"Shouldn't he be back by now?" I questioned, as I glanced at the clock for like the hundredth time tonight. Caleb said it wasn't going to take him a long time to meet with the person, but he's been gone all day. "I mean, aren't you worried?"
Nick rolled his eyes at me, as he continued lounging in Caleb's leather arm chair. "Nah, he's fine. Don't worry about it babe." He replied nonchalantly. I narrowed my eyes at him.
"Do you even care? What if he's hurt or something went wrong? What if Jace is coming after us?" Nick snickered as I said this.
"Obviously someone has a little crush." He teased, and I glared. "It's okay, I find it hot. I like a challenge." He stated, as he wiggled his eyebrows. I scoffed, which caused him to chuckle. "Oh don't worry baby, I know I can win you over."
I made a gagging sound. "Please. I've known you not even 24 hours and already I can tell you're an egotistical pervert." I retorted. "I think I'll pass."
Nick smirked at this. "Hey, only half of that statement is correct. I'll let you decide which part." He said, winking at me. I couldn't help but laugh as he said this. What. A. Freak.
"So you're sure he's alright? I mean he seemed a little upset last night. This Jace guy seems like he's capable of anything. How do you know he doesn't have Caleb?" I let out a gasp. "What if he's torturing him and trying to find information about where I am?"
At this, Nick busted into laughter. "Damn, Caleb was right. You are dramatic." I frowned. "Would you can it babe, you're driving me nuts." I was about to object, when I heard the front door open.
Caleb
emerged, with a slightly frazzled look on his face. For some reason I felt a wave of relief wash over me when I saw him. "Sorry it took me so long." He said, as he moved into the kitchen.
"Dude thank god. She was flippin' out wondering where you were." I scoffed, as I chucked a pillow at his face.
"I was not, I was just making sure Jace didn't get a hold of you. And at least I cared, unlike SOMEONE." I retorted, sticking my tongue out at Nick.
Caleb stared at me for a second, and I could see thoughts running through his mind. I shuffled uncomfortably under his gaze. "Well, I'm sorry for worrying you." He said slowly. "But the meeting didn't go according to plan."
This caught Nick's attention. "How so? Ronnie didn't pull through for us?"
Caleb sighed heavily. "No. Well, he says he wants to help us, but I don't believe him. Jace got to him, I know it. I don't feel like I can even trust Ronnie. I think he's working for Jace."
Nick let out a loud whistle. "Well shit, so Jace has control over Ronnie too? That's bullshit what are we suppose to do now?"
I was confused. What's going on? "Um, who's Ronnie?" I asked slowly, as I looked from Nick to Caleb. Caleb exhaled loudly.
"Ronnie is an old friend of ours. He use to work for Jace as well, but then left along with Nick and I. I thought I could depend on him, but I have a feeling Jace mad some sort of offer or deal with him. It wouldn't surprise me if Ronnie comes after you too."
I let out a sigh of frustration. "Well this is great, just what I want. Another freaking vampire. Isn't this awesome?" I said dryly, as I stood up. "I'm going upstairs."
As I began to walk away, I felt someone grasp onto my arm. I quickly glanced back, and saw Caleb staring deeply at me. I gulped slowly. "Look, Jace is never going to get you, I promise. Nick and I will protect you Melinda. Don't worry."
I exhaled sharply. "You can't promise that Caleb. I'm not some naive child. You cannot look me in the eyes, and honestly tell me you feel good about this situation. Can you?" I challenged him.
Caleb licked his lips. "Well I can promise you that Jace will have to go through me to get to you." As he said this, I was rendered speechless. Wow. He's willing to sacrifice himself, just to protect me? Quickly he rephrased. "What I mean, is that Nick and I will protect you at all costs."
I nodded. "Okay...." I began, a little hesitant. "Thanks, but I don't want you two jeopardizing your lives just for me. That's not fair. I have to repay you guys somehow. It just doesn't seem right, you giving up so much time and energy."
Nick chimed in as I said this. "Well baby, I know how you can repay me." He wiggled his eyebrows up and down. "If you know what I mean."
"Unfortunately we all do." Caleb retorted sharply. "And that is not going to happen." He said dismissively.
Huh, Caleb seems almost....jealous? "You ruin all my fun Caleb." Nick stated, as he stood up and moved into the kitchen. "We'll just have to see about that, now won't we?" He added with a smirk.
I rolled my eyes. "Sorry, I'm going to have to go with Caleb on this one. I think I'll have to pass on that payment." I said with a laugh.
Nick scoffed. "You just wait, I'll have you eating out of the palm of my hand soon enough. You won't even know what hit you."
I laughed a little more, as I directed my gaze to Caleb. He looked irritated at the whole conversation, as I furrowed my brows. "Yes well, I suppose we will see about all that." He said icily. "Anyways, Nick and I need to speak alone. Melinda would you mind going upstairs?"
I saluted him playfully. "Not a problem boss. You got it." With that, I moved up the staircase. As I did, I faintly heard Caleb say "Quit doing that!" to which Nick replied "What, she's hot!"
I shook my head with a smile, as I moved into my bedroom. Dusk was quickly approaching, as I moved towards the window pane. Everything looked so...eerie. All the wilting trees and dying trees made the atmosphere almost...scary.
I couldn't help but think about how Caleb was acting when Nick was saying all that. He seemed annoyed, jealous even. Does he like me or something? Nah, Caleb wouldn't. That's a silly thought.
But you know, there is still that chance that he does. I mean, who knows? He seems awfully protective of me. And just the way he looks at me, sometimes makes me think that he's attractive to me....in more than a friend way.
As I was looking out the window, I could have sworn I saw a figure move between the trees. This caused me to gasp, as I jerked away from the window. "Okay, I know for a fact I just saw that!" I exclaimed aloud.
Hurriedly I moved down the stairs, as I nearly crashed into Caleb. "Whoa! Slow down Melinda. What's going on?" He questioned, staring strangely at me.
"I just saw someone outside of your house! I swear! It was moving in between the trees and then was gone!" I said in one breath. "I'm not lying. I think there's someone out there."
Immediately Caleb became alarmed. "Go up into your bedroom, lock the door, and stay away from the window." He ordered, as Nick rounded the corner from the bathroom. He looked confused.
"What's up? Everything okay?" Nick asked, an eyebrow raised.
"Someone's outside. We need to go and scan the forest. So go on Melinda, do as I say and don't come out until I come and get you. Understand?" Caleb looked far more serious than before.
My eyes got big. "Yes I understand but what if it---"
"I said go upstairs. I will be fine. Just do as you're told." He interrupted harshly, and with a groan I headed back up the stairs. I ran into my room, locking the door and window. Slowly I sat down on my bed, my heart pounding hard.
Great, something's outside, that no doubt wants to me. And I'm hiding up here like some baby? What if Caleb or Nick get hurt? I can't let that happen. But then again, there's not much I can do, seeing as I'm just a regular girl. A regular human girl to be exact.
After sitting for a few minutes, I grew bored and carefully got up. I know he said not to go by the window, but I have to see if they're alright. Quickly I moved towards it, and pulled back the curtain. All I could see was darkness outside, and with a loud huff, I dropped the curtain.
Turning around, I let out a huge scream. Nick was standing there, his face contorted into a look of pain. "Jesus woman do you have to scream?!" He exclaimed, and I rolled my eyes.
"Well I wouldn't have to if you didn't scare the hell out of me!" I replied back harshly. "What's going on? Is Caleb okay?"
This time he rolled his eyes. "Yeah, he's fine. We searched the forest, but didn't find anyone. There was a scent though, but I couldn't figure out who." I gulped as he said this.
"So what does that mean? I didn't lie, I swear I saw a figure out there in the trees!" I said, and Nick nodded his head.
"I know that, I believe you. All I'm saying is that whatever you saw, is gone now. Which isn't a good thing. That means what whatever or whoever it was, will be coming back. Did you see any features on the person?"
I shrugged. "No, I mean it was dark and it was just for a second. Who do you think it was Nick?" I asked, my stomach getting knots in it.
He sighed. "One of Jace's men I assume. And if he saw you, which it seems he must have, then we're in deep shit." I let out a groan of frustration. "I know. Look, I'll go talk to Caleb and we'll figure something out. Everything will be fine."
Judging by his voice, I could tell that he was a little worried as well. Which is not a comforting thing by the way. Nick seems so carefree, and if he's nervous well, then that makes me nervous.
There was a loud banging noise downstairs, that made me jump.
Hurriedly Nick headed downstairs, so I followed close in toe. "Caleb! We need to get the hell out of here. I think whatever was outside saw Melinda and---" Both Nick and I grew still, as our eyes widened.
Caleb had his hands behind his back, and was face down on the living room floor. A man was straddling him, as he pressed his knee into the back of his neck. I let out a gasp, as Nick stepped in front of me protectively.
"Don't try to move." The man holding Caleb ordered. He was wearing all black, and almost looked like he was wearing some sort of uniform. His jet black hair and pale skin made him look more...evil. Before we had a chance to do anything, the door was kicked in, and 3 other guys barged inside. I screamed when I realized one was behind me.
"This is her! The girl!" He exclaimed, as he latched onto me. I shrieked, as I tried to wiggle away from him. Nick was slammed into the wall, as 2 men grabbed onto him roughly. "Jace is going to be so pleased with us!"
"Let her go!" Caleb yelled from the floor. I heard him moan as the man holding him punched him. I cried out, as I attempted to break free.
"You're not going anywhere girly." The man gripping me murmured. "You're my golden ticket." I tried to elbow him, but he quickly caught it. "Ah, ah. None of that. I heard you were a spitfire, so you'd better not fuck this up."
He began to drag me down the stairs, as I dug my heels into the floor. "Caleb!" I screamed out, as he jerked me to the bottom. "Nick! Get off me!" I could see Nick being restrained by the men as well, and I gulped.
Oh my god. This is not good. Who the hell are these guys? Are they going to try and take me to Jace? What are they going to do to Caleb and Nick?
Caleb swung at the guy, and managed to hit him in the face. He stumbled back, but before Caleb could do anything else, the man took something out. I yelled when I saw that it was a needle. "Look out!"
Before he could dodge it, the man sent it plummeting into his neck. Caleb hissed in pain, and Nick jerked himself away, kicking one guy in the gut. He groaned, and quickly Nick slammed his fist into the other one's face.
In the blink of an eye, Nick was in front of me, and threw the guy holding me across the room. Nick grabbed onto me, running for the door. Caleb was lying facedown on the floor, and I gasped.
Nick continued to pull me along. We made it outside, but immediately we stopped dead in out tracks. I didn't say a word, as I looked up slowly. All around us, there must have been at least 20 men circling us.
They were all dressed in the same uniform, holding what appeared to be weapons. I gulped, as Nick squeezed me slightly. "Not. Expecting. That." Was all he said.
My heart was pounding, as I looked at them all. "W-who are t-they?"
Shaking his head, Nick cursed. "It's Jace's men. He knows." As the words left his mouth, and unsettling feeling overcame me.
Oh no. Jace is coming.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A loud tapping came from my door, as my eyes flickered in its direction. Slowly standing up from my desk, I stretched. "Come in." I beckoned, as I moved towards my fireplace.
The embers flickered, as I gazed silently at it. "Sir...if I may be so bold to speak to you." I glanced back, and saw Harold, a servant, standing there. Rolling my eyes, I turned towards him.
He was a thin, middle-aged man who served in the kitchen. I wrinkled my nose at him and his ragged appearance.
"What is it? I have other matters to deal with." I retorted. Carefully he entered, his small frame shaking slightly. I held in a snicker. What a pathetic excuse of a human. My help certainly has been lacking. I should really get to the auction house, this is embarrassing.
He gulped slightly. "I--I have a m-message for you s-sir." He stuttered like an idiot. I narrowed my eyes at him harshly.
"And what would that message be?" I demanded. I've been growing quite moody lately. There is one thing that has been driving me insane: the girl. I have been searching for her for years, and now I finally make contact. But I have no idea where the hell she is.
All I know, is that she belongs to me. And I will not rest until I get what is rightfully mine. I don't care how long it takes, I will have her.
"It's from F-Franklin sir. He says his men did it. They found the--the girl."
Immediately I snapped my head up. "What? You're sure? They've found her? Where? And with whom?" I said, my attention fixated on him. "If you are lying to me boy, I will rip you apart."
His eyes grew fearsome, but he shook his head. "I speak the truth, sir. Franklin said that he found him with Caleb Turner and Nicholas Tyler. They have the girl as well. The two were protecting her, and even tried to evade the authorities." I balled my fists up, anger consuming me.
"Turner? Are you sure it was him? How dare he do this. Try to hide what is rightfully mine. I will have him slaughtered for this, mark my words." I spat venomously. "Where are they now? I want to see her immediately."
Harold nodded slowly. "They are approaching the castle grounds as we speak, sir. Franklin should be arriving soon."
"That will be all. Get out." I ordered, and he scurried out of here like a coward. I gritted my teeth. Caleb. I should have known he would try something so futile. To think, that he has something of mine. The girl does not belong to him. If he laid a finger on her, I will give him the worst kind of death.
And Nicholas. I already hate that man. He will suffer as well. They all will.
I walked towards the door, anticipation overcoming me. I have waited years for this moment. This girl is something special. I do not know what yet, but she's different. Something quite different.
And she is mine.
Tonight, I will take back what I lost.