Another Way To Bleed (Midnight Assassin) (9 page)

Chapter Fifteen

The night had turned a devious shade of black with no light from either the moon or the stars. It was also painfully quiet. The screams and wails that had greeted them during the day were silent. Cassie could feel the hairs on the back of her neck stand up as she crept along the desolate alleyways. The lack of demons did nothing to quench the rapidly increasing uneasy sensation that was consuming her stomach. She knew that Cole was waiting for them, and that no matter how prepared they were or how juiced up on blood she was, she couldn't shake the feeling that not all of them would make it out alive.

Little drops of rain began to fall, splashing down on her skin.  As they crossed the same bridge that she and Archer had sat on just a few hours before, she found it hard not to smile and stole a quick glance at the angel. Archer moved with a catlike grace, his beautiful face, set and determined, a warrior ready for battle. He had his wings furled against his back, which Cassie saw twitch as if bursting to stretch out and be free.
Like me...

Luka glanced back at her and she realised she must have projected the thought. She sighed and strode forward. Sebastian raised his hand and they all stood still. Placing a skinny finger to his lips, he inclined his head to the right. Slithering out from behind a dilapidated building was the ugliest, slimiest creature Cassie had ever had the disgust to lay eyes on. It would not have been an exaggeration to say that the snake-like creature was so long it could reach all the way
back to Cork with the tail still tipping Abandon City. Brownish green in colour, the thing had scales all over its body, and when it hissed, Cassie spied fangs that would make any vamp jealous.

Be still, Cassie. It cannot see but can sense movement. Try and stay still no matter what happens.

Luka's words did little to ease her, but the creature continued to squirm along the pavement until it disappeared down an open crack. Cassie let out the breath she was holding. A piercing howl disturbed the eerie silence, and was soon joined by another, before the unmistakable song of the wolf played out for them.

I think it’s time we split up, boys... two at the front... two to sneak in the back...

Luka’s voice came back at her sharp,
Cole will be expecting that, Cassie...

Yes, but he wants something from me. I expect I could walk my ass through the front door and go sit down for dinner, but I take it everyone would have a problem with that?

The resounding answer proved her right. She shook her head slightly at their over protectiveness and flung her own comment into the ring.
I am well able to defend myself and don't need any looking after. Am I not a master vampire’s assassin? This is also my gig...

They all just stared at her with blank expressions as if they were trying to come up with some sort of excuse not to implement her plan. She also knew the other portion of her plan would cause
some raised eyebrows, but to hell with all the male ego bruising.

Right... so... me and Archer will go in the front and scope out the inside of the warehouse... Luka, you and Seb go in the back... whoever spots Cole first can let the others know, and we can then regroup... And Luka, before you go off on one, they’ll expect you to stick with me, so being with Archer will throw them off... plus he can always fly me out if the shit hits the fan...

Luka's jaw almost hit the floor before he composed himself and nodded. He glared at Archer who held his hand over his heart and bowed his head ever so slightly. Cassie didn't hear what was said, but she could guess the gist. She took a step in Sebastian's direction and held out her hand. No matter how close she was with Luka, she still had to fight the unease being near a vampire gave her. The vampire grabbed hold of the hand and drew her into a tight hug. He whispered something in a language she didn't understand in her ear before turning and scuttling up the side of the building.

Turning, she realised she was alone with Luka. In this vast city of evil, she felt that despite everything, no one would ever mean as much to her as Luka did,
maybe not even her own mother.

They didn't speak, just closed the distance between them. Cassie gasped as Luka's mouth crushed down on her own. She eased his mouth open and grazed her tongue against his fangs. Luka shivered and broke from the kiss. He cupped her face in his hands and held her gaze.
Don't you dare die on me, Cassandra Marie Murphy... or I swear I will bring you back one way or another...
And with a quick peck on the forehead, he was gone.

With all the impending doom, Cassie felt guilty for even feeling a tiny bit of happiness, but after a kiss like that, if she was going to di
e, then die happy she would.

Feeling a warm hand on her shoulder, she relaxed, the scent of strawberries and sunshine tasting delicious on her tongue. They moved forward, shoulder to shoulder, Cassie’s hand firmly on her gun. She felt the swell of magic from the warehouse, pulling at her from the inside out. It beckoned her inside, and she fought to stop herself from heading off at speed into the
darkened building.

So have you come to take me back to mommy dearest, Cassandra my dear?

Cole's voice infiltrated her mind, and considering there was no change in Archer's expression, it was just for her pleasure that he spoke.

It’s not every day I have to return a demon brat to its mom 'cause he's had a tantrum... come on, Cole, you’re a grown demon, couldn't you have stood up to mommy like a brave little soldier rather than run away and have to be dragged home?

A sinister chuckle floated around her head like surround sound.
Ahh, Cassandra, you are quite amusing... it’s going to be a shame when I have to gut you open and play with your entrails.

Why, Cole, there's no need for all this flirting, hunny... if you want me, come get me... I can't wait to make you scream, like the little bitch you are.

The connection was severed, but Cassie sensed that it was so she would not know how frustrated Cole was at her lack of fear. She remembered what Lilith said, that he was a prince of nightmares and could summon up her worst fears. It wasn't the fears that worried her, for she had faced her worst fears and survived, it was the uncertainties of the future that caused her grief. She nudged Archer’s arm and he stopped. She pointed to her head and then to the warehouse in front of them and grinned. Archer returned her grin understanding her signal: Cole was inside and he was pissed. Peeking out from behind the wall, she checked that the street was empty before crossing and placing a hand on the door. Unsurprisingly, it was unlocked.  Archer stepped in ahead of her, his bow poised to shoot.

The smell of death and decay almost knocked Cassie off her feet as she stepped over the threshold. The sight of all the blood and body parts reminded Cassie of when she had been held captive by Vicktor, but she had little compassion or regrets that all these mangled bits belonged to murderers. She wriggled out of the memory and followed Archer up the stairs. Although it made no sound under his feet, the stairs creaked and groaned as she made her way after him. She swore at herself a
nd her lack of stealth.

When they reached the top of the stairs, they came upon an entirely open plan floor. It appeared to be empty. Walking into the middle, Cassie tried to see if she could pick up any scents, but nothing. Not even Archer. She looked up and over at him, but he looked as puzzled as she felt.
             
You didn't think I would be this easy to get to, did you, my dear? I wish I was there to watch you be torn apart, but ahh, c’est la vie... maybe I'll see you in hell someday.

Cassie opened her mouth to scream at Archer that it was a trap, but the floor beneath her creaked and she fell through. Landing with a thump, she groaned as her back met with solid concrete. The angel was nowhere to be seen. Brushing the debris from her, she felt around for her gun but to no avail.
Luka?
No answer. 
Archie?
No answer.
Seb?

Nothing.

She looked up at the floor she had fallen through as it repaired itself, sealing her in, alone and in darkness. Cassie thought now would be the best time to see if her powers extended any further. “Fire,” she commanded at her empty gun hand.

Nothing.

“Fuck,” she grunted “Is it too much to ask for some fucking fire!” She let her anger and frustration out and sparks burst from her fingers. A small ball of flames appeared in her hand, not touching her skin or burning her. The room was suddenly alight and Cassie became aware of the danger she was in.

In the long, windowless room, she spotted a door at the far end, giving her a means of escape. But between her and that door were about twenty ghouls, who as soon as she had lit up her hand, knew she was in the room, and the only fresh meat to be had. She was on her own and needed a
plan. All eyes were focused on her, saliva dripping from their disfigured mouths. They started to move sluggishly towards her, making that same ‘ole sound that they made in Hollywood movies.

Without a second thought, she flung the flame at the closest ghoul, who screeched as the flames engulfed him; the smell of burning decayed flesh seared her nostrils. She yanked the knife from her ankle and rose up just in time to sink the blade deep into another ghoul’s eye socket. She tried not to cringe as she pulled the blade out along with an eyeball. She flung the blade at his forehead with such force, that she h
ad him pinned to the wall.

The knife was no use to her now. She had he
r bare hands and her powers.

As the ghouls closed in on her, she held out her hand and prayed to the Goddess that this would work. Concentrating as best she could, she willed her gun into her hand and let out a gasp of relief as
the nine mil appeared in her grasp. Lifting the gun as she felt a withering hand reach for her, she pulled the trigger and the ghoul slumped to the floor, emptying the contents of its head as he went. She ducked and dived as she dispersed shot after shot, quickly blowing the brains of the ghouls all over the bleak basement. In no time at all, she had reached the door, feeling slightly smug at her achievement. Her hands were caked in ghoul blood as she pushed open the basement door. She knew her cockiness was celebrated too soon as she came face to face with a hellhound.

“Nice doggie,” she muttered as she took a step back into the basement, the hound’s warm, rancid breath right in her face. It snarled at her and gnashed its teeth. Cassie knew the gun would do nothing but piss it off. Man she wished she had brought her sword now 'cause then she could have sliced the mongrel's head clean off. The massive beast lifted a paw and swept her in closer. She held her breath, not darin
g to move as it growled.

A piercing whistle sounded from behind the beast, and it promptly sat down on its hind legs, its freakishly yellow tongue lolling to the side. Cassie looked around the shoulders and met the gaze of a strikingly alluring man. She guessed from the slight resemblance to his mother, that this was Cole. He had shoulder
length, copper hair, just like mommy dearest and his eyes were as black as coal, not unlike her own. His facial features were sharp and unique, and Cassie wondered if he looked anything like Lucifer as well, or if his soul was as black as his eyes. The hound swatted her with a paw pushing her in Cole's direction. He was dressed in a tailor-made suit, all charcoal and silver; he looked dapper, with not a crease to be seen on his thousand euro suit. He smelled of fire and brimstone, and she wanted nothing more than to wipe that smug look off his too perfect face.

“Well, well, Cassandra, we finally get to meet face-to-face. And I must say, you are more attractive in person, e
ven with all the blood.”

She crossed her arms against her chest. “I’d love to say the pleasure was all mine, Cole, but I’d
be lying my ass off.”

Laughing or should that be cackling, he snapped his fingers and two demons appeared next to
Cassie, holding her still. Cole sauntered over to her, his over exuberance abundant in his walk. Placing two of his fingers on her forehead, she began to feel lightheaded and her knees began to give out. She fought with all her strength to overcome his power, but she failed miserably. As her eyes became heavy, she forced herself to listen as Cole murmured in her ear “We’re going to have so much fun together, Cassie, you and I. So much fun.”

And as she drifted into nothingness, the only sound to be heard was his cruel, crippling laugh.

Chapter Sixteen

Cassie felt groggy, like she was hung-over but with none of the benefits of the night before. She didn't know how long she was out, or if she was dreaming. Familiar voices floated around her, yet her brain struggled to match names with who was speaking. Her mouth was as dry as sandpaper she soon realised as she tried to open her mouth to speak. She heard a low vicious animalistic growl from nearby, but was too exhausted to move. She felt herself being lifted from where she lay and her knees buckled. Strong arms held her up, and she felt the cold clash of metal against her wrists and ankles. Her head fell forward and her muscles screamed as her
hands were held over her head.

The smell of blood circulated throughout the air, yet Cassie was unsure if the blood was hers or some other pitiful victim’s. She listened to the clash of chain against metal as the animal stuck in the room with her tried to pull itself free. It yowled in pain as Cassie heard the crack of a whip against skin. If she had any energy at all, she would have winced along with the poor thing. Over and over, the bastards struck with the whip. And what grated on her patience the most was that sinister laugh every time
it yelped or cried out.

As the fog started to lift, Cassie tried to concentrate, to remember where she was and what in hell she was supposed to be doing. Her senses were slowly coming back to her, so she could tell, even if she felt too tired to attempt to open her eyes that in the small space were two demons, three vam
pires and a hellhound.

Cole... That’s why she was here... that bastard was going to be road kill if she go
t her hands on him.

She listened to his footfalls on the solid floor as he came to stand in front of her, running a finger down her face, forcing a growl from across the room. She remained still, hoping to give the illusion that she was still out cold. Cole pressed his lips against her cheek and it took Cassie all the strength no
t to recoil in disgust.

“She really is something special, is she not? She would make a fine queen for my new Kingdom, don't you agree? With her powers, I will help set all my subjects free, and we will reclaim this sorry island in my father’s name so he can rise and name me as his one true heir to hell.” Cole went to leave before pausing and speaking to her directly. “I know you are awake, Cassandra. I can feel your inner demon calling to me. Maybe if you spend some time in my little prison, you might appreciate the life you could lead with me by your side. That is of course, if your cellmate hasn't drained you dry in the next few hours. I will send for you, if you’re still alive, Cassandra. But you may wi
sh that you were dead.”

Cassie heard the snap of fingers and the clang of the door being closed. She sensed them all leave, but refrained from opening her eyes until a door banged shut. She took in a breath and pulled
at her restraints, but they wouldn't budge. She could make out the faintest hint of magic buzzing from the cuffs, and now that she was as weak as a newborn, she had no chance of breaking through it. Raising her head, she spied a huddled figure crouched low into itself in the corner of the small cell. If she had been unbound, Cassie could have reached out and touched the fresh whip marks that adorned its back. All that held the vampire in place was a cruel dog collar, and she prayed to the Goddess that it was not hungry. It could easily reach her, and she was helpless to defend herself in any way. She scoped out the basement she was being kept in. It was tiny, all that fit in was the cell. It had only one window, but it was frosted over so no light seeped through. Her only way out of here was through the door in which Cole had left, and Cassie had no idea what awaited her on the opposite side.

Despite her distrust of vampires, Cassie decided she had to know if she had a friend or foe in here with her. “Hey, are you okay?” Her question was answered with a grunt, but the vampire did not move an inch. “Well okay, Mr Conversation, how about a name? Or at least turn around so I can put a
name to the grunts.”

Her powers were depleted so that meant that she couldn't even scent the vampire. She tried to stretch in her cuffs, but her body screamed in agony and she whimpered slightly. The vampire growled again. Cassie wondered where her boys were and if they were even alive. She was unaware of how long she had been out for; her heart ached to think that the
y may think that she was dead.

The vampire in the corner shifted slightly, allowing Cassie to see the blood-soaked face of the vampire. His face was contorted and its fangs were poking out of its top lip. The vamp looked out from behind dishevelled hair and Cassie let out an agonising cry. She would know those eyes anywhere, no matter if they had turned a little black in hunger. Those unique specks of green eyes belonged to the one vampire she wanted in he
r corner, but not like this.

“Luka? Hey it’s me, Cassie... do you know who I am?” When he nodded, she sighed in relief. “Good, that’s good. How long have we been here?” He gingerly held up his hand and painfully lowered his thumb. “Four hours? No four days...
fuck!!
”

He turned completely now, but kept his back firmly planted against the bars of the cell. He tucked his knees into his bare chest and just stared at her. She guessed they probably hadn't fed him in four days either, and she knew how deranged vampires got when they were starved. She could tell by the shaking that racked his body that Luka was using as much control as possible to stop
himself from doing anything he would without a doubt of regret.

Cassie...
Luka's voice sounded strange in her head.
Can’t...hold...on... much... longer... so hungry. You... need... to... kill... me... please.

The last word was said with so much desperation and agony that her heart contorted in pain. She frantically shook her head, and let out a scream as Luka sank his fangs into his own arm.

“Luka, hey, HEY! Look at me... I will not kill you... we can hang on for another bit longer. Just let me think.

Her mind was racing, her thoughts so jumbled she was beginning to panic. If Luka managed to get free, and she suspected he would, then she would be a sitting duck. Her eyes searched greedily for something, anything that could break her chains. Luka's body jerked and he
bit his arm again.

Cassie knew then that her time was up, and if she was going to die, then she would make sure Luka did not have to live with the guilt of being the
monster that stole her life.

“Luka, hey focus on me, Luka... good vampire. No matter what happens, you need to believe it is not your fault, do you hear me? I will not blame you or haunt your ass, okay? Don’t try and bring me back... I do not want to be a vampire. I’m freak enough already. I will hate you for all eternity and stake your ass if you do. Promise me you won't try and turn me.”

When he nodded his head ever so slowly, she continued. “Okay now that’s settled, I need you to listen to me. I accept I am going to die today, but what I need you to remember is that I love you... I love you, Luka and I don't regret that for one moment. You saved my life and...”

Her voice cracked as a blood red tear fell from Luka’s eye. She had never seen him cry before. Hell it was hard to have to say goodbye. When she held Luka's gaze, she realised he knew, had known all along that he would be the one to kill her. She smiled a weak smile at him, the vampire that had saved her life, trained her to fight, given her a home and loved her. He had changed so much since she had met him, especially in the last couple of months when he had seeme
d to mellow slightly.

Cassie...
love you, too.
And that was all that needed to be said between them. She had danced with death too many times, and the reaper was coming to take her. She closed her eyes and just before she put up her mental walls, she quickly and softly spoke to her vampire one last time.
Luka, do it now... make it quick... come on...
When he made no attempt to budge, she yelled at him,
GET YOUR ASS UP, NOW AND BITE ME!! COME ON!

With a snarl, he yanked at the neck chain and it snapped a little. His eyes turned fully black, and he banged his head against the bars in frustration. Cassie braced herself as that sadistic vo
ice sang in her head.

Cassandra my dear... did you really think I would let him kill you with all that power you have bubbling inside you? You are more valuable to me alive than dead.
Her restraints disappeared and she fell into a pouncing stance.  Luka was lost to her now, his hunger driving him to the brink of madness as he made every attempt to free himself.

Consider this, Cassandra, if you agree to join me, I will let you out of the basement and feed your vampire, but you will remain here with me and rule by my side.

Screw you demon-boy I'd rather go down swinging, but I guess you’re not demon enough to try and put me down face-to-face, so fuck off and get out of my head like a good little mummy’s boy!

Cassie felt the magic dissipate from the room as the cage door sprung open and Luka's dog collar melted away. He froze in mid pull and spun to face her. Readying herself, Cassie backed slowly towards the open door.

Now you will have to kill him to survive, Cassandra, and I know the hunter in you will not surrender when there is a chance of escape. I will give you a little gift, though you do not deserve it.

A silver tipped stake promptly appeared in her hand; she grasped her fingers tightly around it. She twirled it around in her hand and cont
inued to back out of the cage.

Hey, Cole, as you say, I am a hunter, but I can also incapacitate a vampire with a stake and not kill 'em ... So if I can just slow him down, then I win, dumbass.

A frustrated scream vibrated in her head and Cassie fought back a grin. Luka was stalking her now, with every step she took, he followed. She had seen that look a zillion times before, like a snake recoiling before it strikes. As she finally crossed the threshold, she groaned inwardly as Cole's voice continued to give her a headache.

Oh, one more thing, Cassandra. I do like a good ‘ole fight, but since I am more of a planner than a fighter, how about we make this a good show for all the family. Do you know what happens when a shark smells blood? They become single minded in their goal. Quite like vampires I imagine, my dear, so let’s give Luka a sniff of that delicious half-breed blood of yours, shall we?

Cassie eyes opened wide in fear. She was in trouble now. She felt the sting as an invisible force sliced her on the neck. Putting her fingers quickly on her neck, she felt the warm ooze of blood from her throat. The smell rose up into the air and Luka's nostrils flared.

Run... Cassie... Please.

He roared with the fierceness of a lion and lunged for
her with steely determination. She tried to close the door in his face, but he was much stronger than she was. She rolled backwards to give herself as much distance from him as possible. When she feigned moving to the left, she distracted him long enough to balance herself and strike with a roundhouse kick to the side of his head. He staggered just a bit, so she seized the opportunity to try and sucker punch him, but he side stepped her, grabbing her wrist and twisting so not only did she drop the stake but the bone snapped. Pain flooded her body, but she had to keep going. They traded punches as if they were right back in Luka's gym training. Luka caught hold of her mangled wrist again, yanking her sideways so that she flipped over and landed on her back. He was on her in an instant, his knees holding her in place, his arms pinning her to the cold, bloodied floor. His eyes flickered green for a split second as his voice brushed into her mind
Cassie, forgive me, please.

He sank his teeth deep into her neck and it burned like hell. Cassie felt none of the euphoric high she had been told people felt when a vampire fed from them, just the absolute agony you would
expect from having two needles stuck in your neck. She could feel her blood drain from her body as Luka pulled her closer, ripping her neck open even further. Cassie tried to push him off now that he had freed her hands, but with the blood loss, he was far too strong. Black spots floated before her eyes, her eyes heavy now. She felt her breathing slow as the rise and fall of her chest became less and less. As she felt her body become limp, she could almost swear that she could hear the lyrics from that old Metallica song flowing through invisible speakers in the basement.

“Life it seems will fade away drifting f
urther every day. Getting lost within myself, nothing matters, no one else.”

And it was only then, as she lay dying in the grip of the man she loved, did Cassie finally understand what those words meant.