Beloved

Chapter 12

Sitting on the ridge overlooking the peak of the mountain we had parked on a day earlier, I looked over the cavern and into the water contemplating what we were going to do next. At the moment...I was at a complete and utter loss. Taking Angelo's advice and travelling north towards Knox's coven sounded like the best option.

I need to learn to control my powers, and train myself for if the Cattivera do come after me. I can't sit here and wait until Knox gets back I thought to myself, getting up from my spot I decided to take a walk to clear my head. The forest felt cold without the sun beaming down upon it, every shadow leapt out in the moonlight making me more anxious being so far away from Knox.

I folded my arms over my stomach feeling goose bumps rise across my exposed skin. Ok why did I walk into the forest again I was getting confused by my surroundings, trying to find my way back every tree and rock looked the same. The noises and shadows I could see and hear were becoming more and more prominent the more I made myself aware of their nearness.

I stopped hearing the crack of a branch from behind me. My breathing slowed as I closed my eyes trying to focus on the sounds from behind me. I opened my eyes scanning the area of my vision. Twisting and crouching close to the ground, I was poised in combat position ready for anything that dared to come my way.

I sensed movement from the corner of my eye to the left of me, too quick for any human to have moved. Cattivera I thought taking in a quick breath. Only they would move so expertly in the shadows. I didn't want to stick around to find out; if I stayed here any longer I am sure I would be lying in a pool of blood before dawn.

As I started to back away from my spot I could see the shadows moving with me. Uttering a few choice words under my breath I decided to take my chances and sprint in any direction that was away from the creatures.

Feeling the harsh sting of mist hit my cheeks as I ran I could hear numerous footfalls in my wake, feeling my adrenalin pumping I ran harder than I thought I could, as if my feet were not touching the ground beneath me.

As I readied myself to turn in a manoeuvre to break the group of pursuers behind me, I felt my legs fall from underneath me, the creatures cutting me off obviously ready for any sudden change in my direction. I was stunned as I flew through the air landing roughly on my back, no doubt leaving a mark; I rolled a few times before hitting a large tree winding me completely and leaving me temporarily stunned.

As I began to rise from my vulnerable position scanning my surroundings I swerved in time to miss a spiked boot to my stomach. I was beginning to get angry; I could feel the familiar tingle of electricity surge through my fingertips as I looked up slowly sizing up my opponents.

I turned my head from side to side slowly cracking my neck, time to die bi*ches I thought darkly searching for the leader of the group. As my eyes locked with one of the largest creatures my eyes narrowed, a deadly threat in my glare.

An evil smirk played along his lips, making his disfigured face even more menacing in the partial moonlight. I took to a charge feeling wind gush past my ears. Sending some of the creatures flying as I thrust my had to the right where they had begun to circle, I set my target on the vampire in front of me. Summoning a large stick from the ground I stopped mid stride and leaped over one of the creatures standing in my way successfully breaking his nose and whacking the other in the stomach leaving him temporarily stunned and cringing slightly.

Before I could reach the vampire I was after, I was tackled to the ground by a creature much larger than me obviously not afraid to touch me. As more vampires surrounded and held me down, I became to be increasingly panicked, struggling against the tight bounds they had now secured around my wrists. I felt a sharp pain rush through my arm as I felt something puncture the delicate skin. I yelped in pain as my arms were stretched out to my sides, rendering them useless.

The creatures stopped what they were doing looking to the vampire I assumed was the head of the group. Holding a dagger in his calloused hand, he trailed the blade lightly down my arm, teasing blood to the surface. I felt tears well in my eyes but refused to let them go. They will not get the satisfaction of my tears I thought holding my composure. The surface of the blade stung on my flesh making my skin crawl. "Not so tough now are we angel," The creature whispered close to my ear making me shudder at his unnerving closeness.

"Coward" I muttered through clenched teeth, looking him dead in the eye. He pulled away from me raising his hand ready to slap me, I could see the skin of his hand, burnt and seared from touching my body. His eyes flared red as his hand began to burn in the air; he turned away from me quickly hissing as the bright sun began to glare down upon us. Its quickly advancing rays had the creatures cowering away and running to save themselves from the burning sun.

As it began to rise over the land, I felt a calm settle over my body, knowing I was safe for now. I heard a blood-curdling scream from the shadows, one of the vampires no-doubt sending a chill down my spine. Knox was close.

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After Knox had released me from my bounds I sat up slowly, my clothes tinted red with my own blood still running down my arm. Knox stood up a dark look clouding his features, as if he was not quite there with me. "I should have stayed with you," He scolded himself, the guilt obviously ripping him apart.

"Knox" I began to speak "You couldn't have possibly known what was going to happen" I stated. He ran his hands roughly through his hair, making him look even sexier in the lighting. I bit my lip trying to get my thoughts back in order. I heard a growl from Knox, "Mia amore I could have lost you!" he exclaimed, getting angrier with himself his eyes now seeping a red colour mixed emotions crossing his face.

I tried to stand up trying not to move my arm too much. The flow had stopped leaving dried blood sticking to my arm. As I walked towards Knox, I heard a sharp intake of breath. Knox had turned away from me, "The smell of your blood Mia amore, I..." He paused licking his already red lips slightly "I don't know if I can control myself". I walked toward him cautiously, covering my arm as best as possible trying not to tempt him.

"I trust you Knox," I whispered coming to stand in front of him and looking him in the eyes. I could see his fangs visibly retract as he engulfed me in a lung-crushing hug, breathing in my scent to calm himself. I returned the hug trying not to whimper as I stretched my arm around him. He pulled back suddenly aware of my position, bringing my arm up to examine and then held my hand gently.

"Hold on mia amore" He whispered as he held my body close to his. I hesitated until I felt the ground fall out from beneath our feet as a bright flash erupted behind my eyes as Knox teleported us both. I clutched onto Knox's shirt burying my face in the fabric until the feeling of being in a hurricane stopped, still I dared not open my eyes in fear of something worse around us.