Page 63 of After Darkness Falls

Too afraid to give much thought to her actions, she plunged her knife deep inside the creature’s skull before its jaw closed on him.

That was when she realized she could be helpful. The huntsmen were protecting her and the witches, and she could protect them by looking around and defending them from sneaky attacks.

She concentrated on that job, awkwardly pushing her knife through legs, over shoulders, and under arms.

She would have sworn that a lifetime had passed, but Mikar appeared only minutes later, Cat by his side.

Something changed in the air. Chloe could almost taste fear. The moment the creatures saw them, they attempted a retreat. And she understood why.

Mikar had never seemed threatening to her until then. He was certainly muscular, and there was an edge to his dark eyes. But she'd never stopped to think what he'd done to earn himself a place as one of Levi's guards.

Now she knew she was facing a killer. The sort of man who took lives with ease, perhaps even pleasure. At his side, Cat was a tigress. A cat ready to pounce and play with her food.

The creatures never had a chance.

Chloe saw nothing more than shadows in the wind. Claws flashing and blood pouring out of ripped throats. She'd been impressed by Gwen's hail, but Cat's hands propelled thunder that destroyed everything in its path.

An instant later, all but one of the creatures were in pieces on the ground, and the street was silent and motionless. Then, as if freaked by the atmosphere, a nearby car alarm rang out.

Tris laughed. Shelaughed.

And the next moment, Chloe was laughing too.

Everythingwashilarious.

They were alive.

29

A Conversation

"Let's get out of here now,” Mikar said, walking quickly toward the huntsmen’s quarters. “This is bad news. Has anyone been bitten?"

There were noes all around.

"Good. Let's go in."

"What were those things?" Chloe asked.

"Ferals. Vampires affected by a blood sickness that makes them insane. They're insatiable and incapable of thinking very much. Seeing this many in one place can only mean one thing: they were ordered here. Spelled, or mind controlled.Faster," Mikar admonished, although they were already practically jogging.

He was really freaked out, she could tell. Chloe quickened her pace, and in no time, they'd arrived in front of the huntsmen's house.

Jack stopped in front of Mikar, sizing him up. His jaw tight, he said, "You helped tonight."

Mikar gave no reply.

"I know you were told to protect her, but you helped us too. You may stay with us if you'd like. Both of you."

The vampires looked taken aback. Chloe guessed they weren't often invited inside huntsmen’s quarters.

"Appreciated. But someone has to watch the house from the outside."

"Chloe was attacked inside, too," Cat argued. "I'll stay with her. If that's all right with you," she added, to no one in particular.

Mikar looked like it definitely wasn't all right with him. Before he could protest, Chloe said, "Sounds great. Thank you. After last night, I'll sleep better with you here."

Reluctantly, the other vampire nodded. "All right. I'll call Levi with an update."

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