The Trouble with Evie

Chapter 13

The vampires remained on the street for a few minutes, then one emerged from the group. Niko grimaced.

"It has been a long time since I saw that face."

Pushing him out of the way, I looked at the vampire that was determined to destroy Niko. Letting go of the curtain, I turned to Niko.

"Run."

"I will do no such thing."

"I am asking you to do what is necessary. We need you alive. I don't understand why the Nephilim are coming for me, or how to deal with these vampires. I need you to be here with us."

My voice was low, raw, and filled with hurt. I didn't want to lose him as well. For a few years, I'd spent this life with Brad, trying to avoid the thoughts of how one wrong decision could alter our lives forever. I didn't want to lose him, and now that I had Niko, I was just as worried.

"Niko," the vampire called out. "We know that you're in there. Come out and play, old friend."

Niko sighed.

"I am only putting you in danger if I stay."

"Go into the woods," Brad muttered. "We'll let them in, and I will show them the basement. I put the brick back. It looks like the wall is still formed enough to keep you in there."

"They won't believe you."

"It doesn't matter," I said with a grin. "There's a lock on the door on the outside. Get them in there and lock the door."

"They will break it down. I would advise against inviting them into the house, but if you do, then certainly utilize whatever locks and barricades that you can find."

"And you?"

Niko shrugged at Brad. There was a desperate need to keep the three of us together, but the closer we got to the breaking point, I could see that separating was ideal.

"Is there somewhere to wait until they leave?"

"There are many places."

"Then go. We'll find you when they leave."

The door shuddered when something heavy hit it. Already a crack appeared, splintering the wood.

"Come on," Niko whispered, taking my hand.

We rushed to the back door, quietly slipping through it. Brad pulled his jacket on. The air was so cold that we could see our breath. This place was extreme with its weather.

Crossing the yard, we delved into the forest. We'd made it by a matter of seconds. I turned back to see vampires appearing on each side of the house. They went straight for the back door. Their numbers were few as they had fanned out. I could see one side of the house. Some of the vampires remained there to wait in case we emerged from a window.