Bound in Blood 1 Clandestine Read online

  CHAPTER 16 The training room reminded Emily of a dance studio. The only thing it lacked was a bar stretching across the mirrored walls all the way around. There were mats on the floor and what looked like punching bags hung in various points on the ceiling. It wasn’t very well lit. Thanks to the time that had passed by then, her eyes had completely adjusted to the dimness. You would think they would want good lighting so they could see what they were doing.

  As they watched, Tyler went through motions of instruction from Alexander. Tyler weaved around the punching bags like a car around Drivers Ed cones. Amazingly though, before passing one he would make a move of attack on it quickly before moving to the next. Even though his actions were violent, it was unbelievably graceful. Emily wondered how much prior fighting if any Tyler had before falling into the slayer life. He looked like an expert out there. Judging by the look onAlexander’s face, he agreed.

  Behind them the door opened with an audible click. Someone was coming in. Emily knew it wouldn’t be a vampire. They supposedly couldn’t get down there. She couldn’t help but be a little scared at the thought of the newcomer. Sebastian said there were other hunters living there. That’s probably all it was. She hoped anyway.

  “Hey Bass, is this the fresh meat?” E mily looked toward the new male voice just in time to see him nod toward Tyler.

  “Yeah, that’s Tyler.” Sebastian gestured towards Alexander and Tyler, returning his gaze to Emily. “And this is Emily. She will be staying with us for a while. She'll be in Max’s old room.”

  The guy shot Sebastiana deeply reproachful look. “How could you put her in there? There areother rooms.”

  “Kyle,don’t be unreasonable. I thought she would be more comfortable in the room next to Tyler’s. Casey is on the other side so Max’s vacated room was the next logical option.” Sebastian sounded like he was explaining something difficult to a small child.

  “Damn it Bass! Don’t get all high and mighty on me. You could have a little soul. He was one of your brothers. Or are we that easy for you to forget and replace like baseball cards?”

  “Chill out Kyle. I don’t want to get into this with you right now. You know how I felt about Max.” Sebastian seemed weary of Kyle for some reason. His fists were clenched tightly at his sides, like he was trying not to come unglued.

  Sebastian’s tone only made the other guy more annoyed. He looked like he was chomping at the bit. “Don’t patronize me,I’m not a kid.” Kyle’s jaw tightened, starting to speak through his teeth in a growl.“Where did you put his stuff?”

  “I put it where we store all the hunters’ stuff that no longer liveshere. It’s boxed and in the storage room,” said Sebastian coldly.

  “Look, if it’s a problem I don’t mind switching rooms. I didn’t pick that one.” Emily tried to interject, hoping to diffuse the situation that was becoming more and more heated.

  “No." Sebastian responded firmly. “That’s not necessary. You’re fine where you are.” He made a noticeable attempt at softening his tone,but his icy stare never left Kyle’s. “Kyle needs to let go of his sentimentalities.”

  This seemed to infuriate Kyle, though he didn’t say anything else. His face grew red and his jaw kept twitching as he repeatedly clenched and unclenched his teeth. Apparently giving up the argument Kyle just stalked off slamming the door to the training room behind him. The noise echoed off the mirrored walls like a fire cracker. Emily jumped.

  “I’m sorry about that,Kyle’s overlysensitive sometimes.”

  Emily swallowed before saying, “I really don’t mind switching. Did something happen to Max?”

  “Yeah, he died. Kyle needs to learn to let go of the past. No you’re not switching,” Sebastian replied with a tone of such finality Emily gave up.

  “Hey Em,” Tyler called from across theroom. “What do you think?” Tyler was beaming.

  Emily wasn’t completely sure how to respond. Did he mean about her room. Maybe he was talking about the little exchange between Sebastian and Kyle. If so, she really didn’t know what to think about that. Finally she decided that was stupid because he wouldn’t have been able to hear them talking. “You look great out there,” she called back hoping it was the answer he was looking for.

  It must have been what he was looking for because his eyes practically disappeared with the approving smile that grew as she watched. “Alex is a good teacher I’ve already learned a lot.” He wiped sweat off his forehead then turned back to the punching bags. Tyler pummeled it to the point of no return and seemed to love every minute of it. It should have deflated under the assault and battery he was putting it through.

  “Hand to hand won’t kill the leeches,” Sebastian explained. ”Even if it won’t take them out, it’s needed to weaken their strength. They are unfortunately gifted with brute strength, probably the equivalent of at least ten men. Plus, it’s fun,” Sebastian admitted with a cocky grin. “They look like they’re about done in here for now. If you want I’ll take you to get something to eat and then we can meet them back in the office. Alexander wants to further explain exactly what you guys are up against. He doesn’t like surprises and so he needs you to be prepared. This isn’t a tea party you know.”

  Emily copied Kyle and clenched her jaw. I’m not a little girl asshole is what she thought. What she actually said was, “fine whatever.” He made her so unbelievably crazy she could just scream. How someone could make you feel so warm and good one second and so very ticked off the next was beyond Emily.

  The room Sebastian took her too was bigger than her kitchen at home. The center had two large round tables with chairs. The entire outer perimeter of the room was counters, refrigerators and freezers. There were four fridges all together and four freezers. There were five microwaves in various spots along the counters. Emily was a little shocked. She had never seen this many of the same appliances in the same room before. Well, unless you count Sears or something like that.

  “What’s with all the fridges?” Emily asked motioning vaguely around the space. When she did she discovered they were not alone in the room.

  A girl stood with her back to them in the corner under a burnt out light. Her medium blonde hair was short. It didn’t even touch the back of her neck. She was dressed in dark washed Capri’s and a black tank top with flip flops. She looked like she was doing something, but Emily couldn’t tell what that was.

  “Oh that’s just Ivy.

  The girl apparently called Ivy spun around at the sound of his voice. “And you’re just a dick,” she shot back. She was holding a sandwich and some kind of soda. It looked like a coke. The can was red anyway.

  Emily hoped they had Pepsi she has never really been a Coke fan. It’s too syrupy. Ivy walked over and plunked the load onto one of the tables. She had one of the most self-assured confident walks Emily had ever seen. Immediately Emily was jealous, which she hated but couldn’t help. She had always wanted to be able to carry herself like that. Emily was a confident person most of the time. It would be nice if she could at least send that vibe out into the Universe. No matter how hard she tried to exude self-assurance, it tended to just appear clumsy and awkward.

  “Who’s the girl?” Ivy asked sounding indifferent either way.

  “Ivy this is Emily. Emily,meet Ivy.” Sebastian motioned back and forth as if to make sure they didn’t get confused.

  Come on,we’re the only ones in the stinking room. Give us some credit, Emily thought giving Sebastian a smug look. “Hey Ivy nice to meet you.” Emily stretched out a hand to the other girl.

  Instead of returning the gesture, her face turned to one of disbelief and distaste. “Yeah um, like wise I’m sure.” She turned her head to Sebastian. “She a slayer?”

  “No not exactly,” replied Sebastian.

  Feeling hurt at Ivy’s obvious snub, Emily decided to elaborate. “Actually, they don’t know for sure if I’m supposed to be a hunter but I have gifts like one.” Emily smiled satisfied for reasons she wasn’t really sure of.


  Ivy looked utterly disgusted at the idea of having something in common with Emily. “Well,isn’t that just peachy,” she said with mock excitement and clapped her hands together. A fake grin was plastered across her face.

  What a beach, Emily thought scornfully. Beach is the word Emily liked to say instead of the curse word it sounded like. It might seem silly but she really tried to not cuss very much, even if the situation called for it.

  She really wasn’t going to like Ivy. Not even a little bit, she could tell that right away. It was crystal clear that she was one of “those girls”. The ones who thought they were better than everyone and that other girls were the scum beneath their feet.

  Sebastiansighed and rolled his eyes. “Ivy lay off her, alright?We’re just here to get something to eat before we have to meet with Alexander.” Sebastian moved over to one of the fridges and pulled it open.

  “What does Alex want with her if she’s not even a true hunter? And you know it’s not safe to share our secrets with, humans.” Ivy spoke with enough acid to melt the entire room down to nothing.

  Emily clenched her teeth, other than that though, avoided saying anything. It was really difficult. That girl wasn’t worth the energy. If any energy was expended, it would have been to jump over that table and smack that rude look right off her too cute face. Yeah that would feel way too good. Girls like Ivy drove her so nuts. Ivy didn’t even know her. Who did she think she was making snap judgments on her like that? Emily crammed her hands in her pockets to hide her fidgeting. This trait wasn’t something she was proud of. Unfortunately, it manifested whenever she was nervous or angry. Ivy would probably have seen it as a sign of weakness and pounce for sure.

  “She very well might be a hunter. It’s just that she wasn’t summoned,and doesn’t seem to be showing the other tell-tale signs. Either way Ivy just lay off. Just eat your sandwich and we’ll be out of here in a minute. Emily what do you want?” Sebastian said turning his attention back to Emily.

  Emily attempted to sound undisturbed by Ivy’s repulsion towards her. “I’m not really hungry, but I will take a Pepsi if you’ve got it.”

  “Coming right up.” When he stood upright again he was holding two bottles with blue labels.

  Yay for Pepsi! Emily’s mouth was starting to water. Everything seems better after a little caffeine rush. She could almost taste the carbonated goodness. Sebastian handed her the bottle and they left Ivy sitting by herself. Emily risked a glance back over her shoulder at the other girl. She was slightly surprised that Ivy was glowering at her while she chewed her food. Emily turned back hopingIvy’s room was nowhere near her own. The less she had to see this girl the better. This situation was bad enough without adding a newly found enemy in the mix.

  When they returned to the office Tyler and Alexander were already there. Tyler was making himself right at home stretched out across the entire length of the leather sofa. He looked totally exhausted. The vision of him lying there with his shoes kicked off was kind of cute. One of his socks was starting to come off. She could see the flopped over material folded over on his big toe.

  Alexander was sitting at his desk writing something. He was completely transfixed in whatever he was doing. Tyler was the first one to notice their arrival.

  “Hey where’s mine?” Tyler asked eyeing their sodas enviously.

  “Sorry,” Emily replied sheepishly.

  “I figured you would have gotten something in the training room,” Sebastian said apologetically.

  Tyler smiled, “I did.” He held up a Gatorade like he was going to make a toast. “Just thought I’d make you feel bad.”

  “Well it didn’t work,” Emily retorted teasingly.

  Tyler gave her a cheesy smile and promptly stuck his tongue out at her.

  Emily giggled but quickly squelched it when she saw Alexander’s unhappy expression. She cleared her throat and shifted uncomfortably as though she had been caught stealing.

  Alexander sighed and pushed aside his pen. Casey just reported in. There might be some activitytonight.”

  Sebastianlooked taken aback. “Already, they never feed this close together. How many?”

  “Three,” Alexander answered. “It might be nothing. Casey said they are just acting suspicious. They tried to get someone in the house. Thankfullyshe started to scream. They didn’t want a scene so they let her run.”

  “Good if that’s all then me, Kyle and Casey should be able to handle it,” Sebastian said relieved.

  Alexander shook his head. No, that won’t work. Casey is on surveillance and Kyle is combing the woods. Ivy is going to be meeting him after she eats.”

  Sebastian’s brow furrowed as he crossed his arms. “Why isn’t she with Casey?”

  “They got ina fight,” replied Alexander shaking his head. “You know how Ivy can be with him.” He gave Sebastian a knowing look.

  Sebastian noddedtightly and moved on. “Alexander, I don’t know if I can take them all by myself, but I will do my best.” He puffed out his chest as if to show his power. His eyes seemed to burn at the possibility of the fight.

  “No son that isn’t possible. I can’t afford to risk you in that way. You willhave to take Tyler as well.”

  At the sound of his name Tyler’s head snapped up and his eyes bulged from their sockets. “Take Tyler? Tyler isn’t ready,” he blurted. All the color had drained from his face.

  Alexander gave him a reassuring look. He looked like a concerned dad. “Tyler, you are a natural. I have never seen any other hunter retain and utilize our strategies as you have displayed today.” Alexander stood and went to a small rectangular table against the wall. “They’re definitely on the move. Casey says they appear to be careful in their selection process. Ifthey’re not c hoosing at random, they must be after more than just feeding.”

  “Tyler’s right,” Sebastian pleaded. “Even if he has grasped the strategies,he hasn’t been trained in what to expect from the leeches. Fighting them is a bit different from fighting an unresponsive punching bag.”

  The fear was suddenly washed off Tyler’s face and was replaced with indignation. “I kicked that bags ass thanks. And besides, I’m all you’ve got Superman. Maybe it’s true that I’m not ready. That doesn’t seem to really make a difference. I’m going to have to get ready right? There’s no other choice.”

  The two stared it out for a very long minute. Sebastian was the first to break the silence. “Fine. It’s your funeral. Just don’t get in my way and we do this my way, or you stay.

  “Sure Princess, but what aboutEmily?” Tyler looked smug now.

  It just figured. One second Tyler’s all afraid and then the next he bristled at the first sign that his manhood might be questioned. Just like guys to turn a life threatening fight into a chance to toss around their macho-ness like a bunch of immature idiots.

  “What about Emily? She stays,” Sebastian replied firmly.

  Since when does Sebastian get to be her parent? She already had a dad and she didn’t like him making decisions for her without her consent either. “No… Emily goes too. I can take care of myself.”

  Sebastianlaughed humorlessly. “Sure you can, have you ever even been in a fight with a regular person?” He swiped at his eye removing a fake tear. “That would be great. I got little miss naive on one side and Robin Hood’s fairy man on the other. What a great team I have to work with. Thank you Alexander.”

  Emily squared her shoulders and her eyes blazed at him. “Look, I’m an adult. I make my own decisions and I’m going whether you like it or not. I won’t get in the way.I don’t even have to fight. I’m going.” She crossed her arms over her chest and glared at him defiantly daring him to contradict her. For an instant she thought about stomping her foot, but figured that would have been counterproductive.

  “You can’t force her to stay behind Sebastian. We don’t take away ones free will you know that.” Alexander spoke in a regretful tone, but Emily was glad for the support, even if only halfheartedly.


  “Fine,” Sebastian thundered.

  “Hmm,” Emily said smugly. She knew it wasn’t very maturebut she couldn’t help herself.

  She was getting tired of him trying to treat her like a fragile baby. He had no idea what she was capable of and it wasn’t fair for him to make assumptions. For all he knew she had a black belt and could kill someone using only her pinky. Of course she wasn’t a black belt. Obviously her pinky wasn’t a death tool but none of that was the point. She was glad Sebastian got shot down on his daddy trip he deserves to be knocked down a peg once in a while. It’s good for him.

  Sebastianleft the room laughing. “Fine. Come on little baby ducks…” His words trailed off with his departure.

  Coming to life again Tyler spoke to no one in particular. “And I’m not a fairy,” he sulked. When he pouted he looked like a little boy.

  Emily didn’t say anything to Tyler as they followed several feet behind Sebastian. She felt like a rubber band pulled taut, ready to snap any minute. The indignation she felt toward Sebastian tasted bitter in her mouth and she couldn’t shake it. A competitive nature had always been inside Emily and he knew just how to make it rear its ugly head. Tyler didn’t talk either, apparently still pouting from the fairy comment.

  The weapon’s room was terrifying. There was every kind of knife, sword, and crossbow you could think of. Gleaming silver caught the light from every corner of the room. There were even guns with boxes labeled silver bullets on one of the shelves. Emily saw weird canisters that looked like they held glitter. Sebastian explained those weren’t glitter. They were pure silver powder. They burn a vampire’s skin on contact. He gave one of the salt shaker sized containers to Emily. He warned her that they could also cut hunters so she would need to be careful where she aimed. He armed Tyler and himself with crossbows. He handed Tyler two blades that had severely jagged teeth. He grabbed two for himself and slid them into his belt. Tyler carefully slid one of his knives out of the black leather sheath for examination. The light bounced a reflection off of the blade onto Tyler’s wicked smile. His eyes caught Emily’s and she saw they were lit up like a child's on Christmas morning. Sebastian tried handing Emily a knife, but she shook her head. She figured she would end up stabbing herself or a tree and both options would be counterproductive.