Dark Beauty (Seeker) Read Online Free Page B

She could tell he regretted not responding to Clarissa’s cries earlier. As her mentor in training, it had been his job to keep her safe, and he missed the mark. She knew she’d feel the same way if she had been in his position, mentor or not. Seekers were connected in a way. She didn’t know Clarissa, but she felt her loss. “So, you think Ricky’s the one who killed the student?”
    He nodded. “From what the Chapter could tell me, it seems at least two Daychildren fled to your city. With Emanuel dead, that leaves just one more to take out. I checked in with the new Seeker in Chicago, and she said there haven’t been any more sightings, only vampires.”
    “But there are more?” Isabelle said.
    “I’m sure of it. They’ll most likely move on to different cities, like Emanuel and Ricky did. Demons are in short supply. Plus, they know at least one of us can kill them. I’m sure they are expecting word to spread throughout the Seeker community. We are now aware of their abilities and are better armed to neutralize them.”
    Isabelle stopped walking and turned to Abram. She surprised herself, feeling actually happy that she’d met him. Having another Seeker to speak with, one much closer to her age than Jared, was comforting. “Well, I want them out of my city so I can go back to doing what I was born to do—kill vampires, not this crazy hybrid.”
     “Are you hungry?” Abram said. Isabelle gladly accepted the change in conversation. “It looks like Ricky’s going to lay low after his kill, and the vamps haven’t come out yet. We could refuel.”
    Isabelle’s stomach growled at the mention of food. She hadn’t eaten anything since her king-size bowl of Mini Wheats at breakfast. “Do you like tacos?” she asked.
    “Do I like tacos—hell yeah! I’m in Texas.” He twirled around, taking in the warm, humid Houston air. Isabelle had never been to Chicago, but she’d heard it was often cold and windy. “Take me to the best taco joint you know.”
    Isabelle smiled. “That won’t be hard around here,” she said. “Let’s go eat…and then we’ll kill some vamps.”

 
     
     
     
    Chapter 8
     
    Abram and Isabelle started their patrol near the bustling downtown bar and restaurant area. After a few drinks, people became careless and stupid, making themselves easier prey. Equipped with full stomachs, daggers, and stakes, the Seekers were ready to take on anything undead.
    First they searched the alleys behind dive bars. Vomiting drunks who’d made their way into the alleyways became immediate targets, so the Seekers decided to hang out on two trash cans outside the back door of a biker bar. Isabelle wasn’t as annoyed about having Abram with her this time. Now that she knew he wasn’t sent to her city to act as her babysitter, he was a little less aggravating.
     “So, do you date?” Abram said, catching Isabelle off guard.
    “No,” she said immediately. “I have one job to do, kill vamps. Anyway, we move every four years, so it kind of makes it hard to form any type of lasting relationship.” With her legs crossed at the ankle, Isabelle kicked the trash can with the heel of her boot. “How about you?”
    He smirked. It was difficult to see his face under the dim light projecting off the back of the building, but he’d made that face so many times, she’d memorized his features. “You, I’d date.”
    Isabelle smacked him in the arm. “Be serious.”
    “ Ouch —I am being serious.” He pushed her back playfully. “But no, I haven’t really met anyone. With my lifestyle, as you know, not only is it dangerous for me to get close to someone, but I don’t have the time. Plus, we don’t really age while we’re in the Seeker life. Nothing like being 15, 16, 17, 18, then back to 15 again. Damn four-year rotation. This is my first time being 18. I like it.” He laughed. “I guess I should enjoy this year before I’m yanked back to 15 again. Anyway, who needs relationships when you