Free B0089ZO7UC EBOK by Jez Strider

influence.   Being with me wouldn’t protect her from Dante’s devout legion of followers, but the others, they wouldn’t risk crossing me by harming my companion.”
    “This is insane!”   I cried out, standing to my feet.   “I’m not a threat to anyone.     Seriously, I just want to be left alone.   I don’t want to be part of a vampire society!”
    Both men outstretched their hands in a motion to calm me down.   Marc had moved closer and Antonio was on his feet.   I felt cornered.   Not just by the men, but by my circumstances.   After a few moments of silence and several deep breaths, I regained some of my composure and sat back down.   The guys looked at each other before each took a seat near me.
    “First, we have to take care of the problem with Dante.” Antonio explained.   “That place is like a fortress with all his minions doing his bidding.”   He gave a tired shrug.   “I’ve been trying to figure out how to get to him.   There have been a few volunteers who have offered to try to infiltrate his group.”
    One person had already died because of me and I didn’t want anyone else to.   “No.   I still think about that girl that was enthralled by Dante.   She was shot because of me.   Marcus almost died because of me!   We need to do this without any more casualties.”
    “Give me the address.   I can have some bikers I know ride by the place.” Marc said with surprising calm.   “They won’t get hurt.   It’d cause too much attention for the vamps to attack a group of people just passing by.”  
    Antonio looked to me for approval and I nodded reluctantly.   I had just said I didn’t want to put anyone in danger, but there was something I had realized.   It was up to me to get rid of Dante and I had to get my hands on that address.

 
    Way too much had happened in a short period of time.   My mind was clearing up of all the hysteria and I was becoming, as a great band once said, comfortably numb.   I had tried to seem disinterested when Antonio had written down the address and given it to Marcus, going so far as to lay down on the sofa and pretend to be taking a nap.   They had been speaking quietly to each other, which was pointless, since my hearing had intensified.   I’ll admit that it pissed me off.   Perhaps I should have been flattered that they knew me so well.   Antonio was giving warnings to watch out for me since I was recovered and to never underestimate me.   Marcus was all nods and agreement.   Once again, I had to scold myself for letting him read my journal.
    The paper with the address was slipped into Marc’s wallet.   I wasn’t watching, but I heard the gentle crackle of the worn leather and jingle of the chain as Marcus opened and closed it.   Antonio walked over and gently touched the top of my head.   With effort, I keep my breathing steady and made no reaction.   I’d never been able to keep my heart from racing at his slightest touch, but this time I found that I had the resolve.   He left without a word.
    Marcus was quiet in the kitchen.   Finally, I heard him toss the empty beer bottle in the trash.   His footsteps sounded across the room and then the door to the bathroom shut. My eyes flew open.   I’d never moved so fast, silent, and agile.   The wallet was still lying on the counter, but my phone was across the room on the dresser.   Antonio had me break my old phone, so I was glad for this one the guards had dropped by as a gift one day.
    “Shit.”   I mouthed as I pulled the paper out and read the address.     The toilet had flushed.   I’d just have to remember the location for now.   I put the paper back as I had found it.   Despite my newfound prowess, I tripped as I rushed to get back onto the sofa.   The coffee table nearly had an imprint of my face on it, but I caught my balance just in time.  
    Marcus came into the room just I’d gotten back into position. “Babe?”   He called out softly and