What happened to almost impenetrable?
“Emma! Emma!” Kade breathed, shaking me. My ears were muffled by the sound of the blast. We were only a few yards from the road, but the trees shielded us from the bulk of the stray fiery shards of metal falling around us.
I looked into Kade’s eyes. They were intense and had gone completely black. There were no whites to his eyes. He looked like he was in combat mode. His face was close to mine, his warm breath brushed my face.
I gasped.
“Emma, we have to get out of here,” he urged. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” I breathed, taken by the change in his eyes, but it didn’t scare me. I was overwhelmed with the feelings of warmth, and the euphoric pleasures brought on by his closeness, even more so now that his body was hard pressed against mine. He was gorgeous, and he was on top of me.
Kade’s head snapped up when sudden sounds came from the trees. He sniffed the air. His head steadied in the direction of the movement, his eyes glaring intently into the darkness.
“We’ve got to move. I’ve got to get you to safety,” he said in a quieted tone. In a split second he was standing, assisting me to my feet, and leading me quickly through the trees. We were hand in hand, running deeper into the darkness of the woods when I tripped, releasing my grip from him. I fell hard to the ground, but couldn’t see anything but the immediate area around me. Kade was gone. My eyes strained to see him, but the only thing I could see was the glow from the fire behind us. Noises echoed all around me.
“Kade!” I screamed out loud; my pulse racing faster than ever.
I was suddenly scooped off the ground, and cradled in strong arms. I glanced up. I was in Kade’s arms, tight and secure. The heat from his chest warmed me to the core. The beating of his heart and the steadiness of his breath relaxed me as he ran effortlessly through the dark woods.
He stopped after a little while and carefully set me down behind a large fallen tree.
“Emma. Stay here and stay quiet,” he whispered. He sniffed the air around us, his eyes intently gazing towards the glow of the fire. I could hear voices and screams carrying through the woods, but I couldn’t pin point them. They sounded like they were everywhere. Quick footsteps suddenly pounded in our direction. I knew the Darkling were fast, and I knew they were out there, somewhere in the darkness…and they wanted me.
“Please don’t leave me,” I breathed, grabbing onto Kade’s arm.
“Don’t worry, Emma. I won’t leave you,” he said, facing me. “Ever.”
“Promise?” I whispered.
“I promise,” he answered. “It’s not safe for you here. We need to find the others.”
The pounding footsteps grew louder and louder. Kade pushed me behind him, drew his blade, and took a combative stance. A dark figure shot out of the darkness. Kade swung at it, but it dodged him, flipped over his head, and landed at his back.
“Kade!” Alexander yelled, grabbing hold of Kade’s arm to keep him from swinging again.
“Alex. What the hell? Why do you have that stupid mask over your face? I couldn’t tell it was you!” Alexander pulled a black ski-mask off his face and tucked it into his pocket, then released his grip from Kade.
“Sorry, man. It helps with that damn Darkling stink.”
“Where are the others?” Kade asked.
“Kicking some Darkling ass…I’m assuming,” Alex replied.
“What about Alaine?”
“She’s holding her own, as usual. Crap, did you see that monstrous one? That dude looks like he’s on steroids. He’s gonna be a tough one to beat.”
“Yeah, we saw him. But we need to get Emma out of these woods. She’s easy prey out here.”
“Well, the second vehicle is still intact. Dom backed it down the road, maybe half a mile. Right now, that’s probably the safest place for her to be. At least we can see what’s coming from the road.”
“I guess. You ready, Emma?” Kade asked, glancing at me.
“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I replied. But I was terrified. My body was trembling with so much fear, that I knew I wouldn’t be able to run.
“Alex, cover her back. I’ll take the front. We’ve got to move quickly.”
“Why don’t you just carry her? We’ll get there faster,” Alex questioned.
That was a good question.
“Because if anything comes at us, I’ll need to be able to fight. Just watch her back.”
It was better and safer, with two of them on full guard. I just had to pull myself together and do whatever it took to stay alive.
Kade grabbed my cast, and we took off running back towards the road. The fire from the Hummer served as our only guide. I tried to keep up, and lifted my feet higher than usual, so I wouldn’t trip.
From the corner of my eye I saw something blacker than the dark, shoot towards me.
WHAM!
I was tackled from the side and thrust through the darkness. I blacked out from the initial impact, but when I regained consciousness, I was tumbling across the cold, rough ground. A sudden stop against a solid tree stump knocked the wind out of me, and sent excruciating pain through my already injured rib. I scrambled to get to my feet, desperate to get away from whatever it was that attacked me. Kade and Alexander were nowhere in sight.
I tried to run but the pain in my rib was keeping me from moving too fast.
“Kade! Alex!” I screamed, terrified. I must have been attacked by a Darkling.
There was movement around me, but couldn’t see a thing. And then I caught a whiff of a horrid stench. It was a Darkling, and it was close…taunting me.
From the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of something darker than the darkness around me. It moved and then paused. I froze trying to focus on the figure. My breath seized, and then it shot at me. I covered my face as it knocked me to my back, and then I felt a pressure on my chest. I screamed in pain as it rested on my injured rib.
I opened my eyes to witness a horrifying pale face, looming inches from mine. Its eyes were dark as the night, its breath reeked of death, and its head swayed back and forth as it sniffed me.
“Sweet Nephilim,” it hissed into my ear. I stared deep into his dark, evil eyes. Saliva dripped from his mouth onto my skin. I wanted to vomit.
A wicked smile grew over his sharp, rotted teeth.
God! Help me!
I struggled as he wrapped his frigid fingers around my neck, but as soon as he squeezed, he released. His eyes became wide, as if he was shocked, but they never left mine. His back arched and he screamed.
There was a loud swoosh in the air, and in a split second, the Darkling’s head was severed from his body, and toppled onto the ground next to mine; its dark eyes, still glaring coldly at me. In a few seconds they turned completely white.
I screamed in horror, trying to get out from under its headless body.
“Emma!”
I looked up and saw the most beautiful hazel eyes glimmering in the darkness.
“Kade,” I called to him as tears streamed down my face.
He stepped closer to me, his blade dripping wet with Darkling blood. He took another step and kicked the body off of me, and then reached his hand down to lift me up.
That was the second time he’d saved my life.
“Are you okay?” he asked, placing his warm hand on the side of my face. I couldn’t answer. My heart was pounding so fast I felt like I was going to pass out.
“Hey man, I think she’s going into shock.” Alexander put his hand on my head like he was trying to feel my temperature.
Kade pulled a small blue vial out of his pouch and unscrewed the lid.
“Drink this Emma,” he breathed, whispering into my ear. He held the vial up to my lips and I drank. It was sweet with a bitter aftertaste, but within a few seconds my body stopped trembling, and I felt relaxed and a bit stronger.
“What is that?” I asked.
“A magic brew,” he answered, with a sly grin. “I’
m sorry that damn bastard got to you. It was my fault.”
“It wasn’t your fault. That thing came out of nowhere,” I replied, and he shook his head.
“Alex, you need to get her back to the car. Emma, he’s going to carry you but I’ll be close. I have to check on the others.”
“Okay,” I breathed.
Kade whisked me up and placed me into Alexander’s arms. “Keep her safe, Alex. Guard her with your life,” he demanded.
“Don’t worry. I’ve got her.”
Chapter 11:
In a flash I was being carried through the woods, the cold wind whipping across my face. The funny thing…it didn’t even feel or sound like Alex’s feet were even hitting the ground. It felt more like we were flying. Everything was a black blur, but in a matter of seconds he stopped and we were already back on the road. The remains of the Hummer that took the blow were a few yards away, still on fire. Alex set me down and pulled a sword from his back. It looked old, like the type of sword King Arthur would’ve have used, but a bit smaller and probably lighter. The blade was sharp, and looked like it could slice a tree in half with one swing.
Alex grabbed my hand and led me toward the burning heap of metal.
We stood in the middle of the road, in the light of the fire.
There was a lot of movement within the thick, dark trees. Who, or what, was making the noises… I had no idea. There were no signs of Alaine or the others, but I knew the Darkling were out there; watching, waiting.
I had a strange feeling that something was about to happen, and I was an unarmed target. It was a horrible feeling; a feeling that suddenly made me nauseous.
Where was Kade? He was supposed to protect me.
Alexander’s raven-black hair waved lightly in the cool breeze. A single bead of sweat glistened as it trickled down the side of his face. He sniffed the air, slightly crouched, with his sword gripped tightly in his hand. His eyes were focused, intense, fully blackened and gazing into the darkness, ready for whatever was coming.
The heat of the fire warmed my icy cold skin. Kade’s jacket had gotten lost when I was tossed from the Hummer, and my hoodie was a thin layer of worthlessness, leaving me shivering. I slowly inched my way closer to the flame, as close as possible without burning myself. Darkling didn’t like the light, so I was pretty sure they wouldn’t sneak up from behind me.
“I thought we were going to the other Hummer,” I whispered.
“We were, but I lost my key. It was probably when I did that awesome somersault over Kade, trying to avoid his blade,” he responded without looking back, but I saw his cheek rise with a grin.
“Oh, okay,” I whispered again. I don’t know why I was whispering. It’s not like it mattered.
I guess it was because I didn’t want to break his concentration because my life was now in his hands. But, I liked being in the light anyway. I was starting to hate the darkness and all the terror that was associated with it. It was better to see what was coming, rather than have it sneak up and kill me. I didn’t like surprises like that.
My eyes strained down the dark dirt road. About a hundred yards away, the faint glimmer of the second Hummer’s bumper winked its location to me. The rest remained shielded in the darkness. Hopefully the Darkling wouldn’t see it and blow it up too. That was our last mode of transportation.
Alex sniffed the air again, obviously concerned with whatever was lurking in the darkness. His knuckles turned white as his grip tightened around the handle of his sword.
He then spoke two spine-chilling words.
“They’re coming.”
A strong smell of death whirled in the wind around me, stinging my nostrils. It was a familiar smell. An evil smell. A smell that alerted me the Darkling were near.
“Emma, whatever you do…don’t run,” Alex warned. “Stay close and I’ll protect you.” His words offered little comfort, but I was thankful he was willing to protect me.
“Okay,” I breathed in agreement.
Suddenly, a Darkling shot out of the darkness, and in a screaming blur, knocked Alexander backwards. They tumbled to other side of the road and disappeared into the darkness. I could hear them fighting, but now, I was completely alone, vulnerable, a spotlight in the darkness with no one to protect me.
As I turned, another Darkling stepped into the road. I froze. Its black eyes were steeled on mine, and there was nothing I could do. It had me locked, a victim of a rabid monster. Its lips curled, revealing sharp, corroded teeth. I slowly backed toward the opposite side of the road.
Alexander told me not to run, but he wasn’t here, and I had no other options. It was run… or die.
The Darkling glared at me… threatening. It move closer and with a snap, it flew at me.
I was thrust to my back, the air completely knocked out of my lungs. I gasped for breath, and braced myself for the fall with my bare hands, which were being raked over sharp rocks. Pain and helplessness surged through my entire being.
In a blur, Kade flew out of the darkness and kicked the Darkling in the chest. The Darkling flew backwards and hit the ground with force. It jumped back to its feet, growling, locking eyes with Kade. It pulled a small blade from its side and leapt toward him. Kade jumped and met him in the air, and his force knocked the Darkling backwards.
In a split second, in mid-flight, Kade unsheathed his sword and thrust it forward, piercing the blade deep into the Darkling’s chest. Its blood-curdling scream sent chills up my spine.
Kade withdrew his blade, and with ease grabbed its hair and severed its head from its neck, and then casually tossed it into the trees.
I should have closed my eyes, but watching him engaged in battle was both horrifying yet breathtaking. He was my real-life knight in shining armor, determined and unwavering in his responsibility to save my life. My heart felt like it was going to explode right out of my chest.
He turned to face me and paused. Sweat glistened on his brow, his eyes began to soften and then changed from pure black to hazel.
In a few quick steps he was at my side.
“Are you alright?” he asked.
“I am now.”
He reached for my hand and lifted me to my feet. His touch sent needed warmth through my frozen limbs. I wanted to wrap my arms around him and tell him how thankful I was for saving my life, but I hesitated.
“Where were you?” I asked, almost breathless.
“Trying to find the others. I had to take care of another Darkling in the woods. I did have an eye on you the whole time,” he noted.
“Did you find Alaine?”
“No, and I couldn’t find the others either. Maybe they already went for Caleb.”
Alex ambled out of the darkness, wiping his blade on his pants.
“I hate those damn Darkling. Their blood is like freakin’ tar. It’ll take a whole damn day to clean this crap off!”
“Quit whining. What’d you kill…ONE? I’ve already killed three… but then again…who’s counting?” Kade jested.
“Obviously you! But we’ll see who has the most kills by the end of the night.”
“You’re on,” Kade agreed with a wide grin.
“Are you two serious?” They were actually trying to make a game out of this? Did they even care about dying? It seemed like they’d dealt with the Darkling before, like killing them just was a normal routine. Maybe it was. Maybe I was getting worried for nothing.
If I was supposedly three-quarters angel, then why didn’t I have any special powers? I was healing fast, but that was about it. I was still humanly slow and very breakable. And if I was breakable, then I could easily die.
I glanced at my cast, smeared with dirt and blood, and suddenly missed my parents, my home, Lia and Jeremy.
“We’ve got company,” Kade said.
I snapped out of my slump, as three Darkling appeared out of the darkness, crouched, slowly stalking towards us. Each carried some type of weapon.
Kade immediately stepped in front of me, pushing me
behind him. The fire was extremely close to my backside but I didn’t budge.
“Emma,” Kade breathed.
“Yeah?”
“Just stay right here.”
That was the second time I was given that command. Did they really think I wanted to run into the darkness?
“Okay,” I answered. I was frozen with fear anyway. There were three Darkling and three of us, but I was completely worthless.
“Hey Kade,” Alex called, readying his sword.
“What?”
“The least amount of kills has to clean the other’s blade.”
“Deal,” Kade answered, crouching, readying for battle.
They were making the ‘murder the Darkling’ a game, while my sanity was barely hanging on by a thread. But, maybe…if I thought about it the way they did, I’d stay sane.
“Hey, I’m in!” another voice hollered from the darkness. We all turned to see Dominic do a double somersault from the trees. He landed directly in front of Kade and Alex, wielding two smaller, curved blades. They looked thin but super sharp, and had fresh Darkling blood dripping from it. “So which one of you girls is gonna clean my blade?” he said raising his eyebrows to Kade and Alex. He then turned and winked at me, making me blush. Dominic had just evened the playing field.
“You wish,” Alex huffed. “And, Dom, my blade will need some sharpening after this.”
“You’re dreaming little man. I’m not cleaning your big ass blades,” he said.
I was just about to tell them that the Darkling were getting closer, when Dominic turned and ran at full force towards the Darkling. In one swift, fluid movement, he jumped forward in a perfect spin, effortlessly beheading two Darkling heads. It was fast, like poetry in motion.
Dominic was a cross between Kade and Malachi. He was tall, over six feet, but was muscular and ripped. He was fair, his features strong and defined, his eyes were jade green. His hair was a light ash color, which fell right above his shoulders.
Alexander charged after Dominic, with abandon and vigor. The last Darkling ducked under Alexander’s sword, pivoted and plunged his blade into the back of Alex’s shoulder. Alex yelled dropped to the ground, and writhed in pain. He reached back to remove the blade, but it was just beyond his reach.