I'm A Monster Hunter. I Took A Job No One Else Would. (2023)

Introduction

I shouldn't have.
Story from Head of Spectre
►Story: www.reddit.com/r/HeadOfSpectre/comments/u8gmwk/the_brotherhood/

My Patreon:
www.patreon.com/LighthouseHorror

Special Thank You To Patrons:
Laura Lewis, Daniel Reading, Chris Lambert, Head of the SC, Penny, Owlseyes, Tony Persson, Joy Burton, Christine Badagliacco, Aya Baudelaire, Jonathan J. Snyder, TobiasRed4, Mari Furucho, BuddhaBee, Paul Vest, Owlseyes Sees, April, Kissi Dawn, Anne, Cameron Steele, Azrael Storm Thunder, Sascha Schneider, Undertaker1993, Christy, Mathis, Julia Crager, Margie LaMark, Montagne, Ivan Sheehan, Jeremy Taft, Crystal Clark, Pixie827, Nona, Naomi French, Mary Scott, Praxadi, David Littlejohn, Beth Chase, Katie, Rachael Wolfe, Karina H, Joan Fleming, Russell, Lane, Mr Sankofa, Daniel bird, Sam, Hawaii, D Lawson, James Love, Lyra Hostetter, Jennifer Iannaconi, Sandra Griego, Veritas Lynne, Will, Alisha, Tiya McD, SkylarMae MorningStar, Leslie, ARodco, Myriam, Lisa and the Cult Jam, Steven Brunwasser, Angelique, Alix , Mariah Cummings, John Satterwhite, Dylan Thrasher, Allison Barclay, Roowyrm, Maricela Munguia Saldivar, Crystle Miller, Kemi, FrankMadeMe, Jeanine Brouhard, Adam Horton, Schon Smith, AuntieKinky, Eden, Tonya Ann Middleton, Vanessa, Cap’n Bootz, William N Casti, Barbie_JL, Sharon, Cunningham, John P Rummel, Neil Mason, Jennifer Slawter, Vincent Shadetree, Appalachian Hunger, Randy McMullen, Lee Kendall, Sara Cagle, Carol Cosgrave, Jessica Lang, TheEchoNight, Jonathan demoisey, Chris Barth, GrayHatJen, seasalt flavour, Lemonfluff, Absinthe Alice, Teri Middleton, Meilline

Thank you for watching! If you enjoyed the new creeypasta story, please like, share, and tap the bell to hear new horror stories narrated every week!

A special thank you to Lucas King, Myuu, Kevin MacLeod, & Darren Curtis for the incredible music!

► www.youtube.com/user/LucasKingPiano ♪
► bit.ly/Myuusic ♪
► incompetech.com/ ♪
►www.youtube.com/c/DarrenCurtisMusic/videos ♪

Content

I know: what's out there.

I've known for a while.

Some people will tell you that they're, just like us.

They'll, humanize them, put them on our level.

Those people are wrong.

The creatures out.

There aren't human, no matter how much they look like us.

Some of them used to be… But.

They gave that up a long time ago and there’s no going back.

They're nothing more than animals, now.

Snarling, vicious things that can never truly be trusted.

Even if they smile and tell you that they're domesticated, they'll feed on you, the second it's convenient for them, mark.

My words.

I've seen their work for most of my life… Vampires, Sirens, Werewolves, Fae… Monsters, the lot of them.

So called Apex Predators, feasting on us just because they can.

Well, I'm, not inclined to take it.

That's.

Why I joined the Brotherhood.

A lot of the folks in the Brethren Knights of Saint Fontaine were born into it.

Not me.

I earned my place amongst their ranks.

It started off a few years back when I took down some Vampire they'd been tracking.

A guy by the name of Roberto.

I'd been working solo for a few years.

By that point and I stumbled on him by chance.

I was using this girl as bait, a pretty little thing named.

Michelle.

She brought the creeps in and I dealt with, them.

I’ll admit… I’ve.

Always let my anger get the better of me when dealing with their kind.

Maybe.

It would be easiest just to put a bullet in their head and be done with it, but no… They deserve so much worse.

I’ve seen firsthand the suffering caused by the death they leave in their wake.

I’ve seen the misery they sow in the lives of each and every single one of their victims.

See.

When you kill someone, you aren’t just ending their life… No.

You’re, ending the lives of everyone who loved them.

You’re tearing this hole in their hearts.

That’ll never be filled, again.

I’ve, seen it… More times than I.

Can count.

I’ve seen what it does to people.

And.

They just walk around for centuries, destroying life after life… They.

Do it because they can.

Hell, some of them probably do it, because it’s fun., So, yeah… I, think a bullet to the head is too good for most of them.

It’s necessary for some.

But for others… Well… I make sure they get what’s coming to them.

Back then.

My favorite method was to pull out the teeth.

It was a faster process for vampires than it was for sirens.

Less teeth to pull out, but it still hurt.

Naturally.

When I got my hands on Roberto, that’s exactly what I did to him.

Michelle brought him in from the bar to the hotel room.

We’d rented…, Where I was waiting for him.

I took out his knees, while she distracted him.

I had a pistol with a silencer.

One shot to the back of each leg.

To drop him.

Then, I got my pliers and set to work.

He fought.

They, all fought… But, it didn’t matter., Michelle wouldn’t, usually stick around… She didn’t have the stomach for it.

She’d.

Just leave and I’d pay her.

The next morning, after I was done with the bloodsucker.

I had all sorts of nasty little methods for dealing with them… With, Roberto, I just went to town on him with my fists.

Feels good.

To do it that way.

Sometimes… He was one of those pretentious, prissy vampires.

One of the ones who thought he was all that.

I tied him down and showed him that he wasn’t.

I just went to town.

His nose broke first, then his jaw… He was snappy with me for the first couple of hits.

But.

After about twenty minutes, he was begging for me to let him go.

After forty minutes.

He was crying.

After an hour.

He was dead.

It was just another night for me at the time.

I dumped him into the bathtub and left him for housekeeping to deal with.

I, never expected it to catch up to me, and I sure, as hell didn’t expect.

It to lead where it did.

It was about three weeks later that the Brotherhood found me.

I’d, been at a burger joint grabbing.

Some lunch, minding my own damn business when I noticed a group of guys walk, in.

They didn’t, look like locals… I was living in a small town in Arizona at the time, and nobody walked around dressed, like that.

They all wore tailored black suits, as if they were coming from some fancy.

Business meeting.

There were three of them.

Two of them kept their distance.

They sat at a nearby booth and just watched.

The last one walked right up to me.

Looking at him.

He was obviously the guy in charge.

He was somewhere in his sixties and bald, but he carried himself with this importance that was kinda hard, not to admire.

Without asking.

He pulled out a chair across from me and sat down, folding his hands neatly in front of him.

I, just stared at him.

The whole time, and I knew some of the other folks in the restaurant were giving him some odd glances, too… But.

He didn’t so much as bother looking in any other direction, but mine.

“Am I in some kind of trouble?” I asked, setting down my lunch.

“That depends.

Have, you any sins to confess?” The Old, Man, replied.

Now, that got a laugh out of me.

I leaned back in my chair, sizing, the Old Man up again, as I tried to figure out if he was for real or not.

“You, some kind of Priest or something? I ain’t looking to get saved, Mister.” “Something, like that… Although.

If you wanted salvation, there are other men who could grant you that.

It’s Lucas, right?, Lucas van Coeverden.

Quite, an exquisite name…”, “Just Lucas.

If you don’t mind.

The rest of it, is a bit much.”, The Old, Man, smiled., “Lucas…”, He, said, “A, good name.

All the same.

A strong, name.

You can call me Roy.

Roy Bergman.

It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He, offered a hand to shake.

I didn’t shake it.

“So.

What can I do for you? Mr.

Bergman?”, I, asked, “I’m, gonna, assume you ain’t here, because I’ve got a pretty name.” “Of course.

Not…” Roy assured me, “Of course not… I’m here, because my friends and I are fans of your work.” I raised an eyebrow, and started listening a little closer.

“One of your recent… Customers, Roberto.

He was a man we were interested in for quite some time.

Your methods may be cruder than some of us might like.

But, you’re, effective., The, good work.

You’ve done has made that very clear.”.

“Roberto…” I repeated.

It took a few moments to remember just who that was, “So.

You liked that, huh? You’re familiar with some of my other ‘projects?” “We are.” Roy said, “And I for one am impressed….

Talent like yours is not present in everyone.

Many don’t have the stomach for it, but for those that do, there are doors that are open for them.

Places, where they can find others like them.” “That, so?”, I, asked, skeptical., “Indeed., This…, Calling…, Of, ours., It’s, a dangerous one.

Doing.

It alone usually only ends one way.

But as part of a Brotherhood of like minded men, sharing the same common goals…” “You’re trying to recruit me?” I asked, cracking a small smile.

“Only.

If you’re interested., But I suspect that we share a goal…, Perhaps you’d like to discuss it in private? See, if I’m right.” What did I have to lose? I picked up my burger again and took a bite, before glancing at Roy’s buddies sitting a few tables away.

“A security, detail.

For, both of us.

We, both have enemies.” Roy noted, “Experience, has taught me it’s better to come.

Prepared.” “Oh, I’ll, bet.”, I said, polishing off the last of my burger.

“You got a place.

We can talk.

Shop, then?” Roy, looked back at me, a small, grin tugging at the corners of his lips.

“Why don’t we go for a ride? I’ll.

Tell you everything.” I told him to lead the way.

As.

We left the burger place, Roy led me towards a black SUV parked out.

Front.

His buddies got in the front seats.

Roy and I sat in the back.

“So…” I asked, “Tell me about this little club of yours and I’ll.

Tell you if I’m game or not.” “We’re, an old organization.”, Roy, replied, “We’ve, christened ourselves as The Brethren Knights of Saint Fontaine.”, “So, what? You, some sort of religious group?”, “Yes and no… You could call us a splinter group, if you’d like., The original Brotherhood was born in the years after the fall of the Knights Templar.

See, even while their brothers burned for crimes they’d, never committed, some of the remaining Knights refused to give up their holy missions.

So.

They renounced the Church, went underground, took on a new name and continued their Holy mission… Or, so I’m told, anyways.

Not a lot of records left of how it all started.

But.

What I know for sure is that as they did God's work, they became increasingly aware of the Devil’s children roaming.

This world… And so, they pledged themselves towards their eradication.

That, is how it has been since our order, began.

While many of our current members are still quite steadfast in their faith.

It isn’t a requirement.

It used to be that membership was passed from Father to Son… But that isn’t the way to keep the Brotherhood alive.

It never was, and we know it.

We’re in need of new recruits who know what they’re doing and have the drive to do.

What is necessary.

While once upon a time, faith, might’ve been a foundation of the Brotherhood, today, it’s less about God and more about Man.

Our mission is simple.

‘To guarantee the survival and supremacy of mankind against those who would seek to destroy us.’ It’s, a dramatic way of saying we kill those who would kill us.”, “I, suppose I can get behind the simplicity of that…” I said., “Most can.

Vampires don’t care about God… And.

It doesn’t require a Holy man to kill one.

Only, a man willing to do what is necessary.” “So.

How do I get in? You want me to fill out a form or something?” Roy, just laughed.

“Membership isn’t so simple… But I had thought you might be.

Interested.

I spoke with one of our leaders, Brother Galon about sponsoring you.

Usually.

What that means is that you would be given a trial of sorts.

A mission during which you’ll be given the opportunity to prove your worth, and your devotion to the cause.” “Shit, is that all?” I asked, scoffing.

“Sounds, like a cakewalk to me.

You, got a target in mind?” “As, a matter of fact, I do.” Roy said, “Two in fact…, Some of the most high profile we’ve ever gone, after.

I won’t lie to you.

These are ambitious, targets.

Maybe too ambitious for a trial… But you’re, a little more experienced than your average recruit.

I thought you might appreciate.

The challenge.

A lot of vampires seem to think of them like monarchs., Queens., They’ve certainly earned the title… Our intel suggests they’ve been organizing the Vampires on the West coast for a few decades, now.

Helping them survive and thrive… Kill them, and we may just destabilize them.

Set them back and send them running into the shadows.”.

He took a folder from a pouch behind the driver's seat and offered it to me.

“Help us pull this off, and not only are you part of the Brotherhood… You can send these undead bastards a message that their time is.

Over.” I opened the folder and was greeted by photographs of two women.

Both of them were blonde with olive skin and green eyes.

They were clearly sisters…, Maybe even twins, although it was clear to tell who was who.

“Mia and Lia Darling…” I murmured, reading over the attached, files.

“They don’t look like much.” “Intel, says otherwise… Some of the creatures.

We’ve interrogated have claimed that they’re ‘Baptized.’ Blessed by Satan himself, with some infernal power.

We’ll, see how much that’s worth.” “The hell's, that supposed to mean? Infernal power?”, “Allegedly they’re harder to kill… As I, said., We’ll, see., You and I have killed more than my fair share of vampires.

We.

Both know that they all go down the same.

If you’re in.

Then you can pack your things tonight and meet me at the airport.

Tomorrow.

We’ve saved you a seat on a flight to Los Angeles.” “Did, you now?, Awful, sweet of you.”, I, said, half joking as I handed the file back to Roy.

“Guess I’ll.

Be seeing you tomorrow, then.” I could tell that my new buddy was awfully glad to hear that.

I could see a warm smile creep across his face.

“Well then, I’m.

Looking forward to working with you, Lucas.” He said before offering me a hand to shake.

“I’ll, be seeing you tomorrow.” I’d done a fair bit of traveling for my own hunting purposes, but I’d never been all the way out to Los Angeles before.

I’d, always imagined it would be some prissy, cosmopolitan shithole… And.

You know, what? I was completely right., I, really can’t, say: I’ve got a lot of kind things to say about LA other than it was probably a vampire's paradise.

Active nightlife, plenty of shitty neighborhoods, where I can’t imagine anybody looks too hard at the dead bodies… Yeah.

I could easily see why a couple of so called Vampire queens, would’ve set up shop.

There.

The hotel we got was in the nicer part of town at least.

I got my own room, and brought some of my nicer clothes to join Roy and his two buddies for lunch after we got settled, in.

On, the flight in, he’d introduced them.

As Brian Adams and Sean Reach, although I hadn’t spoken much to either of them.

They, mostly just seemed to follow, Roy.

He was obviously the man running.

The show.

“Our best bet is to catch them.

Separately.” Roy had said over lunch.

“We’ve got another Brother in town who’s been keeping tabs on them.

You’ll meet him later… According to him, Lia Darling rarely leaves their penthouse.

She has visitors in and out during the day, but she only leaves to attend the odd social event.

Parties, nightclubs… He suspects.

She often hunts there, as there have been a few suspicious deaths.

However.

He also thinks that she has a stable supply of blood inside her home.

Spooking.

Her could cause her to seal herself inside and who knows how long she can wait.

Us out.”, “We can’t get in? Set up some sort of business, meeting?” I asked.

“We’re, looking into it.

But Lia appears to be… Choosy, on who she’ll meet with.”, I, scoffed.

Of course.

She was… “What about the other one?” I, asked., “Mia… She’ll likely be an easier target.

She comes and goes as she pleases, but has a fairly predictable routine.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday evening, she’s at the gym and on Saturday and Sunday nights she tends to visit.

Various nightclubs.

She usually brings her prey back home, but we haven’t seen her kill any of them.

Yet.” “Aww.

Ain’t that sweet.

A vampire with a conscience.” I teased, “If she’s the easier target.

Could we capture her? Use her to lure out the other one?” “Perhaps… Assuming she’d, take the bait.” Roy noted, “But, keeping her captive might prove an issue…” “We’re gonna kill her anyway.” I said with a shrug, “The hell.

Does it matter if we do it before or after we’ve got the other one?” I could see Roy thinking it over., “I, suppose not… Our sources indicate the sisters are close., We might succeed in emotionally compromising the other one.

If she thinks we have her, sister.

She may not think rationally.” “All the more reason to do: it.” I, said, “And.

We know where she’ll be tomorrow, don’t we? At, the gym.

You said: she’s got a routine.” Roy chuckled and leaned back in his seat.

He, looked over at Brian beside him, grinning from ear to ear.

“Listen to this… I love this boy.

Already eager to get the job done.” His attention returned to me.

“Tomorrow night, then.”, He, said.

“Let’s see what you’ve got, killer.” Oh I wasn’t, looking to.

Let the old man down.

The, gym Mia Darling frequented was a more upscale place.

The kind of gym, where you might find the odd celebrity slumming, it., That, didn’t, really surprise.

Me.

Their file had indicated that the twins had good money, and the name ‘Darling’ sounded familiar.

I’d heard it tossed around in the same sentences as other luxury fashion brands.

Some folks gave a shit about.

Personally, I never saw the appeal of that kinda thing and truth be told, I kinda liked the idea of putting one of those high and mighty fashion mogul types in their place…, Mia, Darling sure.

As hell looked, the part of a fashion mogul too., Blonde, hair, green eyes, olive skin and stunningly beautiful.

She was almost statuesque in a way, and according to the pictures, her sister looked just about the same.

That said, Mia was a little beefier than her sister, with broader shoulders and a more muscular physique.

Comparing her to Lia, who, judging by the pictures, was a scrawny little thing that looked like she could be blown over by a gust of wind.

Mia was the one I’d have been more afraid.

Of.

She was doing body weights in one of the rooms when we got there.

Pushups, planks, burpees, shit like that.

I’d, dressed for the occasion, as had my escort.

Brian and Sean, had been sent along with me.

Roy didn’t, fit in quite as well at the gym scene and had instead opted to watch the door.

Out of the lot of us, I’d say that Brian, probably blended in the best.

He, looked more at home in workout clothes and a baseball cap than he did in his suit.

We picked some machines across from the room where Mia was doing her workout.

So we could watch her and chat quietly amongst ourselves.

“So.

How are we gonna lure her out?” Sean asked, “Lotta witnesses…” “Could, try and get her when she leaves.” Brian said, “We’ve got Roy.

Outside.

He could slash her tires, use that to isolate her.” “No… She’d call for help.” I replied, “We need to be more creative…” I scanned the room.

Looking for some ideas.

It didn’t.

Take me long to find one.

“You two up for some bodyweights? Can.

You lock her in?” I asked.

“Sure.

You got a plan.

Though?” Brian, asked., “Kinda.

I know how we’re gonna get her.

Alone.” With that, I got up and headed towards the hallway, with the locker rooms.

Looking back, I saw Brian and Sean heading for the room.

Mia was in.

Good to know they were willing to trust.

Me.

I wasted no time in heading into the men's locker room.

Nobody else was there.

Just me.

I found the fire alarm.

Pretty quickly.

It seemed like the easiest way to get rid of all the witnesses… We could deal with the Darling girl, and slip her body out through the back before anyone realized what we were doing.

I pulled, the handle.

The alarm, blared.

It was worth the dye on my hands.

I could already see it in my head.

A bunch of gym rats.

Looking up in concern and confusion before leaving.

I knew Mia would try and do the same… And she’d run right into Brian and Sean.

Best not to keep them waiting.

A lot of the people were already at the door when I made it back onto the gym.

Floor.

None of them paid us any mind.

Soon enough, we’d be well enough.

Alone., Brian and Sean stood dutifully by the door to the room.

Mia was in., I could see a gun in each of their hands, and I pulled my own .45 out of my sweatpants before joining them.

“Sorry about the chaos.” I said, as I walked in past Brian and Sean, “Had.

To make sure we weren’t disturbed, though.” Mia, just cocked her head, slightly… She didn’t.

Look the slightest bit intimidated.

If anything.

She just looked annoyed.

“Hell of way to introduce yourself.” She said, “So.

Are you going to tell me what this is about, or are you going to just shoot? Me?”, I, cracked, a small smile.

“Not, much fun in just shooting you, is there?” I asked.

From, the corner of my eye, I, noticed Roy.

Coming in through the front door.

He approached us slowly, walking in behind me.

“Mia Darling…” He, said softly, “I’ve heard a lot about you.” “And, yet I’ve heard nothing of you.” She, replied, “I’m, being very patient right, now.

But, my patience is running thin.

What.

Do you want?” “Oh, that’s quite simple…”.

Roy assured her, “I want what you’re trying to take from us… Supremacy.

I must admit, I, never thought anyone would ever be able to organize those creatures.

But you and your sister have done an admirable job.”, “Ah… So that’s what this is.

About…” Mia said wistfully, “If you’re concerned about vampires.

Then you and I really shouldn’t be enemies.

We want the exact same things as you: do.

Order., Peace.

Safety.” “There is no safety with your kind in this world.” Roy replied, “All of us have seen that much firsthand.” “Well… It’s a difficult job, ruling over subjects who often view themselves as above law and morality.

But.

Someone needs to take control.”, “I, disagree…”, Roy, said, “See… I think that what we need is a world free of you.

Your, kind…, Your hunger, your corruption… So, many innocent human lives, lost because of what you and your kind do.

And.

Yet here you are, telling me that you’re looking to make it better…”, “Empires aren’t, built overnight.

You, may not remember the way things used to be, but I do.”, Mia, said, “Trust, me., Without us.

It would be worse.” Roy, just shrugged.

“Agree to disagree, then…” He said, before waving his hand.

“You know what to do.”.

I was the first one to pull the trigger.

The bullet struck, Mia straight in the head, tearng away.

A chunk of her skull.

Roy stepped back, letting Sean, Brian and I open fire on her.

I unloaded three rounds into her body.

I don’t know how many times Sean and Brian shot.

Her.

She took a few steps back from the impact as blood spattered against the gym mirrors behind her.

I expected her to fall… To collapse like a puppet with her strings cut.

But Mia Darling continued to stand., “Well… I.

Suppose that’s one way to end a discussion…” Her voice was low and distorted… But there.

Her head moved, her remaining eye fixating on me.

I watched as the blood that should have spilled down her face instead seemed to float outwards… Droplets suspended in the air, before they began to flow backward… Into.

Her head.

I watched as Mia’s wounds, healed, as if they hadn’t even been there in the first place.

Her body, seemed to reconstruct itself.

The chunk torn out of her skull, seemed to mend itself back together and the wounds on her body closed up as if they’d never even been there.

“But I don’t die, like the others of my kind you’ve likely killed… You’ll need to do.

Better.” I swore under my breath and raised the gun to fire again.

But Mia moved so much faster… With, blinding speed.

She crossed the room.

Sean went first.

He fired, but she grabbed him by the wrist, twisting his arm and sending him down to the ground.

With a heavy thud.

Brian went next.

Just like before.

She lunged for him with blinding speed and grabbed him by the shirt, before hurling him towards the mirrors.

She’d been standing in front of a moment.

Ago.

I was the last to go.

Down.

Before I could react.

Mia was just a breath away from me.

I tried to move my gun, but I couldn’t keep up with her.

I felt her elbow in my stomach before she lifted me off the ground and hurled me back.

Down.

When the world stopped.

Spinning, I saw her standing in front of Roy.

I almost expected her to hit him too, but no… She.

Just looked him in the eye and spoke in a cold, calm.

Voice.

“You should consider yourself fortunate.

I’m much more forgiving than my sister is.

This time, you’ll walk away.

But provoke us again… Well.

I won’t be able to stay my sisters, hand, a second time.” Roy, just stared at her, calm and unflinching.

Then.

He quietly stepped aside and let Mia pass.

She walked out without even looking back at us.

“What, the hell was that…” I heard Sean say.

He’d picked himself up and was tending to Brian.

Roy.

Just watched as Mia walked out the front.

Door.

He thought for a few moments before answering.

“That was a warning.” Slowly, I picked myself, up.

I grabbed my gun and for a moment, considered running out and taking another shot at Mia.

But I had a feeling that wouldn’t go well for me.

“So… What’s plan B?” I, asked., “Drastic measures.” “They, obviously can't be killed.

Like an ordinary vampire…” Roy said, as we ate a quiet dinner, alone in my hotel, room.

Sean and Brian had already turned in for the night.

It was just the two of us.

“We’ll need something more severe.

Something they can’t, heal, from… Holy weapons would be ideal… But.

Our organization hasn’t possessed those for a number of years, now.” “I don’t suppose.

You’d know where to get some?”, I, asked., “I’m, afraid not.

We used to have a selection of daggers we could use in situations like these.

But.

The last one we had was destroyed a few years, back, attempting to kill one of the Devils more prominent avatars…” “So.

That ain’t, gonna work…”, I sighed, and racked my brain trying to think up something.

New.

“What about fire? An explosion of some sort? Bomb, the shit out of them…” “Perhaps.

We could acquire something.

But we’d need an opportunity.

Perhaps during one of their nightclub visits? Assuming.

We can catch them during one…”, “Bomb them at a nightclub?” I asked, “Ain’t that a little risky? Lotta people in the crossfire.” “The lives of a few drunk partygoers aren’t of much consequence when you weigh them against what we hope to kill.” Roy replied.

“I would argue that this is an acceptable sacrifice, don’t you?” “I thought we were doing this to save people.

Though? We’re gonna kill a lot more.” “It’s a hard choice.”, Roy agreed, “Look me in the eyes.

Lucas… We both know that this is a hard choice.”, I did.

I looked him in the eye… But I’m, not so sure about what I, saw.

“Our mission, Ad Hominum… Is for humanity.

That’s, what it means., Throughout history, great men, have made sacrifices for the sake of the greater good.

You saw what I saw.

That vampire… You saw what she’s capable of.

They’re using those people as a shield.

They’re, counting on us being too weak to exploit it… It’s our duty to prove them.

Wrong.

Do, you understand that? Because.

If we don’t… Those people are dead, anyways.

They’ll kill more than them in just a few years.

It’s a matter of numbers.

Simple as that…” I caught myself, frowning a little, but I supposed he had a point.

We could either deal with the collateral… or risk missing our chance, I wasn’t, exactly thrilled by the prospect of collateral, damage… But.

How else would we get a shot at then?, Even bombing, their penthouse wasn’t a sure deal and would be even riskier.

This was the better option.

“They’re moderately public figures, right?” I asked, “Might be an event coming up where Lia would be expected to show.

I can’t.

Imagine the other one would be far away if she did.” “We can look.” Roy said, “See what we can find.

In the meanwhile… I’ve got some connections.

We can get someone to set something up for us, so long as we get the opportunity.” With that, Roy got up.

“We’ll deal with it: tomorrow.

For, now, I’m, tired…”, He, headed for the door before pausing and looking back at me.

“Oh, and Lucas… Despite todays failure.

You did well.

Be, proud of yourself for that much.” I nodded at him.

“Thank you kindly, sir.” I raised a beer to him, and then he was gone.

The next few days passed, quietly.

I, let Roy do what he needed to do.

Me, Brian and Sean focused on smaller jobs to keep ourselves busy.

Helping some of the local Brotherhood deal with little threats here and there.

Nothing special… But.

It was fun, I guess.

It was after one of our little hunts.

When I got back to my room, that I found Roy waiting for me., “Having, fun?”, He, asked, half joking.

“Having, a blast.”, I replied, “You, look like you’ve got something to say: so, might as well just say: it.” “I’ll, keep it brief.”.

He assured me, “There’s a party at the Ivory Nightclub in two days, time.

You’re, going to be there.”.

I paused as I went to fix myself a drink from the mini bar.

“The Darlings?” I asked.

He nodded.

“I’ve arranged for a package to be delivered to us, tomorrow.

Find, a good place for it.

Somewhere close to the Twins, where it won’t attract attention., Then…”, A, cold smile crossed Roy’s, face., “Well…, Sounds, easy enough.”, I, said.

“I, like your attitude, boy… If.

This goes off, you’ll have officially earned your place among our ranks.

Exciting, isn’t it?” He was right.

It was.

The night of the party couldn’t come soon.

Enough.

Roy and I went alone, driving in a SUV.

He held a briefcase with him, one I’d, never seen.

Before.

He didn’t need to tell me what was in it.

I could figure that much out myself.

He never got out of the car when we parked in front of the nightclub.

He.

Just wordlessly handed the briefcase to me, and offered me a warm.

Almost gentle smile.

“Make us proud, Lucas.” He said.

I nodded at him.

I had no intention of failing.

I walked into that nightclub as if I owned the place, scanning.

The crowd for the twins.

It didn’t.

Take me long to find them., Lia and Mia Darling sat together at a booth near the back.

Neither of them appeared to notice me… Looking around, I spotted another empty booth.

Beside them., The, perfect, hiding, spot., In and out… It was going to be so goddamn simple.

I moved through the crowd towards the empty booth.

I didn’t bother them too much.

Maybe I was just being soft, but I didn’t want to look at them.

Didn’t want to see their faces… A lotta.

These folks were about to die and none of them were going to understand.

Why.

But.

It was just as Roy said.

A matter of numbers.

I made it to the booth and sat down, setting the briefcase under it and kicking it back out of sight.

I exhaled a breath, before looking out at the party.

In and out… I could do this., You know, the funny thing.

Is, I don’t think a single person really paid me much mind as I got up to leave the club.

When I reached the door and looked back.

The only ones who seemed to be looking at me were the Darling Twins, still seated at their booth… I could see a look of resignation on Mia’s face, with maybe a little bit of frustration.

Lia on the other hand… Her fingers were steepled as she sat back in the booth, her legs casually crossed.

I couldn’t figure out what the look on her face.

Meant… Not at the time, anyways.

Looking back now, I, realize that she was laughing at me.

We were a few blocks away when the bomb went.

Off.

I heard the rest of it on the news.

12 dead… A lot less than I’d expected.

I was a little relieved by that.

I’m, no explosives expert, but looking at the video of the scene, I saw in the days that followed, the bomb should’ve killed more people… Not that I’m complaining.

The less needless blood.

On my hands, the better, right? Of, those 12, I was hoping that two of them were the twins… They must’ve been right there when the blast went, off… But, I, never heard anything for sure.

Roy had me Knighted.

As a member of the Brotherhood.

The day after the bomb went, off.

I figured that that, was probably the end of it.

I should’ve known better.

It was three days after we killed the Darling Twins and it was meant to be my last day in LA.

I’d booked my flight home, and was minding my own damn business at the hotel, bar.

I hadn’t, seen Roy that day.

Or, Brian, or Sean… But, that was fine.

They had their own shit to settle.

I didn’t notice, Her coming in.

She moved without making a sound and it wasn’t.

Until she spoke from the seat beside me that I realized she was even there.

“I warned you, you know…” I almost jumped at the sound of her voice.

As I looked over at her.

Mia Darling didn’t have a goddamn scratch on her… Her skin was perfect.

She was dressed in a clean, white button down shirt with the cuffs undone.

She watched me from the corner of her eye.

Almost looking jaded.

“I told you… She’s, not as forgiving as I am.

But you didn’t listen, did you?” “The hell… No… No, you’re…” “Dead?” Mia said, before chuckling.

“Sorry to disappoint you… But I don’t die like other vampires.” She.

Finally, turned her head to look at me.

“Let’s go for a ride, Lucas… She wants to show you something.” With that, Mia stood up and gestured for me to follow.

I thought about going for my gun… Putting a bullet in the back of her head.

But I already knew that wasn’t going to work.

So I did the only thing I could.

I got up and I followed.

Mia’s car was waiting, outside.

She drove in silence, refusing to respond to me.

Even when I tried to talk to her… Not that I tried, much.

Truth be told.

I was waiting for her to kill me.

But.

She just kept driving… Out towards the edge of the city, then north along the coast.

We drove for the better part of an hour before she stopped in the middle of the highway.

She put the car in park, before turning to look at me.

“So… This, where you gonna do it?” I asked., “Do, what?, Kill, you?”, She, asked, “No…, No…, Not me, at least.

Depending on how you speak to Lia, though, well…, We’ll, see.

For.

What it’s, worth, I did put in a word for you.

Consider it the last kindness I’ll grant you.

If you choose to waste it…” Mia shrugged nonchalantly.

“Well, then I’ve done all I can to spare your life and you’re the one who threw it.

Away.

Not me.”, “How, generous of you.” I, murmured., “You’re, welcome., Goodbye, Lucas., I hope this is the last time we see each other.” I didn’t respond as I got out of the car and looked around.

It didn’t.

Take me long to spot it… What she’d brought me to see.

They were lined up on the beach… About 15 of them, give or take.

Crucifixes.

Each, one carrying the body of a man… And beneath them, stood Lia Darling, her hands behind her back as she waited for me.

Slowly, I approached her.

“Ah…, The, New, Recruit…”, She, crooned, “So.

You finally come to join your new Brothers.

But.

It seems my sister has ensured I’ve no place to put you… A shame.” “What.

Did you do…” I asked, my voice, cracking as I looked up at the crucified men… In, the golden light of the setting sun, I recognized, Roy, stripped naked and lashed to one of the crosses near the middle.

Next to him, I saw Brian and Sean… I saw other men, I recognized.

Other members of the Brotherhood.

The, very ones.

Who’d inaugurated me just a few days: before.

“Were it up to me.

I would’ve hunted your organization down to the last man and strung them up: here.” She, said, “But.

My sister believes in diplomacy… So.

Here we are.

Welcome to my ‘diplomatic solution’.” She, extended her arms.

In, the glow of the setting sun.

She looked almost like a Goddess, ready to unleash her wrath.

“Witness.

My generosity, firsthand… And share it with your Brotherhood.

Mercy is a gift I only ever grant once.

Next time, this ocean will run red for generations with the blood of your Brothers… That I promise, you.” I remained frozen to the spot, staring at her… I looked at the corpses of Roy and the others, still unable to believe they were dead.

But I could see.

Them… They were way past.

My help.

She hadn’t brought me here to save them.

She’d brought me here to taunt me.

Looking into this woman's eyes… I knew that what she was saying was more than just a bunch of empty threats.

These were promises.

She meant to keep.

Lia approached me, drawing close enough.

That I could smell her perfume.

“Do you understand?”, She asked, her voice, low and cold.

I couldn’t speak… All I could do was weakly nod., “Good… Then.

This is farewell., Make, sure it’s, permanent…”, She, brushed past me, heading to Mia’s car and leaving me alone before the row of crosses… When I looked back, the Twins were long gone.

And soon, I was too., I have done all I can to further The Brotherhoods mission in the years since I encountered the Darling, Twins.

My belief in what we stand for hasn’t, wavered… I can’t rightly say: I’m, proud of everything.

We’ve done.

Some of it ain’t much to be proud, of, but it’s necessary., Every thing I’ve done has been absolutely necessary., I’ve seen firsthand what we’re up.

Against.

I’ve seen the horrible depths of their brutality up.

Close.

And I hate them all the more for it… One of these days, I’ll come back for those Twins.

One of these days, I’ll kill them.

But it ain’t going to be anytime, soon… Not until I know for sure I can do it.

Not until I know, I can win.

Until then, I’ve made sure we’ve heeded their warning.