by G. K. DeRosa
I strode to the intersection and stopped at the crooked street sign, trying to make out the block letters. Just for fun because I was certain the name would mean absolutely nothing to me. Ramigui Avenue. Yup. My geographical knowledge of Nocturnis was pretty limited, if not non-existent. I could’ve been ten feet or ten thousand miles from the Royal Castle, but my bet was on the latter given the dingy appearance. All I knew was that Moon Valley was northeast of the vampire capital and the home of the queen.
Okay, Sierra, you can do this. There’s got to be at least one friendly vampire around that you can ask for directions. I thought back to the rules the commissioner had spouted—was that not allowed? That wasn’t exactly getting help, was it?
Speaking of getting help… I really didn’t want to contact Hunter, but with my new and improved pack link, I should’ve been able to track down Ransom. He’d be the perfect partner for a trek across vampire country.
Ransom, can you hear me?
Nothing.
I focused on my alpha power and laced my tone with a hint of wolfy compulsion. Ransom, where are you?
Hell if I know, Violet. I’m a little busy though. Give me a minute. Even through the mental link, his voice came out in ragged spurts.
Are you okay?
I will be when I kill the last of my bloodsucking cousins.
The hair on the back of my neck rose as I scanned both sides of the quiet street. Squat, dilapidated buildings lined the deserted avenue. Calling on my supernatural senses, I strained to hear. Nothing. If Ransom was battling it out with vampires in the near proximity, I would’ve heard it. Which meant he wasn’t anywhere nearby.
I swallowed hard as a swell of unease filled my gut. Steeling my nerves, I searched the night sky and cursed the banished sun. At least if I had that, I could figure out basic cardinal directions. A few stars blinked in the darkness, but I had no idea how to navigate by starlight. I let out a swear, cursing myself for not having prepared better for this trial. Not only had I let that go, I’d also flaked on searching for my missing half-cousins. Hunter’s condition had taken precedence over everything else. Again.
Plus, Hunter had been so sure it was going to be in the Underworld and that we’d be together, we hadn’t prepped for this at all.
Dammit.
I stalked down the street, sniffing the air for a hint of one of my Lunar Pack competitors. At this point, I would’ve been happy to see Aquor or Araton. Passing a run-down building with faded graffiti across the crumbling brick, I searched the pack link. If I couldn’t sniff out the other guys, maybe I could track them mentally.
The shuffle of approaching footsteps swung my head around. Two males sauntered up the street, their eyes pinned on me. A trickle of sweat crept down my spine as their gaunt, emaciated forms coalesced. The pair passed beneath the broken streetlight, and the faint light illuminated sharp fangs.
I sucked in a breath and shot them a smile. “Are you guys the welcoming committee? I’ve gotten a bit turned around, and I can’t seem to find my way back to Royal Castle.”
“Royal Castle?” the taller one hissed. “You certainly are lost, pretty little wolf.” He smacked his lips.
Dammit. How far was I? “Do you think you two could point me in the right direction?”
The other one smirked, flashing fang. “Maybe for the right price. Right, Daryn?” The two vamps exchanged a wicked smile.
“Sorry guys, I’m not really into blood-sharing. I’m a one wolf kinda girl.”
The taller one, or Daryn, inched closer, his nostrils flared. “I smell him all over you.” His lips twisted into a scowl before his dark eyes glistened in excitement. “But there’s something else too. You don’t smell like a typical shifter.”
“That’s because I’m not, a-hole.” I threw my hand out and a violet web of energy shot from my fingers and entangled around the scraggly vamp. He fought against the mystical restraints, hissing and screeching. Despite his lanky appearance, the guy was strong and my magical tethers wouldn’t last long. I spun at his friend who stared at me wide-eyed. “Which way to the castle? Or would you like to join your buddy?”
His eyes narrowed, fangs resting on his lower lip. “Follow the main avenue until you hit downtown. Once you’ve crossed through, it’s a straight trek north through the Darklands. You’ll see a river and the castle just beyond. That means you’ve made it.” He paused and sucked in his lip. “When you see the queen, tell her we’re coming for her throne. We won’t remain in darkness forever.”
“Right. Whatever.” I so did not have time for vampire politics right now. My magic was draining fast and the pissed-off Daryn was almost free. “One more thing, have you seen any other wolves around?”
He shook his head. “Just you, pretty girl.”
Awesome. Reaching deep inside, I summoned my wolf. I’d move faster in lupine form, and I needed to get the hell out of dodge. In the space of a heartbeat, I insta-shifted and dropped my hold on the vamp. Before the angry immortal lunged, I whispered the words of the cloaking spell. The smokey scent of magic drifted over me, and I could feel the moment my corporeal form disappeared. The two vampires stared in confusion as I darted down the street on all fours.
Once I’d cleared the vicinity, I opened my mind to the pack link. Ransom? You okay?
Barely, he grumbled.
I muttered a curse in my head, wishing I had my scrying gear. Focusing on the new ties that bound me to the pack through Hunter, I searched for Ransom’s unique wolfy essence and let my girl lead the way. The strongest tether, the one that linked me to my mate pulsed. I’d felt it earlier, but now in lupine form the connection grew more insistent.
Was Hunter okay?
I told myself not to care. He was a big boy and would be just fine without me. He was planning on leaving me, so I needed to get used to life without him, right?
A growl slid from my wolfy lips. I know, girl. Maybe you can talk some sense into him. She—no, I whined. Despite what Hunter said, I knew my wolf would be irreparably broken if he abandoned us. Huffing out a breath, I tossed the depressing thoughts aside and refocused on Ransom.
I’m coming Ransom, hold on. Quickening my pace, I raced through the darkness, the pack link leading the way.
The scent of wolfy musk and expensive cologne made my nose twitch. Ransom. I slowed and kept to the shadows of the rundown buildings. After my jog through the territory, I understood why the vamps had called it the Darklands. Most of it was deserted and the few miserable souls I’d passed looked more like the walking dead than ageless immortals. Luckily, my cloaking spell had held, but I’d have to drop it soon to conserve my power.
Hushed voices drew me to a stop at the end of the street. I crept around the corner following the sound and met a dozen vampires huddled at the end of the alley. Like Daryn and his buddy, they looked skinny and starving.
“I can’t believe you let that one get away, Ryle.” A tall vampire shoved another one to his knees.
“There’s gotta be more of them around,” he hissed. “He was asking about a girl.”
I gulped.
“Two wolves would feed all of us for at least a week,” another one shouted. “Let’s split up and find them.”
“No, thanks. He already took three of us down. We’re weak without blood and those damned wolves can easily overpower us right now.”
The tall one grunted. “Then starve and die, Cracken. I’m taking my chances.” The vamps disbanded, a few remaining in the alley with the dissenter, and five or six heading right for me.
I froze, backing my wolfy tail against the wall as they passed. The moment they crossed the street, I let out the breath I’d been holding. Sweat dribbled across my brow, and I muttered a curse in my head. I had to drop the cloak, or I’d be too weak when I finally found Ransom. He had to be the wolf they were talking about. But where was he?
I slunk in the opposite direction of the band of creepy vamps and after scanning the dark streets, dropped the cloak. Tipping my nose up, I
inhaled deeply, drawing in a big noseful of Ransom’s designer cologne. A grin curled my wolfy lips. At least it made him easier to track.
With my nose trailing along the sidewalk, I jogged a few blocks past the vampire-occupied alley. The pungent stench of garbage blanketed the air as I turned a corner, blocking Ransom’s scent.
Ah-ha. No wonder he’d been able to hide right under their noses.
I eyed the dented metal dumpster at the end of the alley and crept toward it. Ransom, you’re not hiding out in garbage, are you?
I would never resort to something so low.
Liar.
Sniffing the asphalt, a swirl of hope filled my chest as his scent clung to my nostrils. I willed my wolf back and a violet mist crept up my paws. Before it reached my chest, I stood on two legs once again. After I summoned some clothes, I raced to the dumpster and pried the heavy lid open.
Ransom lay at the bottom of the heap of trash, a newspaper covering his face.
Reaching in, I removed the torn-up papers. “Are you okay?”
“So nice of you to find me, Violet.” His face was pale, and beads of sweet lined his upper lip.
Holding my breath, I jumped in and offered him a hand. “What the hell happened?”
His fingers closed around my palm and he sat up, a groan escaping his clenched jaw. “Ran into a coven of starving vamps. You?”
“I saw them a few blocks back. The portal spat me out half an hour south of here. That’s why it took me so long to get to you.”
“Well, better late than never, I suppose.” He threw me a teasing grin, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. Blood spattered his crimson suit, but I couldn’t make out a life-threatening wound.
“Where are you hurt?” Scanning his body, I stopped at his bottom half which was still covered in an assortment of trash.
“It’s kind of embarrassing actually.” He shifted and revealed his left leg. His knee had swelled to twice it’s normal size. “I took down a few vamps and thought I got away, but as I was running, one of them got the drop on me. I think it’s broken. I’ve been hiding out waiting for it to heal, but those damned vamps bit me which is slowing down the process.”
He was a sitting duck out here; we both were. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
Ransom’s gaze moved from my eyes down to my neck. To the artery which was now pumping overtime.
“Oh,” I squeaked, slapping my hand over my jugular.
“You don’t have to, of course…”
Heat burned my cheeks as I considered the idea of letting Ransom drink from me.
“It wouldn’t effect anything,” he hedged. “Not your bond with Hunter or the pack or anything like that. It would have to be two-way for that to happen.”
My head bounced up and down. I couldn’t believe I was actually considering giving him my blood. Damned, supes! “How much faster would you heal if I did it?” I couldn’t even say the words.
“Violet, with your luscious Mystic blood, it would probably be instantaneous.” A wicked grin curled his lips, and my old friend was back.
I shot him my best eyeroll before offering him my wrist. There was no way I was letting him bite my neck. It seemed way too personal.
“Are you sure?”
“Just do it before I change my mind.”
His dark brows knitted. “You know Hunter won’t be happy, even if it means nothing.”
I nodded quickly. “I know, but right now he doesn’t get a say in the matter.” I hadn’t told Ransom about our newest fight, but the Royal wasn’t stupid. Anyone would’ve noticed the frosty edge between us at the arena.
His fingers closed around my wrist, and his eyes lanced into mine. “Thank you, Violet. I’ll never forget this.”
I gave him a tight smile and squeezed my lids closed as two sharp pricks pierced my flesh. Fire coursed through my veins, and I let out a squeal.
Sierra? Hunter’s voice ricocheted through the bond, bouncing across my skull. Sierra, are you okay?
My head swam as Ransom’s lips closed over my wrist, and the momentary pain gave way to something else. Something much better. My body began to tingle, and a pleasant warmth coated my insides. I slumped back against the cold metal as the haze intensified. I could barely feel my toes as I tried to form a cohesive thought. I’m fine, I finally managed.
“Sierra?” Ransom’s voice snapped my eyes open. The vamp wolf watched me as crimson eclipsed his pupils. “Do you feel all right?”
My head slowly dipped up and down. “That was… different.”
“It’s the vampire venom. It sometimes has an intoxicating effect.”
“Now you tell me.”
He chuckled. “It’ll pass in a few minutes.” He wiggled his ankle, then slowly bent his knee and smiled. “Good news is that I’m feeling better already.”
“Thank the gods,” I mumbled, “because I think you’re going to have to carry me.”
He stood atop the mountain of garbage, slowly placing weight on his bad leg. I watched, my body still too numb to move. “I should definitely be able to walk soon, and hopefully run before long.”
“Wonderful.” I leaned my head back against the cold metal, my veins still buzzing from the vamp venom. “I’m going to need a minute.”
He chuckled. “Who knew you were such a lightweight?”
“I summoned a cloak to get to you quicker so I kind of drained my magical reserves, jerk.”
“Excuses, excuses.” The dark spark had returned to his eyes.
I glanced up at the endless sky, the black reminding me of Ransom’s profound orbs. “You know, I was thinking, Araton could be halfway back to Moon Valley by now. Hunter too, but I know he’d never leave without me, despite everything.”
Ransom tipped his gaze skyward. “No way they’d make it that easy for our winged friends.”
“How would they stop them?”
He shrugged. “Wards maybe. Anything to keep them earthbound. All of these vampires aren’t here by accident. They’re part of the planned fun, Violet.”
“Sadistic bastards.”
“I can’t argue with you there.” He turned his leg, slowly bending his knee. “I think I’m good to walk, or at least stagger.” He offered me his hand, and I gladly accepted it. Pulling me up, we leaned over the top of the dumpster. “Let’s get the hell out of here.”
“Sounds good to me.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Hunter
* * *
A growl tore from my throat as I slashed my claws across the vampire’s neck. His head wobbled, bulging eyes staring unbelieving, before it toppled right off his shoulders. I moved to the next, and the next. Without the burden of emotions, the clarity in battle was incredible. I was a machine, unhampered by guilt or regret.
At least one positive thing that had come from this disaster.
Once the last vampire was dead, I wiped the sticky blood from my brow and continued down the street. The Darklands. I’d never expected the portal to drop us off here. And all separate. I’d searched for Sierra the moment I arrived, but through the bond I could sense her distance, and that of the others too. They were purposely dividing us to keep us from helping each other. I shouldn’t have been surprised.
After Sierra, I needed to find Araton. His wings were the biggest threat to her victory. I wasn’t sure how far the wards stretched, but they couldn’t reach all the way to Moon Valley. Eventually we’d be able to fly.
As I moved through the quiet streets, I kept one eye on incoming vamps and the other on the tether around my unfeeling heart. Sierra’s emotions dribbled through, keeping me well-informed of her situation without her ever having to say a word.
I feared she wouldn’t contact me after what I’d done, and rightfully so. I deserved her hatred. Since I came into her life, I’d brought her nothing but pain. Not anymore. I wouldn’t burden her with a doomed mate. Now that I felt nothing, walking away from her would be easier and I could finally do right by her.
Despite my declarations, images of the last time we were together rushed across my mind. Of being inside her, her faint moans, her soft touch. Being able to feel again, if only for a few fleeting moments. The memories of that alone were enough to tempt me from leaving her.
Rolling my fingers into tight fists at my sides, I shook off the selfish thought. No. That was it; we were over.
I scanned our connection as I traversed yet another intersection. I’d remained close to the ground in hopes of finding one of the other wolves on my way to Sierra, but walking was taking too long. I still hadn’t been able to shift into my wolf form but thank the gods my dragon wings and claws hadn’t abandoned me. My wolf was a fickle beast, tied to my emotions. If they never resurfaced, would my wolf be gone for good?
I couldn’t wrap my head around the notion. He’d been with me nearly my entire life. I couldn’t fathom the future without him. Or her. A dark voice I ignored added.
Forcing my thoughts to the present, I scanned the silent, murky streets. Worn-down buildings lined the sidewalks, broken windows and unhinged doors. What had happened in Nocturnis? How had the queen lost control of her territory, and more importantly, how had she kept it a secret from the rest of the realm?
The flutter of wings sent my attention to the sky a second before a blade sliced the air inches from my throat. I jumped back as Araton landed no more than a foot in front of me. Dammit, how had I not sensed his approach? He couldn’t have been flying high because of the wards.
The Celestial growled as he brandished his gleaming sword. Hints of dried blood marred his angelic face, wounds long since healed thanks to his heavenly roots. It seemed like the vampires weren’t discriminating tonight; everyone was fair game.
“You’re going to fight me now?” I hissed. “Wouldn’t it make more sense to defeat our immortal enemies first?”
“They’re nothing but soulless bloodsuckers, Aristaeus. You are my real opponent. You and your mate are the only ones who truly stand in the way of my throne.”