by Amanda Carol
I struggle in the chains, trying to break free, but it’s no use.
“Struggle all you want. You aren’t going anywhere,” I hear a feminine voice ring through the dark room.
I blink again, letting my eyes adjust to the darkness. Then a light turns on, just over my head.
Isabella steps into the light. Her long, dark brown curls look almost black. Her deep brown eyes examine me from head to toe. She stalks forward, heels clicking against the concrete floor.
She pulls out a dagger. My heart rate kicks up as she starts toying with it in between her fingers while she walks around me.
She’s the lion and I’m the lamb.
I hear her grab something metal and place it by my feet. I wiggle around just enough to see a large bucket. Crap. She grabs my legs and places the bucket under me, then sets my feet down in it.
“Are you going to kill me?” I ask.
If she is, I’d rather she just do it and get it over with.
She laughs. “As much as I would like to…no.” She pauses, tilting her head. “I’m sure you were told about the story of the first vampire.”
She looks at me, and understanding kicks in.
“You’re the first vampire?”
Holy. Shit.
“Fast learner. Yes, I am the first vampire. Apollo turned me immortal because his father wouldn’t let me drink Ambrosia, the nectar of the gods, which gives the drinker immortality. Without consequence, of course.” She pulls up a chair and sits in front of me, crossing her legs delicately. “We were happy for centuries. That is, until Daphne came along. Apollo left me for her and has been with her ever since.”
I stare at her. “But you cheated on him.”
“Is that the rumor floating around this century?” She laughs, but there’s no humor in it. “Funny. But no, he cheated on me.” She’s in my face in a blink and I flinch. “Left me to live the rest of eternity alone, while he gets to enjoy life up on Mount Olympus.”
“Who’s Daphne?” I ask, trying to distract her.
I could care less who this Daphne chick is. I know people are looking for me. I just need to stall.
“Well, she’s not a tree.” She shrugs. “Anyway, I’ve been trying to figure out a way to return the favor. That’s where you come in. And eventually your brother.”
I start to jerk around at the mention of my brother but stop when she brings the tip of the knife up to my neck, pressing it slightly into my skin.
“You see, when you’ve been alive for as long as I have, you learn how to be patient.” She nicks my skin.
I jerk back, but don’t get very far. She lowers the knife to my stomach, and in one swift movement, she slices it open. I scream as blood starts to drip from my wound and into the bucket below my feet. My breathing is ragged as I suck in shallow breaths.
“Why are you doing this?” I ask her, trying to breathe through the burning pain.
She slices into my stomach once more. I scream again, curling my body away from her as far as these stupid chains will let me.
She smiles. “That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it?”
She never answers. She just continues to cut into me. Stomach, legs, arms, doesn’t matter. She’s carving me like a damn pumpkin and there is nothing I can do about it.
My throat feels raw from screaming. I’m weak and shaky from the loss of blood. The chains are the only things holding me up. My healing ability is only working slowly due to the amulet.
Baby, I’m coming for you. Wherever you are, know that I am coming to get you. Just please hold on.
I hear Hunter’s strained voice in my head and try to fight the darkness from taking over me. I have no idea how he knows I'm in trouble, but I don’t care. I latch onto his voice like a lifeline.
I wince when she approaches me again. She doesn’t cut me, but she does look inside the bucket.
“That’s good.” Isabella removes the bucket from under me, then releases the chains from around my wrists.
I try to catch myself, but I'm too weak and I land on the concrete. I slowly crawl over to the wall and rest against it. I hear Isabella stalk toward me.
“None of this would be possible if I didn’t have someone on the inside.” She kneels down in front of me, so we’re at eye level. “There’s a traitor on the Compound. Would you like to know who?” She leans forward and whispers a name in my ear.
“No,” I whisper, my voice hoarse from all the screaming.
No. No. No.
She slowly leans back and her gaze locks with mine. She nods her head.
Then she’s gone.
I don’t remember passing out, and I certainly don’t remember coming back to the Compound. But here I am, back in the same room I was in when I had those damn headaches. I don’t even want to know how long I’ve been in here this time.
I wince as I sit up in bed. My body hurts. I mean, I guess that’s what happens when you’ve been sliced and diced. I glance down my body and see that I'm covered in bandages. I’m still in the same clothes that…
No.
I glance around the room to find it empty.
Good.
I don’t want to talk to anyone. Not right now. My throat feels like I swallowed sandpaper. I pull the covers off me, clenching my teeth because it feels like my skin is burning. Well, apparently I haven’t been out long. I reach up for my amulet, but it’s missing. That’s good. I spot a black hoodie laying on the couch and I get up and walk toward it. My vision starts to blur from the pain, but I push through it. I need to get out of here. I carefully place the hoodie over my head and immediately recognize the scent.
Cedarwood and ocean.
Hunter.
Where are my shoes? I look around the room but don’t see them. Guess I’m going barefoot. I make my way to the door, pulling it open slowly. When I see no one in the medical room, I pad my way to the other door. I open it and peek out. The coast is clear. I make a break for it, clutching my sore stomach.
“Where do you think you’re going?” I jump at the sound of Declan’s voice and whirl around.
I cry out in pain, and he rushes forward. I flinch away as he touches me.
“Hey, it’s me!” He holds his hands up. “You’re safe now.”
He lowers his hands and glances down at my bare legs, which are covered in bandages. Those cuts weren’t as deep as the ones on my stomach and arms.
“God Aria, I’m so sorry…” He trails off as tears fill his eyes.
He takes another small step forward. I take one step back, holding my hand up. I don’t say a word. I don’t want to talk. I don’t want to be held. I just want to get out of here.
Declan halts mid-step, understanding my silent plea. He nods only once, and I turn to leave the barn. I take a step outside and inhale the fresh air into my lungs. Then I start walking.
I don’t pay attention to where I’m going, but I find myself down by the fire pit where we had the bonfire. I shiver in the hoodie as I sit down and rest my back on one of the logs. I carefully pull my legs up to my chest, ignoring the pain from under the bandages. I hold my hand out next to me and summon the fire element, then let the flame go into the pit.
I rest my head on my knees, watching the flames dance in the night. The heat from the fire seeps through the hoodie, warming me. I should be hot, but I'm not. Memories of Hunter and I kissing for the first time come rushing forward.
I don’t want him to see me like this. I don’t want anyone to see me like this. I don’t want anyone to feel like this is their fault. I did what I had to do. I did the only thing I could do. If I hadn’t followed Isabella’s orders, they would all be dead.
I hug my knees tighter as I remember what she said to me right before she disappeared.
It can’t be true.
I refuse to believe it.
I refuse to believe a vampire. There can’t be a traitor. And if she is right about who she said it was, lives will change. Hell, my life already has. I was captured and I almost
bled to death. For what? I don’t know, but whatever is, it can’t be good.
I can feel a slight tug in my head letting me know someone is trying to use the link. But I don’t let them in.
After a few minutes, movement in the woods catches my eyes and I lift my head to see a red wolf walking toward me.
Bennett.
He doesn’t shift into his human form, but he does come over and sit down next to me. He doesn’t try to talk using the link. We just sit in silence, watching the fire.
Another few minutes go by and I hear footsteps walking up behind us. Bennett sits up, looking over my head to see who is approaching, while I just continue to watch the flames. I don’t need to look up to know who it is. Bennett saunters back into the woods, leaving me alone with Hunter.
I still don’t look at him. I'm afraid that if I do, I’ll lose it. I haven’t cried since the funeral, and I don’t plan on starting now. Hunter kneels down in front of me, eyes roaming over me. He can’t see my arms or stomach, but I hear his deep growl when his eyes take in my legs.
Our eyes finally lock and my breath hitches in my lungs. His gaze searches mine before he places his hands over mine, removing my hands from around my knees. I don’t jerk away from his touch; I welcome it. He gently pulls me up from the ground, careful not to move me too fast. He places his hands on my shoulders and his eyes glow brightly as they search mine.
“Aria, I’m so sorry—” he starts to say.
I cut him off by placing my hand on his face. I swipe my thumb across his cheek, then I bring my hand down to touch his lips. He closes his eyes, inhaling deeply as he leans into my touch. His eyes are still glowing when he opens them. Tears blur my vision, and as one slips free, I rise on my tiptoes and bring my lips to his.
When I pull away, he rests his head on my forehead. The full moon brightly shines down on us as he gently cups my cheeks, his thumb wiping away the stray tear.
“I will never let anything happen to you again. I promise. I will always protect you. Always.” He places a gentle kiss on my forehead.
And I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that I’m safe.
Protected.
I’m home.
I will do everything in my power to take care of my home, and the people in it.
“Come on, let’s get you out of here.” Hunter laces his fingers in mine, and we walk back to his cabin in silence.
I don’t know what the future will bring, or how I’m going to move on, but I have my brother and Abby. I have my new friends. And I have Hunter. So, no matter what happens, I know I’ll be okay.
First, I want to thank YOU, the reader, for taking a chance on me. I hope you enjoyed reading this story just as much as I enjoyed writing it. I truly appreciate you.
Second, I couldn’t get anywhere without the support of my family. You allowed me to chase my dream of becoming a writer and miss some family dinners so I can make those deadlines. You put up with all my crazy ramblings about my characters and book talk. Thank you for telling me to keep at it and make millions. I’m working on it!
Ciera: Thank you for making the perfect girl for Declan. You were one of the first people that knew what I was writing a novel. Also, Declan wouldn’t be named Declan without you, since you are his love interest and you strongly disliked his original name. You’re lucky I wasn’t sold on it either. Love you! PS I still have our list!
Kayla: Hey lovebug! Gosh, I have no idea where to start. You’re my best fucking friend and I honestly don’t know where I would be without you in my life. You were one of the two people who first read my story. I was so nervous to have someone read it and I’m really happy that you loved it! You gave me the inspiration to write the Trilogy as it is now planned. Love you’s!
Claire: I literally would not be in the position that I am if it weren’t for your love, support and overall friendship. You helped push me to finish this, and you always told me to never give up. “One Sentence” is what you would tell me when I was feeling really low and was ready to throw in the towel. You’ve been there for me since the very beginning. From chapter one to thirty-two. You witnessed my writing style grow and saw the moment I found my voice. Thank you for being you, love you lots and loads!
Aaron, Ashley, and Jen: My character muses! Writing you guys down on paper as magical beings was super fun. Jen, Sparkles would not be apart of this story if it weren’t for your love for Unicorns. He’s super fancy. Aaron, the famous skydiving scene would never have happened if you weren’t an Adrenaline Junkie. Ashley, you brought to life one of my favorite characters. I can’t wait for everyone to see what I have in store for Abby in book two. Thank you all for bringing to life Zayne, Kat and Abby.
Sam: Girl, you read the almost kiss scene in the kitchen and I remember the look you gave me. “That’s really good and you’re going to go big” is what you said to me. Sheesh, I hope you’re right. And what you read was the extreme rough draft. Thank you for being patient with me and for calling me an asshole! Its love!
Chaddettes: BJ, Claudia, Stefanie, Nichole, Katey, Jacinta, Eloise, Carmen, Jen O, Laura, Rebekah, Sophie and Georgina. LADIES: You guys rock! Your love and support have kept me sane throughout this insane process. We are all on this amazing journey and I would probably be rocking in a corner right now if it weren’t for you lovely ladies. Carmen, special shout out to you for stepping in and helping me edit and shape my baby up to be the best it can be. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
Lenka Ashani Siberová: You brought my Aria to life with that stunning cover, I saw her and was like SOLD. You are so easy to work with and made my cover the best it could be. I find all your work beautiful and I’m super excited to work on books two and three with you. Thank you!
Angel Nyx: Thank you for using those “owl” eyes of yours and spotting the missed punctuation makes and missed words! And all your commentary along the way! Thank you for always supporting me as well!
Last but not least, my beta readers: Claudia, Stefanie, BJ, Jacinta, Nichole, Katey and Rebecca. Without you’re feedback my book baby would not be in the shape that it made it too. Rebecca, you were the boss at making sure my spellings were on POINT. Jacinta, you’re live DM’s made me smile. Nichole, your overprotectiveness for Hunter knows no bounds. Katey, you’re the real MVP for helping me shape up my world and ask the tough questions that got me thinking outside the box. Claudia, BJ, and Stefanie, thank you for letting me bug you guys again to read after the edits were made, and helping me to get those steamier moments a little extra steamy.
Amanda Carol lives in Westminster, Maryland, but has plans to move to Texas. She is a dog mom of one sassy little Yorkie named Raven (yes, after the Baltimore Ravens). She loves to travel and spend time at the beach. She enjoys writing about different worlds and bringing to life new characters. When she’s not writing, you can find her binge-watching shows on Netflix, reading, or taking unexpected family trips to Target. If you would like to follow her and get updates on future works, you can click on the links below.
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