Preoccupied, I didnt see Zeke move until cool fingers curled around mine. I blinked and looked down to see his eyes open, gazing up at me in the darkness. He wasnt smiling, but his gaze was steady and his expression was calm, not the cold, blank mask hed worn ever since Old Chicago.
Hey, I murmured. Zeke didnt answer, and I searched his face, hoping his conviction still held, that he wouldnt start doubting himself now. You okay?
His eyes closed. No, he whispered, and squeezed my hand before I could worry. But...Im getting there. One day at a time, right? I cant turn back now, not when were this close. Gazing at me again, he forced a faint smile. Were almost there, he mused, and his hand traveled up to my face, brushing my hair back, skimming my cheek. Youll be able to see Eden with me after all.
I ran my fingers down his chest, remembering what Kanin had said the night before. Sarren had likely beaten us to Eden. Who knew the state of the island now? Maybe everyone was dead, after all. But I wouldnt think about that. We couldnt give up. I would choose hope, to believe that they were still all right. It was all I could do now. Im just glad I wont have to explain to Caleb and Bethany where you are, I said, smiling down at Zeke. I dont think theyd ever forgive me for coming back without you.
A shadow crossed his face, his brow creasing with worry and a little fear. I knew what he was thinkingwhether hed be able to control himself around those kids, both of whom adored him. What am I going to tell them? he whispered, his voice catching a little. How am I going to explain what happened to me? When we were searching for Eden, before you joined us, everyone knew vampires were evil monsters that ate little kids. I told them that myself. His face tightened, his expression full of regret and pain. What will they think of me now?
You have to tell them the truth, I said, and he flinched. And theyll either accept it or they wont. But youre not the first vampire theyve seen, Zeke. And I know Caleb, at least, isnt as terrified of vampires as he should be.
Not anymore, Zeke said in a wry voice. Not after he met you.
I smiled, remembering Caleb, a thin, dark-haired kid and the toughest six-year-old Id ever met. Hed been through so much, seen so much, on his journey to Eden: rabids, wild animals, evil bikers and sadistic raider kings. Hed lost an older sister to rabids and had nearly died himself a few times, but had come out of that whole nightmare ordeal a true survivor. Perhaps a little more hardened than he should have been, but one thing that had disappeared completely was his fear of vampires. Or, at least, of one vampire.
So, I think theyll understand, I finished. They love you, Zeke. It wont matter if youre not human anymore. I put a hand over his wrist and squeezed gently. And dont worry about the monsterIll be right there. If you feel yourself slipping, just keep your eyes on me.
Allie... His eyes were suddenly sapphire pools of emotion and longing, peering up at me in the darkness. It sent a ripple of heat through my insides, a stirring of Hunger that was familiar and strange at the same time. Lowering my head, I kissed him, and his arms wrapped around me, pressing me close.
I slid my hands down his stomach, my fingers slipping beneath his shirt, and Zekes grip tightened, his kisses turning hungry, too. My lips left his mouth and trailed a path down his jaw to his neck, and he moaned, arching his head back. Offering his throat. I paused, my mouth hovering over his skin, fangs throbbing against my gums. I wanted to feel him again, like I had in Old Chicago when the compulsion was finally broken. Not just his blood, but his emotions and thoughts and secrets and fears. I wanted to see him when nothing separated us, when everything was laid bare.
But if I started down that road, I wouldnt be able to stop. And we were so close to Eden now, with Jackal and Kanin just a few streets away. The last thing I wanted was for my sire to get impatient and come looking for us. Or worse, Jackal.
Raising my head, I kissed his lips, lingering and soft, taking us back into safe territory. Zeke didnt fight me, didnt press forward, letting us both cool down before I pulled back. Though his eyes still smoldered when I looked down at him, the tips of his fangs visible in the darkness.
We should go, I said reluctantly. Kanin and Jackal...
Yeah. Zeke sighed, sounding as grudging as I felt, and released me. We climbed off the mattress, checked and rebuckled our weapons in place, and left the room together.
Following my blood tie, we found Kanin and Jackal in a small garage a few streets down. Jackal was kneeling on the pavement, holding up the front of a car with one shoulder, his jaw clenched in concentration while he fiddled with the tire. At his back, Kanin watched impassively and turned as we came up.
Good. Youre here. The Master vampire nodded to us, his dark gaze lingering on Zeke. Were almost ready to leave. As soon as James finishes, we can get on the road again.
You know, Jackal grunted, gritting his teeth as he screwed the last nut into the hubcap, this wouldve been a lot easier if I didnt have to hold up the freaking car and change the tire at the same time. I suppose once you hit Master vamp status, youre excluded from such ignoble work. Wouldnt want those special fingers to get greasy, right? He gave the screw a final twist, then let the vehicle drop and bounce to the pavement. Then again, I doubt any of you would know the throttle from the gas cap.
Dusting off his hands, he rose and shot a quizzical stare at Zeke. Well, look whos feeling better, he mocked, raising an eyebrow. Did you two work through your feelings over a nice slaughtered baby or something? His grin grew wider, turned into a leer. Or...did something else happen to take your mind off things?
Wouldnt you like to know, Zeke answered coolly, before I could kick Jackal in the shin. Jackal blinked, taken aback for just a moment, before barking a harsh laugh.
Aw, look at that. The puppy is finally showing some teeth. He snickered, then leaned an elbow against the car, regarding Zeke appraisingly. Think you can manage to show those fangs when we face your big bad sire, puppy? Or are you going to slink off with your tail between your legs?
Zeke smiled back, but it was a dangerous, lethal smile, fangs glinting in the shadows as he faced Jackal down. I havent forgotten, he said in a soft, ominous voice, as the temperature in the garage dropped a few degrees, and Jackal frowned in confusion. What you did to my family, I havent forgotten it. I still intend to keep my promise. One night, youll look up, and Ill be there. So, dont get too comfortable. Im still going to kill you when this is all over.
Jackal stared at him. Silence fell, and I resisted the urge to draw my sword. On the other side of the car, Kanin didnt move, but I could feel the tension in the room, four vampires waiting to see what the others would do.
Then Jackal chuckled and pushed himself off the door, shaking his head. Well, youre welcome to try, puppy, he said, as the tension diffused somewhat. Its going to be a shame to kill youyou have the potential to be a decent bloodsucker. But Id wait until we find Sarren before you start making your little death threats. That lovely message we found? That means he knows the compulsion is broken. And Ill bet hes not too thrilled with his special minion having free will again. Hell be looking for any chance to turn you inside out. Jackal smiled evilly and leaned closer to Zeke, fangs gleaming. So Im not the one you need to worry about, he sneered. Try me again when we have the psychos head on the end of a long spike. Ill be more than happy to stick yours next to it.
Enough. Kanins deep, stern voice broke through the standoff. Now is not the time to fight among ourselves, he lectured, narrowing his eyes at the three of us. Sarren is very close. And he will use every opportunity to slow us down, turn us against one another. His gaze went to Zeke, who lowered his eyes. If we are to stop him, we must put aside vengeance, put aside hatred and doubt and uncertainty, and trust each other. If only for a moment. Can you do that, Ezekiel?
Yeah. Zeke sighed, bowing his head. I got it.
Then let us go. Were nearly there.
Oh, sure, Jackal remarked, opening the passenger door. No, Hey, thanks, Jackal, for fixing the car. Wed all be hoofing it to Eden if you werent here. He slid into the chair and slammed the door behind him. Next time we get a flat, youre on your own. In fact, I think some lazy little fucks who wont be named need to learn the basics of changing a tire.
Shouldnt be hard, I replied, sliding into the back with Zeke. Well just fill it using the hot air shooting out of your mouth.
Allison. Kanin sighed. Please. And we fell silent as he started the engine, turned the vehicle around, and cruised off down the road, back toward the highway and the last stretch of our journey.
Chapter 13
We drove on as if nothing had happened since the van had died near Old Chicago, with Kanin and Jackal up front pretending to ignore each other, and me and Zeke in the back. There were subtle differences, though. Zeke was quiet, but it wasnt the empty, hopeless silence of the nights before. I could sense him thinking, the worry plain on his face. His thoughts were probably with his family: with Caleb and Bethany, Matthew and Jake, old Silas and Theresa, the people hed left behind. Eden was supposed to be their haven; thats what was promised, a city free of monsters and vampires. A place where humans were safe. But now, Sarren threatened even that.
Shifting closer, I put a hand on his knee, making him blink and glance over. His face was somber, eyes shadowed with worry, but it was far better than seeing absolutely nothing when I looked at him. Theyll be all right, I murmured, and the hint of a smile crossed his lips.
I hope so.
There you go again. Jackal sighed from the front. Getting the puppys hopes up. More likely, every bloodbag on Eden is screaming and tearing their faces off, but, oh, no, no one wants to hear that. He waved a hand. So, go ahead, tell him that everything is going to be fine. All the meatsacks are perfectly content on their happy little island, Sarren has given up world destruction to raise kittens, and the magic wish fairy will wave her wand and turn shit into gold.