Blood Of The Cursed

by BrittanyAnn Robinson

  “We were thinking about that. Like Amora said, we’ve been doing nothing but discussing and researching. It’s possible that she and I can do a location spell. If you get us an infected wolf and vampire, we should be able to use their blood to find the locations of the two that were first infected by the curse. We should then be able to use the cursed blood from the two that were first infected and scry for the location of where Circee created the curse. If it works, we might possibly find a hiding Celeste. Hoping that she’s still there. And if we find Celeste, we can use her blood to help destroy this curse once and for all. This isn’t going to be easy, but it’s what we’ve got at the moment. We have to work hard and diligently. The longer we sit here, the bigger the possibility Celeste won’t sit in one spot.” Sybil stated.

  All of us exchanged looks. What in the actual fuck did Sybil just lay at our feet? Witches are so damn complicated. The universe couldn’t have just created us werewolves and left out vampires and witches, Christ. I looked at Barret and he looked at a loss for words, he kept opening his mouth to say something and then closing it, unsure of what to say. I understand his struggle. Instead of speaking, I let out a long growl.

  OW! Scarlett elbowed me in the ribs. Rude ass.

  “Thank you for all of the hard work you’ve put into this. We wouldn’t have known any of that if it wasn’t for you two. Now that we know where to start, we can move things along quickly. We will do our part now. Thank you so much.” Scarlett said to the witches, earning her wide grins from both of them. She sat up and turned her body to me. “It’s time we start looking for rabid zombie wolves and vampires.”

  “I’ll get on the phone with Vlad. He’ll be able to get us a vampire with no problem. As for a rabid wolf. Keep your eyes and ears out. I’ll start contacting the other Alphas on the council to see if they have any contained, sick wolves within their regions. This shouldn’t be too difficult. We may catch a break, but I’m not holding my breath on it. I’ll be in my office. Ladies, I give you my gratitude for all that you are doing.”

  Barret got up and placed a kiss on his wife’s cheek, then filled his coffee. Doing the same to Scarlett before walking off to his office. Amora and Sybil thanked us for our time and let us know that they’d be back when we had a rabid wolf and vampire. They said their goodbyes and left.

  “Jesus fucking Christ. If that wasn’t a shit show of a solution, I don’t know what is.” Jackson belted out. That earned him a slap across the back of the head by Scarlett.

  “Be nice, Jackson.”

  “Why? It’s true, it’s the witches who started this shit. The universe just had to go and grant them fucking powers and now look. We are all screwed. The last piece of the puzzle is a missing witch. What happens if we don’t find her and she doesn’t come forward. We are all as good as rabid wolves. Do me a favor and off me right away if that happens. Seri...Ow! What the hell, Scarlett, quit hitting me!”

  Scarlett stood up so fast that I blinked from the whoosh of air that smacked my eyeballs. She slapped him again.

  “I’ll stop hitting you when you start showing some fucking respect, Jackie boy. I have half a mind to pound you straight into the ground. Don’t keep testing me. None of us are exactly happy about this. But it’s happening. And now we have a way to resolve it. Now quit being a whiny little bitch.”

  I snorted. I couldn’t hold it back, it just slipped. Jackson looked mortified at his alpha female's display of dominance. Scarlett turned around on a dime and started poking me in the chest.

  “You’re about to get it to, Rhett. I don’t care if you’re a giant mountain man, I’ll pound you into the ground right next to his ass.” She stormed off to the back porch. Slamming the glass door behind her. I’m surprised it didn’t shatter.

  “Jackson.” I said.

  “I know. I know. I’m going out to apologize right now.”

  “I’ll be out in a second.”

  “Okay. Please tell Athena that I love her if I don’t make it back inside alive.”

  I snorted again. What a dramatic fool. He walked off to find Scarlett. Leaving Dakota, Layla, Finn and I at the table just looking between each other.

  “Rhett, did you notice the part where Amora said we’d need the combined blood of a newly mated wolf couple? Finn asked cautiously.

  “Yes.”

  “You and Scarlett are going to have to have your mating ceremony, shortly. Like within the next few days.”

  “I know. And that’s why Scar is so upset. She doesn’t want it to happen like this, but we don’t have a choice and that’s just a fact. We will have Amora and Sybil do our ceremony and at the same time they can collect our blood.” I sighed.

  “Probably best.” Layla spoke up. “I know she’s hurting because of it, but she’s smart, she knows what has to be done. I’ll start working on your ceremony preparations with Athena and Hazel. I’ll call them right now and have them come over right away. Just because it’s happening faster than we’d all like, doesn’t mean we still can’t have it up to my daughter’s expectations.”

  “Agreed. Thank you, Layla. You’re an amazing mother. I’m glad my mate has such a great and supportive family. We appreciate everything you do for us.”

  “That’s what family does, son. Now, go cheer up my daughter.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  I got up from the table and walked outside to my mate. Apparently Jackson had cheered her up because she was smiling and laughing at something he had said. Noticing my presence, they became quiet as they turned around. Awkward no doubt.

  “Jackson, I need a moment with my mate.”

  He nodded and walked inside, leaving Scarlett and me alone.

  “Scar.” I said.

  “Yes, Rhett?”

  I just stood there and stared at her for a moment. She gave me a quizzical look. I walked over to her and cupped her face in my hands, leaned down and pressed my lips to hers. She wrapped her arms around my waist, melting into me. Both of our wolves instantly calmed. She deepened the kiss by allowing my tongue to enter her mouth and move along with hers. My mouth smothered a moan from her. I broke away and she whined.

  “What was that about?” She asked with amusement.

  “Sometimes I need your touch instead of words. At least for only a moment, anyway.”

  “Rhett. I feel your anxiety.”

  “I know. Look Scar. For everything to move along at a good pace..”

  “We have to have our ceremony soon. I know.”

  “Two days, love. Your mother already has Athena and my sister on the way to help prepare. Even though it’s sooner than we had liked, they aren’t wasting time to make it as perfect as possible for you.”

  She smiled. “I’m not upset about it, really. I just envisioned us having our ceremony in less perilous times, ya know? But I know it’s what we have to do. I’m not complaining.” She said grabbing my face and bringing it down to hers, resting her forehead against mine. She sighed.

  “I completely understand Scar. Like I’ve told you before, I don’t care what happens, as long as you’re by my side. Without you, I don’t know what I’d do. I think I’d lose my mind and become rogue.”

  “Well that’s never going to happen, so don’t even let that thought cross your mind again.” She stood up on her toes to kiss me. I wrapped my arms around her and held her close.

  She yawned against my chest. I smiled. “How about we go up to your bedroom and lay down for a little bit, darling. Sound good to you?” She approved by giving me a nod.

  I picked her up, cradling her in my arms. Carrying her back into the house and up the stairs. Pointing the way to her bedroom, she opened the door for me so I could continue to carry her in. I walked over to her bed and gently set her down. Instantly she moved the covers aside, allowing us to crawl underneath. She scooted over so I could lay next to her, and covered us both up. Scarlett picked up my arm and laid her head on my chest, entangling her legs with mine. I could feel her breathing level out along with her
heartbeat. Hers beat to the rhythm of mine. Next thing you know, she’s out like a light. Giving little snores. Adorable.

  We snuggled in bed for a good three hours. She must have really needed the sleep. I slept a little but mostly just laid there and pondered my thoughts. A light knock hit the door.

  “Come in” I said quietly, trying not to disturb Scarlett.

  Finn poked his head in. “Hey, sorry to interrupt. How’s she doing?”

  “She’s fine. What’s up, Finn?”

  “We got word that we have a rabid wolf and blood-crazed vampire available. Both in close range.”

  “Are you serious? That fast? Good. I’ll be down in a minute.”

  He nodded and shut the door. I carefully unwrapped myself from Scarlett. She stirred, but only for a second. I crawled out of the covers and left the room. Back downstairs everyone was in the kitchen, talking.

  “Alright, fill me in.” I said.

  “I got a response from a pack a couple territories over that they have captured a rabid wolf crossing their border the other day. And Vlad ordered one of his teams to look for a sick vampire. Luckily, with night falling upon us, some were starting to come out to feed on helpless victims. He’s on his way up right now with the vampire. I sent Dakota and another wolf to go and retrieve the rabid wolf. He’ll be back soon.” Barret said with positivity.

  “Great news. Happening sooner than I had expected, but I’m not complaining about it. The sooner we can get this shit over with, the safer my mate will be. My wolf is driving me fucking crazy, always clawing at the surface over Scarlett’s safety.”

  Barret chuckled. “Trust me, I know how that is. He needs to hang on a little longer, because in time once you two are fully bonded he will calm down a little.” He assured me.

  “Ladies, how are the preparations coming along?” I asked.

  “What do you mean coming along? We got that shit already done and figured out while you were taking your baby nap.” Athena said with her hands on her hips.

  I rolled my eyes. “Good to know. You girls sure don’t waste any time whatsoever. I’m sure whatever you have planned will have our girl elated.”

  “Um...duh. That’s what we are here for.” Athena snapped back.

  “Okay then, well since you smartasses have everything taken care of, why don’t you go and gently wake up my mate and run everything by her. We have to get the basement prepped for our visitors. Barret, shall we?” I said looking at him. He was dunking a donut in his coffee. Jesus, Scarlett is just like her father.

  He grinned and then chuckled. “Yes of course. Good thinking. Glad you said something before I devoured this box of donuts. Layla would kill me.”

  “Damn right I would Hunny. I just bought those!” Layla smacked his arm.

  “Hey, woman!” Barret said as he tried to dodge another swat coming his way.

  “Don’t you dare “woman” me! You go on and get that basement ready with the guys, and leave my doughnuts alone.” Layla shook her head at Barret as he walked away laughing.

  Since Dakota already has one cage in his basement, we decided it best to just set everything up in his basement.

  The walk to Dakota’s house was quick, so we reached it in no time. The walk over was a quiet one. Everyone has their minds on what the next few days have in store for us. Nobody spoke until we reached the bottom of the stairs, into the basement.

  “Since we already have this cage built, we should probably build two more. It would be best to have an extra cage, just in case. The witches will not only put a spell on the cages but also the room. Better to be over-prepared, and not need it, than not prepared enough. They will have more than just Sybil and Amora here to help since they will be using a lot of their magic. They may need help keeping the spells contained.” Barret pointed out.

  Without another word, we all got to work. I hate how quiet and in their thoughts everyone is, but I don’t blame them. I wasn’t really in a talkative mood either. Hopefully, tomorrow goes as planned. Getting each of the infected from the different species is only step one in the right direction.

  When all was said and done, we went back home to the Iron Packhouse to get some sleep. We are all drained.

  After tossing and turning all night long, it was finally time to head back over to my parent's house. After our nap yesterday, Athena, Hazel, my mother, and I all went over the plans for our ceremony. The three of them basically had everything all planned out by the time they woke me up. It was more of them startling me, than a wake-up. Both Athena and Hazel ran in the room screaming like banshees and jumped all over me. I love these girls, I really do, but I swear that they are going to give me a heart attack. Now that the plans were finished, I was getting pretty excited. I was bummed about the situation that is rushing it along, but I’ve decided not to let that bullshit get in the way and bother me.

  I shook the thoughts from my head. I need to focus on what’s happening today. Vlad is supposed to be showing up at Dakota’s in a bit to deliver the vamp. It’s best if we get there before that happens.

  “You ready Scar?” Rhett yelled from the bottom of the stairs. Looking in the mirror as I finish pulling my hair into a high ponytail, I whisper to myself.

  “As I’ll ever be.”

  Running down the stairs, I met him at the bottom. “Yeah, let’s get over there before everyone shows up.”

  “Alright everyone let’s go. Not you Hazel.” Rhett said.

  “Seriously? Why in the hell do I have to stay behind?” Hazel asks as she folds her arms across her chest.

  “There’s a lot of pack women still in the area, and with your Alpha, his female and Beta gone, someone has to stay here and keep everyone safe. I trust you the most. I’m sorry, but you’re not coming.” Rhett said, matter of factly.

  “Fine. Whatever.” She said as she walked away. Someone was not in a good mood today. It’s not really her fault. We’re all a bit on edge lately.

  Rhett and I load up into his Jeep, while Finn, Jackson, and a couple of other guys hop into the Tahoe.

  The drive over felt like it lasted much longer than it really did. As soon as we pulled up, we saw that Sybil and Amora’s vehicles were already here. As we got out and shut the doors, everyone came out of the house.

  “Great, you guys are here. We were just about to head over to Koda’s. Sybil and Amora are already there setting the spells up.” Barret said.

  Rhett grabbed my hand, stopping me from following everyone.

  “I know that if I asked you to stay here, you probably won’t listen to me and you will be pissed. So I’m not going to ask. Everything should stay under control today, but just be prepared, just in case.” He kissed me on the forehead. I couldn’t even get mad at him. We were under enough stress without me making a big deal out of his overprotectiveness.

  Continuing to hold hands, we caught up to the group just as they were climbing the steps to Dakota’s house.

  “It shouldn’t be long and Vlad will be here with the Vampire. We have a pack Alpha from a couple territories away bringing in a Wolf. He should be here in about ten minutes. They will be pulling up here at my house that way the witches can contain them from there.” Koda let everyone know as we entered his home. I always thought that he had a nice house. Such a shame that this is all happening here.

  As we started down the steps, I could feel the magic in the air. Having a rabid Wolf and Vampire in the same room with a bunch of non-infected beings is just asking for trouble, but it’s something that needs to be done.

  “Facerent malum intus clausis robora sit amet ligat. Facerent malum intus clausis robora sit amet ligat.”

  Sybil and Amora continued to chant. Their spells let off a blue and purple mist that floated through the air, and covered the walls, and disappeared.

  Honk. Honk. They blew the horn letting us know they have arrived.

  Sybil and Amora finish up their spells, and headed up the stairs, along with Barret, Rhett, and their Beta’s. I opted to stay in th
e basement. I didn’t need to go outside to see the show when it would be in front of me in seconds. I do not look forward to seeing these people like this.

  I could hear the witches chanting, keeping them under control. First Finn came down the stairs, followed by Dakota. Then came the snarling. The werewolf was being led down the stairs by a metal leader pole, held by Rhett. Seeing that freaked me out, but knowing that everything was under control, I just had to take a deep breath. Next was the Vampire being led by my dad in the same way. Looking at the Vamp and Werewolf, it broke my heart. Looking at what used to be people, now turned into monsters. They no longer have a normal processing brain.

  Their skin and hair were falling off. The werewolf was drooling severely, blood mixed in with saliva. The little bit of hair that was left on it, was matted, and stained red. The Vampire was fighting against the pole, hissing and trying to reach us. His eyes were completely red. His skin was also missing in places. You could tell that neither one of them has a soul left in their bodies. They were both wrestled into their cages, and the witches stopped their chanting.

  “Scarlett, please bring me the bowl off of the table behind you.” Sybil asked.

  I turned to the table behind me and saw a smaller black bowl, that had a pentagram carved into the side. I grabbed it and handed it over to her. I quickly backed away from the cages as the vampire lunged at me. Thankfully there were metal bars, and spells blocking him from getting to me. Still, it made my heart beat a million miles an hour.

  It’s okay babe, he can’t get to you.

  Rhett sent through our bond. No shit Sherlock.

  Obviously I know that. It doesn’t mean it doesn’t still freak me out.

  I sent back to him, rolling my eyes.

  With the bowl in Sybil's hands, Amora grabbed onto her wrists.

  “Adducam sanguinem ad me. Adducam sanguinem ad me. Adducam sanguinem ad me”