Page 113 of The Firebrand
Braelyn clinked her glass to Indigo’s, hoping Rein wanted her.
“I’m so glad we chatted, but it is time to go.” Indigo jumped up, twirling and spinning her way to the door. At the last minute, she pivoted around, eyes wide. “Ta ta. Gotta run.” Indigo blew a kiss as she danced out of the condo.
ChapterTwenty-Four
Braelynleft the dirty whiskey glasses on the living room table while she wandered into the kitchen, thinking about dinner. She opened the fridge to study the contents, deciding on pasta primavera. Getting out a pot to boil the noodles in, she danced around, singing Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’.”
The front door exploded inward, a violent kick splintering it. She barely caught a glimpse of the man who crashed through calling, “Come out, come out wherever you are, human.”
Braelyn reacted instantly, bolting for the bathroom, slamming the door shut, locking it. She backed against the cold tile of the far wall, helpless as the intruder smashed through that door, too. Now she was face-to-face with the same wild, red eyes of her attacker on Earth. And for the first time in her life, she knew fear.
Damn. This can’t be happening.
The man bared fangs, his mouth twisted into a monstrous smile. Snow-white hair hung limply around his face, his pallor a sickly shade of ash. A true demonic, blood-crazed vampire trudged toward her.
“Don’t fight,” he threatened, his voice like gravel.
“Screw you.” Braelyn’s stomach knotted from panic.
This is the end.Not cancer.
In the momentary silence, her pulse hammered in her ears. She inhaled through her mouth. Exhaled through her nose. Biting her lip until it hurt, she steeled her courage.
Hell no.
When he got close enough, Braelyn turned to the side, snapping a foot up and out. She caught him under the chin, knocking him backward.
Damn.That was good.Solid.
“Who are you? Why do you want me?”
“The name’s Silas.” A malevolent, merciless laugh sprang from his mouth, just like a movie villain. “Though on the list, you are also sweet vengeance against that smug Scion Firebrand bastard. Now, I think I desire you for other reasons. You’ve got moxie.”
Braelyn crouched.
When Silas extended an arm, she ducked under it, sprinting back through the condo toward the front door, using speed she didn’t know she possessed.
The monster with red eyes moved faster, blocking the way. “You fight well. Is this what you give Rein in bed? Do you satisfy his varied cravings? I am sure you will mine.”
“I’ll die first.”
“No, not first. Later, when I’m through with you.”
When Silas glommed onto her again, his nails carved into her forearm. Though she broke free and swept around him, blood flowed from the deep gashes, splattering on the floor.
Fangs punched from Silas’s gums like huge, pointed weapons, his mouth wide, unable to close because of the teeth. He sniffed the air, his crimson-stained eyes narrowing to slits, his cheeks caved in.
“What’s a small taste from her neck? Not yet. Not until she is released. Just a little. No.” Silas carried on a demented dialogue with himself as he licked each nail.
Before she could sprint across the living room, he snagged her shoulder. He spun her around, pulled back a fist, and slammed it into her face. Braelyn staggered from the force of the punch, a welt popping out on her jaw. He struck again on the other side of the cheek. Dazed, she collapsed to the floor while he turned away to resume the irrational self-dialogue.
Braelyn wobbled to her feet, stumbling to the table where her weapons lay. She barely had time to snag a blade before the vampire caught her. Breaking from his grasp, she threw the knife, its tip lodging near Silas’s heart.
His chin dropped, his gaze on the weapon. Snarling, he grasped the hilt and pulled it out. Blood poured from his wound but stopped quickly when the gaping hole sealed. His lips spread into an icy smile. “Nice, female. Shall I throw it back so you can try again?”
Braelyn spun and, ignoring the pain, raced for the bedroom. When she scooted the dresser in front of the door, it struck her as odd that she moved the heavy piece of furniture with ease.She shoved the thought aside.
Silas pushed inside, sliding the dresser along the wood floor as if it were a small toy. He flashed behind her, crooking an arm around her neck. Using claws, he ripped open her top, gouging her chest, fully exposing her.
