Chapter 22: Staying dead
Gwen turned slowly, her hand moving to the concealed blade at her hip with practiced ease.
The sound had stopped the moment she’d frozen, which told her everything she needed to know. Whatever was following her was intelligent enough to recognize when its prey had become alert.
She resumed walking, keeping her pace casual but purposeful. Behind her, the wet dragging sound started again, maintaining the same distance. Staying in the shadows between streetlights, using parked cars and building alcoves for cover.
This was predator stalking behavior.
Her fingers found the grip of the small combat knife she’d chosen that morning. It wasn’t much—a four-inch blade designed for concealment rather than vampire killing.
Nothing like her precious Nightfall she was used to carrying on official missions.
But it was better than nothing, and right now nothing wasn’t going to cut it.
The street ahead curved to the right, disappearing behind a row of older buildings that had been converted into trendy lofts and overpriced restaurants.
Most of the businesses were closed at this hour, their windows dark and their security lights casting harsh pools of illumination that created more shadows than they eliminated.
Perfect.
Gwen quickened her pace slightly, just enough to seem like someone who’d realized they were alone on a dark street and wanted to get somewhere safer.