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.
