In the Dark by Lila Rose

by Lila Rose

  His nod was stiff, but the hardness in his eyes told me vengeance was just around the corner.

  I watched Jezanna walk into the room where Jeremiah’s voice came from within. She closed the door behind her. I looked to Isaac to see how he was holding up. He was turned away from me. My heart clenched when I saw his shoulders shaking; he was crying.

  Oh, God. I ached to reach out to him. Squeezing my fists into tight balls, I walked over to him. Darik stayed where he was.

  “Isaac,” I muttered. He didn’t turn and I didn’t expect him to. I knew he’d hate anyone to see him as he was, so vulnerable. So I did the only thing I could. I wrapped my arms around him from behind, hugging him tightly. He stiffened on first touch then crumbled. He turned, his own arms coming around my waist, and buried his head into my shoulder. I held him close, my own eyes filling with tears once again, only that time I let them out. I was honoured he’d let me console him, hold him. And hurt that it would take such a tragedy to have him in my arms again.

  We stayed that way for a while, even after I felt his crying subside. He didn’t move away from me and I didn’t pull away from him. Only one thing ruined it. We both heard the lift doors open. I knew it was her by the way Isaac quickly dropped his arms from me and moved away, not meeting my gaze. I stepped back and shifted so I didn’t have to witness him take her in his arms. I shrugged out of my jacket and placed it on the ground.

  “Darling,” MaryJane cooed. “I’m so sorry. If only I was with you at the time it happened instead of out hunting.”

  “It’s all right. It can’t be helped,” Isaac replied softly.

  “Well, don’t worry now. I’m here for you.”

  The door to Gregory’s room opened. I turned to see Jeremiah filling the doorway. He looked around at everyone. Darik, Isaac, snot-head and her three guards, including Jensen.

  But when Jeremiah saw me in the back, he grimly said, “He wants to see you.”

  My body went rigid. Why me? God, no, I can’t. I won’t be able to hold back if I see him, talk to him.

  Jeremiah moved out of the way for me to enter. He quickly gave my hand a tight squeeze as I walked past him. The first thing I saw was a pale Gregory. He lay on the bed in one of those hospital gowns, his lower half covered by a blanket. He whispered something to Jezanna. She nodded, got up and left the room, shutting the door behind her.

  I closed my eyes. I couldn’t do this, be in here on my own with him. I wasn’t strong enough for this.

  “You can come closer. I don’t bite like the others,” he said, humour evident in his weak voice.

  Snorting, I opened my eyes and went over to sit in the chair beside the bed.

  He held out his hand to me and I took it. It was cold. “Do you…” I cleared my throat and began again. “Do you need another blanket?”

  He smiled but shook his head. In an exhausted whisper, he said, “I’ve asked you to come in here, because I wanted to say a few things to you in private.” He pulled my hand to his mouth and kissed it then placed it back on the bed within his own. “I’m so glad you came into our lives, Leila. You’ve made my household alive again. I only regret we haven’t got to spend much time together.” He paused to take a few deep breaths. I hiccupped back a sob and rubbed at my eyes with my free hand.

  He smiled. “At least I know when I leave this world, I leave my family in safe hands—yours.” I went to argue, but he squeezed my hand to silence me. “No, don’t say anything. Not yet at least, please.” He gave me a chance to grab some tissues. I blew my nose and rubbed at my face. Curling into a ball and hiding from what was happening to such a wonderful man wasn’t an option. No matter how much I wanted it.

  “You’re a level-headed, strong, caring woman, and I love you like another daughter. However, you’re stupidly stubborn as well.” I raised my brows at him and he smiled.

  He licked his dry lips. I offered him a drink, but he declined. “You won’t listen to people. Leila, you need to fight for what you want. For your family, for us, them. You know that’s what we are to you, your family. I understand you’re hurting and Isaac has his own foolish reasons for doing what he has, just… I only ask you don’t give up on him. I don’t trust MaryJane one bit.” Another deep breath. “For me, will you keep a close eye on her and be prepared for whatever she may throw your way? She can do things others can’t of their kind. Ask Jeremiah to explain about her.”

  He sighed. “Our people, family, will be better off without her around. I’m afraid it will come down to you to do something about it. Because I fear that Isaac will have his own battle on his hands very soon. Be careful, sweet Leila. I don’t want to see you up there too soon.” He smiled at me. Hearing those words brought me back to what was really going on in the room.

  He would be gone soon. It wasn’t fair.

  “No. Don’t cry or be upset for me. At least we got to meet. As I said before, I go happy knowing you’re here with the ones I love. Take care of them, like I know you can.” Another squeeze to my palm. “I need you to get them back in here. Stay with us?”

  “I, ah, I have to go.” He nodded, understanding shone in his eyes. “Oh, God, Gregory. I love you. You’ve shown me so much, you… Thank you.” I kissed him on the cheek and ran to the door.

  Not caring I probably looked an emotional mess, I opened the door and told his family, “He wants you back in there.” Taking a deep breath, I moved aside as they walked in and closed the door behind them.

  I went over to the wall, away from everyone, and sank to the ground, my head in my hands, but not crying as I wanted to. Instead, I thought of all the good times I’d had with Gregory in the short period we knew each other.

  He’d asked me to help them through their loss, to be there for them. Of course I would, but would all of them let me? I had to agree with Gregory. We would be better off without MaryJane around. Hell, if she hadn’t shown up in the first place, things would be different.

  Would I still be with Isaac though? I didn’t know.

  All I knew was if it came down to it, I would protect them with my life. They were my family and I could no longer turn my back on them just because Isaac hurt my feelings.

  Putting everything aside was what I had to do. No matter how much I ached for him inside.

  I lifted my head to see Xavier sit beside me. His arm came around my shoulders. I gave him a half smile and leaned against his weight, while filling my mind with wonderful thoughts of Gregory—him trying to teach me to cook; the talks we had; the funny stories of the past, when he would start laughing at the main part and then it was hard to get the rest out of him, so in the end I’d just be laughing at him. So many good, happy memories and in such a short amount of time.

  Gregory Grey would always be remembered by me.

  I drew in a sharp breath.

  “What is it, Leila?” Xavier asked.

  “Someone needs to tell Caelen. Jezza will need him.”

  “I’ll go get him,” Xavier said and then quickly left.

  Silence filled the hall. Unfortunately, it didn’t last long. “Come on, how long does it take to die already,” Mary-effing-Jane said.

  Before I even thought of it, I stood and strolled towards her, ignoring her three guards at her side with their guns pointed at me. Just as I was about to reach her, Darik flashed in front of me, stopping me in my tracks. He grabbed me by the arms. I looked up to his face and he shook his head at me.

  “Oh, let her go.” MaryJane laughed. “It’s not like she’d get to lay one finger on me anyway.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “Look at you. You’re only here so you can have a chance to comfort what’s not yours. Tell me something, Leila. Who warms your bed at night? Oh, that’s right, no one. You’re alone. No one would love something like you. So while you have no one, I have Isaac. It’s not like you could keep up with him, sweetheart. We’re at it. All. Night. Long.” She laughed at me.

  My body shook with rage. For the first time in my life, I didn’t have control over
the change. I was fuming, pissed off with how uncaring she could be in a time like that. I wanted to rip her head off, claw out her eyes. Kill her.

  “No,” Darik growled, bringing my attention back to him. He lifted me off the ground while I shook from the change and dragged me to the wall. He held me against it, hiding me from everyone. “You will not do this, Leila. Take control of yourself. Now is not the time. Do not let her baiting win.” He was right. I closed my eyes and clenched my fists. Calming my breaths, the shaking eventually stopped.

  The lift doors opened and out walked Caelen and Xavier. Caelen looked defeated. They walked down the hall, taking in the tension that was obviously in the air, coming to a stop in front of myself and Darik.

  “I was on my way here. I felt something was wrong. Foolishly, I left my phone at home. I went to your house. When you weren’t there, I tried Isaac’s. Some of the other lads told me what happened. I can’t believe it. This is going to wreck her. She still lives with the pain of the loss of her parents, and now Gregory?”

  “I know. She’s going to really need you,” I said. He nodded.

  The door to the room opened. Jeremiah came out. His cheeks were wet but his eyes dry. Through clenched teeth, he told us, “He’s gone.”

  Oh, God, my chest tightened as Isaac and Jezanna followed him out. Seeing the pain in their eyes was so hard. But I knew it matched my own expression, not only for the loss of Gregory, but also for what they’d gone through in the past. Jezanna spotted Caelen. He held his arms out to her and she ran into them, burying her face in his chest. I watched Isaac step into she-devil’s embrace. Jeremiah stepped away from them all. I went to him, pulling him into my own arms. His body stiffened. I knew he wouldn’t cry, like me, not in front of others. But I was rewarded with him giving into the hug and placing his arms around me. I glanced over his shoulder, looking straight into Isaac’s eyes as he stared back over her shoulder.

  I wanted that to be me. Still, I was glad I could be here for any part of my family. I mouthed, ‘I’m sorry,’ as one tear escaped and ran down my cheek. We were near enough he was able to reach out his hand and, with one finger, he wiped that tear away.

  “Master, we have incoming,” Adan called from down the hall, just as the elevator doors opened and a doctor, with a nurse, walked out.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Class wasn’t in my cards Friday. We’d spent half the night up at the hospital, then the other half making arrangements. During the early hours, we were at my house talking. Not all of us though. Isaac went back to his own place with shithead, Darik and Adan. Jeremiah said he couldn’t stand to be around all the falseness and came with us. I was pleased he was comfortable enough around me to let everything go once we got through the front door. I made everyone come down to my room where we all huddled around on my bed. Jeremiah, Jezanna, Caelen, Xavier and I talked, cried and laughed, and remembered everything that made Gregory the amazing man he’d been. Later, we curled up and slept.

  I wished Isaac had been there for it. I felt terrible he’d gone back to a house with someone as cold as her. I could only hope Darik and Adan were taking care of him.

  Darkness surrounds me. Every way I turn, I see nothing but black. My heart beats hard in my chest. My hands tremble along with my legs. I want to run, to scream, but I don’t.

  Because I know I’m waiting.

  It isn’t until I see two small red dots in the distance that I relax somewhat.

  “Yes,” I whisper. “That’s what I’m waiting for.”

  The dots drift closer and closer.

  And in a blink of an eye, which always makes me jump, they’re right in front of me, so close I can reach out and touch them… No, touch the face that belongs to those red eyes.

  I want to.

  I need to.

  Even though a small amount of fright fills me, I still know I’m safe.

  The red eyes study me.

  “You’re mine,” the voice growls…

  When I jolted awake, I found an elbow in my left eye and one in my right rib. I pushed Jeremiah’s arm from my face and Xavier’s elbow from my rib and sat up. I looked around and smiled. They were all still sound asleep with emotional exhaustion. Jeremiah took up most of the space. Caelen was on the far end with Jezanna in his arms and while she had one hand on him, the other was holding Jeremiah’s hand. I turned to Xavier next to me. He lay as stiff and straight as a board. Probably worried he’d fall off the bed, because he didn’t have much room.

  Slowly and quietly, I crept down the end of the bed, managing not to wake anyone. I grabbed some clothes and went for a shower. I looked out the window in the bathroom and saw it was already late in the day. The sun was nearly set over the horizon. I really wanted to go back to bed and then spend the rest of the night with my family. It hurt to leave them. But I’d made a promise to someone who needed help. I could only hope they’d stay asleep long enough and wouldn’t even notice I’d disappeared.

  My mind drifted back to Isaac, wondering how he was and what he was doing. He should have been at the house with his brother and sister.

  Sighing, I got dressed, and on the way out of the house, I grabbed an energy bar to eat, as well as Jezanna’s mobile. I quickly placed it in the front pocket of my hoodie. I had a feeling I was going to need it.

  Guilt ate at me for leaving the house when I knew they could need me. However, I was also worried about Sofia’s safety, especially when I hadn’t seen her in so long.

  Jason’s parents’ house wasn’t far from my own. In human form, I made my way over. Something told me I didn’t want to show my feline part just yet. As I reached closer to his property, I slowed. Doubt ran through my mind, causing the hairs on the back on my neck to rise.

  Taking a deep breath through my nose, I absorbed the many scents in the air. Bark, leaves, grass, dirt, humans. The only one that shocked me was the familiar woodsy scent of Ty. Was he here? Was he a part of this? I really hoped not.

  Tension boiled, causing my stomach to flip. It was funny how calm I was until I scented someone I knew.

  I had to relax myself, go in with a clear mind. Closing my eyes, I took another deep breath, shook out my limbs, and then crept closer.

  Voices came from the right. It was close to his house, which was strange, unless he was having a party. A clearing came into sight and in it stood Jason, Mathew, Ronan and Steven, who were all from the football team.

  Who I couldn’t see was Sofia. Suspicion took over all other feelings. I stepped into the clearing and the conversation halted. They all turned to me smiling.

  “Well, well. She did pull it off.” Jason laughed.

  Alarm bells rang through my mind. Shit, it was a trap. RUN, RUN, RUN.

  The back door to his two-storey house opened and about ten more people came out. All students from college, including Jenna and her cronies. Within them was a concerned Sofia; she was being held by two guys.

  “I’m so sorry, Leila. They made me. I had to get you here or they said they’d kill me and my family. Leila, please, please forgive me.”

  Crap.

  She’d believed them when they said they’d kill her family. A snort left me. I highly doubted they would. But killing me. Yes, I could see that happening. No one in the town would care if I disappeared.

  Was everything Sofia told me a lie? How stupid did I feel, falling for her story hook, line and sinker.

  Though, how did Sofia get that black eye? Or those marks on her collarbone?

  The group surrounded me, forming a circle. I let them. I wasn’t going anywhere. I wanted and needed answers, plus I was in the mood to teach them a lesson.

  Looking at my fingernails, I asked, “So who wants to be beaten first?” I smiled and placed my hands in my pockets, rocking back and forth on my feet. Trying to come across less afraid than I truly was.

  Fuck, I’d better not die tonight. Any other night would be all right. Just not there, not by those people. I looked out at their scowling faces and thought it cou
ld be a possibility.

  “Thank you, dear Jason, for bringing her here. I will reward you all later.”

  Double crap.

  I knew that voice. Anyone would after hearing it only once—the irritating sound, which made you want to clench your teeth together.

  Turning, I watched as Mary-fucking-Jane walked out of the woods.

  “Really? You need all this help to take me down.”

  She laughed. “No, silly. I don’t need their help. I want it. You see, I was so excited to find out you’re so loathed. These sweet people want nothing more than to get rid of you. All this hate gives me chills and the chance to use them to do what I want. Then I don’t have to get my hands dirty.” She giggled. “At least then Isaac won’t blame me for your death. I know, Leila, I know he still cares for you and it makes me so sick.” She screamed. “So now, if I have you out of the way, we can go back to how things were, until Gerald gets here, of course.”

  Scoffing, I shook my head. Why was I not surprised she was in cahoots with Gerald? My hand went into my pockets. I rocked back on my feet while my fingers pressed the buttons on Jezanna’s phone, praying I pushed the right ones to receive some help.

  Something MaryJane said triggered me to look out around the crowd. What I hadn’t noticed before was most of them had vague looks in their eyes. They’re being controlled. She was using her vampire power to make them hers. So they’d do her bidding, to kill me. The only ones who didn’t have the glazed look was Jason and Sofia.

  “So you can control minds. What other tricks can you do?”

  “You will just have to wait and see.”

  I should have—no wait, I’m not going to start on the I should haves or wishes. This just plain sucks and I can’t do anything about it.

  Shifting forms was one solution, but I wouldn’t until it was the last resort. There were too many of them around to know my secret.

  “Where are all your guards?”

  “Around. Come, people.” She clapped. “Hurry up with the task.”

  Jason, Jenna, and their so-called friends started descending upon me. They moved closer, but slowly. Were they waiting for me to do something?