Deadly Secrets: Forever and a Night, #3

A Zombie Cupcake Book

Zombie Cupcake Press, 83 Ducie Street, Manchester, M1 2JQ www.zombiecupcakepress.com

Published by Zombie Cupcake Press 2017

DEADLY SECRETS

© Copyright Lana Campbell 2017

All rights reserved.

The moral right of the author has been asserted.

This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events and organisations are purely coincidental.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, nor translated into a machine language, without the written permission of the publisher.

Condition of sale

This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, re-sold, hired out or otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.

Cover design © Copyright Zombie Cupcake Press 2017

Cover design by Lindsey Jayne

Editing by Emily Cargile

Proofread by Angie Wade

Dedication

To my daughters: Lauren Campbell, Arielle Campbell, and Jessica Chandler for inspiring me.

Chapter 1

Dr. Chelsie Peebles glanced about the conference room at the expectant faces of those whom she’d asked to be present for a meeting she counted on to save her life. The partners of the New Orleans branch V clinic present tonight were Dr. Asa Bradley, Dr. Noah Langston, and her brother-in-law, Dr. Christian La Mond. She’d also asked her sister, Tiffany, to attend. Tiffany was Christian’s life mate and the V clinic’s IT. Tiffany wouldn’t have a vote in the proposal Chelsie planned to bring to the table tonight, but she did have the power to sway her husband’s vote in Chelsie’s favor.

All right, Chels. It looks like we’re all here, her sister Tiffany announced.

Yes. I want to thank all of you for coming tonight. Everyone, please have a seat.

I’m sure everyone’s as curious as I am about why you called this meeting, Tiffany said as she took a seat beside Christian, her gaze glued to Chelsie with curiosity.

I know I am, Asa added.

Asa was such a good person. Maybe he wouldn’t be too hard on her tonight. Chelsie offered him a friendly smile, relieved to see him return one in kind. The gesture calmed her nerves a smidgen, but Chelsie wouldn’t be breathing easy until at least two of these three vampires agreed to give her what she so desperately needed—a majority vote.

With a shaky hand, Chelsie pushed on the bridge of her thick glasses, a nervous tick she’d had since grade school when she’d gained her first pair. She pulled out a black leather swivel chair and seated herself at the head of a long, rectangular, oak conference table. The others were already seated, gazing at her, obviously waiting for her to get to the matter that brought them together tonight. She was trying. If her teeth would just stop chattering, she’d be stellar.

Chels? Tiffany prompted softly.

Yes. Right. Sorry. After adjusting her glasses again, she folded her hands together on the tabletop then began. Again, I want to thank everyone for taking time out of your busy schedules to meet with me. As I told each of you, the subject of this meeting is a personal matter, which is very important to me for many reasons. I plan to address my reasons in detail, but first I’ll get right to the point for calling this meeting. I want to turn vampire, and I would like you, Tiffany, to be my blood donor, and I would like the V clinic to help me achieve this goal.

She’d never broached this subject with her sister, so the fact her eyes bugged was no surprise. The men produced a varying array of shocked and bewildered expressions. She’d expected the reactions. It wasn’t every day a single, human woman requested help to turn into a vampire.

Tiffany popped to her feet and braced her palms on the tabletop. What the heck, Chels? Have you lost your mind?

Chelsie swallowed a huge lump in her throat. She’d kept a monumental secret from her sister as well as the rest of her family and the partners. She felt bad, but it couldn’t be helped. You know I don’t make snap decisions. This is something I’ve been thinking about for a very long time. I have important reasons for wanting this, and I’m prepared to explain. All I ask is that all of you keep an open mind before you render a decision.

Christian asked, So I assume you’ve asked us here to vote on you using the V clinic resources and one of us to conduct the procedure?

She gave Christian a strained smile. Yes, and I’m more than willing to pay the same fees as any patient.

Christian frowned at her. I think I can speak for everyone here when I say money is the least of our concerns on the matter. Chelsie, few medical procedures in the world are as risky as a turning.

I know that, Christian. As you all know—and especially you, Asa, because you’ve been my mentor—I understand every nuance of change the human body goes through during a turning. I know it’s physically a very violent procedure. I also respect the rules we have here for conducting a turning, and I don’t need any of you to tell me I don’t fit the criteria because I’m not a life mate to a vampire or on the verge of death. I hope you can look past criteria and sympathize with my reasons for wanting to do this.

But, actually, death was very imminent for Chelsie. Terrified didn’t begin to describe how she felt about her life and future. Two months ago, she’d had been diagnosed with a rare, fast-growing, stage-four brain tumor. Her neurologist had given her six to twelve months to live if she did nothing and little hope for remission with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or other forms of treatment. No procedure or treatment would cure her except the one she was here to ask for from her partners.

She’d dealt with the crippling news alone because she’d refused to tell her family until she had some sort of hopeful news to give them. Unfortunately, the news had grown dimmer with every specialist she’d seen. Then one night she’d read an article in a vampire medical journal about a patient with leukemia who’d been cured of the disease once she’d turned vampire. Chelsie knew a turning would work for her too. Now she had hope for a cure. Once she had the procedure scheduled, she could tell her family the truth and buffer the god-awful news with the cure, which of course would not be an issue with any of them. They were all vampires.

The reason turning was now the only option to save her life had to do with vampire blood. When introduced into the human body, vampire blood changed every human cell into a vampire cell. Vampires couldn’t develop cancer—another blessing for their species, who oddly enough had evolved from humans yet suffered none of their diseases.

During the metamorphic turning, each human cell in her body would die. Good cells, bad cells, it didn’t matter. If all went well, she’d be left with a healthy vampire body, which in theory would live six to seven hundred years. Of course, vampires had their own diseases, but none as vicious and deadly as cancer or ALS or Alzheimer’s or the myriad of terminal diseases plaguing the human race.

However, there were risks involved in a turning. In her own case, with a rampant brain tumor, an aneurysm, or stroke could occur—another reason she didn’t want her partners or family to know of her condition. Certainly, a turning was a risky affair, but throughout all her research on advanced stage glioblastomas, the only sure cure she had found was a turning. In a case like hers, the cure far outweighed the risks.

As far as the doctors, she had no choice but to keep this a secret from them. If the partners knew she was dying, they would feel sorry for her, question her ability to do her job, and likely force her into a leave of absence. Practicing OB medicine for vampires was her joy and first love. The brain tumor had taken so much from her already. She refused to let it take her work too.

Asa was the first to speak. If you know our criteria for a turning, why are you asking us to overlook them?

Good point. I feel my reasons are valid. Just so you know, I plan to do this no matter the outcome of the decision here today. If I can’t use this facility, I’ll do it the way it’s been done for centuries—at home with my family by my side. Of course, I’d much prefer to be under medical supervision in an induced coma, so I don’t have to suffer unnecessary risks and the ungodly pain. And I want Christian to be my doctor.

Christian, whose mouth had been agape closed it and said, Darlin’, I don’t even know how to respond. None of us have heard any reasons for this sudden, unexpected request. Explain, please.

Tiffany had regained her seat during the exchange. I’ll say. I’m pissed at you for not sharing this with me beforehand. When did we start keeping secrets from one another, is what I’d like to know. I want to hear some solid reasons too.

Chelsie had expected Tiffany to be angry and hurt. Guilt slithered through her belly, but the emotion was pointless since she’d chosen to bear this burden alone. Had Chelsie given her a heads-up about tonight, Tiffany would have pried the real reason out of her, and Chelsie couldn’t have that.

One of my greatest reasons has to do with my family. I’m the only human left in a family of vampires. Granted, most—like you, T.J. —were turned on the brink of death, with the exception of our born half-siblings. Try, gentlemen, to imagine for a moment growing old while your entire family ages so much more slowly than you. Worst of all, my family will watch me grow old and die. That will kill my mother and devastate the rest of my family members as well.

Noah scowled at her. Obviously, he wasn’t moved by her first reason. While I sympathize with your familial plight, Dr. Peebles, I’m afraid that reason doesn’t justify the use of these facilities to make you vampire. We have dozens of mixed couple patients. The human member of that union will age while their spouse does not do so as rapidly. I don’t particularly agree with inter-species marriages, but they do exist, and the mixed couples—along with their extended families—learn to accept the decision of the human/vampire couple.

Chelsie pursed her lips, frustrated by the man’s unassailable logic. Noah was around two hundred sixty years old and was a stickler for rules. Although he’d never lived any length of time in England, he sported a British accent because he’d been born there during King George III’s reign, and his vampire parents had been born in England as well.

That’s different, Dr. Langston. The human member of those couples made a decision not to turn, and whatever their reasons, they exercised free choice. And I’m exercising my right to turn, to have a longer life and all the benefits inherent to your species.

Nevertheless, Dr. Peebles, you do not qualify as a candidate for a turning. To assist you would be unethical on our part. To turn a human just to afford them a longer life would be an injustice on the part of any vampire willing to conduct the procedure.

Chelsie sighed. It wouldn’t matter what reasons she gave here tonight. Noah would never vote in her favor. She’d known that going into this. Christian would if she could tame Tiffany’s ire and get her to see that her reasons had merit. Her deciding vote would be Asa. She knew he was fond of her. She was far more than fond of him. She had a huge crush on that gorgeous vampire. His beautiful emerald-green eyes sparkled with mirth and goodwill most of the time. At the moment, they were fixed on her with a mixture of pity and confusion, which embarrassed her. Based on what she’d presented thus far, she had to appear foolish and vane to them all.

I appreciate your logic, Dr. Langston, but I don’t intend to grow old while my family stays young. As I said, if necessary I’ll do this without the resources of the V clinic.

Tiffany said, The hell you will. My blood stays in my veins until I hear something a little more substantial than you’re worried about looking like a crone when the rest of us retain our youth. Being a vampire isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Sounds to me like you’re only thinking of the strong suits of our species, like slow aging, superior physical strength, psychic and telekinetic abilities. Well, I will admit those four are kind of nice, but bloodlust sucks. It’s beyond frustrating to want something so bad, it takes you to the brink of insanity. Trust me, transfusions don’t kill that demon completely. Bottom line, this is a life-altering decision that isn’t as wonderful as you think it is, girl.

Before Chelsie could reply, Asa said, I agree. It will be extremely life-altering for you, Chelsie. One of the reasons we rarely turn humans without a life mate is because of the misery of blood lust. As you learned during your internship here, life mates naturally drink from one another, and although it’s driven by sexual desire, it serves another purpose too: to keep a fledgling’s blood lust in check. Without a life mate, you’ll suffer so much more.

I know that, Asa. All of you could spend the rest of the night coming up with facts for why I shouldn’t turn, but I haven’t even finished pointing out the reasons why I should, why becoming vampire is so important to me.

Tiffany said, She’s right, guys. Let her speak. Y’all sound like you’ve already made up your minds, and you haven’t even heard her out. Go ahead, Chels.

She smiled at her sister, appreciative of an ally. Thank you, T.J. The main reason I want to turn involves my practice. I’ve been a legitimate partner now for six months, and I have only a fraction of the patients as the rest of you. I realize you’ve each been in practice decades longer than I have, but in case you haven’t noticed, I’m being discriminated against by a vast majority of V clinic patients because I’m human.

Asa frowned at her. That’s simply not true. Long and short of it—new patients want established doctors.

Asa was one of the most astute, caring men she’d ever met, but in this instance, he was very wrong. Then explain to me why new patients ask to be referred to one of the three of you? I’ve literally had patients come right out and say, ‘I’m sorry, but I don’t feel comfortable with a human for a doctor.’ I’m not talking one or two, but dozens. Every one of you here knows that to be true because you’re each taking on the patients who’ve rejected me.

No one had anything to say to that. Each did have the decency to look chagrined.

Is that true? Tiffany asked Christian.

He hunched a shoulder. There has been some controversy over the issue, but we’re doing all we can to send new patients Chelsie’s way. Noah had that problem in the beginning too. Since Asa and I came up with the fertility drug that revolutionized vampire conception, they all want one of us. That can’t be helped.

The hell it can’t, Tiffany argued. The solution is simple. Quit taking new patients period. If patients want access to your fertility drug, they get Chelsie for a doctor, or they don’t get a V clinic doctor at all.

Chelsie rolled her eyes because Tiffany was not helping her cause.

Chels, don’t you agree they should be referring all new patients your way? Tiffany asked.

Of course I agree in theory, but a patient has the right to choose their physician. No one can force a patient to be under the care of a doctor they feel uncomfortable with. While I appreciate what you’re saying, Tiffany, it’s not the solution. I believe with all my heart that patients will accept me if I’m one of them.

Noah was the first to respond. Dr. Peebles, may I point out to you that you made the decision to practice vampire obstetrics. No one forced you into that decision. If you feel discriminated against by patients, I would suggest you rethink your career path. I’m sorry, Dr. Peebles, but based on the points you’ve raised thus far, I must vote no.

Asa added, I have to agree with Noah. We’d hate to see you go, but if your lack of a patient base is causing you grief, you may have to find a human practice where you can build a thriving career. I hate this for you, I really do, but none of us can change the minds of bigots.

Her hopes for a majority vote collapsed because she really hadn’t expected Asa to side with Noah. She glanced over at Christian, who wore a look of pity, and knew he would side with the others. Christian, you might as well add your two cents.

He sighed heavily. I can’t argue with Noah and Asa’s logic. Your reasons for wanting to turn have merit, but they aren’t reason enough to bypass the V clinic’s criteria for a turning. I’m so sorry, darlin’. I have to vote no too.

She glanced at Tiffany, the only one in the room whose expression bore true compassion.

She counted on that compassion to sway Christian’s thinking at some point down the line. At the moment, however, they’d reached a stalemate. Chelsie was angry with all three of the men and their damned rules. I think all of you are being very selfish and shortsighted. Tonight I may have lost the battle, but you can be assured I will win the war. I hope one of you three comes to your senses and agrees to help me do this in a safe way. If not, I’ll find another. Meeting adjourned. She stood then stalked off toward the conference room door.

As she turned the knob, she heard Tiffany say, I think what she really meant to say, boys, is you’re all being stubborn assholes, and you can suck her dick.

Chelsie smothered a laugh as she closed the door behind her. Tiffany was the epitome of crude, but in this instance, she couldn’t have said it better herself.

***

Well, shit, Asa muttered. He felt terrible he’d refused to vote in Chelsie’s favor, but the rules they had on this subject were in place for a reason. Moral vampires did not turn humans except for the two reasons they’d given her. This restraint was practiced by their species as a whole. It wasn’t just V clinic policy.

Tiffany snorted. I’ll say, Asa. You really disappoint me. You too, Christian. Couldn’t any of you see how important this is to her? You could have at least told her you’d think about it.

Noah huffed. There is nothing to think about, Mrs. La Mond. Your sister simply isn’t a candidate for a turning. We have these rules in place for the welfare of our kind and humankind.

Whatever, Noah. She waved a hand at him in a dismissive fashion. To Christian she said, I’m going to hunt her down and get to the bottom of this because I have a feeling there’s something more driving her to do this.

Like what? Christian asked.

She shook her head. I don’t know, but I intend to find out.

That’s a good idea, darlin’. Believe me, this came as a shock to me and probably all of you. I had no idea she’d been thinking this way.

Yeah, neither did I, Tiffany said as she pushed out of her chair. This may take a while. I’ll see you at home.

Once she was gone, Asa said, She did make a good point about her practice—if you want to call it a practice. She doesn’t even have two dozen patients. I think we should listen to Tiffany and tell all new patients that Dr. Peebles is well qualified and the only one in our New Orleans practice currently seeing new patients.

Asa wanted to help Chelsie any way he could. He liked and admired her a great deal. She was one of the most dedicated doctors he’d ever met, and she was beyond brilliant. He’d go so far to say she bordered on genius. Truth be told, he admired more than Chelsie’s smarts. Asa had a thing for Rubenesque women, and Chelsie was a rare beauty in that category. He’d sure love to see her in something more revealing than a lab coat.

Noah nodded. I totally agree. It will take a load off each of us and hopefully solve one of her problems that has led her to pursue something so drastic.

Asa noticed Christian rubbing his lower lip. What are you thinking, Christian?

That we didn’t get the whole truth out of her. Remember, I’ve known her for thirteen years. Not once in all that time has she expressed a desire to become vampire. Interest and curiosity yes, but I always believed the reason had to do with her desire to practice vampire medicine. I could be wrong. Maybe she envies the few benefits we have over humans more than she’s ever let on.

Noah said, I think that may be exactly the case, which makes our decision the right one. I believe in God as I know each of you do. It pleased Him to create Dr. Peebles as a human, and we have no right to alter her species.

Asa agreed with Noah, but Christian’s response to Noah brought them back full circle.

You’re right, Noah, but if she’s determined to do this, and Tiffany agrees to donate, which I’m sure she will…well I don’t have to tell you the risks she’d face if she were to do it on her own. She’s my sister-in-law. I can’t stand back and watch her do something this dangerous. I’ll be left with no choice but to aid her through this. If the two of you are dead set against allowing her to do it here, I’ll conduct the procedure at my place—the mother’s retreat in the small hospital.

But you can’t conduct pre-testing there, Asa pointed out.

Then the CT and MRI will have to be done here.

Asa shook his head, which still reeled from Chelsie’s shocking revelation. He could sympathize with the points she had made, but he couldn’t believe that the girl he knew to be so level-headed and pragmatic would want to do something so radical. He wanted to see her practice thrive, but the way she wanted to go about achieving that goal seemed anything but level-headed and pragmatic. Asa didn’t know what to think. You really believe she’s determined to do this at any cost, Christian?

I’d have to say yes from what I’ve heard tonight. I do know this about her: When she’s determined to do something, she’ll stop at nothing to get what she wants. I know she never makes rash decisions. If this has been on her mind for a while, I’d say she means to do it. I might be able to talk Tiffany out of donating her blood, but she has an entire family of vampires she can ask to be donors. If one of them agrees, looks like I’ll be her facilitator for the procedure whether I want to be or not.

Noah cleared his throat. It appears we’ve just been blackmailed, gentlemen.

Asa started laughing. The girl was no dummy. She knew they would have no choice but to come to this conclusion if she stood her ground and tried to conduct the procedure without medical supervision. I think you’re right, Noah. I think you’re dead-on right.

Chapter 2

Chelsie had barely lowered herself into her office chair behind her desk when the door flew open. Tiffany strode in, slammed the door shut, then propped both fists on her hips.

"What the hell was all of that about?"

Tiffany’s anger didn’t move Chelsie that much. She was prepared. She’d avoided telling Tiffany she was planning to turn until today because she wanted her to see