8. The Slayer
The Slayer
Igorge my human body with broiled oysters and crawfish. I’m not sure what cooking methods they’ve learned in this new age, but I approve. Eating is actually quite enjoyable. Making sure the vessel gets enough sleep and water however, can be very taxing.
Tonight I’m hunting and I have to be in my best shape. That vampire from the other night is clearly old. Though his nest isn’t in this town, it must be elsewhere.
I’ve stolen another plastic card that somehow holds money to pay for the meal.
The humans really don’t like feeding you for free.
It’s not as though they could do anything about it, but I’ve learned over many centuries that it’s best to not attract attention.
There are other supernaturals to worry about, and keeping a low profile is important.
“God, do you even hear yourself?” the man says.
He’s really grating on my last fucking nerve. No matter what I do, I can’t push him out completely and all he does is complain. As if his life wasn’t miserable before I stepped in.
“I can see your memories, human. As if your existence was any better before I came into the picture.”
He’s blessedly quiet after I say that. It should be his honor to give me his body so that I can rid the world of dead filth and find my mate.
The woman hastily gives me my money card back. Most humans are standoffish toward me. I suspect that deep down they can sense that I’m other. At least they have some common sense.
When I walk on the street, I scent it. The same vampire from the cottage. I’m vigilant, following his trail.
But something stronger than a vampire stops me in my tracks.
It’s her.
My mate.
I’ve finally found her.
She’s standing only a few paces away from me, stocking bottles in the shop in front of me.
Her skin is a perfect warm brown, and she has long sectioned hair that’s adorned with golden jewelry.
Goddess Apothecary, the sign on the top says, and I know without a doubt the marvel that is my mate owns this shop. How could she not with that title?
It’s been millennia since I’ve gotten a glimpse of her face, but how could I have forgotten how beautiful she was? She’s radiant, a fucking angel among mortals.
Should I tell her I’ve waited for her for thousands of years? That the only reason living was worthwhile was at the promise of bowing down and worshiping her was on the horizon?
I’d finally met my purpose. That magical being all those years ago said that if I was a good slayer, if I did what they expected of me, she would be my reward.
“Leave her alone, Slayer,” Adam says and I easily ignore him.
With all the power I can manage, I push him out and use his form under my complete power, controlling this body. I’ll be able to hide my true eyes long enough to introduce myself.
She’s a mortal and I don’t want to scare her right off the bat. It’s important that this first impression goes well.
I’m musing all the ways to introduce myself to my mate as the vampire's stench comes closer. Though, it’s not a vampire at all. It’s the pink-haired witch who’s been attacked by multiple vampires since I came to this village.
She isn’t paying attention, like she’s talking to herself as she bumps into me. No wonder she’s been hunted, she’s oblivious prey.
“I’m so sorry,” she says, and I can’t help but scowl at her. What if my mate finds out another touched me?
Fuck. She reeks of vampire.
She glances at the shop, and back at me. So, she was headed to my mate’s shop. How do they know one another?
“Do you shop here?” I ask, using Adam’s voice as best as I can. My true voice seems to unnerve the mortals. I’m not sure if it works as her pupils go wide.
“Yes, it’s one of my best friends’ shops. Are you looking for something in particular?”
“Best friend?” I question, wondering if I’m going to have to kill her.
I shall be the one with the highest honor of friendship when it comes to my mate.
Though, she would probably be very upset with me if I took away a friend she holds dearly.
I also don’t kill mortals (on purpose). It’s my duty to protect them, but if anyone comes between me and my mate, I’m willing to make exceptions.
“Uh yeah,” she says nervously, squeezing her finger, and my eyes flash as I look at the wound.
A vampire has bitten her. Not changed, just a remaining glimmer of vampiric magic lingers around her. Is this woman willingly involved with vampires?
The thought is despicable.
“Leave her alone, she seems like a nice woman,” Adam says in my head and I tilt my head at the woman and decide that I need to be more human-like.
It’s only then that I realize she’s wearing a ring that also has traces of vampiric magic. “Interesting. You’re married?” I ask, and as soon as the words slip out, a gust of wind has me looking into the alleyway.
The edge of something black is in the corner there, but there’s no doubt in my mind that a vampire is lingering there.
They’ve learned to walk in the sun.
This knowledge is terrifying.
“No. Uh. Sorry again for bumping into you,” the pink-haired woman says, looking incredibly uncomfortable in my presence.
“Right. Stay safe,” I tell her, looking back into the alleyway.
This woman is my mate’s friend, and she’s being hunted by a vampire in the middle of the day. He’s clearly used his abilities to manipulate her fragile mind.
“Um, sure. You too,” she says, walking past the store and giving me a curious glance.
Hmm. I will kill this vampire. It will help my blood lust, making me more rational around my mate. It will also be a great gift. I shall protect this woman that she considers her best friend until I relieve her of that spot, becoming my mate’s ultimate friend, better than best.
I trail the woman to the same cottage as the other night.
I immediately start carving a new stake.
Tonight I hunt, and tomorrow I claim my mate.
It’s the best night of my life.