅ‚s your
gift. Right now, Marjoriełs abilities are unstable, and my goal is to
make sure she can call them at will, in an emergency, and learn how to
direct them, not just for herself, but also for a Guardian that might be
pinned down in a firefight. Thatłs why wełve all been so demanding on
you." Marlene raised an eyebrow at the senior males on the squad. “And
why wełve been trying to be sure that the newbies can focus on their own
energies with out any, er, interference."

New respect dawned in the junior Guardiansł eyes as they stared at the
senior members of the team. Satisfied by the breakthrough, Marlene
walked away and sat down again as people eventually settled themselves
and paid closer attention.

“I ainÅ‚t mad about the push-ups no more, I guess," Bobby admitted.
“After having Mike rush me, IÅ‚ma be adding more to my own regimen. Damn,
man, youłre built like a brick wall."

“No lie," Juanita said, glancing around at everyone. “Dude is
cock-diesel, for real. And until I really took a hit IÅ‚ma be running
twenty miles, not fifteen, to make sure nothing like him gets on my ass.
Jesus."

“You okay, Mike?" Shabazz asked laughing.

“Baby, you cool? You look okay, but" Inez said, seeming as though she
was about to run over to him, but wisely didnłt.

“Oh, my goodness, Mikeare you all right?" Marjorie asked, wringing her
hands. “It just sorta came out."

“Yeah, Ma, IÅ‚m cool. But good thing youÅ‚re a newbie." Big Mike smiled a
broad, amiable grin. “When Marlene throws her blasts, whew! Look out."
He glimpsed Inez for a moment and their gazes locked. “IÅ‚m all right,
really. Donłt worry."

“AwÅ‚ight, who ainÅ‚t been done?" Shabazz said, glancing around.
“Berkfield."

“Okay, okay, IÅ‚m on the mat," Berkfield said, standing slowly.

“IÅ‚m just gonna show you how strong they are, man," Mike said, putting
his hands on either side of BerkfieldÅ‚s waist. “You know the break-hold
moves from military and police self-defense training. But I want you to
get a feel for how powerful this beast can be. Cool?"

“Yeah. IÅ‚m ready," Berkfield said, looking Mike in the eyes.

“First off, if IÅ‚m this close, your entrails are already on the ground.
Just tore out your sides and IÅ‚m up in your face about to eat it off
your neck."

“Okay," Berkfield said. “IÅ‚m a dead man walking."

“Yeah, but even going down and dying, your goal is to make sure IÅ‚m
dead, too. Because if not, IÅ‚m coming for your wife and your kids, and
anybody else on this team I can."

Berkfield nodded. “Pull the hallowed earth grenade pin, if IÅ‚m that far
gone. Let the silver shrapnel fall where it may."

“Smart man. ThatÅ‚s your only option, if IÅ‚m on you like this and youÅ‚re
male." Mike looked around the group.

“Sometimes the shit just goes down like that and youÅ‚re screwed big
time." Then suddenly Big Mike lifted Berkfield up and slammed him down,
stunning him, and pinned him. “IÅ‚m about to finishing eating you."
Berkfield pulled an imaginary grenade off his vest. “Boom. WeÅ‚re both
dead."

“Bet," Mike said, pulling Berkfield up by his forearm.

“You ainÅ‚t do Ä™Nez, though," Shabazz said with a chuckle.

Mike looked away with a sly smile. “DonÅ‚t know if I can, brother," he
said in a private mutter to Shabazz. “If I pin her down on that mat, I
might not be able to let her get back up."

“You gotta teach her, man," Shabazz said, shaking his head.

Carlos stood, walked down the row smiling, and sat down on the ground
next to Damali. He picked up a stray twig, stuck it in the side of his
mouth and clenched it between his teeth, working the muscle in his jaw.
Jose and J.L. shared sly winks as they glanced at Carlos.

“DonÅ‚t start, yÅ‚all," Carlos said, ignoring them without much success.
“Let the man work. Pay attention as a refresher."

“CÅ‚mon, baby," Mike said in a low, sexy voice, smiling at Inez. “Hit the
mats with me."

“Aw, Lawd," Marlene muttered, rolling her eyes. “This girl ainÅ‚t gonna
learn nothing out here that we should see."

Damali swallowed a smile. “DonÅ‚t be scairt, Ä™Nez. You gotta know this
mess."

“AwÅ‚ight," Inez said with a sigh, going toward the mats with a pained
expression.

“Turn around," Mike said, giving InezÅ‚s body an appreciative gaze.

“What?" Inez hesitated and stared at him, then looked away embarrassed.

“IÅ‚m being serious," Mike said, laughing. “You donÅ‚t always see Ä™em
coming at you. IÅ‚ve been demonstrating a frontal attack, but what if one
comes at you from behind?"

Inez gave him a scowl and then did as hełd asked, glancing over her
shoulder.

“Turn around," Mike said with a wink, “and no peeking."

“You gonna have to take a long walk after this, man," Shabazz whispered
just loud enough for Mike to hear.
Before Inez could argue, Mike lunged, had one arm around her waist, and
brought her to her hands and knees. Inez swiftly grabbed at her side,
reached back, and plunged an imaginary Bowie into his abdomen. He reared
back, briefly releasing her waist, and she quickly pivoted to hit his
chest, abdomen, and groin, then rolled out of the way and jumped up.

“Damn IÅ‚m dead for real," Mike said with pride in his voice, laughing
as he stood. He wiped his brow and then walked in a tight circle. “She
killed my ass gooddid you see how she held my weight? Went down but
didnłt let me flatten her."

“That was awesome, Ä™Nez," Shabazz said, truly impressed. “ThatÅ‚s how
youłre supposed to do it. Go down hard, but not all the way, if
possible, then reach for your blade, and gore whatłs holding you."

“I did okay?" Inez asked, smiling wide at Mike.

Mike just nodded and walked away. “Yeah, baby. Take ten, yÅ‚all."

Senior Guardians shared knowing glances and tried not to laugh as Carlos
jumped up with a big grin. Rider rubbed his palms down his face,
chuckling behind his hands.

“Yeah, I think you killed that brother real good, sis. That werewolf
ainłt gonna be right for the rest of the day. So how about we work on
vamps?" Carlos raised an eyebrow and gave the group a sideline glance.
“Vamps come at you way different. They get inside your head first, and
bring you down smooth." He allowed his gaze to linger on Damali for a
moment, until she looked away.

Carlos walked around the perimeter of the mat with his hands behind his
back, chewing the twig heÅ‚d be gnawing, then spit it out. “This is a
club. A vamp can move on you, draw a siphon if hełs good, in full view
of a crowd, and nobody will ever even see it."

“Get out," Berkfield said, shaking his head. “I donÅ‚t know which is
worse."

“Vamps are," Carlos said, pointing a finger at his temple. “They ainÅ‚t
gotta bum-rush you in an alley to get at you. Remember that." Again his
gaze sought DamaliÅ‚s and he was pleased to see her smiling. “This is why
theyłre our primary predator, our main target."

“They definitely are," Damali said, raising an eyebrow. “Demonstrate
why, Mr. Rivera, if you would be so kind."

“ComÅ‚ere, Bobby," Carlos said. “IÅ‚m show you smooth game. IÅ‚ma wrap that
shit around you like a silk sheet and cut your throat without you even
knowing youłre nicked or bleeding. Then that sheet becomes your body
bag."

“Oh, bullshit," Bobby said, glancing at the others with a nervous
chuckle as he came to the mat to stand next to Carlos.

“Let me school you, son," Carlos murmured, studying his nails. “IÅ‚m not
battle-bulked, have no fangs in my mouth at least none that you can
see, yet. IÅ‚m in a club, dressed fly." Carlos looked at the group. “They
donłt careman, woman, or child, itłs all about blood. They go for the
males for the adrenaline and testosterone high when they need to either
heal after a battle, or are looking for an extra energy hit. IÅ‚ll show
you the ladies in a minute." He sidled up to Bobby. “Most heterosexual
males wonłt allow another unknown male to get this close. It breeches
the unspoken male personal barrier, so IÅ‚d sit next to him at the bar. A
seat would coincidentally become available, just for me. Fate."

Carlos shrugged and walked away. “IÅ‚d pull out a wad of cash, slide a
C-note across the bar, and be sure Bobby saw it, and then order some
top-shelf so hełd know I was a baller and not somebody who needed to
roll him to take his wallet. Got it?"

Once everyone on the team nodded, Carlos smiled. “Then IÅ‚d snatch an
image of his hottest fantasy woman out of his skull and project that
across the club." He looked at Bobby from a sideline glance and spoke in
a low, seductive murmur. “IÅ‚d make sure she was looking at you, hombre,
and occasionally glancing at me. Then IÅ‚d ask the bartender what you
were drinking, making you give me direct eye contact for a secondlong
enough to trance-zap your ass."

“Shit," Bobby said, wiping his palms down his face.

“Right." Carlos chuckled deep in his throat. “The babe would be giving
you so much wood you couldnłt think while I leaned in and asked you,
ęYo, holmes, is that you?ł And youłd talk to me, oh yeah because thatłs
how the human male mind generally functionsvamps know this. Youłd be
curious, aroused, your ego stroked to the max by that fantasy babe
coming on to you from across the room. That would leave you stunned and
very sloppy, and for future bragging rights, youłd want another male to
confirm that hełd witnessed what was looking at you just to be sure you
werenłt dreaming."

“They can pull out your fantasy, just like that?" Bobby said shocked,
first looking at Carlos, then at the other men, who just nodded as
Carlos came closer.

“A strong vampire can siphon your wet dreams right outta your skull,
holmes," Carlos whispered, circling Bobby, making him turn to keep
Carlos in front of him. “YouÅ‚d wanna know if she was with me. IÅ‚d lie
and tell you, yesbut it wouldnłt be a complete lie, because she is
memy projection from you."

“Oh, man" Dan said, shaking his head and giving Jose and J.L. a fist
pound. “ItÅ‚s one thing to know it, textbook style. But to see it played
out is a whole nuther thing."

“Yeah itÅ‚s a beautiful thing to watch Ä™em work," Carlos murmured,
allowing his timbre to drop as his eyelids lowered while he spoke to
Bobby, nearly putting the junior Guardian in a trance with his voice.


“And youÅ‚d get closer to talk to me more privately, Robert. Why? Because
by now, all you can think of is how to be cool and how to scrape up the
courage to ask me if I would have a problem if you just danced with that
gorgeous woman of mine the one who keeps staring at you like she wants
to rip your clothes off right in the club."

Shabazz smiled. “Man teach the boy. Damn!"

“IÅ‚m schooling him," Carlos said, still slowly circling Bobby. “Then IÅ‚d
blow your mind, Robert Berkfield, Jr., by confidentially whispering to
you that my lady is real kinky, likes to do one-night-stand fantasies
with men she picks up in the clubs, just to make me jealous."

Carlos stopped, tilted his head, and took a relaxed pose, standing next
to Bobby and leaning in to him as though they were both perched at the
bar rail. “Then IÅ‚d explain, in exquisite detail, how she comes home
when shełs finished and tells me all about it while shełs going down on
me but IÅ‚d add a little caveat. IÅ‚d also explain that I indulge her
fantasies because I love the results when she comes homeand then IÅ‚d
tell you how she does what she does, one lick at a time, and make you
feel it as I describe it until youłre about to slide off of your
barstool and canłt stop looking at her."

Bobby took in a slow sip of air and let it out on a shaky breath. “They
can do that, man? Actually make you feel it, like it was the real thing?
Shit"

Carlos straightened his body and snapped his fingers. “Now youÅ‚re
hooked. First hitłs on me," he glanced around the team and then returned
his focus to Bobby. “Hell yeah, a vamp can do thatcan make you bust a
nut in public while sittinł on a bar stool. Make that shit rip you up so
bad youłll spill your drink and slobber on yourself."

“Goodness," Marjorie said, fanning her face.

Inez glimpsed Damali. “Gurl"

Damali pointed at her with a tense smile. “DonÅ‚t go there."

Juanita glimpsed Carlos and then looked away and swallowed hard.

Carlos walked around Bobby and laid a hand on his shoulder. “Then youÅ‚d
be willing to allow me to whisper her cell phone number in your ear,
especially after I told you she likes you and has had her eye on you all
night. IÅ‚ll describe the kinda men she goes for, which is all you and
shełll be doing something seductive like licking her index finger and
shoving it down her cleavage, while making the universal cell phone
ęcall me signł with her other hand."

When Bobbyłs eyes got wider, Carlos laughed with the senior Guardians.
“Brother, then IÅ‚ll ask you if you wanna cut a dealyou hook me up by
doing her, so I can fulfill her fantasy, and you will nod your stupid
head yes. But you will not be looking at me, trust me. And as I send her
image to stand at a ninety-degree angle so you can crane your neck to
follow your fantasy around the room, IÅ‚ll be murmuring something
important in your eartelling you" Carlos said, dropping his voice to a
hissing whisper, “Ä™this isnÅ‚t gonna hurtÅ‚ and it wonÅ‚t. YouÅ‚re nicked."

Bobby jumped away from Carlos like a bee had stung him.

“By the time I pull out of the bite, your ass has been siphoned, dazed,
and nobody saw it no blood on your collar well, maybe a drop, if I was
sloppy and in a rush. No puncture wounds will show, if I seal that shit
up right. And you wonłt know youłre nicked until the next morning when
you go to look in the bathroom mirror to shave. If you wake up,
depending on my mood when I bit you."

Carlos glanced at the team, triumphant. “Two big puncture marks from a
feeding male will suddenly show the next daydaylight always unmasks the
illusion red, pussy, oozing, and Bobbyłs a pint or two low. So,
gentlemen, your mind and spirit have to be on lock, when dealing with
this particular entity. Itłs not always the external attack or battle in
the streets, itłs the internal one, the carnal and vamps will work that
to the bone. If your head isnłt right, and youłve got some secret lusts,
theyłve got you."

“But, if youÅ‚re a woman," Krissy said, looking around with wide eyes.
“And, like, a female vamp with fangs comes at you in a club, what can
she do to pull us into something crazy? As soon as I saw her, IÅ‚d run."

“No you wouldnÅ‚t, baby, because sheÅ‚d look just as innocent as you.
Plus, you all travel in packs to go to the ladies room," Carlos said
flatly. “Lotta times, the stalls conveniently clear out. Wonder why."
He theatrically studied his nails again. “Vamp powers of suggestion in
da house and it always just so happens that, the targeted victim that
the female predator wants, stays behind to powder her nose."

Carlos gave Krissy a hard glare. “Good place to get trance-zapped and
jacked. And if a good-looking guy is staring at two women across the
room and sends drinks, two sisters who donłt even know each other will
willingly lean in to whisper and giggle about itam I lying?"

“Tell it," Damali said, nodding. “Preach."

“The lean-in whisper, watch your back, male or female." Carlos smiled at
the squadÅ‚s newbie women. “Oh the way they do yÅ‚all ainÅ‚t even right,"
he added, laughing. “TheyÅ‚ll have you ass in a three-way, not knowing
how or why youłre there."

He scanned Bobby as well as the other Guardians. “The female vamps that
approach in that club scenario I just showed you ainłt no joke, either.
Theyłll make you act stupid, if you ainłt straight in your mind."
“Damn," Berkfield said. “And here I was more worried about my daughter."

Carlos laughed. “Send her up here. IÅ‚ll make you worry and put you in a
cold-sweat, Dad. Definitely worry about your daughter. Come on, Krissy.
Letłs dance."

Krissy got up with a smile and walked onto the mat. She passed her
brother and slapped him on the back as he went to sit down. “Guess when
some strange guy offers to buy you a drink and starts a convo in a club,
itłs time to get up and go, huh?"

“Yep," Rider said, gaining a fist pound from Jose. “ThatÅ‚s also why your
schnoze or other senses have to be accurate. Generally, the vamps know
better than to approach one of us, but if they sense a youngun that
doesnłt know better, they will go for ęem without blinking."

“ShoÅ‚ you right, Rider," Carlos said, casually taking KrissyÅ‚s hand.
“ItÅ‚s about power and conquest, and to nail a Guardian well letÅ‚s
dance." He pulled Krissy into a gentle embrace and looked into her eyes.
She had to know that teasing her brother about this wasnłt childłs play.

“IÅ‚ve been plying you with liquor all night champagne, baby," Carlos
said seductively. “Laying for you to get nice and buzzed and loose.
Relaxed. Just for me."

“Damn," Inez said, laughing and shaking her head. “I need to get
checked. I mighta got bitten in the past and didnłt even know it."

“YouÅ‚re cool, honey," Marlene said chuckling and watching MarjorieÅ‚s
stricken expression while also subtly monitored Juanitałs growing
arousal. “Oh, boy, here we go."

“So, youÅ‚re now relaxed enough to go for a slow dance, which you know
Iłll manipulate the DJ to playeven if the club doesnłt roll like that,"
Carlos said flatly. “And IÅ‚ve been talking shit to you for a while,
because male vamps love the sport of the tongue duel, if they have time.
Linguistics and intelligent verbal seduction is their thing. You think
youłre pulling me, have a high-roller on the hook. You saw my car, itłs
a red Lamborghini. You figure IÅ‚m phat-paid from the way IÅ‚ve been
spoiling you and your girlfriends at the bar, and my threads are all
that. But I picked you from all the rest."

Carlos stepped back and let his gaze rake heat over Krissyłs front,
slowly dragging his line of vision from her eyes to her torso while
still holding her hand. “Damn, baby, youÅ‚re fine" he said, so sheÅ‚d be
hip to some lines.

Relentless with the lesson, Carlos began to walk around Krissy, making
her turn and become slightly disoriented as she pivoted slowly to follow
his gaze. “See, IÅ‚ve been stroking your ego like it was your bud," he
added, breaking character for a moment, trying to help Krissy better
understand the game. “Then IÅ‚d be all in your face saying, Ä™Ma, I been
wantinł to get with you all night, break you off from that herd of cows
you been sitting withwherełd you come from, angel?ł And because your
ego would be stroked, youłd try to tell me those were your tight
girlfriends and not to talk about ęem like that, but youłd be smiling
the whole time you protested, and IÅ‚d have you."

“ThatÅ‚s one shit-talking fool," Shabazz whispered to Marlene, shaking
his head. “Oughta be a law."
“You ainÅ‚t said a mumblinÅ‚ word, Ä™Bazz. But this is truly a repeat
education for me." Marlene lifted her locks off her neck and just
watched, giving Carlos a nod to proceed, even though Juanitałs hands
were now balled tightly in her lap.

Carlos closed his eyes and breathed in sharply through his nose, and
smiled when Krissy almost lost her balance. Then he pulled her against
him hard and dragged his nose across her shoulder. “Damn, you smell
good. Whatchu wearing tonight?"

Krissy shivered. “Oh, my goodness uh"

“Yeah I feel you. See I move like liquid on the dance floor, and exude
pure charisma, raw sensuality. Your girlfriends envy your position, we
can both see it in their eyescourtesy, my illusion. IÅ‚m no threat. IÅ‚m
Prince Charming, albeit the Duke of Darkness is my real name.
Unbeknownst to you, the reason youłre so hot is because Iłve been
messinł with every erogenous zone on your body all night. Right now, in
my arms, you can barely breathe you wanna get laid so bad."

“Whew!" Shabazz said, chuckling as he shook his head, static running
down his locks. “Damn, Rivera. ThatÅ‚s some cold-wicked shitI know I
know it, but, damn, hearing it laid out is deep."

“It is deep, Ä™Bazz, thatÅ‚s what I want everybody to understand," Carlos
said coolly. “This creature avoids battle, if possible, because itÅ‚s a
waste of energy. It comes at your mind, takes your head like itłs taking
your cherry. But if it steps to you in an alley, which Iłma show ęem in
a minute, that ainłt no joke, either. This is why, you worry about the
vampsthe were-demons only come out once and month and when they do, you
can spot ęem right away."

Carlos glanced at J.L. and smiled, and then looked back down at Krissy
who was staring up into his eyes, practically hypnotized. “If you have a
man, thatłs all the better. Conquest. Iłll take you from him in his
face." He looked at Berkfield and shrugged. “Screw what your Daddy
saidtonight, IÅ‚m your Daddy."
Berkfield bristled, but Shabazz gave him a look to stand down.

“Let the man teach her. This is broad daylight, and thatÅ‚s how the
bastards roll. So better she learn it now than when wełre fighting on
the road."

“I hear ya, but sheesh," Berkfield muttered. “Rider, tomorrow I need
more practice on the assault rifles."
“No problemmo," Rider said. “Just watch and weep. Rivera is giving it to
you all straight, no chaser. Brace yourselves. He ainłt done. Dude is
just warming up and ainłt even nicked her yet."

“Correct," Carlos said smiling, and then gazed at Krissy again, lowering
his voice once more to go back into character. “Kristen my
Kris-tal-love. Your draws will be so wet for me that youłll tell your
man that brought you here to back off and go the hell home without you.
One look into my eyes as I smile and calmly say, ęI think the lady made
a choice,Å‚ will make his dumb ass stumble out of the club confused."
Carlos briefly looked at J.L.Å‚s tight expression and then at Krissy.
“Now back to you, baby. Where were we?"

He ran his hands down KrissyÅ‚s back. “Your spine is now on fire,
liquefied. Your head just dropped back and your eyes are closed. Easy
target. The strike is clean as I see exactly where to make my mark. Each
throat is slightly different and the thickness of skin, location of the
vein under it, is the victimłs signature. Yours is paper thin, just the
way I love it." Carlos looked up from KrissyÅ‚s throat. “HeÅ‚ll take his
time. No rushrushing just makes the bite sloppy. They like to study
their work like a sculptor studies a lump of clay before he molds it."

Carlos grinned wider as the expressions on everyonełs faces became
serious. “The crowd thinks weÅ‚re just getting it on and IÅ‚m kissing her
neck while dancing." He drew back and stared at Krissy hard to be sure
she understood how deadly a situation this was. “YouÅ‚ll feel like IÅ‚m
inside you, moving, burning you up, and youłre practically sobbing with
need on the dance floor. Then IÅ‚ll pull back from the siphon, and leave
you dazed maybe IÅ‚ll promise to call you tomorrow." He slowly ran a
finger down the side of Krissyłs neck.

“Maybe youÅ‚ll beg me to take you home with me, if IÅ‚m in that sorta
moodmaybe IÅ‚ll flat-line you when we get there or maybe I was just
hungry and out for a light bite."

Carlos released Krissy who dashed back to the others and hugged herself
with a shiver.

“I only did that to you and took it that far, baby-girl, because youÅ‚re
untouched, and theyłll come for you, first, on this teamlike Mike said.
ThatÅ‚s how the bastards roll." He looked at the group. “And thatÅ‚s why I
picked her off from the squad to demonstrate. But no female is exempt
when they make a decision to target you."

“Oh, my God" Krissy glanced around and felt her neck. “Your voice,
Carlos is"

“A weapon, kid, and donÅ‚t you forget it. You donÅ‚t look into my eyes,
ever, or listen to shit I gotta say, even if you have to go, la la la la
la I canłt hear you."

The group burst out laughing from nervous tension and Marlene waved her
stick at them.

“Folks, a prayer works the same way. Do just what Krissy did, and say,
ęOh, my God,ł if you get overwhelmed. Call on your Maker, say the
Twenty-Third in your head. Do whatever and say whatever, as long as itłs
scripture from any book thatłs holy. But if you feel yourself getting
instantly hot, itłs a vampstart that mental barrier ASAP."

Damali glanced at Carlos and they shared a knowing smile. She couldnłt
keep looking at him after seeing the seduction played out full force; it
had put gooseflesh on her arms. She could tell he was feeling it, too,
just by the serious sideline glimpse hełd given her. But none of them
had any idea how much of a weapon his voice really was. The fact that
the timbre of it had slaughtered her in the yard was her very private
secret. However, it was time to get the newbies back on track. She
reminded herself that she had to get off the ground and shake the
sensation off.

“Okay, that was when they come at you smooth," Damali said, standing in
one lithe move without the aid of her hands. “Could be at a club, a bar,
somewhere public. You saw their moves. Might be in an apartment
alonewhich is why we do group living for those that can turn from a
bite. Everybodyłs got a fantasy thatłll mess ęem up real good if a vamp
seizes it and without a solid prayer barrier, these entities can come
through windows, vents, under the door, and walk through walls, as well
as invade dreams to get a swerve on another reason why Mar had been
adamant about having your heads screwed on right, and making sure you
come into your sensory gifts fast."

Carlos watched Damali saunter over to him, and just seeing the way she
moved was making his eyes start to flicker silver. He closed them with a
slow blink, got himself together, and then smiled as she stepped onto
the mat.

“Before we put you up against Rivera in hand-to-hand combat," Damali
said, “IÅ‚m gonna show you the moves that could save your lifebecause my
bones donłt break as easily as yours will, and neither do his, therefore
he and I can go at it rough in this demonstration."

Damali put her hands on her hips while she spoke to the team. “As
Neterus, wełre gonna show you, first, how serious a battle can get, and
remember, the vamp can regenerate on the spot like a werewolf canłt. So,
for every cut and blow you land, unless itłs dead aim in the heart or
you take off its head, that mofo is still moving and ainłt really hurt."

Mike came back to the group, seeming much-improved, and sat down next to
Inez, glimpsing her from the corner of his eye. “This is deep. All pro.
I gotta see this."

“Okay," Damali said, beginning to circle Carlos. “You didnÅ‚t get your
nick on at the club, letłs say. Something interrupted the feed, like the
girl calling on Jesus. Youłre pissed off and battle-bulked, saw me walk
out in the back of the joint to catch some air. Youłre eyes are glowing,
fangs distended to battle-length. Youłre ready to rumble. Your once
smooth manicure is now claws, so when you grab me, as I pull away, my
flesh is ripping. Therefore," she added, addressing the team, “first
order of business is for me to aim for your heartwhich you know IÅ‚m
going for, because every thought that runs through my head, I
automatically telegraph in advance."

“Correct," Carlos said, matching her moves. “This is again why this
particular entity is no one you want on your ass in close quarters. They
move fast, and if close, you will get cut up and nicked," he said,
making a quick pivot to get behind Damaliłs back in a flash, rolling
around her, but she matched his motion. “These entities can dodge
bullets unless you draw and squeeze the trigger like lightening. So,
until youłre as fast as Rider, Shabazz, Jose, and D, youłve gotta slow
ęem down with the sacred elementsprayers, salts, garlic, Holy water,
but that wonłt kill him, just impair him slightly and perhaps stun him
for a second or two."
“Stop talkinÅ‚, professor, and bring it," Damali said with a smile.

Both Neterus lunged. Carlos slammed her to the mat and she flipped his
weight up off her to land him on his back. He was up in an instant, and
came at her again. She fly-kicked him to the mid-section, and he grabbed
her leg as he went down from the blow, making her hit the mat with a
thud. Snatching her to him by her leg, he was about to grab the other
one as he quickly sat up. But flat-kicking with her free foot, aiming
the heel of her boot at his Adamłs apple, Damali yanked her free leg
back before he could grab it, and twisted the other one he still held in
his grip, twirling her body loose to jump up again.

Carlos was up before her and landed a soft punch against her jaw when
they met. Damali fell back and sprawled out on the mat for a second,
faking the results of the pulled blow, then flipped up without using her
hands. They circled again, and when Carlos came at her low, she
roundhouse kicked him, gently touching her boot to his jaw.

“That was fucked up," he said, laughing, and then came at her again.
“But you know IÅ‚d be airborne by now to drop down on you from overhead."

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, true," she said, dodging his bite snap, and kicking
around his body to his kidneys.
He reached and was fast enough to get her by the front of her shirt, and
she brought a fist down hard into the bend of his elbow to break his
hold. But he grabbed her arm with his free hand. As quickly as shełd
lobbed a flat-handed jab to drive his nose into his skull, he tucked the
one arm of hers he held behind her to pull her body to slam against his
hard. She raised her knee, but stopped short of his balls.

“Just playing," she said, grinning wide and breathing hard

He yanked her arm around to sling her back from him as she unsheathed an
imaginary dagger and he caught the other hand with his. “Now IÅ‚m
pissed," he said with a broad smile, taking deep breaths. He locked a
leg around one of hers and swept her legs out from under her, bringing
her down to the mat. “And you gave up your center of gravity, fucking
with me like that. Lost your focus, didnłt you?"

Damali curled her body around, drew her legs up quickly, and gently
landed both boots against his kneecaps as he was coming down to blanket
her. “Your knees are blown out, brother."

Carlos fell back but still had her wrists pulling her on top of him.
“They just regenerated," he said, breathing hard. And then he knocked
her head back with his jaw.

“Stop! Hold that move. Teaching moment," she said through a gasp. She
gazed down at him and his eyes were glowing. “Regroup," she said
quietly. “Not out here."

He closed his eyes as she looked at the newbies.

“You now only have three seconds to live," Damali said, “if you allow
him to get both of your hands. Itłs like a shark attack. The coming bite
is always signaled when the vampire knocks your head back, studies the
strike site, and takes a deep breath. One, two, three. Just like that.
They always take a deep breath, first, though." She looked down at
Carlos. “Tell Ä™em why, baby."

“Second to live, one, is the jaw collision. ThatÅ‚s to stun your prey and
open an unobstructed pathway to the jugular. The average human is dazed
by the blowbecause at this point, the vampłs jaw is packed with what
feels like iron. Imagine being hit in the face with a crowbar unless
itÅ‚s a love tap," he added wiggling his brows at her. “Then they take a
second to study where to insert their fangstakes only an instant in a
rush. But, the breath is third, that last crucial second you have to
work with necessary for him to go in and siphon for minutes and to
gather whatever energy hełs decided to transmit with the bite."

“I donÅ‚t understand," Juanita said, scratching her head. “Energy in the
bite?"

“If IÅ‚m just blowing her mind, IÅ‚m gathering all the pleasure I can into
the breath to release it with the penetration of fangs," Carlos said,
looking up at Damali with longing. “If I wanna turn her, IÅ‚m gathering
cell transformation energy to make her one of mine, and to be sure she
knows Iłm her Daddyto always home to me, ęcause I made her."

“Whoa" Bobby whispered.

“Yeah," Carlos said, trying not to breathe hard as he stared at Damali
and felt her body quietly shudder while pressed against his. “The
decision happens in that one-second breath, and if I want to kill her,
IÅ‚m not aiming for the jugular. IÅ‚m going for the center of the throat.
Battle bite."

“So, if your hands are trapped," Inez said, frowning, “then, how do you
get outta that shit?"

“Deliver the bite," Damali said.

Carlos hesitated as a shiver ran down his spine. He knocked her head
back again, but it was more like a nudge and too tender.

“Like weÅ‚re fighting," Damali whispered through her teeth.

“My bad," he murmured, beginning to caress her wrists. “I forgot." He
knocked her head back again, harder this time, took a deep breath, but
before he could strike, she instantly covered his Adamłs apple with her
mouth, and then pulled back. He briefly closed his eyes and shuddered.

“You have to move as fast as a cobra," she said, now turning to look at
the group. She couldnłt stare at Carlosłs eyes, which had gone solid
silver when he looked away in the opposite direction so the team
couldnłt see them.

“What I just did wonÅ‚t hurt the vamp, no matter how hard I bite down,
but it will turn his ass on, seriouslyno matter what the circumstances.
A hard bite from a potential lay in the midst of battle or a physical
struggle is like a love nick. They play rough. It could change the
situation from being a throat tear-out to a seduction, which gives you
more options. Itłll make the entity hesitate, two, three additional
seconds, while trying to decide if maybe theyłd rather get busy with you
before you die, or not. Doesnłt always work, but when youłre ass-out and
your back is on the ground, use everything, and I do mean everything
youłve got to win."

“Shit, you won," Carlos murmured, looking at her without a smile.

“No I didnÅ‚t, I just stunned you. But tell Ä™em what your first impulse
was."
His cheek lifted in a lopsided grin. “You sure you want me to tell all
that?"

“Tell Ä™em," she said, chuckling. “This could save a life."

“AwÅ‚ight" Carlos sighed, and then glanced at the wide-eyed newbies. “My
first reaction was to drop one of her hands, and just pin down the one
with the blade."

“I donÅ‚t get it?" Marjorie said, glancing at her husband.

“He needs the other one to get her clothes off, Marj," Berkfield said in
a patronizing tone, clearly embarrassed by the sensual demonstration.

“Carlos shook his head. “Nah. If IÅ‚m a higher level vamp, I can do that
with my mind."

“No shit?" Berkfield said, wiping his forehead. “Damn"

“I need to flip her on her back so IÅ‚m in a power position, drop her arm
once her clothes vanish, and hold her for leverage so I can go to wurk."
Carlos suddenly flipped Damali onto her back, slid his arm under her
waist, and anchored her to him, then spread her thighs with his knee.

“Now you see why you need those muscles to be strong, too?" Damali said,
glancing at the group. “Make the move again, Carlos, but this time with
me not having it."

Carlos leaned down to speak to her privately in full view of the team.
“Nine weeks ago you owed me a visit in the showertomorrow came and
went," he murmured so no one else could hear.

“YouÅ‚re gonna have to take a cold one without me," she whispered into
his ear, sending the breathy message with a sigh and chuckling as they
repositioned themselves. “Marjorie just came into her powers. We have to
wait for the other newbies to bloom."

Carlos briefly dropped his forehead against hers and closed his eyes.
“Aw man"

Damali turned her head to look at the group, trying to create a
diversion to what was quickly becoming too private in a very public
forum. “Remember, heÅ‚s as strong as Mike, even if not battle-bulked. The
vamps come in a more streamline package, but hełs strong. The females
are the same way, and this works if youłre male or female and trapped."
She looked at Carlos, thoroughly identifying with the pain in his eyes,
but unable to do anything about it at the moment. “Okay. Start again
from the bite attempt."

Carlos pulled her back on top of him to where they began, knocked her
head back, and took the breathDamaliłs mouth covered his Adamłs apple.
He pulled out of her bite and looked at her stunned for a second. She
couldnłt tell if it was role play, but suspected it was partially real
as he flipped her with sudden force and his hand slid down her arm, then
his vice grip captured her waist. It all happened in a few seconds.

“YouÅ‚re naked," he said, breathing out the statement.

She smiled. “I know."

Her legs were between his like they originally had been while she was on
top of him. They struggled on the mat as he tried to get his knee
positioned between them. Needing more leverage and growing frustrated,
he lifted to apply just enough to force to press down more of his weight
on her from his extended hand that was clutching her wrist. When he
slightly raised himself up, she bit his throat at the same time she
grabbed his crotch. His hand released her arm as he pulled back to give
himself swing range to pretend to bitch slap her, and she punched her
fist that would have been holding a blade against his chest.

“You are so dead, brother," Damali said, laughing and rolling out from
under him. She stood and took a bow as all the Guardians clapped.

Carlos flopped forward on the mat. “IÅ‚m cinders." He said with a groan
and smiled. He glanced up at her and winked. “Wanna go again, later, and
see who wins, thenbest two outta three?"

She waved him away chuckling to herself and walked off the mat with one
hand on her hip. “That was for the ladies. Male Guardians will get
treated a whole lot different, and vice versaif a female vamp is trying
to beat one of the female Guardians down. Forget the love bite move. I
gotta show yłall something else for that scenario."

Carlos lay on the mat on his stomach watching Damaliłs backside and the
sassy way she sauntered over to the group.

Winded, Damali dropped forward, her hands on her knees, and peered at
Carlos who hadnÅ‚t moved. “CÅ‚mon, Rivera. Get up and show the guys what
kinda battle theyłd face in close range with a bulked male."

He couldnłt get the silver out of his eyes and the wood shełd given him
was killing him as though hełd actually been gored. For a moment he just
rested his damp forehead on the mat and took in deep breaths.

“CÅ‚mon, Rivera," Big Mike said, teasing him. “No slacking with the
training. I did ęem all. You can, too."

“Yeah, man, we still gotta go through succubae and incubi
demonstrations maybe some Amanthra training," Shabazz said, adding in
his two cents to mess with Carlos no end.

The old-heads on the team gave Marlene innocent glances when she frowned
at them, but couldnłt help smiling.

“Yeah, youÅ‚re the cool specialist, smooth operator, my man," Rider said
with a laugh as he stood, pulled out a pack of smokes, and stretched.
“Why donÅ‚t you show the newbies what you really got?" Rider winked at
him as he walked away and lit a cigarette.

“Okay. Just gimme a minute to amp down and get my head together," Carlos
finally said, unable to focus. “I might accidentally snatch BobbyÅ‚s
heart out, for real, right now.