Chapter 39
Don't shoot the messenger
I felt the knife sinking into my chest and stomach over and over again. I tried desperately to gasp for air. Sammy was barking. I knew that I was going into a shock and there was nothing I could do to stop it. Gwen was just about to stab me again when someone yanked her away from me. I saw Vincent breaking her neck.
More people appeared in the room. The problem was that those people happened to be vampires. And I was lying on the couch bleeding. They were all suddenly staring at me like a piece of meat. Their fangs were coming out. They were trying to control themselves but one of the youngest ones lost it completely. He attacked me and bit my neck. It didn't really even hurt in that point. I couldn't move. Suddenly the vampire was thrown against the wall. Callum was standing next to the couch.
"Shit…" he murmured.
All the other vampires were crawling on the floor screaming in pain. I didn't know how long Callum would be able to keep them away from me.
"A little help would be nice!" he shouted.
Maura and few other witches came in running. They joined their hands and started to chant. An invisible force was pushing the vampires out of the room.
"That one tasted her blood", Callum said pointing at the young vampire.
One of the witches lifted her skirt and picked up a hidden stake. She walked to the vampire and staked him without hesitation. The other witches were casting some kind of spell.
"That should keep them out", Maura said and closed the door.
I felt one of the witches touching my face.
"Hold on sweetie", she said. "She's bleeding out! I need some help!"
There were many faces hovering over me but I was barely conscious so I didn't pay any attention to them. I felt someone removing my dress.
"Turn around", Maura said to Callum. He was the only man in the room and I definitely didn't want him to see me naked. I had to remember to thank Maura later. One of the witches cursed.
"What a bloody mess."
"Focus, Roxy", Maura said
I had no idea what they were doing. I heard Sammy howling.
"Could someone please shut that dog up?" Roxy said annoyed.
I tried to get up. I had to see was Sammy hurt.
"No, no, sweetie, hold still", one of the witches said. I think her name was Noelle. I turned my head and tried to see Sammy.
"The dog is fine", Maura said. "Now we really have to concentrate on you. Callum, we need some warm water and a towel or something. We better clean her up before Klaus comes."
"This is amazing…" Roxy murmured.
I felt that my wounds were healing. Still the blood loss had made me very weak. And I was cold. I really hoped that someone would give me a blanket.
"Anna!"
I heard Klaus' voice coming from somewhere far away.
"Cover her quickly", Maura said tensely before she opened the door.
"Sir…"
"Let me in", Klaus interrupted her angrily.
"If we lift the spell, all vampires can get in", Maura said calmly. "We haven't cleaned up yet…"
Klaus turned.
"Everyone outside", he said.
Maura waited until all the vampires were gone before she lifted the spell. Klaus was next to me in a second.
"Out, all of you", he commanded. They left without saying a word. Someone had placed a blanket on me. Klaus lifted it carefully. My wounds were healed already but I was covered with blood. I tried very hard to keep my eyes open. Klaus placed me on his lap and stroked my hair.
"It's ok, Anna, it's ok…" he murmured.
It was the last thing I heard before I passed out.
...
I felt strange when I opened my eyes. I had no idea how long I had slept. I felt someone moving next to me. It was Sammy. When he noticed that I was awake he wagged his tail and sniffed my face. Klaus didn't usually let him sleep in our bed. I tried to pet him but I could barely lift my hand. I felt weak. I really needed to eat something.
"How are you feeling?" someone asked.
I turned my head and saw Maura sitting next to the bed. I gave her a weak nod. She smiled.
"Let's get you something to eat. I will be right back."
I was dizzy. Everything what had happened felt so unreal.
"I have a message for your husband. His sins won't stay buried forever. It's payback time."
I shivered. Gwen hadn't said who that message was from. I would have to tell Klaus about it. I was just wondering where he was when the door opened and he walked in.
"Sweetheart", he said and kissed my forehead. "Sammy, down."
He obeyed immediately. Klaus sat on the bed and took my hand.
"I need you to tell me everything what happened."
I nodded and repeated Gwen's message for him. His face went blank.
"Someone had compelled that girl?"
I nodded.
"Hmm… I will have to take care of few things but don't worry sweetheart, everything is going to be alright. I want you to eat and rest, I will be back soon."
I hoped that he would stay with me. I really didn't want to be alone. I felt very vulnerable. Before I managed to stop myself, I started to cry. That seemed to startle him.
"Hey…It's ok. You are safe now, I promise", he said and wrapped his arms around me. "My sweet Anna…"
He pulled away when someone knocked the door. Maura came in carrying a tray.
"I have to go now sweetheart, but I won't be long", he said and kissed me. "Maura will take a good care of you."
I nodded and dried my eyes. I was about to ask what he was going to do but I didn't really want to know the answer. I had seen that look in his eyes before. It meant that someone was about to suffer.