So, my only thoughts right now are focused on how the heck I'm going to hit the main conflict and also, if I should raise the bar on interest and bump this up to a M rating which will include everything that belongs in a M rated story. As always though I won't really be able to settle on a decision until I get some feedback. Much appreciated if I can get that. Besides that I don't have much else to say besides math sucks and I'm already done doing it, lol. It's funny 'cause I've only been in the class two weeks...yeah, I have zero tolerance for it. Anyway, waiting to hear from you awesome readers. Enjoy!
~Jade~
I found myself spreading out on the floor, just staring up at the ceiling, when Tori returned. I inhaled her scent and caught the smell of blood as well. Instantly, my mouth watered and a groan slipped out, making Tori laugh when she heard it. I glared at her before getting to my feet.
"You hungry?" she asked, knowing full well that I was.
"Vega," I warned, sneering at her now playfully teasing tone. I knew she must have found a way to get over her anger but I was still in no mood to play along.
"Here," she said, finally handing over what I wanted. I snatched the pack of blood from her and wasted no time tearing into it. After downing that one quickly she handed me another. Once that one was gone I felt significantly better. I wiped some blood from my chin and licked it off my finger before training my eyes on Tori. She was watching me with a raised brow and a hand on her hip. I offered her a sheepish half smile, suddenly aware of my actions.
"I was just…yeah," I mumbled in a lame attempt at explaining myself. I was trying to apologize for my behavior but Tori shrugged good-naturedly and walked closer to the bars.
"I know. I'm just glad you're feeling better and that I'm able to see you again," she replied, carefully slipping a hand past the bars to caress my face. I leaned into her touch, letting out a shuddering breath. My eyes had closed but they fluttered open to lock on hers. All I could think about now was how good it felt to come into contact with her again.
"For that short time we were apart I missed you," I told her. Her warm fingers slid over my jaw to skim down my neck before retreating. I sighed at the loss, making Tori smile.
"I missed you too. Sorry I flew into a rage earlier. I didn't like the way they were treating you and I was well on my way out the door if Trina hadn't stopped me," she admitted, scuffing the floor with her foot. I chuckled at her own sheepish smile.
"I like when you get protective," I told her honestly, my voice softening without my permission. She smiled brightly and reached in to take my hand.
"I'll always be there to keep you safe," she promised. I squeezed her hand in mine, wishing the bars separating us weren't in place so I could kiss her. I desperately wanted to feel her body pressed to mine, leaning into her warm and inviting embrace. I had never wanted a hug from her as much as I did now.
"I know," I finally responded through the whirlwind of emotions. We settled on the floor, our hands still connected. Tori relayed everything that Trina had told her and I listened as calmly as possible. Tanner St. Claire was proving to be a pain in the ass for so long it was a wonder he hadn't been executed yet. How had an innocent wolf and vampire, along with their child, been put to death but not this bastard? I quietly seethed as Tori talked. When she finished I was ready to let loose my rant but Tori's father showed up, effectively stopping me. Tori jumped to her feet hastily, dropping my hand to face him.
"Hello father. What brings you here?" she asked cordially. I stood and nodded a greeting. He returned my gesture before turning to Tori.
"I'll have Trina keep an eye on Jade while you head over to her house. School should be letting out right about now," he stated. She nodded and then turned back to give me her attention.
"See you soon," she said in farewell. I reached through the bars to brush her hand like she had done to me many times in the past. She caught my hand in hers briefly, offered me a sweet smile, and then hurried out. I refused to look at Tori's father so I kept my eyes averted. He politely waited for Trina to arrive, which she did, not too long later.
"Sorry, I had a face mask to keep on a little longer and then removing it took some time," she apologized half-heartedly, stopping to stand by her father. I rolled my eyes. Trina was still the same as she always was. It didn't help convince me she was a wolf like the rest of her family. I just couldn't see it. Maybe she was adopted.
"Good to see you can put your beauty regimen aside to grant us your assistance," I told her, a snide grin on my face. I still couldn't pass up the opportunity to mess with her. She frowned at me but it quickly turned into a mocking smile.
"At least I'm not the one in a cage," she retorted. I scoffed and gestured to my prison.
"It's here for a reason before I was ever around. My guess is it was built for you," I retaliated.
"And Tori," she added in a whine, crossing her arms but saying no more than that. Her father's brows furrowed at our bickering.
"Is this really the best time?" he questioned us. We both answered with a negative at the same time.
"Good, get along for Tori's sake. I'm sure she'll make the trip quick. I have to get back to the Council," he continued. Trina nodded to show she was listening. I turned away to spread out on the cot, effectively removing Trina from my line of sight. I heard Mr. Vega's sure stride head out, bathing us in silence I wasn't planning on breaking. Trina sighed dramatically before sitting cross legged on the floor. I could feel her eyes on me, and I tried to ignore it, but soon I was grinding my teeth. My fangs occasionally nicked my tongue in agitation.
"Don't you have anything else to do besides stare at me? You don't have to take watching me as a literal thing, you know. For fuck's sake Trina I'm not going anywhere!" I told her scathingly, raising my arms to gesture to the enclosed space I stood trapped in. To my surprise she was unfazed by my fury.
"How does Tori put up with you?" she muttered with a slow condescending shake of her head. I tensed but remained quiet.
"Is someone still cranky 'cause they're hungry?" she asked in a way one might talk to a baby. That, I couldn't ignore. I leaped off the cot and marched over to stand as close to the bars as I was able.
"Trina, do me a favor and shut up," I growled. She calmly stood with her arms crossed. She wouldn't be so calm if she was facing me without the bars between us. I would guarantee that.
"Look Jade. We don't get along. In fact, we never did. But whether you like it or not I'm in charge of watching you until Tori gets back. Believe me, I want to help. I've even been sharing what I learn from the records, which is against protocol, I hope you know. Plus, I'm sure Tori has told you. I was the one who warned her-" Trina babbled, unable to continue when Tori returned, cutting her off with a happy greeting directed at us both. I brightened at the sight of her and thanked The Maker she came back in time. My patience was running thin already and I didn't want to have to explain should I 'accidentally' harm Trina.
"Oh good, you're back," Trina said, acting as if I was the one to talk her ear off and annoy her.
"Tori, tell your sister to get lost. Throw a stick or something, play fetch with her. Whatever it takes for her to leave," I spoke up, my irritation clear as I glared at the older Vega who glared back.
"Trina, what did you do?" Tori asked her sister. Trina gasped, offended. She gaped at Tori with a hand on her chest like she was innocent. Tori continued to stare, waiting for a reply.
"Tori," she complained, dragging out her name.
"Trina," Tori mimicked. Trina huffed and walked out, grumbling under her breath about not appreciating her help, her own sister not sticking up for her, and how ganky I was being to her. We watched her go before bursting out with laughter.
"Thank you, Tori," I told her gratefully.
"No problem," she replied. Once our laughter faded we sat down facing each other like before. She reached in to brush her fingers against my cheek before dropping her hand in my lap where my fingers played with hers absentmindedly.
"I really wish I could kiss you right now," I confessed with a sigh. Tori blushed slightly but nodded in agreement.
"Um, your parents were strangely ok with the supposed project you have. They didn't even ask for further details like why you had to stay so long at someone else's house just for a school project. They only wanted me to tell you to be back as soon as it was done. Maybe it's because I grew up with parents who were always there, but it's just..." she hurriedly tried to explain.
"It's messed up. Yeah, I know. Sometimes I wish I had the kind of relationship you have with your parents, but at the same time, I'm glad I don't. At least this way I've learned to be on my own. I can take care of myself," I responded, jaw set.
"You don't have to anymore, Jade," she whispered, her fingers suddenly coming to life in my hands to curl around them.
"I know, because I have you," I replied with a crooked smile.
"Always," she said with a nod. We spent the rest of the time until night fell texting our friends on Tori's phone. They had bugged Tori when I hadn't answered. My phone was still sitting in my room at the moment. We kept up a conversation until each of them went to sleep. I considered texting Beck to see if we could talk sense into him but soon threw the thought aside. He probably wouldn't answer, and if he did, it would be a lost cause.
"There isn't any hope for him, is there?" Tori suddenly asked, knowing what was on my mind. I turned my head to look at her and she turned to look at me. We were currently lying flat on our backs, staring up at the ceiling. Tori's hands rested on her stomach while mine were at my sides.
"No, there isn't," I answered simply. We both fell quiet again, and in a matter of minutes, Tori had fallen asleep. I wondered if she was pulled from patrolling now that her new assignment was watching me. My eyes lazily wandered my cell before landing on the lock keeping me from opening the cell door and getting out. I sat up, hugged my knees to my chest, and wished for sleep. Instead, I sat quietly, watching Tori sleep for a long time. She began tossing and turning, whining under her breath an hour later. I crawled closer to shake her awake when her eyes flew open and she jumped to her feet.
"I have to go," she panted, brushing back her hair as she turned to me. I got to my feet, waiting for her to explain.
"The pack I patrol with, they need help. The second in command sent me a message asking for back up," she explained hurriedly. I could see her tense body ready to dart.
"What about what your father told you?" I asked her. She shook her head.
"They checked in with him first and he's allowing me to go," she replied. My gaze hardened and I looked away. I wanted to be out there with her. I knew the trouble had to be with St. Claire's followers and I wanted nothing more than to kick their asses. Instead of let the anger take hold, I relaxed and let out a sigh.
"Be careful and let your pack defend you. No heroic stunts, ok?" I told her sternly. She nodded and took my hand in her own. She brought it up to place a soft kiss on my palm before locking eyes with me.
"Love you," she whispered. My heavy frown lifted at the words.
"Love you too," I responded softly. She grinned and then ran from the room. I heaved a big sigh before running my hands through my hair in frustration. I entertained myself by pacing back and forth, worrying over Tori. The bond was holding strong though so I had nothing to worry about. I was just about to take a seat on the cot and try to relax when I heard the trap door open. I sprung to my feet in a hurry but stopped in my tracks when Sabine entered. Her cold blue eyes were unforgiving and cutting. She walked in and stood facing me, body stiff.
"You killed my mate," she stated, rigid and precise.
"He knew what he was getting into. It's a shame you didn't," I replied, fixing her with my equally cold blue-green gaze. She released a rolling growl but nothing more.
"I don't know how you got here but you can't do much with me in here and you out there, you know," I reminded her tauntingly. A deviant grin stretched across her features, making my smirk falter.
"You mean this won't help?" she questioned with fake innocence. She held up a thick key for me to see.
"That isn't…" I asked, trailing off uncertainly.
"Yep, the key to this cell," she confirmed.
"How did you get it?" I demanded, my own snarl lacing my words. She laughed and moved to slip the key in the lock.
"Let's just say, Tori may be a great fighter, but her sister doesn't know half as much," she answered, turning the lock with an echoing click. She used the handle of the key to push open the door. It swung open with a mournful creak and Sabine strolled in. I bared my teeth at her in warning.
"I won't hesitate to kill you," I told her, my muscles tense and ready to attack. She stopped with enough space between us.
"You don't have to tell me that after you brutally murdered my mate," she spat, her blue eyes flashing yellow.
"He was a threat to my mate, something I'm sure you understand," I responded firmly.
"Yes, and now I'm here to get even. Let's just hope your mate stays busy," she snarled.
"You set that up just to get to me?" I demanded incredulously.
"I wish, but no. The man Mason was working for, St. Claire, his men are rioting so the Council lap dogs were called in. I heard and took the opportunity knowing they would need their pack leader. I watched them bring you here, knowing I just had to wait for the perfect moment. With her out of the way, I can strike," she explained triumphantly.
"Let's see if you're any better than your mate then," I challenged, seeing no other option. She screamed in rage, the sound turning into a howl as her body shifted into her wolf form. I held my ground, my eyes on the slowly advancing lithe white wolf. She launched at me and I dodged her swiping claws to dig my own into her back once I was behind her. She reached back and pulled me off by the leg. She slammed me into the hard floor and swung down but I rolled away in time to escape. I got to my feet and rushed her, slamming into her and forcing her back. She collided with the bars behind her, bending them and sending up smoke from her burning flesh. She roared and sunk her teeth in my shoulder to tear me away from her. I stumbled but stayed on my feet. She quickly followed up with a tackle that I only just managed to escape. Her claw snatched at my foot at the last minute and found purchase on my ankle. Her nails dug into my boot, shredding through it and eventually taking it with her. I tucked into a roll before popping back on my feet. I tore off my other boot in frustration, eliminating the way the one offset my balance. Sabine stalked closer but I could tell the silver slowed her down.
Her muzzle showed off the long sharp teeth within as she snarled at me. He ears were back and her wrathful gaze stayed on me. She launched herself at me suddenly and I ducked under a swipe that tore into the concrete wall overhead. She snapped at me next, but again, I got away. I found myself too close to the bars and tried to move away but she saw where I was and her back leg kicked out to slam me against them. I growled at the burning pain and faltered. She spun around to strike but I was still able to move. Her claw slipped in between the bars when she missed but she caught me by surprise when she pried the bar loose to get free and attack. Her claw caught my side, the force strong enough to throw me to the ground. She slammed into me soon after, pinning me on my stomach under her. She raked a claw down my back before I felt her hot breath on my face. Her teeth locked on my neck, the points digging in. I tried to wiggle loose but her foot was holding me down at the small of my back while her clawed hands held my shoulders down. Suddenly, she pulled back with a sharp howl of pain. I threw her off quickly and put space between us. I searched for the source of Sabine's pain to see Lara squaring off with the raging wolf.
"Get the fuck out of here!" I yelled at her. She ignored me and launched at Sabine, managing to bite into her neck before being violently ripped off and tossed aside. She slammed into the unforgiving wall with a jarring crack before hitting the ground. She groaned in pain, unable to get up. Damn, I hope she wasn't severely injured. Lara was only a half-breed. She couldn't take the impact like a purebred could. Sabine was charging at me again, sweeping me off my feet and pinning me against the wall. She roared in fury and her claws sunk into my torso. However, before she could tear at me she was stopped again when Nathan skid into the basement. He took one look at the situation, his eyes focusing on Lara far longer, before a deep growl rumbled out of him. I didn't know he had it in him. His normally lively and amiable gaze turned the frosty blue all vampires associated with hunger or rage before he jumped into the fray.
"Let her go!" he shouted, jumping on Sabine's back to wrap a strong arm around her neck. She released me to try and shake him off but he held on. Sabine slammed him back into the wall but he still didn't let go. I forced myself up and pried out the bent bar from earlier. The metal seared my hands but I managed to pull it free. I swung it around and used it to crack into the wolf's side. She whimpered and fell to the floor, Nathan rolling off. I held the bar across her body to keep her down.
"Now Nathan!" I commanded, my skin still under assault while I applied the necessary force to hold her down. He nodded and jogged over to grip Sabine by the neck. She struggled but eventually couldn't breathe. She fell unconscious and returned to her human form. I rolled the bar off her to prevent further damage and then moved to lean against the wall. Nathan exchanged a worried look with me but I waved him away. He nodded and went to Lara. He held her in his lap and whispered to her until she opened her eyes. She reached up to lay a hand on his cheek and he sighed in relief.
"What's broken?" I asked, dragging myself over to them.
"My back possibly," she gasped out, gritting her teeth. Nathan smoothed her bangs out of her face and looked up at me for help.
"Don't look at me. I don't know anything about half-breeds," I told him. He groaned.
"Same," he agreed. Fuck Tori, where are you? I moved to leave when Trina came in. Her clothes were almost in tatters and blood stained them. Her teeth were sharp and her eyes glinted with yellow but otherwise she was fine.
"Healing sucks," she complained.
"Trina, look after those two idiots. I have to find Tori," I told her hastily.
"You can't go out," Trina replied, snapping at me like a reprimand.
"Let me worry about that," I responded, shoving past her roughly. I was out the door and following Tori's scent before Trina could say anything more. I was hot on the trail when I came face to face with Beck leaning against a tree that marked the entrance into the forest, just as I had seen him the night I was changed. All thoughts of finding Tori were erased to be replaced with rage. I darted in his direction but he was quick to run. I followed him into the woods, knowing that this time he wouldn't get away. I was faster, stronger, and I wasn't afraid to use the weapons I now possessed. He didn't stand a chance.