First Guard

  First Guard

  A Black Fan Story

  Laura Greenwood

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Author Note

  Also by Laura Greenwood

  About the Author

  © 2021 Laura Greenwood

  * * *

  All rights reserved. This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise – without prior written permission of the published, except as provided by United States of America copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher at “Attention: Permissions Coordinator,” at the email address; lauragreenwood@authorlauragreenwood.co.uk.

  Visit Laura Greenwood’s website at:

  www.authorlauragreenwood.co.uk

  Cover by Ammonia Book Covers

  First Guard is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  If you find an error, you can report it via my website. Please note that my books are written in British English: https://www.authorlauragreenwood.co.uk/p/report-error.html

  To keep up to date with new releases, sales, and other updates, you can join my mailing list via my website or The Paranormal Council Reader Group on Facebook.

  Blurb

  The last thing Stacia needs is romance making things more complicated.

  After being threatened at her latest movie premiere, she's paired with bodyguard, Jason, in order to keep her safe.

  Sparks soon start to fly as the two vampires get to know one another more. All Stacia has to do is give in...

  -

  First Guard is a Black Fan story and features an m/f bodyguard vampire romance.

  1

  The crowd roars as I step out of the limo and onto the red carpet. I smile as widely as I can, flashing a hint of fang.

  They go crazy.

  I hate it, but everyone loves being reminded that I'm a vampire. For the longest time, we've been cut off from being openly part of the movie industry, but now it's different and for some reason, it's catapulted me towards stardom. It wasn't ever my plan. I just wanted to sing on the stage, but it didn't work out that way.

  "Stacia, Stacia, please sign my magazine!" a woman cries.

  I smile and make my way over to the side of the red carpet. I take a silver pen out of the pocket of my evening gown. Some people probably think it's weird to keep one there, but they've probably never had to sign dozens of autographs.

  "What's your name?" I ask.

  "Diana."

  I scribble on her magazine, one I was on the cover of last month. I hate the way they've photoshopped my fangs to look bigger than they are.

  "Thank you," she says.

  "You're welcome."

  I move on to the next fan.

  Behind me, other actors are doing the same thing, some of them are human and some are vampires, but everyone is excited about all of us. Security guards are dotted around, keeping an eye on things and making sure the general public are standing behind their lines and behaving themselves.

  "Hi," I say to the next man in line.

  He snatches his magazine away before I can sign it.

  "You're an abomination," he hisses. "You shouldn't be on our screens, you should be locked up."

  Hurt lances through me, but I push it aside. This isn't the first time I've heard things like that, and it won't be the last.

  "I hope you enjoy the movie," I say with a smile and start to move away to the next person in line. Hopefully, they don't feel the same way.

  "I hope you get staked," the man shouts after me.

  My smile falters, but I manage to plaster it back on. He's probably harmless, most of the people who act that way are. They just want someone to take out their frustration on.

  I carry on making small talk with the fans until I get to the top of the red carpet.

  A photographer waves me into position. I put my hand on my hip and strike my best pose while the flashes go off and they snap my picture. I'm sure it'll be all over the gossip pages tomorrow, probably with an attempt to work out how much my outfit cost.

  "Stacia Laurensson, will you talk to us for ReVamped magazine?" a reporter asks.

  "Of course." I smile at the woman, who holds a microphone out for me.

  "Who are you wearing tonight?" she asks, gesturing to my dark red gown.

  "Calla Violentte, she's an up and coming designer. The moment I saw her designs, I knew I had to wear one to the premiere." And my management team thought it would be a good idea for me to wear a dress designed by another vampire. They think it helps my brand.

  I'm not sure it's strictly necessary. I'd rather be famous for my work, not because of what I happen to be. There are far more important people who should be celebrated for their vampirism than me.

  But I stopped having a say in it ages ago.

  "Is there anywhere our readers can get her designs?" the reporter asks.

  "She has her own line that's available on her website. All of the fabrics are ethically sourced and picked for their wearability." I run through all of the things I'm supposed to talk about when someone brings up Calla.

  "I'm sure our readers can't wait to find out more. They love vampire labels."

  I force a smile to my face.

  "Are you looking forward to seeing the finished movie?" the reporter asks.

  "Yes, of course. One of my favourite parts of the movie-making process is seeing how everything is cut together and how amazing everyone else acts."

  "Oh, I'm sure. Who were you most excited about working with?"

  "Definitely Damien Parker, he's unbelievably talented."

  "Ah, yes. It's his acting debut, isn't it?"

  I nod. "I think it was the perfect film for him, especially with the number of musical scenes." At least this part isn't something I have to say. I believe every word of it. I've never worked with Damien before, but he was surprisingly easygoing, especially for someone's first time on set. Sometimes, musicians can be the worst when they're not used to being on camera.

  "I'm excited to see," the ReVamped reporter says. From the excitement in her voice, I'd say she's telling the truth.

  "I hope you enjoy the film." I flash her one last smile before heading into the cinema.

  The moment I'm out of sight of the photographers, I let out a relieved sigh. It's always nice to finally get out of the spotlight so I can relax. Not that the evening is over. There'll be plenty of reporters and critics who come in to watch the film, but for now, they're busy interviewing the other people who have been involved in the making of it.

  I find my seat and drop myself down into it, trying to ignore the loneliness I feel at the empty one next to me. By the time the film starts, someone will be sitting in it. Probably no one I know. I never have anyone to bring with me to these things.

  "Hey, Stacia," a familiar voice says.

  I turn to find Damien sitting in the seat next to me, his date behind him. I vaguely recognise her from somewhere, but I don't know her name. I don't suppose it matters, the chances are that it's an arrangement set up by their management and not an actual relationship.

  "Hi, Damien. How are you feeling?"

  "More nervous than when I go on stage," he jokes. "I don't know how you do this."

  "I close my eyes during my own scenes," I respond. "It helps a lot."

  He raises an eyebrow. "That's not what I expected."

  I shrug. "I went into acting because it was a way to express myself, not because I like to see myself on the big screen." I don't know him particularly well, but I get the idea he'll feel the same way.

  "I get that."

  We're stopped from continuing our conversation by the announcement of the movie starting. I lean back in my seat and keep my eyes glued to the screen in case one of the reporters can see me. At least I can enjoy the parts I'm not in.

  2

  I take a sip of my blood laced coffee. I remember a time when caffeine was just that, but this is so much better. Not only does it give me a boost of energy from the coffee itself, but the blood too.

  I push through the swinging door and into the building where my security firm is based. I don't normally come here, but Samuel has asked for a meeting with me, and I didn't see any reason to say no. They normally just monitor my fan mail and liaise with the security at big events. I'm sure there's a reason they want to see me.

  "Good evening, Miss Laurensson," Samuel says, greeting me at the door.

  "Evening."

  "Why don't you come through to my office and we'll get started." He gestures towards a door marked with his name on a gold plaque.

  I nod and enter the room. It looks just like I'd expect it to, with a lot of dark colours and chrome accents. A large leather chair sits behind a simple desk, and computer screens line the walls, but they're all dark.

  "Please take a seat."

  I perch myself on the visitor's chair and set my coffee on the desk.

  "What's this about?" I ask. Perhaps I should be making small talk, but I don't want to. It's better to get this over with.

  A satisfied smile flits across Samuel's face. "What do you know about
Regis McKinley?" he asks.

  I frown. "Nothing, should I?"

  He pulls a photo out of a stack of papers and pushes it across the desk.

  I pick it up and study the face on the page. The man looks vaguely familiar, but I'm not sure why.

  "I'm sorry, I don't know him."

  "We believe he was at the premiere last night."

  Recognition dawns on me. "Now you say that, I do recognise him." I set the photo down on the desk between us. "He yelled threats at me, but it's nothing new. Just the normal stuff. There's always someone."

  "I don't think this is your normal run-of-the-mill vampire hater," Samuel responds. "He's been sending you threats all week."

  "Why haven't I heard about it until now?"

  "We normally do an investigation into the people who send the threats and make a judgement on that. Once it became clear he was at the premiere last night, we knew that we had a situation on our hands."

  "Hmm."

  "It still might be nothing," he assures me.

  "But it's enough to notify me of," I observe dryly.

  "Well, yes. We want you to be vigilant."

  "And?"

  Surprise flits across his face, as if he doesn't expect me to be able to read people well enough to be able to tell when there's more to what they're saying than the words they've said out loud.

  "We want you to keep a personal bodyguard on you at all times until we've investigated more."

  I don't say anything in response. I'm not sure what I can say. I don't want to be followed around all the time, that's one of the reasons I chose to hire the team I did. They're able to perform most of their duties without being in close proximity to me unless there's a special event of some kind going on and they need more personnel around.

  "What if I don't want that?" I ask.

  Samuel sighs, telling me everything I need to know. He's had clients refuse before, even though it's inadvisable, and he doesn't like it.

  "That's your right," he responds slowly. "You're the client."

  "But you think I should take the extra protection?"

  "Yes. Hopefully, we're dealing with someone who doesn't have the guts to do any more than send threats, but that may not be the case. We want to err on the side of caution," Samuel says.

  "What's your gut telling you?" I ask.

  "What?"

  "Your gut? You've been doing this a long time, right?" My research into him prior to signing with his company indicated that he has a couple of hundred years of experience protecting elite vampires, including an impressive set of years spying during one of the world wars along with his sister. It was one of the reasons I hired his company.

  He sighs. "My gut says this one could end really badly."

  "Then I'll take the extra security."

  He stares at me for a moment, probably not believing what he's hearing. I don't think many clients will be as easy to convince as I've been.

  But I'm not in the habit of putting myself at risk when I don't have to be.

  "All right, if you'll excuse me for a moment, I'll go and get Jason." He's already on his feet and halfway to the door, presumably to get Jason before I change my mind.

  "Okay." I lean back in my seat and twiddle my thumbs, at a loss for what else to do. There isn't much to look at in Samuel's office.

  He reappears moments later with a second vampire in tow. He's not the build I expect from a bodyguard. A little taller than me, with soft features and a slight frame. It's clear he's powerful and well trained from the way he moves, but no one looking at him would think he was a bodyguard.

  Which probably makes him an excellent choice.

  "Stacia, this is Jason, he's been assigned to you."

  "A pleasure," he says with a slight accent, holding out his hand.

  I take it and give it a shake, half expecting him to lift it to his lips for a kiss.

  He doesn't.

  "It's good to meet you," I say, only half meaning it.

  "Jason will go over your personal security with you," Samuel says. "You can either use one of the private rooms here, or you can do it back at your apartment. It's completely up to you."

  "Perhaps my apartment would be best," I say. "That way Jason can familiarise himself with it and tailor anything that needs to be done differently into the plan."

  "We've based it on the previous assessments we've done of your building," Samuel assures me.

  "I'm sure you have. Maybe we could ask Jason which he prefers?" I turn to the vampire in question and raise an eyebrow.

  He clears his throat. "I think Miss Stacia's apartment is the best place to have the conversation," he says.

  I nod. "Then that's what we'll do. Thank you for your diligence in this matter," I say to Samuel.

  "Of course. We're here to make your life as easy as possible." He seems to have relaxed a little bit now, but I can still sense his hesitance. "If you need anything else, either call or let Jason know and we'll sort it out as soon as we're able to."

  "Thank you." I rise to my feet and smooth out my dress. I doubt there are going to be any photographers outside, especially as Samuel's reputation relies on not annoying his clients, but it's always better to be safe rather than sorry.

  I make my way out of the office with Jason trailing behind.

  Before I get to the door, I turn around and assess him. "If you continue following me like that, then you're going to draw the wrong kind of attention," I point out.

  "I'm just doing my job, Miss Stacia."

  "Just Stacia will do," I correct him.

  "If that's what you'd prefer."

  "It is. And you'd probably better walk next to me and not behind."

  "Won't that suggest that we're dating?" he asks.

  "Probably, if anyone sees us. But isn't that better than letting the man making these threats know that we're on to him?"

  He considers for a moment, then nods. "I see your point."

  "Excellent. We can discuss it more once we're back at my apartment," I promise, seeing this as the perfect way to avoid arousing suspicion, even if it's only short-lived. I don't have any engagements in the next couple of days, so it's likely no one will notice at all and everything will be back to normal in no time.

  At least, that's what I'm hoping. I don't want to be stuck with a bodyguard as a constant companion, no matter what dangers life may bring.

  3

  Crowds swirl around the room, going to different tables and talking to the vendors and actors. The atmosphere is electric, with many of the supernaturals in the audience showing off their natural forms. I spy a pair of wide brown harpy wings in the far corner. It seems like everyone is here for the event.

  "The panel went well, don't you think?" Damien asks as the two of us clear off our papers.

  "It did. I think the fans loved it."

  "They're going to be calling for a sequel if we're not careful."

  I chuckle. "And we'll be tied up for a decade playing the same characters over and over."

  "You don't sound thrilled."

  "One of the reasons I wanted to go on the stage was because I didn't want every day to be the same."

  "Ah, That makes sense."

  "What made you want to be a musician?" I ask.

  Damien chuckles. "Would you believe me if I said it was to try and get girls?"

  "Cliché," I mutter.

  "It definitely is," he admits.

  "Did it work?"

  "Not in the slightest. I learned pretty quickly that it wasn't introducing me to the kind of woman I want to spend the rest of my life with."

  I raise an eyebrow. "I didn't expect you to be a hopeless romantic."

  "Then you can't have listened to the lyrics of many of my songs," he quips.

  I let out a small laugh. "That's fair. I should change that."

  He shrugs. "I wouldn't worry about it. I know my music isn't for everyone."

  Hmm. Surprising. A lot of the musicians and actors I've worked with have been insulted when I admit I haven't experienced most of their art.

  "Miss Laurensson, it's time to leave," Jason says formally. He's a lot more uptight while he's in public compared to in my home.