Disclaimer: See previous chapters
Chap. XXI
Erika followed the Elder into a car that was in one of the parking lot underneath the mansion. When she freed Marcus, she was afraid that he would leave her there just as Kraven had. She felt so elated that he asked her to come that she couldn't even think straight. But as they entered the vehicle, her thoughts became troubled. As Marcus started the engine, he glanced at her and saw her discomfort.
"What is it?"
The girl's eyes seemed to wander a bit before she answered, "I heard you and Octavia talking."
Marcus lowered his eyes. He thought that she was disturbed over the fact that she had helped him, possibly turning away from the coven. But it seemed that it was something else. Something more personal…
Erika saw his hardened gaze and quickly replied, "I do not presume…"
"But you do." he said, cutting her off. Erika seemed to stiffen more until Marcus looked forward, his gaze now softening. "Nevertheless, I will tell you. Octavia is jealous because I chose an elder instead of her."
Erika's mouth opened wide with shock, "An Elder? You mean…"
"Yes. Amelia was my beloved."
Michael had not budged since he was let in the room and he was kneeling beside Selene, holding her hand. Her condition seemed to be worsening, the black mark on her neck seemed to have spread across. Despite Ethan's earlier words, he still felt responsible for what had happened to her. He was so swept up in his emotions that he didn't even think of the possible consequences. He had started it by that single kiss, so he was to blame for it all.
'Selene. I am so sorry.'
He lowered his head, almost missing the vibrations and sounds coming in a distance away. 'They're here.' His head lifted up and craned toward the doorway. The sounds were closing in, but they were still far off. He wasn't sure how many vampires there were, but he did know they couldn't stay there. They had to go, now. Standing up, he swept his arms under Selene's body and lifted her up. He soon sensed something in close. Someone's coming right up at the door. Michael's eyes began to blacken until he caught the scent of the person. Just then, the door swung open and just as he thought, it was Ethan.
"Ready to go?"
Michael looked down at Selene. She had protected him throughout all of this. Now it was his turn to protect her.
"Yes. We're ready."
None of them notice her hand twitch slightly…
Erika was in a total shock at what he said. After everything that had happened, she didn't think much else could surprise her. Seems that she was wrong.
"But…the Covenant…""The Covenant." Marcus muttered with some disdain. "I know. Such a union was as forbidden as a union between vampire and lycan. I am the descendant of the Covinus bloodline. I was born and raised by my father, the first vampire Corvinus. Before that time, the Covenant was still in its infancy, reducing our intake of blood to only animals. But many rejected that and fighting broke out. My father managed to subdue the rebels and talk with them, convincing them that what had to be done there was the best for our clan." His eyes softened further, "Sadly, he was killed when an assassin caught him."
Erika sat quietly, listening to the Elder's story. 'Why is he telling me all of this?' Vampires were forbidden to search about their past, but here Marcus was flat-out telling her. He continued…
"But before this, he enlisted me, Amelia and Viktor as the Elders in order to keep the Covenant upheld throughout the centuries. I fell in love with her there, but according to the law, I was not to take a mate within the hierarchy. To do so would shift the balance of power between the three of us. But I couldn't help loving her regardless. We kept it secret for a time until the first time of my Awakening. I hadn't realized that our memories were transferred to each of the other Elders." His gaze now hardened, "Viktor took advantage of that and vowed to keep it silent. But in return, a new law was added that lycans and vampires were never to mate. I had no problems dealing with that at first, but over the years, I saw the error of my ways. Viktor subjugated the lycans and made them slaves. At first, they didn't mind. But then came the incident with Lucian and Viktor's daughter, Sonja. I was unable to stop it, since doing so would destroy both Amelia and myself." Lowering his head, "In that way, Viktor reigned over us as well."
"Why…" Erika didn't know how much more of this she could listen to. "Why are you…telling me all of this?"
Marcus raised his head slightly, "Because someone has to know. Because I trust you to decide what to do with that information. I don't know what will happen tonight. For all I know, this may be the end of the entire vampire coven." His head shifted toward the window, "Or just as bad, our ways. But I will not let that happen. A change is coming. I want to make sure that someone is ready for it."
"But…I'm just a servant…"
"A loyal servant." He now turned to her and gazed into her eyes, speaking softly and sincerely. "If it is one thing that I do not want to die, is that faith and trust."
"My lord…" was all she could whisper. 'Is this what Selene felt like?'
Marcus then placed a hand over hers briefly, showing his reassurance in her. He then moved it away and turned the key of the car.
"Let's go. Time to face the change."
The troop of Death Dealers descended into the sewer entrance and onto a subway track, with Kraven in their midst. The vampire searched around looking for their prey. The scent of lycans was thick in the air, so they knew they were in the right place. Now all that was left was to find them. Find them and eliminate them. Kraven lightly tapped his gun, one of the few prototypes with silver nitrate. Kahn had only made a few that night before he was killed so only some of the Death Dealers had it. But it would be enough to finish off the lycans once and for all. His hand slid over to the trigger. He smiled as he though of how the night would end. The lycans will all be eradicated, Marcus would be taken care of and he would rule over the vampire covens. 'And Michael…' His smile widened. He had a bullet especially for him. One right into his skull.
"We're close" Lucas whispered to him.
The others heard him and lifted their guns high, becoming more alert. They reached a subway station that appeared to have been abandoned for years. Except that someone has been using it recently. The scent of the lycans was strong here. 'Then where the hell are they?' Lucas grumbled in thought. Suddenly, a motion of movement caught his eye.
"There!"
Kraven saw it as well. Two figures carrying a third. He faintly recognized the person in the lead, but that's not what had his attention. It was the second person. Blond, messy hair, sad eyes, boyish features… 'Michael!' And he was holding Selene in his arms!
Rage wasted no time in his thoughts as he roared, "Shoot him down!!!"
And that's when the gunfire began…