Chapter 25: Play date or play dead
The warehouse complex had been converted into something that barely resembled its industrial origins. Three buildings connected by walkways, buzzing with the kind of energy that came from forty teenagers who’d found a place to party without adult supervision.
Kaine crouched on the adjacent rooftop, watching the scene unfold through cracked skylights. The main warehouse had been transformed into an underground club—jury-rigged speakers pumping bass that made the concrete vibrate, colored lights cutting through clouds of artificial fog, and kids dancing like the world was ending tomorrow.
It should have been harmless. Stupid, maybe, but harmless.
Except for the seven heat signatures that moved wrong.
[DEATH SIGHT - THREAT ANALYSIS ACTIVE]
The vampires weren’t feeding yet. They were selecting. Moving through the crowd with the patience of predators who knew their prey had nowhere to run. One of them had cornered a girl near the makeshift bar, all smiles and casual conversation while his body temperature registered several degrees below human normal.
"Shit," Kaine muttered, already moving toward the roof access. "Marcus, we’ve got bloodsuckers playing with their food."
The Ghoul seemingly materialized from the shadows, pale eyes fixed on the warehouse below.
"Seven confirmed," Kaine said, checking Soulrend’s weight against his palm. "They’re not feeding yet, but they’re getting ready to lock this place down. Once they do, it’s going to be a slaughter."
The descent took thirty seconds. By the time they reached the side entrance, Kaine could see the vampires beginning to position themselves at the exits. Strategic placement that would cut off escape routes when the killing started.
He kicked the door open.