The Ouroboros Cycle, Book Two: A Cautionary Tale for Young Vampires. G.D. Falksen

the rest o’ us te fear ye as well?” Cat asked. She studied his eyes carefully.

      “Only the wicked need fear me,” Luka said.

      “Only the wicked?” Cat asked. She fluttered her eyes and tossed her hair. “Oh, but ain’t I wicked as well? Corruptin’ honest men an’ leadin’ ’em inte sin?”

      “Men require no temptation to sin,” Luka said. “What they require is the strength of will to resist. Women as well, though it seems popular to forget it. Lust and violence are in our nature, and it is healthy to indulge them from time to time, provided one is not ruled by them.”

      “I’d never have guessed,” Cat said, laughing. “Ye seemed such a peaceful sort when ye were beatin’ a man te death fer me. Like a country parson.”

      “Looks can deceive,” Luka answered. “I assure you that beneath this genteel exterior, I am a brutal monster.”

      Cat laughed again and said, “Oh, we’ve monsters aplenty ’round here. Tho’ ’tis unusual te find a monster tha’ hunts monsters. I donne know wha’ te think.”

      “Does it frighten you?” Luka asked.

      Cat thought for a little while before she answered:

      “No, I donne think so. ’Tis a nice change from the usual lot. ’Sides, if ye’ve a mind te kill any fella as tries te take wha’s mine, who am I te complain?”

      Luka smiled and reached for the bottle.

      “More wine?” he asked.