Prologue
From the depths of the underground he came, a monster moving amongst the shadows. Stalking every living thing like the predator he was. The dark suit and fedora couldn’t hide what anyone who got within a ten-foot radius would feel. And he could have had them. Could have torn them to pieces with his razor sharp fangs. He wanted to. But they wouldn’t be his meal tonight.
I would.
Even lying in bed, the covers pulled up to my neck, I saw him getting closer. Shared his vision. His thoughts. He was coming for me. I could feel it in my bones and not just because his arrival was my greatest fear. My blood was literally calling him. Every beat of my heart was like the sweet bells of my church, luring in the faithful servants of the Lord. Luring in him. I was Marko Delacroix’s salvation. His continuation amongst the living dead. But I wouldn’t be for much longer. Tonight, I would die. He’d kill me. And then I’d be replaced.
How did I know? Because with every leisurely step closer, he projected more images into my mind. Of my last breaths. Of my legs and arms intertwined with his as my pulse weakened. Slowed. Stopped. He wanted me afraid, just as much as he wanted to soothe those fears and seduce me when he got inside my home. Oh God, and seduce he would. My body burned for him as much as I was terrified of the creature who fed from me. He was nothing short of the devil in my mind. A man whose looks and touch could bring the highest pleasure. But one that would ultimately be my demise.
One might wonder why I didn’t run or hide if I knew the end was near. It was simple. I couldn’t. Not only because he could track me down, which I found out the hard way, but because it was physically impossible to go far. I was helpless to flee. With the insertion of his fangs weeks ago, came something more lethal than any poison to shock my system or make me crave him. It was what happened to my brain. I could think. I could carry on with my routine. Yet, when it came to defying him, my mind wouldn’t allow me to. I was powerless. Under his control.
Prey.
Chapter 1
Marko
Like a merry-go-round, our game went around and around. Predator—prey. Vampire…human. I walked the streets, a fiend for their blood. The beat of their hearts, a soft melody for the killer that lurked within. Laughter drifted by as couples and groups stepped out of the surrounding nightclubs and restaurants. It was an aphrodisiac to the overwhelming temptation streaming through. The scent of their skin blanketed the area, mingling with aromas of food I no longer remembered the taste of. But for some reason, tonight, I didn’t care about what I lacked from my past. Each person stood out. Distinct. Different. The saxophone playing on the corner lifted my spirits even higher and for the first time in months, I could feel a smile pulling at the corner of my lips.
I pushed my hands deeper into my pockets and continued my stroll amongst all the party-goers. Most were young—college age. Not necessarily my cup of tea, but I’d put off feeding for weeks. I was looking for a change from my routine. Something new. Something…exciting. Boredom for a vampire wasn’t a good thing. For me, everyone I saw was a meal. If I wasn’t a Master and part of le Cercle, I’d be half-tempted to walk through one of those door and paint the room red. As it was, we had enough trouble without me adding to it. A vampire attack wouldn’t fare well mere days before our big announcement. Our acceptance back in to society. It was already in the works. The details were unimportant as I spotted a petite blonde staggering from the exit of an Irish Pub.
My pace stayed slow and I stopped, scanning the crowds. Even though she was an easy target, I didn’t want her. My taste didn’t run for the weak or inebriated.
So, why was I here, amongst all these drunks?
Seconds went by while I spun around in a circle, taking in the busy street. I found my focus stopping back on the girl. A low groan poured through my throat and I knew.
I was in full-blown massacre mode. It was the reason for the happiness and had I not known better, the results would have played out differently. I was almost past the point of being able to control myself and I couldn’t keep doing this. It wasn’t that I felt bad for taking what I needed, I was just losing interest. The lack of excitement was driving me under. Making me delay what had to be done.
Anger had my eyes narrowing and my steps were fast as I made my way to the blonde who’d somehow stumbled around the corner. I could use any excuse I wanted, but I didn’t bother. She’d take the edge off. I needed that. Then, the real hunting could begin.
I broke around the brick, inspecting the dim road. Sporadic groups headed toward the clubs resting on the main street, but I paid them no attention as I swept the drunk girl into my arms. I never broke my stride, moving more toward the darkness. A delayed gasp had me looking down. For the briefest moment, she struggled against me, but when her blue eyes rose, she stopped. The pull was automatic. Her tightened features loosened as she stayed trapped in my gaze. The will to keep her there was second nature and so much easier due to her intoxication.
“You looked like you needed help.” My French accent pushed through thickly as I felt my fangs began to lower. The scent of liquor poured off her in waves and it was almost enough to cause me to drop her and keep walking. Wine, I could do. Cheap whiskey was my biggest turn off.
The girl licked her lips, nodding. “Yes,” she said, breathlessly. “I need…help.”