Page 37 of Rafe

“You’re like what? Over a thousand years old? I’d think you’d have your emotional issues worked out by now.”

“Don’t listen to a word of what he says, Skylar. He’s the one you should worry about. Wolves? They’re animals. Astute perhaps, but they’re wild, ravenous beasts. But vampires? We have what you call passion.” Greyson raised his fist in triumph.

“He’s truly mad.” Rafe raised an eyebrow at Skylar.

“Vampires are where it’s at. Our bite is intoxicating.”

“Are we going back to the bar with the wolf?” Rafe asked, changing the subject.

“I’ve got a tip,” Greyson said.

“From who?” Rafe asked.

“Not important. I hear there’s at least one vampire working at a blood club who might be willing to talk. Name’s Topper.”

“Do you think they know Scott?” Skylar asked.

“Maybe yes, maybe no. Things are messed up now. You see, most vampires crave order. When a leader is taken out,” Greyson ignored her question. “There’re fights for succession. But not always. We must assess the situation. Shake a few trees. See what falls out.”

“There’s order in the paranormal world,” Rafe told Skylar. “Supernaturals are like humans. Some are attracted to evil ways. So if one of these humans is transformed into a vampire, it can amplify how they were in life. And Scott, he was probably a pretty bad dude before.”

“So when you die an asshole, you stay an asshole?” she probed.

Rafe laughed. “Yeah, take big guy for example.”

“Fuck off.” Greyson shot back.

“Not everyone wants immortality. To drink blood to survive. But a guy like Scott? It’s worse because he gets off on the power.”

“He didn’t have that much power when I killed him.” Greyson stopped short of finishing his thoughts.

“Easy.” Rafe shot him a pointed look.

“When I took care of Scott,” Greyson continued. “I tasted the blood of another but not within my line.”

“This vampire we’re seeing tonight. Is he expecting us?” she asked.

“Whether he likes it or not. I find vampires. It’s my special skill.” Greyson looked back and smiled. “And no. He is not expecting us. Our presence alone will alert them. It’s likely they will sense my power. But they won’t know my purpose.”

“Did Scott try to kill the vampire you’re looking for?” she asked.

“Anything is possible. He attempted to use a portal to dip out last night which is a nice little trick. Demon magick. That kind of shit is trouble.”

“He’s a regular vampire then? Not like you?” Skylar asked.

“No, he’s nothing like me. And Rafe was worried you wouldn’t assimilate to paranormal’s ways.” Greyson laughed. “See, Rafe. She catches on quickly.”

“When someone uses black magick, it can give them special powers,” Rafe explained. “The thing that is causing all this chaos is using something dark.”

“Vampire or not, it’s someone using.”

“Using?” she asked.

“Black magick. Demonic energy,” Greyson explained.

“What can cause that?”

“A High Priestess. Warlock. Could be a demon,” Greyson guessed. “Whatever it is I’m not able to feel them well. And as an ancient, it’s unusual. Tells me something’s cloaking him. It means this vampire is working with energy tied to Hell.”