Page 30 of Dark Awakening

Erik points at the monitor silently. Our targets—Max, Dakota, and Samuel—sit there, laughing crudely as they survey the club floors, no doubt scouting vulnerable prey. A red haze clouds my vision at the sight.

"The cockroaches have no idea what's coming," Lucian says coldly. His usual mirth is absent tonight, a ruthless predator in its place.

I place a steadying hand on Erik's tense shoulder. "Remember, no unnecessary risks or collateral damage. We get them isolated and make them clean. Understood?"

Erik nods, his icy rage carefully restrained for now. Onscreen, the assholes leer hungrily at scantily dressed women passing by. My fists clench, nails biting into my palms.

Lucian meets my gaze. "Time to take out the trash?"

I give one curt nod. "Let's go hunting, gentlemen."

We stomp over, our heavy boots resounding through the room. The trio of criminals sits with three unsuspecting young women. Whether or not they have already been administered drugs isn’t clear, but they will be safe soon enough. Max and his three cronies look up from their table in surprise.

These bastards have been drugging young girls for their sick pleasure, and we won't stand for it.

Lucian’s voice is sharp and menacing as he speaks. “Hey motherfuckers, I think it’s time we have a little talk. You’ll come with us quietly if you know what’s good for you.”

A scowl crosses Max’s face as he spits out his condescension. “What the hell’s your problem, Lucian? We are having a good time.”

Lucian’s voice becomes sinister and threatening. “You're fuckin’ with the wrong crowd, Max. You don’t play games in my joint.” Lucian points at his chest.

Max throws his hands up in defeat, “Fine, I’m coming with you.”

Lucian steps back and motions for Max to stand. “You two,” he growls, pointing at Dakota and Samuel, “Get your fucking asses up, you’re coming too.”

Lucian marches them forcefully through the crowded club. I stalk behind, rage burning through my veins. Erik brings up the rear, vigilant for threats. Vivid vengeance plays through my mind for their vile crimes.

Inside the office, we surround them intimidatingly. Lucian explodes, "You pieces of shit think you can drug and rape girls in my club?"

Max looks like he is about to shit himself. “Look, Lucian, I’m sorry, man…it was all for some harmless fun.”

My vision goes red. I seize Max by the throat. "You call drugging and nearly raping my girl fun, you sack of shit?" I roar. "Who were you planning to sell her to?"

Erik and Lucian trade a startled glance at my proprietary words.

"You scum think ruining lives is entertaining?" Erik asks menacingly.

I tremble with the effort of restraining my fury. "I'll rip you apart for thinking you could take whatever you want!"

Max pales, his eyes wide with fear. “Oh shit,” he stammers, hands up in silent surrender.

He probably thought he’d gotten away scot-free, but little did he know who had come to her defense.

“I didn’t know she was yours, I swear! It was…nothing, man. I mean…Fuck! I’m sorry.” His voice trembles, barely audible. “I-I work for Azrael. He pays me to find and deliver the girls to him. Please, I’m begging you. I swear it won’t happen again!”

Samuel and Dakota stand there, petrified. Dakota’s voice trembles, cutting through the oppressive silence like a knife.

“I’m sorry,” he stammers, fear dripping from his words. “I didn’t mean to do anything wrong; I swear I had no idea—”

"STOP TALKING, Dakota!” Max bellows out with a raging fury, silencing Dakota’s words immediately.

Sensing no remorse from these demons, Lucian declares coldly, "No mercy now, fuckers. It's over."

I lunge forward like an enraged beast, out for blood. Max’s terrified face flashes before me as my fangs dig into his skin, and I drink down the life force pumping through his veins. His blood is a burning inferno that scorches my throat as it slides down, an electrifying current of power stealing away his life. The air charges with energy as Max’s last breath escapes his lips; I savor the taste of his death, reveling in the victory. Dropping him to the hard floor, I'm surrounded by an aura of darkness, a thick fog of death wafting through and empowering me.

Erik and Lucian join me in our righteous revenge, dispatching each of Dakota and Samuel with lethal efficacy. Erik rips his claws into Samuel’s throat with wild savagery, ripping it open, ignoring his agony.

Lucian sinks his teeth deep into Dakota’s throat, pulling it loose and drinking hungrily from the wound with an insatiable thirst. Their corpses lay still on the ground, discarded like broken dolls in our wake. I smirk as I wipe the dribbles of blood from my chin, my eyes burning with delight.

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