Staring at the door, Vaughn waited for the sensation that would occur to let him know that the sun had set. Remaining at home all day had been one of the hardest things he ever had to do, and had been spent by pacing, cursing, destroying anything within reach, and worrying. 1
Looking to the side as Peter walked out of his office, which was just inside the main door, he stood straight at the look on the squire’s face. 2
“Ash said he’ll be here just after dusk,” Peter said. “He wants you to wait for him.”3
“Not bloody likely,” Vaughn said. “Sun sets, and I’m gone.”4
“It’s an order.”5
Cursing, Vaughn turned away. A tingling of his skin signified that the sun had set, and he’d taken one step towards the door before Peter could move. 6
“Don’t make me stop you, Vaughn.”7
That brought the Dark-Hunter to a stop… more from surprise than anything. “Mind your place,” Vaughn warned. “You work for me, remember.”8
Peter nodded. “And you work for Ash,” he pointed out. “Look, Vaughn. Even though you’re a huge jackass most times, I like working for you. I’d really rather not have to contain you just so you’ll be here when Ash arrives.”9
“You can try all you want,” Vaughn said, but didn’t move. “Get the hell out of my way.”10
“Vaughn,” he said, then stopped as Vaughn’s eyes flashed to a deep read before quickly returning to the normal black. 11
“Move.” The word was said gently, but had enough of an order behind it that Peter quickly moved out of the way. 12
“I want to go on record as stating this is a bad idea.”13
“I won’t leave the property,” Vaughn muttered. 14
“Promise?”15
”On your life.”16
”Gee, thanks.” 17
Walking past the squire, Vaughn yanked the door open, and set off from the house at a trot. He contemplated actually leaving the grounds anyway, but knew that an order from Ash meant that he’d have to stay… or else. 18
Making it halfway to the back wall, he slowed, then stopped to stare at the tree he’d been sitting under the time Jaden had appeared. Blindly pulling a knife out of a hidden holster, he continued to stare at the tree as he sliced the blade across his palm. 19
Holding his hand out, he squeezed and watched as a few drops fell on to the roots of the tree that poked up through the ground. Words that he shouldn’t have known came from him, summoning the last resort he could think of. Al-Baraka. 20
The wind picked up suddenly, whipping leaves from the tree, as a figure seemed to appear in the mist that had formed. It was over as soon as it started, and Jaden stared at him, a wry smile crossing his lips. 21
~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~22
Jerking at the restraints on the wall, Jared’s breathing quickened as he tried to free himself. Something was about to happen to one of the few people that actually gave a damn about him, and he couldn’t allow himself to just hang around doing nothing to help. 23
“Nim?” he whispered, trying to wake the healing demon. Nim had been in fairly rough shape when he arrived earlier that day, and although Jared knew it was pointless, he had to at least try to rouse him. 24
Growling in annoyance, but not loud enough for his voice to carry to his masters, Jared yanked both arms at the same time. The annoyed growl was replaced by a pain filled snarl as the chains cut into his wrists.25
“You’re going to pull your hands off,” a voice said from the doorway.26
Glaring at Zephyra, Jared pulled again. “Fuck off and die,” came from him before he could stop, and he knew that all the pulling the world wouldn’t free him before the bitch punished him for the words.27
Raising a hand, Zephyra sent a blast of energy at the struggling man, smiling in sweet satisfaction as he yelled in pain. “Now,” she said, taking a step closer. “What has you all riled up and ready to break free?”28
Immediately going still, Jared looked over her shoulder, concentrating on the wall. “Nothing.” 29
“Awful lot of pain for nothing.” 30
“I like pain,” he snarled. 31
“I demand you tell me the truth.”32
Oh, hell. Once demanded or ordered, he had to do what she said or else lying would be the least of his problems. “I said noth-“ stopping as the collar around his throat tightened, he coughed and went back to staring at the wall.33
“Traitor,” Zephyra hissed. “Tell me. Now.”34
“A friend,” he whispered, hoping that he wasn’t signing Helen’s death. “The goddess Asya has her, and wants her soul. I’d prefer that to not happen.”35
“Asya?” Zephyra repeated. “Doesn’t sound familiar.”36
“Ask your sterling husband about her,” Jared said, not willing to pass up the opportunity to push a few buttons. “Bet the name sounds real familiar to him.”37
“Silence,” Zephyra snarled, creating a muzzle on his face. “You’re not leaving here, so stop trying.” Taking a step forward, she ran a hand over a tattoo on his bare chest. “You deserve no friends, and I wish this Asya well in taking one of the few who actually tolerates your worthless hide.” 38
Yanking at the chains as she turned and left, Jared wanted nothing more than to pull one out of the wall and wrap it around that bitch’s neck. Sighing as he realized she’d left him with the muzzle covering his mouth, he titled his head back in tired annoyance. 39
Didn’t really matter since Zephyra would probably be back after asking Stryker about Asya. Jared wasn’t sure if the Spathi Leader was aware of his adopted mother’s past feuds with Asya, but it had been fun hinting that there was more to the relationship than that. Good ol’ Zephy was as jealous as they came, and it was one of Jared’s favorite topics to attack.40
Unfortunately, that wouldn’t help him with Helen. And since Nim was still recovering, that cut down the help list to… not a whole hell of a lot.41
~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~42
Sitting at the table by the pool, Peter checked through the row of guns in front of him one last time. Pausing to take a drag from the cigarette in his hand, he placed it in the ashtray and picked up another weapon. 43
Glancing towards the darkened back yard, he scanned for signs of Vaughn, and not seeing him, went back to the weapons. He knew that Vaughn wouldn’t be leaving the property after Ash ordered him not to, and also knew that once Ash showed, Vaughn would be in a hurry to leave. 44
Since the Dark-Hunter would have to come past the pool area, Peter decided that he’d set up a small weapons selection for his boss so it would save them both some time. Besides, after all that had happened, Peter really wanted a cigarette and to be some other place than stuck inside. 45
“Those things will kill you,” came a deep voice from behind. 46
To his credit, Peter only jumped, and managed to refrain from spinning with guns blazing. Shooting Acheron Parthenopaeus was never a smart choice. Reaching out for the cigarette, Peter took a long drag, then stubbed it out. 47
“Vaughn’s somewhere back there,” he said with a nod to the dark yard. 48
“I requested that he wait for me,” Ash said as he approached the table. His gaze ran over the multitude of weapons. 49
“I told him that,” Peter said as he reached into a bag by his feet and pulled out a small box of bullets. “He opted to not listen.”50
“How is he?”51
“Completely pissed off,” came the reply. “And completely worried.”52
Ash’s gaze was drawn to the dark yard, and a sensation that he really could have gone through the night without experiencing. Without word, he walked into the darkness, his long jacket swirling around his biker boots as he basically melted into the night like an apparition. 53
~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~54
“This is very interesting,” Jaden said, the smirk still evident as he slowly circled Vaughn. “You are aware of who you’re dealing with, correct?”55
“Not really, no,” Vaughn had to admit. 56
“Then why have you summoned me?” Stopping in front of Vaughn, Jaden raised an eyebrow in question. 57
“Helen’s gone.”58
”I know.”59
“And I would like her back.”60
”You would now, would you,” Jaden asked, speculation heavy in his voice. “Are you willing to pay the price?”61
“I don’t care what happens to me,” Vaughn said as the demon broker stared at him. “I just need to make sure that Helen is safe.” He hesitated, then continued. “I just need a way to get to Asya,” he said. “Just… take me to where Helen is.”62
Ash appeared just to the left of Vaughn, an annoyed look on his face. “You can’t barter with-“ Stopping, he stared at Vaughn, sensing a difference in him. Damn it. Giving a brief nod of apology to Jaden, he took a step back. 63
Looking slightly guilty when he realized that Ash knew what had transpired in the bedroom, Vaughn faced Ash. “I’m sorry, Ash. It just sort of… happened.” 64
“Can’t say that I’m not upset that you bit someone, but…” he trailed off for a moment. “I understand how it could happen.”65
Relaxing slightly, Vaughn regarded his boss evenly. “For the first time in centuries, I’m not confused about things. I know what I have to do, and what has to be done.” 66
”And in return?” Jaden asked, pulling all attention back to him.67
“Name it.”68
”The going rate is a soul,” he said, eyes flicking to Ash for a brief moment to make sure that he wouldn’t interfere. So far, the immortal was satisfied with leaning against a tree while he glared. 69
“Would having my soul translate into another lifetime of servitude?”70
“Possibly.” 71
“And you promise to me that Helen will be safe until it’s her time to die of natural causes.”72
Raising an eyebrow at the wording, Jaden had to give the Hunter credit for thinking it through as far as he did. Most dealings were half-assed and ended up with a less than ideal ending. 73
“Vaughn?” Ash said, finally breaking his silence. He waited until the other man looked at him. “I know you want Helen to be safe, but is it worth going against all that she believes in to make that happen?”74
“She’ll understand,” Vaughn said.75
“Will she?” Pushing himself off from the tree, Ash approached. “Basically put, Helen’s not overly fond of Jaden. If she thought there was any way to save herself, then she would have gone to him in the first place.”76
“You’re ruining my business here, Ash,” Jaden said in a mild tone. “If he wants to deal, then he wants to deal.”77
“But he’s not a demon.” 78
“Demon blood, however little, equates demon to me,” Jaden pointed out. Turning back to Vaughn, he frowned when he realized that the Dark-Hunter had taken a few steps back and was staring at the ground. Sighing in annoyance, the demon broker looked back at Ash. “He’s backing out. I hope you’re happy.”79
“Ecstatic,” Ash replied in a droll tone. “Come on, Jaden, you know this isn’t the right thing to do.”80
Growling slightly, Jaden looked at Vaughn. “I once promised that Helen Vandis would be happy, and I can’t see that happening with the current line of events. So, to keep myself from looking like a liar, I’m going to make sure that this ends up with Helen smiling.” 81
“Should I even ask how?” 82
Smiling at Ash, Jaden shook his head. “Trust me.” 83
~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~84
Stalking back to the house, Vaughn didn’t even look at Ash as he walked a step behind. “Nice of you to decide to show up.”85
Ignoring the sarcasm in the other man’s tone, Ash had to wonder if Vaughn was even capable of carrying this whole thing off. “I wish you would have waited.”86
“For what, Ash?” Stopping, Vaughn gave him a cool look. “Waited for you to decide that maybe it was time to act? It’s been over twelve hours.”87
“You needed time to think.”88
Confused, and not needing the extra energy that it took away from his calm anger, Vaughn ran his hands over his face. “What?”89
“You need to decide whether you’re doing this for Helen, or because you failed your sister.”90
A tic worked in Vaughn’s jaw as he fought to keep his initial response to himself. Inhaling deeply and closing his eyes, he let the breath out slowly. “I didn’t fail my sister,” he said. “I killed her.” Opening his eyes, he looked at Ash. “The night I died, I went through the ultimate betrayal. I know that it’s different with Helen, but she trusted me to keep her safe, and I can’t betray that trust.”91
Ash nodded, nearly satisfied with the answer, and the knowledge that Vaughn would try his best to save the woman he loved. “All right,” he said. “I’m going to bestow upon you the temporary ability of teleportation. You get in, grab her, and get out.”92
Staring, Vaughn took a step back and shook his head slightly. “Uh. All right.” Blinking, he rubbed a hand along the back of his neck. “Since when can you bestow powers?”93
“I can do a lot of things when I feel like it.”94
~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~95
Cramps shot up the back of her legs, carrying straight through to her back. Moving as much as she could while chained, Helen tried to look behind her to see what was going on. So far, all she could see was an opulent throne room, and not much else. 96
Neck tired, she turned back to stare at the wall as she tried to find a comfortable spot. It was impossible since she was in a crouched position with her hands tied to the wall in front of her. To add insult to injury, her clothing had been taken, making her feel more vulnerable than ever before. 97
She hadn’t been touched since she had been violently brought in, but had enough cuts and bruises from that incident to make her more than sore while crouching. Wondering how Nim was, she closed her eyes and tried to contact the one person that would know. 98
“Jared?” she whispered. “Talk to me.” 99
As expected, nothing replied… although she had hoped that maybe fate would be on her side for once. Nim had to be all right. He had to. Even though the last image she held of him was being set upon by two demons, she knew that he was tougher than most beings and could handle his own. 100
Her thoughts started to slide towards Vaughn again, and she quickly pulled them away. She didn’t even want to think of what might have happened to him when she was taken, and couldn’t allow the images that wanted to assault her of him being gone. 101
“I love you,” she whispered as a few tears finally fell. “I should have told you before.”102
Opening her eyes, she yanked at the ropes, succeeding only in adding to the chaffing at her wrists, and the pain in her shoulders that was now merging with the pain from her legs. She needed to get out of this… no doubt about that.103
“Jared!” Helen screamed in her mind, willing her voice to travel to the one person she knew that would move heaven and hell to save her. “Please!”104
Leaning her head against one arm, she tried to relieve the pain that was now constant in her legs. “You said you’d be here if I needed you,” she whispered. “I need you.” 105
Slowly standing as far as she could, she alternated her weight from leg to leg as she tried to relieve some of the pain and to get circulation going again. This position was definitely more uncomfortable than crouching since she was basically bent over, but it helped lessen the cramps. Starting to get dizzy from her new position, she closed her eyes and tried to ignore the feeling. 106
Wonder if this is what Jared feels like, she thought. 107
A hand touched her shoulder, startling her so much that she automatically kicked out so that whoever it was wouldn’t hurt her. She assumed that it was either Brin or Caras, here to start their lovely game of torture, and tensed in anticipation for the first blow. A light curse in an unexpected voice made her arch her back in surprise. 108
“Did you have to kick?” Vaughn asked, taking a step towards her. Ignoring the jolt as her hit did its work on his powers, he took a small knife out of a jacket pocket. 109
Watching over her shoulder as he turned to scan the room, his sunglass gaze taking in everything at once, she was never so happy to see anyone in her entire existence. “How did you get here?” she asked, still slightly dazed at his appearance. 110
“I had help,” Vaughn said as he bent low and cut the ropes holding her. Taking his long jacket off, he wrapped it around her shoulders as she stood to give her a sense of comfort. “Give me your hand, we’re out of here.” 111
“You’re not going anywhere,” a voice from behind said. 112
Turning as he took a step back, Vaughn placed himself between Helen and whoever it was that had spoken. Recognizing the demon from the other times Helen had been attacked, Vaughn took another step back, and placed a hand on Helen’s arm.113
Concentrating, he imagined them in his living room, and grimaced when they remained where they were. 114
Well, hell.115
116
Author notes
Short chapter because... the next one is the last one!!!
In a list
Comments
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Shock
She kicked him! How? Why? Lol. I knew though the minute that he walked outside and cut himself. I was like "Oh my God! The demon blood!" Seriously they can't drink blood and not get some of what they drank. You are what you eat huh? The cliffhanger ending was very well done.
beginning: 5, language: 5, plot: 5, ending: 5, dialog: 5, characters: 5.
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he was kicked XD suxs for vuaghn. i was like waiting for these chapters to come out and when i looked over it today i was like 'yay1 the story is finally finished!! tehehe. no more waiting.'
then again i never really have anything else to do rather than to read fan fictions. [i already read all the books in my house that i like. i need more DH and BDB!!! wahahhhh]
ash is awesome, jaden's awesome, jared's awesome. i keep tyring to think who is the best out of all of them. so hard to think of which one though. hhmmm...hmmm. damn still so hard. were-hunters keep getting added into this.
beginning: 5, language: 5, plot: 5, ending: 5, dialog: 5, characters: 5.
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oh hell why did she have to kick him???
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Why indeed....
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