8. 7

7

Serina

T he cool wind whipped my hair wildly behind me as I gassed my motorcycle down the empty highway that was the final stretch leading to my destination.

My bike was the only thing I had left that reminded me of my dad since his car was left parked in the cabin’s garage by my uncle.

A small town to rest was just what I needed. And that was exactly what Fredericksburg was, but I’d rather be anywhere but here. The longer I rode down this highway, the faster memories barreled into me.

I held my head up as I pushed on, shoving away the burn in my throat. I couldn’t stop. If I stopped, I would break, and I refused to break until this was done.

Alive or dead in the end, I would end this.

Most Vampires preferred large cities. Plenty of warm bodies to sink their teeth into. I never understood why so many were in such a small town that day. They had to have followed us all the way there.

It let me know I was more than likely dealing with Higher Vampires. They didn’t need to feed as often. They were the ones that had walked this world longer than most. The ones that knew what they were capable of and learned the extent of their power, strength, and magic through the time they had to master it.

Higher Vampires were incredibly intelligent, and most had unique supernatural abilities that went beyond the changelings. Telekinesis, mind reading, causing pain without touching you, I had seen some even possess an invulnerability to sunlight, and even stronger regenerative capabilities against wood and other things that were known to weaken them.

Changelings were much easier to handle. Yes, they were quicker than a hummingbird's wings, had otherworldly strength, the stealth of snakes, and of course immortality, but most hadn’t delved into any of their true powers yet, which made them easy prey for hunters like me.

I didn’t think Higher Vampires attacked us that day in the woods. They were too… empty? Only after the kill rather than the blood.

I pulled my bike up to a small motel, parked it, and swung my leg over. I stretched out all my limbs, still feeling the rumble of my engine vibrating through my bones as I limped to the office and quickly paid the guy for a room.

Room B12.

I walked up to the second level, my brows pinched from the lingering pain thrumming through my leg, and made my way to my room number. There, I slipped the keycard over the pad before entering easily.

The room was simple, holding one bed with a plain white comforter set on top of it, a bathroom, a small closet, and a little 32-inch TV that sat on top of a dark wood, six drawer dresser with a mini fridge next to it on the floor.

I grabbed one of the bottles of complimentary water and chugged it in one go before walking over to the door and making sure it was locked.

Then I checked on my bike before closing the curtain and making my way to the bathroom.

I peeled off my leather jacket, revealing my half-sleeve of tattoos on my arm before I pulled off my black tank top and bra. I shifted to turn the water on to scalding hot before I took off my shoes, socks, and pants. I jumped into the shower, letting the searing temperature tear a groan from me because of how good it felt.

In the week it took me to get here, I hadn’t showered in three days. I planned on savoring this one. It made my ankle feel better after the asshole in the alley slammed me against the wall.

After about thirty minutes, I finished washing myself and my hair. Then I grabbed my towel and dried off, wrapping it around my body. I walked out from the little room for the shower and toilet and stood in front of the vanity where I froze.

My bruises looked more purple and blue now that I was clean.

My heart beat wildly in my chest. My breaths quickened. A panic attack was coming on. It wouldn’t be the first time I had one. My mind raced as I took deep, steadying breaths and gripped onto the vanity until it passed.

My thoughts pressed in around me.

A Vampire could have easily gotten in here since they didn’t need to be invited inside. That rule only worked for houses or buildings that were privately owned, and motels and hotels were open to the public.

I didn’t know what could have caused this particular panic attack and honestly didn’t care. Unfortunately, fear didn’t outweigh my exhaustion today, and there wasn’t any monster that walked this earth that would want an easy death for a member of the Velika family.

Especially not me, not after the havoc I had wreaked over the past eight months. Not after the hell I had put them all through.

No, they would want my death to be a grand one, so tonight I would sleep with my stakes strapped to my thighs and my gun tucked under my pillow.

On the third day, I rolled out of bed before the sun rose. I never got much sleep anymore. I grabbed my phone, and my eyes lingered on the photo of me and Dad before I swiped it open to see a message waiting.

Sam: Hey, I miss you. I love you. Stay safe. Xx

I didn’t respond. The only time I responded was if it related top information about a hunt. She had tried to get through to me countless times over the months, but I kept her at arm’s length.

I wouldn’t bring her into this mess.

I got up and caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. Dark circles had become a permanent mark under my eyes from my lack of sleep for months now. I pushed the thought aside, looking over my purple bruises from my hunt yesterday, but other than that I was fine.

I had been in town for a few days now, but I finally got the information I needed last night.

Apparently, the Davorin brothers were known for their parties.

I ran my fingers over the outline of my protection tattoo that sat on my sternum, the wings on either side perfectly framing my breasts. I couldn’t help but note the weight I had lost over the past few months too, but I shoved those thoughts aside as well.

I’m fine.

I’ll be fine once this is finished.

I knew it was a lie, but I told myself that anyways.

It was one of my favorite tattoos. Not only did it make me feel attractive, but it protected me from compulsions and demon possessions. The ink had a protection spell put on it by my friend Brielle.

I put on my lacey bra and panties before slipping on my normal black tank top and jeans. I laced up my biker boots before throwing on my leather jacket to fight against the chill of riding my motorcycle in the fall. Then I brushed my teeth and braided my hair, leaving some loose strands to frame my face.

I made sure my gun was loaded and that my stakes were all in their proper places on my body, some visible, some not, before I left the motel.

I straddled my motorcycle before I turned the key and let the engine roar to life. I left what little belongings I had in my motel room rather than having them slow me down on the back of the bike.

I would be back before sunrise, hopefully .

Being a hunter, you never really knew when your last day was.

I kicked up my bike stand and took off out of the parking lot.

I couldn’t deny that even in the dark the manor was a beautiful home layered with so many delicate details. I had to give it to them, whoever the Davorin brothers were, at least they had taste.

For a brief moment, I thought about burning it to the ground, hoping to take at least one of them down with the flames, but then I couldn’t be sure I'd get any answers.

Besides, after I killed them, I wouldn’t mind having a new stakeout location as nice as this.

I had left my bike in some bushes down the road, but with their hearing and after the warning that was left on my mirror, I wasn’t sure if they were expecting me or not, so I didn’t plan on wasting any time.

I yanked out two of my stakes and held them firmly as I crept up to the house, onto the porch, and opened the screen door before next pushing in the front door.

It was silent and dark, but even in the shadows I could see the layout of the room. There was a large grand staircase to my left and an open living area to my right.

I decided I’d sweep the lower half before moving upstairs.

I made it exactly three steps into the living room when the fireplace burst to life with flames and a man appeared in one of the two chairs that were in front of the fireplace.

I knew he hadn’t been there only moments ago. He had short, curled dirty blond hair, and the flames flickered in his blue-green eyes as he looked over me. Assessing me, giving me a sidelong look as he sipped his glass of amber liquid and then pursed his lips into an almost grin.

“You’re a brave little monster, aren't you?” He spoke with an accent that made my skin pebble with goosebumps, but I didn’t move, didn’t breathe.

“Some call me brave, others might think I’m stupid,” I said, waiting for him to move first, but he didn’t. Instead, he kept talking.

“I have a proposition for you, Serina Velika. ” He stretched out the syllables of my name as if they tasted sweet on his tongue.

“I don’t make deals with monsters,” I spat, lifting my stakes into position. I took one step and in a flash, he was standing before me, my stake inches from his neck. His breath skated across my skin. And in his place in the chairs were the other two Vampires, whom I presumed were the brothers I had heard about.

I couldn’t see what they looked like now that he had taken over my space.

“Monster? I believe you should look in the mirror, love, because from what I’ve heard about you, you have just spent the last week traveling across the States leaving a bloody trail behind you of every Werewolf, Demon, and Vampire you came across.”

“Killing monsters doesn’t make me one,” I growled.

“Hmm,” he contemplated. “It takes a monster to kill a monster.” He began circling me before he changed the subject. “Would one kill a snake for eating a mouse? Or a lion for eating a giselle? We are simply creatures of the food chain; it isn’t our fault humans just happen to be at the bottom.”

I paused, not moving. All of their eyes were on me now, but I couldn’t watch all of them at once no matter how hard I tried to.

The Vampire tsked, “Settle down, Serina, you’ll be happy to know that my brothers and I haven’t killed any mortals.”

“Why are you telling me this? Why does this matter?” I asked.

“It matters because I’m sure all the monsters you killed on the way here were tormenting the lives of humans around them, and for our little deal to work, I want you to know that we aren’t like the others.”

He said this as if the deal was already written in stone. Too bad for him, my conscience wasn’t thinking about second chances.

“Like I said before… I don’t make deals with monsters,” I sneered, not thinking about the possible innocents I had killed as well.

I swung my arm back, but he blocked and shifted away in a flash. My eyes volleyed between him and the other two males in the chairs. They never moved, letting it be a fair fight against me and him.

He blocked every blow until he used his speeds against me and grabbed me from behind, my stakes pinned with my arms over my chest, holding me tight against his front.

“I only want to help,” he growled, and I was taken by surprise. “I’d like to help you find them, the ones who killed your father.”

I had never needed help, but I couldn’t deny that I was fucking tired; all the traveling and fighting had been wearing on me. I had noticed I was thinner, looking more pale here recently, but I had tossed it on the back burner in comparison to the revenge I so craved, and having help sounded kind of nice right about now.

They could be my way in, and then at least if they got killed, it wouldn’t be someone I cared about. I could always kill them afterwards if I needed to. But… they were them.

“How did you know why I was here?” I asked.

“You have been a busy woman since his death. You’ve killed more monsters than I care to remember. People might not know who is doing the killings, but word travels, love,” he said while I struggled in his hold, trying to catch my breath. “Now, if I let you go, you must promise to not kill me.”

“I promise,” I said, and as soon as he released me, I rammed one of my stakes into his thigh. He hissed as he stumbled back.

“So much for your word,” he muttered as he yanked the stake free and tossed it to the ground.

“I didn’t kill you,” I said with a smirk, and one of his brothers chuckled from his chair, the one with the darker hair, while the other grinned at my response, taking a sip of his liquor. “Now, what would you want from me if I did agree to this deal of yours?”

“I don’t want anything from you. I just want a better world; we want a better world.” At this, I almost laughed. He continued when I didn’t respond, “Because contrary to what you all may think of our kind now , we,”—he motioned to his brothers—“don’t disagree with your ways. There should be lines monsters shouldn't cross.

“Life, humanity, is something to be respected. Cherished, even.” His voice grew a little somber at the end of his sentiment. “I’m sure there are plenty of monsters out there that have no regard for such a thing, and if they meet their end by your blade, or bullets, then I’d say it’s well deserved.”

I had to look over each of their faces to be sure that what he was saying was the truth. But none of them moved to kill me when I knew they easily could.

Hell, the one who had me in his hold could have ripped my throat out. A part of me yearned to believe that not all were like the beasts that had killed my father, that perhaps some flicker of humanity could exist within them.

But the hatred, the loathing I harbored for their kind, surged like bile in my throat. Could I really work alongside the very creatures I had sworn to destroy?

My father would have given them chances, but could I?

“What do you say, little monster?” he asked again, and I looked over at him before peering at the other two men sitting in the chairs.

Now that I was observing closer, I realized they were all grossly attractive.

One had dark black hair and piercing blue eyes, with swirling black tattoos on his forearms from what I could see of his rolled-up sleeves on his button-down. The other had light brown hair, and I never thought I’d think a Vampire's eyes looked kind, but that was the only thing that came to mind when I looked at him.

The one making the deal nodded his head for them to come over, and they both stood, walking over to me.

“I’m Sebastian Davorin, but call me Bastian, and these are my two brothers by heart, not by blood. This is Nox.” He pointed to the one with dark hair, the one who looked like every girl’s worst mistake.

He eyed me like he wanted to eat me in more ways than one, as if he could see every inch of flesh under my clothes.

It made me shift uneasily on my feet.

His cocky looks, square jaw, and menacing bad boy grin did things to my insides.

“And that’s Thorne,” Bastian finished, pointing to the one with those kind, dark, forest-green eyes. As if the bark and the leaves of spring were meeting together in his gaze. His jaw was more angular, and his hair was brown and looked to be gelled out of his face.

He flashed me a smile full of straight teeth—a heartwarming one. One that wouldn’t make you suspect anything lurked just beneath it. All of them had lighter skin.

“Well, it seems you’re already acquainted with who I am…”

“Everyone recognizes a Velika when they see one. Do we have a deal?” Bastian asked, and the chill from the thought of accepting seeped into my soul, but it was nothing compared to the icy knot of exhaustion that had settled deep in my bones.

My muscles ached from the relentless cycle of hunting and running, a never-ending pursuit fueled by rage and an insatiable need for vengeance.

There was something unsettling about accepting aid from those who shared the same monstrous nature as the ones who'd torn my world apart. Why would they want to help me? What did they have to gain?

A better world was the biggest bullshit response I’d ever heard. Everything had a cost; nothing was free.

Since Dad died, every clue I’d chased down, every lead I'd followed, had unraveled into nothingness, leaving me with empty hands and a heart heavy with unspent grief.

The fury within me simmered, a constant companion that had kept me barreling forward. But beneath all that anger lay a well of sorrow so vast and deep, I feared I'd drown in its silent depths if I ever let myself feel it. So, I would keep running, keep hunting, because motion meant I didn’t have to face the stillness, the darkness, the pain.

I couldn’t work with them. I wouldn’t… yet here I stood, pondering their proposal, the weight of it settling on my shoulders like a mantle I wasn’t sure I wanted to wear.

Was it desperation that made me consider their offer, or something else?

“Like I said, I don’t work with monsters.” Still facing them, I took a few steps back toward the front door.

“What? Not going to kill us?” Nox questioned with a raised brow.

“You're all not completely useless to me yet ,” I said as I finally turned away from them, the decision burning like a brand upon my conscience.

For now, they would live. For now, I would walk away.

“Ouch,” Nox mumbled as he went to take a swig from his glass.

“You know where to find us when you change your mind,” Bastian stated smoothly. “You know you won’t be able to do this forever, which is why you aren’t leaving us staked in our living room.”

My hand paused on the door handle.

He went on, “Not eating, not sleeping, running on fumes will only get you so far…” He said this so matter-of-factly, as if he could read my mind, and I knew he was right, but I ignored him as I walked out of the house, letting the screen door slam behind me.