'Death is nothing compared to torture,'

Chapter XIV

The Chase

The minute I saw Vincent ready to pounce, I rushed out the door, flying down the stairs and into the kitchen. The kitchen held very innocent looking cutlery, but I knew they were useful for other things too. I jumped over the kitchen island, hitting a few wine bottles on my way, crashing them to the ground. Leaping over, I landed on the marble counters. I looked around for anything that could go against Vincent as my form of defence. I jumped of the counter and flung open all the draws and cupboards, until I finally found what I was looking for. The knife was pretty sharp looking, glinting dangerously. Clutching it tightly in my hand, I walked slowly out to the large hallway. I looked around, trying to find Vincent.

''Right behind you!'' Hissed Vincent's voice from behind. I flinched, spinning around on my heels, to see Vincent in the doorway to the lounge. I lunged at him so hard, he went sprawling onto the laminated flooring of the lounge. Standing above him, I brought the knife up, attempting to stab him right in the chest, so he could atleast become a bit weaker, even though that would not kill him a bit. The knife was dangerously close to his chest, about to puncture his skin, that was until, he grabbed my ankle, and dragged me down with full force. I went flying down, loosing the grip of my knife. I heard it clatter in the far end of the room, as I looked up to see a very smug looking Vincent. His eyes darted towards the knife, a murderous look upon his face. Oh no. He was going for the knife. My own weapon was being used against me. How cliché.

The minute Vincent sprinted towards the weapon, I jumped back onto my feet, only to see Vincent bending down to pick the knife up, with a devious smirk.

''You won't dare,'' I hissed.

''Try and stop me,'' he spat. And I shall do exactly that. Attempting to grab the knife off him, I threw myself at him, only to be cut on the face with the knife. I didn't really feel anything, just something very thin and cold press across my temple and cheek in a swift move. Allthough, I did gasp at the cold touch of the blade, instantly pressing my hand against my cheekbone to stop the bleeding. Vincent, allthough being a vampire, he did not throw himself at me to take a bite, like the natural instincts of a vampire would make it do. No, Vincent trained himself to restrain his urges and kill. Slowly. Deadly. Ofcourse, he had nine hundred years to do so. More years than I did.

''You son of a bitch,'' I screamed, punching him hard on the face. He just threw his head back and laughed with all his might.

''You won't be saying that when I kill you,'' he replied, vanishing from my sight. Then I felt the blade against my throat, and a masculine arm holding back my hands. Not again. Please. Gah. I decided to do what I do best: hit and run. I brought my knew up, then pushed it right back, as my foot hit him where it hurts most. He yelled out in pain, letting go off me to clutch his manliness, as I made a run for it. I always wanted to kill him, but now was not the time, since the rest of the Illuminatis were falling into a trap. Surrounded by some of Vincent's shifter demons. As I ran towards the kitchen, I thought of how I fell so easily for his act. I mean, how did he portray Claude so well? It just gave me the shivers when I thought of it. I looked ahead, trying to plan out my route.

''You can run, but you can't hide, Giselle,'' Vincent's voice boomed out from a distance. I had no time to think. I came to a hault, trying to find a way to get out of here and into the forest without having to go past the main road. I really didn't want to create a scene.

''Going somewhere?'' Vincent asked. I turned around, to see Vincent looking furious, his eyes darker than before, his sharp incisors bared out. I defianatly had to run now. I sprinted right up the kitchen, and jumped through the French doors, shattering the glass to peices, and cutting myself on the way. I had to pay big time for this damage. Penelopé was definatly going to get pissed off for this.

The minute my body had contact with the cool breeze from the garden which outstretched into the forest and beyond. As fast as possible, I darted through the forest, aggressivly avoiding trees, and making sharp turns to avoid Vincent. The wind cut through my hair, whipping it back; the breeze slapped my face hard, like a bullet going through the air in slow motion, restrained, trying to go faster. For the first time in twenty minutes, I looked back to see if Vincent was anywhere close. No sign of him.

I came to a hault, my feet firmly on the ground. My head flicked back and fourth looking for any traces of Vincent. He has a tendency to be very sly and unoticeable. I looked up at the darkening sky, as streaks of orange and purple crossed the distant horizon. I wonder what Vincent was up to. And I bet you he was up to no good, as usual. Making my way through bushes and trees, I tried to think this over. What could possibly be happening right now to the rest of my family? I mean, even though shifters are right on their trails, they are no match for them. Firstly being, that Claude is a vampire, Oliver is too, and Nicola can shift. Big time. So I'm guessing that some newly summoned shifters are babies compared to Claudes, Olivers and Nicolas strength. Pssht.

Ever so slowly, I glided around corners of the forest, ensuring not to create a single sound. Leafs gently ruffled under my feet, though the noise they made was so low, I doubt a human would hear. I decided that Vincent was not going to turn up, so maybe it would be a good idea if I went on a hunt for Claude and the rest...and rescued them...or maybe it was too late. This is a major problem. Oh God.

Thank God I knew where they went for their monthly 'feast' as we call it.

---

I parked my Bentley right outside the bar, climbed out and started to run up the street at human pace. Which was like walking to me. Seattle streets were quite confusing, and I hadn't been here for ages. I took a sharp right, slightly remembering the place, and gradually landed right at the front of the bar. I pushed pass two very drunk looking women, which were blocking the doorway. They started to shout at me, and giggle calling me a 'whore' and 'cow'. I just turned around and gave them my death look. That shut them up.

Thrusting open the glass doors, I stepped into the bar, and strode across the half empty tables and stools. There were bearly any people, and I started to doubt that they were here. I noticed that one of my favourite songs was playing;The Klaxons-Golden Skans. I began to hum to the tune, as it reminded me of London for some odd reason. My eyes skimmed across every table possible, still no sign. Then I caught a glimpse of a back room. Probably a lounge or something. Maybe they were there. This was my last chance. I strode right into the purple lounge, and nearly collapsed from relief when I saw them all sitting casually on the G shaped leather sofa. Nicola was the first one to notice me, hopping up from her seat to embrace me in one of her squeely hugs.

''Hey,'' I sighed. But she didn't get a chance to reply, since Claude pushed pass and pressed me into him, hugging me ever so tightly.

''How you feeling?'' Claude finally asked me when he released the tight grip around me. I smiled, and starred into him, stroking his face hesitantly. I wanted to know if it was really Claude. I don't want any Vincent's pretending to be him. I wanted Claude. And it was him, since only Claude can smile like that. A genuine smile, which filled his eyes full of love.

''I'm feeling fine,'' I whiseperd.

''That's great. Where's Penelopé? She was ment to be looking after you whilst we went out,'' he said, curiousity flooding his voice.

''She was shifted back to Vincent's coven as I was unconcious and he tricked me by shapeshifting himself and then I decided-''

''What? Wait, slow down. He tricked you? How?'' Claude asked cutting me off, shaking me by my shoulders.

''He shape shifted himself into...into-''

''Into what? Who?!'' Claude shouted, getting unpatient.

''YOU!'' I screamed, turning around, and walking off back outside. I had to do something about this, and sitting around doing nothing wasn't the best choice.

There was no point running though, since Claude easily caught up with me. I felt his icy hand grab my arm, forcing me to spin around to face him.

''Claude, let go,'' I hissed through gritted teeth. I didn't want any attention in the middle of the street.

''I'm not letting go until you tell me what's happening,'' he hissed back, his jaw tightening. I gave him a pathetic look, and sighed.

''You wanna know what's happening? Penelopé has been kidnapped and so has Violeta. Vincent is pulling us into a trap, by using them as bate. Capeesh?''

His face was unreadable for a minute, as his grip loosend on my arm. ''You can't go alone...I'm coming,'' he whispered.

''No, your not. Don't you understand, he wants us all there. I've got a better chance of surivng on my own, rather than risking all your lives!'' I yelled, as traitor tears began to pour from my eyes, drenching my cheeks.

''Shhh,'' he whispered, pulling me into his arms ''we'll save them together''.

Passers by just looked at us as though we were a pathetic young couple who were having their first break up. ''Claude...I can't let you come with me,'' I mumbled against his shoulder, drenching his leather jacket in my tears. There was no way I was going to let him risk his life over me or anything else. I loved him too much.

''Your really selfish, you do know that?'' He chuckled.

''What? Where does selfishness fit in anyhow?'' I asked, shocked, stepping back.

''Well, if you happen to...'' he trailed off, frowning at the thought ''die, then I would suffer by myself, without you. Wouldn't I? I would eventually kill myself though. So It's better if we both risk our lifes together, and die, knowing we were there for eachother. Plus, you need a helping hand kicking some demon arse,'' he smirked. I loved the way he said 'arse' in a British accent.

''Well, if that's how you see it...then that's fine by me,'' I snarled. He just laughed.

''What about Nicola and Oliver?'' I asked.

''Dont worry. They're kind off occupied...trying to find someone to 'feast' on,'' he whispered so low, only our kind could hear.

'Oh' mouthed.

''Well, comeon then. What you waiting for?'' He smirked, draping an arm across my shoulders.