Sasha Swift 2 late to Die

Sasha

“Somehow I expected it to look nicer.” Theo comments beside me and I can’t help but agree.

We’re finally in Chinatown, dragon alley. Turns out it’s in the middle of a large metropolitan city called Polis. It’s overcrowded, stinky, and noisy. I hate it and it reminds me of why I love living in a small town, preferably the countryside. I love Zane's penthouse but I belong in nature.

Walking down this sketchy downtown street I keep my hand on my gun in my waistband. If I see any sudden movements I won’t hesitate to shoot. I’ve been taught anyone could attack at any given moment and to always be ready.

The area is lined up with old shops that seem to be falling apart on each side of the street. Tailor, butcher, and clothing shops surround us. People pass us and some stare but mostly keep to themselves.

“I expected more scales and flying.” I finally answer Theo but Jonah speaks up instead.

“Dragon shifters are rare, like elves they stay hidden. But be alarmed if one approaches you then you're dead. They aim to kill.” He warns and Theo looks at me nervously.

“We will be fine done worry. Now where is your contact? I want out of here as soon as possible.” Zane says sounding agitated.

“His name is Lee. He is a private guy very paranoid so don’t scare him off. We are meeting him at a bar called Scout’s.” Jonah informs us as we turn a corner going down another street filled with bars and tattoo shops.

It’s late so the street is already filled with drunks. There is a group of girls huddled together laughing and the occasional couple walking and holding hands. I look over at Zane to see him already watching me.

Zane’s eyes look down at my hand. I know he’s thinking the same as me. He wants to hold hands. Act like a real couple. But we can’t. I’m still upset with him for dragging Jonah with us. I don’t trust him or his supposed friend were supposed to meet.

When Zane realizes I’m not going to hold his hand he frowns and looks away. Theo nudges me and I shrug. There’s nothing to say about the situation. Zane knows how I feel and he could easily fix the situation if he wanted to.

We stop walking and Jonah looks around at all of us. He points with his eyes to the bar across the street. “That’s the place. Zane and I will head inside. You two stay here and try to be invisible.”

“What?” Zane protests.

“No!” Theo and I say at the same time. My jaw ticks and Zane grabs Jonah by the shoulder.

“We stick together. If the dragons are dangerous we shouldn’t split up.” Zane argues making Jonah roll his eyes.

“Like I said before dragons are very territorial. I don’t think they are going to like an elf and hunter showing up at their favorite bar.”

“But two vampires are perfectly fine?” I fold my arms and glare at Jonah. He steps closer to me and I take a step also so we’re almost chest to chest.

“Look here, Swift. I’m in charge here. You want the black witch and I’m the only one who can find her.”

“I don’t trust you. How do we know you aren’t working with her?” I whisper and Zane jumps between us pushing us apart and wrapping his arms around my waist.

“Sasha we said we would let him help us. I know it's hard letting someone else lead but we need his expertise.” Zane’s practically begging me. His gray eyes are so desperate and the longing look tells me he is serious.

Sighing I agree. Zane kisses me and leaves with Jonah into the bar across the street. I kick the wall next to me. Men are so frustrating. Zane and his brother will be the death of me. Jonah just does whatever he wants and Zane isn’t suspicious at all.

I start walking down the street with Theo trailing behind me. He yells for me to stop but I keep going. My feet lead me to another bar that looks dead on the inside. I push the door open harshly and head straight to the front bar.

“Bourbon neat, keep them coming.” I tell the bartender. He nods and goes to get my drink.

“Damn it Swift we're supposed to stay by the bar. Not go two blocks down the road to get drunk.” Theo protests as he sits beside me.

“A gin and tonic for my friend!” I yell at the bartender who nods and gets our drinks. He places them gently in front of us and I start drinking mine right away.

I drink half of mine and slam the glass down. “If we’re waiting we might as well drink. I’m sure the boys can handle themselves.” I say with more attitude.

“Zane is right. We have to trust Jonah. Once the black witch is gone things can go back to normal.”

Normal? I don’t even know what that word means anymore. Things haven’t been normal in a long time. Since the black witch escaped Zane and I were constantly on missions. Then I left and things have been falling apart ever since.

I want things to go back to before. Living with Zane and waking up beside him. Going and helping others. I haven’t checked my email in forever. There are probably so many desperate people needing Swift's help yet I’m too caught up cleaning my own mess.

I finish off my bourbon. “Theo, do you think I’m selfish?” My green eyes meet Theo’s and he smiles at me.

“You're the most selfless person I know. You became Swift to help people. You took out the man who killed your parents and saved hundreds of supernatural and human lives after that. It’s not selfish to do something for yourself once in a while.”

Patting my back Theo gets up from the stool and heads towards the bathroom. He looks so out of place in his jeans, blue shirt, and hat. I watch him go around the corner when I hear someone sit beside me.

Hoping it’s not trouble I turn and see a man dressed in a dirty brown cloak. It’s covering his face so I can only see his short white beard.

“Your not safe.” He whispers and I scoff.

“Obviously.” I look him up and down. He shakes his head.

“The dragons can’t be trusted. They only look out for themselves.” He whispers and I look around the mostly empty bar wondering if this is a joke or a trap.

“How do you know I’m here for the dragons? Are you one of them?”

“No. But I know evil when I see it. The vampire with you is pure evil. Do everyone a favor and stake him.”

I freeze. How did this guy know I was with a vampire? Is he following me? I hear arguing and turn to see Theo arguing with another guy. The guy is holding his hat high in the air taunting him.

“Damn it.” I whisper and turn back to the creep beside me. But he’s gone.

The sound of glass breaking gets my attention back on Theo. The man he was arguing with is pushing his body along the bar as bottles fly off and break.

“Damn it Theo, another bar fight.” I jump off my seat and head towards the guy. He doesn’t see me so I kick him in the head from behind. He drops down unconscious to the dirty beer-covered floor.

Theo sits up shrugging off the broken glass. “I had it taken care of.” He shrugs and dusts off his clothes.

“Didn’t look like it. Why are you starting fights? You always get onto me and Zane for the same thing.”

“He took my hat!” Theo shouts and points at the unconscious guy slowly rising. His nostrils flare and I swear I see smoke blow out.

“Oh no.” Theo whispers as we back away.

“Please don’t tell me he’s a-”

I don’t finish my sentence. The man growls loudly and large black wings pop out of his back.

“A dragon.” Theo answers and I reach for my gun in my waistband.

I guess I’m fighting a dragon.