The Vampire Queen's Pet

Hope

The Vampire Queen's Pet

Chapter 28

Ysabella's point of view

After saying our goodbyes to everyone at the bunker today, we are heading to Jax's gym, the crypt.

It takes a few hours drive until we finally arrive; as we drive up the dirt path that leads to the Crypt, I can see Dylan waiting outside, alongside a big man. I can't take my eyes off Dylan, though; he looks so well. The last time I saw him was when I asked one of the staff from the palace to bring him to the Crypt, hoping that Jax would find him and be able to help him; I had no idea if he would make it.

To see him looking so well brings tears to my eyes.

The big guy comes striding over to the car, and I can't help but giggle as he opens the door with so much force he almost pulls the door off. He grabs hold of Jax, pulling him from the car as he crashes his arms around him in a hug. This has to be Stan, Jax's best friend. Stan has been running the Crypt in Jax's absence; he speaks of him all of the time.

They finally pull apart as Jax walks around to open the door for me, he notices my eyes on Dylan, and he whispers.

"He will come round once he knows the full story; he's a clever kid."

I nod my head, although inside, I'm still unsure; after all, I did drain his blood before leaving him for dead. How can I expect A child to forgive me for that? Not when I can't forgive myself.

Before I know it, I find myself wrapped in Stan's arms as he says.

"So you're the little lady that's stolen my boy's heart. He talked so much about you, Ysabella; I feel as though I already know you."

I look at Jax with a giggle when I see him blush as I reply.

"Likewise, Stan, Jax has told me all about you and your lovely wife."

As we start to head inside the Crypt, Dylan turns to look at us before he disappears from the doorway. My head drops to the floor, defeated.

How will I ever live with what I did to him?

Jax squeezes my hand as he whispers in my ear.

"Don't worry, baby; I'll have a word with him. Tell him the whole story. I'm sure he will understand why you did what you had to do."

He wipes away the tears that I hadn't realised had fallen before he guides me to the door.

It's pretty empty inside, which seems so strange as the last time that I was here, the place was crowded. He introduces me to a couple of young lads that are training before showing me the rest of the place. I can't get over how big it is. Behind the main stage is enormous, it's well equipped from medical rooms to training rooms and changing rooms with hot showers.

Jax's face beams with pride as he shows me around as he tells me the story of why he became the owner of this place.

He left the army after suffering an injury in a blast where he lost a couple of his close friends. He was feeling angry and lost after leaving the only job he had ever known.

He started to spiral down the wrong path, drinking and fighting, getting involved with the wrong crowd when he stumbled on the Crypt.

His eyes tear up a little as he says.

"The day that I first walked through those doors was the day that saved my life."

I take his hand in mine as he carries on.

"The place was owned and run by Old Billy Jones back then, and when he passed away, I bought it off his family before doing it up. I wanted to help others the same way Billy and the Crypt had helped me."

I smile as I kiss his lips as I whisper.

"All whilst becoming the champion of the underground."

Jax blushes a little as he shrugs his shoulders.

"I always knew I could hold my own in a fight; Billy taught me everything I know, and the rest is history, baby."

I smile as I say.

"You're a good man Jax; it's obvious that these kids look up to you."

When I lift my head, Dylan is standing awkwardly in the doorway, as Jax whispers to me.

"Will you be okay with Stan if I go and have a word with Dylan?"

"Of course, baby."

I reply; Jax walks me over to what looks like a bar area, where Stan is reading through some paperwork. Stan lifts his head as Jax says.

"Do you mind keeping Ysabella some company while I have a word with Dylan?"

Stan nods his head as he replies.

"It would be my pleasure."

I watch as he grabs some boxing gloves from the rack before throwing a pair at Dylan.

Dylan's face lights up as he catches the gloves before they both walk out of the room together.

I turn to Stan as I ask.

"Is that how he normally talks through things?"

Stan laughs as he replies.

"Pretty much, these kids need some tough love."

I smile; it's evident that Stan loves this place just as much as Jax.

Jax and Dylan are gone for a couple of hours as I find myself talking to Stan; he knows a little of what I've been through, his face drops when I give him all of the gory details.

He places a hand over mine as he says.

"You're a strong woman Ysabella; I can see why Jax likes you so much."

I smile; I've never really thought of myself as being strong, I always felt that I was weak, not being able to stand up to Areon, but now that he is not here, I know that I did what I had to do to survive. I know if I had of been stupid enough to stand up to him, I wouldn't be standing here right now.

I still wouldn't say that I'm strong, but I am a survivor, and I'm ready to start a new life here at the Crypt with Jax by my side.

A future that I never thought I would have.

Jax and Dylan finally emerge from the training rooms, thankfully both grinning. Jax nods his head to Dylan as they both start to walk over towards me.

Dylan is smiling, and I smile back full of hope; maybe he will understand after all.