Awaken Me

by Emily Gossett

Nineteen

  I NEVER WOULD HAVE THOUGHT

  this day would ever come into existence. Who would have thought that Alec would take me to the werewolf lair? He must have been really desperate.

  Finding Marcus wasn’t hard; he was sitting by the fire pit, his hair was messy, and his shirt really defined his muscles. I was greeted with a huge bear hug, which was so unlike Marcus. I was surprised that Alec didn’t kill him on the spot.

  Alec explained pretty quickly what was going on, and Marcus was eager to help us.

  Catching my eye, Clark, the sandy blonde wolf who had given me a hard time waved at me as we passed him. Alec shot him a death glare. Poor Clark, he frowned and glanced away.

  I poked Alec hard in the side. “Be nice!” I said.

  Entering Marcus’s little cave room, we saw it was clean, relatively speaking, and had a puffy bed in the corner, a bed fit for a bear, and I plopped myself onto it. It was so soft and comfy. I snuggled into his pillow, and it smelled really nice; luckily his sheets were clean.

  Alec and Marcus were discussing options as I was going in and out of sleep. It was hard not to fall asleep.

  They prodded me awake to feed me some kind of meat that the wolves made down here and it was good. I could have been eating rat for all I knew. But when you’re hungry, anything is good, and I was too afraid to ask what it was.

  After I stuffed myself, and was feeling like a cow, Alec came and sat on the bed close to me.

  “Aimee, the wolves haven't seen your mom the last couple of days. Your dad is even missing," Alec said.

  Elecho entered my mind, the wolf that was my biological father. The only female, me, to be born from a werewolf. A hybrid, the first of my kind.

  “He isn’t my dad,” I said suddenly.

  Alec raised his eyebrows. “My father is a werewolf,” I said fast.

  I could see that thought processing through Alec’s mind. “Yes, you told me already Aimee.…Don’t you remember?” Alec said.

  I sat staring at them both. I was losing my mind.

  “It explains the mood swings you have, and the eye color change,” Alec said, not sarcastically, which surprised me. “And you don’t look like Ralph, your vampire dad.”

  Yes, finding that out about myself was eye opening, yet very useful. I finally could start putting myself back together. I decided to change the subject, due to the awkward silence that was suffocating me.

  “So, what do we do?” I asked.

  Marcus came stealthily and sat on the edge of the bed. His tight black shirt was extra tight. His green eyes studied me.

  “We have a few ideas on where we can search, but this community expands very wide. There’s the train, but we don’t know if she is still in the community or has left,” Alec said, then glanced back at Marcus. “We should check the train first. Marcus, you will be able to smell any new scents, I presume?”

  Marcus nodded at this arrangement. “We should hurry, the longer we wait—”Marcus didn’t finish. I knew he feared the worst.

  I bolted up out of his bed and Alec placed his hand on my shoulder and pushed me back down.

  I looked up at him, confused. “Aren’t I going?” I asked.

  “No, you need to stay here, and be safe.” Alec said.

  “Oh, no I’m not! I’m going, too!” I said, standing and pushing his hands away.

  I glared at them both as if daring them to challenge me. They didn’t say anything more. I smiled in victory as I followed Alec and Marcus.

  “Stop smiling,” Alec said.

  “Is it bothering you?” I asked happily, wanting it to.

  “What do you think?” he said.

  “I think you just got told,” I said, laughing.

  Alec just rolled his eyes at me.

  We didn’t go out the usual exit; instead, Marcus led us down a new path. It was more like a tunnel; lanterns were hanging from the dark ceiling, it looked like dirt, but was probably mixed with concrete. Luckily, I wore my moccasins slippers, and not sandals. The tunnel looked to go a long distance, maybe because I could barely see in front of me.

  “This leads to the train station?” I asked.

  “Yes, it also will take us anywhere we need to go undetected,” Marcus said.

  “Do you think the person who compelled Iva took my mom? And I thought you were the only one who could compel,” I asked, looking at Alec.

  “Some vampires have the same abilities. Whoever compelled Iva was strong; I couldn’t sense any completion left on her when I spoke to her this morning. I don’t think she remembers anything,” Alec said.

  “Do you think it’s safe for her to be wandering around? What if they get her again?” I asked, concerned.

  “We need to keep you safe first, and find Rose. Iva isn’t the target,” Alec said, and took my hand in his as we walked farther down this tunnel.

  The air was getting cooler as we reached the train station, also brighter. Everything seemed not to have changed since our arrival back from the small trip. The gold train still was there and was eerily quiet. Marcus immediately became on guard; without a glance, he asked us to stay as he quietly approached the train to inspect it.

  Alec was pacing around the station, being impatient as usual. He was making me nervous.

  Why couldn’t he just relax? “Alec…” I stopped; soft footsteps caught my attention, I heard the door open, the normal entrance door. Without hesitation, Alec spun me around pressing me against the wall, hiding me in the darkness.

  My heart began pounding in my chest.

  Who came out was someone I wasn’t expecting to see: Beth, walked out, looking around. Why was she here, I thought. Her slender body was masked in a black knee-length trench coat and a pair of heels. Weird combination. She waited as though she expected someone.

  The door opened a second time, A man soon came from behind her, tapping her arm lightly, she smiled and he kissed her. I couldn’t make out the man. He was too much in shadow from his cloak.

  My breathing almost stopped; I was afraid to be seen. Alec was so still, like a statue. He held me tightly to his body, and sparks of electricity came alive.

  They spoke to each other but I couldn’t hear them, wishing I had vamp ears. I was sure Alec would tell me. Remembering that Marcus was on the train still, I was silently praying that they didn’t board. After a few moments, they gave each other another soft kiss and he left first. Beth soon followed.

  Being sure they were truly gone Alec released me, still aware of everything. His eyes scanned the station cautiously. Why had Beth been here?

  My eyes were wide as I tried to calm myself. “What did they say to each other?” I asked.

  Alec thought for a moment. “The man said that the plans were coming together, and no one suspects anything. And soon she will be gone … I’m not sure who the man was. As far as Beth goes, she’s in on whatever is going on.”

  Beth. I could hardly believe she was capable to be a part of this. I was now not feeling guilty about the push earlier, not that I had felt guilty to begin with.

  I started to feel stressed. Waiting for what felt like a long while, Marcus finally got off the train. I relaxed a bit. He jogged to us, face serious.

  “It hasn’t been used since at least a few days ago, I’m assuming your trip, because your scent was on board still.” Marcus said, running his hands through his hair.

  “Were you able to make out the man that was out here just now?” I asked Marcus, hoping he was looking out the window.

  “Unfortunately, I had to stay hidden, the vampires would have sensed me,” Marcus said.

  “What do we do now?” I asked.

  Alec and Marcus exchanged glances.

  The floor began to move, and the familiar blurry vision came over me. The same lush forest appeared before my eyes. I waited impatiently for my vision to stop being hazy. I felt really agitated.

  Great this is exactly what I need right no
w!

  “I know you are here Derek,” I said, aggravated.

  Derek crept behind me and my reflexes instinctively kicked in, causing me to jump to the side and out of his reach. Derek wasn’t expecting that from me, and looked pleasantly surprised.

  “Can’t you just leave me alone?” I asked impatiently, as I tapped my foot.

  His green eyes lingered on me for a moment longer before he spoke.

  “You know I can’t stay away from you. God, you’re so beautiful! Maybe this separation was a good thing; your spirit is so strong now, like a new fire has grown inside of you. I like it.”

  “You didn’t think I was beautiful before?’ I asked, arms crossed, I knew it was irrelevant but I still wondered.

  “I always have, but your being has changed so much. I can’t wait to change you,” he said in his confident way.

  “I’m sorry, but you won’t be.” I smiled at him.

  “You would be surprised as to what plans I have.” His eyes gave him away. I could see a flicker of something in them.

  I knew it, he was coming for me. I needed to get out of this dream, needed to find my mother, and leave before Alec was killed by Derek.

  “Well, actually, Derek, you would be surprised with the plans I have for you, too.”

  Just like in Elizabeth’s bond dream, I saw the same Rogue lingering by the trees. Watching me. I froze. Derek turned and, seeing the Rogue, became rigid, his eyes flashed that honey brown, and he changed right in front of me, his clothes ripping off his changing body. Bounding for the Rogue in the forest, I just watched in horror at the scene that unfolded in front of me.

  I felt like I was being sucked backwards, feeling really dizzy, my eyes fluttered open. Alec was holding me close to him. His sent was so sweet, I couldn’t place the smell. It reminded me of cinnamon mixed with apples.

  “Marcus,” I said and Alec looked at me startled that I said Marcus. I ignored Alec’s facial expression and released myself from his arms.

  “There has been an unknown Rogue appearing in my bond dreams. Derek changed in front of me to his Rogue werewolf, and charged the other Rogue. How is that even possible?” I asked, still a little disoriented. The room was spinning slightly.

  Marcus looked at me for a long moment, thinking. I could see the crease form between his eyebrows. “There are a few werewolves who could invade another bond dream, but they have to be either related or have some kind of link. Did they fight?” Marcus asked.

  “Well, they charged each other, but I didn’t get to see anything more. Can you die in the bond dream?”

  “No, you can’t, it just our psyches. But still, it’s very powerful. I’m not sure what that could do to your mind.”

  My mind was spinning now, who was the Rogue? And did Derek get injured? A part of me didn’t want him to get harmed, which was quite ironic seeing that I was going to kill him.

  “What the crust!” I said aloud. causing both of them to just look at me.

  “What the crust?” Alec asked, raising his eyebrows.

  “Sorry, I just can’t believe the things that are happing to us, that’s all.” I said. flailing my arms. An idea suddenly popped into my head.

  “Alec, you know how I called you earlier?” I asked.

  His eyes sparked with a light. I knew Alec knew what I was going to say.

  “Do you think it would work on your mother?” he asked.

  “I don’t know, I could try. Wouldn’t hurt. But should we go back to the tunnel?” I asked.

  “Yeah, that’s smart.” Marcus said. We swiftly walked back to the safety of the tunnel.

  “I’m not sure how to do it exactly, it just sort of happened last time.” They just stared at me. “Can you not stare at me?” I told them. Alec raised his eyebrows in that perfect arch he always did, but listened and turned, nudging Marcus in the side.

  Putting my pointer fingers to my temples and pressing on them, I focused hard on my mother. “Mom? Where are you?” I asked, waiting, but nothing happened. I waited a few moments. It didn’t work, maybe it had just been luck last time. I felt a little discouraged by my failure.

  I sighed heavily, opening my eyes. “I don’t know how I did it. Maybe we are better connected, Alec.” Alec smiled at that.

  Alec pulled me to my feet and Marcus began leading us back up the dark and dirty tunnel.

  My ears began to bother me, I pressed on them. It felt like they had become clogged. The sound began far away, like I had a head cold. “Aimee? Are you still there? I think I’m going crazy.” It was my mom. I almost laughed.

  “You aren’t going crazy Mom! I can hear you! Where are you?” I asked.

  “No, Aimee it’s not safe, so many things happened. We have been betrayed. I heard you are locked up.”

  “I’m safe, please just tell me!” I heard nothing but silence for a long while.

  “I’m chained to a table. I don’t know where, it looks like a basement.”

  “We will find you, okay!”

  “Be careful.”

  The volume turned up again and the same weird sensation came over me, like my ears popping, as if I was on a plane.

  A huge smile spread across my face.

  “What happened?” Alec asked.

  “She thought she was going crazy; that’s why she didn’t respond to me. She is chained to a table in a basement. She doesn’t know where, though. And she says we all are betrayed,” I said, almost breathless.

  “Can you see where she is?” Marcus asked.

  “No, it’s just blackness, and our voices.”

  The boys just stood in front of me, dumbfounded about what just happened. Alec faced Marcus.

  “Does ‘basements’ sound familiar?” Alec asked Marcus.

  Marcus ran his hands through his messy hair, closing his eyes. “There are a couple, they were used to torture … werewolves, well, the Rogue ones.…If she says we are all betrayed, I know what that means. Rogues are going to be coming.”

  I could feel the color drain from my face.

  I’d had a feeling that’s what she meant. Derek made it clear, also. My stomach twisted. I needed to leave, but all I could think about was Alec. I looked into his icy grey eyes, the ones I fell in love with all over again. I had to protect him.

  Marcus, like he sensed my thoughts, stared right into my eyes, and he nodded.

  “There is a basement close to where we are now, Aimee; if things go … wrong, you need to leave,” Marcus said. I gulped.

  We began jogging to the next destination, which was the basement, hopefully the right one. Everything around was a blur of darkness as I was so focused on what lay ahead of us. My breathing became heavier as we began going deeper underground.

  As we approached a door, Alec stopped me. I already knew what he was going to tell me. “I think you should stay here.” His eyes held so much love for me. I knew he was my protector. But I wanted to go to. I looked at Marcus for support, and got none.

  “Thanks guys.”

  Alec dropped my hands, leaving me in the dark tunnel. It was probably more dangerous in here than in the basement. I took my seat on the dirt floor. How dare they leave me here? Uggg. And how long was I supposed to wait? I’m the worst at being patient, sitting here was going to be worse than torture. The darkness also sent chills up my spine; I was terrified of what could be lurking around the bends in these tunnels. My mind was my worst enemy at the moment.

  After what felt like a long while, I became more anxious. Shouldn’t they be out by now? I began staring at the door, like they would be coming out any moment with my mother.

  Just breathe. Everything is fine. It just feels longer because I’m waiting.

  My patience level was becoming nil.

  Deciding to maybe peek in on Alec wouldn’t hurt; he would just tell me it was fine. Allowing my mind to go blank, I focused on Alec. I didn’t think I would get used to the sound turning off. “Alec, di
d you find her?” I asked.

  Silence, the horrible silence. I sighed deeply.

  Then, out of nowhere, an ear-piercing wailing met my ears. I didn’t expect to hear screaming; it was agonizing, I almost turned it off. It caused me to jump.

  “Aimee.” His voice was shaking. He couldn’t say anything more. That was enough for me. Alec was in excruciating pain. I had to find him.

  Coming back to the tunnel, I was already standing. Exhaling, I opened the door, slowly peeking in first. It was really quiet, and the same darkness greeted me with open arms. My stomach dropped, my pulse quickened.

  I didn’t see anyone. It was a concrete hall, but had the same look as the wolf lair, with tree roots poking out here and there, looking like snakes in this very dimly lit area. I didn’t see any brighter lights down the hall, either.

  Fast-walking down the hall, I didn’t exactly know where to go. I could hear my own heart beating even more wildly than before. It was so still down here. Almost too still; wouldn’t I hear them being tortured?

  Was I too late? My pace slowed as I approached what appeared to look like doors. My ears picked up on a soft thud of a door closing, sounding horrifically close, Following footsteps a little further down the hall, with haste, I stopped walking to hide in an alcove to conceal myself in the blanket of darkness. My breathing was jagged and I covered my mouth.

  I could hear them talking among themselves. Two men were approaching and they weren’t vampires. I glanced around the corner, catching a small glimpse of them. Their hair was to the shoulders, lying around their faces, and their eyes were already a honey color—something about them was evil and cold. They were, I was assuming, Rogues, but in human form. OH GOD, they will smell me! Each step, they were coming closer, closer. Suddenly, the footsteps stopped abruptly, turning down another hall, I assumed. My breathing was pure adrenaline; I could feel that same fire burning in my chest, growing hotter each moment.

  Pushing myself forward was a little harder than I imagined; my body wanted to retreat back to the safety of the tunnel.

  Coming to the crossroads, I glanced in both directions, and decided to stay on the same path. I could see a row of wooden doors. Reaching the first wooden door, hesitating briefly, I placed my ear to it. I heard muffled breathing. My heart sped up again, terrified. I wasn’t a warrior, of any kind, what could I possibly help with? I twisted the knob slowly, praying that there weren’t any Rogues inside, The door wasn’t locked, to my advantage.

  The scene in front of me was surreal. My mind went back to the night when Krissy died at Derek’s hand. Even though this was a different scene, I still had that terrified feeling. I didn’t see Alec anywhere in this dark dungeon; it looked like it was from the renaissance period, giving me the feeling of utter horror. A floating chandelier of candles that dangled from the arched ceiling was the only source of light.

  Marcus was tied from hanging chains, his feet dangling close to the ground; he had purple bruises across his face. He didn’t see me.

  My mother, thankfully, was alive, but her eyes were closed and she was lying on a table, strapped to it. From what I could see she wasn’t beaten. Alec, where was Alec? I was trying to control the panic inside of me.

  I ran swiftly over to Marcus, first, thinking he could help.

  “Marcus.” His eyes fluttered open. “Are you all right? Anything broken?” His eyes bore into mine.

  “Aimee you need to leave us. If they find you, you’re the one they want. There are Rogues here.”

  “I know. I saw some before I got to you. I’m not leaving you!” I said fiercely. “Where is Alec?” I asked.

  His face became grimmer. “I don’t know, they took him somewhere else. I’m sorry I failed you.”

  “No, you didn’t. Did you see where the keys were?” I asked. holding his gaze.

  “Last I saw them, they were on the guard.”

  “Aimee?” my mother called me faintly.

  I was immediately by her side. “I’m here and going to get you out.”

  “No, you don’t understand. It is you they want. Ralph betrayed us. Your stepdad! This whole time, he and Beth were … listen to me, he’s the one who let the Rogues in and take you…” The doors suddenly burst open and two Rogues stood in front of us, in their human forms. Derek never resembled these two guys. They were dirty and had a wild look in their eyes. I was shaking slightly, but I think it was with fury.

  My fire grew inside of me, spreading to my fingers. Was it pure horror, or something else. Marcus just hung there, watching me. There was nothing he could do.

  They smiled at me, a twisted look on their dirty faces. It turned my blood cold. My chest continued to burn with the fury, I could feel the fire creeping up. It felt stronger and hotter. I touched my arm to make sure I wasn’t on fire. This feeling was different than the time with Anthony. Almost like my body became ready.

  “Awwwww, look who we have here! That was easier than I thought,” the sandy blonde-haired Rogue said. The other Rogue laughed, merciless.

  “You have nowhere to go, little one. We aren’t going to hurt you. Just come with us,” the second Rogue said, in what he probably thought was his soothing voice. It wasn’t working on me.

  Yeah, that’s exactly what I was going to do buddy, go with you.

  They came closer to me, unthreatened. If only they could pay attention to the vibrating earth under my feet from all my anger boiling within me. Marcus was looking at me and his face held it all, he could see it in my eyes and his mouth hung open, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips.

  The blonde unknowing Rogue placed a hand on me, which made me smile. Which was a bit crazy. I wanted to hurt them. More than that, I wanted to kill them.

  “Don’t touch me!” I said. They laughed like I was a cute child. And they both grabbed my arm this time.

  Everything happened so fast—one swift motion, unlike my usual pace, I was fast, so fast, faster than a vampire. I twisted his arm back, cracking it, and flipped him over me, cracking his head on the floor. I didn’t have time to think. The other rogue looked at me in shock but charged me full speed.

  I saw a chain on the table. I snatched it up so smoothly and swung it over my head like a lasso and whipped him clear in the face, sliding out of the way, as if I was sliding into home plate. He growled in pain and was changing into a wolf in front of my eyes. His back went rigid, clothes tearing at the seams, teeth bared, eyes bloodshot. His cold glare rested on me. Snarls escaped his lips.

  Thinking fast, I saw a metal-like sword, I picked it up and braced myself for the attack.

  The Rogue didn’t see what was in my hand as he lunged for me; I jumped and was surprised how high I went, landing like a cat away from the Rogue. He snarled in outrage. He couldn’t hide the surprise on his face.

  “You are making this difficult.”

  “Then maybe you should leave; your friend is still unconscious. Take the hint.”

  He smiled and came at me. I swung the sword with such a force I cut his arm off, He shrieked so loud as he held his bleeding stub. His eyes changed. I could see he was going to kill me. I could feel the anger pouring out of him.

  The fool of a Rogue came charging with such speed he almost took me off guard, but my arms were ready; like swinging a baseball bat I took his head off with one sweep. I could feel the blood splatter on my face from the impact of my blade. This was the sword that could kill a Rogue, the only metal that could pierce one. In a stance like a samurai I stood up. Glancing at the Rogue, I beheaded his comrade, still unconscious on the floor. I turned my gaze to Marcus.

  Marcus face was in shock as he watched me, awe in his eyes. My mother made a subtle noise; I almost forgot she was in the room with us.

  I bent down, searching the guy’s jacket, practically turning it inside out; finally, I felt the keys. I ran to Marcus and it took a little bit to find the right one but I finally unlocked him. He fell to the ground, shaking a bi
t. Marcus rubbed his wrists.

  I helped him up. “Aimee, I have never seen anything like you before. It’s true what they say. Hybrid!” I smiled and ran to my mother, unlocking her and helping her up, the blood on my hands staining her dress. I had forgotten about the blood. What did I look like, a monster? She appeared to be at a loss for words.

  “Are you okay, Mom?” I asked.

  She nodded. “Yes. Aimee they will kill Alec if you don’t find him—you need to hurry.”

  Marcus had a stone expression on his face. “Do you know where they would take him?” he asked.

  “I don’t. I’ll stay here and you two go find Alec. These guards were the ones watching us. I doubt anyone will know they are missing.”

  “I can’t leave you here!” I said fiercely.

  “I will be fine. Go find him. If you see Ralph, Just capture him, I would like to kill him myself,” she said with a dark expression.

  Marcus touched my arm; he had a blade in his hand also. “Come on.”

  Scurrying out the door, it was luckily clear in the hall.… We jogged down the hall, and I could feel it, the fire was still in me, as well as the adrenaline pumping through me. I was praying silently that Alec was alive still, and that I wouldn’t lose this fire.

  “Aimee, your eyes scared the crap out of me. They didn’t turn the honey brown like a regular wolf. They were purple. I have never seen that color purple before on anybody. I think you scared those Rogues. They weren’t expecting it.” He was smiling. “Derek won’t be expecting it either.”

  “What color are my eyes right now?” I asked, he quickly glanced at me.

  “They are soft, light purple, I can feel the fire in you still. Hold on to it!” he said.

  Reaching what looked like a dead end, we slowed our pace, listening for any sound that would point us in the next direction. We didn’t have to wait that long. We both froze when we heard screaming echoing down the hall. It was horrible, tortured sound. He pushed me forward. Please be alive.

  Reaching the door, Marcus turned to me.

  “Aimee—”

  “Just kick it open, we can’t exactly walk in there,” I said. Marcus nodded in agreement.

  Kicking the door in wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be, we both did it easily. The room was large, looking the same as the last dungeon we came from, the same arched ceiling, with those eerie chandeliers that had cob webs all over them.

  I spotted Ralph hovering over Alec. His face had no sign of shock. Beth, his accomplice, stood close by along with two Rogues; they all looked at me, not even noticing Marcus. Alec was covered in blood, his face was slashed. They were torturing him. I almost ran to them; Marcus held my wrist. We both side glanced at each other.

  “Hello Aimee. What a nice surprise. Derek will be happy you are well,” Ralph said.

  I wanted to tear his smile off his face. The same anger returned, burning a little brighter.

  Ralph then took a hot poker and stuck it through Alec’s shoulder. My face went paler than usual. I felt sick.

  Alec was screaming in agony. I clenched my fists so I wouldn’t explode.

  “Don’t touch him again,” I said dangerously, shaking in anger.

  Ralph smiled. “And what exactly are you going to do? Nothing. you are nothing but a Yurnling.… Why everyone is so obsessed with you is beyond me.” He sneered.

  “Why would you sell out your own race for Rogues?” I asked.

  “Aww, it was for one, you, not the whole race! He wanted you so bad. You returning nearly ruined everything. With you and your mother gone, I could make Beth the leader and we could rule over everyone, Rogues included. That was part of the deal. Seems an unfair deal, all of that for you. He almost ruined it!” Ralph said, stabbing Alec once more.

  So that’s what this was about, me; somehow in Ralph’s twisted head, he thought the Rogues would actually listen to him, bow down to him. Ralph was so wrong. His ignorance would cost him his life along with everyone else’s.

  The heat was stronger this time, more potent. I shouldn’t have promised anything to my mom, meaning her killing Ralph. I might not be able to control myself.

  Beth stood there, looking happy; I wanted to knock the smile off her face, too. Marcus stood close to me, hand still around my wrist.

  “Retain them,” Ralph said motioning to the two Rogues in the room.

  Marcus and I glanced at each other. Our swords were hidden. The two Rogues came at us, they were in their changed form already, Bloodshot eyes, hulking size, grey, leathery skin....

  Marcus pushed the table at them as he grabbed his sword. I didn’t have time to watch them fight, my own Rogue approached me. Same twisted smile. I felt the flash in my eyes, my speed he didn’t see coming, thanks to his underestimating me. The table that was supposed to trip the Rogues, I leapt onto, almost stunning myself. The Rogue was almost to me, teeth bared, growling, claws reaching for me. I was too quick for him. I swung the sword in the same circular motion, and his head came clean off; he was clearly not expecting it, his facial expression, even in death, was pure shock.

  I pushed his dead-weight body off the table. Marcus had just taken his opponent’s head off, blood was splattered on Marcus’s arms. I wondered why he didn’t change into a werewolf; his eyes were honey colored as he smiled at me, full of confidence.

  Ralph just stood there watching me, eyes narrowed. Before I could move or say anything, Beth came charging at Marcus, fangs bared at him, it was like I watched it in slow motion. She was going to bite him. My legs moved before I realized what I was doing. I reached her before Marcus could move, shoving my blade deep into her heart. I had an almost pleasure, bloodlust, hunger, satisfaction course through me. Maybe it was the wolf side of me that longed for death, or maybe I just loathed her.

  She gasped as I pulled my sword out, the light in her grey eyes flickering out.

  I didn’t know how to kill a vamp, but clearly this would hinder her if not kill her. I didn’t bother watching her fall to the ground. Turning around, fire was burning in Ralph’s eyes as he held a dagger to Alec’s throat. His rage was all over his face. The dagger was shaking mildly. He must have really cared for this wench, Beth.

  “You want to fight, old man? What is your great plan now?” I asked Ralph, antagonizing him.

  His eyes narrowed more on me.

  “You won’t be able to fight if he’s dead. Some things never change. I could see it all over your face. You may be deadly now, but if I kill him you will be nothing!”

  I froze, feeling less cocky. Would it ruin me, losing Alec? I cared for him deeply, love was a stronger bond.

  Ralph was right, I couldn’t bear to lose Alec. That was the reason for me to run away and hunt Derek in the first place. What could I do now? I was weighing my options. They were few. Marcus was also thinking, I could see the crease between his eyebrows.

  I put my sword down, slowly, as did Marcus. Backing away, I took a deep breath. I noticed there was a door behind Ralph. Ralph was so distracted with me he didn’t see it open or hear it. Seeing my mother’s head peek around the corner was quite comical. Holding my smile proved easier than I thought, with my blood boiling still.

  I decided to distract Ralph.

  “So that’s your great idea? Kill Alec?” I said, sneering at him.

  “It will still work; you are alive. And I will deliver you to Derek Sladen myself!” Ralph said, so confident. How could this man truly betray everyone, my mother included? He didn’t seem like that type. But then again it was always the silent ones to be aware of.

  My mother, stealthy like a true ninja, better than me, I must add, pulled out her dagger and stabbed him in the back. Pure shock shone on his face this time, as she dug deeper into his flesh. A gross spluttering of blood dribbled out his mouth, as his eyes rolled back in his sockets. A sickening gurgling escaped his lips. I had to look away to hold in the vomit. My fury power was dwindling away; the old squea
mish Aimee was returning.

  “You would have to go through me first, honey!” my mom said, smiling. Ralph fell to the ground. I pulled Alec away from Ralph’s blood pool and untied him. His eyes were focusing on me. He had that same awed expression that Marcus had had earlier.

  I pulled him up and wrapped myself around him and kissed him. His lips responded instantly, despite how tired and hurt he was. I didn’t want to break away.

  “You came for me?” he asked.

  Would he actually think I wouldn’t?

  “Are you joking? You think I would leave you here?” I said. His face was looking at me, unsure for a moment. He looked more afraid than anything of making me mad.

  “No, I knew you would eventually come rescue me,” He said with a smile., It looked painful. His face had a bruise and a slash on it. “But I thought you would get your mother out of here first,” he said, resting his hand on my shoulder.

  “Yeah, my mother, Miss Warrior Princess over there, wanted to stay behind,” I said, laughing. My mother half smiled at my comment, once more becoming the leader. When Alec turned his head, I could have sworn she winked at me. It happened too fast for me to really comprehend it.

  “I’ve never seen anything like what you did tonight. And you’re not even changed yet. Can you imagine what you will be like if you are awakened?” he said, starting to sound like Marcus.

  “Amazing.” my mother said, interrupting. She was clearly amused.

  “Your eyes were purple!” Alec said.

  “What are they now?” I asked.

  “Hazel,” he said softly. And he brought his lips to mine again. I noticed his wounds weren’t healing.

  “I thought vampires heal?” I asked.

  “We aren’t immortal. Unlike the werewolves, who have a different kind of life expectancy, both races heal fast but not when they use a special metal that hinders the healing process.”

  “What special metal is it?” I asked.

  “Mercury. It has an effect on werewolves and vampires. It’s the only way to kill a werewolf,” Alec said.

  Marcus caught my eye as he passed me.

  “Marcus, why didn’t you change? You stayed human,” I said.

  Marcus smiled. “ I have great control over my emotions. I wouldn’t be of use as a werewolf; it’s hard to control my emotions. Everything is enhanced.”

  Alec was weak even just standing there. My mother touched his arm. “We need to take him to the hospital wing.” My mother said gently. Marcus put his arm around Alec for support.

  Alec cast a glance over his shoulder, smiling in his seductive way, and looking so helpless.