He doubles down on keeping the barrel trained on me. “You’re that woman that has been killing the vamps out in the wastelands, aren’t you?”
“I am. I’ve been working with the council on a possible vaccine that will combat the demons’ venom.” I glance in the direction of the steel barrier surrounding the door. We don’t have time for this. The longer I’m in here, the more people Mathesis and his legion of undead bloodsuckers will feed on.
“You got family out there?”
He subtly nods.
“You know what happens when a non-pureblood vampire bites you, right?”
“Yes. You turn into one of them.”
I continue moving toward him with my hands up in front of me. “That’s right. So, if they get bit, it’s game over? Do you really want that to happen to your family? I sure as shit don’t. That’s why if you let me out of here, I promise I’ll stop them.”
A hint of doubt swirls on his unsure face. He diverts his gaze toward the floor. He finally lowers his weapon.
I’m relieved. I lower my arms to my side. I really didn’t want to mess this kid up. I’m glad he made the smart call here.
“Daniels, don’t open that door. That’s an order!” the guard that confronted me barks from the flat of his back.
I lean in close to Daniels, and say, “Don’t listen to him. You’ll be fine. I promise.”
“I hope so. My mom and sister have a tent out on the streets,” he responds.
I point at the lockers that my kukri is secured in. “You mind getting my blade?”
He slings the rifle over his right shoulder and turns toward the steel lockers. He punches in the security code on the keypad and opens up the section that my blade is stored in. He hands it to me, then walks over to the steel doors.
I twirl the kukri in my hand. The leather-strapped handle feels amazing in my palm. I always feel naked without it. It’s more a part of me than anything else.
He removes a short, stocky key from his pocket and inserts its rounded end into the wall. He offers me one last look before he turns it to the right. The hefty steel plating splits apart, and both sides retract back into the wall.
I step toward the double glass doors, and pause with my free hand on the metal brace that runs along the front of each section. I turn my attention in his direction.
“As soon as I get through these doors, you seal this entrance. Understand?”
His gaze shifts to the guards sprawled out on the floor, then back to me. “Yes, ma’am.”
I push open the doors, and sprint from the tower in a dead sprint.
Author Notes
Written October 15, 2019
Thanks for checking out Tainted Hunter and reading my author notes. I had a blast writing the story. It was fun developing such a strong and powerful female character. Amanda was nothing short of fierce and a force to be reckon with.
The main inspiration for this series was drawn from movies that have strong female leads in them. A few that come to mind are Underworld and Resident Evil. Both films had powerful women that could topple any foe or situation. I love that!
It didn’t matter what they were up against, they vanquished their enemies just the same. Although, sometimes, it came at a price.
Amanda will continue to be pushed to the brink, and will discovery new allies from the most unlikely places. Book two, Crimson Thirst, will have some big reveals and take you further down the rabbit hole of Amanda’s journey.
I hope you enjoyed the journey Tainted Hunter took you on and will consider leaving a review. Those reviews help readers find new stories and worlds to explore. It also lets me know that you enjoyed the story!
Until next time, stay prepared and keep your kukri ready. You never know when you may have to use it.
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The Huntress Bane Series
The Huntress Bane (Short Story)
Tainted Hunter
Crimson Thirst (Pre-order Now! Coming 11-21)
Dead State Series
Catalyst (Prequel)
Fallout
Survival Road
Executioner
Immune (Coming 12-19)
Evolved (Coming Soon)
Afflicted Series
Genesis
Patient Zero
RipTide
Dead Reckoning
Afflicted Series Boxset (Books 0-1)
Afflicted Series Boxset (Books 2-3)
Ballistic Mech Series
Division
Inferno
Extinction
Payback
Also by Derek Shupert
Sentry Squad
Survive the End
Lycan Rising (Coming Soon)
About the Author
Derek Shupert is an emerging Science Fiction Author known for his captivating dystopian storylines and post-apocalyptic-laden plots. With various books and anthologies underway, he is also the author of the Dead State Series.
Outside of the fantastical world of sci-fi, Derek serves as the Vice President at Woodforest National Bank. During his free time, he enjoys reading, exercising, and watching apocalyptic movies and TV shows like Mad Max and The Walking Dead. Above all, he is a family man who cherishes nothing more than quality time spent with his loved ones.
To find out more about Derek Shupert and his forthcoming publications, visit his official website at www.derekshupert.com.
Tainted Hunter (The Huntress Bane Book 1) Page 16