Chapter Ten

John regained consciousness and saw nothing, except a small sliver of light right in front of him. He tried to move and found walls on all sides of him. His hands and feet were shackled. Obviously, someone wasn't taking any chances on him getting free. He shouted his voice hoarse "Is anyone out there? Someone answer me!"

He heard some soft muttering, at least two people, who were clearly ignoring his shouting. Instead of continuing, he took the opposite approach of trying to eavesdrop instead. He heard a shrill female voice, "Brady, no! We can't kill him; Tony is using him as bait. So you just stay away from that hunter."

A male, probably Brady, answered. "Bait? For who? The only people who are coming after him are those two male hunters, its suicide to hold him. Tony doesn't even know those two!"

"No, not for those two….the girl! She's his daughter. Tony is hopeful that she'll come to rescue him, and walk straight into the trap."

Brady sighed, "This is a moronic plan. Why does Tony want her dead anyway?"

"I dunno. Something about the student killing the teacher. Except that he's the teacher, she's the student who's trying to kill him." The car lurched to a stop, causing John to smack his head on the side of his box, he groaned his head throbbing. The woman continued, "Better take him to the holding area, and do not hurt him Brady. Tony will kill you, again, if you do."

Brady grumbled and a door slammed. John heard him walking around the side of the car and opening a back, or maybe side door. Suddenly his box was filled with light, blinding him instantly. Still grumbling, Brady smacked him over the head again. John slumped, unconscious. When he awoke again, he was in a caged area, but this time in a building. It was a miserable little place, cold and dark. He looked around for some way to escape, seeing nothing useful. He tested the one side, complete with iron bars and gate, kicking it with all of his might. It barely rattled, and the other walls were concrete, no way out there. John searched his pockets, hopeful that he had something to pick the lock on that gate. But it appeared as if they had searched him before placing him in his newest cage. Resigned to the fact that he was stuck, he slid down the wall to the floor.

Dawn came and went as John sat there, continuing to evaluate his options. He could always try a sneak attack. Pretend to be asleep, and when one of the vamps approached him, attack. But if they never came for him alone, that would be problematic. Or, they could have just left him here to die, and might never come back for him. He doubted that though. No vampire he'd ever heard of would leave behind a potential meal, and go hunting when they had dinner sitting around at home. No, more than likely they'd be coming for him, he just hoped for a chance to fight when they did. John dozed on and off throughout the day, it was best to try and sleep when his enemy would be sleeping. But since his surroundings were so harsh, he was having a hard time staying asleep for more than a few minutes at a time. As nightfall drew closer, he steeled himself for the return of his captors. He was very concerned about his children; he couldn't help but think the worst. The last he had seen of them, they all looked unconscious and were bleeding quite heavily. He prayed that, somehow, they had managed to get to a doctor.

Night fell, and he heard someone approaching, footsteps echoing down the hall. He readied himself for an attack, if the opportunity presented itself. A male vampire came into view, carrying a plate and a small cup. John didn't recognize him at first, but when he spoke he recognized Brady's harsh and commanding tone. "Eat hunter. You'll need to keep up your strength. The master's orders." He slid the cup and plate along the floor and through the bars.

John smirked, "Or, you could just kill me and get it over with already." He turned his head, ignoring the food that was before him. He was starving, but he wanted to entice the vamp into entering the cell where he sat.

"Whatever you like. Personally, I don't care if you starve. But just remember, the master isn't after you, not really at least. And you'll need your strength, especially if the master wants to make you his wife's pet." The vampire walked away, whistling a tune to himself. John continued trying to ignore the food that had been brought for him. Having a sudden thought, he reached for the plate. Damn, it was paper, as was the cup; no opportunity for a weapon here. As he sat there, food in front of him, he realized just how hungry he was. He hadn't eaten since the diner and that had been nearly two days ago. He couldn't think of any valid reason to ignore the sustenance that had been provided. Without considering his options any longer, he wolfed down the meager meal. Bread, water, and some type of vegetable that he couldn't really identify. As soon as his stomach was full, he began feeling sleepy again. John had forgotten about that, after any meal, he had a tendency to get tired. He tried to fight his growing sleepiness, but soon appeared to be losing the battle. He closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep again, seemingly unable to help himself.

When John awoke again, he found himself in yet another room. Cursing, he looked around. Of course, they had drugged the food, why hadn't he considered that? Maybe he had some type of head trauma, because he certainly wasn't thinking clearly the last few days. This room was well lit, large and circular. His arms were tied securely above his head, and he was suspended from the ceiling. He only saw one door, leading in or out. He struggled desperately, straining at his bonds. The rope cut into his wrists, small trickles of blood ran down his arms. Exhausted, he sagged a little, and felt a sharp and painful pull between his shoulders. Pulled one last time, he yelled out in pain, blood running in little rivers from his wrists. Still feeling slightly drowsy and weak from the drugs, he stopped struggling and hung there in complete silence. He needed a better plan.

A creaking sound brought John's head up to look at the door. A tall, lean, dark-haired man entered. Dressed casually in jeans, and what looked like a black mesh shirt. He smiled at John, "Ah, the great hunter. Not so big and scary now, are you?" John ignored the taunt, refusing to answer. Whoever this guy was, he was trying to bait him. The man continued, "Don't worry, my darling has some big plans for you while we wait for your daughter. Meredith, sweetheart!"

John looked at the door, and the pale red-haired, green-eyes Meredith entered. She walked up to him, circling him like a vulture around a carcass. Smiling broadly, she pulled John's head up lever, holding him by the hair. In her sultry French drawl she said, "Oh, he's been struggling. So cute!" She ran a finger along his arm, continuing to hold him by the hair. In a flash she backhanded him so hard that a resounding crack broke through the room. Blood dripped from his mouth; she had quite nearly broken his jaw. She pulled a long dagger from the folds of her robe, and played it lightly along his face, down his shoulders and chest. She hovered the blade around his stomach, and pressed it in until he jerked back in pain. She giggled and looked over her shoulder at the other vamp, "Oh, Tony, he is going to be fun. He's much tougher than I expected."

Tony moved toward Meredith, and embraced her. He kissed her gently and smiled. "Well, I know how much you love to inflict pain darling. Just be sure not to kill him yet, we want his daughter to find him alive. Barely, but alive nonetheless." She nodded silently, and Tony turned to leave the room. Meredith turned back to John, her eyes glinting in anticipation, giggling like a schoolgirl.