by L. C. Son
I think she actually enjoyed surrendering to the Altrinion force within her, but her wolf-borne father wouldn’t have his daughter be reckoned with an Altrinion’s curse. As a hybrid, she wouldn’t have the vice of a Dune’s curse, and she could phase at will; unlike most wolves. Her father, Alonso, watched in horror as his wife was given over to a Scourge’s fate when she took the life of the man who tried to rape her.
She changed right before his eyes.
As unfair as it may be, Altrinions are to honor human life above all—even to our own detriment. Double-dealing is what it is. What did the Elders of the Order expect her to do? Allow the assault? Hypocrites!
I don’t blame Alonso for wanting to keep his children far from their mother’s fate. But Calvin blames me for seducing his fiancé. Well, I suppose I did a little. Okay, maybe a lot. Nevertheless, Bessie was free to go as she pleased. So it’s no shocker that when he found his fiancé and I sharing a farewell kiss he went mad! He flung the window shades open and attacked me as the burning light of the sun scorched my body like fire. So I ripped his calf in two and threw him against the window to blot out the sun.
I could’ve done far worse.
Bessie’s been indifferent since that day. She acts like she hates the sight of me, but I know better. I’m sure she wishes I would come around the Tavern more often.
Tonight, however, is not about either Bessie or Calvin. Apart from drowning the sound of the cheerleader’s voices, I feel a momentum within me almost pushing me to the Tavern. Perhaps knowing Melvina is here is my driving force. A strong bulwark such as she can keep my beast at bay. If the wretched, beastly part of me seeks his escape even once, Melvina will send him barreling back to his hell hole. That’s exactly what I need.
Or at least that’s what I tell myself.
It’s as busy as I had hoped when we arrive. A live band is paying homage to one of the greats, Stevie Wonder, and many of the patrons are throwing caution to the wind and surrendering to the dance floor. It’s almost standing room only, but we are quickly seated at a booth in the center of it all. The atmosphere is as relaxing as I had hoped. I see the girl’s mouths moving, but I can hardly make out their words, nor am I working hard to summon the force within me to do so.
I exhale, blowing out my annoyance with my companions only to inhale deeply and be surprised by a strangely enchanting scent wafting past my nostrils. I take another deep breath and smile. The fragrance is pure but potent.
What is it? Who is it? My eyes search the room but nothing and no one catches my eye. It could just be my senses playing with me. I don’t know.
“C’mon don’t you want to dance with us?” The lovely brunette questions me. “Don’t tell me you don’t want to dance with me,” she says softer as she grinds on my lap with her hand trailing my cheekbone. Her body feels warm and as interested as I should be, the scent has me distracted.
“Make room for me, Lisa! I’m sure Mr. Merchis can handle two of us at a time,” the irritating blonde says perched on the side bench with her boobs meeting my eyes. This time her mispronunciation is almost forgiving.
“Two’s a party, but three is company, girls!” The mousy-voice, curly-coifed cheerleader is the loudest of them all. She dances in front of the table in ways that would make a weaker man faint. I am not that man. More than my interest is beginning to pique.
“I’m afraid you’ve mistaken my establishment for your club, Mr. Marchand.” As much as I try to enjoy the titillating lap dance and grind the girls are giving me, Bessie’s sharp, spite-filled tone breaks my muse.
Still, I’m not ready to let up just yet. With my heady lure freshly seeping through my pores, I enjoy watching the ladies succumb to my trance without their knowledge. I can’t help it, the more I get turned on, the more my lust-filled pheromones fill the air. As I stare around the Tavern, I notice all the patrons fall prey to their own abandon. I even sense a sultrier mood form from the band and the dance floor shifts from hand-dancing to body-touching hip rotation.
While the strength of most of my kind rests in earthly nature, some of us have been known for mood setting. Whether it be stirring the type of unrest that starts bar brawls or the kind to weaken magistrates to take the heads of the greatest prophet to ever live—our panache for disrupting atmospheres either by nature or the flesh is renown.
“Oh Bésame!” I answer rising to my feet to meet her eyes, taking her hand. I know no matter my impasse, my charms can still sway her to my side. “I’m just here, letting off a little steam. You know how it goes!”
“Yes, I know exactly how it goes, Mr. Marchand. Rumors have spread about how it’s gone for the last forty-eight hours.”
“Now Bessie, I know you don’t believe everything you hear.”
“No, only what I see.”
A chill rips up my spine and I wonder whether Bessie saw my otherworldly self. Though she’s seen it before, I’d hate for her to see me like that. Nor do I wish for her to be in my path during such a time. No matter our history, I’d never intentionally bring harm to one I’ve shared a bed with.
I stare up at the fixtures along the walls and ceiling and try hard to push aside any thoughts of my wretchedness.
“So I see you’ve made some improvements since I was here last,” I say, attempting to change the mood.
“Oh, you like them?” Bessie says with a bashful hue glowing through her cheeks. Good it’s working.
As she begins to share the background about how she acquired each piece, her voice dims and a warmth like I’ve never felt before envelops me and the room seems to darken with nothing but the most beautiful sight I’ve ever seen gazing at me.
Our eyes lock from across the Tavern and sweltering heat fills my being. This time it’s not the red beast. It’s something different. Stronger. Something I haven’t felt in almost five hundred years.
My beating heart.
Chapter 10
Jackson
My heart drops to the floor. As if losing Damina wasn’t enough, now my aunt wants me to kill my brother. Sure, Keiron’s treachery must be dealt with, but the thought of taking his life is beyond unbearable.
“Jackson, there’s something else,” Gregory says, forcing his way through Sophie’s hard stare. He squeezes my shoulder gently to keep my attention, ignoring the rumbling roar rising within me at Sophie’s declaration.
“What?” I snap and try to keep my eyes set on the only ally I have in the room.
“Shawn said Allyson was in the car with Damina when they left. We’ve tried to get a beat on the tags of the driver but seems like they were fake.”
“Well, why are we standing around here, we need to go to Allyson’s place and see what she knows.”
“That’s why I’m telling you. She hadn’t been back since that night, but Shawn just called me when we arrived and said her lights came on just a little while ago.”
“Then why are we standing around here? Let’s go!”
“Jackie! You should be trying to find your brother! Besides, what makes you think this woman will tell you anything?” Sophie hollers, tugging my arm, preventing my exit.
“Sophie, let me go! I’ll get to Keiron soon, but now I need to find Damina. Allyson was the last person to see her. I need to know where she is!”
“But Jackie, what if she’s working with your brother? This could be a trap!” Sophie yells as remaining tears break through her lids. Her hold on me is still tight but her hands are shaking.
“I highly doubt it. Allyson is only working for Allyson. She’s an opportunist at best. She finally saw an opportunity to meddle, and so she did.”
“Do what you must,” Delia says coolly, hardly above a whisper. The hurt in her eyes is inexplicable and the grief emanating through her pierces my heart. But it’s the sheer look of disappointment marred across her face that rips my soul in two.
She trusted
me with her niece and as much as I hate to admit it, I let her down.
“Come on, Jackson, let’s go.” Gregory pulls me from Sophie’s grip, and we are out the door. I can faintly hear Delia crying at our departure and my heart aches for her. Even though we’ve never seen eye to eye where Damina’s concerned over the years, she’s always believed in our relationship. She’s been my number one supporter from the beginning, and I have to make good on my promises.
And like my aunt said, I have to do whatever’s necessary to make that happen.
We make it to Allyson’s building just as another resident opens the door. Thankfully, it’s a guy named Aiden and his partner, John. Damina and I have seen them in the deli often. He doesn’t seem to wonder why I’m coming in this building, and I keep my movements quick before any questions are asked. They both smile and offer a quick congrats as they hold the door for us. When he tells me to give the lovely bride his well wishes, my heart nearly falls out my chest and I press my eyes tight to fight back my tears.
Great! Is this how it’s going to be? I hadn’t thought about how awkward it will be when people see me without Damina.
I don’t know how I’ll manage.
We bang on Allyson’s door, but no one answers.
“Wait a minute, Gregory,” I say quietly. My hearing feels more acute than usual. I listen for breathing or heartbeats, but still, nothing. Moving Gregory out of the way, I press my face against the door and try to gauge any scent.
Although faint, there’s still a trace amount of Damina’s lingering presence along the doorpost and even against the welcome mat; perhaps even more along the floor’s edge. A stinging ache ripples through me as I try to imagine why she may have been on the floor. I can’t help wondering if somehow, she was taken against her will. Allyson’s recent strange behavior makes me think it’s possible.
I also detect another fragrance seeping past the threshold, and it’s not human.
It’s wolf!
“Gregory!” I yell, quickly turning to meet his face. “Do you smell that?”
“Yup, I do. There’s been another wolf here. It’s a rather doggish odor too—must be a Dune!”
“Why would a Dune be here with Allyson?” I whisper to myself.
“Jack-O, I hate to say this, but man something doesn’t smell good about this entire situation.” Gregory’s dark tone exposes the hint of fear pouring from his pores.
“I guess Keiron was right after all. There are more pieces on this chessboard after all.”
Gregory stares at me with fear-wrought eyes as his concern for me grows. “What does that even mean, Jackson?”
“Jackson! Gregory! Come Quick!” We hear Shawn shout from outside the building.
Both Gregory and I bolt out of the doors in a flash. We nearly trip over one another when we find Shawn standing in front of the steps with his arms locked tight with Kyra.
“Kyra!” Gregory yells as he jumps in front of me. I know he’s afraid of what I’ll do to her, but I stand still. Frozen. I hadn’t expected to see her so soon.
“I’m fine, Gregory,” I reply, pushing him aside. Shawn’s face is tight and his expression pensive. There are still people walking down the city streets this time of day, and he’s trying his best not to cause a scene.
“I found her watching us from the market across the street,” Shawn states, tugging her in close as she wiggles slightly in his grip.
Kyra looks awful. I’ve never seen her unkempt even once. With mascara running down her face, smeared lipstick, and matted hair she looks like she slept on the street or worse.
“What are you doing here?” I say through gritted teeth. While she’s noticeably not in a good place, I don’t care. All I see is the woman responsible for ruining my life.
“Jackson, I’m so sorry. I—I only did it because he—” Kyra’s words veer as her sorrowful state overtakes her, and she buckles at her knees. Shawn pulls her so that she’s leaning on his shoulder, holding her firm at the waist.
“Jack-O, I know you couldn’t care less right now, but she doesn’t look good. We need to get Kyra out of here before either Delia or Sophie see her. They’ll show her no mercy,” Gregory says with a watchful glare along the sidewalk, likely hoping no one notices anything untoward.
Kyra continues sobbing, but I can tell she’s trying to say something. I need to know as much as I can right now.
“Finish it!” I demand of Kyra, pushing aside Gregory’s plea for me to table it for now. “Why did you do this to me, Kyra? Why are you here at Damina’s place?”
“They eschewed me, Jackson,” Kyra’s muffled words barely escape her lips as she watches me through her puffy, tear-filled eyes. “Shunned me like I never existed! Keiron said he’d protect us—but he’s a liar! I’m so—so sorry!” Kyra cries once more, folding into Shawn’s shoulder as he maintains a tight hold at her waist.
“Get her out of my sight.” Even though I’m rightfully upset, the brazen tone seething through my speech is uncommon for me. Both Gregory and Shawn stare at me, likely unsure if I meant what I said. “NOW!” I shout.
I meant every word.
Gregory taps Shawn’s shoulder and nods his head toward Shawn’s car after he takes one final glance at me and sees my posture unmoved. Heat rises from my fists and a growl deeper than I’ve ever heard rattles through me as I try hard to stifle my rage.
Everything in me is screaming for me to phase here and now. But I cannot. I can’t afford to lose another day.
As Shawn and Gregory aid a tearful Kyra to the car, I think on her mention of my brother and decide to call him.
He accepts the call immediately but remains silent.
“Keiron, I know you can hear me. I have no idea what kind of games you are playing but I’ll warn you once and once only: if any harm comes to Damina—if she gets just a scratch, not even the gates of hell will keep you from my reach. You better pray I find her alive and well before I find you.”
“Well then, dear brother, let the games begin.”
Dalcour
I can still remember the day I felt the rhythmic pattern of static electricity leave my heart when I first took human life at my father’s command. My body felt numb all over and my insides like an acorn shaking in its shell.
Tonight, however, is something different entirely.
Gazing at the most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen in my life makes my body warm like a volcanic tidal wave. Even with a hoodie, shades, and an ill-fitted wig, I see her soul for the beautiful creature she is both inside and out. Her sensually sweet aromatic scent calls to me from across the room. I inhale deeply, trying to take in her essence wholly.
While I know the Tavern is full, it feels like there’s no one here but just us two. Her caramel and flame-filled eyes set into mine with a deep longing meant just for me. Everything inside me is screaming to rapture her in my embrace and never let her go.
I don’t know if it’s the shape of her perfectly plump berry-hued lips or the radiance of her honey-coated skin that sends me into such a frenzy, but there’s a magnetic lure in her being beckoning me to her side. Despite her oversized and baggy sweat suit, her luscious frame kindles a fire in my loins I’ve never felt before. This is beyond lust.
How can this be?
Her beauty is beyond description. Only heaven itself can rival the purity of her presence. Everything about her exudes passion, love, and a freedom in my spirit I’ve never felt before. I watch as her lips part slightly, and it’s the sexiest movement I’ve ever seen in my life. I try hard to restrain the fervor and desire for her building within me. If it weren’t for the tethering of my feet to the ground, she’d be in my arms right now, but I can’t move.
The thumping of my heart knocks through my being like a caged lion begging to be loosed. Oh, if she would loosen me to love her! I’d be whatever and whoever she needed. For her, I’
d work a thousand lifetimes if only to meet her expectations. Just her presence alone makes me want to be better.
How can this nameless woman restore a cadence to my desolate soul?
I wonder if she knows what she’s doing to me.
Still, there’s something off. Why is she here? By the way she’s dressed I can tell she’s running from something or someone. I know Bessie gives shelter to women of domestic abuse. The thought alone sends a stirring flame through my core. Without knowing her name, I know I’d gladly end anyone who’d cause her just an ounce of pain. Why I feel the need to protect someone I don’t know is strange, but I know I’d do it just as sure as my heart beats in my chest.
Closing my eyes, I take in another gulp of air, hoping to fill my insides with as much of her as I can handle.
Just then our moment of enchantment is broken when an aluminum pan falls from her table, restoring the bustling sounds of the Tavern.
“Dalcour, you need to leave!” Bessie demands, yanking my arm. I glance over my shoulder and see her adjutants leading my company out the front door.
I forgot they were here.
“Now, Dalcour!” Bessie exclaims once more. I pull myself from her grip. Looking into her eyes, her thoughts are exposed before me and I know her truth. Bessie is jealous. She only wants me gone to get away from the beautiful woman whose soul calls to me.
Quickly, I turn my attention back to the woman and I instantly feel the beast within me arise as I now see Javier, Bessie’s duplicitous brother, with his hand on the shoulder of my heart’s siren. Seeing him touching her tempts the wretchedness inside me to awaken.
I can’t do this tonight. Not here. Not in front of her.
Although it pains me to do so, I must leave. I can’t risk unleashing the depraved and wicked thing that I am before her. I take one last glance and see Javier talking with her and a low snarl seethes through me as I watch his hands trail her shoulder. A small smile breaks my forming rage when I spy her retract at his touch, obviously annoyed.