Free Supernatural Enforcement Bureau, Book 1, The Dragon and The Vampire: Book 1 by A K Michaels Page B

her breath left her lungs. Who was this Vampire that wanted to help her? She had no idea. She only knew that for the first time in over ten years...she wasn’t alone.
    She brushed her eyes with the palms of her hands to rid her face of the tears, biting her bottom lip hard, to stop them entirely. Even though she felt these two were there to help her, she had no intention of showing any weakness. Wasn’t gonna happen. Starr stood up straighter before moving towards the two figures. She was still hidden from them by the trees but she knew, without a doubt, that they would know where she was and that she was coming towards them and not running away.
    Starr took one more large breath in before stepping out from the trees, her eyes taking in the two in front of her. The Witch was an old woman, small, barely five foot and she looked even smaller standing in front of the Vampire. Starr’s eyes widened as she took him in, jeez, he must be well over six foot tall and broad, with muscles rippling underneath his combat gear. His thighs were so thick she wondered how the material didn’t rip at the seams. She could only guess at the strength that body contained as her eyes made their way to his face.
    His deep, dark, brown eyes met hers, his face impassive, as he seemed to take all of her in, just as she had done with him. She tried hard not to show any emotion as she stared back at him, she was sure she even managed a nonchalant look as she cocked her head to the side and raised one eyebrow.
    Was this the man that would keep her safe? She damn well hoped so.
    *****
    Ronan stood stock still when his hearing picked up footfalls coming in their direction. He sent his powers out and knew it was the girl. She was coming towards them, slowly, her feet seeming to hesitate a few times before continuing on. His eyes strained, trying to catch a first glimpse of her in the dawning light.
    He knew exactly at what point she would exit the treeline and his eyes didn’t waver, even for a second, his senses telling him she was getting closer and closer. There! Her body appeared out from the trees and with his enhanced sight he could make out every last detail of her.
    From her jet black hair, with purple streaks, to her long, lean, legs, encased in dark denim, to her leather jacket...zipped up tight...to those eyes. Those violet eyes that had been haunting him. As his eyes met hers he saw her take all of him in, staying a moment or two on his thighs before heading upwards and locking with his.
    She cocked her head to the side and raised an eyebrow. He was certain she was trying not to show any emotion, however, the strained look on her face was clear for his skilled eyes to see. She was scared, dirty, looked half starved, but she desperately didn’t want them to know. He lifted one side of his mouth in a small smile and nodded his head.
    Esther stepped forward and Ronan steeled himself to chase the girl down if she bolted. He was pleased when she stayed in place as Esther moved ever closer.
    “Hello, my name is Esther, this big lug here is Ronan, and we want to help...”
    The girl cut her off quickly. “How? How can you help? Do you have any idea of who and what is after me? Very powerful Witches that use dark magic, that’s who! Your ordinary magic won’t stand a chance against them. So tell me, Esther, how are you gonna help me?”
    Ronan tried to hide the smile that threatened to take over his face. This girl had spunk and he saw Esther flinch at the words that were spat out at her. The old woman recovered quickly though and carried on as if she hadn’t been interrupted.
    “ First, I can also wield dark magic, however, I only do so in the direst circumstances, so I am more than a match for those Witches that are in those hunting parties. Second, Ronan here is the Director of the Supernaturals Enforcement Bureau...if he can’t keep you safe...then no-one can. You have to trust us. You are tired, weak and in need of some care, so please