Unchained

Chapter 10: Jax

Jax kept warm with a long tench coat and thick, heavy boots. He didn’t need much else despite the snow. Still, Scarlett wouldn’t approve of him going out to look for her. He wondered if she was still picky about getting fussed over. He wondered if she was still the same woman he had fallen in love with. Does she still think of him the way he thinks of her?

He’d only been traveling for a few days now, combing the outside of the kingdom with careful eyes. And, as a vampire if noble status, he knew people and wildlife would be exceptionally weary of him. In fact, he’s surprised that so far, most have left him alone.

Content that his travels have been peaceful, he hoped he’s find Scarlett sooner rather than later.

He still had kingdom duties which put him on a time crunch. Despite this, though, not much had come up and he was beginning to get frustrated. He had searched north, east, and west of the kingdom so far. He wanted to save the south for last. He wanted to be through. Besides, Ashton explained the group would move around. Who’s to say they’re still there after all?

With a defeated attitude, Jax trekked towards the south of the kingdom. His hopes were beginning to drop as more and more time passed.

❧

Finally, Jax spotted some footprints. It was a good sign. Even if it wasn’t who he was looking for, perhaps they could offer information on Scarlett. That in itself, was promising to him. Unfortunately though, he was slowing down. Most animals hibernate during the winter-time, but animals like wild, stray grey wolves are still incredibly active. During recon earlier in the day, Jax was ambushed by a pair of wolves. He had managed to stop the bleeding, but his body was calling for sleep. And, he knew if he fell asleep out in the open, during these cold temperatures, he would likely pass out and not wake up for some time.

How terrible would it be if he made it so far only to become deathly ill in the last leg of the trip?

Yes, immortal. But it doesn’t mean he couldn’t get sick.

Still, he pressed on. But, the more and more he pushes himself, the slower he was getting. Eventually, the vampire’s knees buckled and he dropped to the ground. He exhaled deeply and tried to push himself up, but it didn’t work.

“So this is how I go out. What a shame.” Jax could feel his impending doom. His fingers and toes were losing feelings, a tingling sensation running throughout his entire body. He listened to the wind howl. In the distance, however, he heard footsteps of three people. Dread pierced his heart, certain he would not recover at the hands of some strangers.

The three approached Jax. “Are you alright?” One of the asked. Weakly, he looked up to find three males. They were young, no older than 25. There scents were that of werewolves.

Jax muttered something, but it didn’t reach their ears. He rolled over with the help of the three, eyes meeting theirs. The looks on their faces said it all.

“..doesn’t he look familiar?” One said.

“What did she say this guy looked like?”

She? Who was she? Jax wondered. He vaguely hoped it was Scarlett.

“This has got to be him. I can sense it.” The three were quiet for a moment, before picking Jax up into their arms.

“You’re gonna be alright, mate. We’re gonna get you to safety,” one of them said. Jax wanted to roll his eyes. If this wasn’t going where he thought he was, he might as well just give up right then and there. He blinked a few times and rested in their arms. They were either bringing him to his downfall or his salivation.

Jax’s eyes slowly closed, darkness wrapping itself around the vampire. Jax fought this as best as he could, but eventually gave up. The darkness overtook him, and he gave way to unconsciousness.