Asher flinched when he heard the woman's voice, her smooth tones attempting to lure him into her trap.  Basic strategy, he noted.  They were infamous for using seduction to claim their prey, at least, it was more commonly used when there wasn't a spooky forest to hunt in.  They wouldn't slaughter him?  Laughable.  Like hell he would surrender.<br/><br/>He angled his hunting knife to get a proper look at them from behind his oak tree.  Three in all, as he predicted; two tough looking men flanking a small woman, though if he knew anything about vampire hierarchy, she was clearly the authority here, and shouldn't be underestimated by any means.<br/><br/>They knew where he was.  He could have been very easily ambushed, but Asher knew when a kitten played with its food.  It would be a costly mistake on their part, and he would see to it.  He took a deep breath, pressing himself into the tree and holding the knife flat against his chest.  He counted to three, and with a conjured surge of adrenaline he struck the knives together, and they both caught flame.  There were few things which could kill a vampire, but fire destroyed all.<br/><br/>Asher rolled from his position, launching the blazing weapon toward one of the lackeys.  He knew it connected when he heard one of them go up in flames.  He had no time for pause.  One idle moment against one of these things could instantly cost him his life.<br/><br/>“You wanna play?  Let's play,” he taunted their leader, drawing another of his knives stashed along his hide armour.  He was far more adept at range using his bow, but in close combat, it was no good.  His good arm shook weakly as he brandished the weapon.  He was less confident than he sounded, the feverish throbbing in his head betraying his line of sight.  It was more likely to rain blueberry danishes than coming out of this one alive.<br/><br/>He'd finally made eye contact with the woman, and could feel how powerful she was.  Even if he were in perfect health, she was still one of those vampires you just didn't fuck with.  The Clan knew this, and deemed them Alphas.  Nobody was to engage an Alpha alone; it was suicide.