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“Are they strong?”
“Aye.”
“We have to get to that warehouse and save the kids before they bring them here.”
“No,” Bert interrupts. “We don’t stand a chance at the warehouse. We have to wait until they come here.”
“If the humans come here, they’ll die.”
“Kragen is an arse, but he’s an egotistical arse. He starts the games with a showcase of his strength. It’s how he makes himself feel powerful.”
“How many games have there been?” Horror fillsme, thinking of how many humans have died for his enjoyment and money.
“More than I’d care to remember.” Bert closes his eyes at the memory. “He will sacrifice one of the humans as a show of strength before the games begin. It’s his way of showing the hunters that he’s the one in charge. During that time, the rest of the humans will be freed for the hunt.”
“Can we gather the rest and get them to safety?”
“A few maybe, but not all.”
“Dammit, Bert. I refuse to accept that answer.” Anger fills me.
“Aye, I agree, but it’s all I can give you at the moment. If I can convince the others to fight, between the five of us, we might be able to save half of them.”
My sigh fills the wooden room. “Half is better than none. It’s our only option.”
Bert’s face tells me he feels Kragen’s energy the same time I do. “He’s coming,” I whisper.
“Aye.” He stands. “The games are at sunset. I’ll talk to the others but can’t guarantee they’re going to be willing to help.” He wraps long arms around me, pulling me close. “I love you, Elsie.”
“I love you, too.” I watch as Bert silently leaves Kragen’s quarters. As screwed up as it is to know that Bertram’s a vampire, the fact that he’s still on Earth gives me hope.
I hear what sounds like a car, followed by a familiar voice. “Elsbeth!” a woman yells.
Shit. I know without looking that Brittney is the voice I hear. How the hell did she find me?
“Elsbeth,” she repeats. “Is that a damn pirate ship? Elsbeth!”
Opening the door, I run into the source of the sulfur smell. Kragen is standing on the other side with an amused look plastered across his face. “Hello, darling. It seems you have company.”
“Leave her alone,” I warn. “She has young children and has no idea what we are.”
“I wouldn’t dare harm a mother.” The smile that covers his face doesn’t mirror his words. “Let’s go talk to her, shall we?”
We move to the edge of the deck, facing the minivan I remember from our tour. “Elsbeth, is that you? Are you okay, honey?”
“Brittney. I’m fine. You need to leave. Now.”
“Who is that with you?”
I turn toward my captor. “Kragen is an old friend. You need to leave,” I repeat.
The sound of a cracking branch draws her attention behind her. “Call them off,” I warn Kragen.
“I don’t see anyone.” His voice sounds bored. “I cannot guarantee her safety.”
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Brittney continues. She’s looking at the woods surrounding her as she speaks. I can smell her fear from here.
“Yes, I’m great. Better than ever.”
