The Bloodpack
Chapter 4: Copenhagen
Copenhagen Zoo, Copenhagen
Kingdom of Denmark, Northern Europe
Circa AD 2000
The animals sensed his approach, some of them snarling, others scuttling for cover. They knew of his base nature and Asad made sure to walk in the middle of the path, in order not to startle the animals too much.
The Copenhagen Zoo was closed, but Asad had gained entry by sneaking past the guards; with his superhuman abilities, this wasn't too hard to accomplish. There were bound to be a few men around, but he was not concerned about them. Most likely the others would be unconscious somewhere in the compound.
Asad entered the section dedicated to the big cats. They woke up and slinked to the edge of the cages, growling loudly.
The mighty beasts snarled and hissed through the bars and Asad stopped. To his left, a cheetah paced up and down the front of its cage, watching him with keen eyes. Eyes of a predator.
The vampire studied it for a few minutes, not moving from his spot. The other cats decided that he was no threat and stood down, retiring to the comfort of their sleeping spots. They were still awake and watched him, ready to leap up and try to maul him if he got too close or tried anything.
He stared at the cheetah, eye-to-eye. The cheetah stared back, and this went on for several minutes. Eventually the feline couldn't take the intense stare of the vampire any longer and moved away, growling.
Lighthammer heard the approach of the other person before he could see or smell him. He gave no indication and continued scratching the back of Axel's ear. The mighty tiger purred in response and rested its head on his lap.
His war hammer rested on the cage next to him, never far from reach. It reared up to lick his face and the Samoan tattoos inked on it. Lighthammer closed his eyes and let his favorite cat show its affection for him.
His family had not been thrilled at his facial tattoos. He had returned from Samoa almost a year ago, but he was still considered the vagabond of the family. And truth be told, he wasn't all that averse to it.
Axel stopped licking his face and went back to its position reclining on his lap, purring as Lighthammer patted its side. "Good boy, Axel. Good boy."
It rolled over in response. Lighthammer rment before picking the two items up with its teeth and heading back its favorite man.
He took the cylinder from Axel, petting its side in a gesture of thanks. He gave a slight nod to Asad, giving his affirmation. Asad nodded. He could trust the Dane to be at the meeting place at the time indicated.
Lighthammer scratched the back of Axel's ear again, feeling the feline relax and stretch out. He watched as Asad turned to go, passing the snarling and hissing cats. He ignored them, as Lighthammer had during his early visits.
Axel swiped lazily at the truce key. Lighthammer held it out of its reach, looking after Asad's retreating back. The other man turned a corner and disappeared from sight.
