These Streaks of Blood

38

Dan can't sleep. How can he, when they are in Natalee's house?

She wasn't here; neither was Ryffin. But the shower had been used recently, and Dan didn't comment about the lingering aroma of strawberries, not wanting to tell these people his suspicions that Natalee had been here, not long ago.  

However, he didn't have to; Amelie recognized the smell as well, and she told Cecille. Men scavenged the place, looking for more signs, preferably ones that indicated Ryffin's current location. They found nothing but some dents in the roof outside Natalee's window, the window itself having been left open wide. A few came back from the street and reported a strange smell; human and slightly animal at the same time. Cecille had laughed at them mockingly, aggravated that they brought her back the news that some people had decided to walk their dogs. The men had flushed and turned away.

Dan isn't so sure. People walking their dogs? The few people left in town very rarely even leave their houses; he knows this. Who on earth would be taking their dog for a stroll down the very street, past the very house, that a few of the kidnappings happened?

Daniel rolls over onto his side. This is where Natalee Changed him. This is where he first met Ryffin. This is where Natalee belongs; home, safe, with him. Who knows what Ryffin has done with her? She's still not strong; if he doesn't make her feed, she'll just keep growing weaker, until she is once again knocking on death's door. The thought makes him shudder. I would protect her. I would keep her strength up. I care about her...

And does Ryffin not? a voice snaps in his head, and he feels his nostrils flare with anger. He does not want to believe that Ryffin cares about Natalee. That he is capable of keeping her safe from harm. That he is better for her than Dan is. Those are thoughts Dan keeps firmly locked up, ones that he has no interest in thinking.  

Whenever Ryffin's face flashes through his mind, Dan feels his heart turn black. Nothing else matters. Olivia isn't important to him; not while Ryffin is still alive. Natalee won't be safe; not while Ryffin is still alive. It all comes down to the bastard being killed, burned, his body hidden somewhere so that Natalee won't ever be able to look upon it again.

Cecille knows that Dan is only helping her so that he can help Natalee. The woman promised that he won't have to be the one to kill Ryffin; as much as he hates the guy, he knows that Natalee will never forgive him if he is the one to end his life. Furthermore, Cecille promised that none of them will harm Natalee, that she will be free to go with him once all of this is over.

Giving up on sleep, Dan sits up and glances around. Most of the men are asleep. Amelie is sitting on the roof outside, staring into the shadows. Cecille is nowhere to be seen, but Dan doesn't question it. He simply doesn't care anymore about what all these people are doing, what they want. He wants Natalee, and he wants her safe, now, away from Ryffin forever.  

But for the moment, he knows it's best for him to stick with this group. Strength in numbers. If Ryffin is with Natalee, he's certainly going to put up a fight. He won't realize that they aren't going to hurt her, that they only want him. He will fight, fang and claw, to the death. Dan smiles - to his own death.

Dan sits there until he sees the sun begin to rise, illuminating Amelie's frozen form. She hasn't seemed to budge an inch, and Dan finds himself wondering if she has clones out and about somewhere. Her power is incredible, but terrifying. It's a good thing she hates Ryffin more than she hates Dan.

He stands up and stretches out his limbs, hearing other people start to move as well. A few minutes later, Cecille is in the room, nudging any morning stragglers with a light kick to the ribs. They groan and push themselves to their feet, glowering at her.