章 2: Amenable
The receptionist ushered the vampires into my motel room, her country drawl twisted cruelly. "Here she is boys, a nice new human I picked up just this evenin'. Have a little drink, but don't leave a mess once you're done."
The receptionist departed, her sickly sweet perfume lingering behind like the stain of her presence.
Alone now, I turned to properly face the two vampires. Their approach was cautious, as though not to spook a cornered animal. The slim pale one raised his hands in supplication. Behind him loomed his brooding companion, tall and muscular with olive skin and golden hazel eyes that watched me intently.
"I apologize sincerely for the deception," said the pale vampire. His voice was smooth and cultured, though tinged with an ancient weariness. "We mean you no harm, though I understand you have no reason to believe that."
I tightened my grip on the dagger hidden in my shawl, the silver hilt cool against my sweat-slick palm. "Then why pretend to attack me? Why act like monsters if you claim nobility?"
The pale vampire gave a sad, wry smile that did not reach his storm-grey eyes. "A necessary evil. We had to convince that reprehensible woman we were customers to gain access to this room."
He glanced over his shoulder at the still-cracked door. "Dawn approaches. We must speak quickly before the sun rises."
Everything in me screamed to fight or flee these creatures. But my curiosity held me transfixed. "Speak then," I whispered. "But know that if you make one false move, this blade will find your heart."
The pale vampire bowed his head in deference. "Of course. For now, you may call me Cassius. My solemn companion there answers to Theo."
Theo gave no acknowledgment, continuing his intense study of me. Cassius took an unneeded breath before continuing his astonishing tale.
"In brief, we are bounty hunters of sorts," Cassius explained. "We track and eliminate wild or rouge vampires and these just so happen to traffic humans."
I scoffed. "Vampires as noble bounty hunters protecting humans? What kind of fools do you take me for?"
Cassius gave a thin, patient smile. "Believe me, I understand your skepticism. But not all vampires revel in slaughter. Some seek to curb the monstrous behavior of our kind, though we know it will be an eternal struggle."
He gestured around the grungy motel room. "This place is a front. Its patrons pay for the privilege of capturing and bleeding wandering mortals. We've come to put an end to their vile business."
I stared hard at Cassius, seeking any hint of deception. But his steady, solemn gaze did not waver. Still, I wasn't ready to trust.
"And how exactly do two upstanding vampires plan to take down an entire operation of blood dealers and their customers?" I asked pointedly. "Seems you'd need an army or some other advantage."
Cassius and Theo exchanged a knowing look. "Let's just say we have our methods," Cassius replied cryptically. "But we could use assistance from someone with inside knowledge of this place."
I narrowed my eyes, understanding his implication. They wanted to use me as an informant. These vampires were playing a deep game, and I had to decide if I would become their unwilling pawn.
I scoffed again. "And what makes you think I have any 'inside knowledge' of this place or its dealings especially any that I'd share with the likes of you?"
Cassius spread his hands diplomatically. "My mistake, perhaps I presumed too much. However, even just your eyewitness account of what has transpired here would aid our cause."
As he spoke, I noticed Theo's piercing gaze focused on the pulse point at my throat. His brow furrowed, as if perplexed by something. He leaned over to murmur in Cassius's ear, too low for me to overhear.
Cassius's eyes widened before regaining their neutral expression.
"Change of plans," Cassius announced, his voice calm yet etched with an urgency I did not understand. "Once we deal with this establishment, you must come with us."
I backed away slowly, shaking my head. "And what makes you think I'll go anywhere with the likes of you?"
Cassius held up a pale, placating hand. "Please, I realize how strange this sounds. But all will be explained soon, I assure you."
He glanced anxiously back towards the cracked doorway, as if fearing discovery. "For now, know that we do not intend you harm," he continued, his words rushed but sincere. "Quite the opposite, in fact.
I shook my head firmly. "I'm not going anywhere with you. Find someone else to help your cause."
Theo loomed behind Cassius, impatience etched on his face. But then he surprised me by speaking up in a low, gravelly voice
"Perhaps we could make a deal with her."
Cassius raised an eyebrow, considering this proposal. After a thoughtful pause, he turned back to address me.
"My friend makes a fair point," he conceded. "We find ourselves at an impasse due to a lack of understanding on both sides. So let me ask plainly: do you require a place of refuge to stay indefinitely? Shelter and safety, from whoever or whatever may be pursuing you?"
I stared at Cassius sharply. They somehow knew I was on the run, though the specifics of my situation still eluded them.
Cassius continued delicately. "If sanctuary is what you seek, we can provide exactly that without question. A location hidden, fortified, secure. In return, we simply ask that you keep an open mind to hearing us out fully once there. No commitments or obligations beyond civil conversation."
I hesitated, wavering. The offer was sorely tempting, despite my lingering wariness of these strange vampires. After so many bitter nights spent alone and afraid, endlessly running from unseen threats, the prospect of respite called to me like a siren's song. Still, I had to be cautious.
"And if after this 'conversation' proves not to my liking, I can leave without pursuit?" I asked pointedly.
"You have my word," Cassius vowed solemnly. "Should you wish to leave us, no effort will be made to dissuade or retain you."
I searched his timeless grey eyes for any hint of deception, but found only earnest integrity in his ancient gaze. At last, I came to a decision.
"Very well," I said quietly, my nerves displaced by bone-deep exhaustion. "I accept your offer."
Perhaps this was madness, trusting these unknown vampires. But my desperation for answers, for a chance to rest and recover, swayed me. I could only hope I would not come to regret this fateful choice.
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