Chapter Nineteen
"Jean-Claude," Miranda whispered, taking a step back, putting herself between the girls and the vampires that were staring them down.
"What are you doing, involved in this?" Jean-Claude asked.
"What do you want with these little girls?" Miranda held her voice steady though she didn't feel so inwardly.
"What's it to you?" another spoke.
"Now, Augustine, don't be rude," Jean-Claude said, turning back to Miranda. "Forgive him, he has no manners. If you'll come with us, Miranda, we'll show you."
"And if I don't?"
The last member of the group, the one holding Miranda's phone, crushed it. Miranda gasped, taking a step back. She really didn't like this predicament.
"You have my word, I will not harm you or the children."
"Jean-Claude, of the three of you, I am least worried about you," Miranda could feel the girls huddling behind her.
"I swear, you will not be harmed," Jean-Claude said. "None of you. Just come with us."
Miranda glanced at the girls. They were scared. "Alright," Miranda knelt, picking Katie up again.
"Where is your husband?" Jean-Claude as he lead them back toward the factories. A large van was waiting. It hadn't been there before. Miranda looked around.
"I assume you did not come alone?" Jean-Claude pressed, he reached for her arm but Miranda pulled away. "I mean you no harm." When Miranda didn't respond, he sighed. "Women. Magnus, get the door."
The third vampire opened the van's side door. "Get in," Augustine ordered the girls. They stayed froze beside Miranda. "GET IN!" They jumped, huddling together more.
"Stop it!" Miranda growled, sliding Katie into the van. She climbed in, holding out her hands to help the other girls in. They all huddled into the back, sitting as close together as they could. Miranda sat beside them, stroking Katie's hair in a soothing manner.
Jean-Claude climbed in the back with them while the other two went in front. The girls shuddered as the door shut. Jean-Claude watched Miranda stroking the girls, trying to sooth them slightly like one would a frightened puppy. "Still angry over your empty womb, Miranda?"
Miranda glared. "I have come to grips with what happened. I am neither happy nor acceptant of what happened to me but I am happy with my life. I love my family."
"Yes, that's right," Jean-Claude smiled. "You have a daughter. What's her name? She's six, seven?"
"Zoe," Miranda ground out.
"Yes, Zoe," Jean-Claude smiled. "You never did answer me, though, Miranda, dear. Where is Mick?"