Free B007Q4JDEM EBOK by K.A. Poe Page B

had.
    “What happened t o the vampire that took mom ?”
    “He escaped,” h e replied bitterly. “Of all the vampires I have fought in my lifetime, he was one of the few to escape. I might not be the greatest of hunters, but it is rare that I let one get away. He was old and powerful. I can still remember the way he looks, t he sound of his voice, his name,” h e shuddered.
    “Dad...”
    “Yes?
    “What was his name?”
    “Raziel, ” h e seethed, and I tried to cover up my sudden gasp at the sound of his name.
    I leaned over and hugged him tightly, hoping he hadn't noticed my reaction. I wanted to hurry out of his house and find Salem to tell him what all I had found out . “I a m so sorry for everything you’ ve been through. I am so sorry about mom ... .”
    He wrapped a bulky arm around me. “Don't worry about it, Alex, ” I could feel the moisture of his tears soaking through the thin material of my shirt .
    “Oh, crap!” I said, releasing Paul and nearly dumping my soda on the already-stained carpet.
    “What's the matter?” h e looked alarmed and curious.
    “I told a friend of mine that he could throw a party at my house tonight , ” I hung my head in shame. “How in the world did I get myself into this mess!?”
    Paul laughed. “It’s part of being a teenager.”
    “I’ve got to get home as soon as possible. Maybe I have time to call him and stop it.”
    "If high school is anything like it was when I was there, the house is probably already full!" h e laughed again, with a gleam of nostalgia in his eyes .
    “You're only making it worse , ” I grumbled. “Thanks for answering my questions.”
    “Anytime. Never hesitate to come over – and if the party gets out of hand, you know where to find me. I can come get you any time and you can stay here.”
    “I might just take you up on that offer , ” I smiled and went to get up.
    “Oh, wait! Before you leave, I have something for you ,” h e stood from the lumpy couch and went down the hall. I heard a door open then close and he returned with a cardboard box. “I meant to give you this on your birthday.”
    “You didn't have to get me anything, Paul.”
    “I 'm your father, of course I did,” h e smirked, pushing the box into my arms. “Go on , open it up.”
    As I pried open the box, I began wondering what he could possibly have got me for my birthday. I nearly dropped the box when I finally got it open: a silver and black hand crossbow lay within the core of the box. I swallowed and looked up at Paul, expecting an explanation.
    “Every hunter needs a good weapon,” h e smiled, a pparently thinking I would appreciate the gift.
    I felt sick as I stared at the weapon. “I don't know what to say.”
    “You don't have to say anything, Alex. Let me show you how to use it,” h e offered, reaching over to take the bow.
    “No, it's ok ay. I think I can figure it out, ” I muttered, pulling it away. “I’ve got to go.”
    “Sure, sure,” h e smiled again. “ Maybe you will be the one that finally puts an end to that Salem Young.”
    It was difficult to hide my fury at his w ords. “I have to go , ” I said again , grabbing the box and running out to the car. I slammed the door behind me, almost wishing it would fall off its hinges. When I got into my car I angrily shoved the crossbow under the passenger seat.

10. DENVER SLAYINGS
     
    I raced home, driving faster than I probably should have. It was mid-day now, which ought to give me plenty of time before the party started . When I unlocked the door and made it inside, I was relieved at all of the space around me. Paul's trailer would have made anyone claustrophobic! The scent of pizza from the previous night lingered in the air. I glanced at the living room briefly before climbing upstairs, half-expecting to find Salem. I dialed Jason's number as soon as I got in my room , but he didn't answer so I decided I would wait and call again later. I sunk down on the edge of my bed,