Blood Relic

by Lucretia Stanhope

  The bed creaked.

  Her breath caught in her throat. No air reached her lungs. Her heart hammered harder.

  Shadows danced as the spider grew, leaving the baseboard and scurrying toward the bed.

  “How much?” The voice of the witch seemed far away, in another reality.

  “Three times what he paid last night. It will make up for not having her work tonight. He might heal her. She has him hooked.” Nathan cocked his head, watching her. “She’s slipping away.”

  “You are both hooked.” The witch glanced over. “Trance her.”

  “For?” Nathan stepped toward Alice.

  The spider stopped and stood on several of its back legs. “Come with me.” There was a metallic quality to the spider’s voice.

  Alice blinked. Did the spider talk? Spiders talk? In a world with vampires, elves, and werewolves, sure. Her lips parted but no words left. She groaned and tried again. “I’m coming.”

  “She’s delirious.” The witch pressed a hand over Alice’s chest and yanked it back. “That ward hurts. Trance her. We don’t want your appetite putting my coven in danger. Make her believe she was attacked outside the den last night and we found her.”

  The throbbing in Alice’s head increased. Monsters. Both of them. Her arms trembled and buckled as she pulled herself up more.

  The spider’s fangs dripped with venom. “Come with me, Alice.”

  “Yes, my love.” Nathan moved between Alice and the spider as if he didn’t see it. “Look at me, Alice.”

  Alice stared at the thing that drank her to the point of death and then back to the spider. Nathan looked harmless. Handsome. Refined. The spider looked dangerous. Decker and Kheelan flashed across her mind. Things aren’t what they seem. “I pick the spider.”

  Nathan turned her head toward him. “Last night a vampire jumped from the shadows and drank until my doorman came outside and saved you. We have been caring for you since. I did not drink from you.”

  Not true. “Thank you for helping me. I don’t feel well.” Her words were small and mousy. She closed her eyes. “I’m going to the web now.”

  “Your admirer wants to wish you well.” Nathan brushed back her hair. “We won’t let him hurt you either.”

  “Leave her. She needs him now.” The witch tugged Nathan. “I’ll come with you and bring him back. You need to work the den.”

  After they left, Alice rolled on her side. Gray edged her vision.

  The spider grew, until it was big enough to stare at her over the bed. “Let go now.”

  Her hand reached for the spider, and dropped. “Take me.”

  The thudding in her chest stopped. Peace and comfort replaced pain and weakness.

  Alice looked down at herself curled on her side in a little bed. Her skin was paler than any of the vampires in the den. She didn’t move. The spider wasn’t there.

  As she watched her dead body, she contemplated what the spider being there had meant. Did it matter when you were dead? The monstrous thing ended her pain. Took her to the next plane. Why was she still there, watching her dead body?

  A familiar presence moved closer. Matthias.

  In the soul reality she felt the attraction to his presence as a warm yearning that was everywhere. Her soul left the room, allowing the magnetism between her and Matthias to guide her into the hall.

  “Did you recognize who attacked her?” Matthias asked the witch as they reached the start of the hall. He glanced toward Alice’s presence, squinting.

  “No, our doorman said they scurried off too fast.” The witch picked up her pace. “Do hurry, she’s in very bad shape.”

  When Matthias walked under where Alice hovered, he paused and glanced up. “She’s where again?”

  “Just a few more rooms this way.”

  He took a few more steps and looked over his shoulder. “You’ve attempted magic?”

  “She’s not responding.”

  Alice moved closer. He’d felt her soul. His soul knew hers? How? She pushed past them and into the room.

  Matthias stopped at the door. The sound that came from him was agony vocalized. His beautiful face twisted in pain. “No!”

  Alice’s soul grew cold as his presence filled the room with grief. I’m here.

  He flashed across the room, gathered her in his arms and rocked her limp body. His head shook as he repeated, “No.” Tears streamed down his face. He gnashed into his wrist and pried open her mouth. The blood poured down her face and dripped on the floor. “Please, come back to me.”

  The witch backed into the doorway, holding a hand over her mouth. “Is she gone?”

  The spider sat beside Matthias, fangs bared, ready to bite.

  No. Leave him alone.

  He collapsed to his knees, still cradling her body. Every time his wrist healed, he opened the wound again. He leaned down and kissed her bloody lips. “Leave her. Take me.”

  Alice focused on her soul name, remembering the feeling when she’d rejoined her body after her father tried to kill her. The connection wasn’t there this time. She was dead.

  The room hummed and the light flickered.

  Some connection kept her there.

  Matthias looked up, his tears drew paths through the blood on his face. He mouthed her name.

  That was the connection. Matthias.

  Pain burned Alice as her soul slammed into his body. It was his pain. Black despair and loss.

  He jerked and tightened his grip on her.

  Kiss me.

  His lips pressed against hers.

  Deeper. I want you to kiss me so deeply that I don’t know whose air I am breathing.

  She used the physical connection and thrust her soul from him. Her body spasmed as she choked on his blood in her mouth.

  “Yes. Drink. Swallow.” He caressed her face and rubbed her throat, encouraging her to swallow. “Please.”

  Alice felt a wet soothing as his blood coated her dry throat.

  “That’s it.” He gnashed his wrist again and pressed it firmly against her mouth. “Drink more.”

  “She’s coming back.” The witch peered over his shoulder. “You did it.” Her tone held disbelief and awe.

  Alice retched and turned away. Matthias. What would her mistake mean for them?

  He kissed her forehead and sat on the bed, still rocking her. “Are you feeling stronger?”

  “Yes.” Alice’s words were steadier as Matthias’ blood healed her body and soul.

  “Drink more. You can make it up to me tomorrow.” The coldness in his tone sounded forced.

  The witch shook her head. “I’ll take care of her tonight. Your blood will have her better than before by morning.”

  “Give us a private moment.” Matthias reached in his pocket and extended more money toward the witch. “An hour.”

  “She can’t handle anymore tonight.” The witch pushed the money away.

  “I’m not going to feed from her.” He added a few more bills. “I want to speak to her about what we’ve just done.”

  The witch glared at him with cold eyes and then she looked to Alice. “I’ll be far enough you can talk, but close enough you can shout.”

  Alice nodded, trying to look a little unsure herself. As soon as the door closed, she hugged closer to him. “I’m sorry I made our final bonding so dark. It should have been beautiful like you made my third time with you.”

  “There was no moment in all the hours of all the centuries that I walked the earth that was more beautiful than watching my love come back to me from death.” He kissed the top of her head. “I’ve never known emptiness like the moment I realized I lost you.”

  She glanced up at him, seeing the emotion in his eyes. “It’ll take more than death to make me break my promise to you.”

  “Forever.” He pressed another kiss against her lips. “My dearling.”

  They remained silent for the rest of the hour, letting the new bond between them strengthen until the witch returned and asked Matthias to
leave.

  “Drink this.” The witch held a tea cup in her direction.

  Was it wise to drink anything from the witch in love with the vampire, what? What had happened. “What is it?”

  “For your strength. You died.” Her gaze rested on Alice’s chest. “That’s some strong magic to protect you from death.”

  Not magic. Love. Alice sniffed the yellow liquid. It wasn’t lemon. Dirty sock water? “Why do witches do this kind of work?”

  “I thought you frequented dens?” The witch raised a brow and nudged the cup toward Alice. “This is your first, isn’t it?”

  Why lie now? “Yes. I heard they were a good way to get fast cash. But witches are so powerful and proud, and this just doesn’t make sense.”

  “They are. Drink.” The witch raked her eyes over Alice. “There are two types of dens. Ones you will die in and ones like this.”

  Alice coughed on the drink and closed her eyes. “I died in this one.”

  “Yes, well, you aren’t ready to be here. Who made that ward for you?” Her tone changed from concern to suspicion.

  “I can’t…” A tremble raced over Alice. “I’m dizzy.”

  “Never mind that. Vampires like Nathan aren’t who you need to fear. I’ve enchanted him not to kill my girls. You aren’t a coven witch. This is a coven den. Masters in coven dens are well fed.” She looked over her shoulder. “Your hum makes you a special problem. Regardless. If a den is under a coven, you will be safe. The witches have the monster under enchantment. And addicted. Many have taken the priestess as a dearling.”

  “Why do you let them stay in your basement?” Alice sat straighter, and picked at a spot of blood on her hand.

  “Vampire blood, and parts are the most powerful a witch has access to. It’s a tradeoff, not so good for them mostly. We take their power. After they are addicted, we can maneuver them with only a few drops or the promise of a few drops. Tears. Et cetera.” She took the cup from Alice. “The one who saved you is addicted to you in particular. No vampire would give his blood or show concern for a witch otherwise. Use him. He will give you anything. Nathan tells me you are extremely intoxicating. Use the wealthy one to get out. Dens are no place for light magic. The darkness will destroy you.”

  Was that concern? Or did she want Alice away from her precious and monstrous Nathan? Afraid Alice might get all the good parts? “They are addicts and you use them?” The throbbing moved across Alice’s forehead. Sour bile burned up her throat. The drink?

  “Here, yes. In dens where there is no coven, the masters are using witches. Desperate, naive witches like yourself. They don’t expect you to stay more than a few days and don’t care what you experience or if you make it out alive.”

  Alice licked her lips, the taste of blood lingered. Those were the dens she needed to find. The vampires who didn’t care. The vampires who would sell a witch to the relic makers.

  ANYTHING YET? MATTHIAS’ voice in Alice’s head was stronger since their dearling bond.

  No. He’s still stalking. I have an idea. Alice continued to writhe in his lap while he planted kisses on her wrist, pretending to feed.

  Tell me, dearling. His eyes sparkled with mischief. As much as I love having you in my lap every night, we need to move on.

  He was right, it’d been over a week since the night Nathan killed her. Not only did they need to hurry before another witch was killed, but it was only a matter of time before Matthias broke his promise to put the mission above his desire to destroy Nathan.

  She twined the fingers of her free hand in his hair. The park between here and the apartment where I stop for coffee is empty. What if you stalk me, approach me, and pay me to go home with me.

  You want to be alone with me? His kisses continued on her wrist.

  Alice pulsed a strong wave of magic out. No. Yes, but it will tell the stalker that I can be bought. That I am a risk taker. Foolish. Nathan’s dearling said the bad dens target desperate, foolish witches.

  He hugged her close and kissed her neck. His moan vibrated across her skin.

  He must have liked the idea. “Go on.”

  More kisses. No bites. “No.”

  She bounced the ball, letting her magic tease him.

  He licked her neck and nipped her ear. “You are perfect, my…”

  “Yes.” The little ball came to a rest.

  “Thank you, dear. I will see you tomorrow.” Matthias nuzzled her again before he placed a chocolate in her mouth.

  Alice licked the candy from his fingers and stared into his eyes. My love.

  Be careful with Nathan. Text me when you get to the park. He kissed her nose.

  After watching Matthias leave, Alice straightened the table, adjusted her bra and glanced toward the back of the room.

  Nathan watched her with intensity. As soon as they locked eyes, he gestured her over.

  She smiled and sauntered to him. “Did you need to see me?”

  He grunted and pulled her into the office. “You enjoy your time with Matthias tonight?”

  “It’s work.” She shrugged and moved toward his desk. Every night. The same questions. The same cat and mouse. “You thirsty?”

  “In a hurry tonight?”

  “I’m tired, but I don’t want to leave you wanting.”

  He cupped her face in one hand. “Would that they were all so accommodating. And satisfying.”

  “Just a little. Please. Matthias was particularly parched it would seem.” She let a soft wave of magic reach him, hoping it would feel like she was tired and already gave too much.

  “No, that’s just you.” He spun her around and hugged her back against him. “So enticing.”

  Alice didn’t flinch at the bite anymore. Over a week of doing this every night either toughened her skin or her nerves. Maybe it was the promise from the other witch that Nathan was now enchanted not to drink too much from her.

  As her blood worked its magic, feeding his addiction, Nathan swayed with her in his arms. Enchanted. Morrigana and the witch here both indicated it was the witches who benefited most from the symbiotic bond they formed with vampires.

  She closed her eyes. I won’t use Matthias. He won’t use me.

  Chapter Twelve

  ALICE SANK AGAINST the hard, wooden slats of the bench. The park between her apartment and the den was usually empty and served two purposes. Not only was it a resting place on nights Nathan struggled to control himself, it was also a chance to tempt the timid vampire.

  The stalker stalked. Even when they were the only presences in the park, he never approached her. Ten days. Extra feedings weren’t going to keep her at the den. The dearling of the den master was getting grumpy, and Nathan was growing possessive to the point she was afraid he might pull her into the office at the start of the night.

  She blew steam from her coffee and took a sip. Still too hot to taste like anything other than hot. She slipped her phone from her bag and typed out a fast message to Matthias.

  He’s here. Let’s do this.

  While she waited for the response, she leaned back and closed her eyes. The cold presence stayed at its usual distance. Why? If a vampire was willing to risk death at the hands of the PPK, why would it be so cautious with a witch?

  She sipped her coffee again. Still too hot. Maybe that cautiousness was why he hadn’t been caught. That made more sense. He wasn’t timid. Shrewd. No matter. Her and Matthias were about to make it perfectly clear that she was willing to play ball.

  On the way. Follow my lead. Turn down my first two offers. See you soon, dearling.

  Matthias already had tokens and cards for at least ten dens that she knew of. Chances were whichever den her stalker was scouting for, Matthias would have access to be there.

  His familiar silhouette appeared from the shadows.

  The chill from his presence warmed her like no other. Peace and love wrapped her. She nested her coffee cup between her purse and the bench, so it wouldn’t spill. “Hello.”

  “I’m
still hungry.” He edged closer and pulled out a small clump of cash.

  “You’ll have to look elsewhere. I need sleep to recover.” She locked eyes with him. Perfect. Beautiful. Killers shouldn’t be so alluring.

  The stalker edged closer.

  He’s on the hook. Don’t say yes yet. “Just a small nip to top off. Nothing rough.” He added a few more bills and pressed them into her hand. “You are so delectable.”

  “I don’t know. Here?” She looked at the cash as if she were considering.

  Matthias tipped her head up and kissed her. “Look at me. Your place. Feather light nips. I’ll pay you more after.”

  She wrapped her hands around the money. “Okay. I want the same amount after as you’ve given me now.”

  Good plan, my love. He’s been still. Probably listening to every word. “Perfect. Get your things.”

  Alice shoved the money in her purse and slung it over her shoulder. She took another sip of the coffee which tasted like a lovely dark roast now that it had cooled.

  He tucked her under his arm. “I understand you are leaving the den this week. Where are you going?”

  “Will you follow?” She used her most sultry voice.

  His hand rested firmly on her back. “I will follow you anywhere.”

  That should bait him, if he was there for money. He was waiting for something. Some sign.

  The presence followed them to her apartment, remaining outside as they navigated to her room upstairs.

  Once the door closed, she fell into Matthias’ arms. “Now what?”

  “Work some magic. Something strong that he will feel outside.” Matthias planted kisses across her collarbone.

  She buried her hands in his hair, wrapping her fingers in the silky locks. “Are you? Do you need to, you know?”

  “You can’t even say it? After more than a week, is that what I am? Still a repulsive monster?” He straightened and his energy bristled. “This mission has changed how you look at me?”

  “You’ve never been repulsive.” Alice placed one hand on his face. “I don’t want to call it something that lessens it. When we, when you, they’ve been the most beautiful intimate experiences of my life.” She searched his eyes for answers. Don’t let me ruin this. Please, love me.