Winter Wishes: A COLONY World Paraormal Romance Vampire

Chapter 1

Samuel entered the high–rise office building and blended in with the badged employees. The sounds of high heels clicked along the tiled floor as the humans scattered with their caffeinated drinks to their workspaces, some griping about early morning meetings. He marched through the crowd to a bank of elevators, giving half–hearted smiles and dismissing the few humans who said hello to him.

He straightened his tie and entered the polished metal elevator with a handful of other people only to stand shoulder–to–shoulder with one another. The smell of their coffee filled the air as the doors closed, and everyone played the quiet game of standing at attention and ignoring one another.

As everyone selected his or her floor, Samuel swiped his badge and hit the control pad for floor number five. Everyone stared at his selection, for it was a privately held level of the building. No one knew what RM Industries, Inc. produced, who their clients were, or even the history of the company—which was exactly the image the American Vampire Council strove for with their fake company name.

The occupants rode in silence as the elevator lifted. Only the sound of their heartbeats echoed in his sensitive vampire ears. He licked his lips as he smelled their blood flowing through their veins. He had enjoyed a large breakfast this morning, bringing his aged appearance down to his mid–thirties, but even so, he could go for a bite.

The oversized man who stood in front of him and two others got out on floor number four, giving the passengers more room in the confined area. When the doors closed, Samuel noticed a poster taped onto the shiny metal. Evidently, there was to be a building–wide blood drive early next month to ring in the new year. A slight smirk crossed his face, and he nearly let out a chuckle, wondering if the Vampire Council would suddenly announce an employee picnic to coincide with the event.

Not that he'd be here to participate.

Once the doors opened on his floor, several humans turned their heads, trying to gain a better look, but there was nothing to see. Samuel stepped off the elevator and into a small room that held a lone door set in a cool blue wall. He activated the retina scanner that opened the metal portal, allowing him access to the hidden rooms.

He entered and walked past the frosted glass walls and the angular waiting room furniture. Making his way to his office, he saw only a few vampires milling about. Their stares remained as cold as the chilly temperature they always kept the rooms at. His windowless and sparsely decorated office held two glass–topped desks with black, metal frames. It was his haven.

His partner Hilda typed at her desk but stopped and glanced at him when he entered.

There you are, she said. Not looking at Samuel, she removed a folder from her desktop and handed it to him. Your lawyer set the date for January 18th.

Roughly four weeks. He’d expected the Council would give him at least that long, although he had hoped for more. Thank you, he said as he took the files from her.

It's not much time, she said.

Her tone was as frosty as the glass walls separating their office from all the others down the hallway. He crossed the floor and sat at his desk so he could flip through the documents. He had the best lawyer in the business, so he was certain everything was in order. But he still scanned the contents for dates and times, wanting to be sure.

Hilda huffed and glared at him, which made him notice the drumming of his fingers on the table as he read. She rolled her eyes as he apologized.

Have you made up your mind as to where you'll be spending the next few weeks? she asked.

Samuel found the paperwork he searched for within the folder. I'm going to Ember Forge, Vermont.

Her face twisted in disgust. Doesn't sound like a place you'd spend time in. Why go to the middle of nowheresville when I offered you my villa in Spain?

Samuel's jaw clenched as judgment sounded in her voice. He’d met his partner only a few months ago, and even though they usually got along just fine, a short fuse ignited when things didn't go her way. Plus, she was rich enough not to need to work, but did so anyway. You know I'm going to visit my friend Sterling. Although, I do appreciate your offer.

And he lives in Vermont?

It was the holiday season, but there was nothing festive he chose to celebrate. He's spending Christmas there with his family.

Opening a calendar app on his phone, Samuel typed in his court date. Other than work–related items, nothing else filled his schedule.

Spending your potentially last few weeks with your best friend does make sense, I guess, she said. She took a deep breath, and her expression softened as she sat back in her chair and smiled at him. While you're away, I'll do what I can on my end to prove your innocence.

Samuel suspected his partner could not help him, but he appreciated her efforts. What he needed was to consult with Sterling. If anyone could help, he could. Samuel wished he could tell Hilda the truth, but he had sworn to keep Sterling's secret. He’d made the promise decades ago, but that didn't make it less binding.

I'm on a tight leash right now, Hilda. You know that. He placed the unsigned paperwork in an envelope so he could take it to the company's Notary Public and then send it through the internal company mail. It was his affidavit as to where he'd be until his trial. What are you going to do over the next few days?

I can't tell you since it's case related. But, I'll be looking through any evidence I can find to help you. What time is the hearing?

Samuel was sure Hilda had read the folder front to back and already knew the information, but he still answered. Eight in the morning on January 18th. My lawyer is trying for an extension but isn't having any luck.

He checked his watch, noting that he had to leave. I appreciate you giving up your holiday with your husband. Hilda hadn't seen her husband since becoming Samuel's partner, at least a couple of months, which may have added to her irritability. Their current case kept her busy, and he needed to repay her for this sacrifice one day. If he lived long enough.

Think nothing of it. Hilda returned to her computer, and her fingers clicked away, the noise echoing off the walls in the tiny office.

So his life boiled down to this. A partner that didn't really know or like him, and a company he had faithfully worked decades for, ready to throw him to the wolves.

Sighing, Samuel thought about his bucket list. He’d always thought there would be time to take care of everything that meant something to him, like having a family. He gripped the folder tighter as he realized life had slipped by.

Everyone Samuel cared about was married and having children. Even his friend Sterling had gotten married, and now had twin boys. Samuel glanced down at his empty ring finger that had once held a gold band. His marriage, which only lasted three years, had ended in divorce, and he rarely saw his wife during that time. She always seemed busy or was traveling, never making room for him in her life or her work. Had Samuel realized his wife was having an affair with her assistant, the marriage would have only lasted months.

God, he had been a fool. He had always wanted to find someone to spend his life with, and now, his life was ticking down. There would be no family in his future. No wife to mourn him.

But maybe that was a good thing. Everyone else he knew managed to keep his or her marriage together.

Glancing at the back of Hilda's head as she continued to type, he sensed nothing but professionalism and emotional distance from her. I guess I'll see you at the trial. I'll be saying good–bye to my best friend if you find anything.

The Council will vote in your favor, Hilda said. God be with us, this trip won't be the last chance you have to see him.

Samuel grimaced at the phrase, God be with us. Hilda seemed exceptionally religious, which didn't bother him, but she said the expression all the time. He felt that after a while, the phrase lost its meaning. And what he needed now was a real prayer, not just an expression.

Thanks for your support, he told her. But I doubt I'll be seeing another Christmas.

The wheel slid from the sharp curve the Honda Accord made on the icy road, causing Samuel to bounce in the seat and hear the squeak of the spring beneath him. He gripped the steering wheel tighter and slowed down. The open sunroof allowed in not only the sun but also the crisp air. He inhaled deeply, trying to stay awake.

Samuel studied the scenery. Snow–covered trees lined the highway, and he hadn't seen a building for the last few miles. The remote area rested a good thirty minutes from the center of the city.

A tingling sensation overcame Samuel, and his gaze darted to a patch of trees at the side of the road. Brown lights flickered, and an elderly man stood shivering in the cold, flagging him down.

A sense of worry emanated from the old man, and Samuel knew he needed help.

Samuel parked along the side of the road and exited the car. The cold wind whipped around his face and tousled his blond hair. When the bundled–up man commented on Samuel's lack of coat, he realized he had left it behind. So much for blending in.

How can I help, Samuel said, inspecting the car.

The man tugged at his winter cap so it would cover his ears better. I hit some ice and lost control. He pointed to the ground and then to some damaged foliage. It slid along the road and then into these trees here.

Are you all right?

The old man touched his temple. Just a bump or two. Looking at the car, he said, I think I need a tow truck.

The front fender had curved inward when it made impact with a tree. The damage, as well as the lack of traction on the icy ground, prevented the man from backing the car up the steep embankment.

The wind picked up, and the scent of the human swirled around in the air. Samuel's fangs extended, and he wanted to feast on the old man's blood. He couldn't do that, however, for many reasons. He focused on the car's fender and how to get the man back on the road.

Get back in and back up when I tell you to, he said.

The old man glanced at the bent fender. If you have a cell phone, I could call a tow truck.

Samuel shook his head. It's not too bad. Trust me.

Once the man sat in the car, Samuel grabbed the bent fender. He undid the damage and freed the tire. He then put his hands under the bumper and gave the man a nod to start he car and hit the gas.

He pushed the car up the hill until the back tires gained traction and the man was safely back on the street. The man rolled down his driver's side window and smiled at him.

Samuel leaned in to talk with him. According to my GPS, there should be a gas station up ahead. Why don't you follow me in?

The man stared at Samuel's white gold, Star of David necklace swinging from his neck. Many thanks, he said. And Shalom.

Getting back into his car, Samuel's foot accidentally hit his car's frame, giving off a loud clanking sound. His heart raced as he pulled up his pant leg and inspected the criminal anklet monitor the Vampire Council had strapped to his leg. It remained in one piece with the brown indicator light still flashing. It may be annoying to be branded in such a way, but if he removed it, or if it became damaged, it would kill him instantly. All he wanted was one more holiday and some time away from the Council.

The gas station, Buckies, was less than a half–mile up the road. Samuel's car needed fuel, and he was eager to make sure the old man was taken care of.

The small town seemed to have everything anyone would need. And there were several Starbucks, which was important to him. There were also grocery stores, schools, and other shops. Actually, a quaint little place, but judging by the lack of recharge stations, a somewhat behind–the–times town. Thankfully, he’d chosen not to rent an electric car.

He checked his rearview mirror. The old man was having problems keeping up, so Samuel slowed down and managed to get them both to Buckies.

Sorry I drove too fast for you to follow, Samuel said once the man had exited his car.

It’s okay.

Samuel shook his head. I should have slowed down, you were having difficulties keeping up.

The man shook his head. Don't beat yourself up about minor things. I managed to follow you just fine. Bundling up, the man walked into the convenience store to call his son.

After fueling up and nearly gagging on the pungent stench of the fumes, Samuel entered the place. Again he had forgotten to put his jacket on when he stepped out of the car. He needed to be more careful about such things.

The smell of coffee immediately greeted him. He inhaled deeply and enjoyed the aroma. He wasn't far from the villa, and a few essentials were needed—with coffee at the top of the list since it was one of the few human beverages that tasted good.

Samuel wandered from one tiny aisle to another until he found some Chapstick and hand lotion. Why did the bitter cold wind always dry him out? Sure, vampires were immortal and lived forever, but it was just his bad luck that his skin had to be ultra sensitive when it came to any change in climate.

He sipped his coffee as he stood in line. The brew filled his stomach, but what he needed was blood. He sighed heavily. He could eat once he reached the villa.

The man he’d rescued stood in line ahead of him, also enjoying a hot cup of coffee. Color had come back into his cheeks as he warmed himself up.

My son is coming, and I'll follow him to his house, the man said to Samuel as he picked up the daily newspaper on the counter.

Samuel glanced at the paper the man held. The front–page article detailed a train accident in Germany, causing priceless pieces of art to be destroyed. He turned his head, his jaw tightening. Wanting to dismiss the old man and the news article, Samuel said, I'm glad you're going to be all right.

Another cashier line opened, and Samuel became the first to step up. The cashier rang up the items and told him the amount due. Samuel pulled his wallet from his back pocket and opened it. The worn leather gave way to an indent the shape of a shield. Samuel glanced at the indentation, knowing exactly what had gone missing and why. He cleared his throat and removed a prepaid debit card from his wallet. All of his accounts had been frozen by the Vampire Council, with this lone card and allotted allowance all that he had. He signed the receipt and reminded himself that without access to his money, he still didn't need much.

On his way out of the store, an alarm sounded, causing all heads to turn in his direction. He gritted his teeth and felt the tips of his fangs as they extended. Stupid Vampire Council, he thought. He glanced at the metal anklet he wore and realized the exit doors were equipped with shoplifting sensors that would pick up the tracking chip inside the cuff. Now he needed to compel everyone in the store to forget he'd been there.

Chapter 2

Carrying