Blood-Kissed Sky (Darkness Before Dawn) by J. A. London

Author:J. A. London [London, J. A.]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: HarperTeen
Published: 2012-12-25T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

“No!” I scream as blood spews from the ravaged artery. This vampire, just like the one before him, has been taken by the Thirst. Christopher’s blood won’t give him any sustenance, but the thrill of the kill may put a fanged smile on his face all the same.

Taking a running leap, I slam into the vampire’s back and bring my stake down with force, but I must have missed the heart, because he throws me off like I weigh nothing, his strength not diminished at all.

I land with a thud, stunned, watching through a haze of dizziness. At least he released his hold on Christopher, who struggles to his feet and puts a hand to his neck to stop the flow of blood. With the other hand, he pulls out a stake.

Michael rushes in and delivers a clumsy strike that only grazes his opponent. He’s pushed back violently, his head banging into the train wall, the tinny vibration echoing around us. Christopher takes a step forward, but quickly stumbles, drops to one knee, and opens his palm. His stake rolls out with a clatter. I’ve never seen so much blood.

Laughing manically, the creature darts around the room. Shaking my head, I force myself to focus. I tighten my grip on my stake, determined to do whatever I can, to go down fighting. Pushing myself to my feet, screaming with anger and frustration, I charge—

The shining metal tip of a stake bursts through the vampire’s chest. I stagger to a stop as he blinks in muted surprise before falling forward, dead. Ian stands behind him.

Turning my attention to Christopher, I grab a blanket from the bed, hurry over, and kneel beside him. I press a corner of the soft material against the gaping wound. “Just hold on.”

Ian drops down beside us. “Hang in there, kid.” He places his hand over mine, but it’s not enough to stop the flow of blood.

“Oh, Ian, you’ve joined us just in time for drinks.” Christopher coughs up blood.

“Stop talking.”

Reaching down, I wrap my hand around Christopher’s. His fingers respond, squeezing mine tightly.

“Looks like I should’ve stayed on those sunny beaches,” Christopher croaks.

“We’ll get you back there,” Ian assures him.

“I can already hear the waves crashing against the rocks. What about you, Ian? Can you hear them?”

“Yes …”

“They sound … beautiful …”

His fingers go lax in mine and I know he’s gone. Tears burn my eyes, clog my throat. I stand up. I don’t want to leave him, but I can’t bear his stilled expression. So final. So permanent.

Ian reaches down, grabs a small leather necklace Christopher wore, and yanks it off, then places it in his pocket before shooting to his feet. “Let’s go, Michael. I rushed here when I heard your screams, but I’m pretty sure I spotted a vampire moving through one of the cars. Maybe even Old Family by the looks of him.” He heads for the door, Michael in his wake.

“Old Family?” I call out.

“Yeah. He brushed by me. When I looked back, he was gone.

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