All through class, her glares blazed into me. The heat of her hatred singed my back. I sighed with relief when the bell rang. At least I wouldn't have to deal with her for the rest of the day. Well, at least not in any of my classes.
Ryan slipped his arm around my waist and squeezed. “Bye, Sparkie. If I don't catch you later, I'll see you at gym."
I pulled away. “What?” I told him I couldn't do anything after gym. What was he talking about?
"My little sister has gym class. Remember? I'm dropping her off."
"Oh, yeah.” Talk about feeling stupid. He's helping out his parents by taking the time to drop his sister off, and I'm making it all about me. When had I become so self-centered?
By some miracle, I managed to make it through the rest of the day. I met Mandy after my last class.
She fell back against the wall next to my locker. “I'm so tired. I really don't feel like going to gym today. Aaaag! And we have stairs today."
"You're tired? I don't think I've had a decent night's sleep in almost a week."
"Yeah, I bet. You have good reason. I've been staying up late yapping with Brad.” She grinned, a wicked gleam in her eye.
"So, you and Brad are still going strong, huh?” I had been so caught up in my own life I hadn't really paid much attention to hers. Some best friend I was.
"Yeah, you could say that.” Her face glowed.
"That's really great. He's a nice guy, and he's not too bad to look at either.” I waggled my eyebrows like Ryan always did. I had to laugh at the goofy expression on her face.
"We both lucked out, huh? Ryan is drop dead gorgeous."
"Yep, we did."
As soon as we hit the parking lot, the sickening scent of almonds slapped me to attention. I glanced around. Constantine lurked very near. A frigid sensation bit into me. My instincts warned of danger—like in the beginning when Constantine used to be more aggressive. My heart pounded in my chest.
I leaned over and whispered, “Constantine is here. We need to go and fast."
Her eyebrows rose and her lips parted. “What's wrong?"
"Just hurry. I'll tell you when we get into the car."
I kept looking back as we raced to the car. Mandy fumbled with the keys, her hands shaking.
His presence suffocated me. My hair moved and I squealed, lashing out with my hands and only coming up with air. Hot breath heated the back of my neck. “Hurry, Mandy!” Maybe I should've listened to Dad. Panic rose inside me. “Mandy! Now."
She popped the locks and I jumped inside, locking the doors. I grabbed my pendant. “Fill the dark void in my soul ... fill the dark void in my soul.” It heated, spreading an instant calm over me. I exhaled. We would be safe for now.
Mandy backed out of the space and zoomed out of the parking lot. “What just happened? You scared me to death.” She clutched her chest.
"Constantine is stalking me. I refused to go to him willingly, so Mom and Dad think he plans to use force now.” My voice shook. “That's why Mom drove me to school and why they didn't want me driving with you to gym. I should've listened. I might have put you in danger. I'm so sorry.” My chin trembled and my eyes filled with tears. What have I done?
"Omigod! How freaky. I didn't know it was so serious. I just thought you were being dramatic. And I don't think I'm the one in danger so don't worry about me.” Her gaze fixed on my hand still holding the pendant. “What's with the necklace? I saw it glow. And what did those words mean. The ones you kind of chanted?"
"This was my great-great-grandmother's. It protects me somehow.” I rubbed my thumb across the smooth surface of the stone. “The words activate it. I can use it to form a sort of barrier when I'm inside a building or a car apparently. As long as I wear it, Constantine can't enter whatever building I'm in where I've said those words."
"That's awesome.” She tapped the steering wheel with her fingers. “Then, how did he get in the gym?” She bit the inside of her cheek, a nervous habit she's had ever since I could remember.
"I can't exactly wear the necklace when I do gym. That's the problem."
"We should probably try to figure out a way where you can.” Fear shimmered in her eyes. She seemed as spooked as me.
"Yeah, maybe you're right. Nicoleta said to always wear it. I don't want him lurking in the gym. I'm not about to go to the bathroom alone, and I'm not sure I can hold myself for five full hours."
When we got to gym, we stayed put. Neither one of us made a move to leave the protection of the car. We stared at each other—me biting my lip, her chewing the inside of her cheek.
"Okay, let's go,” I said, challenging both our fears.
We practically sprinted to the gym door. If we weren't so creeped out, the situation would be rather comical. I hadn't felt Constantine's presence outside. Maybe he would leave me alone for a while. Not likely, but I could hope. Mandy pushed the door open to the handicap stall, and I took the stall next to the baby potty one.
"Any ideas of what I can do about my necklace?” I asked.
"What if we use the sport wrap and tape it to you?"
"Yeah, maybe. I just need to make sure it's secure. I can't afford to lose it in the pits or under the tramps. I'd never find it again."
Mandy helped me tape the pendant to my chest just inside my sports bra. I covered it with my hand. “Fill the dark void in my soul ... fill the dark void in my soul,” I chanted. The pendant warmed, casting a glow from under my leo and between my fingers.
"That's crazy,” Mandy said.
"Yeah, but it works. We should be good to go ... unless I lose it."
Mandy curled one side of her lip. “Then, I suggest you don't."
For Wednesday's ‘fun’ warm-up, we played butt ball. We used our butts as bats and tried to hit a big bouncy ball as it was hurled toward us. We looked completely ridiculous, but it was always good for a laugh. By the time we started our first event, I had forgotten about Constantine. By the way Mandy giggled, she had forgotten as well.
Even though I hadn't slept well, my skills looked pretty good. I couldn't complain—not until we got to conditioning. We had stairs. I hated stairs. Talk about a knee killer.
We put on our shoes and started the hike up and down like marching soldiers. Sweat dripped down my leo, so I kept checking to make sure the tape didn't loosen. So far, so good. After Larry called a halt to conditioning, we stretched and cooled down. Thank goodness for short workouts on Wednesdays. I wouldn't have lasted for the usual five hours. No way.
"Oh crap. I have to run to the car. I left the tuition check in it. I'll be right back.” Mandy grabbed her stuff and ran out the door.
She'd forget her head if it wasn't attached. As I gathered my stuff, a horrible thought occurred to me. Mandy had gone out alone! Nestled in our safety zone, I had let my guard down.
I hurried after her and as soon as I opened the door, a gust of almond scented wind knocked me backward.
Oh, God! Oh, God!
Constantine was here.
I ran to Mandy's car. Her bag sat askew next to the driver's door along with her keys, but she was nowhere to be seen. Frantically, I glanced around.
"Missing something?"
My blood froze. I slowly turned to meet the predatory stare of Constantine. “Where is she?” I demanded.
"Safe for the moment. But, if you plan to keep her that way, I suggest you come to me—alone. If I so much as whiff another being, she's dead. I'll enjoy ripping her limbs from her body and picking the flesh from her bones.” He licked his lips for emphasis.
"You're a monster,” I said through clenched teeth.
"Tsk. Tsk. You are no different than me. You just hide behind domestic guises."
"If you harm her, I swear I'll—"
"You'll what, little Vanator?” He laughed, egging me on.
"I'll kill you,” I threatened. I didn't know how, but I would.
"You make such threats. ‘Tis a shame you can't follow through."
The truth of his statem
ent hit me right in the solar plexus. I clenched my hands into fists. I wouldn't allow him to psych me out. Not now. “Go to hell."
"As much as I enjoy your company, I must be on my way. I have guests to attend to."
He shifted into a bat and flew off, his laughter trailing after him.
I snatched the keys from the ground and unlocked Mandy's car, then threw in her stuff. I had to get to Mandy and fast.
[Back to Table of Contents]
17
Cave Crasher
The night was quiet and eerily calm as I approached the outer entrance of the cave. Nothing stirred, not even a bat. No breeze, no rustle of leaves, no chirping crickets—nothing. It was crazy silent and more than disturbing.
A deep foreboding crept across my skin like the caress of death. I knew I probably wouldn't make it out alive, but I had no choice. Mandy needed me, and I wouldn't abandon her. Even if it cost me my life.
After taking my flashlight from my back pocket and clicking it on, I crept down the steep incline that led into the cave. I'd have to thank my dad for making me keep a ‘safety kit’ in the car. Without a light, I'd never have found my way down into the cave, even with my heightened vision.
The gate had been cracked open as if they anticipated and more than welcomed my appearance. Of course they knew I'd come. Constantine had taunted me into making an appearance. He held my best friend captive and threatened to rip her limbs from her body and feast upon her carcass. I prayed Mandy wouldn't do anything stupid. If she'd just keep her mouth shut and let me deal with it, she'd be fine. They didn't want her. They wanted me.
The gate creaked as I slipped through the opening, shattering the unnatural silence. I sucked in a breath, knowing I had just announced my presence like a huge neon sign. So much for taking them by surprise.
As usual, the horrid screeching in my head started as soon as I entered the Introductory Room. I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to accustom myself to the invasion.
"Fill the dark void in my soul,” I whispered, hoping my passwords would repel any evil and protect me.
My mark heated and my pendant vibrated. I had no idea what effect my words would have in this situation, but I figured it couldn't hurt.
The echoes in my head intensified. Pain shattered through my brain. I dropped to my knees, the flashlight crashing to the ground, and cradled my head in my hands. Acid settled in the back of my throat and I gagged. I swallowed hard, trying to keep from hurling due to the unbearable torment. I must have really ticked them off to provoke such a reaction.
Mental note—don't do that again.
I guess I'd have to rely on something other than my secret passwords. When the screeching subsided to a tolerable level, I stood and tried to collect myself. No time to fall apart. I picked my light back up. It flickered, then went off, leaving me in darkness. With hardly any light filtering into the cave, even my vampire vision couldn't make up for the complete black-out. Trying not to panic, I smacked the flashlight against my palm. It flickered again and stayed on. I exhaled, releasing a slow relieved breath.
I followed the path toward the Crap Room, instinct and experience telling me that's where they waited for me.
You just can't keep away from me, can you?
"Constantine, it's always a pleasure.” I gritted my teeth.
Oh, you have no idea what pleasure is, but I'd be happy to show you.
"Where's Mandy, you ass?"
Tsk. Tsk. Such language. She's fine as long as you do what I tell you.
"I'm here, aren't I? Now, where is she?"
Follow your instincts, little Vanator.
Laughter rang throughout the hollow area, bouncing from one side to the other in creepy stereo. Constantine derived great pleasure from teasing me, but I'd get the last laugh. This I promised myself ... and Mandy.
I entered the Crap Room unsure of what I'd find. The soft flicker of hundreds of candles lit the area, casting shadows against every wall. I turned off my light and tucked it back into my pocket. I needed both my hands free. No telling what Constantine had in mind.
Trussed like a pig to the slaughter with bright pink duct tape, Mandy lay belly down next to the huge flowstone formation, her eyes wide with fear. She twisted her head, signaling for me to look up. I slowly lifted my head.
Hundreds of bats clustered above. One by one, they dropped from the ceiling, morphing into humanoid looking creatures. They appeared like a bag of microwave popcorn exploding everywhere. Before long, they completely surrounded me.
Only two bats remained hanging from the ceiling. Apparently, they waited for their grand entrance. No doubt one of them was Constantine.
No one paid the least attention to Mandy—a good sign. All gazes concentrated on me.
One of the bats dropped, landing directly in front of me, and turned into Constantine. He smiled, revealing long, pointed fangs, then licked his lips as his glance roamed my body from top to bottom.
I repressed a shudder. No way would I give the bastard the satisfaction of knowing how he affected me. His smile grew wider as if he knew my thoughts.
"Welcome, little Vanator. So glad to have your esteemed self amongst us lowly Liliacs." He bowed, mocking me.
One side of my upper lip automatically curled in distaste. He walked around me, closing in the circle with each pass. Hot fetid breath spread across my skin. He stopped directly behind me, allowing me to feel his body heat seep into mine. He brushed my hair aside and nuzzled my neck, seeming to inhale my scent. Grabbing me around my waist, he pulled me against his hard body. A wet tongue snaked out and licked along my throbbing pulse.
I jerked around, pulling free of his hold, and cracked him across the face with my open palm. “Don't you dare touch me, you bastard."
He laughed. “That's not going to be possible. See, you belong to me. I will touch you when and how I choose.” All amusement left his expression.
"You do and you may draw back a nub,” I threatened.
"And how, pray tell, do you plan to do that?” He motioned around us, indicating all the other Liliacs standing guard. “You going to take us all out?” A cacophony of laughter echoed his amusement.
I lifted my lips into a slight smile. “No, just you."
All laughter stopped—like we had entered a vacuum of some sort—and all eyes firmly planted on me, mouths agape. I guess one didn't insult the mighty Constantine.
Not taking his blazing glance off me, he ordered, “Everyone get out. It seems the little Vanator wants some alone time with me. Make sure to closely watch the entrance. I don't want anyone or anything else getting in here."
In obvious confusion, the other Liliacs turned to each other looking for some insight to their leader's strange behavior.
"It wasn't a question to ponder. I said, get out,” he yelled. “Don't make me tell you again."
As quickly as the room had crowded earlier, it emptied, leaving me, Constantine, and Mandy alone in the Crap Room.
Not sure what to expect, I braced myself for the worst. Every nerve stood on alert, ready to react at the slightest provocation.
His expression softened. “Look, it doesn't have to be difficult. I don't want to hurt you. Consider joining us of your own free will, and everything will be fine."
Unable to process his words and the meaning behind them, I could only stare, my mouth open wide in shock.
He reached up and ran his long fingers down the side of my face and sighed. Instinct, not experience, told me it was desire that glistened bright in his eyes.
I stepped back, completely taken aback by his odd behavior. His hand fell to his side, but he continued to gaze into my eyes.
"I ... don't ... understand,” I managed to say.
"I want you as mine. Correction ... you are mine ... but I need for you to accept it and come to me willingly.” He started to reach out and touch me again, but stopped. “I want you to choose to be with me."
Glancing past Constantine, I caught a glimpse of Mandy working herself f
ree of the pink duct tape. I quickly averted my gaze before he noticed where my attention centered.
"What does it matter to you if I come willingly or not? You plan to use me for the needs of your clice. I know what you're going to do ... try to do. You just want my blood. You need me."
He needed me to come to him willingly, so he could access my powers. I knew his purpose. Not that it would do him any good, because even I didn't know how to access my powers.
He grabbed me by the arms, desperation coloring his expression. “No, that's just it. I want more than your blood.” He hung his head. “I want you."
"For what?” I asked before thinking.
He lifted his head and released the pressure on my arms, his features softening into sincere need. “For my lifemate. You're so different than any other of our kind. You don't cower before me. Or seem to fear me. It's refreshing."
I scrunched my eyes and shook my head repeatedly from side to side. He wasn't making any sense at all. One moment he's vicious and disgustingly vile, then the next he's ... vulnerable and tender. He must be trying to throw me off—to take me by surprise. But, there was that something in his eyes that told me I might be wrong. That he meant what he said.
"I'm sixteen. And you're ... you're ... not sixteen, and you're my enemy. My clice expects me to help wipe out your clice. What do you expect? Is this some kind of Romeo and Juliet joke at my expense?"
"It's no joke. I think we could be good together. You would never want for anything. I could show you such things that would set your wild spirit free."
"I can't leave my clice. It's not an option. Besides, how could you even expect me to care for you? After all you've done to me, to my friend?” Oh, God! I didn't mean to draw attention to Mandy. I had to keep his attention on me. “You are evil incarnate. I could never be with you."
His puppy dog eyes now blazed red. Powerful vibrations ripped through me as his anger exploded. “I'm evil, huh? You could never be with me? What about your little boyfriend?"
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