by R L Medina
A visitor? Where was Kohl?
Throwing off the covers, I shot up. “Who? Diego?”
Anger built inside me. That wolf was officially starting to piss me off.
“No, Queen. It’s Prince Fane. He won’t leave.”
Fane? The vampire prince? What the hell was he doing breaking the agreement? They weren’t supposed to be anywhere near the coven.
“Ugh. Tell him I’m coming.”
Her footsteps retreated as I got myself dressed and wiped the sleepy dust from my eyes. A million questions raced in my mind. What did the prince want? Why was he here?
For the most part, the vampires kept to themselves except for the few that strolled the city, preying on humans. Our ancient covenant with the vampire royals kept them from attacking my witches. They were supposed to stay in their territory, in the north of the city. Ever since Prince Ryn’s punishment they’d left us alone. So why was Fane here now?
Shoving down my weariness, I downed the dregs of my tea and headed for the door. You better have a good reason for waking me up, vamp.
Only a few candles were lit in the entry room and the fire was starting to dwindle in the fireplace. The witches attempt to save our resources on both candles and magic. Though my power was weakened from my confrontation with Diego, I couldn’t very well face the vampire prince in the pitch black.
I needed to see him at all times.
Summoning my magic, I winced as the pain flashed through me and settled. I flicked my wrist at the dead lightbulb overhead. It flickered on, bathing the room in a warm glow. The magic wouldn’t last long, but I didn’t intend to entertain the vampire all night.
“Queen McKenzie.” Kohl’s voice echoed in the room.
He and the two other witches on watch turned and bowed to me. My eyes met my best friend’s. His lips pursed in disapproval, but he didn’t say anything. I bit back a smile. Kohl. He was more upset about me losing sleep than I was.
“What is it? What does he want?” I asked Kohl.
A very loud harrumph sounded on the other side of the door. “I can hear you in there.”
The cultured drawl reminded me of the old south and was startling coming from the young man Fane appeared to be. At least from what I remembered him to look like.
“He says he needs to talk to you. That it’s urgent,” Kohl answered.
I stepped closer to the door. “You’re breaking our agreement. You shouldn’t be here. What do you want, Fane?”
“Prince Fane. And I’m not talking to the door. Invite me in. Please.”
The hairs on my neck bristled. There was something in his voice that triggered my flight or fight instinct and right now that voice was telling me to kick that vamp to the curb.
“Come back in the morning.”
“Now. Now, Queen McKenzie, is that any way to treat a fellow royal? You know I like to get my rest in the daylight.”
I could hear the smirk in his voice. My face heated with irritation. It wasn’t like he couldn’t come out in the sun, but it did weaken them, made them slower.
Kohl shook his head at me. “I don’t trust him, Queen.”
A snicker sounded. “Are you that frightened of one vampire? I’m flattered.”
I sighed. “Just let him in. Make it quick, Fane. Unlike you, we sleep at night. Like normal people.”
The door opened and my witches stepped back, our magic thrumming in the room. I moved to the couch and sank onto the cushion. My heart pounded as I watched the vampire waltz in.
He was tall and slender, looking every bit the prince, he was. Raven hair fell to his shoulders and framed his pale, heart-shaped face, the contrast was striking, but not as striking as his ice-blue eyes. His lips quirked into a knowing smile that made me flush with annoyance.
Walking toward me, he completely ignored my witches. His long legs were encased in black denim and moved much too gracefully to be natural. My eyes caught on his opened black, button down that revealed way more of his toned chest than I cared to see. I snapped my gaze back to his face.
A small smile played on sensual lips and he arched a dark elegant brow.
I sat up straighter, refusing to let him have the upper hand.
“Aren’t you going to offer me a seat? Or a glass of—”
“We don’t serve blood here,” Kohl cut him off. He came to my side, shoulders stiff.
Annoyance flickered on Fane’s face, but he didn’t respond to my friend. Instead, he stood above me, holding me captive with his beautiful, cold eyes.
“Wine is what I was going to say. I prefer red,” he drawled.
I gave him a flat look. “Sit down, Fane.”
“You didn’t say prince.”
Heat crept up my neck. He was getting on my last nerve.
His eyebrow continued to arch in challenge. It was way too late in the night to be playing games with me. Before I thought better of it, my hand lashed out and I used my magic to pull him to the chair in front of me.
He landed hard, his eyes widened in surprise. That made me smile. The two witches stood behind him and Kohl moved closer, towering over me.
A low rumble sounded from Fane. Laughing? Was he laughing? Anger flared in my belly.
“They said you were a feisty queen, but no one told me how alluring you were.” His gaze roamed over me, making me bristle.
Heat flooded me as he undressed me with his eyes. I immediately regretted the thin tank top and skirt I’d thrown on.
Kohl stepped forward, but I was faster. I let my magic shoot forth once more, pushing Fane and his chair back. The wood scraped along the carpet a few inches.
Pain sliced through me. I really needed to stop with the magic.
Lifting my chin, I met his gaze. “What do you want, Fane?”
Clearing his throat and straightening his shirt, he smirked at me. “Remind me never to compliment you again.”
I shot to my feet, patience evaporating. “You have one second to tell me what the hell you want or I’m kicking you out.”
He scoffed. “One second? That’s hardly reasonable.”
Glaring at him, I turned to walk away.
“Leaving so soon? But then you won’t get to hear what I have to say and trust me, you want to hear what I have to say.”
I snorted. “Doubtful.”
“It’s about the barrier,” he spoke in singsong.
The barrier? What the hell did he know about it?
I heard him rise, his clothes rustling, but I didn’t turn back to him.
“Ahh. I thought that might interest you, but obviously this is a bad time. I’ll show myself out.”
The smugness in his voice made me want to unleash more magic at him, consequences be damned. But I refrained.
“No.” I slowly turned around.
He was still standing there, having the audacity to look amused.
“No?” he repeated, cocking his head.
My eyes narrowed. “Tell me what you know, and then we’ll let you go.”
A deep rumble of laughter erupted from him and I fought the urge to strike him with my magic again.
“Stop wasting our time,” Kohl interjected.
I glanced at him in surprise. The mask of coolness had slipped. That was a sure sign of the vampire’s ability to annoy that even Kohl—the most self-controlled person I knew lost it with him.
Unfazed, Fane sauntered closer to me and smiled. Who did he think he was? I’d seen him maybe twice in my whole life and had never officially met face to face, but he acted as if we were close friends.
“My brother requests your audience.”
The witches behind him gasped. Kohl scowled. I blinked at Fane, stunned. Prince Ryn was awake? How? When?
A sliver of fear crept up my spine. I’d heard the rumors of the heartless vampire—all the things he’d done before he was staked and frozen as punishment for turning one of our witches.
Ryn was their next king, and I’d hoped the curse meant he’d stay in his coffin forever or be
taken along with the other vampires who’d been over nineteen when turned.
Fighting off the nerves, I frowned at Fane. “You woke him? He was supposed to be staked for two more years.”
“I didn’t wake him. I don’t know who did, but he’s up. And he wants you.”
An icy rush of fear filled me. Beside me, Kohl tensed, an actual growl escaping him.
“Me? What for?”
He smiled. “He has a proposition for you. Innocent, I swear. Unless… you’re into something more—”
“I’m not.”
Fane shrugged. “It’s something about the barrier.”
My eyes narrowed. “What does your brother know about the barrier?”
I didn’t have time for his games and I definitely didn’t have time to seek out the deadliest vampire in Savannah. What he asked would break our ancient agreement. It had to be a trick.
“Well, that’s something you’ll have to ask my dear brother. He doesn’t tell me all his… secrets.” Fane smiled.
His fangs protruded, making my heart race. I shoved down the panic threatening to rise. We were in our coven, we had magic. We were safe. The light above died without warning, submerging us in darkness.
Crap.
6
Valeria
Run. My wolf screamed inside me.
But it was too late. A powerful force rolled through the clearing, making me stumble back.
“What the?” Drew’s voice broke out over the whipping wind.
“Leave the body,” I shouted.
His head snapped to me. “What?”
I motioned for them to follow. “We have to get out of here. Just leave the body.”
“No. I can’t just leave her out here.”
Becca glared at me. “You said this was safe.”
“I was wrong.”
Without waiting to see if they followed me, I ran for the trees. My inner wolf was filled with terror, and that chilled me. There were few things that scared her that bad.
What was happening in the forest?
All around us, the birds sprang from the branches, taking to the sky with a sharp cry. In the distance, animals yipped, squeaked, and scurried away. The leaves whipped in a frenzy, pulled by some invisible force.
Drew and Becca ran toward me. The body was nowhere to be seen.
I paused. Would it stop now?
“What was that?” Becca demanded before she’d even caught up.
Drew’s eyes were still wide in fear. He didn’t speak.
“I don’t know.”
“You don’t know? Isn’t this your territory? How do you not know there’s a freaking… whatever that thing is?”
Becca’s words made me growl. I didn’t need her to point out my shortcomings. We were there for her. To help her.
“Shut up. Listen.” Drew held a finger to his mouth.
My wolf stilled within me. There was a strange wail and snapping of bones. What the—?
A howl echoed from the clearing. I tensed. How? No one was there… I would have sensed them. The only thing left behind was the human and she couldn’t have made the sound.
“Is that… Jen? Becca’s words echoed my thoughts.
I shook my head. Impossible.
Another howl ripped through the sky and the unmistakable sound of footsteps pounded toward us. It was too late to run. I called my wolf forward and sprang into action.
My body shifted. Pain flared hot as I turned.
Alarm came from the others, but they weren’t the threat. My senses heightened in wolf form, I watched the edge of the trees.
Something was coming. Something unnatural. Unwanted.
I would kill it.
A half wolf, half vampire appeared, still wearing the skin of the dead human. I snarled.
It spotted us and sped toward us at an incredible speed. Large fangs jutted from its mouth, and fur lined its once fleshy skin.
Not even proper wolf, it couldn’t shift fully.
My claws sunk into the earth, ready to spring. Wild, yellow eyes met mine.
It dove.
My teeth sank into its neck, breaking through skin. A sour taste filled my mouth making me release it.
Wrong. All wrong. I heaved.
It thrashed, blood gushing from its neck. Snarling and hissing, it came for me again. I leapt out of reach. My tail swished. Eyes focused on the monster, I watched and waited for her to attack again.
Before it got the chance, a gun fired. The bullet struck the hybrid right in the chest. She stumbled back with the force and let out a piercing howl. Another bullet followed the first, and then another.
She fell to the earth. I padded closer to inspect it. A ghastly scent enveloped her, making me skitter back.
Blood. Death.
It’s over. You can retreat, my human commanded.
With a final howl of victory, I did just that.
Coldness swept over me as I shifted back to my human form. My body trembled as I pieced together what happened. The taste of rancid meat and blood filled my mouth, making my stomach roll. I was going to need a lot of toothpaste to get that taste out.
“Here. Your clothes.” Becca’s voice snapped me to attention.
Heat spread through me as I grabbed them from her and held them up to my naked body. I didn’t have time to undress before shifting so the fabric was torn. Holding up my shirt like a towel, I glanced around. I’d have to hold it together with my hand until I could change.
“Take my shirt,” Drew said.
His eyes averted, he handed me the T-shirt from his back. I turned my back to them and pulled it over my head. The smell of his sweat and soap washed over me making me flush. It was still warm from his body. He wasn’t much taller than me, so the hem barely covered my ass. With my wolves, it didn’t matter. We were used to seeing each other in the bare flesh, but standing with the humans I couldn’t help but redden with embarrassment.
Ignoring my mortification, I went to stand with the others and looked at the dead body. Becca’s shots had made their mark. Chills crawled up my spine. Silver bullets. That was twice now she had to kill her poor friend—twice in one night.
“So, are you going to explain what the hell happened here?” Her hard voice caught my ear.
I turned to her. “I can’t. I don’t… this shouldn’t be possible.”
“Maybe the poison didn’t work,” Drew offered.
My eyes dipped to his bare chest, the sight startling. He was much broader than he looked with a shirt on.
My wolf growled inside me. Not our mate.
I whipped back to the dead body, trying to hide my furious blush. Had he seen me looking?
Becca glared at me. She’d noticed.
Holding my head up, I turned to them. “We should head back to camp.”
Branches snapped in the distance, the noise alerting my wolf. Someone was coming. I motioned for the twins to get behind me and stay quiet.
Jay. What was he doing there? His eyes widened when he saw me. My face flamed, but I met his stare. Thoughts tumbled in my mind. Yeah, I’m wearing the human’s shirt. So, what?
“What happened?” His words came harshly.
My eyes narrowed on him. “I told you to stand guard.”
“Luke is on duty now.” He stared at me. There was no hint of repentance for disobeying my order. My wolf snarled. Unacceptable.
I shoved him hard against a tree, letting my inner wolf lash out. The sound of his back slamming against bark echoed around us. He didn’t fight back, but I didn’t like the hard look in his eyes. Silver replaced brown.
My lips parted in a predatory smile. “Do it. Shift. See what happens.”
He stiffened underneath my hold, his eyes returning to their mocha brown.
I released his shirt. “Go back to camp.”
His eyes darted from me to the others as he straightened. I could tell there was something he wanted to say, but he didn’t dare speak it now.
With a quick nod, he was off. I
watched his broad frame disappear back toward camp. I felt the eyes of the humans on me and turned to face them.
“What do we do with… where should we bury her?” Drew’s voice broke the silence.
I glanced at the poor girl and shook my head. “Just bury her here.”
“Are we really going to pretend like this didn’t just happen?” Becca frowned at me.
Her twin stopped, shovel in mid-air. “Which part?”
She grunted. “How about where Jen came back to life and tried to kill us?”
He continued his work, muscles on full display as he swung. I averted my gaze and looked to Becca.
“The poison must not have been effective.”
Her lips thinned. “She was dead. I helped carry her out here. There’s no way she—”
“What do you think happened, Becca?” her brother cut her off.
Pausing, he stared at her, one eyebrow arched.
“I don’t know what happened in the clearing, but something did. I felt it. Something was off. And Jen… there’s something about that place. You said witches were buried there?”
I nodded.
“Maybe there’s dormant magic then too? Something that could—”
“What? Resurrect a body?” Drew scoffed.
My heart skipped. It couldn’t be that. It had to be the poison. If there was something powerful left behind wouldn’t it have resurrected the witches there too? Why Jen? Why now?
Drew frowned at me. “What do you think?”
I shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m not a witch.”
Questions filled my mind. Was it because she had been in the middle of her transformation? Or was it the poison? Maybe it didn’t actually kill her to begin with?
None of it made sense. Tomorrow. Tomorrow, I could deal with it. I was too tired now. My body, though it hadn’t been present during the fight, felt bruised and broken.
The aftereffects of the change.
I sighed, wishing I could sink into a hot bath. Or curl up in a real bed.
Elijah, what would you do? I dismissed the thought, hating that I was missing him. What could he have done differently anyway?
I helped Drew finish digging the grave and waited as they placed her monstrous body in it. A shudder ran down my spine as she disappeared under the dark earth. Hopefully for good.