Emily Shadowhunter - Book 1: VAMPIRE KILLER

  Lord Byron stared out of the window. The garden was lit by a gibbous moon and, to his immortal eyes it was as if it were the brightest summer’s day. If he concentrated slightly he could hear the field mice scurrying though the long grass, the fox in his den and the soft whisper of a badger slipping through the brush.

  Above he sensed an owl and, just for a moment, he melded his mind with that of the nighttime raptor and spent a few seconds looking at the earth from a height of over two hundred feet.

  He could also smell the human that stood behind him.

  He could hear the rushing of his blood, the breath hissing in and out of his lungs, the thud of his heartbeat. And from these physiological signs he could judge the human’s emotions.

  As always he was surprised. There was little or no fear there. Heart rate slightly elevated. Breathing normal. Stance comfortable but still respectful. Not relaxed but calm. The only emotion that came off the human in such strong waves that it was almost a palpable thing, was its ambition. And its lust for power and respect.

  He turned to face him.

  ‘Young Nathan Tremblay,’ he said. ‘This is our third meeting yet still I struggle to fully accept your new found loyalty to the Nosferatu. I ask myself, why would a Shadowhunter change ships in such a drastic fashion. Why would one throw away a hundred years of a chosen profession just like that?’ He snapped his fingers to accentuate his point.

  Nathan bowed his head in acknowledgement to the vampire’s concerns. ‘I understand, my lord,’ he said. ‘But you must know, being a Shadowhunter was never a chosen profession.

  I was born into it, much as a slave is born into his role in life. It was an assumption made by genetics. However, it was never something that I felt strongly about. What gives one faction the right to decide that another is evil?

  What makes the Olympus Foundation correct?

  It is mere semantics.

  And, for many years, I was relatively happy with my lot. As a Hunter we were revered. Respected amongst the upper echelons of government and high society. But those days have long passed. Nowadays to gain respect one has to be a reality television star, or a victim with a story of abuse and exploitation. A woman giving birth to her child on national television, or a mediocre singer with a sorry childhood. Talent has become a misnomer and fame has taken the place of true worth. And for this we are expected to lay down our lives? Truth be told, my lord, modern society sickens me. Humanity needs to be controlled and who better to do that than the Nosferatu?’

  ‘So, my child,’ said Byron. ‘You seek power?’

  ‘I have made no secret of that, my lord,’ agreed Nathan.

  Byron stood silent for a while. ‘You have shown your loyalty, I suppose,’ he conceded. ‘You did help to set up the destruction of your colleague, Miss Hawk. However, you blundered by hopelessly underestimating her capabilities and that mistake cost the lives of four of our brethren.’

  ‘And for that I am most distressed, my lord. I had no idea that she was so proficient.’

  ‘Even more reason that she must be taken out,’ said Byron.

  ‘Yes, sire,’ agreed Nathan. ‘And as I have informed you, she is now with the English nobleman, Sir William.

  This time the team that you are sending to assure her demise will be successful. No single being could stand against ten brethren; even if some of them are mere Grinders.’

  Byron smirked. ‘Do not underestimate the raw strength of the Grinders,’ he advised. ‘They may be simple but their power and dedication is nothing to be sneered at.’

  ‘I meant no offense, master,’ assured Nathan. ‘I am also confident that the rest of the members of the Foundation shall see their lives end tonight,’ he continued. ‘I have given the Enforcer the codes to the doors and gates of Pankhurst Manor as well as the whereabouts of the cameras and alarms. The team that he is sending there will definitely take the Shadowhunters by complete surprise. Their end is indeed nigh.’

  Again the Lord Byron stood silent. Contemplating.

  Finally he spoke. ‘Yes,’ he said. ‘I have decided. You have proved your faithfulness and devotion to the brethren, beyond any doubt. The ceremony shall take place tonight. While the Enforcer teams are out destroying the Olympus Foundation, we shall be creating a fresh life for our newest member. Our first ex-Shadowhunter. The Nosferatu Nathan Tremblay.

  And Nathan fell to his knees in supplication to his new master.

  Chapter 21