Pure: A Paranormal Romance

by D. L. McKinsey

  I heard a loud crack. Looking up, I saw Seb sticking a long silver stake into the vamp’s chest. Everyone froze as they watched the scene. The vampire beneath Seb began to shake, and black smoke came out from his mouth before he burst into a million pieces of ash.

  Wow, I totally wasn’t expecting that.

  Now, it was three against two. I also wasn’t expecting the vampire whose back I was on to grab my head and flip me off of him. He slammed my back to the ground. He brought his massive foot down, but luckily, I rolled out of the way. I heard a grunt and looked over to see Talon beating the crap out of Seb while the other vampire held him.

  Shit! I had to help him! Fast.

  The jerk I was fighting with bulldozed towards me. I summersaulted into the air, landing on his back again. This time, I didn’t give him a chance to throw me off. I wrapped my hands around his neck and twisted it until I heard it crack. He fell lifeless to the ground. I was not sure if that killed him, but he was not moving. That would do for now. Not sparing a second, I used my immortal speed to tear Seb away from them. I faced Talon and his minion with Seb behind me. Seb was bruised and bleeding, but he still looked strong and ready to fight.

  “How cute, you’re protecting him.” Talon taunted.

  My anger was boiling over, and the only response I could muster was a growl and a flash of my fangs. They both responded the same way.

  “You won’t win. It’ll only take one of us to kill him,” Talon said with a knowing smirk.

  He was right. One of them will attack Seb while I fought the other one. No matter how much training he had, he was still human. Damn it! Think, Ana! Think!

  Suddenly, I felt it—the electricity humming in my body. I focused on it. Snaps and pops could be heard as it got stronger. The blue sparks on my skin made me feel powerful. The energy cocooned my body. An invisible force whiffed around the room. I opened my eyes, and I felt the sparks shoot through them.

  “Is she kinetic?! I didn’t sign up for this shit! I’m out of here!” Talon’s weak vampire partner shouted.

  He turned to flee the room, but he was not fast enough. A bolt blasted from the palm of my hand. It hit his back, throwing him almost to the ceiling. His body shook violently. A second later, he combusted into blue smoke. It was of the same color with the bolt I used to kill him. I pulled the lightning back, and it tendriled around my arms like an extension of me.

  Talon looked like he was about to piss his pants.

  “Now, I’m not going to kill you. Yet. But I will show you why you should fear me,” I said, repeating the same words he used on me earlier. I took slow menacing steps towards him. Talon stepped back slowly. I could see his adam’s apple bobbing.

  Good. He should be scared.

  In a fast move, I was on him. Grabbing him by the throat, I channeled some of my bolts into my fingertips. His body convulsed wildly as I pumped electric shocks into him. I enjoyed the sight probably more than I should. A warm hand on my shoulder pulled me out of my killer thoughts.

  “Ana, not yet,” Seb said.

  Reluctantly, I dropped Talon to the ground, the last of the shocks still rocking his body.

  “Try me again, Talon, and I will not hesitate to kill you.” I threatened.

  Seb and I walked away, leaving him to fight the pain alone. But in true Talon fashion, he had to have the last word.

  “Th-this isn’t o-ov-over,” Talon said, his voice breaking from the shaking.

  “Bring it on, pencil dick!” I shouted back.

  Once we were safely outside, my energy drained like a deflating ball. My legs gave out, but Seb scooped me up before I even had the chance to hit the ground. I rested my head on his strong warm shoulder.

  “Marie is lucky to have a boyfriend like you.” I whispered.

  “Boyfriend?”

  Crap! I forgot he didn’t know that I knew. Oh well, it was out now.

  “Yeah, I figured out you guys are secret lovers or something. Don’t worry, I won’t tell.” I explained in case he was worried for Marie. Imagine my surprise when he laughed instead. Maybe the fight knocked some screws loose. However, I couldn’t help but smile back at how beautiful he looked with a smile on his face. I wished I could see that more often.

  “Ana, Marie is not my girlfriend. She’s my little sister.” He told me with a small smile.

  Oh my goodness! I was a freaking idiot! That explained so much—his fierce protectiveness over her; his love for her. He was her big brother. Wow! How could I not have seen the resemblance before? Maybe I didn’t want to. But I would be lying if I didn’t admit a small part of me was relieved. I started laughing, and Seb joined me. After this day, a good laugh was needed. I opened my mouth to ask what was next when twenty black SUVs pulled up around us.

  Marcos and his men.

  “I have to escape from these fucking vampires,” I said exhaustedly as the car doors began to open.

  Seb stared at me intently for a moment, probably trying to see how serious I was. A second later, he had the answer he was searching for when a spark flashed in my eyes. I was very serious.

  “I think I can help you with that.”

  Chapter 12

  Escape

  Ana

  Two years later - Present day, September 28th

  “Get her!” A deep angry voice shouted. I held back a laugh as I dashed through the manor. I wondered what most teenagers did on a Friday night. For the last two years, this was my hobby; escape. Marcos almost tripled his security because of my attempts. Now, every guard was armed with platinum-filled guns.

  It didn't help them much.

  In the past two years, Seb trained me to fight like a martial artist. Now, I was so good and fast, they could only catch me when I wanted them too.

  I made it to the back door and kicked it open. The wood shattered into pieces.

  The cool night air surrounded me.

  The grass felt soft on my bare feet.

  I stood in the back yard, enjoying the feeling for a second.

  The guards were still inside, but they were getting closer.

  This was the part I hated―the part where I allowed them to catch me.

  According to Seb, this method would be most effective when the time came for my real escape.

  I slowed my run to a jog. The stupid guards would never get me if I ran full speed. Not even the vampires.

  “There she is! Shoot her!” A man yelled.

  Several rounds went off behind me. I didn't even have to turn around to dodge most of them. I sensed a bullet coming towards the back of my leg, and I purposely didn't dodge that one. Last week, I took a chest shot, and that hurt like a bitch. Not doing that again.

  This bullet hit my calf, causing me to tumble to the ground. The freezing burn was instant. No matter how many shots I took, it still hurt. I just happened to be stronger now, and I heal faster too. But I needed Marcos to stay ignorant of these things.

  Okay, time for some Oscar-winning acting.

  I rolled on the ground, shaking and screaming. Don't get me wrong! It hurt, but my body had built up somewhat of an immunity to platinum. It was another part of Seb’s master escape plan. Shortly after screaming my head off, a couple of guards came and picked me up. They carried my trembling body down to the cellar that hosted me every Friday.

  ***

  Seb

  Three days later - October 1

  It had been three days since the last failed escape plan. Everything was going accordingly. Marcos was losing his patience and running out of ideas on how to keep Ana contained. After the first year of searching for answers, Marcos’ quest to find out what Ana truly was stalled. I knew Marcos was hiding his real reasons for stopping the search. A reason I was still trying to find out.

  Ana was released from her cell this morning. I knew where Ana would exactly be at this time; the same place she goes to every time she was released from her cell―the gym.

  I quickly made my way up the stairs to the indoor gym. Outside the door, a
rmed guards stood looking anxious. They were afraid of her. Most of these new men were humans with no experience with vampires. The only reason they were chosen was because of their military background. Even that didn't help them with Ana. When they saw me approach, the relief was clear on their faces. Hurriedly, they stepped aside to allow me in.

  I silently entered the room, and my breath caught in my throat at the sight in front of me: Ana. There she was, looking magnificent. The stream of sunlight hitting her pale skin gave it a beautiful glow. Her small frame was barely covered in the black spandex shorts and sports bra she was wearing.

  Ana spun around and smoothly kicked the punching bag she was taking her frustrations on. Even watching her beat the crap out of the large red bag turned me on; the way the curves of her body moved. Even her long dark hair pulled into a ponytail that flowed gracefully with every strike had my heart skipping in my chest.

  “Do you plan to stare all day? Or are you here for something of importance?” Ana asked irritably, punching the bag once more. She was upset. She usually was after taking a platinum shot.

  “I just came to check on you.” I responded after shaking off my slightly aroused state.

  Ana grunted in response and continued to ignore me as she repeatedly hit the bag. I wanted to comfort her, but I stayed put. I waited patiently for her to get it out of her system.

  “I just don't understand why we are doing this!” She yelled, finally turning to face me. “Why the entire fake escapes? At this point, I could have gotten away dozens of times!” she said rapidly as she paced the room.

  She was moving so fast, her image was nothing more than a blur to me. Still, my eyes tried to follow her fast pace as I prepared myself to explain for the hundredth time my master plan.

  “Ana,” I called, slowly trying to get her attention. She ignored me again. “It's important that Marcos believes you are getting closer to actually escaping. His paranoia will cause him to eventually want you by his side at all times.”

  “Why does that matter?” Ana questioned and came to an abrupt stop directly in front of me. Her blazing blue eyes sent a chill down my spine.

  “Because the house is on lock down. There are guards at hidden posts throughout the lands. Even I don't know their locations. So, even if you were to make it out the house, you would still be caught easily outside. The reason I need you at Marcos’ side is so he can take you with him when he leaves. That way, you'll have fewer guards to worry about, and they will be as unfamiliar with the new area as you.” I explained, looking right into her eyes.

  Her small shoulders deflated as they always did when I summed up the plan.

  “I know Seb. I'm just ready for this to be over. I have a bad feeling…” she said, trailing off at the end.

  I understood exactly what she meant.

  Marcos had been acting rather strange lately. He was much nicer to Ana and had taken more interest in her abilities. Marcos had her training almost every day. It was like he was trying to turn her into a weapon.

  “Don't worry, Ana. I've been planting the seed in Marcos’ mind for a while now to take you with him. I'm certain it's working.” I said as I ran my fingers through my messy hair.

  Ana's bright eyes followed the movement.

  “Have you changed your mind about letting me take Marie?” Ana asked hopefully.

  I sighed. I hated when she asked this question. She knew Marie couldn't come with her. Marie would only slow her down

  “No. She's not going with you, Ana. I will get her out when I can.” I informed her as gently as I could.

  I knew she had become very close to my little sister over the last two years, and it would hurt both women when Ana left.

  Ana huffed angrily and went out of the room. She knocked down a few guards on her way out. I was sure that wasn't an accident. I had to hold back a laugh as the men clumsily fell over each other trying to get up.

  Oh, Ana. What would I do with you?

  ***

  Ana

  I knew it was rude to take off from Seb like that, but I couldn't help it. When he told me again Marie couldn't come and gave me those puppy dog eyes, I nearly lost it. I was a minute away from jumping him then and there.

  All the time we spent together had only increased my feelings for him. I wish I knew if he felt anything for me. His heart rate increased when he stepped into the gym. That could mean something.

  I zipped through the large house, making my way to my ugly room. Standing outside by my door like flies were more new security guards

  “Stop there, demon!” One man shouted at me, holding his hand out in a stopping motion. Was he serious? This was my room. I took a slow step forward. The guy was probably in his forties with a receding hairline. He immediately aimed his gun at my chest

  “I said stop, demon!” He yelled angrily. Droplets of spit flew from his mouth. Gross!

  “Demon?”

  The other guard pulled a cross from underneath his vest, gripping it tightly. You have to be kidding me? This was just ridiculous! Where did Marcos find these people? And if they thought I was the demon then they probably had no clue who they were working for.

  “This is my room. I would like to go inside now. So, I'm asking you nicely to move out of my way,” I said as I stared into the fearful eyes of the younger guard.

  He quickly jumped from out of the way. His balding partner, however, did not. The older man used one hand to retrieve something from his pocket and the other to aim his gun at me

  “Stay back, demon!” He yelled again, this time, throwing liquid from a vial to my face.

  I stood unaffected as he threw his “holy water” at me. He began to annoy me. I smacked the vial from his hand, but he raised it to throw more water at me.

  “Fine, but remember, I did ask nicely.” I growled, allowing my fangs to pour from my mouth. My anger seeped from within, and I knew my eyes were viscous red. The man was so consumed with fear, his shaky hands dropped the gun. A thud from my left informed me his partner had fainted. I swiftly grabbed the older man by the throat. He instantly began to cry and mutter apologies. The jerk should have just moved when I asked

  “Ana!” I snapped my head back at the sound of my name from an all-too-familiar feminine voice.

  “Let him go now,” Marie said, trying to hide her amusement.

  I dropped the loser to the ground and then kicked him out of my way.

  “Sorry, I’m on my period,” I said, walking into my room. I could hear Marie’s laughter following behind me into the room. She closed the door behind her, still laughing as I collapsed onto the bed

  “What is with these new guards?” I asked, staring at the swirling tiles on the ceiling

  “They don’t know what you are, Ana. Besides, humans would be quicker to believe you’re a demon than a vampire.” Marie explained with a smile on her face.

  What was she smiling about?

  “Marie, what’s going on?” I asked, growing suspicious of her giddy behavior. She was practically bouncing up and down.

  A second later, there was a light knock on the door. Seb entered. Now, this was really getting strange. I stood up to prepare myself for whatever these two had planned

  “HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY, ANA!” They both shouted.

  Seb pulled a chocolate cupcake with a single unlit candle from behind his back.

  Oh my gosh! I completely forgot today was my flipping birthday! With everything going on, such a matter seemed trivial

  “Told you she forgot.” Seb whispered to Marie. I playfully elbowed him in the stomach.

  This had already become a tradition of ours. For each of our birthdays, we split a cupcake and spent the rest of the night telling jokes or planning our life once we were out of this place.

  “Light it!” Marie said, barely containing her excitement. She loved my kinetic ability more than I did.

  I channeled the energy from inside. A small spark came through the tip of my finger, and it lighted the candle. Marie jumped up
and down gleefully. We counted to three, and like usual, we all blew out the candle. It was moments like these that made me thankful to have them. The last two years had been crazy. I wouldn’t have made it without these people who have become my two best friends.

  “Thanks, guys,” I said as I scarfed down my piece. Whoever said vamps didn’t eat real food lied. I was never actually hungry for it, but it still tasted the same.

  “Well, I have a present for you that you’ll love,” Seb said with a half-smile. It made him look so handsome, I could have drooled.

  “Uh, what is it?” I asked.

  Marie’s faced showed real confusion, so she didn’t know either

  “I just talked to Marcos. Now, we have a date set for your escape,” Seb said as he watched me intently.

  My mouth dropped open. I was at a loss for words. This was the day I was waiting for. All the planning; all the fake escapes and gunshot wounds finally mattered.

  “When?” Marie asked the question burning on my tongue

  “New year’s eve. The blood moon party.” Seb stated, referring to the annual party where vampires lost themselves to blood and lust.

  Marcos and Talon attended one last year and didn’t come back for almost a week. As I thought of Talon, I wondered if he would be there. I hoped not. I haven’t seen him in about eight months. Marcos sent him away to “cool off” supposedly. Talon and his ego couldn’t handle the fact that I was stronger than him. After the night at the pit, he began to plan ways to kill me. Silly vampire couldn’t make good on any. Then Marcos sent him away, but I was sure it was because I almost killed him for a third time and not the other way around.

  “I already have it planned out.” Seb’s voice broke me from my thoughts

  “Let’s get started,” I said, looking at my friends.

  This was it—the final plan; my real escape from Marcos.

  ***

  Ana

  December 31st (7:05 P.M.)

  I was feeling nervous. Three months of planning, and I felt nervous. Tonight was the night of my escape during the blood moon party. Marcos had been taking me everywhere with him for the past two months. It was so annoying, but I was on my best behavior as asked. Now, it was less than an hour before we left for the grand hotel to the party, and I couldn’t keep still. My black silk dress flowed around me as I paced my room. I was all dolled up for the event, but I could care less. Marie came to help me get dressed and cried nearly the whole time. Man, I was going to miss her, but Seb said it would only be a month or two before he got her out too.