Page 7 of Only Human in Strangeville

I caught myself staring as he climbed the stairs and jerked my gaze away from the fine view. “Damn it. Very clearly, I need to get laid.” I also didn’t want to jump the first attractive male I came across, so I’d probably be continuing my dry spell for a while. It was going to take some work to find an appropriate relationship. That thought did not comfort my needy self, and my good mood soured slightly as I headed out into the cool, humid night.

Insects sang and a light floral perfume floated on the air. The moon was not yet above the horizon, but the sun had only recently set, so it wasn’t terribly dark and streetlights cast sulfur pools on the ground.

Something small moved in one of the pools of light. Weird.

Compelled to investigate, but carefully in case it was a raccoon or something wild, I increased my pace.

I stopped just outside the ring of light and stared, shocked. A small black and white dog lay huddled against the light post, its hair matted and dirty, laying with its muzzle between its paws. A small golden cord tied it to the post.

“What the heck?” I hurried into the pool of light.

The little thing whined at me and wagged its tail.

“Oh, baby.” I dropped to my knees and reached slowly forward. The dog scooted toward me and whined, pushing its nose under my hand. That was enough for me. I scratched behind his ears. Though he was matted and wet, I could feel soft fur under all that.

“Well, we can’t just leave you here.” I put my hand on the cord that tied it to the post.

“Don’t untie that creature,” a deep, unfamiliar voice commanded.

I spun around, still crouched, and put myself between the speaker and the dog.

“Who are you?” I demanded. I couldn’t see well outside the light, but already I would die for this dog. Something about this puppy compelled me to protect it.

“Those are nothing but trouble. Why don’t you let me take the creature and be on your way?” The voice turned seductive.

I stood and planted myself in front of the dog. “Somehow, I don’t think you have this dog’s best interests in mind. How about I handle it and you fuck off?”

“That is no dog,” the man said, coming to the edge of the light. His features were mostly obscured, but I got the impression of a hawk nose, sharp cheekbones, light colored skin, and a disapproving downward curve to his lips. He was taller than me.

I quickly reviewed what I knew of self-defense, hoped I wasn’t completely screwed, and prepared to defend the dog, still whining quietly behind me. He had scooted to the far end of the lead that secured him to the post. I was probably screwed, but what else could I do? Wait… phone… I pulled it out of my pocket, swiped it open and dialed 911.

The man’s frown deepened, and he waved his hand. The busy tone sounded, and he advanced into the light. “Move along.”

I almost took a step away, but no, this man was going to hurt the dog. There was no way I was moving along. I’d faced down men with guns pointed at me. I wasn’t completely defenseless against an unarmed man. I hoped. The dead line was weird, but I didn’t have time to mess around with it. I’d throw the phone at the guy’s face as my first move.

“Hey, there you are! Sandy, are you okay?”

I recognized the voice. The hunter, Bridger, also stepped into the light, his hand in his jacket pocket. Did he forget my name already? Or was that on purpose?

“No,” I said through gritted teeth.

Bridger turned to the other man. “Maybe you should leave.”

“Maybe you should mind your own business.”

This time I felt the power in his seductive voice. For whatever reason, it hadn’t affected me. Bridger pulled something out of his pocket. A squirt gun?

“Don’t make me do it, demon,” he snarled.

The man facing us sighed. “I sense that creature’s interference. Hunter, you would be wise not to spread false accusations. It could prove unfortunate for you.”

Bridger slowly tightened his finger. The man frowned and stepped back out of the pool of light, seeming to melt into the shadows.

“What was that?” The slight quaver in my voice now that the immediate threat was gone pissed me off, but it was better than a total freak out.

“Vampire, probably. Not sure. Anyway, didn’t I tell you not to go out after dark?”

“Pretty sure you don’t get to tell me what to do.”

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