A small gust of wind came through, sending a cold chill through my already cold body. I turned away from the highway to stare back at the trees. He called for me again, but the voice was louder. It was closer.
The wind came again,and I took a deep breath. Tears welled up in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. I looked down at the deck in my hand and grabbed the three cards I had drawn, still sitting on top. I raised the rest of the deck and let the wind take them.
The three cards I had in my hand, I looked around for a place to leave them. This would be my last message to Desiderio Amato.
My mind was racing. Panic over how close he could be versus the distance to the road was causing my mind to become blurry. Quickly, I pulled the bag off again and unzipped it, grabbing out the dress. I had brought it to remind meofwhat he had done to me. It was apt, I realized. I went to the nearest tree and crumpled the torn garment into a ball. I then took the cards and placed them in a row. Past, Present, Future.
My scent was all over it. If he came close enough, he’d find it.
I stood then and hiked my bag over my shoulder. I braced myself and started the run up the hill and to the highway.
The hill was steeper than I thought, but I finally reached the iron railings. I flipped over them, scraping my thighs as I went, but finally, I felt safe. I stuck my thumb out. I glanced at the woods only once as I started walkingbackwardbeside the busy road and spat on the ground.
Fucking Wrath, man.
16
A few people slowed down for me, but when they saw my vampire-red eyes, wet clothes, and my entire body in a ragged state, they sped back up. I made sure to flip them off before they disappeared.
When the sun rose, I had to abandon the hope that I’d be picked up and fled to the trees. Thankfully, I think I was far enough away from Tully and Dante’s estate that I could take breaks as needed. If it was still even there. I heard the loud boom and then saw the flames. The fire had to be from their mansion.
I couldn’t help the suspicious feeling creeping in my belly, telling me Desi had something to do with that large boom. I tried not to rest too long, just in case. I kept pushing through my burning throat and aching legs. Just a few more feet, then a few more, and I’d be safe.
I went back to the road at nightfall and took an exit into the city. The signs told me I had made it about twenty miles. It was better than nothing.
Thankfully, there were lots of signs telling me where to find the blood-friendly businesses, and a bank was not far off the exit.
When I entered the bright, overly clean building, I was greeted by a Bloodshed in all white. I wavedhalf-heartedly and then collapsed.
***
I woke up in a hospital bed. I was still in my own clothes,but I was hooked up to an IV.
Gross. I drink my blood, not inject it.
I peeled the tape off my hand and removed the device. I wasn’t sure how long they had been feeding me, but I felt much stronger than I had when I walked in.
My rousing must have set off some alarm because as I swung my filthy legs over the bed,another Bloodshed in a stark white uniform came in, holding a clipboard and smiling way too wide. I grimaced.
“Look, thanks for the blood. I need to get going. I can pay for what you gave me and what I’ll need for a few days.”
“Whoa, hold on.” He put his hands up and cocked his head. “We’d like to talk to you a bit first.”
“Why?” I demanded. I eyed him up and down. I could tear his throat out in seconds if I wanted. I’d taken down bigger vamps.
“Well, your state when you walked into the bank was rather concerning. You were in desperate need of blood and rest,so we had our security put you in a room.” He waved his arms around the simple room. “But one of our men noticed some things that have us worried.”
I snickered. “Worriedforme? Dude, you should be worriedaboutme.” I stood to go,and he thrust his hand out, pushing me back down. I blinked.
“Who attacked you?” he asked quickly. I raised my eyebrows in shock.
“What? No one,” I lied. Flashes of Desi’s blank eyes as he threw me against that table and Tully held me down went through my brain. I shoved them away quickly, but the vampire in front of me saw me flinch.
“The security guard informed us that blood was coming from between your legs. We had one of our female doctors come in and give you a brief check. While your body healed naturally, your underwear and inner thighs were still crusted with blood. I’m going to ask again.” He paused and waited for me to look at him. “Who hurt you?”
I steeled myself, straightening my spine and gritting my teeth. “No one of importance. I’m fine now, as you said.” I swallowed deeply and refrained from saying what was on the tip of my tongue. It sickened me just to think about it.
The blood isn’t even mine.
