Dark Rabbit

Chapter 12: Figure of Ice

Neal managed to hustle Angela out of the castle without setting off any alarms. She was still dazed and groggy from being drugged. Under the circumstances, that was for the best. Otherwise, she would have peppered him with a thousand questions. If she couldn't remember how she'd wound up in a strange bed, this wasn't the time to discuss it.

While he helped her down the hillside, his thoughts remained focused on Peter and Dean. They were still in the castle with a pure-blood vampire, an undetermined number of garden-variety fangs, and the demon Crowley. Did that mean that the witch Alcy was also there? She and Crowley had vanished together from the witch house in Connecticut. She might have taken up residence with Lutar. Could Alcy be another name for Astrena?

Peter had ordered him to leave with Michael and Angela, and he hadn't debated the point. He'd been too relieved to have Peter sanction the operation to quibble over technicalities. But as long as Peter and Dean were still inside, he was staying put. And now that they had to face Crowley too, all previous orders were null and void.

If all had gone according to plan, Peter would have made an excuse to leave as soon as Neal texted that he and Angela were in the clear. Would have, should have, could have. Had they?

Dean said Crowley could access Hagen's memories. That meant he knew who Peter was. Dean and Sam had been with them that evening in the witch house when Hagen was possessed by Crowley. Their cover would be blown if Crowley spotted them with Lutar.

First things first. Michael better have rowed that boat ashore. He'd texted him before leaving with Angela, but there were no certainties where vampires were concerned. Did they have any special powers in the water? He hadn't asked Dean but he should have. They ran with preternatural speed. Maybe they were able to skim the surface of the water like they were on water skis. Or they could launch themselves into the water like blood-seeking torpedoes.

He tightened his grip on Angela's waist and propelled her faster.

She glanced behind her shoulder. "Is someone following us?"

"No, but Lutar won't be happy that I stole you away."

Despite his fears, they seemed to have escaped undetected. He could see the ramp. Michael was already anchoring the boat. For a brief moment, he considered warning him about vampires. But what were the odds Michael would believe him? Much more likely he'd suspect Neal had gone mental.

Michael ran toward them. With a quick hug, he scooped Angela into his arms and carried her onto the boat. She gazed up at him, a blissful smile on her face, not letting out a peep of protest at his Prince Charming maneuver.

They'd brought blankets for her in the expectation she'd need to lie down in the boat, and after a little initial hesitation, she didn't resist.

Once back in Shepherdstown, Michael would take her to the nearest hospital. The Berkeley Medical Center was a half-hour away by car. Earlier they'd discussed how Michael would have to insist she'd been drugged. Now, given the symptoms she displayed, it was no longer a question. Michael would also notify the police. By the time they arrived at the castle, Dean and Peter should be long gone.

Neal gave Michael two of the small violet bottles he'd picked up in Lutar's bedroom. "These may contain the drug she was administered."

"Aren't you coming with us?" he asked.

Neal shook his head. "Peter and Dean may need me. You head on back and ... row like you're in a race."

Michael gave him a sharp look. "You think we'll be followed?"

"It's possible," he warned. "We don't know what Lutar is capable of." He consoled himself he was being truthful if not completely open.

Michael's jaw hardened. "No one will catch us." He got into the boat and picked up an oar.