Disclaimer: Blah, blah, blah. The usual... I own nothing except for Marleene and her two doggies. :)
I watched Evelyn walk back into the building. I clenched my jaw, picked up my helmet, and made my way to my men's Hummers, for they were only a mile away. I broke out in my inhuman speed and found myself in front of their trucks in seconds. They stopped their trucks when they saw me and Lieutenant Knowington got out of the leading Hummer. I sighed and walked up to meet him.
"General Dalton, are the humans there?"
I nodded, "Yes. I saw them before I left, but I don't know if they are still there or not. Go on ahead and see if they're there."
"Yes sir." Lieutenant Knowington got back into the Hummer and told his men to head to the building.
I mentally groaned and hauled my ass inside one of the other Hummers. My men looked at me questioningly, but I shook my head saying, "It's nothing. Move!" They dipped their heads and I felt the truck move on the gravel. Please be gone, please be gone. I don't want anything to happen to my brother or Evelyn. And the others, well I hope nothing happens to them either because they are Evelyn's friends… I mentally sighed. And she kissed me… and I didn't even try to bite her… That girl is going to ruin me. My fucking ass has to be in love with that damn girl! Fucking fuck! My eyes widened at the thought. Before I knew it we were in front of the building and all of my men were cautiously making their way to the front door. I heard a few grunts and saw the front door cave in. Great!
I stood back a few inches from my unit and watched them search the building. I turned my attention to the storage vicinities and wondered why my men weren't searching over in that direction. I rolled my eyes and went to investigate. I went to the one on my left, hoisted myself up and looked down the opening. I saw a pair of green orbs looking my way and swallowed. So they didn't leave. I guess they didn't have time to. I saw two more pairs of eyes on me and saw two furry things right in my face. I flinched a little and saw Evelyn grab her dogs. I saw her hands make a fist and I instinctively held out my hand to her. Her hands unclenched and I heard her take in a shaky breath. "Shhh… It's me. Don't worry." Evelyn smiled and nodded in understanding.
I jumped down and saw my men coming this way. I waved them off, "It's okay, I'm clear over here. I guess they fled." They put their guns around their shoulders and headed back outside. I sighed and followed my unit.
I heard Elvis, Edward and Audrey take in huge, rickety breaths. I rubbed Max and Pete and hoisted them out of the wine storage. I shook my legs once I got out of the winery, "Man, was that intense!" They all looked my way and I raised my hands in defense, "Hey, I had one of them right in my face okay." Their eyes widened in surprise. "But, it was Frankie. So it's okay. He said to not worry. He wouldn't tell his men that we were here." Edward let out a groan and Audrey touched his back. He glanced at her and she smiled. I knew then that they fell in love when they first made eye contact. I cleared my throat and looked to Elvis.
Elvis looked in my direction and said, "It's time that we go. Come on." He headed towards the back door saying, "Kid, we're going to take your truck. Now give me those keys." He held his hand out in front of his body. I fished in my pockets and pulled out a pair of keys.
"I'm sorry Elvis, but it's my truck. I get to drive this time."
He sighed, grabbed a bag, and headed outside. I, on the other hand, smirked. Edward and Audrey chuckled and told me that they would meet me outside as well.
I nodded, "Max, Pete come one boys. We're going for a ride." They both barked and bounced flamboyantly to the back door. I shook my head and snickered. I don't need to see your asses wag… geeze. I went to my 'bedroom' and grabbed my duffel bag; I then made my way to my truck.
Max and Pete were waiting patiently for me to tell them where to sit, since the others were already sitting in their designated areas. "You boys can sit in the back with the bike, okay? There's not enough room inside. You boys get in-" I opened the tailgate and watched them hop up. "And you better lay still. No sitting up – don't want any vampires biting you." Max and Pete's ears fell back a little at the word vampire and biting. I shut the tailgate saying, "Remember, no sitting up!" With that I went to the driver's side and opened the door.
"About time, kid. We were waiting forever."
I grunted in reply. I put the key in the ignition and turned, put my seat belt on; then I put the truck in drive. "Okay, are we still going to Turner's spot Audrey?"
"Yep, we sure are. Now, get a move one. We don't want to make them worry," she replied.
A soft 'okay' slid from my mouth.
The whole time we were driving I kept sneaking glances to the rear-view mirror. Edward had Audrey wrapped between his arms. I smiled. A few minutes later we arrived at Senator Turner's hideout. We all jumped out, except the dogs, for they were told to stay in the back. Elvis was leading the way and reached the door first. He gasped, grabbed his crossbow from his bag, and held it out in front of him.
Audrey scrunched up her eyebrows and walked towards him whispering, "Elvis, what is it? Is something wrong?"
Elvis pushed the door open and peaked inside. He dropped his crossbow and groaned. Edward and I glanced at each other and stepped closer to the door.
What I saw led tears to my eyes. Everyone… every one of them was dead. Th-this can't be happening. Not again. I shook my head, "Not again." I heard Audrey take in a wallowed breath and cry. She looked behind her and walked towards me. She grabbed me into a tight hug and sobbed. I took in a shuddered breath and clasped my arms around her, my tears soaking her shirt.
She whispered, "This can't be happening. Marleene… I thought this would never happen again. Not for you."
I sighed and replied, "Audrey, this is not your fault. Everyone dies sometime… I… I just want to leave. I don't want to think about… about anything." I let my arms fall from her, and backed away turning towards Elvis. I threw my keys in his direction and sniffed, "You can drive for now. I don't feel like driving anymore."
He nodded in understanding. "Let's go."
Before we got into the truck Edward said, "I think I know someone who can help us."
We stopped in our tracks and faced him. Elvis replied, "Are you sure we can trust him, Edward? Truly trust him, now that you're a human?"
Edward shrugged, "I'm pretty sure it will be okay. I know where he lives. Let me drive Elvis, I can get there faster."
Elvis groaned, but handed the keys over. Audrey and I glanced at one another and smiled sadly. Though all of our friends are gone, we still have each other. I… I will be okay. I still have them.
