Violet Midnight (Violet Night Trilogy) (14 page)

“No Jake?” Ava patted Emma’s shoulder as they settled into their chairs at the Student Center.

“Not yet.”

The hum of students talking, music piping in from the overhead speakers, and the ping of video games in the arcade across the room, bounced off the concrete walls of the enclosed space. Only a handful of tables surrounding them remained empty, but students bustled around with their backpacks tight, running to class.

“So, you argued. It’s not unheard of in dating. You know?” Ava patted Emma’s hand. “Not that I’ve dated anyone long enough to experience it, but still. He’ll cool off and come looking. Probably with flowers.”

Emma wished. The finality in Jake’s voice last night on the roof, right before he jumped, spoke volumes.

He was gone.

He wouldn’t dare risk hurting Emma. She knew it like she knew her eyes were violet. He hadn’t said the words yet, like she hadn’t, but he loved her. It radiated from him. The longing. Then he went nuts and tried to bite her. She knew he was mortified.

She bit at her bottom lip. He’d tasted her blood. Damn, was it true? Was he marked and there was no way out for him? No. There had to be a way out.

The sheet of paper said he had a choice. She’d just found love, and she would not lose it. But she didn’t tell him she loved him last night. She should have. Maybe it would have broken through whatever had ensnared his brain. Whatever hid the truth from him. It was like he didn’t even see the part about choosing.

He could be saved. And Emma would do it. If only she could find him.

“I’m going to go check his house again.” Emma pushed away from the table.

“Wait. He’ll be at his birthday party. I mean, he has to show up. Cynthia went to all that trouble.” Ava patted Emma’s hand. “It’s only a few hours from now. Come on. Stay.”

“No. I’ll meet you there. Okay?”

“You better not show up in that.” Ava waved her manicured fingers at Emma’s jeans and t-shirt. “Combat boots and jeans? Em, seriously? You get that dress we talked about the other night?”

“Yeah.” Emma pushed her chair in. “Got it.” Total lie. “I’ll see you later. At Cynthia’s.”

“Em. Stop a second. It’s a couple of miles out of town. You don’t have a car.”

“I’ll figure it out. See you there.” Emma took off.

Once out into the late afternoon sunshine, she slowed. Stupid party. It didn’t matter. Only finding Jake mattered.

She made a few laps of the campus, checked the Psych building, then planted herself within the shelter of the trees across the street from Jake’s house as the sun made its final decent. Would have been nice witnessing it with him by her side. Romantic.

Perfect place to tell him she loved him. But of course, he wasn’t there. She’d been sitting in front of his house an hour, and nothing stirred.

“Okay, Gabriel. Now would be a nice time for a hint.” She faced skyward. The brightest star up there winked at her as if to tell her to
figure it out
.

Fine. She would. She sprung to her feet to make another lap of the campus when a car pulled up. Long, sleek, and black. The streetlight near the edge of Jake’s front lawn bounced off the shiny exterior. A door clicked open that Emma couldn’t see, so it must be the passenger side, facing Jake’s house.

She tensed.

Jake popped up from the back seat. “I’ll be right back.” He slammed the door shut, threw a glance around, then trotted toward the porch.

A quick hurdle of the stairs, and he vanished through the front door. Emma eased along the edge of the trees, staying within the shadows, and squinted to see who drove. Darkened windows didn’t allow for much. She checked her wrist.

All quiet.

So, the driver was human. No little Vamp friends defending Jake. This was her chance. She bolted across the grass, past the bench, and to the sidewalk. She paused behind a tree across the street and drew in a deep breath to steel her nerves and strengthen her.

“No. I can’t come,” Jake said. His voice boomed off the neighboring houses. “I’m leaving, Cynthia. I’m sorry you went through the trouble—”

Jake paused at the top stair and held his cell phone to his ear. He scanned the area again and jumped to the sidewalk.

“No. It’s not that. She won’t come. We broke up. Done. I’m leaving.” Jake strode to the car, a bag in tow.

Emma stepped out from behind the tree, ready to face Jake.

He cranked the car door open and stopped. His jaw went slack. “Yes. I understand. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”

He folded himself into the back seat and slammed the door. In the next breath, the car zoomed away. Emma darted across the street to his front door.

Unlocked. She hurried in and found the drawer next to the sink. She snatched his car keys and made for the garage. “If he’s going to the party, then so am I.”

“Hey. I said to the airport. What are we doing here?” Jake asked the driver as he steered the car into a spot in front of a closed garage door. Off to the right lay a massive tri-level stucco house.

“You got back in the car and ordered me here.”

Jake peered through the darkened window. He hadn’t remembered changing the instructions or anything since he walked out of his house ready to leave town. He should be at the airport right now, checking into his flight to Iowa. He’d find a town so small no one would find him, let alone Marek and Rosa, his supposed Vamp parents.

The light illuminating the house made it glow against the dark backdrop of night. A group of five women strolled out of the front door, holding glasses. They veered to their left and around the corner. The car jostled and a moment later, Jake’s door opened. A wave of sweet-scented air hit him like a warm stream of water. Soothing and refreshing. Lilacs. Liquor. Cake. The smells melded into a mouth-watering scent.

“Here you are.” The driver smiled. “Unless you want to change your mind again.”

Come in.
Marek’s voice took command of Jake’s motor functions, and despite the desire to leave, run far from this place, Jake got out of the car and reached for the bag the short, plump driver held. “Thank you.”

Bag in hand, Jake headed for the front door. Moving through a raging river would have been easier. His muscles wrestled with the silent command Marek had given to come into the house. As if Jake’s body, on a primal level, resisted.

The door burst open and Cynthia pranced through. “Jake. You’re here!”

Dylan came out behind her. “Hey, birthday boy.”

Cynthia took one arm, and Dylan the other, to guide him forward as if they sensed his hesitation. “Don’t be scared, Jake. It’s amazing. You’re so lucky to be chosen.” Cynthia smoothed the hair from Jake’s forehead.

“Chosen?” Cynthia and Dylan knew about what would happen to Jake tonight? Why would they bring him here?

And with all these people.

Oh, God. These people. They were in danger. Not only from Jake, but if his parents were here, that meant more Vamps must be here.

“You planned this,” Jake whispered, fighting whatever hold clamped around his brain. “You—”

“Don’t worry, we’ll keep a few humans around for our
real
guests to drink.” Dylan guided Jake up the two steps leading to the massive front door. “But your meal is coming soon. Special order.”

“No.” Jake worked to shake free. Had they gotten Emma? Where was his strength? The fighting skills he’d learned?
Please Emma, don’t come here tonight.

Dylan pushed Jake through the threshold and into a darkened room. His body instantly tensed. He went to move but couldn’t. Nothing worked. No limb obeyed his order to move.
Shit.

“He resists, despite your influence, lover,” Rosa said with a purr.

“In only a couple of short hours, you will be proud to stand by our side.” Marek clutched Jake’s shoulder. “Son.”

Jake went to shrug the touch off, but couldn’t. No speech, no sight, and no movement. He was trapped.

“You’re just confused from living amongst the humans for so long.” A soft hand glided along Jake’s arm. “We’ve missed you, my son,” Rosa whispered into Jake’s ear.

“Go. Get things ready. Thank you for your service. You two will be well rewarded.” Marek’s firm voice sliced through Jake’s awareness.

“It is soon time.” Marek held Jake by the shoulders. The darkness faded enough for Jake to make out red, glowing eyes. “Are you ready to become what you were truly meant to become, son?

“Yes, father,” Jake said.

Why fight it any longer?

People laughing, water splashing, and music blaring wafted into the trees as Emma followed the noise. Big party for sure. Only, why the hell would Jake come? If he was going to change into this big baddie why—“Dinner, of course.”

Son of a bitch.
All these humans here were at risk.

She plowed through the thicket. A thorn snagged her jeans in the thigh, and caught skin. “Damn it.”

Keep moving. Get to Jake
. “Dagger.” It landed in her hand and she hacked away at the thorned weapons clawing at her clothing. A mix of earthy foliage, sugared drinks, and chlorine stung her nostrils.

Lights illuminating the expansive back yard of the mansion came into view. At least thirty people frolicked around. Ten splashed in the pool while the rest lingered, holding drinks or plates of food.

In the far end, beneath the shelter of the overhead patio, a DJ spun his records and bobbed to the beat. The looming house was beautiful. One of the biggest Emma had ever seen. Two stories with a full walkout basement. Windows were darkened, probably to prevent the penetrating desert sun from getting in. But now, it wasn’t so good. She couldn’t see inside.

At least her wrist wasn’t glowing.

Finally, she breached the trees and trekked to the edge of the backyard. She hugged the shadows that curved around to the side of the house. No sign of Jake. Or Ava and Greg, for that matter. Just a sea of nameless faces.

She scampered behind the DJ and to the first sliding glass door. Ava’s beat box tone rang out from Emma’s phone. She dug it out from her back pocket. “Hello?” Emma plugged her other ear to try and hear. “Ava?”

“Where are you? We’re here.”

“Where?”

“Front door.”

“I’m coming around from the side. Hold on.” Emma shoved the phone into her back pocket and bolted past the sliding glass door, around the corner to the front.

Ava stood next to Greg. As Emma approached, Ava shook her head. “So much for the killer red dress hanging in your closet. Jeez Em. Torn and dirty jeans? Really?”

Emma shrugged and went to the front door. “Haven’t seen Jake yet. You hear from him?”

“Nope. Greg, you?”

“Sorry. I’m sure things are fine. He’ll be here.” Greg patted Emma’s shoulder.

She reached for the knob, but the door flung open. Super tall, skinny, and friendly Cynthia paraded into view. “You finally made it.” She yanked Emma into a big, rib-cracking hug. “Thought you’d
never
get here.”

Okay, that was strange. They were friends, but not the cuddly, hugging-type friends. Cynthia must be drunk already because she didn’t react to Emma’s cold skin.

“Hi. Have you seen Jake?”

“Sure have. He’s been here for a while.” She leaned close. “Look. I know you had a little fight. But don’t worry. Things’ll work out.” She winked. “Hi, Ava and Greg. Ava, you look smashing, as always.”

Cynthia guided them in and closed the door. Emma reached out and snagged Ava’s hand. Something registered with Emma’s Instinct. Cynthia, someone always refined and…sophisticated, seemed giddy. And not drunk-giddy.

“So, where is our birthday boy?” Greg asked, stepping further into the foyer.

Cathedral ceilings, covered with murals of the sun and people bowed before it, echoed Greg’s voice. Rich crimson tapestries filled the tan walls. Ava nodded Emma forward. The squeak of her combat boots echoed off the marble.

Ava cringed, but never looked back at Emma.

Cynthia came up behind Emma and snatched up her free hand. “Cool. Literally. You like the place?”

“It’s amazing.” Ava dropped Emma’s hand and twirled. “Reminds me of my dad’s place in Aspen.” She pointed to the wall of windows to the left. “Snow-capped mountains for the view out those.”

“We have to settle for a puny view of the little desert foothills, unfortunately.”

“Where’s Jake?” Emma asked, scanning the foyer.

“He’s with Dylan. They’ll be right in.” Cynthia tugged Emma to the side. “Come on, I’ll show you the rest of the house. They just put in this amazing home theater in the basement. It seats sixteen.”

The squeak of everyone shuffling after Cynthia bounced off the walls. She led, pointing things out, talking about their rich history, but it was a blur to Emma. Instinct told her to be wary of each and every shadow.

Something felt off. No wrist glowing, but still.

Finally, at the top of a stairwell, Cynthia said. “Okay. Here’s the theater I was talking about.”

“Down there?” Ava pointed. “It’s so dark.”

“That’s the point.” Cynthia reached in and flicked on a light. Barely enough wattage to break through the black void, though. “Just enough light to get you to the room. It’s sealed up. Perfect for loud movies. With lots of action and screaming and…well, whatever.”

“Awesome.” Greg started down the stairs.

“We’ll get some movies going for everyone later. Some nice scary horror flicks. We have all the classics.” Cynthia waved Emma forward. “After you.”

Emma’s wrist twinged. The bright orange glow beamed off the dim walls. It sparked in Cynthia’s amber eyes. They went wide, and she smiled. “Wow. That’s
really
cool.”

Her grin went flat, and the next thing Emma felt was Cynthia’s high-heeled shoe slammed against her chest.

Down the stairs Emma went.

Ava screamed.

Emma’s back cracked against a step. The lights went out, and a door slammed shut. White bursts ignited at the corners of Emma’s vision as her head collided with the wall. Another tumble, feet over the head. This time a rib met a step.

Crack.

Nausea clutched Emma’s stomach as unconsciousness began exerting its force. No. Need to stay alert. Ava and Greg needed her. Jake did.

“What the hell?” Greg’s deep voice ricocheted off Emma’s skull like a jackhammer. “Ava. Get back.”

Another scream—a fear-laced scream from Ava.

Finally, the tumble ended and Emma lay on her side at Ava and Greg’s feet. Only problem was six tall, red-eyed Vamps inched toward them from the so-called movie theatre.

“Holy shit. Holy shit.” Ava reached for Emma. “Red eyes. Em. Shit. Your wrist.”

Emma took hold of Ava’s hand and got up. A cracked rib and nearly dislocated shoulder voiced their objections, but she shook it off. Focus. She needed to focus.

“Please tell me you fell. That Cynthia, miss perfectly nice and lovely, Cynthia, didn’t push you and give off that evil, sinister laugh I heard.” Ava squeezed Emma’s forearm.

“Sorry, Ava. Can’t tell you that.” Emma held her free hand out. “Dagger.”

“Holy hell.” Greg drew Ava close to him. “Get behind me.”

“Both of you stay behind me.”

“What are they?” Ava whispered.

A low rumble sifted through the heavy, dank air.

Behind Emma was a dark, carpeted wall. Up the flight of stairs, a locked door, no doubt. Straight ahead, through a doorway into the theatre, six Vamps.

Not many options.

“Move up a few steps.” Emma steered Ava and Greg toward the stairwell. “I won’t let them get to you.”

“Em,” Ava whispered.

“Move it, Ava,” Greg said.

“Crossbow.”

“Holy hell. You didn’t just—they—”

“Later.” Emma glanced at Greg. “Keep Ava safe.” Emma’s gut bottomed out. She should be able to handle six, but with a broken rib, sprained shoulder, freaking element of surprise... She stopped tallying the odds against her—it wasn’t helping the churn in her stomach.

The six Vamps toiled around inside as if waiting for her to enter. Strange. Her wrist pulsed. It hadn’t started until Greg opened the door.

Sealed room
.

This was going to hurt.

“Okay, Gabriel. Let’s see if you taught me well enough.” She crossed the threshold, dagger tight in one hand and the crossbow in the other. “So, what movie are we watching?”

Silence met Emma’s sarcasm, but she didn’t miss the fact that there were six more sets of red orbs further back in the dark room. Shit. Twelve.

The crossbow was useless at such close proximity.
Crossbow home.
Three dark walls and up front, a white one. Eight sets of double chairs littered the dark room. So, this was actually a theatre.

Surprisingly, Dracula wasn’t playing.

A Vamp sprung from the side. She ducked, punched his groin, and slashed. A second toppled over her. The carpet burned through her short sleeve shirt as they slid, sending acidic pain up over her shoulder, straight to her neck.

She couldn’t help the scream that streamed from her mouth.

She poked, missing the vital organ. The Vamp chomped, but his fangs didn’t catch meat. Emma snapped her face forward, connecting her forehead with his nose. He shifted to the side, and she buried her dagger to the hilt.

Dust plumed.

She kicked her feet over her head and stood. Two arms wove around her, caging her arms to her body at the elbows. Two more Vamps filed down the short aisle between some chairs. Emma kicked up her feet and caught the lead Vamp in the groin. He lurched forward, and she kicked his face with her other foot. The third landed a full on punch to her gut. She whipped her head back and nailed the Vamp holding her from behind. She had to get her arms loose to fight.

Or she was dead.

Which meant Ava and Greg were dead.

And Jake.

She stepped on her captor’s foot and jabbed her elbow into his gut best she could. His noxious breath washed over Emma, and she leaned forward. On her way down to the floor, she slammed her foot to his chest.

The floor met her cheek with stinging force, and her eye felt as if it would implode. A vamp hoisted her up by the hair and one hand around her arm. She jabbed her elbow home on his cheek.

He released her. She spun with her blade out and caught two necks. Knowing it was clear behind her, she inched back, dagger pointed out.

Four crept toward her, legs bent, and fangs bared. Her heel caught something, and she stumbled back. Three steps onto the stage of the theatre. Another scan. Four more Vamps loitered behind the second row of chairs, watching.

Why didn’t they all strike at once? They’d have her for sure. Not that Vamps were the smartest creatures in the world, but they weren’t total morons. They were toying with her.

Fine. She could take advantage of that.

She gripped her blade and tossed it straight into the heart of one of the four approaching. “Dagger,” she yelled. It returned, and she did it again.

The remaining two lunged. She crumbled beneath the weight of the Vamps. She hiked her knee, swung her fist. One melted to the side, but the other was a strong bugger. He held on, clawing at her.

He sank his teeth into her shoulder. She screamed so loud her throat went numb.

“No.” A voice boomed. The Vamp attached to Emma’s shoulder jerked and released his deadly grip. Another Vamp grabbed the biter and threw him across the stage. “No one tastes her but him.”

Him?
Darkness curved her vision. The Vamp rescuer leaned down. A smile curved his thin lips. “We’re only supposed to tire her out. Weaken her.”

In a flash, his hand covered Emma’s mouth and nose.

No breath.

Her fuel. Her greatest strength.

Her greatest weakness.