(Author's Note: Sorry this one took so long. I wasn't sure what I was going to do with it, and then I ended up rewriting a large part of it. So I hope this version is okay. :-P It's longer than usual. And for those of you who've been waiting, a certain dark vampire reappears. *grin*
Robin: I'm glad you like where the story's going! I was really uncertain about that last chapter. Then again, I'm uncertain about this chapter too... bah. :-p And I'm glad you think my response to Jewel was good… I was sure how it would come off sounding.
Candika: Thanks. lol. I always like getting wows. *grin*
Adelaide E: That's funny you should mention the fighting dogs. Originally, *waaaay* back when I started the story, that had been my original plan… That the vampires would be betting on them and stuff… But somewhere along the way it changed, and I decided this would be better. :-P And we can only hope Jenny and Mari will kick some ass... ;-)
jennatar: Wow, five hours?! I'm glad you like my story enough to spend that much time on it! lol. I'm glad you like it though. And I'm trying to finish it believe me. I had hoped to have it done by now, actually, but then I got sick for a while, and then I got caught on what I wanted to happen next. :-p So hopefully, the end will be soon.
Redaura: Sorry I'm not updating fast enough for you... lol… I'm trying, honestly. As for Michael… Well, since he won, he'll get another chance later on to fight for his life later on, I'm sure. That's how it works, I believe. Maybe next time, he won't make it though… Won't know till it happens. *wink* And who wouldn't hate Hunter? lol. Although, I don't yet know who, if any of them, is going to be doing the dying. Although I'm sure the good guys will try their best to win. *grin*
Spunky: Glad you didn't expect the games. That's what I was hoping for. Something different. Hopefully this helps shake off some of The Chosen comparisons… I never meant for it to be anything like The Chosen. And Julius Caesar was just a last-minute inspiration. Hope it isn't too far-fetched. Lol. As for your question.. Can't tell you that. ;-)
The Cat: Wow, getting violent, aren't we? lol. I'm glad you're back and you like how it's going! I'll try to keep updating!
Thanks everyone!)
*Chapter 31*
The fights became a blur, almost always ending with the same result – Jenny's group of abductees being killed off one by one. She couldn't bear to watch, but she couldn't seem to help herself. She sat on the ground, staring through the bars of her cage, wide-eyed. Every time someone went out there, she prayed for it to be one of them that won. With the wins stacking up against them, she found herself wondering how Hunter would end up with a single winner among all the Night People left.
Most of the Executioners had gone already – and been victorious, thankfully. Jenny had never been so glad to be a vampire hunter. It gave them the experience they needed to survive here.
She had been a little worried about Carl, the least experienced of them, but he'd taken to the fight well, and his past forays into boxing definitely helped him. He was strong and fast, and in the end overcame the bear shapeshifter he was up against.
Mari had yet to go, and the two of them cast worried glances at each other every time the guards appeared to gather another person. Jenny felt fairly certain that she and Mari were both good enough to beat whatever they went up against – they'd made it this far, after all – but she couldn't help but worry.
Still, Jenny needed to come up with a plan. Hunter was never going to let them live past these 'games.' She knew that. They needed to get out of here before the end. She just didn't know how. All she knew for sure was she couldn't do anything locked inside this cage.
Finally, it was her turn. A guard pointed at her as he unlocked the door, and her heart leapt into her throat. She had no choice but to follow him, her hands tied in front of her. Mari gave her a small smile as Jenny walked past her.
A fight was still going on, and the guard quickly led her along the side wall to the entrance. He stopped in the room just beyond. Apparently, this was their 'staging area.' The cheers of the crowd rumbled under here, and goosebumps rose on her skin. She closed her eyes, trying to focus.
The focus shattered as someone spoke behind her.
"I'll keep an eye on her," a deep voice said. Her eyes flew open.
The guard, who had been anxiously looking toward the entrance with every cheer, nodded and took off to watch.
Setting her jaw, Jenny spun around. "You!" she hissed.
Damian smiled and nodded. "Who else? Did you miss me?"
Anger rose inside of her. "Yeah, about like I miss the chicken pox I had when I was 6, or the pneumonia when I was 11… Or any other disease."
Another guard standing a few feet away snickered. Damian ignored him. She thought his smile stiffened for a moment, but then it grew wider. "You might wish for those after we're done with you." He opened his mouth, flashing his teeth at her.
She glowered at him, wishing he'd just sink into the earth and die.
But at the same time… Her heart pounded faster at the sight of him. God, he looked good. Her heart wrenched helplessly. She hadn't seen him in days, and his skin seemed to give off an exotic glow. His body, she knew, was strong and lean under the black pants and tight black shirt he wore. His mouth soft and sensual under high, delicate cheekbones. His dark hair was mussed, but not messy, and she longed to run her hands through it. And those eyes, right now a smoky purple flowing around bright blue – she felt like they pierced her soul.
Stop it, her inner voice cried. Don't think like that! He's your enemy. If you don't hate him, you're crazy. If you had the chance to kill him, you would.
And yet… Despite his taunting words, the way he was gazing at her made her weak in the knees. Something behind his eyes … a longing almost, not related to killing.
No, she thought. I'm seeing things. Forget him. It's over …
"We'll see who bleeds tonight," she said in a low, even voice. She turned her back on him. Just because he was 'keeping an eye on her' didn't mean she had to talk to him.
Despite her tough words, though, even when she turned away from him, the longing remained. It would probably always be there.
Just then, two guards came in, carrying a body. A girl, her long brown hair dragging in the dirt. Tears of anger welled up in Jenny's eyes, and she shook her head.
"Your turn!" one of the guards told her with a chuckle as they passed. Damian pushed her forward and she began walking despite the sudden feeling of lead in her shoes.
The crowd booed and hissed as she re-entered the light of the stadium. She squinted against the sudden brightness. Damian stopped her almost in the middle as a vampire strode confidently out the other side.
Damian stepped in front of her, meeting her eyes as he untied her hands. The soft brush of his fingers on her wrists made her whole arm tingle. She tried to ignore it. He held her gaze, opened his mouth, then closed it again and turned away. He dropped a wooden knife a few feet from her and walked off. Jenny resisted the urge to turn and watch him go.
The other vampire was standing about 50 feet away, spinning around and laughing with his arms in the air. He looked strong, but his weakness was obvious.
Jenny took the time to close her eyes, evening out her breath and drawing her thoughts together. She could do this – just focus. She could feel her strength building inside of her, her confidence returning to wrap her in a warm cocoon. She could do this.
She opened her eyes, calm filling every inch of her. She walked slowly to the knife and knelt to pick it up, her eyes never leaving the vampire.
He noticed her picking up the knife and grinned. Yes, he definitely thought a lot of himself. He had a knife too but stuck it in his waistband, clearly saying he didn't need it.
Jenny smiled, and for a second his cocky grin slipped uncertainly. Only for a second, though. He wasn't terribly bright. Arrogance and stupidity were bad qualities if you wanted to live, and he appeared to have both.
She held the knife in front of her, her legs automatically tightening in a fighting stance.
"Well, what are you waiting for, Dracula?"
She expected him to run at her; they usually did. Instead, he just grinned and walked slowly toward her. Okay, maybe he wasn't as dumb as she thought.
He began circling her, trying to intimidate her. She turned with him, narrowing her eyes at him.
"You know," she said, "Doing circles around me isn't going to keep me from killing you."
He laughed and tossed blond hair back. "You're a confident one, aren't you?"
"Only when I know I'm right."
This seemed to amuse him, because his grin widened and he stopped circling her. "Not right. Dead."
In a flash, he was on her, kicking the knife out of her hand and knocking her to the ground. She had a split second to think, smooth move, Jenny, before his foot found her hand and stepped on it. She gasped as he ground it into the dirt with his heavy black boot. A second later, his other knee dug into her chest, pinning her down.
"Can't have you getting that back, now, can I?" He peered down at her as she struggled to knock him off of her.
She glared at him. "What, afraid I might use it?"
"It'd be fun to see you try."
The pain in her wrist was reaching the screaming point; if she didn't do something fast, it was going to snap. She bit her lip to keep from crying out. "Well, what are you waiting for?" she gasped. The knee in her chest wasn't helping her breathe any.
He flashed his teeth at her and lifted his foot to grab her wrist in his hand. He did the same with her other wrist. It was a big improvement – blood rushed back into her wrist. She'd probably have a bruise if she lived through this.
Holding her wrists, he straddled her, one knee on each side, and leaned in for her throat.
She waited until he was a few inches away, then slammed her head forward. Her forehead connected with his nose, and he cried out in pain, letting go of her hands to cover his nose.
"You bitch!" he cried.
For a moment, light flashed across her vision, and she blinked against it. As soon as it was bearable, she used her non-sore hand to land a punch in his stomach. He gasped and rolled off of her, moaning something.
Jenny sprang to her feet, cradling the sore wrist in her other hand. "What was that? Didn't quite hear it."
As he struggled to his feet, she spun and caught him in the chest with a powerful kick. She felt on, despite an uncertain start.
The vampire was definitely mad as he picked himself off the ground again. Jenny glanced around for the knife, but knew it was too far away to reach before he came at her again. Instead, she waited until he stumbled at her, then threw herself to the ground at his feet. One foot caught in her side, and he tripped, spilling to the ground yet again.
She rolled to her feet and stood ready, catching her breath. It was then she noticed the crowd had gone quiet, and a thrill raced through her. Feeling sure of herself, she turned toward Hunter's booth. He watched her, a half smile on his face. Troy, on the other hand, was scowling. Raina was smiling, nodding when she saw Jenny looking. Jenny raised her hand and pointed at Troy, an angry smile stretching across her face. For a moment, he almost looked surprised, then he narrowed his eyes at her and winked.
The thrill disappeared with that wink. She was terrified of him, and he knew it. And that made her even angrier, that he could see her fear.
She could hear the vampire getting up behind her, but didn't turn around.
"It's over," she whispered to herself.
With a roar, she spun around, surprising the vampire who had come up behind her. He paused a half second, and that was all she needed. She grabbed the knife out of his waistband, and as he looked at it in dumb surprise, shoved it into his heart.
"No," he gasped, just before he crumpled to the ground.
She kicked his body, rage washing over her. "I told you I was right."
The Night people booed, and she began laughing. It was a high-pitched, hysterical laugh. She was going to lose it. Good ol' Jenny, losing it just when she needed to be strongest. Typical.
Then she looked toward the cages and saw the remaining hostages, some sitting inside, many standing at the doors, their hands wrapped around the bars. The wave of hysteria stopped dead inside her, and retreated back where it had come. They all watched her, their desperation clearly written on their faces. They needed her.
Jenny didn't know what she could possibly do to help them, but cracking up wasn't going to help.
She took a deep breath and turned toward the entrance in time to see Damian emerge, rope dangling from one hand.
"Thought you weren't going to make it for a minute there," he said as he retied her hands.
"Sorry to disappoint you," she muttered. He lifted his eyes to hers, and again she thought she saw something in them.
He finished tying the rope – not as tightly, it seemed – and led her back the way he had come. As they reached the darkness underneath, he stopped.
"Great, back to the cage," she mumbled beneath her breath.
If he heard her, he didn't show it. He was looking at the one other guard in the room. The guard had picked up a large axe-looking weapon and was examining it. Then, he strode through the entrance.
As soon as he was gone, Damian spun back to her, a knife suddenly in his hand.
"H-hey, Damian, what are you doing?" Jenny backed up, her eyes wide.
Without pausing, he swung the knife at her, and she closed her eyes instinctively. When she felt nothing after a few seconds, she opened them again. Her hands were now free of the rope. "What…" she began.
Damian grabbed her arm and shoved her toward the back of the room. "Go. Quick. That way." He dragged her along with him, looking over his shoulder every few seconds. They ran down a long corridor which split in two. He took the left branch and they began running uphill.
"Damian, I can't breathe," she gasped. She was still sore from her fight, and exhaustion was threatening to overcome her. He glanced back at her, then pulled her off to the side where a wide crack in the wall led into a small enclosed room.
He let go of her, and she leaned over, resting her hands on her knees as she tried to catch her breath. Damian peered out through the crack, then turned to her.
She stood, brushing her hair out of her face, finally having time to be confused and angry. She wasn't about to forget that he'd betrayed her. "Damian, what's…"
She didn't finish her sentence before he grabbed her face in his hands and pulled her mouth to his.
Oh hell.
His lips, soft and warm, pushed against hers with an urgency she had never felt from him, especially not lately. She closed her eyes and leaned against him. She couldn't feel his mind clearly – that apparently only worked with sharing blood now – but her whole body felt alive, rejoicing. One hand wove in her hair, while the other wrapped around her waist and pulled her tight against him.
"Oh God, Jenny," he whispered between kisses.
I knew it! a voice rose up triumphantly inside her. I knew he still loved you!
She squashed it and pulled away from him. "No," she said firmly, although she didn't know if it was directed to Damian or herself.
"Jenny…" Damian whispered, reaching for her. She backed away, shaking her head.
"No," she repeated. "I already told you, I want nothing to do with you." Her resolve tightened around her heart, plugging the leaks that urged her to run back into his arms. Unexpectedly, tears filled her eyes. "We can't be together… ever," she whispered.
Hurt swam in his violet eyes. He reached for her again, then pulled his hand back. "I don't understand."
She turned so she wouldn't have to face him directly and looked at the ground. A week ago, she'd been weak. She would have gone to him. But after all she'd been through, she couldn't do it anymore. Damian made her weak, and she should never have allowed it to go that far. If it wasn't for letting herself feel for him, she – and maybe the rest of the gang – wouldn't be in this situation. He was a vampire. She was human – a vampire hunter. It just couldn't happen. Not in the real world. She had avoided thinking about him the three days she'd been in the cell, but all the same, her heart had hardened against him. Some part of her still existed that wanted him – the soulmate part, she supposed – but she knew now that she had to fight it. She knew what she had to do.
Damian spoke again, his hurt clear. "I'm so sorry, Jenny. I never meant to hurt you. But… I had to, or they would have caught on." When she said nothing, he pushed on. "I had to pretend. It was the only way to find out what was going on. I thought if I got them to trust me, I could get Ashton and the others out of here."
Jenny closed her eyes against the turmoil duking it out inside her. His voice… It drew her to him with its helplessness. She could sense desperation building behind his words, and she wanted to make it go away. No, she told herself. He's baggage. The worst kind. You can't survive with it.
Before she realized it, he stood next to her, his hand gripping her elbow. That small touch made her breath catch, and she tried to focus on something else. Instead, she found herself meeting his eyes as he stared down at her.
Oh God, why'd he have to be so gorgeous? She felt the depth of his eyes trying to pull her in, and she forced herself to blink. "No. It can't happen, Damian."
He cringed. "Why, Jenny? Because of me being down here? I told you, it was a trick. Don't you believe me?"
She paused a second, thinking, then nodded. "I believe you. That's not it. It's just…" She didn't know what to tell him about how she felt that wouldn't take all day. He gazed at her intently, waiting for her to continue. "It's just… You're a vampire. I'm a hunter. It can't be. We don't mix."
His eyes widened. "You know that doesn't matter now… We're soulmates. We're supposed to be together." His hand was gently caressing her elbow, sending shudders up her arm. If she didn't do something fast, he was going to break down everything she'd just resolved. She had to get away from him.
And she knew how to do it. But it would hurt him.
He's already hurt, and if you don't do something fast, you're going to end up hurt too, her inner voice reminded her. Do it.
She closed her eyes for a moment, then looked at Damian, working to clear her face of emotions. "Besides… I don't love you. And…" At that moment, she threw an image at him over the slight connection they had from being so close. An image of her and Michael kissing passionately – which had never happened except in her dream, but Damian didn't know that.
He jolted, as if something electrical had touched him, and pulled his hand away from her arm. She held her chin up and stared at him, trying not to react to the pain swimming clearly in his eyes. Then his face changed. It hardened, and he nodded.
"I see," he said softly… and coldly. "Then I think you better leave."
She nodded, turning toward the door. If she didn't look at him again, she would be fine.
"Jenny." She stopped at the door, her back to him, and waited for him to finish. His voice was low and flat, like he'd pushed all emotion out of it. "You never would have replaced Elizabeth."
Her heart squeezed, and she closed her eyes for a second, because she knew he couldn't see. "Goodbye, Damian," she said softly, and walked out the door…
Right into the arms of somebody else who was just walking up the tunnel. Jenny gasped as strong hands grabbed her arms, and looked up into bright red eyes.
"Well, what a pleasant surprise," a low voice said.
"Troy!" she gasped.