I gave her my most charming smile, "Come on, let's get going."
She settled back into her seat, but before she went back to staring out the window I leaned towards her and stole a passionate kiss. Again my heart jumped out of my chest as she put her hands in my hair. I kissed her tears away and then I pulled back slightly, my face just inches away from hers. Our gazes were locked as we regained our composure. She smiled and pushed me back playfully, making me laugh. I started the car again and then drove off towards the camp.
Tatiana
O
nce we arrived, we had a quick look around – the whole camp looked deserted. The wind blew my hair away from my face and we walked cautiously to Julian's house. The windows were broken and the glass spread across the porch. There was no point knocking since the door was ripped off its hinges.
I heard voices as we neared the lounge room. Julian, Brendan, and Camille were sitting around the small coffee table and there was an old fashioned book open in front of them. They were so interested in the book that they hadn't noticed we had come in, or they had but didn't want to look up.
Ethan took my hand and pulled me to the only available sofa. Since there was only a single-seater left, I settled onto Ethan's lap. His arm circled my waist and I moved closer to him. "So what's up?" Ethan's voice rang out in the room and everyone's head snapped up in surprise, "What?"
"Oh, didn't know you were here," Brendan recovered first and smiled at me, his way of saying hello. I smiled back. "Julian found this book. I think you guys should take a look at it." Brendan stretched over the table and grabbed the old brown book, closing it shut with a loud snap. I saw dust fly into the air from the sudden movement. He got up and handed the book to us. "It's better to look from the start."
Julian and Camille were looking at Ethan and me intently. I took the book from Brendan's hands curiously and propped it on my lap for both Ethan and me to see. The title of the book was enough to make me shiver. Malus, also meaning 'evil'. I looked at Brendan hesitantly and he nodded. I felt everyone's stare on me as I slowly opened the book. The pages looked worn, and some were torn. The writing was all in Latin, but it was hand written not typed up. This book must be more than a century old. The writing technique and the ink used was ancient, unless the person that wrote it was a collector of antiques.
My hand skimmed the page softly, feeling the paper. It felt lumpy, unlike the smooth, light as a feather paper used now. There were a lot of pictures of demons, but mostly vampires. There were names, but they were so hard to pronounce I just found myself turning the pages until I got to one that looked familiar.
There was a picture of a vampire, his eyes were black. He looked so hungry and totally taken over by something evil. It was the picture from the website. My index finger skimmed the writing, trying to figure out what it meant. The only thing I understood was 'The Evil Spirit'. I looked at Ethan and he was frowning at the picture.
"They look like the vampires that attacked us."
I realised Ethan was right. I couldn't believe I hadn't noticed it before.
"They are what attacked us, Spiritus Malus, and we know why they disappeared," Julian finally spoke, looking at me and Ethan cautiously. We waited for him to continue, "Because we killed their Master."
Their Master? But it could've been any of the vampires we killed. Brendan was looking at me warily and I gave him a confused look, "Who was it?"
Brendan sighed and ran his hand through his blonde hair. "It was Jacob, Bradley's brother."
It all clicked. Why all the vampires attacked when I bit him, they were there to protect him. He had acted like he owned the place, because he did; well in their eyes. "It makes sense," I said, suddenly feeling sad.
Ethan gave me a look and asked, "You were close with him?"
"Well, not really. I mean he talked to me and all that, he was nice and easy going, but it makes sense why he usually kept to himself," I shrugged. Ethan squeezed my hip in comfort and I gave him a weak smile. "So what are they going to do now? I mean he's dying so they need a new Master now …" I continued looking around at everyone.
"We think that they found another Master," Julian looked at me for a moment, then looked away.
"Who?" I asked, confused.
Everyone was silent and I looked at Ethan but he was clearly confused as well.
We both waited until Camille blurted, "We think it's Bradley."
Did I hear right? They thought it was Bradley? He would never try to do that. He was my best friend, my brother. He would never want to kill me. "You're wrong," I whispered.
"I don't think so," Brendan shook his head sadly.
"No-" I protested, I got up, standing my ground.
Brendan stood up and put his hands up, "Just hear me out! Think about it. It was his brother, wouldn't he want revenge? It's his family isn't it?"
Rage ran through my body and my hands balled into tight fists, my nails digging into my palm despite the pain. "He's my family too."
"But he's in love with you, you broke his heart, and maybe he wants revenge," Brendan tried to reason with me, but I wasn't going to agree with him. How dare he accuse my best friend with no proof!
"No!" I shouted and then I shoved him away and stormed out of the house, hoping Ethan would soon follow. I slammed the car door and fumed in my seat. I tapped my foot impatiently and a few minutes later I saw Ethan making his way towards the car. He started the car and drove away from the camp. "I can't believe your brother said that! He has no right to accuse my best friend without proof!"
Ethan stayed silent for the next half an hour. I looked over at him and said suspiciously, "What do you think about this?"
He sighed and pulled over before turning to me, "I think my brother has a point."
"What?!" I demanded.
"Tatiana …" he pleaded innocently.
I huffed and I felt like getting out of here. I knew there wasn't anything for a few miles, but I didn't care. I opened the car door and slammed it behind me, walking away from Ethan; away from everything. I heard Ethan call out my name, but I didn't want to look back. I was crying now and I didn't want him to know that, but it was too late because his car came up beside me, moving when I moved.
He put the window down and pleaded, "Just get in, it's a long walk." I kept on walking, not listening. "Don't make me get out and carry you into the car."
Holding my head high, I opened the car door and slammed it again. Ethan winced. I glared at him and he backed off, starting to drive faster. I looked out the window still angry with him and Brendan. I wiped the tears away and glared at the trees, focusing my anger on them. The sun was setting; I could see it slowly disappearing in the distance. I sighed and leaned my whole body against the door. I noticed familiar surroundings soon enough and finally parked in front of my house.
"Tatiana …"
I crossed my arms against my chest, giving him another stern glare in the evening gloom. "Don't bother picking me up for school tomorrow." I didn't give him time to reply as I slammed the door in his face and walked towards my front door.
Ethan called my name, but I just shook my head. I heard a car door slam and he called my name out again, but I opened my door and shut it. I leaned against it and sobbed for a moment. Then I found the courage to look through the peep hole. I turned on the porch light, Ethan was gone. I sighed with relief. Jamie called out to me from upstairs.
"Can you tuck me in?" Jamie asked innocently.
I smiled, "Of course."
At the top of the stairs, Jamie took hold of my hand and tugged me towards his room. Clothes were on the floor and toys were thrown around his room. I smiled, only he could get away with this. Sitting on his bed, I pulled the covers over his small, fragile body. I leaned over and kissed him affectionately on the forehead.
"Do you think daddy will come back?" Jamie asked with a small voice. He looked down at his quilt, afraid to look me in the eye.
No matter what happened, Leonardo was still my dad, ev
en if we weren't related through blood. I still loved him as I did Elena, and especially Jamie.
"He's in a better place now, but I know one thing. Do you want to know?" I asked, gently running my hand down his arm comforting him. He nodded, finally looking at me, "He's with us all the time."
"But I never see him," he pouted.
"That's because you're not looking hard enough." His head snapped up and I continued, "Close your eyes and tell me what you see." He sat up and closed his eyes cautiously. After a few moments he smiled. "What do you see?" I asked.
"I see daddy … and you. We're playing hide and seek," he smiled to himself and I saw a tear trickle down his cheek. He sniffled and then I leaned over to wipe it away. He opened his eyes then and hugged me tightly.
"Whenever you feel scared or alone just close your eyes and picture that," I whispered into his ear softly. I pulled away gently and he lay back down. Covering him with his blankets, I kissed him goodnight. I walked over to the door and turned out the light, closing the door behind me. My pocket vibrated and I dug for my phone.
I know what u r. Meet me @ the school library. Alone.
I frowned at the screen, Who was it from? They know what I am! I walked into my mother's room and saw that she was sound asleep. Gently I woke her up, "I'm going to see Ethan. I'll be back soon."
"Be back before twelve, I don't want you out too long," she yawned. My heart was pounding and I quickly ran down the stairs and grabbed the car keys from the dish bowl next to the front door. I started the engine of my mother's black BMW. Reversing the car out onto the road, I sped down the street until I reached the school. This car is amazing, I thought. I shook my head. We have other problems, don't start with the car!
I braked when I got to the parking lot, the car screeching to a stop. I hopped out of the car, slamming the door behind me, leaving the keys inside on the seat. I was getting nervous and wondered if I should've called Ethan or Brendan. But I shook my head angrily, they thought it was Bradley. No way was I going to ask for their help when I was supposed to be angry with them.
The school grounds were dark, no lights were on, and I felt myself shiver with fear. I remembered that my mother always left a spare flashlight in the glove compartment, so I quickly searched for it. Turning it on, I walked closer and closer to the school.
I couldn't believe I was doing this, for all I know there could be a Spiritus Malus in there waiting for me, luring me into a trap. But for some reason I didn't believe that. I went through the office, following a shortcut. I opened a doorway revealing a hallway filled with lockers. I started to walk further down when I heard a locker slam shut.
Bang!
I spun around in fear and searched the lockers behind me with my flashlight, but all I saw was an empty hallway. I sighed shakily, trying to get my heart rate down. Then I turned back around and kept walking until I found myself at the library doors. This was it, I thought.
I could still back out, pretend it never happened, but that text had me so freaked out. I breathed in and out, before pushing the doors open. They slammed against the walls with a crash! I jumped in fright and nearly laughed at how silly I was being. I looked around with my flashlight but I found nothing. I searched the aisles and the library office, but nothing.
I was about to leave when I heard something behind me. I whirled around and the flashlight landed on a figure. It was a woman wearing a short skirt, pumps, and a blouse. Wasn't she cold? When I could see her face, I frowned, confused, "Meredith?" I asked, backing away slightly.
"I'm sorry Tatiana," she said and I realised she was crying. Why was she crying and why was she apologising? "I had to do it, I had to …" she said covering her face with her hands in defeat.
I didn't like the way this was sounding. "Had to do what, Meredith?" I challenged.
"He threatened Ethan … I had too!" she whispered desperately, pleading for forgiveness.
I looked at her with confusion. What was she saying? Who threatened Ethan? I took a step back, feeling nervous. My hands were shaking and it was evident as the light shook as well. I heard something move and then the doors slammed shut behind me. I turned shining the light on the now closed doors. I jumped when I heard a thud; books had fallen from the bookshelf. Maybe I'm just being paranoid? I knew I was bad at lying, especially to myself, but it would've really helped my situation here!
I struggled to breathe and I knew Meredith and I weren't alone. I felt isolated. Meredith was still sobbing, so I focused on other things, like the other person in the room. I scanned the area trying to get a better look, but there was nothing. I turned around every few seconds trying to catch something, but in the end I was so dizzy I had to steady myself by holding onto something beside me.
My hand touched something solid, it felt like an arm. I pointed my flashlight at the figure and screamed with shock, instantly filled with nausea. It was Camille; she was hanging from a bookshelf her head lolling limply against her chest. Blood was pouring out of her neck, running down her arm, and dripping onto the carpet as it fell from her fingertips. Her lips were blue and the flesh on her neck was ripped out and oozing with blood. Her arms were floppy and lifeless against her sides. My breathing felt obstructed and I struggled to keep myself up.
"Oh god …" I whispered. She couldn't be dead, she was so strong and capable. I looked around and saw a figure standing next to Meredith. He was whispering something into her ear, but for some reason I couldn't hear. I wanted to shine the flashlight on them, but something was holding me back. What if I didn't like what was about to happen? Maybe I should just run and call Ethan or Brendan. I patted my pockets and realised I had left my phone in the car along with my car keys. I cursed in my head, Nice job, Tatiana.
I contemplated what my next move was, but I had nothing. My hands shook as I lifted the flashlight and shone it onto Meredith and … and a man. He was wearing jeans and a grey sweater, the same sweater Brad wore… Oh crap, no! This can't be happening, not him! I gasped and he turned his head revealing black, hollow eyes and blonde hair. He was one of them. He was a Spiritus Malus. He snarled angrily and I gasped again, taking a step back. He flashed his fangs and the flashlight slipped from my fingers, falling to the floor as if in slow motion, lighting up random places in the library. I took another step back not able to see anything. His eyes were bloodthirsty and I shivered in response.
"You killed Camille."
"I thought you were a bit slow there trying to figure out everything," he smirked.
"You're the Master?" I squeaked.
"Finally we're getting somewhere!" he mocked.
I flinched and managed another step back, but his eyes noticed the movement. Suddenly I couldn't breathe, Brad was strangling me. His face was inches from mine as he tightened his hold around my neck. I scratched and struggled trying to loosen his hold, but it only made him tighten it. He was stronger than me.
"Pl … ease… st … op …" I gasped, trying to speak.
His head leaned to the side looking at me, "Poor Meredith thought she could save her one true love." I knew he wanted to make me angry, jealous even, but I didn't care about Meredith or how she felt about Ethan. "But I think I'm going to pay him a visit," he laughed evilly. I went rigid in fear for Ethan, he wouldn't dare touch him. His hold on my neck loosened slightly.
"You said you wouldn't hurt him if I brought her to you!" Meredith accused.
"Well I lied! Now shut up!" Brad growled. His fangs were showing as he turned to look at Meredith and she flinched. As he was distracted by Meredith, I acted quickly, bringing my knee up and hitting him right where it hurts. He howled in pain, letting me go as he leaned over. I took another chance and kneed him in the head. He growled and fell to the floor in agony, but I knew it wouldn't be long until he came after me. Pain coursed through my body, but I ignored it and ran for my life. I needed to get to Ethan or Brendan to tell them what was happening; that they were right about Brad.
I pushed the doors open with all my might and th
ey slammed against each other when they closed. I ran into the hallway and tried not to look back, afraid of what I might see. I opened the office door and felt the welcoming cool of the night's breeze. I sighed in relief, then heard something move inside, so I dashed to the car and reached for my phone, dialling Ethan's number.
Ring … ring … ring …
He wasn't answering and I couldn't wait that much longer so I dialled Brendan's number. He answered on the first ring.
"Please help me!"
"Are you okay?" he asked panicking and I heard him drop something.
"You were right about Brad! He's after me," I breathed heavily, trying to catch my breath.
"Where are you?" he demanded.
"At the school, Brendan tell Ethan that I love-" I screamed when I felt a hand go over my mouth. I kicked and thrashed, but he had one arm around my waist, also restricting my arms from moving.
"You little brat," he snarled and then he grabbed my head in his hands and slammed it against my car window.
I briefly felt pain in the side of my head and heard the shattering of glass as I fell forwards. My head went numb and then I fell onto my knees in slow motion, pain coursing through my body. I heard my ragged breathing like it was the only sound for miles and miles.
My breathing came slower and slower as the seconds went by, my vision went hazy. Brad was there in front of me and slowly he started to blur, all I could see was a black figure in the darkness. I tried to say something, but my mouth opened uselessly. I had an overwhelming need to scream until my lungs protested, but no sound came. The hammering of my heart in my chest was slowing down and I couldn't feel my body anymore. I collapsed onto the bitumen.
Brad was there, looming over me with an evil smile. I fought to keep my eyes open as I saw images of my life flashing before my eyes. I thought about my parents; I wanted to tell my mother that I still loved her no matter what, Jamie that I'd always be there for him, and Ethan that I was wrong and that I loved him. I couldn't handle the wondering about what could've happened, so I gave up, closing my eyes and letting the darkness take over me.
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