The Midnight Within

Chapter 35

Zakk was feeling dizzy, way more dizzy than he should have. He must have been drunker than he thought or someone had slipped him something, neither of which was ok since he was the one who had to drive. Pausing to rub at his temples he tried to shake the fog from his brain and had to fight off another bout of nausea. He never saw her coming until he got shoved roughly into the wall from behind.

" Where is he Zakk? Where is Daniel? " Mia was shaking and white as a ghost. She looked as If he had run all the way from Disdain. Her eyes had dark circles under them and the color was high in her cheeks.

" I told you...." He stopped talking as he realized how mad she was. The look in her eye was enough to scare the tar out of anyone and when she grabbed his arm he knew she was serious. Had someone called the cops? Had Daniel been busted while he was puking his guts out? He began to panic and felt the room get smaller and hotter. People were crowding in around them. He needed to get some air, but the stairs were blocked by to many people.

" Zakk? " Mia realized he was too drunk and forced his head up so she could lock eyes with him. " We need to find Daniel and get him out of here. They know you're here and they killed Kasie. "

" The cops killed Kasie? " He was feeling worse by the second.

" No Zakk. Vampires killed Kasie. Yes it sounds insane and I don't know if I should slap you or myself. We need to find Daniel before they do. "

" He's fine, he's over...." Scowling, Zakk trailed off. " He was just over there by the railing a second ago, he must have gone to get more drinks. "

" Like you need another drink. " Mia went to the railing to scan the crowd below. If Black found Daniel first she would never forgive herself. She decided to head down to the main bar but when she turned to look for Zakk she didn't see him right away. Swearing she turned herself around as panic coursed through her veins and then she heard it, musical laughter. She knew it came from the twins the second she heard it and turned her head in their direction. They were standing against the wall, smirking as Zakk, walked zombie-like towards the railing.

" Zakk! Stop! " He didn't stop or look in her direction. His face was blank, eyes dead as he lifted one foot onto the first rail. Hesitating for only a second she raced towards him, shouting at him as he climbed up. His eyes were glassy and far off, he didn't even know she was there and somehow she knew they had done this. They were controlling him like a puppet.

Mia looked for help, but everyone seemed to be off in their own little worlds. Mia glared at the twins as she shoved herself between Zakk and the railing. Their sickening childlike

grins spread wide as they watched, loving the fear on her face. She didn't know what to do

so she slapped him and got nothing, If she didn't do something soon he would take them both over the railing to the dance floor below.

" Zakky! Please stop. Daniel needs you. I need you. "

Mia knew she was out of options. His expression did not change. She had no choice as she grabbed his pudgy face in her hands and planted her mouth to his, kissing him deeply, mentally willing him to wake up. He stopped struggling against her, his grey eyes going wide as the fog lifted from his brain. He pulled away from her, shooting her a look of hurt bewilderment.

" Mia? What are you doing? "

" Oh thank god. " She kissed him once more, quickly before hugging him tight. Of course the twins had gone. Not giving him time to recover she grabbed his hand, dragging him towards the stair's, praying that they wouldn't be too late.

" Mia why did you kiss me back there? " Zakk tried to keep up but she was moving fast through the crowd of people. Frantic she searched all over until she went out the front to pace and smoke. Catching up with her Zakk grabbed her arm trying to slow her down enough to find out what was going on and make sure the cops were not on their way.

Maybe she was on a bad trip? Or had that bump from the fall at the cemetery done more damage than they all realized. He knew a guy who had died from a tumor that had grown after he had hit his head on a table at a party. He knew they should have made her go in and get checked out. Feeling guilty he grabbed her hand, speaking softly as he looked deeply into her eyes.

" Let's go back inside. Get warmed up and talk to the bouncers. He could have walked to the gas station for smokes or he's in the other bathroom. Maybe you can tell me why yours so worked up? "

" I am NOT worked up and I am NOT crazy Zakk. Vampires killed Kasie and decorated her like a fucking Halloween tree. They were inside my house and are after Daniel so if you don't want to help me find him then get the fuck out of my way! " Mia broke away from him, digging into her purse to pull out her Glock.

" A gun Mia? Really? And how did they know where we are? Did you call the cops? "

Mia's face colored. She was not about to tell Zakk of all people how Black had gotten the information out of her. " They can't have him Zakk and I won't let them hurt him, I swear." She turned her back on him, walking down the street.

Shaken by the gun she was waving around, Zakk hurried after her. " Mia please put that gun away before someone sees you. " He tried to keep his voice low as he tried to reason with her. " Where did you get that anyway? Do you even know how to shoot it? Why don't you let me have it, "

" Does it matter? I know you don't believe me but Daniel's in danger, they want to kill him and maybe you too if you get in their way, don't you get that! "

" No Mia, I don't get it, but if you put the gun away we can talk about it someplace other than a busy street. Daniel could have gone for smokes, or passed out in the car for all I know, it doesn't mean he was kidnaped by vampires. "

From the depths of the dark alley Black appeared with fresh blood on his hands and lips.

" I'm afraid you're too late. "

Shaking Mia leveled the gun at his chest. " I swear to god if you have hurt him I will blow your brains out. "

" Not before I gut you and use your intestines to strangle you with." The smirk was gone from his bloodied lips as the twins stepped forth from the shadows, moving with that spooky fluidity. All eyes were on Mia and Zakk, who stood behind her gap mouthed and wondering who had slipped the acid into his drink.

" Tell me what you did to him." Snarling Mia cocked the trigger of the gun.

" Me? " Black spread his arms open wide, flashing them an innocent smile. " I don't know what you mean? "

Trying to prevent cold-blooded murder, Zakk stepped in front of the gun, his grey eyes pleaded as he begged her, " Mia stop this. You're insane if you think shooting someone will solve anything. Look what happened to Daniel. Please, please put the gun away."

" Get the fuck out of my way, or I will shot you too. "

" MOVE, "

" NO. "

With his back to the trio Zakk could not see the eager smiles on their pale faces. They were loving this little show, loved seeing the pain etched across her face and waiting for her to crack. Zakk was right in saying that if she lost it then Daniel would have no one to help him. With tears streaming down her face Mia lowered the gun. It wouldn't have hurt him anyway. Locking eyes with Black, she pleaded with him. " Where is he? What did you do to him? "

" Nothing he did not want. " Black held up Daniel's poetical necklace, tossing it to her with another wicked smile before turning to walk down the street.

" This isn't over. " Mia said softly, catching the necklace with her free hand.

" As you wish, Mon. petite." Black turned back to them, bowing deeply with a flourish of hands. If Mia wanted to take him on then by all means she should be given the chance, although he still intended to strangle her with her own intestines in the end. He beckoned the twins, whistling as he melted into the steam pouring up from the gutters.