V Games - Dead Before Dawn Page 6
Ulvic folded his arms. “I believe I can still slip under their radar, so long as the others leave.” He gave me a pointed look.
“I think you'd be a fool to believe such a thing,” Brendan said simply. “But if it's your wish to stay here, that is up to you.” His gaze flicked to me before Ulvic could reply. “And you? Will you come with me?”
“I...” My heart wanted to trust him, but I still knew nothing about him. Where had he been all these years? I plucked up my courage to ask the question I'd longed to know the answer to my whole life. “Why did you leave us...me and mum?”
His eyes darkened to two murky pools. “There's a company...an organisation of sorts, called IDAHO. The Immortal Discernment and Advancement for Humanity Organisation. They keep Immortals in captivity, test on them. They find ways for Immortals to benefit humans. They learnt of Varick's work towards a cure for Vampirism and-”
“Varick's work?” I cut him off. “What do you mean?”
“I assumed he'd told you?” He glanced away and my heart caved in.
“No,” I muttered.
“He was part of a coven who were trying to find the cure.” Brendan glanced at Ulvic who looked as surprised about this news as I was. “They injected a girl called Kaitlin, our ancestor, with the serum. But one of the Helsings found them before they could test her blood.” Brendan lowered his voice to a whisper, “Varick saved her life.”
“How do you know this?” I breathed, my heart racing.
“I know one of the Vampires he worked with. She fled from the Helsings, only later returning for the girl.”
“So Varick knew I was the cure? Ever since we met?” My voice was rising but I couldn't help myself. Doubt poured through me like a dam breaking in my chest.
“Perhaps so,” Brendan said.
“Explains a lot,” Ulvic muttered.
My breathing became rapid as I tried to fight back the horrible possibility that the only reason Varick had protected me for so long was that I offered him a chance of returning to his human form. Something he'd wanted ever since he'd been turned. Something he wanted more than blood. More than anything.
I realigned my thoughts to my first question, not knowing Brendan well enough to share my fears with him and certainly not wanting to voice them in front of Ulvic. “What does this have to do with you leaving home?”
Brendan's brows pulled together. “That same organisation who were hunting for the cure discovered my existence. They came for me one night as I was leaving work.”
“Who?” I breathed.
“Vampires,” he growled. “IDAHO used them to find me. They didn't know about you. And I never told them...”
I shook my head, my heart splintering and cracking. “Oh.”
“I'd never give you up.” His eyes sparkled at me.
“It's true that they took him,” Ulvic said, clearing his throat. “I met Brendan at one of their institutions. Though I didn't know what purpose he served there...”
“You worked for them?” I gave Ulvic a horrified look before facing my father. “But you were their prisoner!” I snapped. “How could you be friends with anyone who worked for the people who did that to you?”
Brendan eyes darkened. “It isn't like you imagine. I wasn't kept in a cage. At first, I fought them, I tried to escape. But after many years, I found comfort in assisting their work. I grew curious about my own blood, the cure. I wanted to understand it, too.”
“So you just stayed there? You gave up on trying to get back to us?” My lower lip trembled.
Brendan shook his head, but Ulvic answered before he could, “Your father had no choice, Selena. You don't know these people. They're cages might not be made of iron bars, but they're up here.” He tapped his temple.
I took a calming breath, gazing at Brendan. “So how are you here now? How did you get away from IDAHO?” I narrowed my eyes on him. Did he still work for them? Is that why he wanted us to go with him?
“I escaped a couple of years ago,” he said quietly. “With some of the others being kept there. There was a rebellion of sorts and I decided to be a part of it. I may have cooperated with them for a long time, but ultimately...I wanted to leave.”
“But you didn't come home?” I asked in a small voice, feeling like a young girl once more.
Brendan bowed his head. “It was too dangerous. I couldn't risk bringing IDAHO to your front door. They've been hunting me ever since.”
Ulvic nodded. “And they keep tabs on those who've worked with them, like me. To make sure their work doesn't get leaked.”
Brendan nodded. “If there's one belief I share with IDAHO, it's that the less who knows about the cure, the better.”
“Why?” I asked.
“Because it could cause a war, Selena. Hunters would seek to destroy it to keep their games, and Vampires would kill to find it.”
I nodded, sniffing as a tear trailed down my cheek, thinking of how different things could have been if Brendan had never been taken away.
“There is much more that needs to be said.” Brendan said gently. “But I fear staying on this island any longer. Will you come with me, Selena?”
My heart softened as I gave in to the idea, heading somewhere safe with my father...
I nodded slowly. “As long as the other Vampires are welcome, too. And Thames.”
My father smiled, clearly relieved. “Of course. Everyone on this island is welcome in my home.” He turned to Ulvic. “That invitation will remain, even after we have departed tonight.”
Ulvic nodded briefly, sipping his drink again.
“What about the wolves?” I asked, frowning, thinking of Jameson. “Will they be given a choice to leave?”
Ulvic tutted. “Of course they won't leave. They would never abandon their pack. Their home.”
I ground my teeth, praying Ulvic was right in thinking that the Helsings wouldn't come here after we left.
I glanced back at Ulvic as he polished off his brandy. I didn't have many possessions here. And the last thing I wanted to bring with me was the dress from the game. “Goodbye,” I said to him, stepping toward the door. “And thank you,” I added as an afterthought.
“Good luck, Selena,” he muttered, though I wasn't sure why.
I followed my father back to the beach, soaking in the calm of the snowy world. The clouds were drawn like a curtain across the sky, dipping the forest in deep, inky tones.
When Varick came into view on the beach, standing amongst the other Vampires and the circling wolves, I fought back my doubts about him.
The intensity in his gaze was surely love? He looked as though he'd he'd throw himself in front of a bullet for me. But a cruel, all-knowing voice in the back of my mind whispered my worst fears.
You...or the cure?
Varick rushed to my side, searching my gaze. “Is all well?”
“Yes,” I lied quickly, diverting my gaze to my father's boat out in the bay. “He wants us to go with him.”
I felt Varick's eyes burning holes in my head, but couldn't bear to meet them in case he read the doubt in my expression. “And?”
“And I think it's a good idea.” I forced myself to face him, glancing up beneath my lashes. “He says he knows about the cure.”
Instead of excitement or intrigue, I only saw trepidation in his eyes. “Did he now...”
“Yes.” I tugged Varick's sleeve. “And I trust him.”
He nodded slowly, absorbing my words. “If you trust him, then I do too.”
I gripped his arm before he could step away, preparing to voice the question in my mind. “He told me you worked on the cure once. That you saved my ancestor...Kaitlin?”
He inclined his head. “I hid her from the Helsings.”
I chewed my lip a moment before asking in a tiny voice, “Did you know I was the cure since you met me? Is that why you're drawn to me?” My voice was rising but I couldn't help myself, my breathing growing ragged.
Varick's eyes flared with anger. “Is that what you think? That I'm using you?” he spat.
Cass floated toward us, evidently sensing the tension between us.
“How long have you known?” I repeated, glaring up at him.
“I suspected, that's all,” he said in a resigned voice. “Towards the end of the first game, that's how long.”
I fell silent, soaking in his words.
“After I kissed you,” he growled, shifting closer. “After I felt hope again. After you awakened so much more in me than anyone had in my entire immortality.”
He reached for me and I melted, dissolving into his arms. “I'm sorry,” I breathed. “I shouldn't have doubted you.”
Ulvic appeared from the trees, clearing his throat. He gestured to his wolves and they all hurried to line up before him, everyone but Jameson who stayed at Cass's side.
“Alpha,” Ulvic growled and Jameson tentatively padded over to join them, sitting at the forefront of the group. Ulvic pointed back at the trees before commanding in a powerful voice, “Return to the cabin. None of you will be leaving this island with them.” His gaze landed on Jameson who barked his fury. “I order you to go,” Ulvic snarled and the wolves thundered into the trees. All but Jameson who dug in his paws, whimpering as if in pain.
“He can make his own choice!” Cass snapped, her crimson hair flowing behind her in the wind.
“Let him speak for himself,” Varick snarled, squaring up to Ulvic, but Ulvic snapped his fingers and Jameson charged off into the trees.
My heart rate rose as Ulvic gazed from Varick to Cass, daring either of them to challenge his authority. “I've been good to you Vampi
res. But do not test my generosity. Jameson is part of this pack. And I will not let him out of my sight again.”
“You have no right,” Cass growled, baring her fangs.
Varick took her arm, keeping her back.
“No, you have no right,” Ulvic spat. “Get off my island.” He pointed toward Brendan's catamaran and Varick guided Cass back down the beach, nodding to Kodiak in encouragement.
I threw Cass an apologetic frown as I walked beside her, following my father toward his catamaran. The furious howls of Jameson carried to us from the trees and I slipped my hand in to Varick's.
“I'm sorry,” I said quietly as we stepped onto the boat.
“Don't be,” he muttered, turning his eye back to the island. “This isn't over.”
Kite
Five Years Ago
Poppy wasn't a kid anymore. She wore make-up and sang songs written by stupid boy bands that thought they were cool. She had more friends than me. It figured. Poppy was the kind of girl everyone liked. All smiles and kindness. Offering seats to people she didn't know on the bus. Throwing spare change into the hands of the homeless. I was harder, colder. Less open to people. I found the pressing bodies of London suffocating, where as she enjoyed the weave and dance of people as they made their way to the underground station. I was dark, she was light. It had become more and more that way as we'd grown up. I became more like my Dad, whilst she became more like Mum. We were polar opposites and yet still, somehow, closer than we'd ever been.
Mum was playing the piano, humming along to Come All Ye Faithful a few days before Christmas. Dad was working. He was always working. I hadn't noticed it when we were younger because he always brought us presents when he came home, told us stories at bedtime, made up for the time he wasn't there. He didn't do that anymore. Nowadays, we barely saw him. And when we did, he was distant. He looked older. I was only thirteen and though he'd always looked old to me, he didn't seem youthful like he once had. His dark hair was turning grey. He wasn't fat and happy, he was grossly thin and always in a grim mood.
Mum made up for his absence though. Always happy, always baking or laughing, or singing songs. She seemed happier every day. But it was only today, when I really looked at her sitting there, whilst Poppy copied the dance of a girl band on the TV, that I saw through it. The way she glanced anxiously toward the door. Constantly checking the time. She did that a lot. As if she wondered when Dad was going to get home. As if he might not come home.
I left the book I was reading on the table. I liked to read. Liked the quiet, where Poppy liked the loud. All enjoyed within the same room somehow.
I moved to Mum's side as she hummed the last of her tune and her hands fell still.
“Christmas soon.” I smiled. “I wonder what Santa will bring.”
“Ha. Ha,” Poppy said from across the room. We'd managed to keep the lie going until last year. Ten years old. Much older than the rest of her class. I loved how much she believed in things. Her whole heart was invested. I envied her of that.
Mum gripped my hand, her wedding band pinching my skin.“Your father's had a big promotion this year. We're thinking of going away for Christmas, would you like that?”
“What?” I blurted and Poppy stopped dancing.“We've already set up the tree. What do you mean we're going away?”
She nodded, smiling brightly. Too brightly.“Yes. Anywhere you like. How does Disneyland sound?”
“Disneyland!?” Poppy jumped up and down, grinning her wide grin.
“Yes,” Mum said enthusiastically, but tears were in her eyes.
“Mum?” I gripped her fingers, sensing something was wrong.
A bang came at the door before she answered me. The kind of ear-splitting sound that only exists in horror movies. When someone's trying to get in.
We all turned, as one, looking toward the hallway that led to the front door.
Mum stood, her hand loosening on mine. I tried to hold on, but she pulled away, striding toward the noise.
BANG.
I jumped, a gasp escaping me as I backed up. Poppy was at my side in seconds, gripping my arm.
“Mum?” Poppy called as she crept toward the hall.
Mum glanced back as a huge crack sounded then feet pounded into the hallway.
“Go!” Mum hissed. “Hide!”
But it was too late. Three men in balaclavas stormed into the room, dragging my father behind them. His face was black and blue, his shirt torn as they threw him to the floor at my mother's feet. Blood spread across the sheepskin rug from a wound I couldn't see.
I pushed Poppy back, my heart pounding in my ears.
“No!” Mum dropped to Dad's side, cradling him in her arms. “What have you done-”
She didn't finish that sentence as one of the men whipped the butt of a gun across her head and she dropped to the floor beside Dad.
I screamed. Poppy screamed. The collective sound rang in my ears, so loud I couldn't hear anything else. I didn't think I'd ever hear anything else after that moment.
“You happy now?” One of the men grabbed hold of my father's lapels, dragging him upright. “I didn't wanna bring this to your family. But you steal from me, you steal from IDAHO.”
“I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Please, leave them alone. I'll pay you back. I'll get the money. I'll do anything you say!” Dad was in bits. I'd never seen him so weak. A gun swung to meet his forehead and Poppy screamed again, burying her face in my shoulder.
I gazed on, shaking. I didn't know what to do. Didn't know anything but what I'd been told at school. Ring 999 in an emergency. Useless now. I never considered it before. But when the emergency's happening, it's too late for help. Best case scenario, the police eventually show up and carry the bodies out one by one. Open a crime scene.
“Dad?” I said, my voice breaking. I wanted answers. I was angry. Angrier and more scared than I'd ever been.
“Your daddy's a thief, girl,” the man who'd spoken before addressed me. He had an accent, but in all the chaos I couldn't place it. No words would come to my head but these: Dad is a lie. Just like Santa had been. He isn't a businessman. He's a criminal.
“Don't listen, darling, don't listen,” Dad begged from the floor.
“This isn't how I wanted it to be, you know that?” The man pointed the gun at my mother. “But orders are orders.”
One of the men behind him grabbed his arm. “We don't kill them,” he growled and hope lifted my heart.
Yes. Maybe we'd survive this. Maybe we'd all walk free. Dad would explain. This could all be explained.
The leader shrugged him off and pulled the trigger. Mum slumped to the floor and I froze. My world crumpled in on itself. Poppy was sobbing, her nails raking along my arm. But I couldn't feel anything but the silent tears gliding down my cheeks. Always the same. Poppy loud, me quiet. Even now that didn't change.
“Get rid of the kids. We don't need any more mess to clean up here,” the leader ordered and the other two men moved towards us.
“NO!” Dad roared, throwing himself at the man with the gun. Another shot sounded and that was it. My world ceased as I knew it. I was an orphan. Poppy was an orphan. And we were about to be two very dead orphans.
◐ ☼ ◐
“Stop the boat!” Mercy flew out of the cabin and I watched with interest as she charged down the deck on her high heels with more grace than should have been possible.
The engine cut out and I headed in her direction to see what all the fuss was about. Her hand was clamped around her iPhone, wheeling it left and right as she moved from one side of the yacht to the other. “Here, Varick's supposed to be right here,” she said through her teeth.
The crew looked reluctant to speak, glancing awkwardly between one another.
I moved to her side, resting my elbows on the railing. “Well I guess that's that.”
She left out a dramatic huff, glaring at the dark sea in utter confusion. My ears pricked up at a noise approaching, a sound that didn't belong in the middle of the ocean.
A song was playing, growing louder as it drew closer.
“I've paid my dues...”
I looked to Mercy as she lifted her head, evidently hearing it too.
“Time after time...”
She hurried back to my side, gazing down into the water.
“I've done my sentence. But committed no crime...”
I snorted a laugh, unable to help myself as Mercy's pretty features contorted into manic fury. She was beetroot red.