Page 13 of In the Monster's Wake
They’d gotten a tip that Kester had been seen in the area.He could be anywhere, but there was a good chance he was looking for a new victim.What better place than a club where humans and monsters mingled?
Archibald wasn’t sure he understood why Kester killed people.His informant had told him that Kester did it because he felt like it, but it was an odd thought.Maybe it was because Archibald couldn’t understand doing something like that.
It didn’t matter.Kester had been seen in the area, so here they were, watching the dance floor and hoping to catch him.They had a vague description, but Archibald wasn’t sure he’d be able to recognize him.Most monsters learned how to hide in crowds of people and make themselves appear more human, at least at first glance.It might be impossible to identify Kester, even if hewashere.
The loud music and voices weren’t helping.People kept moving, and it was hard to stay focused.Archibald wanted to complain again and get Braith to send him home, but he wouldn’t leave his friend to fend for himself, no matter how much he disliked this place.
His gaze caught on a man dancing.He’d noticed him before, but he’d forced himself to look away.Every time his gaze went back to the man.
He wasn’t sure why.The human was as normal as they came, even though he was gorgeous.His dark hair was plastered to his forehead by beading sweat, and the way he moved his hips was mesmerizing.There were better dancers on the dance floor, though.
Archibald didn’t care about any of them.
He shouldn’t care about his dancer, either.He was here for a reason, and it wasn’t to ogle someone’s ass as they danced.At least no one would wonder why he was here.Anyone watching him would probably think he wanted to try his luck with the guy.
“You’re supposed to look out for Kester, not stare at that guy’s ass,” Braith grumbled.
Archibald didn’t even look at him.“It’s a cover.”
Braith snorted loudly.“Sure it is.”
Archibald was still watching the guy.The man moved closer to his friend and said something in his ear, then turned and left the dance floor.For a second, Archibald considered going after him.If the guy was going to the bathroom, it would give Archibald a chance to talk to him—or maybe more.
But he wasn’t here for that.He wouldn’t leave Braith on his own to possibly face Kester, even though he doubted that Kester would attack anyone in such a crowded place.
He frowned when he noticed a tall person wearing a jean jacket push away from the wall when the human walked past them.The human didn’t notice.His attention was on pushing through the crowd of people.
The guy in the jeans jacket fell into step behind the human.Archibald couldn’t see him well, but the man’s arms looked disproportionate.It might be a coincidence, but something cold slithered down Archibald’s spine.“I’m going to the bathroom,” he told Braith.
“You couldn’t have gone at home?I’m not waiting for you if I see Kester.”
“You won’t see him.”
“You can’t know that,” Braith called out as Archibald walked away.“My idea to come here was great.”
Archibald didn’t answer.He kept his attention on the human and the man following him.Was it a monster?Archibald couldn’t see well between the dimness of the lights and the many people moving around.He’d only find out when he got closer, but he didn’t want to risk startling whoever he was following.He had to be careful.
He lost sight of the guy in the jeans jacket for a few seconds as the human disappeared into a side hallway.He hurried forward, his heart racing as he thought about what the human might have to deal with if the guy in the jeans jacket was a monster.He might not even be Kester, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t dangerous.
The hallway was empty when Archibald reached it, but the bathroom was just a few feet away.The door was already closed.
Archibald rushed toward it, intent on making sure the human was okay, when a hand suddenly appeared in front of him.It grabbed his shirt and pulled him into a secondary hallway he hadn’t noticed.It was darker than the one with the bathroom, but not so dark yet Archibald didn’t see the fist coming for his face as his back slammed against the wall.
