Slade (Venom Series) Book Two

by Kristen Middleton

  “I’ll try it,” I said, forcing a smile. “Thanks.”

  He patted my shoulder. “Good. Let me know if you need anything.”

  “I will,” I replied as he walked back toward his seat.

  “Look, you can see the ocean,” said Melody. “I forgot how blue it was.”

  I looked out the window and felt what had to be vertigo. Everything started to spin and I felt like I was going to throw up as the plane changed its angle. “Oh, my God,” I said, grabbing the paper bag. I opened it up and began breathing in and out quickly.

  Melody grabbed my wrist. “I thought you said it was bad to do that?”

  “It is. But, at least I can use the bag if I throw up,” I gasped, breaking out in a cold sweat.

  She released my arm. “Sorry.”

  The pilot got on the intercom and informed us that we were about to land and that we needed to have our seatbelts fastened.

  “Here we go,” said Melody as the plane’s tires touched down onto the tarmac.

  I held my breath as we began to slow and wondered if we were moving toward the hangar too quickly. Images of the pilot miscalculating the distance and braking too late flashed into my head. It was followed by the jet tumbling and then exploding into a mass of flames. By the time we came to a complete stop, I was a nervous wreck.

  “See, you survived,” said Melody, pushing me in the shoulder playfully. “See, all of that worrying for nothing.”

  I laughed nervously. “Yeah. I guess.”

  “Just one more flight to go,” said Sean, coming toward us. Obviously, everyone on the plane was aware of my anxiety. “Then you can put all of this behind you.”

  I thought about our next trip. This time, we’d be flying high above the ocean. If the plane went down, we’d hit the water. Hard. Even with the help of the vampires, some of us would surely die. If not by the crash, which would make us instant chum, then by the man-eating sharks.

  I smiled weakly. “Yeah, I can’t wait.”

  A SHORT TIME later, the pilot stepped out of the cockpit and invited us to get off of the plane to stretch our legs. “We’ll be leaving in about forty-five minutes,” he told us. “So, feel free to get out and get some fresh air before our next flight, which will obviously be quite a bit longer. Especially you, young lady,” he said, looking at me. “A little birdy said that you weren’t having the best time of your life back here. Was it my flying?”

  “No… it was just… I was a little nervous since it was my first time. I’m fine now,” I said, smiling sheepishly. “Really.”

  “If not, I know something that will clear that right up,” he said, winking. “A shot of whiskey can do wonders for the nerves. At least that’s what I’ve heard.”

  I shuddered. It didn’t sound very appealing.

  He smiled at my reaction. “Just let me know if you change your mind. I always keep a couple of bottles around. The plane is stocked with alcohol, too.”

  “Uh, no. I don’t think so. But, thank you,” I replied. “I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

  “Maybe I should try flying with my eyes open this time,” he teased, his dark eyes twinkling. “It might make things easier for you.”

  “I’d appreciate that,” I said, smiling.

  “It’s not as enjoyable for me, but safety first. Right?”

  “Uh, yeah. Right.”

  Jimmy, Sean, and Bradan made their way over to us.

  “Not insult to you, but I prefer flying without a steel barrier between me and the sky,” said Sean, taking a comb out of his back pocket and running it through his short, red hair. “Even in this incredible plane, I still felt like a sardine up there.”

  “I agree,” said Bradan. “Had I known we were flying to New York, first, I’d have spent the entire day in Times Square. Maybe bought something for ma. Put a smile on her face.”

  “You could still go shopping there,” said Steve. “You have about forty-five minutes before we leave here.”

  “Cool. Let’s do it then,” said Bradan. “You coming, Slade?”

  Slade, who was still sitting with Liam, stood up and moved toward us. “No. I’m probably just going to stick around here.”

  “You okay?” asked Sean. “You’re looking a little peaked.”

  I looked at him and thought the same thing. His skin looked really pasty.

  “I’m good,” he said. “Don’t worry about me.”

  “You should come with us. Find something that will set you right,” said Bradan, looking concerned.

  I knew they were talking about blood but Slade didn’t seem too interested in leaving the plane.

  “I’m good,” he repeated. “Just don’t be late getting back here.”

  “We won’t,” said Bradan. “We’ll just pop in and out. Won’t take long.”

  “Wow, so even with all of the crowds, you’re just going to fly out to Times Square and land in the middle of thousands of people?” said Melody, staring at him in shock.

  “No. We’re more discreet than that,” said Bradan, turning to Sean and Jimmy. “So, you two tagging along or what?”

  “I don’t know,” said Sean. “I hate crowds.”

  “You hate crowds? What about your concerts?” said Melody. “Those seem to draw plenty of them.”

  “Okay, let me rephrase that – I hate walking amongst the crowds. I don’t care about playing my guitar in front of them. I just don’t want to get lost inside of them. Kind of like Chelsey and planes.” He winked at me.

  I smiled. He had a point.

  She laughed. “Exactly! Anyway, I was going to say… you always seem so relaxed on stage.”

  “That’s because it’s easy to tune people out,” he replied. “And focus on the music.”

  “What about you, Liam?” she asked, as he walked toward us. “Do you mind crowds?”

  “Not if they’re, beautiful, naked, and in my bed,” he said, smiling wickedly.

  She smirked. “Do you ever stop?”

  “Speaking of concerts, I could use a new guitar,” said Jimmy. “Doubt I’ll get my Fender back from Shore Lake. That thing cost me fifteen-grand, too. Dammit. Wonder if they have any music shops in Times Square?”

  “I’m sure they do,” said Bradan. “You’ll probably pay top dollar for one, though, just because it’s New York.”

  “I don’t think that I have a choice. We have concerts coming up. I need a guitar. I’m going crazy without my other one.” He sighed. “I’m joining you, man. Guess I’ll just have to do a little splurging.”

  “Damn, you’re going to be an easy sale, Jimmy. I’d better go with you guys and make sure you’re not getting ripped off,” said Sean. He turned to the pilot “We’ll be back in forty.”

  “Please do so,” he said, opening up the doorway. He set down the air-stairs. “After we refuel and Ms. Mayerich boards, we’ll head straight for Dublin. We should arrive there in approximately eight hours.

  “Is she here yet?” asked Liam, glancing out the window. “Maybe she won’t show?”

  “We couldn’t be so lucky,” mumbled Slade.

  “Ms. Mayerich? She just sent me a text. She should be here very soon,” answered Steve, looking at his watch.

  “Okay. We’ll be back soon. Follow me. I’ve been to Times Square, before,” said Sean as he disappeared off the plane into a whirlwind of movement.

  “Don’t be late,” warned Liam to the others.

  Bradan grunted and was the next to disappear.

  “I’ll keep an eye on the time,” said Jimmy. “Just don’t leave without us.”

  “Make it back in time and we won’t,” answered Slade.

  Jimmy nodded and then flew out of the jet.

  “That’s so freaky how they do that,” whispered Melody. “One minute they’re here, the next they’re ‘poof’.”

  I agreed.

  “Well, I hope they don’t lose track of time,” said Steve, looking at his watch. “I’d hate to arrive late. Piss Aiden off.”

  “My brother
will be fine. I’ll talk to him if he gives you any guff,” said Liam.

  “Right,” said Steve, not really listening. He sighed and then looked at me and Melody. “Hey, you girls hungry? We actually have a fruit and veggie tray in the refrigerator. We also have plenty of bottled water, if you’re thirsty.”

  “I’m starving. That sounds really good,” said Melody.

  “It does sound good,” I agreed. “I’ll take one of those waters, too, please.”

  “Sure.” The pilot looked at Liam. “What about you? You hungry?”

  “Of course I am,” he replied, standing up. “You have anything else besides rabbit food, though?”

  “I’ve got a few bags of beef jerky,” answered Steve. “I always eat protein when I’m flying. That and the rabbit food. Caveman Diet, you know.”

  “Caveman diet? We burn more calories breathing than a mortal does running a lap,” scoffed Liam. “Why bother with that?”

  “It’s healthier,” said Steve.

  “Healthy? Bah! Give me a pizza and a bag of tacos and I’ll still beat your ass in a race.”

  Steve grinned. “Would you like to put your money where your mouth is, Liam?”

  “What, a race?” he replied, grinning. “Do you really want to make a fool out of yourself in front of these girls?”

  “I’ll show you who the fool is,” said Steve. “Let’s race tonight. At the castle... Lycan style?”

  “You’re on. But seriously, I need something substantial to eat. Now.”

  “There are a few vending machines in the lobby of the airport,” he replied. “Stuff isn’t that bad either. Sometimes they even have decent sandwiches.”

  Liam grinned. “Excellent. I’ll go check it out. You got any cash on you?”

  Steve crossed his arms under his chest and shook his head, smiling in amusement. “Let me guess, you lost your wallet again?”

  “Yep. We ran into some unexpected trouble. Thus, the reason we’re heading back to Europe today.”

  “Your brother always said that you attracted trouble. I thought it was just talk,” said Steve, chuckling. “Guess, not.”

  “To tell you the truth, it was Slade who attracted the trouble,” said Liam. He winked at him. “But, I’ll always have your back, man.”

  “You know I’ve got yours, too. In fact,” Slade pulled out his wallet and handed him some cash. “It was on account of me that you lost your wallet, so take this.”

  Liam frowned. “Bullshit. It was on account of Faye, not you. Anyone else want anything?”

  “I’m good,” replied Slade, holding up his hand.

  “I think you need something else, actually,” said Liam. “Blood? You going to make it to Europe?”

  “Of course,” said Slade, looking at him like he was overreacting.

  “Okay. Steve?” asked Liam.

  “Actually, why don’t you get me a sandwich too?” he said, reaching for his wallet.

  “Leave your money alone. I’ve got it.” Slade handed Liam more cash.

  Liam wagged his thumb toward the cockpit. “What about your co-pilot?”

  “Don’t worry about him,” said Steve. “He brought his own sandwiches.”

  “Okay,” he said. “Melody or Chelsey?”

  “I’m good with the fruit and vegies,” I answered. “But, thanks.”

  “No problem. Melody?”

  “Actually, can I come with you, Liam?” she asked, getting up quickly. “I’m kind of hungry for a sandwich myself. I’d like to see what they have.”

  “Sure. Let’s go.”

  “Just head into the lobby and you’ll see the vending machines. They’re to the left. Chelsey, I’ll go and get those trays for you,” said Steve, moving toward the kitchen.

  “Thanks,” I replied, leaning my head back against the seat.

  Liam and Melody took off. Slade walked over to the sofa and sat down. Sighing, he leaned forward and put his head in his hands.

  “Are you really okay?”

  He raised his head. “Yeah. Sorry, I’m just wiped out.”

  He looked more than wiped out. He looked almost sickly. “It’s because you’re malnourished, isn’t it? You’ve depleted yourself of blood.”

  He looked away and sighed. “Yeah. I guess I did. I should have probably gone with the guys. I just didn’t think Times Square was the best place to refuel. You know?”

  “I understand. So, what are you going to do?”

  “I’ll have to wait until we get to Dublin, I guess,” he answered, smiling grimly.

  “And you can wait?”

  “I have no choice.”

  “We’re going to be on the plane for quite a while. Won’t it be hard to control your hunger?”

  He studied my face and sighed again. “Don’t be frightened, Chelsey. I actually have more self-restraint than most of my kind.”

  “I’m not frightened.” Which was true. For some reason, I had a feeling that he would rather wither away to nothing than force himself on us.

  “Good. I would never hurt you. Ever.”

  “I believe you,” I said softly.

  “Here you go,” said Steve, walking out of the galley, holding two trays of food. He set both of them down on the table next to us and removed the covers. “Rabbit food, as Liam likes to call it. Enjoy.”

  “Thanks,” I answered, grabbing a piece of cantaloupe. “I’ll take rabbit food any day of the week.”

  “Good, because like I said before, it’s all we have at the moment. Unless you’d like some jerky,” he replied as the other pilot walked out of the cockpit.

  “No, I’m good. Thank you,” I said, watching the stranger approach us. He appeared to be somewhere in his thirties, thin, and very bald.

  “Hi, I’m Josh Henry,” he said, stopping next to us. “Steve’s co-pilot.”

  Slade introduced the both of us before I could say anything.

  “Nice to meet you. So,” he looked around the plane, “what do you two think about this plane? Pretty swanky, huh?”

  “Yeah, it’s great,” said Slade.

  “I’ve never flown anything this luxurious myself,” he replied, touching one of the leather chairs. He squeezed the cushion. “Best-of-the-best. It’s a pleasure flying it, too.”

  “All it takes is money,” said Steve. “And connections. Aiden and I go back many years. Grew up together.”

  “That’s what you were saying earlier,” said Josh.

  Steve’s phone began to ring. He pulled it out of his pocket and looked at the screen. “It’s Talia. Excuse me,” he said, walking toward the exit. “I’m going to look for her and see if they’re done refueling the plane.”

  “Sounds good, I’m going to find a place where I can have a smoke,” said Josh, following him. He turned and looked back at us. “Anyone care to join me? Slade?”

  “I don’t smoke.”

  Josh smiled sheepishly. “No, I suppose you wouldn’t with that voice of yours. Got to keep those girls swoonin’.” He looked at me. “What about you?”

  “I don’t smoke, either,” I replied.

  He pulled out a pack of cigarettes from his pants pocket. “Yeah, it’s a nasty habit. I need to quit. Too bad it’s so damn hard.”

  “I wonder if hypnotism would work?” I said, looking at Slade.

  Slade smiled. “I’m sure it would.”

  “I might have to check that out,” said Josh. “Maybe when I get some time off, I’ll give it a whirl.”

  “If you’re interested, I know some people,” I said, smiling.

  “I may ask you for one of their numbers then,” he replied before stepping off of the plane.

  “I think I’m going to use the bathroom before Melody gets back,” I said, standing up.

  “Okay,” said Slade, leaning back in the sofa. He closed his eyes and looked so comfortable, that I had an urge to snuggle up to him. Instead, I walked past him and found the bathroom, which was much larger than the one at home. I closed the door and then stared at myself in the
mirror. I had to laugh. Here I was thinking that Slade looked exhausted, and I looked like a zombie. My auburn hair was stringy, there were circles under my eyes, and my face was pale. Frowning, I ran my fingers through my hair, trying to pull out some of the snarls that had gathered underneath. After a few frustrated minutes, I gave up and went to the bathroom. After I washed my hands, I walked out, and Slade grabbed my arm.

  “Hey, can I talk to you?”

  “Of course,” I said, shocked at how cold his hand felt on my skin. I sat down next to him on the sofa. “What’s up?”

  “I just wanted to warn you about Talia,” he said, removing his hand.

  “You don’t have to,” I said. “From your reaction earlier, I got the gist that she’s not the nicest person in the world.”

  “She’s not. I’m surprised she’s been invited on this plane, to be honest. She’s not a woman you can trust.”

  “You don’t have to worry about me. After everything we’ve been through, I think I’ll have a hard time trusting anyone.”

  “I hope you know that you can trust me,” he said softly.

  “You saved my life. More than once. Of course I trust you.”

  He closed his eyes and put the back of his hand against his forehead. He looked exhausted. “Good. I’d do it again, too.”

  “Thanks, Slade.”

  “Anytime, Chelsey. I’m just glad you trust me.” He opened his eyes. “It means a lot to me.”

  I wasn’t sure why it was such a big deal that I trusted him, but from the look on his face, I’d just promised him the stars. I nodded. “Oh, by the way, who was on the phone earlier?”

  “Faye Dunbar,” he answered, his smile falling away.

  “What did she want?” I asked, frowning. Even the sound of her name made me want to hit something.

  He waved his hand. “Oh, she was just trying to goad me again.”

  “I bet. She didn’t happen to mention anything about my family? Or Susan?”

  “They’re gone,” he replied. “You have to accept that.”

  I sighed in frustration. “I know… it’s just so hard to do that. Especially, since I didn’t actually see their… their… bodies.”

  “I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t have wanted to.”

  “No, but at least I’d give up hope that maybe they really aren’t gone.”