Into the Unknown

I scampered along the back allies, trying to remain undetected. I fought a shiver, as the cold December snowflakes drifted slowly to the ground. I shifted my army jacket around me, letting no heat escape. I couldn't wait for this to be over. I got to the site, and waited. I checked my watch as my combat boots drew circles in the dirty snow. I was on time, right down to the last second as my watch hit midnight. The guy rounded the corner, and I immediately groaned. I was hoping for a different type. The type to not ask questions, and this guy who had his eyes narrowed at me, was not that type.

             “You the girl from phone?” He asked. On his part, it was stupid. Anyone could have said “yes”. He looked me up and down, and I heard him mutter under his breath. “Red hair, and gangly. Young too.” That's all the details I had given him of myself, and he had to guess whether I was the real deal, or if this was just some coincidence, that girl with similar appearances was at the wrong place, at the wrong time.  I nodded my head, answering his question.

             “How much?” My voice was quiet and he had to strain his ears to hear it. However, he didn't miss a beat in answering.

              “One fifty.” I let out a low whistle. But hey, this stuff ain't cheap. I came prepared for a much higher price. This guy was mostly likely an amateur. I held out the money, and his beady eyes counted every dollar. He made to grab for it, but I snatched it back.

                “No way buddy, where’s the stuff.” He grumbled and reached into his bag. I didn't keep my eyes off of him. You never know what he could have taken out of there. A gun, knife, or what I wanted. I was prepared for anything, and luckily it was the last. A silver stake. The only thing that could kill a vampire. I handed over the money, as he forked over the weapon. I turned after a quick thanks. I needed to get out fast before the questions arose.

                   ”Wait!” the man called out and he snatched my wrist. Dang. I whirled around, my eyes narrowing.

                  “Let me go.” I growled out. Fear shone in his eyes, but this guy had balls. He held on, but his grip did loosen.

                 “What’s a little girl like you, want with a stake. A silver stake.” He clarified. I didn't have time for this, I wrenched my hand out of his grip.

                  ”None of your business.” I snapped.  “Your job isn't to ask questions. If I wanted questions I would have gone to a hunters store. Now move along, we’re done here.” I darted away, hoping the guy wouldn’t follow. He had to have some common sense right? After all, even though he wasn't a vamp a stake could still kill him. And the idiot did arm me. I turned the corner into another alley, and waited. Straining my ears for any footsteps, from the direction I came from. I heard none from that direction, but I did hear some coming from behind. That sneaky bastard.

                   “I told you to back off.” I growled, and turned. However, it was not who I was expecting. A pale man, with blood red eyes met my eyes. His nose was slightly big, and his face was mangled with scars. The corner of his lips contained dried blood. But, because of his species he was breath takingly beautiful. They all were. When I first started out that came as a shock, now I barley stopped to admire their beauty.

                “Hello love.” I fought a shivered as the creep approached me. By a stroke of luck, I was actually prepared to fight. Thanks to the dealing I had just come from. I clutched the weapon at my side and waited for the right moment. “What’s a young thing like you doing out here?” In human years he really wasn't that much older than me. Maybe twenty, at the most twenty-two. Only four years older than my sixteen. But I knew better than to judge by human years. Looks can be deceiving Carressa, my mother use to tell me. Boy was she right. By the leeches stealth, and speed he was probably ancient.