Page 16 of Bloody Nights (La Vega Vampire Showstoppers 2)

Cooper groans but doesn’t fall back as a deep cut slices across the front of his shirt.

Again, Lawrence cracks his whip at Cooper, this time lashing him across the face. Cooper hollers in pain, but he doesn’t back down. He moves closer until he kneels in front of me protectively.

“Lash me a thousand times if you want. Just don’t hurt her. It’s my fault. I’m to blame for all of this. I should’ve never taken her to watch the Fright Fights. I was just trying to—” His words cut off with another yell, and his body crashes to the ground.

I don’t move. I don’t try to run or fight. All I do is remain on my stomach and watch as Lawrence whips Cooper so many times I lose count.

My stomach twists with sick agony, but there’s nothing left inside me to throw up. I can’t believe this is happening. I can’t believe this vampire has begged for mercy on my behalf. I don’t understand him.

“Hayley,” Lawrence snaps, his voice stabbing me as if he plans to whip me again even though he doesn’t. “If you ever run again, I will break your legs. I will heal you, and then I will break them again. Do you understand? What did I tell you about people discovering what you are? I’m only trying to protect you. If you would just obey and know your place, you would be fine. I don’t like punishing you.”

I grind my teeth at his words. It’s not the first time I’ve been told that. It’s a flat-out lie, and we both know it. But I’m not going to argue. I’m not sure I’ll ever speak again unless demanded to otherwise. I can’t face these kinds of consequences. I just can’t.

The only thing that keeps me from wanting to die in this moment is that I know Sawyer, Knox, and Monroe are here. They will get me out. And when they do, I’ll figure out how to kill Lawrence.

I don’t have a choice. None of us do.

This monster must pay.

“Now, I want you to stay here and think about what you’ve done. Both of you.” Lawrence flicks his hand again and whips Cooper once more.

I brace to get lashed as well, but Lawrence disappears, slamming the metal door closed and locking it.

I tremble in my spot, afraid to move. Afraid to breathe. I’m terrified to do anything except watch the door and wait for him to return for another round.

But he doesn’t.

His footsteps fade.

“Hayley, I’m so sorry.” Cooper’s soft voice trickles to me. “I’m so, so sorry. I was only trying to help. I never wanted you getting hurt.”

I don’t respond to him. I can’t.

The only thing I can do is cry.

Chapter 6

HAYLEY

Punishment

COOPER GROANS FROM the corner of the room. He lays on his side, with his knees curled up to his stomach. I’ve never seen a vampire as tough as him look so weak and broken in my life. Pity courses through me the longer we share this cell. I don’t know why Lawrence didn’t separate us, but I’m glad I’m not alone, even though I feel bad for Cooper. If only my body didn’t hurt so bad still.

“Cooper?” I keep my voice low, almost afraid to speak.

“Don’t talk. Don’t move either. I’m starving, and it’s taking everything in me not to launch across the room and bite you, Hayley. These injuries aren’t helping.” Cooper jerks his head up and narrows his eyes at me. They’re completely silver, showing off the fact that he’s not joking. He’s on the verge of turning feral, and if he does, he’ll attack me. He lacks control and restraint. It makes me wonder how old he is and how long he’s been a prisoner of Lawrence’s.

I remain silent for only a moment, and then I summon my nerve and push to my hands and knees. My calves hurt too badly to get to my feet, and exhaustion wears me down, so I crawl my way closer.

“Let me feed you before you attack, Cooper. Please, I don’t want you to get all vicious. You were already hungry before.” I clench my jaw, my eyes watering with my movements. “And maybe after, you could help me.”

Because his blood can heal me. I wouldn’t even need to consume that much.

“I don’t know. What if this is some sort of test, and Lawrence ends up retaliating? I’m already down with my guilt over what happened to you. I can’t think of another reason he would leave us together.” Cooper digs his fingers into the muddy ground with his fangs extended. His nostrils flare, and he growls as I continue my way to him.

“I don’t think that’s it. I think this is part of the punishment. Maybe he thinks that I wouldn’t let you, and he wants you to attack me like you did when he first put me in a cell with you.” That would make better sense. It would serve me right. At least, that’s what I think Lawrence would feel. I don’t know him well enough. Not like Alexander. And in all honesty, I hope I never do. I just have to hold on a bit longer. It’ll be better if I can get Cooper to cooperate and just drink my blood so I can drink his.

“Hayley...” His voice trails off, and he shifts, trying to get space between us, but he ends up cornered against the wall.

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