Chapter 2

I could see from the look in her dark green eyes, she knew exactly what I was.

            “I’m not sure what you mean.” I responded.

            “Sure, you do. You’re a vamp. I sensed you the moment you crossed into town.” She whispered, her voice barely audible over the noise of the few customers in the place.

            “I think you’ve been watching too many movies.” I scoffed, trying to continue the ruse that I was human like her.

            “Whatever you say Mister, but this amulet doesn’t lie.” She rolled her eyes as she pulled on the chain that was tucked into her top.

            “Of course, you’re a damn witch.” I seethed, cursing at the goddess yet again. That seemed to be a new tick for me, constantly cursing Nyx.

            The chain that hung around Taylor’s neck held an ancient magic. The stone would change color in the presence of supernatural beings. I recognized it as similar to the wards the first witches had been gifted by their god. I wasn’t privy to all of their abilities, but I knew that when he had created man, he had left some of his magic behind in a few, whether intentional or not, creating witches. He allowed them to continue harnessing his powers, setting them up to hunt other supernatural creatures, and the talisman my latest soulmate held, was a tool he had given them to sus us out. Nyx had mated me to a witch, the line of human explicitly meant to hunt and kill me.

            “Look, I’m not going to hurt you or whatever. I’m just curious. I’ve never met one of your kind before.” She insisted. “Besides, you intervened with that asshole John. I don’t think you’re the kind of threat I’m supposed to kill or whatever.”

            “I’m only passing through.” I replied through gritted teeth. I definitely needed to get out of this town now that I knew my so-called mate was a witch.

            “A rolling stone, huh? I bet you visit all kinds of interesting places.”

            I had no idea where she was going with this. I needed to get away from her and out of this town before I did something stupid. I stared at her, trying to plan my escape, as she rambled on, rapid firing questions that she seemed content to leave unanswered. It dawned on me that I could tell her that I was being hunted, that might make her lose interest in whatever plan she was concocting in that pretty head of hers. The direction of her questions and ramblings had given me the distinct impression she was up to something.

            “Look. I’m not sure what you’re after.” I interjected as soon as she paused to sip her coffee. “But, I’m on the run. A hybrid used my kind to start a war and now his enemies are hunting me.”

            “Well, were you involved?” She asked, setting her cup down on the table.

            “No. I’m too old to be concerned with petty squabbles between species. That hasn’t stopped them from trying to kill me for the actions of others though.”

            “Have you tried telling them that?”

            I rubbed my hand across my forehead in frustration. This woman was infuriating as much as she was desirable. For a witch, she clearly had no experience with supernatural beings to think my being hunted could be solved with a simple conversation. It seemed no matter what I said to her, she was only encouraged. Nyx really did have a messed-up sense of humor.

            “I take that as talking isn’t going to work.” She chuckled at my lack of response. “So, where you headed from here?”

            “Back to my apartment to pack.” I replied flatly, hoping she wouldn’t push any further.

            “Well, let’s get going than.” She cheered. What the hell had I gotten myself into?

            Exasperated, I stood up and led the way out of the coffee shop to my small apartment. Taylor had prattled on the entire walk, telling me a little of everything about herself. I wasn’t entirely sure why she had decided she was going to go with me to my apartment, and I was almost afraid to ask. Something told me I wasn’t going to be able to shake this woman too easily.

            “So, this is your place huh?” She sighed, following me into my bare studio apartment. “Don’t have much do ya?”

            Her words made me feel somewhat embarrassed that I had next to nothing to my name. I had learned eons ago that even material possessions don’t last through the ages. Now I only carried the necessities to pass as mortal. A few clothes and a small bag to store them and any blood bags I could steal were my sole possessions. I rented a mattress and bedding from whatever place was available in each place I stopped if I was going to be around long enough to justify an apartment.

            “Why are you asking so many questions and why did you come back here with me? I demanded, my frustration and confusion reaching their boiling point.

            “Oh. That’s simple. I was told about you.”

            My mouth flapped open and shut like a fish out of water.

            “A lady came into my bar and my amulet turned a color I’ve never seen or heard tales of in all my studies of witchcraft. She told me to wait for you and then to stick with you. Said we’re soulmates or something.” Taylor continued.

            “And you listened?” I roared.

            “Well, I mean, yeah. I’m not too sure about the whole soulmates with a member of the undead part, but I was intrigued.”

            Fucking Nyx. Not only had she decided to give me another soulmate, she made a trip to Earth just to tell my latest mate about it. I wasn’t sure what the goddess was up to, or why she enjoyed torturing me like this, but I was not amused in the slightest. Now I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to shake this woman from my side until her curiosity was satisfied.