Royals and Realms (Vampires of Crescent Cape Book 4)

by L. Danvers

  I understood why he wasn’t willing to risk it. It was a suicide mission.

  I wouldn’t have even asked if I hadn’t been so desperate.

  Maybe, in time, the silvery water would push one of the stranded vessels to the shore. Then, I could make my escape.

  But I wasn’t sure I’d survive that long. The humans were coming. It was only a matter of time. And even if they didn’t come, could I leave all of these people behind? Yes, I may be able to break free. But could I live with myself if I left everyone else to be discovered?

  I honestly didn’t know the answer to that. And that terrified me.

  Was I really so callous? Heartless? If I would be willing to leave my own people, then I was indeed a beast. Exactly what the humans would expect me to be.

  Perhaps I could make the humans believe I was one of them... As long as I didn’t shift, they’d never know.

  The idea wasn’t half bad. The only problem was that if they believed what the soldier had reported, they would know something was amiss here.

  I began to pace, thinking. What if the soldiers returned? How could I convince them I wasn’t a threat? After what the wolves had done to them, I didn’t expect their next visit to be a peaceful one. And I wasn’t dumb enough to think the soldiers would offer me passage to the mainland and then let me go free.

  But maybe... maybe there was a way I could buy some time if they did return.

  I decided to head to the spot where the helicopter had landed. It was a long shot. The bodies had likely been buried. But if not... if there was a chance that I could get my hands on one of their uniforms, I could blend in if they returned. Maybe even find a way to get some of the women and children out of here. Make sure no harm came to them.

  Night fell, but it didn’t slow me down. I knew these lands like the back of my hand. This was the only home I’d ever known.

  The forest was humming with life—birds, crickets, creatures that had no idea of the violence that may soon befall these lands.

  I wished the werewolves hadn’t attacked the humans on sight. But at the same time, I understood. No human had ever set foot in the Kingdom of the Silver Seas. Yes, many of us had traveled to the human realm before. But the humans weren’t supposed to know we were here.

  The werewolves were scared. Threatened. Nothing good would come from the humans knowing what was really here.

  So, even though I disagreed with them making the call to attack, I understood. They were protecting our home.

  When I went to the site of the helicopter landing, the site of the werewolf attack, I found nothing but remnants of the carnage. Pools of blood. Broken limbs. Wires and broken parts. But no bodies. Which meant no uniforms to take from those bodies.

  Strangely, a wave of relief washed over me. Yes, that may make things a little more challenging for me down the road. But at least the werewolves had done the right thing. They had buried the dead.

  That... or the vampires had gotten to them.

  It was hard to know how many vampires were left. The Royals ruled over both of us, although the vampires were to be considered higher-class citizens than us wolves. Still, by my estimate, there was no way all of the vampires in the Kingdom of the Silver Seas could have fit on those vessels...

  I dragged my hands down my face, thinking, unsure of what my next move should be.

  I checked the helicopter one more time, wondering if I might be brave enough to try to fly it.

  It was a dumb plan. I had no training. But it didn’t matter anyway. Whoever had taken the bodies had destroyed the innards of the helicopter, too. Great.

  My phone buzzed, and so I checked it. I had forgotten to text Julian back and let him know I was okay. It had been days since he’d first reached out, but I hadn’t had the mental energy to get back sooner.

  I sent him a quick reply, letting him know I was alright and filling him in about what the Royals had done.

  By the time I hit send, a familiar humming sound tickled my ears. I perked up, focusing using my acute senses.

  Drones. More drones than last time, that was for sure.

  I looked to the sky, but I didn’t spot any overhead yet.

  Good. I had time.

  My plan was to get home as fast as possible. At this point, staying inside, not drawing attention to myself, was the best course of action. At least until I came up with a better idea.

  I ran, picking up speed with each stride.

  It suddenly hit me how quiet it was—aside from the drones, that was.

  Where was everyone?

  I zigzagged between the thick trees, sparse patches of moonlight guiding me. The humming of the drones grew louder and louder, and soon I picked up on something else, too. Voices.

  The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end.

  Tuning in to the sounds, I headed in the direction of them. And I realized where everyone had gone. A congregation had formed in a clearing in the woods. Lucas, the pack leader, was standing on a boulder addressing the crowd... with a vampire by his side.

  I skidded to a halt, hardly able to contain the feral reaction swirling inside of me.

  But it was what I heard that made my blood run still.

  “...and the only way any of us is going to stand a chance is if we work together to take down any human who dares to cross into our territory. They are the real enemy.”

  The crowd—no, the mob—roared in agreement. Vampires and werewolves alike. I’d never thought I’d see the day...

  I stepped forward, knowing I would be judged for this but feeling the need to speak up anyway. I weaved my way through the chanting mob, making my way to the front of the crowd. I raised my chin, looking Lucas in the eye. “Has anyone thought about talking to them?”

  Lucas gave a deep, throaty laugh.

  “Why is that funny?” I pressed, daring to take another step forward. “There are plenty of vampires and werewolves living among the humans already. Why are we so sure they’re going to assume we’re anything other than human? Why are you assuming they’re going to take our land?”

  Lucas let out a heavy exhale, making sure to open his mouth wide enough to bare his teeth. Cocking his head to the side, he said, “What exactly do you think is going to happen when they come here? Honestly, Keo, you can’t be that naïve.” The guy to my right laughed at me like I was a complete idiot. I shot him daggers with a look.

  I folded my arms across my chest. “So, you’re going to endanger the lives of women and children by jumping into a full-fledged war?”

  Lucas hopped down from the boulder, the moon reflecting brightly in his eyes. “Get in line, Keo. Or have you forgotten who’s in charge around here?”

  I cocked my head to the side. “Are you in charge? Or is he?” My eyes flashed toward the vampire behind him. “Think about it. Of course the vampires want us to slaughter the humans. They’re hungry.”

  Lucas inched forward, and though he kept the menacing look about him, he muttered audibly enough for me alone to hear, “Would you rather it be the humans... or us?”

  My eyes narrowed.

  “We might win one war,” he said, now looking at the ground. “We have no chance of winning two. So, do me a favor, and back off.”

  I shook my head in disgust. This was a dumb plan. A really freaking dumb plan. And I didn’t want any part in it. I spun on my heel and began heading in the direction of my house. As I stormed off, my ears perked. I risked a glance toward the sky. More drones. And helicopters.

  A rush of displaced air whirled around, sending leaves dancing around the forest floor as the helicopters landed. Adrenaline pulsed through my veins, and the flesh on the back of my neck prickled.

  Head back or run? Head back or run?

  I let out a guttural growl. I had to head back.

  The vampires and werewolves circled the helicopters, fangs bared, eyes flashing, waiting for the humans to exit the helicopters. But they weren’t coming out.

  Something was wrong.

  One
of the vampire’s bodies went rigid and he let out a yelp before dropping to the floor. Stunned—not killed—if I had to guess. Still, that didn’t go over well with this crowd. Drones sent more blasts of whatever that thing was, and one by one, supernaturals dropped like flies. Werewolves shifted, unleashing their wrath upon one of the helicopters, using brute strength to knock one to its side. Which caused soldiers to emerge from one of the others, weapons in tow. Maybe they were holding machines that would stun us rather than weapons that could do serious damage, but it was impossible to know for sure. And the supernaturals weren’t going to give them the benefit of the doubt.

  All hell broke loose, and shouts, screams and blasts filled the air.

  I spun around, taking it all in. I felt a jolt and realized Lucas had knocked me to the ground, saving me from a blast from one of the humans’ machines. “Still think they just want to talk?” he roared. “You’re welcome by the way.” He got up and jumped back into the action.

  I pressed my palm to my forehead, panting. I had to get out of here. Had to lay low, at least until I could come up with a plan.

  Danielle

  I was curled up on the side of the couch, perusing one of Ben’s many books on supernatural creatures. His family had been keeping an eye on the Blood Heirs and Julian for centuries and had amassed an extensive collection of records and magical objects. I figured I might as well take advantage of being here. It wasn’t every day you could browse through what I guessed was the world’s most extensive personal library on the subject.

  Julian brought me a blanket and asked if I needed a drink, twisting his head to the side to reveal the veins in his neck. I shook my head. I was fine. And anyway, I sensed the repressed disgust on Grace’s face. She was as supportive of a friend as they came, but understandably had no interest in watching me feed off of someone—especially since she knew all too well what it felt like to be fed from herself.

  “How are you holding up?” I asked Julian. After a long night of fun and festivities, Aiden and Victoria had left Quarter Square before daybreak this morning, venturing out to start a new life together. I knew Julian would miss his brother. Sometimes it wasn’t clear whether they loved or hated each other, but still, they were family. They’d always been together. This change would be a strange adjustment for both of them. But still, it seemed to bother him way more than I had expected.

  Blowing out a breath, he told me about what he’d overheard last night. That supposedly, soldiers knew the inhabitants of the Kingdom of the Silver Seas weren’t exactly... human.

  Leaning forward, I took his hand. “Have you heard from Keo yet?”

  He nodded. “Finally texted me back last night. He’s fine.”

  “Good.”

  “But...” he started, debating whether to finish the sentence.

  “What is it?”

  “He said that when soldiers first landed there, the werewolves attacked them.” His eyes clouded with concern. “I’m betting word of what’s going on there is going to start spreading in the coming days.”

  I squeezed his hand hard. “No one knows we have any connection to that kingdom,” I assured him. “And Keo’s smart. He knows to lay low. He’ll be fine.”

  Grace sipped from her coffee, listening, but not saying a word. Meanwhile, Charlotte padded down the stairs. Her blonde hair was tied into a messy bun, and thanks to her supernatural healing, she looked like she’d had the best rest of her life despite partying with her brothers and new sister-in-law until three in the morning. She headed straight for the kitchen, where Ben was busy washing dishes from breakfast. “Want some eggs?” he asked her.

  She balled her hands into a fist and rubbed her eyes. “Honestly, I could use a drink,” she said with a glimmer of mischief in her eyes.

  Ben’s face sank.

  “Come on,” she pleaded. “It’s been days. I’m starving.” Ben protectively wrung his hand over his wrist. “One sip. I promise.”

  Though it was the last thing he wanted to do, he offered her his arm. He turned away when her fangs tore through her gums, and he grimaced when she sank her teeth into his flesh. Grace and I watched with bated breath while Julian sat back, shaking his head.

  Just as she was finishing up, Xander came downstairs. “Ooh,” he said, eyes widening with delight. “Nothing like a hot breakfast in the morning.”

  Ben rubbed his wrist again. “Later,” he muttered. “Eggs?”

  “Maybe I’ll go out and grab a bite,” Xander winked.

  “You know you can’t do that,” Ben replied, crossing his arms. “You can’t risk anyone discovering... what you are.”

  “What I am is hungry.”

  Grace put her coffee down. “You can drink from me if you like,” she teased. She knew he would decline. She was a witch, and her blood would make him violently ill.

  “Actually,” Julian said, adjusting himself so that he was now sitting tall, “you could spell up some artificial blood for them. That way they wouldn’t have to drink from Ben.”

  Grace’s mouth twisted for a minute before relaxing in defeat. She didn’t enjoy serving as the Blood Heirs’ personal assistant, but she didn’t want Ben to suffer either. He had given us so much. He’d opened up his home to us—twice now. She’d do anything for him, as would I. “Fine. I’ll work on it this afternoon.” I laughed, knowing she could have easily done it right now. She just wanted to make Xander suffer a bit longer.

  Julian leaned forward, propping his elbows on his knees as he clasped his hands together. He still had that heavy look about him, and I knew he was worried. “Now that everyone’s awake, there’s something I need to tell you.” He shared what he’d overheard last night with his siblings and uncle. “Who knows how this will all play out, but I thought you needed to be aware.”

  Charlotte’s shoulders squared. “We’ll need to be more careful from now on.”

  Using the armrests, Grace pushed herself up and out of her chair and said, “I’ll go work on the artificial blood,” as she headed upstairs.

  “We had a good run,” Charlotte said, trying to sound optimistic. “An entire millennium under the radar. That’s not bad, right?”

  Xander glared at his sister. “Why are you acting like it’s all over? There are plenty of other supernatural kingdoms across the world. If they ever figure out supernaturals inhabited the kingdoms that have been all over the news, we could always move to another one. One that hasn’t been exposed yet.”

  “I’m not leaving our home.” Charlotte planted her hands on her hips.

  “In case you forgot, our home is in ruins.”

  “Whatever,” she said, rolling her eyes. She crossed the room and turned the TV on, which was already set to the news. A “Breaking News” graphic flashed across the screen, and we all went still, wondering what this new development might be.

  The camera went to one of the anchors. She pressed her fingertips to her earpiece, trying to listen to whatever information someone behind the scenes was giving her. She gave a nod before straightening in her chair and said, “We have breaking news this morning out of Quarter Square.” I gulped, not daring to risk a glance at the others. “Crews have spent weeks now going through the castle that was discovered off the coast, and although most of whatever was inside of the mysterious structure was destroyed in a fire, this morning there is a new development. A photograph,” the anchor explained as a little box appeared in the upper corner of the screen, “has been uncovered from the scene. As you may notice, it’s seen better days. But investigators are hopeful that this might give them insight into who may have inhabited this massive castle that managed to remain hidden to the outside world for so long.”

  My heart plummeted into the pit of my chest. The photograph had been scorched down the middle and was covered in soot, but there was no question about it: that was Julian.

  I gripped the armrest. My head was spinning. No, no, no, no. This wasn’t happening. This couldn’t be happening.

  Usually, when I was sc
ared, I’d chew my nail or pace or something. But I couldn’t move.

  I was holding onto the couch for dear life, terrified that if I so much as breathed too deeply I’d realize that this wasn’t some terrible dream but actually happening, and my entire world would crash around me.

  The silence in the room was deafening. Say something. Someone, please say something.

  My attention dragged toward Julian, who sat unflinching beside me, eyes glued to the screen. But I could hear his heart racing. Sense the blood pumping harder through his veins.

  I wanted to curl into a ball. To get as small as I could, withdrawing into myself. Hide from the world. Hide from the mess we were in. Hide from everything I was feeling.

  But this wasn’t about me. This was about Julian. He needed me to be strong. He would never ask me to, but it’s what he needed. What he wanted. Yes, I wanted to fall apart. But sometimes in life, you had to push through all the suckiness and get through it.

  I wasn’t sure if I could fake it. Pretend things were going to be fine. But maybe faking it wasn’t what he needed from me. Maybe he needed assurance that he wasn’t alone. “Julian,” I whispered. He didn’t so much as blink. “We’ll get through this.”

  No one dared say a word as he sat there in absolute silence. I wondered for a minute if he’d heard me.

  I sounded afraid. Maybe he could hear the terror I was trying so desperately to bury. Maybe I’d made his own fear worse.

  But then, he reached over and took my hand. He slipped his fingers between mine and lifted it to his lips. A wave of emotions shuddered through me, and my eyes locked in with his. “Of course,” he agreed. “You’re not getting rid of me that easily.”

  A cautious laugh escaped my lips. I hoped he was right.

  Grace

  I had just finished spelling up some artificial blood for Xander and Charlotte when Danielle bolted into the room. The back of the door slammed against the dresser, making all the trinkets Ben kept up there rattle. A golden ball that was used to siphon dark magic rolled off, and I dove with arms outstretched, catching it right before it crashed onto the floor. I shuddered to think what would happen had that thing leaked magic everywhere.