Pure: A Paranormal Romance

by D. L. McKinsey

  “It means I want to separate my soul from my body. With the right spell, I can send a projection of myself to Ana. I can find out where she is and whether she’s okay or not.” Jace explained.

  “Like what your grandmother did in the vortex.” I chimed in.

  “Not exactly. My grandmother used much more power for that, but this is similar, yes. My spirit will lift from my body but it will be tied to a silver cord so it can still find its way back.” Jace explained further.

  We all came to an understanding and agreed that it was a good idea

  “Is it dangerous?” Simon asked, concerned

  “If the cord breaks, then yes. I will remain in deep sleep until my soul returns.” Jace described. “But don’t worry, everything should go accordingly.” He reassured.

  “Then it’s a plan. Jace, get started on your spell. Simon, I hear you’ve been studying the supernatural. Tell us everything you know about the King and his powers.” I commanded, easily taking charge.

  Jace went off into the kitchen to get some ingredients from Cora. Simon quickly dug in his backpack and pulled out the thick old book he’d been reading constantly. He opened it wide on the coffee table and began furiously flipping through pages until he finally found the one they needed. The rest gathered around to see as well. It was a sketch of a girl but all the words were in an unknown language.

  “What language is that?” Marie wondered.

  Simon looked back down at the page.

  “It’s a combination of several, but I can understand them all. I’ve been like that since I was kid.” Simon shyly replied.

  “Omni-linguism.” Seb stated “The kid is able to understand any language. It’s very rare, but humans can sometimes be born with it”

  “That’s cool.” Marie chirped.

  Simon blushed a little but tried to cover it over by turning hi head down back to the page.

  “This is Princess Catalina.” Simon started, pointing to the girl on the side of the page “The reason I’m starting with her is because she is dangerous and is known for her touch of death.”

  ***

  Ana

  My legs were shivering in desire.. Everywhere he touched me, trail of flames were left behind. I was so overwhelmed with desire, I felt like I couldn’t take it anymore. His hand slid up my thigh slowly.

  A small moan escaped me.

  “I can’t wait to taste your blood, love.” He whispered against my neck.

  Something at the back of my mind screaming for me hold back; to remember something, but I was too far out in my state of lust.

  Cassius brought his face to mine. He was so close, but he didn’t make a move to kiss me. Those lips of his were calling my name; no, screaming it! So loudly, it vibrated inside. Acting on impulse, I grabbed the back of his head and smashed his face to mine in desperation. I wasn’t used to feeling like this. Cassius accepted it fully, lifting me from the floor and slamming my back against the wall. My legs instantly wrapped around his waist as I dove my tongue into his warm sweet mouth. He tasted sweet and sour at the same time. and I wanted more of it. My fingers were all over his thick soft hair while his large hands cupped my rear.

  We were lost in lust, I didn’t even realize he had been walking until he gently lay me on the bed. Never once did our lips break from each other. I was feeling so much desire that it was almost unnatural.

  A tick in the back of my mind tried to alert me to something, but again, I ignored it.

  Cassius grinded his hard member against my core, heating it even more than it already was. My senses were so focused on him that I didn’t realize someone had entered the room until Cassius pulled his lips away from me and put them on someone else’sin the bed!

  I snapped!

  A vicious hiss flew from my mouth, and I backhanded the girl right off the bed. She stood up immediately and flashed her fangs at me. I returned the favor.

  “Whoa! Calm down, love. They are just here for the fun,” Cassius said gently while holding me down.

  They? Sure enough, there were two blondes in the room. The one I just smacked was dressed in red lacy lingerie and the other in black; both looked like sluts. I pushed Cassius off me and began to re-button the shirt I was wearing.

  “What the hell are you talking about?!” I cried.

  Cassius chuckled a little. Embarrassment slowly crept in.

  “The blondes are here to play. You didn’t think we would do it alone, did you?” He asked sarcastically.

  When I didn’t answer he laughed again.

  “Oh, you did! Oh, how sweet. Monogamy is boring and overrated, love.”

  He touched my cheek, but I slapped his hands away and got out of the bed. The blonde vampires quickly occupied each side of him, and Cassius didn’t mind one bit.

  “You’re a pig! I’m your mate for crying out loud!” I hollered.

  “No, I’m a prince. And yes, you’re my mate, and you will also be my wife and the next queen, but you will not be my only lover.” He looked at me incredulously; like he expected me to have known this all along.

  I combed hands through my hair. How could I be so naïve? Cassius was a sexy bad prince. Of course he was a selfish, self-involved whore! Seb and Jace would never say that to me. Oh my goodness! I just hardcore made out with him and didn’t even think about my other two mates! I should slap myself for being so impulsive! What came over me?

  I glanced at Cassius who was watching me while each girl kissed the sides of his neck. A part of me felt like he was planting all the desire in my mind. Another part knew that some of it was of my own doing. Either way, it won’t happen again.

  “Don’t look so upset. my love. You get the best of everything.” Cassius assured me.

  I snorted.

  “My name is Analise, and I no longer want anything from you.” I snarled.

  Cassius’ eyes brightened and an image of us on the bed assaulted my mind. I knew it was him who was doing this. But it wasn’t going to work this time. I fought against it, forcing memories of Seb and Jace to the surface.

  “Impressive. No one can resist me, but it makes it interesting that you, my little mate, can.” He stated like he was proud of me or something.

  I scoffed. “I wouldn’t choose you as my mate.”

  One girl began licking his chest, and I sneered, disgusted.

  “It’s a good thing you don’t have choice, love. You’re mine.” He declared with a devilish grin

  “Oh, but I do have a choice. You don’t know me.” I responded with equal confidence.

  His face suddenlt turned to stone; eyes ablazed with anger. In a flash, he was on me with his hand wrapped tightly around my throat.

  “I will kill any man you ever look at. You are mine and only mine, Analise.” He hissed.

  I wanted to send as many shocks through his body as I could muster. This prick could have any female he wanted, but I couldn’t even look at another man?! Yeah, right.

  I didn’t fight while he choked me; just displayed all my anger into my eyes. His head tilted to the side, curious.

  “Your eyes can turn red? What else are hiding, love?” Cassius questioned.

  I quickly tried to fight him off to distract him. The last thing he needed to know was my ability. Luckily, the door flew open and he let me go. Once he turned around, I got a clear view of the back of his neck, and sure enough, my mate mark was there. Just great! My third mate was the biggest d-bag in history!

  “Am I interrupting?” Gwyn spoke as she walked into the room, surveying the scene.

  “Not at all. You’re welcome to join.” Cassius remarked slyly.

  The cold vampire rolled her eyes.

  “Your father wants to see you and her,” Gwyn said the last word hatefully.

  I didn’t know what I did to this vamp, but I would find out soon. Cassius dismissed his two blonde whores and began to put on some decent clothes. The whole time, Gwyn stared holes into my head.

  “See to it that Analise is ready for dinner.
” Cassius ordered Gwyn once he was dressed. He sent me a final wink before dashing from the room. Damn, daddy called and he went running. Punk.

  Now it was just me and her.

  Gwyn’s eyes went completely black and her fangs slowly peeled out.

  I should have seen this coming. This bitch wanted to kill me. Well, good luck.

  She turned and locked the door with a loud click.

  I allowed my own fangs to re-surface. If she wanted to take me out, I was going to make her work for it.

  “Let me guess. It’s because I’m not a blonde, right?” I taunted.

  “Funny.” She stated without humor “Let’s see what else you got.”

  I gave her a wicked smile.

  “Well, if you insist.” I said. And then we charged.

  ***

  Prince Cassius

  The excitement bubbled in my core as I strode down the staircase. My little mate was a fiery one; powerful too. I understood she was upset about the sexual aspects of our relationship, but I was certain I could convince her it wouldn’t be a big deal.

  Analise was perfect for me. She challenged me, and that, in itself, was thrilling. I almost sent the blondes away when I saw how much she hated the idea. But, as Prince, I couldn’t back down so quickly. If Analise continued to fight it, I may just let my extra fun go. Maybe. Several servants bowed as I passed them in the corridor. I barely acknowledged them.

  I was in such a good mood, I felt like nothing could break it. That was until I turned the corner to enter my father’s study and noticed my sister standing outside the door.

  “Hello, brother.” Catalina greeted in her usual sly tone.

  The Princess was devious. She always had something up her sleeve to impress our father. She was not like who barely met the minimum requirements of being a Prince. We were nothing alike. Catalina was all about making others suffer. I enjoyed bringing women to pleasure.

  “Hello, little sister. I see you are back.. Now step aside. I have news.” Cassius ordered

  “Yes, Gwyn told us you found you mate.” She responded, rubbing her red leather gloves together.

  The Princess was wearing a black spandex outfit with her special hand covers. The gloves were for protection, but not for her. It was for everyone else.

  “Yes.” I growing agitated.

  “Gwyn also informed us she is a traitor; sent by Marcos to kill us.” Catalina added, tilting her head to the side as she studied me. Her high ponytail followed her movements.

  “That hasn’t been proven. Besides, she is my mate.” I snapped, taking a step towards her.

  “True. I just tortured Marcos myself and he wouldn’t talk. I found him guilty, and I already set his execution for tomorrow evening. It’s a public one, too.” She spoke with delight in her red eyes.

  I could never understand her thirst to cause pain. Maybe it had something to do with her ability.

  “Well, sister, once again, you have it all under control. Now, if you’d excuse me.” I pushed past her. Unfortunately, it was not in her nature to ever let anyone have the last word.

  “I think I should question your mate considering you stopped at the first try.”

  I instantly halted and faced my malicious little sister.

  “Don’t go near her!” He ordered.

  Knowing exactly how Cat “questions”, I was sure Analise would be killed in minutes if left her alone with my sister. I focused on her mind and pushed what I wanted on her thoughts.

  “STAY OUT OF MY HEAD OR THE GLOVES COME OFF!” Catalina roared.

  I withdrew my suggestions in her head.

  “Then stay away from my mate.” I demanded.

  It was no secret what Cat could do, but I wasn’t afraid of her like the rest of the kingdom was. At the end of the day, she was just a spoiled daddy’s girl with too much power. I turned my back on her again, fully aware she would say something else.

  But nothing could have prepared me for what she ended up saying.

  “You should know I ordered our mother’s awakening for tomorrow’s execution.”

  I could hear the smile in her voice before I even turned to face her again.

  And that was when I lost it.

  Chapter 34

  The Enemy of my Enemy

  Seb

  “This is Princess Catalina.” Simon started by pointing to the girl on the side of the page. “The reason I’m starting with her is because she is dangerous and is known for her touch of death.”

  Simon paused dramatically and everyone was silent; everyone except Lily.

  “What the hell does that mean?!” Lily hollered, taking a seat, Indian style, on the floor.

  “It means the Princess can kill with one touch. Her ability allows her to strip the life force from you. Any skin to skin contact and you’re dead in minutes. She always wears gloves to keep her from accidentally killing someone.” Simon explained.

  I made mental notes as the younger boy spoke. However, my mind kept wandering to Ana. All I wanted was for her to be safe. If something had already happened to her, I didn’t know what hell I would release on the bastards.

  “So, just don’t let the bitch touch you, right?” Lily cocluded as she chomped on a piece of gum.

  “Not exactly. We need her to keep the gloves on. If she takes them off, a white mist is emitted and it acts like a poison, only the death is slower. People have survived her mist, but none have survived her touch.” The dread is Simon’s voice was clear. But he was right. The Princess was a danger.

  I stood up and paced the old-fashioned living room. Thoughts ran rapidly through my mind as I mulled over the new information.

  There were clanging noises coming from the kitchen which meant Jace was still preparing his spell.

  “Next, we have Prince Cassius.” Simon announced as he turned to another page.

  Once again, they all gathered close to see the magical book’s sketch of him.

  “Wow, he’s handsome.” Marie said in a low voice.

  The boys gave her weird looks and she began to blush. “I-I mean h-he…”

  “Oh girl, don’t worry about it! There’s nothing wrong with calling it like you see it. Heck, if the real Prince looks anything like this sketch, I’m right there with you.” Lily added with a laugh.

  I rolled my eyes. This girl really needed a filter. He hoped her wild antics didn’t rub off on my innocent little sister.

  “Uh, anyways…” Simon interjected, annoyed. “Cassius’ ability is mental imagery. He can put an image into your mind and reinforce it until you submit to it. If he does it while he’s angry, you can actually feel physical pain and be driven to kill yourself should Cassius want it. It’s an invasive ability. Luckily, he can only project on two or three people at a time. But, on the down side, he’s a skilled fighter.”

  “What about the king?” I asked, trying to get the head of this problem.

  Ana’s bestfriend had a grim look on his face. He flipped through a few more pages until coming to a stop on the one he wanted.

  “King Ferox’s page is blank.” Simon gulped.

  My attention went to full alert. I looked down at the page myself, and Simon was indeed telling the truth. There was a sketch on the side like every other but there no words explaining anything about the King. This truly puzzled me. The book was magical and it automatically updated all the supernatural creatures’ information. So why wasn’t the King’s here? Not a moment later, Jace walked slowly into the room, clutching a clear liquid in a small vial. The witch had a determined look on his face. His spell must be ready.

  “Hey Jace, do you know why the King isn’t in this book?” Simon asked.

  Jace shook himself from his thoughts and made eye contact with Simon.

  “Oh, uh, I’m not sure, but if he isn’t there, it’s on purpose. Could be a dark witches doing, but I’m not certain.” Jace replied, distracted. He stiffly sat on the plastic covered sofa and stared at the liquid in his hand.

  “Is your spell re
ady?” Marie asked softly.

  They all stared at Jace while he was lost in his thoughts.

  “Yes. When I drink this, I’ll go into a deep sleep, and my spirit will separate from my body.” Jace explained. He removed a white napkin from his pocket. Inside was a single strand of black hair. I was certain that it belonged to Ana. He must have gotten it from her hairbrush or something. Once he dropped the strand into the clear liquid, a bright white light beamed from the vial. The light expanded throughout the room, causing everyone to shield their eyes. In seconds, it was gone and everything returned to normal. Jace slowly lifted the vial to his lips.

  “Wait! How will we know it worked?” Simon jumped up, stopping Jace before he drank the potion.

  Jace lowered his hand.

  “Well, you’re all humans, so none of you will be able to see my see my spirit leave. This could take hours or days. Cora and Zara are in the basement, chanting to help keep my spirit from wandering. So, if they come up before I have woken up then my tie has broken and my soul is lost.” The silence in the room was deafening. Everyone realized the risk Jace was taking to save Ana. I actually wished there was another way, but there wasn’t and time was running out.

  I moved to stand by the front door while everyone else crowded around Jace. If this worked, I would thank the witch for his courage when he returned.

  After hugging the rest of them, Jace made eye contact with me. The unspoken words were clear. We understood that we would do whatever it took to bring back the woman we loved.

  With a final deep breath, Jace quickly drank the water-looking substance. As soon as it travelled down his throar, his eyes rolled to the back of his head, and his body collapsed onto the sofa. Marie and Simon adjusted his body so that he lay on his back in a comfortable position. We all watched his sleeping body for any signs but nothing happened.

  “Well, that’s it, I guess. He said we wouldn’t be able to tell if it worked so I’m just going to run into the kitchen and grab a snack. Anybody want anything?” Lily asked, circling the room.

  After brief and unconvincing head nods, she shrugged her shoulders and exited the room.