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I flicked off my gun’s safety. “Boo.”

In hindsight, I realized that was a very lame thing to say but both vampires paled anyway.

“S-slayer?” Green coat stammered.

“Impossible,” Blue coat said. “There are no slayer families based in Magiford.”

“Correct.” I stepped closer, pressing the psychological advantage of my sudden appearance. “There are no slayers in Magiford, except for me. Because I’ve…how did you phrase it?Sold myself to the Curia Cloisters.”

I kicked green coat in the shins—he was the bigger liability since I only had my dagger on him. He jerked, then gurgled as I kept my dagger in place.

“You, you,” he snarled.

“Leave the humans alone,” I said, my voice clipped. “As it stands, we’re going to report you to the vampires. If I find out you’ve done it again…” My shoulders burned as I used more strength to push my weapons into their throats.

The vampires leaped backwards trying to get away from me.

I moved with them, keeping pace, but Tetiana hadn’t been prepared so they rammed into her, sending her flying like a ragdoll.

She hit the brick siding of The Lucky Clover with a pained wheeze.

I hesitated, and the duo fled knocking into an addled Brody and the young woman they’d attempted to daze.

I probably could have caught the pair, but with Brody and Tetiana down task force protocol said I needed to remain in the area to see if they needed assistance. So I watched the vampires flee and tried to burn their features into my mind so I’d recognize them if I saw them again.

I bungled that—I didn’t even get their names.

I shook my head as I flicked the safety on my gun and holstered it—but I kept my dagger out in case the duo looped back—then crouched down next to Tetiana. “You okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine.” Tetiana winced as she rubbed the back of her head. “Just embarrassed that I let them knock me over. Dishonor on me and my vampire Family for certain.”

I reached out to squeeze her shoulder in assurance—I’d read it in a book that unobtrusive physical touch helped create stronger bonds—then paused, realizing Tetiana probably didn’t want a slayer touching her. So I backed up, retreating to check on Brody.

The werewolf was already standing, shaking his head, and rubbing his nose. “Ugh. Those pheromones are the worst!” His nostrils flared as he tried to breathe fresh air.

Offering a hand, I steadied the young woman—whose eyes still weren’t focusing, but at least now she was looking around—so she could stand.

“Should we pursue them?” I asked as Tetiana also stood up and brushed some dirt off her uniform.

“Why bother?” Brody asked. “They’ve gotta be long gone—I don’t think I’ve ever seen a vampire run away with so much enthusiasm before.” He eyed me.

I shrugged, as I finally sheathed my dagger, used to the fear.Being the vampires’ personal version of the bogeyman might have made me a pariah on the team, but it had some advantages!

Thinking of Ruin’s fascination with me, I winced.It has some advantages sometimes, anyway.

“What happened?” the young woman asked, bewildered as the numbness the pheromones inspired started to leave her. “Who were those guys?”

“They were bad people.” Brody looked her up and down, looking for any sign the vampires had done something to her. “Take it as a lesson—if someone looks like a historical reenactment actor within Magiford city limits, you should avoid them at all costs.”

“Okay,” the woman agreed.

“Man, she’s still pretty snowed,” Brody said.

“I agree with Brody,” Tetiana said.

“That she’s snowed?” Brody asked.

“No, that we shouldn’t bother to follow them.” Tetiana groaned as she stretched, and her back cracked. “We can make a report so the other shifts know to watch for them and report them to the vampires, but all we would have done is fight them for the sake of beating some respect into them. I think you managed to accomplish that with your presence.”