Through his mask, Damien sighed heavily at Jess. Her personality had been like a grate to his nerves ever since they broke up three months ago. Perhaps he was vindictive, or overly sensitive. He wasn't sure she ever meant to piss him off every time she did, but he didn't want to accuse her if it was truly unintentional. The fact that it was night out didn't stop her ironic expression. Damien's eyebrow twitched with irritation.
Even still, despite their differences and history, Damien didn't hate her. She hadn't had the easiest life either. Ironically, the same inner core of righteousness and honor within him that had caused so much strife between them, was the same reason he cared about her, and why he was compelled to respect her space. Neither of them spoke of their relationship.
The masked-archer's deep brown eyes lingered on Jess for a moment as Rand began speaking.
"...I'll text you the coordinates." Rand had said.
Damien nodded, and the car took off. Standing there afterward, lingering, he spoke to himself, "Vampires don't care if your CIA." A movement out of the corner of his eye caught his attention, and he realized Conner had been looking at him. The young man seemed troubled. Conner was fresh, innocent. Although the more experienced hunter said nothing, a part of Damien felt sorry for him, that a good person like him had to grow up in this unfair world. Conner was a good man, and he was working hard. He was also quite humble, in an admirable way, and Damein remembered how he himself used to be before loss and bitterness had hardened him into a hateful, vengeful wraith. He longed to apologise for the cold shell he had wrapped around himself over the years. He dropped his gaze and relaxed his shoulders and began to walk away.
About to head for the blackness of the road, Damein stopped suddenly. ...voices. His eyes widened and his heart sped. Conner was supposed to be alone! Drawing the bow, Damien swiftly slinked up to the side of the building, trying to identify who or what was talking to Conner.
The snap of a twig from a different location told Damien that there were at least two uninvited guests at their hideout. Conner was just about to be ganked.
He turned his head sharply, looking toward the sound as he listened and pulled his night vision goggles over his eyes.
"-and your friend should leave before security arrive." Conner was clearly bluffing. Fortunately for him, "security" hadn't left yet. Damien drew his bow at the large, black, animal shape that was creeping closer to Conner and the other newcomer. Silent as death, sharp as a knife, a poisoned arrow bit into panther flesh.