Hunters

Chapter 3

Rachel stepped out of the Pyramida Hotel and sheltered her eyes from the sun. Sunglasses and all, the autumn light bothered her. Being a Hunter wasn't all rainbows and kittens. Even if they were day-walkers, they were still sensitive to strong sunlight. So much for going to the beach. Fortunately, she'd had plenty of that while growing up in California.

She scuttled to the left, toward the terrace outside the restaurant. Cheryl and Chris were there, two cups of coffee on their table. Cheryl looked up with sparkling light-blue eyes.

Rachel had always thought Cheryl looked like an angel. With golden, wavy hair, English rose skin and those piercing eyes, she was perfect. She and Daniel made a gorgeous couple.

"Finally up, princess?" Chris asked, stretching his long legs under the table. Sarcasm oozed from his voice.

Rachel bit back a snappy retort and slumped on the chair next to his. He knew she hated being called that.

"Hey." Chris put his hand on her cheek and turned her to face him. His dark brown eyes spoke his apology. "I didn't mean it."

Rachel sighed and gave him a quick kiss. He was doing his best. He didn't let her pull back, but deepened the kiss, as though to prove how sorry he was. She wrapped her arms around his neck in response to his affection. She loved having him this close, feeling his heat and his scent. He always reminded her of mountains and snow.

"That's much better," said Cheryl.

Rachel broke off and gave her a smile, letting Chris trail kisses down her cheek.

"I missed you last night," he whispered in her ear.

"Sorry, but it was the last time. We found what we were looking for." Actually, they hadn't, but there was no use lingering in Prague.

"You did?" Chris pulled back and folded his hands behind his head. "So...um...kill anyone?" He tried to sound casual, but failed miserably.

Rachel's muscles tensed and she shut her eyes. "Let's just say there's one less dangerous monster on these streets."

"Good for you guys!" Cheryl flung her fist in the air. "I'm glad you're not hurt."

Rachel gawked at her. God, Daniel was lucky. If only Chris would have that chipper attitude. Instead, he stared at Cheryl as though he thought she'd eaten something bad. Rachel elbowed him in the ribs.

"Ouch, what was that for?" he demanded, rubbing his side.

"Stop staring at her like that," Rachel hissed. "I know you don't agree with her, but don't be rude."

"Who says I don't agree with her?" Chris whispered back, his eyebrows drawn together. "I only want what's best for you."

"Yeah, okay." Rachel slouched in her chair and picked up the coffee menu. He wanted to believe what he was saying, but it didn't make it true. She almost wished she hadn't come clean about what she did. He'd been so different before, so loving and supportive. That and his abnormally good looks and intelligence had made him perfect. Now, he was just hot and smart and she realized that wasn't what she'd liked most about him.

"Good morning, everyone," Daniel said, joining them. He wore a pair of aviator sunglasses and a tight-lipped smile that assured Rachel he hadn't fed last night.

"It's late afternoon, silly." Cheryl slapped his arm lightly. "You're lazy. Rach got up before you."

"Then I hope she ordered me coffee." Daniel reached across the table and pulled the menu from her hand. Their fingers touched for a fraction of a second and Rachel gasped. He was cold as ice. This was not good. He needed to feed, and fast.