And walk away.
Once I’m out of her line of sight, I drag my fingers down the rune inked on my left forearm. Glamour magic sparks against my skin, climbing like frost before spreading through my limbs and bleeding outward like smoke. A familiar tingle crawls up my spine.
By the time I reach the elevator, my reflection’s already gone from the polished chrome.
Yep.
Invisible.
The glamour is meant to conceal me from supernatural creatures, mostly vampires, while used in combination with dark shadowy corners. But it’s especially useful when trying to avoid pesky humans since their eyesight is so subpar.
It’ll also conceal my comings and goings from any security cameras, which could prove useful if my target decides to track me down.
I snort. It’s unlikely. But one can never be too careful when it comes to fucking bloodsuckers. Their resources are vast, and unlimited.
I make my way up to the eighth floor of the hotel, marked as PH8 beside the elevator button, for Penthouse level eight.
PH8. Fate. Huh.
Interesting.
I don’t have time to ponder the strange foreboding feeling overtaking my spine before the doors ding open and I’m on my floor.
My door happens to be right across the hall from the bank of elevators so a quick swipe and I’m in. I scan the room. Empty. Good. Then I clock every exit, window, and potential blind spot. Force of habit.
When I’m finished, I let out a low whistle.
The place is fucking fannnncy.
The bed is fluffy and inviting. Staring at it, I’m suddenly overcome with exhaustion. Three long ass days of riding on my motorcycle to get here—in the rain—has left me weary.
Typically, I don’t give a shit where I end up laying my head at night, but I'm not one to turn down a chance at luxury, especially when it’s paid for by the Guild.
But I’ll have to savor the luxuries later. Now is when the real work begins. Time to track the bastard who murdered my brother. The one calling himself the Night Reaper.
And my next lead? A shady little pizza joint called Fangerella’s. Word is the sauce’s not the only thing they serve that’s red.
And I’m feeling especially… bloodthirsty tonight.
Chapter Four
JUST KEEP COOKING…
Iswallow another growl, the involuntary reaction taking everything I possess to control.
She’s out in the rain again.
Alone.
Unaware.
But not vulnerable.
No.
She doesn’t know it yet but she is more powerful than all the creatures stalking her in the shadows at night, she just needs time.
To bloom.
