Catnapped – 8

Sorry it’s a little short but it was a good stopping point. I’ll post an extra edition this weekend to make up for it!

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When he didn’t hear from the vampires he should have been suspicious. Instead Jacques foolishly believed Nevio had given up his pursuit. Driving down the highway he sang along to the radio. The hatchback full of his belongings drove sluggishly from the weight but he got everything to fit inside.

A wide grin spread across his face as he passed fields. He rolled back up the window when the scent of cows became overpowering. He enjoyed nature but not all of the smells that came with it.

His tire light came on. “Damn.”

There wasn’t a good place to turn off. Jacques had purchased the hatchback with his own money, his first major purchase. “I just replaced these tires.”

Unfortunately the fields of hay and cows didn’t seem to be hiding a gas station where he could check out the issue or get a new tire if necessary. On the plus side he had car breakdown insurance. If his tire blew he could have someone come repair it. This didn’t set a good beginning to his road adventure.

His phone rang. A side road appeared on the right. Jacques pulled into it and onto the shoulder. He snatched up the phone as it began to ring again.

“Hello,” he said, answering without looking at the screen.

“Hello my sweet.”

Jacques pulled the phone away from his ear to check out the number. He didn’t recognize it. The voice sounded vaguely familiar. “Who is this?”

“I’m hurt that you forgot me already. Refuse one contract and you refuse me for life.”

“Nevio?”

“Of course. Who else would be calling you?”

“Any number of people. You aren’t the only person I know. I have an entire pack that might give me a ring.” Jacques couldn’t claim closeness to the entire pack but he had more than a few friends among the wolves.

“Where are you?” Nevio asked.

“On the road.” No sense telling the vampire he was sitting on the side of the road.

“But you aren’t moving.”

Jacques glanced around but didn’t see anyone. “How do you know that?”

“I know a lot of things, my sweet one.”

“Are you tracking me?”

“Of course. You didn’t think I’d let you leave town did you.”

Fear crawled across Jacques skin. “Um yes?”

“Silly boy. You’re not going anywhere.” Nevio’s dark purring voice sent chills down Jacques spine.

“I’m going to school. Remember that was why I didn’t want to sign a contract?” Jacques rallied. He refused to show fear. A vampire wouldn’t respect anyone he could cow into submission and he had a feeling he needed this vampire to respect him more than anything if he expected to get out of this situation.

“I’m afraid I can’t allow that.”

Jacques swallowed the lump in his throat. “What are you going to do?”

“Well, first I’m going to have one of my men put a nail in your tire.” The voice no longer came from the phone.

Almost afraid to look, Jacques pulled his ear away from the receiver and turned his head to the left. Nevio stood right outside the window. “I don’t suppose this is one of those situations where I have to invite you in?”

Nevio smiled. His fangs prominently displayed. “Didn’t you know? That’s just an old wives’ tale. Vampires can go wherever they want.”

“Oh, goody,” Jacques said in a faint tone. He cleared his throat. “I’m going to school.”

“Of course you are,” Nevio agreed.

Jacques didn’t trust him.

“But there might be a delay.”

Before he could ask any questions. His world went dark.