Darkness Fading

Chapter Seven [revised 2.18.16]

*Hello, again! This is another rough draft- I'm sure there are mistakes. I haven't edited it yet. Before I do, I'd like your opinion first! I'm trying to give some background information without dumping it all on you at once. Does it need more? Are Evie and James' reactions realistic? Are they asking the right questions? Thanks again for reading!*

"I am there, waiting, watching, keeping to the shadows,

But when you need me, I'll step out of the shadows

And protect what's mine."

-Unknown

I started backing down the short passage until I felt my back hit the cold iron ladder.

"Wait! I didn't mean that the way it sounded; I'm not here to hurt you." Mercer had his hands raised in surrender.

"What do you want, then?" I slowly lifted my right leg behind me and placed my foot on the ladder. Bending down, I grabbed my .45 from the ankle holster.

Mercer's eyes followed my movements, his face remaining perfectly calm. He didn't take another step toward me, but he didn't appear to be threatened, either.

"I just need to talk to you. I don't know if you realize what you have. I understand your sister was abducted a few days ago?" His eyebrows drew together and his eyes softened.

"How did you know that? Do you know where Everly is?" Hope swelled in my chest, but I still kept a firm grip on my gun, prepared to shoot if I had to. He's not a vamp ... Is he a werewolf?

"I've been tracking the medallion. When I found it here, I did a little research. I found out where your sister is." Mercer lowered his arms and took a tiny step forward.

"STAY BACK OR SO HELP ME I WILL SHOOT YOU." Mercer took a step back and leaned his shoulder against the stone wall, his lips forming a small smirk. I narrowed my eyes. "I've been through too much the past few days. Too much. Just stay right there and tell me where my sister is."

The hatch creaked open and a familiar voice echoed around me.

"What is going on, Eves?" James' voice was slow and thick with sleep. I glanced up to see his hair sticking up all over his head and worry lines creasing his forehead.

"James, this is Mercer." I pointed down the corridor to Mercer's imposing figure. "He works for Wayne. Says he knows where Everly is. He knows the medallion is here, too." I didn't take my eyes off Mercer and could only pray James knew what that meant. Mercer hears the 'call'.

"Well, shit. Ya'll come up here and let's talk." I heard James lift the hatch completely open. The floor boards whined as he stepped back.

I reached my arm behind me and fumbled to grip the ladder. Never taking my eyes off Mercer, I made my way up, climbing backwards. James reached down and pulled me up into the barn.

Immediately, we saw Mercer's form climbing into the room. He had his eyes focused on me, not looking at James once. I should've known this guy wasn't human. He's too gorgeous. It's unnatural.

"Let's have a seat." James pointed to the leather couch and chair in our sitting room.

Mercer nodded once and turned his back to us as he got comfortable in the black recliner, clearly not intimidated by my gun. James and I sat on the couch and waited for him to speak.

I reached over and interlaced my fingers with James, using my free hand. Please, please tell me where my sister is. Mercer's gaze locked onto our intertwined hands, his eyes hardening. Considering James had been pretty decent so far, Mercer's reaction to him was odd.