by Sia Wales
I can feel Vuk approaching, his muffled roars expressing his displeasure at the presence of a third party. Donn pretends not to see, but his eyes suddenly dart toward him, as black as coal. I can feel Vuk about to explode if he doesn’t have his say.
“Cut it out, don’t push it, vampire! My patience has its limits,” he exclaims in irritation, his tone bordering on the hysterical.
Donn replies with an amused smile and lowers our hands, though not letting go. Vuk mumbles something incomprehensible and stands rooted to the spot, his arms folded across his chest. His idea of being my guard dog has been a little on the extreme side just lately. Silence falls again, my heartbeat now slowing down to normal. There’s nothing left to say. Or maybe just one little thing.
“You’re not the bad guy,” I repeat, with candor. “I refuse to believe that!” It’s true; I feel bad for even having thought of it.
It’s beyond doubt: he’s not the dark knight he makes himself out to be, I’m sure of it.
“Pigheaded, as usual, baby girl!” quips Donn ironically, gently teasing me. His eyes keep burning onyx and turquoise enticingly. Vuk groans, exasperated.
“At least they agree on one thing! I’m still here,” he cuts in jokingly, rolling his eyes. I can sense his unease though.
Donn suffocates a laugh.
“Right,” he comments, releasing his grip on my hand and changing the subject. “So, you want to know about the hunt, right?” he asks me with that impenetrable look returning to his face.
“Sure, sure,” I say hurriedly, trying to muster as much enthusiasm as I can.
“The rebels went to Vermont, then they came back here. Aaron and Jason usually would reach Canada tracking them down. But this time they’ll do better, they’re on their trail now like bloodhounds. And we’re not going to let the girl get away with all this. Adam has picked the wrong person to hunt this time and soon, very soon, the air will be heavy with the screams of his companion. Her time is out.”
His tone is cold, dripping with menace. I swallow hard, a cold chill running down my spine. Vuk seeks out my eyes as he tenderly caresses my shoulder. I stare at him in bewilderment.
“You still don’t know who’s behind all this, do you?” he asks Donn. Worry creases his face. Donn shakes his head helplessly.
“No,” he says firmly.
“Could it be Jack?” I ask.
“No,” he replies. “I don’t recognize the traces left, they’re unfamiliar. It’s someone I don’t know, or someone who is able to hide their scent very well.”
“I don’t recognize the traces either.” Vuk shakes his head in confusion.
“Maybe someone else in the Council?” I suggest, the blood draining from my face.
“I know that Graham didn’t give the order,” points out Donn. “I’m your guarantor, he’d have to tell me.”
Vuk turns to him sharply.
“Are you awaiting official orders?”
“No.” Donn’s jaws tighten.
“But why would someone act on their own,” wonders Vuk aloud. He bites his lips, his mind racing to find an answer. “Maybe it was Graham’s idea, or Debra’s. Both are in a position to send Adam and the girl after her.”
“I don’t think so,” insists Donn. “It makes no sense. Any other names to add to the list? Maybe someone with has fur, who stinks like a dog?” he snaps.
But who, I wonder. Nathan is dead. Is he referring to Ian?
“I don’t know,” growls Vuk through clenched teeth, his face darkening.
Donn pulls me in close to his chest, a protective arm around my waist. Vuk relaxes and his tone is calmer now.
“Look, I don’t like this whole story either.”
I’m gripped with fear now and I can’t breathe. Donn, overcome with anxiety, tries to calm me down.
“You’re safe.”
“How long has this been going on?” I ask despondently.
He takes a deep breath, but Vuk cuts him off before he can answer.
“Not long, just a couple of weeks, at most.” I’m stunned by the dirty look he casts on Donn. My eyes plead with him not to treat him this way. I can’t bear for them to be at odds, especially in this situation.
“Anyway,” Vuk continues. “When Adam comes back, he won’t be your problem anymore,” he growls at Donn. “We’ll be taking care of him.”
“No!” I cry. “It’s too dangerous!”
“He’s crossed a line, Stella. I’ll deal with him personally.” I shiver. The resolute calm in his tone makes his words even more menacing.
“You won’t have to deal with anyone,” replies Donn. “You broke one of the conditions of the pact, meaning that right now you have to get out of the picture.”
“You can’t think I’ll keep away from her!” cries Vuk, infuriated.
One of Donn’s eyebrows rises, while his eyes glaze with arrogance.
“We’ll keep an eye on the situation. We’ll take on any bloodsucker that dares come too close to our house or Wolfeboro,” adds Vuk unruffled.
“Listen, I can take care of myself!” I retort indignantly. “However strong you may be, you’re not invincible, Vuk.”
Donn snickers.
“That’s what I keep trying to tell him.”
Vuk looks throw darts at both of us.
“Just don’t let yourself be fooled!”
“I won’t,” I reply sarcastically, before getting back to more pressing issues. “Vuk, I don’t like the idea of you taking on those vampires or that you still insist on fighting at the ceremony.”
“Oh, give me a break, Stella!” he exclaims, losing his patience. “What counts is that we kill a vampire or two!”
Donn stiffens as he stares Vuk down. He returns Donn’s stare.
“I’ll be coming to the ceremony, you can bet on it. And I’m not asking for your permission. I volunteered and Donn accepted my request, even though he actually tried to persuade me not to, more than once.”
I take a deep breath, which gets stuck in my throat. Donn looks at me again, his eyes softening.
“Vuk, I have everything under control,” he says. He’s being his usual control freak. “Your presence is not needed. This is an experiment. We don’t know if the Council will really cooperate or not.”
I notice that he said we. Maybe he’s talking about Aaron. “Nothing like this has ever happened before,” he continues. “Only to types of humans have ever had dealings with the Council; those who become part of the feast and those like James, the night watchman at the library, who promise loyalty. They know they could die, but they hope to become immortal.”
Vuk clenches his jaw.
“So?” Donn’s doubts about the Council’s intentions obviously only increase his desire to be there, by my side. I stiffen.
“To tell the truth, I just don’t want you there, getting in my way,” he says, his face impassible.
“I can handle myself, I don’t need a savior,” Vuk snorts in reply. “If you won’t allow me to be there, I’ll ask Graham. But you can bet I’ll be there, one way or another.”
“You’ll be killed,” Donn replies unruffled.
“If you care about Stella, keep your promise.”
“And you keep yours!” roars Donn.
“What are you talking about?” I cry, exasperated.
“I promised to let Vuk take part in the ceremony if he kept up his side of the deal. You know, preparation for the cage fight is tough and it can bring out the worst in you. It’s best to take precautions. That’s why I want to meet your pal in the library tomorrow.”
“I guess having someone on your side can’t hurt,” ponders Vuk aloud.
“I’m sure Vuk would agree not to go if you…” I begin to say before Donn interrupts me.
“Now that your life is in danger, Stella, things have changed. He’s even more stubborn than you!” He looks at Vuk earnestly. “You have to trust me.”
“You know what? I do actually trust you, it’s the Council I don’t trus
t.”
Donn’s mouth twists into a bitter smile. A mocking look that I don’t trust takes over his face. I push him away slightly with the tips of my fingers.
“I accepted the conditions of the deal because you didn’t leave me any choice,” I murmur, my thoughts broken by the sound of Jeff’s voice from inside the house.
“Ella May! I know you’re down there. Come into the house immediately!”
I raise my head, alarmed.
“Shoot! I’m in trouble now!”
Vuk looks over to the house.
“Jeff’s going stir crazy, you’d better get inside now!” he suggests, nodding toward the house.
“Wait, one last thing,” Donn stops him. “You know you’re not allowed to have Stella in your territory without any extra protection, Vuk.”
His expression is calm, but his eyes speak volumes. Deep down inside, he’s in agony.
“If one of us, bar exceptions, were to enter your territory, the pact would be annulled.” He turns to me. “Do you want to set off another war?”
“Have there been others in the past?” I ask disconcerted.
“Many, over the centuries,” he sighs.
“You said bar exceptions just now…” I try to bring the conversation back on track, wanting to understand just who or what he’s referring to.
“Yes, I meant Aaron,” he says. “He’s the only one with permission to enter wolf territory, but I won’t go into the details of why. Not even the Council knows. Anyway, Aaron can explain better than me.”
Donn turns to Vuk again.
“You violated the first condition of the deal, the one about you. You may be tempted to do it again. But let me tell you this. If you bring her home with even one scratch, I don’t care who’s to blame, I’ll personally break your legs. Get it, hound?” Donn’s velvety voice is heavy with menace. He smiles apologetically, sheepishly, at me.
“If I didn’t warn him, I’m sure I’d regret it later.” He strokes my cheek tenderly. Lethally.
“Maybe you should take it out on people of your own breed,” I retort, defensively.
“Maybe…” he agrees, never tearing his eyes from Vuk. “I have a few advantages over you, dog.”
“I know it wouldn’t be a fair fight,” retorts Vuk, a proud half grin lighting up his face. “But it would be to my advantage!”
I roll my eyes, exasperated. Donn just grins back at him challengingly.
“Don’t kid yourself, little boy. As I said, if Stella has a single scratch on her, I swear I’ll break not only your legs, but your arms and that pretty little face of yours too.”
From Donn’s courteous tone, you’d think they were discussing fine wines; the underlying menace is even more terrifying.
I glance at Donn, incensed.
“Come on, Donn, take a chill pill. You’ve made yourself perfectly clear.”
But as I feel the blood draining from my face, I stumble over my words. The two of them remain stock still, eyeballing each other. Vuk mumbles something incomprehensible. His stance is relaxed, but the muscles on his face are contracted, he’s ready to pounce at the slightest provocation.
“Stop it! I’ve had enough of listening to you fighting all the time!” I yell. “From now on, I’m neutral ground, ok?”
They smirk at each other, disgusted.
“I don’t give a damn who is a vampire with corpse-like skin or who is a werewolf with thick fur. It’s all irrelevant to me.”
Donn knits his brows.
“But I’m the vampire,” he says, impassible.
“And I’m the werewolf,” adds Vuk, confused.
“So what!” I cry in exasperation. “To me, you’re just Donn and Vuk. And I’m Stella. The rest counts for nothing.” I stare off into the dark, silent woods nearby.
I crack a smile, trying to swallow down the knot in my throat. But I can’t. I can’t bear to see them at odds. A gentle breeze blows through the trees, sending a chill down my spine.
Time
I glance at Donn, trying to keep my feelings hidden deep down inside, but find his eyes staring into mine. The liquid turquoise flares up enthusiastically; he can’t keep the stony expression on his face, and a hint of a smile appears on his lips. I know that I’m looking in the wrong direction if I want to keep my thoughts to myself and hide the troublesome ebbs and flows of my heart. I’m like an open book to him. He takes a deep breath, which gets caught in his throat. His insecurity surprises me, moves me. I try to lie to myself, convince myself that everything would be ok, but the anxiety racking my body just won’t wane.
As soon as I manage to tear my eyes from Donn, from his stone-cold eyes, I meet Vuk’s gaze; he throws me one of those smiles that I love so much. And the panics within melts away, like ice under a tropical sun. Just then, the sky opens up. A few light droplets splash against the trees and grass with a delicate patter. I close my eyes and raise my face to the fresh rain. When I open them I see the silvery-white clouds racing across the sky, illuminated as they flow before the mighty moon. It’s a bright night, the beams speckled by the trees like an impressionist painting. I can now make out the dark outlines of the house.
“Ella May!” cries Jeff again, waking me from my reverie. I’m startled.
“Let’s go,” hisses Vuk, turning to the porch. “I’ll see you to the door.”
“Jeez,” I exclaim, remembering my dad is waiting for me. I take a final glance at the dark sky, pregnant with clouds, but I can’t quite read the message they’re sending me. Donn leans his head down to meet my eyes.
“Jeff is at the door, behind those trees.” The rain is now falling heavier, obscuring my limited human eyesight.
“If you don’t go now, he’ll be here in a split second,” Donn warns.
“Bad news,” I murmur, slipping off his feet, which he had tucked under mine to protect them from the slippery mud.
“Yep,” he winks. “So unless you want to make an official presentation…”
“Thanks, but I think Jeff is already on the warpath,” I blurt out, trying to assume a normal expression before I meet Jeff.
He smiles, amused.
“But I told you…I haven’t finished with you yet.”
“What is left to say?” I ask curiously.
“You’ll find out on Wednesday,” he whispers in my ear, his breath velvety smooth.
“The day of…” is all I can manage to say. Donn stiffens.
“At dusk.”
I shiver. He has finished my sentence, leaving out the middle part.
“Come on,” urges Vuk, looking anxiously toward the house, no trace of a smile on his face.
“I promise I’ll take care of Stella,” he says. I recognize the very same words that Drake said to him.
“Thanks. On her behalf. Thanks for tonight.” I imagine he’s referring to having put off talking about that thing that had to be tackled in the library the next day. Donn acknowledges it with a gracious nod of his head.
“See you tomorrow,” he says in a formal, polite tone. He lets his arms drop, but his body remains immobile.
“See you soon, baby girl,” he whispers tenderly in my ear. “Not long to go until Wednesday. I’ll come find you myself.” His warm, golden tone is like a sunbeam hitting my ear, a direct contrast to the wintry cold of his fingers delicately caressing my cheek.
He suddenly darts over to the car and opens the door, but before getting in, his eyes quickly search out mine. I try to read his face, but the car lights blind me. I look at Vuk, a silhouette against the powerful beam. He’s staring at Donn, his expression a mix of frustration and defiance.
The Bentley’s engine starts up, the tires crunching across the wet gravel path. It takes off at top speed and fades from view in a few seconds, leaving the road in the dark.
Vuk turns to me, his emerald eyes shining. He glances worriedly at the dark path leading to the house. He grabs my arm and begins to lead me home in silence.
I scrutinize his face; I’m tormented by
the strange discussion that took place this afternoon when we were in front of the fireplace in Wolfeboro, on the way home.
“We’re still pals, right?” I blurt out, too fretful to think clearly.
I can feel his warm breath floating through my hair, but I get no reply. I try to imitate Donn’s unwavering gaze, but to no effect. Vuk doesn’t fall for it.
“You promised. That’s the most important thing in the world to me right now,” I murmur.
Vuk shakes his head slowly.
“I’ll try,” he says, forcing a smile.
I beam back at him, realizing that our skirmish has come to a close.
“But I can’t guarantee anything,” he adds, after a moment’s reflection, his face stern.
I wonder if tomorrow’s meeting with Donn could have anything to do with this clarification. An imperceptible thought buzzes round my head; I feel a terrible sense of doom.
Vuk comes to a halt in the shadow of the trees and he places his soft lips against my cheek to kiss me goodbye. A normal, tender kiss…at first. Then something changes. His kiss becomes more passionate as he runs one hand through my hair, and the other slides down to my hips. I feel the feverish warmth of his body through my jacket and I huddle in close to him. He suddenly breaks off the kiss and pushes me away delicately but firmly.
“I’m sorry,” he mumbles breathlessly. “I went too far.”
“Don’t worry about it,” is all I have time to say before he gently pushes me in the direction of the house.
“See you tomorrow,” I whisper.
“Sure, sure,” he replies, reassuringly.
I can feel his eyes still boring into me as I race off toward the house under the relentless rain. When I get there, the lights on the porch are still on. I run up the steps, taking them two-by-two, with a last glance back at the confines of the dark woods. As I cross the threshold, Jeff appears from around the corner.