Fangs of Desire (Book II) (Completed)

Chapter XXVI

Emma walked through the street while ignoring the downpour of rain that made her clothes stick to her skin. She was deep in thought, trying to figure out what would be the next best step to take. What could she do? Who could she get help from?

She didn't know enough about the ancients to guess which one they'd be hunting down next, so she needed someone who did. She also needed to reach out to Yasmin and ask how things are going. Emma still wasn't sure if she would come help her out in the outside world, especially after not being able to do anything with Nehut. After Dominic's death, she understood better how it felt like to not be able to do anything while someone you care about dies in front of your eyes.

As she kept walking in thought, Emma realized the girl walking directly towards her. She stopped and stared at her, and for sure, she was headed straight Emma's way. She took a step back and got ready to dash away before the girl spoke up.

"Emma, right? I'm here in peace, I need to talk to you."

She hesitated. It was hard to trust anyone after the things she witnessed in the Kindred world. Seeing her doubtful expression, the girl stopped in her place before getting too close.

"We know what's going on with Jean, and that she's hunting down ancients. We have been searching for you, and I need to know if you have anything to do with those events."

Okay, straight to the point. Just how famous had Emma gotten with everything that was unfolding? Just a few weeks ago she was a nobody with a dead master, now she seemed to be the famous name on everyone's tongue.

"I do. I'm trying to stop her before she gets herself killed."

The girl creased her brows, considering the meaning of her words for a while.

"So you don't support the killing of ancients."

"Honestly?", Emma turned towards the girl and put her hands on her waist, "I couldn't care less about the ancients or anything else that has to do with the kindred. I just want Jean back alive, and possibly not completely insane."

"Okay...", the girl looked unsure for a while longer but seemed convinced, "Then we want to help you. I'm inviting you to our council on behalf of Valeris."

She reached her hand out, waiting for Emma to take it. Emma took her time inspecting her and looking around to see if anyone else was waiting to ambush her. The girl had short, blonde hair made into a simple bob with hair pins pulling the strands on one side back. Her face was covered in an exaggerated yet elegant makeup, her cheeks covered in glitter, and her clothes simple yet formal. It was a strange fit and made her look like she had escaped from the dress-up room of a theatre play.

Emma debated on whether to take her hand or not, squinting her eyes with a doubtful look.

"Okay... I get it." the girl lowered her hand, "You don't trust us, that's understandable. You can refuse to join our council too if you want but we do want to help you. We don't want any more casualties with the ancients, so we can make a short alliance until we stop this."

Emma listened in silence, considering her options.

"Who are you?"

"Me?" the girl seemed confused about the question being directed at her, "I am Peri, Valeris's second in command."

"Okay, Peri. I will consider your offer. Is there a number I can reach you by?"

Peri nodded, reaching her hand out. After a second Emma reached her phone out and she took it, typing her number in and saving before giving it back.

"Don't make us wait too much, the council doesn't like not being taken seriously."

"The council?" it finally hit Emma after a second, "You mean, the council? The one that takes care of the vampire laws?"