The Runaway

Chapter 10

Malachi's POV

An hour has already gone by, wht can't I believe this? I turn the rather extravagant ruby necklace over and over in my hands, begging things to make sense.

As if on cue a small click echoes through the room. After a flurry of movement, the stone set into the gold pops open and a paper flutters down.

I take a few seconds to comprehend what just happened, that genius. The Prince sent me a message through my niece. He knew how that would make me feel. She raced in here to show me her prize that would cost us all.

Carefully picking the paper up, it crackles softly. I sigh softly, opening it. The words jump out at me and cause me to drop the paper.

Release the girl or face the wrath of the vampire race in a war.

The meaning was very clear, I scoffed and clench my hand around the ruby stone golden necklace, making my way to the dungeon. My own sister.

I see Zeke exiting and give a low growl, "Zeke, what the hell? I swear-"

Zeke is quick to cut me off, "Slow down, big brother. I haven't done anything...permanent." His smirk is wide and taunting.

I growl threateningly, "Zeke, do you want a war that bad?!"

He shrugs. Not even a dismissal. I push him aside, letting him glimpse the necklace. I make my way to my sister's cell and growl internally.

My sister. Brown hair matted with blood, plastered to her face. Blue eyes drooped and rolled back. Bleeding from new wounds along her body. Arms above her head, wrists bound in shackles attached to the ceiling.

The scent of fresh blood makes my skin crawl. I breath out deeply and toss the necklace onto the bed, through the bars, before letting myself in. I make quick work of the shackles, letting my sister's body fall to the floor. The body makes a sickening thud and small splash.

As I watch my sister's body fall, the wounds start to close and heal. I growl softly and grab her shoulder and shove her across the room, knocking into the wall and banging her head against the floor.

I make it out of the cell door before stopping for just a moment to say, "The necklace is for you. From that vampire prince. He is declaring war for you."

I slam the door and lock it before heading to Zeke's room.

Zeke'sPOV

"DUDE WHAT THE HELL?!!" I growl in frustration as my brother barges in, of course I know what it is about.

Malachi wraps his hand around my neck and squeezes, "You could have killed her!"

I shove him away from me and growl, "Mal, you know how I am. You are my brother. She is just a girl. "

His next growl is a force not to be reckoned, "SHE IS OUR SISTER!!"

That stops me, "Our sister?"

"Yes you imbecile! Why else would I order you not to hurt her?" He growls out.

"Because I thought you only liked her."

"You are a complete idiot!!"

A small voice penetrates our argument, "Papa? Uncle Mal?"

I coo to my young daughter, "Ray, come to Papa. I am sorry if we scared you."

My 6 year old daughter jumps into my arms and grins, "Papa."

"Yes?" My arms instinctively wrap around her.

What she says next makes my blood coil, "Where's Mama and Johnny? They aren't in the room, in the house, or even in the garden Papa."

My eyes widen and I feel around for the connection I have with my mate, no matter what I can't feel anything but a small spark. Far away.

Everything that Malachi said earlier clicks into place. Vampires. War.

My heart nearly stops and My eyes land on my brother. Pity. That's what is inhis eyes.

"I-"

I cut him off, "Shut up! I don't want your pity. I want my family back."

He glares before standing and then he himself takes a moment, eyes distant. He breaks into a cold sweat, "They are all gone."

" Who are gone, Mal?" I ask, frustrated.

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Word count: 690