Chapter 35
Chapter Thirty-Five
Kip
Once Bitten
How did I end up with the smartest guy alive? Like goddamn.
There’s no knot in the magical ropes binding us, meaning there’s no way to untie them. But Charlie is onto something. I mean, I have these sharp as fuck fangs, which could easily bite through the rope and free at least one of us.
The plan once he’s free? Hell if I know. But I’m sure he has one.
I’m leaning forward to begin gnawing on the rope like a rat, when I feel Charlie stiffen in front of me. I peek around him, and my eyes widen when I see a figure standing a few feet behind Lisette.
“Mat-moy?” I mumble around my gag.
Sure as fuck, it’s bat-boy, Lisette’s assistant. He’s either here to help Lisette, or us. And I’m really crossing my fingers (metaphorically, not physically since I can’t really move them due to the rope) that it’s the last one.
Bat-boy sees Charlie and I watching him, and holds up a finger to his lips, telling us not to say anything. He quietly walks over to where our metal folding chairs still sit, picks one up and slowly folds it. Holding the chair above his head, he stalks towards Lisette, who is clueless.
Lisette is still babbling about her master plan. “Of course, it’ll be even better once I have you turned into a vampire, Charlie. With my magic, and three vampires under my control, I’ll be truly unstoppable.”
Bat-boy stands behind her, chair hoisted over her head, and his intentions are crystal clear. Thank sweet Jesus, he’s here to help us, not her.
“Alright, times up, boys.” Lisette claps.
And in perfect timing, bat-boy uses all of his might, and brings down the chair over Lisette’s head.
He just went WWE on her ass! Maybe I misjudged bat-boy, because that was fucking epic.
When the metal chair connects with the crown of her head, Lisette crumbles like a stone wall. She is out like a light.
Robbie, (I think he’s earned my respect, and so now I’ll call him by his name, rather than bat-boy), tosses the chair aside and wipes his hands off.
Behind him, the room begins to fill with more people. Five people in police-type uniforms swarm into the room, their chests emblazoned with the letters “SNCP”. Following closely behind them, is a tall man in a suit.
“We’ll take it from here, Robbie. Thank you.” The suited man dismisses Robbie.
“Yes, sir.” Robbie gives us a small smile and a wave before stepping aside.
“Hello Christopher and Charlie.” The suited man greets us.
“I’m Dean, the head of the Supernatural Council.
The uniformed people with me are officers with the Supernatural Council Police.
They’ll take care of Lisette and Tyson. They’ll also help unbind you.
I apologize for the mess you two have been dragged into, but be assured that Tyson and Lisette will no longer be an issue for you. ”
Two officers step up behind us, first undoing the gags, and then cutting the ropes.
“Yeah, well, we’ve heard that one before.” I grumble, rubbing the feeling back into my arms.
Dean shoots us a placating smile. “Yes, but fortunately for you I’m telling the truth.
Robbie has given us all the evidence we need to put these two into our highest security prison for treason.
They will not be released, ever. Once they’re settled, we can give you a tour and prove it to you, if you’d like.
I’m afraid I don’t really have anything other than that and my word to assure you. ”
“Honestly, fuck that.” Charlie spits. “I don’t want to fucking tour your ‘highest security prison’. Sounds like a trap to me.”
“Yeah, I’m gonna have to pass on that too.” I supply, not trusting this dude. “It’ll be a solid never before I trust any one of you from the council again.”
“Fair enough.” Dean shrugs. “I can’t force you to believe me.” He turns from us towards the officers. “Cuff Tyson and Lisette, and take them away.”
Tyson mumbles incoherently behind his gag, tears streaming down his face. He looks absolutely betrayed, and truthfully, I don’t care. He did this to himself.
“Before you take him, can I just say something?” I ask. Not that he necessarily deserves any parting words from me. But I think it’ll help me process and move on from this whole situation.
“Fine, but quickly.” Dean allows.
I stand up, shaking out my limbs, before walking up to Tyson.
“Tyson…to say that I’m disappointed in you is an understatement.
You were my best friend, and you used me.
I thought we were bros. Buds for life. But I guess you didn’t feel the same way.
You deserve everything that’s coming to you, and I hope for both our sakes that we never see each other again. Have fun in prison.”
Tyson’s eyes are pleading, snot bubbling from his nose, but I feel nothing for him as the officers haul him to his feet, and lead him out the door.
Walking back over to Charlie, I twine our fingers together. “Can we go now?”
“Yes, you’re free to leave.” Dean nods, gesturing towards the door.
“Good, ‘cuz fuck this place.” Charlie sighs, leaning heavily into my side as we walk out the door.
We’re lying in bed, facing each other, with Nacho curled up above my head. My apartment is quiet, with only the sound of our breaths, mixed with Nacho’s purrs.
I’ve lived in this city my whole life, and I used to love it.
I never imagined being anywhere else, until now.
After everything we’ve been through here, maybe it’s time to move on.
Charlie’s talked about his hometown, and missing his mom, and I think I just might be okay with settling down somewhere smaller.
“What are you thinking about?” Charlie asks, his fingers stroking the skin on my neck.
“I’m thinking that maybe city life isn’t for me anymore.” I meet his gaze. “I’m thinking that maybe Willowhaven sounds kinda nice.”
Charlie’s eyes light up, and he smiles. “You want to move to my hometown?”
“Yeah, I’m pretty sure I do.” I grin back. “I could start up my own gym there. Offer classes, personal training, that sort of thing.”
“Yeah?” Charlie leans forward and brushes his lips against mine. Leaning back, he continues “I think that’s an amazing idea.”
“But if we move, what will you do? I can’t imagine there’s any huge companies needing I.T. support around there.”
“Honestly, I fucking hate my current job anyway. It’s not what I wanted to do when I went into tech.
” Charlie falls silent for a moment, thinking.
“But, maybe I could help a certain businessman with the office side of things at his gym? I could do the website, anything technology related, and the managing side…”
My heart warms. But you know I have to tease Charlie, just a little bit. “Hmmm…I don’t know…I already found another scorching hot office manager slash tech guy to work for me…I’m just not sure there’s room for another.”
Charlie shoves at my chest. “Oh, fuck off with that.”
“I’m kidding, baby. You’ve got the job. Although, with both of us quitting our jobs, and me trying to start a business, money might be a little tight for a while.”
“Well, we could always try to move in with my mom for a bit. I think she’d actually love that. She always talks about how much she misses having me around. And with your big, strong, vampy muscles, I’m sure she could find some projects for you to do as payment.”
“Oh, so you’re gonna use my body for payment in exchange for housing?” I say, aghast.
“Yes, and I’m not ashamed to admit it.” Charlie smirks.
“Yeah, you’re right. It’s not a bad idea.”
“I’ll call her tomorrow. She’ll be pumped.” He’s so excited.
I’m glad I made this choice. It feels right.
Charlie falls quiet, his excitement ebbing a bit, and being replaced with nervousness.
“What’s wrong?” I ask, stroking the frown lines that have appeared at the sides of his mouth.
Charlie sighs. “Even though I’m excited to see my Mom, and I love parts of Willowhaven…
I’m scared too…” He meets my eyes. “You know, with everything that happened my senior year? I think Jeremy still lives in town…what if…what if he bothers me? I really don’t want to see him, but I also don’t want him to be the only reason that I avoid my home.
I don’t want to give him all that power. ”
“So don’t.” I reply softly. “Don’t give him that power.
You’re so fucking brave and strong, baby.
So what if he still lives there? By showing up and living your best life, you’ll prove to him that what he did to you means nothing.
That he doesn’t have any impact on your life.
” Leaning in, I brush a kiss against his lips.
“Not to mention, you’ve got a super buff and hot vampire soulmate, who would do anything for you.
I haven’t used my powers to compel anyone, but I’d be willing to give it a try on Jeremy.
Make him leave town, or whatever you want. ”
“You’re right.” Charlie laughs. “It would be kind of funny to compel him to do something wild, like move to the middle of Antartica alone. But, if we do that, isn’t that proving that he does still have a hold over my life?
Anyway, I have you now. I know you’ll protect me.
And honestly, fuck Jeremy. He’s not worth the worry. ”
“Exactly.” I grin back. “If he bothers you, I could also compel him to leave you alone. I’ll do whatever it takes to make you comfortable. You shouldn’t have to avoid a place you used to love because of one scumbag.”
Charlie’s eyes shine brighter, his frown lines long gone.
“You don’t hear this enough, in fact, most people tell you the opposite…
” His gaze connects with mine, locking in.
“You’re super smart, Kip. You have a level of emotional intelligence that’s astounding.
You don’t show people that, and I think that might be on purpose.
You and I are the same, in a lot of ways.
We both put up a front to hide who we really are. But I see you. And I love you.”