The bar was quieter than usual when Kimberly, Tory, and Hector returned from the mission. The streets outside were nearly empty—just the distant hum of cars and the flicker of streetlights guiding their way. When they pushed open the door to Blood's Bar, Roshi, Mandy, and Roberto immediately stood up, tense at the sight of a stranger.
"Another unexpected guest?" Roberto muttered, crossing his arms.
"You guys are really turning this place into a shelter for lost causes."
Kim raised a hand, cutting through the hostility. "Relax. This is Hector. He ran into trouble with a gang, asked for my help, and I accepted. Now he might have something useful for us."
Mandy arched an eyebrow.
"Oh yeah? And what would that be?"
Hector took a deep breath before speaking.
"I know who those werewolves were in the alley. They're part of a gang called the Iron Fangs. They control most of the border between Wadron and Salt Blake. They're not just thugs—they've got structure, power, and influence over both humans and supernatural beings."
Roshi stepped closer, pulling out a cigarette but not lighting it.
"Iron Fangs, huh? I've heard the rumors. They love to mark territory, act like kings. But no one's ever managed to break their nest apart."
Kim leaned against the counter, her eyes fixed on Hector. "And this so-called leader—who is he really?"
The man lowered his head, fear flashing across his face.
"His name's Trent. They say he comes from an ancient werewolf bloodline, but he doesn't follow any traditional clan. He believes wolves should be free from old rules, so he built his own pack—urban, brutal, and bound only by strength."
"And Ryan?" Tory asked curiously.
"The second-in-command. Trent raised him like a brother, but he never lets him forget who's in charge." Hector sighed.
"The problem is… my son, Malik, got pulled into it. Power, respect, money—he thought joining them would make him somebody. But I'm sure by now he's realized how wrong he was."
The room fell silent. Mandy crossed her arms and scoffed.
"This is insane, Kim. You're not just rescuing a human—you're marching straight into organized werewolf territory."
Kim smirked, that trademark spark in her eyes.
"Since when has anything we do not been insane?"
Roshi chuckled softly through his nose.
"She's got a point."
Roberto shook his head, frustrated but uneasy.
"Fine… but we'll need a plan. These guys aren't like the vampires you knock out in nightclubs, Kim. They hunt in packs."
Tory, who had been quiet until now, finally spoke.
"If they hunt in packs… maybe we should too. I can help."
Roberto shot her a look, but for once didn't argue. Mandy bit her lip, thinking.
"If the girl's staying, she better prove she's worth it."
Kim glanced at Tory, remembering the fight against the siren.
"She already did." Then she turned to Hector.
"We'll find your son. But once we step into the Iron Fangs' territory… there's no turning back."
Hector nodded, tears glinting in his eyes.
"I just want him alive."
Roshi put the cigarette back into his pocket, a quiet sign of commitment.
"Then it's official. Our next target is the Iron Fangs."
Kim smirked, though there was something cold in her gaze.
"Finally, a challenge worth the trouble."
Hours later
The bar was silent. Mandy and Roberto had gone to bed early. Hector rested in a makeshift room, leaving only Roshi and Kimberly at the counter, bathed in the dim yellow light of an old lamp. The veteran sipped his whiskey while Kim cleaned her blade, her expression sharp and thoughtful.
"You know…" Roshi broke the silence, eyes on the weapon in her hands.
"…you're getting soft."
Kim raised an eyebrow. "Come again?"
"That vampire girl. Tory." He took another slow sip.
"You're letting her get too close. I've seen that look before." He sighed.
"Don't project your sister onto her, Kim."
Silence stretched between them. Kimberly tightened her grip on the sword, then gave a faint, awkward smile.
"Didn't think you believed in sentimental stuff."
"I don't." Roshi swirled the drink in his glass.
"But I believe in patterns. And yours always shows up when family's involved."
Kim let out a slow breath. The name of her sister—long lost—burned in the back of her mind.
"I know what you mean… but I won't make the same mistake."
Roshi nodded, eyes distant.
"Just remember this, Kimberly. When your parents died and you were wandering those filthy streets of Salt Blake, it was discipline that pulled you back. I trained you so you wouldn't end up dead. And these wolves—" he paused, his tone darkening, "—they don't play around. The Iron Fangs are different. Trent isn't just brawn, he's got vision."
Kim rested her elbows on the counter, staring at nothing.
"And that same kind of 'vision' killed my parents. Wolves and vampires fighting for power, nothing's changed."
Roshi watched her for a few moments, then gave a small pat on her shoulder.
"Then do what you always do, survive."
He left his glass on the counter and walked upstairs, disappearing down the hallway.
For a while, Kim sat in silence—until she heard soft footsteps behind her. Tory leaned against the wall, pale and uneasy.
"Spying on conversations now?" Kim asked, trying to sound teasing.
Tory shook her head, her blue eyes faintly glowing.
"No… I just can't sleep."
She took a few steps forward and stumbled slightly. Kim caught her by the arm.
"Hey, you're freezing. What's going on?"
The vampire hesitated, then looked away.
"I… I'm weak. Haven't fed in days."
Kim closed her eyes for a moment, sighed, then walked behind the counter. She pulled out a small blood bag from a mini fridge and tossed it to Tory, who caught it in surprise.
"Go on, drink. Before you pass out and make my life harder."
Tory stared at it, hesitant.
"You… trust me this much?"
Kim shrugged.
"Not trust. Logic. If you collapse, who's gonna help me fight the wolves?"
A faint smile curved Tory's lips before she sank her fangs into the bag. The low sound of her feeding filled the room. When she finished, color had returned to her face.
"Better?" Kim asked.
"Much better," Tory said, wiping her mouth. "Thank you."
Kim rested her chin on her hand, watching her.
"Don't get used to it. This ain't a luxury restaurant."
They both laughed softly, the warmth fading as silence returned. Then Tory spoke again.
"Do you really think you can take on Trent and his entire gang?"
Kim looked up at the ceiling, lost in thought.
"Think? No. But I'll try. Because if we don't, no one else will."
Tory bit her lip, her voice low.
"I'll prove my worth to you, Kimberly."
Kim studied her for a few seconds, then stood up.
"We'll see." She stretched and started toward her room.
"Now go get some rest."
Tory stayed behind, alone. She opened one of the windows and leaned against the frame, letting the cold night wind brush her face. The starlit sky reflected in her eyes. Sleep wouldn't come, not with so many memories, not with so much weight on her heart.
Outside, the faint hum of the city whispered endlessly.
And for the first time, even among strangers… Tory didn't feel completely alone.
To be continued…