“Grab the remote,” I yelled to Lola, who was closest to the chair that Alastair vacated. Alastair heard me and retreated, but there was nowhere for him to go. He was surrounded and alone, having sent his goons with Max. He was powerless to fight back against our numbers and fear swelled in his eyes.
Lola retrieved the small device and rushed over to me. “How do I get this off you?”
“I don’t know, it locked in place somehow. Whatever you do, don’t press that button.”
Lola nodded, and began inspecting the collar around my neck. While she looked, I glanced to my side at the scene. James and Elizabeth were the clear leaders of the group, issuing commands about searching other rooms, while Alastair stood wide eyed and deadly still in the center.
“You can give up now, and we’ll let the Alpha and Omega know you cooperated,” James calmly explained to Alastair. “If not, you’re still going there, but your fate will be much worse.”
“You stupid fools. Did you really think I haven’t planned for every contingency?” Alastair moved his hand down to his pants’ pocket as Adam and two others attacked from behind. Before they could reach him, he’d already sounded the alarm and within seconds, dozens of vampires piled into the room.
The fighting began immediately. No one spoke, but I could hear a symphony of other sounds echoing off the walls. The clank of metal and the tearing of flesh, the scuff of feet as they volleyed for position all encapsulated my ears as I stood frozen, desperately afraid of the device around my neck going off.
Lola grabbed my hand and led me away from the fray. She shoved me into a dark alcove full of storage boxes while she continued to fiddle with the collar.
“What’s happening out there? Can you see how to release this collar?” I was anxious to get out and join the battle. I knew they would need my shields, even though they had Elizabeth who could help with that too.
Lola shook her head in frustration as her fingers padded around the edges like she was reading Braille. “I am going to have to pick the lock. This remote doesn’t have a key, and the collar requires one to let you out of this. I don’t see any other way. If I can just get…”
Her voice trailed off, leading me to wonder how in the world she knew how to pick a lock to begin with. The sounds of battle in the other room drowned out my thunderous heartbeat, but it did nothing to calm my nerves.
“What about Jessica? Have you seen her? Is she safe?” I wasn’t sure if Lola even knew anything about the spy and Jessica. I’d only formulated this plan at the last minute, leaving a hasty message scratched on the back of a cardboard box in the storage shed where I’d hidden for those last few hours before I came down to earth. I prayed for someone to find it and help me pull this whole thing off, but I couldn’t warn them directly or Alastair would know I was lying when I said I hadn’t told anyone I was coming. Technically, I hadn’t so he couldn’t detect any guilt.
“The New Orleans team was there and ready. They captured Amelia and Jessica as soon as they appeared on our realm. Amelia, of course, denied everything, swearing up and down that she’d rescued the little girl and attempted to save you too, but it was too late. Thanks to your note, we knew better. Jessica is safe with Cassie right now, and anxiously awaiting your return. There!”
With a tiny click, the leather collar was unlocked and slipped off easily. I rubbed my neck, grateful to be relieved of it. The self-inflicted wound had already healed, leaving nothing more than drying blood in its place. I grasped Lola’s hand to help her up, and we made our way around the large piles of boxes in order to join the others.
We stood at the entrance of the alcove and I took in the scene before me. There were a few vampires down, but not nearly enough. They were fighting with a ferocity and speed I’d not seen before, and I wondered if my blood or Max’s blood was making them stronger. As I witnessed a vampire tear the throat out of a Patronus I recognized from the Commons and hurl his fading body down, I knew my worst thoughts were confirmed.
Unwittingly or not, I made them stronger. And I was responsible for that kid’s end. Tears welled in my eyes, but I bit my lip to keep them from falling. I couldn’t do anything about that now. I needed to focus on what I was able to do.
To my left, two Patroni were injured, with deep puncture wounds. But they were defending their ground against three vampires though their eyes were plagued with doubt. I wasted no time throwing shields around them to allow time for their injuries to heal.
“Go. I got this,” I told Lola, who quickly joined Zander to fight. The two new kids always had each other’s backs.
A few feet away, Elizabeth worked three shields, but they were thin. And fading. I could see the strain on her face from holding multiple shields for so long. She was only comfortable with two at a time. Three was pushing it.
I took a step to help her, only to have Adam throw a now unconscious vampire at my feet. He didn’t take a breath before lifting another above his head and slamming it down to the ground so hard the concrete cracked. The vampire made an oomph sound, blood dripping out of its nose and mouth. It didn’t try to get back up.
Adam had always been strong, but this was at a whole new level. He wasn’t even straining or breaking a sweat. I briefly wondered if this was part of the new powers we were granted but didn’t have time to dwell on it.
Zander ducked and rolled away from a set of fangs coming at him, thrusting a round of jabs to the vampire’s kidneys before placing a knee in his face, smashing his nose. Lola finished him off with a roundhouse kick, and smiled as his unconscious body crumbled to the ground. Two other Patroni I didn’t know used knives like they were Ginsu chefs, slicing and dicing with ease as three more vampires collapsed.
I glanced around to find Alastair. I needed to know that monster wouldn’t get away with this. He ruined so many lives—including my afterlife—and I would spare no mercy for him.
“James, where did he go?” I called, knowing he wouldn’t need an explanation of whom I was referring.
“I lost him in the melee. But the exits are covered, he’s gotta be here somewhere.”
There were several nooks and crannies to hide in, little cubbies that were originally used as broom closets or storage for coal. After searching the perimeter, I found him huddled in the southernmost corner, trying to claw and dig his way under the grate that led to a storm drain. With so many other vampires attacking, everyone was preoccupied and no one was going to notice him quietly slip out like the rat he was. I wouldn’t allow this to happen. That bastard needed to pay.
Chapter Thirty-One
I let the three shields I was holding go now that the Patroni were somewhat recovered and dashed through the mayhem to the other side of the room. While I ran, I allowed my silver second skin to surround my body, enjoying the hiss of pain I heard every time I bumped into a vampire.
“Where do you think you’re slithering off to, Alastair?” I reached him as he popped open the gate. “Get back here!”
I grabbed a fistful of hair and yanked him back. His hands flew to my wrist as he stumbled to stay upright, but my silver skin was still activated, and his fingers burned like acid when he touched me. He quickly let go, and instead turned his head from side to side in a vain attempt to wiggle free. I tightened the grip with my right hand, and with my left I placed my entire palm around his neck, raising him up to eye level. He let out a howl of pain as the flesh melted away, but I only squeezed tighter.
“You bitch!” He panted, gasping for air. “You think you’ve won? You know nothing. You can’t kill me, not if you have any hope in helping your boy toy recover. You have no idea what I did to him. And without me, he’ll be stained for life. You’ll never get him back now. You’ll be alone and miserable for centuries, stewing in the guilt of knowing it was completely your fault.”
Without thinking, I loosened my grip at the horror of his words. Max was already free, waiting for me wherever they put him, wasn’t he? I heard Alastair tell his men. What was he talking about?
I tried to feel our connection, feel his soul, but only the hollow blackness remained. Alastair was right. Max hadn’t come back to me yet.
My momentary lapse was all Alastair needed. He grabbed a pair of scissors from the top of a nearby box, reached around and thrust the makeshift weapon into my thigh, twisting it to the hilt. I released my hand that held his hair and covered the wound, screaming out in pain. He jabbed again with two quick thrusts, this time into my stomach. Since his flesh wasn’t touching my silver skin, it did nothing to deter him. As long as he used an actual weapon instead of his body, my new power did nothing to protect me.
I fell to my knees as white hot pain roared through my body. Among the debris, he somehow managed to find an antique club with nail like spikes protruding from several places on its rounded end. Every blow ripped through the tender flesh of my back and sides as I fell to the floor in agony.
“LUCY!”
The scream came from behind me, but I couldn’t see who it came from. Each blow of the thorned club weakened me further. I instinctively curled my knees into my body, ducking my head as another blow sliced into my thigh. I inched my head to the side to look for something—anything to try to fight back with.
The moment I glanced up, Elizabeth ran toward me at full speed, colliding with Alastair before he could land a blow to my head.
“Lucy, I’ll shield you. Roll away. Now! GO!”
I mustered all my remaining strength and rolled out of the way of the impending blow as a shield surrounded me. Once it was firmly in place, I lifted to my hands and knees and crawled several feet to hide behind a crate of books.
I managed another look at Alastair, and could see that James joined Elizabeth and each were taking turns issuing blows to him. My eyes closed, and I willed my body to heal faster so I could finish what I started. Each breath I attempted to take sent searing pain into my side and made my chest tighten. I feared I may have had a punctured lung, and if I did, I would be useless to my team. I took several short, staccato breaths through my mouth instead to combat the pain. I knew the injury would heal, but it would take valuable time I didn’t have.
I continued to lie perfectly still and had no choice but to have complete faith and trust in my team. After several agonizing minutes, my wound mended itself enough that I was able to stand—barely.
Peering through the rubble around me, I observed that the battle was about even. About half of the vampires were incapacitated, but several Patroni were down too. Luckily, I didn’t need to move much to throw protective shields around those who were down, ensuring that no further harm could come to them. Alastair was bound, gagged, and placed into a corner with a young Patroni I didn’t recognize in charge of guarding him.
Propping myself up on the boxes and leaning all my weight on my elbows helped keep the pain in my chest at a minimum, and I focused all my attention on shielding anyone who needed it. I could see the relief on Elizabeth’s face, and she quickly went back to fighting instead of shielding.
The vampires were relentless, using every trick in their arsenal to take us down. But between Adam’s strength, Lola and Zander’s tenacity, and James’s experience at fighting, I knew there was no way they’d win. It was only a matter of time.
It happened in slow motion. My eyes were seeing it, but my mind was so disbelieving that I couldn’t act fast enough to stop it. Elizabeth’s back was turned, her focus solely on the vampire in front of her as he tried to filet her. Her eyes never left him as she dodged each thrust and jab.
I was too far away, and my punctured lung didn’t allow me to move fast enough to stop it. Alastair had somehow managed to break free of his arm restraints though his legs were still shackled. He stood and within seconds beheaded the young Patronus who guarded him. My jaw dropped, a scream stuck in my throat.
Alastair spun swiftly, throwing his full body weight behind his next blow, which was aimed directly at Elizabeth’s back. I could see a flash of something shiny and knew he’d managed to obtain a weapon somehow too.
There wasn’t enough time. She didn’t see him coming. My feet remembered how to move and I ran at full speed toward them. Thrusting my arms in front of me, I encapsulated her into a shield so thick she looked like she was opaque. Alastair’s blow missed, bouncing off the shield and tossing his body backward where he fell into another vampire.
I didn’t stop running, and collided with him, tackling him as I fell forward. My silver skin flushed around my body with a whoosh and I wrapped him in a bear hug to prevent him from moving any further. James appeared behind me, yelling commands to the others as he conjured up new restraints.
“Nice work, Lucy. Quick thinking.” James complimented me as he weaved thick pieces of silver rope into knots.
“I owe you one, Donovan,” Elizabeth called, wiping sweat from her brow. I released the shield I placed on her but didn’t move from Alastair. I would wait until James placed the thicker restraints on him.
Below me, Alastair hadn’t moved. His body was rigid, and he ground his teeth against the pain of the silver.
“Thanks, James. I really—“
“Lucy! Watch out!” Elizabeth called, cutting me off. I moved my head to see what she was talking about when a blinding, white hot pain seared through me.
Alastair still had his weapon. He clung to the ice pick looking tool in his left hand, raising it to my torso. He struck the same lung that was already injured and I cried out in pain, releasing my grip on him.
James reached for me as Elizabeth flew to capture the weapon, but Alastair was able to get in another stab—this time to my neck.
I couldn’t focus my eyes as they fogged over. The weight of Alastair was removed, making my body much colder. The only warmth was trickling down my neck. I brought my shaking fingers to the wound in order to inspect it. My body felt lighter, weightless like I was floating. The sounds around me hushed, and my eyes closed of their own volition.
This was nice. It was peaceful now, and I didn’t hurt as much. I think I’ll stay here for a while, I thought.
Chapter Thirty-Two
“Lucy!” A sharp sting struck my cheek and my eyes flew open. “Thatsa girl! Stay with us now.”
I blinked trying to figure out what was happening. Several hands were touching me and I was being moved. White ceiling tiles swirled above me as my vision focused, so I knew I wasn’t in the underground room in St. Augustine anymore. A tube down my throat prevented me from asking questions, and the only person I could make out was Cassie.
How did she get here? Wasn’t she supposed to be with my sister? Oh, crap on a cracker. That meant I was back on my realm. I turned my head to catch Cassie’s eye, but she was talking to another Patronus in a white coat.
“She needs more blood. She’s lost too much. That damn thing hit her carotid. She’s healing, but not fast enough. Give me two units and push 20mg of Lasix.”
More movement came from above me. My heart raced, but I couldn’t move. Before I could think about any more, the darkness washed over me again and I faded into it.
*****
Slowly, I became aware of a methodical and melodious sound that grew stronger the more I focused on it. The steady rhythm kept time with my heart and I knew I was back in the medical wing. My eyes fluttered open to see Cassie and Adam standing next to me. I smiled seeing their faces, but they were turned toward each other, deep in conversation. I wiggled my index finger, happy I had movement at all. It emboldened me to raise my entire arm, thrilled I was able to. When Cassie and Adam finally noted the movement and caught my gaze, relief flooded their faces.
I opened my mouth, which was parched. No matter, I needed to know. “Where’s Jessica? Did we get Alastair? Tell me someone found Max.” The questions poured out of me. I’d waited too long already for the answers and wouldn’t wait a minute more. The memories of what happened slapped me back to reality and panic at having lost either of them filled my chest, making it hard to breathe.
“Sweetie, you lost a lot of blood
trying to save Elizabeth. You need to stay still until your body heals a bit more.”
“No, not gonna happen.” I pushed myself to a sitting position as Adam strode up to me. “Adam, I know you think you’re doing what’s in my best interest. But the only thing that is in my best interest is Max and Jessica. So either give me answers or get me out of here.”
Adam looked at Cassie with an “I told you so” look, and gave me an exasperated sigh. “Give us two more hours of recuperation. Then we’ll help you.”
I pulled the IV out of my hand and scooted forward on the bed. “I can’t, Adam.” I closed my eyes for a moment before the dizziness swallowed me and I tried to focus on Max instead. Since I’d met him, I’d always had a warm sense of home and belonging when I was around him. But now, I felt nothing. Hollow. I choked out a panicked sob at the realization. “I can’t feel him. I know he’s not still here. I have to find him, now.”
Adam took my hand, helping me stand while Cassie handed me a fresh set of clothes she’d kept in a neat pile on a chair behind her. I could see the hesitation in their eyes, but a smile brushed across my face. They knew me so well.
“You okay?” Adam asked, making sure I was steady on my feet. I nodded, but still clung to the bedrail just in case. “I’m going to step outside while you change.”
I leaned forward and gave him a quick hug before he backed out the door, muttering about how stubborn I was until he was out of earshot.
“Cass?” I turned to her as she held out a worn pair of jeans. She didn’t even need the rest of my question.
“Waiting in the Commons with Lola and Zander. She’s fine. I would have brought her, but I didn’t think you’d want her to see you unconscious. It might terrify her, and she doesn’t need any more of that.”
I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding and fell back onto the bed. “Thank you.”
Avenge Page 17
