Chapter 29
Patrick sat at the corner of a dimly lit bar, staring blankly at the amber liquid swirling in his glass. The hum of conversation filled the room, but his mind was far from the laughter and chatter surrounding him. He couldn’t stop thinking about Angela—her face, the hurt in her eyes the last time they spoke. And then there was the war. The looming threat of the alien leader’s return and the growing weight of responsibility on his shoulders.
He rubbed a hand over his face, exhausted. How was he supposed to gather the right people in time for the battle? They had sic months, and his powers would start to fade in two or three months if he didn’t marry Angela. The thought gnawed at him. Every day that passed felt like a countdown to failure.
He glanced down at Rex, who sat patiently by his side, loyal as ever. "You’re the only one I can count on, buddy," Patrick muttered, pushing the remains of his meal toward the floor. “Here, I got your favorite.”
Rex sniffed the food but didn’t move. Instead, his ears perked up, and he stood, alert, sniffing the air cautiously. Patrick furrowed his brow. "What’s wrong, Rex?"
The dog let out a low growl, his eyes darting toward the bar’s entrance. Patrick followed his gaze but saw nothing unusual—just the usual patrons coming and going. But Rex wasn’t so easily shaken—he was sensing something.
As Patrick pondered the dog's sudden shift in mood, he overheard a nearby conversation. Two men at the bar were talking in hushed voices, but Patrick’s sharp hearing caught snippets of their words.
“…Another one died last night. Same thing—completely drained of blood.”
“I’m telling you, it’s that dark valley behind the bar. People go there and never come back the same… if they come back at all.”
Patrick straightened in his seat, his interest piqued. He’d heard rumors about strange occurrences in the valley, but now he was certain something supernatural was involved. As he was about to leave the bar to investigate, a sudden scream pierced the night.
A woman’s scream.
Patrick bolted from his seat, his heart pounding. Outside, in the alley behind the bar, he saw her—a woman pinned against the wall by a vampire, its fangs bared and ready to strike. Patrick moved without thinking, ready to intervene, but before he could act, a silver stake flew through the air, landing perfectly in the vampire’s heart.
The vampire let out a hiss before crumbling into a pile of ash.
“Well, that was anticlimactic,” a voice drawled from behind him.
Patrick turned to see a tall man with scruffy brown hair and a smirk plastered on his face. He wore a worn leather jacket and held a stake in his hand, twirling it like it was some kind of toy.
The man grinned. “You must be the guy who was about to get all heroic and save the day, huh? Too slow, pal. Jack’s the name. Jack Slate.”
Patrick raised an eyebrow. “You always just jump in like that?”
Jack shrugged, sheathing the stake into his jacket. “What can I say? It’s my job. Someone’s gotta keep these bloodsuckers in line.” He gestured to the pile of ash on the ground. “That one? Probably part of the group causing all the trouble in that dark valley your mutt’s been growling about.”
Patrick looked at Rex, who was still tense and growling softly. “Yeah, I’ve been hearing things. Lot of people disappearing, drained of blood. Figured it was vampires.”
“Ding ding ding, give the man a prize!” Jack said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “It’s vampires, all right. But not just any vampires. These guys are old, real old. Been around longer than most of the locals here have even been alive.”
Patrick crossed his arms, studying Jack. The guy was rough around the edges, but something about him seemed reliable. “You a vampire slayer?”
Jack gave him a mock salute. “At your service. Been doing it for a while now. Call me a freelance exterminator, if you will. Vamps, werewolves, the occasional demon—you name it, I slay it.” He paused, his eyes narrowing. “And you? You don’t look like just another guy sitting in a bar. What’s your deal?”
Patrick hesitated. He wasn’t sure if he should be spilling everything to this stranger, but something about Jack’s laid-back attitude made him think he could trust him. Besides, fate had a funny way of making people cross paths.
“Let’s just say I’m dealing with a much bigger problem than a few vampires,” Patrick finally said. “Name’s Patrick. My father, Will, knew people like you. I’m gathering allies for something… something big.”
Jack’s smirk faded, replaced by a look of recognition. “Will? Will Roger? Damn, I haven’t seen him in ages. Last I heard, he was trying to piece together something related to that alien war brewing again. He came to me once, looking for information on some old vamp clans. Said they might know something.”
Patrick’s stomach twisted at the mention of his father’s name. “Yeah, well, he’s been… gone for a while now. I need help to face this threat, and I could use someone with your skills.”
Jack’s eyes narrowed, clearly understanding the weight behind Patrick’s words. “I’m sorry to hear that. Will was a good man. If he trusted you, I’ll help you out. I owe him that much.”
Patrick nodded, feeling a flicker of hope ignite within him. “Thanks. I appreciate it.”
Jack grinned, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “So, what’s the plan? You got a target in mind? A vampire coven to raid?”
Before Patrick could respond, he heard a rustle in the alleyway, followed by a low growl. Rex stood tense, ready to protect his owner.
“Let’s take this conversation inside,” Jack suggested, motioning toward the bar’s entrance. “We can strategize over a drink and a little less danger.”
Patrick chuckled, the weight of the night starting to lift. “You’re right. Let’s regroup.”
As they walked back into the bar, Jack clapped Patrick on the shoulder. “And hey, don’t worry. We’ll get through this. Just remember, Will always said, ‘Strength comes from those you trust and the bonds you create.’ And I can tell you already have a strong bond with that dog of yours.”
Patrick looked down at Rex, who relaxed slightly, sensing the camaraderie forming. “Yeah, he’s been with me through it all.”
“Good,” Jack replied. “Now, let’s find a way to get you your power back and kick some alien butt while we’re at it.”
With a new ally by his side, Patrick felt a renewed sense of determination. Maybe the universe had a plan after all.
YOU ARE READING
Fated Encounters
FantasyIn a world where humans coexist with supernatural beings, Patrick possesses extraordinary powers, including the ability to control gravity and molecules, and move as fast as lightning. His father, Will, has been kidnapped by their nemesis, and the o...
