Page 44 of Blood Moon

Viktor

I’d been relieved when Eli slipped me a new phone, especially after I realized that he’d somehow transferred all the info from the broken one. He certainly had a way with technology. The moment Delilah was out the door, I called Jones.

“I heard you were giving Strain some crap about ordering you guys around,” I said when he answered.

“Boss? You’re okay? Yeah, we gave him a hard time, but then I listened to him and convinced the others to cooperate. We won’t do anything that goes against you, though.”

“I know, Jones. Have you found anything useful yet?” I knew the answer before I asked, but I had to start somewhere.

“Nothing yet. The alliance with Strain has been helpful, though. He gave us access to his surveillance system that runs on all his properties. If he had anything to do with the bombing, we’ll know soon.” Jones seemed determined to blame everything on Strain. That was probably my fault, as I regularly used that particular scapegoat.

“I don’t think it’s him. Keep looking, let me know what you find.” I hung up the call and slid the phone behind me just as the nurse came in. There was something about her that I didn’t trust.

“Oh, good! I’m glad to see you’re awake. And you seem to be healing nicely. That’ll make transport easier.” Her perky tone didn’t sit well.

“Where am I being moved to?” I asked while trying to get her to look at me.

“Recovery. Don’t worry. We’ll take good care of you.” She refused to make eye contact, so I was fairly certain she was lying to me. I needed her to look me in the eyes so I could charm the truth out of her.

“I’m feeling a bit woozy. I think the cut on my head is bleeding again.” I spoke softly to sell the lightheaded bit. She walked closer and I was able to grab her. She looked at me in horror, but wasn’t able to look away.

“Who are you working for? Where am I being moved to?” I spoke slowly and carefully. She would be forced to answer, since I was charming her.

“I don’t even know. I’m only supposed to knock you out so they can transport you.” The monotone response sent chills down my spine. I wasn’t sure that I could escape on my own. I was still weak and healing.

I hated myself for it, but given the choice between her life and mine, there was no other way. I sank my fangs into the nurse’s neck and drank my fill. Bloodlust took over and I felt her body go slack as I drained her. A few minutes later, I started ripping the wires and tubes out of my arm and off my chest. My strength had returned, even if my skin wasn’t fully healed from the burns.

I got up and searched the room for my clothes. Of course they were ruined in the explosion. I grabbed the phone and my dead nurse’s access badge. I would have to sneak out of here and find something to wear. If I was right, I would need to get away from the hospital before I called Eli.

There was no way I was dragging him into this until I knew for sure. I crept down the hall to the supply closet where I found scrubs that fit.

With half of my face burned and no sun block implant, I needed something to cover up before I ventured outside. That task was more difficult, though the scrubs helped. Before I could find the employee lounge, an alarm sounded. I knew that meant someone had found my nurse's body.

I ducked into a patient's room when I heard footsteps pounding behind me. The guy in the bed looked about my size. He must have been in a coma to sleep through the chaos going on around him. That was fortunate for me, because I was able to steal his hoodie. I pulled it on, leaving the hood up and jogged out of the room.

If I got caught, this would be the end for me. There was a reason why most of humanity still didn't know about our existence. I had broken rule number one. Never leave a body with evidence where it could be found. It was too late for me to worry about that now. I slipped into the crowd and continued down the corridor toward the exit. I paused for a moment when I saw the armed guard at the door.

I knew I could overpower him, but it made more sense to keep my disguise intact if I could. I boldly walked up to him. "I need to check the parking lot. Someone said they saw the guy run outside before the lockdown started."

The guard looked at me and nodded, moving so I could leave. I jogged outside like a man on a mission. Now what? It wasn't like I could call Eli and wait here for him to pick me up. I darted between cars, looking for one that was unlocked and had no security system.

I got lucky near the exit and found an unattended motorcycle. I looked around nervously before I decided to take it. Just as I managed to get it hotwired, there was a commotion behind me. My best guess was that the guard realized his mistake in letting me through the door. I laughed to myself as I sped off. I needed to find somewhere safe to hide and let Delilah know what had happened.

By the time the sun set, my hands were burnt as badly as my face. I’d been riding around for hours, searching for somewhere safe to hide from whoever it was that seemed to be after me. I ultimately decided to risk going to the cabin. At least if I made it there, I would have a change of clothes and a meal before I had to run again.

Chapter 44

Delilah

I didn’t want to leave Viktor alone in the hospital. Eli must have sensed my hesitation, so he insisted I visit Uncle Vinny before we left. He looked better the last time I saw him, but still had no idea where he would go when he finally got discharged. I didn’t want to explain the current situation, so I made Eli wait outside when I went in. It wasn’t like he was begging to see my uncle anyway, with the guilt he felt over being responsible for Uncle Vinny’s injuries. I totally understood.

“Are you feeling better today?” I asked as I entered the room. It was strange that he didn’t answer, especially since he was sitting up in his chair. He seemed to be staring out the window.

I crossed the room, still talking. “The nurse said you were healing nicely. She didn’t say you were out of bed, though.” I walked around the chair and froze. I couldn’t speak. I felt like I couldn’t breathe. “Eli. Eli, please.” I whispered the words, but he was by my side in an instant. I felt as if my legs couldn’t hold me up. Before I collapsed, I felt his strong arms clutching me to his chest.

“Oh, love. It’s okay, I’ve got you. There’s nothing we can do for him now. No, look at me; stay focused on me,” he ordered, then turned me away from the gruesome scene. Someone had murdered my uncle. His throat had been slit and his face was frozen in a horrified scream. It was strange that there was no blood, though.

“Eli, we need to get Viktor. It’s not safe here,” I begged him to go back with me, but he shook his head.

---