Page 41 of Prey

“Good. Then we both have nothing to worry about.”

Light broke through as we came into the heart of the city and my feet slowed at the sound of music. My eyes scanned the room, spotting the group immediately. They held the oddest array of instruments. One was playing an accordion, another, what looked to be an old washboard, and there was a banjo player and a violinist. Together, they were brilliant. Beyond amazing. So much so that I picked up my pace and broke away from Marie, heading toward the far cement wall where they stood.

“I know this song,” I said, moving closer.

“They sing it all time. Let’s go lie down in bed. We’ll talk.”

“No, wait.”

I barely heard Marie call me as I approached. The tune I knew, but never had I heard it played this way. It was different. Sad and upbeat at the same time.

A vampire with a big beard looked up at me and I gave him a big smile as he continued with the lyrics. I could feel Marie come to a stop behind me, but I didn’t care. For the first time in my life, I wanted to sing. And I was far from a place of worship. It didn’t matter. Maybe it was because I was shitfaced drunk. I’d probably regret it in the morning, but what if I didn’t have the morning? I could easily die at any time and I wanted to sing.

“When was the last time you lived?”

Hunter’s words pushed through and when the man broke off and pointed to me, I didn’t hesitate to join in with him. Surprise shot to his face and I didn’t even get embarrassed. My hands clapped and I laughed as I felt their spirit lift. The music that had been beautiful before, took on a whole new life. The volume increased, as did their beat, picking up tempo as they smiled and stomped their feet to the rhythm.

I let my voice ring out. Loud. Uncaring. Free. God, I felt so fucking free. It was the place. It was my new blood. Regardless of what happened with Marko, I was home, and I knew it.

Clapping and laughter behind me had me spinning toward Marie as I continued to sway and dance with the other men. Shock. Yes, she sure had it on her face. But surprise, too. I knew I sang well. I wouldn’t deny that. But something about how uplifted everyone was suddenly, how the environment wasn’t so dark, just left me invigorated. This place wasn’t so bad. It just needed to be lit up on the inside. It didn’t have to be dreary and about death. It didn’t. They drank blood. So what. I’d done it and still wanted more, but there was at least a little good here. I was witnessing it firsthand. And no one was trying to rip out my throat or attack me. We were just a group of people having a fun time.

The song began to end and I laughed, kissing the lead singer’s cheek as I stepped back. My small wave had them all returning the gesture and I wrapped my arm around Marie as she waited for me to take my place at her side. Which, at the moment, felt perfectly normal.

“You are amazing. I didn’t know you could sing. And so well,” she gushed.

I shrugged and laughed, suddenly feeling the embarrassment start to sink in, but didn’t dwell on it.

“Thanks. I sing…” I trailed off, sadness taking over at the realization. “I used to sing for the choir. I guess I can’t anymore.”

“Church choir?” Marie’s head shook, panicked. “Don’t go there, Tessa. Don’t ever go back there.”

My shoulders sagged as we headed toward the same hall Marko’s room was in. I didn’t even hesitate in my steps as we continued in the darkness. One of the men pushed open the door right past Marko’s and I could have rolled my eyes at the irony. As we headed inside, my feet finally dug in and I came to a stop.

“Marie…” My eyes shot to her. “You’re the devil.”

“I beg your pardon,” she said, offended.

I lifted my hand. “I’m sorry. That didn’t come out like I meant. You came to Marko’s door while I was in there. He thought your name and when I asked who Marie was, he said the devil. It was you.”

She let out a loud laugh and kicked off her shoes. “Indeed. Talk travels fast here. Besides, I heard you moaning as I walked by. I knew he’d been fucking someone good, so I thought I’d mess with him. I do that a lot. It’s fun.”

“To mess with Marko?”

“Well, yes, of course. He’s so uptight. It’s fun to pick at him every now and again. We get bored down here. It adds excitement. Especially since I know he doesn’t like me. It makes it that much more fun.”

I stepped out of the shoes and hugged my arms over my chest. Now that we weren’t dancing, I was cold. It was always cooler down here. Especially now.

“Ah, take that off and come get under the covers. You’re shaking.”

Marie let her dress drop to the floor and I paused.

“Oh, come on,” she said, walking over to the bed nude. “I’m not going to bite you. Or touch you, if that’s what you’re worried about. Marko would try to kill me and I’m not looking to fight tonight. I just want to talk and the best way to do that is comfortably. So…take off that dress and come lay down with me.”

“But.” I looked at the men, unsure. Noticing that they only had eyes for Marie, even though I felt uncomfortable as hell, I pulled the zipper free. The dress dropped to the floor and I rushed to the bed, diving under the covers she held up.

“Braver than I thought, too,” she said, smiling. “I didn’t think you’d do it. You take orders well. You’d be a good slave.”

My head drew back and I shook it. “Not really. Obviously.” My hand gestured to the door and Marie rolled her eyes.

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