Renegade Valkyrie (Valhalla's Curse Book 1)

by Stacy Claflin

  I draw in a deep breath and hold it before looking at the screen.

  It is her.

  My knees go weak. I fall onto the bed and accept the call. “Gessilyn?”

  “I’m sorry I couldn’t get to the phone when you called.”

  “It’s no problem.” I’m such a liar. “How is he?”

  “Stable.”

  “What does that mean?” My tone comes out harsher than I mean. I clear my throat and speak more calmly. “Sorry. What do you mean by stable?”

  “His pulse, his breathing, his temperature—they’re all good. He’s moving around, not limp like he was.”

  Disappointment washes through me. “But he’s still unconscious?”

  “Unfortunately.”

  “Do you know what Eveline did to him? How to fix it?”

  “I’m working on it. We all are. These things take time.”

  I take a deep breath. “I appreciate you helping with him.”

  “Have you been able to learn anything more about the witch who did this?”

  “I’m working on that. There’s someone who might be able to shed some light on it, but she’s trying to break a spell set on her.”

  “I think I know where this is going. What does she need?”

  I twist some hair around my finger. “Just a drop of Alrekur’s blood. You don’t happen to have any, do you?”

  “Alre’s blood?” Gessilyn sounds surprised. “I don’t usually hear that needed in a spell. You sure it isn’t the queen’s blood? I have a whole vial of that.”

  “No. She needs a drop of blood from the first vampire.”

  “That would definitely be Alre. I wish you luck getting that drop.”

  I groan. “It’s really going to be that difficult? Doesn’t someone at the castle keep his blood in stock?”

  “Usually the queen’s. Hers has so many unique properties. Alre’s really isn’t any different from the other original vampires.”

  “It is, for this spell.” I rub my temples.

  “Do you want me to look into getting a drop?”

  “No, just work on Titan. I’ll figure out a way to get Alrekur’s blood. Maybe Ziamara has some ideas.”

  “Oh, good thinking,” Gessilyn says. “I always forget she’s their adopted daughter since she’s part of Toby’s werewolf pack now. Do you have any other questions before I get back to breaking Titan’s spell?”

  My mind feels like a useless pile of mush. I muck through it, then remember the other question I have for her. “Do you know about any of the covens in this area?”

  “Certainly. I lived in California for a while. Not exactly where you are, but close enough.”

  “You lived here?”

  “It’s a long story. I was avoiding my true nature, but I did keep tabs on what was going on in the area at the time. What’s the name of the coven?”

  “I have no idea. All I know is Eveline might be staying with a coven. For all I know, she’s on her own.”

  “In that case, I won’t be able to help. If you have questions about a particular coven, that would be a different story.”

  I groan. “Figures. Thanks, Gessilyn. Just keep working on Titan. Please.”

  “Soleil, you’re my friend. I promised you I’ll do what I can for him, and I will. My entire family is on this, but as you know, I haven’t been at this high-witch-thing very long. I need time to figure this spell out.”

  “Understood. I hate to ask again, but is there anything you can tell me that’ll help with Eveline? Or any of the local covens?”

  She takes a deep breath. “Not much is known about Eveline. All I know is the lore I was able to dig up. She and her sister are said to have had a major falling out which broke both of their hearts, but they were too proud to reconcile. Both went into hiding and were largely forgotten by everyone but were rumored to be growing more powerful. We saw what Azure was capable of. It’s anyone’s guess if Eveline is stronger or weaker.”

  “Isn’t that wonderful?” I fight the urge to jump up and break something. “What about the local covens?”

  “There are a lot more than you’d guess, or at least there were when I lived in the area. They tend to lay low, but my guess is that after what happened with the club, they’re all on alert.”

  “Awesome. It just gets better and better, doesn’t it?”

  “It could be good news. You might be able to find some witches more easily.”

  “Are they friendly or like my arch nemesis?”

  “Everyone is good in their own eyes. You have to figure out if they’re loyal to Eveline or not. If they’re descended from her family line, I’d stay away from them.”

  “And I figure that out, how exactly?”

  “By asking questions. Or you have the advantage of reading essence. I don’t know of any other species that can do that.”

  I sigh. “That’s true. I did manage to get some from Eveline. Any chance you can run a locator spell on her?”

  “Not if you want me to stay focused on your mesmer. If you make friends with one of the local witches, they can help with that. Also, I saw a spice shop down there. The shopkeeper should be able to run a simple locator spell.”

  There’s no way Roster’s going to help me. “I’ve already burned that bridge. By mentioning you.”

  “Me? Why?”

  “No idea. As soon as I mentioned knowing the high witch, he went ballistic and kicked me out.”

  “Did you catch his name?”

  “Some imp named Roster.”

  Gessilyn is quiet. “Doesn’t sound familiar. The previous high witch must have done something to him. She’s curated quite the list of enemies. I’ve had a lot of work to undo because of her.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that.” I thank her for her help—not that it feels like I’ve made much progress—and end the call so she can focus on breaking Titan’s spell.

  When I get downstairs, Fox is polishing an end table. “Did you find anything useful?”

  I scowl. “I don’t think so. It’s hard to say. Do we really need that drop of blood from the vampire king?”

  “Calla’s not going to help without it.”

  “What if we go and tell her that if she helps me, then we’ll get the blood? Will your word be enough to get her to comply?”

  Fox sets down the rag and rubs his chin. “It’s possible. But if we have the blood with us, she’ll definitely tell us what we need to know.”

  I lean against the wall, my mind spinning again. “I don’t know what to do. It’s too hard to think.”

  He comes over and guides me to the couch. “Just breathe. I’ll get you some coffee. Unicorn horn flakes?”

  I nod as I pull my knees up and then rest my forehead on them. What do I do first? Try to get a drop of blood from the vampire king who lives two states away in a heavily guarded enchanted forest? Visit Fox’s friend who may or may not tell us anything without the blood? Or seek out local witches, who could potentially be Eveline’s relatives or fangirls?

  “Here you go. This’ll make everything all better.”

  The smell of coffee convinces me to look up at Fox. I take the mug from him—it’s one of Titan’s favorite cups because it has a stupid joke painted on it. I could laugh, except tears threaten. As I try to blink them away, one escapes.

  Fox frowns. “It’s not that bad, I swear.”

  I shake my head. “I’m not upset over the coffee.”

  “I know.” He sits next to me. “You’re really worried about your roommate, aren’t you?”

  “Yep.” I sip the steaming drink and the sweetness actually helps me to feel better. It’s probably the potent magic from the unicorn horn flakes—sweeter than sugar but also filled with mysterious magic that nobody really understands.

  “He’s more than just a roomie, isn’t he?”

  I shrug. “We’re good friends.”

  Fox wrings his hands together. “That’s how it starts. Or at least, that’s what happened with Roxy.”


  Here it comes. The ice cream and heartfelt talk I want to avoid like the plague. Actually, I’d take the plague over this any day.

  “We were next-door neighbors,” Fox continues. “Every time I went outside, there she was. It started small, then we became easy friends. One thing led to another, and before I knew what was happening, we were head over heels in love. It was Heaven on earth… until it wasn’t.”

  “What went wrong?”

  He cracks his knuckles. “I have no idea. Things were going so well that I started looking into engagement rings. Everything had been perfect—even our names go together. She called us Roxy and Foxy.”

  “Maybe she just needs a little space?”

  He shakes his head. “She made it clear we’re through.”

  “Sounds like you need some ice cream too.” I jump up and head for the freezer, suddenly in the mood to ask a terrifying vampire for a drop of his blood.

  Seventeen

  “Who is this?” Ziamara answers the phone, obviously not recognizing my new number.

  “You can’t tell anyone I called, Zia.”

  “Soleil!”

  I slap my forehead and pace the living room. “That’s exactly what I didn’t want you to do!”

  “Don’t worry. I’m in the middle of the woods on my own. Nobody for miles. Trust me, I can hear their heartbeats.”

  Relief floods through me.

  “Where are you?” Zia asks. “How’ve you been? We all miss you so much! We’ve been so worried too. Did your superiors ever find you? Are they—?”

  “Zia, I miss you guys like crazy but this isn’t a social call. I need your help.”

  She gasps. “Are you okay?”

  “For now. Any chance you can help me get your dad’s blood?”

  “You want to kill my father?”

  This call is not going how I imagined. “No, Zia. I just need one drop. One little drop. You don’t happen to have one, do you?”

  She breathes a sigh of relief into the phone. “I’m glad you’re not going up against him, but no I don’t have any of his blood. I have some of my mother’s. Will that help? I think I also have some of Uncle Soren’s. He’s Father’s brother.”

  “No. It has to be Alrekur’s. I don’t suppose he’d give you a drop if you ask nicely? I can give you a cherry to put on top.”

  “I would ask him. I’d do anything for you, but unfortunately he’s out of town. There are a group of vampires on the verge of war somewhere in Russia. I’m not sure exactly where.”

  This news doesn’t surprise me. Not the way everything is going. “I don’t suppose your mom has any of his blood?”

  “Maybe? I don’t know.”

  “Would you mind asking? I’m sorry to call like this, needing something from you.”

  “It’s okay. I know you wouldn’t ask unless it was important. And don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone in the pack that you called. Though everybody would love to know you’re okay.”

  Guilt stings me for making them worry for so long. “If it’d make you feel better, you can say that you heard a rumor I’m alive and kicking. But honestly, I can’t risk your lives by going anywhere near any of you. That whole area is on Valhalla’s radar.” I shudder, not wanting to talk about it. “If you can find a way to get a drop of the blood, call me back on this number, okay?”

  “Yeah, definitely. Maybe Eylin can help.”

  “Thanks, Zia. I appreciate it.”

  “Anything for you, seriously. And I’m so relieved to hear your voice. It’s been way too long.”

  My chest tightens. “It really has. Hopefully I can visit the pack soon.”

  “You know we’d all do anything for you. Whatever you’re dealing with, every one of us would drop everything to help.”

  I close my eyes and take a deep breath. What I wouldn’t give for that to happen. I want to wrap my arms around each and every pack member as much as I want to see Titan awake and well. “We’ll see each other soon.”

  We say our goodbyes, then I end the call as quickly as I can. Talking with her only makes me miss my family all the more. If only I could march into the mansion and sit down for a big meal with them. Nobody can cook or eat like werewolves.

  “Can’t get the blood?” Fox glances over at me from the kitchen sink, where he’s washing dishes.

  “Not right now. Our only two options are to seek out local covens or go talk to your friend. We can probably get the blood, but not right now unless you want to step into the middle of a foreign vampire war.”

  “As fun as that sounds, I’ll pass.”

  “Any chance I can make a wish, then you can grant it?”

  He shakes his head. “You don’t want me to grant a wish. Trust me.”

  “It doesn’t have to be a tricky answer, does it?”

  “That’s the only way I can fulfill a wish. If I were to grant you a wish for a drop of the vampire king’s blood, it would end up worse than not having any at all. It’s how djinn wish fulfillment works.”

  “Figures. Is it worth it to pay your friend a visit?”

  “It’s better than anything else we have at the moment. You know the original vampire, so that’ll give her reason to help us. Between that and my trustworthiness, she’ll have to tell us what she knows. She’s been waiting so long for that last ingredient.”

  “That’s our answer. Let’s make like an ax and split.”

  He gives me a double-take but doesn’t say anything. We gather a few things and make our way to the street.

  I turn to him. “Which way?”

  “You don’t have a car?”

  “They’re all in the four-car garage.” I gesture back at the falling-apart house which doesn’t even have any garage.

  Fox looks like he’s holding back a retort.

  “If you’ve got something to say, say it. I can take it.”

  He shakes his head. “You’re not at all what I expected.”

  “I get that a lot. Come on.” We walk to the main road and I head toward the club, curious to see if Eveline is there, checking out her damage.

  Halfway there, Fox turns to me. “Seriously, we can’t just walk to Calla’s. We’re going to need to hail a cab or something.”

  “You got it. First I want to swing by the club.”

  “Glutton for punishment, aren’t you?”

  “No. I want to know if the psycho witch is returning to the scene of the crime.”

  “Why? What are you going to do if she is?”

  It’s my turn to give him a double-take. “I just want to see her.”

  Fox shakes his head. “No, you don’t. You either want to confront her or follow her. Which is it? I thought we were out to find out what Calla knows.”

  “We are, but if we can follow Eveline, then I’ll know where she’s staying. At least that’s something. Maybe it’ll help us learn something about the coven she’s staying with. I need to know my enemy before making a move. I didn’t do that before, and look what happened. My favorite club is toast and my best friend is unconscious. No more mistakes.”

  “Makes sense.”

  We walk the rest of the way to the club in silence. Other than police tape and a few looky-loos, it’s basically just a pile of rubble. It looks a lot worse in the daylight.

  Fox folds his arms as he studies the damage. “It was really a witch that did this?”

  “Yeah. Just like I said.”

  “I can see why all the people believe it was a bomb.”

  “This chick is powerful. I have to give her that.”

  He glances at the teens snapping pictures with their phones. “You don’t see her here?”

  “She looks young, but not that young.” I study the nearby trees, looking for anyone who might be hiding. It’s not like there are woods to hide in. This is a bustling city.

  “So, you ready to find Calla?”

  I glance around, straining my eyes but still not seeing Eveline. “May as well.”

  We continue on down the sidewalk.
No cabs drive by. I keep a lookout for Eveline. She’s just as likely to be in the area hoping to find me. Unless hurting Titan is enough for her. She has to know how much it’s tearing me apart. Or would she not stop until one or both of us of are dead? That’s the more likely option.

  “There’s a bus stop up ahead.” Fox’s voice pulls me from my thoughts.

  “Your point?”

  “Maybe we should take it. I haven’t seen a single cab on this road.”

  “If you want to take public transportation, sure.”

  He arches a brow. “I don’t think anyone wants to take it.”

  “You have money for it? I’m not going to be able to pay. Titan usually pays.” I smile thinking of his payment method—making people think he paid.

  “Of course. It’s the least I can do after crashing at your place and eating your food.”

  “You mean cooking it.” My mouth waters just thinking about the breakfast cake.

  He shrugs. We pass a few groups of people before reaching the bus stop. Each person stares at Fox with wide eyes.

  “Why’s everyone looking at you like that?”

  Fox chuckles.

  “What? Are you doing something?”

  “Sometimes I like to make people think I’m someone else.”

  “Great. Don’t tell me everyone thinks I’m walking around with Hitler or Mussolini.”

  “Nothing like that. Today I’m the Rock.”

  “That’s actually not too far off. And he goes by his real name now. Get with the times.”

  “My bad.”

  We wait fifteen minutes for the next bus. Fox picks up a schedule and maps out our route. It’s going to be a long trip. As he’s doing that, more people continue to stare at him and whisper to each other as they pass by.

  I wave, pretending I’m with a celebrity.

  When a bus pulls up, I march toward it but Fox grabs my arm. “Not this one.”

  Some little girl waves furiously at him from inside the bus.

  Fox waves back, then blows a kiss.

  Her mouth drops open, then she yells so loud we can hear it.

  I turn to him and smile. “That was sweet.”

  He shrugs. “It’s fun to pretend to be famous, especially when I’d rather forget about my own problems. Looks like our bus is here.”