Chapter Twelve
1088 Words
Her screams ripped through me. I felt like they were coming out of my own mouth. Having no idea what I was supposed to do. I wanted to be there by her side, but that wasn't what she wanted. I had to force myself to stay in the field. To stay away and do what was best for her. I could feel the pain she was in and it was unbearable. I had no idea how she was surviving it. She was so much stronger than I ever could have been. Only reminding me of how weak I was. I tried to pretend I wasn't, but I knew the truth and so had my father. He had been right about me all along. It wasn't until I met Esme that I learned what real strength looked like.
Suddenly, there was silence. The pain had gone; the screams quietened. It took me a moment to realise it wasn't because the birth was all over, but because she had left me. There was nothing. No relief, no thoughts, nothing. The emptiness pained me more than anything could have. I was on my feet and running before I had the chance to give up on life, too. Crashing into the house, not knowing what I could even do.
She was just laid there on the sofa, still and pale. Her eyes, which had always been so full of life, were hidden from me. Jackson and Mikkel were just standing there, staring at her. "What's going on?"
"She was in a state, all tensed up, and I gave her the tea that calms her mind." I could tell he was choosing his words carefully for Mikkel's benefit. Being outed to the world was the last thing I was concerned about. "She just stopped. I don't know what happened."
I knelt down beside her, laying my hand tentatively on her arm. She was cold to the touch, feeling almost damp. I let my fingers glide down to her wrist and felt for her pulse. Panicking when I couldn't find it. I kept moving my fingers, desperately trying to pick it up. Then it was there, the faintest little sign of life. "Mikkel, can you get her uncle Marcus from outside?" He left obediently, and I knew he wouldn't be back quickly. Marcus hadn't been in sight when I got to the house.
"Why do you want him?"
"I don't. I was just getting rid of your boyfriend. She's still alive, but it won't stay that way if we don't do something." I pulled the switchblade from my pocket and dragged the blade across my wrist. The blood flowed freely, and I quickly pressed it to her mouth. I watched the claret rush over her tongue and drip towards its destination. I silently prayed it would be enough, but knew it wouldn't be. It wasn't blood she needed. She needed to change. Her human body couldn't handle the birthing of werewolves, but her inner vampire was a different matter. It was a risk, but I wasn't ready to let her slip away. I would never be ready.
Blood alone wasn't enough. She needed to feel rage. I didn't know if she could hear me and I hated myself for even considering what I was about to do. There was no choice. "I got your note. You were right. Cassie is everything to me." Jackson looked like he was going to implode, but I hoped he still trusted me enough to not intervene. "You were never anything to me. Just something to occupy my time until the time came to get rid of you once and for all." There was nothing, not even a flicker, and it was making me sick just having to say the words. I had no choice but to go further.
"Now, you've made things even more difficult. Not only do I need to do away with you, but three mongrels too." I would have been happy with just her opening her eyes, but I didn't expect what I got. Her eyes flew open, their redness showing I had been successful. What I hadn't expected was her teeth clenching down on my wrist. She wasn't even just biting me. I could feel her draining me. "f**k! Jackson, do something."
"Why? You deserve it."
"Stop being a t**t, and just stop her now." He was in no hurry, but he moved to her and prised her mouth open, releasing me. I fell backwards and instantly squeezed hard at my wrist. The blood was pissing out. Jackson took his top off and flung it at me, but I knew he believed every word I had said. I wondered how awful I must have been for him to be able to believe that I was capable of such things. She tried to rise, but couldn't get more than the top of her body off the sofa. For the first time, I could see evil in her. The hatred that was in her eyes when she looked at me. It was like she was possessed as she tried to get to me.
I scooted backwards until I came into contact with the wall of the fireplace. I had only just tied the top in place when Mikkel came inside with Marcus behind him. Suddenly. I couldn't decide if I had helped the situation or made it worse. Esme was so out of control. We all would have been her prey if she could have moved enough to get to any of us. Mikkel was back in his position within seconds, checking on the situation. Hopefully, he put her behaviour down to the trauma of the birth. He didn't seem particularly concerned.
"I was told I was needed."
"You need to help me keep her still. You can take her head." There was no way I was risking being that close to her mouth again.
"Thanks." She kept screaming as we pinned her in place, but it wasn't from pain. The only thing she felt was anger. Everything from that point happened so quickly and as soon as the third baby was free, I retreated back to the rain. I hadn't been out there long before Mikkel exited the house.
"What's going on?"
"Nothing. She's resting, well, sort of. If you need anything, Jackson knows where to find me. Congratulations."
"Thanks." It seemed completely lame, but what else could I say? Ultimately, it was in everyone's best interest for him to be out of the way.
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