by G. K. DeRosa
A door opened and a hand shot out, pulling me into a small room. I opened my mouth to scream bloody murder when a familiar face coalesced in front of me. “Trinity?”
“I knew you’d come.” A pleased expression crossed her weary face. “We owe Darcy big time.”
“Darcy?”
“The blonde who just seduced Razer so you could get away.” She ushered me into the room and closed the door.
“Oh!” I thought that had been odd.
She sat on one of the slim cots that filled the tiny room and motioned for me to join her. “We don’t have much time,” she whispered. “We can’t risk anyone knowing about this.”
“About what exactly?” Trinity had been talking in riddles ever since we met.
She slowly lifted her hand to the collar of my shirt. “May I?”
I swallowed hard as her fingers tugged on the edge, revealing my heart-shaped birthmark.
A huge smile lit up her dark features. “I knew it! It is you.” She released my top and pulled down the strap of her tank top.
My mouth dropped.
It was an exact replica of my birthmark. Or at least what mine used to look like. After the glowing bit, it had darkened, the raised edges outlined in a deep red.
How many of us with sacred blood were there? And how did we all end up together? Before all of this started, I’d never met a single person with a birthmark like mine.
“I knew you would come. I saw it in a vision months ago. You’re the one… You and the dark angel will save us all.”
I shook my head, the boundaries of my vision blurring. “You must be mistaken. I’m no one special.” I refused to think about the aforementioned dark angel.
“That’s not what this says.” She pointed at my heart.
“But you have one too. How do you know it’s not you?” And how much did Trinity know about the mark?
“Because I have my own part to play in all of this.” She squeezed my hands. “I’ve been given the power of visions—that is my gift to you.”
“What am I supposed to do?”
“You’ll know when the time is right. For now, you must only stay safe. No one must discover who you are or your importance in the final battle.”
I gulped. “Final battle?”
Trinity’s head whirled to the door. “You have to go. We’ll speak more again soon.” She pushed me to my feet and hurried me to the exit. “Tell no one about this, and I’ll be in touch as soon as I can.”
I raced out of the room and slipped into the elevator before I took another breath. Leaning against the cold metal wall, I raked a hand through my hair pulling at the long dark ends. Trinity’s words echoed in my mind. What the heck did this all mean? Three little words repeated over and over again—the dark angel.
Why did I ever let Declan leave?
Three days passed, and I still hadn’t heard anything from Trinity. I didn’t dare go back down to the first floor after my encounter with Razer. The mohawked enforcer sat across the table from me, guzzling a beer. His fangs slid out when he noticed my gaze.
I quickly turned to Asher, spitting out the first thing that came to mind to avoid his spine-tingling glare. “I think I’m okay to have my own room now.”
Things had been kind of strained between us ever since the failed attempt at fun at the vamp club. Plus I felt guilty he’d been sleeping on the floor for almost a week now.
“Are you sure?” The concern radiating from his emerald eyes reminded me of the old Ash.
“Yes.”
Zeke sat a few seats down from me. His head tilted in our direction as if he’d heard the exchange. I gave him a smile, pretending he didn’t totally creep me out. He arched a brow and pinned me with his onyx irises. I gulped, his striking good looks only amplifying the creepiness factor. I finally tore my gaze away from his powerful stare and steeled my nerves. There was something I needed to ask the vampire king.
The seat next to him was empty so I made my move. I wasn’t sure if it was some sort of loyalty to his nephew or his fondness for Asher, but he’d invited me into his home without asking for anything in return. It still made me suspicious, but for now I just went with it.
A toothy grin split his lips as I approached, and I was proud of myself for not balking. He pulled the adjacent chair out, and I slid in. “Is there something I can do for you, Liv?”
I turned up the charm, giving him a little twinkle eye. “I really appreciate the hospitality, Your Highness.”
He chuckled, his charcoal eyebrows rising to his hairline. “Please call me Zeke.”
“Okay, Zeke. When I first moved in, you offered me my own room. Does that still stand?”
“Of course. I’m pleased you are finding yourself at home here. I wasn’t sure you would after my nephew’s departure.” His eyes lifted toward Razer then returned their focus on me. “I understand you’ve even explored our lower levels.”
Crap. The jerk ratted me out. I shrugged attempting to look nonchalant. “I get bored sometimes during the day when Asher’s asleep.”
“Hmm. I see.” He took a sip from an ornate silver goblet, and I cringed at the dark liquid inside. “Is there anything else, Liv?”
I sucked in a breath and spat it out. “Have you heard from Declan?” I hated to admit it, but I couldn’t get the dark angel off my mind—even before hearing Trinity’s premonition. If anything happened to him…
A throat cleared a few seats away, and I didn’t have to turn around to know whose it was. I could feel Asher’s gaze boring into the back of my head.
“No, I’m sorry. I haven’t.” His somber expression almost looked sincere.
My heart deflated, but I picked my shoulders up refusing to let it show. What I felt for Declan was mine—as complicated as it was. I refused to share it with any of these bloodsuckers.
Zeke ticked his head toward Razer. “I’ll have a room made up for you on the same floor as Asher.”
“Thank you.” I stood and headed out of the dining hall. An old subway tunnel caught my eye, and I turned down the dim track. I needed to be alone right now, not even Asher’s company felt right anymore.
Chapter 20
Having my own room wasn’t as great as I’d thought it would be. Mostly, I just felt lonely. The clock on the nightstand’s glowing red numbers taunted me. 7:02am. I’d attempted to adjust my internal clock to vampire mode, but it wasn’t working. I couldn’t sleep during the day. I patted Duke’s head as he nuzzled into my leg. Staring up at the white ceiling, I tried to remember the last time I’d slept by myself.
It had been almost a year. Once the war broke out, my dad had moved us to the basement where our small family spent months sleeping on adjacent cots. Then Asher moved in, and when my parents died he took their place. Pain flared in my chest as their hazy images floated through my mind. I didn’t even have any pictures of them.
After losing Asher, I’d spent every night with Declan. Another pang sliced through my heart. I never should’ve let him go. I should have convinced him to wait until I sorted things out.
How could I care so much about someone who continually lied to me? I shook my head. I’m so messed up.
I rolled over and stared at the clock again. This wasn’t working. Sliding to the edge of the bed, I slipped on my sweatpants and flip-flops. Duke’s tail wagged excitedly. “Okay, buddy, I guess a walk could do us both some good.” Poor guy spent most of his days stuck in this cramped room.
I grabbed Sammarah’s dagger and tucked it into my waistband. I hoped I wouldn’t run into any stryx, but better safe than sorry. Most of Zeke’s crew knew me by now, but I didn’t want to risk running into an outsider and getting mistaken for a human juice box.
Snapping Duke’s leash on, I crept out into the hallway. I held my breath till we reached the elevator, not wanting to wake anyone up. Especially Asher. His room was only two doors down from mine. He’d been putting the pressure on lately, and I didn’t have the heart to tell him I could never become a vampire
. I’d known all along, but it was easier to live in denial than deal with the truth. A part of me knew once I gave him my final decision, I’d no longer be welcome here.
The crisp morning air swirled around me, immediately lifting my spirits. Duke wasn’t the only one spending too much time in that cramped hotel room. We walked down E. 42nd Street as I toyed with the idea of heading to Bryant Park. It was farther than I’d intended on going. Duke’s walks generally consisted of a quick trip to the nearest patch of dead grass.
Faint rays of light peeked through the clouds, and I tilted my head back to bask in the rare hints of sunlight. Duke barked, yanking me from the peaceful moment. He tugged at the leash and lunged forward.
“What’s wrong, buddy?”
He took off around the corner, hauling me with him. By the time I got a better grip on the leash and dug my heels into the ground we’d ended up in a back alley behind Grand Central or Vamp Central as I’d nicknamed it.
Duke pulled me further down the alleyway toward a beat-up dumpster. The stench of garbage hit me like a tidal wave as we got closer. Bleh. I scrunched my nose and tried to turn around, but Duke jerked forward, yanking the leash out of my hand.
“Duke! What’s wrong with you?”
The crazy dog headed straight for the nasty smelling garbage. I raced after him, finally catching up when he stopped in front of the big green dumpster. I grabbed his leash and tried to wrench him away when a chute hanging over the opening drew my attention. Wet, deep red splotches were splashed across the grimy gray interior.
I stood on my tiptoes to get a better look and peered over the edge of the dumpster. Golden blonde hair caught my eye, and my stomach turned. A mangled and bloodied body lay among the pile of trash bags. Nausea clawed up my throat as I focused on the girl’s pale face. I knew her. It was Darcy—the girl who’d seduced Razer so I could get a minute with Trinity.
I staggered back, clutching my hands to my chest. They killed her. Panic surged through my body. Where was Trinity? I hadn’t heard anything from her in days. What if she was dead too?
I jerked Duke’s leash and raced back to the hotel. I had to find her.
The first floor was as awful as I remembered it. The putrid smell of festering blood mixed with the scent of choking despair was enough to knock me off my feet. A few eyes widened as Duke and I passed over the figures splayed out across the floor. I couldn’t risk running into someone if I went back up to my room to leave Duke so he was forced to come along.
It was like he knew something was going on. His paws padded noiselessly along the carpet, his muscles as tense as mine. I turned the corner, praying Trinity would be in the same room I’d found her in last time.
I lifted my knuckle to the door and gently knocked. I held my breath until the lock clicked, and a pair of dark chocolate eyes peered through the crack.
“Trinity, you’re okay!”
She grabbed my arm and pulled me inside, silently shutting the door behind me. Her big expressive eyes widened as they settled on Duke.
“Sorry. I had to see you, and I didn’t have time—”
She held up her hand, cutting me off and led me to the bathroom. It was only then I noticed the seven other sleeping figures stretched out on cots across the room.
“It’s okay. What’s the matter?” she asked as soon as she turned on the faucet and shut us in the small bathroom.
My lip trembled as guilt squeezed my chest. “It’s your friend, Darcy. She’s dead.”
Trinity’s petite hand flew to her mouth, suppressing a gasp. “What? How do you know?”
“I found her body this morning.” I reached for her hand, squeezing it. “I’m so sorry. I feel like this is my fault.”
She shook her head, her lips pressed together. “It’s not your fault. It’s mine. I should’ve never dragged her into this.” Tears glistened in her dark eyes.
Anxiety twisted in my stomach like a tornado. “What did she know?” What if they’d tortured her for information?
“Nothing. I haven’t told anyone about you. It’s too dangerous.”
I let out a sharp breath. “What do we do now? I can’t stay here.”
“Listen, Liv, this may be the safest place for you right now. Both the angels and vampires are going to want you dead if what I saw is true. The angels would never think to look for you here, and the vampires are too clueless to figure it out. You just have to sit tight.”
“Till when?” Flashes of Darcy’s pale and bloodied face zipped across my mind.
“Until I get another vision. I can’t control what I see, but I’m sure I’ll be given more answers soon.”
“Why can’t you tell me exactly what you saw?”
Her face softened. “Because visions are tricky, Liv. The future is volatile and things can change. My telling you something can alter the path you’re destined to take. I cannot risk that.”
I huffed. She was almost as bad as Sammarah with her cryptic answers. “Fine.”
“You must go now. The others will be waking soon. It’s better if no one sees us together.” She opened the bathroom door a crack and ushered me out.
Soft snores filled the quiet room, and I almost asked if I could stay a little longer. I missed the company of other people—other humans.
“Stay strong,” Trinity whispered.
I gave her a half-hearted smile and hurried back down the corridor. Just before I turned the corner, the heavy thud of footsteps carried down the hall. I darted around the angle and pressed my back against the wall, forcing Duke down to the floor at my feet.
A door crashed open, and my heart lodged in my throat. Fear coiled around my heart like a snake, squeezing and crushing my battered organ. I had to see what was happening. Steeling my nerves, I peeked around the corner.
Razer dragged Trinity out of her room, his massive arm around her throat. She kicked and squirmed, but his hold never relented. Adrenaline spiked through my veins. I had to do something. I couldn’t just sit here and watch her get killed too.
“Stay here, Duke.” I dropped his leash, readying myself for a sprint. I only hoped that Razer wouldn’t kill me too.
A tiny flame flickered at my eyelevel then fizzled into a puff of smoke. What the hell? A piece of paper floated to the ground, landing at my feet. Bending down to pick it up, I scanned the scrawled handwriting.
Leave me. Get out now. It’s up to you to save the world.
~ Trinity
I clasped the note to my chest, my head spinning. How in the heck? My brain told me to keep moving, to follow her instructions, but my heart held my feet in place.
A muffled scream rang out, and my legs took off of their own accord. I sprinted down the corridor to the elevator as tears streamed down, blurring my vision.
I was a coward.
I cursed myself with every step I took, but I never looked back. Convincing myself I was doing what Trinity wanted, I raced out of the hotel.
Chapter 21
The sound of my pounding pulse roared across my eardrums, not even the slap of my shoes against the cement could drown it out. Duke ran next to me, his tongue happily hanging out of his mouth. At least someone was enjoying this.
Sweat dripped down my forehead, plastering my hair to my sticky skin. I kept running, pumping my arms back and forth as street signs passed by in a blur. My calves burned, screaming at me to stop but I swallowed down the pain and continued on.
The ascending street numbers told me I was headed north. Where—I had no idea. I just had to get away from that place. From those murderers. I sent a silent prayer to a God I hoped still existed for my friend, Trinity. I wouldn’t hold my breath though. A dark voice in the back of my mind told me her chances of survival were slim to none.
A knot formed in my chest, reminding me of the other person I’d left behind. I promised myself I’d see Asher again somehow. He may not have been the same guy I grew up with, but glimpses of my old best friend still existed in this new version.
Fire scor
ched my lungs, and I cursed for letting myself get so out of shape. I panted, pushing my legs forward to the end of the block. Reaching the E. 72nd Street sign, I hunched over bracing my hands on my knees. My breaths came in short, haggard spurts as I clenched my stomach to keep from puking.
A growl vibrated in Duke’s throat as his ears perked up, surveying the quiet avenue. I narrowed my eyes, straining to see down the block.
Son of a vampire!
Two dark figures sped toward us. My heart still hammered in my chest. I didn’t think I could run a step further. I scanned the four corners: two banks, a bagel shop, and a Laundromat. I zipped across the street with Duke at my heels and climbed through the broken glass door of the bagel place. Sharp shards tore at my arms, but I made it inside and unlocked the door for Duke.
We crept behind the counter and waited.
I tried to slow my thundering pulse, certain any vamp could hear it from a mile away. Two shadows whirred by, their forms taking shape in front of the large window.
Asher.
I almost jumped out of my hiding spot until I recognized the red mohawk on his companion.
“She’s gotta be in here,” Razer snarled, pointing through the window.
“Why does Zeke want her so bad all of a sudden?” The worry in Ash’s voice did nothing to calm the storm of anxiety brewing inside me.
“Not important. Just find her.”
The crunch of glass under heavy soles heralded my quickly approaching doom. The footsteps stopped, and Razer spoke again. “I can trust you to do what you have to, right, Asher? I know you two were close.”
“Of course,” my best friend answered without hesitation.
I wasn’t sure what hurt more, knowing I was about to die or that he could so easily betray me.
Someone sniffed the air and grunted. The footfalls drew closer, and my hand closed around the dagger’s hilt. If I was going down, I was going down fighting.
Two meaty hands clamped down on my shoulders and dragged me up and over the counter. I screamed, and Duke went ballistic. He barked and growled as Razer held me a foot off the ground.