His inquisitor’s movement stopped.
“And? What happened after that?”
He shot to his feet.
“I have had enough of this. Paige is in trouble and this is a waste of time.”
He meant to storm past them all, intent on finding his woman only to crash through the living room wall and land on the plush carpet of Anna’s room. Sebastian’s wide, ocean-blue eyes hovered above him, penetrating his stare.
What the…
The vampire’s harsh words followed.
“You will listen, and you will listen close. It is I who has had enough. Paige may be your lover, but she is also a beloved friend to everyone in this room, including me. You cannot be of any help to her until all of us, including you.
“Now, what is going on with you? We all want her safe, but I will be even more damned than I already am if I allow you anywhere near her without knowing the danger you represent. Anna has read us the note; they are not after a kill. They are after a torment. It’s a trap and we all know it. Paige is the bait to get Anna.
Now, you will get up and sit on that damn couch. Is that clear? If not, I will hog tie you and put a spell on you to get the answers I seek from you! I see you cut your eyes to your father. He has yet to kill me and I am confident it won’t happen today, so he is of no help to you.”
He tried to use his strength to push the vampire away, but to no avail.
“I am over two hundred years old. Yes, you have gained some very nice powers, but I have what you don’t: experience!”
For the second time that day there came another surprise slap followed by a flight through the air. He landed on the couch. Recovering his dignity and his bearings, he situated himself on the furniture and waited for Sebastian to continue.
“In your attempt to save Paige, which you did, the wolf you attacked spun and attacked you, leaving your insides exposed to the world through a huge gash in your chest. You were laid wide open, Ozzie, and your heart, lungs and stomach had been slashed. Paige was frenzied. Anna had Jaxson dispose of the bodies in quick order and called an ambulance. Paige begged Anna to turn you to save you! Just so you know, Anna knew this would be your reaction and accepted it. That is why she did not try and defend herself.”
The words were clear, but the meaning…
“Are you saying…?” He looked to Anna. “You turned me to save my life for Paige, and you would die in the exchange?”
His cold, fury-ridden heart had softened like melted butter at the tears reflecting the truth in her eyes. Her answer twisted like a knife in the chest.
“If this was to be the outcome, yes. I willingly turned you knowing there was a chance you could come for me. Ozzie, I swear I did everything I could think of to make sure you didn’t hunt humans. I talked to you during the process. I reminded you of your love for Paige and how happy she makes you. I love her as much as you do, and I couldn’t deny her when she asked. Her pain was too much…Ozzie. You can kill me, and I will let you, but you didn’t see the agony in her eyes. So yes, I would rather die than to spend the rest of our long days enduring the sight of her in so much turmoil.”
She is certainly taking it like a man, so to speak. I can understand her reluctance to see Paige in so much pain.
The emotions seemed to filter first, but the reasoning sounded rational and understandable.
Would I have made the same choice? Can I really demand her life?
He finally conceded.
“I understand, Anna. I am sorry that I attacked you. I can’t kill you even though you were wrong.”
Lord, I’m getting tired of hearing Sebastian’s voice.
“I know what you are thinking. She broke the rules as far as she didn’t have consent. You would be wrong, she did. Since Paige is your fiancée, she has certain rights to you, therefore, when she begged Anna to turn you, it was as good as you giving consent. You two are one, even though you have no ‘legal’ paperwork to show. In everything you do, you present each other as a couple, therefore granting Paige the right to choose what should be done with you. The supernatural runs on the law of nature, not the laws of man.”
Ozzie thought about what the old vamp had said and realized he was giving him an explanation to excuse any reason to hold Anna or Paige accountable for what happened. It was a ‘get out of staking a friend’ card.
Gazing from face to face, he finally settled on his father’s deep somber expression.
This is my decision. I have the hunter’s bloodline tattoo. The situation was extreme, and a split decision had to be made quickly. Paige and I had never discussed what should be done in a circumstance such as that.
His mind sifted through the information.
“Fine.” He glanced toward his father, who gave him an approving nod. “Moving on.”
The living room, with its big, open windows and gaping hole in the wall, felt like a small cage, closing in with each breath. Sweat dotted his brow and his hunger continued to grow, barely sated by the scent of her. It wasn’t enough. He needed her.
“This is going to sound crazy, but here goes.” Not that he needed to, but he inhaled deeply and prepared to explain. “I was visited by my ancestral guide, Jewels. She is the one who etched this tattoo onto my chest.”
Anna interrupted him.
“Wait, Ozzie, you had those markings before you passed out. Are you sure that’s what happened?”
Shaking his head, he assured her.
“I am positive. While I was with her in the In-Between, I didn’t have anything on my chest. She drew it all, and I felt it all as her lines burned into my chest. Man, it was like fire. She said that I was the-”
“Hunter of Zane,” everyone said with him.
He stared at every face in the room, confused.
How can they know when I just found out?
His father jumped in and answered his unasked question.
“When the tattoo began to shimmer and blind the hell out of us, I knew, well, had a feeling, of what had happened. I explained the legend of Aiden.”
“Oh! OK, well, that saves time.”
Jaxson pointed out what everyone in the room was thinking.
“Well, sounds like we are all up to speed. We need to find out what Ozzie can do and go get Paige!”
“Agreed!” Everyone in the room said in unison.
Chapter 18
He stood next to his father fidgeting with the loose strings of his jeans and white tank top. The horizon was swallowing the setting sun, taking all of its dusky orange light with it and leaving only the soft light from the moon. He mentally took note of the heart beat rocking out in his chest. It seemed to match the rhythm of “Cage the Beast” by Adelita’s Way playing from the car stereo.
The blaring heavy metal tune did nothing to soothe his anxiousness. His skin crawled across his bones like ants on parade and his muscles twitched. His inner animal salivated at the prospect of a kill and paced its cage, biding its time. Words sailors wouldn't even use fell softly out of his mouth from the pent up frustration.
Hang on, Paige. I swear I will save you.
Anna's unique scent mixed with Jaxson's and he knew where they were. Sebastian was a little farther out.
This is ridiculous! It's not like I can’t find them.
He turned his gaze to his father.
“Really? Do they think I don't know that Anna and Jaxson are down by the river bank and Sebastian is over at the local bar flirting with...” Taking a deep breath, he rolled the air around on his tongue. “Three women, one of which just lied about her age.”
His chest rumbled as he laughed with his father who put the phone to his ear.
“Jigs up, he found you again! He looks a bit agitated by this game. I say go twice as far this time. Two miles is great. Let’s try five and call it a day.”
He waited until the small piece of metal and plastic was safely stowed away before he spoke.
“Father, is another three miles going to make a difference?”
“Fine! Call them back. Anna and Jaxson are at the city limits sign, which is 5.4 miles from here, and Sebastian, well, he hasn't moved, but the lies have changed.” He shook his head. “He never quits, always the charmer to the ladies.”
The phone came to life in his father's hand again, followed by his voice.
“He knew where you were. Bring it in.”
His thumb rubbed the leather wristband he’d gotten from his grandmother. With his eyes closed, he inhaled and took in the cool night air, separating all the different scents and searching for Paige. She wasn't close, he knew, but he couldn't help but try. His father's voice brought him out of his stupor.
“Ozzie, go stand in the center of the yard with your eyes closed and your back to me.”
Narrowing his eyes, he asked, “What? Why?”
“Just do it. A little test of my own. We have been working all day on your sense of smell. I want to try something else. Now move!”
Happy to be doing something, he jogged to his designated spot and waited, eyes closed.
This is....
It played out as if in slow motion. He heard everything effortlessly: The soft swish of his father's plaid button up shirt as he carefully gathered his bow from the ground, leather gloves squeaking softly as he gently pulled the taught string, arrow notched and ready for flight. The breeze caressed every inch of the arrow as it sailed through the air with the speed of a jet. A wicked smile crossed his face.
That's new!
At the last moment, he caught what surely would have been his death. He inspected the colorful, fine hairs on the end of the arrow.
Red and black, hmm, he either really has faith in me or he just attempted to do me in.
His eyes flashed to his father.
The older man stood, broad-shouldered, holding the bow in front of him with an arrow hanging loosely on the strings and wearing a proud smile across his face.
“Well done, Son! I am impressed.”
Ozzie looked at the arrow amazed. Adrenaline soared through him, and he chucked it to the ground.
“Do it again!”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“OK, turn around.”
Doing as he was told, he barely had time to gain composure before the next arrow was sent through the air. He counted the seconds before it would collide with the back of his skull. Three...two...he spun, catching the arrow in the center. An idea struck him.
“Get my gun!”
“What?!”
He rolled his eyes at his father's reluctance.
“Did you just see what I did?”
“Yes, but bullets travel much faster than arrows.”
He shot him his whitest grin.
“I know!”
Running to his car, he rummaged in the glove box and pulled out his pistols, tossing one to his father.
“I want to see something. Fire another arrow at me. I want to see if I can shoot it out the air.”
“OK.” His father let the disbelief play in his voice.
Back in position and with the .45 in his hand, he took a deep breath. His thumb clicked off the safety as he slid the cool piece of steel into his familiar grip. Feet shoulder width apart, head down, he concentrated. The sound of tension on the bow string came and lasted only a moment before release. Again he counted.
His slowly turned and watched as the tip came barreling straight for him. He could see the arrow slowly rotate as it flew through the air.
Man, this is freakin' cool!
He lifted the barrel of the gun and aimed for the arrow. Squeezing the trigger slowly, he let loose his ammo. The sleek metal bullet charged from the gun, smoke trailing behind, spiraling toward the tiny wooden stick. They collided with the force of asteroids and wood splinters burst into the air as the arrow exploded six feet above the ground.
He lowered the gun, and a smile was on his face.
“Hell yeah!”
“That was Amazing!”
His gaze shot forward and Sebastian and the rest of gang stood a few feet away clapping wildly, wearing shocked smiles.
“Awesome, Oz!”
“Oh, Anna, I thought you were special...” crooned Sebastian. “But him...well done!”
He smiled back at his friends.
“Thanks.”
Turning back to his father, he added, “Now try and shoot me.”
His father's gaze swept from the group to his face, uncertain.
“Father, I promise. It will be fine. You won't kill me.”
“If you shoot him in the back of the head, I vow to use my vampire venom mixed with blood and heal the wound,” Sebastian said loudly.
“I have to say, Mr. Zane, this is very exciting to see. This may never happen again. I mean, granted he has powers, but it is relatively safe to push all the boundaries when you have a vampire to heal you of any wounds if you find that you go too far. When will anther hunter ever be able to test his abilities the way Ozzie can right now?”
“Father, come on. Sebastian is right. We need to know what I'm capable of.”
Jaxson weighed in with his opinion.
“I will do it if you are uncomfortable, Mr. Zane.” He shot Ozzie a wicked smile as he took the gun from the man. “Besides, I owe him...or, shall I say, he owes me.”
“What do I owe you for?”
“Let me see, there were some comments in reference to my sex life. Then, of course, there is always the fact that you cheat at poker.”
“Just because you suck and lose at poker doesn't mean I cheat.”
“Surely my son doesn't cheat at poker. I taught him how to play.”
His gaze slid to his father.
“I don’t cheat. It's not my fault I know when he's bluffing.”
Between the taunts and carefree harassment, he never heard Jaxson fire the gun, but he felt it. He had only seconds. His eyes found the bullet heading straight for his chest.
Oh, hell!
Dodging, he spun and turned, shooting the .45 shell from behind, exploding the bullet.
Ohs and ahs sounded around the yard as his audience clapped and cheered him on.
He stood staring at the spot where the bullet would have landed. He looked back to his friends with a comedian's comment hot on his lips, but it was cut off as the atmosphere changed. He froze.
Her scent infiltrated the air, floating in on the breeze, changing his light-hearted laughter to a stone cold killer’s snarl. His eyes darted toward the house just as Landers snuck into view. He growled and pulled the trigger.
The howl pierced the air and echoed off houses. He bolted before the dog could get away. Closing the distance, he jumped and pulled Landers’ bleeding body to the ground. Thigh shot. He pinned Landers beneath him and pistol whipped the bleeding man as he screamed and growled frantic questions.
“Where the hell is she and what have you done to her?”
It took all four of them to pull Ozzie off the man. Jaxson's face appeared front and center.
“Ozzie, calm down!”
“I will not calm down! I will question him and break his face! They have her and...” he took another swing at the man and missed, so he kicked him in the groin for good measure. “He knows where!” This netted him to be man handled further and dragged away.
Jaxson yelled, “Exactly! If you keep at it, you are going to kill him and never find her. Dead dogs don't bark!”
He became still and glared at Jaxson for the stupid joke.
“Is that supposed to be funny?”
“No, but it did what I wanted it to; you paused. Now, are you ready to ask questions without violence?”
“He is a part of this kidnapping. I will calm down some, but I can’t promise there will be no violence. If he gets smart-assed or doesn't answer questions, I will beat the ans
wers or his life right on out of him. If I have to, I'll kick all your asses, too!”
No one challenged his words. It was just the opposite. Jaxson turned to the beaten man on the ground.
“Well, you heard him, start talking or we will turn him loose. It is his girlfriend you stole.”
The bloody heap upon the ground wiped his hands on what was left of his shirt and scooted back on his butt, his jeans sliding to his hips. He raised his hands in protest.
“Wait! I was supposed to bring this.”
A small ring box came into view as he pulled it from his pants pocket. Shakily he handed the square, crushed velvet over. Anna snatched it from him.
Ozzie took a step closer. Anna tentatively handled the small package as if it were a small bomb with its timer racing to the zero. She clicked it open and gasped.
The boy on the ground took another beating. Ozzie sidestepped the commotion of breaking up yet another attack, reached down and picked up the box. A bright pink glittery fingernail stared back at him. He burst out laughing and dropped the box. He noted the party all turned and looked at him. Anna was held in Jaxson's restrained grip, as if he had lost his mind.
“It's not her finger. Look! Besides the fact that I can smell it’s not her, this is not her color. She hates glitter on her nails. She told me once that it was cute for a while, but it was a big pain in the ass to get off, like trying to pry rust from a bumper.”
He saw the 'is he crazy' looks exchanged between them, the man upon the ground forgotten.
“Look, I am not crazy. I only remember because she had come back from a salon day with her gal pal from work, and they had been talking and she hadn't paid attention and they painted her nails a glit...tery...pink...color...” Despite the heat of anger flashing through him, he broke out in a cold sweat. “Son of a B―”
He lunged for the escaping young man, and secured his neck in a death grip. He shoved the guy into the side of the house.
“What is your mother's name?”
“Ozzie, what is going on?” Anna chimed in.
He ignored her.
“Answer me, or I will rip your heart out through your throat!”
Heavy Metal Heartbeat Page 8
