Page 75 of The Vampire's Thirst
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Thorn loaded supplies and duffels into the backend of the She Beast.
“Do you have weapons?” asked Dax.
“Do I have weapons? Am I hung like a stallion? Firepower and blades are in a duffel on the front passenger floor.” He opened another bag, passing Dax a sheath, a short sword, and a Sig Sauer automatic.
The vampire strapped on the scabbard, sliding the blade into it. He jacked the gun into his waistband. “What did Kole say when you contacted him?”
Thorn ran fingers through his hair, brushing the long strands out of his eyes. The vampire seemed different. Clear-headed. Concerned. Usually Dax hid in a shadowy corner, keeping his mouth shut while the Firebrands discussed business. It was always hard to tell if he gave a shit or not about a sitch. He skirted the edge. Like all of them, the Phoenix called him to the cause. But today? Today, he acted as if he cared.
Thorn slammed the truck gate shut. “He’s sending some guys to check out the Missoula jump point. I told them you said to be careful. Not to take the portal to Earth. They’ll meet us when we come through from Bozeman. I’ll call when we get close.”
When Thorn jerked his head around, he sniffed the air. “Shit.” He sniffed again. “We’ve got demons, satyrs, and a witch heading our way.”
Dax sprinted toward the house. His boots hitting the porch, he burst through the door, shouting. “Females. The truck. Now.”
Dax hustled Chiara along by her arm. Fin ran behind them, holding a small box.
“We’ve got company. Get your asses in the truck.” Thorn grabbed the box, boosting Fin into the front of the cab.
Dax shoved Chiara through the backseat door. He crawled in after her.
Thorn charged around the She Beast, climbed into the driver’s side, and started the engine, peeling out, churning gravel. Sticking his head out the window, he spied a squad of Arisen Dawn soldiers break from the surrounding forest. When shots pinged the truck, Dax threw his body across Chiara. Thorn’s free hand cupped Fin’s neck to push her to the floor.
A witch materialized in the middle of the road, blocking the She Beast.
“What the fuck?” Not hesitating, Thorn gunned it, heading straight for her.
She disappeared as the air around her shimmered, her molecules reforming in the truck bed.
“Teleportation spell. Get flat on the floor now,” shouted Dax.
Thorn kept an eye on his rearview mirror as the powerful vampire crawled through his window. He flung himself into the backend.
As the mage came at him, Dax gripped the top of the truck and kicked his legs out, landing a strike to the female’s jaw. She flew onto her back.
Snapping to her feet, she threw a spell at Dax, who didn’t duck in time.
Damn. A boulder to the chin.Thorn thought that must hurt.
The female smiled. In slow motion, the arm at her side floated up, her wrist bent, and her hand shot out. She mouthed some mumbo-jumbo.
When Thorn swerved, he glanced back at the road to steady the She Beast. He returned his gaze to the rearview mirror to watch the show.
Dax was faster than her spell. He drew the Sig and fired. Dead center forehead. Witch brains all over the truck bed. Least stupid wins.
Removing the sword from the scabbard, Dax lobbed off her head. He tossed both body parts out the backend.
The vamp slid back inside through the open window. Once seated, he lifted Chiara from the floor, cradling her in his arms. “We’re okay for now.” He tapped Thorn on the shoulder. “Who do you think they were looking for? Chiara and me or you and Fin?”
“Since you escaped in a car, they couldn’t have followed you without scrying. Most likely, they tracked me to my ranch after I rescued Fin.”
“What do you mean by scrying?” asked Chiara.
Thorn met her gaze in the rearview mirror. “Some witches and warlocks use things like crystal balls, mirrors, water to find people. It’s a gift. Of course, it helps if they have a personal item.”
Fin braced a hand on the dashboard when the road got bumpy. “What happens now?”
