The Last Vampire Hunter

Chapter 26

Master arrived to find me walking the gardens of the estate. After Sawyer's kiss I could hardly focus on anything else. He came to me and walked beside me. "What is it Aliana? I feel a restlessness in you. A conflict." I fingered his necklace absentmindedly. "Nothing, Ma..." I stopped and smiled at him, "Alexander." He smiled appreciatively. "I'm just nervous to see my family. And I'm saddened by the loss of Liam. My family was close to his. I'm hoping that I can see them as well and his sister Leah."

He turned me to him and kissed me gently. "Of course, my love. I'll make sure we meet with Liam's family as well. I promise. I know how much the boy meant to you." He leaned into me. "Alright, my kitten, it's time for us to go. The bags have been loaded up. Come." He led me to the coach and we headed to my family. As I stared out the window I wondered how my parents would receive me. Would my mother know what I've been through. What I'm going through now. Should I tell her about the Mark? Would they still love me?

"Don't worry, Aliana. Your family will be happy to see you." I let out the breath I didn't realize I was holding. "Alexander." I reached out to hold his hand. He took mine in his and kissed them. "You can feel my anxiety?" He nodded. "Yes. I know you're worried about your parents." I nodded. "My parents don't hate Vampires. At least not any more or less than any other human. But this mark. Our bond. It's changing our behavior. Sawyer notices it. I'm afraid soon everyone will. I'm scared, Alexander. Our bond. It's an abomination. It's not supposed to be possible."

As soon as the words came out, I wished I could take them back. "Alexander. I'm sorry. I..." His face was unreadable. "It's fine. I think you've made your feelings clear on the matter. On several occasions." I looked away. There was no point in trying to reconcile. I'd hurt him. He'll need time. He was right. It wasn't the first time I'd expressed my concerns to him. He'd get over it eventually. He'd have to. This damned Mark would find a way to keep pushing us together.

We rode in silence to the ferry stop. Once again we boarded a ferry we had to ourselves despite the long line of travelers waiting. Master had put a collar and leash on me and I heard the whispers as he led me to the ferry. "Shame. She looks so young. Look at him. Monster." I only caught snippets. I know he heard them more clearly. The resentment toward human slavery was growing.

I sat on one of the benches and pulled out my book. Master came up and sat next to me, putting his arm around my waist and nuzzling my neck with his nose. I stiffened and then relaxed at his touch. "Master." I said quietly. He'd forgiven me for my comments in the coach. "Aliana," he breathed. He was leaning in for a kiss, when one of the ferrymen came over and pulled me away from him. He pulled me so hard that I landed on my backside on the floor of the ship. In a movement so quick that he could have been mistaken for a vampire himself, he pulled a dagger out and was in the act of stabbing my Master in the heart.

I held my breath, not even able to scream at the sight of it. Sawyer was there in a blink. I don't even know where he materialized from. He pulled the man's arm, drawing him away from our Master. He had only barely pulled the man's arm back but it was all the time our Master needed. In a blur the man disappeared from in front of Sawyer. His neck was snapped and he was sailing overboard as Master's incredible speed did away with the threat. I wasn't even certain it had happened. I sat there in awe. Sawyer was at my side in an instant. He bent down to examine me. His always serious face peppered with a look of concern. "Are you alright?" His gaze was intense. I had to look away. I nodded. "Yes. I'm fine."

Master came over. "Did he hurt you?" I shook my head. "No Master." He helped me to my feet, taking in every inch of me. I could feel his anger. His concern. His desire. It all radiated off him.