Prey Read online

  PREY

  Marko Delacroix #1

  Alaska Angelini

  PREY

  Marko Delacroix #1

  Alaska Angelini

  Copyright © 2014 by Alaska Angelini

  ISBN: 9781938076435

  All Rights Reserved

  All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is strictly coincidental. The scanning, uploading and distribution of this book via the Internet or any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal, and is punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

  I own all rights to the pictures used in this book.

  Prologue

  From the depths of the underground he came, a monster moving amongst the shadows. Stalking every living thing like the predator he was. The dark suit and fedora couldn’t hide what anyone who got within a ten-foot radius would feel. And he could have had them. Could have torn them to pieces with his razor sharp fangs. He wanted to. But they wouldn’t be his meal tonight.

  I would.

  Even lying in bed, the covers pulled up to my neck, I saw him getting closer. Shared his vision. His thoughts. He was coming for me. I could feel it in my bones and not just because his arrival was my greatest fear. My blood was literally calling him. Every beat of my heart was like the sweet bells of my church, luring in the faithful servants of the Lord. Luring in him. I was Marko Delacroix’s salvation. His continuation amongst the living dead. But I wouldn’t be for much longer. Tonight, I would die. He’d kill me. And then I’d be replaced.

  How did I know? Because with every leisurely step closer, he projected more images into my mind. Of my last breaths. Of my legs and arms intertwined with his as my pulse weakened. Slowed. Stopped. He wanted me afraid, just as much as he wanted to soothe those fears and seduce me when he got inside my home. Oh God, and seduce he would. My body burned for him as much as I was terrified of the creature who fed from me. He was nothing short of the devil in my mind. A man whose looks and touch could bring the highest pleasure. But one that would ultimately be my demise.

  One might wonder why I didn’t run or hide if I knew the end was near. It was simple. I couldn’t. Not only because he could track me down, which I found out the hard way, but because it was physically impossible to go far. I was helpless to flee. With the insertion of his fangs weeks ago, came something more lethal than any poison to shock my system or make me crave him. It was what happened to my brain. I could think. I could carry on with my routine. Yet, when it came to defying him, my mind wouldn’t allow me to. I was powerless. Under his control.

  Prey.

  Chapter 1

  Marko

  Like a merry-go-round, our game went around and around. Predator—prey. Vampire…human. I walked the streets, a fiend for their blood. The beat of their hearts, a soft melody for the killer that lurked within. Laughter drifted by as couples and groups stepped out of the surrounding nightclubs and restaurants. It was an aphrodisiac to the overwhelming temptation streaming through. The scent of their skin blanketed the area, mingling with aromas of food I no longer remembered the taste of. But for some reason, tonight, I didn’t care about what I lacked from my past. Each person stood out. Distinct. Different. The saxophone playing on the corner lifted my spirits even higher and for the first time in months, I could feel a smile pulling at the corner of my lips.

  I pushed my hands deeper into my pockets and continued my stroll amongst all the party-goers. Most were young—college age. Not necessarily my cup of tea, but I’d put off feeding for weeks. I was looking for a change from my routine. Something new. Something…exciting. Boredom for a vampire wasn’t a good thing. For me, everyone I saw was a meal. If I wasn’t a Master and part of le Cercle, I’d be half-tempted to walk through one of those door and paint the room red. As it was, we had enough trouble without me adding to it. A vampire attack wouldn’t fare well mere days before our big announcement. Our acceptance back in to society. It was already in the works. The details were unimportant as I spotted a petite blonde staggering from the exit of an Irish Pub.

  My pace stayed slow and I stopped, scanning the crowds. Even though she was an easy target, I didn’t want her. My taste didn’t run for the weak or inebriated.

  So, why was I here, amongst all these drunks?

  Seconds went by while I spun around in a circle, taking in the busy street. I found my focus stopping back on the girl. A low groan poured through my throat and I knew.

  I was in full-blown massacre mode. It was the reason for the happiness and had I not known better, the results would have played out differently. I was almost past the point of being able to control myself and I couldn’t keep doing this. It wasn’t that I felt bad for taking what I needed, I was just losing interest. The lack of excitement was driving me under. Making me delay what had to be done.

  Anger had my eyes narrowing and my steps were fast as I made my way to the blonde who’d somehow stumbled around the corner. I could use any excuse I wanted, but I didn’t bother. She’d take the edge off. I needed that. Then, the real hunting could begin.

  I broke around the brick, inspecting the dim road. Sporadic groups headed toward the clubs resting on the main street, but I paid them no attention as I swept the drunk girl into my arms. I never broke my stride, moving more toward the darkness. A delayed gasp had me looking down. For the briefest moment, she struggled against me, but when her blue eyes rose, she stopped. The pull was automatic. Her tightened features loosened as she stayed trapped in my gaze. The will to keep her there was second nature and so much easier due to her intoxication.

  “You looked like you needed help.” My French accent pushed through thickly as I felt my fangs began to lower. The scent of liquor poured off her in waves and it was almost enough to cause me to drop her and keep walking. Wine, I could do. Cheap whiskey was my biggest turn off.

  The girl licked her lips, nodding. “Yes,” she said, breathlessly. “I need…help.”

  My attention came up and I took one last look around. “Good, because I’m going to fix everything for you right now.” The seductive drawl was gone, placed with an annoyance over what I was about to taste. There was nothing appealing in the least about what I was about to do. The flavor of her blood would be tainted. Bitter. Yet, here I was, spinning the defenseless blonde toward the dark alleyway between the buildings that faced the next block. At my broken connection, she began to move.

  “Wait,” she said, shifting. “What are you—?”

  I didn’t give her time to continue. My hand locked over her mouth and I slammed her into the wall with enough force to leave her dazed. The palm of my other hand settled over the low-cut dress and I let her racing pulse fill me. My fangs shot down and I dove forward, embedding them in the junction of her neck. A small cry vibrated my insides and I soaked it in while her blood rushed out over my tongue in a gush of warmth. The taste was almost enough to make me break away, but the need couldn’t be denied. I forced myself to suck, half sighing in relief, half hating that I’d resorted to this particular person. Flashes of who she was tried to force through, but I brought up my wall, ignoring what I didn’t care to see.

  “Mmph.” Muffled words and sobs were followed by thrashing, but I continued, ignoring her fight to survive. Sympathy or regret didn’t exist here. Only death.

  Heat traveled down my throat, coating my stomach. I fought the urge to gag, the lesson automatic. Tighter my hand clasped over her thin lips and I dug my fangs in even deeper. There was no gentleness in what I was doing. Only impatience as I felt myself become somewhat sated at her slowing heart. Thump. Thump. I became one with the beat.
Enjoying what I was hearing, despite how unsatisfied I was. Nothing existed in the moment I was a part of. No members. No trouble amongst our underground city. This was all I knew. All I wanted to know. Thump…………Thump.

  I broke away, letting her fall to the ground as I sucked in air. It only intensified the sourness and I growled at the sorrow I felt at having to stop. Happiness these days could only be found in those precious seconds of feeling as if I were doing something right. Something I was meant to. When all you’ve ever known is hell, it doesn’t take much to entice you to join. But I wasn’t merely a follower floating through this nightmare. Someday, I’d rule it. It was only a matter of time.

  The crunch beneath my fingertips vibrated through me as I broke her neck, fulfilling the inevitable. Nothing existed but the emptiness that consumed me. I needed more. To have someone new. Someone…clean. My arm came up and I wiped the blood from my lips and chin. No more delaying my feedings. I didn’t like to settle in whom I chose. I shouldn’t have to.

  The fedora sat angled on my head and I fixed it, waltzing back onto the dimly lit road. My eyes were already scanning for the person who would wash the taste out of my mouth. Younger vampires didn’t mind cheap blood. I, on the other hand, knew the difference. Centuries had shown me the way. That, and a lot more.

  I pulled out a pack of cigarettes, lighting one as I headed further from the downtown area. My walk was leisurely. The cool night breeze swept away the earlier anger and I relaxed. Homes crowded along the intersecting road and I turned left, keeping my head low as I tuned into my surroundings. Dogs barked in the distance, but faded the further down I got. They knew a threat when they felt one and it bypassed the need to bark. They’d be hiding. Cowering at my presence. They were smart, unlike all the possible victims I passed. Most humans lacked a sense of real danger.

  Bells chimed in the distance, mingling with the scattering leaves that blew from the trees. It stole my attention and I glanced up at the tower of the cathedral. As I broke onto the next block, I pulled the collar of the trench higher on my neck. Just the view of the church left an uneasiness creeping over my skin. Regardless, I tuned it out, more interested in the commotion on the grounds.

  People were emerging from the opened double doors, joining the group already standing out front. The menu wasn’t selective. Some were old. Others young. They were all dressed nicely, but not appearing as if they’d just left service. The humming of a few told me they’d just been to choir practice. I’d come across this group before, but only once when most of them were already driving away. I always took this route. It led back to the tunnel I preferred to use to go back home.

  An older man laughed, reaching for another gentleman’s shoulder. It grabbed the attention of a younger girl who joined them. My head was shaking no before my brain could even consider them as my prey.

  “Surely, we can ask,” one of the men said. “Let’s go find Father Moretti.”

  They girl followed as they headed up the steps, but my stare stopped on the woman coming down. Dark hair swayed around a pair of slim shoulders, covered by a red, long-sleeved blouse. Her pale skin stood out in contrast, even in the darkness. Immediately, I knew I wanted her. There was no explanation other than my captivation, and I clutched to it, not breaking my gaze. She smiled, reaching out and hugging an older redheaded woman. I saw nothing but the way her long locks kept blowing, twisting and twirling around her. It was so long, surely down to her waist. I could see it haloed behind her on the sheets as I loomed above, ready to take her as my own. The images had me licking my lips, still entranced with every move her body made.

  “I will,” she assured the woman. “You take care.” Even as she spoke, she was stepping more toward the end of the grounds. She reached up, waving, and I felt my adrenaline begin to surge.

  I stayed on the other side of the street instead of heading closer, not braving the holy ground she still stood on. Wind whipped harder and the scent of her skin with the smallest trace of her essence had my eyes widening. With all the people there, I knew it was hers. Floral. Lavender, maybe, with a hint of jasmine. A trace of…strawberries. Ones she’d probably eaten earlier, before she walked through those doors. And cleanliness. Her blood was so fucking pure of most of the contaminants humans usually held; the craving was undeniable.

  My fangs pushed into my bottom lip and I kept my distance, waiting until we came upon more homes before I jogged to her side of the street. A gust sent a stronger fragrance to overtake me and my eyes closed at the monster I felt unleash. Had I thought I’d been temporarily sated by the blonde I’d had not fifteen minutes before? It didn’t feel that way. My feet were moving faster. Gaining ground. I saw nothing but the tease of her neck as we hurried along in tandem. Her face was of little consequence in that moment. All I knew was the blood that kept calling me. Sound barely filtered through my bloodlust. It was her soft voice that shredded through my resolve. My steps faltered, slowing, as I realized she’d paused to answer her phone.

  “Hunter, I’m so excited to hear from you. I was just at choir practice. I even talked to your uncle for a little while before I left. He misses you so much.” Her pause and laugh had me cocking my head to the side. Something about it was appealing. Beautiful, even, if something as unimportant as a laugh could be described as such.

  “You’re…home?” Her tone dropped in surprise. “Like, at your moms, or…?” She leaned to the side to look past a truck parked further out of a driveway. Her hand dropped immediately. One second, the woman was at a standstill, the next, she was sprinting faster than I could have imagined her capable of. My toes pushed into the cement, ready to chase after her, when I caught myself. The last thing I wanted to do was bring attention to myself. Especially since she was on the phone. Luckily, she didn’t run far. Just four houses up. A man was already waiting on the front steps, a large, dark green bag at his feet.

  “Tessa!”

  A squeal came from the woman as he jumped down to meet her. I instantly hated him. The explanation didn’t matter. He was holding my meal and that was enough. And that hair. Fuck if he wasn’t clutching it as his arms locked around her.

  Tessa. My fists clenched and I narrowed my eyes even more.

  “You were supposed to let me know when you were coming so I could go with your family to the airport. God, I missed you.” She hugged on tighter as he spun her around in a circle.

  “I wouldn’t let them spoil it for you. I wanted it to be a surprise. Tell me you haven’t changed your mind about wanting a roommate.” He let her down, nodding to his bag by the door. As he went back to give her his attention, his stare came up to mine. And held.

  “Of course I still want you to stay. I already have your room set up.” Her smile was still in place as she turned to see what he was staring at. My steps were slow as I neared the sidewalk that put me in front of her home. Green eyes met mine and her full lips separated. In what…? Interest? Fear? I knew they could feel the uncomfortable aura I threw off. Especially with the mindset I was in.

  Her instincts had her hand coming to the arm of the man she called Hunter, but she didn’t turn from me. Instead, her mouth closed and her eyebrows drew in the smallest amount. I didn’t wait to see what other expressions she’d have. I kept my speed the same, tipping my hat to them as I walked past.

  “Let’s go inside,” he breathed out.

  Footsteps told me she was obeying, but at this point, I didn’t care. Only one thing reigned supreme in my mind. They weren’t staying in the same room. And I had every intention of making sure she made it in there. The smile returned and I let it fill my face completely as my mind raced. I always did like a challenge, and I needed one. First, I’d have to figure out a way for her to invite me in. Maybe not tonight, but soon. After that, she’d be mine.

  Chapter 2

  Tessa

  Butterflies fluttered around my stomach while I led Hunter into his room. They’d been there since I left the church. The weird prickling sensation eased a littl
e and I turned and gestured to the full size bed resting in the far corner. “It’s not much, but I think it’ll do for now. You can decorate however you’d like now that you’re here.”

  The thud from the bag dropping to the floor made me jump, but I didn’t understand why. My smile was in place, but I felt off—skittish.

  “It’s perfect. You outdid yourself.” He walked to the dresser, picking up a picture of us that was sitting on top. It was of senior year, right before he left for the Army. He looked so much younger then, and definitely lankier. The large arms and wide chest he had now had me shifting on my feet. Although we’d kept in contact over the phone and through letters, it was hard to imagine he was the same Hunter I’d known so long ago—my best friend since childhood. Even the pictures over the years didn’t do justice to the man standing before me now.

  He laughed, setting the picture frame back down. “The good ol’ times. Look what I have.” His hand reached to his back pocket and he brought out his wallet, pulling a photograph free. I gasped and stepped forward, taking it from him.

  “Your senior prom. I can’t believe you’ve kept this in your wallet,” I laughed, shaking my head. “I look horrible. My hair is just…ridiculously big.”

  “Your hair? Look at me. Could I have been a bigger dork?”

  Harder the laughter came, until we were both collapsing to the bed. Hunter moved on his side, propping his head up while he held the weight with his fist. His flexed bicep had my eyebrow raising as I met his blue eyes.

  “I never saw you like that, and I can tell you now, you’re definitely not a dork. Every girl in Austin is going to be banging down our door. I’m going to have to keep a pair of earmuffs in the bedroom just so I don’t get woken up by all the knocking.”

  Hunter rolled his eyes. “Oh, please. You’re just trying to butter me up because you know I brought you presents.”