Chapter 4

That night, back in my apartment and ready to visit the coffee shop, I hesitated with my hand on the knob, remembering what Bridger, the so-called hunter, had said about not going out after dark. To be honest, I was far more afraid of the human variety of predator than anything supernatural. Even wolves in the forest scared me less than humans did. At worst, the wolves would just kill me. Humans… I shied away from the things I’d learned toward the end of my old life.

The government had declared Beechworth safe, as far as they could tell. That didn’t mean it was, or that there weren’t run-of-the-mill bad guys around, but I couldn’t let fear rule my life completely. A draft of cool air swirled around me. It had happened once or twice before, but I had no idea where the draft was coming from. I might mention it to Oliver when I saw him next.

Resolved, I opened the door and headed out into the hallway, my computer bag looped over one shoulder. I used a tablet when I was out and about for portability, but I only had one bag right now. Eventually, I’d buy more things, but not yet. Not until I’d settled into my new home for good. If I had to move quickly, I didn’t want to lug a lot of things around.

I hurried down the stairs and almost plowed into Oliver at the bottom. He caught my arm as I did awkward gymnastics to avoid knocking him over, and I almost fell on my ass.

“I’m so sorry,” I blurted out. “I was just heading out and I didn’t see you.”

He made sure I was steady before releasing me. Pleasant heat burned through my skin where he’d touched me and settled deep inside my stomach, warming me and reminding me of my daydream in the shower. There was no stopping the heat in my cheeks.

“No trouble. I really should improve the lighting in these stairwells. It always slips my mind.” He glanced up at the light fixture before looking back at me.

Something else struck me then. “Oliver, I haven’t seen any of the other tenants. Is that normal?”

“Yes.”

I pushed my glasses back up my nose and considered how to ask for more information without being rude.

“Are you going out?” It was almost as if he were changing the subject.

It wasn’t any of his business, but he’d been so nice, and it was possible he’d have more suggestions, like the car dealership, so I answered instead of pressing for more details. “Just over to the coffee shop.”

Oliver studied me for a moment, tilting his head, before nodding slightly. “Take care.”

There was far more caution in his voice than a simple trip a block over should warrant. He was gone before I could question him, muttering softly about increasing the brightness in the stairwells.

I caught myself staring as he climbed the stairs and jerked my gaze away from the fine view. “Damn it. Very clearly, I need to get laid.” I also didn’t want to jump the first attractive male I came across, so I’d probably be continuing my dry spell for a while. It was going to take some work to find an appropriate relationship. That thought did not comfort my needy self, and my good mood soured slightly as I headed out into the cool, humid night.

Insects sang and a light floral perfume floated on the air. The moon was not yet above the horizon, but the sun had only recently set, so it wasn’t terribly dark and streetlights cast sulfur pools on the ground.

Something small moved in one of the pools of light. Weird.

Compelled to investigate, but carefully in case it was a raccoon or something wild, I increased my pace.

I stopped just outside the ring of light and stared, shocked. A small black and white dog lay huddled against the light post, its hair matted and dirty, laying with its muzzle between its paws. A small golden cord tied it to the post.

“What the heck?” I hurried into the pool of light.

The little thing whined at me and wagged its tail.

“Oh, baby.” I dropped to my knees and reached slowly forward. The dog scooted toward me and whined, pushing its nose under my hand. That was enough for me. I scratched behind his ears. Though he was matted and wet, I could feel soft fur under all that.

“Well, we can’t just leave you here.” I put my hand on the cord that tied it to the post.

“Don’t untie that creature,” a deep, unfamiliar voice commanded.

I spun around, still crouched, and put myself between the speaker and the dog.

“Who are you?” I demanded. I couldn’t see well outside the light, but already I would die for this dog. Something about this puppy compelled me to protect it.

“Those are nothing but trouble. Why don’t you let me take the creature and be on your way?” The voice turned seductive.

I stood and planted myself in front of the dog. “Somehow, I don’t think you have this dog’s best interests in mind. How about I handle it and you fuck off?”

“That is no dog,” the man said, coming to the edge of the light. His features were mostly obscured, but I got the impression of a hawk nose, sharp cheekbones, light colored skin, and a disapproving downward curve to his lips. He was taller than me.

I quickly reviewed what I knew of self-defense, hoped I wasn’t completely screwed, and prepared to defend the dog, still whining quietly behind me. He had scooted to the far end of the lead that secured him to the post. I was probably screwed, but what else could I do? Wait… phone… I pulled it out of my pocket, swiped it open and dialed 911.

The man’s frown deepened, and he waved his hand. The busy tone sounded, and he advanced into the light. “Move along.”

I almost took a step away, but no, this man was going to hurt the dog. There was no way I was moving along. I’d faced down men with guns pointed at me. I wasn’t completely defenseless against an unarmed man. I hoped. The dead line was weird, but I didn’t have time to mess around with it. I’d throw the phone at the guy’s face as my first move.

“Hey, there you are! Sandy, are you okay?”

I recognized the voice. The hunter, Bridger, also stepped into the light, his hand in his jacket pocket. Did he forget my name already? Or was that on purpose?

“No,” I said through gritted teeth.

Bridger turned to the other man. “Maybe you should leave.”

“Maybe you should mind your own business.”

This time I felt the power in his seductive voice. For whatever reason, it hadn’t affected me. Bridger pulled something out of his pocket. A squirt gun?

“Don’t make me do it, demon,” he snarled.

The man facing us sighed. “I sense that creature’s interference. Hunter, you would be wise not to spread false accusations. It could prove unfortunate for you.”

Bridger slowly tightened his finger. The man frowned and stepped back out of the pool of light, seeming to melt into the shadows.

“What was that?” The slight quaver in my voice now that the immediate threat was gone pissed me off, but it was better than a total freak out.

“Vampire, probably. Not sure. Anyway, didn’t I tell you not to go out after dark?”

“Pretty sure you don’t get to tell me what to do.”

The so-called hunter stared at me for a moment before shaking his head and returning the squirt gun to his pocket. “Holy water, if you were wondering. Works every time.”

“Have you ever actually seen anyone react negatively to holy water?”

“No. They always leave before I get a chance to hit them with it.” He sounded disappointed.

The dog whined, and I returned to my initial purpose, untying the cord and holding on to it in case the dog bolted. Instead, it crawled into my lap.

“Well, that’s adorable,” Bridger said.

“Yeah, we need to get him to a vet. Know of any?”

“Yes, there’s a twenty-four-hour clinic not far from here. Want a ride?”

“Are you sure? You’ve already gone out of your way for me.”

“Want to make sure you get there okay. It’s no trouble.” He smiled at me, not looking at all bothered.

I lifted the dog and got to my feet, grateful for a little help at the moment.

“Looks like a puppy,” he observed, giving the little guy a scratch. “Is that what all the fuss was about?”

“Yeah.” I related the past few minutes while I followed Bridger to his car. It was a newer sedan, and he opened the door for me to get in.

The puppy seemed content in my arms and tucked its head under my chin.

“Poor guy. I wonder how it got there.” Bridger started his car and pulled away from the curb.

“Yeah, really weird.” I cuddled it closer. My hand touched something warm and wet, and I pulled my hand away and looked at a streak of red. The little dog whined.

“Hey, Bridger? Drive faster.”