Hunters: Moonlit Shadows

The dimly lit lounge hummed with low voices and the occasional clink of glasses. It was a place where the shadows seemed alive, wrapping around patrons who sought the kind of dealings that couldn't survive in the light of day. Titus leaned back in his chair, his fingers drumming against the polished mahogany.

The figure across from him was cloaked in an aura of quiet menace. Baxter was pale even by vampire standards, his sharp features framed by the slicked-back hair that gleamed under the flickering lights. He lounged lazily, his long fingers curled around a crystal glass filled with something far darker than wine.

"You've got a problem," Baxter said, his voice smooth and slow, like honey laced with poison.

"I don't have a problem," Titus shot back, his tone clipped. "I've got an irritation. One that needs to be dealt with."

Baxter chuckled, "Semantics. Let's hear it then. Who's causing you so much trouble that you'd come crawling to me?"

Titus bristled at the word crawling. He clenched his fists before taking a deep breath.

"A hunter," he said simply.

Baxter's brow arched, his crimson eyes gleaming with interest. "A hunter?"

"Don't act surprised," Titus said leaning forward. "They're still crawling out of the woodwork, aren't they?"

"Some of us are better at avoiding them than others," Baxter replied, swirling the liquid in his glass. "What's so special about this one?"

"She's a pain," Titus growled. "Got in my way, disgraced me, denied me and walked away like I was nothing."

Baxter tilted his head, studying Titus like a predator sizing up prey. "Someone who bested you? Well that's not new, my friend"

Titus clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. "I don't need a lecture. I need her gone. Do you want the job or not?"

"How are you so sure she's a hunter?"

"My sources never fail me" Titus smirked.

Baxter set his glass down, his movement delicate. "You're asking me to deal with a hunter? That's not a simple task, Titus. Hunters don't operate alone. They've got networks, resources, and worst of all, resolve. You sure you want to poke that hornet's nest?"

"I don't care," Titus said through gritted teeth. "She crossed me. She doesn't get to do that and walk away."

Baxter leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "What's her name?"

Titus hesitated. "I don't know."

Baxter stared at Titus for a moment before bursting into a laughter filled with mockery. "So let me get this straight, you want me to take care of someone you can't even name?"

Titus cheeks flushed with anger, but he forced himself to stay calm. "She's a hunter. How many of them can there be around here?"

"More than you think," Baxter said with a smirk. "But lucky for you, I don't need a name."

Titus leaned forward, his gaze narrowing. "You're saying you'll do it?"

"Not personally," Baxter replied. "But I've got people for that."

He snapped his fingers, and from the shadows stepped two figures. They moved with eerie grace, their pale faces and predatory eyes unmistakable even in the dim light.

"These two are more capable," Baxter said, gesturing toward the vampires. "Fast, efficient and utterly lethal. They'll track down your hunter and ensure she's… taken care of."

Titus eyed the vampires, they were unnerving, even for him but he forced himself to nod. "Fine, just make sure it's done."

"Oh, it will be," Baxter said, his smile cold. "But this kind of service doesn't come cheap, Titus. I trust you understand."

Titus scowled but reached into his jacket, pulling out a thick envelope. He tossed it onto the table, the weight of it landing with a satisfying thud.

"Consider it a down payment," he said.

Baxter picked up the envelope, flipping through its contents with a practiced hand. Satisfied, he tucked it away and rose from his chair.

"Pleasure doing business with you," he said smoothly, snapping his fingers. "I'll let you know when it's done."

The two vampires disappeared into the shadows silently.

As Baxter turned to leave, Titus called after him. "One more thing."

Baxter paused, glancing over his shoulder.

"Make her suffer," Titus said, his voice low and venomous.

Baxter's smile widened, revealing his sharp, gleaming teeth. "Oh, she will."