by Trina M. Lee
The three nights of the full moon, before, during and after, were the few days of the month when I was free of the vampire essence rooted deep down in my core. As grateful as I was for that, it wasn’t going to work in my favor tonight. I was about to face the vampire demoness that wanted me dead, and I had to be ready to bring it hard if need be. The wolf could potentially cripple me.
Arys stroked his thumb along my finger. “I can always feel it. Some nights worse than others. I need to do this, but you don’t have to.”
“I know. You’re still not choosing though.” I squeezed his hand and smiled up at him.
I was nervous about being present for Arys’s kill when I myself was free of the bloodlust. It felt too much like being an accomplice of my own free will. When the bloodlust drove me to kill, I wasn’t making the conscious decision. That didn’t make it ok, but it made it easier to live with myself afterward.
We passed the loud bar and rounded the corner, coming upon a small group engaged in some kind of conflict. Shouts rang out, and the thud of fists on flesh was audible. A young prostitute stood off to the side, trying to avoid the melee. Her thick makeup did nothing to hide her youth. She looked like a kid playing dress up.
“Nobody touches my girls for free.” One man shouted into the face of another, holding him tightly by the collar. “I hope you got a good feel because I’m going to break every one of your fingers.”
They looked up as we approached, ready to send us on our way if we dared to do something stupid, like intervening. I took in the sight, making a quick decision. Pimp or john. Both?
I gave Arys the slightest nod. Immediately I felt the change in him as he slipped into full-on predator mode. The pimp barely had time to sneer, “What the hell are you looking at?” before Arys was on him.
Arys grabbed the greasy sleaze in a death grip, sinking his deadly fangs in a motion so fast it was hard to follow. The pimp shrieked and flailed to no avail. The john looked on in horror, as if unable to believe what he was seeing. Then he turned and fled down the street, cursing up a storm.
The woman backed up a few steps before crumpling in a dead faint. I stood there transfixed, knowing I should help her but unable or unwilling to tear my eyes from the feasting vampire.
Arys was in his element. Blood sprayed, and the tangy aroma reached out to taunt my bloodlust to life. It sprang forth with a fervor that rocked me. Just moments before it was nonexistent, but watching Arys flick his tongue over the wounds before sinking his fangs once more was bringing me to my knees.
A groan drew my attention to the fallen hooker. She rolled over and attempted to get up though her insanely high heels made that difficult in her woozy state. I moved to help her, grabbing her arm. She peered up at me with frightened brown eyes. My gaze went to the bloody cut on her forehead, and it was all over.
I dragged her close and bared my massive fangs. She screamed, a high piercing sound that hurt my sensitive ears. She lashed out, striking me repeatedly in the face as I struggled to pin her arms. She smelled like blood and cheap perfume, and I wanted her.
I fought for her throat, overpowering her with my superhuman strength. The next hand that slapped my face belonged to Arys. Everything became a blur as he wrestled the woman from my grasp and shoved her away, shouting at her to get moving if she wanted to live to see another night.
“Alexa!” He shook me until my teeth rattled. “Have you lost your mind?”
He smelled like blood and death but felt like power. So much power. I leaned into him, seeking the thrill of the connection we shared. I kissed him with dark intentions, aching for him to take me to a higher level of ecstasy. Tasting the blood on his lips had me clawing at him like a lunatic, which given the circumstances, I was.
He kissed me back, plunging his tongue into my mouth with a hunger to match my own. My larger fangs sliced his lip, and the taste of his blood had me ready to tear my clothes off right there in the filthy street.
“Alexa, stop. We have to go. You fucked up.” Arys pushed me into motion, forcing me to keep up with him as he dragged me down a darkened side street in a circle back to the car. I protested his forcefulness, finding it hard to see through the fog in my brain.
I did fuck up. I was the worst kind of killer, one who would do under influence what I wouldn’t allow others to do. And, I had no control over it. Right then, I didn’t give a damn. I was raging with the hunger for human life and the aching need for my other half. I wanted to find release from the desire. Only Arys could give that to me.
We reached the car, finding it as we left it. Nobody was lurking around the small church at this time of night. I tugged at his jeans, unable to give voice to what I wanted. He stared at me as if I really had lost my mind.
“Do you see now?” He asked. “My darkness is growing inside you. The balance is shifting. You’re in danger.”
“Please,” I murmured, ignoring his unwelcome warning. “I need you.”
Arys gazed at me with lust in his deep blue eyes. And something more. Worry. Love. Regret. Then he gave in to the pull, and we fell into the big back seat of the Charger like two smitten teenagers.
After shedding only as much clothing as required, I climbed onto his lap and rode him like I was running a race and the finish line was in sight. Arys clung to me, holding me as if he feared I would disappear. Pressing his face into my hair, he breathed deeply of my scent and sighed.
Feeling him inside me as our power swept through us, I was transported to a place where light and dark didn’t exist, where we were simply one, the same shade of grey.
After the thrill of climax subsided, rationale began to creep back in. I collapsed against him, my head resting on his shoulder. Reaching out a shaky hand, I drew a crooked heart in the fog on the back window.
“Why can’t we stay this way forever?” I asked, expecting no answer. “It isn’t fair.”
“Nothing is fair, beautiful wolf.” Arys stroked my tousled hair. “Don’t make the mistake of thinking that means it isn’t worth it.”
We sat there for what felt like just seconds but was sadly much longer. I was racked with guilt over what I’d done to the prostitute. I could have killed her. Or turned her. Acknowledging that Arys was right about his darkness consuming me was hard. I didn’t want it to be true.
Chapter Twenty-Four
“You brought your other half. How nice.” Shya was less than impressed to see Arys at my side. “I expected as much.”
“Did you really think I’d let her come here alone?” Arys sized up the demon with blatant scorn. “I don’t know what you’re up to, but I do know you can’t be trusted.”
Shya waved us into his large, open, modern home. “Please join me in the back. It’s far too nice a night to stay inside.”
He led us through the living room and adjoined kitchen, out the large double doors that opened onto the backyard. I was relieved to be outside, preferring it to the suffocating confines of the house. Though it was open and large, Shya’s house was so white washed that it was hard on the eyes. Besides, being indoors on a full moon night felt like being caged, so I gratefully drank in the sight of the impressive backyard.
The patio was adorned with a black and white furniture set. The upper floor of the house extended out above the patio, giving it a protective cover from the elements. A glass-topped table sat in the center, laden with food and drinks. Right away, my gaze was drawn to the scarlet-filled champagne flutes.
A stretch of fragrant, green grass separated the patio from the pool. It was inviting with its crystal clear water shimmering beneath the silver glow of moonlight. Beyond the pool, the vibrant lawn stretched as far as the eye could see. Shya certainly had a fine piece of property. It was trendy and luxurious. Perfect for hosting a party, which he seemed to feel he was doing.
“Help yourselves to anything you like.” The demon indicated the display on the table. “Lilah should be here before long. We need to time the binding just right. It must be done at midnight.”
>
Arys picked up a champagne glass, sniffing its contents before returning it to the table. “Blood?”
“I aim to please.”
The yip of coyotes broke the quiet. They were far away though their voices carried. It caused the animal within to stir restlessly. I needed to be furry, and I needed it now. The bloodlust’s reprieve earlier had been brief. Much too brief.
I ignored the elaborate table display. “So what’s the plan? I’ve got to warn you, I’m not feeling entirely confident that I can hold the wolf back.”
“You have no choice.” Shya’s smile vanished. His crimson eyes were ice cold. “Hold yourself together until I bind her or else we fail, and you will likely die. How’s that for incentive?”
Arys frowned but said nothing. He walked a slow circle around the pool. His gaze traveled around the entire backyard as well as every entry into it. I was so happy to have him with me; I was a nervous wreck and was sure it was obvious.
“Follow my lead, Alexa,” Shya continued, “and everything should go off without a hitch. Then we shall both be free of the threat she poses.”
The doorbell rang and I jumped. My heart leapt into my throat. Shya clasped my left hand in his, trailing a warm finger over the dragon etched into my flesh. I shuddered, unable to repress the reaction to the snake-like slither of his power crawling over me.
“Trust me.” Then he was gone, striding through the house to the front door.
“Arys, I can’t do this,” I whispered. My hands trembled and I fidgeted anxiously.
He was at my side in an instant, watching Shya warily. “You can and you will. You have to. Remember, there is no other creature on earth like you. Show them why they fear you.”
His smooth as velvet voice was soothing, infusing me with confidence where before there had been fear. Our connection was as strong as ever. I focused on it humming through me until my fingers began to tingle.
An unnatural breeze bathed me in a cool wind seconds before Falon appeared beside me. It didn’t startle me this time. I was beginning to get used to the fallen angel’s sudden appearances.
He grabbed my arm and leaned in close. I could feel the urgency about him. “Keep my secret, and I’ll owe you a favor.” His breath was warm against my ear. He held firm, refusing to let me pull away until I responded.
We both looked up at the sound of Shya’s voice. He was heading back our way with Lilah in tow. She was dressed for a fight in cargo pants, a tank top and army boots. Her flame colored hair was tied back in a braid, and her eyes sparkled with devious delight.
Falon’s grip tightened painfully. For some reason, he was desperate to keep Shya from finding out about his sexcapades with Lilah. This might be a deal worth making.
“Fine,” I hissed, shaking him off. “I’ll keep your dirty little secret. For now. Don’t make me regret it.”
He quickly put distance between us, taking a seat on one of the comfy looking lounge chairs. His silver wings shifted to accommodate him. Leaning back, he feigned casual so well I almost bought it.
Shya oozed arrogant confidence when he stepped back onto the patio. He swept over to the small sofa adjacent to Falon and perched on the arm. Lilah stopped at the threshold, her orange eyes scrutinizing each one of us in turn.
“Alright, Shya, what are you up to?” With hands on her hips, Lilah glared daggers into the smirking demon. So, she didn’t trust him either. That was reassuring.
“I told you, my dear. I would deliver the wolf straight into your hands. Did I not make good on that promise?”
I felt Arys tense beside me. Somehow, I remained calm despite the bombshell that had just dropped. It was too soon to assume what was the truth and what was a lie. I had no choice but to give Shya the benefit of the doubt.
Lilah met my eyes briefly, and I saw uncertainty in her gaze. She refused to acknowledge either Falon or Arys. “What’s the catch? Last time we spoke you were adamant that I wasn’t even to look at her the wrong way. What could you possibly need so badly that you’d be willing to give up such a prized piece of your collection?”
I bristled at that but remained unaffected – I could take a few insults – I had bigger concerns.
“You know what I want.” Shya’s entire demeanor changed. He was suddenly the slick businessman.
The two demons shared a look, and something passed between them. A peal of laughter rippled from Lilah. “It’s never going to happen, Shya. Nothing in this world or the next could convince me to hand you that kind of power.”
“Not even if I have valuable information that could help you break the curse? Information that you will lose if you kill Alexa and turn your back on me.”
The yip of coyotes far off in the distance taunted my wolf. Demons weren’t part of my world; I didn’t belong here with them. Escape. That’s what the wolf cried out for. Release. I swallowed hard and tried taking a few calming breaths. I could do this; I was fine.
Lilah looked at me, and her eyes narrowed. I met her stare steadily, daring her to make a move. I’d be happy to tear her throat out. It might not kill her, but it would hurt like a bitch, and I would enjoy doing it.
“I’m here because you promised me a deal I couldn’t refuse,” Lilah’s voice grew thick with anger. She sauntered up to Shya, glowering down into his smug face. The air pulsed with the suffocating heat of demon power.
“And, I will give you one.” If Shya was anything but coolly amused, it didn’t show until he rose to face Lilah head on. Staring into her with a burning hatred in his red eyes, he grinned. “I have the key to breaking your curse.”
“Bullshit,” spat Lilah.
I held my breath. Watching the two of them attempt to stare one another down, I couldn’t help but feel that I wouldn’t like where this was going. I was right.
“It’s Alexa.”
My heart stopped. My mouth went dry, and I had to replay those two words in my head several times. Did I hear that correctly?
Lilah recovered quickly while I stood there dumbfounded. She looked skeptical but wasn’t too quick to dismiss it as bullshit. The weight of her gaze was heavy. My cheeks burned. I felt like I’d just been betrayed, but I didn’t know what the hell was going on.
I exchanged a look with Arys who stood ready to defend me. The promise of chaos hung on the air. I reached past the wolf who paced inside me to the power rooted in my core.
“Go on.” Lilah crossed her arms and tapped a foot impatiently.
Shya looked incredibly pleased with himself. “What is the one thing that you need most in order to escape the curse?”
“I’m not playing this game. Get to the point.”
“The blood of a divine creature,” Shya continued, dismissing her angry retort. “The most obvious would be an angel. It would also be nearly impossible. That leaves very few possibilities. However, other divine creatures exist, others who belong to the light. One of which is within our midst.”
A dramatic pause got Lilah thinking and left me sweating. Falon sat up straighter in his chair, listening attentively. Every person present turned to study me. I felt like a specimen on display, which put me on the defensive.
“I can’t believe you never figured it out.” Shya openly mocked the puzzled vampiress. “Alexa is a White Flame. Against the odds, she’s been united with her twin. She doesn’t live under the shapeshifter curse. She’s gifted.”
Lilah’s eyes widened, and she took a step toward me. “She’s one of the Hounds? How can that be? They were all destroyed.”
My hands danced with blue and yellow energy. My patience had run thin, and the wolf was ready to chew its way out of me. Vampires and demons had been discussing me as if I were no more than an object for years. I’d had enough. Now, I was readying for a fight.
“Not all of them.” Shya caught my eye and winked as if this were some joke we were both in on. “Living as a vampire has sheltered you, Lilah. The Hounds can never be thoroughly destroyed. You should know that.”
I couldn’t
hold back anymore. “What the hell are you talking about? I won’t be discussed as an object when I’m standing right here.”
“Hounds of God.” Falon broke his silence, drawing everyone’s attention from me to him. “Shapeshifting was originally a punishment, a curse twisted by both angels and demons. The Hounds of God were those shapeshifters that were not cursed but gifted. They battle evil rather than become it. Legend would have you believe the Hounds no longer exist but they do. They are chosen. There are stories of Hounds dated as recently as the 1600s.”
I tried to absorb what I was hearing. Lilah was eyeing me up in a whole new way. All it took to make me feel like an ignorant young mortal was spending time with those who had outlived me by thousands of lifetimes.
“So you see,” Shya came to stand between Lilah and me. “Alexa’s blood is the key to breaking the curse that binds you. Had you succeeded in having her killed, your best chance at freedom would have died with her.”
Understanding settled in Lilah’s flame colored eyes. She nodded knowingly, her gaze darting from me to Shya. “Now you want to exploit my folly for your own gain. I bet you’re quite proud of yourself.”
“Indeed, I am.” Shya rubbed his hands together like a gleeful child. “You know my terms. They haven’t changed.”
Was this for real? I couldn’t tell who Shya was screwing over anymore. It appeared to be me. I rolled a psi ball in my hands as I considered smashing it into the back of Shya’s head.
“No.” Lilah was firm. “You ask too much.”
Shya’s rage was sudden and furious. The power rose up around him to burn with the intense heat of an open flame. The dragon on my arm pulsed in response.
“Helping you reclaim your throne entitles me to as much. Make me your second-in-command or remain forever as you are, an outcast queen with no people or kingdom to call your own, answering to a werewolf with more power than you will ever see again.” Shya was seething. So was I. The bastard was playing Lilah and me against each other. He would side with whoever could give him more.