Carpathian 04 - Dark Magic

old man anymore. He has become a legend, a scary tale to frighten the tourists. That's all."
    "But you know better," Gregori said softly.
    Beau sighed. "Yes, I know better. He's out there somewhere in these miles of swamp, and he's hungry.
    All the time hungry. Not for food, but to kill. That's his hunger, that's what he lives for, just to kill."
    The boat was carefully maneuvered into its berth. Gregori thanked La Rue and tried to pay him. When the guide refused, Gregori momentarily blurred his memory of time and placed a quantity of money in the captain's wallet. He had been in the man's mind, knew his financial problems, knew he was worried for his wife's health.
    Savannah curled her fingers into Gregori's back pocket as they wandered up the road and back toward civilization. La Rue called to them. "Where's your car? These roads aren't always safe after dark."
    Gregori glanced over his shoulder, his pale eyes glittering ominously, picking up a hint of a blood-red moon. His eyes resembled those of a wolf hunting prey. "Do not worry. We will be safe."
    Beau La Rue laughed happily. "I wasn't worried about you. I was worried that any who attempted to mug you might be friends of mine. Don't hurt them too badly, eh? Perhaps just give them a little lesson in manners."
    "I promise," Gregori assured him. He slipped an arm around Savannah. "Interesting tale about that alligator."
    "The vampire is using it to guard him when he's in the swamp?" Savannah ventured.
    "Perhaps," Gregori mused. He inhaled sharply, a predator scenting prey. Hunger was gnawing, a sharp edge that persisted, always present, particularly predominant when he had used so much energy. The men grouped together near a large tree up the road were drinking beer and watching their approach. He could feel their eyes on Savannah, could smell their sudden interest.
    Savannah dropped a step behind him so that his much larger frame hid her from prying eyes. "So why else would the vampire use the alligator? Why would he safeguard his liar that way?"
    "Think what you just said. His lair. The vampire uses the swamp as his lair. If that alligator has been around so long, there is only one explanation. The vampire must shape-shift, must become the alligator.
    He simply disappears into the swamp and grows fat terrorizing the population while he waits for the hunter to go away."
    "But if Julian has lived here for many years—" she started to protest.
    He shook his head. "Time means nothing to the undead. And there are swamps beyond this place, other Generated by ABC Amber LIT Conv erter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html
    cities to terrorize. He simply goes from one area to another, amusing himself until it is safe for him to return."
    Gregori's senses were on the small group of men. He could see them clearly. He could hear their whispers, the swish of beer in the cans, the ebb and flow of blood in their veins. Fangs lengthened ominously. He ran his tongue along the sharp incisors, the ancient call to feed upon him.
    Savannah tugged at his pocket, brought him to a halt. "I don't like this, Gregori. Let's get out of here."
    "Stay here." He gave the order abruptly, his gaze drifting over her head to his prey.
    "They want to fight with you," she protested. "Just leave them."
    His hands caught her upper arms, and he bent his dark head to her, his pale eyes capturing her blue gaze. "Know me for what I am, Savannah. They think to threaten us. Perhaps if we leave, another couple will come along, and we will not be here to protect them. They want to test their strength, to intimidate, to rob. They have not worked themselves up to it yet, but the intent is there in their minds. I wish to feed, and your hunger beats at me. This I will do."
    "Fine, do it then," she snapped, jerking away from him. "But they give me the creeps. And I want none of their blood."
    He pulled her back into his arms and found her throat with his mouth, his teeth scraping, teasing along her creamy skin. "You are so soft inside, ma petite , your heart is so gentle. It is good you have me."
    "You think," she snapped, but her body was melting of its own accord into his. He was fire and ice, white-hot heat and electric excitement.
    Gregori put her from him and turned back toward the cluster of men. They were whispering now, formulating their plan of attack. He moved toward them with his easy stride. They fanned out, thinking to overpower him in a rush.
    "Do any of you know Beau La Rue?" he asked softly,