Correct Chapter 60

Damon POV

The hotel I am staying at is gross.  The paint is peeling off the walls from years of water damage, the smell of stale cigarettes clings to every piece of furniture, and roaches skitter across the floor.  I could afford a nicer place, but this one is a block from Elana’s apartment.  Even though she doesn’t want me around, the urge to be near her is too strong for me to ignore. 

Leaning back on the bed, I flick through the TV channels, searching for one that isn’t purely static.  A warning siren slips through the speakers, and I bolt upright.  A second alarm rings from outside the hotel, and then another. 

Another rogue attack. 

Hector instantly pushes to the front of my mind, not waiting for me to give him control.  Half shifted, I sprint through the hotel lobby.  Patrons are running, their screams fueling me.  They run into rooms, locking the doors behind them. 

Once I am outside, I don’t think.  I just run. 

Not to the hospital.  Not to the pack house.  To her.

Elana’s apartment.

My boots slam against the pavement, and my heart pounds recklessly in my chest.  The thought that something might have happened to her or Gabby makes me run faster than I ever have before. 

Before I reach the building, the scent of blood and rotting flesh fills my senses.  Shattered glass cracks under my feet as I step into the parking lot.  The rogues are everywhere.  Too many of them.   

I rush past them all, ignoring their snarls and the sounds of their feet chasing after me.  I clear the last flight of stairs, three at a time, and crash through the door just in time to see them.

Four rogues, spilling out of Elana’s apartment window with Gabby in their claws. 

“Uncle Damon,” she cries.

“No!” I bellow.  Tears rolls down my cheeks as I lunge forward. 

I slam into the nearest rogue, my claws ripping through his shoulder.  He howls in pain as his blood sprays across the tile.  I spin, catching another across the face.  Gabby screams, as her capture turns toward me.  Her little arms fail wilding, and she digs a finger into the rogue’s eye.  He screams, dropping her to the ground, clutching his face.

“You’ll pay for that, you little brat,” he snarls.

“Run, Gabby,” I roar.  “Hide!”

She pauses for a moment, her gaze landing on her mother who is knocked out in the kitchen.  She whimpers, but the growl from the rogue breaks her from her trance. 

She bolts, daring between two overturned chairs and vanishing into the shadows beyond the apartment’s doorway.  She is fast and smart.  I have to believe she will get away.  I since of relief sparks through my rage, and can breath a little easier knowing she’s not in their hands anymore. 

Two rogues lunge at me at once.  I duck the first, but the second catches my side with his claws.  The rake deep into my flesh and I stumble back.  White pain explodes in my side, making it hard to remain on my feet.  Hector pushes harder to maintain control, but something is weakening him.

‘His claw,” Hector rasps.  ‘They were dipped in silver.’

The rogue stands in front of me, flexing his claws by his side.  “What’s wrong?  Can the bastard Alpha’s son not handle a little bit of silver?” 

Refusing to give up, I rip into one of the rogues.  His bone gives and cracks under my strike, but another comes from behind, slamming me against the wall.  More silver dipped claws dig into my side, and black dots burst across my vision. 

They step back, taunting me while I try to regain my strength.  I force myself upright, staggering toward the door where Gabby disappeared.  “Gabby!” I shout.  “Stay hidden.” 

I don’t know if she hears me, but I pray to the Moon Goddess she does.  The last rogue barrels into me.  We crash through the kitchen counter, sending splinters flying.  I snarl and drive my claws into his throat.  He gurgles, slumping over gripping his neck.  He swipes out with his claws, raking them across my chest. 

My knees buckle.  Warm liquid runs down my side.  My hand brushes against it, and I draw it to my face.  My blood, and a lot of it.  The room tilts, and I fall to my side. 

The rogues retreat, one by one, snarling and limping.  I try to drag myself to my feet to chase them, but my body won’t obey. 

Elana stirs on the other side of the kitchen.  Moaning and whimpering Gabby’s name. 

“Elana,” I murmur, blinking through the blood in my eyes. 

Dragging myself across the floor, I curl myself around her body.  The alarms still wail outside, warriors shouting, and distant sirens grow nearer. 

“They are coming,” I whisper to Elana.  “You are going to be okay.” 

She whimpers again, but her eyes still don’t open.  I fall onto my back, looking at the ceiling above me.  It spins like I have had too much alcohol, and I close my eyes.

“Stay hidden, Gabby,” I whisper, though my voice is already fading. 

Hector whines, clawing at consciousness, but the darkness pulls harder.

The last thing I see before it swallows me is a tiny shape curled against my chest, wide eyes shining with tears, alive because I got here in time.

Then everything goes black.