Dead to Bites

Chapter Three

His office was not what I had thought it would be. It was warm, both in color and atmosphere. The carpet was plush and the tan leather chairs were very comfy. One would expect it to be all blacks and reds and everything hard. Andrew obviously enjoyed his own comfort.

He gestured for me to take the seat across from him. A large fire roared in the fireplace- even though we were in the San Fernando Valley and there is never a need for a fire.

“So what has brought you to my club, Kat?” He steepled his long fingers in front of him.

“I didn't actually know it was your club, just that you like to visit it. And don't even try to be all cocky Master vamp with me, doesn't even work.” I answered trying to ignore the thoughts of what had just happened involving those very fingers and that beautifully pouty mouth.

“Well, I do not advertise that I own this business. I do not want vampbes to come storm the place and the babybats are hard enough to control without them coming to feed on my patrons.” He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose.

“All understandable. I have seen what you fear in action. It can be quite overwhelming and easily drive a business to the ground. Although, I've never seen a vampire take the rap for it. The place usually just mysteriously burns to the ground. Not that it stops the babybats from creating all forms of hell. I once had to discover a nest of them, let's just say it involved a bottle of Tequila and a red satin thong used as handcuffs.” My smile was forced.

“As disturbing as that is, you still have not answered my query, Pet.” His eyes blazed a beautiful vibrant amethyst.

“You may have had my blood, Andrew, but no vampire will ever have the ability to control me. Period. So please do not try it again, I would like to keep this on a friendly level.” I tapped my boot twice and a silver stake slipped into sight on the toe.

“Interesting contraption. You are quite surprising. Not sure how you got that into the club.” He frowned.

“Doesn't matter. All girls have their ways. Anyways, I'm here because I'm helping to investigate the murders going on.” I told him point blank.

“Oh, well, I can honestly tell you that none of mine are responsible for them.” Andrew shrugged it off.

“You've got to be kidding me, right? How can you be so blasé about any loss of life? Did you lose your connection to the world you've been living in?” My temper was rising.

“Kat, surely you realize you are talking to a vampire, right? Death, murder, brutality, those are the things that walk hand in hand with my kind.” His fangs glistened in the fire light.

“No, they don't. It's merely an image that none of you work to get rid of it. It is a misnomer. And just so you know, you cannot con a con artist- a skill I've mastered with my time with your kind. Do you even know how many think I'm a hunter? Me, a hunter!” I snorted. “ I didn't get these curves from spending hours in the gym, I'd rather be knocking cold ones back and eating pizza with the vamps than staking them.”

“Fine, Kat. It does disturb me the death toll that is currently plaguing the Valley. The problem is that everyone has clammed up. No one is talking in case one of their alliances is responsible for the deaths. Some think it is the vampires, other believe the wolves are doing it. I've heard rumors of other worlders coming and causing this mess. What I do know is that no one wants the authorities coming and poking around.” His strong jaw was clinched.

“Andrew, I hate to break this to you, but I am part of the authorities.” I pulled out my badge that had been tucked into its holder inside my boot.