Hello my amazing fans! I just want to say how happy I am that so many of you have been reading this story! It makes me feel so good! I love feedback and comments, and always appreciate it when you take the time to write one :) Also, the song that I have chosen for this chapter really sets the mood, so please listen to it! I hope that you vote, and tell me what you think! Thanks, and enjoy! :)
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I had a very bad feeling within the pit of my stomach. Everything this evening seemed…off. Dusk was quickly approaching, and from the looks of it outside, so was a storm. The wind was rippling through the mansion, making the lights flicker at its ferocious behavior.
Something didn’t seem right. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but everything seemed unsettling. I didn’t want Jace to leave for the evening, but I knew it was important he discuss the issue of Cameron and the other hunters with his men. I really didn’t like the idea of being stuck here with Alexander.
I didn’t trust him one bit.
I know he has some secret agenda, and I think Jace knows this too. But he claims he can handle his cousin, and I almost believe him. Almost.
Alexander seems like he would be ruthless in any situation; more so than even Jace. I just think that he is planning something, and is waiting for the perfect moment to strike. But what’s his angle?
“Jace do you really have to go?” I questioned, as he slipped on his black pea coat. Turning towards me, his fingers slowly danced over the buttons.
He smiled slightly. “What’s wrong, Melinda? You know I’ll only be gone a short while.” He said, attempting to reassure me. I sighed, nodding my head slowly.
I paused for a moment, not sure what to say. “I know that, it’s just that something…doesn’t seem right.”
He quirked up an eyebrow, giving me a questioning look. “What do you mean? Everything is perfectly fine.” He stated, as he gently grasped my shoulders with his hands. “What’s the matter?”
I swallowed hard, not even knowing how to explain how I was feeling. “I…I don’t know. It’s just a feeling, you know? Like something bad is about to happen. I just don’t want you gone too long.”
His dark eyes stared intensely into my own, as warmth spread within them. “Melinda, you’re so sweet. But you don’t need to worry about me; I assure you I can take care of myself.” I gave him a skeptical look, to which he chuckled. “And I’ll have my guards with me, as well as guards here for you. Everything will be fine. And Alexander will cause no trouble.” He added on.
I let out a small exhale. “I’m sorry, I’m being silly. I just have this feeling.” I murmured, glancing down in embarrassment.
I felt something softly touch my chin, as Jace tilted my face up to look at him. “You don’t need to apologize for being concerned. I’m touched. But I also want you to know that nothing is going to happen, understand?” He said smoothly, as he stroked my chin.
I nodded my head. “I know, thank you Jace.” I replied, as I leaned forward to kiss him on the lips. He gladly responded, pulling me into his cool body. I wrapped my arm around his neck, enjoying the feeling of his touch.
Off in the distance, the sky lit up by lightning, causing me to jumpy. Jace let out a chuckle at my behavior. I gazed out the window, my eyebrows furrowed in worry. “Hurry up and come back home as soon as you can.”
Jace stared at me seriously for a moment, as if shocked by my words. I looked over at him, confused. “What? What’s wrong?”
He shot me a sly grin. “Nothing, it’s just that you called this place your home. I like that. I hope that you think of it that way.”
My cheeks slowly tinted pink. “Well…yeah. This is kind of like my home, because it’s where you are Jace.” Before I could say another word, Jace had his lips pressed against my own once more, his hands becoming entangled in my hair. I was slightly caught off guard, but hungrily kissed him back.
He pulled away for a moment, his gaze never leaving mine. “God I love you.” He breathed, causing the butterflies trapped in my stomach to run amuck.
Just hearing him say those words, makes me turn to mush. Every time he says it, makes it more special than before. “I love you, too.” I whispered tenderly, clutching his hand in my own.
A knock came at the door. “Sir, you’re limo is ready. The guards are in position.” A timid voice stated, as Jace sighed.
He leaned forward, kissing my forehead. “I’ll be back soon Melinda. Leonard will be here, so if you need anything at all just let him know. I shouldn’t be too long.”
With a final quick kiss, he left me alone in his study. This time thunder erupted, causing me to jerk in surprise.
I absolutely hated storms, especially thunder. Ever since I was a little child, I feared them. I’d hide underneath my blanket, in hopes of shielding myself from the terrifying noises.
I just want Jace to hurry up and leave so he can come back. I can’t get rid of this unsettling feeling, and it’s making me nervous.
Maybe I can get my mind off of it with a good novel.
I headed towards Jace’s massive bookshelf, hoping I would be able to find something to keep me occupied. Grabbing the foot stool, I hoisted myself up, inspecting the merchandise.
I was surprised at just how many books he had, as well as their age. Well, he’s a very old vampire. Of course his collection of reading material is vast. I spotted a title that caught my eye: A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream.
I smiled, pulling it down from the shelf and dropping to the ground. Jace’s sofa looked awfully comfortable, and the fireplace was so warm and inviting. The flames flickered in beautiful shades of crimson and coral, as I nestled myself into a relaxing position.
I liked this Shakespeare play the most, because it’s one of his only pieces that actually has a happy ending. One that doesn’t include everyone dying.
I hope there’s a happy ending for Jace and I.
Opening up the book, I began to delve into the wonders of the pages. I had no idea how much time passed, and I was so engrossed in the tale that I didn’t realize I wasn’t alone in his study anymore.
“Reading anything interesting?” A voice shook me from my reading euphoria, as I focused my gaze one where the voice came from.
Alexander.
Gritting my teeth, I swiftly shut the book. “What are you doing in here?” I questioned, my voice sounding a little harsher than I intended.
“I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to startle you.” He stated with a smirk, though his voice held no sincerity. I refrained from rolling my eyes.
“What do you want, Alexander?” I retorted, ignoring his remark.
Strolling closer towards me, he shrugged. “Not much, just thought I’d see what you were up to. You know, since my dear cousin is gone for the evening. It’s just you and me.” He said rather cryptically.
“Yeah and about a dozen guards.” I shot back, in no mood to speak to him.
He let out a chuckle. “Ouch, I take it you don’t like me very much.”
I let out a scoff. “Gee, what could possibly make you think that? Maybe the fact that you walked in on me when I was naked taking a bath, or perhaps because you’re plotting against the man I love?” I said sarcastically.
He raised his eyebrows. “Plotting? Whatever do you mean?” He replied coyly, as he dropped down on the couch beside me. Immediately I attempted to get up, but I was shocked when I felt him grab onto my wrist, stopping me. “I think you and I need to have a little talk.”
I glared harshly at him. “And I think you need to let go of me before I scream.” I spat, attempting to jerk my arm away from him.
Alexander kept his hold.
“Now, now Melinda I just want to talk, honestly.” He said sweetly, but I knew better than to believe him.
I stopped wiggling. “Fine, let go of me and we’ll talk.” I grumbled, wanting to get away from him as quick as possible.
Slowly he released me, his cool touch leaving a lingering shiver on my skin. “That’s a good girl, sit down.” He patted the seat next to him. I clenched my jaw at his words, as I scooted away from him. This caused him to laugh once more.
“You know, I usually have the opposite effect on women. I must say, my ego is a little bruised sweetheart.” He pointed out, to which I rolled my eyes.
“I could care less about your ego. What do you want?” I questioned rudely, in no mood to deal with his antics.
Leaning back, he propped his legs up on the small coffee table sitting beside the couch. “Nothing, just wanted to get to know you a little better, seeing as you’re involved with my dear ole’ cousin.”
I narrowed my eyes at him. “As much fun as that sounds, I think I’m going to pass on that. I’m tired and I think I’d like to go to bed.”
“With me? Well that’s a little forward but I’m game for it if you are.” He retorted with a smirk, to which I clenched my fists. “Kidding Melinda, calm down. I see you have a temper like Jace does, and I must say it’s rather fetching.”
I exhaled loudly. “Alexander, I’m going to bed. It was a pleasure talking with you.” I said sarcastically, as I stood up. He simply watched me silently, something that surprised me. I figured he’d try to stop me.
But seeing as this conversation was pointless, he probably didn’t feel it was necessary.
“Alright then. Goodnight Melinda.” Was all he said, as he remained where he sat.
I quirked up an eyebrow, but moved away from him regardless. Okay he is really weird. I shook off his strangeness, as I headed out of the study and down the hallway. Yet as I did so, I realized something troubling: I didn’t see a single guard.
Glancing around, I didn’t see one guard standing by any of the doors, which is a very uncommon thing. Jace told me that he had people here to make sure nothing would happen and provide extra protection.
But then…where the hell is everyone?
I moved through the foyer, and found that spot too was empty. Swallowing hard, that unsettling feeling I tried hard to ignore came washing over me once more. Something is not right. “Hello? Is anyone there? Guards?” I called out.
Silence.
Without another thought, I took off running down the hall towards Jace’s bedroom, wanting to seclude myself until he got home. As I passed a window, the wind rippled outside, as thunder boomed in the background.
A chill ran down my spine, as I finally reached his room. Nearly tumbling inside, I slammed the door with a loud thud and locked it. Letting out a small sigh, I turned around.
As I did so, a loud shriek escaped my lips and echoed in the room.
Alexander was standing there, an expression that was unreadable. Clutching my chest, I attempted to catch my breath. “Whoops, didn’t mean to scare you.”
I backed up slightly, my eyes never leaving his. “What are you doing in here?”
He simply chuckled, as he inched his way closer to me. Almost as if we were in some predatory dance, every step he took towards me I took one back. Lightning lit up the night sky, as the lights flickered and then…darkness.
I could barely see anything, as my back finally hit the door. The power was out, as I attempted to squint to see.
“Well that’s not good, now is it?” I gasped once more, scared at how close he was. Alexander was standing right in front of me, and I was…trapped.
Oh god.
Where the hell is Jace?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I couldn’t get Melinda’s words out of my head. She thought something bad was going to happen, but why? I hated to see her so worried, so upset. To ease her mind, I made sure to double the security in order to ensure her safety.
I know I am capable of taking care of myself, but I didn’t like leaving her. Especially in the state she was in.
But I have to take care of the hunters, because they pose far too big of a threat. This meeting is going to help us figure out how to dispose of them, and Caleb while we’re at it.
He thinks he can just take Melinda away from me. If it wasn’t for her stopping me the other night, he would be dead. She…brings out something different in me. I find myself more compassionate and understanding, and not the brute man I once was.
She’s changing me.
At first, my only desire was to find the girl and fulfill the prophesy. But now—I’ve fallen in love with her. And I will protect her at all costs, and will destroy anyone who gets in my way.
And this is a step towards doing that.
I moved through the lobby of my headquarters, and was surprised to find that Serena, my secretary, was not at her post. This is highly unusual, because my workers get paid good money for their services.
As I moved towards the elevator, I headed for my office floor. It was eerily quiet, something that struck me as odd. Usually I am able to hear the loud echoing of my comrades’ voices. As the elevator dinged, I stepped out into the office.
Yet as I did, I froze in place, aghast at the sight that lay before me.
Seven of my men, my allies were…slaughtered.
Their bodies lay contorted, gruesome expressions permanently etched on their faces. Some remained sitting in the chairs that circled the large table, blood splattered and smeared across the mahogany counter.
Silently I moved closer, my eyes landing on a body that was decapitated. The head lay a few feet away, as I gazed off in shock. I moved towards my closest confidant, Dimitri, and felt my jaw tighten harshly. A stake was wedged in his chest, piercing his once beating heart.
His eyes were cold and hollow, any life they once held ripped away from him by a violent and malicious act. I took a step back, a whirlwind of emotions overcoming me.
Yet one was the most dominant: rage.
Something that consumes me, straight to my core. I closed my eyes for a moment, in an attempt to gather myself.
No, I don’t want to collect myself. Seven of my men have been murdered. I will kill anything that crosses my path. Someone will pay.
I darted towards the elevator, as my attention focused on a writing that was craftily written in blood. I swallowed hard, my thoughts going a mile a minute.
Death to Fangers.
Fucking hunters. Slamming my hand across the button, it nearly broke at my force. The elevator opened, as I moved inside.
As the doors closed, I took a final glance at my fallen allies.
If it is death they want, than it is death they will get.
No survivors.