North Water

Chapter 6

"You have to do something!" She yelled as she held James close with her now blood stained hands. 

William stood over her small figure sat on the sidewalk. He saw the fear in her eyes and wound on the young man's neck.

"What happened?" He maintained a steady voice, staying perfectly calm. 

"I don't know! W-we were walking and some guy walked past us and dropped his wallet or something. He dropped his wallet..." Disbelief rested upon her wet face. "You have to do something!" She repeated. 

"I don't know if there is anything I can do." 

"Bite him! Take the venom out! Please! I can't lose him." She sobbed. 

She pressed James tight to her chest and held him like a child would hold a stuffed bear. Her hands rested on his chest and she could feel a soft heart beat. Anger filled her when she saw William standing in front of them; doing nothing. 

"Do something! Now!" She commanded. 

He looked away and swallowed. The devil and angel on his shoulder were arguing and he couldn't make up his mind. His eyes traced over her and the man she held tightly in her arms.

"Fine!" He bit into his wrist and blood came pouring out. William pressed it to the man's mouth and forced him to drink William's blood. Damn him for doing this.

Ashley didn't even look at William, her eyes set straight upon James. 

"I can't lose him. I can't lose him." She whispered. 

"Hey beautiful." His voice was soft and low. 

"Hey." Her hand came up to her nose and she wiped the snot away. 

"What happened?" He asked sincerely. 

"He... he's gone." She cried.

"Oh babe. It's okay." James lowered himself and pulled her into him. 

He kissed the top of her head while she sobbed over the death of her brother. They sat on the bathroom floor and talked until a bittersweet sleep caught them. 

"Ashley!" William yelled, waking her from her trance. 

William guided her up and took James' limp body from her arms and to his car. Ashley trailed behind and got into the backseat, holding James in her arms once again. 

"Is he okay?" Her voice weak.

"Yes, my love." They locked eyes through the rear-view mirror. His foot pressed on the gas and they were off. Rain was pounding on the window trying its best to get in as he went through the crowded streets.

*****

She heard his footsteps coming up behind her but she didn't look back. Her head was on fire and she was beyond exhausted. 

"He's sleeping now. We need to check on him every few hours but I think he will be okay." He strolled casually by her and grabbed a wine glass. He poured the dark red liquid in it and took a sip. 

"What am I going to do?" She asked it more to herself than to him. Guilt washed over her wrapped its large hands around her.

He stared into her eyes and wondered why she was acting like this.

"It's not your fault." He said calmly.

"How would you know? Maybe you did this!" Her tone bitter as she accused. She was infuriated that this happened to James. She wanted someone to take the blame and right now that someone was William.