Phoenix Contract: Part Two (Fallen Angel Watchers) by Melissa Thomas Page B

the severed head, he heaved the loathsome thing as far from him as he could. It whizzed down the alley, bouncing as it rolled away. The priest tore out from under the slack body atop him and kicked and thrashed his way to freedom.
    “Ghouls. They’re always losing their heads.” The swordsman possessed both a dulcet brogue and an eminently smug arrogance. When combined with the terrible word play, it irritated Matthew immensely. “How fares your own head, Father?”
    Blood dripping from his twin blades, the swordsman stood over him but made no move to lower his weapons and assist the priest to his feet. Considering the continued presence of the other ghouls, Matthew found that to be most wise.
    “I find you cut it uncomfortably close,” the priest replied with both ill humor and gratitude. His fingertips touched the cut, and came away wet with blood from a thin and shallow wound that had grazed the inside of his wrist, alarmingly close to vital arteries.
    “I take it you like to cut it close?” Matthew demanded.
    “The closer, the better,” came the amused reply.
    “I’m not sure I can agree with that sentiment,” Matthew said. With an effort, he climbed to his feet.
    “My apologies.”
    “Apology accepted.” Matthew felt patronized, though he had no proof since he couldn’t see his savior’s expression.
    Suddenly, he noticed his hand and realized it hurt much worse than his wrist. The sharp and throbbing pain cut through him. Hastily, he removed a handkerchief from his pocket and wrapped the injured appendage.
    “You saved my life, and I’m grateful, so please don’t take this the wrong way, but who are you?” Matthew asked.
    The swordsman hesitated, a significant delay, because it told the priest the answer needed to be weighed. “A hunter,” the man finally said, from which Matthew learned absolutely nothing he did not already know.
    “That doesn’t tell me—”
    “Excuse me a moment, Father.” He whirled away and intercepted a pair of charging ghouls who’d gathered the courage to attack in the face of their alpha’s death. Another four or five hung in the shadows, awaiting the outcome of the conflict.
    The swordsman struck with lazy precision and sliced open the first ghoul from shoulder to sternum. With the other blade, he swung at the ghoul’s midsection and hacked through the ribcage. The twin swords met and clashed, and the ghoul fell away in pieces, hitting the ground with a cascade of soggy thunks . The wetness of the sound made Matthew feel ill.
    Matthew stood transfixed, gaping in astonishment at the man’s remarkable speed and precision. The skill displayed—the coordination, timing, and rhythm—were as complex and intricate as a dance.
    Whirling to meet the second ghoul, the sword fighter intercepted its headlong charge with an out-thrust sword. The undead howled as the blade ran it through, embedding to the hilt in its chest, tip protruding from its back. Arm and weapon extended, the swordsman held the ghoul in place, an artist intent on his work.

    “Wait a second!”
    Matthew stopped and raised inquiring eyebrows at Aiden. “Yes?”
    “Magnus only used one sword that night in the parking lot!” She bounced with the excitement of having discovered a supposed inconsistency in his story.
    “He’s versatile,” Matthew said archly and shrugged. “And a showoff. He’s also been known to use guns when he’s not clowning around. Now may I continue?”
    “I guess,” she replied with a sullen pout.

     
    Phoenix Contract is available in all parts via Kindle Unlimited.
     
    Click here to read Part Three.
     
    Visit Amazon.com to read the complete story.
     

About the Author
     
    Melissa Thomas breathes life into her dreams, bringing imaginary characters and fantasy worlds into our reality. She loves her characters so much they become her alter-egos, enacting the exciting adventures she envisions for them. She is a resident of San Francisco, California and adores the