"I heard about your catch tonight,” Jared answered. “Master Vampire."
I nodded. “That's right."
"They tend to have powerful allies,” he noted ominously. His blue eyes flashed beautifully in the low light. Eyeing him, I shifted my weight from foot to foot. His posture was a little more rigid than usual. He was hiding something. “Why are you really here?" Jared was silent.
I turned and tapped the elevator call button. The down arrow above the door illuminated red. “You have until the elevator arrives,” I pressed.
The Vampire glanced up to the arrow then back to me. “I'll go.” He turned away. "Wait.” I regretted saying it as soon as it left my lips. I didn't like to show vulnerability. Jared turned back to me. A mischievous glimmer in his eyes appeared then vanished just as quickly. I bit my lip.
"I just wanted to make sure you got home safely,” Jared reiterated I leaned against the wall and crossed my arms. “That's it? Just pop by to spy on me, then vanish again?" His lips warped into a frown. “I'm sorry.” He took a step back. “This was a bad idea. I should go. The sun will be up soon. Rosy,” Jared breathed my name as if it were a prayer, “please be careful.” A dark shadow fell over his face. “A storm is brewing." I cocked an eyebrow curiously. “What does that mean?" "It's not too late.” He paused uncomfortably. This wasn't like him at all. Jared was many things, but uncertain wasn't one of them.
"Not too late for what?” I asked.
"To accept my offer,” Jared replied. “I can take you away from all of this before it's too late." His words seemed to settle over me like rain clouds. “Too late for what? What does that mean?" His stare fell away from me. “Be careful,” Jared repeated. The ding of the elevator caught my attention. Turning back, I watched Jared vanish into the shadows. I slowly stepped inside and jabbed the button for my floor with my knuckle. Watching the doors close, I stared at my missing reflection in the silver surface. I leaned my head against the cool metal and finally slipped my pistol back into its holster. That wasn't like Jared, at least not the Vampire I knew. Something wasn't right.
As the elevator stopped and the doors opened, I wandered out into the hallway. Without an upward
The Brimstone Betrayal
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