The creature slid its slit-pupilled eyes to its left, to regard the sword’s wielder. “This doesn’t concern you, stranger,” it growled, the words somewhat distorted, hissing through the sharp row of teeth now occupying the creature’s mouth.
“I believe the lady asked you to leave,” the man responded in a low, silky voice. He tightened his grip on the hilt of the sword.
“Mere steel cannot pierce our flesh,” the monster seethed. It slid its forked tongue from the confines of its mouth, along the edge of the blade.
“Good thing it’s not steel,” the man replied in barely above a whisper.
Even in her heightened state of awareness, Ember barely noticed when the man and the creature suddenly vanished from her field of vision. She blinked, tightened her grip even more on the shotgun, and searched for both of them with her eyes. She saw shapes moving in a blur, and watched as one by one, the other three creatures also disappeared from view.
One of the shapes returned to visibility near the door. Ember jumped, and aimed the shotgun sharply to her left. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the smoldering remains of the other three beings scattered about the feet of the mysterious stranger, his tight, imposing form smeared with stains of dark green. The remaining creature clutched a severed arm, a steady stream of dark green goo pouring from the wound. Breathing heavily, it glared through its slit-pupilled eyes at the man. It hissed through its clenched teeth, “Hunter!”
The so-called “Hunter” smirked in response. “You have two options,” he replied. “You can choose to foolishly attempt to finish your mission, and I can kill you right now. Or you can go back to your employer and inform him that the Vampire Medium’s family is off limits, and I can kill you later.”
The monster sneered back at the Hunter, and reached a hand into the fold of its jacket. It took Ember a moment to realize that its razor-sharp claws had not only entered its jacket, but also its flesh. She drew back in horror, as the thing began digging a hole in the middle of its own chest.
The Hunter seemed to realize the same. He let out a colorful stream of curses, then shouted out to the other end of the bar, “Asher, take cover!”
Ember had about a half a second to process before someone tackled her to the grimy floor behind the bar. She struggled, trying to rise, but strong arms and legs held her down. Hot breath fanned the flaming curls next to her left ear, and she heard a voice whisper, “Stay down; it’s about to get a little toasty in here.”
Not two seconds after the words left her captor’s mouth, a deafening boom filled the air around her.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Miranda Nichols
Miranda Nichols is an up and coming author in the fantasy romance genre. She's currently a student working towards her degree in creative writing. When she isn't studying or writing, you can find her curled up with a glass of wine and a steamy romance novel. Like the smell of fresh popcorn, her fantasy romances tempt you and keep you coming back for more!
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