The Girl of Many Names

Chapter One

A/N  I wanted to thank @Yeah_Im_A_Cat for creating the cover of this book. Also, I own no rights to any of these photos. They are simply here to enhance the story.

Like a small boat
On the ocean
Sending big waves
Into motion
Like how a single word
Can make a heart open
I might only have one match
But I can make an explosion

 -Fight Song (Rachel Platten)

Ash

I told people I killed the vampires for the good of humanity, but that was a lie. I did it to avenge my parents. That and the fact that it was oddly satisfying to know that because of you there was a smaller chance a person would be murdered on their way back from work.

Huh, I guess I did feel kinda bad for the humans. Who knew?

I pulled my mind from my thoughts and back to the present and the vampire I had been attempting to subdue for what felt like hours now.

I lifted an arm blocking his swing towards my face, retaliating with a hit to his solar plexus. The vampire doubled over groaning. I used his moment of distraction to knock him on his back and pin his arms down with my knees. With the vampire immobilized I took a moment to catch my breath. This one was stronger than most of the bloodsuckers I had taken down lately, and apparently, my body was revolting against the strain on my muscles.

In an unexpected move the vampire lunged toward my neck, fangs bared. I recoiled, my heart rate accelerating, and he narrowly missed sinking his fangs into my throat. I used my hands to press his shoulders down, preventing another attack. Doing so brought our faces closer together and I took a moment to take in his features.

He wasn't ugly. I suppose some might even go as far as to call him handsome. If you were into the high cheekbones, pointy chin, and waxy pale skin. Oh and the fact that he had fangs that he used to drain you of your blood. Whatever floats your boat, I guess.

Shaking my head to clear it of the disturbing image, I quickly pulled zip ties from my pocket and bound the vampire's wrists together. I hauled him to his feet and led him toward my black SUV. Never letting go of his wrists I opened the passenger door and grabbed the duck tape. I expertly ripped a piece off with my teeth and slapped it over his mouth. Effectively silencing him and preventing him from ripping my throat out. Classy, I know.

I not so gently pushed the vampire into the very big trunk of my car. I slammed the doors closed and locked them, before turning to walk the perimeter and check for evidence of our little tussle.

I was parked in the abandoned parking lot of a hidden club.

All the windows were dark and grimy and the parking lot was lit only by the blinking neon light that advertised 'Aunt Mel's Diner.' All though unsuspecting on the outside, on the inside the flashing lights, thumping music, and sweaty bodies were anything but inconspicuous. Through the shadows, I could see the hulking outline of the bouncer that checked everyone's ID and made sure the area stayed clear of trouble. Normally I would be afraid that the man would catch a glimpse of me and a vampire brawling in the woods that surrounded the area, but  I frequented this place often enough to know that the bouncer wouldn't come to investigate or report me.

As much as I hated going to bars and clubs this place had become a regular stop for me. Because unbeknownst to the owners and humans, it had become a  bit of a vampire hang-out. People came here to have fun, and in the end, many become an unknowing targets for the thirsty bloodsuckers.