by Lila Rose
It was also in case Isaac wanted to ask me to dance, but he didn’t. So I continued to dance with Caelen, who I found was funny because he liked to crack jokes every chance he got. Sweet, in a ‘roll your eyes’ way, and so charming, I lost count how many times he made me blush.
It was a brilliant night until Isaac came up to us on the dance floor, handed me my jumper, and told me we were leaving. His voice was sharp, annoyed. I mumbled my goodbye to Caelen, who gave me a light peck on the cheek. Then I followed Isaac out to the car.
The drive home was quiet and tense. We pulled into my driveway and up to my house. I presumed Isaac wasn’t coming in because he kept the car running.
“Isaac, what have I done?”
“Nothing.”
“You’re lying to me.”
He turned to glare at me. “Like you lied to me after school when I asked if you were okay?” he snapped. After taking a deep breath, he continued, “Look, it’s nothing. I don’t think we should play the couple game any longer.” Was that a good or bad thing? “Besides, it would be hard if others saw Caelen and yourself down the street together.”
“What’s that supposed to mean? We only danced for God’s sake. Besides, the game was your suggestion in the first place.”
“Yes, and I shouldn’t have.”
I gaped at his harshness, and then sighed. “When will I see you next?”
“I’m not sure.”
“Fine,” I bit out and climbed out of the car. I stomped up the stairs to the front door. Before I opened it, I felt Isaac behind me. The strange thing was, I hadn’t even heard his car door open or his approach.
“I’m sorry, Leila,” he said. I turned to face him. “How about I come and collect you this weekend? You could come and meet my father and sister,” he asked.
He was quick to change his attitude, why? Still, I wasn’t passing up the opportunity to know Isaac more. “That would be nice.” I smiled.
He glanced over my shoulder to the house. “Are your parents or uncle home?”
“Isaac.” I blushed. “They’re never home. My parents are off travelling, and my uncle is always somewhere else. He left again this morning. I practically live here on my own.”
He looked down at me with wide eyes. Had he been surprised by my confession? It seemed like he was going to say something; instead, he pulled me into a hug, his arms wrapping around my shoulders. I stood there for a second in shock, and then placed my arms around his waist. I inhaled his familiar scent and revelled in his comforting heat. All too soon, he dotted a kiss on my forehead and then walked away.
For the first time, I was too tired to go for a run and opted to go to bed.
Excitement drummed through me with what tomorrow would bring. I was going to see Isaac again and I’d get to meet his family.
Even if he frustrated me, he was worth keeping.
Chapter Five
I waited around the house for Isaac to show and, I hated to admit it, I did wait all day.
He never showed.
Then I considered maybe I had the day wrong; he could have meant Sunday. Only, I had no way of knowing. For one, I didn’t have his phone number, and two, I didn’t know where he lived, which boiled my blood in frustration.
Sunday came and went with no sign of Isaac.
Of course, that made me even crazier.
It left me wondering if something had happened. Still, I thought he could have called if something had come up and he wasn’t able to make it.
I actually rang all the names in the telephone book ending in Grey. His family wasn’t one of them. Then again, there weren’t many. Ours wasn’t a large town.
Of course, my warped brain then started thinking that Isaac had just been playing mind games with me, toying with my emotions. Until another part of my mind told me I was being silly. He wasn’t that type of person. Still, another, yet more annoying, part snapped back and said I hardly knew the guy.
It was amazing the things my mind would come up with when emotions were flying high.
Monday morning, I gave Isaac enough time to pick me up from my house before classes started. He didn’t show. So I walked to class. With the sun beating down on me, I was glad I’d opted for my jeans and a long-sleeved cotton top. Not my usual hooded jumper.
After searching the whole school, I realised I’d searched in vain; he wasn’t there.
Concern caused my stomach to churn. What if something had happened? If not to him, then maybe one of his family members and he was upset. He could’ve needed a friend and I hadn’t been there for him. Instead, I was wallowing in my own stupid thoughts.
Even if I was unwelcome, I needed to find out where he lived to see if he was okay.
I drove myself insane while I suffered through a long, boring day. It was made worse as I had no luck sneaking into the office at lunch to look up Isaac’s address. Frustrated at my inability to be stealthy or even rational, I decided to follow another idea.
Walking up to the shambles of the place called Boozers, I opened the door and entered. The music hit me as well as all the other God-awful smells. I stalked down the corridor and stepped out into the open area. Glancing around, I noted it was quieter than the other night.
Suddenly, the hairs on the back of my neck raised. I felt all eyes were on me. Instinct told me to run, but I couldn’t.
Two girls around my age sidled up beside me. As soon as they saw my eyes, one gasped and the other squealed in disgust.
Jesus Christ. I sighed.
“O.M.G, Heather. Look at her eye,” the short blonde one whispered to the taller redheaded one, Heather.
“I know. I’d be so embarrassed if I had that thing. What are you doing here?” Heather asked, only her annoyed tone made it sound as though I shouldn’t even be stepping foot in the place.
However, I wouldn’t let them get to me. Jutting my chin out, I said, “I need to find Isaac Grey. Have either of you seen him?”
They both giggled with glee. “He hasn’t been in today.” Heather sighed longingly before she glared at me and asked, “Wait, why do you want to know? You know he won’t like you. He’s ours.”
Blondie took a step towards me. “Yeah, bitch. Stay away. Don’t think you can come in here and take over.”
Holy crap, had I stepped into a parallel universe where we were in some primary school show? They acted like it and it made me want to twat-punch them.
“Come on, Chloe. It’s not like he’d choose her over us anyway.” Heather sneered.
“Yeah.” Chloe laughed and slapped her small hip. “We are T.A.S.T.Y.”
What in the hell was going on here? Isaac? Choose me over them? Was he with them?
“Hullo, love, fancy seeing you here again. I had hoped.”
Turning, I smiled when I found Caelen standing right behind me. It was good to see his friendly face.
“Hi, Caelen.”
“Rack off, girls.” He shooed Heather and Chloe away with one hand. They didn’t seem fazed by it. They pouted at him, winked and actually skipped off.
Caelen ignored my eye-roll and asked, “Have you come here on your own? Not a good idea, sweetheart.”
“I know. Look, ah… Do you know if the manager is in?”
“‘Fraid not, love. Why’re you after him?”
“Damn. He knows Isaac’s dad and I need to know where Isaac lives,” I said. Frustrated, I ran a hand through my hair.
“Don’t tell me that bugger has run off and left you broken-hearted already? Not to fret, pet, I can help you in that area.” He winked.
Snorting, I said, “It’s nothing like that. I, um, he told me where he lives, but I lost the piece of paper and I have to get some things to him tonight.” I shifted from one foot to the other.
Stiffening, I felt movement behind me. I didn’t have to turn to know others were walking towards us. I could sense them. For a fraction of a second, I saw panic sweep through Caelen’s eyes and that told me whomever was advancing was bringing trouble with them.<
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“Righto, love, I can help you with that. Come, I’ll take you to Isaac’s house.” He gestured with his arm towards the main entrance.
Glancing over my shoulder, I witnessed what that one word caused. When Isaac’s name was spoken aloud, it stopped the menacing few advancing toward me.
Why?
Following Caelen out to his red Mustang, I did not hesitate getting in. I trusted Caelen and I knew the reason why was because he’d seen me with Isaac the other night.
We drove in silence, which kind of worried me. Caelen liked to talk, even if most of it was bull. After fifteen minutes and just out of town, we pulled up at the end of a driveway. I looked down it to see a huge, three-storey home. Turning back to Caelen, who was doing what I had been, staring at the house, only I saw worry rolling off him. His brows furrowed in the centre and he shook his head.
“Sorry, love, wrong house. Come to think of it, I really can’t remember where he lives.” He went to put the car back into gear, but I stopped him by placing my hand on his.
“You’re lying. Why?”
“Look, it’s just not the right time to visit your crush,” he said harshly and continued to drive off. Panic set in, feeding my adrenalin. Something was wrong and I didn’t want to leave. I opened the passenger door and jumped out, rolling along the road before snapping up to stand.
My eyes widened when I found Caelen standing in front of me. How had he moved so fast? “You cannot go in there.” He tried to shove me back in the car.
What had him on edge?
“Caelen, what’s going on? Tell me.” I wiggled and fought his grip. I saw, from his wide eyes, he was shocked I was able to fight him. Hell, I was even surprised I had strength to push him as well. But, I wouldn’t let anything stop me from going into Isaac’s house. I stomped on his foot, kicked him in the balls and started running.
“Fine, you stupid wench, get yourself killed. No skin off my nose.”
With those words, it confirmed I was running into danger. Still, I didn’t stop. If Isaac was in trouble and there was no one else to help him, it was up to me.
Opening the door quietly, the smell of blood hit my nose. The hairs on the back of my neck raised and unease clenched at my heart.
I followed the stench, ignoring all the rooms I passed, while I walked softly, but quickly, down the hallway.
Fear and dread boiled up inside of me. I wanted to run, but the other part of me wouldn’t have it. The urge to protect was more important than anything else.
My senses were on high alert. I didn’t want anyone to sneak up on me. As I got closer to the end room, I heard muffled voices.
A scream ripped through the house. I ran and burst through the door.
My eyes landed on Isaac first. He lay on a table, arms and legs bound with silver. Blood covered his naked chest. Next to Isaac, on a different table, was Jeremiah. He was also half-naked and bound like his brother. At his side was yet another table and it held a young girl, who I presumed was Isaac’s sister, Jezanna, in a flimsy nightgown.
They all looked alike. All weary, worried and bloodied.
My eyes reached Jezanna’s and my heart went straight out to her. She looked petrified.
I calmed my own fear. I had to do something—anything.
“Leila, get out.” Isaac’s voice dripped with fury.
The next I knew, I was being held by my throat up against the wall.
Panic flared as my breath left my body. My wide eyes settled on the older man who’d grabbed me. He had short, red hair, freckles that consumed his face and light brown eyes.
“Who do we have here?” he asked with a deep gravel voice. He repositioned his hands, moving one forearm against my upper chest so I could breathe. I gasped in lungfuls of air while his other arm pushed my stomach to hold me firmly against the wall.
“Leave her alone,” Isaac snarled and struggled against his restraints. A stronger scent of burning flesh filled the room.
Jezanna cried out for him to stop, which calmed him enough for me to hear, “You fool, you shouldn’t have come.” Jeremiah coughed and spat blood to the side.
“An interest of yours, Isaac?” Freckles asked. “I can see why. What strange eyes. What are you doing here?”
Settling my nerves, I calmly replied, “Just came for a visit.”
“Well, sweetness, you came on the wrong day. Lenny,” he bellowed.
“Yes, sir?” said the giant coming through the door, which joined onto another hallway. Lenny had to crouch to fit through or he would have hit his bald head. He was the biggest man I had ever seen.
“Finish what you started. I’m sure this pretty thing would love to watch.” He took a small step to the left. Still, he had me pinned.
Lenny the giant, walked over to Jeremiah and pulled something from under the table, my eyes widened when I realised what it was.
A long carving knife.
“No,” Freckles barked. “Do Isaac, this one feels more for him and I want to hear her scream.”
Lenny stepped around Jeremiah to Isaac. He made a show of licking the blood off the knife while he watched me with his dark piercing eyes. I looked on. Shock and fear coiled in my stomach as he slowly placed the knife on the left side of Isaac’s stomach—the closest side to me.
“I’m sorry, Leila,” Isaac uttered. My eyes found his as Lenny’s cut went deep and slow, straight across Isaac’s stomach. Isaac’s only sign of pain was when he tugged at his restraints. I wanted to cry, to scream, but didn’t. I wouldn’t let the monsters have satisfaction from it.
I kept my gaze on Isaac, as his own was on me. Lenny brought the knife up a little higher, near Isaac’s chest, and started again. Isaac opened his mouth in a silent protest. It opened enough for me to witness Isaac’s canine teeth slide down to a point at the end.
Vampire.
“You didn’t know.” Freckles laughed. “Oh, how dear. Yes, sweetness, I can see it in your eyes the shock. What I don’t understand is why you aren’t screaming.”
Lenny stopped to watch the conversation. He was grinning a toothless grin. I wanted to wipe his smile right off his face.
Maybe I should have been shocked, scared or repulsed with finding out what Isaac was.
But I wasn’t. It didn’t matter what he was.
Really, I felt at peace with it. I wasn’t the only one out there in the world who was different. And that alone brought a smile to my face.
Faking a yawn, I said, “This doesn’t interest me.” My eyes went to my captor. “Why aren’t you doing anything, Freckles? I see Lenny has blood all over him, but you’re all clean. Oh, wait, I get it. You don’t like to get your hands dirty.”
“What the hell are you doing?” Jeremiah yelled.
Freckles ignore Jeremiah and answered, “No, that’s not it. I like other things. But what I don’t like is to see a human speak to me as such.” He pulled me towards him and then thrust me back against the wall, knocking the wind out of me.
That’s going to leave a bruise.
“Seriously, that’s all you got?” I rasped. God, I hope this works.
“Leila, say no more,” Isaac warned.
“No,” Freckles said through clenched teeth—fangs. “To answer your question, it’s not all I’ve got. But I’m not going to show you, my dear. Lenny, come here.”
Freckles got Lenny to place his hands on me where he’d had them.
I smiled wider. It was exactly what I wanted. I had a feeling Freckles was the strongest out of the two, so Lenny would be an easier target.
Jeremiah and Isaac could put up with being hurt a little longer while I was busy. What I didn’t expect was Freckles to bypass both guys and walk to their sister. She started whimpering as he used his left hand to run his fingers from her foot all the way up to her hair.
“Now, I will show you what I’ve got… what I enjoy.” He bent and kissed her on the forehead.
Fuck. What did I do?
“I will kill you myself for doing this, L
eila,” Jeremiah screamed. Isaac hissed at him. Jeremiah continued ranting, only his rage was addressed at Freckles. “Fucking leave Jezanna alone. She’s done nothing but what we’ve asked.”
“Hey, Freckles,” I called. “Why don’t you leave the girl alone? I’ll do whatever you want.”
“No,” Isaac growled low. “You will leave them both alone. You only came here to end my life, so do it.”
“So many decisions.” He smiled. “I thank you, sweetness, for the offer, but I prefer them younger.” Freckles chuckled while he patted Jezanna’s hair.
“Sorry, Freckles.” I sighed. “But I can’t let that happen.”
“Boss, I think she’s doin’ something.” Lenny gasped.
All eyes turned to me.
Indeed, I was doing something. I dropped all of the barriers around my mind.
Now, they can sense what I am.
“Impossible. There are none left.” Freckles choked.
Well, I guess that answered one question I’d had for many years. I was the last of my kind.
Without hesitation or thought of how much it was going to hurt, especially from doing it so fast, I changed.
Lenny was good enough to hold me upright, as my body spasmed and shook, then my hands and feet turned into paws.
Goddamn it.
Pain engulfed me as my head grew, my features changed, my teeth lengthened and fur popped out of nowhere.
That one still amazed me.
My clothes fell from my body, having been torn and stretched, unable to stay together as my body grew.
Lenny let out a strangled sound once he realised he no longer held a girl, but a large cat.
Before he reacted, I pounced.
My strong jaw reached around his neck and my teeth sank in with ease as I ripped half his neck away. He fell to the floor screaming—well, he would have if it weren’t for the missing voice box I spat out next to me on the floor.
Looking up to Freckles, I pushed with all my might from Lenny’s convulsing form and jumped onto Isaac’s table.
Chapter Six
I was a little appalled at myself, at the calm easing through me, especially considering I’d taken a chunk out of someone’s throat. However, with a mixture of adrenalin and survival instincts, not only for myself, but Isaac and his family, nothing else mattered. I knew if I didn’t do anything, we’d all be killed, and I wanted to live. I cared for Isaac and there was no way anyone was taking him away from me. It was not happening.
