Page 5 of Marked Resistance

“Go enjoy your life, Zee,” Dad added. “This is war. Between the things you had to have seen, and your worry over us,youhaven’t lived. You haven’t experienced life. You were turned at such a young age…”

His voice trailed off.

“I did what I had to do,” I said in a lowered tone.

“No. You did what I should have done,” he responded. “Now, go do whatwewant you to do.”

“That reminds me. How’sMauricio? Does his name still roll off your tongue?” I asked Sarah.

A flush crept across her cheeks and she started coughing.

“That good, huh?” I teased. “I guess it’s not his name rolling off your tongue. Be careful, Sarah. This isn’t the world to bring a baby into. At least, not a human baby.”

“Mau is fine. We’ll be fine, Zee,” Sarah soothed. “We always are.”

“Huh,” I chuckled. “Someone taught you well.”

Sarah reached across the table and touched my hand.

Chapter Three

The number of people inside The Ghost Crab approached insanity. Kepjess remained one of the larger cities in Shaye territory, and the entertainment venues attracted humans and vampires alike, which often led to exciting evenings. One of the few venues left in the world where clan allegiance gave way to the impartiality of fun, The Ghost Crab from the outside looked warm, enchanting, and modest. Large marble stones made up most of the building's outer structure. High windows prevented me from seeing inside as I waited in line to gain entry, but the warm noises from within reverberated inside my bones.

The bouncer at the door towered over the others waiting for his approval to gain entry, his muscled frame served as a deterrent for anyone questioning the security of the facility. His demeanor struck me as bizarre as he eyed my clan mark, and I cocked my head to the side. I’d opted to braid my hair in a bun and go with an all-black look, wearing a black tank top and a matching pair of jeans.

Really? I’m not fucking you.

The message I conveyed with my fists on my hips seemed to get through the layer of silence between us, and he waved me through to the entrance. I pushed through the heavy, wooden door—probably set this way to ensure vampires only—and the welcome smell of alcohol and cheerful singing grabbed me. Few knew of or experienced fighting a vampire with an ability like mine, so my lighter wasn’t considered a threat since it was small and innocuous. I checked my bladed weapons and went further in. The bartender was quite busy but managed to welcome me with a wink. I rolled my eyes as he eye-fucked me and continued inside.

The enchantment from the outside carried through to the inside. Several walls supported the upper floor and the sconces attached to them. Private rooms were available upstairs for those who wanted to further their enjoyment, with blood as the price of entry. The walls on the lower level were completely empty, besides the lighting, most likely because customers stumbled too often and would knock anything off of them.

Separate groups occupied several long tables. The clan marks of the vampires, all enjoying themselves, were visible on different body parts. Tonight, Shaye, Letos, and Corrus could be found drinking, singing, and sharing in their similar war experiences. Though The Ghost Crab was neutral ground, clan allegiance was eternal as the groups of partygoers kept to themselves.

The other, smaller tables were also occupied by vampire clan members who seemed to be close with the owner, though they happily welcomed others among their midst. Most of the stools at the bar were occupied, but no one seemed to mind more company. The Ghost Crab was famous throughout the world for maintaining a safe atmosphere inside, while the four clans warred with each other outside.

The smell of grilled and cooked food coming from the kitchen directed me to find a seat and prepare for what I considered a well-deserved time-out from the horrors of life.

I flicked the lid to my lighter open and shut it again in a never-ending dance as I stared into nothingness. The sights around me mingled with the cacophony of sounds and faded into the background of my mind. White noise on a black night.

“You look like you could use a friend.”

A gravelly, husky voice, dark dreadlocks, shining black wide-set eyes, and a lean, friendly face with a wicked smile towered over me. Broad shoulders, a thick neck, and a muscled torso with defined chest muscles were covered by a crisp, white button-down shirt with part of a lion tattoo peeking out under the collar.

“You’re Shaye?” I asked.

“Yeah. Is that a problem?”

I flashed him my clan mark.

Our eyes met and his darkened. “Yeah, I knew you were Shaye.”

“How?”

His wicked grin returned. “Your skin. Beautiful tan complexion.”

“That doesn’t mean anything. I could’ve been Disaris.”

“No.”

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