Free MisStaked by J. Morgan

needed to know. They were looking at the oldest evidence of vampires ever recorded. The concept was just fantastic.
    "That's a Vampire,” Luna said, finally catching on.
    "Exactly my point. If the temple totems belong to a vampire goddess, then the text belongs to a vampire prophecy. The discrepancy is this—the temple dates to somewhere around five hundred B.C., and the tablet is so much older the two can't possibly be related. But here they are in the same place,” Dr. Grayson said, drawing blank stares from the companions.
    "It would also explain why whoever put the tablet inside the altar used garlic-laced ropes to bind it in place. They didn't want the tablet to fall into vampiric hands.” Breathred rubbed his jaw, thoughtfully before finally asking. “Doctor Grayson, what is it you want from us?"
    "After some serious work I've secured a grant to return to the site. This time the money is through a fund granted to the college by a corporate sponsor. The ceiling—while limited—is enough to see us through to the end of this semester. What I want is for you to come along as my private advisor. If there is something to this vampire business, I want someone along who knows what's going on."
    "So you expect some kind of vampire interference?” Luna asked.
    "Not really, but truthfully I don't know what to expect. Until a few months ago I would have laughed at the idea of vampires existing as anything more than a myth. Now, I'm not sure what to think."
    "I can't speak for the others, but I'm in,” Breathred announced, to no one's surprise.
    "Me too,” Luna and Stud answered in unison.
    "Thank you. As strange as it sounds, your help to help makes me feel better.” Dr. Grayson smiled.
    "When do we leave?” Breathred asked.
    "The expedition leaves at the beginning of next week. I know this is short notice, but until Miss Walking Batch mentioned you, I had no idea of what to do. If I can get you to fill out these forms, I should have your paperwork ready to submit by tomorrow morning. Look, I may have been a little rough on you at the beginning, but I think we understand each other now. If you can come by after noon tomorrow, I'll have everything ready. Luna, you can sign the paperwork after class. Okay?” Grayson turned to the girl.
    "Sure thing, Doctor Grayson,” Luna said, overjoyed to be included.
    "Unfortunately, you will not get paid for this, since you're enrolled in the university, but it will count for credit toward your degree,” the professor sounded sorry to say.
    Luna didn't look entirely happy about the fact, but said, “Cool."
    "I can put the monkey on the payroll, but I'd rather he didn't come with you tomorrow, Mr. Petrifunck. It might be kind of hard to explain his rather unique appearance if someone saw him.” Not to mention how hard it would be on her already frazzled nerves; but she kept that to herself.
    "That's right, discriminate against the chimp. Another case of the man trying to keep the ape down,” Stud howled.
    "Shut up and be glad she didn't dissect you.” Luna grimaced at the chimp. He shut up but continued to sulk.
    "If that's everything, I think we're done until tomorrow.” Dr. Grayson walked them to the door.
    Breathred was unusually quiet. It didn't mean he wasn't excited. His mind was already at work on the most pressing problem ahead of them. Who would pick up his comics while they were gone?
    [Back to Table of Contents]

Seven
    A vampire court consists of a master and at least one subordinate. Where do you think Lucas got the idea?
    Lewis yawned. He hated waking up. Being dead hadn't cured him of such a mortal foible. Only one thing made the whole enterprise worthwhile, he had news for Leopold. Depending on the old hag's mood, Leopold might even listen.
    He stretched the last of the undead rest from his bones, as he entered the master's chambers. His back was killing him. He really had to get a new mattress for his coffin. The old one was slap worn out. Maybe, one of those