Afterlife Saga: Afterlife Part 30

"I think I'd better hang on to these for the moment," he said in his usual smouldering voice that was like his brother's and it had the same effect as it invaded my senses. I took in a deep breath and pushed the calming sound from my mind, becoming in control once more. I still hadn't said anything, so he spoke again but this time I started breathing through my mouth so as not to let the scent in.

"Where are you going Keira?" He asked and I took in two more deep breaths before answering him.

"Something has come up, a family emergency and I have to go." I tried to make my voice as steady as possible but it was proving hard with the way my blood raced around my body in a blind panic. I continued adding, "If you could please give your brother my apologies and tell him that I will meet him some other time."

"Why don't you tell him yourself," he said nodding in the direction I had just come from. There I saw a tall dark figure striding towards me closing the gap between us quickly. He wore a long black jacket that was close to the floor and he looked more terrifying than I had ever seen him look before. He had two men walking behind him further back and one of them I knew to be Zagan. My body felt like it was being rattled as I couldn't help but shake. I decided to make a run for it as I knew if I didn't, I wouldn't get another opportunity. So before he could get any closer I dashed to the side Vincent wasn't blocking.

But in the time it took for my body to turn, I was facing Zagan, who stood there blocking my way. His face scared me as the long thick scars on his face looked deep red and I couldn't be sure but it looked as though his tattoos were moving around it. I didn't know how this was possible or how he got to me so fast, as he must have moved at an impossible speed. But he wasn't the only one with this amazing talent as when I looked back towards Draven he was now stood opposite me, close enough for me to feel the heat coming from his imposing body. My body pressed back against my door and I could feel the cold metal seep through my clothes freezing my skin.

"I wouldn't do that again if I were you," he warned making me quiver at the sound of his demanding voice.

"I have to go!" I said trying to sound strong, but he wasn't buying it.

"And where would that be?" He asked looking down at me but I couldn't meet his eyes knowing that if I did I might tell him everything.

"As I told your brother, a family emergency."

"Really? I don't think so Keira." He looked to his brother and held out his hand to him and without saying a word, his brother handed him my car keys.

"Please! You don't understand I have to go..." I decided to plead with him, I finally looked up at him with tears rolling down my cheeks. His features didn't change but he didn't look as angry anymore...no if anything he looked eerily in total control.

"Who was on the phone Keira?" He asked me the question I didn't want to answer. h.e.l.l I didn't even know how to, because I could barely believe it was true.

"You can't keep me here against my will!" I shouted finding some bravery that was buried deep.

"I think you will find that I can," he said with so much confidence that I could do nothing but believe him. My phone started to vibrate in my back pocket and I jumped when I felt it. This was my chance and I knew which card I would play.

"That's the police ringing me and if I don't answer it then he will send the cops to look for me, he knows I'm here." I said warning him without moving. But he leaned in closer to me putting his hand on the metal frame of my truck above my head. I mistakenly breathed in through my nose letting my body fill with his warm scent. I closed my eyes and more tears fell in the path of those before them. He got close to my ear and said, "Well, we'd better not keep Inspector Matthews waiting then." And then he wrapped his strong arm around underneath my jacket and my top. He placed his hand on my skin pushing his hand down the curve of my spine until reaching down into my jeans pocket to retrieve my vibrating phone. I couldn't breathe at the feel of his touch, amazed to find even in the situation he was keeping me I was still ready to explode from the feel of his skin on mine.

I was still in shock from this new information. How did he know who I was talking about, had he overheard me when I rang them? He pulled back from my frame and stood as he was before. He flipped open my phone and answered with ease.

"Inspector Matthews." As soon as he answered I let out the loudest scream for help I could but my voice didn't follow through with my mind's command. Instead Draven's hand reached up, lightning fast, so close to my face. He held out his palm to my throat without touching me and then he squeezed his hand into a tight fist as if taking my voice from me, locking it away in his iron grasp. I couldn't speak! My mouth would move but in vain. Not one sound came from my lips and I held my hands around my throat, as all I could feel was a tingling in my larynx. I tried to run but as soon as the thought entered my mind, Vincent's hand went to my shoulder holding me still, restraining me by pushing me back against my car door.

Draven just shook his head telling me NO, while he continued on the phone.

"Yes Inspector she is fine...a little worked up as you can understand but she will be fine when she has had some rest." His hand was still held into a fist and I had stopped struggling, giving up under Vincent's superior strength.

"She will remain here at the club, it is safer that way," he said and I shook my head at him in defiance. Safer, what a joke! I wasn't safe with this mad man and his brother. I had been so wrong about him...he had been the enemy all along and I had been too blind with love to see it!

"I will get her to ring you when she has calmed down as I am sure she has many questions...No that too has also been taken care of." I was now wondering what else he had "Taken control" of? I could not help the tears that flowed freely and I wiped them away feeling like a helpless frightened child.

"I thank you for your prompt delivery of the case file and please give my regards to your Chief Superintendent for me," he said before hanging up and placing my phone in his jacket along with my keys. He then unlocked his fist and this released my voice back to me. I coughed at the feeling it made, making my eyes water more. I couldn't believe what was happening, it couldn't be real. How was he doing these things...what was he?

I wanted to scream out but I was afraid he would take control again so I remained quiet and he must have read my thoughts because he lifted his hand to my face and wiped my wet cheek with his thumb.

"Good girl!" Then he turned to Vincent, who removed his hand that was until now keeping me still.

"Now are you going to come with us quietly?" Draven asked softly but I had other ideas, as soon as I got another opportunity I was making a break for it!

"Umm I didn't think so...pity," he said, as once again he must have read my thoughts before I had time to realise my mistake.

"I think we should finish this as the locals are getting restless." Vincent said to his brother nodding in the direction of Cameron and Jo who were still admitting people into the club. They were looking over to us and I wanted to scream out but once again I didn't as Draven would undoubtedly react to it.

Draven turned to Zagan, who I had forgotten, but was still stood close enough to have seen this all play out.

"Zagan you know what to do...take care of it!" He commanded and I didn't like the sound of it, so I shouted, "Please don't hurt them...I'll come quietly." I said, not knowing if that was true, but I didn't want anything bad to happen to them ....not because of me rebelling. Draven turned back to me with his eyebrows knitted together, frowning. But my pleas fell on deaf ears and Draven turned to Vincent as if he had asked a silent question.

"Well, be my guest but I doubt you will get the outcome you're looking for." Draven said to his brother, but Vincent responded by placing his hand on the side of my head. I tried to duck out of the way but it was now Draven's turn to restrain me so that Vincent could continue. Draven stepped into me until his body was flush with mine against the truck. His hands held my sides still and I felt him lift the bottom of my top up so as he could make contact with my skin. I shivered at the flash of electricity that coursed through me. Then his thumbs started to make small circles on my waist offering a comforting touch.

His brother gripped the bottom of my chin and turned my face to his. He looked deep into my eyes and I squealed at the sound of his voice that had entered my mind, although no sound came from his lips.

I wanted to get away but was held in a vice grip by not one but two Dravens. So I did what I always do when trying to cast out bad things. I pushed with everything I had. I pushed his voice to the back of my brain not focusing on his words. I let them mingle into one long mumble, like the sound of voices through a thick door or wall. They were trying to get louder and his eyes looked more intense, so in turn I closed my eyes tight, pushing further and further until eventually it stopped and there was silence. I let out a long sigh as this was exhausting and found I was once again trying to control my breathing.

When I open my eyes Vincent was frowning at me like his brother usually did.

"Frustrating isn't it?" Draven said to his blonde brother, who couldn't take his eyes away from mine.

"Extremely" Was all he said with irritation dripping all over the word.

Draven let me go when his brother did and I slumped back against the door. I was exhausted and completely drained. Whatever Vincent was, he was d.a.m.n powerful that was for sure. I didn't know what exactly they were trying to do but I had an awful feeling I was about to find out.

"No matter, we have other means...Takeshi." Draven said holding out his hand to the j.a.panese man who appeared from behind him. I had seen this man before sat at Draven's table wearing the same as he wore now, a long j.a.panese robe on top of black trousers. He pulled a vial from behind the silk material and then pulled out a black square of fabric from one of his long sleeves before breaking the vial spilling the liquid onto it. He then pa.s.sed it to his master and I had a feeling this wasn't going to be a good thing for me, so I took my one last chance. I was hoping with it being a last minute decision that it could work. I ran to the side as it was now free with Zagan gone dealing with other things. I could feel some distance between Draven and myself but in my haste I slipped, losing my footing.

I waited to feel the ground below my knees and hands but I was still upright as Draven had grabbed me from behind. His arms held me tight as I started to fight against his body. One of his arms circled my waist, which was holding my torso still as I tried to twist. So I decided to let out a scream for help instead but this plan was also obstructed by him clamping his hand over my mouth. He had the fabric covering half my face so that my nose and mouth would have no choice but to inhale the strange scent.

I held strong, not breathing and using all of my strength to hold on. I tried to break free, clawing at his hand that was clamped over my face but it was obviously an impossible task and he knew it. My eyes streamed with tears and I couldn't believe that my nightmares were coming true...I couldn't believe this was happening again!

"Don't struggle Keira.... just breathe." He whispered in my ear. But this had the opposite effect as I tried to twist more from my muscled cage.

"Stop fighting it." His voice was soft, gentle and also soothing. My body began to react to it giving up the fight I had no chance of winning. He could feel it too as he didn't crush me so tightly. My lungs had finally run out of air and if I didn't inhale I was going to pa.s.s out anyway so I took in little sharp, deep breaths that were shallow and out of control.

"That's it...good girl...calm yourself," he said softly and his arms were soon taking my weight instead of fighting against it. I felt his hand leave my mouth and start to smooth back my hair, caressing me against him, pulling me tighter into the cradle of his body.

"My little Keira sleep now. You are safe." I heard his voice in my head and then I was floating. A rosy mist flowed over me and his voice was the last thing I remembered before falling asleep in his arms once again.

Chapter 35 - Held against my will.

"Did you get a trace on the call?"

"No, he just wasn't on long enough. Don't worry Dominic we will find him...she is safe now...Do you think she will fight against it?"

"Undoubtedly!"

That last voice that spoke, I knew belonged to Dominic Draven and the other was his brother Vincent. I hadn't opened my eyes but I could now hear the voices clearly. I didn't want to alert anyone that I was now fully awake so I kept very still and waited.

"What will you do about the girl if she doesn't co-operate?" Vincent asked his brother and I held my breath waiting for the answer.

"She will obey... she is stubborn, yes, but she can be controlled." Draven said and I had to control the urge to not get up and hit him. How dare he! I didn't understand why they were doing this but I wasn't about to stick around to find out. The first chance I got I was so out of here! That's if I could find my way out of this fortress before they caught up to me. I had to get out of here...I just had to!

Then I heard the door open and my chance presented itself.

"My Lord, there is something you should see." Another voice spoke, one I didn't recognise. Then I could hear footsteps coming closer to me until they stopped next to me at the couch. I could feel by the usual heat and smell that it was Draven standing over me. I continued to breathe normally as I would have done if I had been asleep. He leaned down and I felt his hand come to my face, two of his fingers touched my cheek moving down my skin and I didn't move hoping he would believe my act. He seemed satisfied as he moved his hand away and walked across the room.

"Very well, show me."

I heard the sound of several people go out of the room and the door closed. This was my sign to move so I opened my eyes slowly until it was confirmed I was finally alone. I knew they would be back soon, so I didn't have long. I was in a room I hadn't seen before which was long and full of grand chairs and luxurious sofas positioned everywhere. There was a ma.s.sive fireplace in the middle of the room that you could have fit an elephant inside. There were two statues of winged angels at either side that stood half the way up the wall, taller than your average man. It was all made from carved marble, which seemed to be the theme of the room. There was marble everywhere. Candlesticks, the moulding on the ceiling, chairs, tables, even figures of winged demons sat on their own stands. I didn't take long looking about the room, just long enough to find what I was looking for. I found there was another door on the other side of the room so I ran for it and opened it slightly without going through it. I then ran over to one of the floor to ceiling tall windows. These were framed with thick red and gold embroidered curtains that hung down around the floor. I stepped behind one side letting the material shield me from sight. I then waited for them to come back knowing this was my best chance to escape.

I didn't have to wait long as I heard footsteps and a door opening. I counted three different voices and it didn't take Draven long to notice that I was missing. I bit my lip as I heard his anger erupt.

"She couldn't have gone far...FIND HER!" He shouted the order and I heard one person leave after saying, "Yes my lord."

"When you find her bring her to me at once...I will be in my quarters." Draven ordered his brother and I shuddered as this was the last thing I wanted.

"Of course, I will find her." Vincent said in reply before leaving himself. I waited to hear one more door close and then I would make my move. As soon as I did I peeked around the fabric seeing that the room was empty once again. I dashed out looking for another door, there were three in total, one in the middle and one either end so I chose the one I didn't think anyone had used.

At the far end I ran to the door hoping it wasn't locked. It wasn't and I opened it cautiously before walking through it. Once inside I found I was in another room but this one was small and looked like a storeroom, filled with trunks and boxes. There were piles of newspapers stacked high and some furniture that was covered with large white sheets. It was darker in this room as it only had one small lamp that sat at the only desk that wasn't covered with a sheet. However this one was filled with yet even more folders and paperwork that was also br.i.m.m.i.n.g over.

Well one thing was for sure I couldn't hide in here forever. They would soon find me. I traced the walls until I found yet another door. Bingo! I stepped quietly around the piles of files on the floor and finally got to it. I turned the handle but it was locked...d.a.m.n! But then I heard a strange noise as if someone had just unlocked it. I froze waiting to be discovered but nothing happened. The door didn't move nor did the handle so I tried it again and this time it worked. I opened the door and again peeked through checking it was all clear. I entered a hallway that was at the top of a staircase. I looked over the bal.u.s.trades to find that I was higher up than I first imagined, as the stairs went on going down until I couldn't see the bottom. I was starting to panic now as I wasn't sure I would ever find my way out of this stone maze. And what was to say that the next door I opened didn't lead right to Draven himself.

My mind started to whirl round making me feel dizzy so I backed away from the immense drop I was still staring at. I fell back to the wall holding myself up using the different stone boulders jutting out making good hand rests. What was I going to do? How was I ever going to get out of here? And when I finally did what then? To run from one horror straight into my own personal h.e.l.l!

I must carry on moving, I couldn't just wait here for them to find me. At least if I kept going then I had a chance didn't I? I walked along the hallway that was badly lit by only a few candles held in holders on the wall. I kept going until I stopped at the sound of voices. I held my body still against the wall and tried to quieten my heavy breathing. Once the sound moved and went silent again I carried on until I came to another door at the end. I was just about to open it when I felt a hand grab my shoulder and a scream erupted out of my lips.

"Ssshh, it's only me!" Sophia stood opposite me holding an antique oil lamp that hung on a bra.s.s stick.

"Sophia?" I said as if to check.

"Yes, now come with me," she said grabbing my arm softly, pulling me back down the hallway.

"Where are we going?" I said not trusting her.

"I'm getting you out of here, but you must be quiet.....follow me." She said letting go of my arm and I followed her until she stopped at a large tapestry that hung from gold hooks on the wall. I stood looking at her confused as to why she was now staring at it. She turned to me and pa.s.sed me the lamp.

"Hold this," she said as her hands flowed over the woven material without touching it. Her hands went round in patterns and I was about to ask her what she was doing when I heard the sound of stone moving. I couldn't see anything but when she lifted the tapestry back she revealed a pa.s.sageway in the stone. She took the lamp back off me and motioned with her hand for me to follow.

"How did you do that?" I asked as she led me up the narrow tunnel.

"Do what?" Her voice sounded steady as if what she had just done had been an everyday normal occurrence. The walls were wet and the floor was slippery as my footing nearly gave way a few times but every time Sophia saved me by grabbing my arm, steadying me.

"Careful!" Was all she would say before letting go. I was suddenly aware of how strong Sophia was for such a small delicate frame.

"How much further?" I asked, as my legs were growing tired from working so hard to stay upright.

"Here we are, just through this door," she replied in monotone. The door opened without her laying a finger on it. I jumped at the noise and my eyes squinted to adapt to the brightly lit hallway we were now in. She carried on but now I could see her fully and I began to get wary as she was acting strangely. I had a job to keep up with her as she was gliding over the tiled floor making her movements so fluid that I could barely see her limbs. We were nearly at another door when I had finally caught up and stopped her with my hand on her shoulder. She turn to look at me and her face was frightening until it softened at my reaction of seeing her looking so angry.

"Sophia what's wrong?" I asked timidly "Nothing, I just want to get you out of here that's all." She said looking around but I didn't trust her words so I asked, "Why are you helping me anyway?" My superst.i.tious voice was getting louder.

"Because I do not always agree with my brother's decisions." She said opening the door for me to walk through and stupidly I went inside.

Once in the room Sophia stood next to me but I couldn't take my eyes away from the man that stood opposite us.

"But that doesn't mean I would EVER disobey him Keira." Sophia said to me before going up to kiss her brother's cheek and then returned to the door.

"Thank you Sophia, you have done well." Draven said before his sister left out of the same door we had just come in. As soon as the door shut I turned quickly to try and run back through it but the door made a locking sound sealing me in with Draven. I banged my fist hard on the wooden door expressing my full feelings about being trapped.

"That won't help," he said in his smooth deep voice that I had quickly grown to hate, as he was no longer the Draven I knew. He was now my captor and I his prisoner and all I wanted was to escape!

"Then what will?" I shouted back at him, as I turned round.

"Co-operation might be a good idea." He said sarcastically but I just bit my lip and this time it was in anger.

"What you really mean is submission, obey your every command is that it!" A shrug was all I received as an answer.

"I might consider that, if everything wasn't on your terms!" I snapped back.

"Well if you were left to your own devices, then I doubt you would last long, especially with what you've got in mind." He said keeping a cool manner. I on the other hand was not.

"And what the h.e.l.l is that supposed to mean?"

"I think you know what it means.... you're obviously not safe to deal with this alone." He answered as he rubbed the back of his neck, as if this was all very frustrating to him.

"What, and I am safe here, with you...I don't think so!" I said feeling my skin get hot as my anger was multiplying with every word out of his perfect mouth. He let out a short laugh at my words and said, "Have I hurt you?"

"Not yet no.... but you are keeping me here against my will!"

"Well, if you weren't always so difficult then things might have gone differently but I am only keeping you here for your own benefit." He said slowly losing his calm exterior. I decided to play it a different way, as I knew if I pushed it, we would just end up in another shouting match and his temper wouldn't help me right now.

"Look I have to go, you don't understand how important it is...Please let me leave." I said pleading once again with a man that had a will of iron.

"I understand more than you think... Catherine." He said the name I hadn't heard for the longest time, so that it felt foreign to me even though it was my own. My mouth actually dropped as I couldn't understand what was happening...had somebody put out a town bulletin about me or something?!!!

He walked over to his desk and I finally had chance to take in my surroundings, realising I was in the same room I had seen before. It was the room I was brought into when Layla had stabbed me. The night that Draven tried to make me believe was all a dream. But this only confirmed it...it had all happened. I could see the bed at the far end of the room on a higher platform that was the same one I had woken up in that night. I looked to the side of me and noticed the couch that I had laid upon bleeding.

I wanted to cry out at my realisation. I knew deep down it had happened and I wanted to lash out at him for making me feel crazy. But there was a more important matter to deal with, like how did he know my real name and what else did he know...?

Meanwhile Draven had retrieved a folder from on top of his desk and was bringing it closer to me. I already knew what it contained so I looked away in shameful disgust.

"I don't want to talk about that." I said feeling the emotion building up.

"What you mean is your past!" He said as he threw the folder back down on the desk making the contents spill out, scattering my life on pages across the polished wood. I kept swallowing, as I could taste the acid that my stomach produced. The anger started to replace my shame. What right did he have to do this to me?

"My past is none of your business! How dare you judge me! So you think because you found out my real name that this proves something...You don't know anything!" I shouted feeling my lungs needing more air as my hands shook.