The Victorian Vampire And The Red Queen

The Victorian VampireAndThe Red QueenBy Nick JamesCopyright © Nicholas Plumridge 2023 This novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.All rights reserved in all media. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system, copied in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise transmitted without written permission from the author and/or publisher. You must not circulate this book in any format. Any person who does any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.Edited by A Writers PathThank you, Ryan LanzFor permission requests, please contact: [[email protected]]Find out more about the author and upcoming books online at [www.thebooksofnickjames.com] or [@NickJam50890645] for Twitter, Facebook-TheBooksofNickJamesProduced in United Kingdom.Also, by authorThe Misplaced Man- the full StoryThe Victorian VampireWhat Zombie Apocalypse?The Time Travelling TouristThe Time Travelling Tourist-The Poison PenThey stand AmongWhat Fresh Hell Is This?In memory ofTim Seyffert and all others who no longer walk among us. ContentsPrologueChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 5Chapter 6Chapter 7Chapter 8Chapter 9Chapter 10Chapter 11Chapter 12Chapter 13Chapter 14Chapter 15Chapter 16Chapter 17Chapter 18Chapter 19Chapter 20Chapter 21Chapter 22Chapter 23Chapter 24Chapter 25Chapter 26Epilogue PrologueIt has been a full year since the events at the New York coven’s manor, when the insane police captain kidnapped Albert’s girlfriend, Rose, while the rest of the coven kept Anastasia Romanov, his now close friend and fellow vampire, under lock and key.Albert Morris, along with his friends, Tracey Andrews, a feisty redheaded vampire who was changed back in Bristol in 1972, and Jasper Conrad, a tall, black, ex-marine with a love for takeout, mostly when someone else was paying, attacked and wiped out the entire coven of aged vampires, allowing peace to return to their lives again.Anastasia returned to her motherland to find her family’s resting place, while searching Russia for those who were still loyal to the royal family.Tracey ran off to Las Vegas, leaving just a brief note and a pair of panties on Albert’s pillow. In the city of sin, she gambled and drank. The last time her fellow vampire heard from her she was being comped a suite in a plush hotel and was doing well.Albert sold his apartment and purchased the dive bar where he and Anastasia had once hunted for their prey. Jasper was brought in as the bouncer and co-manager. They kept the old waitress, who’s badge now reads ‘Shania’ instead of ‘Waitress’.A few months after her rescue, Rose Saunders came to terms with Albert’s vampire condition. After a surprise meeting on the streets of Manhattan, they became lovers. She moved into the apartment above the bar. Along with Jasper, they turned it into a popular vampire-themed bar where goths and cosplayers could be themselves, never knowing that the man who tended bar had long incisors which were—unlike theirs—real.Albert, Rose, and Jasper worked hard to make the bar a going concern. Even Shania helped after her stay in rehab, which was put through the bar’s books. After a time, the bar became successful, albeit only for a specialized crowd. Chapter 1Albert was lying alone in his bed, the sun’s rays finding the thick black drapes impenetrable. It was fall in the Bronx, though back home in the UK they call it autumn, which means the long sunny days are ending.He groaned and rolled over, pulling Rose’s pillow to him, her scent permeating his nose and senses. Despite everything his girlfriend had told him, and how willing she was to overlook what Albert was, problems were arising.He remembered times back in London, running around the streets in wild abandonment as a child, and how sometimes the sun was strong enough to pierce the smog that all those coal fires created. The curvaceous brunette loved the sun, and that was one thing he literally couldn’t stand. That was why she disappeared during the summer days, as they could only enjoy each other’s company under the roof or in darkness. In the summer, that time was fleeting.But after his girlfriend rolled off him this morning after passionate lovemaking, all of his worries had again sprung to the forefront of his tired and worn mind.Flashback – Eight This Morning“Oh damn, Albie,” Rose moaned as her heart raced and her sweat-covered body collapsed onto his. “You’re going to kill me one day.” With a slight giggle, she slipped from him while pulling the soft white cotton sheet up to cover her flushed body.Albert smiled as she rested her head on his shoulder. His arm snaked around her slick body, and he pulled her in tight. Her right leg draped over his leg. “Just call me Count Loveyoulots,” he said, winking at her.As he gazed happily at the ceiling, Rose stared at the window and drapes that kept the warming sun from touching her skin. She kissed his chest lovingly. “Bertie?”He looked down from his musing and saw her chewing at her bottom lip. “Yes, Rose?”“Um, nothing,” she blurted out, and buried her head deeper against his skin. She had come to terms with his cool body. It even felt nice on the hot summer mornings.He frowned and used his free hand to move her chin up to face him, his finger slightly pressing into her flesh. “What is it? We promised not to keep secrets from one another,” he reminded her. He saw more blood flushing her cheeks. “Please!”Rose took a deep breath. “I know you said you can’t have children,” she started in almost a whisper.“Yes. As I’ve said before, I can enjoy the act, but I cannot produce life,” Albert said slowly. He saw her nodding.“Oh, I know, but I was talking to Sharon the other night,” she recalled happily, remembering the night of wine drinking and secret telling. “She thinks we should get a sperm donor. We could even pick the person together,”