Creature of Habit (Creature of Habit #1) (28 page)

Epilogue

She knew I would come.

Cowards have their own particular aroma, making it easier to track her down. The further she traveled the more distinct the trail she left through the forest became. In a valiant effort to throw me off track she circled and wove erratically through the woods. Unfortunately for Sasha the pain and loss I suffered seemed to heighten my senses. In a grove of hardwoods, I climbed and waited.

Dusk lowered and Sasha broke through the trees. As predicted she runs beneath me, oblivious, and I pounce—claws out. Teeth bared.

Any mercy I’d shown in the past was gone.

“I told you to make this stop,” I said. She lay beneath me, arms and legs pinned down. My sharp blade pressed against her neck.

“There’s no stopping him,” she said. “None. Not until you’re all dead.”

She kicked and fought but I had the upper hand. She knew either I would kill her or he would—mate or not. She’s lost another fledgling and she failed to bring him Amelia. Killing her would be a kindness.

I plunged the blade into her gut and a small smile flickered on her lips, her chest heaved. She enjoyed this. Like her mate it was all part of a twisted game. “Do it! This way I die a martyr for the cause—and his vengeance will be twice as powerful. Beware, Grant Palmer, that little pet will be his before this is over, and the things he’ll do to her…” she laughed, choking on her death. “You’ll regret the day you crossed him.”

Gripping her throat, Sasha’s eyes bulged and I whispered close to her ear, “No one touches what is mine. Not my city, my family or my girl.”

Flinging the blade into the trees I tore at her flesh with my bare hands, until her body scattered across the forest like discarded waste. When there was nothing left I stood over the remains and brushed the death off my hands.

There are some things even a vampire can’t come back from.

Acknowledgements & Stuff

In 2008 I’d just started writing and showing my work to others. I had an idea and mulled it over for a while, sharing it with close friends. “It’s about a vampire who’s kind of like Batman—or maybe more like Angel. He’s a vigilante, working quietly to help the people in his city, yet isolated and lonely. He has OCD and I have this great idea for a scene where the love interest confuses his vampirism for being gay.”

They all pretty much told me this was a terrible idea. Like, “Huh, Angel, that sounds great, except no one will want to read it.”

They were right. No one did want to read it. Not at first, but I had a vision and a stubborn streak and I did it anyway. Apply those same characteristics to the last 6 years and you pretty much can sum up my entire writing career.

Creature of Habit is one of those stories that required a lot of help on. Back then and now. The book above is greatly altered from the original work (Book 2 is even more so). I bugged the crap out of anyone that would listen to me brainstorm and plot. I owe them much. All I’ve got is a thank you and some eternal fan-girling. Author Beth Bolden is one of the ones that told me it sounded like a terrible idea. We laugh about it now. I love her for her honesty. I can always go to her for the truth. Author Bev Elle encourages me in all my projects, and trust me, encouragement is worth more than you can even imagine. Vanessa C, has been with me through all the stories, all the books and does the dirty work with grammar that I am unable to do. Alicia N. listens to me talk about all of this over cheese dip and Diet Cokes (and margaritas) which is invaluable. I drag her to book festivals and panels and all the other stuff no one else wants to do. Rochelle Allison, Author TM Franklin, Elizabeth Vincent & Annie J (street sleepers) have provided unwavering support, listening ears and friendship.

There are others I want to thank, people I don’t communicate with much anymore but please know they are the reason this book ever happened. They are why I fell into fandom and embraced a new creative outlet. Barb H, LolaShoes (for bringing me to, and introducing me to the wonders of SDCC way back when), Wime09, Kirsten A, Tammy N, Kristen and Jess (Jandco’s work always inspired me to be better), Halojones (omg halo.jones. *sigh*), Author Kira Gold, Jessica N, Elaine L (we were right), Cartnee, Claire G, Jan R (the always, always supportive Jan!), Valerie R, Amy F, Lorena, Audrey, Autumn (a shout out to April S. for some last minute edits!) and all the others I know I’m missing (because I suck, not because anyone is forgettable.)

Of course I say thank you to AG, because obviously.

*For the record, Captain America beats them all.  Also, you can find me on twitter @theangellawson or on facebook at Angel Lawson or Angel Lawson Author. Come say hi. I do have cookies but they’re gluten free.