Foreshadowed by Erika Trevathan Read Free Book Online Page B

Just as I was clearing the forest, a slight rustling noise broke the silence that usually followed me outdoors. Due to the fact that animals for miles around me had already scattered the minute I stepped out of the house, the sound was out of place and caused me to freeze mid step. With a stillness only a vampire could portray and using my sharpened eyesight, I took in my surroundings, searching for the person or thing responsible for the sound.
                I almost wasn't surprised to see Brad emerging from the woods on the other side of the clearing, his hands tucked in his pockets and ambling toward me as if he didn't have a care in the world.
    What the hell is he up to? I narrowed my eyes at him watchfully as I started back walking towards the center of the clearing. Alex was going to blow a gasket when he found out Brad had not only met up with me again, but on our own property. Yes, things were going to get ugly.
                Considering what I had seen Brad do just a week ago to another vampire, I was leery of him-- but not scared. I was more than certain I could take him if need be.
                As we approached each other in the grassy clearing, I said, "What a surprise. I can't say I ever thought to see you here. What do I owe the pleasure?"
                "Yeah well, I'm full of surprises lately, I guess."
                "You most certainly are." I eyed him with interest. "This must be pretty important for you to risk your life for. When Alex finds out you've stepped foot on this property, if he doesn't know already, things are going to get ugly for you."
                "I'm planning on doing away with Alex anyway-- might as well be now." He sat down on the ground stretching languidly and yawning. I rolled my eyes at him. He was obviously trying to show me he wasn't worried, but I couldn't help but think he was either stupid or had a death wish. Brad continued on. "Besides, Alex should be thanking me. I've come here to warn you."
                I spread my blanket on the ground next to him and sat down. "Okay Brad, I'll take the bait. What's this super important warning you have for me? I thought that's what the other night at the park was about. Warning me that you were a big, bad vampire slayer intent on destroying everyone important to me. Yeah, message received. You can go now."
                Brad leaned back on his elbows, making himself comfortable on my blanket, clearly not going anywhere. "That warning still stands. I have a new one for you, though. And it doesn't have anything to do with the Coalition."
                "Yippee, someone else to worry about now?"
                He watched me for a moment before saying. "I thought you'd like to know that Ophelia is in town." My eyes widened in surprise. I'm not sure why I found that surprising. It was bound to happen eventually. I'd just hoped for a little more time between dramas.
                Seeing his revelation was news to me, he went on. "I saw her last night while combing the streets for my next victim. I thought about taking her out-- but then I thought maybe it'd be more interesting to wait this one out and see what happens."
                I blew useless air out of my lungs and sat up, looking down at him. "Why do you get off on upsetting me now? After all we've been through over the years; I thought we could at least be cordial to each other."
                Brad looked away to stare out over the pond. "You're not exactly the same person you were." He snorted. "You're not even a person at all. I guess I just can't decide whether I love you or hate you-- or both."
                I hopped up in one fluid motion, yanking the blanket out from under Brad. I looked down at him feeling both hurt and angry. "Well, let me decide for you. We'll just go with hate. Then the feeling will be mutual."
                Not