by Lisa Ray
Chloe stood up and walked to Hagan, “He did what any father would do. We have to help him, not hurt him.”
“We can’t trust him.”
“Yes we can.”
Hagan walked to Ben, “Tell us everything you know.”
“A week ago David disappeared. I searched everywhere. Then I got a not. It read that he was with the rogues by his own choice. But that they needed something from me and if I didn’t do it they would kill him, slowly and with much pain. I was instructed to let them know if and when no one was here and to let them in and make sure they were able to get the jump on Ryker’s men. Then I was to help them get out. In return, they were supposed to have brought my son and left him here. How could I be so stupid? How?” Ben was beside himself. “Other than that, I don’t know anything. The three men that met me at the gate said that my son was in the trunk and that when it was done they would let him out. So I helped them and then they were gone. I tried to stop them and they only laughed. I opened the trunk and it was empty. They were never bringing my son back. It was all a lie. I betrayed everything and everyone for a lie. I can tell you what they looked like and that one was wolf and the other two Vampires. Other than that, that’s all I know.”
“O.K., come with us, we all have work to do. And Ryker’s house is where we start.”
Ben looked surprised. Flanked by guards, he went with the others to Rykers home.
Soon Archer, Hagan, Chloe, Ben, along with three of Archers trusted pack and four or Ryker’s best men, were all huddled in Ryker’s study, They were trying to come up with a plan.
Ryker managed to raise his head when the door opened. He didn’t bother to hide his surprise. “William, is that you?”
The man walked up in front of Ryker and smiled and said, “Ryker, it’s been a long time, my friend.”
“Are you behind this William? Are you the leader of all the rogues?”
William threw back his head and laughed,” No, I’m high up in the ranks but I’m not the one that began it all. You would be surprised at who it is.”
“Tell me”
“No, Ryker, I don’t think we are there yet. Now if I can manage to bring you to our side, then that would be impressive to the leader. Is there a chance of that, my friend?”
Ryker looked his old friend in the eyes, “I guess you might as well quit calling me that. Because there’s no way I’ll ever join a group that wants bloodshed and war.”
“Never?”
William raised a hand held radio and spoke softly into it. The door opened and two big burly Vampires walked in with a third wrapped in silver between them. They shoved the young man on the floor in front of Ryker. The young man lifted his eyes through his pain and met Ryker’s. Ryker recognized the boy immediately. It was Ben’s son, David.
“What are you doing William?”
“I’m going to prove to you that you are still the same bloodthirsty Ryker I fought beside. All your generous volunteer blood donors have to get boring. Never drinking the human until there is no more life left in their body has to get old. I know you remember the wonderful feeling that was.”
“No, I’m not the same. I’m satisfied with peace.”
“We will see.” William reached down and pulled David to his feet. As David looked Ryker in the eye, William bit down hard, from behind him, right on David’s carotid artery. Blood spurted across the room, some splattering on Ryker’s face and clothes. For an instant Ryker’s face changed as it grew in length and his teeth elongated. Then Ryker gained control again. “Stop William. Even Vampires have to have blood in their bodies. If you patch him now he will heal.”
“No. I am going to enjoy my meal, every last drop. Then I am going to give his skin and bones to the wolves. They love that part. Filthy anmals.”
“Please, William. What do I need to do for you to leave David alive?”
“Join me” William said as he looked at Ryker, David’s blood puddling under his feet.
Ryker was silent. He looked into David’s eyes, “I’m sorry, son. I will make him pay, I promise.”
David seemed to accept his fate; He managed a few last words. Tell my father I loved him and I’m sorry.”
Ryker watched as Williams’s incisors bit deep into David’s neck again. He heard the blood coursing through David’s body as it flowed into Williams’s mouth. He smelled the coppery smell of life as it ebbed away from the boy. And he almost lost it again. He did remember what it was like. He had enjoyed it many, many times. It was hard to forget.
Then Ryker watched as William let go of David’s lifeless body and it slipped to the floor. William faced Ryker, blood covering his face from his nose down, trickling off his chin. His clothes were drenched in it. He smiled at Ryker and wiped his arm across his mouth. Then he smiled, “Ah that was energizing. Nothing beats young vampire blood.”
“How can you do that to your own kind? A young man that came to be one of you.”
“He was a pawn. His father betrayed you to get him back.”
“And yet here he is, you held a man’s son over his head to betray me and then killed the boy anyway. What happened to you, William? When we last parted, you were still for peace.”
“I changed my mind. Humans deserve to be slaves and nothing more. Especially the women. “
Ryker sighed, “So what is your plan for me.
“Well, if you won’t join us, I will make an example out of you. And in the chaos after your very public execution, the rest of the clans across the country will be in disarray and we can take them easy. So enjoy your last few days Ryker. Hungry and alone. Then this country will be ours. Your death is planned for five days from now. Don’t even think there is any chance for you. This is a fortress.” William was done talking. He turned and left the room as quickly as he arrived. Ryker heard the locks flip as he was imprisoned inside the room.
Ryker looked at the lifeless body of his old friend’s son on the floor in front of him and for the first time in his life, he felt completely helpless.
Chapter Ten
Inside Ryker’s mini modern castle, the group was somber. Besides Bella and Lisette, from Archer’s pack there was Chloe and Walker. Hagan looked around at the group. There two of his trusted security team, Craven and Manfred and then there was Ben. Hagan spoke first.
“I don’t know who we can trust outside this group. I’m not even sure about everyone here,” And he looked at Ben.
“I swear you can trust me, Hagan. I’m done compromising my value. I want in on whatever plan that is made. I am going to help get Ryker back and at the same time get my son. If I fail you, kill me where I stand. I will even give my life for the mission if it gets my son and Ryker back.” Ben stood a little taller and looked at Hagan.
Hagan was in Bens face before anyone could blink. The look on his face one of untamed anger, “I will, don’t worry. I wont hesitate to take your head.”
Chloe walked to Hagan and placed her hand on his arm. Hagan relaxed slightly and finally turned to face the room.
“I believe that we need to all concentrate on a plan. Everyone here should be the only ones that know what we know. I think we should try to keep the fact that Ryker isn’t here as quiet as possible. If the clan finds out, they will be ready to go to war. We need a quieter plan. Something smart, something that gives us a real chance.” Lisette continued, “And I am going. Whatever the plan, I will be in the center of it. Anyone that tries to stop me will regret it.”
No one in the room doubted the human woman’s intentions. Hagan looked at Craven, “Have we heard from any of our contacts?”
“Yes, we have. So far no one knows anything. We have a few more that are out there but we have heard from most.”
“What about your people, Archer? Anything?”
“I need to talk to Sasha. She is the only one that isn’t here that knows what’s going on. She has been getting in touch with all of our plants. I’ll give her a call” And Archer walked away, pulling his phone from his pocket.
“Say we do find out where Ryker is. Then what?” Manfred asked Hagan.
“We go after him.”
“No.” Chloe whispered. “I think I have an idea. But it will be dangerous and some may die.” She looked straight at Lisette. “If we find Ryker’s location, you can be sure he is with the man they replaced Lane with. He will be heavily guarded and possibly surrounded by many rogues. We need to send in a sure bet. If Ryker were dead, I believe we would know. The rogues would want to taunt us with the news. I think hes still alive and they will use him in some way. They probably took Ryker to use him for an example. What if we send someone into the middle of the nest right through the front door? Let them cozy up to the boss man and then mention that they are out for vengeance on a Vampire that left her for a human. She can throw out Ryker’s name and the head man may take the bait. It’s a long shot but whoever goes will be wired where we can hear all that is said. Hopefully Rykers position can be coerced and we can go in and get him out. With knowledge of numbers and exactly where he is we might just stand a chance.” Chloe looked around to see if everyone understood.
“I’ll do it. No one else is going in. It has to be me.” Lisette said.
Hagan looked at her and shook his head.” It can’t be you. Humans are what they hate. It has to be a Vampire or Lycan.”
“Then make me one”
Bella looked at her mother, “No! Mom, do you know what you’re saying?”
“I do. The man I love needs me. I won’t let him down. Make me one of you. Do it now” Lisette was adamant.
Everyone looked around at each other.
“If you don’t, I will follow whoever goes and go in human. So you don’t have a choice.” Lisette spoke so softly everyone had to strain to hear her.
“It’s not an easy process. It’s extremely painful to change a human. We never do it anymore. Too many humans can’t handle the hunger and thirst. What makes you think you can?” Hagan asked Lisette.
“I don’t know if I can. But I know I have to try. Hagan, you do it. Tell me what to do, how it works and do it.”
Hagan looked at Bella. Bella, understanding her mother’s love, nodded.
“First there is the bite. Then you must drink from me. Then we will feed you human blood. You will be put in a dark place for twelve hours. During those hours, you will either go mad or make the full change. When we bring you out, we will have to be ready to help you restrain your thirst. It takes most humans weeks to learn to control their thirst.”
“So if I can’t, kill me.”Lisette said. She strode toward Hagan. “Take me where we need to start. We are wasting time.”
Hagan looked at Craven. He knew Lisette meant what she said. She would follow and get herself killed. If He changed her, she would at least stand a chance. If she made it through the change.“I’ll be back soon. Come with me, Lisette.”
Lisette went to her daughter who was sobbing quietly, “I love you daughter. You’ve made me proud. I hope you understand.”
Bella felt her mother push her hair behind her shoulders. She grabbed her mother and held her tight, “I do, mom. I would do the same for Archer. But you make it through. You fight to be strong and come back to me.”
Lisette smiled at Bella then she turned and Hagan led the way to a door, opening it, he flipped on a light and they began descending down a long flight of stairs.
At that moment Archer entered the room. “Where’s Hagan?”
No one spoke for a minute. Then Bella started telling Archer about Chloe’s plan and Lisette’s decision. For a minute Archer said nothing. Then he took Bella in his arms and held her close. No one talked as they waited. Each one wandered here and there. It seemed like forever.
Hagan led Lisette down deeper and deeper. The trailing lights gave off a soft glow to the winding stairs. At last they reached a doorway. Hagan entered a code and the door opened. They both entered and the door shut behind them. Lisette followed Hagan into what appeared to be a large elegantly plush den. Couches and recliners surrounded a very large screen elevision. A kitchen was off in one corner. Hagan walked to a set of switched on one wall. When he flipped a switch, the cranking of a smooth engine emanated from the center of the room. Bars, in the form of a cell, were rising from the floor. A click signaled when they hit the ceiling made of concrete. Hagan pushed another switch and Lisette heard another hum as center of the cell floor opened and a coffin of gold rose slowly.
Lisette folloed Lisette to and the cell and watched as he pulled out a set of keys and unlock the iron lock. The only part of the sell that wasn’t silver. Entering the cell, Hagan pushed a button on the side of the coffin and retrieved a bag. Lisette knew what it was. She had seen them in Ryker’s refrigerator. Hagan didn’t give Lisette time to think. Before she could react, Hagans facial features had changed and she felt the pain as he bit deep into her neck. She controlled her fear and pain and didn’t make a sound. Just as soon as he bit and drank, he stopped. He raised his head and watch Lisettes face. He put his wrist to his mouth and bit. Blood flowed freely and he raised it to her mouth. Without hesitation, Lisette took his wrist in her mouth and drank. He stopped her when she had enough. Then he reached for the bag, ripping it opened with his teeth he handed it to her. She lifted it to her mouth and drank deeply. Then she walked to the coffin. Hagan helped her climb in. She lay down and looked up as Hagan began to shut her in.
“I’ll be back in twelve hours. When you wake up, there’s a latch you can push to get out. I should be here waiting and watching. I pray you make it through. I only hope Ryker forgives me and understands.”
“Thanks, Hagan. I will make it. For Ryker.” She smiled at him, her mouth smeared with blood, as Hagan closed the lid. She closed her eyes and soon she was lost in a swirling darkness of pain and madness.
Chapter Twelve
Hagan arrived upstairs to an eerie quiet. Everyone was seated here and there and seemed to be waiting. He saw Bella look at him and grimace. He realized he had blood around his mouth. He wiped it off with his sleeve.
“It’s done. It is midnight. Tomorrow at noon we will know. Until then, did you find anything out Archer? “
“Maybe. One of my people was sent to Alabama to join and report. It seems that’s their main hub. The main man supposedly has bought a huge empty high-rise and had it restored. It is full of rogues from everywhere and has perimeter electric fencing. It seems like they send groups out from there to all the other states. If I were a guessing man, I’d say that’s where the big man is. And that, my friends, is where we will find Ryker. If he’s still alive. My contact is headed there now; he had to go take a load of ammo to another group. But as soon as the morning he will be back there and will find out more. What do you think of Chloe’s idea?”
Hagan looked at Chloe and for a split second his eyes changed to something Chloe didn’t understand. “I think it’s a long shot. But I think it’s all we have right now and we have to act fast. I have a man in Alabama too. I will get in touch with him if you will tell me your man’s name, I will hook them up. They may find out enough without putting Lisette in danger. If not, she needs to go if we can get her ready and she makes it through the madness.”
Archer shook his head, “I agree. So I say we all get as much rest as we can and meet back here at seven. By then my man, whose name is J.J. by the way, should be back at the Alabama hub and we can go from there.”
“I will get in touch with my man. His name is Lamar. Ill fill him in and see what he knows and send him to find J.J. I will be down in the room under if anyone needs me. I want to be there in case she wakes early. It happens occasionally.”
Everyone agreed and all left. Except Chloe.
“I will sit with you if that’s all right.” Chloe looked at Hagan.
Hagan nodded yes. “Let me check in with the ones in charge of the human training to see how that’s going and then we will go down. You may want to grab us some water and snacks from the kitchen.”
Chloe nodded and
headed to the kitchen while Hagan made his call. Soon, they were descending the stairs below the house together. Chloe watched as Hagan entered the code and followed him into a large comfortable den. In the center was what resembled a prison cell with bars all the way around. In the center was a beautiful mahogany coffin. Hagan led Chloe to a large comfortable couch and flipped on a television to watch. For a while they watched in silence then Hagan felt Chloe’s head touch his shoulder. He forgot she needed sleep. He lowered her head to his lap and stroked her hair as she breathed deeply in her sleep. She was beautiful. But she was Lycan. It wouldn’t do for him to have feelings for her. It could go nowhere. But he could be nice.
And so Hagan watched the world in chaos on the big screen and waited patiently for the morning.
Chloe was dreaming. It was a nice dream. But she was being pulled out of it by hands gently shaking her shoulder. She opened her eyes to realize her head was in Hagan’s lap.
She immediately popped up, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to use you as a pillow.”
“It’s quite all right. Anytime,” And Hagan smiled that sexy smile of his. “But it’s time to wake up. You haven’t slept long. Its six A.M. But Lisette is stirring. Call Bella. She needs to be here. She may help. We need to be ready for anything.”
Lisette’s dreams were dark and twisted. One minute she felt young and vibrant and the next as old as time. The pain in her body caused her muscles to draw up tight. It almost felt like they were twisting in her arms and legs and neck. Her head was about to explode. And she felt the hunger. Fierce and all-consuming she needed to feed. In her mind she envisioned blood, red and flowing, pulsing and she wanted to taste it until there was nothing left. She was aware of who she was, of who she had been. The fight within her was to hold on to that person. So she fought. She tried to bring her pained mind around to Bella, her human daughter and the baby she carried. She thought of Ryker and the reason she had to control her thirst. She didn’t know if she could control the need. It kept coming back. The smell of a newborns fresh blood. Her daughter’s neck pulsing with life. The battle raged within. The pain wracked her body without. And Lisette fought.