Forged in Flame (40 page)

Authors: Michelle Rabe

Nicholas scanned the area and aside from the crowds on either side of the stairs leading to the massive neoclassical structure, he considered it a lovely day. The sun made a spectacular exit as it painted the sky in hues of red, gold, purple, and blue. He opened himself to every power that the Lead Enforcer possessed but remained on edge. They’d done this particular dog and pony show at least five times, and if the politicians on both sides had their way, they’d be doing it several more.

Something on his right caught his attention, and he paused, brow furrowed. Focusing where he thought he’d seen the fading sunlight flash off metal, he couldn’t see anything. In the back of his mind, something tugged at his awareness. Uneasy about the situation, he turned to Morgan at the top of the stairs, her green eyes full of an unspoken question.

It is nothing my love.
He sent the thought to her though his sense of discomfort grew.

“She’s supposed to be inside already,” Eric grumbled from his left.

“You want to try and rush her in there?” Marcus countered.

“No, but they can lock her out of the hearings,” Eric said as he scanned the crowd.

“They won’t,” Christophe said.

“Why’s that?” Marcus asked.

“The cameras…” Nicholas hadn’t finished his thought. A sharp crack ripped through the otherwise calm evening, followed by screams. He ran before his mind processed the thought. All around him, humans scrambled, and vampires tried to converge on one point.

Morgan.

A crimson bloom spread, staining the lapel of her gray pinstripe suit.

The second shot rang out above the din.

Something he couldn’t see slammed into Morgan throwing her back. As she fell, Nicholas saw a second crimson stain at her throat.

The world came to a crashing halt, and he dropped to the ground as his knees gave out. Watching this and being unable to do anything felt as though someone punched through his ribs and crushed his heart.

He woke. The piercing scream ringing in his head. Had it been confined to his own self-conscious or throughout the room? Looking in bed to his left, Morgan remained at peace, asleep by his side.

Gasping, he pushed himself into a sitting position and quietly slipped out of bed, hoping not to wake her. Making his way to the bathroom with a single-minded tenacity, he closed the door and locked it before flipping on the light. His own words echoed in his mind, and Nicholas sank to his knees resting his forehead against the cabinets.

Vampires don’t dream.

About the Author.

After studying acting at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts Michelle Rabe spent several years living and working in Hollywood. She has appeared in films and on television. While working on set, Michelle used her down time to begin writing fiction. Wanting a change of scenery, she moved to Santa Cruz and began writing full time. After 10 years she moved to the Phoenix Arizona area. She shares her home and desk with her Unhelpful Author Cat who enjoys sitting on her desk obstructing the keyboard when Michelle is trying to work. If you would like to keep up with all of Michelle’s work visit her on the web or on the following social media sites.

Facebook
:
Author Michelle Rabe

Website
:
http://paperbackvamp.wix.com/home

Street Team
:
Michelle’s Merry Misfits

Twitter
:
@michrabe

Also by Michelle Rabe.

The Morgan Blackstone Vampires

Book 1 - Cast in Blood

(Available on
Amazon.com
)

Book 2 - Forged in Flame

(Available on
Amazon.com
)

Short Stories

Hard-Luck Harry (Available on
Amazon.com
)

Another First for Christmas - in
Murder, Mayhem, Monsters, & Mistletoe

(Available on
Amazon.com
)