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I turn.
The shades are drawn tight, but behind them is the faint glow of sunlight.
Fucking sunlight.
I give in to the sinking feeling, letting it swallow me whole. I slide against the wall, collapsing on the hardwood floor.
Useless.
“I should have listened to her. She-” I pause, biting my lip as I fight the urge to fall apart. “She wanted me to change her so she could be stronger, more safe.”
Francis kneels beside me. “Lesson learned, then.”
I glare at him. “I could still slice you open, little brother. Don’t think I won’t do it.”
Matt squats in front of me, clearing his throat. “Listen, man. If Rune’s men took her, then they’re hiding from the sun too. She’s nearby, and we have time to think this through. We need a plan. Information.” His eyes narrow slightly, his jaw feathering. “We won’t let anyone hurt her, Samuel.”
Francis nods his head, agreeing. “We’ll rip through every vampire in this world if we have to.Together.”
20
Jane
Consciousnesscreepsintomybody, alerting my senses one at a time. The first to become aware is my sense of hearing.
Someone isbreathingnearby, and further away, a bird chirps.
I don’t dare wiggle my limbs in fear that whoever is with me will notice, but I can feel that the ground is slick and cold. Muddy?
“I know you’re awake, little blood whore.” The voice is hoarse, sending shivers down my spine.
I attempt to open my eyes, but they’re leaden and unresponsive. Anxiety washes over me as I understand my vulnerability. My recollection is blurred, and I strain to recall what took place before everything faded away.
The voice speaks again, closer this time. “Do not attempt to move. Your bonds are secure. No need to shout, either. Your cries of help will go unheard.” The voice cackles menacingly as he grows nearer, his footsteps ringing in my ears.
When my vision regains its focus, I see the ominous figure hovering above me.
It’s the man from the woods, the lost hiker. Only he isn’t wearing a backpack anymore, and he’s switched his khakis for a pair of black slacks. As he lowers his head, the scent of his breath wafts over my face. He reeks of alcohol and the coppery scent of blood, causing my stomach to churn.
“Who are you?” I croak out, my voice barely audible.
The man laughs cruelly. “Who am I?” He trails a finger over my cheek, down my throat, lower... As his touch sears over me, I realize I’m still mostly nude. My panties are intact, but Samuel’s jacket is gone.
Samuel.I close my eyes, hating myself for being so stupid.
The man chuckles again, pulling his hand away. “I’m the man who’s going to kill you. Slowly.” He smiles, showing two elongated fangs. “No worries, child. We have time to play first. Samuel won’t get here until nightfall, and I can’t end you unless he’s watching.” The man mocks a pout.
I try to lean away, but it’s no use. The mans presence is suffocating, wrapping around me like tendrils of darkness. I close my eyes, squeezing them tightly together. “A-are you Rune?”
He leans away, and I open my eyes in time to see the surprise flash across his face. “He told you about me?” A slow, terrifying smile stretches his lips. “And what did he say, girl? Too much, I’m assuming. Seems he spilled all our secrets to you.”
I shut my mouth, pressing my lips together to keep them from trembling under his scrutiny.
Rune’s gaze burns red. He hovers over me, his thin, wrinkled fingers flexing over my body. “Tell me, or I’ll slice you up right now.” His fingers dig into the flesh of my arms, biting into my skin until it burns.
My mouth opens in a soundless cry as I frantically search for a route of retreat. But my efforts are futile; the darkness wraps around me so tightly that I can’t make out any escape. All I sense is the moisture from the dirt, wafting its scent into my nostrils. All that I can witness is Rune’s distorted face, leaving no doubt about his ill intentions.
“He just told me you were his maker’s brother. That’s all.” My voice is shaky.
