Freedom From the Evil Dead

by Mary Abshire

  "He asked me why you didn't contact him. I told him it was probably because he had a family."

  "That's exactly why. Vampires killed Dani to get to me. They found out from her I was in Alaska. Then they killed Kyle, a good friend of mine from Indy." I lowered my gaze as sadness started to fill me. "I lost two dear friends. I'm so sick of vampires killing people I care about."

  My heart ached for my friends and for Jeremy. If he didn't recover, which I feared was becoming a reality, then I didn't see any point in sticking around. The vampires would come back for me. I was tired of hiding, tired of running. My decision to go to the Fort on my own was a good one. I could put an end to the killing and people could go on with their lives. Everyone deserved a chance at happiness.

  Ryan found a parking spot on the nearly empty lot. He cut the engine, then looked at me. "Maybe it's time to move on. Put all this vampire shit behind you and start living a real life. Wouldn't you like that?"

  I sniffled and half chuckled. "Funny, I was just thinking how I wish the vamps would leave everyone alone so people could be happy."

  "And what about you?" he asked. "Do you ever think about settling down and having kids?"

  "I used to," I said with a sigh.

  "But you stopped because of Drake. Am I right?"

  I reached for the handle on the side of the door. "Drake made me happy, Ryan. I know what you're trying to do, but it won't work. The only way I can keep the vampires from hurting others is to go to the Fort myself. You can't change my mind."

  I left the SUV and strode toward the hospital. Ryan quickly caught up with me. The werewolf truly acted like a brother to me. His concern warmed my heart, but also added to the list of reasons why I had to go alone to the Fort. I refused to lose anyone else to the damn bloodsuckers.

  Glass doors parted at the entrance to the hospital. We walked inside and headed for the elevators. The guest and waiting areas were quiet with only one person manning the check-in desk. In a few hours, after the sun rose, the hospital would be swarming with activity.

  "I know I can't change your mind," Ryan said after he pressed the button to the elevator. "But I have to try anyway. I don't want you to commit suicide and that's what this feels like."

  The minute the doors opened, I strode out and onto the floor. "I know you're concerned, but I'm doing the right thing."

  "Jeremy is going to be devastated when he finds out you’re gone," he said.

  "If he pulls through. If."

  We rounded a corner. Patrick sat on a folding chair outside Jeremy's room. He had his attention focused on the phone in his hand.

  Ryan gripped my arm and brought me to a halt before we'd reached Patrick. "No matter what you say, I'm going to argue for your life and your happiness. You deserve it just as much as anyone else. And I know things haven't always been easy with Jeremy around, but the choices he's made are because he loves you so much. I'm not giving up on you or him." He wrapped his arms around me and squeezed. "I need to head back to the hotel and take care of a few things."

  My heart suddenly felt heavy and tears invaded my eyes. Realizing I might never see him again, I hugged him and didn't want to let go, except his touch was making my skin crawl terribly.

  "Thank you for everything," I said as his arms slackened.

  "I'm always here for you, and him," he said with a tilt of his head.

  I nodded.

  He gave me a pat on my arm. "See you later."

  "Later." I spun around and headed for Patrick before a tear decided to escape.

  The demon had one of his legs stretched out while he leaned on the other. He looked uncomfortable in the small metal chair. He glanced up. Seeing me, he set his phone down, then stood.

  "You look like you could use some rest in a more comfortable environment," I said.

  He shrugged. "Have you ever slept on a bus packed with hockey players? Trust me, it's far worse than this. At least I can stretch and move around here."

  I gave a smile before I pushed the door open. "Have the doctors been by?"

  He followed me inside Jeremy's room. I took my usual position on the side of the bed away from the machines and IV bag. The heart monitor showed a steady pace and his vitals looked good. As for Jeremy, he looked the same from when I'd left him hours ago, peacefully sleeping. I slid my hand under his, then planted my rear in the chair.

  "They said his progress hadn't changed much," Patrick said from the foot of the bed.

  I closed my eyes. How much longer would he stay like this? I couldn't keep waiting and hoping he'd recover. The clock was ticking and, eventually, vampires would return to find me. Leaving was the right decision, so I kept reminding myself.

  "Your hair looks better," he said.

  I gave him a smile. "Thanks."

  "Dylan will be by in an hour or so. Shawn said he's taking the day off."

  "Okay. Thank you for staying."

  "Sure thing." He backpedaled. "I'll wait outside."

  After he left, I shifted my attention to the sleeping demon and thought about Ryan's words before he'd left. Jeremy cared about me. There was no question about it. He'd said years ago I was the love of his life. Of course, I dismissed him because I loved Drake. No matter how many times I told the demon where my heart was, he endeavored to win me over. I hated how his persistence had landed him on his deathbed.

  Curious about Shawn, I withdrew my old cell phone from my pocket. I sent him a text message asking him if he'd had a change of heart about our deal. Why would he take the day off when he knew I wanted to get to France as soon as possible? I hoped he hadn't reneged on our agreement, but I would understand if he had.

  I set the phone on the side of Jeremy's leg. The blankets covering helped keep him warm, though he didn't need them. His temperature was slightly over one hundred, which was normal for demons. But I was willing to bet the doctors thought he had a fever and it was contributing to his lack of progress.

  Sighing, I rose and grazed the tips of my fingers over his cheek. The light-brown stubble from days without shaving tickled me. I lowered his chin, then leaned closer.

  "Get well, Jeremy," I said before I brought my lips close to his.

  My temperature increased as I blew energy into his mouth. Heat spread within me, fueling my drive to send him strength. My body tingled and thrived with power. I gave what I had to him, hoping it would help. After another breath of energy, I lifted his jaw.

  The buzz from my phone stole my attention. I looked at the cracked screen and saw a message from Shawn. It said he'd pick me up in a few hours and to be ready for a long flight.

  A sense of fear crawled through me as I lowered to the chair. I was going to face the evil fucks that had killed my friends and kept Drake as a prisoner. My days on earth were likely coming to an end.

  I pushed the phone aside and took Jeremy's hand into mine. For the last few hours, I wanted to remember his touch, his kindness, his willingness to always help me out. All the trouble and struggles we'd had amounted to nothing. I wanted to remember him as a good man—a demon with a passionate heart.

  * * *

  When my phone buzzed a few hours later, I nearly jumped out of my skin. I filled my lungs as I grabbed the cell near Jeremy's thigh. A new message from Shawn had arrived. He was in the parking lot, waiting.

  Anxiety surged within me as I stuffed the cell into my pocket. The time had come to leave. Was I ready to say goodbye? Is anyone ready when they know they're likely to die?

  I drew an infinity symbol on the back of Jeremy's hand, then retraced it several times. "Remember me," I said as I started to drown in sorrow. I gently touched his face. "Maybe we'll meet again. Maybe we won't. But I hope with all my heart that you'll go on and be happy, in this life and the next."

  Eyes filled with tears, I gave him a kiss goodbye before I walked out the door.

  Dylan was sitting in the chair in the hallway. His fingers were moving fast over his cell. I wiped my face as I passed him, then I stopped.

 
"I'm going out for a bit. I need some air," I said, glancing over my shoulder.

  He stood. "I can come with you."

  "If you don't mind, can you watch over Jeremy in case the doctors come by?"

  "Oh, okay," he said, then returned to the metal chair.

  I strode down the hall without looking back.

  Alone in the elevator, I fought a tsunami of grief. While I knew what I had to do, I hated leaving behind people I cared about. It was like a repeat of five and half years ago. Fucking vampires.

  I wiped my face as I reached the main floor. After the doors opened, I strode out with anger and hate fueling my determination. Life sucked, but I would accomplish my goals. I hoped the bloodsuckers were ready for me.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Shawn cut the engine to his car. "Are you certain you want to do this?"

  He'd parked in the parking garage across the street from the airport. Outside, planes roared as they flew above us.

  "You don't have to," he said. "You know that, right?"

  "I know. Sorry I've been so quiet." I'd been lost in my thoughts during the drive, so I hadn't spoke more than a few words. I reached for the handle on the door. "I'm ready to go."

  I stepped out of the car and paused. While Shawn grabbed a carry-on piece of luggage from the backseat, I withdrew my damaged phone from my pocket. I dropped in the passenger seat, then shut the door. Carrying a mid-sized rectangular bag with a strap over his shoulder, he met me near the trunk.

  "Will that fit on the plane?" I asked.

  "Yeah, I've used it before and never had any trouble."

  We headed for the walkway leading to the airport. The cold temperature soothed my warm flesh. I was comfortable in my jeans and vest over my thin gray top. Shawn dressed in casual clothes for the long flight. He wore a blue and gray flannel shirt, sleeves rolled up, over a blue t-shirt tucked inside khakis. His dark hair looked shorter and he had a clean-shaven face. I wondered if he'd recently visited a barber.

  "Did you get a passport for me?" I asked.

  "We wouldn't be here if I didn't have one. I'll say this, getting one made in an emergency is costly."

  "I'm sorry I won't be able to repay you."

  He waved his hand in the air. "It’s just money. Lucky for you, I've done well in the NHL."

  Past a pair of sliding doors, we entered the airport. Since I didn't know which airline we were flying on, I followed him to the ticket counters. The lines were short, but we still had to wait.

  "You don't have to go," I said as we stood behind a young couple. "You know that, right?" Reusing his words, I smiled, and so did he.

  "I'm going whether you like it or not," he said, then we moved up to next in the line.

  "Why do you want to go?" I asked. "It's dangerous, and the only thing you're getting in return is a future favor."

  "Honestly, the favor doesn't mean a whole lot to me. I want to go because I know Jeremy would want someone to protect you. After I saw what you did…" He shook his head. "It was incredible. I understand why the VETOV wants you. You scare the shit out of them. They've walked the earth for centuries, then you come along and can send their souls to Hell."

  "I told them I only send evil souls where they belong. They questioned my judgment."

  "Sure, they want to control you." He set his bag near his feet.

  "But I know who is evil. It's not a question. The soul is or it isn't."

  "It doesn't matter what you say to a centuries old vamp. He's always going to be right and in charge."

  "I wish Drake would've seen it that way. I tried to tell him, but he wouldn't listen."

  "How old is he?"

  "Drake—close to eight hundred and fifty years old."

  Shawn pressed his lips together before he looked away. For a solid minute or so, he said nothing.

  "Okay, I give up," I said. "What are you thinking?"

  "I don't think you'd like what I'm thinking. Out of respect, I should keep it to myself."

  "Next," the ticket lady said.

  Shawn picked up his bag, then we headed to the counter. While he answered the attendant's questions and provided our passports, I couldn't help but ponder what he didn't want to tell me. I appreciated he didn't want to hurt my feelings, but at this point in my short life, I wasn't too concerned, especially after we got the tickets and boarding passes.

  Hefting the bag with the strap on his shoulder, we proceeded to the security checkpoint. Thankfully, all I had was my new phone and a little bit of cash to place in the tub. I made it through with ease, but Shawn got the full body check from a female guard. I tried to hide my laughter and look away, but the comedy of the situation kept drawing my attention. After she waved her wand up and down his body, pausing near his groin, she allowed him to collect his belongings.

  He caught up with me several feet past security.

  "I think she liked you. She seemed to think you might have a weapon in your pants." Grinning, I tried not to laugh more, but it was a struggle.

  He walked next to me. "That seems to happen a lot when I fly. So far, no one has strip searched me. I think it might be fun if one of the ladies did."

  "Maybe next time, you should ask for a strip search. Just tell her your big gun is in your pants."

  He bumped his shoulder against mine and I couldn't help but laugh. In the midst of all the grief, fear, and anger, it was good to add a little humor.

  "Here's our gate," he said, gesturing with his arm.

  I found a seat near the ticket booth since there weren't any spots near the window. Shawn sat next to me and set his bag between his legs.

  "How long do you plan to stay on the island?" I asked. "I'm betting there isn't much to do. You'll get bored."

  "Yeah, but there will be plenty to see."

  "But you'll steer clear of the Fort. Right?" I asked.

  "I won't get too close. Even though I showered, I will keep a distance."

  He almost made me chuckle. The demon was on a roll.

  "We change flights in New York. From there we have a direct flight into Paris," he said.

  "And another plane from there. I remember," I said grimly.

  "Try to get some rest. I have a feeling you'll need it."

  For the next twenty minutes, we took turns hitting the bathroom, then checking our phones. I didn't have any special applications on mine, so I mostly surfed the Web. The weather in France was in the fifties with sunshine for the next couple of days. After that, the forecast called for rain. When the attendant announced our plane was boarding, Shawn quickly put away his phone and grabbed his bag. I followed him to the gate.

  Past the ticket taker, we walked down a hall. My nerves started to act squirrely and nausea took hold. I hoped I'd make without using a puke bag.

  I followed Shawn onto the plane and past two flight attendants. When we reached the seventh row, he turned to face me. "You can have the window seat."

  "Which side?" I asked.

  "E and F."

  I hurried to the chair near the window. Shawn sat next to me, then shoved his bag underneath the seat in front of him. I turned on the air above both of us before I buckled.

  "Thank you," he said.

  "No, thank you for the ticket."

  His lips hinted at a tiny grin. "I like you, Jessie. You have an amazing talent."

  "You have a pretty incredible one yourself. Electric shock therapy really does work."

  "It does, especially if the voltage is cranked up. So don't do anything to make me angry," he joked with a stern look.

  "Never."

  He lightly chuckled, then scanned the plane.

  Shawn’s friendship had come as a pleasant surprise. I liked his sense of humor, too. But I couldn't stop thinking about what he'd said earlier. I wanted to know what he'd thought and why it would upset me.

  I leaned toward him until I bumped his arm. "Remember earlier when you said you didn't want to tell me what you were thinking?"

  He sighed heavily. "Yeah."
>
  "I want to know."

  "Jessie—"

  "I don't care if it's mean or hurtful. I'm a big girl about to face a bunch of bloodsuckers. I can handle whatever it is."

  "You may hate me," he said.

  "No, I won't, because I'm asking you to tell me and I consider you a friend."

  He placed his hand on his chest. "Be still my heart, I'm a friend."

  I gave him a shove on his arm. He held a look of amusement on his face.

  "Tell me what you were thinking," I said. "Please."

  "Only on the condition you won't send my soul to Hell."

  I rolled my eyes. "Okay. Okay."

  He leaned my way. "I think you're an idiot for doing this. You're throwing your life away to save some bloodsucker who won't listen to you. Sure, he loves you and you love him. Blah-blah. Get over it. The vamp can't change anything. Worse yet, he will never change. If you think he will, you're blind. He's immortal. Vampires don't change. They just get meaner and more vindictive. And I know you don't want to believe this, but he'll never make you fully happy. You'll always be longing for something more, something to fulfill you. He can't do it. And he can never give you a future with children. You need to wake up and start living your life. He's not worth dying for."

  I stared at him, not sure how to respond. Heat warmed my face. "I'm an idiot, huh?"

  "For doing this, yeah. I'm sorry, Jessie, but that's what I think."

  I swallowed. "Why are you helping me again?"

  "Because I hope you will change your mind. Because I see so much potential in you and I want you to be happy. Because Jeremy is a good friend and if I were in his shoes…" He paused to take a breath. "Well, I'd want someone like me to tag along with the woman I loved."

  "I thought you said he'd have your balls if he found out you helped me get to France," I said.

  "I bought a fire retardant jockstrap. I should be okay."

  Not laughing, I looked away from him and leaned closer to the window.