Page 20 of Shattered Illusions (Ashryn Barker 1)
“Yes.” He sighs again, looking even more haggard than before. Definitely not a good sign. “They’re stepping up their attacks. And not just on the questionable vampires, on everyone. There’s agreements in place, accords.”
“There can’t be,” I scoff. There can’t be any. I’d have heard about them, surely? The guild is secretive and shady, there’s no doubt about that, but it’s also small. There’s no way they could keep something like an accord with the other side quiet. It just doesn’t make any sense to me.
“They’re centuries old, and not very well known about on either side. I only know because...” He stops talking abruptly, almost as if he shouldn’t be saying anything. I wonder if this is related to his darkest secret? It must be, Otherwise, he has no reason to act so odd about it. Other than the fact I’m an ex-hunter.
Huh. I’m an ex-hunter. It’s the first time I’ve thought that. It’s pretty clear my days working for the guild are over, but it’s still a slight shock to think it in such definite terms. Maybe I should feel worse about the fact I’m not one anymore. Perhaps I should even feel guilty for abandoning something I’ve spent my whole life doing. But if I’m honest, I’ve felt better about myself since being here. Even arguing with Bram has made me feel more like me than anything at the guild did.
“Hmm.”
“I see you’re not convinced.” He smiles at me, in a way that just makes me think of secrets. And kisses. No, wait, I can’t be thinking about those. Not with Remus affecting me the way he’s been doing. It’s not fair to either of them, is it? Better not go down that road. If all my years with the hunters prove anything, it’s that I’m loyal to the point of it being a fault. I should pick between the two of them, as much as the idea doesn’t appeal. I push thoughts of Eric away. He’s beautiful, true, but I really don’t know him, and I’m not sure why he’s entering my mind right now.
“Not in the slightest.” I smile back, letting my amusement seep into my voice. Dimitri sighs again. If he keeps pulling faces like that, then he’s going to get worry lines. If vampires can get them. I haven’t really had a chance to ask about that. I haven’t even had chance to drink the blood Remus brought for me. That’s annoying, I’d been looking forward to it. Maybe after I’m done here I’ll be able to go back and drink it.
“No matter. I still need you to go. They killed a child last night.” His voice cracks, as if he can hardly believe it. To be honest, neither can I. But probably not for the same reasons.
“There are child vampires?” The words come out far sharper than I intend them to, but I can’t help it. This is news to me on so many levels.
“Of course, where do you think new vampires come from?” He turns his head a little, almost as if he’s about to meet my eyes, but he remembers at the last second and glances away again. Damn. I really want to know his secret. More and more with each passing second.
“Biting.” My mind goes back to my own turning. There’s no way I’m going to believe vampires aren’t made.
“A lot fewer than you think,” he answers. “Do they really teach you nothing at the guild?” He’s genuinely surprised, as far as I can tell, but I’m not really sure. I’m quickly heading towards confusion.
“Apparently not.”
“Most vampires are born. In certain circumstances, they’re made. But about a hundred years ago, there was an agreement made where new vampires can only be turned if their life was at risk. Like yours was.”
“You can’t tell me that’s the only time.” I finally unfold my arms, and push away from the wall. He flinches when I approach the table, but doesn’t actually move. I ignore his paperwork from earlier. I’m curious, but clearly its a little touchy for him, and I don’t want to break his confidence really. That’d be a dick move.
“Of course not, but it keeps most of us in line.”
“Hmm.”
I think of Bram. I doubt anything could keep him in line. Though trying may be fun. I should suggest it.
Dimitri sighs. “Look, believe me or not, Ashryn, but we need your help. And after you’ve been there, you may see the truth.”
I doubt it, but I don’t want to say that aloud. No matter what, I don’t want to piss him off, and not just because that would lead to an angry vampire. Even as used to dealing with those as I am, I don’t want to have to. Plus, this outfit is clean, getting it covered in blood wasn’t on my agenda.
“Fine, where do you want me to go?” I ask.
“Bram’s in the weapons room.”
I want to make a retort about how no one gave me a map, but really, I know that isn’t helpful. Neither was his instruction, but I guess that’s a perk of being in charge. You don’t have to explain yourself to anyone if you don’t want to.
He must see something on my face, because he sighs, then grabs a piece of paper from the table and sketches out a quick map, scribbling some notes on the side. “Here.” He shoves it into my hand.
I study the lines on the page, surprised to find I actually understand them. I don’t wait for him to say anything else. It probably wouldn’t be anything useful anyway. Turning on my heels, I stride back through the doors, with my head held high. The weapons room isn’t far from here, it will be no time until I’m facing off Bram again. Weirdly, I’m kind of looking forward to it.
Chapter Ten
“Finally.” Bram looks pissed. He tightens the holster of his sword around his waist, and scowls at me as I enter. I’m not sure why, I’m ready to go as it is. I have my sai, I have my stakes, that’s all I need to kick some serious vampire butt. Wait, no, hunter butt.
This is going to get confusing. What if I come across someone I know? Am I supposed to hurt them? Even go as far as kill them? Can I actually do it? A large part of me says no. But I guess that’s what I have Bram for.
And here’s me thinking when I have a man with me, it’s for things other than killing. Funny how the world works sometimes. I park thoughts of what I’d rather be doing for later. Bram isn’t for me, and I know it. As much as I wish it was different. Here I go again, thinking of men in terms I shouldn’t be, I really need to get a grip on that side of me. If I’m not careful I’m going to end up in a compromising situation, and not the fun kind.
“Where do you want me?”