Read Online Bloodstorm (Heart of a Vampire) by Amber Kallyn - Free Book Online

people she passed.
    Only a few blocks from Main Street, the hair on the back of her neck prickled. The air filled with the scent of wet dog. She stopped, looking around, but the shadows undulated too quickly to pick anything out.
    A growl came from behind her, followed by others all around them. The boy over her shoulder tensed, his chest heaving as if he was crying.
    “ Vampire filth,” a gravelly voice called from the darkness.
    “ Kill, kill, kill,” another one chanted.
    “ They need to die for Doug.” The growling was joined by a long, mournful howl.
    Niki called out to them, “I don’t know who that is, but I didn’t kill him.”
    “ Vampire. One is the same as another. You all must pay for his death.”
    “ Look, we’re just passing through. Not looking for a fight.”
    “ Too bad, blood drinker. You found one.”
    Niki set the boy down. She yanked out her motel room key and a dagger from her boot, pressing them both into his hands.
    “ You know where the Inn is?”
    His gaze skittered over the circling shadows, eyes glassy with panic.
    She smacked him on the side of the head. “Do you?”
    He nodded.
    “ Go to room 113. Wait for me.” She gave him a warning look. “If you make me hunt you down, I’ll be pissed.”
    The growls drew closer, louder.
    “ And if you don’t come back?” he squeaked.
    She stared at him, hard. “I will.”
    Niki drew the short sword at her back, and grabbed another dagger from her boot. “I’ll clear the way. Run when I tell you.”
    Around them, wolves slunk from the shadows. She counted four, but there were more. Unseen and waiting in the darkness.
    “ I-I can try to fight,” the boy whispered without confidence.
    “ Just do as I say.” She braced herself, staring into the surrounding blue eyes, watching and waiting.
    Claws scrabbled on pavement as the first beast lunged.
    Niki swung her short sword against the wolf, who yowled in pain. She stabbed her dagger into its side, then shoved it away.
    “ Now,” she yelled, rushing at another wolf blocking their way. It snapped, jumping. Teeth and claws scratched at her belly and arms as it met her charge. Cutting deep into its muzzle and back, she barreled over the damn beast. “Now, damn it.”
    The boy finally came his senses and ran. Niki stayed just behind him, forcing back the wolves nipping at their heels. Growls raced after them. The wolves weren’t giving up, even if they were growing cautious.
    Ahead, Niki spied Main Street. “Go. Get to the Inn.”
    She stopped and spun, facing the wolves. A blur leapt toward her, jaws angling for her throat. She fell back, and jabbed her knife along the exposed belly as the wolf flew over her.
    Rolling to her feet, she stared at the pack. Sliding her dagger back into her boot, she drew the special one from the sheath at her lower back.
    She held it up. “This one is silver. You’ll heal from the damage I’ve already done, but not nearly as well from what I’m going to do to your worthless hides.”
    One wolf whimpered, but another growled. They stalked forward, hackles raised, teeth bared.
    “ Fine, then.” She slammed against the nearest wolf, slashing its legs.
    It howled in fury and pain. She hit another, stabbing its hindquarters. Then another, raking her blade along its side. She fought in a blur, striking out at wolf after wolf, not seeing anything but her next target.
    The pack broke, wolves tucking their tails and racing down the street. Caught in the bloodlust, Niki started after the fleeing group. The wolves bayed and she was lost in the age-old chase of prey and predator.
    She sped down streets and alleys, following the scent of cowardice and blood. It was heavenly.
     
    ***
     
    Shane picked up his pace when he came to Jasper Lane and found blood splattered over the road. His heart shuddered, but he refused to consider Niki might be hurt... or worse.
    He continued on, reaching the edge of the forest. Ahead, a wounded wolf’s growls turned into a howl,