Red Moon Special: Kaylee And Max

Chapter One

All kinds of paranormals moved to the music around her. That’s what made the Red Moon Bar unique. Five years ago, she would have freaked. Now she had no problem telling the cats, vampires, wolves, and other beings apart.

Sucking in a breath, Kaylee saw him: tall, muscular, brown hair, green eyes, and pale skin. Max! She worked so hard over the years to not miss him, although he still stars in her dreams. She wished she could stop loving him so. He would never forgive her for what she has to do. How do you explain to the man you love that you need to kill his brother? Not very romantic.

In the middle of the room appeared three very formidable vampires. Kaylee had been waiting for this. So that’s what Eric looks like. The other two had to be his personal guards. After five years, she finally gets to meet him. The music stopped as everyone backed away. They weren’t stupid.

Max’s eyes glowed. “You’re not welcome here, Eric!”

“Not a nice way to greet your brother, Max.”

“Leave now!”

Eric laughed. “Oh, I will as soon as you tell me where you’re hiding her.”

“What? Who?”

“Come now, Max, I know you’re hiding her!”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“Kaylee.” Eric watched Max's reaction, enjoying poking his brothers temper.

“Kaylee?” A stunned Max replied

“My minion says she is going to be here tonight.”

“What? I haven’t seen Kaylee in five years!” Max countered as he walked out from behind the bar.

“You should keep better track of your fiancée. Come now, you knew that if I found out, I would kill her. Really, Max, loving a human?”

Max went for Eric. The bouncers and Eric’s guards stopped him.

“What did you do?” growled Max as his eyes started glowing.

Eric laughed. “I will say this, she is a fighter. I’ve been hunting her all these years. She surprised me, Max, killing us isn’t easy. If she wasn’t human, I might go for her myself. Last time, I decided to change it up on her. Sent a werewolf after her. Found him chained to a tree with silver-coated chains. He gave me a message that if I wasn’t a coward, I would meet her here. I admit a human calling me a coward intrigued me. So here I am as requested.”

“Well, you’re out of luck because Kaylee isn’t here,” raged Max, barely keeping his temper under control.

“You’re wrong, Max.” Kaylee was sure a human had never surprised these two vampires before.

All eyes turned to the table at the back wall where Kaylee was calmly watching the vampires.

“Kaylee,” Max whispered. He couldn’t believe what was happening. His Kaylee here! Only she wasn’t his Kaylee. His Kaylee had long blond hair and was shy. This woman had short spiked red hair and a confidence that poured off her. Even if he couldn’t get his mind around it, his senses screamed it was her. Max watched as she walked to Eric.

“I finally get to meet you in person, Eric. Somehow I thought you’d be scarier, oh well. Eric, I challenge you to a vampire duel to the death!”

“What?” Max yelled as he tried to get past Eric’s guards.

Eric was shocked this little human woman was challenging him. He had no choice—not with so many watching. He couldn’t show weakness. “All right, human, I accept. Here, Saturday, midnight. Till then, a truce.”

“A truce, huh? All right, how about I buy you a drink to toast our duel?” Kaylee studied Eric as they waited.

Kaylee lifted her glass and toasted. “To death!” she cried and then took a sipped.

“To death!” Eric repeated.

Putting her drink down, Kaylee nodded at Eric, then Max. She heard Max say her name as she slipped out the door. Eric put his drink down as he watched Max try to get at him.

“Saturday, Max!” He gloated as he and his guards disappeared.

Max ran for the door. He could sense her now. As Max ran down the sidewalk following Kaylee, a betting pool was starting in the bar: human versus vampire.



Chapter Two

Kaylee headed straight for the closest Catholic church. Knowing where all the Catholic churches were was an old habit.
Sitting on a pew, she listened to the quiet and said a prayer for a week of peace. She wasn’t stupid; she knew she had little chance of surviving, but sometimes she got tired of running. She must have fallen asleep because next thing she knew, a priest was shaking her awake.

“Hi, I’m Father Mason. Sorry to wake you, but you are going to be in a lot of pain if you keep sleeping like that. I have coffee and would love to hear how you ended up sleeping in a pew.”

“I’m Kaylee, Father. I would like to sleep here till Saturday if it’s okay?”

“I can find you a bed.” Father Mason offered as he handed her the coffee.

“No, I need to be in the church. A pew is fine.” Stretching the kinks out of her back.

Father Mason sat next to Kaylee. “Sure Please forgive me, but you look haunted by something.”

Laughing, Kaylee said, “Not something, someone—two of them actually.”

“Interesting. I like a good story.”

Sighing Kaylee sipped her coffee. “Have you ever loved someone you can’t have?”

“No, sorry.”

“I love a man, Father, but his family has been chasing me off for five years. I came back because I’m tired of running. I want to deal with his family.”

“What about your young man?” He asked her before sipping his coffee.

“Would you forgive the person you love for walking away?”

“I’m sorry. If I can help, let me know. Feel free to stay.” Father offered as he stood to leave.

“Thank you, Father Mason.” Kaylee yawned, watching as he turned out the lights.

Kaylee sat through Sunday Masses and spent some time helping Father Mason. Monday, she headed for the library. Each town had different information that could help her with Eric.

“Father Mason, tonight I am going to the Red Moon Bar. Please don’t worry if I get back late!” Kaylee told him as she passed him a drink, during Tuesday dinner.

“You cannot go there!” Father Mason yelped as he dropped his drink.

Kaylee rush to grab paper towels. “What? Why not, Father?”

“That place is dangerous, too dangerous for a nice girl like you."

“Father, are you saying you know about paranormal beings?” Kaylee asked as she watched, shocked as he poured another drink.

“Yes.” Father Mason whispered, never before telling anyone his secret.

“Oh, Father, this is wonderful! Now I can tell you. Max, the man I told you about, is actually a vampire and a bartender at the Red Moon Bar.”

“Oh! So it’s vampires that you have been running from?” Sighing in relief, that she knew what she was getting into.

“Yes! Father, how do you know about paranormal beings?”

“Well, when I was around ten, a man stood behind my mother and I in a grocery store. When I looked at him, I could feel two souls, but one felt like an animal. I could tell he was a good person. It was very scary the first few times this happened. I started studying souls and other beings. I believe God gave me a gift. So now I am a priest, and I try to use my gift to help others.”





















Chapter Three

Tuesday’s cool night air sent chills up Kaylee’s back as she tried to get the courage to go in the Red Moon Bar. She couldn’t decide which was more dangerous: to stay out at night or to take the chance of seeing Max. Noise and music hit her ears as soon as she walked in the door. Not expecting to be grabbed, Kaylee turned and kicked her assailant, watching, stunned, as Max went flying.

“Oh damn! Max, are you okay?” she asked as she pulled him back to his feet.

“I’m so sorry. This is not how I pictured seeing you again.” Kaylee sighed.

“No? How did you see it going?” Max asked as he held onto her hand.

“I was going to beg you to listen to what I have to say. I have no right to ask, I know.” Kaylee shivered as his thumb slid over her knuckles.

“Well, I have a few things I want to say to you too.”

Flabbergasted Kaylee gasped “Really?”

“Yes. Let’s get a seat at the back.” tugging on her hand, Max pulled her through the crowd.

As soon as they sat, Max asked, “Are you nuts?”

“What?” Kaylee was confused. He just said they could talk. Now he thinks she’s nuts.

“You do not challenge a master vampire to a duel unless you have a death wish!”

“Oh, that.” Pulling her hand from his, before he has a chance to notice it wasn't nerves that where sending tremors through her.

“You have to stop this. You can’t win. He will kill you!” Max was standing and yelling now.

“Max, I am not afraid of death. Life is what scares me.” Kaylee sipped her drink as Max slipped back into his seat.

“You are throwing your life away! I won’t let you!” Max was yelling again.

“Max, please stop yelling. Look, you don’t have the right to tell me what to do!” Kaylee snapped.
Calming, she finished her drink. “I was hoping to explain. I shouldn’t have come. I’m sorry I bothered you. Bye!”

Max had her pinned to the wall before she could take a step. Stared into glowing eyes. Kaylee knew she could get away, but that would mean hurting him. She would never do that. Max was trying to calm down. He couldn’t let her leave. Both halves of his being were yelling that marking her will declare her his. Max was leaning in toward her neck when he heard his name.

Kaylee was afraid she wasn’t getting through to him. “Max, please.” Max let her go as his eyes changed back.

“Let’s sit back down and talk, or we could go to my place.”

“Maybe we should do this later Max!”

“No! Now, sit. Tell me what you came to say.” Running a hand through his hair agitated.

Kaylee took a deep breath and sat. “I had just come home from work. I was going to eat, nap, and shower, then come meet you. Someone slammed me to the floor. When I saw his fangs, I knew he was a vampire. He had no problem taunting me. I was only a human after all. Your brother sent him to kill me. No way was he going to let a mere human into the family. His idea was you would fall in love with a vampire after a human hurt you, and I wouldn’t be around to taint the family line. While he was distracted, I got to the stakes—stakes I bought as a gag gift for your birthday. I kept them close all this time. They kept me alive, and I was hoping someday to give them to you. I took the train as far as I could, moved from town to town waitressing or doing any job I could get. Sometimes I slept at churches or homeless shelters. They always found me. I would get away, but I had to kill to do it. I have always hoped they were your brother’s minions and not your family. You would be surprised how much I know about vampires and other paranormal beings. The only way to get them to stop hunting me was to come after your brother. The only way to get him to play by the rules was to make sure he had to save face in front of other paranormals. A vampire duel is my only chance of ending this.”

“You could have come to me! I could have protected you Kaylee!”

“Then he would have killed you too. He has the backing of your family. I couldn’t ask you to die for me or give up your family. I’m sorry.” Kaylee finished her drink as she waited for his reaction.

“You can’t do this!” Slamming his hand on the table.

“I am sorry, Max, but I can’t keep running. I don’t want to kill your brother, Max, but I don’t have a choice—one of us has to win. Thank you for letting me explain. I’m going to head back to the church. Father Mason was worried when I told him I was coming to talk to you.”

“Stay at my place.” Max ordered.

“No!”

“I can protect you.” Trying to get her to admit she needs his protection.

“You want to talk me out of the duel.” Kaylee huffed

“I want to keep you alive!” Max snapped beyond frustrated with this new independent Kaylee.

“I know.” Kaylee sighed. “I’m not sure why you would want to after what I did. I’ll be okay at the church.”

“I don’t remember you being this stubborn.”

“I wasn’t!” Kaylee stormed out the door, mumbling under her breath. “Men, always so damn bossy!”



“Says the stubborn woman,” Max said as he caught up to her.

They walked to the church in silence, each frustrated and confused. Max was getting more and more angry. The more he thought about her not letting him protect her, the angrier he grew. How dare she think he can’t protect her.

A growl startled Kaylee. She gulped when she saw Max’s eyes start to glow again. Max grabbed her arm.
“Max let go of me!” Kaylee yelled, trying to pull her arm away.

“You are not to leave the church unless I’m with you. Do not come out at night. You could have been killed tonight! Whether you like it or not, I am going to protect you, and you are going to do what I say! I’ll be here tomorrow to get you. You’ll be going to work with me!”

Kaylee ran up the steps and shoved open the door, knocking Father Mason on his butt.

“Father Mason, please forgive me!” Kaylee couldn’t' believe she had knocked both Max and Father Mason on their butt in the same day. Her luck is always bad.

Father Mason grabbed her hand and got up. “I’m guessing that things didn’t go well.”

“He thinks he can tell me what to do! I can take care of myself! I’m not to go anywhere unless he’s with me. I am to spend my nights at his work, so he can watch me like a wayward child. Who does he think he is?” Kaylee ranted as she paced.

“Kaylee, calm down. It’s very late. Get some sleep. I'm sure you'll feel better in the morning. ”

“You’re probably right. Good night, Father Mason,” Kaylee said as she curled up in a pew for bed.

“Night.”





Chapter Four


Kaylee stared at Max as she walked down the church steps the next night. She had seriously thought about staying at the church, but this was her only chance to be near Max. It wasn’t hard to decide; she could put up with his bossiness. Soon she was sitting at the bar watching Max work.

The bar filled quickly. Kaylee was tapping her foot and singing to a song when three young men walked up to her. One cleared his throat. Kaylee rolled her eyes and turned to see what they wanted. “Yes?”

“Can we have your autograph?” They asked as they held out napkins.

Suspicous Kaylee asked “What?”

“You’re famous—the first human to challenge a vampire to a duel to the death.”

“Hmm! Whose idea was it to ask?” Intrigued, even though she thought they where up to something.

“Mine.” The blond Wizard answered.

Hearing Max growl, Kaylee sighed. She couldn’t let Max hurt them.

“Okay, hold out the napkins.” Kaylee waved her hand over the napkins.

“Well, well. You two foxes want a sex slave, and you, Mr. Wizard, just want a slave.”

Max started growling. The young men started shifting on their feet. Kaylee had a hard time not laughing. They looked like kids who got caught with their hand in the cookie jar.

“It’s not Max you need to worry about. I don’t know if I should be insulted or flattered. Okay, Mr. Wizard, what is the first rule of magic?”

“Don’t use it unless you are willing to deal with the consequences.” eyeing her like she was a snake about to strike.

“Good, now decide if you three are brave enough to deal with the consequences of this trick.”

They looked around at the paranormals sitting at the bar, watching. The wizard stepped forward and said, “I am.”

“We are too.” The foxes said as they moved next to him. Kaylee smiled and waved her hand. They all jumped and yelped as the napkins burned in their hands.

“Max, could you give these three some ice, please? Well, before you guys take off, are you going to tell me what you are called?”

“Darin.”

“Sy.”

“Vic.”

“Nice to meet you. Why don’t you let me buy you all a drink to show no hard feelings?”

“Why would you do that, after what we just did?” the wizard asked. Not able to hold back his curiosity.

Laughing at their bewildered expressions. “Well, we’re friends now right? So sit tell me how a wizard and two foxes became trouble making friends.”

Down the bar, a high wizard watched the whole exchange. He was intrigued by this human. To figure out, they tried to trick her, and then settled it all by becoming their friend. He was going to speak to the paranormal council about her. No one noticed him leave.

“How did you know how to do that?” Max asked her as they walked to the church.

“I have an assortment of friends—everything from priests to magicians. Learned what I could when I had a chance. Spent my time fighting vampires, working, learning from friends, and studying at libraries. You wouldn’t believe what I know now compared to five years ago. Sometimes I wish I could go back to being naive. If you don’t believe anything, Max, please believe this. I’m sorry I left, and I missed you! I’m sorry about what I have to do Saturday too.” Turning before she lost it, she ran into the church.

Sitting at the bar, Kaylee watched Max serve drinks. A few brave men had asked her to dance, but Max would growl, and they would scurry away. The only people she got to talk to besides Max, where Darin, Sy, and Vic. She had put her foot down about him telling her who she could be friends with. It's now Friday, and he's been like this all week.

“Max, maybe I should go back to the church. I should get some sleep.”

“I’ll take you later. Dance with me.” Max commanded in a husky voice.

“What-t?” she stuttered. Sure her ears were playing tricks on her.

“This may be our last chance.” He said as he pulled her into his arms. "Lay your head on my chest and relax Kaylee" He whispered in her ear. Sending chills down her body.

"Max"

"Yes"



"Will you come to the duel?" She rushed out in one breathe. Needing him there, but hoping it doesn't destroy what little relationship they had.

"Yes Kaylee I will be there."

"Thank you." she whispered in relief.

Till closing, Max and Kaylee swayed to the music. When some brave soul got too close, Max would growl and pull Kaylee closer.



Chapter Five

Saturday night, paranormals started packing into the bar early. They knew this day was going to make history. Bets were flying. The wizards had made an arena. Max’s parents and brother arrived right before Kaylee and Father Mason.

Kaylee knew the paranormals were there to watch her die. She sat Father Mason and went to the wizards kneeling, showing her knowledge of the old ways.

“I know you don’t usually get involved, but I would be honored if one of you would be the referee and judge.”

“Child, I have a feeling you are going to surprise us all. How did you know the old ways of showing respect? Not many remember anymore,” asked the eldest wizard.

“All of us learn as we grow,” explained Kaylee.

Laughing, the eldest wizard said, “Go fight, child. I will referee.”

“Let’s start. Eric, what weapon do you choose?” The wizard asked; whilst stepping between Kaylee and Eric to start the duel.

His eyes glowed. “Powers.”

Max gasped as he watched. This wasn’t fair. Kaylee had no powers. Why was she doing this? Max couldn’t interfere; the wizards had made sure. As Max watched, the wizard stated the rules.

“The duel may begin!” said the wizard as he took his seat.

Eric sneered. “This won’t take long.”

Kaylee watched as Eric collected energy into a ball and threw it. Her last thoughts were This is going to hurt like a son of a gun as she got hit. She stumbled but stood her ground. Eric kept throwing energy balls. He was yelling and getting angrier and angrier as Kaylee stood her ground.

“Fight!” He yelled.

“What’s wrong? Hurt your ego that you can’t knock me off my butt?” Kaylee taunted.

Eric snarled as his whole body glowed, and he shot all his energy at her. Kaylee had been waiting for this. She went flying into the wall.

Eric laughed. Turning to the crowd, he yelled, “No mere human can beat me!”

Kaylee heard screams and gasps as she got to her feet.

Eric snarled. “How? You should be dead!”

Kaylee smiled. She knew he had used all his energy. As she walked toward him, she explained. “There is one thing I have learned: you have a weakness.”

“I have no weaknesses!” Eric snarled.

Kaylee laughed. “You got it in spades! You’re a condescending bastard. You think you’re better than all other beings, not just humans.”

“It doesn’t matter. You can’t win. My powers will build back up. You will die!”

Kaylee laughed again. “Still doubting I can kill you. This is your last chance to walk away, Eric. I can show mercy.”

“Never!” Far passed enraged that this human was laughing at him.

“I gave you a chance.”

The crowd gasped as Kaylee started to glow.

“What are you?” For the fist time in his life Eric felt fear. It wasn't a feeling he liked.

“I’m just a mere human. While your minions tried to kill me over the years, I learned a few things.” Kaylee got brighter as she walked toward him.

“I absorbed your energy. Here, let me give it back.” Before he could react, she hugged him and let the energy go. The crowd screamed as they were blinded.

Max covered his eyes. When he looked back, Kaylee was staring at a pile of ash. She won! He watched as the wizard pronounced her the winner, and Father Mason walked her out the door. He tried to get to them, but the crowd got in the way.

Back at the church, Father Mason held Kaylee as she cried.

“Kaylee, let’s get you food. Then you need to sleep.”

“I’m sorry, Father.”

“What for?” He asked while handing her a tissue to wipe her face.

“He was a monster, but killing even him makes me feel sick Father.”

“That’s because you’re a good person. I absolve you of this sin. Remember, I was there. You gave him a chance to walk away. He didn’t.”

“Thank you Father Mason for still being my friend.”

“I will always be your friend Kaylee now I recommend food and sleep.”

“Can we add Tylenol to that list please?” grimacing as she stood up.




Chapter Six

Kaylee was exhausted, but she sat through Sunday Mass. Father Mason gave a beautiful sermon. Father Mason stood at the door of the church, waving to the last of his congregation. He almost fainted when the wizards from the duel just popped out of thin air in front of him.

“Father. Sorry to startle you. We need to talk to the child.”

“Child?”

“Kaylee.”

“Oh! Only if you swear you will not harm her.” Although Father Mason could tell they were good men, Kaylee was a friend. With everything she has been through he didn't like letting anyone from the paranormal society near her.

“We will not hurt the child.” Somehow sensing Father Mason's hesitation.

“She’s in the church, please follow me.”

“Kaylee, you have visitors. If you need me, I’ll be in the office.”

“Kaylee, please sit,” the wizard suggested as he sat. “We are here to offer you a job.”

“I'm sorry did you say a job sir?”

“The paranormal community needs a peacemaker. Last night you earned the respect of all paranormals. We still haven't figured out what you did, or how. Using someone from the paranormal society would be disastrous. You’re the first human that we feel is worthy.”

“What exactly would I do sir?”

“You solve problems big and small, throughout the paranormal society.”

“Does that include vampires?” grimacing as she shifted in the pew. Still hurting from the duel. Tylenol just wasn't cutting it.

“All paranormals will need you at some point in time Kaylee. We will provide a house, a car, private jet for traveling, and pay.”

“Wow!” Holding her sides as she laughs.

“I am assuming you aren't laughing at us, so what is so funny?”

“I'm sorry its just going from prey to peacemaker hit me funny. I’ll do it, but I pick the house, the car, and decide when and where I travel. Also I decide how these problems are solved. No one gets to tell me how to do my job.”

“We can do that. Welcome to the paranormal world peacemaker.” Kaylee sucked in a breathe as her pain and exhaustion vanished with the wizards.

So much can change in a week. Her life went from a horror movie to a sci-fi movie. Kaylee laughed remembering the wizards shock when she picked an old farm outside of town. It would help keep her work private, plus it was a cozy old house. Last night, the wizards took her to meet her pilot and see her private jet. At any time she can go anywhere in the world, just by making a phone call.



Chapter Seven

Again she was standing in the cold Tuesday night air, wondering if she will be welcome in The Red Moon Bar. The Bar was packed, but the noise quieted and everyone spread out like the red sea, allowing her to sit at the bar. Max knew Kaylee didn't have a clue how important she was to them now, so he lifted a glass and toasted to the peacemaker. It took about a hour, of shaking hands, for her to figure out they all came to show her respect, as well as welcome her to their paranormal family.

Max watched Kaylee yawn as he gave her a drink. “Kaylee, let me take you home. I know you don’t have a car.”

“I’m working on it. I did get a jet. Not much good in town though.” Max laughed.

The porch light came on as they walked to the door.

“Thank you for the ride Max.”

“Not a problem. I'll see you later Kaylee.”

As he turned to leave, she said, “I’m sorry, Max.”

Looking into her eyes, he could tell Eric had left a mark on her soul. “He tried to kill you. I was worried about you, not him.”

“He was your brother!” Tears gathering in her eyes.

“Not since I found out he hunted you. Will you go to dinner with me tomorrow? We could talk.”

Kaylee swallowed. “Yes, tomorrow night sounds wonderful.”

“Okay, I'll see you tomorrow. Sweet dreams.”

The next Friday, Kaylee and Max were enjoying coffee and the stars on her front porch. Kaylee leaned over Max and whispered in his ear. “Max, will you stay?”

“You know what will happen if I stay. I need to leave.”

“Stay, please, Max!” Kaylee begged.

Max kissed, nibbled, and licked her mouth as he picked her up and carried her to the bed. She moaned, frustrated. Max was slowly removing her clothes one button at a time. Each button was followed by a soft whisper of a kiss to her lips.

“Max, please!” she pleaded.

“I’ve been dreaming of this. I won’t rush. I want to make love to you, worship you.” He whispers against her lips.

“Could you worship faster?” she moaned.

He just laughed and started kissing her eyes and her cheeks. He nibbled an ear and licked her neck. He worshipped her chest till she lost track of everything but the sensations running through her body as he moved down between her legs.

“Are you ready?”

“Max!” she groaned. Pulling him closer with her legs.

He explored her mouth with his tongue when he entered her. Gasping, she tried to move her hips to meet his, but Max pinned her to the bed, slowly making love to her. All she was able to do was moan, and enjoy him. Lost in his eyes as they started glowing she knew what he needed.

“Do it, Max!”

“No!”

“I love you, Max, please!” she whimpered.

“You taste so good.” licking from her shouldar to her ear.

His fangs slipped into her neck. Overwhelmed, Kaylee screamed as electric shocks cascaded from her neck. Max moaned into her neck as the last of his control snapped. Still joined they fell asleep. When they woke up, they were still wrapped around each other. Blissfully they spent all day in each others arms. Six months later Father Mason intertwined their destinies in a beautiful ceremony at the Red Moon Bar. The wizard had insisted on being the wedding planners. Friends packed rows of white chairs. Flower petals floated to the floor as Kaylee walked down the aisle. When Max and Kaylee kissed, they weren't the only ones seeing fireworks. After hours of dancing, Kaylee and Max went home, to start their happily ever after in each others arms.