The Silver Cross - The Path Of A Monster (Book One)

Chapter Seven - The Sacrifice

As he approached the monster's hiding place, the graveyard that had become its stereotypical home, he felt no regret or pain. For once in his life, he could help his brother, his niece and his father's memory. He was not going to continue his father's line, that part would die with him. Cain didn't understand, he couldn't see it but Jack owed a debt, and that was his way of paying. He loved his brother, his family and dying for them, for their safety felt right, to sacrifice his life in return for another's.

Carefully he peeled open the door to the crypt, aware still that the slumbering beast could hear him, could hear his heart thumping as he approached, but that only meant Jack would have to show caution but if death came for him, he'd be ready to face it, to stare it in the eyes as it took him to his grave.

"Jack," a voice whispered behind him.

He drew his blade, grabbing behind him as he covered Cain's mouth, glaring into his eyes. How dare he risk everything, risk leaving Nicola to raise Katie alone, to suffer without him in a conflict he didn't need to give his life for.

"Go home, Cain."

"Then you join me, we'll find another way."

"There isn't one. Whatever happens, stay hidden, I don't want to lose you too."

Jack stepped down into the crypt quickly, his footsteps echoing as he continued. He did not stop, he did not dare to stop, he just continued down into the depths of the crypt, the stench of rot hit him, making him desperate to cover his nose. Resisting, he continued down, turning back occasionally at the brightness of the sun set, if it wasn't for that, he'd be struggling alone in the darkness with nothing but his senses to guide him.

His heartbeat was gentle, even as he approached the coffin of the monster, awaiting its return. No doubt it had hunted, fed on some poor person, gaining strength and power from its feast but Jack wasn't going to give up, to walk away from his duty, not when he made a promise.

The crypt wasn't what he expected, it smelt horribly but it looked appealing, like someone had actually cleaned it or been there recently, possibly in the daylight hours when it was safe, when the creature was asleep, hiding from the light.

Jack watched as a shadow emerged, he pulled it into the corner to hide Cain, hoping the vampire would notice his home had been broken into, and rather than run, he'd attack. It was a gamble, but those odds were in his favour, the vampire would be desperate to defend his territory rather than find a new place to live, to hunt in.

He watched the shadows, the darkness no longer filled the tomb as the creature arrived, dressed in a pair of decent jeans and a simple shirt. He had to look twice in case it was a curious human, not a monster using a powerful glamour.

Even with the glamour he looked strong, powerful but Jack concentrated on his abilities, his age if he could even make a guess.

"I can smell you, mortal," the vampire warned as his glamour vanished, revealing the face of a monster, pale and cold with eyes dead, red with blood or hunger, his fangs bared looking directly at the corner Jack and Cain were hidden in. "No one likes chasing chickens," he warned.

Jack stepped out, his silver blade ready to kill, fury in his eyes as he slashed at the monster, missing him by inches. He was fast, Jack had to be faster, he had to end its life or lose his own.

"I know that look... from some time ago, feels like only yesterday."

"When someone fought you?" Jack asked as he slashed at the creature, once again missing, slashing through air.

"When someone came to me with such strength, such will and determination. He tried, they all try but, in the end, his strength gave out and I made him my meal."

Jack ignored it, brushing it off as he drew his other dagger. The creature didn't need any, he slashed at Jack with his talon like nails, sharp as glass, they made a nasty wound on Jack's shoulder. He winced, covering it as it bled, signalling for Cain to stay put, in case the monster hadn't seen him.

The monster licked his claws, tasting Jack's blood but Jack stood, certain he'd end the monster, certain he'd defeat it.

"Your blood has that... taste, of desperation. It is such a shame, I do enjoy such a flavour."

There was not a word spoken as Jack tried once more to slash the creature, his silver cross dangling, weakening its eyesight allowing Jack to slice it across the stomach. It howled in pain, almost screaming in anger as it swung its arm at Jack, knocking into him, throwing him back into the stone wall.

Blood dripped down his head as he dropped his blades. Powerless, defenceless, he knew it was over, that the monster was going to enjoy the hunt. He had failed, miserably and the vampire was going to enjoy his hunt.

"When I am done, I won't give them your body, I'll hang it up in here for another to come and find. Your bones will be my decoration, a warning to others to turn back," the vampire warned in a sickening tone.

Jack's vision blurred but his hearing was still good. The monster's head bent down over his exposed neck, searching for the vein as Jack struggled against his grip. He heard a dagger move, before the monster had time to react, time to bite. Cain slammed the blade into the creature, helping Jack up, bearing his weight.

"You're going to be alright, brother, just hold on."

"It's... just a head wound," Jack slurred as his head dripped with blood.

"I'm getting you out of here."

"Cain, look out!" Jack warned as the monster leapt. With all the strength he could muster, Jack pushed Cain out the way onto the ground. The monster didn't stop, it sunk its fangs into Jack, forcing him to let out a yelp and a moan in pain. Cain reacted quickly, staking it through the heart but the wound was made and Jack knew his fate. "Get away from me," he ordered.

"Brother, are you alright?"

"He got me, Cain, I can feel it."

"Jack..." he whispered as tears formed.

"Don't, don't cry for me. Just... just kill me, before... it happens."

"I can't, the order has to access you before..."

"Fuck them!" Jack snapped as he groaned, falling to the floor.