The smell of blood was the first thing my brain recognized when I woke up. I had no idea what time it was, but I assumed it was hours later than it had been when I was knocked out. My head hurt to the point where I actually wanted to die just to get rid of the pain. I had a feeling I was about to get a lot worse, though.
The room was dark, but I got a little amount of sunlight. Based on the amount, I had a feeling it was about sunrise. I looked around and found out why I smelled blood. It wasn't mine, clearly, or I'd be dead. There were bags in a fridge and a bucket in the corner. His supply, I realized. This was why it was taking so long to find him.
"Where are you, you son of a bitch?!" I called out. The sound of my own voice felt like an ice pick to me.
"How many times do I have to tell you to watch your mouth?" Slowly, my dad stepped into the light. "It's not lady-like to swear."
"Well, I've never been lady-like."
"True. You always were your mother's little rebel." I clenched my teeth. "Unless you were around Emma. Then, you were like a whole other person."
"Don't you say her name," I growled. "You have no right."
"Don't I? She was my daughter, after all." I lunged, but only ended up hurting myself. I almost dislocated my shoulders. "Now, now, Skylar. We don't want you getting hurt." He stepped closer, but then hissed and jumped back. He had stepped into a patch of sunlight.
"You just made my week," I said, smirking. He glared at me.
"Lucky for you, you have until the sun sets to imagine the fun we'll have later." He snapped his fingers, and a boy, no more than sixteen, appeared at his side. "You know what to do."
"Yes, sir." My dad left, leaving the boy with me.
"What's your name?" He looked at me.
"Luke."
"Have you… you know?"
"Killed someone? No. I'm not even a vampire yet. I'm just here for show, mostly."
"You're not a vampire?" He shook his head. "Then, why the hell don't you leave?"
"He has my sister a little way away. I promised to do whatever he wanted me to do as long as he doesn't kill her. I get to see her every couple of days. She's well taken care of, though, so I can't really complain."
"You'll know you'll both be meals one day, right?"
"I'm a hopeful person."
"Lucky you," I muttered.
"You want a drink?" He walked over to a fridge I hadn't noticed before, and pulled out a water bottle.
"I'll pass."
"You really should drink something."
"Not thirsty."
"Oh. Alright, then. Just let me know when you need one." A few minutes passed in silence.
"Do you have a phone?"
"No."
"What if I said that if you helped me, I could help you?" He looked over at me. "You must know where your sister is."
"So? I'm not going against a vampire, especially not one like Jack."
"I could buy you tons of time to get your sister and get someplace far away from here." He looked like he really wanted that, but then shook his head.
"Even if you could, you'd be killed and he has our scent."
"Have you ever heard of hunters?" Luke shook his head. "Well, I'm a hunter. We hunt monsters like Jack. I can kill him, but first I need your help." He stopped what he was doing.
"What sort of help would you need?"
"A blade of some sort." He pulled out a knife that looked eerily similar to mine.
"He gave it to me when he got home last night." So it was mine. "He said to use it only if you somehow escaped."
"Good. Then, I'll need you to untie me."
"I don't think I can help you."
"Just hear me out." He nodded. "You sneak out that open window. He can't chase you in daylight. You run, get your sister, and go to California or Florida, someplace where it's almost always sunny. I'll take care of him, and you and your sister can go live a long, healthy life." He looked at the window. "You have to know how much sunlight hurts him. Plus, he really only wants me. I doubt he'll even think about you once he sees I'm free."
"No," he said, but gave me a smile. "I'm not stupid." This kid was way smarter than I originally thought. He walked over and cut the ropes holding me in place. He quickly handed me the knife, and pushed open the window.
"Run and don't look back," I whispered. He nodded, and climbed out.
"You were right about one thing." I froze. Not part of the plan. "I'm really only concerned with you."
"I thought vampires slept during the day."
"Usually, but I heard you trying to bribe Luke. I knew he'd take it."
"He's smart."
"Yes, he is, which is why I kept him around. It's a shame he's gone, but I still have what I want."
"Then, come get me." I smirked, knowing he wouldn't. I was standing in a patch of sunlight.
"The sun will set eventually." He was right, but I had a weapon. Not a great weapon, but it was better than nothing.
I hoped.
"Do you remember when we use to go on picnics in that park near our house. You were just obsessed with the swings. Your mom used to push you higher and higher. You thought you could touch the sky if you went high enough."
"Every kid thinks that."
"True. Except Emma."
"Are you trying to piss me off?"
"She was such a sweet girl." My knuckles turned white. "She tasted even sweeter. Like chocolate. No, strawberries." I lunged.