I think this week’s theme kinda speaks for itself…
EXCERPT from HATSEPT HEAT
Vampire Council of Ethics Book Three
by TJ Michaels, Copyright 2009
Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Shinju knew she was being followed. At first she didn’t really care, actually eager to engage someone, anyone, just to work off some steam. But when her mind recalled exactly who, or rather what, was embroiled in her current life’s situation, she could have strangled herself. Max had been playing both sides of the fence with the vampires—friends with Clan Li on one hand, and doing deals with a human, rogue-associated, vamp drug dealer on the other. And the odds that the person tailing her was a little old Japanese lady in need of directions to the nearest fish market were slim to none.
Stupid, stupid, stupid!
Why in the world hadn’t she stayed at the hospital where it was at least assured that the vamps walking the halls were good guys? But nooooo, she just had to go walk it off, had to get away from everyone so she could think about things. When would she learn that getting away from everyone was exactly what she needed to stop doing? She had Kenoe now, along with all of his family and friends who’d already accepted her into the fold.
Oh well. Nothing to be done for it.
What she really needed right now was a weapon. Again, her mind shot back to the medical facility. Why? Because she happened to have a six-foot, muscle-packed, white-haired, katana-toting, deadly weapon that loved everything about her. A weapon who would give and do anything for her—Kenoe Hatsept. And where was he? Waiting for her to return to her brother’s hospital suite ready to give the doctors a decision about the blood transfusion. Not to mention the fact that she was supposed to be getting herself sated on hot coffee and perhaps a baker’s dozen of brownies.
Shinju held back the urge to slap herself in the head, then without looking back she took off at a dead run and ducked around the next corner into an alley. Chest heaving more from the burst of adrenaline than the short sprint, Shinju was faced with the possibility of her own mortality. If these were rogue vampires stalking her, without a full bond with Kenoe and the advantage of sharing his blood, she would be no match for them. Stronger and faster, they’d gut her in no time.
God, she didn’t want to die. All she’d needed was some time to get used to the whole vampire boyfriend thing. After spending a bit of that with Kenoe and company, Shinju wanted nothing more than to bond with him and get on with their no-doubt exciting lives. But here she was all alone in an alley about to face God-knows-what. Was she too far for him to hear her if she called? Only one way to find out.
Her right foot lashed out at the first pursuer to speed around the corner as she yelled for Kenoe with all her psychically non-talented might.
* * * * *
The exact second Shinju landed in trouble, her call rang inside him like a large bell. Seconds later, Slade called.
“This is bad, man. She’s being tailed by two rogues. One of them fits the description of the idiot who jacked Kimora in Shinju’s backyard. They’re closing in fast. Whoa! Carin and Tameth are right behind them.”
It took everything in him not to bellow into the receiver. After a couple of deep breaths that didn’t calm him at all, he snapped, “Get there now, Slade. I’m on my way.”
Kenoe shot out of his chair and voice dialed Bix and Alaan while bolting for the nearest exit. Relief warred with terror and flat-out rage. Slade, Tameth and Carin, all skilled fighters, would be on the scene to help Shinju. Didn’t change the fact that the woman had no business roaming around Roppongi district alone. Especially with her new knowledge that the ballpark in which the human race played was teeming with fanged people who wouldn’t hesitate to do her harm.
He followed Slade’s GPS transmission toward Shinju’s exact position. Kenoe prayed his natural speed would get him there before it was too late.
Enjoy your other Snippet Saturday authors:
