Page 57 of Vampire Bite

“You... brought me back,” I said, the realization settling over me like a wave.

Her expression faltered, fear and uncertainty flickering in her eyes.

“I don’t know how,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “I just... I couldn’t lose you.”

I swallowed hard, my throat dry, but I couldn’t tear my gaze away from her. She had saved me. Somehow, against all odds, she had brought me back from the darkness.

“You didn’t,” I murmured, my hand tightening over hers. “You didn’t lose me.”

Her lower lip trembled, and she closed her eyes for a moment, letting out a shaky breath. When she opened them again, the fierce determination had returned.

“Good,” she said, her voice stronger now. “Because I’m not letting you go, Lucas. Not ever.”

“Well, well, lovebirds,” Callum’s voice cut through the haze of relief and exhaustion, its familiar sardonic edge shattering the fragile stillness between us. “Hate to break up this tender moment, but the world doesn’t pause for your romance. Headquarters. Now.”

I groaned, more out of reflex than actual annoyance, but I didn't move right away. Annika’s hands were still on me, her warmth grounding me, the faint trace of her touch lingering like an unspoken promise.

She let out a small, embarrassed laugh and pulled back, brushing her hair out of her face. I caught her hand before it could retreat completely, holding it just a second longer.

“Callum,” I said, turning my head toward him. My voice was hoarse, but the hint of humor in my tone was unmistakable. “You really know how to ruin a moment.”

He smirked, arms crossed, the dim light catching on the edge of his bloodied weapon.

“You’re welcome. Now haul yourselves up before I start thinking you need a wedding planner.”

Annika let out another nervous laugh, but I could see the faint blush creeping up her neck. She stood first, her movements stiff and uncertain, like she wasn’t quite sure what to do with herself now.

I followed her lead, my body aching with every movement, though the pain was duller than I expected. Whatever she’d done, whatever power she’d used, it had worked. I was alive. She had saved me… twice.

Callum gave me a pointed look as we passed him, his smirk softening just enough for me to catch the unspoken concern beneath his usual bravado.

“You good?” he asked quietly as we moved toward the group.

I nodded, though I wasn’t sure if it was for his benefit or mine. “Yeah,” I said, my voice steadier now. “Let’s get back.”

The walk back to the headquarters was quiet. We could all barely believe that we were returning with a victory. At the far end, Damien was being brought as well, his entire body chained, rendering him powerless. Well, as powerless as someone like him could ever be.

Annika stayed close, her hand brushing against mine occasionally, though neither of us said anything. When we finally reached the headquarters, the familiar sight brought relief.

Callum slapped me on the shoulder as we entered, his grin sharp and fleeting.

“Welcome home,” he said dryly, before disappearing into the shadows of the main room.

Half an hour later, Damien sat slumped in the reinforced chair, bound by iron shackles laced with runes meant to suppress his strength. His once-imposing demeanor was reduced to a glowering silence. His fury was palpable but impotent. The rebels had secured him in one of the reinforced rooms we used for interrogations, and now, we all gathered in the main room to take stock of the situation.

Bloodied clothes and weary faces surrounded me, but the weight of survival had given way to cautious celebration. We had done it. We’d taken the main stronghold.

Callum stood near the map table, the usual smirk softened by genuine pride.

“Well,” he said, his voice carrying over the murmurs, “we did it. Took down the stronghold, and as far as we can tell, Damien here was pulling most of the strings. There are still shifters scattered across the town, but with their leader in chains…” He let the implication hang, the room buzzing with unspoken hope.

The rebels broke into cheers, fists pounding on the table, voices rising in celebration.

Annika stood to my left, her eyes fixed on the commotion. Her expression was unreadable, but I knew her well enough by now to sense the storm beneath her calm exterior. I leaned in closer, my voice low so only she could hear.

“How does it feel?” I asked.

She turned to me, her lips parting as if to answer, but then she just shook her head with a small, enigmatic smile.

---