Page 59 of Taken By the Vampires
She knew. Sheknew. More questions screamed in my brain. “How…why…” They were the only two words I spoke. The only words I could say.
“Only someone special. Can end it. For. Everyone.” Mom fell back into the chair, the effort of speaking was too much for her.
Why didn’t I just bond with them? Why had I been so selfish? They could be here. Now. Saving her. Now everyone I loved as at stake!
Love..?
That word slipped out unintentionally. How did I know what that even was? How it felt? I loved a cup of coffee in the morning, but forever love? That was the stuff of romance novels.
There was no time to dwell. I stood, urging Mom to stand. “Come on, Mom. I’ve got to get you into the truck”
Her brow furrowed and her gaze slid around. “Not here?”
I sobbed out loud this time, unable to keep it locked inside. “I’m stupid, Mom. So, so stupid. You have to come with me. I have to take you to them.”
But she only smiled. “Worry. Too much. Things will…work out. Trust Fate.”
It was all she could manage. I’d give anything to light the fire, feed her and let her rest, but I couldn’t. I couldn’t because of my own selfishness.
I didn’t have the heart to argue with her, because what had Fate given us…or offered Davon, Cassius or Xander. Fate wasn’t soft and warm and fuzzy and I’d been doing my best to outrun Fate from childhood.
Fate had given me a sick mother and dying Vampires. And unless I acted fast, Fate was going to take them all away from me.
Chapter Forty One
I half carried Mom to Gary’s truck, using my shoulder to carry her weight. She was only slight, but she was also a dead weight. As soon as I had her settled, I jumped in the driver’s seat and closed the door. At least by keeping the motor running, the interior was cozy and warm.
“Hold on, Mom. We’re going there now.”
I saw her in the interior light, so pale and washed out she could be a cadaver. I shuddered, not wanting to think of it at all.
I shoved the shifter into reverse and shot backwards down the driveway. It was snowing again and thankfully no one was in the streets. As soon as I had the wheels on the road, I slammed it into gear and sped off. Like the first time I’d done this, I hit the pedal with even more urgency.
I turned the corner and a set of headlights blinded me. I caught a glimpse of Dean’s slack face and an impression of Gary in the passenger side, watching me pass. “Shit. Shit. Shit.”
What was it I was just thinking about Fate?
I floored it, the acceleration driving me back into the seat. If I could get out of town fast enough, they’d never catch me once I turned off the main road. I spun around the corner, catching a glimpse of Dean’s headlights doing a U turn on the road behind me.
“They saw us. I going to have to floor it.”
Mom’s fingers folded around the handle on the door as I sped far too fast down a road far too dark and slippery. I only knew if they caught up to me, I’d never make it back to my guys.
Myguys..? Nothing I thought or felt made any sense.
“Mom, why have you never told me about this?”
She sighed, a bone-weary sound. “I’d given up on it happening, honey. Thought we were…cursed just as much as the legend…said.”
The heat must be helping. She sounded a little stronger, at least. Or maybe it was pure adrenaline caused by driving too fast down a dangerous road. “Legend?”
“Spoken legend only. The Grimoire…doesn’t show all its secrets. Only what it wants,” Mom said.
I was becoming more and more confused. The more she spoke, the more questions I had. “Just tell me about them, Mom. Tell me about the bond.”
She gave me a brilliant smile and despite her pallor, I could tell she was truly happy for me. I just didn’t understand why. “Only bestowed on the… most deserved. It’s a true gift. My lucky, lucky daughter.”
“I don’t feel that lucky.”
