Vampire Emeritus (Part #3) ✔

Chapter 11: Vampire Dystopia

No one said anything for a while. For the first time in months, I've felt real, human exhaustion creep up on me. I've gotten used to this entire plan developing very, very slowly. This was a huge step, a jump forward, and I've now realised I might not be ready.

Tina showed up with three bottles of wine, "Anyone thirsty?"

"What do you mean, you were protecting us?" I asked, ignoring the Barbie.

Thomas, however, walked over to her and unscrewed the bottle open with his teeth. He might be exhausted, as well.

Ian sighed, "Did you truly think Vilmus just left you alone?"

Thomas handed another bottle to me, he even opened it for me. In the corner of my eyes, I noticed Ian observing us, waiting for the answer.

"Alright," I took a sip straight from the bottle, like a lady, "So, he didn't leave us alone. What does that mean?"

Ian sat on the couch's arm, "He's been tracking you for months after I left town with the Order."

An irrational fear of being watched crawled down my spine. I glanced through the terrace door, like it would make a difference, but there was nothing in the darkness of our backyard.

Thomas sat on the couch and leaned against his knees, "Did he tell you this?"

"He... hinted it." Ian took in a deep breath. "To taunt me, mostly, because he believed I would try to reach out eventually. He threatened to kill you if I attempted to speak to you."

"And here you are," Thomas laughed, "Speaking to us."

"After a few months, Vilmus stopped telling me anything about you." Ian continued. "But I had someone else on the inside, closer to Vilmus, who told me he was still keeping track of your movements."

"How can you be certain this is true?" William, who's kept quiet throughout this conversation, asked.

"Because Vilmus is like that." Ian squeezed the backrest of the couch, he was nervous and probably uncomfortable. "He doesn't give up. He didn't give up when he attempted to bring me back, but he's also very careful, and he wouldn't let me close until he thought he could trust me again."

"We get it." Thomas grunted. "His trust is important, bla, bla. Is he watching us now?"

Ian glanced at Thomas, then me, "I don't think so."

"Why would he stop?"

"Because you weren't getting anywhere with your search." Ian shrugged. "Which makes me wonder, how the fuck did you find me tonight?"

Thomas looked at me, his eyes speaking volumes. He didn't want me to trust Ian with this information, but in my opinion, you had to give some to get some. And maybe, just maybe, a part of me desperately wanted to trust Ian.

I opened my mouth-

"Chloe." Thomas warned.

"Caiden hacked the Sacred Order website." I said.

"Goddammit." Thomas cursed.

Ian frowned, "Caiden is here?"

"Everyone's here." I nodded.

"Living rent-free." Thomas mumbled.

"Chloe, this is dangerous." Ian sighed. "I don't think your human friends should be involved. I don't think any of you should be involved."

"But we have vamplings and everything!" I crossed my hands on my chest. "We have connections! We can help."

"I've got a plan set up." Ian pushed. "The first step was me disappearing. I hoped Vilmus wouldn't guess I betrayed him right away and it would buy me some time."