Freedom From the Evil Dead

by Mary Abshire

  Jeremy skated back shortly after the game resumed. He bumped into players on the other team like he was a man on a mission. Then one of them had had enough. He crashed into Jeremy, then Jer shoved him back. The game continued, but I had a feeling Adam's prediction was on the cusp of coming true.

  The players flew to the other end of the ice. On the way back up the rink, Jeremy stopped the puck midway. The New York skater who'd smashed into Jeremy earlier was heading for him again. Jeremy moved out of the way and the guy hit the wall. When the player turned around, Jeremy shoved him. The opposing team member pushed back and that's when Jeremy dropped his gloves.

  I shot up from my seat while the two fist-fought each other. My heart acquired extra beats. The New York guy swung at Jeremy and he dodged a couple blows. The ones he took increased my fear for him. I hoped his head could sustain any additional damage. Jeremy threw several punches at the player. They eventually landed on the ice with Jeremy on top. The referee blew the whistle, then the fight ended.

  Adam shook his head. "That's going to hurt us."

  "What?" I said as I watched Jeremy skate off the ice.

  "Because of the penalty, the Rangers will get a long power play."

  The time on the clock showed five minutes left in the period, which meant I had to leave in three minutes. But if tension was strong in the game, would there be many people walking the halls?

  The referee blew his whistle and the game continued. Players dashed up and down the rink. The Penguins scrambled to block goals. When the puck slipped through and the alarm sounded, Adam and I both swore loudly.

  The three to zero score didn't bode well for the Penguins. On a positive note, Jeremy's penalty time ended. He skated to the bench.

  The clock above the arena revealed almost three minutes left. I debated if I should wait until intermission or stick to the plan. The tension in the period remained strong since there was little time left and the Penguins were losing.

  My thoughts were elsewhere as the game resumed. Jeremy wanted me to leave at the two-minute warning and I'd said I would. Although I doubted many people would be in the hallways, I feared breaking the plan would cause a wrinkle somewhere. I couldn't afford any problems. Then an idea came to me. I could leave as agreed and stop at the bathroom. By the time I'd finish, intermission should've begun and people would've packed the area.

  The alarm sounded and brought me out of contemplation. My pulse quickened. Time to go and find a vampire.

  I stepped away from my chair. "I need some air. I'll be back in a little bit."

  Adam gave me a wave of his hand.

  Anxiety coursing through me, I headed for the door. Vampires were somewhere in the arena and they were soon going to give me what I wanted. I couldn't wait to see the looks on their faces. Better yet, I looked forward to sending their souls to Hell.

  Chapter Nine

  I strode from the suite and headed back the way I'd come in originally. Somewhere there had to be stairs leading to the lower level. The aroma of bread from the Italian vendor smelled so good that I actually felt hungry. Hairs on my arms twitched, but the temperature hadn't changed. A small touch of relief filled me since no vampires were around. Scanning for a sign, I found one past the Thai concession stand. Reaching it, I shoved the door open, then descended the steps.

  Instead of stopping at one level lower, I decided to go to the next. I strode from the exit and headed down the wide hallway toward the center of the arena. Hollers from the crowd along with the voices from the announcers echoed in the hall. Guests started to trickle in from the stands. A cold breeze washed over me, but I didn't stop. My skin continued to twitch as well. A spectator with a teenage daughter stepped in front of me. Not far ahead, I spotted a restroom sign. The two females seemed to be heading in the same direction, so I followed them.

  The large facility had at least fifteen individual stalls, all colored gray. Tiles covered the floors and walls. I took an empty unit in the middle, then secured the small lock. The frosty temperature persisted, indicating the vampire was near. I tried to keep my nerves under control by slowing my breaths, but with the vamp near, my efforts seemed worthless. Another minute and I'd look for the bloodsucker.

  After I finished my business, I left the unit and headed for the sink. More women had entered the facility. Washing my hands, a chill raced through me. I paused, hands under the running water and staring at my reflection in the mirror.

  "Need a towel?" a female said from my side.

  A young woman holding paper towels stood next to me. She was a half a foot shorter than me and thin. Her long brown hair had been tied behind her head. She had an oval face and young appearance, dressed in tights and a long rust-colored shirt that resembled a short dress. Her pallid skin tone and enlarged pupils that told me she was the source of the cold energy.

  "Thanks," I said as I took her offering.

  The buzz sounded, ending the end of the second period. Soon, people would flood the hallways, which was good, but I had a big problem. Jeremy and I hadn't expected a petite female vampire to approach me. I couldn't scream that my ex used to beat me if the person next to me was a woman. Well, I could, but I doubted I'd get anyone to help me. Besides, the vampire was smaller than I was. They'd probably think I could kick her ass. If only they knew she had incredible strength.

  I tossed the papers in the trash between the sinks. "So what's the plan?"

  She smiled and batted her lashes. "You're going to come with me and we're going to go for a ride."

  "That's it? Just a ride?" I asked. "Thanks, but I'm not really interested."

  She glared at me and put her hands on her hips. "You're going to come with me."

  "Or what?" I crossed my arms.

  She stepped closer. "Or I start killing innocent people," she whispered.

  Jeremy and Justin had said they'd threaten me, or the lives of others, but it was a bluff. I hoped they were right.

  "I don't believe you," I said.

  The vampire scanned the bathroom stalls. Several were vacant. She slowly headed toward them. A woman was heading to one. She entered, then in a blink of an eye, the vampire shoved her in and shut the door.

  Heart pounding, I rushed to the door. I pushed on it, but it wouldn't budge. On the other side, I heard moans. A few women glanced at me, but none seemed concerned. I shoved my shoulder against the door. It didn't move.

  "Stop it!" I smacked my hand on the thin barrier.

  I stepped back and looked underneath the stall. Two pairs of legs were visible. I considered if I should grab the vampire's legs. Before I could act, the groaning stopped. The feet moved away from the door.

  Breaths heavy, I moved closer. The door opened and the vamp grabbed hold of my arm. In a flash, she pulled me inside the stall and shut the door.

  "Get a good look at her," the bloodsucker said with her pointy teeth dripping behind her lip.

  The woman leaned sideways against the wall with her glassy eyes staring up. Her pale skin made me suspect the vamp had drained her. Red marks around her neck indicated her throat had been crushed.

  Holding my wrist, the bloodsucker shut the woman's eyelids, then got in my face. "Do you want me to go to next stall and kill another for you? There's plenty in here for me to snack on before I do."

  I swallowed and shook my head. Grief filled me for the loss of the innocent woman. I couldn't risk another human dying.

  Her fangs retracted. "Good. Then you'll walk out with me and no one else gets hurt."

  I gave the bitch a nod, then she tugged on the door. She walked with a casual stride as I followed her from the stall. Glancing back, I wondered how long it would take for someone to notice the dead body. If it were soon, security would be busy focusing on removal and investigation of the area, which was bad news for me if I had to create a public scene.

  The vamp gripped my wrist as we exited the bathroom. Her icy touch made quiver internally. I scanned the hallway, looking for other vampires. Men and women crowded th
e area, gossiping about the game or heading to the concession stands. I couldn't locate another bloodsucker nearby. Without a man, the plan for me to create a disturbance wouldn't work.

  "Where are the others?" I asked.

  "Don't worry, you'll see them soon."

  At least I had confirmation there were other vampires. But how far would she take me before we'd met them? I couldn't leave the arena. Jeremy made that clear.

  My heart thudded as we drew near the end of the hall that led to a row of elevators. Only a few hockey fans stood around, waiting for a ride down. If I was going to make an act to attract attention, I needed to do it now.

  Fist tight, I stopped and jerked my arm. "Let go of me."

  "Keep moving," she sneered, and tightened her grasp.

  Anger rising along with my temperature, I shoved her. "Get the fuck off me!" I said it loud enough to acquire a few eyes.

  She still didn't let go, but at least some people had taken notice.

  I jerked my arm. "Bitch, get the fuck off me!" I hollered.

  When she didn't let go, I balled my other hand and punched her in the face. The hit caught her off guard. She didn't respond, so I threw my fist at her face again. Her nose broke and blood started to dribble out. She let go of my hand to touch her face.

  More people were taking notice of us, but not enough. She looked at me with feral eyes. I swung at her, but this time she caught my wrist before it made contact. She twisted my arm with a single jerk, forcing the bone to come out of the socket. I screamed in pain. She tossed my limp arm, then punched me in the face. The force was so strong my nose broke and I stumbled backwards.

  "Fight!" someone in the crowd yelled.

  My shoulder and nose burned fiercely as the healing process had started. People stared. A few pointed their cell phones at us. I didn't see a single guard anywhere.

  I used my good arm to wipe the back of my hand under my nose, clearing the blood. "Is that all you got, bitch?"

  She chuckled. I rushed at her. I swung and she ducked. She threw her fist into my ribs and bones cracked. Out of breath and in agony, I doubled over. When I tried to breathe, sharp pain consumed me.

  She leaned close to my ear. "I can keep going at this, demon."

  Sweat trickled into my eyes. I blinked to clear them. My right arm still ached fiercely, but I could move it again. I reached inside my vest pocket and grabbed the switchblade. Each little movement sent my chest into a world of hurt. Knife in hand, I straightened as much as I could while my ribs burned, fusing back together.

  "Fuck you, bitch!" I pressed the tiny button on the handle and the blade shot out.

  "She's got a knife!" someone said.

  I shoved it into her stomach and jerked it up an inch, tearing her flesh. The vamp screamed in anger and swung at me. She hit the side of my head so hard I went tumbling to the floor. I smacked the concrete and my skull hit with a thud.

  "Call an ambulance!" someone yelled.

  "Get security!" another said.

  Heat radiated in my gut and head. Both throbbed with intense pain. I gathered up my strength and pushed myself onto my back. When I opened my eyes, the world spun around me. Blurs of people surrounded me.

  "Don't move," a man said. "Just lay still."

  My skin twitched violently. I blinked until my vision cleared. A large, uniformed man was kneeling at my side. He placed his hand on my arm and the itching sensation spread from his touch. I couldn't have been happier to see the werewolf.

  He held up a walkie-talkie. "Code 13, I've got her, but she's injured." He looked at me. "Hang on."

  Another security guard bent beside me. "Is she alert?"

  A female officer arrived on my other side. "Ambulances are on the way."

  The temperature suddenly dropped. Although I knew the reason why, I was a bit relieved for the cooler climate.

  The walkie-talkie chirped, then the werewolf held it up to his face. His gaze shifted away from me and remained fixed on something.

  Artic air rushed around and I shivered slightly. The vamps were close. My feverish head ached while my thoughts swirled to come up with a plan. I couldn't stay on the floor. I couldn't go in an ambulance. What was I going to do?

  I tried to sit up. The female officer squatted and gently pushed me back down. The lack of energy from her indicated she was human.

  "Be still," she said. "An ambulance will be here soon."

  Panic fueled my beating heart. I couldn't leave the arena.

  I looked at the werewolf and touched his hand. When he met my gaze, I said, "Detain me."

  He looked at the female guard.

  "She needs to go to the hospital for her injuries," she said.

  "But I'm okay," I said.

  I winced as I tried to sit up. The air around me frosted and I stopped. Two men came to stand near me, one on each side. The werewolf's eyes darted between the two.

  "I agree, she needs to go to a hospital," said the tall vampire with short blondish hair standing next to the werewolf. He looked familiar with his high cheekbones. He met the female officer's eyes. It only took a second for him to take control of her.

  The vamp on my other side, next to the female guard, squatted. "Hello, Jessie." He had a soft, calming voice. The little bit of hair on his face matched the color of his short dark locks. When he placed his icy fingers on my forearm, I knew I was in big trouble.

  I attempted to sit up, but Mr. Dark Hair pushed me down. "Do as the officer says."

  The werewolf shoved the vamp's hand off my shoulder. "Keep your hands off her."

  The two stared with ill intent while my mind raced, searching for a solution.

  "Anton, check on Holly," said Mr. Dark Eyes. "I don't like her surrounded by beasts. And make sure she gets in an ambulance too."

  As the blond walked away, I realized where I'd seen him before. Anton was one of the VETOV. He wasn't half as old as Drake.

  I gripped the werewolf's wrist, capturing his attention. "You have to detain me."

  "He can't," said the bloodsucker. "Not without causing a problem with his fellow human guards."

  The werewolf clamped his jaw tight before he looked at me. His angry eyes told me plenty. The human officers were under the control of the vamps. They had their way of getting me out.

  Angry with myself, I rushed to think of an option. Human officers would ensure I left in an ambulance. I was certain a vamp would tag along on the ride, too, unless I could stop them.

  I met the werewolf's gaze. "Detain them."

  He scrunched his brows as he stared at me.

  "Hold them for questioning," I said.

  He lifted his walkie-talkie. "Code 13, send backup ASAP."

  The dark-haired vamp rose. The werewolf followed his movements. Both glared at each other from each side of me.

  "What are you doing?" asked the vamp.

  The werewolf clipped the walkie-talkie on his belt. "You need to come with me, sir."

  The vampire grinned. "For what reason?"

  "He wants to hurt me!" I yelled, and slowly sat upright, wincing. "He used to beat me. He used his sister to get to me."

  People in the crowd started shifting their attention my way.

  "Please, officer, don't let them near me," I pleaded as I scooted back, away from them. "He'll kill me if he gets the chance," I added for emphasis.

  If I couldn't get the guards to detain me, then I sure wanted them to hold the vampires. The best way to ensure my plan worked was to make them look bad, accuse them. Would the vamps try to escape? Not with a crowd watching them.

  The elevators dinged. After the doors parted, more uniformed men rushed out. My skin twitched so much I thought tiny bugs were crawling on me. A few removed their guns and pointed them at the vampire.

  "Don't move," one of them said.

  The vamp looked at the female officer. Mere seconds later, she moved closer to me. She squatted, then grabbed my arm. "Ma'am, you need to stay still. The ambulance is on its way."

&nbs
p; I looked at the vampire. He held a smug expression as two guards took him into custody. Not far away, more officers surrounded Anton.

  Another elevator announced its arrival. The doors opened and men with gurneys headed toward us.

  The werewolf who'd been at my side approached me. He bent and said, "Don't worry. We'll take them into a holding room."

  "Make sure it's prepared," I said.

  He nodded, then an EMT arrived at my side with a uniformed guard. The EMT had short brown hair similar to the officer's. Both had lean frames, but the EMT was slightly shorter.

  The EMT lowered to my level. "Can you move?"

  The guard watched us. "She has to go to the hospital."

  My pulse started racing again. I looked at the werewolf whose name I still didn't know. He was preoccupied with securing the vamps. I was going to be on my own, dealing with humans under a vampire's control.

  "I'm fine. Really," I said as I pushed to my feet. My body was sore, but my bones had healed. "I don't need to go to any hospital."

  "She hit her head. She has to be checked out," said the female officer. "It's standard protocol."

  The EMT nodded as a gurney came to a halt next to me. Another medical tech adjusted the height.

  "I understand," the brown-haired EMT said. "We'll get her checked out." He nudged me to sit on the stretcher.

  The male officer next to him put his hands on my shoulders and encouraged me to lie on my back. "We'll escort you down."

  The female guard lifted my legs onto the gurney.

  "This isn't necessary," I said to the EMT.

  "I have to take you to the hospital," he replied.

  The female officer strapped my legs to the stretcher while the EMT secured a band across my chest. The male guard fastened a belt over one of my wrists. After his female co-worker finished securing the lower half of my body, she moved to my other side. She attached the restraint over my other wrist.

  Helpless, I looked at the other gurney. The vamp bitch had been tied down and acted calm. Her gaze met mine and she smiled. Anger surged through me. I wanted to rip her to shreds and then send her soul to my father.