Note: I'm actually inspired somewhat by the Stephanie Plum novels by Janet Evanovich and by the Night Huntress novels by Jeannie Frost. Frost's titles for her books are always so beautifully phrased and meaningful: Halfway to the Grave, One Foot in the Grave, At Grave's End. And I simply loved Catherine's nickname, Kitten, thus I decided to incorporate it into this fanfic. This fanfic is not exactly like the Night Huntress series- quite difference since there is more than one male character but I give create to this author for my inspiration and the title of this fanfiction.

Chapter One:

Huntress

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The heavy and dreary clouds loomed over the streets like haunting shadows. The gloom of the night sky slipped slowly into the small, cramp and run-downed apartments- clogging the ambiance of the rooms with its misery.

Kaitlyn strolled with confidence down the street, towards her destination. With each stride, she cool feel the cool metal of her stakes, hidden in her black heeled boots, bumping into her bare calves. She shivered, the night was breezy and her mandatory attire was not exacting suiting. Refraining from rubbing her hands over her arms to get rid of the newly formed goose bumps, she quickened her pace.

She spotted the dinky looking bar up ahead, almost immediately her sense tinkled up and she could literally taste the scent of everyone that was in that saloon. Pausing at the door, Kaitlyn tugged her red lucky top lower, if that was even possible, and adjusted the black mini-skirt down, so she was revealing as much of her abdomen as she could. She was drenched in heavy makeup and felt as if her face would crack any moment. But this wasn't her first mission, the pay wasn't all great but things that had to be done simply had to be done.

Marching through the door, she slid into the nearest seat, eyes scanning the area for her next victim.

"Hello beautiful, what can I get you today?" Her eyes rotated slowly to look up at the bartender and glanced briefly at the name tag on his shirt.

"A gin and tonic would be great, Chris," Kaitlyn replied, casually smiling and tilting her head. There was no need to order anything stronger; she liked to be sober during missions.

He flashed her smile before immediately producing the drink and turning to attend other customers. Frowning, she took a sip of the liquor, Michael Ren was no where to be found. Apparently he hadn't arrived yet, but there were no worries. He was bound to see her whenever he did come- it was hard to miss a girl who was barely dressed and sitting alone.

As Kaitlyn was finishing up the glass of gin and tonic, he walked in. Her lips were pressed against the cool glass, hiding her unmistakable smile. Almost immediately, Michael spotted the beautiful girl and changed his direction towards her. Bingo.

"Why hello there. Aren't you a fresh face," the sleazy man greeted, taking the empty seat next to huntress. His eyes slipped from her lips, pausing at her breast and down to the bare legs that seem to go on forever. She smiled sloppily, hoping he'll buy the feigned drunk countenance. She dropped her face into her hands and blinked slowly. Michael grinned and licked his lips, he bought it alright. It was as easy as luring mindless fishes with bait. They were clueless of the consequences that followed. "What's your name?"

"You can call me Tanya," she returned with a delirious smile. Someone like him didn't deserve to know her real name.

"Here alone?"

Oh, don't you wish I was here alone, her thoughts echoed loudly and clearly in her mind.

"I was with a friend- earlier," she paused, emphasizing her woozy state. "But he turned out to be a jerk. So- here I am."

Kaitlyn hiccupped and rested a hand on his shoulder as she leaned closer so he'll have a clearer view down her shirt, which, he did. "But you, wouldn't be rude to a lonely girl would you?"

His eyes sparkled with interest and he slipped his hand on her bare thigh. How typical. "Let's go somewhere more private."

She nodded without an objection as he led her out of the side door, face buried against her neck. Once they were alone and the noisy bar was no longer in visible or audible distance, Michael shoved the lady roughly towards the wall of the alley. He pressed himself against her and Kaitlyn could feel his labored breathes hot against her skin.

"What are you doing?" she cried, pasting on a terrified expression. He grinned maliciously.

"Didn't your momma tell you not to be so easy? Girls that are easy don't have much of a lifespan." Michael advanced, fangs manifest at the corner of his lips suddenly as he prepared to help himself to her. Not wasting a moment, her eyes flashed vividly as jerked her knee up against his crotch. His face twisted in agony as he stumbled backwards.

"Oh, but didn't you wish I was easy as I looked, asshole," she retorted smugly, dragging a silver stake out of her left boot.

"You bitch!" he snarled, eyes flashing red. Kaitlyn cocked her head and smirked.

"Sorries, I didn't know that a corpse would still have sensitive feelings. I'll try to remember next time," she replied darting close to him before plunging the weapon down into his chest. His eyes went round and big as he let out a dying gasp. He choked one more time before she shoved his corpse off of her body, watching as it disintegrated into nothing but bones. She dug the stake out and wiped it clean on her skirt. Clicking her tongue, she strode away from the crime scene.

As she rounded the corner, the figure leaning against his stealth black Volvo turned to look at her. He removed the sunglasses that he wore no matter what time of day it was.

Vance Westing. Kaitlyn would refer to him as her accomplice in fighting the un-dead. But the smart-ass considered himself as her mentor. That an arrogant jerk.

"Less than ten minutes for a kill, a new record for you darling. Yet another male succumbing to your beauty," Vance greeted with an exaggerated hand gesture. His close-to-six-feet stand towered above her 5 feet 4 inches height. He was wearing a black leather jacket over a casual black t-shirt (which, not to mention, clung snuggly against his firm and muscular chest, not that she really bothered to notice of course) a black belt was visible underneath the shirt and tired black jeans that rode low. Vance must have been in one of his moods- where he chose to wear all black. Not that his attire made him look creepy or freakish- but more so…dead attractive. It just had that kind of effect. And not to mention, he definitely could blend in well with the darkness of the night. His black hair was ruffled, not due to the constant motion of his hand through his hair- but wind tossed messy. Something about Vance always screamed "devour me now". Maybe it was his looks; maybe it was his attitude, Kaitlyn didn't have a clue. If he was a little bit less sarcastic, she would have hooked up with him long ago.

"Well, Vance, that only proves the incompetence of your fellow male species," she snubbed throwing him a smirk as she flipped her luscious black hair back to show emphasis. Walking pass him, her hands pulled the passenger side-door open and slid into the comfortable leather seat. He leaned down and peered at his partner through the window. His eyes traced the outline of her face: white creamy skin with a healthy tan; large black eyes that held firm confidence but at the same time a playful aurora; long black hair that framed around her oval shaped face; heavy eyeliner that added a darken and dangerous glow to her eyes; small glossy lips that curved into a pouty smile; and a faint shade of blush was visible on her dainty cheeks.

He shook his head; he was truly enthralled by her beauty, passion and mind. Never had he been so attracted to someone of the opposite sex in such a way. Sure, women walked in and out of his life- but no one like Kaitlyn Show had had such an effect on him.

But it wasn't like he was going to tell her straight up- no, Vance Westing had too much pride to do such an act.

"I do believe we should really hit the road unless you aren't done ogling at my breast," Kaitlyn commented smugly. Vance's lips curved into a loose smile.

"Oh, my bad. I forgot that you only let vamps have that kind of privilege," he returned, adjusting his dark glasses back into place. She scowled at him, her eyes narrowing into a glare as he chuckled. Never did Vance forfeit the chance to made snide comments about her attire.

"Actually, who was it that told me in order to attract them, I have to display myself?" she snapped, tugging her shirt upper to cover her cleavage from popping out. Vance shrugged as he got into the driver's seat.

"Display yourself yes, but from the looks of it- a nude artist can just paint you right now without the need of removing any more articles of clothing," he shifted the gears as the car shot down the empty seat.

"Ha. Ha," Kaitlyn laughed dryly. "You should watch your mouth Vance Westing. I'm the one with the silver stakes here."

"Darling," he started, glancing at her, an amused smile tucked in place and humor dancing on his eyes. "If you were to attack me, I would have to down in three seconds flat."

She pursed her lips and looked away as Vance picked up his ringing phone. He was right- even though he wasn't the one out there to kick ass, it didn't mean he couldn't. Vance had been her mentor, whether she liked calling him that or not- he taught her all she needed to know about vampires and how to lure them in. It would only be natural that he could kick her ass without even trying too.

"Kevin called, looks like it's going to be a busy night," Vance informed swiveled his Volvo sharply around the corner. She groaned inwardly and she had thought she could spend the rest of the night relaxing in her bathtub. But it was her job to be a huntress- after all she gets paid for her work.

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