Read Phoenix Contract: Part One (Fallen Angel Watchers Book 1) for Free Online Page A

captive.
    Aiden kept her hand pressed to the wound on her throat to staunch the blood flow.
    The winged figure dropped earthward, making a controlled descent, and the black wings furled, folding inward with startling speed and neatness. By the time he touched ground, the wings transformed into a leather cloak clasped at his throat.
    The newcomer’s features were shadowed, obscured beneath long hair that tumbled down his back. In the dim light, Aiden received the impression of sable and copper. His height and weight were well above average, his physique heavy and muscular. He wore a long-sleeved shirt and blue jeans over steel-toed boots. The beaten leather cloak moved and clung with the supple tenacity of a living creature, swathing and billowing in a dramatic display. He moved with confidence and power, more beast than man.
    “Excuse me a moment while I deal with this, my dear,” Daniel said. The vampire shoved Aiden hard, sending her to the pavement.
    She landed on outstretched arms, skinning both of her palms. She rolled to her side. Her head spun, and a retching nausea swept her body.
    “What kept you so long?” Matthew demanded.
    “What kept me?” Magnus repeated. He spoke with a layered accent, alluding to many different languages and locations, culminating in a rich and distinctive brogue. He headed straight for Matthew. “I didn’t even know you were back in the country, let alone in need of rescuing.” His exasperation was plain and good-natured.
    Matthew scoffed. “You’ve rogue vampires trespassing in your territory, Magnus. I think you’re losing your edge.”
    Magnus shrugged. “ Star Wars was playing at the Crown.”
    “Sorry to interrupt your little reunion, but this is becoming tedious,” Daniel said. He turned on his minions. “Well? What are you waiting for? Attack him.”
    The carrot-topped vampire boy and the policewoman released Matthew, surging toward the new arrival. The boy reached Magnus first. Without breaking stride, Magnus delivered a forward punch which punctured the vampire’s desiccated flesh just below the breastbone. The boy screamed, and the policewoman caught hold of Magnus’ arm, attacking him with fists and fangs.
    Magnus shoved his arm deeper into the boy’s chest until it disappeared to the elbow. He appeared to be groping for something. The vampire responded with a terrible, tormented wail.
    “What are you doing?” Matthew asked, plainly disgusted. Hobbling, the priest made his way to Aiden and sank to the ground beside her.
    “His heart has shifted.” With a satisfied grunt, Magnus found his objective and ripped the boy’s heart from his chest.
    Before the vampire’s scream faded, his body turned to ash. Reaching overhead, Magnus hooked his arm around the policewoman’s neck. He threw her to the ground and pinned her chest with his foot.
    “No, I mean why are you fighting with your bare hands like a barbarian?” Matthew removed a handkerchief from his pocket and pressed it to Aiden’s throat. When she stirred and attempted to rise, Matthew shushed her. “Rest now.”
    “Could it be I’m a barbarian?” Magnus reached into the depths of his cloak and drew a concealed weapon. Metal hissed as it slid across leather, the song of a sword clearing the scabbard. The blade had the length and breadth of a long sword. With a deft downward thrust, Magnus severed the pinned vampire’s head. His foot sank through the dissolving body and landed squarely in the leftover ash.
    The three remaining minions charged as a pack. The black man and the elderly man rushed straight at their armed opponent, demonstrating a laudable lack of tactical sense. Magnus stepped into the attack. His sword caught the old man clean through the heart and removed the vital organ with a deft twist.
    Magnus ducked the outstretched arms of the black vampire and then cut the legs out from under his opponent. The little girl ran at him from behind and leapt. Latching onto his throat with her only