A Hunger to Share ( Book Two )

chapter 44

James   

After tossing, and turning in bed for an hour, James gave up on sleep, and found his way downstairs once more, leaving a note behind so Artyom wouldn't worry.

He sat on the front steps of the big, gray castle, and looked at the black wrought iron gate, and the dark, inviting woods beyond. The midnight air was chilly. James welcomed it, hoping for momentary numbness of his constant worries.

James longed to be out there, but he knew he couldn't go alone unless he wanted to be captured by Matthias. He didn't have the heart to wake Artyom up for a midnight stroll. It would be selfish.

He felt in his pocket for a pack of cigaretts, and fished one out. James always kept one close to test his self-control. He'd denied the temptation for a couple of month, but tonight felt different.  

Tonighg he was dying to taste the acrid smoke. Tonight he wanted to be weak.   

James twirled the white stick of poison between his fingers. He was dying to light it up, and take a drag. Just one, but he knew that was a lie. If he started again it would be much harder to quit for a second time.

All his hard work would have been for nothing. With a groan he stuffed the cigarette back in it's pack, and threw it as far as he could. He had made himself a promise, and was not going to break it.

James decided to go back inside and search the pantry for some wine. As he turned around someone colided with him. He cought himself and looked up. It was Genevieve in her pjamas, hair wild, green eyes filled with terror.

James grabbed her arm, suddenly worriedd. "What is it Viv?"

She motioned franticaly to the now open gate. "It's Ada. She's in the woods. I'm so sorry James. I tried to stop her, she wouldn't listen to me. It's dangerous out there. You need to come with me. You're the only one she'll listen to..." She started yanking him towards the gate.

James stopped her. "Wait, Viv are you sure? Ada would never..."

"Jamie you know I would never lie to you. She's out there all alone. You have to help her. She was hysteric, saying something about not wanting the baby anymore. I don't know what's wrong with her. You need to come before she does something bad..."

James was scared but tried to stay calm. "Let me get Gideon. He's right there in the greenhouse. He'll know what to do. Ada will listen to him..."

"No it's you she needs right now. You're the father of her child. Please just come with me. I know where she is. Come on." Genevieve started yanking him towards the gate again, his feet skidding on the cobblestones.

If Ada was really out there he needed to tell someone, but the front yard was deserted, and Gideon's greenhouse in the back.

He couldn't waste anymore time looking for help. Angelina could be lurking around, waiting to snatch Ada and their baby since the woods weren't protected.

James checked the inside pocket of his jacket, and found a dagger. "All right. Lead the way." He followed his sister into the dark woods.