Sure, what I’m feeling for him is starting to feel a little intense, but it’s not enough to make me leave my life behind.
On the other side of the table, he continues to stay stoic as my mind races. I mindlessly pick up my drink, guzzling down most of its contents.
I have give it to him, though. His smirk is back and his eyes are determined, he could probably get me to do pretty much anything if he really wanted to.
I laugh and pull my hair up into a ponytail, slightly uncomfortable because now I think he might be a little crazy for even suggesting such a thing. Move away? The man has lost it. “Maybe in a different life.”
Declan’s lips purse momentarily, keeping up the charade, and then he smiles his signature smirk. “You’ve only got one, Mighty.”
“Yeah, yeah.” I swat my hand at him, picking up my drink again. “So you’ve said.” I sigh. “I have responsibilities and you have to save the world.”
“I know. It would be fun to tell the grandkids, though.” He winks. The man winks! I think my uterus just tapped on my heart and told it to wake the hell up.
I roll my eyes. “Shut up, you crazy man.”
He cackles, holding his stomach as he did earlier but this time it’s in jest. “I’m kidding, I’m not that insane. Though, I’d spend a good week here with you if you let me. It’s kind of nice not to have all of the responsibility on my shoulders. And, to be fair, I’ve never saved anything really. Especially the world. At least not yet.”
I laugh and thank the waitress when she places our food in front of us. “Yeah, well, it’s all just a bunch of semantics. You do a lot of good.”
Declan clears his throat and takes a bite of his eggs. “Enough of that. I know we have to get home soon, but I’d like to go out to the water before we leave.”
“I think I can handle that.”
When we’re done with our food, Declan pays the tab, laces our hands together and we walk up the coast, our feet in the Mediterranean.
I don’t think I’ve ever felt so light in my entire life.
I don’t think I’ll ever forget the relaxed smile on Declan’s lips as he felt the water for the first time, or the way he pulled me into his embrace when we finally decided to leave. His needy hands trembling on my leg as we drove back to town because we both knew this was it. Or even the way he looked at me with earnest when he dropped me off at home—promising it wouldn’t be the last time. I won’t forget the forced, dejected smile he had as he waved goodbye because he recognized what he had just promised was a lie. I won’t forget the taillights as he drove around the corner and out of my sight. And, I won’t forget the way my heart ached when I was all alone because I’ve never felt such a sensation before.
I’ll chase those feelings—the ones I shared with Declan. The good and the bad—I’ll pursue those forever. Because they’re some of the best ones I’ve got.
“That was a stupid move and you know it.”
I grunt, choosing not to respond. We got word from another group of Pursuers that a coven of vamps are hiding out in a secluded part of the woods—the woods we’re walking through now. We figure it’s the same coven that has been terrorizing the families of Summerson, so we decided to make our way out here and take care of it.
The sun is still shining with intensity, which is a massive advantage for us. Usually, we do our work at night. That tends to be when the monsters like to show their faces, but plans change when vampires are concerned. Contrary to popular belief, the sun doesn’t kill them, but it hurts like hell. So, hopefully they’ll be sleeping when we get there.
“So you’re not going to say anything?” Wood probes.
“You can be pissed all you want. I can’t change that.”
“You can’t even admit you going out with her was a bad idea.” Wood stops, giving me a look of anger that practically pours out of him.
“So I went out with her. What’s the big deal? I’ve hooked up with countless women before and you’ve never said a word.”
He scoffs, shaking his head. “She’s different and you know it.”
Maybe. But it’s way too early to even think about a relationship with her. We just met.
“You know just as well as I do we can’t have relationships. I know you like to delude yourself and believe what you’re doing with her is just fun and games, but I can see it. I see the way you look at her. Those few seconds while she was in the car, I knew something was off with you two.”
My mouth turns down. “Something was off, Wood? It was just a random off-hand date. There’s no relationship. Don’t look into it too much. I’m not.”
He stays quiet for a few seconds, taking in my words. Sure, I like McKenna, but I’m not looking to fight with Wood. We spend way too much time together to be arguing over a girl. A girl who is important to me—sure—but a girl nonetheless.
“I’m looking out for you,” he says and I wonder if he feels bad saying it. It’s my job to look out for him. “I’ve never seen you like this with a chick. Dad would be pissed.”
Dad would be pissed I went out with a girl? That’s such bullshit. I can’t help getting a little angry. “Dad has no say in what I do, Wood. Besides, he has mom. He can’t persecute me for wanting to date. I like her, so what? I can do something other than this.” I gesture around us—at our life. I’m not even saying I have the time or the mind to date her, but I’d at least like to have the option. Why is it so wrong for me to want something other than what I’m told I can have? I want to do things my own way, in my own time. With whomever I want. I shouldn’t always have to get the green light from dad, or anyone else for that matter.
Wood licks his lips and his eyes soften. “I know, but you know he doesn’t see it that way. He’s going to be in an uproar you seeing her.”
“Because she’s a Strix or because he thinks we have some ‘connection?’” I scoff. He needs to chill the hell out.
I stay silent and walk past him. Dad is going to have to deal with what I decide to do. I’m twenty-seven, and have been under his thumb for my entire life. Being a ‘yes-man’ was always my thing. I did as Dad said and there was no fighting it. I’ve never once complained, but it’s getting old—quick.
Although, we could be considered lucky in the grand scheme of things. Sure, we’ve never been able to date or have any sort of relationship outside of family, but mom pushed Dad, and he allowed us to stay in school so we could graduate. That’s totally unheard of nowadays. Pursuers are Pursuers from the moment they’re born. So being able to graduate high school, in Dad’s eyes, was a luxury.
A tiny log cabin comes into view. Smoke from the chimney spirals out of the fireplace and I give Wood an odd look. “Vamps don’t get cold.”
Wood shakes his head while his brows crease, just as baffled as I am.
Pulling out my wooden stake, I hear Wood pull out his machete. The only way to kill these vamps is to either shove a stake in their hearts or chop off their heads. We have to burn the bodies, too, which is a real pain in the ass. I usually don’t think twice about it though; I find happiness in their demise.
Approaching the door, Wood picks the lock within seconds. That sort of thing always seemed so effortless for Wood—picking locks, finding a way to crack a particularly difficult case. I’m not nearly as skilled as he is. I depend on my brute where Wood thrives with his mind. I wouldn’t hurt to brush up on my skills. My eyes narrow at the lock like it’s somehow its fault that I’m not nearly as good at my job as my brother, but I shake it off.
Once we’re inside, the only thing we’re met with is silence and the faint, damp smell of water. As my foot hits the grungy white tile floor, I immediately signal for Wood to take the left side of the house, while I make my way to the right. Swiftly moving my eyes in each room, my stake close to my chest, the only object I find worth anything is a pair of muddy boots on the ground in one of the bedrooms. I decide to turn back toward the front of the house, thoroughly scoping out the living room, moving trinkets around, pul
ling books out of the shelves, checking for anything that might be out of place, but once again, I come up with nothing. Either there’s no one here, or they’re incredibly clean monsters. With how everything has been going lately, I’m not sold on either option.
Making my way through the living room down the short hallway to the kitchen, I casually open the door. This house isn’t like most modern houses we see today; it’s got this weird accordion door that separates the hallway from the actual kitchen area. The yellow countertops and white cabinets are a vast contradiction against my eyes. Still, even with the open plan, I’m hesitant to put down my stake. It seems like Mrs. Johnson’s house, but Johnny Bloodsucker probably takes up residence here. I’m not about to put my guard down.
Ducking under the table, I don’t find anything. Then, for some strange reason, I turn around and decide to open the refrigerator. Jackpot. My eyes widen at the contents. Containers full of a dark red substance—blood—fill the the buzzing icebox. I quickly count twenty containers, goose bumps on my arm rising. There’s definitely someone here, a coven, maybe. But where are they?
I shut the fridge and turn around, my mind in a haze. Another door on the opposite side of the kitchen catches my eye. Cautiously walking toward, I place my hand on the doorknob and turn it. Silently swinging the door wide, a vamp with bright red eyes lunges at me, his teeth bared, aiming straight for my skin. I raise my arm, my stake over my head, ready to do some damage, but he sucker punches me in the stomach, causing me to double over. The vamp grabs me by my shoulders, straightens my body out and lunges for my neck, but before he can sink his razor sharp mouthful of teeth into my skin I dodge him, moving away. With my feet steady, I square my shoulders, ready for him. I have to give it to him, he doesn’t quit. This time, I’m able to calculate his movements. Just like any other monster, they all essentially work the same. Going for my jugular is easy, and it’s exactly what he does. But instead of allowing him to get a hold of me, I double punch his nose. The first time doesn’t do anything. They have a higher pain tolerance than humans, but the second time, something cracks inside his skull and he grabs at his face. With his hands busy, I take one step at him, hurling all of my weight into my stake-riddle hand, and impale him, straight into his heart. Shocked, he falls to the ground, eyes wide in surprise.
I’m not able to relish in my victory long. Hearing the scuffle, an older vamp blazes into the kitchen, his eyes angry as he takes in the sight of his fallen brethren. Immediately going into vamp mode, arms stretched out toward me. Unlucky for him, I’m still on a high and more than ready to add another notch to my belt. I quickly escape his grasp, only to pull his arm around, bringing him in front of my body. Like most monsters, he’s strong. Extremely strong. But with my training, I’m able to hold on long enough. He struggles against my weight and I let him go, allowing him to come at me once more. Step-by-step, he backs me into a corner, but I don’t feel trapped. This is where I’m most comfortable. Like the idiot he is, his ace-in-the-hole, he goes for my neck. Vampires like to claim they’re high up on the food chain, but when all is said and done, they’re all just a bunch of hungry, vicious dogs. I can feel the cold flesh of his chest against my skin, but just before he’s able to sink into my artery, I reach up from behind and plunge the stake into his back, rupturing his heart. Sounds of gurgled blood bubble in his throat and he falls with a soft thump onto the ground.
More footsteps sound outside the kitchen door and before I have time to react, Wood steps inside.
“Whoa. You okay?” he asks, taking in the view in front of him.
I nod, rubbing my mouth.
“Okay. My side’s all clear,” he informs me, wiping the sweat from his forehead. “One vamp. A woman.”
Really? Dammit, I didn’t even hear them. Too busy fighting battles of my own. “I had these two.” I point to the two lifeless bodies on the ground, my mouth turns down at the sight of them.
“They must have just took this place as their own,” Wood says, guiding me out of the kitchen.
“It was probably vacant,” I guess, taking into account the lack of pictures.
That’s another thing the books and movies get wrong. They don’t need to be invited in. They take whatever they want, which is just another reason to hate them. Thank God, this place seemed to be abandoned.
“There’s a shed outside,” Wood says, pointing to the arcadia door. “We should probably check it out.”
I nod and walk past Wood, opening the back door. The dead grass underneath our feet crunch angrily and I grip my blood covered stake harder. As we make our way to the shed, a low humming noise comes from the back.
“An air conditioner?” I question with a wrinkled brow.
Wood shrugs and tries for the door knob. It clicks open with ease. Knuckles white, Wood grips his machete and I do the same.
The shed is dark, no windows, and it’s incredibly difficult to see. Switching the stake to my left hand, I pull out my flashlight and click it on. When the light shines on a bed, I’m halted by a body on the ground next to it. Its covered with a blanket, and I find myself second-guessing if it’s actually a bloodsucker.
I move to him, barely kicking his side. He doesn’t move.
I shine my light on Wood and he gazes at the body warily, shoving his machete into its case, pulling out his gun. With no other options, I bend down to feel his pulse. Racing fast under my fingertips, I rear back, confused. “What is this? He should have woken up.” He would have if he were a vampire.
“Maybe he’s human and they’re feeding on him?”
I squint my eyes. Typically, if a vamp is going to take a human hostage, it’s usually, and God, I hate to say this, a virgin. Something about their blood being pure makes it taste better. This man—the one lying on the ground—he’s obviously not a virgin. He’s got a wedding ring to prove it. “What the hell is going on?”
I turn for Wood, but the man jumps at me, latching onto my back. My eyes bulge and I gasp for air as his arms constrict around my windpipe. Wood snaps into action and stuns him with a gun loaded with wooden bullets, and the vampire falls to the ground, sneering at us.
“You’ll never get what you came here for.”
I inject him with a syringe full of anti-venom, and he crumples to the ground. Anti-venom is a concoction my dad invented years ago. It’s chocked full of holy blood, werewolf venom, and blessed water. It’s the only thing potent enough to keep vampires down. We carry it around with us at all times. In a world like ours, going to a trusted and open-minded Priest to get your supplies is common. I hope we have enough to get some answers.
“What exactly did we come here for?” I probe as I watch him cough into the carpet, the anti-venom taking effect.
He cackles and takes a good long look at the two of us. “You’re here to find the coven who has been attacking this town. The only problem is you’ll never find us all.”
“I think you underestimate the power of my will,” I say, landing a punch to his jaw.
He shakes his head, my punch barely having an influence on him. “The power of your will?” He laughs, spitting blood onto the tattered ground. “Your will might be huge, powerful even, but you can’t beat His numbers.”
“Whose numbers?” Woods asks.
“Him.”
Wood delivers a blow to the vamp’s ribs. “How evasive.”
This time, I take my stake and slice through his stomach, causing him to scream in agony. Perspiration drips from his forehead and he falls to his side. “I don’t know His name!” he screams. “I don’t know. We just follow His orders.”
“Then where is he located?”
“You’re going to kill me no matter what I tell you.”
I tilt my head, and I nod. “True. So, you might as well tell me so your comrades can fall with you.”
“They’re my family!”
Wood snickers next to me. “That’s what they want you to think. They probably turned you.”
“They didn’t.”
>
I sputter, shock written all over my face. “You chose to be this?” The disdain in my voice is grossly evident.
“I wanted to be with her.”
Whoa. Whiplash. “Her?”
He moves to his back, clearly giving up. “I fell in love and she was turned. I found out and begged to be the same monster. I needed to be with her.”
I frown. “You still feel love?” This is a whole new side of vampires. Something’s wrong.
“Yeah. I feel love, okay? And we’re just following orders.”
I cock my gun at him. “Don’t move. Got it?”
He gargles and coughs into his hand.
I pull Wood away a couple feet.
He stuffs a hand in his pocket and combs through his hair with the other. “What the hell is going on?”
I open my mouth, but all that comes out is inaudible syllables.
“They’re supposed to be monsters, Declan.” He points to the guy on the ground. “Don’t get me wrong, he’s brainwashed and is in a whole lot of trouble, probably done things worthy of a kill, but I’ve never heard of a vamp turning because of love. Hell, even if anyone had, they certainly wouldn’t care or remember once they turned.”
My thoughts freeze and I touch my hand to my mouth. “Dad told us things were changing.”
“But to this?”
I shake my head. Turning to walk back to the vampire. “What are your orders?”
He huffs and slowly slides his eyes to me. His scorn intense. “We’re here for the Strix.”
McKenna…
“Why?”
“They’re the key. To everything.”
I try hard not to imagine what they would do if they got their hands on McKenna and Candy, or any other Strix for that matter. I need to evade. “There’s no proof they even exist. What makes this He-man you’re following so sure Strix are here?”
“I don’t know, man.” He’s struggling. When Wood shot him, he got him straight in the chest, and that wooden bullet is probably rubbing against his heart. “I’m low-level.”
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