"Well, crap. You won." I flashed my fangs in a smile towards Ketzin, who had won fair-and-square (a phrase that I haven't used since the early 2000's). "It also seems like it's safe now to go out. Perhaps we'll take that date for tomorrow and move it to tonight? Maybe this time we'll be able to finish our drinks in peace!"<br/><br/>"Ha ha, I did indeed! My grandfather taught me well. And that sounds great to me! I could go for a nice stroll to the bar. I'll be safe with you?" It was a statement and a question at the same time--a question to see if I would protect her, but a statement that she trusts me.<br/><br/>"Yes, you will be. Valmonte never stays in one place for very long; people are always after him. He's wanted among the demon hunters, with a huge bounty over his head. If they had word of his location, the gnats would be over there in a heartbeat. Metaphorically, of course. I doubt those hitman even have hearts." My fists clenched. I couldn't stand vampire hunters anymore than the next Night Demon, but those genetically mutated freaks made me vicious.<br/><br/>Ketzin was frightened at my anger--she didn't show it in particular, but I sensed it easily. And it wasn't fear of what I would do in my anger, but a fear of what could make me so angry. I understood. Anything that raises so much emotion in a vampire isn't something to be reckoned with.<br/><br/>"Let's be off then, Ariez. If we come across a Blood Watcher, I give you full permission to kick the crap out of it." She smiled, chuckled, and walked to the door.