Pure: A Paranormal Romance

by D. L. McKinsey

  “Jace?” Simon pressed, trying to get the witch’s attention. But Jace was just pacing and mumbling to himself.

  I didn’t have time for this. The dwellers weren’t following them, and that was a bad thing because it meant her brother and Ana were holding them off with their lives. I walked up to him and slapped him hard across the face.

  Jace stared at me, shocked.

  “Snap out of it! Now tell us what we can do to help my brother,” I admonished, looking him directly in the eye.

  He still had that shocked expression on his face, and I raised my hand to hit him again.

  “Wait, wait. Don’t hit me again. I-I’m thinking,” Jace said, putting his hands up to stop from putting sense to him the second time.

  Good. I was going back for Seb whether the witch had a plan or not, but I might as well ask the one with powers if he could help.

  Then Jace began feeling the walls as if he was looking for something.

  “What are you doing?” Lily asked

  “We need a way out. I can’t just make a door because I don’t know where it would lead us. But if there is an old exit here, I could re-open it.” Jace answered, still running his hands along the walls.

  This was taking too long. I couldn’t waste any more time. I cocked my gun and began marching back to where they came from.

  “I’m coming too,” Simon said as he caught up up to her.

  I stopped and gazed at the skinny curly-headed boy. Something about him made my stomach flutter and cheeks flush. I quickly shook it off and continued walking. Faintly at first, I started to hear something. Marie stopped walking again and listened closer. Before I could decipher what the sound was, a body came hurtling towards us. I tried to warn Simon but was too late. The muscular form crashed into Simon, knocking him to the wet ground.

  I instantly knew it was Seb. But how? I didn’t ponder much longer. I ran to aide both men. Simon propped himself up and rubbed his head.

  “Seb! Are you okay? What happened?” I asked, worried sick.

  Seb gently pushed my shaking hands from him and tried to stand. He stumbled a few times before he finally managed to get to his feet.

  “Ana happened. She threw me,” he said, pushing his damp hair back.

  Simon and I gave him questioning looks.

  “Never mind. I need to go get her,” Seb said, determined to get back to Ana.

  “I found one!” Jace shouted a few feet away “I found an old door, but something isn’t right.”

  We all walked to the part of the wall where Jace was standing. I couldn’t see what he was talking about. It just looked like a concrete wall, no sign of a door.

  “Have you gone mad? That’s a wall, not a door.” Lily stated, incredulous.

  Jace didn’t pay her attention. He just kept staring at the wall.

  “There used to be a door here, but something is off. I sense a strange aura behind it.”

  “Can you open it or not? We have to get out now.” Seb asked, getting to the point. It was clear no one else felt what Jace was feeling.

  “Yes, but I don’t know what’s on the other side.” Jace said.

  The witch started chanting and drawing intricate symbols on the wall. They couldn’t see anything what he was writing or understand his mumbling. Seb turned to leave, and I knew exactly where he was headed. I quickly followed. And Simon did as well.

  Suddenly, the ground began shaking. I looked back at Jace and was surprised to see the wall he was using his magic on covered in yellow glowing symbols. The markings’ shimmer intensified, almost blinding us for a second, and then it vanished into the concrete. The wall began to crack, and seconds later, it completely shattered open. Behind it was what looked to be a wall of water. It waved and rippled like the ocean, but you couldn’t see through it to the other side. It was too dark. Lily reached her hand out to touch it; hypnotized by the dancing waves.

  “Lily, don’t!” Jace screamed, but it was too late.

  As soon as she touched the water, she was pulled inside, disappearing from sight. Jace grabbed hold of her leg and was pulled to other side as well.

  I could only stare, clueless on what to do. From Seb’s and Simon’s faces, they had no idea what to do either.

  Out of nowhere, a blinding blue flared up at the other end of the tunnel. It was so strong, they all had to shield their eyes. Ana’s body suddenly flew past them. Her body rippled with electric charges, making her skin look neon blue. Seb reached out to catch her, but he missed. Ana disappeared into the mysterious water door Jace and Lily went through. Seb wasted no time, running full speed and jumping into the abyss after her.

  I was afraid. It was just me and Simon left. I glanced at him, unsure of what to do next. He smiled reassuringly and took my hand tightly. With one gentle squeeze, he pulled me with him as he ran into the unknown after our friends.

  ***

  Talon

  “Fuck!”

  I was becoming more frustrated as I pounded on the invisible barrier to no avail. I was so close to killing that bitch and she got away. This was starting to really piss me off. I felt a warm hand on my shoulder and quickly smacked it off. The girl, Kim, jumped back a little, startled by my hostility. If only she knew how hostile I really wanted to be.

  “What is this? Some kind of trick?” She asked, touching the shield the witch created.

  How did Ana get a witch? Witches were one thing I didn’t plan on, but no matter, I would still kill her, the witch, and anybody else that got in my way. I just needed a new plan.

  I turned and walked away from the shield. They couldn’t get far, especially with the wounded state Ana was in. I could hear the pathetic girl following behind me.

  “What are we going to do now?” Kim asked.

  Her human nature caused her to trip over branches on the forest floor. I really wanted to rip her throat out. I originally thought she would be useful, but now, I was reconsidering. She was so young and stupid. She honestly believed I would be with her. Ha! I already had a mate, and that turned out to be a pain in the ass. Now, the only things I needed women for were blood and sex. And Kim wasn’t good for either of those. Maybe killing her would be a way to draw Ana to him? Hm-mmm, it was a thought.

  The phone in my pocket vibrated. I hadn’t heard from Marcos in a few days, but I was sure my master was on a wild goose chase for the girl. I already convinced myself that lying to the man that gave me immortality was in the best interest of everyone. The girl needed to die. Marcos just couldn’t see that yet.

  “What?” he said, answering the call irritably.

  “Si-sir Talon. I’m number 86 of Master Marcos’ guard” The man on the end of the phone said weakly.

  It was my idea to number the guards, mainly the human ones. There were too many guards to deal with. Remembering all of their names seemed an impossible task.

  “Why are you calling me 86? Where is Marcos?” I questioned angrily.

  “W-we were attacked. They took Master Marcos.” Number 86 said.

  I froze. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. This couldn’t be true. Who was powerful enough to capture Marcos and why?

  “Explain further. Now!” I demanded, pacing the forest grounds with long strides.

  “We were searching for the girl outside Seattle when we got ambushed. These men out-skilled us. They were the elite sent by the king. They easily killed all our men and took Master Marcos. I was shot but left alive to give you the message. The vampire that led them was named Maximus, and he said he was coming for you and the girl.” Number 86 explained before going into a coughing fit.

  I could imagine from the sound that 86 was hacking blood. He would be dead soon.

  I, on the other hand, was livid. That worthless backstabbing traitor Maximus went to King Ferox! I was so enraged, I threw his phone. It hit a nearby tree and shattered. How could he let this happen?! If Maximus told the King what Marcos had planned for the girl, Marcos would be a dead man.

  I screamed in frustr
ation. Maximus turned on his own brother. I hoped Maximus did find me because I wasn’t afraid to kill him. Even though Maximus was older, and therefore stronger, I still didn’t care. I would make him pay for his betrayal.

  “Uh, are you okay?” Kim asked timidly.

  I whipped around to look at the scared-looking girl. Human senses sucked, but they would have to be dead not to sense the dangerous vibes I was exuberating. Using my immortal speed, I pressed her forcibly against a tree.

  “You. This is all your sister’s fault! If that bitch hadn’t shown up, none of this would be happening! I should kill you just for being related to her!” I yelled in her face.

  Kim was shaking so badly, she could barely remain standing. She knew I meant everything he said.

  “Pl-please, don’t. I’m sorry. I’ll kill her for you. I swear! It’ll fix everything, and w-we could be togeth…”

  I stopped her pleas by wrapping my large hand around her throat. I was so angry, it was making me want to do something else too: feed.

  “Maybe you can help me,” I said slyly, releasing her neck.

  She gasped for air as salty tears ran down her cheek. When she looked back at me, I was no longer the sexy man she was lusting after but the beast of the night she should fear. A scream flew from her mouth as she stared wide-eyed at my black eyes and sharp fangs.

  “Oh my god! What are you?!” She babbled.

  Kim tried to get away but I trapped her against the tree by putting both her hands on each side of her head. I listened with joy at her erratic heartbeat and smell of fear.

  “Please, Talon, don’t kill me! I-I can help you! You need me! Please give me a chance. Oh god, what are you?!” Kim begged and cried.

  I leaned in and inhaled her scent. She was so afraid—exactly the way I liked his meals.

  “I’m a vampire and I’m hungry.” I whispered in her ear before diving my fangs fiercely into the bulging vein on the side of her neck.

  Chapter 27

  There’s No Place Like Nexus

  Talon

  I was growing more impatient by the second. This was taking a lot longer than I expected. It had been three days since I found out my master had been captured. And I was beginning to lose my cool. But I had a plan.

  For my plan to work, I needed a partner; one that would obey my every command.

  I sat in the small motel room chair, staring at the unconscious body on the cheap bed. She was exactly what I needed to get both my master and Ana.

  Because she was Kim.

  In the woods, days ago, I bit her, but instead of killing her, I decided to change her. It was perfect, actually. Kim was the only person who hated Ana more than me. I didn’t understand why she despised her own sister, but I didn’t care.

  I figured Kim, as a vampire, would be the only one strong enough to kill Ana. Since Ana had ability, Kim should also have one considering they were related. I would then use Kim like I had been doing and send her off to kill her sister then lead Maximus away while I broke Marcos out of the King’s prison. Perfect.

  Except the bitch was taking forever to wake up. Her final stage ended an hour ago, and she still hadn’t woken. I was glad that her screaming finally stopped. Last night, I had to bind her hands because she tried to rip her own heart out! Luckily, I got to her on time. Had I not, she would have killed herself permanently, and I couldn’t have that.

  Kim began to stir and then suddenly shot up from the bed, gasping! She looked around the room in a panic, long auburn hair swinging with each turn of her head. Her wide eyes finally found me.

  “What happened? Where am I?” She asked, still breathing heavily.

  Now that she was already a vampire, she didn’t need breath, but newbies always act like humans for the first few weeks.

  I stood and slowly approached her, my eyes glazing over her transformed state. I had to admit, Kim looked better. Her body was toned, skin pale and flawless, hair long and shiny, and eyes black as coal.

  Wait, black? I reached out and forcibly grabbed her jaw to bring her face closer to mine. Sure enough, her eyes were black; not blue, like Ana’s or even red, like the royals.

  Fuck! That meant she didn’t have ability.

  “Talon, ouch. You’re hurting me.” Kim whined.

  I let go of her and paced the small dingy room. I couldn’t believe this! If her eyes were black, that only meant her and Ana were not sisters.

  “Ana’s not your real sister.” I stated to see her reaction.

  Kim looked at me like I was crazy. Then she got distracted by something behind me. She slowly got off the bed and walked to past me. It was the reflection of herself. She reached out and touched the mirror before touching her own face.

  “What happened to me?” She asked, trailing her hand over her smooth skin.

  “What do you remember?” I asked as I took a seat on the bed.

  Even though she didn’t have ability, she wasn’t entirely useless. She could still kill Ana or die trying for all I cared.

  “We-we were in the woods…. Ana got away… Your phone rang…You were so angry…and…” Kim cut off and spun around to face me.

  I only smirked, already realizing what she remembered.

  “You bit me! You-you’re a fucking vampire!” She yelled, backing away.

  I began clapping

  “And the turtle crosses the finish line!” I said sarcastically “But what your missing hot stuff is I’m no longer the only vampire in this room.”

  Kim turned back to the mirror, admiring her new body. I could tell she was enjoying the way she looked.

  “You like?” I whispered, coming up behind her.

  “Yes. I’m perfect” She whispered back, looking at her reflection. “Why did you make me a vampire? And why do I have a reflection? I thought vampires didn’t have one.”

  “I’ll explain the basics of our kind later. But to answer your first question, I did it to even the playing field between you and Ana.”

  I reached into my back pocket and pulled out a cigarette. I knew she would figure out what I meant soon enough. Kim’s body started to shake with rage as she mulled over my words.

  “ANA’S A VAMPIRE, TOO!” Kim shouted at the top of her lungs.

  I took a slow drag of my cigarette before nodding. Kim shrieked and slammed her fist into the mirror. It shattered, covering the floor with shards of glass.

  “Don’t worry, Now that you’re changed, I’ll teach you what you need to know to kill her.” I reassured her.

  Kim’s face was still a mask of rage. She couldn’t stand the thought of Ana being a vampire. It would probably be best not to tell her about Ana’s ability.

  “First things first.” I interrupted before she destroyed anything else in the room.

  I went to the standard motel dresser drawer and pulled out a pair of scissors. Kim watched me cautiously, unsure of what I planned to do. Moving quickly, I grabbed her neck and swiped the scissors through her hair. All those long strands fell gracefully to the ground. Kim pushed me forcibly.

  “What the hell did you do that for?!” She screamed, touching her now short hair.

  “I like it better.” I replied simply.

  Kim’s short hair made her look more edgy and dangerous.

  “I have a present for you.” I said, remembering the gift I stored in the closet for her.

  Kim let go of her hair and perked up excitedly. When I opened the closet door, a bound and gagged teenage Asian boy fell out. Kim recognized him as a student from her high school. She didn’t understand how this was a gift. She probably didn’t even know this guy, really.

  I yanked up the boy and tossed him on the bed. The tied boy tried to squirm away, but it was useless.

  “I don’t get it,” she said, baffled.

  I smirked, and seconds later, my fangs extended and my eyes went completely black. Kim gasped in shock. The last time she saw me like this, it didn’t end well for her. I forced my fangs into the side of the boy’s neck. She watched, hypno
tized by it. Not long after, her own fangs revealed themselves. She couldn’t resist her building urges anymore. She flew to the bed and joined me in draining of the boy’s blood. We both greedily fed on him until he lost consciousness.

  “That was delicious! I want more,” she said, licking blood from her lips.

  “We can have whoever we want, but first, we have to take care of your sister.” I reminded her. .

  Kim stared at me with a new hunger in her eyes. A hunger I instantly recognized.

  “There’s something I want more than her…”

  Before I could finish, Kim yanked her top off. He couldn’t help my lust at the sight of her perky breasts. She pushed our meal off the bed, and he hit the floor with a thump. Kim then savagely climbed on top and straddled me.

  “Kim…”

  “Shush,” she said, cutting me off with her finger on my lips “I know what you want, but this is what I want”

  She grinded her hips on top of me. I was a vampire, so it wasn’t hard to get my member to respond to her movements. Kim smiled deviously.

  “I know you like it, Talon,” she said seductively, grinding harder on my stiffness.

  I grabbed hard onto her hips and flipped her over with lightning speed. She yelped in surprise at my quick movements as I now lay on top of her.

  “You want it so bad, hot stuff?” I asked, sliding my hands down her chest and into the front of her jeans.

  Kim moaned out loud when my hand began to roughly stroke her core. “Okay. I’ll give you the best ride you’ll ever have.”

  ***

  Marie

  As soon as my body touched the doorway of waves, I felt cold and it left my skin tingly. A force from the other side latched on and yanked my small body forward. I could no longer feel the warm hand of Simon as I hurtled through the dark abyss. Just as soon as it began, it was over, and I was tossed out into unknown lands.

  The surface beneath me was cool and soft like grass. It was so comfortable, I almost wanted to fall asleep, but something heavy was on top of me. Opening my eyes, the sight in front of me warmed my heart. Simon’s cute eyes stared at me.