Page 13

chapter twelve

Enzo

T wo weeks after saving the vamps from the feral, we were back in the woods, standing over another mutilated deer's corpse. Since I killed the one feral that night, it’s like three of them have popped up in its place.

“Same one as the last time?” Chayton asks

“No,” Alarick says. “Not the same. Different scent.”

“So, we have at least three different ferals roaming around here.” I say to verify what Alarick is telling us.

He nods. “Maybe even more. I’m picking up another faint scent that isn’t either of the other three.”

“Fuck,” Chayton growls, running his hands through his hair. “What the hell is going on? It’s uncommon to have one feral on your lands, let alone multiple.”

"Are you sure this isn't linked to the vamps?" Zyion asks. “I mean, it can’t be a coincidence the ferals started showing up after they arrived.”

He had a point there. I’ve lived on these lands all my life and we never had a run in with a feral. Now, all of a sudden, we have multiples.

“Ferals are no more attracted to vampires than any other being,” Alarick states.

“Could whoever they’re running from be sending them?” I ask. If that bloodsucker has the sisters hiding out with us, who’s to say he wouldn’t recruit a bunch of ferals to work for him.

“Ferals rarely work with others. That’s why they’re feral,” Chayton says. “But something has to be drawing them here.”

That’s the truth. Something has them swarming around our pack like bees to a queen.

“We may need to go on the offense,” I suggest. “Instead of sitting back and waiting for them to attack, we might need to start a small scout party to go out looking for them.”

“Enzo’s right,” Alarick says. “It’s not a case of if they attack, it’s more like when. And if we can find them and get rid of them before they get bold, we can get ahead of this.”

Chayton sighs as he folds his arms over his chest. “Alright, Zyion, I’m going to have you spearhead this. Gather as many as you need.”

“I can do it,” I say to Chayton. “I have more experience.”

Chayton shakes his head. “I need you to continue monitoring the vampires.”

Two months have gone by since they showed up here and I’ve yet to find any proof that they are up to no good or for them to slip up and show their true colors. This is starting to feel like a dummy mission.

“Those two still haven’t played their hands?” Zyion asks.

Other than them slipping away to feed that night the feral attacked, they really have broken no rules. I told Chayton about them leaving, but even he said he knew at some point they would need to go.

I at least thought they would’ve gotten angry and left by now. The pack has not let up on making them miserable. Just this morning, they awoke to the word leech spray painted on their front door. Two days ago, someone set fire to a bag of shit on their doorstep, and they’ve had so many dead animals left on their porch they could start a pet cemetery. Even with all that, they remain.

“Your slave owning founding fathers were much more brutal.” Her words that night in Chayton’s kitchen echoes back in my head. “I’ve lived long enough to experience and see more hate and torture than you will ever know.”

“She’s not leaving,” my wolf says in my head.

“She will eventually,” I tell him.

Eventually, she’ll crack and leave or show her true colors. I’ll be glad either way.

“Not yet,” Chayton huffs. “I’m starting to think she’s actually a loyal friend to Elizabeth.”

“What if what they say is true?” Alarick asks. “What if they aren’t hiding something and they are genuinely here for our help?”

Chayton, Zyion, and I look at each other before we burst out laughing.

“I’m not sure about all that,” Chayton says. “She’s hiding something. I just don’t think she means any harm to my mate.”

On that, he and I agree. After watching them interact and hearing their stories that night at dinner, I realized she really thought she was friends with Luna.

Before I could respond, a member of our pack runs up to us.

“Alpha, we have a problem. The drivers came back from their lumber drop in town. They said everyone in Jonesville is talking about a family that was found dead last night.”

“Why is that a problem for me?” Chayton asks the same question that’s on my mind.

“Because someone drained the bodies of blood.”

“Fuck,” Zyion swears.

Chayton turns to me. “Did they leave last night?”

I think back to my patrol. They went in about nine last night and I didn’t see them move again. Around midnight, I went to bed.

“I don’t think so. But they slipped out once before without me knowing.”

The night the feral attacked them, I had no idea they were gone. The only reason I found out is because around midnight, some of the guys set off fireworks on their front porch. I waited for her to run out at the sound. When she didn’t, I knew something was wrong. That’s when I looked for their car and found it missing.

“Well, you might want to get back to town. The pack knows about the family and they’re out for blood,” the wolf warns.

“Chayton,” Alarick says, getting our attention. “You don’t want that.” His warning gives me pause. However, I don’t have time to think about it. We all take off back toward town.

By the time we get back, our entire pack was outside of the vamp’s cabin demanding their heads.

Chayton and I push through the crowd. The oldest vamp is standing up on the porch. Her face is neutral as she stares back at the angry wolves. The youngest is behind her pacing. She has that tired look on her face again. The same one she had right before they left to feed that last time. She paces behind her sister with her hands at her head.

Luna is standing with them. Miko is in wolf form at her side. She’s doing her best to control the wolves.

“It’s over, Luna,” Phaedra says. “They killed a family in town.”

“We killed no one,” the oldest vamp yells over the crowd.

“Don’t speak to me, leech,” Phaedra shouts. Torak holds his mother back when she tries to take a step toward the stairs of the porch.

The oldest vamp lifts a brow at Phaedra but doesn’t speak again. Her face remains in that neutral state.

“They said they didn’t do it,” Luna argues.

“They lie,” an elderly wolf says.

“They must go,” an unmated male demands.

“Kill them,” Rue screams.

A rock flies straight toward the oldest vamp’s face. She catches the rock midair and drops it on the ground.

“Do. Not do that,” her voice drops and for the first time, that neutral control slips, and I see the threat behind her words.

I’d never let her hurt a member of my pack, but I understand her anger.

“Michaela, it’s too much,” the youngest vamp whimpers behind her sister, still clutching her head.

The neutral stare slips back over the oldest vamp’s face.

“Fight it. I can’t help right now.”

I don’t know what they are talking about. But they have this conversation often. The oldest tells the youngest about a block and the youngest tells her it’s up.

“They have to go,” a wolf says. “Surrender the vampires.”

Everyone shouts those three words.

“Chayton,” Alarick says behind us. “You better get up there and get control of this.”

“If they killed that family, there is no getting control.”

“They didn’t do it,” I say, shocking myself.

Chayton turns to me. “How do you know?”

I look back at the youngest vamp. I take note of the dark shadows under her eyes. The way her skin looks dull and even the gaunt look on her face. The night I found them after they went to town, they both looked refreshed. Their skin was glowing, and the youngest looked so much healthier.

However, I didn’t know how to explain that to Chayton. So I tell him, “I just know.”

“They didn’t,” Alarick chimes in. “If a vampire drains a human, they will show signs of over-gorging. Their pupils will be dilated and there will be a red rim around their irises. They both look as if they need feeding, not like they’ve over fed.”

I didn’t know the signs of overfeeding, but I’d watched them long enough to know the signs of underfeeding.

Even though the crowd is in an uproar and shouting, I can still hear the whispered plea from the youngest vamp.

“Please,” she cries.

The oldest turns just in time to see the youngest collapse. She grabs her before she hits the ground.

“Marley,” Luna screams.

The crowd quiets. Chayton and I both make our way up the steps and onto the porch.

I don’t take my eyes off the two vamps. I don’t get much emotion from the oldest vamp. Every now and again, her facade falls and I can see anger, but never anything other than that. Looking at the way she’s cradling her sister, stroking her face so gently, I can read the concern over her face clear as day.

“Enough,” Chayton shouts. “It wasn’t them that killed the family.”

“Even if it wasn’t, they need to go. They have lured another vampire to us.”

Couldn’t argue with that.

“I will get to the bottom of this. Right now, I need you all to go back to your homes. That is a command from your Alpha.”

A few grumbles go up, but they can’t disobey Chayton. The crowd disbursed, leaving only me, Zyion, Chayton, Alarick, Torak, Miko, and Luna with the vamps.

We all turn our attention to the vampires. The youngest still hasn’t woken up yet.

“I’ll help you get her inside,” Alarick offers.

He walks around me, taking the youngest vamp out of the oldest hands. She doesn’t put up a fight. Part of me wonders whether she would have allowed me to carry the girl inside.

We all walk into the house. Alarick places the girl on the couch. The oldest immediately goes over to the youngest, kneeling at her head. Luna tries to go to her, but Chayton grabs her arm. Elizabeth snatches away from him and kneels beside her friend.

“What’s wrong with her?” Torak asks. He’s standing behind the couch, looking down at the youngest.

“She’s an empath,” the oldest says as she places a hand over the youngest chest. “She can manipulate and absorb emotions.”

“What the fuck?” Chayton shouts in my head. “Did you know they could do that?”

“It’s not uncommon for vampires to have abilities, just like wolves,” Alarick answers. “Although I’ve never heard of this one.”

“Should we be worried?” Zyion asks.

“I don’t think so.” Alarick replies.

“Why is she passed out?” I find myself asking out loud.

It takes a moment for the vamp to answer. She shuts her eyes. “Marley is young. An infant by vampire years. She doesn’t have control of her gift yet. Usually, it isn’t a problem. But being around so many people that hate and despise you can be a lot. It’s like a heavy weight pressing down on you constantly. She tries to block it out, but it requires a lot of energy. Energy that isn’t restored by animal blood.”

Oldest opens her eyes. I notice the difference in them immediately. They glow a light brown for a split second before going back to normal.

A soft gasp has me turning back to the youngest vampire. She’s up now. Her gaze bouncing around the room.

“What happened? Are they here to eat us?”

I’d laugh if it wasn’t her.

She looks over at her sister, her gaze narrowing. “Are you okay?”

“It’s fine,” the oldest answers.

I notice that even though the youngest is awake; she doesn’t look any better than she did before she passed out.

The youngest sits up slowly on the couch. Luna stands as well. I watch the oldest climb to her feet. She staggers slightly but covers it up quickly.

“What does she need?” Luna asks.

“She needs to feed.” She turns to Chayton after answering. “I’ve obeyed your rules. I did not feed on anyone in Jonesville. And I definitely wouldn’t have drained them.”

Chayton seems to take in what she says before replying. “I know.”

“If you don’t mind, I need to leave tonight again. She needs blood.”

“She can have mine,” Luna volunteers.

Disgust fills me.

“Hell no,” Chayton shouts.

“No,” I say at the same time.

“Absolutely not,” the oldest vamp says, causing me and Chayton to turn and look at her. I don’t think either of us expected her to deny Elizabeth’s request the way she did.

“I love you for wanting to help, Liz. But that will never be an option.”

Luna places her hands on her hips. “Well then, go and get her blood. Do you need me to stay here with her until you get back?”

“No. She can come with me.”

With that, the vamp walks out of the living room, leaving her sister behind. She has never done that. Something was off with her. Something happened when she shut her eyes that caused her to get weak.

Luna turns to face all of us. “Can I speak with you all outside?” She doesn’t wait for us to reply as she storms out past us.

“Sounds like you guys are about to get in trouble,” the youngest vamp sings.

I turn to look at her, and she smiles at me. Without another thought, we all follow Luna outside. Torak is the last to leave the house. He shuts the door behind him. Luna turns around to glare at us.

“Are you happy now? Was that enough of an answer for you guys? Can you put down your pitch forks?”

“Luna,” Chayton calls her name. She holds up her hand to stop him.

“No, Chayton. I get it. You’ve got bad blood with vampires. But you guys aren’t giving her a chance. She has followed every rule you gave her, even to the detriment of their health. She’s taken months’ worth of your bullying and torment without retaliating.”

I glance over to Chayton, who has a guilty look on his face. The look probably mirrors my own.

“You thought I didn’t know about it?” Luna asks, huffing. “I’m still Luna of this pack. I have the same connection you have with them. I’ve felt the tension, but Michaela refused to allow me to do anything about it.” Luna drops her hands from her waist and sighs.

“Michaela is the strongest person I know. She has never asked or needed anything from me. Yet she has always been my backbone. If she is here asking for help, I know she needs it. I’m asking you as your wife,” she looks to Chayton. “the mother to your godchild,” she cuts her eyes to me. “your friend and luna,” she turns to the others. “to please give her a chance.”

“Sorry,” we all say at once.

“I’m going back in to see if they need anything before they leave.” She walks past us and slips back into the house.

We stand on the porch for a moment in silence, all feeling thoroughly chastised.

“We’ve got ferals and vampires in my town,” Chayton says. “This isn’t good.”

“You sure they aren’t drawn to those two?” Zyion points to the door. “Not saying they are in cahoots with them. I’m just saying maybe their scent is drawing them.”

Alarick shakes his head. “No. I doubt they are following the scent.”

“Could it be the vampire looking for them?” Torak asks. “Maybe he’s here for them.”

“That could be possible,” I say.

“Wouldn’t explain the ferals,” Alarick adds.

Chayton rubs his chin. “Either way, we need to be prepared. Time to train some scouts. Enzo, I want you and Alarick to take charge of that. And in the morning, I want you to talk to Michaela. See if this vampire has anything to do with her.”

“I got you.”

We go our separate ways after that.

I wake to a scrubbing sound in the middle of the night. Turning to look at my clock on the nightstand, I see that it’s almost three in the morning. Rolling out of bed, I grab a t-shirt and slip it on, following the noise out of the house. Stepping out onto my porch, I spot the oldest vamp down on her knees. A bucket at her side. Painted like blotches of artwork on her doors and all over the front porch, is what I assume is blood.

Looks like the pack is back at it again. I figured there would be some backlash over what went down tonight. Even though they now know the vamps didn’t kill anyone, they aren’t happy about them being here still. I turn to go back inside when her voice pops into my head. “ Your slave owning founding fathers were much more brutal.”

Running a hand down my face, I turn back around. Even though this stuff doesn’t faze her, I still go over.

I know she hears me coming. Vampire’s hearing isn’t as good as ours, but it’s still better than humans. She doesn’t turn around or stop scrubbing.

“You’re going to make your hands bleed if you keep scrubbing that hard.”

She continues scrubbing vigorously without acknowledging me. Glancing over her back, I take in the spot she’s rubbing. There is no blood there.

“I think you can move on from that spot,” I joke.

She stops, slamming the brush against the wood a few times, before slumping forward as if she’s tired. I notice for the first time her soft sniffles. Walking around to get a better view of her face, I see the red tears tracking down her cheeks. She’s crying. Damn, I wasn’t expecting that. The sight of her tears makes me feel weird. Even my wolf doesn’t know what to do. He’s pacing inside of me.

“Do you want me to do it?” I ask because I don’t know what else to do.

She shakes her head.

“It won’t matter. The blood has already settled into the wood.”

“Well, isn’t that a good thing? You guys like blood, right?”

She sniffles, using the back of her hand to wipe her nose. “This is dead blood. It reeks and it will only get worse as the days pass. Old blood has a rotten smell, but old dead blood is ten times worse.”

I didn’t smell anything but the metallic scent of blood. However, I’m not a vampire.

“Sorry,” I say lamely.

She shrugs. “It’s all good. Go back to bed, Beta.” She goes back to scrubbing the wood planks.

“Why won’t you leave? I’m not being an asshole.” I try to explain. “This is a genuine question. Why put you and your sister through this if you could just leave?”

She stops scrubbing, turning her head to me. Her face isn’t neutral now. There isn’t much emotion, but it isn’t that unbothered stare she usually has.

“Because she means the world to me, and I will do everything I can to protect her.”

I assume she is talking about her sister. Whoever this person is after the youngest vamp is truly someone to fear.

“Could the fiancé be the one in town draining bodies?”

She pauses, looking down at her hands. I wait for her to respond.

She turns to me and shrugs. “I don’t know. But I highly doubt it.”

She then goes back to scrubbing the wood. I leave her alone after that, walking back into my home. I stay up all night listening to the sound of bristles feverously scrubbing against wood.