by TM Watkins
“No. You are going to tell me why you are insisting that we stay here with this creature.”
The frustration began to set in, overwhelming me to the point that tears were rolling down my cheeks.
“Because I want to, alright?”
“No. It’s not alright. You’ve done nothing but complain about being here, cut school, whined and done all that you could to drag it down and now when I give you the green light to leave, you don’t want to. There is only one thing that has changed and that is the vampire who I know for a fact won’t leave this town either. So, either you tell me what’s going on or I will assume the worst. Given that you are still a minor, I will be packing everything and we will be leaving. If he’s touched you, he’ll find a stake in his heart.”
“It’s not like that.”
“Then tell me what it is like.”
“I need him.”
Brad’s frown deepened; his jaw clenched tight again. I wiped the tears away, smiling despite how sad I felt at the moment.
“It’s not like that. It just feels like he completes us, you know?”
I got nothing from Brad.
“Almost like I’ve got two dads. We’re like this weird family. I haven’t had a normal one, but this felt like it fitted me. Of all the places that we’ve been to, I’ve never felt like it was right for us. Niko changed that. I had someone else to talk to, and please don’t start about friends. That doesn’t work. I’ve tried and failed so many times. I don’t like this town but he made it less terrible.”
“Two dads, huh?”
I nodded, trying not to laugh.
Brad sighed, dragging me in for a hug. They were rare for us. I think that Brad didn’t want to invade my space, letting me adjust to the new world that included a man that I barely knew. We were getting there. Slowly but perfectly.
“Alright, Evie. We’ll stay and fight with the vampire.”
Chapter 20
Niko emerged about ten minutes after the conversation. Brad and I were sitting at the breakfast counter, eating the quick dinner that he’d made. It was grilled cheese sandwiches, and they were delicious. I don’t know how he did it but they were always so much better than when I made them.
“Where the hell did you go?” Brad snapped.
“To the other side of the street to watch from a different angle and to remove myself from the house. They would have detected me if I remained, and that is why they left so easily. Had I been here, they would have pushed through the door and searched for me. Without me here, they would have resorted to plan b which was to frighten you into leaving.”
“So, what happens now?”
“They will have returned to the leader’s house, discussed what they found. With me not being in the house, they will try to figure out where I am. It is unlikely that anyone that has been trapped in pure darkness for sixty years will easily go out into the afternoon sun, so they will assume that I am in the forest. They might pre-empt their leaders' thoughts and search the forest before returning but I doubt it. Most followers lack initiative and do not want to presume what their leader wants, especially one that is known for being so volatile. They will return though, do not doubt that for a second. The best case scenario is after eight pm when the humans in this town seem to retreat to their homes. Worst case is anywhere between now and then which shows that they do not care what the humans see.”
“He said that they own this town, cops included.”
Niko moved around the kitchen bench, gliding his fingers over the work surface.
“Yes, that is standard. Vampires tend to leave a trail of death so ensuring that the local law enforcement look the other way is rather necessary.”
Brad picked up the empty plate in front of me, adding it to his own.
“It’s going to be a long night. Evie, you better prepare yourself in case we have to flee the house.”
Sliding off the stool, I looked at Brad, who was occupied with cleaning the plates. Niko looked between us and offered a vague shrug. Something was off and I think I knew what.
Moving around to the hall, I leaned against the wall and waited. It didn’t take long for Brad to say something.
“She has this ridiculous notion of making you a part of an odd family with us. I hope for her sake that you’re not planning on stabbing us in the back when things get ugly.”
“I would die for her,” Niko whispered. “And you too if you were wondering. The two of you have accepted me, let me remain in this house while knowing that I could be your death, you have kept your word by refusing entry to my enemies. You have put yourself and Evelyn in danger and you are still here. For that, I would show you and Evelyn endless devotion.”
“Do you love her?”
“As a father would a child. You are right to be concerned, but you needn’t worry. Evelyn reminds me of my daughter. She was a child when I begged her mother to flee. It was a mistake; I know that now.”
“They’re dead?”
“Unfortunately, yes. I kept her hidden for as long as I could, but the weight of his presence meant that I had to either introduce her to this world or continue to hide her in another location. One held a greater risk than the other so I went with the best option. I said goodbye to the best things that ever happened to me and I have spent every day and night since regretting that decision. To learn of their passing was not easy and it is why I am so incredibly happy that you are here and not leaving this town. I don’t know what will happen but I do know that running away will not solve our problems.”
Quietly, I walked up the corridor to the stairs. My room sat at the front of the house, over the guest room. Dressing for warmth, I tied my laces tight and pulled my jacket on. I could feel the cold permeating through the windows. Crossing the room, I thought that if we managed to get any sleep tonight, I’d prefer that it wasn’t so frosty in my room.
Looking out the window was a mistake or the best thing I’ve ever done, depending on how a person looked at the situation. With a gasp, I turned and rushed down the stairs.
Niko and Brad were still in the kitchen, turning to me as I skidded on the wood floor.
“There’s a lot of vampires out on the street.”
Niko pulled the curtain back, looking at the forest.
“Empty. Interesting.”
“Then run.”
“I will not abandon either of you.”
“No, but you will lure them away.” Brad offered. “Is it better to fight as a group or on your own? We are pretty much useless.”
“And I have been trapped behind a wall for sixty years. No part of this is going to work easily. Come with me.”
Niko led us to the hall cupboard, opening the doors then lowering to the floor. With a thump of his fist, one of the wood panels came free. He reached in and dragged out a rifle, handing it to Brad. Next came the bullets.
“Just the one?”
“There is only one of me. However, the cavity is full of bullets.”
Niko handed another box of bullets. Our pockets were full of them now. I zipped my pockets shut, hoping that they didn’t make too much noise if I had to be quiet.
“What’s the plan?”
“Approach, let them speak their mind and then shoot anyone that takes a step closer.”
“Will this work?” I asked. “I thought that their head had to be removed.”
“Unfortunately, it is only a temporary measure, but it is enough to show that you are a threat and that you will do everything you can to stop them. Regardless, a bullet wound does pose a problem in the immediate future. They would lose a lot of blood which is extremely necessary for a vampire. Any that are shot would need to retreat to somewhere safe, remove the bullet and then feed to ensure continuing health. They would do this at their own dwelling as it is common to pass out because of the blood loss.”
“So, you’re saying shoot all of them, so they have to run away?”
Niko offered a devilish smile.
“Sounds truly perfect
.”
Chapter 21
The vampires remained on the street for a few minutes, then one emerged from the group. Niko grimaced.
“It has been a long time since I saw that face.”
Pushing him out of the way, I looked at the vampire that was determined to destroy Niko. Letting go of the curtain, I turned to Niko.
“Run.”
“I will do no such thing.”
“I am asking you to do what is necessary. We need you alive, I don’t understand why the Nephilim are coming for me, or how to deal with these vampires. I need you to be here with us.”
My voice was low, raw and filled with hurt. I didn’t want to lose him as well. For a few years, I’d spent this life with Brad, trying to avoid the thoughts of how one wrong decision could alter our lives forever. I didn’t want to lose him, and now that I had Niko, I was just as worried.
“Niko,” The vampire called out. “We know that you’re in there. Come out and play, old friend.”
Niko sighed.
“I am only putting you in danger if I stay.”
“Go into the woods,” Brad muttered. “We’ll let them in, and I will show them the basement. I put the brick back, it looks like the wall is still formed enough to keep you in there.”
“They won’t believe you.”
“It doesn’t matter,” I said with a grin. “There’s a lock on the door on the outside. Get them in there and lock the door.”
“They will break it down. I would advise against inviting them into the house but if you do then certainly utilise whatever locks and barricades that you can find.”
“And you?”
Niko shrugged at Brad. There was a desperate need to keep the three of us together, but the closer we got to the breaking point; I could see that separating was ideal.
“Is there somewhere to wait until they leave?”
“There are many places.”
“Then go. We’ll find you when they leave.”
The door shuddered when something heavy hit it. Already a crack appeared, splintering the wood.
“Come on,” Niko whispered, taking my hand.
We rushed to the back door, quietly slipping through it. Brad pulled his jacket on; the air was so cold that we could see our breath. This place was extreme with its weather.
Crossing the yard, we delved into the forest. We’d made it by a matter of seconds. I turned back to see vampires appearing at each side of the house. They went straight for the back door. Their numbers were few as they had fanned out. I could see one side of the house, some of the vampires remained there to wait in case we emerged from a window.
“As quiet as you can,” Niko whispered.
That was not easy. I’m sure my teeth chattering was louder than the twigs snapping under my boots.
Delving deep into the forest that I was not supposed to go near, we walked through the light undergrowth. Through the spindly grey trees that were starting to lose their leaves.
Underneath my foot was a loud crack. My body tightened, I turned to see the vampires turn to look at the forest.
“They’re in the forest.” One yelled.
“Run!” Niko whispered.
I never thought that I was any good at sports and definitely not running. In fact, I thought that I looked rather odd when I ran, so, I avoided it at all cost. It was no surprise that even after a few seconds, I was out of breath.
What was surprising was how fast the vampires caught up with us. I almost ran into one, gasping as I looked up. His fangs glistened in the moonlight, grinning at me with a dark malevolence.
The strands of black hair fell into his eyes, his skin was not as pale as what I expected it to be. The myths of vampires were clearly wrong, lies created to hide the truth of what really walked among us.
“Hello, my pretty.” He snarled.
Grabbing me, I waited for the inevitable that never eventuated. The bulking creature lifted me from the ground, holding me as if I was a floppy doll in his hands. I wasn’t heavy but lifting me without even a hint of exertion was unexpected.
He was smiling harder as he opened his mouth. The fangs lowered to sharp points, tapering into a fine point. I gasped, wondering why Niko’s fangs weren’t that sharp. Was this a different kind of vampire or was Niko trying to avoid scaring me?
The vampire looked at the pendant. His eyes widened, and the fangs shrank. He hissed, then pushed me away. I fell to the ground, wincing at the pain that reverberated through me.
“Ow,” I groaned, rubbing my wrist.
It hurt, likely to be sprained. I could move my fingers, so that was a good sign. Also, nothing was broken, no skin tears, no bleeding. Just a little pain.
Glancing around me, I realised that I was alone. Thankfully, the vampire was gone as were the rest of them. The problem was that Brad and Niko were gone as well.
“Brad? Niko?” I called out.
Nothing.
Fearing the worst, I got up from the ground and began to search for them. No matter which way I turned, I saw no sign of where they might be. I couldn’t even locate the house anymore.
Chapter 22
Searching the forest was no easy task. When Brad said not to go in here, I knew and fully understood why. Becoming lost was a mere step in the wrong direction.
I thought that I heard something. When I stopped, I tried to listen harder if that was possible. It sounded like the wind whipped past me with rapid speed but I knew it wasn’t the wind. The wind did not snicker.
A thought crossed my mind that these vampires that were whipping past me were trying to lead me to another place. Perhaps the wrong direction, perhaps away from Brad and Niko. They wanted to separate us, let us get lost in the woods and then we’d be prime pickings for them.
But I was not attacked. The vampire had me in his hands, I was seconds away from his fangs, yet one look at the pendant, and he backed away with fear. What did it mean?
Touching the cool stone, I thought about it and how Niko gave it to me. We were bonded together, so did that mean that it could lead me to him? I hoped it was the case.
Closing my eyes, I lifted my foot and stepped forward. It probably made me look like a complete fool, but I had hope that this would work.
My hearing became more acute as I listened to every footstep I took. Leaves crunched under my shoes, twigs snapped, and the wind whispered its taunt.
I ignored it all and continued to let my feet take me to wherever they landed. Hopefully, it wouldn’t be face first into the dirt.
Hearing a groan, I opened my eyes and searched the area. Ahead of me, I could see a group of vampires, when I stepped closer, they took off. With sniggers rising into the air, the vampires whipped through the trees and left one behind.
Niko was on the ground, gripping his stomach. I rushed to him, lowering to my knees. He lifted his hand; blood coated his palm. The shirt had a great gaping wound, much like his stomach. Blood soaked the once white shirt, staining it with the horror of what they had done to him.
“What do you need? I’ll find a victim, bring them here.”
Niko smiled, shaking his head.
“My dear Evelyn, thank you for the offer, but it will not be sufficient. They created a wound that cannot be fixed and that was intentional.”
“No,” I said, tears welling. “You can’t do this.”
“I’m afraid there’s not much of a choice.”
“But we need you, you’re not allowed to die.”
“Again, not much of a choice. Now, help me sit up against the tree. There is much to discuss before the wounds take me away.”
Wiping the tears, I wrapped his arm around my neck and shifted his body to the nearest tree. Then I sat down to face him.
It appeared to take a lot of effort now that his energy was depleting, but Niko reached into that little pocket again and pulled something out. Flicking his fingers, Niko urged me forward.
Pieces of the same metal as the frame around the stone were clicked into pl
ace. I looked down at it when Niko leaned back. They were what was missing from the pendant. Two diagonal lines with a C between them.
“Without the bars, it is the pendant of a familiar. With the bars, it is the pendant of a leader. I have a confession Evelyn and I hope that you will not be upset at me, but I gave that pendant to you because I suspected that you were more than ordinary. You asked why the previous tenants were unable to wake me, it was because they had no connection. But you woke me, didn’t you? It wasn’t just you; Brad woke me as well. Only the blood of my kin can do this. I don’t know how but somewhere along the way; my daughter must have aged enough to create a child. You, Evelyn, are a Corbin by blood. That necklace, only a Corbin can wear it. Perhaps this is why you feel so close to me. You know your own kin; you know what feels like home.”
I sobbed, wiping the tears away was pointless, but I did it. It was hard to see through the tears; it was hard to breath when it hurt so much.
“In the house, you will find things, search the walls and floors. I hid everything that was vital. To claim the Corbin family line as your own, all you need to do is show them the necklace. However, times have changed and if you need paperwork, it will be in the house. There will be more items in the house. You will find a box; it has pieces of jewellery in it. All of these pieces are the insignia, like that pendant. Brad will be able to find something to wear from the box. He is a good man, Evelyn. You would be wise to make him your second in command.”
“Shouldn’t the rule go to him? He’s older.”
“But passing the rule goes in order of birth. Your mother was older; therefore, it passes to you first. Make him your second in charge, it is a noble position, and it is one that relies heavily on trust.”
“But we’re not vampires.”
“Are you sure about that? You are my family and I am a vampire. Just because the line has humanity in it does not make you any less of a vampire. Members of our family have died, but that does not mean that they died of natural causes. Think about each and every one of them and tell me that Drakkus did not have a hand in their death.”
