Deviant - Jezebel's Journey Book Two: Daughters of Darkness, #2

Kristen Middleton

Copyright ©2015 by Kristen Middleton

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Chapter One

Horrified from what I’d just witnessed, I gave no resistance as the two vampires pulled me out of the office and through the warehouse. I didn’t think about what was happening to Dorian, or even wonder if he was still alive. The shock of witnessing my best friend get his heart ripped out of his chest before becoming a pile of ashes was all I could see. Sure, he’d been a spineless coward, one who’d given me up to save his own skin. It had been a real blow. But, even with all of that, it certainly didn’t warrant such a gruesome death. And then seeing Vlad’s satisfied grin as he began to devour Alex’s heart... the man was truly evil.

Did you notice the look on that freak’s face when Vlad stuck him with that knife? said the vampire to my left. He almost looked relieved.

Of course he did. He sold out Red here, said the other one. He leaned closer to me. Bet you wanted to kick his ass when you found out what he did, huh?

I gritted my teeth. I wanted to kick his ass for calling me Red.

When I didn’t answer, he laughed. Figures. You probably feel sorry for the schmuck.

Don’t waste your pity on Alex, said the other vampire. I mean, what a waste of space that fruitcake was. Have to admit, I didn’t see that coming, though. That was pretty entertaining, I must say so myself.

Tears spilled from my eyes as we stopped at the door leading out into the parking lot. As angry as I still was at Alex, my heart was filled with sadness.  Entertaining, huh? Wait until he does the same to you, I mumbled. Will you laugh like a couple of chuckleheads then?

The taller of the two grunted. Vlad is good to those who are loyal to him and the council. He would never harm his employees.

Yes, said the other one, as he opened the door. And if I were you, he pulled me through the doorway and into the darkness roughly, I’d learn to keep your mouth shut.

Employees? I sneered, snaking my arm from his grasp. Is that what you’ve made yourselves believe? You might earn a paycheck, but make no mistake – you’re nothing but Vlad’s slaves. Both of you. I turned to glare at the other one. I bet you can’t even wipe your ass without his approval.

Shut the hell up! he barked, pulling his fist back as if to punch me.

Felix, warned the tall vampire, moving between us. Our orders were to bring her back with us, unharmed.

"You’d better follow orders. Mustn’t piss Vlad off, Felix," I goaded, not caring if they hit me or not. I hated them almost as much as I hated him. The hunters were his instruments and part of what made him so powerful. Without their support, he’d be just another arrogant vampire with a God complex.  

The vein on Felix’s head throbbed as he tried to control his temper. If she provoked a lesson in discipline, he would understand, Theodore, he replied tightly.

Or maybe he wouldn’t and kill you for not being able to control a small, weak, woman such as myself, I said.

Look here, bitch, growled Felix. We get paid for taking his orders. It’s not because we’re afraid of him. So, get that out of your head.

You can tell yourself that all you want. But I can see the truth written all over your face, I said, smiling coldly. You’re so frightened of Vlad that even now, you watch for him out of the corner of your eye.

Felix looked like he was ready to murder me, but I knew he wouldn’t. He really was frightened of Vlad.

Ignore her, said Theodore. She’s trying to goad you.

I saw a shadow drop behind them. Recognizing Dorian, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief. 

Felix, who caught my reaction, turned around to look behind them and was immediately stabbed in the forehead. He dropped to the ground and became a pile of ash.

Get out of here! ordered Dorian, as the other vampire rushed him.

Theodore grabbed Dorian by the neck and raised him in the air.  You... he growled, glaring at him. I thought we’d finished you off in the warehouse.

You thought wrong, he whispered hoarsely, trying to uncurl Theodore’s fingers from his neck.

You let him go! I ordered, taking a step toward them.

Escape, rasped Dorian.  Go. Now!

I knew he was risking his life, but Dorian was dangling in the air and looking so helpless. I knew I couldn’t abandon him. Nobody else deserved to die. Not for me.

Don’t you dare make one move, Red, said Theodore, tightening his hold on Dorian. A cold smile spread across his pale face. You need to stay and watch. I’m going to drain every last ounce of blood from Lancelot, here.

Dorian’s face was red and he looked like he was about to pass out. Frantic to help, I jumped on Theodore’s back and sank my teeth into his neck. Blood gushed into my mouth and I sucked fiercely, trying to bring him to his knees.

Instead, he released Dorian and elbowed me in the stomach so hard that I flew backward against the pavement.  

You crazy bitch! he snapped, rubbing the back of his neck. You’re going to pay for that.

Dorian, having regained his senses, tackled Theodore to the ground as I stood back up.

Get out of here, Jezebel! he hollered, punching Theodore in the jaw.

I’m not leaving you, I cried.

Theodore caught Dorian’s fist and I could hear bones crack. You’re just as weak as the woman, he mocked, squeezing harder.

Dorian slammed his other fist into the side of Theodore’s temple several times, until Theodore let go.

Why in the hell are you still here? Dorian cried, wrestling Theodore into a headlock. This isn’t a show. Leave, woman!

Before I could respond, Vlad stepped out of the warehouse, cleaning his face off with a towel. He saw the two men on the ground first and roared with rage.  Incompetent fools! he growled, tossing the bloody towel away angrily. Do I have to do everything myself?

Knowing that Vlad wanted me more than anything, I made a swift decision, one that I hoped would benefit Dorian.

Hey, Daddy, I sneered.

Vlad’s head snapped toward me.

Sayonara, asshole, I said loudly before leaping into the air. My plan was to draw Vlad away from Dorian. As I headed toward the stars, I heard shouts from below, but didn’t look back. Squinting against the cold, frosty air, I shoved my purse under my chin and made myself as aerodynamic as possible. With my arms straight ahead and my toes pointed, I raced through the darkness, praying that Dorian would be okay and Vlad would give chase.

Chapter Two

He didn’t.

Damnit, I mumbled, looking back again.

As I began wondering whether or not I should return to the warehouse, I noticed someone in the distance closing in fast. When I recognized Dorian, I sighed in relief.

Thank God you’re okay! I said loudly, when he finally caught up to me.

You need to pick up your speed. I’m not sure if we’re out of danger yet! he hollered, looking back over his shoulder.

I glanced back too, but didn’t see anyone trailing us. How did you get away from them?

He opened his mouth to tell me, but then seemed to change his mind. I’ll fill you in later. We need to get the hell out of here and talking only slows us down. Now, follow me.

Where are we going?

I have some friends in Utah. People we can trust. Stay close and let me know if you see anyone coming up behind us.

Okay.

Fortunately, we weren’t followed and made the trip to Paradise Valley, Utah, in about an hour. When we landed, it was at a remote farmhouse surrounded by acres of land and trees.

Dorian tucked in parts of his shirt that had come loose during the scuffle.

Are you hurt?

No, I’m fine.

What happened to your jacket? I asked.

I lost it during a scuffle in the warehouse, he replied, frowning.

I thought they’d killed you in the warehouse. I heard them shooting at someone.

"That’s because one of the bastards was shooting at me. Fortunately, he was a terrible shot."

Thank God for that. What about your hand?

Oh, that hurt like a sonofabitch, but I’m fine now. See, he said, combing through his long, dark hair with his fingers. Enough about me, how are you doing?  

Realizing that I must have looked a wreck from the tussle and flying, I opened up my purse