Hunters

Chapter 20

"Remember, nice and subtle. And don't let go of my hand." 

Daniel kicked the flimsy wooden door of the castle open, and using his free hand, sent the shield flying across the waiting hall. The two vampires standing guard before the next entrance slammed against the wall.

Rachel matched his pace as they entered the small room, her whole body humming with anticipation. The vampires scrambled to their feet and soared toward them.

Nice and subtle. Daniel yanked his knife out of its sheath.

Rachel nodded. She pointed the crossbow and shot at the vampire in front of her. He swerved so quickly, the arrow intended for his heart scraped his side. No wonder these guys were Vlad's personal guards.

She wanted to recharge her crossbow, but Daniel tightened his grip on her. Crap! She couldn't recharge with one hand. The vamp launched at her, claws out and ready to strike. Rachel ducked the swipe, pulled out a stake from her slotted belt and thrust it through his stomach. He groaned and slashed again, aiming for her face, but hit his claws against Daniel's shield.

The vampire's eyes narrowed. He took in a breath as though preparing to scream. Daniel tugged Rachel to the side, stepped in front of her and sunk his knife in the vampire's throat. The monster gurgled, his hands pawing the hilt

They're trying to call for help. Daniel passed his crossbow to Rachel.

She wanted to shoot the other vampire but saw no point. The room was so small, she could reach him in a few steps and save the ammo, She pulled out another stake and rushed toward the fallen vamp. Daniel tried to run in the other direction, and they both stopped short of their targets. This hand holding thing really isn't working.

Daniel jerked, and she almost fell off her feet. She turned to him, deciding it was better they both focused on one vampire at a time, just as he ducked and a flying piece of wood hit her straight in the face. The world went black for a few seconds, until the pain dimmed.

"Shit. Sorry, Rach." Daniel grabbed the plank and swung wide. The wood hit the incoming vampire in the gut with a loud crack, and the creature crumbled to the floor, wheezing.

Knife-in-the neck vampire came behind her and tried to claw her open. His talons fought against the shield, and he sounded like a cat clawing at a door, demanding entrance inside a room. The gurgling sounds coming from his mouth were starting to sound like words. The knife-free vampire got to his feat, his crimson eyes shooting daggers at them.

Ah, fuck this. Daniel pulled his dart gun out and shot both vampires. He ran toward the broken-down door that led out of the hall. We need to devise some sort of strategy.

You should've thought of this before we charged in here like morons. Rachel fell into step with him and pressed her shoulder against his to free her hand. She charged her crossbows as they stormed inside the adjoining room.

Good idea. Maybe we should try a back to back approach. They rushed up some steps and ended up in another low, cramped up room, decorated with armor and weapons. That way, we'd have the use of both our hands.

Rachel pressed her back against his and scanned the room for possible exits. The only way out led into an even smaller chamber filled with oriental weapons. Rachel tried to pick up on other vampires, but Vlad's disgusting aura masked everything.

They made their way into the next room in a circular motion. Daniel had to bend his head to make it through the door. No vampires greeted them.

Hmm. Daniel took Rachel's hand and looked around. Wow, this place is tiny. Looked big from the outside.