by S.A. Tadej
I dragged myself out of bed and followed the smell of the food cooking. My stomach growled in response to the aroma. I turned the corner of the hallway to find Devin standing in the kitchen at the stove. All the shades were still drawn and the room was dark and gloomy. I leaned over the small kitchen window and pulled the shade up. Devin shrieked back from the filtering light. “What are you doing?”
I stared at him stupidly and extended my hands questioningly as I shrugged my shoulders.
“The sunlight,” he squawked.
“Oh,” I muttered as I reached for the shade and pulled it back down. “Sorry.”
I walked closer to him just as he was spooning some eggs on a plate that was already filled with bacon. “Here, I made this for you,” he said as he put the plate down on the kitchen table.
“Thanks. Smells good,” I said as I sat down and took a bite. Devin walked back to the table and put a glass of milk in front of me. “Aren’t you going to eat?” I asked.
Devin smirked at me and shook his head. “Uh, I don’t eat, remember?”
“Oh that’s right, you’re a blood drinker,” I teased. I instantly felt bad, as I watched him look down, ashamed. “Devin, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean…” I couldn’t finish the sentence. I felt really bad for being so insensitive. His eyes met mine again and I looked at him apologetically. “Well, its really good. Thank you.”
Devin smiled and nodded. Then he turned his back to me, walked over to the sink and began scrubbing the pan he had used to cook my breakfast. I finished eating and met him at the sink with my dirty plate. He grabbed it from me and began washing it. I grabbed the dry towel.
When we were finished, he just stood there with his palms on the counter and his back to me. I put the towel down, came up behind him, and wrapped my arms around his middle, resting my head against him. “Devin, when do I get to go home?” I whined. “Do we really have to stay here?”
He turned around to face me. He was silent as he leaned closer and ran his fingers through my hair. Then he traced the outline of my face with his fingertips. He leaned closer still, but didn’t touch my lips. My heart started beating faster. I gently followed his jaw line with my fingertips, noting how his skin didn’t feel so cold anymore under my touch. As I continued to stroke his face, he sucked in his breath and I held mine. Yes, he definitely felt warmer.
Devin let out a moan as my fingers tangled in his hair. I could feel the tension in him as he ran his fingers down my bare arm. I felt his hand tremble slightly as it lingered there. I moved my hands down around his neck and leaned closer. He leaned in closer too and our lips met, just barely touching.
Suddenly his body went rigid and he broke away. He scowled at me and muttered something under his breath. I stood there in stunned silence and watched as he stormed out the front door.
What did I do? Why did he just leave? Where was he going? Wait… I thought he couldn’t be in the sunlight.
Just as I was about to go after him, the door swung open and he stormed back inside. I just stared at him, my eyes wide.
“What?” he smirked.
“Devin, you just went outside.”
Devin shrugged. “It’s overcast right now. There’s no direct sunlight.”
“Yeah, but there’s something else too,” I started.
“What’s that?”
I smiled. “When I had my hand on your face earlier, your skin was… well, it was… warmer.”
Devin’s eyes seemed to brighten right before mine. He brought his hand up to his face and felt it. Then he smiled and walked toward me grinning with excitement. “What do you think this means?”
I shook my head. “I don’t know. Maybe you’re not damned after all.”
Devin picked me up and swung me around in his arms. Then he kissed my cheek. “It’s because of you, I know it.”
“I doubt that.”
“No, really…”
“Maybe it’s because you’re trying to do the right thing. Or maybe it’s cuz of what you said about killing those other vampires.”
Devin shook his head in disagreement. “No, it’s you. You’re my salvation.”
“Devin, I know you think I’m an angel and all, but that’s highly unlikely. I mean my life has been kind of shitty you have to admit. I have an asshole for a father. I was abused as a child. The first guy I ever loved just died. I mean come on, if I really were an angel as you’re claiming, don’t you think I’d have a better life? And wouldn’t I have some sort of special powers or at least know that I was an angel?”
“Nicole, I don’t know. I just know that you bare the mark.”
I looked at the scar on my finger again. It really was strange looking. It had a soft glow to it again – definitely different from any other scar I’ve ever seen. But still, that didn’t prove anything. I brought my eyes up to meet Devin’s once again. “Well from all that I’ve learned, angels live in heaven, not on this hellhole we call earth.”
“Maybe you’re on a mission or something,” Devin suggested.
I couldn’t resist laughing and rolling my eyes. “Okay, Devin, if I’m on some sort of mission, then don’t you think that I would know what it is?”
Devin shook his head and frowned. “Nicole, I don’t know. I just know that you’re different. I felt it the moment I met you.” He paused and looked deep into my eyes. “You’re vital and radiant. You have a beauty that is not of this earth. And there’s a certain innocence to you.”
I didn’t feel like talking about it anymore, so I changed the subject. “Since it’s overcast right now you can go outside, right?”
Devin nodded.
I walked toward the door and opened it. “I need some air. Are you coming or not?”
Devin quickly caught up to me and grabbed my hand. We walked hand in hand through the woods, Devin pointing out different kinds of trees along the way. Soon we came to a small canyon with a river beneath it. The river was unlike any I had ever seen before. Shades of pink, green, blue, and yellow swirled the water and there were thick red bricks crossing it.
“Lets go down there and check it out,” Devin suggested.
I agreed and he put me on his back as he jumped down the small canyon. Close up, it was even more amazing. Thick trees that resembled willows surrounded the small river – only they were different than the ordinary willow tree. The long wispy branches of leaves were in shades of red and purple. I’d never seen a tree like it before. “What are these called?” I asked as Devin and I slowly crossed the stones to the other side of the river.
Devin shrugged. “I’m not sure.”
“Thought you knew everything,” I teased. “I mean how old are you?”
Devin laughed. “Twenty-seven technically.”
“And how long have you been twenty-seven?”
“About thirty or so years I guess.”
“So technically you’re fifty-seven,” I teased. “I shouldn’t be dating such an old man. Guess that kind of makes you a cradle robber.” I laughed. Devin grinned and I shoved him playfully as I raised an eyebrow at him. “Well, you’re the best looking fifty-seven year old I’ve ever seen,” I continued to joke.
“Okay, okay, have your fun,” he said as he put his arm around my waist and pretended like he was going to throw me into the river.
I firmly grasped his wrist. “That’s okay. If I’m going in, you’re coming with me.” I gave his arm a light yank, lost my balance, and we both fell into the water.
“You’re gonna get it now,” he said as he swam after me. I tried to swim away but he caught up to me effortlessly and dunked my head under the water. When he let me back up, he was looking at me and laughing. “I’m sorry, did I mess up your hair?”
I stood grinning at him and he quickly swam away.
“That’s right, you better run!”
He swam back to the rocks and waited for me. When I caught up to him, he pu
t his arms around me and kissed me sweetly. Then he hoisted me back up on the rocks.
“We should get going. We’ve been gone for a long time and I’m starting to get hungry again,” I said.
We walked back to the cottage. I made myself a quick sandwich and sat down on the sofa in the living room. Devin walked over to the small TV and played around with the antenna again until he was able to get a channel to come through somewhat clearly. It was a news channel.
My heart felt as if it would stop when I saw a picture of myself on the small TV. I listened as they explained my disappearance and showed a photo of my car in the ditch. Then they viewed a short video of my fight with Devin in the parking lot. His picture was now posted in the corner of the TV screen. Authorities are asking for help in locating this man, whom is simply known as Devin. Next, my mother and brother were shown on the screen as my mother made a plea for my safe return. Tears stung my own eyes as I saw the agony on their faces and listened to my mother’s desperate plea.
My hand went limp and my sandwich fell to the floor. I looked over at Devin. He was pacing back and forth repeating the word “fuck” as he held a clump of his hair in his right hand. I have to do something. I have to let my family know that I’m okay. I need to get out of here, I thought as I eyed the door. Devin followed my gaze then our eyes met. He shook his head. I nodded mine. I stood up and made a mad dash for the door. As I was pulling it open, Devin’s hand struck against it, slamming it back shut.
“Nicole, you cannot go out there. It isn’t safe,” he reminded me.
I looked up at him pleadingly. “Devin, please. I have to let them know that I’m okay.”
“I’m sorry, but I can’t let you leave. We have to get our priorities straight here.”
That pissed me off. I glared at him, then lunged at him, my own strength surprising me. “Fuck you, Devin! They are a priority to me,” I said as I punched and kicked at him. He blocked most of my hits and eventually toppled me to the ground. I brought my knee up and felt something hard hit the side of it. The gun! The gun was in his back pocket! I quickly brought my hand around and retrieved the pistol.
Before he could stop me, I pulled back on the trigger and aimed it at his head. He put his hands up and slowly got off of me. Still on the floor, I backed away from him a few feet then slowly stood up, keeping my eyes locked on his the entire time.
“Step back,” I ordered.
He walked backward a few steps toward the door. “Now open the door,” I commanded.
Devin put his hand on the doorknob and turned his body to the side to open it. I started walking toward the door. He suddenly turned back toward me and brought his leg up in some sort of martial arts move, kicking the gun out of my hand. For a brief moment our eyes met, then our gazes both turned to the gun laying on the floor. I turned to lunge for the gun, but he caught me before I reached the ground. We both fell hard to the floor, him on top of me. I tried hard to reach for the gun, but suddenly he was sitting on top of me with his knees on my arms pinning them to the floor. I bent my knee and brought my leg up, then down, kicking him in the back. He winced, but didn’t move.
“Will you stop it already,” he yelled.
“Get off of me,” I yelled back.
“Think about it, Nicole. If you go back there, that’s just what ‘they’ want. They’ll be waiting for you. You’re stupid if you think otherwise.”
“I can take them.”
Devin laughed. “You can’t even take me. Come on, who’s on top of who right now?”
I tried to wriggle out from under him, but it was useless. I let out a long exhale and glared at him. “This is my family we’re talking about. Did you see my mother’s face on the news? My God, Devin, she probably thinks I’m dead.”
“Nicole, I know that’s your family and I’m real sorry about it, but think about it. If you go back, you’re not only putting yourself in danger, but your family too.”
“What do you mean? Why would ‘they’ want to hurt my family?”
“For exactly that reason,” Devin answered. “Because they know that they can get to you through your family.”
I was silent as I thought about what Devin had said.
“They’re not stupid, Nicole. They know by now that I’m not coming back with you. Your house will be the first place they look.”
“You’re right. I’ll stay,” I lied.
Devin got up off of me. We were both breathing heavily from the struggle. I rubbed my arm and then the other one as I felt a dull throbbing pain. Bruises had already begun to form where his knees had been. I took a few deep breaths to calm myself and noticed him doing the same.
“So now what?” I asked.
Devin shook his head. “I don’t know. I haven’t figured it out yet.”
“Well that’s real comforting.”
He looked me in the eyes. “I said I haven’t figured it out yet. I will though. I just need a plan B.”
“Why don’t you tell me more about this ‘dark army’ so I know what we’re up against,” I suggested.
I listened intently as he told me all about Kya, Damien, and all the new vampires that were created with the distinct goal of killing the weak and turning the strong. The whole thing sickened me. He went on to explain that Kya wasn’t “created” as he had been. She was a beast straight from hell in human form – one of Satan’s own.
“Well now I see why you never invited me over,” I joked.
“Very funny,” Devin frowned.
“So how many are there?” I asked.
“Well, there were twelve, less the seven I told you I took out. Then there was another one I took out, so that leaves four.”
“So with the four new vampires, Kya, and Damien, we’re talking six total? That doesn’t sound so difficult. Can’t you just crush them with your bare hands like you did them rocks? Or can’t we just shoot them?”
“It’s not that simple. With me not returning, I’m sure Kya’s had more vampires created. Who knows how many there are now! And as far as ‘crushing’ them, as you had put it, both Kya and Damien are much stronger than me. Because I haven’t been drinking human blood, I’ve become much weaker.”
“Great! So now what?” I asked as I nervously bit my lower lip.
Devin pulled me to him and nestled his head against my neck. “I don’t know yet. But I won’t let them get to you. I promise.”
I felt sick. As hard as Devin tried to comfort me, I couldn’t be comforted. The Dark Army scared me. I thought of my family – my mother, Tommy, and sweet little Kelly. I worried that they would be hurt in Damien’s efforts to find me. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if anything were to happen to any of them.
I devised an escape plan in my head and decided to carry it out when Devin was asleep. I figured that was my best chance. I kept my thoughts to myself, knowing he would never let me leave willingly.
Chapter 17
Soft moonlight filtered through the drapes as I lie awake in bed. I listened intently to the sound of Devin’s breathing next to me, searching for a sign that he was in a deep sleep. Everything was quiet – too quiet. I swear I could hear the sound of my own heart pounding wildly in my chest and the sound of my own blood coursing through my veins.
Devin’s breathing became heavier and steadier. My eyes darted nervously to the night stand on the other side of Devin. Even in the dark light of the moon, I could still make out the small black pistol. I lay still a few more minutes – listening.
When I felt confident that it was all clear to make my move, I slowly inched my body toward the end of the bed. I tried not to make a sound as I placed my feet gently on the floor. I crouched down on my knees, put my palms on the floor, and slowly crawled around to the other side of the bed.
Devin stirred. I held my breath and listened as he tossed and turned on the bed. Soon his breathing returned to normal. Close call, I thought a
s I allowed myself to breathe again. I inched my arm up to the nightstand and carefully clutched the cold black steel. Then I slowly crawled back around the bed and toward the bedroom door. Thankfully it wasn’t closed all the way – it was still open just a crack.
I glanced back in Devin’s direction. He looked so peaceful when he was sleeping. I felt bad that I was leaving him, but it had to be done. I needed to find a way to let my family know that I was okay. Besides, it was me that the dark army wanted. I wasn’t going to let my absence put any of my family members or Devin in danger.
I gently pushed on the door and it creaked. I held my breath again and dared a look in Devin’s direction. Sleeping – he was still sleeping! Thank you, God! I took a deep breath and pushed the door open just enough to squeeze through it. Once I was in the hallway, I turned back to get one last glimpse of Devin. “I love you,” I whispered before closing the door until it was just opened a crack.
I quickly stood up and tiptoed down the hallway and around the corner to the front door. I slowly turned the lock and opened the door. Then I closed it gently behind me and let out the breath I was holding. I sprinted to Devin’s truck parked behind the cottage. When I reached it, I opened the door and jumped inside, quietly closing the door. My hand went to the ignition. Keys – where the hell were the keys? I could have sworn Devin left them in the truck.
I felt around on the seat. Nothing. This is not happening to me! I continued rummaging around the inside of the truck when I heard the passenger door open. My heart stopped – or at least that’s what it felt like at the moment.
“Going somewhere?”
I brought my head up and looked over at Devin. He looked pissed. I raised my eyebrows and smiled pleadingly. “Devin, please…”
“Just where do you think you are going?”
“I have to let my family know that I’m okay. You don’t understand.”
“And you don’t understand that you’re not going anywhere without these,” Devin mocked as he dangled the keys in his hand.
“Please give them to me,” I begged.
“You want them?”
I nodded.
“Well come and get them then,” he smirked.
I slowly got out of the truck and slammed the door, keeping my eyes on him. If he wanted me to come and get them, then that’s what I was going to do. As I walked the length of the side of the truck, I slowly removed the pistol from my pocket.