HiveComb

Cole patted my back with one hand and plucked a glass of champagne from a waiter's tray with the other. He grinned, a Cuban cigar hung between his teeth as he handed me the bubbly.

“Come on, man,” he said, smirking. “It's a party. Wipe that grim look off your face. We don't want to scare the pretty ladies away.”

I growled, sniffed the glass, then took a sip. He chuckled and sauntered off, ordering me to mingle as he went.

Over the rim of glass, I scanned the guests at the book launch after party.

It had been years since I'd attended a soiree and this one set me on edge. Memories of hunts, fights, and gore flooded my head. The hairs on my arms and neck stood as my senses sharpened as if I were back on the battlefield.

I gulped down the champagne, the drink sliding over my weathered throat into my stomach. That would not do—I needed something stronger.

I headed for the bar and ordered a scotch when a wisp of familiar scented air brushed my nostrils. I froze, glass in hand and slowly surveyed the room.

The guests were mostly distinguished, middle aged minds, with a few young intellectuals mixed in. They had a bookish look about them, spectacles perched on their noses, their heads bent together in debate. No one looked like trouble among them.

So where had that unpleasant perfume come from?

Then my eyes met hers. I didn't look away. Slender, pale blue eyes, olive skin with pouted lips painted deep red.

She smiled slowly, her will pressing against mine. The desire to please her was strong on my mind, almost driving me to my knees before these strangers. I clenched my jaw. This was not a newly turned undead. She was an ancient.

I gulped my scotch and returned her smile, enduring the violation, pretending the leech had her hooks in me already. I tilted my head toward the back door and she fluttered her lashes in response.

It had been a while but a hunter never forgets the game. As I slipped out the back door, a small poisoned blade slid down my sleeve into my palm.

My heart thudded in anticipation as I waited for my prey.

To Be Continued...

I hope you enjoyed reading this short piece. It's inspired by the Freewrite #dailyprompt phrase "unpleasant perfume".

Thank you for visiting my blog.

^{_{Image credit: Kimut}}