Vampires, Magic, and Monsters - Page 15

“You’re not leaving here alive; it’s just a matter of how painful your death will be.” Alistar started stepping from side to side, all the while watching for an opening. The guy was losing his nerve but was not yet ready to give up. “Let him go, and I will make it quick, but harm him, and I will make you suffer for days before I finally give you the sweet release of death.” The guy started to back up still holding Neal and pulling him backward with him.

A knock at the door behind him startled the guy just enough to give Alistar the edge. When he glanced to the side, Alistar grabbed the knife he was holding to Neal’s throat by the blade. It cut deep, but Alistar held tight and twisted it backward. He pulled Neal free with his other hand and watched him scurry away on his hands and knees.

Alistar held the knife to the guy’s throat and opened the door behind him. Standing there were two guards who stepped back. “I’m going to kill you, but I’m not doing it in my quarters in front of my adored.” He told him, and once they were far enough down the hall, he buried the knife in his throat. He held his gaze, watching the life drain out of him.

“She was going to kill me if I didn’t bring him.” He stuttered as blood poured from his mouth.

“Franchesca Ball?”

“Yes, she wanted the power of his blood. She has killed many.” That was the last he had to say as his body slumped and Alistar dropped him to the floor. He wiped his hand on his pants and then turned to the two guards.

“I want him incinerated.” He ordered. “I don’t trust that fucking witch. Everything associated with her must be burned.”

“Master Kilconnor is handing it and there will be nothing remaining when he’s finished.” Rian told him as he came up behind the guards. “I’m sorry your adored was bothered. Go to him and let us finish this.”

Alistar nodded his appreciation and hurried back to his apartment eager to get Neal into his arms and to assure him that the nightmare was now over.

Elan entered the property with a team of guards who fanned out and searched the area, killing those who were a party to the slaughter and rescuing those who were being victimized. It was a very dark day for the Coven, and it was made evident by each horror that presented itself within that mansion.

He found her in the basement pool room, readying herself for a private soak. The pool was small, approximately twelve by fourteen feet, and it was filled with blood. The entire room smelled of pain and death, a sickening sweet odor that turned the stomach. She was dressed in white chiffon and looked surprised to see him.

“Who let you in? Why are you down here? You can’t be down here.” Her angry outburst had no effect as Elan walked toward her.

“You’re an abomination.” He stated, and in one swift move, he swung his sword and took her head off. One of the guards came up to stand beside him, and he looked shell-shocked.

“There is so much here, Master, so much awfulness but no survivors.”

“Neal survived,” He told him and that one little victory seemed to ease some of the sadness. “Burn it to the ground and salt the earth.” He ordered as he walked away.

Alistar found Neal by the door, waiting breathlessly for his return. The moment he stepped into the apartment, his arms were full of his adored one. “It’s okay, my love. He’s gone, and you’re safe.”

“But what about the next time? When will they stop coming for me?” he cried into Alistar’s chest.

“No one will be coming for you, the Master has ended it,” Alistar explained who was behind it all and her reasoning for the torment she caused.

“If you hadn’t come along, I would have been killed like all those others.” He trembled at the thought.

“Fate made sure I was there for you.”

“Thank you for staying close and not letting me do anything stupid. I can’t believe I worked for a serial killer. I may not have the nerve to leave this apartment for days, maybe months.” Neal held tight to Alistar.

“You’re safe, I’ll always be there for you.” Alistar kissed the top of his head and led him into the living room. “I love you, Neal.”

“I love you too, Alistar.”

“I’m going to order you another dinner and hopefully this one you’ll be able to eat.” He chuckled.

“You answer the door this time.”

“Definitely.”

THE END