Free Blood Struck by Michelle Fox Page B

walked.” Kristos’ eyes caught mine. “The last time I saw him, he was using that name. It can’t be a coincidence.”
    “Oh my God.” My words came out in breathless gasps. With one trembling finger I touched my teeth, checking for fangs. Just in case I’d failed to notice them these past twenty-five years. “What are you saying Kristos?”
    “You’re his blood and some would do anything to have you.”
    “Alive or dead?”
    He nodded. “Yes, depending on their agenda.”
    I took a deep breath. “So half the vampire world wants to shoot me and the other half wants to kidnap me?” It sounded insane. It couldn’t be real.
    He gripped my shoulders and gave me a little shake. “You don’t understand, you have the blood of the old ones in you. Whoever has you would control you and add to their power.”
    “Making me the most valuable pawn on the board.” I didn’t play much chess, but the analogy seemed to fit.
    “Yes.”
    We were both silent for a moment. Kristos watched me, his expression contemplative while I tried not to hyperventilate. This was just too much information. I couldn’t take it all in.
    “Wait,” I said as a thought occurred to me. “If my dad’s a vampire does that mean vampires can have babies?”
    Kristos shook his head. “No. The Maker was special, somehow dead yet still able to make life. There’s no other vampire like him.”
    “Do I have brothers and sisters then?”
    He shrugged. “I don’t know. It’s possible.”
    “That’s just crazy. I don’t believe any of it.” I crossed my arms, holding on to myself as my heart raced like a cornered animal. “It was just one shooting. How do we even know it has anything to do with me?”
    He wrapped an arm around me and I leaned into his strength. “I know vampires, Myra. They’ve found you through your father and what happened at the restaurant is only the beginning. It’s true, no matter how much you want to deny it. The real question is, how do I keep you safe?”
    “I’ll just go home and act like nothing happened.” In fact, I would go right now and dive deep under the covers of my bed where no one could see me.
    He shook his head. “That won’t stop them. You’re not thinking clearly, Myra. They’re on to you now and won’t give up until you’re theirs.”
    “What do you suggest then?” I pushed him away and moved to the opposite side of the bed.
    He made no move to follow, giving me space. “Let me bring you over.”
    I clutched at my throat, eyes wide. “Make me a vampire?”
    He nodded. “It would make you stronger, faster and put you under my protection. That would stop most of this madness.”
    I frowned. “Most? Not all?”
    Kristos shrugged. “Vampires can be very determined, especially the old ones, but I can protect you.”
    I said nothing for several long minutes and Kristos didn’t push me. “Is this really the only way?”
    Before he could respond the now familiar sound of bullets thudding into the wall hit our ears. I rolled off the bed, dropping to the floor. Kristos followed me, landing on top of my body.
    “This is happening?” My voice came out in a panicked shriek. “Again?”
    Thud-thud-thud. More bullets sounded.
    Kristos remained calm and dragged me over to the wall where he pushed an unseen button. A panel in the wall swished open and he pushed me through into a dark room. Once I was inside, he entered and hit another unseen button to shut the panel. After fumbling in the dark for a moment, he found the light switch and flipped it on.
    A dim light illuminated a small room with metal walls. A bank of video monitors on one wall flared to life showing the apartment was full of armed operatives dressed in all black. Kristos watched them with a frown and went to a control panel by the door we’d come in through and hit some buttons. There was the reassuring sound of bolts sliding home and locks clicking in place. “There, we’re the only ones who can open the door now.”
    Then