Shadow Mountain vampires will never hurt you

Mock. The word falls on him like teeth. He shook his head, but she went on anyway, and he was left to contemplate what she said next.

I don't mock, Hex promised. Big mountain. I don't claim it all. I was just. . .talking. 

He shrugged and took another drink, though one eye was cast her way, watching, waiting in case she decided to strike. She was, after all, a great deal scrappier-looking than he.

Why come here? he wondered aloud, once more licking his lips.