I Hate Myself but I Love You

Chapter 21

When Mattie comes on screen, dragged by an impatient Clifford I feel like I can breathe again. I take in a ragged breath and Laura puts her hand on my back. She keeps it there, a constant pressure keeping me grounded. Her thumb rubs soothing circles and I relax.

"What the hell, Kitty why would you send the idiot that killed me to get me?" Mattie snaps. She's okay.

"Everyone else is busy. Besides, you know what she is now. We can't turn our backs on her."

Mattie groans, glaring at Danny, who fidgets. Vampires can tell when someone is older and more powerful than them. A trait I wish sometimes that humans could have. "I hate it when you're nice. I always end up either taking care of your broken hearted self or some dimwit you feel pity for."

"You always agree; you always help." I point out gently.

"I know. I can't resist helping out my little monster, no matter how foolish I may find the task. What's with the munchkin?" Mattie leans forward. "She looks... different." She studies Laura for a tense second before she sits back. "No. You didn't. I know you, Kitty. You've never turned anyone. Not any of your past flings. What on earth possessed you to turn this one?"

"Maman's poison," I say bluntly.

Mattie frowns, "Ah. And there was no other way for her to survive, especially when Mother kept her antidote under lock and key. Where are you? Why couldn't you come get me instead of this overgrown redhead?"

"I'm at the cabin with Laura. I'll help you get everyone out of there, but you have to follow my instructions. I know you don't like following orders, Matska, but now you need to. Alright?"

"Fine. What do I have to do?"

"See Kirsch on the floor? Bring him with you and keep Xena away from him before she really kills him. You'll have to go through the tunnels to get out. They are controlled by the library, but they should let you out. You'll see the ginger scientist, LaFontaine, on the way. They're okay so they don't need to be carried like Kirsch does, just take them with you. You should know where my cabin is. Make sure Danny doesn't eat anyone."

"That's a lot of work, Kitty. You know I'm not one for manual labor."

"Perry's possessed by the Dean, so I'd hope you value your life and freedom more than being lazy."

"I knew there was something off about her. Why aren't we just killing her?"

Danny snarls and I cut her off. "No. We'll find a way to kill Mother without killing the human."

"You're a lot more optimistic now." Mattie says before she signs off.

I turn to Laura. She hasn't spoken once during that entire conversation. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, it's just... I'm worried about LaF and Kirsch. I might not be able to control myself, and Danny might not be able to either. Mattie's alive and still terrifying as usual and I'm slightly concerned that she'll murder us all and I think the only reason she hasn't is because of you. Not to mention I'm a vampire and oh god, dad's going to kill me and-"

"Hey. Laura, Laura, Laura." I reach out and grab her shoulders, holding her at arms' length. "It's going to be okay. Mattie and I will be here to run interference if either of you lose control. We'll save Perry. You being you won't allow anything less. Your dad will understand eventually. Everything's going to be okay."

Laura gently removes my hands and then rushes forward, wrapping me in a hug. "Thanks, Carm." She murmurs and I swear my heart melts a little bit.