"Buddies." Elliot turned this information over in his mind, weighing the facts he knew. More than one hunter meant more than one threat, and if they were as determined and brutal as the first guy? Elliot was screwed. Taking on one hunter would be a gamble, but more than that? Elliot cursed himself for waiting too long to feed.
Refocusing his attention on the faerie, he became aware of her scrutinizing gaze. Any smart person would be trying to figure out what he was, for clearly he wasn't human and clearly he was unsurprised by the fact he was standing in a basement talking to a faerie. That would put any sensible person on high alert.
"So you've been hunted by him before?" He asked of the hunter. "In all the time I've been here, I've never seen him in this neighborhood. Must be branching out." It was all spoken calmly, masking his internal annoyance and distress at having to hide like some weaker creature. Like some... faerie.
When she thanked him, he dipped his chin in a nod, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. She was safe from one predator, at least. He wondered vaguely if his mind-control abilities would work on one of the fae. If so, it was possible he could get his meal right here and now. If not, well, he wasn't the type of vampire who got his kicks from attacking his prey and leaving them with vivid memories of said attack. Bad vampire form, that.
Was it rude to touch a faerie's wings without invitation? Elliot wondered, but didn't put voice to the question. Instead, his attention lingered on the female's reaction to his touch and he brushed his tongue across his bottom lip. Curious. Very curious. Was it an intimate gesture, what he was doing? The sound of her pulse had sped up, although he couldn't be certain whether it was from fear... or something else.
Just as quickly the faerie grew irritated, and Elliot dropped his hand back to his side, smirking. "You should learn to be more careful, then. Can't go around relaxing your illusions and letting hunters catch you in the act. Bad for your health, that."
Elliot's smirk grew when he was asked what sort of creature he was. "My name is Eli," he said, smoothly. "As for what I am: I'll give you three guesses, and I'll tell you if you're getting warmer or colder."