“Let me.” He took the oar from my hands. “You did well.”
I wanted to refuse. I wanted to scream in frustration, but instead, I nodded and moved aside. The boat’s speed picked up as Jameson and Henry fell into synchronization. The two men from the ship’s crew stared wide-eyed back at the port. My heart hurt for their losses. It was horrific to witness, and I was tired of seeing vampires win.
We made it back to the ship, and it seemed like the entire crew was at the edge with ropes, waiting to lift us back up. Nettie leaned over the side, her body hiccupping as she tried to calm down. It wasn’t right that she had to witness so much evil. As soon as we joined the hunters, I wanted to find a safe place for her to stay, even if we had to leave her behind. As long as she was safe, everything else would be less overbearing.
I climbed over the edge of the boat first, followed by Jameson and Henry, then the crew. We were met with hugs and tears. Husbands and fathers had just died. It wasn’t a good time for any of us.
Jameson tugged on my hand. “Follow me. We need to meet with the captain.”
Our group followed the man to his quarters. His shoulders were stiff, and he kept grunting. I didn’t blame the man for being angry; he’d just lost several of his men.
“Captain Philip,” Jameson began, “we tried to get your men to retreat. I’m very sorry for your loss.”
He nodded gruffly. “I know. I watched from here. They’re stubborn men. How did this happen? What were they? You seemed to know exactly what they were when you saw them.”
“They’re vampires, but those ones had been starved, so they were weak. If they had fed recently and regularly, you might have witnessed a very different outcome,” Jameson answered. “When was the last time you came to this port?”
Captain Philip pulled out his leather-bound manifest book, much like the one we had used back home. “We were here two weeks ago. Everything was normal. We dropped off some cargo from Port Valor and a group not much bigger than yours.”
“Do you remember any of their names?” Jameson asked.
I turned my head in confusion, not understanding why he would care about people who had been dropped off two weeks ago.
“Only one,” the captain replied. “His name was Solomon. He was the one who reserved their passage. Odd fellow. He asked to check the ship before letting any of his men on. Said he was looking for any sign of sickness. Seemed harmless to me. Does that name ring a bell to you?”
It didn’t take long for me to figure out why Jameson had asked. Solomon was the name of the hunter we were trying to track down. He must have suspected the island was going to be attacked and got people out of there. Or, at least, I hoped he did.
“Yes, we were hoping to meet him there,” Jameson said. “Where is this ship headed next?”
“Port Victory.”
I shook my head. “I don’t recommend going there.”
Henry and Alice nodded their heads in agreement, and I realized then I hadn’t heard Nettie. Looking back for her and Nathan, I found he stood right outside the door, with her on his hip. I smiled, grateful he had thought to keep her out, but stayed close enough in case we needed him.
“Why shouldn’t we go there?” Captain Philip asked. “I received word there was a large shipment that needs to be transported, and I have passengers who are eager to get home.”
“The vampires you saw back there are nothing compared to what you will find at Port Victory,” Henry explained. “We barely escaped with our lives. Unless you plan on bringing an army, I wouldn’t advise going in that direction.”
The captain’s eyes bulged as he took a step back. We probably sounded insane, but hopefully he would believe us after what he had just witnessed.
“I know it’s scary to think that the monsters we believe to be fictional are real, but we are telling you the truth,” I added. “We just want to keep as many people safe as possible. Even out here on the sea, it isn’t safe. Pirates are worse than ever, and some have even teamed up with the vampires.”
“What do we do then? Where do we go?” The captain’s voice was near hysteria.
Jameson pointed to the map on the captain’s desk. “We need to head to Port Valor. That’s where we will find safety.”
“How do you know?” Captain Philip asked skeptically.
“Because the man you left here two weeks ago is smart, and that’s where he’ll be.”
The captain took a moment to contemplate what we had told him. I could see the hesitancy on his face as his brow furrowed and sweat beaded along his receding hairline.
“Port Valor is only two days from here if I run a full crew around the clock and don’t slow down,” he finally answered. “I’ll redirect the ship there, but if you’re wrong, there will be a price. Do I make myself clear?”
Jameson nodded. “Yes, Captain.”
“Good. Now, go back to your rooms. I have a crew to prepare.”
We filed out of the room without needing to be told twice. Jameson’s fingers intertwined with mine while we silently headed for our quarters. Even Nettie remained quiet as our solemn mood weighed heavily on everyone.
We took seats in the area between our rooms and waited for Jameson to speak first. I knew almost nothing about this Solomon who was supposed to provide us with a solution to the vampires. And I wasn’t going to pretend I had a plan for what we should do next on our journey.
Jameson’s fingers steepled beneath his chin. “I wish I could say I felt as confident as I sounded in that room, but I’m not so sure Solomon will be there. I just have no idea where we could go otherwise. We would have to wait for a ship that’s going to the mainland, but it would be expensive, and likely take us weeks to sort out that kind of travel. This is our last hope.”
I grabbed his hand and squeezed. “It’s okay. We’re in this together, and we will figure it out. We won’t let those monsters beat us. We’ll find a way to get our home back.”
Alice stood. “Nia is right. Even if Solomon isn’t there, we can work it out. The captain may have been hard on you, but it’s only because he’s scared.”
Nettie yawned, leaning her head against Nathan. He glanced down, then looked at the rest of us. “I’m going to get her to bed. Let’s not worry about it tonight. Everyone should get some rest.”
Henry nodded. “As we saw today, life can end in a moment.” He grabbed Alice’s hand and brought it to his lips.
My eyes widened. I had suspected there was something between them, but I wasn’t sure they had acted on it. I was glad to see they weren’t going to hide it anymore. We all deserved whatever happiness we could find in these dark times.
We dispersed into our rooms, and I fell onto the bed, exhausted. When Jameson and I first started rooming together, it was awkward, but with each passing day, I became more and more comfortable around him. I knew it wasn’t proper. A woman of my age shouldn’t be alone with a male without being married, but since that wasn’t an option, nor something I was certain I wanted, I didn’t really care. I was tired of living my life by everyone else’s rules.
Jameson sank next to me on the bed. “Are you all right?”
I laughed. He was constantly asking me that. I wasn’t all right. I didn’t think I would ever be all right again, but I always answered the same.
“Of course, I am.”
His hand stroked its way up my arm before cradling my face. “I don’t know what I would have done if something happened to you today. I don’t like you being in danger, but I don’t want to hold you back, either. It’s a hard position to be in.”
“I know, and I appreciate you for saying that. I don’t want to cause you extra stress, but I’m involved in whatever is happening. I’m connected to it somehow. I don’t know why I can’t be changed, but some of my senses are now heightened, and the fact that I knew something was wrong when the port came into view today was not normal. I have to be a part of whatever is going on.”
He leaned forward, pressing his lips to mine. “
I know. I’ll try to be understanding of it, but know that I’m sorry if I can’t control my need to protect you.”
He kissed me again, this time with more passion that I happily returned. His hand slid down my leg, hooking it up and over his so our bodies were flush. Everything in me ignited at the contact as he assaulted my senses.
My hands roamed under his shirt, feeling the ripple of his muscles. This was about the time we normally pulled apart and went to bed, but not tonight. Tonight, we needed just a little bit more from each other, and I was happy with the give and take.
He hardened against me as my breath became more frantic. I wasn’t sure I was ready for more, but my body was telling me that I needed it. I was overheated and wanted every shred of clothing gone.
“Lavinia,” he whispered against my ear before placing kisses along my neck. “We need to stop.”
I heard him, but I didn’t respond. I didn’t know how. Everything in me was on fire.
He pulled back, placing both hands on my face. I opened my eyes as his thumbs stroked my cheeks, heating my insides, but the look of shock that crossed his face instantly cooled me.
“What’s wrong?” My breath caught in my chest.
“Your eyes. They’re red.” He shook his head. “Now they’re normal.”
I closed my eyes, listening for my heartbeat. It was the only way I had to tell if I was still human, or mostly human. I sighed in relief as it still beat wildly in my chest.
“I feel normal. Are you sure of what you saw?” I disliked questioning him, but I hated to think of what I was becoming.
He scratched his head. “Yes. I’m positive, but there’s not even a tinge of it now.”
An embarrassing thought crossed my mind. “Do you think it happened because of what we were doing?”
He hummed. “Possibly. Let’s not push it tonight. We’ve had enough happen today, and I don’t want to risk something happening to you.”
I settled down some. It was a valid thought, and I agreed with him. We could figure it out later. All that mattered was that I was still human, even if I wasn’t sure how long that would last.
The two days went by quickly as we prepared for arrival to Port Valor. The captain shared the ship’s weapons with our group, and each of us carried a gun. I’d never fired one and only held one once, when I had removed my uncle’s from the dinner table, but I felt better having it on me.
Even if they couldn’t kill the vampires, the guns would certainly slow them down, and all we needed was an opportunity to get away. I would take anything that would help give me that.
Nettie tugged on my skirt as we stood on the deck with some of the crew. “Nia, can I stay with you? Uncle Nathan is cranky today.”
I smiled at her. We were all “cranky”. We had a lot riding on people still being at Port Valor.
“I would love that. You can keep Alice and me company while the guys do all the heavy lifting.” I kept my tone light, trying to ease her worry.
She grinned at me before nestling into my side. I wrapped my arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer. Nathan visibly relaxed when he saw he didn’t have to worry about her. I hadn’t realized he was so worried; I would have to remind him we were all in this together. We would all protect Nettie. He didn’t have to carry that burden on his own.
“How much longer until we arrive?” Alice asked.
The captain lifted his telescope. “Not much longer. I can just make out the shape of land.”
Word had spread to the other passengers about the vampires, and many volunteered to help fight. We had come together as one community even though we didn’t know each other, and it made my heart happy. The news could have caused an uprising of panic through the people, but instead, their first instinct was to ask how they could help.
Most of the women and children were still below deck, in the sleeping quarters. When we tried to leave Nettie below with the mother of a young girl she had befriended, Nettie began screaming. Nathan couldn’t take the sorrow pouring from her, and I hadn’t argued with him. It wasn’t much safer below than it was up top.
An hour later, land became visible to the naked eye, and the heaviness in my chest I had felt at Port Defiant was back, but not as strong. My shoulders tensed as I waited to see the bustle of a town still intact, but it never came. Grumbles came from the crew. Nobody was pleased with what we were seeing.
“Look for a white flag,” Jameson urged. “If we find that, then we will find safety.”
The captain used his telescope again, roaming across port much slower, before pointing off to the right. “There’s one on the very last dock, but I still don’t see any people. I’m not sending my men to be slaughtered again.”
“I understand,” Jameson replied. “We would never ask that of you. If you would allow us to use the rowboat, then we will head to land ourselves. If everything is clear, we will come back for you.”
A man from behind the captain cleared his throat. “I’d like to volunteer to go with them.”
Captain Philip glanced back. “Are you sure, Alex?” The young man nodded. “Very well. Alex will go with you and bring the boat back to us.”
We readied the boat. That time, all six of our group were going. It was a little crowded with all of our belongings and weapons, but we made it work. My hands shook as we got closer, but the darkness didn’t come like before, giving me hope that Jameson had been right.
When we pulled up to the dock, Jameson turned back toward Alice and me. “Will you stay here with Nettie while we search a few of the buildings? We won’t go far without you.”
I nodded. It was a reasonable request. “Be safe.”
They cleared two buildings as we sat there with Alex. I was half-surprised he hadn’t left us on our own, but he seemed eager to be involved, and I was grateful. When the guys entered the third building, I heard broken glass and shouts. I stood quickly, moving Nettie behind me.
We held our breath as we waited for the guys to come back, but their faces weren’t the next thing we saw. It was another group of vampires just like the ones at Port Defiant, making any last sliver of hope I had disappear completely.
Chapter 14
Alex took off, heading for the building. If it wasn’t for Nettie, I would have joined him, but protecting her was more important. Alice stood next to me with Nettie tucked between us. If they didn’t come back soon, I was going to put Nettie in the boat and row out into the water just far enough—I said as much to Alice.
“That’s what they would want us to do,” she agreed.
Suddenly, a group of people came out from what seemed like nowhere. There were at least ten men and women, dressed in dark clothing and holding various weapons. I wasn’t sure they were friendly until I saw the glint of glowing silver. A hunter’s blade.
We had finally found them.
Just as Alex slipped into the building, the new group spotted Alice and me. They changed course, ignoring the sounds of combat, and headed straight for us. Alice grabbed the oars from the boat and tossed one to me before taking up a fighting stance. I mimicked her while telling Nettie to stay behind us.
The silvery glow from the hunter’s blade flashed brightly. A dark-haired woman wielded it as she narrowed her eyes at the three of us. They continued to advance on our position, and I wondered why when there were attacking vampires. We were human and no threat to them, but judging by the hard looks on their faces and the glint in their eyes, they didn’t like nor trust strangers.
The sounds coming from the building where Jameson and the others were in had grown quiet.
“Jameson, there are people heading toward us that don’t look friendly, and one has a hunter’s blade.” I took a chance and spoke in a whisper. His hearing and speed had continued to increase over the last couple of weeks, but we had yet to test just how far away he could hear, since we’d spent most of our time on a ship.
I was able to count three heartbeats before I saw men exit the building. Nathan, Alex, and Henry we
re running toward us. I didn’t look for Jameson, because he was suddenly standing between the approaching group and us. The dagger glowed brightly in his hand, while charred ash covered his body.
The group halted at Jameson’s sudden appearance. I took a step closer to his back, then another, noticing that he was vibrating and fighting for control. With my free hand, I reached out and touched him. He stiffened for a moment before finally calming. He glanced over his shoulder, and I watched as his eyes faded from red to their normal azure color.
We both turned to the new group and watched them cross the distance between us while Henry, Nathan, and Alex joined us.
“I smell them,” Jameson intoned. His voice was rough, and I knew he was hungry. He had run out of animal blood from the canteens more than a day ago. My presence and touch were helping, but there would come a time when it wouldn’t be enough if he didn’t feed soon.
“Who are you?” the woman with the glowing weapon called to us.
“Refugees looking for safety,” Jameson replied.
“How is it that you are a vampire, yet you can wield a hunter’s blade?”
“I haven’t fed from a human,” he answered confidently.
The group whispered and murmured amongst themselves, which made me nervous. My vampire abilities didn’t include advanced hearing, so I couldn’t make out any of their words.
“What are they saying?” I asked Jameson quietly.
“They met another hunter who was also part vampire like me,” Jameson informed, shifting his weight.
“There are others like you?” I gasped, my mind running wild with the implications.
“It would appear so.” He took a steadying deep breath through his nose.
I stepped closer, wishing I could wrap my arms around him to help him fight the hunger he was feeling. We needed to find him an animal soon, or I feared he would turn into the mindless vampires who were more like walking corpses, or worse, go looking for a human.
“We are from Port Victory, which has been overrun by vampires. We came here looking for the hunter who trained me and gave me this dagger. His name is Solomon,” Jameson explained loudly.
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