Halfway to the Grave - Джанин Фрост

Jeaniene FrostHalfway to the Grave

The first book in the Night Huntress series

ONE

I STIFFENED AT THE RED AND BLUE LIGHTS flashing behind me, because there was no way I could explain what was in the back of my truck. I pulled over, holding my breath as the sheriff came to my window.

Hi. Something wrong? My tone was all innocence while I prayed there was nothing unusual about my eyes. Control yourself. You know what happens when you get upset.

Yeah, youve got a busted taillight. License and registration, please.

Crap. That must have happened when I was loading up the truck bed. Speed had been of the essence then, not daintiness.

I handed him my real license, not the fake one. He shone his flashlight back and forth between the identification and my face.

Catherine Crawfield. Youre Justina Crawfields girl, arent you? From the Crawfield Cherry Orchard?

Yes, sir. Politely and blandly, as if I didnt have a care in the world.

Well, Catherine, its nearly four a.m. Why are you out this late?

I could tell him the truth about my activities, except I didnt want to sign on for hard time. Or an extended stay in a padded cell.

I couldnt sleep, so I decided Id drive around.

To my dismay, he ambled to the bed of the truck and shone his light in it.

Whatcha got back there?

Oh, nothing unusual. A dead body under some bags and an ax.

Bags of cherries from my grandparents orchard. If my heartbeat were any louder, it would deafen him.

Really? With his flashlight he poked at a plastic lump. One of em is leaking.

Dont worry. My voice was almost a squeak. They always leak. Thats why I carry them in this old truck. Theyve stained the bottom of it red.

Relief crashed through me when he ceased his explorations and returned to my window.

And youre driving around this late because you couldnt sleep? There was a knowing curl to his mouth. His gaze took in my tight top and disheveled hair. You think Im going to believe that?

The innuendo was blatant and I almost lost my cool. He thought Id been out sleeping around. An unspoken accusation hung between us, nearly twenty-three years in the making. Just like your mother, arent you? It wasnt easy being illegitimate in a town so small, people still held that against you. In todays society, you wouldnt think it mattered, but Licking Falls, Ohio, had its own set of standards. They were archaic at best.

With great effort I restrained my anger. My humanity tended to shed like a disposable skin when I got angry.

Could we just keep this between us, Sheriff? Back to the guileless blinking of my eyes. It had worked on the dead guy, anyway. Promise I wont do it again.

He fingered his belt as he considered me. His large belly strained against the fabric of his shirt, but I refrained from comments about his girth or the fact that he smelled like beer. Finally he smiled, exposing a crooked front tooth.

Go home, Catherine Crawfield, and get that taillight fixed.

Yes, sir!

Giddy with my reprieve, I revved up the truck and drove off. That had been close. Id have to be more careful next time.

People complained about having deadbeat fathers or skeletons in their familys closets. For me, both were really true. Oh, dont get me wrong, I hadnt always known what I was. My mother, the only other person in on the secret, didnt tell me until I was sixteen. I grew up with abilities other children didnt have, but when I asked her about them, shed get angry and tell me not to talk about it. I learned to keep things to myself and hide my differences. To everyone else, I was just weird. Friendless. Liked to wander around at strange hours and had odd pale skin. Even my grandparents didnt know what was in me, but then again, neither did those I hunted.

There was a pattern to my weekends now. I went to any of the clubs within a three-hour drive to look for some action. Not the kind the good sheriff thought I was into, but another brand. Id drink like a fish and wait to be picked up by that special someone. One I hoped I could end up planting in the backyard, if I didnt get killed first. Id been doing this for six years now. Maybe I had a death wish. Funny, really, since technically I was half dead.

Therefore my near miss with the law didnt stop me from going out the following Friday. At least this way, I knew I was making one person happy. My mother. Well, she had a right to hold a grudge. I just wished it hadnt spilled over to me.

The clubs loud music hit me like a splash, jerking my pulse to its beat. I made my way carefully through the crowds, seeking that unmistakable vibe. The place was packed, a typical Friday night. After I wandered around for an hour, I felt the first stirrings of disappointment. There appeared to be only people here. With a sigh, I sat at the bar and ordered a gin and tonic. The first man who tried to kill me had ordered it for me. It was now my drink of choice. Who said I wasnt sentimental?

Men approached me periodically. Something about being a single young woman screamed Screw me to them. Politely and somewhat impolitely I turned them down, depending on how persistent they were. I wasnt here to date. After my first boyfriend, Danny, I never wanted to date again. If the guy was alive, I wasnt interested. No wonder I had no love life to speak of.

After three more drinks I decided to cruise the club again, since I was having no luck being bait. It was nearly midnight, and so far there had been nothing aside from alcohol, drugs, and dancing.

Booths were tucked in the far corner of the club. As I passed in front of them, I felt a twinge of charged air. Someone, or something, was near. I stopped and did a slow circle, attempting to ferret out the location.

Out of the light and obscured by shadows, I saw the top of a mans head bent forward. His hair was nearly white under the intermittent lighting, but his skin was unlined. Hollows and contours became features as he looked up and spotted me staring at him. His brows were distinctly darker than his hair, which appeared to be light blond. Those eyes were dark as well, too deep for me to guess a color. His cheekbones could have been chiseled from marble, and that flawless diamonds-and-cream skin gleamed from under his shirt collar.

Bingo.

Pasting a false smile on my face, I sauntered over with the exaggerated walk of someone drunk and plunked myself down on the opposite seat.

Hello, handsome, I said in my most alluring voice.

Not now.

His tone was clipped, with a distinct English accent. I blinked stupidly for a moment, thinking maybe I had drunk too much and misunderstood him.

Excuse me?

Im busy. He sounded impatient and mildly annoyed.

Confusion raged in me. Could I have been wrong? Just to be certain, I reached out and ran a finger lightly over his hand. The power nearly jumped off his skin. Not human, all right.

I was wondering, um Stumbling over my words, I searched for an enticing phase. Frankly, this had never happened before. Usually his kind were easy pickings. I didnt know how to handle this as a true professional would.

Want to fuck?

The words burst out, and I was horrified at myself for saying them. I barely managed to avoid clapping a hand over my mouth, never having used that word before.

He glanced back with a curl of amusement on his lips, having turned away after his second refusal. Dark eyes raked me appraisingly.

Bad timing, luv. Have to wait until later. Be a good bird and fly away, Ill find you.

With a flick of his hand, he dismissed me. Numbly I got up and walked away, shaking my head at the turn of events. Now how was I supposed to kill him?

In a daze I went to the ladies room to inspect my appearance. My hair looked okay, albeit its usual startling crimson shade, and I wore my lucky top, which had led the last two guys to their doom. Next I bared my teeth at my reflection. Nothing was stuck in them. Lastly, I raised my arm and sniffed near the crease. No, I didnt smell bad. What was it, then? A thought occurred to me. Could he be gay?

Reflectively I considered it. Anything was possible-I was proof of that. Perhaps I could watch him. Follow him whenever he tried to pick someone up, male or female. Decision made, I headed out with renewed determination.

He was gone. The table hed been crouched over was empty, and there was no trace of him in the air. With growing urgency I searched the surrounding bars, the dance floor, and the booths again. Nothing. I must have dawdled too long in the bathroom. Cursing myself, I stalked back to the bar and ordered a fresh drink. Although alcohol didnt dull my senses, having a drink was something to do, and I was feeling very unproductive.

Beautiful ladies should never drink alone, a voice said next to me.

Turning to give a rebuff, I stopped short when I saw my admirer was as dead as Elvis. Blond hair about four shades darker than the other ones, with turquoise-colored eyes. Hells bells, it was my lucky night.

I hate to drink alone, in fact.

He smiled, showing lovely squared teeth. All the better to bite you with, my dear.

Are you here by yourself?

Do you want me to be? Coyly, I fluttered my lashes at him. This one wasnt going to get away, by God.

I very much want you to be. His voice was lower now, his smile deeper. God, but they had great intonation. Most of them could double as phone-sex operators.

Well, then I was. Except now Im with you.

I let my head tilt to the side in a flirtatious manner that also bared my neck. His eyes followed the movement, and he licked his lips. Oh good, a hungry one.

Whats your name, lovely lady?

Cat Raven. An abbreviation of Catherine, and the hair color of the first man who tried to kill me. See? Sentimental.

His smile broadened. Such an unusual name.

His name was Kevin. He was twenty-eight and an architect, or so he claimed. Kevin was recently engaged, but his fiancée had dumped him and now he just wanted to find a nice girl and settle down. Listening to this, I managed not to choke on my drink in amusement. What a load of crap. Next hed be pulling out pictures of a house with a white picket fence. Of course, he couldnt let me call a cab, and how inconsiderate that my fictitious friends left without me. How kind of him to drive me home, and oh, by the way, he had something to show me. Well, that made two of us.

Experience had taught me it was much easier to dispose of a car that hadnt been the scene of a killing. Therefore, I managed to open the passenger door of his Volkswagen and run screaming out of it with feigned horror when he made his move. Hed picked a deserted area, most of them did, so I didnt worry about a Good Samaritan hearing my cries.

He followed me with measured steps, delighted with my sloppy staggering. Pretending to trip, I whimpered for effect as he loomed over me. His face had transformed to reflect his true nature. A sinister smile revealed upper fangs where none had been before, and his previously blue eyes now glowed with a terrible green light.

I scrabbled around, concealing my hand slipping into my pocket. Dont hurt me!

He knelt, grasping the back of my neck.

It will only hurt for a moment.

Just then, I struck. My hand whipped out in a practiced movement and the weapon it held pierced his heart. I twisted repeatedly until his mouth went slack and the light faded from his eyes. With a last wrenching shove, I pushed him off and wiped my bloody hands on my pants.

You were right. I was out of breath from my exertions. It only hurt for a moment.

Much later when I arrived home, I was whistling. The night hadnt been a total waste after all. One had gotten away, but one would be prowling the dark no more. My mother was asleep in the room we shared. Id tell her about it in the morning. It was the first question she asked on the weekends. Did you get one of those things, Catherine? Well, yes, I did! All without me getting battered or pulled over. Who could ask for more?

I was in such a good mood, in fact, that I decided to try the same club the next night. After all, there was a dangerous bloodsucker in the area and I had to stop him, right? So I went about my usual household chores with impatience. My mother and I lived with my grandparents. They owned a modest two-story home that had actually once been a barn. Turned out the isolated property, with its acres of land, was coming in handy. By nine oclock, I was out the door.

It was crowded again, this being a Saturday night. The music was just as loud and the faces just as blank. My initial sweep of the place turned up nothing, deflating my mood a little. I headed toward the bar and didnt notice the crackle in the air before I heard his voice.

Im ready to fuck now.

What?

I whirled around, prepared to indignantly scald the ears of the unknown creep, when I stopped. It was him. A blush came to my face when I remembered what Id said last night. Apparently hed remembered as well.

Ah yes, well Exactly how did one respond to that? Umm, drink first? Beer or?

Dont bother. He interrupted my hail of the bartender and traced a finger along my jaw. Lets go.

Now? I looked around, thrown off guard.

Yeah, now. Changed your mind, luv?

There was a challenge in his eyes and a gleam I couldnt decipher. Not wanting to risk losing him again, I grabbed my purse and gestured to the door.

Lead the way.

No, no. He grinned chillingly. Ladies first.

With several glances over my shoulder, I preceded him into the parking lot. Once outside, he looked expectantly at me.

Well, get your ride and lets be off.

My ride? I-I dont have a ride. Wheres your car? I fought to remain cool, but I was inwardly rattled. This was all off my normal routine and I didnt like it.

I drove a bike here. Fancy a ride on it?

A motorcycle? No, that wouldnt do. No trunk to carry his body in, and I wasnt about to balance it on the handlebars. Plus, I didnt know how to ride one. Umm, well take my vehicle instead. Its over there.

As I walked to the truck, I reminded myself to stagger. I hoped hed think I had been pounding the booze.

Thought you didnt have a ride, he called after me.

I stopped short, turning back at him. Crap, I had said that.

I forgot it was here, is all, I lied breezily. Think I drank too much. You want to drive?

No, thanks, was his immediate response. For some reason, his strong English accent grated on me.

I tried again with a lopsided smile. He had to drive. My weapon was in my right pants leg, since I was always in the passenger seat before.

Really, I think you should drive. Im feeling woozy. Id hate to wrap us around a tree.

It didnt work.

If you just want to beg off until another night

No! There was desperation in my voice, which raised his eyebrow a notch. I mean, youre so good-looking and What the hell did one say? I really, really want to get it on.

He stifled a laugh, dark eyes glittering. A denim jacket was casually thrown over his collared shirt. Under the streetlights, his cheekbones looked even more pronounced. I had never seen such perfectly chiseled features before.

He looked me up and down, his tongue tracing the inside of his bottom lip.

Right, then, lets be off. Youre driving.

Without another word, he climbed into the passenger seat of the pickup.

Left with no other option, I got in the drivers side and pulled away, heading for the highway. Minutes ticked by, but I didnt know what to say. The silence was unnerving. He didnt speak, but I felt his eyes as they moved over me. Finally I couldnt stand it anymore and blurted the first question that came to mind.

Whats your name?

Does it matter?

I glanced to my right and met his eyes. They were so dark brown they could have been black. There was that cool note of challenge in them again, almost a silent dare. It was disconcerting, to say the least. All the other ones had been perfectly willing to chat.

I just wanted to know. Mines Cat. I exited the freeway and turned onto a nearby gravel road leading to the lake.

Cat, hmmm? From where I sit you look more like a Kitten.

My head jerked around and I shot him an annoyed look. Oh, I was going to enjoy this, all right.

Its Cat, I repeated firmly. Cat Raven.

Whatever you say, Kitten Tweedy.

Abruptly I slammed on the brakes. You got a problem, mister?

Dark eyebrows rose. No problem, pet. Have we stopped here for good? Is this where you want to shag?

There went that pesky flush again at his bluntness.

Um, no. A little farther up. Its prettier there. I steered us deeper into the woods.

He gave a low chuckle. I just bet it is, luv.

When the truck stopped at my favorite rendezvous spot, I glanced over at him. He sat exactly as he had been, immobile. There was no way I could go for the surprise in my pants yet. Clearing my throat, I gestured toward the trees.

Dont you want to go outside andshag? It was a strange word, but much better than fuck.

A quick grin lit his face before he responded. Oh no. Right here. Love to do it in a truck.

Well Damn, what now? This wouldnt work. Theres not much room. Triumphantly I began to open my door.

He didnt budge. Plenty of room, Kitten. Ill stay here.

Dont call me Kitten. My voice was sharper than romance dictated, but I was seriously aggravated. The sooner he was truly dead, the better.

He ignored me. Take off your clothes. Lets see what youve got.

Excuse me? This was too much.

You werent going to shag me with all your clothes on, were you, Kitten? he taunted. Guess all youll need off is your knickers, then. Come on. Dont take all bloody night.

Oh, I was going to make him sorry. I hoped this hurt like hell. With a superior smile, I looked back at him.

You first.

He grinned again with a flash of normal teeth. Shy bird, are you? Didnt peg you for the type, what with walking up to me and practically begging for it and all. How about this? Well do it at the same time.

Bastard. It was the filthiest word I could think of, and I chanted it in my mind as I warily stared at him while unbuttoning my jeans. He nonchalantly loosened his belt, unbuckled his pants, and pulled out his shirt. The action revealed a taut pale belly that was hairless until it met his groin.

This was way further than Id ever let things progress before. I was so embarrassed, my fingers shook as I peeled off my jeans while reaching inside them.

Look here, luv, see what I have for you.

I glanced down and saw his hand close around himself before quickly looking away. The stake was almost in my hand, all I needed was another second

It was my modesty that did me in. When I turned to avoid seeing his groin, I missed his hand clenching. His fist moved unbelievably fast to connect with my head. There was a flash of light followed by shooting pain, and then silence.

TWO

S OMETHING SEEMED TO BE DIGGING AT MY brain. With agonizing slowness I opened my eyes, squinting at the unshaded lamp nearby. It made the sun seem pale in comparison. My hands were above me, my wrists ached, and the pain in my head made me immediately lean forward and throw up.

I thawt I thaw a putty tat.

The mocking voice caused my pain to dissipate in a rush of terror. When I saw the vampire close by, I shuddered.

I did, I did thee a putty tat!

Finished with his Tweety Bird imitation, he grinned unpleasantly at me. I tried to scoot back and realized my hands were chained to a wall. Both my feet were also cuffed together. My top and pants were gone, leaving me in only my bra and underwear. Even my trademark gloves were missing. Oh God.

Now, then, luv, lets get down to business. The bantering left his tone and his eyes hardened into pools of dark granite. Who do you work for?

This surprised me so much, it took me a moment to answer him. I dont work for anyone.

Bollocks. He bit the word out precisely, and I didnt have to know what it meant to guess he didnt believe me. I hunched when he moved nearer.

Who do you work for? With more menace.

No one.

My head snapped back as he slapped me. Tears came to my eyes, but I held them there. I was going to die, but I didnt have to grovel.

Go to hell.

Immediately there was another ringing in my ears. This time I could taste blood.

Once again, who do you work for?

Spitting it out, I blazed up at him defiantly. No one, ass-munch!

He blinked in surprise, and then rocked on his heels and laughed so loudly my ears rang. Regaining control, he leaned in until his mouth was inches from my face. Fangs gleamed in the light.

I know youre lying.

His voice was a whisper. He lowered his head until his mouth brushed my neck. I held myself rigid, praying for the strength not to plead for my life.

Cool breath blew on my skin. I know youre lying, he continued. Because last night I was looking for a bloke. When I spotted him, I saw the same lovely red-haired girl whod been rubbing on me leaving with him. I followed, thinking Id sneak up on him while he was occupied. Instead, I watched you plug a stake in his heart, and what a stake! In front of my stricken eyes, he dangled my modified weapon triumphantly. Wood on the outside, silver on the inside. Now, thats made in America! Poof, down goes Devon! Yet it didnt stop there. You plopped him in the trunk and drove to your truck, where you chopped his bleedin head off and buried him in pieces. Then you went home whistling a merry tune. How in the bloody hell could you do that, hmm? You dont work for anyone? Then why, when I take a deep whiff here-he put his nose against my collarbone and inhaled-do I smell something other than human? Faint, but unmistakable. Vampire. Youve got a boss, you do. Feeds you some of his blood, right? Makes you stronger and faster, but still only human. Us poor vamps never see it coming. All we see isfood.

With one finger, he pressed lightly on my jumping pulse.

Now, for the last time before I forget my manners, tell me who your boss is.

I looked at him, knowing his would be the last face I ever saw. Bitterness briefly coursed through me before I pushed it aside. There would be no complaints. Maybe, maybe the world would be a better place for what Id done. It was all I could wish for, and so Id die telling my executioner the truth.

I dont have a boss. Each word was poison. There was no need to be polite. You want to know why I smell like a human and a vampire? Because thats what I am. Years ago, my mother went on a date with what she thought was a nice guy. He turned out to be a vampire, and he raped her. Five months later there was me, premature but fully developed, with a whole slew of funky abilities. When she finally told me about my father, I promised her Id kill every vampire I found to make up for it. To ensure no one else suffered what she had to. Shes been afraid to leave her home ever since! I hunt for her, and the only thing I regret about dying now is that I didnt take more of you with me!

My voice rose until I screamed the last part, hurling the words in his face. I closed my eyes and braced for the killing blow.

Nothing. No sound, no strike, no pain. After a moment I peeked to see him standing exactly where hed been. He tapped his chin with his finger and looked at me with an expression that could only be described as thoughtful.

Well? Fear and resignation strained my voice to the breaking point. Kill me already, you pathetic suck-neck!

That earned me an amused glance. Ass-munch. Suck-neck. You kiss your mum with that mouth?

Dont you talk about my mother, murderer! Your kind isnt fit to speak of her!

A ghost of a smile hovered on his lips. Bit of the pot calling the kettle black, isnt it? Ive seen you do murder. And if what youre telling me is true, youre the same kind I am.

I shook my head. I am nothing like your kind! Youre all monsters, preying on innocent people and caring nothing about the lives you wreck. The vampires I killed attacked me-it was their bad luck I was ready for them. I might have some of this cursed blood in my veins, but at least I was using it to-

Oh, stick a sock in it already, he interrupted me with an irritated tone youd use to scold a child. You always ramble on so? No wonder your dates went right for your throat. Cant say as I blame them.

Speechless, I gaped at him. With absolute clarity I understood the phrase adding insult to injury. First hed slapped me soundly, now he was going to slander me before murdering me.

I hate to interrupt your sympathy session over the other dead vampires, but are you going to be killing me soon or what? Brave words, I thought. At least it beat sniveling.

Faster than I could blink, his mouth was at the pounding pulse in my neck. Everything inside me froze as I felt the unmistakable graze of teeth. Please dont let me beg. Please dont let me beg.

Abruptly he leaned back again, leaving me trembling in relief and fear. One eyebrow cocked upward at me.

In a hurry to die, are you? Not before you answer a few more questions.

What makes you think I will?

A curl of his mouth preceded his response.

Believe me, youll like it much more if you do.

I cleared my throat and tried to slow my heartbeat. No need to keep ringing the dinner bell for him.

What do you want to know? Maybe Ill tell you.

That little smirk widened. Nice to know one of us was having a good time.

Brave little Kitten, Ill give you that. Right, then. Suppose I believe youre the offspring of a human and a vampire. Almost unheard of, but well get back to that. Then lets say I believe you troll clubs hunting us evil deads to avenge your mum. The question remains, how did you know what to use to kill us? Its not an open secret. Most humans think good old wood will do it. But not you. Youre telling me youve never dealt with vampires before, except to kill them?

In the midst of all that was occurring, my life over and a horrible death looming in front of me, I spoke the first words that popped into my mind.

You got anything to drink around here? Nothing with clots in it, I mean, or that can be classified as O-negative or B-positive. Hmm?

He let out an amused snort. Thirsty, luv? What a coincidence. So am I.

With those frightening words, he pulled a flask out of his jacket and placed the rim against my lips, tilting it. My manacled hands were useless, so I wrapped my teeth around it and used them for leverage. It was whiskey and it burned slightly going down, but I kept swallowing until the last drop trickled down my throat. Sighing, I released my bite and let the flask drop back into his hand.

He held it upside down, apparently bemused by its lack of contents. If Id known you were such a lush, Id have given you the cheap stuff. Going to go out with a bang, are you?

I shrugged as much as my raised arms would allow.

Whats the matter? Did I ruin my flavor for you? Im sure Ill be turning over in my grave worrying that you didnt like how I tasted. I hope you choke on my blood, you jerk.

That drew more laughter. Good form, Kitten! But enough stalling. How did you know what to use if no vampire told you?

Another modified shrug. I didnt. Oh, Id read a hundred books or more about ouryour kind after hearing about my father. They all varied. Some said crosses, sunlight, wood, or silver. It was pure luck, really. One night a vampire approached me at a club and then took me for a drive. Of course, he couldnt have been nicer, right up until he tried to eat me alive. I made up my mind that I was going to kill him or die trying, and the big cross dagger was all I had on me. It worked, though it took a bit of doing. So, presto, I knew about silver. Later I found that wood didnt work at all. Got myself a nice scar on the thigh to prove it. That vamp laughed when he saw my stake. Clearly, he wasnt afraid of wood. Then when I was making caramel apples it occurred to me to hide the silver in something a vampire would think was harmless. It didnt seem like such a stretch. Most of you are so busy eyeing my neck, you dont see me pull out my pointy friend. There you have it.