BloodPledge

by Tima Maria Lacoba

  She cocked her head and regarded me. ‘Against Brethren?’

  ‘Laura, dear, you can’t be serious. Your human strength can’t begin to match theirs.’ Judy looked at Kari as if for confirmation.

  Kari nodded and added, ‘Plus, you’re slower and less agile.’

  ‘They have a point.’ Jenny shrugged.

  ‘I have to do something practical, otherwise I’ll go nuts.’

  ‘Why not carry a syringe with your blood in it? I reckon that’d be a pretty good deterrent. Worked on that creep, Rasputin. He backed off,’ Jenny said.

  ‘It’s too dangerous. What if I accidently stab one of our guys?’ I shook my head. Even though it sickened me to suggest the next thing – especially from recent memory – there was no other option. ‘A sword. I need to learn how to handle a sword, and how to cut off a vampire’s head.’

  The three of them gazed at me like I’d lost my mind.

  ‘Think about it. If I jab one of our guys at least it won’t kill them. Everything they have regenerates.’ Kari snorted. ‘But one drop of my blood is worse than white-oak.’

  ‘You’re determined about this, aren’t you?’ Judy’s curt tone was matched by her disapproving expression.

  ‘When Rasputin had Kari, I felt so helpless. She was fighting to protect me, as was Sam, yet here I was, totally powerless. And then, when I grabbed Sam’s sword, it felt good to be able to do something. If I’m going to live for the next thousand years, or whatever, do I always rely on others? Forever the “damsel in distress” whenever bad guys show up?’ I paused as I framed my next words. ‘When Alec and I have a baby, do you expect me to stand by and do nothing to defend my own child – or the man I love?’

  Silence.

  What I thought was admiration appeared in Judy’s eyes. She smiled and enveloped me in a hug. ‘You’ve come a long way, my dear Laura. I always knew you were stubborn, but in the last couple of weeks I’ve seen that develop into steadfast courage and strength. And I want you to know I’m proud of you. I may not express it as readily, nor as easily, as your father, but don’t doubt it.’

  I hugged her back, fighting back the tears her words evoked.

  ‘Know something, Laura? I reckon you’d be good with a sword after what you did to hairy and handless.’ She grinned, her lavender eyes sparkling. Clearly she enjoyed her nickname for Rasputin.

  I glanced at Jenny who shrugged. ‘You’ve convinced me.’

  ‘Let’s do it.’ Kari disappeared up stairs, and within a heartbeat re-entered with two menacing-looking swords. ‘From the gym. The guys keep a weapons stash in there.’ She waved them in the air, and the glint of cold steel caught the light. ‘They’re practice ones – blunt.’

  They may not be sharp and nasty, but they were still pointy and heavy. But there was no going back after my speech. You’ve opened your mouth, now bite the bullet, Laura.

  ‘Here.’ She handed one to me then proceeded to swing hers around, balancing the tip on her finger before flicking it back upright, catching the hilt.

  ‘Still sure you want to do this?’ Jenny asked.

  ‘Absolutely.’ I thought of Alec, and his handsome face appeared in my mind. My body ached for him.

  Jenny and Judy moved the coffee table and pushed the sofas back to give Kari and me room to move.

  ‘This is a thrusting and cutting blade,’ she pointed to the tip and edges, ‘and perfect for slicing.’ Kari accompanied each word with the appropriate action. The sword whistled through the air, forward and back, like a professional tennis player with a racket. ‘All you need do is strike your opponent to get them off guard, then go straight for the neck.’ The edge of the sword stopped millimetres from my throat. I heard Judy gasp. ‘A good sharp blade can take a head off in one stroke.’

  The horrible image of me cutting off Rasputin’s hands surfaced in my mind, and I had to force down the bile. ‘Did Jake teach you this, Kari?’

  She shook her head. ‘My papa mostly. I didn’t have any brothers to protect me and he wanted to make sure I could defend myself. He taught Ma, too. But we weren’t allowed to use swords. Only the nobility were permitted to.’

  It was easy to forget Kari came from the eighteenth century, in a society where most men carried weapons and preyed upon women. Hummphh. Nothing much has changed.

  ‘Hold the grip firmly – no, not like that, Laura. Like me. See? It’s a sword, not a tennis racket. One hand only.’ Kari sidled up next to me and demonstrated the correct hold.

  Jenny laughed. I shot her a filthy look, which only made her laugh harder. ‘Ouch!’ Something hard swiped the back of my knees and brought me down.

  ‘That’s what you need to do to your opponent. See where I am now, and where my sword is?’

  I was on my knees looking up at her. Kari and I were the same height – five foot five. But right now she had the advantage. The edge of the blade lay against my neck.

  ‘You let yourself get distracted. That’s a no, no. See how I brought you down?’

  I nodded. This was good. ‘Okay, let’s try again.’

  Kari thrust out her hand and helped me up. ‘You need to bring your opponent down to your size—literally. Most Brethren guys are tall, so use that against them. Do what they won’t expect; diss ‘em – D-S-S – Duck, Swipe and Slice.’

  We could’ve been discussing a cooking recipe, but at least it was easy to remember. DSS – duck, swipe, slice; duck, swipe, slice...

  For the next hour or so, Kari drilled me till my perspiration made the sword slip in my grip, and I accidentally nicked the back of her leg.

  ‘Sorry, sorry, I didn’t mean to do that.’ Just as well the sword was blunt – no blood escaped.

  She smiled. ‘Finally!’

  Although I never succeeded in bringing her down, I managed to duck and swipe, an achievement in such a short time. Judy and Jenny clapped.

  ‘Okay, again,’ Kari said.

  That tiny triumph gave me confidence, yet sparring with Kari was a far cry from facing one of the Brethren. Could I ever slice off an enemy’s head? The very thought made me sick, but so did the possibility of losing Alec.

  ‘Again,’ I said.

  Chapter 35 - Rebels Strike Back

  ALEC

  Each man displayed his wolf’s-head ring. Unlike Stockton, they weren’t grinning. I smelled their fear, yet it didn’t hold them back. These Brethren weren’t mesmerized – they wanted to be free to kill. And there lies the irony, I mused. They fear death, yet don’t hesitate to kill their victims.

  ‘A reward to the one who brings me the Serpent Ring, as a gift for my master,’ Rasputin said.

  I glanced at the men surrounding me. They were eager – I could smell excitement. ‘Who wants to be first?’ I said, raising my sword.

  Eager or not, they hesitated, giving me time to spin around and decapitate the two directly behind me. I leapt over their bodies and into the high branches above.

  Stockton growled. ‘After him.’

  They scaled the branches and darted around me, scattering fruit bats nesting in the giant fig trees. Their powerful scent, as well as my black coat and serpent ring, hid my presence.

  ‘Where the fuck did he go?’

  ‘Shutup! He can hear.’

  That’s right, I can. I dropped behind one and quietly struck. Rather than leave his remains in the tree, I took his wolf’s-head ring and pierced his skin. In seconds, both head and body turned to dust.

  Three down, seven to go, not including Stockton and Rasputin. Where was Marcus?

  Humans strolled nearby, their scent strong and sweet. I needed to lead the Rebels away from them, even if it meant leaving the location I’d told Laura. Marcus and Luc would have to follow my scent. Bligh Street, the business district would be dark and quiet. Offices were closed for the holidays.

  The humans were getting closer. No time for a debate. I landed back on the pavement. ‘Looking for me?’ And I took off at full speed, my senses alert to them close behind.


  The park and the streetlights faded to a blur as I ran, and the tall office buildings crowded in on one another, leaving little space between. Turning into a side alley, I scaled the walls to the roof and hid behind the large, concrete air-conditioning unit.

  I didn’t have to wait long. Three figures alighted, stopped and sniffed, then spread out. With their hands curled into fists, they aimed the wolf’s-head rings like weapons. I hoped the serum still worked. White-oak may not kill me, but the weakness it would cause would render me powerless.

  ‘We know you’re here, princeps. Let’s end this.’

  ‘Good idea. Who’s first?’ I strode out to meet them, waving the wolf’s-head ring I had taken from the last dead Rebel, as well as my sword. ‘Headless or shiny ash? Your choice.’

  They snarled and came at me. I did the same then ducked, bowled one over and dug the spike of the wolf’s head ring into his leg, at the same time swinging out with my blade. I twisted around and faced the third attacker. He looked at his two companions – one a headless corpse, it’s hands searching – I kicked the head over the side of the building – the other, tearing at his pants’ leg, screaming as the venom spread.

  ‘Which way do you prefer?’ I asked.

  His shook his head, snarled, turned and ran.

  Five down, seven to go. This time I included Rasputin and his sidekick, Stockton.

  I walked to the edge of the building and looked out over the city expanse. ‘Marcus, where the hell are you?’ There was a tear down the side of my coat where the spike of a wolf’s-head ring connected. Too close.

  ‘Ambushed. Where are you?’

  I was about to give away my position, but there was nothing for it. ‘Top of 1 Bligh St.’ I inhaled. ‘Rasputin’s heading my way.’ Couldn’t miss his particular stench.

  ‘Get back to the boat. Leave him to us.’

  ‘All yours.’ I looked back at the remains littering the roof of this impressive new building. One was already a pile of ash. The other would be, come sunrise.

  I didn’t have much time. I sensed a group of Rebels closing in on me. Leading them to the yacht was the last thing I had in mind. I’d left my car at the McMillans in Edgecliffe. That’s where I’d go. I jumped back down into the street, and the Rebels surrounded me.

  ‘Thanks for the address.’ Rasputin gave a low whistle and they came at me at once.

  I lunged at Stockton first, when a burning pain shot through the back of my head and another through my sword hand. Sudden weakness paralysed me. White-oak. Not good. I struggled to stay upright, but my body ached in every joint. My grip loosened. The sword dropped, and so did I.

  ‘Why isn’t he crystallizing?’ One raspy voice asked.

  They stared curiously down at me.

  ‘Try again,’ Rasputin said. ‘I want that ring.’

  ‘My pleasure,’ Stockton said as he leaned over me and stabbed the point of the spike into my neck.

  My body convulsed as the venom – and weakness – spread. My vision blurred. How much could the serum handle?

  ‘They’re coming!’

  ‘Shit.’

  ‘Just cut his finger off,’ Stockton said.

  ‘No. Pick him up. Bring him with us. I want to know why the poison hasn’t killed him.’

  Stockton hoisted me onto his shoulder and ran.

  I gritted my teeth at the pain that wracked my body as I dangled helplessly over the bastard’s back, each bump a fiery, electric jolt. They took the route through the Botanical Gardens – the gates were already shut – and leapt into the water. I heard Luc yell out just as we went under.

  Chapter 36 - Bad News

  LAURA

  ‘Merde!’

  Kari and I stopped and stared at each other. ‘Did you hear that?’ I asked. ‘It was Luc’s voice, and it was loud. I’m sure every Brethren in the city must have heard.’

  She nodded, eyes wide. ‘But how could you?’

  ‘I can see and hear like you now.’ My gaze automatically swept to the ring. The serpent’s eyes were still black. What was going on?

  ‘What is it, dear? What did you hear?’ Judy rose from one of the sofas where she and Jenny had been watching the training session.

  ‘Luc swore. Something’s wrong.’ The old cliché about the hairs on the back of my neck standing up was never more apt. I closed my eyes and called out to Alec. ‘Where are you? What’s going on?’ Nothing. I tried again. ‘Alec!’

  My heart raced. All I could think was that he was in trouble. In desperation, I called out to Luc, past caring who heard. ‘Luc, is he okay? Are you with him?’

  ‘What colour are the serpent’s eyes?’

  If he had to ask that question, then Alec wasn’t with them. ‘Black.’

  ‘Then he’s alive.’

  ‘Where is he?’ I held my breath waiting for his answer while the seconds ticked by. ‘Rasputin has him.’

  My body went cold, and the sword dropped from my grasp. The blood roared in my ears. Somewhere in the haze, Kari told Judy and Jenny the news. My mother gasped.

  ‘I’ve got to go to him.’ Before they could stop me, I ran down the steps to the lowest deck where Judy had mentioned they stored the jet skis – a garage of sorts. Regardless of my pathetic sword skills, I couldn’t stay here, doing nothing.

  Footsteps behind me, something whizzed over my head, and Kari stood before me.

  ‘Don’t even think of stopping me.’ I told her.

  ‘I’m not.’ She held out what appeared to be either a short sword or a long dagger. Either way, it looked lethal. ‘You’ll need this. Luc never mentioned anything about me knocking you out to keep you here.’ She made a face.’ ‘Don’t reckon he’d like me doing that. So, as your bodyguard, I have to go with you.’

  I took the weapon as footsteps sounded on the stairs behind me.

  Judy stood on the bottom step, Jenny at her back. ‘Laura, you can’t. They’re out there, and it’s you they want.’

  ‘They’ve got Alec. You really expect me to stay here?’

  ‘I expect you to use your sense and not put yourself in danger.’ Her pleading tone made me pause.

  ‘What should I do, then?’

  ‘Contact Alec again. Find out where he is, so we can let Luc know.’

  I took a deep breath, closed my eyes and called out to him. Alec, please answer me.

  Laura. Snapper Island. His voice sounded distant and weak. Rather than words, images floated into my mind—grey walls, peeling paint, a single pale light bulb hanging from the ceiling and a dark shadow I couldn’t make out. The images faded too soon.

  ‘Snapper Island. That’s where they took him.’ My gaze instantly shot to the serpent’s eyes. They hadn’t changed – their glossy black hue stared back at me.

  ‘Where’s that?’ Jenny asked.

  ‘Not sure. Somewhere at the other end of the harbour, maybe.’ Judy looked past me to Kari. ‘Check the location on the GPS, and I’ll steer.’

  ‘Yes!’ Kari pumped a fist and zipped back up stairs.

  ‘Steer? You know how to drive this boat?’ The few times I’d been in the wheelhouse, Sam had been in the skipper’s seat.

  ‘Laura, dear, your father bought this yacht for me; it has my name. And yes, I jolly well know how to steer it. You think I’d let you and Kari go on your own?’ She shook her head. ‘Not going to happen. We’ll go to the island, moor as close to the jetty as we can and wait for Luc and the men to get him out. I’m not letting you off this boat. Do you understand?’ Her determined expression effectively ended any further protest on my part. I resisted the urge to pout. ‘Now, tell your father what we’re doing so it won’t come as a nasty surprise to him.’

  ‘Yes, Mum.’ I rolled my eyes.

  Judy laughed. ‘If that was meant to be a facetious jibe, it didn’t work. I quite like you calling me mum.’ With that, she turned and walked up the stairs. ‘Wheelhouse, girls,’ she called back over her shoulder before disappearing from sight.

  Jenny grinned
and raised an eyebrow at me. She didn’t need to say anything, it was all there in the look – no matter how old a girl is, her mum is still boss.

  I sighed, picked up the blade Kari had handed me, and tucked it into the belt of my shirtdress. As we made our way to the uppermost deck, I told Luc where Alec was, and that we’d meet him there.

  He wasn’t happy.

  I ignored his protests, drowning it out the way he taught me. Instead, I concentrated on what I would do once we got there. Although the Rebel Brethren couldn’t sense us while we were out on the water, it would be a different matter once we docked. They’d sense us and might even attempt to board. What could two humans, one vampire and one half-human/half-vampire do against a group of nasty rogue vampires?

  ‘Jen, wait.’ We’d reached the main stateroom when I remembered something. I dashed across to the bar, pulled open the cutlery drawer and rummaged around till I found the corkscrew I’d threatened Rasputin with earlier. Why not? I thought and tucked it into my belt as well.

  ‘A corkscrew?’ Jenny looked at me incredulously.

  ‘It worked last time.’ I tapped it. ‘Insurance policy.’

  She shuddered. ‘Let’s hope not.’

  We joined Judy and Kari on the uppermost deck. While Kari navigated, Judy deftly manoeuvred the boat, avoiding the many smaller craft that swarmed the harbour at this time of the year. Many were here, not only to escape the harsh northern hemisphere winter but, to enjoy the spectacle of one of the most famous nautical events in the world – the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Everyone who owned anything that could float seemed to be out enjoying the balmy summer night.

  ‘Next stop Snapper Island,’ Judy declared.

  ‘We’re coming, my love. Hang on,’ I whispered into the night, and for the thousandth time checked the serpent’s eyes. Black was becoming my next pet hate.

  Chapter 37 - Snapper Island

  ALEC

  Stockton pulled my head back and I tried not to grimace as pain shot through my body. The chair to which I was bound, creaked with every movement.