A Dime a Dozen

Sneak Peek at The Blood Alchemist

Excerpt from "A Chance Encounter"

Dusk was such a lovely time, the boundary between the tame day and the wild night. Not that the activities of the night didn't take place during the day, it's just no one cared to hide it anymore at night. The setting sun glistens off the river dividing Lautus from Azymus.

Lautus was nice, but nothing like the Azymus. Most of those in Lautus would never cross that bridge, not that they would be allowed to. Technically, I wasn't supposed to cross the bridge; at least not alone, and certainly not at night.

I smile as I lean out into the open air, the breeze caressing my face. No sign of my watchdog yet. Perfect. With luck, the night was sure to be mine.

The sound of feet has my eyes turning down to the street. A girl makes her way down the street. Her red hair is pulled back in a braid that spills over her shoulder. Her hands grip the straps of her backpack. She gives no attention to others on the street and, likewise, they pay her no attention.

She walks quickly, with purpose. She must have a destination, but where was she going? She sticks close to the building, clearly trying to avoid attention.

She passes by a couple of men, who, like everyone else, she ignores. Unlike everyone else, they take notice of her. They both stand for a second, just watching her walk down the street. They share a glance before beginning to follow after her. Her pace doesn't falter in the slightest. She must not be aware of her tail.

Springing into a sprint, she ducks into an alley. So she was aware of them. Not that she could outrun them. They're on her heels.

I jump from my perch in the window, landing lightly on the ground. I should be on my way. I'd sat still long enough. If Clyde wasn't on my trail yet, he would be shortly. My eyes drift to the alley. My feet begin moving, curiosity demanding to be sated.

I can hear one of the men laughing as I reach the opening of the alley. Leaning against the corner, I peer into the alley. The girl's bag lays discarded on the ground. She probably lost it in the initial fight. Now she stands with her back to the wall, both men towering over her, keeping her from going anywhere.

"A pretty little thing like yourself shouldn't be wandering around alone," one of them says, leaning closer to her.

She flattens herself against the wall. "Stay away from me."

"Oh, come on now. We just want to have some fun. We won't bite," the second one says.

"Unless you want us too," the first says huskily, leaning even closer.

The girl reacts. She slams her head into his face. He falls back, yowling in pain, grabbing his face. She jumps at her opening, but the second man is faster. He catches her wrist. She spins, pulling her wrist to her and down. He loses his balance, falling forward. His head snaps back after making contact with her rising knee.

I can't help but feel impressed. I'm also rather glad I had decided to follow after them. This was rather enjoyable.

The first is back on his feet, blood trickling down his chin, blocking her path as she spins around. I can hear the click as his switchblade pops open. "So, you like it rough, huh?"

Perhaps now would be a good time to step in.

I don't get the chance though. The girl spins, one foot coming up to make contact with his hand, sending his switchblade flying out of his hand. That's to be the end of her winning streak though.

The second man is suddenly behind her. He wraps his arms around her, pinning her arms down and lifting her off the ground so she has no leverage. She kicks at the first as he steps forwards but he easily catches her leg, laughing.

"Hey!" I call, stepping into the alley.

Both men look towards me. They share a glance before the first drops the girl's leg, stepping towards me. "Why don't you keep moving pretty boy? We're a bit busy here."

I tilt my head. "Two on one doesn't seem very fair."

He growls, "You should mind your own business."

I smirk, easily closing the distance between us. He blinks in surprise at how fast I move. Eyes flicking to my ears before coming back to meet my eyes. There's a hint of doubt in them now. I take a deep breath. I'm not at all surprised by his scent. "Are you sure you want to try me, mutt?"

I barely dodge the punch he throws at me. He won't get another chance. I catch his wrist with one hand and right below his elbow with the other. I raise my knee as I bring his arm down hard. I release his arm as I feel the bone snap.

He cries out, falling to the ground, cradling his arm against his chest. I turn my head to look at the other man. "Are you smarter than your friend or just as stupid?"

He releases the girl, letting her fall to the ground, holding up his hands.

"Wise choice. Take your friend, get lost, and pray I don't see either of you again tonight."

He slowly walks closer. His eyes don't leave me as he pauses to help his friend up. I stand and watch until both men have disappeared around the corner. Satisfied they're gone, I turn back to face the girl. She slings her backpack on as she walks away.

"Hey, wait!" I call, moving after her. I easily catch up with her, reaching out to catch her arm. "Whoa!" I jump back, away from the knife she brandishes, holding up my hands. "Do you always thank people by threatening them with a knife?"

Her grey-blue eyes are hard as she stares me down. "I didn't need help," she says as she slowly lowers the knife.

I shrug. "If you say so, but it certainly didn't seem that way. Let me walk you wherever you were going."

She tucks the knife into a sheath on her leg. "Hard pass. Goodbye." She turns back around.

"You do know those mutts were the least of your worries," I follow after her. "They're at the bottom of the ranks here."

"The advice is appreciated, but unwanted. I can take care of myself."

"Are you sure? I could protect you. They're all afraid of me."

She stops. "How many times do I need to tell you I don't need help?" She glares at me over her shoulder.

A breeze comes down the alley, carrying her scent to me. I blink in surprise. Her scent is one I've never encountered. "What are you?" I step closer, breathing in her scent. It couldn't be possible, but it was the only explanation. Her eyes widen in alarm as mine widen in shock. "You're-"

"Bastian!"

- - - - -

Want to know what happens next? Read the rest of "A Chance Encounter" in The Blood Alchemist. Out September 7, 2020.

"Bastian lives a rather nice life in Lautus. Nice, but boring. His favorite hobby is slipping across the bridge into Azymus and seeing how long he can avoid his werewolf protector. Tonight was going to be no exception until she came along. Not only is she mysterious, but she's on a mission- one that promises adventure and danger. Can you blame a bored Elf for being curious about the first human seen in decades and her mysterious mission to find the Blood Alchemist?"