First Blood (The First Blood Series Book 1)

by Heather Karn

  “How do you know I’m a vamlure?” I asked when the words were barely out of his mouth. “You said a male always recognizes a female. Can’t males recognize another male? And what do you mean by ‘recognize’?”

  Raven was quiet for several minutes, and I was almost certain he wouldn’t answer, so I went back to watching the houses, businesses, and cars pass by my window. This was the richer part of town. Large houses, mansions even, lay behind large gates and varying styles of fences. Of course the Elite would live in this part of the city.

  “Yes, a male can recognize another male, as can females recognize other females. However, it’s easier for a male to recognize a female, especially if both are single.” He paused, almost sounding uncomfortable. “There’s a difference in a vamlure’s voice that most races can’t hear, but other vamlure can detect it. It’s not something that can be described. It’s even more pronounced after your first taste of blood. You hear it better, and your own voice is slightly different.”

  Which was likely why his voice sounded so silky smooth to me. That was the only way I knew how to describe it. But was that enough proof for me to believe him? There was also the fact that he was an Elite who had just announced to his general that I was a vamlure and that he would train me. People didn’t do that unless they were certain about something.

  “You still don’t believe me,” Raven grumbled. “Well, until you take your first drink of blood and see the physical changes for yourself, there’s nothing else I can say to convince you.”

  The thought of drinking blood turned my stomach. “I thought vamlure drank blood for the first time at the beginning of puberty.”

  He shrugged. “Yes and no. We don’t all start puberty at the same time, and there are always late bloomers for their First Blood, like you. My First Blood was earlier than most. You’re still within a reasonable time frame.”

  “Are you going to force me to drink blood?”

  He shook his head. “No. It happens naturally. When your body is ready, you’ll feel the urge. Depending on what race your father was will depend on how you react to the need to drink.”

  “What do you mean my father’s race? Isn’t my father a vamlure?”

  Raven turned the truck into the driveway of my new home, but I was too busy staring at Raven to pay attention to what it looked like. His sigh was long and low before he stopped and turned the truck off. We sat there for what felt like forever but was likely only a few seconds.

  “I see we have a lot to cover.” Taking the key from the ignition, Raven leaned back against his seat and faced me. “Since your mother gave birth to you in a human hospital, it was likely she was human since the Great Reveal hadn’t occurred yet. Her eyes would have given her away if she was a vamlure. Since you are a vamlure, there’s only two races your father could have belonged to since we only pair with three races. It’s the only ones we are drawn to. One is humans and the second are vamlure.”

  “And the third?”

  “Vampires.”

  Chapter 4

  I choked. “My father’s a vampire?”

  “I didn’t say that. It’s possible, but not likely. We’ll know for certain when you start to crave blood.”

  “Wait, we crave blood?” I squeaked. “You crave blood? Are you craving my blood right now? I didn’t think vamlure craved blood. Crap.”

  “Calm down. No, I don’t crave blood. We only crave it the first time, before we’ve ever taken a drink of blood. It’s the signal that you’re ready to start including blood in your diet. Our body needs the blood to complete our transition to maturity, which should be soon for you because of your age. Once we drink and the transition completes and stabilizes, we don’t crave blood, though we still need its sustenance. It strengthens us and allows our enhanced abilities to be sharper and more accurate. For now, that’s all you need to know. Let’s go inside. I missed breakfast and I’m hungry.”

  Yeah, and it had him cranky too, unless he was always this grumpy.

  Climbing from the truck, I took my first look at the house. Yup, a mansion described it best. The place could fit twenty of my old home inside of it, at least that was my guess looking at it from the front. Maybe more. Certainly not less.

  “You live here?”

  My suitcase ground against the concrete driveway as Raven set it down beside me. He held out my duffle bag, and I took it from him. Lee and Avery were already grabbing my brother’s luggage from the truck as well.

  “Yes, and now so do you.”

  “Wow.”

  The stone architecture was beyond beautiful, as was the fountain in the middle of the circular driveway. However, since it was all dried up, I guessed it was broken, or none of them bothered to keep it running properly. Raven didn’t seem the type to take the time to stop and examine beautiful things. The scowl he wore as he stared at the building and put a pair of sunglasses on proved that point.

  “Hey boss,” called a light, tenor voice from the other side of the truck. “I smell a human.”

  My gaze met a pair of steel grey eyes that belonged to a tall man with a wolfish grin who leaned against the hood of the truck. He winked at me, but his smile fell when Raven growled, a human snarl lifting his lips. When the other man’s eyes met Raven’s, the man stood straight and nodded his head.

  “It’s not her. He’s the human,” Raven jerked his thumb in Lee’s direction. “And stop flirting, Jackson. You know I have rules against it.”

  “Yes, but rules are meant to be broken,” a light, feminine voice called from the mansion’s front steps. A blonde, slender woman with more curves than I could count strode across the stone walkway to the pavement until she stood before us, her hands settled on her hips, drawing the attention of every male eye to her form. Every eye except for Raven’s. His attention remained on her face, a bored expression crossing his.

  “Do not break my rules, Luella.”

  Luella snorted. “You know I wouldn’t, blood drinker. I like my job, and I won’t ruin that for some male. Now that the fireworks have started, introduce us to the new recruits.”

  “Not without me.” Looking back at the house, I smiled. A chestnut haired woman half my size strode across the lawn. Power oozed from her, making the skin on my arms prickle. “I’m Shannon, resident witch. Jackson, the wolf, is my familiar. If he gives you a hard time, threaten him that you’ll tell me and he should back off.”

  Jackson snorted, but remained silent, watching Shannon finish her approach. Yeah, he was definitely a wolf. If that grin hadn’t given him away, the intensity in which he kept his attention on our surroundings did. It screamed predator and guard dog, though I knew better than to describe him that way out loud. At least the dog part.

  “Thanks for the introductions, Shannon.” Raven motioned to our other female companion when Lee and Avery joined us. “This is Luella, our naiad. She controls water, so swim at your own risk.”

  I took a mental note of that information while Raven turned his attention to the last member of my new team.

  “You’ve met Avery, but I should mention he’s a snow leopard shifter. And yes, the cat and dog play well together.”

  Both men grunted at Raven’s well-placed dig, and I hid a grin behind my hand. This was the first time Raven had shown a playful side, even if his tone had continued to be dry and more sarcastic than lighthearted. It proved he could be something other than grumpy.

  “Avery, why don’t you introduce your student.”

  Avery grinned. “Everybody, this is Lee. He’s our first human, so be nice. He’s not a toy.”

  “Darn,” Luella snickered, biting the tip of one of her manicured nails while she studied my brother.

  “And that’s his sister, apparently,” Avery finished, nodding toward me. “She’s Raven’s.”

  Shannon’s eyebrows shot up. “So, General Davis actually gave you a trainee. I’m shocked he made such a daring move.”

  “That’s not quite how it happened,” Raven responded. “I voluntee
red, but I’ll explain more about that over our next meal. For now, we’re going to settle the trainees into their new home. Jackson, I believe you’re on lunch duty. I want a large midday meal to celebrate our new trainees arrival, and I’m starving.”

  “Yes, Sir. I’m heading to the kitchen now.” The wolf nodded to his boss and slipped inside the house. If I was expected to cook, these people were in for a world of hurt. As Lee always told me, I could burn water.

  “You like our fountain?” Luella asked me, waving toward the stone figure of three rearing unicorns. I hadn’t noticed her sidling up beside me while I’d watched the wolf’s departure. There was still so much I needed to learn. Maybe Raven would regret volunteering to take me as his trainee.

  “Umm…”

  “Good answer. Maybe while you’re training with Raven you can convince him to fix it like he keeps promising to do,” the woman whined, casting a glare at my trainer.

  “If you wouldn’t keep playing with the water and throwing it at everyone who goes within ten feet of the fountain, maybe I would fix it,” Raven grumbled under his breath.

  “Such a boy.” The naiad slapped me on the back and turned around. “I’ll catch you later. I’m going for a swim if anyone wants to join me.” She winked at Lee as she passed him, and I was sure my brother was about to swallow his tongue or pass out.

  “Get a grip, Lee,” I mumbled, walking over to him and slapping him upside the head to gain his attention. “She’s playing with your brain and your hormones. Quit reverting back to a horny teenager. We’ve got bigger fish to worry about now.”

  “She isn’t wrong,” Avery laughed, grabbing Lee’s backpack. “Come on, boy. Let’s get you settled in so we can be to lunch on time.”

  They headed toward the house while I shouldered my bag, since I’d let it fall to the ground during introductions. When I reached for my suitcase, Raven swatted my hand aside. Staring up at him, I caught his lip twitch.

  “I can help you. I’m not that cruel. Follow me.”

  The inside of the mansion was as grand as the outside, complete with a spiral staircase that led up to the third floor. Raven led me past the staircase and through a game room, complete with a pool table, until we found another set of stairs, this one leading down. It was then I remembered Raven mentioning the basement.

  A large room greeted us at the bottom of the stairs. Exercise mats of different types and sizes lay on the ground around the room. One corner held exercise equipment and another sported weapons of all kinds on tables and the walls.

  Raven caught me staring. “Those are the training weapons. The arsenal is upstairs where it’s easier for everyone to access. Most of these weapons are mine, but I let whoever trains with me use them.”

  “I don’t have any weapons,” I acknowledged, following him as he headed toward the other end of the room and down a short hallway.

  It opened up into a large living room complete with a TV, two couches, and kitchenette. Raven pointed first toward a closed door in front of us and then an open door behind us.

  “That room is mine. This one is yours. And I don’t expect you to have weapons. You’ll use mine until we can purchase some for you, or commission some from our local headquarters. Let’s set your bags in your room for now, and since you’re in workout gear, let’s see how much work we have to do before you’re ready for your first mission. I got a brief taste earlier, but I’d like more detailed information.”

  Setting my bag down on the queen-sized bed, I cringed. He was about to find out his mistake in convincing the general to let him train me. With a sigh, my shoulders sagged and I followed him from the room. Not only was he about to see his mistake, but I was about to be dealt another beating.

  We strode back to the room with the mats and he led me to the largest one before assuming a defensive stance. So, we’d be starting with hand to hand combat. It wasn’t my worst form of fighting, but it certainly wasn’t my best. Knives were my favorite, but even against this foe I’d fail.

  Raven didn’t have to tell me to assume my position. I did it without thinking, but that was my last thought before Raven kicked out, his foot colliding with my gut and I found myself flying through the air to land on my back. The hard tile made for a painful landing since I’d flown feet past the edge of the mat. With a groan, I prepared to roll to my feet as I caught sight of a boot aimed at my face. Rolling didn’t help much since I wasn’t quick enough and took the blow to the side of my head.

  “You’re too slow. Watch for a second attack. This isn’t like your pathetic college classes,” Raven barked, hauling me to my feet by my bicep without much effort as the room swam around me. “An enemy won’t wait for you to stand back up before they attempt to finish the job. Always be moving, and always expect an attack. Again.”

  Was he serious? The room was still spinning on its axis and I was ready to throw up, and he wanted me to defend myself? Raven stepped back onto the mat and readied himself, and my eyes widened when I realized that he did want me to fight in this condition. Well, it figured I’d have to fight like this if this was a real battle. Raising my fists after following him to the center of the mat, I watched for his attack.

  It came from the right as his fist shot at my face in a left hook. I blocked it, but I didn’t see his leg come up until all I could do was prepare for the blow. Fire ballooned in my side, and I lost my balance, but caught myself before I fell to the floor. This time, I saw his other fist coming in time to avoid it, and I was able to bring my elbow up to catch him in the throat, only I missed, or he moved. Instead of a counter attack, I found myself in a choke hold. No matter how hard I fought or what I did to release myself, nothing worked. Every escape I’d been taught was useless against him.

  The world grew darker and my attempts at freeing myself became even more pathetic. When he finally released me, I gasped for air as I collapsed to the ground and the black dots faded from my vision. A headache began behind my eyes which warred with the pain from my crushed throat.

  “Looks like we’ve got more work to do than I thought, but less than what I feared.” Raven set his hand on my shoulder blade. “Did anything break?”

  “I don’t think so,” I gasped, my voice hoarse.

  “Good. I’d hate to break you in our first session. For now, we’re going to focus on precision in fighting and building your muscle strength and stamina. Once you complete your transition, you’ll have added strength and speed to help you fight. If we can teach you the proper moves, your body will add the rest. But first, lunch and then the afternoon is yours to rest. Tomorrow’s going to be a big day. In fact, every day for the foreseeable future will be filled with training, both physical and mental. You may have spouted off facts about several of the common supernaturals, but I want you to know about them all. For us, every little detail about a creature could mean life or death.”

  The next second I found myself on my feet, and it took my legs a few seconds to recognize they were needed as my brain fought to catch up with what was happening. When my body could handle my weight, Raven let go of me and stepped back. He kept a wary eye focused on me until he was sure I wouldn’t fall over. The gasping had subsided to heavy panting, but I was breathing.

  “Lunch awaits. Let’s go.”

  Raven headed for the staircase, and as I watched him ascend, I promised myself I’d make it to the top by the power of my own two feet, even if it killed me. A little voice in the back of my mind warned me that with how today was going, I needed to amend my statement. I’d be lucky to make it to bed alive, or at least in one piece.

  Chapter 5

  By the time we reached the dining room, I could breathe normally and I wasn’t walking like I’d almost been killed by my trainer minutes before. Lee sat beside Avery on the opposite side of the table, and the seat on the other side of him where I wanted to sit had already been claimed by Luella. She twirled a strand of her long blonde hair with her fingers and leaned in such a way to show off her feminine curves and ample
chest. If that woman wasn’t careful, she’d have to deal with me. As Lee’s sister, I had a say in who became my potential sister-in-law, or even his girlfriend. I had to hope that Raven’s rule of no flings within the group would be enough to hold her back.

  Raven sat across from Avery, and I took the chair beside him to be closer to Lee. My brother grinned at me until his eyes dropped to my neck. Then his gaze darkened and he glared at Raven, who ignored him. It wouldn’t do Lee any good to speak up in my defense. Raven wouldn’t care, and he was the captain of this team. Whatever he said was law. And whatever he did, he did.

  “So, what is it about your trainee that’s so special?” Jackson questioned, setting a plate of barbequed pork chops on the table in front of me. Shannon brought in a bowl of green beans and another dish that I’d never seen before. She smiled at me before taking a seat at the head of the table while Jackson took the chair beside me.

  There was more food present than I’d ever seen anyone eat in one meal. Along with the pork, there was chicken and hamburgers, mac and cheese, and a few other vegetables, both raw and cooked. Lee’s eyes were huge as he took in the spread, that was until Raven cleared his throat, bringing the attention back on us. Then Lee’s eyes narrowed. I tried not to fidget. This was something I wanted to tell Lee about in private instead of in front of the team. Even though vamlure weren’t hated as they had been, we were still blood drinkers. Some people hated the vamlure just for that.

  “What I’m about to tell you doesn’t leave this room,” Raven began, and everyone nodded. “Koda is a vamlure.”

  Lee’s jaw hit the table and a few gasps followed. Even Shannon slapped a hand over her mouth.

  “But I didn’t think the females left your hideouts.” Avery’s glance kept swinging between me and Raven before his eyes widened. “She hasn’t made the transition yet.”