Page 92 of Those That Are Lost

“That’s not made anything any clearer,” I grumble, irritated now.

“We can’t leave you exposed to danger,” Antares explains. “I started getting this intense feeling that we can’t sleep in Henry’s room when there’s two vampires bonded to another in this flat. So, we’re sleeping in here instead.”

“That’s not necessary. Mitch is on our side, and Demetri is still firmly tied up and in some fucked up drained coma in the closet.”

“I tried to tell them I mean you no harm.” Mitch shrugs, palms raised. I glare as he descends into laughter once more.

I turn away, facing Antares once more. “Thank you for your concern but we will be fine.”

“Rory, please don’t kick us out. I won’t sleep a wink knowing he’s between you and us.”

“So put him in Henry’s room and you take the couch!” I suggest, bringing my hand up to rub my temple. Fear flashes at the base of my skull and it takes a second to comprehend that it’s Antares feelings.

“Rory, please,” he whines, giving me the biggest puppy dog eyes. I feel myself caving.

“Sorry, Red.” Ty gives me a pointed look. “I can empathise. The bond forces the instinct on them. And as our situation is a little unconventional right now, I get why it’s so strong.”

“You could have reminded us of that before we drank from you,” Henry grouches as he settles on the floor.

“Hey, I’m not stopping you from sleeping in your bed,” Ty responds. “You really don’t need to be in here.”

Anxiety blooms in my stomach that Henry might be regretting this already but as I seek the thread to him, I don’tget any resentment from him. In fact, he feels content, despite his words.

Dropping my head, and taking a deep inhale, I give in to the madness and cross the room to the bed.

“Fine, but you’rebothon the floor,” I say, giving Antares a less than soft kick with my feet as I get under the covers and sprawl out down the side where he’s sitting.

“Yay! Sleepover.” He brightens right back up and disappears into the bathroom.

Ty and Henry resume chatting quietly as I look at Mitch again.

“You may as well join in too.” I gesture for him to come into the room.

“Nah,” he says, still chuckling. “I’m sticking with the couch. Have fun, you guys.” And with that he closes the bedroom door as he leaves us to it.

CHAPTER 36

AURORA

Arriving on the street of Claire’s parents’ house is the most surreal feeling. The last time I was here it was Hallow’s Eve, eighteen months ago. It was the night I met Ty. I didn’t know I was a vampire, or that I’d been selected to become the mate of the head of the pack here.

And now I was returning to take up that role. Only, it would be with the male that deserved the leadership. Not the sadistic prick that currently held control of this city.

Not that any of the citizens we passed would ever find out what is about to go down. The control the pack has over the city is purely one only known about to the other vampire groups living in secret. No, the people of this city would continue blissfully unaware that vampires still stalked their streets, but hopefully Ty and I could provide the safety required, and the food resource to ensure the survival of our species.

The closer we got to Claire’s house, the more my confidence in this hair brained scheme grew. The familiar streets, the smell of the water nearby, the sounds of patrons chatting at the coffee shop across the street. This was my city. The normalcy of the day around us felt slightly jarring, theworld carrying on as we prepared to start the fight of our lives.

The ferryback to Froan was a strain on all our nerves. Not only did we have to finally dispose of Demetri, but we also had to ensure we went undetected at the docks.

Ty and I had run through scenarios in our minds as we’d showered and dressed in the ensuite together. Then, we’d woken the others and began the task of folding our hostage like a pretzel into the suitcase we’d acquired. It had involved breaking a few bones which had made me gag, but I’d needed to do it. I’d killed accidentally before but never on purpose. The memories of the body I’d previously disposed of threatened to overwhelm my senses as we worked but Ty reminded me how different these situations were. Those we were taking out were not innocent. They were targeting us. It was an us or them situation.

That steeled my resolve and I was able to finish the task without remorse.

We’d all worked in near silence as we’d packed up at Henry’s apartment. Leaving in darkness to catch the dawn boat.

The capital was quiet as we’d made our way to the docks. Early deliveries and a few commuters were the only movement on the streets. Our little group arrived at the water’s edge early so that we could enact part one of our cover.

“Let’s get this over with,” Mitch said as we looked out over the water of the harbour, away from the ferry we’d be boarding soon, to where the dock workers were prepping for the departure.