Chapter Sixteen

Less than five minutes later, Tyler was busting through the door of his apartment. Izabella spun around, eyes wide with fear, but she visibly relaxed when she saw it was him. He hadn’t taken the car, knowing he would make better time if he ran. His eyes dropped to the phone, which was still clutched in her hands. “Did you call the police?” His eyes bounced back up to her sheet white face and she shook her head, putting the phone down on the counter. “Good. I’m going up to find out what happened. Anything you need to tell me before I go?”

“I screamed at him.”

“You what?” Tyler’s face fell. Bram wasn’t a patient man, and his temper was more dangerous than an erupting volcano.

“I also called him a jerk.”

“Maybe you should tell me what lead up to all this.” Tyler took a few steps in, calming down. He clearly hadn’t hurt her, though there was a large red mark on her upper arm.

“We need to make sure Devon’s okay.” She was shaking. After all this, she was still mainly concerned for the child.

Tyler nodded, “We will.” He started to close the gap between them but came up short. He could smell blood. “Did he hurt you?” It was hard for him not to jump the poor girl. He had fed recently, but it was intoxicating. He had to step back. Luckily, it was only remnants, he would have had a hard time if there was an open wound. So sweet and pure. Pinching the bridge of his nose, he took a few steps back.

“Yeah, he just about pulled my arm out of socket. I don’t know what happened! I was making lunch, then Devon hit his head on the counter and started crying. Bram took him to the other room, and when I came in with ice, he seemed fine. As soon as I tried to see if I could help him, because he looked about to faint, he started roaring at me again. I’m not going to be spoken to like that, so I started yelling at him.” Pointing to her arm she scowled, “That’s when he dragged me through his house and threw me out.”

Did Devon cut his head? He was already halfway out the door when he heard Izabella behind him. The thought that it was Devon’s blood that smelled that way, and that Bram was left with the boy and a cut on him was terrifying. “Stay here please, let me handle him. I don’t know why his panties are in a twist, but I’m going to find out. I’ll be back down when I’m done.”

He took the stairs three at a time and didn’t bother knocking on the door. When he entered the house, Bram was still raging. Thick red sauce had boiled over on the stove and was dripping down the front of the oven, a pan with blackened toast was half-hazardly thrown to the side on the granite countertop to his left. Mixing bowls, spoons, and ingredients were all over the island. And Bram was throwing an absolute tantrum. Tyler’s heart dropped. Devon was nowhere in sight.

“What the hell happened in here?” He asked as Bram scrubbed at the counters and everything near the counter closer to where the living room was.

“That-that… woman happen.” Bram roared at him. “This is all your fault you fucking bastard.” Bram’s eyes looked nearly mad as they found him. The smell of the blood was significantly more powerful in here. “I think a drop ended up somewhere, but I can’t find it!” His arm swooped over the counter, dumping everything onto the floor and coated the fridge in whatever batter she had been making. “I can’t FIND it! It’s driving me insane!”

“Where’s Devon?” The horrified look in Bram’s eyes nearly killed him.

Both his hands went to his hair, and he started to squeeze his head. This time though, his words were cold. “I almost attacked him. I sent him to his room and told him to lock the door. I can’t take it. What the hell is wrong with me?”

“Nothing, Bram.” Tyler put a hand on his shoulder. “I’ve been standing in this room for less than a minute, and it’s bothering me too. Bram, listen to me for a minute. I’m going to send Devon down to my place. I’m going to have Izabella take him out somewhere. I’ll give them my card. He’s not safe here. Do you understand?” Bram’s eyes clouded over, but he nodded. “’Kay.”

Tyler knocked on the door, “Hey, buddy, it’s me. Can you open up?”

“Are you going to try to eat me too?” The little boy called out, his voice wasn’t much more than a squeak.

“No, buddy. But we need to get this cleaned up. It’s not safe for you right now. I’m sending you down to Izabella. Have her take you out for a walk or something.” The door clicked, and he opened it slowly, peeking out. That Bram’s eyes had already narrowed at them was terrifying. Tyler scooped the boy into his arms and rushed to the front door. Bram didn’t move, but he could feel those eyes watching them.

Tyler didn’t wait by the door but walked the boy down half the stairs. Problem was, he could feel his instincts coming out. The way his mouth was starting to ache and the itch starting under his skin. He was being called to the hunt, and soon no one would be safe. How the hell had Bram kept his composure? Especially knowing… she was right down there. His eyes started to wander, and Devon squeaked, going down the stairs further.

Shaking his head, he pulled out his wallet and put it in the boy’s hand. “Tell her to grab a card and take you for a walk or something. Go out to lunch, shopping, the amusement park. Whatever you want, okay. Tell her I need some time with your dad. He made a mess of the kitchen, we’re cleaning it up now. Do NOT let her back in this building tonight. Do you hear me? I’ll call later with some emergency, you have your cell on you?”

The boy nodded. “Good. Even if I don’t call, pretend I am and make something up. Go stay at a fun hotel. You know, one of the ones with a water park or something.” Tyler knelt down, ruffling his hair. “And kiddo, if either dad or I call and ask where you are, under no circumstances can you tell us.”

“What happened?” Devon cried, wiping at his tears.

“I don’t know why her blood is so strong, but it is. Mixing it with your scent is too much. We’re not able to handle it. Go on now, Izabella with take care of you. She’s been worried sick. You’ll be okay, understand?”

“Are you going to hunt her?” He started crying again.

“That’s what we’re trying to avoid, buddy. But I need your help. Your dad is not well right now, and it’s starting to get to me too. Get both of you out of here as soon as possible. ‘Kay?” Tyler’s ears twitched, the door upstairs had just opened. “Hey, go, quickly.” Turning on the stairs, Bram was standing there, looking down at them.

“I can’t take it anymore. I know your sending her away, and I won’t let you.”