He leapt toward her, his lips lifting into a snarl. “Who do you think they’ll believe? Me, someone who has been with them for years, or you?”
The woods were growing dark. It would be harder to fight them, more difficult to see. And if Bacchus appeared we were as good as dead without Thane’s help.
“Will?” I whispered urgently.
I’d give him one more chance, but Will was no longer my leader and I trusted my instincts more than I trusted him. My instincts were screaming at me to act.
Fortunately Will relented and nodded. “Go around. Surprise them from the back.”
I headed through the trees, making sure to avoid stepping on twigs and branches that might give away my presence. While I made my way around the clearing, Tony and Susan continued to argue about what to do. It was obvious they hadn’t known each other for long, which meant Susan had been sent to us on purpose, most likely to find the serum.
I paused when I was directly across from Will. I could barely see him through the branches but the moment I heard the twigs rattle, I took action. In one smooth movement, I pulled the gun from the waistband of my trousers and stepped into the clearing.
“Stop. It’s over.”
Tony spun around to face me. “Jane,” he gasped. The surprise on his face quickly smoothed into concern. He was good. Really good. “I found Susan trying to race off with the serum.”
I would have punched him in the face then and there if he hadn’t been stronger than me. “Really? Well, good thing you were there to stop her.”
He didn’t notice my sarcasm. “Is that a gun?”
“It is.” He didn’t need to know there were no bullets left and it was about as useless as a rock. I only hung onto it because Thane had asked me to. Thane. Where was he? It wasn’t like the man to be late. He was always one, or five, steps ahead of us.
“But where’d you get it?”
“We know,” Will said, stepping from the trees, his dagger in hand. “Don’t try to deny it, Tony. We know you betrayed us.”
Tony shook his head, tearing his gaze from the gun and focusing on Will. “No. I wouldn’t do that. You know me, Will. We’re friends.”
“Damn it,” Will hissed, grabbing Tony by the shirt and jerking him close. “How could you? How could you pretend to care when they were tortured? They killed Jimmy!”
“I did care!” Tony hissed, struggling to break from Will’s grasp. “They’ve known about us for months, Will! They’ve been following us. They gave me a choice, and if I wanted to live, I had to pick sides.”
“You picked the wrong side.” Will threw his fist forward, hitting Tony in the chin. His head snapped back and he stumbled, falling to the ground. Will shoved his foot into Tony’s chest, sending him to his back. “Find something to tie them up.”
Susan was whimpering by a tree. “Please, I had no choice.”
“Get up,” I snapped, in no mood for her manipulative begging. It might have worked on the guys, but not me.
She stumbled to her feet, glaring at me. Her poor maiden disguise was gone, the ugly truth revealed. “You don’t think you’ll end up dead along with us?”
“We might end up dead,” I said. “But it will never be alongside you.”
“They would have killed me.” She looked ridiculous standing there in her white, maiden gown, her beautiful face flushed with dirt and outrage. “I had to do what they said! I had no choice!”
“We always have a choice.” I gripped her upper arm and turned to head back toward camp. I had barely taken my first step when a shiver of warning raced down my spine. “Will, I think…”
Men shifted from the woods, at least five beautiful ones and Bacchus, merging into the clearing. The terror I felt was real and shocking. My hand grew tight around the butt of my pistol.
“Well, well, well,” Bacchus sighed. “We came merely to get the serum. But I see the universe has thrown in a surprise…or two.”
I slid Will a glance from under my lashes. What was the plan? Certainly we had a plan. But he looked just as worried as I felt. Will was a leader, he wasn’t a warrior. Swallowing hard, I jerked the gun up, deciding to take action on my own. “Don’t move.”
Bacchus looked at the gun, then back up at me and laughed. The men behind him grinned. My arm wavered. They knew. Somehow they knew.
“Even if that gun had bullets, which I’m rather sure it doesn’t, it won’t kill us, my dear. So don’t even think about trying anything.”
I raised the pistol. “It will kill you if I hit your head.”
Before I could blink, they were on us. I barely had time to register their advance before the gun was torn from my hand and I was tossed to the ground. The side of my face hit the hard earth. Will was slammed to the ground next to me. With a muffled cry, I tried to break free, but they held me so tight I could barely move. My arms were jerked back and rope was wound tightly around my wrists. Just as quickly as I’d been shoved to the earth, I was jerked back to my feet. It was all too much, too fast. My mind spun, the world around me wavered in and out of focus.
Although my body ached and my arms felt as if they were being pulled from the sockets, I didn’t worry, for I knew Thane would arrive at any moment. He’d never let me down before and he wouldn’t now. At least I hoped. But could Thane take on five beautiful ones and Bacchus?
“Shall we, my little pets?” Dismissing us, Bacchus started through the woods as if we were on a stroll through the forest, all ease and smiling happiness. How I hated him like I’d never hated anyone. There was no reasoning with the vampire, he was a demon in man’s clothing. A monster who got his power from harming others.
When Bacchus’ minions pushed us forward, we had no choice but to follow. But I wasn’t focused on Bacchus. No, I was scouring the dark shadows, trying to find Thane. Where was he?
“See,” Tony hissed under his breath. “I told you I had to pick sides, and it looks like I picked the right one. At least I’ll live.”
Will’s jaw clenched, and I knew he, like me, wanted to punch that smug look from Tony’s face. Susan and Tony quickened their steps, falling behind Bacchus, eager to please. I thought about Thane’s girlfriend, the woman he had loved. She had worked for them, but she hadn’t been safe. No one was. And just like Thane’s love, Tony and Susan would eventually be killed as well.
We moved down a narrow deer trail, Will and I between Bacchus and his followers. Even as I frantically searched the dark woods, hoping for a way to escape, I knew we were trapped. Our only hope was Thane. Some ten minutes later we entered another clearing.
“Now,” Bacchus said, slowing his steps. “Tell me about this serum.”
“Well, you see,” Tony replied, sweat glistening across his forehead. He was so nervous he almost tripped over a branch. “Apparently Thane tricked us, because the bag is empty.”
“You don’t say,” Bacchus said thoughtfully.
He strolled across the clearing, and while his feet were quiet and light, my boots crunched over branches. And while the burs and thorny vines somehow managed to miss his silky clothes, they poked and scraped against my skin. I was fully aware of each scratch and the blood it might bring to the surface.
“Come, my friends,” Bacchus said, pausing next to a large boulder, his eyes glowing just like the other vampires. “Sit.”
They’d set up camp, probably lying in wait for days. Bedrolls, bags and even a fire had burned in the center at one time. Who knew how long they’d been here. Will and I were shoved forward, falling to our knees. I tried not to grimace, but the pebbles dug into my knees and my arms ached.
Bacchus glanced dispassionately at Susan and Tony. “Kill them.”
I felt Will stiffen beside me. But I wasn’t surprised in the least. They had no need for them. As much as I hated Tony and Susan, it didn’t stop my heart from lurching, for I knew they would die a painful death. Bacchus’ men were on Susan in seconds.
Her screams echoed through the woods, bouncing against the trees. Us
ing their inattention to his advantage, Tony fled, crashing into the woods. But Bacchus’ men went after him. Frantic, I searched the dark forest. Now was the perfect time for Thane to attack and free us. But Susan was dead, and Tony’s screams faded. Still no Thane.
Suddenly Bacchus stood before me. A shiver of unease raced down my body. He knelt slowly, those eerie eyes pinned to me. Mirth clouded his gaze, but there was something more there…hunger, I realized with dread.
“You’re waiting for Thanatos, aren’t you?”
Startled, I froze. I barely breathed.
With his gaze still on me, he reached toward my neck. I barely had time to flinch before he’d pulled Tom’s necklace out from underneath my shirt. With a quick snap, he broke the string and pulled it close. “Pretty.”
Smirking, he stood and tossed the necklace toward the woods. He strolled to the large boulder. Making a great show of brushing off the rock, he settled, all ease, on the hard surface.
“Let me tell you about the real Thanatos.” He folded his hands demurely in his lap and smiled at me. “The man you obviously care for is actually working for me.”
“You’re lying,” Will snapped.
Bacchus lifted his brows. “Oh no. Not at all.”
The area grew quiet. Bacchus’ men were still in the woods, most likely feeding off of Tony. As I stared into the vampire’s face, I realized Bacchus was completely serious. Dread swept through my body, threatening to drown me in a vast pit of darkness.
“No,” I whispered, the word slipping across my lips. I wouldn’t believe it.
Bacchus lifted his gaze, focusing on something beyond my shoulder. “Tell her, Thanatos.”
Will turned.
I didn’t bother to move, because I knew who stood there. I could smell him. I could sense him. I should have been terrified. Instead, all I could think about was that he had betrayed me. The pain was sharp, haunting, consuming. I couldn’t move, couldn’t think, could barely breathe.
“Thanatos, please take your friend Will here into the woods and kill him.”
It was all I needed to jerk me from my stupor. Somehow I managed to surge to my feet and spun around to face Thane. “No. Please. Please don’t do this.”
Thane merely stood there impassively, as if my words did not reach him. As if he had no heart, no conscience, no soul. Who was this man I thought I knew? I stared hard at him, met his gaze and held it even while my heart broke, piece by piece, scattering to the ground below me. Thane. My Thane. How could he?
“Please,” I whispered once more.
Nothing.
Will had grown stoic and still. He didn’t beg. He knew it would do no good. No, Will would go down a warrior, and a leader. Slowly, he stood, stumbling to his feet with his hands still tied. Thane latched onto his arm.
“No!” I screamed.
Will looked back only once before he was shoved into the forest. In his gaze I saw his apology, I sensed the way he felt about me. In his gaze I saw his goodbye. Just like that they disappeared into the dark shadows. I listened until I could hear Will’s feet no longer crashing through the vegetation. And even after it went silent, I still listened, hoping…praying.
“As much as I’d love to watch, we have a carriage to catch.”
Bacchus shoved me toward a deer trail. I hadn’t just lost Will in those woods, I’d also lost Thane…at least the man I thought I knew. A sob caught in my throat, choking the air from my lungs. No. No. No. I wouldn’t believe it, I couldn’t. Thane wouldn’t turn on us. Will couldn’t die.
“Don’t worry, my sweet,” Bacchus cooed, his words barely audible over the harsh pounding of my heart. “I think we’ll keep you for a while. Dionysus will love you. You’ll be the perfect gift for our king.”
I spun around and bolted to the trees, toward where Will and Thane had disappeared. I’d made it only three steps when I was slammed to the ground. As I lay there, gasping for breath, I kept my gaze focused on those trees, knowing it had to be a mistake. Surely it was all a ruse to free Will. They would return and attack Bacchus together.
“Come now,” Bacchus said impatiently. “We have places to be. It’s time to give up.”
But still I lay there, waiting, waiting, knowing that Thane wouldn’t betray us.
Knowing…until moments later when Thane returned, stepping from the darkness of the woods and into the clearing, covered in blood.
Chapter 18
Will was gone.
Dead.
Like Jimmy, like my grandfather, my parents.
And most likely I would follow.
For hours we’d been traveling in the carriage, wheels bouncing over dirt roads until my aching body had grown numb. Although the very men who had killed my friends, and who would murder me sat beside and across from me, I was barely aware. I’d sat quietly in the corner, staring unblinkingly at the blur of trees, lost in my grief, my fear, my pain.
Will was gone.
I was the last one left but I knew I wouldn’t be here much longer. But what hurt me more than anything, what twisted like a dagger deep within my gut, was Thane’s betrayal. I hadn’t known him at all. He was a monster. The Thane I thought I’d known had been a myth, like a character in one of the very books he’d given me.
We’d been fighting a losing battle all along. Death had finally caught up to us, taking no prisoners. As with the very insects, mammals, and reptiles we’d exterminated from our gardens. They’d tried so hard to survive, but it had been pointless because we were ruthless, stronger and determined.
Vaguely I was aware of Thane’s hand gripping my upper arm as we sat side by side. The same hand that had killed Will. Perhaps he thought I might try to throw open the carriage door and jump. But jumping would only amuse them, and I’d be damned if I’d provide the entertainment. Will had died well, marching nobly to death and I would as well.
How could I have trusted Thane so utterly and completely? Why hadn’t I paid attention to that cold indifference I’d seen so often in the dhampir’s eyes? Why had I ignored the way he killed without remorse?
I didn’t care about my own death. I’d given up worrying about that long ago. But I was angry that I hadn’t been able to do more. Angry that I hadn’t been able to give the others a fighting chance. I could only hope Kelly had escaped. I could pretend. Pretend that they would find the serum, that they would live on, while the vampires around them slowly died off.
I could pretend.
“I can practically hear your mind spinning,” Bacchus said from across the carriage. I couldn’t see his features in the dim light, but his eyes glowed eerily. He found me so very amusing, and toyed with me like a cat playing with a little mouse.
“Why am I still alive?” I demanded.
“Would you rather have it over quickly?” Bacchus asked, tilting his head to the side as if he was contemplating the idea.
How I hated him. But I despised Thane even more. Bacchus hadn’t hid what he was. He’d made it clear he was a full-blooded killer. But Thane…Thane had used me. Pretended to care. And it hurt so much more than I would ever admit.
“Yes, actually, I would like it done quickly because I’d rather be dead than in your company a moment longer.”
“Oh don’t worry, my dear. Your wish will be granted soon enough.” He smoothed down his cloak and folded his hands demurely in his lap. “Now then, enough with the theatrics. You humans are so dramatic.”
“Says the monster wearing silk pantaloons,” I muttered.
Bacchus laughed, but his mirth didn’t quite reach his eyes. “They are going to love you at the castle, my dear.”
I shivered despite trying to hold back my fear. “Why?” I demanded. “Why are you doing this? Why do you hate humans so?”
Bacchus shrugged. “Don’t take it personally. We need to eat.”
Right, if only it were that simple. “And can’t you feed in a more humane way? Must you enjoy the terror?”
He leaned forward, so close that his sweet scent swi
rled around me. “My dear, people love a good horror show.”
My lips lifted into a snarl. “You’re monsters.”
He quirked a brow and leaned back. “We’re the monsters? Really? You’ve read, you know the history of your people. Good God, your humans used to gather around and cheer hangings. Women, children, all would go to the show.”
“That’s different,” I hissed. “That was war.”
“Oh no, my dear. Not war.” He was silent for a long moment, watching me, merely watching me. I was so incredibly aware of Thane at my side and Bacchus across from me. I felt trapped, suffocated. “Do you know what they used to do to vampires before we took power?”
I didn’t respond, because I didn’t know.
He smiled slow and sweet. “They would burn us at the stake. But we didn’t die that way you see, so it was merely a slow torture. Quite painful until we healed again. Or they’d stab us in the heart and bury us alive. Again, didn’t kill us, merely tortured us. I could go on and on, but you get the idea. That, my dear, is what your humans did to us before we decided to fight back.”
Had Thane hated me all this time? Bitter over the way humans had treated his family?
“That was a long time ago,” I whispered, unsure anymore what I believed.
“And can you say that it wouldn’t happen again?” He tilted his head thoughtfully, watching me. “Say you humans regained power, would you show us mercy? Would you accept us? Or at the least, would you integrate us, teach us your ways? Or would you rather just kill us and be done with the fear?”
I wanted to assure him we would do what we could to help, but I couldn’t. He was right…we could never live together in peace. Which meant in the end either the vampires or the humans would end up failing. And considering how often we were on the losing side, I wasn’t going to place my bet on my human friends.
“And so it will go on and on forever, never ending.”
He shrugged. “At least until you’re dead or contained.”
“And then you’ll turn on each other,” I said.
He didn’t seem to care. “Perhaps.”
The Chosen Ones Page 24