Of A Darker Nature

by Clay, Michelle

  Marcus tossed her his phone. “Speed dial number three and ask for Amanda. She'll know what to do.”

  “What do we do now?” Corey brushed away a trickle of blood that ran in his left eye. “How the hell are we gonna find Evan if we can’t even find the witch?”

  Marcus tried to think, but the fear of something terrible happening to Evan broke his focus. “I’ll call my contacts. Jai Li and I will get Isabella to safety.”

  “What about her?” Corey asked, nodding in Emily's direction. She finished the phone call and stood, waiting for his answer. Before he could respond, heeled shoes tapped toward them.

  Isabella and Jai Li rushed forward. Jai Li's eyes were huge and looked like she might cry. She hugged Marcus tight and said, “I am so glad to see you.”

  Isabella looked perturbed. “They took Evan?”

  Corey hung his head. “Yes. There were too many, and I couldn’t stop them.”

  “We must get him back!” Crocodile tears streamed down Isabella’s face.

  Emily inched closer to Marcus to clasp his hand. “I could read Watts and some of the dead to see what they know.”

  “Yes.” Isabella cast a suspicious glance at their joined hands. “That is an excellent idea. You should do something worthwhile for the amount of money I am paying you. After all, I hired you to read Marcus, not sleep with him.”

  An icy sense of treachery washed down his spine. He had obviously been too quick to cast aside his uncertainties. It all made perfect sense now. Damn, how could he have been so blind and stupid? He pulled his hand from hers.

  The emotions forming on Emily’s face sang of shock, anger and regret.

  She tried to say something, but he turned his back to her and cut her off. “Corey, I want you to take Miss Cross to read whatever is left of Watts and the others. She's being paid to do a job, let's find her something to do. She'll also need to read Chad if he doesn't pull through. Call as soon as you know something. Jai Li and I will take Isabella to another safe house. Perhaps I can get Degas to send some of his pack over to guard her while we search for Evan.”

  Isabella frowned. “Degas? Why would the wolf send his pack? They do not wish to associate with us.”

  Marcus sighed, frustration gnawing at his last nerve. “We used to be friends and he owes me a favor. Surely we can put our differences aside for just one night.” He grasped Isabella by the upper arm and dragged her down the front steps. “Let’s go.”

  Isabella allowed herself to be tucked into the car. She pointed in Emily’s direction. “I want Emilia brought to me after you find out what you need.”

  Corey met Marcus’s gaze and blanched. He seemed to understand the meaning behind Isabella’s words as well. “But why, Mistress?”

  An ugly sneer warped her face. “Someone will pay for this. I paid her to do a task, and she took advantage of my goodwill. She must be punished.”

  “She had nothing to do with Evan being taken.” Still Marcus couldn't look at her.

  “I did what you asked.” Emily’s voice was full of shame. She didn't seem able to look him in the eyes either.

  Marcus tossed the bedraggled hem of Isabella’s dress inside the car. “Let’s focus on getting Evan back, shall we? You can worry about Emily later.”

  “But she has taken from me!” Isabella screeched and made a move to bolt from the car.

  Marcus forced her back inside, tired of her foolishness. “She took nothing I wasn’t willing to give. Don’t be a fool. She’s not the first I’ve taken to bed, and she won’t be the last. Are you going to hunt down the other women? Hell, I don’t even remember half their names.”

  His enforcers looked on with wide eyes. It set a bad example— especially to the impressionable Corey—but he had to do something before it got too far out of hand. This woman’s behavior was bordering on ridiculous.

  He could only afford a quick glance in Emily’s direction. His confession seemed to cut her to the quick. The tears shimmering in her eyes tore at him, but he reminded himself that she had lied and used him. He supposed she hadn’t done anything to him that he hadn’t done to her. The truth didn’t help soothe the sting he felt. He supposed what ate at him the most was the knowledge that he’d completely fallen for it.

  He leaned down to Isabella’s level to make sure she looked him in the eye. “We’re wasting valuable time. We could be out looking for Evan instead of having this incredibly stupid conversation. Punish me if you must, but leave Emily out of it. To harm her would be a grave mistake.”

  “But it would please me.” Isabella crossed her arms over her chest and pursed her lips in an unbecoming pout. “I have made up my mind.”

  “If you kill her, Starr will have already won.”

  Isabella’s voice was harsh with disappointment. “Explain.”

  “The old man linked her into a spell with the property. It’ll come undone with her death, and Starr will have full use of the ley line. Do you want that? If so, just say the word and I’ll kill her myself.”

  Emily’s hand flew to her throat. The scent of her fear was overpowering on the humid April night. Her heart’s frantic beat was almost mesmerizing.

  Eyes wide with surprise, Emily said, “How did you know that? I didn’t tell you that part.”

  He smirked. “I looked up the Latin words you used while reading the old man. The Internet is a wondrous thing, Miss Cross. I’d advise you to get with the times. You can find out all sorts of things about a person if you know where to look.” It also didn’t hurt that he had eyes and ears all over the city. He moved away without apology.

  She opened her mouth, but he cut her off. “I already knew about your so-called talents, your boyfriend’s extortion, and your parent’s death before I came to babysit.”

  The surprised look on Emily’s face melted into something akin to embarrassment and fury. He supposed she hadn’t expected him to be so technically savvy. He stabbed a finger at Isabella. “And you. If you want to know something, come ask me next time. Don’t send one of your lackeys.”

  “But you lie.” Isabella frowned and crossed her arms in a childish manner. “You never tell me anything.”

  He laughed though it held no amusement. “This isn’t about you, you stupid bitch.”

  Jai Li and Corey seemed to be at a loss for words. Their wide eyes conveyed their bewilderment.

  Isabella opened her mouth to protest, but he cut her off once again. “After this is over, no matter the outcome, you will release me. I no longer wish to be part of your blood-clan.”

  “I will never allow you to leave. You are mine!” Isabella’s words were heated, but her expression showed the panic and rejection she felt.

  Marcus considered this. “I would rather meet the sunrise than spend one more moment with you.”

  Emily stepped forward and gripped his arm. He read fear, panic, and pain in her eyes. “I’m sorry, Marcus. She threatened my sister. Surely you can understand why I had to read you.” His gaze narrowed on her hand, and she quickly withdrew it. “I never meant to hurt you.”

  Instead of commenting, he moved toward the front of the car. “Grab a car, Jai Li. You're coming with me.”

  Jai Li got into a sedan, and Marcus opened the driver’s door of the Corvette.

  Corey moved closer to Marcus and spoke urgently, but quietly. “I know you’re mad, but do you really want her to read those bodies? She feels everything, remember?”

  Marcus flicked his gaze toward Watts and the missing half of his head. His heart gave a lurch in his chest. He hated like hell to put her through that.

  When he answered, he didn't dare glance at Emily. “Yeah, do it.”

  “What do you want me to do with Emily when we’re done?” Corey didn’t make any lewd suggestions. Mostly, he just looked tired and scared.

  “Bring her to Red Door. She can't be left alone.” Marcus regarded Emily’s pale, withdrawn face. “Be careful. Starr has made her move, and she might come for Emily too.”

  Emily buri
ed her face in her hands, shoulders shaking with sobs. It tore him to pieces to see her this way. If he stayed any longer, he might forget his anger and rush to hold her.

  Marcus started the car instead. He told himself that he didn’t have time to contemplate Emily’s wounded emotions, or his own for that matter. Somehow he made himself drive away.

  “That girl cannot be trusted. I believed you were smart enough not to allow her to seduce you,” Isabella said with a disappointed sigh.

  Marcus was quite exhausted all of the sudden. “Shut the hell up, you old hag.”

  Isabella grinned at him, her fangs flashing. He had known from the very start that her concern for Evan’s well-being was an act. She had become adept at calling forth tears at a moment’s notice. He’d witnessed it many times before. No, Evan could be dead for all she cared. The part that bothered Isabella was the fact that Starr had taken something from her. The tears looked good, but if they hadn’t worked, she would have resorted to her usual tantrums and threats.

  ***

  John Degas, the local werewolf pack leader, greeted Marcus at the front door of his home. He’d grown a beard, and his hair was longer than the last time he’d seen him. He looked like he’d just gotten off work because he was still wearing a pair of jeans, work boots and a faded blue shirt.

  Together, they scouted the property, looking for anyone who shouldn’t be there. Marcus had accepted the pack leader's house as home base. It sat nestled in a gated community and was much smaller than what Isabella was used to. It would be easier to defend against another attack.

  “It’s a shame about what happened. Evan was a nice guy, despite his blood ties.”

  Marcus cut his gaze in Degas’ direction, not liking what was left unspoken.

  They walked along the paved driveway. Guards—shifters and otherwise—had been posted inside and around the house. No one would come or go unless he or Degas gave acknowledgment.

  “This witch is crafty. I’ve had my best people on it, and we’ve not been able to sniff out her hiding place. The only thing I can figure is that she moves around a lot. Or maybe she's figured out a way to hide her scent.”

  Marcus nodded. “She has her coven do most of the dirty work. That makes it’s hard to trace it back to her.”

  “I suppose we should have been working together on this all along. Maybe things can change between the pack and your kind.” Degas rolled the sleeves of his blue work shirt up to his elbows. A howling wolf’s head was inked onto his forearm.

  Marcus stole a glance at the house. He sincerely doubted anything would change between the shrinking vampire clan and shifter communities, at least not while Isabella was in control and sabotaging the situation.

  “I know it tears her up to ask for our help.” Degas indicated an upstairs window and Isabella’s shadow that passed across it. “But I have to admit it’ll be nice working with you again, old man. I’ve encouraged my pack to let bygones be bygones. My brother nearly destroyed the respect we’ve worked so hard for. I believe they understand your enforcers had no choice but to arrest him. I haven’t forgotten all that you’ve personally done for us.”

  Though it had been a while, Marcus had helped Degas resolve a few pack tribulations. Aside from his brother, the latest had been about three years ago. A rival pack from one of the neighboring cities had taken a newborn. Marcus negotiated the infant’s safe return.

  He clapped his friend on the back. “Same.”

  “Don’t worry. We’ll get him back. I’ve got my best wolves on it.” Marcus’s worried expression must have conveyed his lack of confidence. Degas added, “I’ve weeded out the witch’s converts, and I’ve brought in people I trust with my life. We may not agree with everything the mistress of the city does, but our kind realizes we’d be pretty bad off without some sense of government. The elder pack members have respect for you and appreciate all you’ve done to help us.”

  “Glad to hear it.”

  Degas cocked his head and studied Marcus. “Whether you realize it or not, Scott has been a very helpful advocate on that front.”

  Marcus shoved his hands into his pockets. He wasn’t used to people coming to his aid. “I guess I’ll have to thank him.”

  “Tread carefully my friend. He knows you've been sleeping with that human girl. He's very protective of her.”

  “It’s over.”

  The smile melted, and Degas seemed to realize that was the only explanation he would get. Degas pursed his lips before saying, “Have you ever considered overthrowing Isabella? I understand your limitations with her being your sire and all, but surely you can see that she’s losing her mind.”

  Marcus gave him a sharp look of warning. Of course, he thought of it almost daily, but it wasn’t as simple as Degas made it seem.

  Degas seemed reluctant to let it go. “Don’t you ever worry that someone else will come along and do it?”

  “This is a conversation for another time.” Marcus grimaced. He had no idea where to start. “Meet me at Red Door in an hour. I’m going to hit the streets, see if I can rattle a few cages.”

  “Don’t worry. We won’t let you down.”

  Marcus drove past the guardhouse and the gate. Two of Degas’ pack members waved him through. Both looked as glum as he felt. Once he reached the road, he turned right and headed into the heart of downtown.

  ***

  The woman with purple streaked hair tucked a large tote bag beneath her arm before pulling her apartment door shut. She secured the door and double checked the locks. Wren Peterson didn’t live in the best neighborhood. Therefore, he didn’t consider the extra precaution odd in the least. Tonight, however, even her double locks would not save her from him.

  Marcus watched her take the steps two at a time. She seemed to be in a hurry, probably had somewhere important to be. A meeting with the head witch perhaps? The scowl on her face left him unsure of whether she was determined or full of dread.

  He decided to follow. Perhaps this woman could lead him to where they held Evan.

  Wren got into a banged up car and backed out of the lot. He followed her down the street, minding the distance between their cars.

  His target stopped at Atrum Natura, a new age shop located downtown. He waited down the block while she went inside. Within minutes, she returned. She looked nervous as she quickly got back into her car and drove away.

  “What are you up to, little bird?” He pulled into Red Door’s parking lot moments behind her. He got out of his vehicle and moved a little closer to where she had parked.

  Wren got out of the car and opened the back door to remove something small from the bag. She slipped it into her pocket and headed toward the building.

  He allowed her to take a few steps before moving out of the shadows. He hooked an arm with hers and forced her to walk alongside him. Her body stiffened, and he hissed a warning.

  “What do you want?” Wren’s voice wavered, belying the challenge in her words.

  “Tell me where they’re holding him.”

  She whirled away from him, and sandaled feet pounded against the pavement.

  A savage instinct overtook Marcus. He salivated at the idea of catching and stealing her life. He caught her within seconds. He grabbed the back of her shift dress and threw her against the trunk of a blue Nissan. The tinkle of broken glass and the satisfying sound of her breath escaping her lungs made him smile.

  “My charms!” A wet spot formed on the front pocket of her dress.

  The scent of her fear mingled with his anger. It was almost enough to push him over the edge. A strange, diseased scent that seemed to hang all around Wren reigned in his hunger. “Where are they keeping him?”

  “I'm not sure.” She struggled against him, doing her best to squirm away. “Get off me!”

  Marcus straightened, but kept a hand on her shoulder. A thin trickle of blood ran from Wren’s bottom lip. He forced himself not to focus on it.

  “What are you doing here?”

  Wr
en bravely maintained eye contact with him. “I was looking for you.”

  "It must be your lucky night." It wasn’t quite the answer he expected. He hid his surprise by narrowing his eyes instead. “You found me.”

  “I need to speak with Emily too.”

  Was it just his imagination or had dark circles appeared beneath the woman’s eyes? Her skin had taken on a sickly pallor, and her body didn’t seem as robust as before. “She’s waiting inside. Move.”

  Wren shrugged away from him. “You made me bite my tongue and you broke my charms!”

  Marcus growled, dragging her away from the car by the front of the dress. His hunger surged, and it showed in his eyes. Wren cringed.

  “What's wrong with you?” The scent of her illness drifted to him again. It was nothing he recognized.

  “I'm dying, asshole.”

  He gave her another shove toward the building. “Now or later, you decide.”

  Emily accepted Corey’s outstretched hand, and they weaved through the crowded, smoke-filled club. He’d been mostly silent since leaving the mansion and that had her worried.

  He led her to a dark V.I.P. table near the back, away from the biggest portion of the crowd. A waitress in a short black dress appeared. Both declined the offer to bring them a drink. The second time she came around, Emily asked for water and Corey ordered beer. Mostly, she figured he just wanted something to do with his hands.

  The somber vampire sitting next to her continually scanned the crowd in search of a familiar face. He sighed after a while and peeled the label from the bottle.

  “Why does Marcus want me here? He knows I have limitations.” She was exhausted by the roller coaster of emotions she had experienced tonight. She had read a few of the witch's fallen allies and what she'd discovered was worrisome. She saved Watts for last. She hadn't wanted to experience his death until the very end. The after effects of reading him were beginning to wear off, but she still had a headache.

  Her companion lifted a shoulder and grimaced. “How should I know? But I’d do whatever he asks if I were you. He’s pissed off. Evan and Marcus are close, you know?”