I Accidentally Hooked Up with a Vampire (Accidents Happen #2)

22. TRAINING DUH!

22

TRAINING DUH!

“ Y ou must have been lost in thought to not feel me coming.” Rayna held out her hand to help me up.

“There’s a lot on my mind.” I accepted her help. “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that. People can just pop up on you whenever they want.”

“That’s what I thought at first. There is a way to block your energy so no one can track you and do that. I’ll show you how.” She looked around and frowned at the destruction, kicking a piece of rubble near her. “This place looks terrible. Is this why you asked me to come? I got your email just as we were about to leave.”

“Oh yeah, how was the wedding?” I asked. I figured I could sprinkle a little small talk in there to kick things off. Who wanted to deal with someone who only hit you up when they needed something? We could pretend for a moment that wasn’t why I emailed her.

“Good. I cried more than I thought I would.” Rayna smiled and her face lit up. “I mean, my girl looked so beautiful, even with the family drama. I don’t know how she turned out so well adjusted despite being a part of that family.”

“That’s good. Not the family drama, but that it turned out well.”

“Yeah, and now she’s headed off to some tropical island.” She sighed. “Oh, your email said you needed help. What’s going on? Because again, I’m not a clean-up crew.” She pointed to the mess on the floor.

“Oh no, I wouldn’t ask you to do anything like that.” I laughed at her twisted expression. “But I do need you to help me learn to control my powers. I have about two hours to do it.”

“My ears must be clogged?” She rubbed her ear and leaned forward. “Say that again. You need to master your power in two hours?”

“I understand how ridiculous that sounds. Trust me, I do. But my sister is in trouble. If I don’t learn how to at least control this thing, I have to sit on the sideline. I’m not looking to be a seasoned professional. I just don’t want to accidentally shoot my best friend in the ass.”

“Shoot her?” She looked around. “You got a gun on you? What is it with women and guns? Do you know my best friend made me go back to hell to get her gun?”

“You had a gun in hell?” I held my hand up. “How does that even happen?

“Long story, but…” she tapped her chin, then pointed at me. “By the way you’re looking at me, I assume you didn’t mean a gun?”

“No, I didn’t mean a gun.” I scratched my head suddenly, considering if Rayna was the right person to help me with my issue.

“Right…” She squinted at me. “So, what did you mean?”

“Apparently, my power is not the same as yours.” I shook my hand in between us, hoping something would happen. It didn’t. “I shoot electricity from my fingers or something.”

“Right.” She trailed off. “And Likosa didn’t help you figure all this out?”

“Not really.” I shook my head.

“That woman is up to something.” Rayna sucked her teeth. “When I needed to understand my power, she unlocked a damn internal instruction manual with a simple spell. She could have done the same thing with you.”

“You think so too?” I lowered my voice into my conspiracy theorist tone. “All that stuff about wanting us to be friends. It feels like she has other motives.”

“It’s likely, but whatever she does or doesn’t have up her sleeve doesn’t matter now.” Rayna sucked her teeth and looked around us. “Well, we’re going to need a lot more than two hours. We’re not going to get that on Earth.”

“Vomit-inducing shift?” I took a deep breath, hoping she would tell me I was wrong.

“Yep!” Rayna cheered. “Brace yourself.”

This time, I didn’t feel as much change in the pressure as I did the tightening around my brain. And then, my ears popped repeatedly and my vision blurred. When the overstimulation ended, we were standing in an extensive field of grass.

“Is this hell again?”

“No, in hell, you would lose time,” Rayna explained. “This is a world I found a few months ago, another place from one of my paintings. Apparently, a lot of them are depictions of new worlds. Anyway, here, time slows down. An hour on Earth is about three here. It’s not much, but it gives us more time to lock in some basic skills for you.”

“Okay, good.” I took a deep breath and noticed how heavy my chest felt. “It’s kind of hard to breathe here.”

“Oh yeah, you’ll acclimate soon. This is a human-compatible planet; not that we’re exactly human, but you know what I mean. I actually brought Keri here for an extended break from the wedding stuff.” Rayna looked around. “There’s a hot spring not far from here. I could hardly get the girl out the damn thing.”

“A hot spring sounds relaxing right now.”

“We can come back after you’re done with your vampire problem. I’m sure you’ll need it.” Rayna clapped. “Alright, we’re in a safe space. Show me what you got.”

“I’m not really sure how to make it happen.” I flexed my fingers. “Both times, it wasn’t something I controlled. It just happened on its own.”

“Let’s troubleshoot this,” Rayna suggested as a flock of birds flew over us. “When did it happen? What were you doing?”

“Um…” Of course, I hesitated. I was supposed to hate this woman’s guts. She was the reason I lost my job. No, I didn’t want to tell her about how an orgasm triggered the explosive showing of my power.

“What?” Rayna raised a brow. “Is something wrong?”

“Well, it happened with Likosa,” I started. “And then once again when I was with Domino.”

That should have been more than enough for her to understand where I was coming from. She knew firsthand what kind of magic the witch worked. Come on, girl. Two plus two, you can do this!”

“The vampire?” She tilted her head.

“Yes.” I nodded slowly and widened my eyes, hoping she would catch my meaning and I wouldn’t have to paint her a picture.

“You were…” Rayna pursed her lips then nodded slowly as the understanding hit her. “Well, I won’t be doing that.”

“Obviously.” I looked away from her. “But that’s the only time it happened. I haven’t had time to try to make it happen on my own.”

“Try it now.” Rayna stepped to the side and pointed out into the distance. “Pick a target and blast it!”

“Just like that?” I looked around the calm landscape. “What if I cause some natural disaster?”

“I hardly think you’re that powerful, especially now.” She shook her head and scanned the horizon. “How else do you think this starts?”

“Right. Okay, I’ll try.”

After Rayna walked away to what she thought was a safe distance, I took a deep breath, lifted my hand, and chose a target. It was a blue tree stump. The thing looked dead, or what I imagined a dead tree to look like in an alien world. What more harm could I do? I aimed and pushed my hand toward the stump. Nothing happened.

“Anytime now,” Rayna called out. “Just make it happen.”

“And what if I already tried and failed?”

“Did you?” she called back.

I opened my eyes and turned to look at her. “Are you saying I always have a strained expression on my face?”

“Well, you were pretty angry at me when we first met. Some people just look like they have to poop. I wasn’t going to judge you for that,” she joked.

“Hilarious.” I couldn’t believe it, but I was starting to like Rayna, and that somehow pissed me off.

“Look, you need to visualize what you want to happen. It’s the most basic instruction I can give you and it feels like complete bullshit, but that’s where it all starts. Remember how it felt for your power to move through you before? Focus on that feeling. Pretend like you’re back in that moment.”

“Okay.” I did it again, this time taking her advice, and it worked. Well, kind of. My fingertips sparked like the sparklers parents give their children for their first fireworks. Exciting to watch, but ultimately harmless.

“Well…” Rayna walked over and leaned in to get a closer look at my hand. She squinted as she examined the pathetic display. “I really hope you’re a quick study, because this isn’t giving us much to work with. Maybe we should take a step back. You said Likosa did something?”

“Yes. To be precise, she flicked me in the forehead and knocked me into that weird water. Once I was inside, I heard a voice in my head telling me what to do, but it spoke in riddle.”

“What did it say?” she asked.

“It said my power reaches to the sun and channels its energy. I’m supposed to look inside myself and find the light.” I paused, recalling the message. “Oh, and something about four beats of my heart and keeping my mind quiet.”

“The quiet mind thing makes sense. You need to have a clear head, especially in the beginning.” Rayna caught sight of something in the distance. “Trust me, I had a few accidents. Some caused me pain; one put me in a very embarrassing situation. You don’t want that.”

“How does it work for you?” I asked her. “What do you do to make your power work? Maybe I can use the same principles.”

“I channel the energy, pull it through my body, and target it. It must be the same for you, except where my powers affect space, yours affect light.”

“Channel the light?” I looked around us; the sky above was illuminated by the sun, but it was fading.

“The message said the energy of the sun? So, you pull from light around you.”

“What if it’s night?” I pointed out. “I’m dealing with vampires. Very few of my problems will happen during the day.”

“Reach further; it’s not night everywhere. And I think it is bigger than that. Think cosmic. The sun, the moon, the stars. Any source of light, even the light that isn’t literal. There is a light inside of others, though I think that might lead you down a darker path, so let's not do that.”

“Right. Okay, I have to think bigger.”

“Focus on channeling the energy first.” Rayna reeled me in. “Feel the energy around you and pull it to you.”

“Feel the energy?”

“I visualize it like light sonic waves I can touch. Picture water crashing along the surface of the ocean. Pull those waves to you.”

“Okay.” I nodded. “I can do this.”

I closed my eyes and focused on clearing my mind. Years of meditation had helped me with that. I pictured myself standing on the beach, slowly walking into the ocean. There were few waves to begin with, but the more focused I became, the stronger they grew. I reached out and grabbed the ridge of a wave and pulled it to me. When it crashed against my chest, I felt the charge of energy flow through my physical self. I did it again, and then I opened my eyes. Just as I did, a bolt of light shot out of my hand.

It darted across the grass but didn’t quite reach my target.

“Well damn, you are a quick study.” Rayna clapped.

“You’re a good teacher. I can’t believe I did that.”

“Okay, now that you have it, the next time, try to actually hit the target. Before you release the energy, picture it bursting out of you like a bullet or a missile.”

“I’m a weapon.” My chest tightened with panic as the words slipped through my lips. What if that was what Reddick really wanted? I shook the thought from my mind; Reddick didn’t know enough about me to think I could be his weapon. “I can do this.”

I did what she said, repeating the visualization but adding the missile launch to the end. I pushed the energy out of me with everything I had, and that time, it landed. It hit the stump, but it didn’t do a damn thing except spark at the edge and fizzle out.

“How is it possible? I damn near set my friend’s house on fire last time,” I complained. “That’s not going to do much against vampires.”

“No, but it’s a start. Now, the fun part begins. This is when you do it over and over again until you feel more confident—or until we run out of time and I have to drop you back off in the middle of a vamp battle.”

“Bootcamp?”

“Pretty much.” She patted my shoulder. “Cheer up. At least you’re still likely to survive.”

In what felt like the blink of an eye, the hours disappeared. And in that short time, my abilities surprised both of us. While I focused time and time again to channel my energy, Rayna left me alone in the strange world and came back with a lawn chair, umbrella, and snacks. She cheered me on, and I took her encouragement and kept pushing. Hours later, I wasn’t a professional magic wielder, but I was damn confident I could hold my own. Only once had I somehow pushed the energy backward and knocked myself to the ground.

“Listen, whatever happens, you are not to tell Metice about this.” Rayna folded up her chair.

“Why?” I wiped the sweat from my forehead.

“Let’s just say my intro training took a lot longer and was far more embarrassing.” She sucked her teeth. “The man still pokes at me about it.”

“It will be our little secret.” I mimed zipping my lip.

“I hate to say it, but we’re pretty much out of time here. I have to take you back now,” Rayna said. “You ready?”

The nerves bubbled in my stomach as I considered her question. “Do you think I can handle myself with the vampires?”

“Yes, I think so. You won’t be alone, and if you stay calm, you can take a vampire or two, no problem.”

“Good. Then, yeah. I’m ready to go.”

Rayna held her hand out to me and then pulled back. “Wait, why did you ask that?”

“Domino made me promise I wouldn’t join them unless you said I could handle it.”

“Oh, so if you die, it's on me?” She crossed her arms. “I’m not sure if I like that.”

“Yeah, pretty much.” I shrugged. “Good thing the vampire can’t chase you to new universes.”

Her lips turned up toward the strange sky. “Does this make us even about the job loss thing?”

“Um…” I thought about it. “No, I don’t think it does.”

“You’re a tough one.” Rayna held her hand out to me. “Keri would like you.”

When we popped back into Jackie’s guest house, it was quiet. I expected my friends to be there, waiting to curse my ass out for vanishing without a word, but they weren’t. I headed outside, and Rayna followed me. Were there any hunters to greet us? No. If they were still there, protecting the property, they didn’t make themselves known.

“Damnit. I’m too late.” I stomped my foot. “How could they just up and leave me like that?”

“Well, you were kind of on another planet for several hours,” Rayna justified. “Were they supposed to wait around and risk losing your sister?”

“I know you’re speaking logically right now, but I would prefer it if you kept it to yourself.”

Rayna chuckled and held her hands up in defense. “Do you know where they are? Maybe I can take you there.”

“I… There was a map.” I pictured Domino’s drawing. “It’s a private airport, but it’s next to a place called the Blight Woods.”

“Oh, I know that place!” Rayna pointed to the sky. “I was there recently.”

“Do I want to know why?”

“No, actually, I don’t think you do.”

“Great, I won’t ask.”

“Well, let’s go. Don’t want to miss all the action!”

“You really enjoy this, don’t you?”

“It took some time, but yes. I sure as hell wouldn’t go back to my life of swiping through men on dating apps and watching bad TV!” Rayna held her hand out to me.

Just as I was about to accept her offered hand so she could pull me through time and space again, the menace roared. I looked over just in time to see Maverick leaping through the air. He landed in my arms, and I stumbled back.

“Maverick, you have got to stop doing that.” I struggled. “You’re too big!”

“Oh, he is handsome!” Rayna squealed. “I wanted a cat, but my mom had allergies. Then, I didn’t want to be the crazy cat lady, so I never got one.”

“Don’t encourage him.” I tried to put the cat down, but he clung to me. “Come on, Maverick. I have to go!”

“Looks like he’s coming with us.” Rayna wiggled her nose at him.

“Is that smart?” I frowned. “I’m supposed to avoid being a liability, remember? If I’m running after my cat, that could be a problem.”

Maverick purred, and his form shifted slightly before returning to normal. His nose elongated, and his whiskers tickled my neck.

“I’m guessing that’s not a normal cat?” Rayna pointed and stepped back. “What the hell was that?”

“No, actually. I recently found out he’s a demon—and not just figuratively.” I looked at her.

“Oh, yeah, he’s coming with us,” she said. “You have a demon pet. Trust me, you’re going to want him there. Is he bonded to you?”

“According to Jackie, yes.”

“Damn, I wish I could stick around to watch all this pay off, but Metice is waiting for me.”

Rayna slapped her hand on my shoulder, and we were off.

Moments later, we stood at the edge of the tree line to the east of the landing strip. I watched as a small plane rolled to a stop. For a moment, it was silent. The engine of the plane whirred, and Rayna and I stood in the shadows, waiting for something to happen.

BOOM!

The right wing of the plane blew up! Fragments of the wing came hurling at us, and we dodged a flaming piece just in time. When I looked back up, I could see them. Vampires. They ran out of the terminal to check on the explosion, and just as they did, Domino and his men came jumping over the stone wall opposite where we stood.

“Well, boo, this is when I bounce.” Rayna suddenly looked like she was happy to be missing out on all the fun. “Good luck!”

“I—”

Rayna disappeared. Maverick roared. And the other wing of the plane blew up!