The Descendant

Chapter One

Katalina was not prone to homicidal tendencies, but if she could morally make an exception for just one day, well, today would be that day. She pulled her Mustang into a parking space and killed the engine. Sighing, she let her head fall back against the headrest.

"I will not let what happened today ruin my night. I'm going to walk into that club with a big smile on my face and have drinks with my friends. This night will begin a new chapter of my life." A confident smile spread across her face as she opened the car door and stepped out. She walked across the parking lot toward the club that had become a Friday night tradition for her and her friends.

Kat neglected to watch where she was going as she was putting her car keys into her purse. A blaring horn and screeching tires pierced her ears. Startled, she dropped her purse on the ground. She jumped back as a car barreled forward, skidding to a stop in front of her.

"Damn idiot, watch where the hell you're going!" The prick driver flipped her off and sped away. Kat stood there, staring after him for a moment. She allowed herself to daydream about a similar accident. One that would happen to the manipulative bastard that had lied to her. The outcome of the accident would, of course, end differently. There would be one less jerk in the world, or the jerk would be in a wheelchair the rest of his life, or at the very least, he'd have to live with a horrifying disfigurement. Kat could live with any one of those options.

She shook the murderous thought from her head as she knelt down to collect the spilled contents of her purse. She stood up, facing the entrance of the club. Kat glanced around at her surroundings. She wondered if, while daydreaming of killing her enemies, she had driven to the wrong place. It was hard to believe this was the same building from the week before. She examined the new exterior of the club with interest. The plain black doors that had been there since the club first opened were gone. In their place were two grey stone doors. On those doors were carvings of two very disturbingly ferocious gargoyles. They looked as though they were staring directly at Kat with their angry eyes and their vicious claws ready to tear her apart. A chill went down her spine as she stood frozen in place, unable to tear her gaze from them. She had heard somewhere that gargoyles were used to protect people from evil spirits. She laughed nervously to herself. They looked like they could scare just about anything or anyone away.

"Hey, Kat! Are you going to stand there gawking at the building all night or are you gonna go inside?" Bruce, the club's head bouncer, called out. Kat sauntered over to him with a smirk on her face. The man was only a few inches taller than Kat, but robust. He was the most friendly, charismatic man she had ever met. Kat was certain that if just one of the ladies standing in line were to snag his attention and affection, she would be helpless to resist his charm.

Tonight, when Kat looked at him, she saw another opportunity to get revenge. A mild beating from Bruce would suffice. A bloody, broken nose, two black eyes, and a few missing teeth...perfect. Kat pushed the violent thoughts away. She was beginning to scare herself. Bruce was like a big brother. Yes, he might be willing to beat up a man who had hurt her, but she would never ask him to do such a thing. Under all his empty threats as a bouncer, he was just a big teddy bear.

"Hey yourself!" She gave him a quick hug. "What's with the creepy new doors?" Kat gestured toward the entrance. He glanced behind him and shrugged his massive shoulders.

"New owner. Rumor has it he wants to give the place a new look to draw in more people. The direction he's taken makes me wonder what kind of customers he's trying to attract. I can only imagine the freaks and weirdoes that'll start showing up."

"I wouldn't worry. Those things on the doors should guarantee you won't have any business at all by the end of next week. If I were you, I'd start looking for another job now." Kat shook her head and patted his arm in mock pity. When he didn't respond right away, Kat glanced back up, wearing a mischievous smile. Bruce threw his head back as a bark of laughter escaped him. He walked over and held the door open for her. She gave him a brilliant smile as she walked past him.