Reviving davyn, p.8
Reviving Davyn, page 8
‘I understand. Thanks, Dad. I mean that.’
‘Don’t thank me yet. And I know you want to help save Davyn but don’t get ahead of yourself. We’re a long way from getting him back.’
‘I know.’
‘Good. Are you sure you know what you’re volunteering for?’
Thea looks up at him for a minute before she answers. Does that mean he’s letting her go?
‘Are you sure, Thea?’
‘Yes.’
He stands up and walks over to the door. ‘Come on.’
‘Where are we going?’
‘To finish the briefing. If you’re going to Ireland, you’d better know what’s going on.’
Thea hurries after her father as he goes back downstairs to the meeting room. She doesn’t dare to speak to him as they walk. The fact he’s letting her go with Fletch is astounding. Then again he hadn’t actually said he’s letting her go in with Fletch. But he also didn’t say she couldn’t. He’s only said she’s going to Ireland. He could very well be bringing her with him so he could keep a closer eye on her.
The fact she’s invited to the briefing is a good start. She’ll find out how much involvement she’ll have in the next few minutes. He points to the seat next to Fallon’s and she sits, feeling a little out of place among the others.
Nix looks up from the screen she’s reading and glances over at her, a small smile on her face. ‘I’d like to officially welcome you to the briefing. I’m sure you’ll find the seat more comfortable than leaning against the doorframe.’
Thea blushes at the laughs around the table. ‘Yeah. Sorry about that.’
‘Okay, you and Fletch are going to the fight.’ Nix holds up her hand stopping Thea’s squeal of excitement before it springs free. ‘You will be under Fletch’s command. He’s in charge. You do exactly what he says. You don’t breathe, blink, or even twitch unless he gives you permission.’
‘Of course.’
‘I guess we’re heading to Ireland then,’ Fallon says.
Nix nods in agreement. ‘I guess so. Ethan, are you sure there’s no way of figuring out where they’re holding Davyn?’
He shuffles in his seat and straightens his tie before answering. ‘No. We’ve tried to find out but it’s a closely guarded secret. I know where his father lives but I doubt the fights will take place there. They wouldn’t go to all this trouble to hide the location if it was in the castle.’
Shep does a double take. ‘Hold on one minute. A castle. Fucker lives in a castle?’
‘He’s a lord, Shep,’ Ethan says.
‘Are you saying Dav is royalty or something?’
‘Not royalty, but disgraced or not, he has a title. His official title is Lord Davyn Oldranson. The only difference is his family name. Thanks to his father disowning him, instead of Flannson, he’d be known by his grandfather’s name.’
‘Fuck me. More than one secret lurking in his closet. Lord Davyn Oldranson. Hey, at least it’s better than son of pastry! Lucky escape there.’
‘Thank you, Shep,’ Nix says. ‘I think I have something that’ll wipe that smile off your face.’
‘You’re not grounding me again are you?’
Nix peers down the table at him. ‘Have you done something I need to bench you for?’
Thea stifles a snigger as Shep shakes his head briskly. ‘Fuck no. Good as gold, me.’
‘I seriously doubt that. But no, we’ll need you. What I was going to say is that, as we’re going to Ireland, we should probably let the other group know we’re coming.’
Shep groans loudly. ‘Please don’t say you mean who I think you mean.’
Ethan grimaces and slumps back in his chair. ‘You can make that call, Nix. I’m still recovering from the last time I spoke to them.’
‘Spoke to who?’ Court asks.
Nix turns to face Court. ‘I’m sorry. I completely forgot you won’t remember anything about our Irish friends. Okay, so they’re a group of... males I guess is the easiest way of describing them. They have eyes and ears everywhere in Ireland. If we’re to have any chance of getting Dav out, we’ll need their help.’
‘Okay, that’s great.’ Court glances around the table. ‘It’s not great, is it? Are we not on friendly terms with these vampires?’
‘They’re not vampires, Court.’
‘Then what the hell are they?’
‘They’re werewolves,’ Bastian says while Shep growls to himself. ‘A clan of very pissed off, non-vampire friendly werewolves.’
Court stares at Nix, looking for confirmation Bas isn’t talking gibberish. ‘Werewolves are real?’
‘Unfortunately,’ Shep grumbles, jumping in before she can. ‘Hope you don’t have a dog allergy, buddy.’
Nix rubs her forehead then glares over at Shep. ‘Please keep comments like that to yourself, Shep. I’m not getting in between you and a wolf.’
‘Why would they help us?’ Thea asks, hoping she’s not overstepping.
‘Historically, vampires and werewolves don’t get on. It’s a long and complicated history that, to this day, still puts up barriers between the groups. One of the oldest families in Ireland is the Whelans. Murtagh and his three brothers are well thought of, but tend to keep to themselves. We’ve had reason to work with them when we first formed the Blackjacks. They’re decent guys.’
‘For wolves,’ Fallon mutters.
‘Okay. Yes. For wolves. If we’re to get Dav out we need their help. I’m as thrilled about working with them as you are - believe me. But this is bigger than some ancient feud. This is about Davyn. So play nice. Got it?’
The quiet grumbling isn’t entirely encouraging, but no one voices their issues.
‘Thank you,’ Nix says. ‘Now, I’m only going to say this once. We are all going to behave with them. Aren’t we Shep?’
‘Hey, why am I getting singled out?’
‘Because you’re a loud mouth dick,’ Bastian adds with a grin.
‘Oh cheers for the support, buddy. I’m all about getting Dav out. If it means I catch fleas from getting too close to the dogs, I’ll deal with it.’
‘See, loud mouth dick,’ Bastian mutters.
Nix rubs her forehead and looks over at Ethan. ‘Let’s get over to Ireland ASAP. The sooner we have to end this truce with the Whelans the better. Wouldn’t want Shep getting his head bitten off. Literally.’
10
Thea lies against the bulkhead of the helicopter and tries to get some rest. But she can’t. How can she possibly sleep when they’re so close to getting Davyn back? Whatever excitement she’d felt at the news they knew where he was, had quickly dissipated. Davyn’s father sounded truly horrific and knowing that he has Davyn is turning her stomach.
However surreal life had become since finding out Court is a vampire, is nothing compared to what she’d learned in the last few hours. Knowing that vampires exist is hard enough to accept. But werewolves?
How the hell can werewolves be real? Especially in Ireland. It just doesn’t make any sense. If they can help get Davyn back though, she’ll work with anyone and anything. Having the Whelan brothers willing to meet with them offered a little comfort - but not much. If it was going to take six highly trained vampires and four wolves to even penetrate the pit, she knows getting to Davyn in time is even odds at best.
The Whelans had given them an address for a house in Co. Kerry on the west coast of Ireland that would be a safe place for a group of vampires and werewolves to meet.
Davyn’s father owned a castle nearby but, from what she can make out, it’s on acres of private land on the coast and is impenetrable from every angle. Having local knowledge from the Whelans will be useful, but Thea can’t see how they’re going to get inside, let alone get Davyn out.
Court wraps his arm around her and kisses the top of her head. They may still be finding their feet in their new father and daughter relationship, but she can’t criticise his support over the last few weeks. Davyn and her father didn’t see eye to eye and that’s putting it mildly. Her father had used his special mind-powers to hurt Davyn when he had fed from Thea. She understands his reaction, but it had left a bad feeling between Davyn and Court as a result.
That didn’t stop Court from being there for her. He may not be happy about her attraction to Davyn but he didn’t let it come between them. There’s already enough of a rift without adding to it.
‘Dad?’
‘Yeah?’
‘Do you think he’s given up?’
Court is quiet for a few minutes then pulls her closer. ‘I doubt it. He’s stubborn.’
‘Did you give up?’
‘There’s a big difference, Thea. My memory was taken from me. I didn’t know if I had anyone who would be looking for me.’
‘They could have taken his memory too.’
‘Yeah. Maybe. I hung on for three years in that place. He can more than do a few months where he is. You have to believe that, okay.’
She nods and lies against his chest. Her father survived. Even with no memory of his life they found him and brought him back. They’d do the same for Davyn no matter what it takes.
DAVYN RESTS HIS FOREHEAD against the algae covered wall and tries to pull his body higher. He’d hooked his wrist chain around the broken bar but it’s not helping to keep him out of the water. The prison is in total darkness and even his vampire eyesight isn’t helping to penetrate the gloom. Around him the water swirls as it’s driven through the channels at the bottom of the wall.
He wraps his hands around a bar in the ceiling, but he’s too weak to haul himself up. The shivers are so intense his muscles ache, adding another level of pain to the cramps and wounds from his last fight.
He doesn’t know how he survived this as a child. It probably had a lot to do with Ronan. That man spent nearly as much time here as Davyn did during his early years. Nearly sixty years of his life has been spent in this cell, suffering, in pain, and bitterly cold.
The difference is, back then, there was nothing else in his life. Nothing to miss. Nothing else to think about, except surviving. Back then, this was all he knew. Having those few years with the Blackjacks changed everything for him. For the first time he’d felt like he had a home. Had people who would notice if he wasn’t around.
Had Thea.
He laughs to himself as the water swells around him. He doesn’t have her. Wanting someone is a far cry from having them. He could never have her. He’d done some horrific things under his father’s rule and he’d prefer to die here than ever have Thea know what he’s really like.
Davyn gasps and spasms as an intense cramp hits his stomach. He momentarily loses his grip on the bars and his chains slip off the broken piece of metal. Davyn disappears under the water unable to get back to his feet. Every muscle is in spasm. Freezing sea water fills his mouth as another spasm hits, driving the little air from his lungs. This is it. He’s going to drown in his cell all alone.
A hand brushes against his shoulder, trying to grab him but they can’t get a firm grip. Davyn locks hands with whoever it is and gasps as he is pulled to the surface. Ronan drags him against the bars and wraps his arms around Davyn’s messed up wing, pinning him against the door of the cell.
‘I’ve got you. Just breathe through it.’
Davyn focuses on Ronan’s calming voice and eventually the cramps ease, giving him a little control over his body again. He tries to stand but his legs aren’t ready to support him yet.
Instead he rests his head against the bars and looks up at Ronan. ‘Thanks. Cramps caught me off guard.’
Ronan grunts. ‘I am just glad I timed my visit so well. I didn’t think you would resurface.’
‘Neither did I.’ He shivers again and Ronan holds his wing a little tighter. ‘I would offer you a blanket but I fear it would not do much good.’
Davyn laughs. ‘No. Not really. Not that I’m not grateful, but you can’t keep coming down here. I don’t want him coming after you because of me.’
‘Do not worry about me.’ He lowers his voice, not that much could be overheard above the waves crashing outside the walls. ‘They are coming.’
Davyn looks back at him. ‘Who?’
‘I have received word from an old friend. Your friends have been in contact. They’re coming for you.’
‘They are?’
‘Why do you sound so surprised? Of course they are. But you must not give up. I know you’re in pain and you’re tired, but you must keep fighting.’
‘Hold on. What friend? The Blackjacks wouldn’t just reach out like that.’
‘They contacted a four-legged acquaintance. He is trustworthy.’
Davyn stares at Ronan for a few minutes, half thinking he might have misheard. Vampires don’t reach out to wolves. It doesn’t happen.
‘Yes, Davyn. You heard me right. A truce has been made with one clan. Your friends are really coming. My contact has asked me to attend a meeting when they arrive.’
‘No Ronan. I don’t want you involved.’
‘I’ve been involved since the moment you were born. I will not abandon you, Davyn. If my life ends by helping you get out of here, I will die happy and fulfilled.’
Davyn closes his eyes, resting his head against the bars as he tries to summon the strength to stand. Roman may be willing to sacrifice his life to save Davyn’s, but that doesn’t mean Davyn wouldn’t do exactly the same for the old man. Could make for an interesting rescue if the Blackjacks do come for him.
11
Thea wraps her coat around her as she steps off the helicopter. The biting wind howls through the trees surrounding the field. If not for the team of vampires surrounding her, she’d be hurrying back to the helicopter as fast as she can. The whole setting is right out of a horror movie.
Court nods towards a small house at the far side of the field. Thick smoke is billowing from the chimney and there are lights on inside.
‘That’s the rendezvous point. Shep? We good?’ Court asks.
Shep closes his eyes and everyone holds their positions as he checks for any surprises. He shudders and grimaces. ‘Dogs. Four of them in the house. I can smell their wet fur from here. My allergies are already playing up.’
‘Shep—,’ Nix warns, but he just grins.
‘All clear apart from them, boss. And yes, I will behave. Can we just go - it’s fucking freezing.’
Nix leads the way with Shep and Court while Willow, Fallon, and Bas follow, keeping Thea sandwiched between them as they cross the open field. The smoky, earthy aroma of turf smoke hits her as they near the cottage. Clearly the vampires around her sense the presence of the wolves. She can almost feel the tension coming off the group the closer they get to the cottage.
The group comes to a stop as the back door of the cottage suddenly opens and a giant of a man steps into the doorway.
He silently examines them from the doorway, his backlit silhouette hiding all but his sheer size. He’s easily as tall as Shep and as well built. That’s bound to piss the vampire off.
‘Phoenix and the Blackjacks I presume?’ His voice is deep and his accent thick. Much broader than Davyn’s.
Phoenix nods as she takes a step closer to him. ‘You can call me Nix. And you’re Murtagh?’
He nods. ‘That I am, but while we’re being all friendly you might as well call me Murt. I suppose you better come in.’
He steps aside and the vampires file into the cosy living room. A well-used, green couch takes up most of the floor space, facing the wood-burner set back in a wide fireplace. Piles of freshly cut peat turf sit in baskets beside the fire, along with a scattering of various sizes of low stools. A countertop separates the living room from the kitchen area, which is small and dated. A heavy pot is on top of the stove and whatever is inside, smells mouth-watering.
A wooden door sits to the left of the kitchen and another to the right. Presumably the bedroom and bathroom. No pictures cover the white walls, no ornaments on the dresser against the far wall. No TV. No radio that she can see. Whoever lives here clearly likes to be isolated away from the rest of the world. The fire is lit and Thea can feel the warmth working into her, taking the chill out of her bones a little.
The Blackjacks stand and face Murt and the three other men, the tension nearly visible between the two groups. Murt gestures to the seats and everyone lowers slowly as if afraid the other side will attack.
Thea pulls her stool closer to the fire and rubs her hands together as she examines the wolves. The brothers are far from what she expected. Not that she’s sure what she was expecting from a clan of werewolves. Until a few hours ago, they didn’t exist.
The brothers are tall, but so are the vampires so that’s no surprise. Murt may appear relaxed but he’s far from it. Thea can see the muscles in his thick arms are tense, his eyes darting from one vampire to the next as he eyes them up.
While the wolves and vampires are sizing each other up, Thea continues her blatant staring at the brothers. It’s easy to see the family resemblance between the four men. Each appears to be in their late thirties or early forties with similar thick, dark hair and green eyes.
It’s clear Murt is the leader, or whatever wolves call the position. Like Nix, he has an air about him, a quiet confidence difficult to ignore. He pushes to his feet and walks over to the counter. His movements are hypnotically graceful.
Thea can’t explain the feeling, but it surrounds the four men. An underlying energy she can’t explain. Perhaps it’s their wolf side. If they have a side. She can easily drive herself crazy trying to figure all this out.
‘Drink?’ Murt asks as he takes a bottle from a cabinet against the wall. ‘We borrowed this house from a friend. He’s fond of the odd glass from time to time. He put some stew on for us too if you’re peckish.’
Nix nods and Murt pours each of them a glass. Thea smiles as she takes hers from Murt and his pale green eyes glow as he looks at her. ‘So you’re the mate.’
