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That's when I heard it.
The slight scrape of claws against concrete.
I froze. So did my brother.
"It came from the right," he said softly. "From near the other ramp."
I flicked to infrared, and the shadows leapt into focus. And there, deep under the cover of the ramp, was a familiar hunched shape.
My mouth went dry. "Orsini."
"Ugly-looking suckers, aren't they?" Rhoan commented. "How fast are they?"
"Very."
"So if we run, it's likely to catch us?"
"Yep."
"One option out, then."
I looked at him. "Have you got a gun?"
He shook his head. "Couldn't carry it into the club, and didn't bother grabbing one afterward."
"That's slack. What if someone tried to snatch me?"
"They wouldn't have gotten far. Trust me on that." His expression became somewhat grim. "So, I guess we're left with dhampire strength versus orsini."
"If it comes to hand-to-paw combat, I'm betting on the orsini."
He gave me an offended sort of look. "My little sister has such confidence in me."
"I've fought these things before, that's all."
The creature in the shadows raised its ugly head and howled. The high, almost keening sound grated against my nerves and set my teeth on edge. I didn't want to face these things again. I really didn't.
"If we stay still, maybe it won't attack before the van gets here."
"I doubt it," Rhoan said. "Besides, it'll probably only give chase to the van, and we really can't afford to have that thing out on the street."
The sharp keening gained an echo. There was a second creature behind us. Great. Just fucking great.
"In case you've forgotten, there's weapons in the van. Weapons are good. Weapons kill ugly sons-of-bitches like these from a distance."
"A moot point if they're going to attack us the minute we move. And the van's not here yet." He squeezed my elbow then let go. "You beat them when you were alone and unarmed. You can do it again. Ready?"
"I'll never be ready to fight, Rhoan."
"I can't do it alone. Not when they've split up."
"I know." I took a deep breath and released it. "I'll go right." And hope like hell the cavalry got here soon.
"Luck."
"Luck and I aren't on speaking terms," I muttered.
Rhoan's grin faded as he shifted into shadow. As his footsteps retreated toward the first orsini, I kicked off my shoes, tossing them into the air with my toes so I could catch them, then sprinted barefoot across the car park.
