Page 31 of Pity the Living, Not the Dead

Even as an immortal, I was useless.

I sighed, placing my hand over hers.

“Liam, are you prepared for what’s to come if it did work?”

“What do you mean?” His question confused me. I wanted this to work more than anything.

“She could be really pissed off that we did this,” Elijah had to point out.

“Fuck.” I groaned the word, burying my face in my hands. In my desperation to not lose my sister I hadn’t considered her thoughts or feelings on the matter. In my defense, there hadn’t been enough time, her heart had taken its last beat. All I could do was beg for forgiveness and hope for the best. She’d understand, right? Grasping at straws, I turned to the only power left I could think of. It was a long shot, but I had to try. I bowed my head and did something I hadn’t done in years. I prayed.

Lord, I know our relationship has been rocky, and I’ve had my doubts. But I’ve never asked you for anything. Not even when I knew the end was near for me. I’m asking you now, unholy as I am, to please bring my sister back to me. I know, without a doubt, she’ll continue her journey of saving lives, even as a creature of the night. Our souls may not be able to pass your pearly gates, but we can protect and save your children who are deserving of it. Please, give Olivia a chance to prove that to you, and I promise not to fail you again.

Elijah stood beside me, quiet as a mouse while I sifted through the thoughts clouding my head. As dawn neared and day two came to an end, Olivia’s body began to twitch as she broke out in uncontrollable, full-body tremors.

“Quick, Elijah!” I yelled, even though he was near enough I didn’t need to. With our thumbnails, we slit open our wrists, our blood combining as it slid between her parted lips. I hoped that, together, it was strong enough to make this work.

Lord, don’t let this be the end.

I could feel the draw to sleep, no matter how much I fought it. My body would shut down in a matter of minutes, rendering me helpless. Frustration mounted, knowing there was nothing I could do. I couldn’t bear going to sleep when her body was convulsing as it was. This couldn’t be good. “Elijah!”

“I know, my love. There’s nothing more we can do. It’s in fate’s hands now.”

Those words did not do a single fucking thing to calm me.

“I love you, Liv,” I whispered, pressing my lips to the top of her head. She’d be livid if she saw herself in this state. Her hair was a matted mess. Her body was filthy. I’d give anything to hear her tangent now. Instead, Elijah and I were forced to curl up on the makeshift bed on the floor beside her as the sun rose.

The bed rattling beside us woke me.

“Liam, get up!” I rose, seeing Olivia’s body in the same state as it was the night before, trembling. I’d never seen a body react this way to the change, but I’d also never seen one reject it either. I sure as hell wasn’t about to share that information with Liam. He was beside himself with fear and that would only exacerbate the situation.

He hopped up and begged aloud, speaking to whom, I didn’t know. Perhaps a prayer? “Liv, Liv, can you hear me?” He tapped her shoulder. “Elijah, what does this mean?”

I racked my brain for anything positive. I’d only just turned Liam a few short months ago, and nothing in the notes I’d kept over the years mentioned a body turning into a scene from The Exorcist. “Let’s give her more blood.” Anything was worth a try, right?

We repeated the same process as the night before, with our blood mingling as it crossed her lips. None of this was making any sense, like her body was in between worlds, fighting itself to get back. Abruptly, it came to a stop. Her eyes flew open, and she gazed around.

Her eyes met mine, then locked on Liam’s. “What have you done to me?” Olivia demanded. Her eyes were fierce, her jaw clenched, as her hands fisted at her sides. This was not a happily turned human.

As Liam burst into tears, she cocked her head to the side and jumped out of bed, landing right in front of him. Liam froze. I knew a million questions were running through her head right now. Olivia reached out, dabbing at the blood running down her brother’s cheek. I readied myself for whatever was to come, as her body language was hard to read. Liam would always come first. I’d protect him come hell or highwater, even against enraged sisters.

Tentatively, her tongue darted out, tasting the blood on her finger. Her eyes blackened as she reached for more. Liam tilted his head to the side, baring his throat. “Drink, Liv.” Her eyes darted my way as if asking for permission. I nodded. As if she already knew what to do, her fangs appeared. Curiously, she touched them and then sank her teeth into his artery.

“Olivia,” I said as calmly as I could. “Don’t drink his last drop.” Right on cue, she stopped and stared at me for further direction. “Lick the wounds to seal them.” She didn’t need to do this since Liam was a vampire, but I figured it was best to start her off on the right foot. “Good,” I praised her.

“Her wounds have already healed,” Liam pointed out.

“That they have, my love.” Her gown was a mess. “Olivia, would you like to take a shower?”

She looked down. “Li, what’s going on?”

“Let’s get you cleaned up, then we’ll sit down and talk. Deal?” Liam asked her.

“Um, yeah. Okay.”

I ran upstairs and grabbed her some clothes. “Here you go. There are towels and toiletries in the bathroom. The kitchen is down the hall. Meet us there when you’re ready.”

Liam hugged her tightly. “I’m so glad you’re okay, Liv.” She nodded, her eyes vacant, confusion marring her face. Right now, our presence was more than she could handle.

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