“I didn’t know,” I lied. “I didn’t know I wasn’t supposed to feed her my blood.”
“Bullshit!” Horus snapped. He spun to Morin. “I left you under strict instruction not to allow anyone to feed her. No matter what.”
“She didn’t know,” I repeated, holding up my hands in supplication. Not only was I now trying to protect Orie, but Morin as well. The witch looked terrified, her old eyes crinkled at the sides. I flashed her a look that said ‘it’s okay’ before continuing. “I ran through so fast no one saw me. And when I saw Cloe was hurt I immediately gave her my blood.”
“Liar!” Horus hissed, and came at me in a flash, pinning me to the ground before I knew what was happening. His sharp claws dug into my neck, his death-breath filling my nostrils.
My fangs descended in defense, my heart pumping blood rapidly through my veins. Uncontrollable anger welled within me. It took over my being, my body reacting to its fierce pull. I craved the vampire leader’s blood, my hunger growing at the rate of my rage. And from my training with Wilson, I knew I was exceptionally strong and faster than most. In that moment, I could give Horus the fight of his life.
Yet it was due to my love for Guy that I laid still while Horus breathed onto my neck, seconds away from sinking his fangs into my flesh. If I made one wrong move it could jeopardize any chance I had of being able to free my savior. It took all I had to hold back my need to kill the spiteful vampire and drain him dry.
“Enough, Horus,” Pandora heaved. “You heard her, it was a mistake. There is nothing you can do.”
“I can kill the baby vampire,” Horus rasped. “That’s what I can do.”
To my relief Pandora spoke up again, defending me. “The decision for her to live has already been made, and you know as well as anyone the Patriarch is an iron fist when it comes to rules. If you kill her unjustly you will be demoted from your position in the legion. You don’t want that do you?”
Horus clenched his jaw, his fingernails barely breaking open my skin. Drops of blood ran down my tense neck. Horus leaned over me, his voice murderously low.
“This is the second time you have been saved. Next time I will see to it you are all alone with no one there to stop me. And I will rip your heart out and feed it to you one bite at a time.” He slammed my head into the ground and my mind spun dizzily. He then stood over me, huffing.
“Come Horus,” Morin, the witch said, eyeing me sideways. I couldn’t tell if she was grateful for my actions or not. Either way, she shooed Horus on. “It is time for the legion to vote on the blood slave proposition.”
Horus glared at me, though he slithered backward toward the legion. “Yes,” he smiled deviously. “Let us decide the fate of the humans.”
The tone of his words scared me deeply. He was aware of my connection to the humans and might use that against me. But I put my faith in Jax and Morin that they would outvote him two to one.
As soon as the group left us, Orie helped me to my feet. He was back to his human form, and already dressed in clothes I was sure they had on hand at the bar for instances like this. His topaz eyes still blazed as he leaned into my ear.
“Why did you do that? Why did you take the blame?”
I looked around us. The bar had gone back to normal and no one in particular paid attention to us anymore. Even so, I whispered in reply with a wide smile.
“Because you’d have done the same for me.”
TWENTY-FIVE: CLOE
Agony from Horus’ beating singed through me as I faded in and out of consciousness. Some moments I remained aware of the soft bed I lay in and the sounds around me. Other times the nonexistent darkness sucked me back in. Yet the entire time I laid in the infirmary, I knew what had happened. I had finally —if not directly— stood up to my maker by blocking him out of my mind. I smiled inwardly at my newfound bravery.
But it would take a lot more than guts and an ability to guard my mind to finally free myself of Horus. If I continued to block him out I would likely find myself dead. And although my maker was the epitome of evil, most vampires in Tombstone still followed him blindly. They wouldn’t even bat an eye if an insubordinate creation such as myself went missing. I needed a plan, and it had to be a good one if I were ever going to be finally free of him. But for some reason Ruby seemed to be the key to this plan, though I had no idea what it would be.
I peeled open my eyes to see the warm glow of candles bouncing off the infirmary walls, yet when I tried to turn my head to the side a jarring pain shot through my skull. Instinctively, I tried to lift my arms and soothe the pulsing pain, but even my limbs would not cooperate.
I was actually glad I remained unwell, for that meant I would have to stay with the witches a while longer. By far, Morin proved much better company than Horus ever had. Plus, staying laid-up would buy me some time to figure out what I would do next. I sure as heck couldn’t go back to living with Horus. I couldn’t do it. I wouldn’t do it. I would fight tooth and nail— well, fang and claw if you’re getting specific— to avoid that situation. The sound of the door cracking open had me flinching in pain. Footsteps padded toward me.
“Her eyes are open,” a soft female voice said. Ruby.
The forms of my two friends stood over me, smiling. Ruby, although always a beacon of light, was more dim and distressed. Orie seemed happy but concerned as well.
“You look better,” he said as he brushed his fingers down the side of my cheek. His touch spread warmth through me.
I’d always been afraid of attention from anyone other than Horus because they would have hell to pay. But I now warmly welcomed the comfort from the young werewolf. I had denied my feelings for him too long and couldn’t ignore them anymore. The recent events made me realize what was most important in life, and to me it was Orie. I wanted more than anything to tell him how I felt and return the love he had for me, yet when I opened my mouth to speak, nothing but a dry moan came out. My mind was clear, but my body still needed to catch up.
“It’s okay,” Orie said. “Just rest. You can tell me all about it when you’re better.” I tried to smile but didn’t know if it was visible on my lips.
Ruby excused herself from the room and left Orie and I alone. I watched him pull a knife from his pocket and I winced when he sliced open his wrist. I hated seeing him inflict pain upon himself for me, but knew it was for the best. He held it to my lips and his warm blood trickled into my mouth.
It took all my strength to swallow, but despite the pain, I drank deeply. His warm blood coursed through me, slowly increasing the strength of my body. I still remained mostly paralyzed but could now move the tips of my fingers.
Orie laughed when he saw it, lacing his fingers within mine. He spent the next few minutes telling me about his night and the recent happenings in Tombstone. He spoke to me as though nothing were wrong and I was thankful for his act of normalcy. He bid me goodbye with a gentle kiss and left the room. Ruby then entered and closed the door behind her. She sat on the bed next to me and rubbed my arm softly.
“I know what happened,” she said, her gaze growing watery. “And I’m so sorry if any of this happened because of me.”
I blinked in response. I wanted her to know it was not her fault and to tell her she’d actually given me a gift, one that empowered me beyond what I ever dreamed possible. But I could only stare at her blankly like a fish through a glass tank. She continued, her voice breaking in sorrow.
“I have something to confess,” she said, her face full with emotion. “It’s about someone very special to me. Someone who is in danger.”
I watched how her body changed and her chest heaved with breath. Her eyes wavered longingly, the pain inside her thick and palpable. I knew that look. It was the look of heartache. I remembered her looking the exact same way when she told me before about her lost love.
“You are strong, Cloe, you will heal quickly. And when you do I need your help.” The tone of her voice sounded strange and immediate. It struck a dissonant chor
d inside of me. She continued soberly. “This person that is special to me… well let’s just say he’s the enemy. If anyone were to find out…”
The second she said ‘enemy’ an image of the Faction of Unfortunate Souls Elimination popped into my head. FUSE was our most deadly enemy.
“He doesn’t have much time,” she whispered, “and I’m afraid he’s losing faith.”
Faith.
And then it all came together like a slap to the head; the way Ruby said she could never be with the human she loved. The urgency in her voice. The way she spoke of the said ‘enemy’.
I remembered the soldier in the jail cell and his fever-dream ramblings, the word ‘faith’ leaving his lips repetitively. I realized it was not merely coincidence Ruby showing up at the Tombstone gates the same night the FUSE captain was taken prisoner. I found it hard to believe, but now knew it was true. The man that held Ruby’s heart was none other than Guy Stone, the captain of the FUSE army.
Ruby’s gaze shifted back and forth uneasily before she spoke. “I’ll wait until you’re better to give you the full story, but I need to know you’ll help me.”
She shifted her position on the bed and cast a pleading glance at me. She was desperate, I knew the feeling all too well.
“I can’t stand to see you hurting like this Cloe,” she whispered. “There is too much suffering in this place. I want you to know in helping me, I can help you as well. We can both be free of this place. But it will be a risk. A very dangerous risk.”
I let her words soak into my mind; a promise of freedom and happiness, the likes of which I never thought possible. If she could help me escape, maybe Orie would come with us as well. And then we’d finally be together without the scrutiny of judgmental eyes and the threat of Horus’ vengeance.
My heart warmed at her words, the hope Ruby had given me a few nights ago at the laundry well multiplying by ten.
“Can you do that?” she asked, placing her hand in mine again. “Can you help me?”
I was overcome with emotion and excitement. I wanted to scream yes I will help you. But the only way I could show my acceptance of her request was to lightly move my fingers. It was just the plan I needed.
TWENTY-SIX: RUBY
Seeing my friend so incapacitated broke my heart, but Cloe was strong and I knew by the way her eyes sparkled, she’d pull through sooner than later. I couldn’t help but think that despite her slow recovery, Guy’s life hung in the balance and I needed her help. I just hoped it wouldn’t be too late.
My panicked heart raced as I flew from the infirmary. I’d already been held up more than I liked and was anxious to get to the jail and check on Guy. I hoped the blood I’d fed him was healing him, that I could reach him again before any more damage was done, and I especially hoped he found my rosary before anyone else did.
I rushed down the broken streets making my way toward Big Nose Kate’s. As I sped closer, the sound of music arose in the air as well as the aroma of spices and stew. The bustling and chattering of voices resonated through the center of town, yet as I turned the corner, a large whining alarm sounded out, piercing my ears.
I stopped in my tracks and watched as vampires and werewolves alike rushed about in a frenzy. The music stopped dead and voices hushed, leaving the town in an eerie silence. Lanterns and torches were extinguished, curtains drawn, and doors slammed shut. Within a matter of seconds, the streets stood bare, not a soul to be seen.
My pulse doubly increased when realizing it was the lockdown drill.
No. No. No.
I needed to get the food in order to be let into the prison. I needed to see if Guy was alright and feed him more of my blood. I rushed to the entrance of Big Nose Kate’s and found the door bolted closed. I shook and rattled the doors, pounding on them with my fists but no one came to my calling.
“Damn it.”
I studied the doors and just as I made up my mind to break them open, a voice called out behind me. “Ruby.”
It was Jax, and I spun to see his large form behind me, his dark eyebrows creased in frustration. “Why aren’t you at home? This is the lockdown drill and you are not to be out on the streets.”
“I’m sorry,” I pleaded, feeling myself coming down with another case of my anxiety-induced verbal diarrhea. “I never got the prisoner’s food down to the jail, and if he is to be fed tonight, I need to get inside. I was busy with the blood slaves and then visiting Cl—”
One last belting horn sounded out and the alarm stopped suddenly, causing my words to run dry. A thick silence filled the air.
Jax grunted and grabbed my arm. “It’s too late for that. Come with me.”
He rushed me the opposite way down Allen Street, dragging me behind him. I wanted to rip from his grasp and bolt away, but I knew it would be pointless. I released a frustrated huff as the large werewolf sped us down the road. We passed numerous buildings and businesses, all dark and seemingly abandoned.
“But… what about the prisoner? He needs food and water,” I pleaded.
Jax glared daggers at me. “The prisoner can wait.”
The sky grew lighter signaling sunrise, an orange glow outlining the caps and dips of the large purple mountains beyond. My heart sank and dread filled my bones. I would not be able to see Guy that night and I prayed he would still be alive the next time I did. We stopped in front of The Birdcage Theater and Jax threw open the old wooden doors. He growled. “Get inside.”
I obeyed his command and stepped through to the front room of the Theater, hating that nothing seemed to be going my way. I swear it was like someone up above had it out for me.
I sighed, looking up to the painting of the half-naked gypsy woman and shivered in remembrance at being here during the human sacrifice.
Jax tugged me forward, pulling me from my memories. “This is my security post. We will be staying here for the day.”
We went through another door leading to the inner workings of the vacant theatre. We walked down the ramp past rows of seats, entering the small door beneath the stage. Yet again, I found myself in the underground room where I’d been judged by the legion. Jax lit a candle on the long table. He gestured to one of the chairs and I sat down.
“I need to do a round.” His golden eyes shifted back and forth. “Stay here.”
Jax disappeared around the corner, but came back only a few minutes later. He reached back and tightened his ponytail before speaking.
“The next time there’s a drill you are to go straight home, close all the windows and lock the doors, and you are only allowed to come out when you hear the dismissal alarm. Do you understand?” Jax’s expression reflected the extreme amount of pressure he was under and I knew he was in no mood for backtalk. So instead of the snarky comments wanting to escape my mouth, I nodded in agreement.
He slumped down into a chair next to me, exhausted. He leaned back against the wall, closed his eyes, and said nothing. Jax was a man of few words, that much was obvious, but I wondered if we’d just sit in silence staring at the walls all day. After a few moments and, to my relief, he finally spoke up.
“What are you doing on jail duty, anyway?”
I was taken aback by his question. Aside from the one night we ate pancakes and talked a little, the wolf hadn’t spoken more than a dozen words to me the entire time I’d been in Tombstone. I realized I hadn’t yet answered him when I caught his inquiring gaze.
“Oh… um… I’m filling in for Cloe for a few days.” I didn’t know how much of Cloe’s situation he knew so I kept my answer brief.
Jax frowned. “I heard what happened. I can’t pretend I like vampires any more than I like stabbing myself with a pitchfork, but what she was put through was just wrong.”
His admission warmed me, and I couldn’t help but think that maybe Jax had a tender spot in him after all. Unable to voice my concerns over Guy, I took the opportunity to ask a question that’d been on my mind.
“Has the legion voted on the human’s living conditio
ns yet?”
Jax stretched out his large arms and yawned. “No, it was rescheduled. Pandora is writing up a formal proposal though. We will be voting tonight.”
I itched to ask which way he would vote. It was obvious Horus would vote against any changes and Morin would vie on the human’s side. But with Jax being the wild card, I wasn’t quite sure which way he would go. I leaned in.
“I sure do hope the proposal goes through. The humans aren’t very healthy the way they’re being kept now.”
Jax eyed me sideways, knowing I was prodding for more information, and I was surprised when his face softened in thought.
“This is a first.” His eyes drifted to a picture of a cowboy on the wall. “We’ve never meddled in the business of vampires. To them, humans are food. But we werewolves are more human than we are animal. It’s a hard situation.” He considered me for a moment. “Am I right in assuming you had a hand in this?”
I looked down at my lap and traced a design on my black skirt with my finger. I shrugged and let a smile creep across my lips. “You could say it was something like that.”
Jax harrumphed. “It’s about time the poor bastards had an advocate.”
My smile widened, but then melted away with his next warning.
“But be careful. You don’t want to end up like poor Cloe with your head knocked crooked.”
I lightly bit my lip, deeming he was right. My meddling in the vampire’s affairs was a dangerous plot, but just sitting back and watching the poor people treated like worms was out of the question. Jax fell silent and I let my mind wander to the days ahead, wondering about the impending vote, and about Cloe. But most importantly I wondered how in the world I would get Guy out of his predicament.
Minutes passed without another word spoken, the only sounds were of the old building creaking and settling. I looked over at Jax, his eyes closed and body relaxed. I was certain he’d fallen asleep when he spoke up again, his lids cracking open.
“I want to thank you,” he said and I had to stop my stunned jaw from dropping open.
Broken Souls Page 15