Author: catstark

From The Grey House:

Vincent sipped from the goblet of blood, wishing it were fresh. Fresh blood would take the edge off his anger at Edwin. The blood used for his parties were taken from willing humans and stored in a small refrigerator in his office. The vampires who drank the stored blood couldn’t receive sustenance from it, but they could still enjoy the taste. It helped relieve the fact that there were no human guests allowed in this part of the club for feeding purposes. His rules. Vincent wanted to keep his fellow vampires from killing anyone in the club. It was bad for business. Half the wait staff was human, but they were off limits. Joseph taught them how to stop vampires and other monsters before letting them work in the private room.

From The Grey House:

Orlando saw his target huddling in the corner, trying to look dejected. She locked eyes with him and he saw her defiance immediately. He gave her a look full of pity, reached into his pocket and threw her a couple coins, not bothering to stop or say anything. The change landed in her lap. She took it, looking at the quarters, wondering at the one that looked marred. She didn’t know what the coins were but figured there was some importance. She noticed the license plate on the maroon van. The tall, scarred man had gotten out of Rebecca’s van: he worked for Vincent. She pocketed the change and went back to looking dejected.

From The Grey House:

“Are you all right?”

“I will be. I was terrified of what he might do.”

“I can untie you now?”

She shook her head. “No. Do what Zechariah said. Put the light in first, then untie me. He probably things I’ll try and attack you. I don’t want him yelling at you.”

“I really don’t understand why he has you tied up.”

From The Grey House:

“Come now. I’ll take you to your room.”

“I want to know about Bethany.” A quiet but insistent voice reminded her of Bethany through the entire ride.

“We’ll talk inside.”

She wanted to demand answers but realized that would be foolish. She didn’t know anything. Demanding more knowledge might prove deadly to her or Bethany. Natalia nodded and allowed Zechariah to place his hand on her arm and lead her into a nearby cabin. It was made of log woods and looked well maintained. Dean hurried forward to open the door. Once inside, Zechariah stopped and allowed their eyes to adjust to the lower light.

From The Grey House:

Charlie looked around. He was in the Embarcadero. The California St. Cable Car line was two blocks off; Charlie glanced at his watch, and at this hour would still be running. He shrugged and started toward the trolley, which took him to the Hyde St. Cable Car line. That one took him a few blocks from his car. He took his time driving home, mulling over the night’s fiasco. He knew he was not out of the woods. He had betrayed Vincent, who didn’t look kindly upon betrayers. Everyone who worked for Vincent knew of the oubliette. Charlie hoped he wouldn’t end up there.

From The Grey House:

She was quickly on her feet and looking toward Agnes and Zechariah. Agnes stared at her, then shot at Natalia. Natalia spun to the right as the bullet sped past her arm. She lost her footing and fell to the ground as another shot rang out from upstairs. Agnes fell, pulling the trigger one last time. The bullet went wild and lodged into a wall.

From The Grey House:

“You’re hurt! I’m sorry!”

“I dislocated my shoulder. It’s not that bad.” She lied. “Let’s sit down. Are you hungry?”

“Yeah, but I’m more worried about you than anything else.” She sat in the booth and looked at Natalia. “Nat, you were gone like two months.”

“Yeah.”

“What happened? I thought you might have gone into rehab again until the detective showed up.”

From The Grey House:

Charlie stood and continued his search of the house. The kitchen was the only other room with anything out of place. Whoever took her came while she was eating breakfast. There was a bowl of congealed cereal sitting on the kitchen table. A hard piece of half eaten toast was next to it, along with a glass of orange juice. A breeze came through the open window and ruffled the paper napkin being held down by the butter stained knife.

Charlie stood clenching his fists, regulating his breathing. There was no use for his wolf form now. Calmed, he took out his cell and called Rebecca.

From The Grey House:

As they walked, Natalia observed the two men, wondering who to take out first. She had no weapon, which was probably best. She didn’t want to kill any of Vincent’s people. She watched as the two men walked and understood that her best bet was to not engage any of them. They led her through the main room and were halfway to the steps to the private area. They had already passed the Slayer table. Natalia did not bother to look at the Slayers, not wanting to alert Vincent’s men too early. If she moved at the right moment, she might be able to keep the Slayers out of it. They had weapons and would use them.

From The Grey House:

“Marshal? What did I tell you! That is uncalled for. God does not condone what you are doing!” Zechariah sounded rather angry and it made Natalia’s heart calm down. At least he was on her side on this.

“That bitch kicked me in the head!”

“Good! She may not be one of us, but no woman deserves what you were trying to do!” Natalia thanked God for Dean and waited as the men stepped forward.