I’d never forget the faces of my biological parents. They’d brought me into this world and loved me during my eighteen human years. I would love them back for many more lifetimes. But my immortal family, well they’d stood by me throughout my immortal years. They’d given their lives in order to protect me and for that, I’d be eternally grateful. I owed them so much, for loving me when they didn’t have to and for protecting me when they didn’t need to. They helped me live my life and did so without asking for a single thing in return. They were a wonderful family and I felt honored to be considered a part of it for all those years. My emotions took over. I felt so loved and with all the love I received, it fueled my power. Love gave me my strength to survive.
I now understood what had made Daray search all these years for me. He’d never gotten a proper chance to say good-bye. He’d held onto our love for all this time, but the more time passed, the more his resentment grew towards my family for hiding me. I was glad my family took the measures they did; I just wished Daray could’ve had the chance to deal with this on his terms. Things might have been different between us if only he’d had that chance. Perhaps he never would’ve grown into this monster or become quite so hostile, if all his hurting had been dealt with sooner.
Undying ageless love — only to find out in the end, it wasn’t the love that was meant to last. Daray and I weren’t soul mates and I knew this because I knew what love felt like with Jayce. Jayce was unquestionably my soul mate, just as Lakylee was Daray’s.
“We have to find Daray. I think he’s in serious trouble and it’s because of me. I owe this to him. Donovan’s here for me and won’t stop until he gets what he came for. All this mayhem started the night Daray turned, when he accidently saved me, and that was when Donovan became the threat. When I lost my memory, I’d forgotten all about him. The fact is, Daray managed to save me and tried his best to help me the only way he could remember. Think about it... with all the changes going on, for a newborn vampire to even bother trying, well that means a lot. The monster owns him now, but not his soul, I know it’s still in there somewhere.”
The guys rolled their eyes at me. They were reluctant to help a nightwalker, especially Daray. He’d been responsible for so many of our problems. We’d had it all wrong before, but the guys didn’t quite see it that way.
“You guys, please. We’ve got to find him. He needs our help.”
“All right,” Jayce agreed.
Kaleb and Kael both nodded.
I shook my head in disbelief. Time sure was a funny beast. One minute you could have everything figured out, another second later, find yourself completely lost. I was getting myself back on track. Another track nonetheless, but now it was the right one. We were going vampire hunting. We were going to save Daray and destroy Donovan.
My blood began to chill. “We’ve got company,” I announced and the guys readied themselves in my aunt and uncle’s bedroom.
A few moments passed but there was no sign of anyone. I knew a nightwalker was close because of the chill in my blood. My anticipation grew until the point I almost erupted. I pushed Kael out of the way trying to see who was near. I pressed my face up against the glass and a streak of glowing blue-green eyes flashed by. I jumped back, but the eyes came closer.
From the light in the bedroom we now saw Lakylee standing outside the window. Her pale skin glistened from the moonlight, casting a sense of innocence across her face. She nodded her head in the direction of the front door and then disappeared.
“Stay here and be ready,” I said to the guys. “You’ll need to protect Auntie Steph and Uncle Dane. Please don’t let anything happen to them. I’ll be fine. Lakylee and I have an understanding.”
I didn’t have much time and Kaleb was beginning to protest. Uncle Dane and Auntie Steph were speechless. Jayce managed to help calm down the group by explaining to everyone that he’d stay connected to me. If he sensed any danger, we’d know right away and they could take out Lakylee and any other nightwalkers before they even knew what hit them.
I walked out of the bedroom, closing the door behind me. I heard their low chatter as I made my way down the hall. I felt nervous. Lakylee and I did have an understanding, but that was before I betrayed her. What was she going to be like now? Was this a trap or a truce? There was only one way to tell, and before Jayce or anyone else could intervene, I cautiously opened the front door.
Lakylee stood alone in the doorway, her pale skin looking perfect as her long wild hair blew slightly with the night breeze. Two sets of red eyes caught my attention as they moved quickly behind her. She’d brought the werewolves along. I watched as the giant beasts raced back and forth around the neighborhood with their noses stuck up in the air. I stood frozen in terror as they ran towards an unsuspecting neighbor. I fought the urge to yell out and warn him. Before the neighbor saw them, they took off in another direction.
The wolves weren’t here to hurt anyone. They were actually helping the neighborhood by pacing around the premises scouting for unwanted guests. I let out my breath slowly so my voice didn’t reveal how scared I’d really been for a moment. “Lakylee, what brings you guys here?”
She eyed me up and down before taking a step forward. “You know what happens. I know you’ve seen Daray’s death in you dreams and I can’t live without him. I’m here to help you. Actually, we’re here to help.” She nudged her head gesturing to the roaming werewolves. “Donovan mustn’t get anywhere near you and we both know he was too close tonight. You need our help and he needs to be stopped. If he reaches you, then I’ll surely lose Daray because he will try to avenge your death. I know he will just as much as you do. I can’t and won’t let that happen. He’s just not strong enough to take Donovan on alone.” She swayed anxiously back and forth in front of me. Her movements were hypnotic. I stared at her, wanting to respond, but all I could think about was all the ways she could’ve taken me out, then and there. She stopped swaying, which enabled me to gather my thoughts. Once my head was somewhat clear, I moved out of the way and invited her in.
This was an event I never thought would ever happen. Lakylee invited into my house, as a friend — an ally. She was fierce and strong, a definite asset to have on our side and I had a feeling she’d be a huge help. I’d never imagined the day when the daywalkers and nightwalkers would join alliances. The two immortal worlds had been separated by battles for so long, yet here we were now, coming together as one.
Lakylee and I talked alone for a few minutes in the living room. It made me realize that when hostilities weren’t taking over, the nightwalkers were quite likeable.
Kaleb and Kael slowly made their way into the living room. There was a definite sore spot that I hadn’t taken into account before they entered. I felt the pain as Kaleb and Kael focused in on Lakylee. I wasn’t sure they could ever overcome the loss of Garrison. I knew and understood how much they missed him because I felt the same sadness and hatred. Garrison was a big part of our lives and Lakylee was responsible for taking him away from us.
We all stood in the living room, but the room seemed smaller with Lakylee and the guys in it. The usually spacious room felt no bigger than a broom closet. I wanted to keep some distance between her and the others because in truth, I didn’t completely trust her yet and wasn’t entirely sure how well Kaleb or Kael could handle seeing her. There was still so much resentment over Garrison’s death, and unfortunately, they both held themselves responsible which it made their guilt much more of a burden to carry. I couldn’t bring myself to ask them to let it go and forget about everything because I’d never forget Garrison, so what would give me the nerve to ask something like that from them. Instead, I kept my words and thoughts to myself and stood in the middle. I’d try my best to break up anything, should it start. In the middle, I felt like I had more control because I didn’t put anyone at risk, I was the neutral one with both parties on my side.
“This room isn’t big enough to hold this meeting,” Lakylee said, obviously feeling th
e rising tension.
I almost broke down when I looked at Kaleb and saw his expression. Garrison was his brother. This was terrible of me to place his murderer in the same room. Yes, she was offering us help, but at what price?
Jayce entered with Uncle Dane and Auntie Steph on either side. “We could always move this gathering to my house.”
“Jayce? What about the elements? We can’t put them at risk. There’s too much at stake and this isn’t their battle. The entire world would be in jeopardy if anything happened to them.”
“This is their fight, just as much as it is for each and every one of us. Getting rid of Donovan will enable both our worlds to live peacefully. We should respect each other for the qualities and differences we have. After all, aside from the food we consume and hour in which we wake, there really isn’t that much difference. We all shoot to the stars with our soul mates, live for eternity and share the same basic needs. Our worlds are related in many ways.”
I looked around to see how everyone was responding. They all nodded, giving Jayce their approval. I glanced towards the window and watched as the heads of the werewolves nodded in agreement.
“I understand there have been sacrifices on both sides, but let’s not let the lives of our lost brothers and sisters be in vain, “ Jayce continued. “Help them to be a part of this change and make things right. Their deaths will have new meaning and in the end, they will have died for a better purpose.”
Jayce was absolutely right. There were losses on both sides and by coming together, we could mend old wounds and come up with the strength to destroy Donovan. He separated our two worlds and it was his way of thinking that put us at odds with each other. Without him, there could be peace.
“Okay gang, so do we have a truce?” Jayce asked.
“For Garrison!” Kaleb said.
“Truce,” Kael agreed.
“For sure. Count me in!” Lakylee said. Scratches sounded at the window. Lakylee looked over and nodded her head once. She turned back towards us. “They’re in and think it’s going to be good fun kicking Donovan’s butt.”
“Okay, it’s settled. This is a group effort. We’re all on the same team from this point onwards. Let’s get going to my place, it’s bigger and we need the space so we can get the others on the same page as us,” Jayce announced to the group.
Lakylee and the werewolves said they’d meet us there. Uncle Dance offered to drive us over to Jayce’s in his trusty red four-door car. Auntie Steph and Uncle Dane sat up front while Jayce, Kaleb and I sat in the backseat. Kael followed alongside the car in his wolf form, as there wasn’t room for him. He and Kaleb didn’t feel quite right leaving us because neither of them could really believe what was taking place.
As we sat in the backseat I leaned over and whispered to Kaleb. “I’m sorry. I never thought about how hard this was going to be on you. She offered us help and honestly, the only thing I thought about was beating Donovan. I’m sorry for the toll my selfishness has played on your emotions. I didn’t mean to be so heartless.”
He looked surprised. “Uh… thank you, but just so you know, what you’re doing isn’t selfish. As a matter of fact, it’s exactly the opposite, because it’s noble. You’re the key, you’re helping peace overcome all the years of fighting by taking a stand and I’m with you one hundred percent. I know the reason we were summoned to protect you, your worth is beyond words.” He smiled whole-heartedly. “I miss Garrison, but remember, he died protecting Meriel. His actions saved her, you, and the rest of world. He died with his honor intact.”
“The fact remains, Garrison should be here with us. I was only thinking about what I wanted when I brought the one responsible for his death into our lives. Now, she’s up close and personal with us and I wanted to let you know I understand how hard it must be for you. That’s all I’m trying to get across. I understand, Kaleb, and I’m sorry.”
He nudged me. “You worry too much. I’m fine. This is going to be a good thing. I can feel it. Besides, we could really use all the help we can get against this Donovan guy and she’s definitely a strong fighter. Honestly, she’s a great asset to have on our side.”
“Yes, she truly is,” I said, thinking about how strong and fierce Lakylee was.
“Only, if we can trust her…” His voice trailed off as he turned his head towards the window.
“We can, Kaleb. I’m sure of it.”
He looked back towards me. “I’ll trust your judgment. I’m with you and so is Kael. We go wherever you do. We’re protecting you till death and I promise you we will destroy anything, and I mean anything that comes close to you with the intention of causing harm.”
“Thanks, Kaleb. I’m counting on that. Remember, I’m nothing more than a big wimp.”
“Oh, I remember all right,” he said, rolling his eyes. “Mouthy as anything, but a complete wimp. Too bad you can’t fight with words or they’d be in BIG trouble. Ha-ha!”
“Funny, real funny.” Kaleb was okay after all. I was relieved this wasn’t too hard for him to overcome. I couldn’t bear seeing him hurt like that again. I knew the loss of Garrison would never subside, but the sting wouldn’t be so immense as time passed.
‘That was a really good thing you just did there,’ Jayce said.
‘Thanks, I didn’t want him to have to deal with anything that made him uncomfortable.’
‘Losing you would be the only thing he couldn’t deal with. Remember, he’s here because of you and only you.’
I didn’t respond. I needed a moment to myself as I thought about how thankful I was for the people in my life. They were all very special and meant the world to me. I’d do anything for each and everyone of them and knew I could expect the same in return.
Jayce placed our entwined hands on his lap and held them together tightly. If he hadn’t been able to connect and understand everything I felt, I wasn’t sure he’d ever comprehend how much I truly loved him. It was more than I could describe with words and greater than I could possibly show him.
‘You are my life. I love you,’ said Jayce.
‘I love you more.’
‘Impossible.’
‘Then, I’ve done the impossible.’ I smiled.
‘Yes, yes you have.’ He squeezed my hand.
He broke our connection and we joined in on the conversation happening in the car around us. Everyone spoke about how strange it was to have this kind of outcome and that no one ever expected it. A new immortal world was about to be born and it would be better for all of us; it would even be safer for the mortals living amongst us. New rules would be made with the death of Donovan. This time of change was going to be like nothing known before.
I drifted into my own little place as I daydreamed about life with our two worlds combined. I imagined tranquility, in a space where we gathered peacefully instead of on battlefields. I was sure there’d be some resistance, possibly from both sides, but overall I figured it would be pretty easy to come up with a plan that would work for everyone. We’d need to appoint leaders who were familiar with both sides. If they already had existing alliances, then perhaps it would be enough to reassure any doubters. My mind raced with the possibilities. This had to be the right thing because I felt that it was right from my head, down to my toes.
I pulled myself back into reality and returned to a different feeling as we travelled during the night with nightwalkers on our side. I felt stronger. We didn’t have to run in fear or worry that a vampire or werewolf was lurking around the next corner. We only had to worry about Donovan, but at least I could sense him. He was like nothing I’ve ever felt before and this would be how I knew when he was nearby. My senses would give us ample time to prepare.
A short while later we arrived at the grand home and it felt wonderful. I really missed my friends and it had been difficult being away from them. We were all so close before and I hoped that with any luck we’d be able to pick up right where we left off. Picking sides was a very hard thing to do and wasn’t much fun. W
hen I left my friends, I picked a side. I did it with good intentions because I was trying to keep them safe, but lesson learned; I’d never do it again. I would stand my ground and my friends would support me as they stood by my side.
Lakylee stood partially hidden by the side of the house while the two werewolves paced around the edge of the property scouting for intruders. When she realized we were approaching, she revealed herself completely. Our group gathered and headed towards the front doors. Once inside, I was surprised to find no one came to greet us upon our arrival. Where were the others? I immediately shook the intrusive thoughts from my head. No, it wasn’t going to happen like that. This was the beginning, the beginning of a great change. Have faith, I told myself. It will all work out.
Our group remained bunched together as we moved throughout the lower level of the house. Lakylee walked alongside Kaleb and neither seemed bothered by the fact that the other one was standing so close. Kael stayed near Uncle Dane and Auntie Steph, while the two wolves walked on either side of me. Jayce was up front, leading the way. We must’ve been quite the sight. Never in all eternity had our worlds walked together like this. It was a sure sign this change was real and it was close.
Escaped the Night Page 23