Music of Souls

Sarah leaned forward. "He can't. We have to believe that."

"Then what is his end game?" asked Connor.

"He is insane and he despises us." Connor's level-headedness helped Jackson to think more rationally. Victor wanted them all there for a reason. He couldn't hope to overpower them all at once. Would he try to drug them as he had Elisabeth? Was the warehouse booby-trapped? Victor was crazy, not stupid. The three vampires would be walking in without a clue as to what they would face, yet they had no choice. Jackson considered calling Miriam, but there simply wasn't enough time. She and her pack were too far away. He wondered if other werewolves lived in the area, however, if he called her and there weren't any close enough to help, she would be upset needlessly. Thoughts cut across his mind like razors.

He parked the car near the door to the warehouse, and the three entered without speaking. The warehouse was lit, but metal-framed partitions covered in sheeting formed a maze. Jackson began ripping down the sheets and knocking over the partitions as he yelled for Elisabeth. There was no response. He could smell her, so raced toward her scent. All three smelled vampires. Sarah whispered, "He's not alone." They finally reached the end of the maze where they all gasped. There were no less than fifteen vampires along with Victor, Cassandra, and Peter Standish. In the middle, Elisabeth sat in a metal chair, barely conscious. Large chains cemented into the floor covered her. An IV in her arm dripped a constant dose of powerful anesthetic.

Jackson screamed, "Elisabeth!" and ran toward her. Six vampires intercepted him. Five more grabbed Sarah, and two held Connor. Jackson continued to scream Elisabeth's name with abject terror as she struggled to raise her head.

She met his eyes and rasped, "Run," Jackson and Sarah both battled to break free, while Connor fought to remain calm. He was terrified, yet knew he must hide his strength if they were to have any chance.

Victor approached Jackson and yelled, "Shut up!"

Jackson screamed, "Fuck you!" and spat at him, then began to produce primal sounds.

Sneering at Jackson in disgust, Victor stood in front of Elisabeth and began hitting her, first with open hand and then backhand, sending her head flailing from side to side. He hissed, "I will stop when you have silenced yourselves."

Sarah immediately ceased thrashing, but Jackson's control took longer. He finally screamed, "All right! Stop!" and went completely rigid.

Victor backhanded Elisabeth one last time and growled, "That's more like it." He turned his attention back to Jackson and held his hands out. "As you can see, there is more than one way to build an army. You would be surprised how many frustrated vampires exist, searching for someone to give them a better life. I should really be thanking you, Jackson, for leading me to the lovely Elisabeth. Although she has been somewhat elusive, she will now serve my purpose twofold. She has brought you here, and even though I cannot destroy you traitors, others can." Cassandra stood next to him glaring at Jackson. Victor put his arm around her. "Patience Love." He glanced back to Elisabeth. "Your dog may be indestructible, but I have enough drugs to keep her like that for a month. Once I have disposed of the you two and your newborn, I shall lure her pack here a few at a time and destroy them all. You see, you have merely delayed my rule. I believe we all know I was destined to prevail."