Lying Bloodlines

Chapter Nine

I don’t know how long I’m out but when I wake up I’m tied up again, but I’m upright. I wiggle my fingers and toes, where’s the bed? The door opens and someone walks in, only one set of footsteps come towards me.

“It’s such a pity, you not more of use to me, it truly is.” A hand touches my cheek, I jerk away as it stings. “It’s a shame they left you so defenseless, trying to protect you. But they were really hurting you, with everything they kept a secret.” I keep my eyes closed tugging at the ropes.

I don’t feel as much pain, they must’ve gave me a break but why? Something sharp stabs me in my stomach, I groan my eyes flying open. The man’s face smiles in front of mine.

“There are those beautiful eyes, I was starting to miss them.” He pulls the knife out, my head falls as I stare at the blood gushing out. “Ah, ah, ah. Look at me Aj.” He jerks my head up.

My breath comes out in short pants and I try to block out the pain as I grit my teeth.

“Why are you doing this? I thought hunters were supposed to protect humans?” His eyes widen before he smirks.

“You’re smarter than I give you credit for.” He stabs me again, in the same spot. I squeeze my eyes shut as I scream. “And to answer your question, you’re not human. Powers or not you’re still one of them.” He pulls the knife out, I pant loudly trying to stay awake.

I’m losing too much blood, my eyes start to close but he slaps me sucking his teeth. A rough material is shoved against my abdomen bringing me more pain.

“Oh, no you don’t, I’m not done talking to you yet.” He slaps me again, “Stay awake, bitch.” Spit flies out my mouth as my head jerks to the side.

I smack my lips slightly, I taste blood, it tastes… sweet. I lick my lips and smile slightly, I’m going crazy, I’m going to die.

“What the hell?” He jumps back staring at me strangely, “What is that?” I chuckle, looking at the ceiling.

“Just kill me already, I can’t help you.” My chest warms up, did he stab me again? The warmth slowly goes up my neck and face, spreading to my arms and the rest of my body. It feels good.

“Go, go, go. Get out of here.” People run out and the door bangs shut, I look around the room then down at myself. I’m red all over, I’m dead. I’m dead, I tug at the ropes and they snap off. I pull the ropes off my feet and walk towards the door. Where’s this light at the end of the tunnel everyone talks about?

The hallway is full of people that look at me in horror, they’re all screaming as the push and shove trying to run away. I guess the other ghosts don’t like me. My hands start to burn hotter than the rest of my body, I shake it out. Suddenly there’s a fire to my right. How did that get there?

Soon the hallways empty, I start to walk in the direction everyone else went. It’s a big white room with a bunch of tables filled with trays of food, a cafeteria of sorts. Whimpering in the corner gets my attention, I follow the noise. A little girl is curled up in the corner crying into her arms.

“Are you okay?” She looks up staring at me in surprise. I smile down at her offering my hand. She backs away frowning at me.

“Aj, please don’t hurt me.” I blink, her voice, I tilt my head. She meets my eyes.

“Mandy.” I fall to my knees, the heat goes away. “Mandy.” She starts to cry leaping into my arms. I brush her hair slumping against the wall.

“I’m so glad you’re okay.” She sobs into my shoulder, pulling me tighter against her. “They wouldn’t let me see you, said you would hurt me. And then they were running and I saw you, you were red, so red. You looked so angry, you didn’t know me.” I feel my stomach where Aster stabbed me, it’s healed. I look at my arms and legs, everything’s healed.

Flames start to come out of the hallway, I stand pulling Mandy with me.

“Come on we have to get out of here.” I pull her through the doors and to the closest exit.

It’s raining, I look down at our clothes. Mandy has on shoes, jeans, and a jacket. I only have on a white hospital like gown, with blood and burn marks, no shoes. I pick her up, her arms and legs hook around me.

I run to the street, and keep going. No one’s out on the rode this time of night, at least I think it’s night. There’s some houses and building but I avoid them, we’re going for a while when I hear a car. I try to duck behind some trees but the car slows down anyway. I clutch Mandy to me as I scan the area for an escape route.

“Hello? Anyone there? I saw you running and thought you might want a ride, get out of the rain.” I stay silent, pushing Mandy’s head into my neck. Leave, just leave. “Hello?” They get closer. I dive to the right and start running.

They curse and get back in their car following me, I hear them drive besides me and roll down the window.

“Miss, please. I’m just trying to help, you and kid are going to get sick.” There’s a short pause, “Jesus, what happened to you?” I avoid looking over. “I’ll call the police, please just stop. You’re bleeding.” Crap.

“Just leave us alone.” I try to run faster, but my legs are beginning to crap, and Mandy’s starting to get heavier.

“Miss, please.” I stumble, holding my hand out so Mandy doesn’t hit the ground. The man curses slamming on his breaks and getting out his car again.

He grabs my arm, whirling me around to face him, I smack him with both hands trying to get away.

“Let go, let go, let go.” The man hisses before restraining me, I continue to struggle, Mandy holds me tighter.

“Miss, stop. Just stop.” I finally look at him, he’s about my age and has scratch marks and red spots on his face. Did I do that?

“Let us go, now.” He frowns down at me.

“Aj?” I start to pull away harder in panic. “No, stop, I’m not going to hurt you. I know Alina.” I freeze. Mandy pulls away slightly to look at him.

“Alina?” He nods staring her in wonder. “Where is she?” He blinks looking back and forth between the two of us.