The Second Chance (Blood Of Eden Fanfiction)

Chapter 9: Jackal

I slowly open my eyes as I wake up, the comfort of the bed under me a wonderful feeling. I've spent so long burrowing under the ground and taking up residence on old mattresses that the silky sheets seem to hold me down, begging me to stay.

A light knock at the door forces me up and I walk over. I crack the door open and stare out at the human standing outside. The Pet stands tall as if he owns the whole damn place. This causes me to smirk and I open the door wider. "Yes?"

He clears his throat and places his hands behind his back. "Prince Salazar wanted me to let you know that you and your human are welcome to anything in the lounge. But he also warns that neither of you are to leave the tower without his permission."

I raise an eyebrow and lean against the doorframe. "Oh, so now we're prisoners?"

"Of course not," the Pet scoffs. "However, you did say that you had the cure even though you came here empty handed."

I roll my eyes. "Don't hate the messenger," I say and the Pet glares at me.

"Sarcasm will not get you far here in the tower," the human warns. "I would be careful if I were you."

I smirk again, this time allowing my fangs to slip out. "And threats like that won't get you far with me."

The Pet takes a step back and I hear his heartbeat quicken, but he keeps his powerful stance. "You hurt me and you're dead, vampire."

I laugh. "I told you, human. You're expendable. If you really think that his high and mighty Prince really cares about you, be my guest. But don't come running to me when he doesn't bat an eye as one of his own attacks you."

He swallows and takes another step back. "The lounge is down two floors," he quickly says before walking away. I snicker and look across the hall to the closed door in front of me. My smile fades as it opens and out steps Abigail.

"You didn't need to be so harsh," she whispers, her eyes cast down. 

I press my lips together and step out of my room, closing the door behind me. "He needs to know his place. If he thinks-"

"Just stop," she pleads, her eyes finally meeting mine. "You act as if everyone is below you. For just once in your life, think of someone other than yourself."

I take a step back as if she had slapped me. I don't say anything as she stares at me, her brown eyes filled with hope that for once, I'll listen to her. You know she's right, Jackal. You're a selfish bastard. How can anyone love someone like that?

She looks down once more, her shoulders falling. "You helped find a cure, Jackal," she whispers. "You helped save not only vampires but humans, too. You helped your blood sister and father get to Eden. I know you can be a good person."

I straighten. "You're right," is all I manage to say as a lump forms in my throat. I can't remember the last time I cried. Another way this girl has changed your whole life.

Her eyes meet mine again, though this time they are filled with anger. "Then why don't you act like it?"

I step towards her and grab her hand in one fluid motion, causing her to jump at how fast I can move. "I've been around for a very long time, long enough to see the death and destruction this virus has caused. I learned to trust nobody, to not let anybody close. Because in the end, they always leave. I had to learn to stop caring, to be a cold hearted bastard who only cares about himself, because who else is going to?"

Her eyes begin to water as she stares up at me. "It doesn't have to be that way," she says. "You don't have to be that vampire anymore. You can change."

I smirk. "I'm afraid I changed a long time ago, I just have troubles showing it sometimes." I close my eyes and lean my forehead against hers. I reach out to Allison, knowing perfectly well that she still hasn't moved, but just feeling her there brings me a wave of comfort. Does she reach out to me as often as I reach out to her? 

"You miss her," I hear Abigail say ever so quietly. "Your sister. You really miss her, don't you?"

I feel a tear slip down my cheek, but I don't open my eyes. "More than I'd like to admit."

"Oh, Jackal," she says before wrapping her arms around me in a hug. I hug her back, allowing her scent to fill my senses. The sound of her blood flows through her veins causes the Hunger to roar up with a vegence, but I push it down for not the first time since meeting this girl. 

I pull away as I hear footsteps coming from around the corner. She looks at me with concern as I turn on my heel and begin walking. "Jackal? Where are you going?"

"I'm hungry," I admit as the Hunger continues to gnaw at my insides. "And I hear that Salazar has a wonderful selection in the lounge. You're welcome to join me, just make sure you stay close. I'm not sure how the other vampires will feel about a human invading their space."

"Invading?" She scoffs. "Last I checked, I was a guest here."

I snicker as she laughs. "I wouldn't say that to them, human. They might not take it so lightly."

She quickens her pace so that she's walking right beside me. "Good thing I have a vampire of my own to protect me."

I smirk. "Vampire of your own? I'm sorry, I didn't realize I was your property."

She laughs some more, the sound bringing a smile to my face. "Did you really think it was the other way, Jackal?"

I shake my head and laugh as we reach the elevator. "You're definitely not like any other human I've met."

She grins. "I'll take that as a compliment."

We enter the elevator and after the doors close, I grab her wrist and pull her close to me. Her eyes go wide at the closeness, our faces only inches apart. "Good thing that it is, then." The warmth of her breath flows across my face and I feel the pulse in her wrist quicken. The Hunger flares up with a vengeance and I can't control myself any longer. 

I crash my lips to hers and grab her waist, pulling her closer to me. Her arms go around my neck as she kisses me back. Her heart beats rapidly in her chest, the feeling sending a shiver down my spine. I feel my fangs lengthen and I have to fight the urge to move to her neck. I remember the taste of her blood and I become intoxicated just by the memory.

I push her back as the elevator comes to a stop. She stares up at me, her breathing hard and her pulse fast. I look down at her brown eyes, wanting more than nothing in this world but to claim her as my own, but I know now is not the time. The elevator opens with a loud ding and I smile. "Remember to stay close. I don't want any of these other vampires thinking they can have their way with you."

She takes a deep breath, obviously still surprised by the kiss we just shared. "Yeah," she breathes out. "Of course. No problem." My smile widens as I exit the elevator, knowing very well what I'm getting myself into with this human. But right now, I can care less. For the first time in a long time, I actually feel alive. Might as well enjoy it while I can.