Fortress

Chapter 14

Rome

A murderous urge vibrated through my body as I watched the coward from my past take another step forward. Mina’s screams played on a loop in my head fueling the monster inside me. Helios now have Mina in their possession and I would do anything to get her back. Things were beginning to click in place for me as I thought about the c*****e I would unleash on this world if I didn't get her back.

The plan is to use me.

The door to the club flung open and three more men fell in behind the Helios guard. I didn’t have time to waste on these unfortunate victims but they chose this path to walk down.

“No one else has to die Rome just come with us and you'll get your little mate back soon”, he said as my fangs began to cut into my bottom lip. My whole soul was pulling me in one direction. I felt Mina more strongly than I ever had in the past four years. I could easily track her down, but would they kill her before I got the chance?

“You know,” I said taking a step forward, “It is your life for hers”. I moved on instinct quickly dodging the first two bullets I rushed the man whose heartbeat sounded the fastest. My hand gripped his throat and I allowed my nails to tear into his skin. I used him

as a shield against the next five bullets that were shot at close range. My movements were the fastest they had ever been. I threw the motionless

man to the side and ducked the punches aimed at my face. Grabbing the closet ankle to me I yanked up causing the man to fall on his ass.

I drove my fist into his face repeatedly until blood covered my hand. I charged into the last man wrapping my arms around him tightly until bones broke. I threw him to the side and seized my childhood guard by his throat.

“Whose the rat huh? Who told you about my mate!” I hissed through clenched teeth. I struggled for control as I brought my face closer to his. He flenched as I removed my sunglasses, his good eye-widening.

“I don't have a name! I have a number!” he spat from quivering lips. Fresh blood spilled over my fingers as I dug deeper into his neck. Flashbacks raced through my head of being beaten over and over by this man. I was suddenly extremely thirsty, I struck his neck fast pulling large gulps of blood from him. He tasted like filth but I continued to feed on him nevertheless, his fist battered my back for a few seconds before losing strength. I ripped my teeth out tearing a large piece of skin from him and spat it onto the pavement.

“You're going to tell me everything you know, starting with my mate”. I said baring my fangs. His good eye rolled into the back of his head and he began to whine softly. I dragged him to my car and threw him into the backseat. I pulled my phone from my pocket and called Jared as I started the car. “Rome,” he said, “We didn't get here in time”.

“I know, I've got an old friend of ours here with me. I'll meet you at the house”.

Mina

I had no way of telling how much time went by but after what seemed like hours of riding the van finally skirted to a stop. Both of the back doors flew open and something was thrown in. I looked over at the object that landed near the huddled women and my mind struggled to name it until smoke oozed out.

I tried to hold my breath as long as I could but eventually lost the battle. The last thing I saw was a gas mask close to my face as my eyes shut.

I awoke with one hand chained up to a bed in a dimly

lit room all alone. The four white walls were padded and a small tray of food was by the door with no handle. I eyed the contents of the plate and realized it was most likely morning unless these people served biscuits and eggs all day long. I looked down at myself and was pleased to see I still had on the same clothes. My thoughts went to Rome and I closed my eyes as I pictured his handsome face. My life turned into a rollercoaster the minute he stepped into it but I ended up loving the ride. Rome crawled his way into my heart and made it his home and it now ached for him desperately. It’s funny how one day someone can be a stranger to you and the next the most important person in your life. I rolled over on my side as pain shot through my body and I couldn’t figure out where I was hurt.

I balled my hands into a fist as another wave of pain worked its way through me like a terrible cramp. Did these monsters poison me with something?

I was aware of the whining sounds coming from my mouth but I could do nothing to stop them.

“Rome”, I whispered and yanked on the chain as hard as I could but it was useless it didn’t do anything but clank loudly. I looked for any loose screws on the metal bed but came up short. If it came down to it I would use the frame somehow. I would not roll over like a dog for them they would have to kill me before that happened.

My stomach grumbled as I eyed the tray of food but my pride would not allow me to eat it. It could be tampered with after all, I wouldn’t give them the satisfaction of anything.

Another cramp hit me more intense than the last one and I dropped to my knees.

Shit. They were only getting worst.

“Mina Scarlett”, a loud male voice vibrated through the small room. My eyes shot toward the door as it began to screech open. A man dressed in all black stepped into the room at the same time another cramp attacked me. I held in my scream and allowed the pain to pass before standing to face the new threat. He had handsome facial features and appeared to be in shape. I eyed the bed frame for a second but decided against using it.

“Don't worry I'm not here to hurt you”, he said as his lips turned up into a horrendous smile.

“You are simply just a pawn in our little game”, he revealed.

“Mina you are a sight to see you know? I can see why Rome is tearing through our guards to get to you.” he said bitterly taking a step forward.

“Allow me to introduce myself, you can call me Thomas. I saw you at the mansion about a month in a half ago, before your boyfriend slaughtered my men!”, he yelled angrily. I kept my expression blank as I searched my memory for his face but nothing came to me.

“Do you think it's safe to have his kind out in the world?”, he asked closing the gap further. I remained silent as he lifted a piece of my hair twirling it around his finger.

“Do you know the kind of damage he and his people have caused? Whatever he told you about Helios is a lie. We spend our time cleaning up their mess!” he yelled releasing my hair.

“I know you seen what they're capable of, you had to have a friend apart of the m******e that took place right?” he asked cockily. I had heard enough.

“f**k you!”, I spat and lunged at him. My nails tore into his face ripping skin away by the fist full.

“Get off me!”, he yelled pushing me away. I kicked his knee from under him and quickly jumped over his head wrapping the chain around his neck. Someone would pay for this weapon they unknowingly put in my hand quite literally. Today Thomas is paying for underestimating me so boldly. His hands beat against my back and head as he struggled for air. I pulled back with all my strength watching as his body went limp. I unwrapped the chain and pushed his body away from me.

I fell back on the floor and laughter bubbled out of my mouth, I was going insane for sure. If Rome could see me now, I thought as another cramp hit me causing me to curl up in a tight ball. A alarm went off and moments later gas filled the room knocking me out.