The Taste of Seduction

He sensed something different in the air. It was a feeling he couldn\'t quite place, a sense of foreboding that made his skin crawl.

Her voice was heard echoing and bouncing through the walls. As adrenaline kicked in, he was desperate to look for her as soon as possible.

He knew that Meredith is a strong woman, but even then… he promised himself that he would always rush in to protect her no matter what the cost.

He loves her--loves her wholeheartedly and deeply. He couldn\'t bear to see her hurt, he couldn\'t imagine her gone.

And so he\'s willing to kill everyone and anyone who\'d dare lay a finger on her.

"No!! Let me go!"

He prowled through the darkness, his senses sharp and alert. He could smell the fear in the air, and it made his blood boil. He knew what was happening before he even saw it.

And at the same moment, he finally found her. His blood coursed through his veins in anger when he saw the man\'s claw ruin her top, about to pounce on her for an attack.

At that moment, his thoughts went blank, his eyes grew emotionless. He was already set on for the kill, ready to kill the man who dared hurt the woman he loves.

Marcus stepped out of the shadows, his eyes gleaming in the dim light. "Get away from her," he growled, his fangs bared.

The scene was quick in front of Meredith who was in a daze as she thought no rescue might come, but this is what exactly what happened.

Marcus didn\'t hesitate. He lunged at Denver, his movements swift and deadly. The two clashed in a fierce battle, the sound of their blows echoing through the alleyway.

Denver was strong, but Marcus was faster. He dodged the knife, striking back with a powerful blow that sent Denver sprawling to the ground.

Meredith cowered in the corner, watching in disbelief as the vampire fought for her. She had never seen anything like it. Marcus was like a creature from another world, his movements graceful and deadly.

She thought she\'d never see him again. She thought that Atlas would come to the rescue. But instead… it was him. It was Marcus.

With one final blow, he killed Denver with his own claws, blood raining and splashing around. Denver wasn\'t even able to process that he\'s soon going to get killed. Either way, the vampire didn\'t care.

He got what he deserved.

Looking at Meredith who was now vulnerable knowing that the Incubus is dead, her eyes locked with Marcus\', tears streaming down her face.

Marcus\' heart ached at the sight of her like this. With him approaching her, he spoke, his voice soft despite the attack a moment ago.

"Meredith… are you alright?"

Her lips trembled. No words came out, but she just nodded. She broke down silently the moment Marcus took off his coat and wrapped it around her, the woman being pulled in an embrace to assure her that she is now safe.

"Don\'t worry," Marcus said, his chin resting on the top of her head as he caressed her back for comfort. "You\'re safe. I\'ll protect you… I\'ll always protect you. No matter what."

Meredith nodded. She knew she was strong, but as a woman who was weak and injured, she knew that if she\'s not careful, she could have lost her life tonight.

She was desperate. She was even hoping that Atlas and Austin would come to the rescue if she fought more, but with her injury holding her back, she couldn\'t delay it.

If Marcus hadn\'t arrived… would she still be alive right now?

"He\'s gone now," Marcus assured, looking at the dead man\'s body behind him. "Anyone who dares touch you will lose their life like he did."

Meredith looked up at him. As their eyes met, she saw love and at the same time hurt in his eyes, making her think that his love for her is indeed strong. As she didn\'t want to think about it, she spoke instead, thanking him for protecting and saving her.

"Thank you… Marcus."

He just smiled. It was the kind of smile that acknowledged her gratitude but it held deeper emotions. It was a mixed one at that. It was the kind of smile that showed he was glad that he protected her, and it was the kind of smile that showed pain--knowing that it\'s not him in her heart.

Even then, he loves her. He wouldn\'t ever hesitate and he was glad that he followed and protected her.

Marcus looked at her injury. With his eyes showing concern and at the same time anger towards the man, he kicked his head away from them, despite Denver already being dead.

"Your leg," Marcus started, looking at it with worry. "We have to treat it right away," he added, Meredith nodding as she looked at it as well.

"No worries. Once we reunite with the others, Austin would already have something for this as he is always prepared."

And soon after she spoke, the two heard footsteps coming. The moment they arrived, Meredith\'s emotions grew overwhelming, the woman trying her best to stand up as Atlas rushed to her, shoving Marcus at the side.

"Fuck… Meredith!" he exclaimed, immediately seeing her injured. "Did he do this?" he asked, facing Marcus. "Did he--"

"Atlas, calm down!" Meredith interrupted, this time speaking for Marcus as she thought it unfair that he blamed him. "He saved me from that man! I\'m wearing his coat, indicating he didn\'t attack me. See?"

Atlas didn\'t speak. He just assisted Meredith while she stood, looking at Marcus warily. The vampire didn\'t speak as well. Their eyes met and there was only heavy tension between the men who shared the same feelings towards one woman.

However, the silence broke when Austin spoke, making it awkward for the three of them.

"Now that explains why you sensed his scent and why we need not fight!"

Austin placed his hands on his hips, nodding like a detective as he connected the pieces together.

"He seemed to follow us from afar and came here faster because of his speed as a vampire. He killed everyone before we could even attack and saved Meredith. Splendid!"