Bloody Ties

by Claire Marta

  Michael spins and kicks Lucius in the stomach. Lucius crashes into the exposed brick wall and Oscar moves to pin him down.

  “You know we’ve discussed this a lot. How to kill you, if we’re going to torture you. To be honest, it’s a waste. We don’t have the time or energy to spare you. You never gave us the time of day. Why should we waste our resources on you?”

  Oscar shoves a blade into his abdomen.

  Phillip twists the blade and then removes it ever slow slowly before shoving it back in.

  Lucius’ face is ashen. His life draining in front of our eyes.

  Another knife is embedded into his flesh, this one from Michael. The blade sinks directly into his heart and I can almost hear the organ stop.

  But that’s not enough.

  My brothers move away from our now deceased father, grabbing him by the hair I throw his corpse on the floor.

  Phillip flips him over so he’s laying on his back.

  With a knife I borrowed from Sheila I cut open his suit.

  Oscar hands me a scalpel.

  I have no idea what I’m doing, however, I am completely sure I can do this. I have to be the one to do this.

  Cutting into the flesh of my quickly stiffening father is liberating. I don’t know how long I waited for this moment.

  With Oscar giving me quiet instructions I efficiently cut out Lucius heart. What we’re going to do with it, I don’t know.

  Just the fact that I’m holding it in my hands is enough.

  Arrogant fool.

  Without thinking much about it I walk calmly to the elevator and take it to the roof.

  I wish this building were higher. Twelve stories will have to do.

  “I wish I could say we’ll miss you, but I don’t like lying.” I tell the heart before I drop it.

  I strain my hearing so I can hear it splat on the road below.

  “Let’s go, brothers. There’s nothing here for us now.

  You’re sure the building is empty?”

  “Yes. It’s been triple checked for civilians.” Phillip assures.

  “Good.” In my earpiece I say, “As soon as we’re in the car torch the place.”

  “With pleasure.” Shaun replies. Fucking arsonist assassins.

  When we get to the ground level my phone rings.

  “What?”

  “We have a problem,” Samson says.

  CHAPTER THIRTY SIX

  Ava

  LIGHTS PLAY ON THE CEILING ABOVE me. Limp and drained I lay watching them from my position on the bed.

  Damien and the others have been gone several hours. He didn’t even come to say goodbye. No kiss, fuck or final words.

  Instead of feeling happy that he’s doing all this to keep me safe it just leaves the bitter taste of ashes in my mouth.

  Maybe I do want a softer love. One Damien will never be capable of giving me. I’m not as strong as the Rochester family and in my heart I am not sure I will ever be like them. Under their weight I fear I might be crushed.

  Yet my husband has put everything he cares about—his family—in danger just to protect me. It’s left me so confused and lost.

  Was it just so simple as to ask? I’ve never had anyone but Kylie to help me before, and since she died I’ve been alone.

  Damien and his brothers have always had each other. Our families might have been almost equally fucked-up, but they had each other to rely on. I have no idea what that is like.

  My father exploited any vulnerability or weakness when I was growing up. It’s never been easy for me to show them, especially with the Rochesters always so strong. I’ve been conditioned not to let it show. Opening up to Oscar for therapy was one of the hardest things I have ever done, but I had started to feel perfectly comfortable around him before today.

  Rolling onto my side I curl into myself while hugging my stomach—swollen with a child who will soon be born. Unlike humans a vampire’s offspring mature more quickly. I have only another month to go before she’s in my arms.

  What kind of family am I letting her be born into? Death threats and causing each other pain is not the best environment for a little girl to grow up in.

  I don’t doubt they will all love her in their own way, but not the way I want them to. No hugs or a sweet love, like the one I was denied after my own mother’s death.

  One I very much doubt the Rochesters were ever allowed growing up.

  But I know I will be there to show her a mother’s real love. It won’t be easy, but I will do everything to make sure she knows she is wanted and adored. Give her all the chances I was never given.

  All my reservations continue to pound through my head, leaving me more muddled than ever.

  Glancing at the clock I note ten minutes have past since the last time I checked. Will it all be over soon? Will Damien at least contact me when things with his father come to an end?

  At the sound of the soft knock at the door I don’t respond. I don’t want to talk to anyone right now. Just want to wait and hope my growing feelings of foreboding passes.

  “Ava?” Grey’s voice drags me from my morbid thoughts. “Are you okay?”

  His concern is touching but I can’t even summon up a smile to greet him. “What do you think?”

  “I’m sorry for what happened downstairs.”

  “It wasn’t your fault.” I reply flatly.

  “Do you want to talk about it? Talking won’t change things but it might make you feel better.”

  “Oscar already pokes around inside my head, I don’t need you in there too.”

  “I want to help you.” He persists, moving to sit on the edge of the mattress beside me.

  “You can’t help me, Grey, this is my own mess and I have to figure it out myself.” He’s sweet and I appreciate how he cares, but this is my life not his, and no one else can fight my battles. “I just never imagined myself in this position before. I think Damien hates me after what happened.”

  “Damien loves you in his own way. I know it seems cruel sometimes, but he cares. Once everything is settled you’ll be able to work on the things between you.” Brown eyes on mine, they are filled with compassion and pity.

  I sigh, hoping that’s true. So much is between me and my husband I don’t even know where to start.

  Raised voices interrupt us before I can reply.

  “What’s going on?” Sitting up clumsily, I look towards the door.

  “I don’t know.” Grey moves with swift purpose, his expression becoming dark. “I doubt they will be back yet. It’s too early. Stay here. If you have a lock on the door use it.”

  The moment he slips out I draw the bolt across. It won’t keep anyone out for long but it will give me some warning. Moving back towards the window I peer out into the dark garden below.

  Samson and Shane, Sheila’s brothers, are on guard duty along with Grey and Malcolm. I know they are all armed with orders to keep me safe.

  Gunfire echoes out from downstairs with the sounds of more voices.

  I want to know what’s happening. Has everything gone bad? Did Lucius wipe everyone out and has finally come for us? The thought paralyses me for a second and I find it hard to breathe.

  A hard kick from within tells me my baby senses my turmoil.

  “It’s okay.” I soothe.“Daddy is going to be home soon with your uncles.”

  I pray that isn’t a lie.

  Listening closely I try to make out any of the words I can hear. It’s not English. Whatever they’re speaking sounds foreign, but I can’t place the language.

  Footsteps are heavy and hurried on the stairs outside.

  My attention drops to the shadows I can see blocking the light from the hall beneath my door.

  A chill of dread creeps up my spine and instinctively I know they’re not friends. My glance flicks to the bathroom. The gun Damien left me to use is hidden in a cabinet. Something he insisted I have. A gift I am now very grateful for.

  Wood splinters loudly as the door is kicked in with
force.

  I don’t recognize the hulking thugs who fill the doorway, but they seem to know who I am.

  Gesturing at me one moves to cross the room.

  So heavily pregnant I can’t move as quickly as I once did. Dodging, as he reaches for me I make it to the en suite just in time to slam and lock the door. It’s just as flimsy as the other one, but it buys me time.

  Slamming the cabinet open, the mirror shatters with my panic. Flinging bottles and toothpaste aside I grab the weapon. Checking the rounds I see my husband has left it fully loaded.

  Rushing to the window I then thrust it open. The drop below doesn’t bother me. If I am careful I can easily make the jump.

  Grey? Samson? Malcolm? Shane? Anyone? They’ve breached upstairs. I call out mentally, hoping someone will pick up my message.

  Princess?

  The voice isn’t familiar so I guess it’s one of Sheila’s brothers.

  We’re on our way. Stay where you are.

  Easing myself out onto the windowsill I try not to scream as I hear the door crash open behind me.

  Not happening, these fuckers are persistent and I won’t let them get me.

  A hand grabs my shoulder making me shriek. Digging the nails of my free hand in his flesh as deep as I can.

  The moment I hear swearing and the hand withdraws I jump.

  It’s not an elegant landing. Legs going out, I land heavily on my hip, arms wrapped around my middle in protection, still holding the gun. Staggering to my feet I see a few dead bodies scattered around.

  Whoever is attacking has done so in force. They must have been watching and knew when Damien and the others had left.

  A fight is still raging inside. Moving across the garden I head for the street. Putting distance between me and the house is risky but I need to keep clear.

  I’m outside heading to the back of the garden and the street behind. I send out hoping those who we’re left with me are still breathing.

  When there is no reply I squish my concern. I have to think about the baby first.

  My relief is strong, finding no one lingering out here, but I still have to be cautious. All the focus is on the building I am leaving behind.

  Glancing back I check for my pursuers. For some reason they haven’t come after me. That makes me frown. Maybe I wasn’t their target? Could they be after someone else in the house? Grey or the Benson brothers? They have to have their own enemies. Maybe it isn’t Lucius at all.

  Ava, I am coming to you. Grey’s voice rings out in my head. Samson and Shane have their hands full right now, try to stay hidden.

  An animalistic instinct of danger is the only warning I get.

  A large hand clamps over my mouth from behind. I don’t have time to struggle as someone else goes for my gun, or cry out as the sharp sting of a needle sinks into my neck. As darkness swirls up to meet me I feel strong arms lift me up against a chest.

  ____________

  Slowly regaining consciousness I lick my lips, trying to rid myself of the foul taste in my mouth. I can hear the sound of water. Waves lapping against something metal.

  Eyelashes fluttering against my cheeks I try to open my eyes. It takes effort and the first few attempts are unsuccessful.

  Light is the first thing I see when I finally manage. Bright and harsh it illuminates the room.

  Trying to move I realise I am naked.

  My hands are chained with silver over my head. They ache from the angle they’ve been stretched. Burning silver laced ropes are coiled around my bare thighs securing my ankles and keeping my feet in stirrups. Locked wide they keep my legs bent up and spread, leaving me open and exposed.

  Questions sluggishly begin to circle through my mind. I remember the house. Someone attacked.

  Limply rolling my head to the side with effort I find an IV embedded in my arm, the tape holding it in place stuck tight. Whatever is being pumped into my veins is stealing all my strength. I can feel it.

  “My baby...” Woozily I fight but I can’t reach down to hold my stomach. Is she hurt? I can’t feel her kicking.

  “It’s still alive for now.”

  A voice I had hoped would be forgotten in my past greets me from a doorway to my left.

  Ivan.

  Features like granite and dark eyes intent he stands topless, his hard packed tattooed muscles on display. A shoulder leaning lazily against the door frame.

  I can’t think. The fear at being at his mercy again steals my voice. What happened to Grey and the others? No, no, this can’t be happening. They were supposed to keep us safe. That was the plan.

  Pushing off the door he steps with menace towards me.

  “That solution you’re hooked up to is something your father was perfecting before you took him down. It slows our vampiric healing to a crawl, rendering it’s victim as weak as a human. With enough of it in your bloodstream its effects will remain for hours.”

  “What do you want?” I ask in nothing more than a whisper. In the back of my mind I already know, but I want to deny it.

  “Revenge.” He growls back. “Your father was good to me. Gave me a place to live and a purpose. You and those Rochester bastards fucked that all up.” The smell of alcohol and blood is heavy on his breath. “I took you at the right time. No one knows where we are. The men who helped me take you have no clue about this boat. Once I’m done with you I’ll just disappear and wait for another chance to take out your new family one by one.”

  “Damien will hunt you down and kill you.” I hiss, baring my fangs in response. Captive, chained, there is not much else I can do.

  “Oh he can try, but it won’t be in time to help you.” Ivan chuckles as his gaze drops to my large belly.“Let’s see how hard I have to fuck you to get rid of this little fucker first though, shall we.” He reaches down to unsnap the buckle of his belt.

  The thought of him raping me again sends me into a terrified panic.

  An image of Damien flashes through my head. I can’t, I won’t let this monster hurt our child.

  “It’s yours.” I blurt out.

  The Russian’s eyes jump back up surprise written all over his face. “Mine?”

  “When you...” I can’t even say the word. “In the back of the van.”

  A large hand settles on my naked bulge making me recoil. His touch disgusts me and leaves me feeling unclean.

  “How can you be sure?”

  “I had a DNA test done.” I tell him, unable to keep the quiver from my voice from the lie. If I can keep him from hurting her I will. By any means necessary.

  Ivan’s grin is smug and self assured. “Heir to your father’s coven and the Rochesters’ too if I can get rid of all those bastards. I’m guessing you haven’t told them?”

  “No.” I reply quickly shaking my head. “They don’t know. Damien thinks its his.”

  “Good.”

  Relief makes me sag. My baby is safe for now. I’ve bought more time to work out how the hell to get out of this situation.

  Making his way to a table he begins to riffle through the contents.

  My gaze grows wary again as he snaps on a pair of blue surgical gloves. Plucking something up he swivels back around to perch on a metal stool he wheels between my open legs.

  “What the fuck are you doing I told you it’s yours.” I ask, as my fear rises further.

  “Oh this part is all about you, princess. I can call you princess, can’t I? That’s the bastard’s pet name for his favourite whore, isn’t it? And this is about ensuring you get no more pleasure.” Roughly he parts the folds of my pussy. With a look of concentration he forces the small metal bar he’s holding down across my clit.

  A screech explodes from my chest as the silver burns away at the sensitive nub. Writhing, trapped, I have no way to prevent him from continuing his torture.

  “Does that hurt?” He taunts as he grinds it down harder.

  I can barely breath as tears of pain and rage fill my eyes. “You fucking bastard! You fucking son of
a bitch.”

  Minutes crawl slowly by before the Russian bastard steps back and admires his handy work. “I’m far from done with you. The brat in your belly might be mine, but it won’t stop me from torturing you. And when I am done I’m going to cut that babe out of you while you scream.”

  I know what this bastard is capable of and I am now in his hands.

  “I’ll kill you if you touch her.” A sob I can’t hold back rises in my chest.

  Ivan laughs in response. “Still such a temper. It’s going to interesting working that out of you.”

  No one knows where I am. Damien will be busy with his father.

  A beeping penetrates my misery.

  Muttering under his breath Ivan drops the silver back onto the table. With quick hurried steps he moves to check whatever is making the sound in another room.

  Wriggling my wrists and ankles I try unsuccessfully to to get free. With one strong kick from within, my child tells me she senses my distress. The fact it’s the first time she’s moved since I woke up in this hell makes me want to cry with relief.

  “It’s okay. Mummy’s going to get us out of here. Just hold on.” I tell her.

  I look for something, anything that might help, but see nothing I can get hold of.

  Please. Please, help me. My mental plea is faint, but still I struggle to get someone to hear. Again and again I chant the words in my head for I don’t know how long.

  Wherever I am it’s too far away to reach anyone. A sense of desolation tries to crush me. Closing my eyes I try again, knowing it’s useless, but not wanting to give up. I need Damien. We need him like we have never needed him before.

  “No passing out.” Ivan hisses. “I’m not done with you.”

  The back handed blow to my face brings me back to the awareness.

  Pain so intense it makes me stiffen, tightness through my stomach at the same time; drawing like a mental band, radiating down into my pelvis. Panting through the sensation until it ebbs, I look up into my captor’s face.

  “Please...I think the baby’s coming.”

  Placing his bloodied, gloved hand on my rounded flesh, Ivan tests the area as if I am a piece of overripe fruit. “No, not yet. Contractions can last for hours, even days. I have plenty of time still to play.” He assurance me with an evil smirk.