Winter's Bite

Chapter 8 Owen

I found Nathaniel in his lab, stood at a long table staring into a microscope. The table held decanters, distillers, bunsen burners, microscopes and slides. Glass fronted cabinets along the walls held decanters and jars of potions and powders, along with the best medical and forensic research equipment money could buy.

'Hi, Owen.' Nathaniel looked up as he pulled off his goggles and latex gloves.

'A human girl was almost attacked,' I told him.

'By one of us?'

'Yes.'

The figure had turned its back and taken off at inhuman speed when it sensed my presence. It had worn a bulky jacket with a hood over its head. I couldn't tell who it had been.

'This wouldn't be the human girl you're interested in?' he asked.

My silence answered him.

'For God's sake, Owen. You're playing a dangerous game.' Nathaniel said.

'It wasn't me,' I protested.

Nathaniel stared at me. I could see his doubt.

'I swear. I wouldn't hurt her.'

'Maybe we should all leave now. Before events get out of hand again.'

'No. I'm not leaving.'

'Then you should stay away from the girl. Unless you want her hurt.'

I swore. 'I know you're right, but I really like Cait. I'll keep her safe.'

'Like you did Magdalena?'

I stared at Nathaniel. Old grief flushed through me anew.

'That was a cheap shot.'

'I know and I'm sorry. Nevertheless it's true. You couldn't save Magnelena. How will you keep this girl safe?'

'I don't know but I will.'

I turned and stomped away.

'We can't risk any more people dying, Owen,' Nathaniel called after me.

I clenched my fists angrily. After all this time he still didn't trust me.

Estelle and Darren looked up as I entered the kitchen.

'Hi, what's wrong?' Estelle asked.

Estelle, my elder vampire 'sister' and also oldest friend, wore her blond hair swept up. It made her appear even slimmer and taller than usual.

'A human girl's been killed.'

I stared at the floor rather than Darren. Estelle and Darren had bonded a short time after Magdalena's death. But my eyes were drawn to him.

'Oh no.' Estelle took a blood substitute bottle from the fridge and joined Darren at the table.

'Do we know who did it?' she asked.

'No.'

I couldn't meet Darren's eyes but watched him under my brows. Estelle looked from me to Darren.

'Darren didn't do it.'

Darren's preppie face frowned. 'Estelle...'

'I didn't say he did,' I answered.