Free A Hunt Among Vampires (The Angel Series) by M. Cheykota Page B

not letting you go into a situation like that and not be there to back you up.”
    “There will be no need for your presence, but...” He stops me before I can interrupt. “I can guard you both if you choose to join me. I am curious who is meeting and doing business with humans. It is against vampire law to allow humans to be aware of our existence without an adequate reason. This vampire might become a problem and would ultimately involve me since I choose to stay here. If he is not the Master of the City, it will be good knowledge to have for an advantage in order to stay. If another local master were involved, it would be the Master of the City’s responsibility to bring this vampire to justice.”
    “So, you’d be killing two birds with one stone.” I comment.
    He gives me a confused look then nods in understanding. “Protecting you and securing my place in the city. I would say that phrase would be accurate.”
    I take out my phone and call Timon back. He is surprised and relieved to hear that it will be me along with someone else that will guard him during his meeting with the vampires. We agree to meet later in the evening and ride together to the meeting. Christien decides to have a few of his most experienced vampires close enough to assist us as an extra precaution.
    After dinner, Christien drives my Mercedes to the predetermined rendezvous point. We exit the car as a lanky, pale, Caucasian man with graying, dirty blonde hair, climbs out of a waiting limousine with a look of relief on his face.
    “Olivia, it is a pleasure to finally meet you in person.” Timon calls out, offering his bony hand to me.
    Christien snorts telepathically. “ Olivia?”
    I think back into his direction, hoping he hears me. “ Do you really think I give clients my real name?”
    A twitch of his lips is the only hint that he heard my response.
    Timon takes my hand and brings it to his lips. I pull my hand out of his before his lips touch. “This is not that type of meeting. I am here to guard you, not fuck you. We should get moving. Vampires are notorious for being punctual. I have no idea why. They will not be pleased if you arrive late.”
    “And who is this?” He nods towards Christien.
    “This is my associate. You do not need to know his name. I know it. Now let’s go.” I demand irritably.
    We all climb into the limo. Christien and I take the seat across from Timon, facing the rear of the limo. The ride to the meeting place in Surprise takes almost a half hour. We arrive fifteen minutes before nine. The sun has set nearly an hour ago. Christien and I climb out of the limo and scan the area. The barn at the farmhouse we are meeting at is quiet. The area is dark from the lack of city lights. I can sense that we are not alone, but I cannot see anyone around, even with my enhanced eyesight. I look at Christien and he has a puzzled look on his face.
    “ We are not alone ma chatte. There are at least 20 vampires in the immediate area. I believe a vampire nest is near, perhaps at the farmhouse.”
    “ Are we in danger?” I send back to him.
    He looks around again and slowly shakes his head. “They are only watching us, for now.”
    I nod in understanding and cross my arms, resting my hands on my daggers for comfort. This many unfamiliar vampires in one area make me nervous, even with Christien right beside me.
    Timon gets out of the limo carrying a briefcase. I saw the briefcase on the seat next to him on the ride here, but refrained from asking him more information. Sometimes, the less you know can save you. We are here to guard Timon, nothing more.
    As time creeps closer to the appointed hour, the three of us walk slowly towards the large barn. The red paint looks almost black in the darkness. As we get closer, I can see a faint glow emanating from under the double doors. My mind is racing and my hands itch to pull out my daggers.
    “ Easy chatte, the vampires have remained where they are. I do not sense any danger