Flameout Read Online Free Page A

as-needed basis.
    â€œUntil we know which faction they belong to,” Sam bit back, “it’s kinda hard to say.”
    My gaze jumped to his. “So you do think they’re sindicati?”
    â€œWho else would they be?” He began reloading his gun. “They’re the biggest crime syndicate in the city—human, wolf,
or
vampire. And while the rest of them might know there’s a problem in Brooklyn, they’re not—as far as we know—aware of its source.”
    Because PIT was keeping them—and everyone else—in the dark about both the virus and the red cloaks. The trouble in Brooklyn had certainly been in the news of late, but everyone still blamed the crooks and the homeless who’d once called that place home. “That doesn’t mean it can’t be someone else. Hell, forall we know, it’s just a random gang of vamps out for bit of fun and bloodshed.”
    He snorted. “Most vamps these days know better than to try something like that. Besides, no one else but the sindicati have links to the cloaks. I doubt it’s coincidence they’re here at the same time.”
    I scanned the night but still couldn’t see or sense them. “Can you tell the mood they’re in from this distance?”
    â€œThey’re vampires, so no. But I suspect they’re not coming here to discuss the weather.” He gave me a somewhat deadpan look, but the hint of a smile once again teased the corners of his lips. “Let’s move into the middle of the clearing. It’ll give me more shooting time.”
    Only by a fraction, given the speed with which vampires could move. But I guessed a fraction was better than nothing. I didn’t immediately follow him, however, but instead walked over to the floodlight to shut it down. The darkness might be more the vampire’s friend than mine, but I didn’t need my eyesight compromised by the brightness of that light if I happened to glance at it, either.
    â€œHow are we going to play this?” I stopped beside Sam once more and flexed my fingers. Heat burned through my body, but I kept my weapon leashed.
    He raised an eyebrow, the amusement stronger. “It’s simple. You burn them; I’ll shoot them.”
    â€œAnd if they’re not here to actually harm us?”
    â€œIf they aren’t here to harm us, they wouldn’t be coming at us full speed and in stealth mode.” He paused, gaze narrowing. “They’ve just split up. Three of them are circling around behind us.”
    Coming at us from two directions was definitely better than coming at us from all sides—although
that
might yet be their plan. “You know, it might be a whole lot more sensible right now to get the hell out of here.”
    â€œProbably.”
    â€œThen why aren’t we?”
    â€œBecause while you’re a spirit capable of speed and flight, I’m merely human.”
    â€œNot when you’re infected by the virus, you’re not.” I studied him, eyes narrowed. Saw within him the desire to stand his ground and fight. “This is stubbornness and pride: nothing more, nothing less.”
    â€œPerhaps.” The amusement faded. “But—infected or not—I’m not as fast as those vamps. Faster than I once was, yes, but they
will
run me down. I’d rather stand my ground than be hunted like an animal.”
    â€œWhich is a logical enough excuse, but we both know I was right the first time.”
    I flexed my fingers again. My skin glowed a vivid red, but I continued to keep the sparks and flames in check. I wasn’t about to waste energy, not when I’d already expended a lot calling up the mother to crisp the red cloaks.
    â€œYou can hardly call me stubborn when there’s nothing stopping you from doing the sensible thing and getting the hell out of here.” That hint of amusement was back in his voice and it sent a warm shiver down my