Scanning the area, Tanya watched the newcomers kill their enemies. One of the new vampires with kinky, curly hair paralyzed her attackers with a wave of her hand. They would freeze mid-charge and fall over, limp. Then she moved in to make the kill.
Another one seemed to have the power of mind reading and could avoid strikes from her attacker. This gave her the insight she needed to maneuver around flying fists and feet until she had the opening she needed.
A vampire with short, blonde hair did something Tanya hadn’t witnessed before. With a small nod of her head, her attacker stopped dead in her tracks. The attacker’s body relaxed and a calmness smoothed her face. Seeming content and without a care in the world, it didn’t appear to faze her when the fatal jab to the heart hit.
One of the others was a shapeshifter, apparently so was her attacker. The attacker had changed first. Tanya gasped at what she saw. Within seconds her limbs twisted as they broke to take on the form of a wolf. Hair shot forth from her pores.
After watching their enemy shift into a wolf, Tanya witnessed their new ally shift into a bear and swipe a paw at the wolf. When the wolf got its bearings, the vampire shifted from a bear to a tiger and pounced.
One of the others must have a psychic connection to animals. She stretched her arms in the air and tilted her head back. Birds flew in circles around her attacker, dogs bit at her ankles, and an alligator waddled into their midst. Where the hell did an alligator come from? Tanya shivered at the sight of it.
The last of their new friends was a shadow caster. Darkness surrounded the entire parking lot where they fought, keeping them from being seen by passersby. She cast multiple shadows to confuse her attacker.
Then she heard something that chilled her to the bone. Serienna let out a blood curdling scream.
Chapter Sixty-One
Panic shot through Tanya. It was Serienna. She was injured. Tanya ran through the crowd, dodging punches and jumping over dead bodies. She can’t die, not now. The fate of the world depended on her to survive this. The prophesy said five women, not four. Before she could reach Serienna, a hand wrapped around her neck, throwing her backward.
“Don’t worry, Tanya. I’ll take care of her.” Regina ran past Tanya and to Serienna’s side.
Tanya pried the fingers off her neck and turned to face her attacker. Serinity.
Serinity smiled as if she were a wolf and Tanya a lamb. “I told you, you little brat, what I came here for. None of you ever stood a chance against us.”
At that moment, something came over Tanya. There were no words to describe what she felt, but it was an electrical force igniting inside her soul. Submitting to this powerful force, Tanya spoke with enough authority to make a lion obey. “Enough.” Everyone stopped dead in their tracks as Tanya grabbed Serinity by the throat. “I will not allow you to harm another one of my family members. I will allow you to leave here tonight, but you must never come within a mile of any of my family. Ever. I mean it. I will kill you myself if you do.”
Serinity squirmed in hopes of breaking free.
Tanya squeezed tighter. “I will kill you now if you don’t stop trying to break loose.”
Serinity stiffened.
“When it comes to family, I’m very protective. I will snap your neck like a twig.” To demonstrate, Tanya squeezed until she felt the other girl’s airway cave in under her grip.
Serinity mouthed, “Okay.”
Tanya released her hold, and Serinity immediately put both hands to her throat, bent over, and gasped for breath. Tanya allowed her the time to recover. She knew it would only take a few seconds for the damage to heal itself.
“We’ll go, for now, but we are loyal to our master. When he sends us back, we will come. Be warned, next time we will finish the job.”
Pointing a finger in her face, Tanya reminded her of the prophesy. “There will come a time when evil tries to prevail. It will create for itself an army to sate its selfish desires. The evil doers will set out to deceive and to destroy, but their time will be cut short. For ten saviors have been appointed to overcome evil and to restore righteousness.”
Serinity’s lip curled in disgust. “I hate you.”
“Trust me, the feeling is mutual.”
Turning away from Tanya, Serinity snapped her fingers. “It’s time we leave.” Over half of her friends had perished in the fight. What survivors there were followed in step behind her. Sabastian hopped off the stone wall as they approached. Serinity ran the tip of her finger over his lips. “What a shame. You know, you can still denounce Lazarith and come with me. We can show you the time of your life.”
Tanya watched the display, prepared to hear him tell her how foolish she was. He didn’t say a word. What he did sent chills down Tanya’s spine. Sabastian batted her hand away, growling. This wasn’t a low growl like a dog might give to a stranger. No, this was deep and fierce. A purple spark ignited in his eyes and danced like a burning flame. The muscles in his arms twitched with his desire to attack. He wiped his mouth on the sleeve of his shirt and spat in her face. Serinity backed away quickly and jumped over the wall, her crew close on her heels.
Once they were out of sight, Tanya ran to Serienna’s side. Bile rose in her throat at what she found. A gash stretched from Serienna’s left side in a diagonal line to her right hip. It wasn’t so deep that bone was visible, but it was deep enough to kill her. They needed to get the blood flow to stop so they could transport her back to the hotel and repair the damage.
Chapter Sixty-Two
Sabastian ripped his shirt down the middle, stripping it from his body, and handed it to Earadessa. She wadded the fabric and used it to apply pressure to Serienna’s wound. Closing her eyes, she said a prayer for Serienna’s healing.
The newcomers walked over to the group that had gathered around Serienna. Their leader said, “My name is Resa, is she okay?”
“Well, sweetie, we’re working hard to ensure that she will be.” Earadessa spoke without making eye contact. Her focus was strictly on Serienna and getting the bleeding to stop. One hand pressed on the fabric to keep pressure on her wound, and she stroked Serienna’s head with the other.
“I know this isn’t a good time,” Resa said, “but I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself and my sisters.”
Tanya stood and walked over to them, Makinzee at her side, and stuck out her hand. “I’m Tanya, this is Makinzee.” Resa’s long, black hair flowed down to her ankles, a clip held it out of her face. It was full of body and shine. Even with all the fighting, there wasn’t one hair out of place. Tanya would have to ask her later what kind of hairspray she used. Maybe this girl could even give her a few pointers.
Resa shook the offered hand. “Like I said, my name is Resa. These are my friends.” She pointed to each girl as she called their names. “This is Tia, Mathilia, Meika, Lindessa, and Amilia.” Aiming a finger off in the distance at another, she said, “Eradia is the one removing the bodies and cleaning up the mess.”
Tia, like Resa, had a darker skin pigment. Mexican, maybe. Her hair was shorter than Resa’s but still very long. It hung to the back of her knees. The two looked a lot alike, their facial features were similar enough they could be sisters. Her black hair was kinky, curly with bright-red highlights. Tanya was excited to see they had similar taste in clothing as her and Dannika. I bet my prissy sisters don’t dare comment on their clothing.
Lindessa wore similar clothing, except hers fit tight. Her mass of brown hair had been twisted in a knot on the top of her head. Being the tallest of their group, she reminded Tanya of a model.
Mathilia’s short blonde hair spiked like Earadessa’s. Tanya’s eyes trailed down to her feet. Flip flops. How in the world did the girl fight with those floppy things on her feet? Who knows? She may have kicked them off and fought barefoot. The smile she offered was warm and inviting.
Eradia’s platinum-blonde hair framed her face and bounced with every move she made. The grace with which she moved astounded Tanya. She must have been a professional dancer at one point in her life.
Amilia’s light-brown hair had platinum blonde and red highlights throughout. Bouncing, she waved like a giddy school girl with a crush.
Meika’s hair was identical to Amilia’s. The two must be best friends. This girl was muscular. It was obvious she spent a lot of time in the gym lifting weights. Of course, her shapeshifting abilities may contribute to those muscles.
“It’s nice meeting you,” Tanya said.
“Yeah, thanks for helping us.” Makinzee glanced back at Serienna.
“You’re welcome. Our sire sent us to aide you.” At Tanya’s confused expression, Resa added, “Our sires are good friends.”
“Oh.” Tanya looked over her shoulder at Sabastian. If anyone could confirm this, it would be him.
Sabastian stood, arms crossed. “I need a name.”
“Eduardo.”
His face softened, and he nodded to Tanya. “I know Eduardo, and your names are familiar.”
Resa smiled. “I know that you don’t know us but if you don’t mind, we’d love to join you on your journey.”
“I’ll need to confirm your story before I can allow the princesses to agree.” Sabastian already had his cell phone in hand, dialing.
“Of course.” Resa shoved her hands into her front pockets. “Our sire sent us here to help protect you. In fact, it was Lazarith who had called and asked for us specifically… We know that you are the chosen ones, and we’re willing to lay down our lives for yours if need be.”
Sabastian shoved the phone in his back pocket. “It’s confirmed,” he said. “They’re trained guardians. They made an oath to Eduardo and Lazarith to serve and protect you.”
“Yes,” Resa said. “Our soul mates have taken the same oath and are preparing to fly out to begin their service to your soul mates.”
After seeing Sabastian’s agreeing nod, Tanya said, “Sure, we’d love for you to join us.” Looking back at Serienna, she began stepping backward. “But first we must attend to my sister, Serienna. She is our priority.”
“Of course.” The seven of them followed Tanya and Makinzee, forming a circle around Serienna.
Dannika and Regina knelt on the ground at Serienna’s head, sobbing uncontrollably. “Serienna, I know it hurts, but you have to keep your eyes open,” Regina pleaded through her tears.
“No…no…Serienna, keep your eyes open. Do you hear me?” Makinzee choked on her plea, tears now free-flowing from her eyes. “Don’t you dare close your eyes. You may not wake up if you do.”
Serienna’s eyes were mere slits. It looked as though it took her a great amount of effort just to keep them open that much. Tanya looked at all the blood surrounding her body. It was too much. Fear wormed its way into her heart. Would this be the end of their friend? Would this be the end of the prophesy?
Serienna’s complexion was paler than a ceramic doll, if that was even possible. “Come on, sis, stay with us. We need you.” Dannika wiped her tears on the sleeve of her shirt. She was an ugly crier, like Tanya. Seeing her predicament, Mathilia handed her a tissue for her snotty nose.
Taking Serienna’s hand in hers, Tanya kissed it then closed her eyes to say a small prayer to Ratri for help. Serienna’s wound had been inflicted with a silver blade. Those wounds were not going to heal before she bled to death.
Leaning close to her ear, Tanya spoke to her friend. “Honey, I need you to listen to me. Can you hear me?” During her silent prayer, Ratri had given her an idea.
“Yes, Tanya, I can hear you.” Serienna’s voice was nothing more than a weak whisper.
“Good. Honey, I know you’re in excruciating pain, and all you want to do is close your eyes, but you can’t. What I want you to do is concentrate on Vaughn. I know you have gotten better at your dream walking, so that’s what I want you to do. Think you can handle that?”
She took a shallow breath, coughing and spitting up blood. The silence stretched on for several long seconds as she recovered, and her breathing steadied. “Yeah, I think so.”
“Good. I’m going to need you to try this with your eyes open. The last thing I want is for you to get comfortable.” Tanya brushed Serienna’s bangs out of her eyes.
The first order of business was to get the bleeding to stop. If they could accomplish that, then Earadessa would be able to examine her further for internal damage. Tanya watched her carefully as she began to focus on Vaughn. When Serienna finally crossed the barrier into that state of dreams, her eyes glazed over, and silver swirled in their pools.
Not having ever witnessed Serienna’s eyes change like this, panic rose in her. Then she heard Serienna call out to Vaughn, and that panic settled. “Vaughn, baby, I need you. Please come to me.”
Chapter Sixty-Three
As Serienna concentrated on Vaughn, she pictured his thick muscular arms wrapped around her. They’d been dream walking frequently since that night at Earadessa’s, so crossing that barrier had become second nature to her.
Though she kept her eyes open, she was no longer in the waking world with her friends. The people surrounding her faded into the background, and Vaughn materialized a few feet away.
“What is it, baby? Why do you sound so distant?” His voice was one of concern.
She struggled to lift her head so she could to see his face. “Vaughn, I’m hurt, and it’s pretty bad.”
His bare feet padded across the parking lot, and he sat beside her, gently lifting her head onto his lap. “Oh, my gosh, Serienna, what happened to you?”
“We were attacked,” she breathed in short pants as excruciating pain wracked through her body, “in Oklahoma City.” Everything hurt, as if she’d been drenched in gasoline and set on fire. This pain was one hundred times worse than the pain she felt during her awakening.
Serienna saw Vaughn’s hand clench and unclench. He was angry and doing his best to hold it back. “Who attacked you?”
“Damion’s girlfriend and her friends. They were trying to prevent the ten of us from uniting.” A wave of dizziness washed over her, and white spots danced in her vision. “Vaughn, I’m so tired. I have to get some sleep.”
His hold on her tightened, and he shook her body. “Oh, no you don’t, baby, you have to stay awake. Please. Don’t give up. I need you, your sisters need you.” He shook her again. “Baby, please stay awake. Please.”
The motion made bile rise in her throat, burning her esophagus. Ugh, enough with the shaking, you’re giving me motion sickness. She knew how important it was for her to stay awake. As a med student, she understood the ramifications of giving in to the coveted slumber. Yet, the appeal of rest outweighed the consequence. She would worry about the prophesy and defeating Damion later. Much later.
The heat left her body, and a cold chill seeped into her bones, leaving her shivering on the ground. Her teeth chattered to the point she feared they’d crack. Vaughn kept coaxing her to keep her eyes open, but they were too heavy. “I’m trying, Vaughn, I really am trying.” She gasped in a breath that burned her lungs. “My whole body feels so heavy…so cold. I know I’ve lost too much blood.”
The look in his eyes tore her apart. He was scared. Heck, she was scared. This was not what she’d envisioned for her life. Her life was supposed to be a fairytale with a happily ever after. “Baby, I love you. Don’t you dare give up on me. Not now. Now, when we’re so close to finding each other.”
Tears rolled down her face, soaking his pantleg where she rested her head. “I love you too, Vaughn.”
His eyes widened in horror. He must see her life-force fleeing her body, leaving her vulnerable to death’s angel. Just yesterday they’d talked about their future — a future without Damion and pending doom.
He stroked her face. “Hey, do you remember telling me that vampires could have a baby?”
She smiled, too weak to give a verbal response.
“I look forward to that day. Whether we have a boy or girl, doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is having that future. You taking on my last name and our child running around spreading joy.”
Yes, that sounded perfect. It’s what she’d always longed for. A family. Unable to keep them open any longer, she let her eyes fall shut.
She could hear him begging her to hold on, but it was as if her eyes had been glued shut. The sound of his voice was distant. A testament as to how close she was to death. “Oh, sweet goddess, no.” He sniffled. “Damnit, Serienna, I can feel you slipping away. No. Please, don’t go.”
If she had control she’d open her eyes and fight to live, but she didn’t.
“Serienna, you have to hold on. Hold on to us, to our future baby, our family. I love you.” More sniffles and his arms tightened even more around her. “I need you, I can’t lose you. I haven’t even had the chance to hold your physical body in my arms yet.”
Oh, how she longed for the day when his arms wrapped around her body in the waking world.
His voice broke on a sob. “Baby, you can’t die. Please stay with me.”
It was strange, but she could feel her spirit separating from her body, being pulled out of her core like a string. Ratri, please help me. I don’t want to die. “I love you too, Vaughn.” She cracked open one eye. “But it’s so hard. My body is too weak, and my mind is too tired.” Please, Ratri, heal me.
His hand gripped her shoulder, shaking her. Panic laced his voice as he screamed, “Don’t you dare give up on me. Do you hear me?”
Princesses of the Night (Royal Blood Book 1) Page 22