The Trouble with Evie

Chapter 12

"Perhaps I was not clear enough for you. Leave now, or I will call the cops."

The vampire chuckled mercilessly. It sent a shiver up my spine. The dark tone of his amusement was another attempt to threaten Brad and, in turn, me. I'm sure he could detect another heartbeat close to him.

"We own this town." the vampire hissed. "Your precious cop is on our master's payroll. I know that you are fully aware of what I am and what you are facing. You know the danger that is in front of you, yet you foolishly hide Niko with the belief that he will protect you when our master comes calling. You will regret that, Mister Newton. That little chain will do nothing for you. You best get yourself something worthy to protect her. Otherwise, you will be on the ground dying, listening to her beg you for help. Will he come to her defense? Will he save you before death takes you? I don't think so."

I could see Brad's jaw clench tight. He was struggling to remain strong.

"Until next time."

The shadows slowly faded from the glass panels, Brad watched, and after a few seconds, he closed the door.

He turned and looked at me. Both of us were lost. Brad had just faced off against a vampire that essentially threatened our lives because he would not hand Niko over to them. Someone that he barely knew, Brad protected, and it could be the death of us.

"I hope you know what you're doing here, Evie."

"Me? I know nothing."

"Why are we trusting our lives to this vampire?"

"Because it's the right thing to do."

Brad's eyes shifted to the empty room. Walking quickly, he checked out the area and saw that we were alone.

"Pack your things quickly. We're leaving."

"Niko said that it won't help me."

"That was about the Nephilim thing. These vampires have directly threatened us, whereas that boy just keeps appearing. He's not the threat here. They are."

"You're wrong. He said they're coming for you. That sounds like a threat to me. Our best option is here with Niko. We have not been a part of this world. We've got no idea what the right thing to do is, but he does."

Brad gestured to the empty room.

"You mean the vampire that left when danger showed up."

"He would be somewhere close, don't be so judgmental."

"Why are you so insistent on keeping him safe at the cost of your own life?"

"You did too."

"No, Evie. I stood my ground to keep them on the other side of the door. Because of that, they will return, and next time, we won't be so lucky. Come on, what's the deal? Are you in love with him?"

"No," I hissed.

I moved to avoid Brad's hard glare, but he shifted back into my space, blocking me from leaving.

"Get out of my way."

"Not until you tell me what's going on."

Brad moved in step with me, getting in my way and generally being annoying.

"Stop it."

"No. You are going to tell me why you are insisting that we stay here with this creature."

The frustration began to set in, overwhelming me to the point that tears were rolling down my cheeks.

"Because I want to, alright?"