Shapes of Autumn (Boxed set, books 1 - 5)

by Veronica Blade

  As I closed the gate, I snuck a quick glance inside the cell. No cameras. I released the guy I’d been holding and crawled into the cell to make sure a camera wasn’t hiding behind the toilet or anywhere else.

  Nope, nothing. Which meant if I wanted any privacy with the prisoner, I’d have to go into the cell with them.

  “What’s taking so long?” David called out.

  “Uh, I thought I saw something in this guy’s cell, but it was just a cockroach. I’m on my way now.” Gripping the guy by his shirt, I hauled him through the passageway and all the way to David’s office.

  “Put him in the chair.”

  I dumped the shape-shifter onto the narrow dental chair. Now that I was further into the room, I saw that it wasn’t as small as I had thought. Big enough to also hold a table which was hugging the wall, and covered in medieval gadgets, with pulleys and levers. I suspected the machinery might rotate a victim’s limbs, stretching until ligaments tore and bones snapped.

  I had been better off getting my ass beat by Gunther every day. Except now I knew where the shape-shifter prisoners were. Not Natasha though. Since I was trusted now—they thought they controlled my mind—I had more freedom to find her. I hoped.

  I fantasized about closing the gate to David’s office, then locking him inside by changing the code. But I’d heard somewhere something about witches moving objects with telekinesis. David only had to adjust the inside mechanism and he’d be free.

  “Son of a bitch.” A stream of worse profanities spewed from David. “I’m out of syringes.”

  “Can I help?” I asked, hoping I wouldn’t have to participate in torturing the guy.

  “He’s going to wake up soon, which is good because I want him to feel each cut, every broken bone.” David locked the metal around the guy’s ankles. “But when you return him to his cell later, you’ll need to dose him. You should get the syringes now.”

  I’d seen a store of them the other day where they kept supplies, but hadn’t known what they were for—until they’d shot me up with the crap. “In the toolshed?”

  “Yes.” He restrained the prisoner’s wrists and shooed me away. “Go.”

  I bolted. Once out in the corridor, I reveled in the solitude. Except for my stint in solitary, my alone time these last weeks had been limited to the shower. And not even that, since someone was usually using the stall next to me.

  Maybe I could drag out this errand.

  I walked at a brisk pace so I didn’t call attention to myself, passing several werewolves along the way. Although I got the feeling they didn’t like me, they knew not to mess with me for fear of retribution from the king. Also, they’d witnessed for themselves that people who tangled with me ended up dead.

  My stay with these disgusting animals couldn’t end soon enough.

  Upon entering the weapons area, which doubled as a toolshed, my eyes quickly adjusted to the dim lighting. I located the store of syringes, which had been haphazardly thrown in a plastic container behind a table. The bin had to have held hundreds, the needles going in all directions. I doubted anyone would notice if I snagged some extra. Stepping around the table and checking over my shoulder to make sure no one was watching, I angled my body to cover my right hand from the camera’s view, then I nabbed a huge handful. I shifted position so the camera wouldn’t spy me taking more.

  “What are you doing?”

  I flipped around to see Colin, not my favorite of the degenerates in the mansion. He was one of two werewolves in charge of security and monitoring cameras. He was one of the last people I needed to witness me sneaking syringes. I readied one to use on him and he lunged.

  “Stop!” I growled. Colin froze and I waited for him to strike. But he didn’t. On reflex, I’d ordered him to stop, but I never imagined he would obey. If he changed his mind and attacked me, I could use the syringe on him—or the blow torch on the table between us. He didn’t move though. “Why aren’t you doing anything?”

  His brows wrinkled and his shoulders twitched. “You told me not to. And now my legs won’t budge.”

  Holy crap, he’d been glamoured. By me! Apparently, as a hybrid, I had the power of a vampire to compel someone completely, but my werewolf side gave me the ability to do it remotely. I didn’t have time to marvel at my newly discovered ability. What if the cameras witnessed what had just happened? You will tell me what I need to know, starting with if the surveillance in here has sound.

  No, it doesn’t. He winced, like he was trying not to cooperate but couldn’t help himself. The king didn’t want to spend the money.

  Walk this way and shield me from the camera while I load up the tranqs. After I’d stuffed my pockets and waistband, then arranged my baggy T-shirt to cover the bulges, I pretended to laugh so anyone watching wouldn’t think anything was wrong. Go back to the monitors and make sure our interaction looks normal. If anything appears suspicious, delete it. Check in with me when it’s done. Any problems, contact me immediately.

  Yes, sir.

  From now on, you’ll protect me. Once I leave this room, you’ll forget I was here. But if I talk to you telepathically, no matter where you are, you’ll answer any questions and do whatever I ask. Understand?

  Yes, sir.

  And if anyone notices the missing syringes, you’ll take the blame. I walked past him, halting just before the door. When my friends arrive and attack, you’ll help them overthrow Mortimer. If you survive the battle, you’ll be a better person. You’ll try not to hurt anyone, especially women, without good cause.

  Yes, sir.

  I was grateful he hadn’t attacked me and blown my cover. But turning him into a zombie felt wrong. Messing with someone’s mind was low. Too bad I didn’t have a choice.

  When I arrived at the thick steel door to the basement, I punched in the code David had given me earlier and let myself in. I shuddered at the sound of the drill and compelled my feet to take me toward David’s office.

  “Hand me the forceps.”

  Avoiding looking at the guy in the chair—I really didn’t want to see that—I glanced around, spotting the forceps in the surgical tray. I held them out to him and couldn’t help but view the bloody sight. Thankfully, the guy was unconscious and wouldn’t endure the agony of his organs being dissected. He had probably passed out from the pain.

  I needed to get rid of the syringes before I got caught with them. I backed up as stealthily as I could, keeping my eye on David, and shoved them under a pile of bloody rags.

  Sir, nothing unusual noted on the video footage, so I left it intact, Colin told me telepathically.

  I ignored Colin. If I answered, David would sense the energy and wonder who I was talking too—and why I was strong enough to talk telepathically. Rookies weren’t able to do that.

  David glanced over his shoulder. “What are you doing?”

  I steeled myself not to jolt. “Looking for something to clean up the blood, but these ones are already dirty. Are there clean rags somewhere?”

  “Not here. You can go off and get some, if you want. I won’t need you for another ten minutes or so.” He refocused on the guy’s abdomen, plunging the forceps deeper. “Make sure the door locks when you leave. Your number one priority is my safety.”

  “Yes, sir. I’ll be back.” Another reprieve. I would witness less gruesome acts and have time to do some recon, maybe talk to Autumn. As I darted through the door, the drill buzzed again and nausea threatened to take me down.

  Dathan and the others couldn’t get here soon enough.

  Chapter SIX

  Autumn

  “We’re almost there.” Dathan veered off the highway onto a dirt road.

  “I’m trying to figure out how we’re going to attack Mortimer. We can’t just walk up to his palace or we’ll be toast. Shape-shifters can fly and then easily drop in. Except we wouldn’t want to go into battle after a long and tiring flight.” I chewed my bottom lip. “Maybe we can parachute from Cedric’s private jet.”

  Da
than nodded. “If Zack being a werewolf-vampire hybrid gives him the ability to glamour without feeding off his victim, like Mortimer, he could neutralize a huge portion of Mortimer’s army before we ever get there.”

  Dathan amazed me with his insight. He always figured out things ahead of time. Like that I was a shape-shifter werewolf hybrid—and who my parents were. And that Zack was a werewolf vampire hybrid. He nailed it before Zack or I had a clue. He was probably spot on this time too. Zack could accomplish so much if he could control the enemy from a distance.

  Right when hope crept in, my expectations crashed and burned, making my body wilt. “But if he tries and the recipient is too strong, they’ll realize what he can do and then he’s a dead man.”

  “Exactly. I’ve been looking for some way around it. So far, no luck.” Dathan sighed and glanced over at me in the passenger seat. “Mortimer usually kills off his people before they get too powerful though. I’m just worried about the useful ones he might keep.”

  “If Zack manages to glamour some of them, what would happen if his order conflicts with something Mortimer already glamoured the guy into?”

  “Usually, the unconscious mind tries to follow all commands and ends up accomplishing very little.” Dathan killed the engine and we all climbed out of the Escalade.

  Except for a cluster of buildings here and there, I didn’t see much beyond the shrub-covered land stretching for at least a couple miles around us. The huge one-story house just yards away blended with the red mountains and sprawled over the property with wings built on wings.

  Two young men exited the front door, their gazes trained on us. One had shaggy light brown hair and the other dark and clean-cut. Both were dressed in camo. Then a beautiful sunny-haired girl came into view, wearing curve-hugging jeans and a crop top showing off her abs. She stood beside the shaggy-haired guy and watched us with bright blue eyes. The three appeared to be in their early twenties, all wearing the same solemn expression.

  “I’m Dathan Lacroix, the vampire king.” Dathan reached out a hand to the shaggy blond guy.

  “I’m Hayden,” he returned the formalities, then he angled his head toward the girl. “This is Tessa, the queen’s granddaughter.” He hitched a thumb at the dark-haired guy. “And Chait.”

  Having released Hayden, Dathan’s index finger jabbed toward each of us as he called out our names.

  “Nice to meet you all. Queen Jane is indisposed at the moment,” Tessa said. “You can wait for her in the salon, if you don’t mind.” She twirled on her high heels and swished back through the front door. A pang of jealousy hit me. The last time I dressed like a girl had been for prom months ago. Since then, I’d been too busy fighting for my life to squeeze in makeup or a dress.

  The two guys shadowed Tessa and we followed inside after them. Their sweet honey-like scent floated past my nose and I remembered one of the vampires once referring to witches as tasting delicious.

  “Please make yourself comfortable.” Tessa motioned toward the cluster of overstuffed chairs, a settee and a long leather sofa.

  I glanced around, taking note of the thick silvery blue drapes and long tassels, the exquisite wide floral area rug and crystal sconces. The walls were a buttery cream against white ceiling and trim. Someone had great taste.

  Once we were all settled, Tessa’s mouth formed a friendly smile. “So, Mr. Lacroix, what is it you need to see Queen Jane about?”

  Dathan scowled. “I was hoping to speak with Her Majesty directly, due to the sensitive nature.”

  A blond woman who looked eerily similar to Tessa, except a few years older and slightly taller, glided into the room straight for him. Her pale blond hair was styled into a long bob and her dusty pink pantsuit perfectly tailored. She folded her hands over Dathan’s and offered him a warm smile. “Dathan, dear. It’s so good to finally meet you. My apologies for making you wait.”

  “An honor to meet you.” His gaze bounced around the room as he repeated the introductions, then he and Jane exchanged small talk for the next several minutes.

  “Cedric spoke of you often, Dathan. Why am I only just now meeting you?” Jane asked when the conversation lulled.

  Dathan cast another glance around the room. “I was hoping to speak with you in private.”

  “Nonsense. Hayden and Chait are my most capable and trusted warriors. Tessa is my granddaughter I’m grooming to take over for me,” Jane said, ignoring Tessa’s groan. “You may speak freely in front of them.”

  How nice for Jane to age the same as the rest of us, appearing more like Tessa’s older sister.

  “If you insist.” Dathan sucked in a lungful of air. “We’re going to overthrow King Mortimer, but since there are only a few of us who can resist his special powers, our army will be insignificant against so many. We could use your help.”

  Jane planted an elbow on the armrest. “Tell me more about his special powers.”

  Dathan leaned back in the stuffed chair, his blue eyes intent on hers. “He’s been feeding on vampires and has developed our ability to glamour. Combined with his natural werewolf ability to do it remotely, he is capable of fully controlling a mind from a distance. I don’t know how many in his circle who’ve also gained that ability. But I believe your younger witches couldn’t withstand the mental probing King Mortimer and some of his warriors are now capable of. Better if they don’t have information the king can take from their minds.”

  “And your young one can stop Mortimer’s mental probing?” Jane glanced at me.

  “She’s had vampire blood. Long story, but she can handle herself—already has. Not even one of the most powerful werewolves in history—now dead—could persuade her.” He flashed me a proud grin.

  “Cedric trusts all of you implicitly, so I will too.” She studied each of our faces, mulling over her options. “Tessa and I aren’t normal witches. We come from an ancient line with exceptional powers.”

  “Divine witches?” Dathan gasped, his gaze bouncing between Jane and her granddaughter. “I should’ve known by the hair. I thought they were extinct.”

  “Tessa and I are proof those rumors are false. And I assure you that no supernatural in existence can see into our minds, much less bend our will, without our consent.” She arched a brow. “So what kind of help did you have in mind?”

  “Hold on.” Dathan’s eyes narrowed at Jane. I wondered what could be going through his head. “Your mother was Rebecca.”

  Jane’s gaze wavered and she took a tiny, almost inaudible intake of breath. “I never met my real mother. Why do you believe her name was Rebecca?”

  “I met someone over a hundred years ago, before I went into slumber. Incredible woman. Strong. Uncanny resemblance to you and your granddaughter.”

  Jane licked her trembling lips. “Is it possible she’s still alive?”

  “Possible, I suppose.” Dathan pressed his lips together. “But highly improbable.”

  A tiny whimper escaped her. “What do you know about this woman?”

  “She was being held captive. She fought, refused to cooperate. She was the most powerful witch I’d ever seen. They wouldn’t risk keeping her alive.” Dathan offered her a sympathetic look. “I’m sorry.”

  “I understand.” She hung her head in silence. “Who is ‘they’?”

  “The same animals who have captured someone I care about.” Dathan hissed. “Mortimer and his kind are a menace to all supernaturals. I want him dethroned and I could use help of the witchy kind.”

  The four witches exchanged glances, then Tessa spoke up. “Five years ago, we ended a great war, but not before the majority of witches killed each other off. We can’t lose any more of our people.”

  “I can’t afford to get caught up in anyone’s vendetta, be it my mother’s or yours.” Jane shook her head. “My first priority is my people. We’re not like vampires or werewolves who can turn humans to increase our numbers. Though we’re constantly looking for orphans and strays, we haven’t found many and there are very
few of us left. We can’t lose anymore.”

  Dathan nodded. “I realize that. But I don’t need an entire army. Even a couple powerful witches will suffice.”

  “And we should help you because…?” Chait shot Dathan a skeptical glance. “Other than satisfaction of a good deed, what will make it worth possibly getting killed and taking us all one step closer to extinction?”

  “And how can we be sure we can trust you?” Hayden asked, his eyes hard.

  A slow smile spread over Dathan’s face, bunching up his cheeks. “Hasn’t King Mortimer kept some of you captive in his castle these past centuries? The degenerate werewolves who’ve been hunting your kind, imagine them under a kinder sovereign and no longer a problem for you.” He stretched back against his chair and layered an ankle across his knee. “As for trusting me, Jane can decide.”

  “Werewolves, huh?” Chait cracked his knuckles. “They’re like coyotes or hyenas. The lowest of the canine species and we can’t get rid of them.”

  “Vermin.” Tessa’s gaze snapped to my mother and she tilted her head, as though she’d perceived my mom was a werewolf too. Some witchy magic gave her perceptions beyond our olfactory senses. Did she know about me too? Hopefully, she only picked up on anything amiss because she was a special kind of witch. I had no idea if they could talk telepathically, but I had to try. Please don’t mention out loud her being a werewolf, I said. I’ll explain later. For now, the fewer people aware of what we are, the better. Please.

  Tessa granted me a sly wink, and my whole body sagged in relief, then she sent a quick glance toward the door. I didn’t sense anyone else nearby. But Tessa seemed apprehensive about someone overhearing.

  “How exactly would one of us help you with Mortimer?” Chait asked, his gaze flickering toward the door. Apparently, he had the same paranoia.

  “I’m glad you asked.” One side of Dathan’s mouth curved up. “I don’t need a witch involved in hand-to-hand combat. In fact, the witch can stay on the sidelines unseen. What I want is your ability to pull images from minds, telekinesis, and especially your shielding skills. Mortimer will have hundreds of werewolves at his immediate disposal and we’ll have only a handful on our side. We need any advantage we can get.”