Then—
Twist.
Crack.
The vampire convulsed, then went limp. Black blood spread across the floor like ink.
I knelt there, gasping. Everything hurt—shoulder, arm, ribs... everywhere. My vision started to blur, probably from the brutal fight.
"Mommy..." Kai was frightened, crying on the bed as he watched my battered state.
I tried to stand, tried to reach him—the window rattled again.
The curtains still fluttered. Outside was pitch black, the streetlight couldn't reach here—just thick, congealed darkness.
A withered hand reached through from outside. Two shadows vaulted in, landing silently.
More. Two more.
My legs shook. Blood dripped down my arm, pooling on the floor.
I couldn't hold out much longer. I really couldn't. But I still stood, blocking the bed.
"Kai." My voice came out ragged. "Get my phone."
"Where... where is it?" His voice broke with tears.
"On the floor. Now!"
Kai climbed down from the bed, fumbling on the ground.
The two vampires split up, flanking me on either side.
"Got it!" Kai sobbed.
"Contacts—find Kayden. Call him!"
"Hurry!"
The dial tone sounded. The vampires moved.
One lunged at me. The other charged toward the bed.
I met the one coming for me, but I was too slow. His claws raked across my already-injured shoulder. The tearing pain made my vision go black. I gritted my teeth, driving my claws at his eyes. He screamed and retreated. I broke free.
But the other had reached Kai.
"Mommy!" Kai backed away in terror. I prepared to throw myself forward no matter what. The vampire extended his claws—
Bang!
Gunshot.
The vampire's chest exploded. Black blood sprayed. He froze for a second, looking down at the wound, then collapsed as if all his strength had been drained.
Bang!
Another shot.
