Hunting Tess by Kathryn Summers (best novels to read in english .TXT) 📗

in waves. As part of the same pack we can discern each other’s moods. It comes in handy during a hunt, but I don’t think the tool will work as well here.

“It’s a shame you’ve already changed since I would have enjoyed a conversation while we wait. But, I must admit, I prefer you keep your current furry form. Talking with a naked individual has never appealed to me. Unless, of course, they were a fine woman.”

My jaws snap thinking of him getting his hands on Tess. Before my brain tells my body it’s a bad idea, I’m charging the vampire only to be knocked aside by Leo. Pain flashes at my left shoulder when it grates against the cement. Leo nips at a couple of vampires who come too close while I’m on the ground, but I’m grateful for his interference. The vampire is just baiting me. And I almost left Leo completely alone. If I die Leo will too.

Shaking off the pain, I walk a territorial circle to get a good idea on how to attack. Leo is the least experienced of the three of us, though that doesn’t make his teeth any less sharp.

A cry of agony echoes against the buildings surrounding the quad as heads snap toward the noise.

“I’ve always thought bath bombs and lotions were therapeutic. Turns out ridding the world of one more scumbag has the same effect.” Tess kicks the dead vampire at her feet. Her loose hair flows freely against the darkened sky, and while I know how dangerous she can be, she doesn’t look all that threatening in fuzzy pajamas.

My heart squeezes at her abrupt appearance. I could have created a distraction to give Leo enough time to get away, but I cannot allow Tess to be taken.

The Master silently questions a younger vampire next to him who nods his head. It only takes a second to recognize him from the computer monitor the night the Tess’s parents were murdered.

“Ah, Tess, I apologize our introduction is less than orthodox, but you are a tricky woman to lure out of hiding.”

The two vampires closest to her move in sync for a capture, but end up facedown like their comrade.

Against all my better judgement she walks closer. I try to will her into reading my mind, frantically shouting for her to get away. Steadily passing within the vicinity of the lamplights makes it easier to see the cartoonish elephants decorating her soft blue pajamas. I wonder how she figured out this trap and mentally kick myself for keeping my phone on silent.

She makes eye contact and I nearly go berserk from rage. Her calm demeanor is the only thing tethering my tauten muscles in place. If a vampire so much as touches her, I know I will attack.

“I assume you aren’t worried about this little episode going viral?”

The Master appraises the intimate gathering. “Not when those within earshot have been dispatched.”

Leo said only four coworkers showed up for their shifts tonight. That’s four more innocent people killed. I wonder if the body count will stop there.

Brazenly walking through enemy lines, she grows closer to the eye of the storm as other unholy creature’s step back in hesitation. Granted, they just lost three of their party which I suppose would put you on edge. Keeping my eyes trained on her the rage begins to calm. Her path to me is straight, now unmolested by any vampire wishing to stay undead.

Before she bridges that final gap the Master steps into her path along with a handful of others. A growl rumbles in my chest as red fills my vision. Others must sense their leader in trouble because they tighten the circle and invariably grow closer to Tess.

Light from the nearest hazy beam illuminates her face as she stares down the Master.

“I know you,” she whispers in shock. A look of concentration comes over her, like she’s trying to remember something. Whatever it was, her face instantly morphs to revulsion. “First of all, eww. Second of all, not going to happen so thanks for playing. And third of all, if you like your head where it is then step away from my mate.”

“So it is true,” he responds knowingly as if previously rehearsed. “It pains me that you will take the separation so hard, but in time all things heal—”

“Are you insane?” she sputters the same time I release a menacing bark. Leo bumps into my back as he guards the half I cannot see.

“Do not. Interrupt me. Again.” The staccato words are neither whispered nor shouted, but the sudden power behind them leaves no doubt that this truly is a Master.

The wind picks up in intensity, blowing Tess’s dark strands away from her face. The number of vampires separating her from me would be time consuming and messy. But I will make it to her side. So trained on Tess I completely ignore all other movement until I’m blindsided by the additional reinforcements for the vampires side.

Even if all three of us were to fight, we’re outnumbered ten to one. Tess can handle herself, of that I have no doubt. I would be fine as well, most likely. Leo on the other hand. He needs more training before going up against a crew of this size. Then there is also the Master to worry about.

“Your safety is my greatest priority. Therefore, it is my desire for this meeting to remain civil, though that is up to you. If you come willingly then the lives of these dogs will be spared. But I will not leave here empty-handed. If these shifters die trying to keep you from me, then so be it.”

She recoils as if physically hit, her stance no longer neutral. “For as long as you have lived,” she whispers faintly, a stillness settling over her form which I recognize as the quiet before the storm, “you’re pretty stupid.”

Swinging her arm up, the Master moves with incredible speed before chaos erupts and I can no