Renegade: Vampire Outlaw

Chapter Fourteen

Vampire Outlaws, MC

Brooklyn, New York

Zane

Under the bright fluorescent lights of the garage, my hands were covered in grease. Working on my bike drove me to distraction, a welcome relief when things with the club didn't go my way. A wrench nestled in my hand as I tightened a bolt or two. The muscles in my arms strained even as I finished and took a step back to admire my handiwork. A change in oil, new spark plugs, and a better sounding tune. My bike was looking better already.

Grabbing the dirty rag from my back pocket, my phone began to vibrate as I cleaned off my hands and turned the music down to answer the call. Caleb's voice appeared and I knew right away that something bad happened tonight.

"What is it?" I asked. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. It's just that..."

"Caleb. I know when something's bothering you. Now tell me the truth."

"Well, a guy came into the diner tonight shortly after you left. He wanted to know where he could find you."

My back straightened as I stood a little taller. "I'm listening."

"He said that you two were old friends and that you took something from him. Now he wants it back."

"This guy, what did he look like?"

"Green eyes with gray hair. He also had two rings on one hand and a tattoo on the side of his neck. And his suit was custom-tailored." A low rumble sounded in the pit of my chest. Caleb continued, "I take it you know this man."

"Yes. His name is Lorenzo. He's the boss or more like the Godfather for the Italian mob. He's very a dangerous man."

"I see. He gave me his card to give you and I mentioned that you would call him to discuss business."

"And that's it?"

"Yes." A male voice appeared in the background. Telling Caleb that it was time to close up shop for the night. "Zane. I've got to go now. I'll see you soon."

"I'm leaving right now. Stay inside if you can once they leave. I'll be there before you know it."

From the moment the line disconnected. I jumped into action. Lowering the mechanical lift on my Harley, I opened the garage door and backed the bike onto the gravel road. Then I straddled it, fired up the engine and took off like death was right on my heels. The rest of the world seemed to fly by until all I could see where the bright lights of billboards, flashy advertisements, and lights on in every window.

And just like I said, I arrived at the diner twenty minutes after our phone call. The lights inside were off. I cut off the engine and let the bike rest on the kickstand as I listened for any sign of a threat. Except there were none. All was silent. Silent as the grave. I got off and walked right up to the door as I knocked on the glass. But Caleb didn't answer. I peered in through the glass, my supernatural eyes taking in everything that seemed to be in order. Maybe he's in the back, I thought.

My first instinct was to take a step back and move around to the side of the building. But a large crash coming from inside snapped me into overdrive. I kicked in the door with the bottom of my boot. Glass flying, the lock shattering. I stormed inside, leaped over the counter towards the kitchen and spotted Caleb cowering on the floor next to a turned-over tray that housed a dozen or so glass plates.

In front of him, a man dressed all in black was holding a bat in his hand. I crept up behind him. My fangs lengthen, my hands spinning him around as I knock the bat out of his hand and sink my teeth into him. His screams are like music to my ears encouraging me to drink harder. I lock eyes with Caleb and I see the shock residing in them. I pull back on the vein but keep my meal close to my chest.

"Who sent you?" I say in his ear.

"Lorenzo."

"Why?"

"He...wanted me to...send you...a message. He knows how much your little plaything means to you. He won't stop until he gets what he wants."

I tighten my grip on my meaty blood bag. "Mmm. And you want to know what I know. I do believe in killing the messenger. Because it sends a message right back. Enjoy hell."

Taking his neck in my arms, I twist his head to the side in the blink of an eye. The bones snap like butter, his body going limp like a sack of potatoes. I toss him to the side and kneel in front of Caleb, wiping the tears that run down his cheeks. I scan the rest of his body and see no other injuries except for a few cuts on his arm from the plates.

"Are you alright?" I asked.

"I am now. Thank you for coming."

I smiled. "I said I would. Can you walk?"

"Yeah," he said as I helped him to his feet. "Shit." He muttered, looking around. "The kitchen is a mess."

"You let me worry about that. For now, let's get you home and into my bed."

"Look. Just because I'm banged up, doesn't mean you'll be getting any tonight."

"Really? Even after I just saved your life? Damn. And here I thought being a hero was sexy enough to get laid."

Caleb laughed. "Well, since you did save me tonight. I guess I do have to give a little something back in return."

My smile widened as we stepped outside and stood next to my bike. "Fuck yeah, you will."

Author's Note: *Taps the screen* Hello? Hello? Is this thing on? It is? Good! Hey guys, long time no see. :) I hope you all have been well. Me? Busy as can be. My new job is whipping my butt into shape, literally! I've got my review for it coming up probably within the next week or two. But I'm kinda hoping I don't get the job because loading 4 trucks at once is just driving me crazy. Anyway enough about me ranting. You just want to know when the next release will be. Well, my hours this week look pretty light. So I should be able to get another chapter in or two before the weekend. I love you all.

P.S. Thank you to all my new followers who have taken the plunge to give a small writer like me a chance. Welcome to the family, Angels.