by Mary Abshire
I stood in the spot where his body had been. My back faced the brown door, which wasn't far away. A vampire could definitely have snuck in and killed him within seconds. While he couldn't physically fight a vampire, he could empty the dishes from the cabinets with a quick spell.
"Well, Sean," I said to myself. "Now I know why you didn't struggle." He hadn’t had time.
My curiosity had me wondering if Nassar or Drake had reached the same conclusion. Did Drake know what was behind the door? I'd have to ask right away.
I snatched the towel, ready to leave and find more answers. As I walked away from the table, a cold breeze swept through me and a knot twisted in my gut. Alerted, I stopped. A loud snap behind me sent my pulse racing. The sound eerily reminded me of a lock clicking. I twisted around.
The brown door opened. Renaud walked in with his dark gaze on me. A devilish grin stretched across his face.
"Find anything I missed?" he asked.
Chapter Nineteen
"Excuse me?" Keeping my eyes locked on his, I replayed his words in my head. He'd said, "Find anything I missed?" The last two words troubled me. He didn't seem like the type who did manual labor or cleaned up after people. Besides, Jack had already said he and a few other servants had tidied the area. Was Renaud so bold to admit in front of me that he’d killed Sean?
He took two steps away from the door. "Did you find anything?"
The arrogant grin on his face made my blood boil. The vamp's chilling energy did little to cool my heated state of mind. Yet, I remained calm.
A cramp tightened in my belly. "What are you doing here?"
He stepped around the table at the opposite end from where I stood. "The same reason you are here."
I didn't believe him, but I played along with his game. "Did you miss anything?"
"You tell me, little demon." He stepped toward me.
Sweat rolled down the back of my neck while the knot in my stomach twisted tighter. Every bit of me wanted to fight, but his strength was much greater. "I have to go." I headed for the door.
"Your friend didn't put up much of a fight," he said.
I came to an immediate halt and the towel slid from my hand. My heart pounded wildly, fueled by anger. If he'd murdered Sean, I wanted him dead and I wanted his soul. I wanted the motherfucker to pay for taking Sean from me. My dear ol' dad would gladly welcome him.
I turned and met his fierce gaze. Fuck strength. Fuck him. Jeremy had trained me to fight. Why not show the bastard I could?
"No, he didn't," I said. "Did he?"
The centers of his eyes were large, black frightening holes. I quickly realized I stood before a savage beast, ready to pounce at the slightest move.
"You don't belong here, little demon." His mouth twitched. Sharp canine teeth peeked from behind his top lip.
Two options popped into my mind. I could try to bullshit my way out of his game or fight him. Jeremy taught me well, but could I beat such an old vampire? A weapon would help. As for option one, I doubted I could fool this bloodsucker.
I balled my fists tight. "At least I don't kill innocent people."
He hissed, showing me his long fangs, then leaped toward me. I crouched until he was right in front of me, then jumped, shoving my weight into him. He was heavy, but I pushed him off balance, and he stumbled back. Wasting zero time, I swung my fists and bashed each side of his face. He stepped back as if dazed. Maybe he'd thought I was some wimpy girl who didn't know how to battle. He was so wrong.
With both fists, I punched his face repeatedly like a boxer. Blood dripped from his nose and lip. I backed him to the counter. His head hit the cabinet, cracking the dark wood. A deep growl rose from within him. I swung again, but before I made contact, he shoved his palms into my shoulders. I flew backward, smacking the floor hard and sliding across it.
A twinge of pain in my spine slowed me from getting up. Gritting my teeth, I braced my hands on the cold floor and pushed to my feet.
Renaud stepped away from the counter, wiping the blood from his face. "You surprise me, little demon."
Back aching, I stood. "I have that effect on people."
He didn't find my comment as humorous as I did. He flashed his fangs and rushed toward me. He was vampire fast this time and grabbed hold of my arm before I could blink. He swung me around, then tossed me in the air. I rolled over a wooden table. Unable to stop myself, I dropped on the floor with a hard thud. I struggled to sit up as the room spun around me. By the time I sat upright, he was behind me. He grasped my hair and lifted me to my feet. Sharp pain branched out through my head and I groaned.
"You underestimate me," he said, voice rich with hostility.
I shoved my elbow into his chest. Bones snapped and he let go of my hair.
"Bitch," he spat.
I ran to the other side of the table and used it as a barrier between us. "I never underestimate the enemy."
Snarling, he shoved the table toward me. It scraped over the floor, the screech stinging my ears and the weight forcing me back. Before I bumped into the other table behind me, I jumped out of the way. The two made a loud clunk as they crashed into each other.
We stood face-to-face, both tense, both ready to act.
"Do you really think you can beat me?" He took a step toward me.
I held still. "I plan to do more than beat you."
He ran at me fast, arms stretched out in front of him, and shoved my chest. I flew backward into the drywall and smacked the back of my head. Air expelled from me and tiny speckles glittered in my eyes. I crumpled to the floor, falling knees first on the hard surface.
Evil laughter spilled from Renaud. The eerie tapping of his shoes warned me he was drawing near. Refusing to give up, I pushed myself up.
He gripped my arms and lifted me the rest of the way to my feet. "You remind me of the children I had when I was a mortal—stubborn, determined, always running around and fighting. They drove me nuts."
Nuts? I blinked away the glitter from my vision. "I bet your wife was glad when you died."
Before he could respond, I jabbed my knee into his prized jewels. Renaud cringed and pushed me aside. I stumbled, but managed to stay on my feet.
"You…bitch!" He cupped his balls.
Not wasting time, I ran toward him and kicked my foot up, smacking his face. A bone crunched and blood flew in the air. The dark fluid had also smeared on my shoe.
Renaud released a feral growl that made me flinch. He came at me vampire fast again, picked me up by my arms, then threw me as if I were a doll. I hit the concrete wall this time. An instant sting pricked at my head and back. Darkness threatened my vision when I smacked the ground.
Soft taps warned me of my enemy approaching. I sucked in quick breaths while I strained to lift myself upright. My vision cleared right as I saw a foot coming straight at me.
The kick to my face propelled me backward. Strong pain spread from my nose and eyes. My head hit the hard floor. Thick darkness closed in, threatening to suck me into it.
Lying still with my eyes closed, I focused on the throbbing pain so I wouldn't pass out. I refused to give up fighting, but I needed help. I couldn't beat him with my bare hands. I needed a weapon.
I licked my lips and tasted blood. My broken nose burned. With the pain consuming my thoughts, the fog receded. I opened my eyes and a blurred version of Renaud stood over me.
I blinked and my sight cleared, only to find a dark object coming toward my face. I rolled over as a loud smack hit the floor behind my head. I pushed myself up, but not quick enough. A kick to my back thrust me face-first to the floor. Another kick to my side cracked bones and forced the air out of me.
"Get up and beat me now." He shoved his foot into my side again.
Searing pain consumed me. I imagined he'd broken every bone on one side of my ribcage. The rise of my temperature as my bones healed made me sweat profusely.
Renaud grabbed my wrist and pulled it back. I let out a gut-wrenching scream as he broke my arm,
snapping the bone from the socket. Scorching heat flamed within me while pain throbbed like a violent heartbeat. Still holding my wrist, he lifted me off the ground and threw me. I rolled over another table before I crashed on the floor. This time, I didn't smack my head.
Breathing heavy, I pushed myself up without the use of one arm. Sweat dripped into my eyes. My hair clung to my face and neck. My body burned with an intense fire, trying to heal. At least my legs weren't broken.
Getting to my feet, I saw Renaud rushing around the table toward me. I ran for the counter. I needed to find a weapon and I needed to find it fast before he knocked me unconscious. As soon as I reached the cabinets, I gripped the handle of a drawer and pulled it out. Silverware clinked as the drawer crashed on the floor. Renaud jumped over the mess and caught me as I pulled out the next drawer, scattering the contents over his feet. He squeezed my broken arm and shoved me toward the concrete wall. I stumbled and, at the last second, spun so my back hit the hard surface instead of my face.
More pain stabbed at my head while the rest of my body burned from bones fusing back together. Vision spinning and legs shaky, I collapsed, smacking my knees on the hard floor.
I held myself up by my good arm and blinked, trying to regain clear sight. Shiny objects on the floor captured my attention. Once the dizziness ceased, I saw several large knives lying in wait for me.
I gauged Renaud, standing in the middle of the shiny utensils on the floor. He had predator eyes, midnight black and evil, and they were fixed on me. His intent was easy to read. He wanted to kill me, to satisfy his hunger as if he was the king of all lions in the den. He waited and watched, ready to pounce with one little move. I would have to move fast since he would likely catch me with his vampire speed.
Keeping my eyes on the beast, I flexed my other arm. Fingers moved while the bones continued blazing. I could now use my hand.
Now was the time to act. I took a calming breath, then scrambled toward the knives. I quickly snatched one in each hand. Renaud moved swift, grabbing me by my throat. He set me on my feet. I jabbed one knife into his abdomen while my weaker hand slashed at his chest. A monstrous howl sprung from him and he released his grip on my throat.
I staggered, grasping my weapons while he backed up. Blood dripped from the one I'd managed to stab into him.
He glanced at the dark spot on his shirt. "You fucking bitch."
A quick smile flashed on my face, proud of my small accomplishment. Then I rushed toward him, good arm in the air and clenching the knife. I buried the blade deep in his chest and sliced open his arm with the other one. Blood spilled out over his arm while the coppery smell floated in the air. He shoved me away and I let go of the knife, leaving it lodged in him.
My arms flailed as I stumbled back, but I quickly balanced myself. Heated rage blazed within me like a fiery hot inferno. For Sean, I wanted nothing more than to destroy this bastard and send his soul to Hell.
He gripped the handle of the knife, then withdrew it from his chest. I searched the ground for a replacement. The second I found another weapon, I snatched it and ran toward him again. He swung at me with the bloody knife. I jerked back, missing it by inches. He drew his arm back again. I ducked, thrusting one of my knives into his groin.
He staggered back, moaning in pain. Bumping into the counter, he dropped the knife. I seized my opportunity and attacked, shoving my other knife into his right eye.
Dark fluid flowed in streams while he groaned. My heart raced with excitement. I could get what I wanted if I hurried.
I searched the mess on the ground for something to cut off his head. A long, jagged blade shined as if calling to me. I took hold of it and another knife before I turned to face my enemy.
Renaud withdrew the knife from his eye, then dropped it. The blade clanked on the ground. Though his eye was a bloody open wound, the signs of healing had already started. The flesh was merging together. I had to act fast.
Holding the weapons tight, I rushed at him, raising both arms. As I brought the jagged one down, he caught my wrist. While I struggled to free myself, I swiped the other weapon across his abdomen. The knife split him open. Groaning, he pushed me back, then he bent over slightly.
I attacked again and stabbed him in the heart with the jagged blade. He let out another cry of pain as he dropped to his knees. Seizing my opportunity, I whirled around and sliced his neck with my other blade. Blood gushed out and skin peeled away, revealing the dark flesh inside.
My heart raced with vigor. I was so close to getting what I wanted. But every second mattered. Though he was on his knees and in pain, it wouldn't take him long to heal and be ready to fight anew.
I shoved the knife into the eye I'd stabbed before. Clutching his head and moaning, he fell backward, then tumbled sideways onto the ground.
A rush of excitement surged through me while I watched him lying on the floor and groaning in misery. He was on the brink of death and I had the chance to finish the job. He'd stolen Sean from me. He'd probably taken other innocent lives as well over the centuries. Now, it was time for him to pay the price.
I wrapped my fingers around the blade in his heart, then yanked it out.
"Bitch," he rasped. Blood spilled from his lips. He spit at my feet, then tore the knife from his eye socket. "I'm going to get you."
I chuckled. "Good luck."
But then he gripped my ankle and tugged. I lost my balance and fell on top of him. He grunted and I smiled. Not wasting a second, I pressed my palm on his bloody face and pinned his head to the floor. In a flash, he grabbed hold of my forearm. Before I could yank it from him, he bit into my wrist. Needlelike pain shot through my arm. I jerked to get free, but he had a tight hold. When his teeth dug deeper into me, I grunted in agony and anger.
Seeing I couldn't break free, I pressed the jagged knife against his forearm and started cutting with deep, fast swipes. The blade tore through the flesh fast, then snagged on the bone. He tried stopping me by locking onto my other arm. Yet, I persisted with all my strength. When he no longer controlled the function of his one hand, I pulled my wrist from his sharp teeth.
Growling in anger and pain, he squeezed my arm and attempted to push me off him. I gripped his shirt with my blood-covered hand and held on. As my body shifted over him, I glanced at his neck and noticed the flesh sealing. I needed to act fast if I wanted to get rid of the nasty vamp.
He yanked my arm—the one holding the knife—and I came close to dropping it. Using my free hand, I jabbed the weapon straight into his throat. A garbled noise came out of him and he released me. Heart pounding in my chest and ears, I wrapped both hands around the handle then pushed the blade sideways. It cut through his flesh and bone.
All movement from Renaud ceased. I'd sliced into his spine, but not severed his head. To destroy him, I had to remove the cranium. I lifted the blade, turned it, then plunged it back into his throat. This time, I shoved the knife in the opposite direction. Separation was complete.
I dropped the knife and gasped for air. Blood covered my shaking hands while elation flooded my soul. Lightheaded yet overjoyed, I wanted to jump up and shout with glee. I'd killed a vampire on my own. Jeremy's training had paid off.
Renaud's soul rolled away from his empty body. I leaped up and then fell on top of it, pinning him down with my weight. In his spiritual form, his strength didn't compare to mine.
His evil eyes glared at me. "This isn't over. You think you have won. You're wrong."
My head felt like a balloon floating away while my vision began spinning. A deep throb in my wrist worried me, but I still had a job to do. My injuries would have to wait until later.
Fire exploded within me like a bomb, ready to claim him, ready to welcome him. "I hope you enjoy your time in Hell." Rage deepened my tone.
Lips parted, I inhaled long and deep. His soul slid into my mouth, tasting of putrid sour cheese and rot. My gag reflex kicked me, but I ignored it. I focused my thoughts on avenging Sean's death.
Renaud tried to resist my call by pulling back. I sucked in air again. More of his soul passed down my throat. The blaze within me flamed hotter. Sweat dribbled down my forehead and temples. He couldn't compete with Hell's eagerness to devour him.
As more of his soul disappeared, I scooted down his spiritual body. His resistance was minimal. He poked at my intestines a few times. I inhaled two additional breaths, each one claiming more and more of his soul. When he vanished completely, I pressed my mouth shut, swallowed, then grinned with delight.
Weak and unstable, I stayed on my knees and didn't move. The room spun in circles, distorting my vision. If I had to guess, the pulsing wound on my wrist was the source of my problems. I needed help fast and I didn't have strength to walk up any stairs.
Behind me, I heard sharp claps, one after another. Slowly, I crawled, turning to face the source of the noise. I blinked, trying to see through my warped vision. The tall figure had long dark hair and a beard.
"Very well done." Dimitry moved toward me. "I am impressed."
I opened my mouth to speak and fell forward. The side of my head smacked the floor. Pain vibrated through my skull. As I lay with my cheek pressed on the cold tile, I tried to watch Dimitry, but my eyelids weighed a ton. I had no energy to fight and not one bit of strength to move. When the thick fog closed in on my mind, I knew I was in serious trouble.
Cool fingers touched my face. "You are one remarkable creature."
The words echoed in my mind as I drifted into nothingness.
Chapter Twenty
Vibrant energy surrounded me, warming my flesh and spreading tingles to every cell within my body. I breathed easier, though my body ached. The fog that had swallowed me earlier had released me and awareness slowly returned. Someone's energy spilled into me and I had a pretty good idea whose power it was.
I blinked to clear the sleepiness from my eyes. The oval windows in the stone wall revealed darkness outside. A dim light from either the nightstand behind me or the lamp in the corner illuminated the room. Dry clothes were on my body. Much had changed since I last could see clearly. Much indeed. A warm arm wrapped around my waist and a heated body pressed along my backside. The soft brush of air over my neck tickled. Careful not to bump Jeremy's head, I scooted over the pillow and slowly rolled onto my back.
