INTERVENING FORCES

Prologue

Paris, France

He walked over to the crowded bar, trying to get a better look at the blonde that was seated in the corner. He had noticed her the minute she walked through the door, and he was fairly certain he had finally found what he'd been searching for. At last a small space opened up, close to where she sat. He surged forward and grabbed the spot, pushing a large brunette out of his way.

"Watch it asshole!" the offended woman shouted at him when he caused her drink to spill across the front of her shirt.

Climbing onto the barstool, he casually flipped her off, ignoring her protests. Once seated, he turned his full attention to the woman who had caught his eye.

She was tall, probably around 5'10" in her bare feet; but tonight, she was wearing 3 inch heels, putting her at just over 6 foot. Her skin was pale, as if she never bothered with tanning like so many women did today. She had on a black silk halter that tied around the neck and across the middle of her back. Her skirt matched the color of the shirt and rode high up on her thighs. He noticed she wore gold dangly earrings that brushed her bare shoulders. Various men, each one offering to buy her drinks or asking her to dance, surrounded her. She was aloof and confident, maybe too confident. One of the men must have said something humorous, because she suddenly threw her head back and laughed; and it was then that he caught the barest hint of fang.

She was a vampire. Yes, she would do quite nicely. He finished his drink and left the bar, making his way towards the exit. Once outside, he walked over to this car, a rented Mercedes, and popped the trunk. Inside was a black gun case. He opened the case and pulled out the rifle found inside; checking the scope, making sure the sights were on target. Then, he reached back into the dark recesses of the trunk, pulling out two darts. He loaded one into the chamber of the rifle and put the other in his coat pocket. Satisfied with his preparations, he closed the trunk and went to wait in the warmth of the car.

It was an hour and a half later that he spotted her coming out of the club. No surprise, she wasn't alone. One of her many admirers obviously thought he was about to get lucky. He watched them as she led her unsuspecting victim around the corner of the building and into the alleyway.

It was time. He shut off the engine and pocketed the keys. Then, he opened his door, and quietly made his way over to them. He had timed it perfectly; she had just bitten the poor human when he sighted her. He raised his rifle, catching her in the crosshairs of his scope. With a quick pull of the trigger, the drugged dart shot from the barrel of the gun and buried itself into the back of the woman's exposed neck.

The vampire immediately dropped her late night snack and turned to see what had hit her. She caught a brief glimpse of a shadowy figure standing a few feet away. But, her vision began to blur an instant before she hit the ground.

Her assailant watched as she collapsed next to the body of the man she been drinking from. He waited a few moments, making sure she was unconscious. When it was apparent she was out, he strolled over to her. He leaned his rifle up against the building then bent over and scooped her up. Then throwing her over his shoulder, he retrieved his gun and quickly made his way back to his vehicle.

Popping open the trunk one more time, he placed the woman inside. He pulled out two pairs of handcuffs made of solid steel and blessed with holy water. These restraints were liked together by a chain made of the same material. He quickly fastened them to her wrists and ankles. Then not taking any chances, he stuffed a rag into her mouth and covered her lips with a large piece of duct tape.

Wanting to make sure the vampire was completely unconscious; he reached out and slapped her hard across the face. She didn't move. She should be out for the remainder of the trip. Pleased with his find, he closed the trunk and opened the back door. He laid the rifle in the floorboard of the backseat, then moved to the driver's seat.

Placing the key in the ignition, he started the car once again. He allowed the car to warm up for a few minutes before he cautiously pulled out of the parking lot. He turned right on the small side street and headed away from town. Once he was on the main thoroughfare, he located his cell phone and placed a call.

"I have successfully obtained another addition to our little family," he said speaking with a European accent.

He listened to the instructions being given on the other end. When he was given the location of his drop off, he ended the call and turned up the volume on the CD Player. Strains of Mozart filled the automobile as he set the cruise control and began to relax.