Page 39 of Fated Wings

Through the doorway, Chase could see Bayne wiping his blade clean on his jeans. A vampire’s head had rolled somewhere under the dining table. Chase didn’t bother looking for it.

They regrouped in the backyard, afternoon sun warming Chase’s face. His shoulder throbbed where the claws had caught him, shirt sticky with blood. It would heal once he shifted.

“Glad that’s finally over.” Zeppelin stretched, joints popping. “Three months was too long to let them run loose.”

Chase hummed agreement, though the satisfaction felt hollow. Sure, these vampires were dealt with. But there would be others. Always were. Vampires, demons, hellhounds… The list never ended.

At least Jalen was safe. That was what mattered.

“You good?” Zeppelin asked, eyeing the tears in Chase’s shirt.

“Just scratches.” He rolled his shoulder experimentally. “Nothing that won’t heal.”

They stood in comfortable silence for a moment, watching clouds drift across the sky. Somewhere in the distance, a dog barked. A normal, everyday sound that seemed surreal after the violence inside.

Peace never lasted long in their world. Chase had learned that lesson young, and life kept reinforcing it. But for now, for this afternoon at least, one threat was eliminated.

Felt like a damn good win to Chase.

THE END