Chapter 9 : The Encounter

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NIANOR’S POV

The human security guards arrive quickly, but I doubt their use against vampires. Even if it is day, I'm sure they have large stores of Hemera's blood to protect them.

I turn to Hemera, who's bouncing with excitement. I'm not sure why. She's returning back to my home as soon as she gathers her things. Besides, her life is on the line. Why is she excited about getting out for a little while?

Despite my confusion, my eyes linger on her. She's just wearing a simple t-shirt and sweatpants, and her shoes hardly match the outfit, but she looks beautiful. Maybe it's simply because of how bright and happy her face is.

James once again hovers beside me as we head out into the sun. Of course, it has to be sunny today. However, Hemera pauses and seems to take a moment to bask in the sunlight as she inhales with her arms stretched out.

"I missed the sun. And fresh air," she sighs as she runs her hands over her arms. If I didn't know better, I'd swear she was glowing in the light.

"Are you almost done? Nia shouldn't be standing out here like this." James snaps.

My eyes roll as I snatch the umbrella from him. "Enough. Let's just go and get this over with."

Behind me, Hemera chuckles as the security guards lead us into an obscure van and type in Hemera's address while we all pile in. Hemera fidgets nervously while James talks to them about how things will go once we start driving and arrive.

"Once we arrive, I want you to stay in the car, James," I tell him as they pull out of the driveway. I grind my teeth as the annoying computerized navigation voice starts speaking. I hate that thing.

"But sir, there are several security guards for Hemera, I'll be fine-"

"This is not up for discussion."

His jaw snaps shut, but he nods as he leans back while grinding his teeth together. I know he doesn't like the idea, but I don't want him to get in the middle of it if things go wrong. He may be my proxy, but he still can't handle vampires in their feral state. Even the security guards will be useless if things go wrong, and I'll have my hands full with Hemera.

The security guards glance at us, but ever diligent in their work, say nothing. Something I'm happy about. I don't want to make idle chit-chat with them, especially regarding something that's hardly their business.

It doesn't take long for us to arrive. Thankfully, the streets were pretty empty today. A guard grabs Hemera's purse and keys before she can do anything while the other two head in ahead of us to clear the place. Hemera huffs in annoyance and taps her fingers on her arm.

Noticing her annoyance, I start saying, "Hemera-"

"Shut up," she grumbles. "I'm sick of this sh*t. Didn't even ask for any of this."

"You were so excited a few moments ago," I comment in confusion. Is she upset because they snatched her purse from her?

"That was before I got my purse snatched and had strange men going through my apartment. I don't care if they are professionals. I just keep imaging them going through my personal items."

I sigh but don't comment further. What more could I say? This situation is hardly ideal for her. I'm sure I would be equally as frustrated if our roles were reversed.

Finally, they come out and give us the all-clear. Hemera heads in and right to her bedroom. I follow her after closing the curtains and watch as she grabs a suitcase from the near-empty closet.

My eyes wander the room while she does that. It's so colorful, and yet it's so empty. Nothing besides the bed, a dresser, and two half-dead plants. But there are no pictures of anything. She lives here. Why is it so impersonal?

"Once I pack my clothes, I'll get another bag for my witchy stuff. Would you mind helping me carry it all out? There's not a lot I want to bring, but enough to be a hassle for me."

"Of course, if we are attacked again, it's best if you are as unencumbered as possible."

"Nia, it's daytime. I doubt we'll be attacked."

"And yet you almost got snatched from the restaurant's parking lot at midday." I retort as I glide my fingers over one of the dead plants.

Hemera pauses in her packing and sighs. "I bet they had my car towed... d*mn, that's a f*cking pain."

"If it has been impounded, I will help you get it back."

Hemera nods as she zips the suitcase shut and heads back to the living room. She grabs another backpack and goes over to what I presume to be her alter.

Now that I look around here, it's relatively similar to her bedroom. Colorful, and there is a bit of clutter on the floor, but impersonal at the same time. Like she's just existing here, not living. The only sign that really has made the space her own is the crowded alter she's taking apart. There must be over a dozen candles on that thing.

One guard turns his attention away from the door to watch her with disgust and hatred. My lip curls back into a sneer as I walk over to him. He yelps as I yank the collar of his shirt and lift him up as I press him against the wall. He thinks he can show such blatant hatred for Hemera right in front of me?

"Do you have a problem with Hemera? The woman you've been hired to protect? Are you working for Orsova?" I snarl.

"Nianor! Put him down!" Hemera snaps behind me, but I ignore her.

"What? No! I don't even know who that is, " the guard whimpers.

I slam him against the wall again as my fangs lengthen. I need to reign myself in. Stop my heart before it can come to life. But I can't get control of myself. My nails lengthen to claws, and I'm sure my eyes have gone completely red now.

The guard cries out in delicious fear as he tries to kick me away. I don't even grunt when a kick lands square on my stomach. It would be so satisfying to drain him. Sadly, Hemera is here, and I have no desire to frighten her anymore than I have already.

"Hey, what's going on here?" I think the main guy, Sean, interjects. "Hey, put him down!"

Sean attempts to pull his stupid subordinate away from me while Hemera tries to help.

"He was looking at Hemera in disgust and hatred. I demand to know why."

"Because she's a stupid b*tch-faced witch. Evil devil worshiper! You'll rot in hell!"

Oh, now he's done it.

Before I can do anything, Hemera slips between us and slaps me.

"D*mn it, old man! Get your head out of your a*s!"

She goes to slap me again, but I stop her after dropping the disgusting piece of trash. Hemera gives me a death glare, but it can't hide her fear. She's shaking more than a leaf in a windstorm.

Before I can say anything, she pushes me back and turns to Sean.

"Get him out of my sight, or I will let Nianor loose on him!" As Sean leads him out, she continues, "If any of us are going to hell, it sure as hell ain't gonna be me! A*shole!"

Once they're gone, she spins to me and continues her painful glare.

"Hemera-"

"Shut it, old man." Hemera tries to put a lot of force and hardness into it, but her fear filters through. She stomps past me and continues packing away herbs, essential oils, crystals, and a variety of other things.

"Just for the record, don't try that again against those pr*cks. It's not the first time I had to deal with them, and it won't be the last. For the most part, it's best to ignore them. But ugh, they sometimes really do test me."

I open my mouth to respond when the sounds of a struggle come from outside. My body moves before I can tell it to, and I'm in front of Hemera as my heart races into life.

The sound of a zipper moving comes from behind me, and then Hemera is beside me, holding a baseball bat that seems to have come out of nowhere.

"I'm a woman living on my own. I have weapons everywhere," she whispers. New question, where was that hidden?

I smirk at her explanation. I'm liking her more and more. It's good to know she isn't totally defenseless, even if it is pointless against vampires.

And, of course, I was right. Several vampires rush in, a couple holding the human guards. Glowing eyes meet mine before turning to Hemera, who swallows audibly as she backs away a step.

Of course, she may be trying to put on a brave face, but we are natural predators to humans. In this form, they're supposed to fear us. Further proof of why James needs to stay in the car.

As soon as one moves an inch, I rush forward and attempt to take them down. God, I'm an assassin. I shouldn't be getting in a head-on fight. Especially when the odds are not in my favor. But Hemera is behind me, and I'm the only one who can protect her.

Even if hand-to-hand combat isn't my strong suit.

I snarl as one rushes towards me, his mouth gaping, venom dripping, as he tries to bite me.

"No!" Hemera screams. The next thing I know, a harsh, horrible light blasts us.

I fall to the ground as my skin smolders and cracks off. I howl in pain as the light sears my flesh. The others screech in agony. One or two falls to the floor next to me, nearly dead, while the rest run off with their tail between their legs.

My breath comes out in quick, short bursts. What happened? How did this happen? Ah! It hurts! Is Hemera okay?

Hemera is next to me instantly, her arms wrapping around me as she tries to help. Even as one of the others on the ground reaches for her. I try to warn her, but the only thing to come out of my mouth is another pained gasp. Hemera cries out as he attacks her, leaving bloody scratch marks on her upper arm and light shoots from her raised hands.

His mouth opens in a silent scream as his body crumbles into dust. Hemera lets out a shuddering cry as she watches it happen but turns back to me.

"Nia, Nia, are you okay?" Hemera whimpers. "Oh, god. How did this happen? Nia? I'm so sorry."

Her fervent words fall on deaf ears. Is that... is that blood I smell? Yes, blood... I need it!

My fangs lengthen, and my gums throb as I bolt upright. My body moves without my consent as I go to Hemera's open wound, sucking out her blood as my fangs pierce her skin further.