Fade Into Black - Shadows of the Night 5

Chapter 41

Hi,

Oh, I can see it clearly. Alexander has an agenda - only what exactly does he have in mind? Let me know if you have any theories! I don't know why, but I really really liked writing this chapter. Maybe because there are so many vamps in one place... ;-P

Lara

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Chapter 41

I followed George into the post-warish-zone and walked right into the street. The scent of the vampires' power hit me head on, the cold of the grave a clawing ripple of sensation along my skin. It was like walking into an electromagnetic minefield. Total overkill.

All vampires were staring at me, the head vampire included. He was still in the middle of his face-off with Victor and from the looks of it he wasn't done yet, by far.

The head vampire wanted something. Only what? I gave him a grim nod, watching him. Giving nothing away. If Alexander thought I was feeling cornered by his presence, he would gain the upper hand faster than I could say fuck you.

Some criminals get off on scaring people. Fear not only becomes their weapon of choice. It turns into an addictive drug that invests their daily grind. Makes them believe they're someone.

True for some vamps too. Manipulation through fear ranks high on their list of essentials and comes right after blood. Only difference to humans? Vamps can smell fear on your skin – literally.

No matter if they're human or undead, they have something in common: they're all bullies and it unsettles them if you don't cower and break. Bully or not, I wasn't giving the head vamp an ounce of fear.

"Andy Varner," Alexander said. "Would you mind giving us a taste of your version of events when we were attacked? After all, you were there."

A smile in the blankness of the head vampire's face. In it the determination of a highly intelligent killer.

So he knew I was there. I'd hoped my presence would go unnoticed in the ensuing tumult. It looked like a commotion of wolves and vamps fighting in the street wasn't enough to distract Alexander. What would he do if he knew I had a deal with Fabrice?

I released a slow breath. My feet were perfectly balanced, shoulder width, arms loose at my sides. I was ready for a fight in case this went downhill fast.

"I don't know what exactly this is about. Whatever this is, I'm not gonna be a part of it," I said.

Victor laughed, a soft sound that made the hair on the back of my neck lift. His eyes were on me.

"You knew Fabrice, boy. You are already part of it," Victor said.

Adrenaline spiked, roughened my skin like a wet dog's tongue behind my ear.

Fuck.

Alexander cocked his head. "Did he now?"

I mentally saluted to Victor. For now Alexander's full attention was on me. A tactical move to distract. And it worked.

I shrugged casually. "He provided me with information from time to time. Nothing you don't do. Or so rumors say."

Alexander raised an eyebrow. "Careful, Varner, I'm not working together with criminals. I asked for your cooperation in shedding some light on what happened that night. What did you see?"

I rolled my neck, arms flexing at my sides, riding the rush of adrenalin. This could go one way or the other.

"You want the information. You pay for it," I said.