Maverick downed another shot and leaned back on the barstool, a smile tugging at his features. It was nice to be around your own kind. Devoid itself was far more subdued than what he was used to, but he found he didn’t mind.

“So, are there any real problems around here you have to deal with?” he asked his newest acquaintance. She was young, only fifty at best, blonde and dark eyed. He gave her a charming smile.

She swirled the contents of the glass about in a lazy circle, glancing into its depths. “Not really. The occasional scuffle. Nothing like what’s going on up North. You heard about that?”

“I’m not sure. What have you heard?”

“Well, there’s a huge nation-wide manhunt for some leech and its pet human. They assassinated a freakin’ ton of respected vampires. I can assure you, we don’t got nothing like that going on.”

Maverick nodded and began preparing to leave. It would just take one person being suspicious. But, he reasoned, Allison wasn’t with him at the moment, so they couldn’t know who he was hanging around with. He relaxed and continued the small talk. He relaxed completely, reveling in the chance to finally let his guard down. Allison was getting coffee, so he had an hour or so. Besides, it wasn’t like she could get in that much trouble buying a latte.

...10...

“Well, that’s my car. Thanks.” She turned and waved to the man before heading over to the deserted car. After a few steps, she heard his mirroring her own. She paused and turned back around, beginning to feel nervous. She was alone in a dark alleyway with a stranger. Of course, she also had an immortal friend waiting just a call away.

“I think I can make it down the sidewalk alone. You can go.”

“I’m afraid I can’t, Allison.”

Her mind quickly ran through their conversation. Had she told him her name? Surely she had, hadn’t she? She couldn’t remember. Probably she had. “Why can’t you?” She slid her hand into the pocket of her jeans, fingers locking around the small knife Maverick had given her after the last attack.

“You see, I agreed to a job. I work for whoever pays and i do whatever they ask. This time, they asked that I kill you and your accomplice. I assume he will be out shortly, once you call for him.”

Allison began backing towards the car, hoping every moment to feel the cool metal brush against her hand. She dragged out the knife, holding it before her defensively. He laughed.

“Cute, really. You think you can take me on with that little butter knife. Cute,” he shook his head, still smiling. He enjoyed these simple games of cat and mouse. In fact, he lived for them.

Suddenly, her hand landed on the car behind her and she turned to open the door as quickly as she could. But before she could even lift the handle, he had rushed from his place across the alley to wrap his arm around her. He pulled her away from the car, her fingers sliding helplessly from the latch. For a moment, panic gripped her and she froze. Then, some other sense took over and she stiffened, her armed hand whipped around to stab at her captor.

He evaded the thrust and shoved her against the wall. Garbage cans rattled and tumbled with her impact, creating a clamor loud enough to be heard in Devoid. The Hunter risked a glance at the door and saw nothing. Had they truly not heard? Or did they just not care?

In his brief moment of inattention, Allison got to her feet and took off towards the street. He was quicker, though, and cut off her escape.

“Why don’t you just call for help, girl? I’m sure he would rush to your side. Or are you afraid he can’t take me? Is that it? Or maybe you think that maybe he won’t come? Is that it?” he mocked her, slowly forcing her back into the shadows as he spoke. She was shaking, her arm wavering in its hold on the blade. He smiled. She didn’t even know how to use that effectively. Maybe he should just make quick work of her. But, then again, he was enjoying this very much.

Allison glanced back at the door, begging it to open. All her heart in that one wish, she watched as it remained steadfastly closed and counted the last seconds of her life fade away.

...Ladeda...

Maverick looked at the digital clock stuffed into one corner. It was just past midnight and Allison would probably be ready to leave. He sighed; it would have been nice to hang around a while. Maybe he could talk her into that plan. As he made his goodbyes and prepared to leave, he worked out the details. She would probably like a rest.

Something outside crashed, but he barely heard it as he pondered. His hand settled on the doorknob, but before he could open it, someone was beckoning him. He sighed and headed over to a huddled crowd, some of whom he had met that night, others which he was clueless as to their identity.

“Leaving so soon? This place really starts to pick up after one,” they enticed.

Maverick shrugged and glanced at the door. He should leave. But he didn’t want to. It was so nice to be amongst your own kind...

He shook his head. “nah, I got someone to meet. An old friend. Catch you guys later.” He began walking away halfheartedly to the numerous so longs and goodbyes. This time, he actually made it out the door.

...And back we go...

He ran at her, grabbing her wrist and forcing the knife from her hold. It slipped into his hand and he backed away. Now she was defenseless and he could play as long as he liked. Unfortunately, the door began to swing open. He cursed his luck and the blade shot forward in his trained grip. It fell smoothly into its intended target as Maverick walked out of Devoid. Allison fell, hands wrapped tight around her abdomen and the wound there. The hunter smiled at the shocked Maverick.

“Your turn.”

Maverick felt rage building inside of him. One moment he was staring at her bleeding form on the ground, the next he was staring into the boy’s frightened eyes. His hand was wrapped around the kid’s wrist and in one sharp motion, he shattered every bone there. The knife clattered to the ground in a cacophony of metal on pavement. He was young and stupid, but that did not halt Maverick’s fist as it plunged into his face. There were numerous snaps and cracks as the bone gave way. The boy stumbled back, clutching his face. But it didn’t matter, because he had to die.

In a flurry of movements to rapid to be seen, the boy sank beneath his flying fists. Maverick finally stopped when he could no longer hear his heart beating.

The rage lifted and even he was shocked by the pummeled mess. But then, he remembered Allison lying on the ground. He rushed over, sliding to his knees.

She smiled weakly at him. “I’m dying, Egypt, dying,” she quoted in a whisper and tried to laugh, but it hurt too much.

“Allison, I can save you. But...” he paused, not even sure he really wanted to offer it. “Are you sure you want it?”

She considered it for a moment, growing weaker by the second. Finally, she caught his eyes in a sympathetic gaze. “Maverick,” she pulled one hand away from her abdomen and caught his hands, squeezing it lightly. “I’m not sure if I could...” Her voice, fading as she spoke, finally drifted away. Her eyes closed, though her heart still beat, weakly.

What had she meant. She couldn’t handle dying? Living? Living forever? He didn’t know what she wanted. If he had even a few hours, maybe he could reach some conclusion. AS it was, he was running out of the last few minutes he had. It was time to decide.

“...makes life worth living...” “Alive and loving it...” “...don’t want to end up like you.” He let the phrases chase themselves about in his head. She enjoyed living, but she could live again. But she would be dead. And she didn’t want to end up like him. The thought of eternity scared her.

Maverick was at a loss as to what to do.

Finally, he decided.

...And now...

Allison smiled wanly up from the pale hospital sheets. They had made it just in time and she was on her way to recovery. Maverick hovered over her like a protective mother hen, only leaving the room for more police questions. He had answered them all a thousand times, but they didn’t believe him. Of course, they shouldn’t. His story about just wandering out and finding the two beaten figures, the girl still alive, was preposterous. But they couldn’t find any evidence to arrest him.

“Hey,” she whispered softly, still weak.

“Good morning.” He held her hand gently, fingers moving over it with delicate touch.

“How long am I stuck in this place?” she asked, grimacing at the sterile looking room. Then there was the smell, the unforgettable hospital stench. If it bothered her, Maverick was probably choking on it. She wanted out.

“A few more days. Then we can be off.”

She nodded and closed her eyes. “I can handle it.”

“Good. Now there’s some things we need to talk about if you’re going to keep getting yourself nearly killed. What are your views on the undead?”

She laughed. “Well, I’ve met a few that aren’t so bad, but...”

...End Treason...

So, whatcha think? Be brutally honest. Yeah, I enjoyed writing this, so I hope you enjoyed reading. Not much to say. Well, I can say that I am planning a sequel. Maybe. I’m not sure. I do have a basic plot. Anyways, let me know what you thought. I’ll be glad to hear it.

BTW, Black Gumdrop, don’t worry about explaining what you meant. I reread the review and it became very obvious. I had a stupid moment. But that does remind me, I need to do thank you’s.

Black Gumdrop: Thank you for reviewing and giving me advice. I make sure to keep it in mind as I type away. (And I’ve got to go read chapter 4 of I wish to be Known as Mika .I suggest it to anyone looking for something good to read. Yep.)

Secret Sorrows: Thank you as well. I always smile when I read your reviews. (BTW, I love Daemon!! (I suggest it as well) I’ve got to go read those new chapters!!)

Winter Tears: Girl, you have problems. I’m glad you finally decided to read this!! Sigh. BTW, I might need to talk to you about the Sequel. Hey, i hadn’t told you about this yet, had I? HAHA!!

Marian B/ MB: Thank you for reviewing, though I doubt this is your sort of story. Then again, you haven’t left a review in a while. Maybe I shouldn’t say thanks. Hmmmm...(Yes, I know you’ve been out of town. Not an excuse. Nope. Won’t accept it!!)

Well, if I didn’t mention you, sorry. I took everyone who had reviewed the last few chapter or I knew was reading it. (A.K.A. I knew you personally and knew you had/were reading). But thank you for reviewing too. I’m happy whenever anyone reviews. Now, I think I’ve rambled and babbled enough. Later!

Gata de la Noche