by Mary Abshire
"Do you need time to think about this?" Anton asked.
I lifted my head. "No. I uh…" A tear escaped one of my eyes and I wiped it quickly. "I need to prepare."
"Drake will help you and keep us informed on your progress," Nassar said. "You will have about a month before Kuri will arrive. He will have the instructions for you."
More sweat trickled down the sides of my face. My clothes were clinging to me. The mere thought of working with Kuri infuriated me. And clear to me, they wanted Drake to make sure I didn't run off. Fuckers.
"Can I leave by morning?" If I had to spend another day at the fort with them, I would go ballistic.
"We will make the arrangements for you. Drake will notify you when it's time," Nassar said.
Slowly, I stood. Hateful words filled my mind. Instead of causing further trouble, I headed for the exit.
A life without Drake or friends. I had so much to look forward to.
Chapter Twenty-Six
I shoved open the door and ran straight to the bathroom. Dropping to my knees, I bent over the toilet. All the food I'd eaten that day came rushing out of me. Tears streamed down my cheeks while I puked. The putrid smell made my stomach spasm more.
"Was the meeting that bad?" Jeremy asked, standing at the door.
I rubbed a shaky hand over my wet face. "They fucked me." My stomach retched again and more bile spilled out of me.
"Damn, they must have fucked you up the rear."
If I hadn't been spitting out the nasty shit in my mouth, I would've chuckled.
The wave of nausea slowed. I heaved a few more times, each one producing less bile. I flushed the toilet and wiped my mouth. But I refused to leave the safety of the toilet yet.
"I'd offer to help, but you told me to stay away," he said, cocky.
I wasn't in the mood to pick a fight with him. "Start packing," I said, voice raspy.
"Packing? The blood suckers are letting us leave?" Excitement lifted his tone.
I nodded and scrubbed the tears from my cheeks. "By morning."
"Hot damn. Now I'm excited."
Jeremy didn't waste any time. He left and his footsteps padded the hard floor as he walked away.
Slowly, I got up and ambled to the basin. My head throbbed. I wanted to lie down, close my eyes, and forget about all my worries. But I couldn't.
Bending over the sink, I splashed my face. The water washed away the tears and sweat, but not the misery. No, misery consumed me.
After I turned off the faucet, I glanced in the mirror. My eyes appeared bloodshot, my complexion was pale, and my hair was a mess. Water dripped from my chin. I looked like total shit.
Jeremy's reflection appeared behind me. He held up the notepad. I twisted, then took the pad from his hand. What happened? What's wrong?
Jeremy handed me a pen. Setting the pad on the countertop, I wrote a note. Just get ready. I'll explain soon.
He took the pen from my fingers and jotted a new message. Is Drake coming?
Our eyes met and I shrugged. I assumed Drake would join us so he could keep an eye on me for them. The bastards. I hated them with every breath.
Jeremy's brows crinkled. He gazed at me with a look of bewilderment. Taking the pen from him, I wrote four letters. PACK.
I dropped the pen on the pad, then walked out of the bathroom. The sooner we left the fort, the better.
In the bedroom, I started dumping all my clothes and shoes into my luggage that I'd layed on the bed. The clean mingled with the dirty. I didn't care. Jeremy strolled in and followed my advice. He began stuffing his bag. Unlike me, he organized his clothes. While he meticulously filled his suitcase, I checked the drawers and the bathroom for any essentials. I spared a minute to brush my teeth before packing my toothbrush.
"The bathroom's empty," I said as I walked into the bedroom with my hands full. I dumped his razor, shampoo, shaving lotion, and toothpaste on the bed. I handed his toothbrush up. "Here."
He took it and placed it in a Ziploc baggie.
After I finished packing, I moved my suitcase to an upright position on the floor. The damned thing was as heavy as a dead body. Speaking of which, Sean's body would have to come home with me—to Indianapolis. I'd figure out where to bury him in a day or so.
A wave of melancholy swept through me. I sat on the bed and stared at the darkened oval windows. The VETOV had taken everything from me, everything I loved, and in a way, my life. The deal eerily reminded me of Dimitry's, minus the blood and sex. And they were supposed to be the good guys? If I hadn't been on the edge of crying, I would have laughed.
Three solid taps on the front door captured my attention.
"I'll get it." I hoped it was someone with word about our departure.
I opened the door and stared at the Russian vampire standing a few feet away. Blood rushed through my veins. I balled my hands tight and my nails dug deep into my skin. The small painful distraction was just enough to keep me from attacking him.
"We arranged for the plane to leave from the island within the hour." Dimitry walked in without invitation. His long dark hair swayed over his shoulders. "Drake and I will fly with you to the mainland and make sure you catch the flight to Indiana."
"We're ready." I left the door open, hoping he would get the idea to leave. "Sean's body is coming too, right?"
"Yes, his body is on the way to the plane as we speak."
Dimitry stepped closer and my body tensed instinctively. I hated looking at his scruffy face and dark eyes.
"I received your note. I will be in touch in a few months."
That soon? Damn it, I'd have to think up a plan to get rid of him fast. I'd said I wouldn't send evil souls to Hell without the VETOV's approval, but if I had a chance to send Dimitry where he belonged, I would take the opportunity. He was different. He was forcing me to do something against my will and threatened me. Screw the VETOV and the deal I'd made regarding their souls.
Jeremy strode out of the bedroom with a smirk on his face. "Well, well. Here to give her a kiss goodbye?"
"This is none of your business," I said with a cold glare.
He halted fast. "After we get back, I'm done with you. You and your vamp buddies can fall off the face of the earth for all I care." He left and returned to the bedroom.
"The feeling is mutual," I said before he slammed the door.
Jeremy's heated words came at the right time. Dimitry, more than anyone, needed to believe I no longer had a connection with Jeremy.
Dimitry eyed me suspiciously. "Not getting along anymore?"
"Does it look like it?"
"I have a feeling you are a sneaky little demon."
A sharp chill ran down my spine hearing the last two words. Renaud had called me little demon. I'd speculated before Dimitry had been involved with Sean's death, but now I was convinced.
I crossed my arms. "Nice job with the evidence."
The knowing grin on his face said enough. "It was there all along. I merely brought it to their attention."
Fury rushed through me as I stared into his dark eyes. I wanted to rip his heart out and feed it to him. The man was evil, worse than Alexander. I couldn't wait to send his soul to Hell.
"Did you force him or orchestrate the whole thing?" I asked.
Still grinning, he said, "I don't know what you are talking about."
The evil fuck lied through his disgusting teeth. Oh, I despised him. I wanted him tortured in Hell for all eternity.
"Get out!" Rage thickened my voice while I pointed at the door.
"I will return with Drake in ten minutes to take you to the airport." He walked slowly toward the exit. Stepping past the doorway, he spun around. "Or, maybe my face will be the last one you see."
The burning desire to fight him overwhelmed me. I took quick breaths as I held myself back. My day would come when I could claim revenge. But if he harmed Drake, I'd fight him in a heartbeat until one of us no longer moved. I wouldn't care if they killed me afterward.
&nb
sp; I slammed the door in his face, then braced my hands on the hard surface. Trying to calm my rage, I counted numbers in my head. When my anger had subsided enough, I strolled to the bedroom.
Jeremy stood commando style, arms crossed and legs spread. "What the fuck was that?" he asked, moving his lips but not speaking.
I lifted my palm. Face red with anger, he shook his head.
"He'll be back in ten minutes," I said.
"I'm ready to get out of here."
Yeah, so was I.
I sat on the edge of the far bed. Bent over, I hid my face in my hands. How could my life have turned out so horribly messed up? I wanted to kill and destroy, cry and wither away, all at the same time. Since I couldn't release my anger, the tears flowed.
The bed shook gently and a warm hand touched my back. I wanted to tell Jeremy everything. I needed to vent to someone. I yearned for a friend who would listen to me and let me cry on their shoulder. But I couldn't—not on an island full of vampires. The time would come later. At least that's what I kept telling myself.
I wiped the tears, then grabbed my purse and luggage. "Let's go." I rolled my bag behind me into the living room.
Dimitry gave us ten minutes. Though we were ready to go, I would've welcomed extra time to calm my nerves. Jeremy took a seat on the sofa after he'd parked his bag by the door. Since we had a little time, I sat in one of the recliners. Holding my hands tight in my lap, I stared into Jeremy's eyes.
"You're making a big mistake," he said.
"I didn't have much of a choice."
"You always have a choice."
I shook my head and veered my gaze away from him. He had no clue what my options were. If I hadn't selected to work with Kuri, they would've held me hostage at the fort. I'd go crazy. No, I couldn't choose that alternative. And I couldn't run away and hide. My little savings wouldn't last long. I needed a job and a place to live. Where could I go if I ran? Options? I didn't have a single realistic one.
Minutes passed like hours. Every once in a while I'd glance at Jeremy and find him staring. Keeping quiet and pretending we were angry at each other had to be a challenge for him, but he played along well. When a soft knock at the door alerted us, we both rose to our feet fast.
"I've got it." I dashed to the exit before Jeremy.
I jerked on the handle. Drake stood alone outside. My heart jumped with joy. I rushed toward him, then threw my arms around his neck.
"I don't want to do this," I said.
He embraced me, held me tightly pressed to his body. His soft hair brushed over my cheek as he kissed my ear. "You can do this. Everything will be all right."
Was he serious? Was his heart not torn to shreds like mine?
"Are we finally leaving?" Jeremy asked.
Drake's arms slackened and I took a step back. "Dimitry is in the car. If you're ready, we can leave."
"We're ready," I said.
I dashed back into the suite. Jeremy tilted his luggage and wheeled it out as I snatched my purse from the table.
"I will get your bag." Drake strolled past me. He grabbed my suitcase, then rolled it out the door. I followed him to the back of the parked SUV where Jeremy waited.
My temper flared when I noticed Dimitry sitting behind the wheel of the vehicle. I didn't want to go near him unless I had to. Staying close to Drake and Jeremy, I watched as they loaded the suitcases into the back. Once they secured the bags, Jeremy slammed the trunk.
Drake escorted me to the driver's side. "Sean's body will go home with you. It is being loaded on the plane."
"I know. Dimitry informed me," I said dryly.
As he opened the door for me, his brows tightened above his eyes.
"Something wrong?" I asked softly.
He trailed his fingers down my arm. "It will be fine."
His cryptic answer and puzzled look led me to believe something was wrong. But I dared not ask any more questions since we couldn't exactly speak freely to each other. After I tossed my purse on the back seat, I hopped inside. The door clunked as Drake shut it.
Jeremy sat at the other end. His malicious glare directed at Dimitry reminded me of the way he regarded Drake. His loathing of vamps had always been strong. I didn't know his reasons, but I understood him now more than ever.
Once Drake settled into the vehicle, Dimitry shifted into gear. He gave the car a little gas, then steered it along a dirt road.
Staying mute, I stared out the side window as we left the fort. Excitement stirred within me as we passed by the illuminated buildings. We were finally leaving.
I dug inside my purse in search of my passport. Though I hadn't removed it, I wanted to make sure I still had it before getting too far from the fort.
"Missing anything?" Jeremy asked.
My hand slid over the small booklet and I smiled. "No, just making sure I had it." I showed the passport to him.
I glanced at the front. Dimitry was watching me. My happiness quickly died and I returned to staring out the window.
The drive to the airport on the island was short and quiet. Even when we checked in and got our passports stamped, we didn't speak to each other.
Jeremy rushed ahead of us to get on the plane. Drake stayed close to my side while Dimitry followed behind me. Jet fumes thickened the air while the tiny lights on the plane's wings flickered. Two men in jumpsuits rushed by us, rolling our luggage. I slowed my pace, allotting them time to load the bags.
Drake took my hand in his. "You will feel better, once you get back home."
I halted and gazed into his eyes. What I found was love and sympathy. "You're coming with me to Indiana, right?"
He caressed my cheek. "In another day, I will meet up with you. There are things here that need to be resolved."
My heart sank. Leave him? But I needed to warn him about Dimitry. How could I go on without him when everything was falling apart? What if Dimitry cashed in on his chance to destroy Drake?
"Drake—"
He gripped my arms and squeezed. "You'll be fine."
I swallowed hard and shook my head. I blinked and tears fell.
"They're ready," Dimitry said. He stood near the steps leading to the plane.
"Don't worry. Everything will be all right," Drake said as he slid his hands away from me.
With a heavy sigh, I headed for the stairs. What could I do? Nothing. I couldn't do a fucking thing. Our time to talk would have to wait.
I stepped onto the plane, then strolled down the aisle. There were six rows of seats, one on each side. Eyes forward, Jeremy sat in the back. A large casket took up the space at the rear end. Sean. I dropped into a vacant spot one row up and across from Jeremy.
Numb with grief, I stared at the back of the chair in front of me. Sean's dead body was in the casket. The reality of his demise hit me again and I felt a void inside.
A flight attendant stopped at my side. As she spoke to me in French, I began to crawl out from the fog of sorrow. Not having a clue what she said, I peered behind her. Drake was sitting across from me.
"Seatbelt," he said.
After I shoved my purse under the seat in front of me, I strapped the belt over my lap. Sitting upright, I inhaled a deep breath. I was so glad to be leaving the fort. In front of Drake, Dimitry secured his belt across his lap. I didn't understand why he did. Odds were likely he'd survive any kind of crash, unless there was fire.
Within minutes, we were taxiing down the small runway. My favorite part of flying had always been the lift off, but this time I barely noticed when the plane lifted into the air. Turbulence jerked us and something in the back rattled. I suspected the noise originated from the casket, but didn't investigate.
Unable to speak, I stared out of the oval window into the dark sky. While relief flowed through me because we were off the island, worry prodded my heart and head since Drake had to return with Dimitry. I didn't trust the evil vamp. He knew how much Drake and I cared for each other. If he destroyed Drake, I swore to myself I would hunt him down.<
br />
"Your flight to America will leave within forty minutes of our landing," Drake said.
"That soon?" Their promptness on booking our flights amazed me.
"Paris has a multitude of flights that leave for the States. It was easy to find one quickly," he said. "The plane you will be on has a stop in New York. You will have a small delay before having to board another flight to Indianapolis."
If the plane left that soon once we landed, I doubted we would have much time together. Melancholy stabbed at my heart.
"And you'll meet me tomorrow night?" I asked for assurance.
"It might be the following morning."
A day. While it seemed short, it gave Dimitry plenty of time to find a way to get rid of Drake. His existence worried me. Dimitry was a tricky, calculating, evil fuck. If only I could warn Drake somehow about the Russian vamp.
Turning back to the window, I considered how I could notify Drake. Dimitry would hear any words spoken, so speaking was out. I could pass a note, but I'd have to find a way to do it without Dimitry seeing me. Considering my options, passing a message seemed worth a shot.
I picked up my purse, then dug inside for a piece of paper. Finding none, I opened my checkbook and pretended to write a check. I kept checking to make sure Dimitry couldn't see my actions. On the check, I wrote Beware of Dimitry. He may try to destroy you. He helped kill Sean. Slowly and quietly, I ripped the check off the pad.
The plane started descending. Outside the window, tiny lights twinkled far below us. Paris at night.
Hands deep inside my purse, I folded the check into a thumb-sized square. As I set my purse back on the floor, I pressed the note into my palm, covering it with my thumb. I sat upright, then nudged my purse under the seat with my foot. Drake didn't seem to notice I held anything in my hand. His eyes focused on mine as a smile formed on his loving lips. Then turbulence shook the plane and he turned to the window. I slipped the tiny note underneath my blouse and into the waistband of my skirt. Now, I just had to figure out how to get the note to Drake.
