Bad Blood: Bad Duology Book One

by Colt, Shyla

  “You’re lucky I like you.” She snatched the card, and he hid his smirk. She could be a vicious little thing if provoked. It kept things interesting. He could never stand a weak-willed mate. He needed a challenge and someone who could bite back. Soft had never been a word allowed in his vocabulary. While he might cherish her, he couldn’t change who he was. She understood that.

  “I know,” he answered honestly. He watched her move to the computer, reassuring himself that all was well. They’d escaped the others by the skin of their teeth. He wouldn’t stop his vigilance now. If you had told him his life would one day revolve around the well-being of a witch, he would have scoffed. Now? She was the heartbeat his undead body could no longer produce.

  Chapter Ten

  KEETA

  She stared longingly at Crewe’s rippling muscles while he sparred with Cyprian. The purity rituals were putting a strain on her love life. You go three years with zilch, and once you break the seal, you’re hooked.

  “Pretty to look at, aren’t they?”

  She grinned at Rainer and nodded. Clad in a light blue maxi dress with pink flamingos, she was much more at home.

  “I don’t mind that all of our boys are eye candy, but thinking of them in a romantic sense gives me the willies. They’re firmly in the family zone, I’m afraid.”

  Keeta laughed. “I can’t help but feel I’m sorry is the only proper response to that.”

  “Have you found more?” Rainer gestured toward the book she thumbed through with her head.

  “Nothing helpful. It’s a bit like trying to piece together a puzzle. I get bits and pieces, thoughts that are often scattered.” She shook her head. “I’m not sure what she was thinking.”

  “Seers tend to go insane after a while you know. Too much knowledge of the past, present, and future can become confusing.”

  Keeta frowned at the bubbly pixie. “You sound as if you speak from experience.”

  “My mother and grandmother spent their twilight years institutionalized. I fear I’ll follow the same trend.”

  “But you were right about everything.”

  “And yet, it still takes a toll.” Rainer tapped her temple. “Here.”

  “Can’t anything be done?”

  “Perhaps if I’m lucky, I will meet my match. The connection can be grounding. The odds, however, of meeting a twin flame in any lifetime are slim.”

  “You can’t see—”

  “For myself?” She smiled sadly. “No, that’s not how it works.”

  “It should.” The thought of this vibrant woman fading in any way angered her.

  “I think if we saw everything coming our way, we’d be insane a hell of a lot faster. There’s a reason why they say we have no clue how strong we are until it’s our only option.”

  The book in her hand pulsed. She glanced from it to the woman seated in front of her enjoying the butterflies that danced among the lingering wildflowers.

  “Rainer?”

  “Hmmm.” She turned toward her with a dreamy expression.

  “Hold out your hand, please.”

  “Why?” Rainer eyed her curiously.

  “I’m not sure. Just a feeling.”

  “Okay?” Rainer held out her palm.

  The minute the book touched her hand it hummed happily.

  “You’re one of us.”

  “What? I don’t understand.” Rainer shook her head from side to side.

  “You’re one of the bloodlines, Rainer. Don’t you see? That’s why you were given this task. How long have you been dreaming about the book and the people here?”

  “Since I was young,” Rainer said softly.

  “What’s happened?” Crewe asked.

  Cyprian knelt beside Rainer, taking one of her hands between his. “Are you okay?” he asked.

  Rainer nodded, her amber eyes still glazed.

  “Rainer’s had a shock. The book recognized her,” Keeta explained.

  “Will that help her?” Cyprian inquired. For a second, she saw beneath his cool veneer. He truly cared about Rainer.

  “Honestly, I don’t know. But if I have anything to say about it, it will.” She wouldn’t give him false hope.

  “Your word, witch?” Cyprian said.

  “You have it.”

  “What does this mean?” Crewe asked.

  “We’re one step closer to recasting our spell.” Keeta smiled. Things were beginning to look up.

  “And exactly where you need to be,” Rainer said with a serene smile. Her eyes went unfocused. “It’ll be close.”

  “What will be?” Cyprian concentrated intensely on her words.

  “What’s going on?” Keeta went stiff. The timbre of Rainer’s voice changed.

  “The spell. Not sure if you’ll make it.”

  “Rain.” Cyprian cupped her face. “Tell us what you see.”

  “Could be disaster. Or perhaps, victory? You’ll have to work fast and be sure. It’ll take a lot of power. They’re coming for you. Takes an evil purpose to gather the likes of those forces.”

  “Tell us about the forces coming, Rain,” Cyprian’s voice softened.

  “Wolves and witches. Vampires, too. Out for blood. They know what you are. Both of you.”

  “Both of us?” Keeta repeated.

  “They won’t forget what you did that day. The traitor wants you dead. The vampire. He hates, hates, hates all that’s coming. He wants to see it all burn. Been too long on this earth.”

  “So, he wants to take us all with him then?” Crewe narrowed his gaze. “Do you know who this is, Rainer?”

  “It’s—” Her mouth opened in a soundless scream and her back arched.

  “What’s happening?” Cyprian cried, holding her against his chest to keep her from harming herself.

  “Someone’s blocking her.” Keeta threw a shield over her friend, and the convulsions stopped. “Be at peace, sister.” Rainer slumped in Cyprian’s arms. “She’s only asleep. When she wakes up, she’ll be fine.”

  Adjusting her in his arms, Cyprian carried her toward the house.

  “Am I the only one who wonders how much Cyprian cares about our little Rainer?”

  “Caring doesn’t make them a love match. Much like wolves, we grow attached to those we consider to be family.”

  “Hmmm.” Unconvinced, she kept her thoughts to herself.

  Gripping her hips, he pulled her frame to his. “Does this purity ritual prevent us from kissing?”

  “No.” His rakish grin was the last thing she saw before his face filled her vision and his lips touched hers. He tasted of berries and desperation. Every day pushed them closer to the ceremony and the uncertainty that would follow. Tilting her head, she deepened the kiss, losing herself in the bond they’d forged, and the love found. If the world burned down around them, at least she had known the beauty of being loved and accepted for everything she was and in spite of what she wasn’t.

  Crewe pulled back slightly to allow her to breathe as he pressed kisses down her face and neck. His fangs nicked her collarbone, and she quivered.

  “Silly witch. Don’t you know by now you’re everything?” His words threatened to turn her into a puddle.

  “Crewe,” she whimpered.

  “You are the one thing I’ve done in this life that I’m truly proud of. I’d experience every loss all over again to end up here by your side. Never doubt that.”

  Burying her face in his neck, she inhaled his aroma and begged her ancestors to keep her safe. You put us in this position, and you owe me. She sent the demand out into the universe, knowing he’d somehow hear it.

  * * *

  “Are you ready?” Cian asked as they waded into the cool water.

  Her teeth chattered. “As I’ll ever be.” The witches gathered at the river to symbolically wash away the negative residue in a naturally flowing body of water, beneath the moon. The vampires lined the perimeter of the area as a precautionary measure. The frigid water quickly spread up her white gown as they fo
rmed a small circle. A bracelet and headband made of copper and opals adorned them. Bundles of white sage burned in the small campfire they’d set in the center of stones nearby. The sweet smell coasted toward her on the wind.

  Reagan reached down and filled his cupped hands with water. He let the liquid spill, joining the larger source. “With this, we clear way our negative emotion, invite in calm, and heighten our psychic awareness. Like the nature of water, we will be cool, calm, and level-headed.”

  Closing her eyes, Keeta focused on shutting out the worries, doubts, and painful experiences. Magic worked best when the witch casting was grounded and self-assured. The water lapped against her body, taking away the stress and connecting her to nature. Clear-headed for the first time in weeks, she viewed the star-studded sky with a fresh set of eyes, and experienced the deep communion she’d missed with her surroundings.

  Keeta glanced over at the others, and they exchanged gentle smiles. Rainer spoke next. Waving her hands, she brought the smoke toward them with her magic. Circling their bodies, like a cat looking to be petted, it filled her lungs. “Keep our minds clear, and our senses alert.” We contemplated the nature of air as the swirls danced before they floated away carried on the wind. Keeta reached into the soft leather pouch around her neck, pulled out sea salt, and sprinkled it into the river. Thinking of the river bed beneath her feet, she connected to the earth, letting the potent force flow through the others in the small circle. “Give us the strength to do what needs to be done. Grant us stability to stand against those who seek to upset the balance.”

  She experienced complete acceptance. Inhaling sharply, she closed her eyes. A tickling sensation traveled up her arms. Owls hooted a chorus. Crickets serenaded them with their songs. A shooting star blazed against the inky sky as it passed directly overhead. Joining hands, they used the energy they generated to strengthen the fire to a roaring blaze. Intently gazing into the dancing red, yellow, and blue element, she thought on the act of transformation, and how flames could burn away the old to produce something new and pure. The flames twisted themselves into spirals, cracking loudly. They lifted their hands, and the campfire exploded upward, forming a fiery dove.

  “I’d say the message was received and rewarded,” Reagan drawled.

  “Let’s close the circle,” Keeta said quietly. It felt wrong to break the tranquility that had settled over the land and inside of her mind. The forest had gone soundless, but it didn’t feel oppressive. Raising her hand, she drew a circle in the air counterclockwise, as she released the energy they’d gathered. The water rose up, bubbling before it went placid. The silent casting was a new experience. She’d never experienced a circle casually yet sincerely drawn. They gave thanks in their own way, guiding each other with broad directions. She’d always thought of covens as restrictive. These three proved her wrong.

  She stepped onto the shore. Twigs snapped to her left, and her ears twitched. Turning her head, she spotted an animal clearing the bushes. The small, brownish-gray coyote and the gray wolf beside him made her gulp. Unafraid, they padded out into a patch of moonlight. Heads held high, they studied her.

  “You see this, too, right?” She quickly glanced at Cian who nodded.

  “What does it mean?” Rainer asked quizzically.

  “In Native American culture, the coyote is a favored form of one of the creators. He represents the spirits of an ancestor. The wolf is a blessing and a way they often choose to communicate with the people.” Awed by the physical symbols seeking her out, Keeta bowed to the animals watching her with unblinking eyes.

  “Thank you.” Her mind traveled to the shaman who’d gone astray. Now’s your chance. They’re listening. Don’t squander the opportunity.

  The animals appeared to return the gesture before they slunk back into the forest they’d materialized out of like ghosts.

  “Are all of your circles this eventful?” Keeta asked with a laugh.

  “Ha. Hardly,” Cian chuckled.

  “Are we ready?” Cyprian asked. Crewe, Silver, and Lavina appeared beside them with blankets in hand.

  “Very.” Reagan took the blanket from Silver and wrapped it around his shoulders.

  “Did everything go as planned?” Crewe covered her with a thick wool cover and pulled her to his side.

  “Better than.” She smiled, to put him at ease.

  “Good.” He kissed her temple.

  “Here. This should help.” Cyprian began to pour tea from a thermos into plastic cups. The blueberry tea warmed them from the inside out, aiding in the further cleansing of their auras. Time was slipping through their fingers like sand through an hourglass and every second counted as the hand of time continued to turn. Truly relaxed, her muscles shed their tension, and exhaustion crept over her swiftly.

  “Tired?” Crewe asked as they approached the house.

  “Mmm-hmm. Suddenly, I can’t even keep my eyes open.” She rubbed her eyelids and blinked repeatedly like a small child fighting sleep.

  “Here.” He seized the empty cup from her hands and unwound the wet blanket from her body on the front porch. “Go ahead and get to sleep. I’ll handle this.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “This is my day, remember?” he said, amused.

  She hesitated briefly. He’d found a new kinship with Silver and Cyprian. After all he’d lost, she wouldn’t begrudge him time to reconnect with people who could understand him.

  “All right. Enjoy your dayving.” She combined the words day and evening with a wink, adding more cheer than she felt into her words. Wiggling her fingers, she continued into the house, trudging up the stairs.

  Inside their room, she pitched her wet things into the hamper and climbed into the shower. Using the rainfall showerhead to the fullest, she chased away the persistent chill. After drying off, she pulled on a pair of pajama pants and a T-shirt, and tumbled face first into the downy paradise of the bed.

  Opening her eyes, she found herself in a familiar hollow surrounded by stone. As she sat up on the cold soil, she spotted the Shaman on the opposite side of the fire in the center of the cavern watching her.

  Squinting, she observed him silently for a long moment. “Who are you?”

  “A person time forgot.”

  “How can you be remembered when you choose to hide?”

  He narrowed his black gaze her way. Sitting up straight, she refused to be intimidated.

  “You lay your problems at my feet, and yet you can’t share your name with me?”

  His nostrils flared. “Seke.”

  Seke. She let the name roll over in her mind. It meant black. Fitting.

  “It’s time you help fix what you broke, Seke.”

  He sprang to his feet and paced in front of the fire, casting his shadow on the cave wall. “I am not allowed.”

  “To do what?” She wrinkled her nose, baffled. If he could reach across time to bring her here, why did he act as if he were powerless?

  “Anything more than the spirits will allow. This helpless nothingness,” he spread his arms wide, “is the state I’m forced to live in.”

  The petulant tone hit a sour note. “Did you even apologize?”

  He scowled. “The spirits care little for regrets.”

  “Because you’ve tried? Are you even repentant?” She crossed her arms.

  His dark eyes flashed. “You sit in judgment?”

  “No. I speak the truth.” She rose. “I want to help.”

  “Help? There is none of that for the damned.”

  “Stop feeling sorry for yourself and do something,” she yelled back, unruffled by his dark rage. “While you’re here having a pity party, we are risking our lives to stop the very thing you set into motion with your selfish greed. For once, look beyond yourself.”

  “I have done that. Do you know what it takes to contact you?” He grabbed her wrists. Pain, madness, and sorrow assault her.

  My God.

  “This is my reality. The sentence I must endure for an etern
ity. You think me uncaring? To feel is to suffer even more than I do now. It’s foolishness.”

  She tugged her hand free and clutched her throat, unable to speak.

  “I have accepted the will of the gods. To ask me to do otherwise is too much.”

  Torn between sympathy and feeling justice had been served, she watched, paralyzed as he receded back into the pitch-black darkness where her eyes could no longer follow. They could expect nothing from Seke.

  * * *

  SEKE

  He watched, astonished as Keeta stood beside the tree just before dawn. Her black dress brushed the ground as she arranged her things in front of her. Facing the north where the sun would rise, she wrote his name on an index card. Chanting softly in her father’s native tongue, she pleaded that he be allowed to find peace. He’d forgotten what kindness and purity felt like.

  As the sun began its ascent, painting her awash in pinks and oranges as the deep blue gave way to purple, she placed his name in a mason jar full of water. Shuffling her feet, she danced, offering her cries up to the great spirits. He watched mesmerized as memories of his people rushed to the forefront of his mind.

  Once, he’d been content to live a simple life in his village. There was always enough food, water, shelter, and company. They worked together to provide for the entire village. It was hard to remember why that stopped now.

  Repulsed by her hopefulness, he turned his back on the scene. They gods cared not for mortals and their petty requests.

  * * *

  CREWE

  He roamed the house, envying them their ability to retreat into art. His skin felt alive as the nerves kept him on edge. The full moon was fast approaching. He craved distraction from the round robin playing every possible outcome to the spell in his head. Everywhere he looked a member of the pink house was creating.