Beasts of Pennsylvania - | The Nature of the Beast |
28

Charlie was the first of the group to awaken from the perplexing dream the witches casted upon them as a distraction. He immediately sat up from where he previously laid on the ground and let out a groan. He felt a massive headache coming on, much like the one he felt within the dream.

“Man, I had the funkiest dream. I don’t even remember it, but all I know was that it wasfuckingstrange.” Charlie uttered as he rubbed the temples of his head. Victor immediately approached him, kneeling down beside him.

“You still good to fight?” Victor asked.

“Of course. I am a beast, after all.” Charlie said, letting out another heavy groan. It was then he looked around, finding the entirety of his group scattered along the courtyard, unconscious still. He quickly noticed the absence of Davina and quickly spun towards the three remaining members of the organization, now standing in front of them.

“Where’d Davina?” Charlie asked in an urgent tone.

“Not sure. Vincent took her after knocking all of you out. My team is back at the warehouse trying to locate her.” Victor said. Panic filled up inside of Charlie, making him bring himself up to his feet.

“We need to do something. Your crew may never find Davina in time.” Charlie reminded him, scoffing afterwards. He didn’t want to doubt the organization’s skills, especially in finding someone who mattered too much to the organization’s immediate family. But, he also couldn’t believe they were capable of finding her behind a computer.

“Well, we can’t do anything until the rest of your crew wakes up.” Victor responded in a slightly irritated tone, not appreciating Charlie’s lack of confidence. Not a moment after, Jackson fully sat up, panting heavily. He tried his best not to show it, but he had an oncoming headache as well. Charlie quickly made his way over to him and helped him up off of the ground. Jackson silently looked around, searching for the only woman who’s managed to obtain his heart since the brutal murdering of his former bride. When he didn’t find Davina, he turned to Charlie with wide eyes. He didn’t have to ask to know what’d happened to her. He knew Vincent had succeeded in taking her. Dean groaned as he pulled himself up into a seating position, rubbing his forehead in an attempt to subdue the pain. Immediately followed after by their King, the others beasts stirred awake. The ghoul’s had yet to make a recovering from their overeating and continued to lay unconscious in the courtyard. With the beasts awake now, they could all feel sudden tension festering within in the courtyard. A burning, uncontrollable anger radiated off of one of the beasts. It didn’t take look for them to figure out who radiated such overwhelming emotion. As Dean tried to pull himself up off from the ground, Jackson landed a hard kick that sent him flying a few feet back, hitting a few nearby pillars.

“Oh, no.” Charlie uttered in a high pitched voice.

“My King’s, let’s not do this.” Catrice spoke before Lucian pulled her back, earning a much confused expression from her. Lucian then ushered the rest to back away from Dean and Jackson, who now only had their sights set on each other.

“Jackson-” Dean started as he tried to lean against the pillar to stand, holding onto his side that now ached but only for a brief moment. Jackson paid no heed to his King’s warning. He gripped ahold of Dean’s leather jacket and twisted himself around to toss Dean in the opposite direction. He then angrily sped over to Dean and pinned him down with his foot.

“She’s gone. They’ve taken her and you did nothing to stop them.” Jackson gritted through his teeth. Dean finally pushed Jackson off of him, sending the tall man stumbling back a few steps. Dean let out a heavy, irritated sigh as he made it to his feet. Blood now trickled down his chin from hitting one of the pillars too hard. He bruised his chin but it disappeared not long after he took the hit. His teeth, however, were entirely stained with his own blood. It showed everybody the kind of damage Jackson inflicted on his King as a result of his anger. Dean panted heavily, feeling less than impressed with his co-leader and friend.

“Jackson, I don’t what what you’re talking about. Who’s gone?” Dean managed to get out, making Jackson chuckle lowly.

“You’re not fucking serious, are you? Who else could I be talking about?” Jackson asked in disbelief.

“In the battle, it seemed as if the witches used more force on Dean than the rest of you. It’s possible his has slight amnesia right now.” Elliot spoke up in a small voice, fearing he’d upset Jackson further by advocating for Dean. Jackson only huffed.

“Well, then. Allow me to refresh your memory.” Jackson spat a little breathlessly before making his way over to Dean, gripping too tightly on the hand of Dean to emit a crack, and placing the palm of his free hand on Dean’s forehead. Dean began screaming out in pain like he had done before, making the beasts around them step forward, ready to assist their King if needed. Nobody liked the idea of having to take Jackson down. Laying your hands, in a threatening way, on a co-leader was possibly the most foolish thing you could do, next to laying your hands on the King himself. However, if needed, they’d take Jackson down in a heartbeat for the safety and wellbeing of their King.

“Back down.” Charlie ordered, knowing it’d be best if not a single one of them got involved. For when one of the leaders fought, anybody getting caught it the cross fire would meet certain, but accidental, demise. All of the beasts exchanged looks, not wanting to comply. When Charlie shot them an uncharacteristic, stern glare, they all knew it’d be best to obey.

“What’s he doing?” Victor asked, his eyes cutting back and forth between the King and his co-leader with cautious eyes.

“He’s bringing Dean’s memory of Davina back.” Brayden responded as he wrapped a protective arm around Sasha. The beasts within the courtyard could sense something was to come. Something they couldn’t quite place their finger on. They were all feeding off of so many emotions around them. The ghouls were worn out and exhausted, making them feel the same despite them still being unconscious. The humans were in pain and also fearful for the sake of Davina, making them feel that too. Jackson was so enraged that it burned within the chests of the beasts. They were now waiting for what Dean would feel. They waited anxiously to be overcome with a wave of some emotion. When Jackson pulled away from Dean with a shaky breath, they felt it.

“Remember her now?!” Jackson shouted, trying his hardest not to let his voice crack. Jackson was deeply affected by the absence of Davina. That when he woke up, she had been taken away from them. From him. He knew how he felt about Davina after he comforted her in the parking lot of the organization’s homebase. He felt something crack open inside him that day. For the first time, he entertained the possibility that somebody broke through the hard exterior he put up so that he’d never have to feel the pain of losing a beloved one again. Yet, here he was. In pain, because the woman he loves had been taken from him, just like his precious Genevieve was. The beasts standing around hadn’t expected. Marina let out a cry, holding her hand over her heart as if it’d ease any of the pain. The beasts all glanced at one another. They could see then that their King had deep affections for the young woman. When Dean’s memory of Davina returned, he couldn’t believe what he was feeling inside. He said it earlier in the day. He believed he merely tolerated the woman. He remembered seeing her again after not knowing where she’d gone throughout the day. How he felt instant relief knowing that she saw safe. He wasn’t sure what that was about either. Again, his alliance with the organization couldn’t have been a possible answer to all of the confusing things he felt towards Davina. He especially knew it had absolutely nothing to do with that.

“She’s gone and it’s all your fault.” Jackson said in a low tone, his voice wavering slightly. Immediately, Victor stepped forward.

“Hey, it’s nobody’s fault but Vincent’s, alright? He forced her into choosing her life or the lives of all of you. Just because she chose all of you, doesn’t mean it’s anybody’s fault.” Victor said in a serious tone.

“Well, when you think about it, she chose Dean’s life...” Elliot said, letting his voice trail off. Almost immediately, Aaron elbowed him in the side, harshly He groaned out in pain before falling to his knee’s, now holding his aching stomach.

“What do you mean she choose Dean?” Charlie asked a little curiously. The three humans glanced at one another, none wanting to say it. Aaron eventually sighed.

“Vincent wasn’t trying to end anybody’s life. He was only trying to get Davina to cave. He finally did so when he heldthegun to Dean’s chest.” Aaron spoke. Dean’s eyes widened slightly at the news. His eyes found the ground as he pondered over the actions of Davina. He didn’t imagine at any point Davina would risk her life to keep him safe. He’d done it many times with her, but not one did he think she’d find it within her to care about his own life.

“I could’ve done a better job at keeping her safe.” Jackson said in a barely audible voice that all beasts managed to hear. Dean angrily cocked his head in Jackson’s direction, staring at him in disbelief.

“You what?” Dean asked, his voice booming. The beasts all took another step back, recognizing Dean’s tone of voice.

“Oh, no.” Charlie uttered in another high pitched voice. He had yet to take his first step back. Upon hearing the tone in Dean’s voice, he did just that.

“No... I would’ve done a better job at keeping her safe!” Jackson shouted. His eyes turned a bright shade of red. Veins protruded from the skin beneath Jackson’s amber eyes. Charlie looked up to the sky, sending a prayer to a non-existent God in his eyes, that the both of them would calm themselves. “Love has made you weaker than you were before you stopped eating properly.” Jackson spat in a low tone of voice, outing Dean to the others.

“I have tried not to let this get where it did with you, Charlie, and Astrid. I have tried to suppress the deep hatred and disgust I feel when I look at you. But, I cannot any longer, Dean. You should’ve done better!” Jackson continued to shout, making Dean approach him with an enraged expression. They’re chests pressed up against each other as they heaved, nostrils flared, and their cold, unforgiveable eyes stared into one another’s.

“Oh, you think so? Tell me! How could you have done any fucking better?!” Dean bellowed.

“Because, I’m in love with her too!” Jackson confessed in the most desperate voice. “And I am not weak! Even in love, I remain strong. I would’ve kept her safe.” Jackson continued, articulating his words for Dean to understand how serious he was. Dean didn’t care, however. Dean was angry. Not only for the way Jackson had spoken to him, not only for being tossed around left and right, but mainly because Jackson had finally confessed what he knew all along.

“You mean like you did Genevieve?” Dean asked lowly, raising a brow at Jackson. Everything and everybody around them went silent. Charlie felt tears springing in his hazel eyes at the mention Genevieve as he brought a shaky hand up to clasp over his gaping mouth. The rest of the beasts all stood around, waiting for something to happen. Everybody knew, you don’t bring up Genevieve, you don’t bring up that day, and you never bring up the wedding band Jackson refuses to remove from his finger, unless you’re hoping to get the beatdown of your life. Jackson swallowed harshly as he stared up into the eyes of Dean. He could admit he’s been harsh and he had it coming. But, Dean should’ve known, Jackson was much less forgiving about the mention of her name, than Dean was about somebody speaking to him the way Jackson had. Fortunately, the ghoul’s had finally begun to stir awake. Niklaus, being clueless to all of the tension surrounding the beasts, groaned as he pulled himself up from the ground, and approached Dean and Jackson.

“What’d I miss?” Niklaus asked as he yawned and stretched. Charlie let out a shriek and quickly tackled Niklaus to the ground to keep him away from getting caught up in the middle of their fight. Niklaus grumbled and complained but didn’t do much considering he’d just woken up. Niklaus began to look around, his eyes squinting due to the brightness of the night lights now turned on within the compound. He then noticed somebody was missing. Somebody very important.

“Where’s the chick?” Niklaus asked.

“Vincent got to her.” Lucian answered after realizing nobody else would.

“Then, why are you all standing around here? Why aren’t you out there looking for her?” Niklaus asked a little in disbelief.

“Because, we don’t know where to look.” Charlie responded. Niklaus then let out a sigh as he brought himself up from the ground, Charlie following afterward.

“I suppose that’s my fault.” Niklaus started, making everybody, including Dean and Jackson, turn their attention to him. “I never informed you of where Vincent’s location is.” Niklaus continued. Dean made his way around Jackson and approached Niklaus.

“My memory is a little foggy right now. I suppose I’d forgotten about your knowledge of his whereabouts.” Dean said, taking a pause. “You’re awake now. You can help us.” Dean spoke, making Niklaus spoke his head.

“Yeah, but not much.” Niklaus said, making Dean frown.

“You know Vincent’s location. What do you mean by ‘not much’?” Jackson asked through gritted teeth. He’d gone back to feeling irritated for a moment. Niklaus didn’t care any.

“Because, it’s a location I can’t show you myself, neither can my ghouls. There’s a big, modernized church right before heading out of Philadelphia and into Darby. It’s where Vincent has been residing these past few months.” Niklaus spoke.

“And, why can’t you come with us? You’ve seen Vincent’s army. We’ve lost too many beasts today. If we go in there, we may end up losing even more.” Charlie spoke.

“The entire property is filled with graves...” Niklaus said rather quietly, not wanting to reveal why. Charlie scoffed.

“Oh, right. You have no self-control.” Charlie spat, making Niklaus frown at him. S~ᴇaʀᴄh the FɪndNovᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

“I saw the way you tore into those beasts! Don’t tell me I have no self-control when you’ve clearly got some issues yourself, buddy!” Niklaus defended himself. Charlie stepped forward, getting in his face. Catrice immediately rolled her eyes and approached them, putting an arm between then.

“We don’t need another fight right now, you two. Cut it out before I make you.” Catrice said sternly. Niklaus glanced down at her. He shot her a glare before complying and backing away. Charlie gave her an amused expression.

“I don’t know if I should. I know just how much you used to love doing that.” Charlie spoke, making Catrice’s eyes widen.

“What’s he mean by that?” Lucian asked, stepping forward. Charlie’s eyes widened as well, realizing Lucian didn’t know about their past. He glanced down at Catrice before giving an awkward smile and backing away.

“We should start heading that way now. The sooner we get there, the sooner we stop the plans Vincent has for Davina.” Victor spoke up, wanting to focus the attention back on what was more important.

“You’re right. Get everybody loaded up in the van and start heading that way. I have something I need to tend to beforehand.” Dean said as he began heading in the direction of the mansion. Victor frowned, wondering what Dean could possibly have to do.

“Alright. Come on, you guys!” Victor said, making his nephew’s and the beasts start heading towards the van. Jackson and Charlie, however, exchanged a glance, wanting to know what their King was up to. Dean tried not to glance over at Eloise’s lifeless, obliterated body, as he headed into the mansion. He began heading down one of the many halls in the mansion, searching for his office. Dean knew to some extent that what Jackson said was right. That he should’ve done a better job at keeping Davina safe. He’d thought he was doing everything right. He’d thought by keeping her at the compound and at his side at all times, she’d be safe. He realized now, having her at his side, was the least safest place she could be. But right now, he tried not to focus on that. He was determined he’d get her back. He knew exactly what he was lacking in order to bring her back. He’d noticed the familiar presence of two other’s but decided to ignore it. He knew his co-leader’s had gotten curious as to why he was heading in the opposite direction of Davina. Dean pushed open the doors of his office and headed over to the bookshelves behind his desk.

“Might I ask what you’re looking for at a time like this?” Charlie asked in an irritated tone as he and Jackson entered the office. Dean didn’t speak. He began searching around the room, trashing everything. Jackson and Charlie exchanged a glance before Jackson took a step forward.

“May we assist you?” Jackson asked in the same, irritated tone as Charlie. Dean stopped for a moment and turned in their direction. He rested the palms of his hands on his desk, not meeting the eyes of his co-leaders.

“Dean? I-I mean, My King?” Charlie stuttered, unsure if Dean was displeased or not. Dean ran his finger’s through his hair, keeping his eyes on the middle of his desk.

“I need one of you to go get something for me.” Dean said sternly.

“What do you need?” Jackson asked curiously. Silence filled the room around them. Dean pinched the bridge of his nose in disbelief of what he was about to respond with.

“To feed.” Dean replied. Jackson and Charlie were taken aback by the request. When Jackson noticed Dean had stopped feeding properly, he realized it had been going on for a while. He could notice signs from months prior meeting Davina. That Dean had been starving himself far longer than when Davina came into the picture. As for Charlie, he’d never been oblivious. He’d notice how tired Dean seemed at times. So, both didn’t expect Dean to request a drink, much less from the vein. Charlie glanced up at Jackson before speeding out of the room to search for the proper meal for Dean.

“And, what were you searching for?” Jackson asked as he neared Dean’s desk.

“This.” Dean said, revealing something peculiar in his hand. Jackson glanced down, finding a talon. He found it odd that he didn’t know the significance of it. He glanced up at Dean, quirking a brow at him. Dean’s eyes finally met Jackson’s as he approached him.

“This is the last thing left of the former King before his sudden disappearance.” Dean revealed. Jackson now frowned at his King.

“What purpose does it serve?” Jackson asked curiously.

“It’s mostly a souvenir.” Dean spoke with a wicked smirk, making Jackson’s lip twitch slightly. “But, it also serves as a reminder to never lose control when taking from the veil. When I properly feed, I need you to mark the back of my head.” Dean said. After a moment of brief confusion, Jackson nodded his head. “I also need you to never tell anybody I’ve shown you this. Nobody knows I have what’s left of the former King. It’d raise too many questions among the beasts.” Dean continued. Jackson was left confused once more. He didn’t know what happened to the former King. He didn’t know him and had never met him, so he personally didn’t care. Especially after all he’d done in his time of ruling. But, he didn’t understand how Dean had something left of him. He knew Dean never did anything to the former beast King, much less to gain the throne because he’s never wanted to be King. He still wondered how.

“I won’t tell a soul.” Jackson assured him in a formal tone. Dean stared at him for a moment, looking for any indication of a lie. He found none, knowing he could fully trust Jackson with this. He placed the talon into Jackson’s awaiting, gloved hand. Not a moment after, Charlie appeared with a human now at his side.

“Just how you like it, Dean. Negative O blood type.” Charlie said with a hand on the shoulder of the human beside him. A woman with dark skin stared up at Dean with a blank expression, letting Dean know she’d already been properly taken care of by Charlie. The mind control kept human’s from screaming, asking questions, resisting, and such. It a necessity when feeding on beasts. If not, it’d lead to complication’s such as them remembering, or other’s questioning the marks. Dean swallowed harshly as he took a few steps forward, approaching the human. Both Jackson and Charlie noticed the hesitation in Dean steps. They could see in his eyes that he didn’t want to do this. Jackson took a step forward, patting Dean on the nape of his neck. Dean could feel the talon grazing against the back of his head.

“Remember, Dean. This is to bring Davina back to us. You need it.” Charlie reminded him. Dean shut his eyes, sighing heavily. He then took a deep breath and opened his eyes once more, revealing his bright, red, beast like eyes. Charlie pushed the woman forward, giving Dean the opportunity to take her in his grasp. He wrapped an arm around her as he used his free hand to tilt her head to the side. He took a deep breath before baring his fangs. He inched closer to her neck, pressing his forehead into her.

“I’m sorry.” Dean whispered, though he knew she couldn’t respond. Just as he pieced his teeth into the neck of the woman, Jackson pierced the talon into the back of Dean’s head. Instantly, images of Dean’s creator flooded into his mind. He could see the beast he hated so. His mind played back the first memory he had of his creator; the night he’d been attacked and turned. It haunted him to this day, he’d never been able to truly forget it. But he knew, if he were to feed, he’d need to relive this moment again. To feel it more deeply than just any regular memory in order to stop himself from going any further and killing those he fed upon. His last memory of his maker flashed in his head. He watched a heated confrontation between his maker and himself take place. Dean, being young and innocent, wouldn’t realize the depth behind his words. How angry he’d make his maker, resulting in a ruthless beating with him on the ground, being forced to take every hit. He remembered the seething look in the eyes of his maker. How he had that look even when he wasn’t upset. It never left. He recalled crawling away, trying to escape the former King’s wrath. Until, all of a sudden, his maker went up in flames. He screamed and cried as his body eroded into nothing but ash. That was the very last time he saw his maker alive. Now, he only see’s him in nightmares. After a moment, Dean forced himself to pull away from the woman. His eyes remained closed. He was scared he’d blacked out. That he’d open his eyes to find he’d gone too far like he feared. When he opened his eyes, the woman was no longer in his arms. Instead, she was in Charlie’s as he dabbed the blood away with a cloth.

“Oh, you’re being dramatic! It’s just a little blood loss. You’ll be fine!” Charlie scolded the woman as she stumbled in his arms, then patted her on the cheek a few times. Upon hearing Charlie’s request, she stood up straight. She then turned her attention over to Charlie.

“Now, can you tell me what just happened?” Charlie asked the woman, looking directly into her dark eyes.

“My car broke down across the street from your place. You invited me inside, showed me to the phone so I could call a tow truck, and then you escorted me out.” The woman replied. Charlie grinned, nodding his head at her.

“That’s right. Off to the door we go.” Charlie said as he wrapped an arm around her shoulder, helping her out of the room, and to the front of the mansion.

“How are you feeling?” Jackson asked. Dean didn’t respond immediately. He instead turned to Jackson at a slow pace, looking him up and down, and then landed a hard back hand to the face of Jackson,. He was sent flying back into a bookshelf, then slid to the floor. Jackson huffed as a few books fell, landing on top of him. He’d noticed when he hit the bookshelf, it slightly tipped forward. Fortunately for him, his weight against it kept it from tumbling over and on top of him. Jackson knew that without properly feeding, Dean would’ve never been able to send him flying at the speed he did. Nor would he have been able to hit the shelf as harshly as he did. He was certain he had some bruising beneath his tattoos.

“A simple thumbs up would’ve sufficed.” Jackson growled. Dean let his lip curl up into a smirk ever so slightly before approaching Jackson and reaching his hand out to him. Jackson took it after a moment and was pulled up from the ground. After Jackson composed himself and fixed his suit, he looked over at Dean, finding a serious expression upon his face.

“You know exactly what that was for. Now, we’re even.” Dean said, making Jackson huff once more.

“We most certainly are not. But, we cannot focus on that now. We have to go save Davina.” Jackson spoke as he began heading for the door, Dean following after. Jackson then stopped halfway, turning back to his King. “And, we will be discussing this later.” Jackson uttered.

“I’d expect nothing less from you, Jackson.” Dean replied before the two exited the office, ready to bring Davina back.

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