Page 36 of Prey

Marie’s eyebrows rose in what looked to be disbelief. As if she was surprised I’d allow him to talk to me that way. She turned her head to look down to the side and I felt my shirt tugged back again. I spun on Hunter, suddenly not able to deal with his grabbing on me or telling me what to do. “I don’t feel threatened. I think this will be okay. You heard her. Marko’s not even there.”

“What if it’s not okay? What then, Tessa? She’s a vampire. Are you ready to trust them all because of what she says? Maybe you’re her next meal. Did you think of that? Just because she’s female doesn’t mean she won’t eat you alive.”

I rolled my eyes. “Hunter, she has four men to feed from, why would she want me? It’s ridiculous. I’ve been there. I’ve seen their city. It’s just like here. The only difference is their diet. Sure, there are drawbacks obviously, but they can’t all be bad based off one person. That’s like saying everyone on earth is like the serial killers held behind bars. We both know that’s not how we all are. Besides, you heard her. Marko can’t help it. I believe that. I’ve heard his thoughts. Felt what he has. It’s beyond his control. Please just stop worrying, I’ll be protected.”

“My men will watch out for her, I promise,” Marie said from behind me. “You have nothing to fret over. We’ll have her home before sunrise.”

Hunter shook his head at me. “This is a bad idea, Tessa. I can feel it.”

He was right to worry and I knew it, regardless of what I tried to force myself to believe. I’d been raised to have faith. Although I hadn’t found it in what I wanted, a piece of me clung to what instinct tried to convince me of. “I feel like it’s not a bad idea, Hunter. I need this. Here,” I said, placing my hand on my chest, “I have to go.”

His eyes shut and he took a few steps back. “I really wish you wouldn’t.”

I turned back to Marie. “What do I wear? I really don’t have anything…” again, I looked at her dress, “like…that.”

“Don’t even worry about it. I have plenty of things for you to choose from. We’ll have you fixed up in no time. Why don’t you go slide some shoes on. We’ll head out.”

I nodded, closing the door. Hunter had his arms crossed over his chest, glaring. “Don’t do it, Tessa. Please. I’m begging you. Stay. For me.”

My eyes closed and I lowered my head. “I wish you could feel what I do. My mind needs to go. It’s like, I can’t not go.”

“Is he calling you again?”

Immediately, my head shook. “No, this is me. I just feel like it’s something I have to do. Please understand. I’m…fucking dying inside.” Even as I said it, more tears surfaced.

“If you go, you might be dying for real. You’re going to get yourself killed and there’s nothing I can do about it. Nothing but force you to stay whether you like it or not.”

I cocked my head to the side as anger sent one of the tears spilling over. I quickly wiped it away. “This is my decision. I understand you’re afraid, but I’m telling you, you have nothing to worry about. I will be home before sunrise.”

“And if you’re not?”

I sighed, not even wanting to think about the possibility. “Then I am so sorry and stupid for not listening. But I’m going, Hunter. I have to. I really do.”

An aggravated sound left his mouth and he walked into his room, slamming the door. My flats were still by the far wall and I slid them on, looking down at the large denim button up blouse and black tights I wore. I looked a mess, but I didn’t have the strength to change. I’d have to use every ounce I did have once I got to the underground city and I was hoping just being there would reenergize me. The sluggishness was taking its toll.

“Perfect.” Marie beamed as I stepped out and shut the door behind me. I hugged my arms to my chest as we walked our way down the street.

“I’m so excited you’re going. We’re going to have so much fun. I just know it. But most importantly, you’re going to feel better.”

I tried to pretend to be happy, but now that I was out of my home, nervousness was kicking in. I could feel her energy so much stronger without my walls blocking the extent of it. It had to be the rule Hunter had spoken of. There was obviously something up with it. A protection precaution of some kind.

“How many people are going to be at this party?”

We got to the end of the road and turned. It wasn’t long before I was faced with the same grate Marko had taken. My pulse exploded and I didn’t want to go down there. I couldn’t face the spot where I’d almost died. Yet, I had to. I couldn’t go on with the way I had been, so empty and exhausted. Something had to change and I had to face my demons.

“I have no idea how many people she invited. She said it was a girl’s get-together. Knowing Crystal, there might be quite a few.”

One of the men took off the grate and I was lifted before I could say anything. My eyes shot to Marie’s nervously.

“It’s okay, Tessa. This is normal. My men and I will take good care of you. Trust me.”

Chapter 16

Marko

Lights strobed through the large, underground two-level club, illuminating the foggy effects. Pink and blue colors shot around the room as the seductive tune echoed against the cement walls. Each beat of the heavy bass slammed into me as my eyes stayed focused on Boyd and his group of vampires. Humans mingled in the mix, stirring an aroma thick of lust. Here, they wouldn’t feel fear, when they should.

The club was a playground for fucking. It was all passion and feeding. They loved the danger, the unknown, as their bodies swayed and rubbed against the hard muscle and curves of the strangers they were so easily accepting. In the eyes of the earlier generations, we were gods. A prize to be won. And they didn’t hesitate to make their interest known if they had one.

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