Dare to Bleed (Emily Sullivan Series)

by Whitten, Mary

  I found her room without much problem and fairly quickly. Her door was trimmed in a white shiny light in the shape of the frame. I knocked lightly but just decided to go in. As I opened the door, I walked straight from Ezra’s house into an exact replica of my mother’s home. Every detail looked the same, even the same smells. I had broken a picture frame when I was younger and there it was, still broken, on the wall.

  “Creepy,” I said out loud to myself as I studied the house. I found her in the same chair as always.

  “Mom, do you ever get up?” I fussed as I walked in. I must have scared her.

  She jumped out of her seat and came over and hugged me. My mother is not a touchy feely person. I can count on my hands how many times she has given me a compliment.

  “Emily Lane, where have you been? I’ve been worried.” She smacked my arm. I sat down in the chair next to her.

  “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you,” I mumbled.

  “What? Emily, don’t mumble. It’s very unattractive, and you need to get a man quick. Your eggs are drying up.”

  I rolled my eyes and she noticed.

  “What is wrong with you? You’re acting like a teenager. What’s going on?” she asked, giving me a suspicious look.

  I sighed. “I have a man,” I stated, trying to change the subject.

  “Oh yeah? That’s great! Well, where is he? I want to meet him?” Her tone changed and she started looking around, like he would be there. There was a window directly behind her chair, and it was bright and sunny outside. A car drove by. It was like being in the twilight zone. My mother was looking at me like I had gone loco so I sat back down.

  “Sorry, it’s just I thought I saw a cat running down the street that I recognized. My boyfriend, well, it’s fairly new, so I’ll have to ask him,” I answered. Apparently not the answer she was looking for.

  “Oh honey, if you have to ask him then he ain’t worth two pennies. You need to tell him, be forceful,” she advised.

  I just laughed, me be forceful with Ezra, yeah right. That man was wild, no woman could tame him. I was just along for the ride.

  “Oh no,” my mother announced.

  “What?” I asked, scared the spell was broken and she had learned what was going on.

  “I know that look. Girl, you are either coming down with the flu or you are in love.”

  I laughed again. “I don’t know, Mom.” If I had been honest, I was falling in love with Ezra. My mind was fighting hard against the idea of love. I never imagined myself in love, ever. That’s one reason I didn’t mind that I couldn’t have children.

  I left my mother’s room and she tried so hard to walk me to my car. I refused. Of course this started a fight. She thought I was hoarding my new boy toy in the car and was ashamed of her. Finally I jetted out without complications.

  I walked around the house, looking for Kimmy’s room. Not like it was going to have a big sign announcing which room was hers but I figured I would just walk and clear my head. She’d tried to explain where it was on our date night, but me and directions don’t mix. I found the kitchen, which I would think was amazing if I had ever learned how to cook. The kitchen led to the dining room, which led to the living room. I was walking back toward my room when I heard talking in the study. The boys were still having their meeting.

  “This is serious, Robert. He is hurting her, actually hurting her in her dreams. We need to find him now and take him out before he does something really bad to her.” I immediately recognized Ezra’s voice.

  “We have the book. Damon is no threat to us now,” Robert replied.

  “Dammit, Robert, she is your kid. He is a threat to her. He’s going to kill her one night while she sleeps. It will be her blood on your hands.” Ezra was screaming at this point and slammed his hands down on the table.

  I jumped.

  “I am well aware of who Emily is to me. Don’t question my motives before you question your own. I am working on it. We’re leaving it at that,” Robert replied keeping his cool. How could Robert not see that something was terribly wrong? He’d witnessed Ezra biting me to wake me up. This was getting serious. I had listened long enough. I had to find Kimmy. I turned the corner from the living room to the start of the maze Ezra called a house. At the end of the hall was Nelly, carrying a laundry basket that was full of what seemed like dirty clothes.

  “Hi, Nelly!” I said to her with a little too much excitement in my voice. It felt great seeing her again. She just politely smiled back and kept walking. Guess there was no chance with her if things didn’t work out with Ezra. Eh, I really needed to avoid her. She was a walking happy pill. It seemed the more I came in contact with her, the harder it was to stay away. Thankfully my mind was so busy with Damon I didn’t have much time to think about Nelly. I turned down Kimmy’s hall, proud to finally feel like I was getting used to the place. See, just like his car, I learn quickly. At least I didn’t tear up his house in the process.

  I knocked on the door. No response. She was probably in the shower so I would come back later. I went back to my room and sent her a text to call me. You know, it’s pretty awesome to get service when you are so far underground. I usually can’t even get reception in an elevator.

  I fiddled online a bit and researched anything that could help me with my dream problem. The only thing offered was a dream catcher on sale. I bought two and had them shipped to my house. I also came across something about curses and not crossing over a circle of salt so that could be worth a try too.

  After an hour went by, I decided to give Kimmy a call. It went straight to voicemail. Ha! Someone has crappier service than me. I really didn’t feel like walking any longer, but I wanted to tell her about my newest dream and the party that went on after the party.

  I started toward her room. The dreams were causing sleep deprivation. Those boys had better figure something out fast before I started getting bags under my eyes. I knocked on Kimmy’s door. No answer. What the heck. She couldn’t be at the gym unless the guys were done with their meeting. I opened her door.

  “Kimmy, are you in here?” I called out. Her room was a grey and white. The bed spread was a big picture of a bare tree. There were sculptures of birds on the mantle. It seemed like a perfect room for Kimmy. She loved tans and greys, unlike my obsession of bright colors. I started toward the gym and caught Gavin in the hall.

  “Hey, have you seen Kimmy?” I asked. He was wearing a green Hollister shirt and dark jeans. Man, was he looking good. Focus, Emily.

  “Nope, I was just coming to meet up with her. I told her I would come to her room after the meeting.” As soon as he said it, my heart dropped. I must have fallen to the ground because next thing I know he was standing over me, asking me what was wrong. I couldn’t answer. Kimmy was missing. I didn’t even need to search the house. She would have never missed an opportunity to hang out alone in her room with any guy, especially one as hot as Gavin.

  “Kimmy is gone,” I finally said.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  “Emily, why would you think that?” Gavin asked, looking confused. I could understand why. I had only checked her room and we were all stuck in this huge house. She could be anywhere.

  “I know Kimmy. Trust me, she is not in this house,” I replied. He wouldn’t believe me, but deep in my heart I knew.

  “Emily, let’s at least look for her before you become irrational.”

  I know he was thinking like a normal person, but it hurt my feelings a little. To him, I’m sure it seemed like I was being completely dramatic. He could be a little more understanding, not so rude.

  “Ok, you’re right. Let’s go look. Sorry, with everything going on, I guess I’m just thinking the worst right now,” I replied.

  He helped me off the floor. I had a new burst of energy that I hadn’t felt all week. I started running like a mad person around the house. I even passed Axle and Robert and couldn’t stop myself to explain. They already think I’m crazy, who cares.

  We h
ad decided to break the house into two. Gavin would take the Gym and theater hall along with the basement, and I would take the remaining three halls. We would meet in the living room. I would check the kitchen and study on the way. I ran to the first hall and opened and closed all the doors, yelling Kimmy’s name. I did the same at the next hall. Some rooms were occupied by men I didn’t know. I didn’t have time to explain to them why I was barging in, I had to keep searching. By the third hall, I had slowed down and felt tears forming.

  Keep it together, Em. She has to be here somewhere. By the time I made it to the living room, there were more people rallied. A few I had seen before, but still had not met. Robert, Axle and Ezra were waiting amongst the mix.

  “Did Gavin make it back yet?” I asked. With all of the adrenalin kicking in, I wasn’t even out of breath, which is odd for me. Going up the stairs at my apartment is usually a daily workout for me.

  Gavin ran in as I finished. He shook his head. I had to sit down. Who would take Kimmy? She wouldn’t go anywhere without telling me.

  “Um, can someone please tell me why I left my home to get my paper and ended up in this house?” I recognized the voice immediately. I stood and ran over to my mother. She was dressed in some sweat pants and a white t-shirt.

  “Emily, what in tarnation is going on?” she demanded, her hands planted firmly on her hips. Her foot was impatiently tapping, awaiting my response.

  “Betty, if you would please have a seat, I can explain.” Robert stepped in. I winced, I didn’t know if she was going to tell him off or kill him first.

  “Robert, I didn’t realize you were here,” she answered softly, looking surprised. Her hands fell to her sides and the tapping ceased. I was in shock. Who was this woman? I didn’t have time to find out. I was so happy that Robert was going to take care of the situation. I had to find Kimmy.

  “Mom, I am so sorry. Robert can explain it to you but right now I have to go. I think Kimmy was kidnapped.” She didn’t look away from Robert. Gross.

  I just grabbed Ezra and started walking quickly toward my room. I needed my cell phone in case she tried to call back and stupid me left it on my bed. That would at least give us a minute to devise a plan.

  “Ok, so I just need to grab my cell phone and we can take your car. I think if we—“

  “Emily, you’re not going anywhere.” His reaction made me stop in my tracks. I didn’t even think of the fact that he would not agree to me leaving. Of course he wouldn’t want me to go. But he had to know I couldn’t stand around and wait for her to come back.

  “Excuse me, Ezra. I don’t think you heard me correctly. Kimmy is gone. I am going to find her,” I snapped, feeling anger rising.

  “I’m sorry, Em. I can’t let you go,” he replied, looking sorry he had to say it.

  “Let me tell you something, Ezra. My best friend is missing and there is a crazed psycho vampire trying to kill me. If she turns up dead, it’s my fault. I don’t care what you say. I’m leaving this house in two minutes, with or without you. I will run if I have to, but I am going to find Kimmy.” I poked him hard in the chest, hoping that it would help get my point across. We had reached my room and I ran in and grabbed my phone. When I turned around, Ezra was guarding the door. I should have seen that move coming.

  “I don’t have time for this. Move!” I screamed.

  “I’m sorry, I can’t. Gavin and Axle will find her. You’re not going to do anything except get in the way and slow them down.” His voice rose to match mine. Guess there went Mr. Nice Guy. Drastic times call for drastic measures.

  “Axle,” I screamed on the top of my lungs. I knew it was childish to put Axle in the middle of the situation but if anyone would take my side against Ezra, it was Axle. I had planned on him coming to my rescue and once he could fight Ezra away from the door I would run like hell.

  “Yell as loud as you want. They are already gone,” he stated casually.

  I couldn’t believe I was left out. I know I didn’t have any special powers or super strength, but did they really expect me to sit and wait here? Were they really that stupid? I felt mad and hurt. My phone started ringing in my hand. I jumped and almost dropped it. I fumbled around and answered it before I even looked to see who was calling.

  “Kimmy?” I answered, hoping with all I had that she replied and said she was just out taking a walk, exploring the grounds above. Or even out shopping. Laughter was all I heard, and I knew exactly whose laugh it belonged to. Damon. I felt the tears falling. Ezra tensed up. My entire body was trembling. My legs felt like they would give out at any moment.

  “Damon, I Swear to God if you touch one hair on her head I will kill you myself,” I threatened into the phone. I know I didn’t seem like much but I’ve heard about mothers who could move a car if their baby was in trouble and that’s exactly how I felt. I could move a car for Kimmy’s life. I could kill a vampire for it too.

  The laughter continued before I heard a beep, informing me the call was disconnected. I was enraged. I could rip Damon’s head off. I threw the phone on the bed. Everyone was trying to protect some senseless book he couldn’t even use and I was paying the real cost. Damon was hitting me where it hurt. I couldn’t imagine how he coaxed her back to town, or why she would even go.

  “I want to speak with Robert.” Robert would know what to do. I was trusting that he would provide some insight on anything supernatural we could do to protect her from here. Maybe he could put a spell on her or something.

  “I think you need to calm down before I let you leave this room. I need to know you aren’t going to try anything reckless,” Ezra replied.

  “Oh, shove it up your ass. This has nothing to do with you. I need to speak to my father, now move,” I demanded. Ezra was looking out for me but I couldn’t even consider the thought that he was keeping me from saving my friend. If she died it wouldn’t be only my fault it would be his too. I thought to myself. Maybe he heard my thought or maybe he didn’t want to face Robert, but he moved to the side to let me free. I ran back to the living room. I was on the fence about whether to be happy or pissed that Gavin and Axle were missing.

  “Robert, Damon just called me. He has Kimmy. Can you do a protection spell or something for her? Anything to keep her safe from him?” I begged.

  He thought for a second and turned his head to the left. He gave a nod to a man standing directly behind him. Immediately the man took off toward the hall. “I’ll try my best, Emily, but I can’t promise you anything.”

  “That’s ok, just try hard please.” I gave him a hug. I didn’t notice my mother standing beside him until I let go.

  “Oh, so you know now,” she stated. I was slightly confused until Robert finished her thought. “You know that your father is a Warlock.”

  What I couldn’t understand is how Gavin was a Wizard and my father was a Warlock, but I would have to file that under crazy things to ask at a later date.

  “Oh, that, yeah,” I replied. It registered that Mom was saying she knew he was supernatural.

  “Wait. Mom, how long have you known?” I asked. I was glad to see the cat was out of the bag. I had been worried regarding how to tell her I had met my father, or even if I should.

  “Your father and I met while he was working on a case for your Grandmother. She had a poltergeist haunting her house, and he was the one who came out to help. We kept in touch and had a few dates. Until I found out I was pregnant with you. Because Robert’s job is so dangerous, we decided we shouldn’t see each other anymore,” she explained.

  For the first time in my life, I saw emotions from my mother. She was never affectionate or compassionate and I was ok with that, but to hear her speak of the love she had to give up for me was touching. I didn’t realize it was my fault my father left. I always thought he was just a dirt bag.

  The man Robert had sent away returned with a white tank top. He walked directly over and placed the shirt into Robert’s hands.

  “I don’t know how long it’s been s
ince she has worn this, but it will have to do.” He left the room.

  You could feel the tension in the air but no one dared make a peep. Ezra had not looked at me the entire time and I was glad for it. I was done with his drama. I was done with men, period. I had enough on my plate. I didn’t need to add another person to my crazy life. I think he knew it was over.

  It didn’t even bother me at that moment because I couldn’t get upset over a silly boy when Kimmy was in the hands of a murder. Damon had killed two girls at my apartment without hesitation. What would stop him from killing Kimmy? I needed to speak to him again. Maybe the number he called from would still be in my phone. I needed to negotiate for her life. If he wanted that book, so be it, it was his. It wasn’t like he could really use it, He needed Robert to cast the spell.

  Ezra’s phone rang, He answered and kept his call private. He glanced my way at one point and I knew it had to be Gavin or Axle. As soon as he disconnected I stood, hoping to hear good news. He continued to ignore me. This was not a time for him to be immature.

  “Who was that?” I asked, feeling very impatient and grumpy.

  He opened his mouth to speak and then closed it. He must have decided against whatever he was about to say. “I don’t answer to you,” he finally replied into the fireplace.

  I could feel my body vibrating with anger. My hands were shaking and I was breathing hard. “Dammit Ezra, grow up you freaking jerk.”

  He continued to ignore me. I let out an irritated squeal and stormed off back to my room. There was only one way to find out exactly what was going on. I slammed my door and locked it. I turned on the clock radio by my bed and lay down. I didn’t have Gavin’s number, but I did have Axle’s. He picked up on the first ring.

  “Emily?” he answered.

  “Axle, what is going on? Ezra won’t tell me what you guys talked about on the phone,” I said, still hoping for good news. Doubtful. I would hope that if there was anything to report, Ezra would have been a man about it and just told me. He knew I was a wreck.