Blood Of The Cursed

by BrittanyAnn Robinson

  “We need to hurry. That vamp didn’t look far from death. He was very weak.” She said while staring off into the factory.

  I nodded. Turning back around to the guys with pants on at least, I walked back in there. “Good job guys. Get him zip-tied and blindfolded. I don’t want him waking up and freaking out in the back of the truck. With luck, we will find the wolf when we head to Rock Rapids. Please tie him up quickly. Vivi, shall we?” I motioned for her to follow back to the truck.

  She and I walked in silence while leaving the guys to get the vampire. I pulled the gate down on the truck for the guys and then climbed into the cab of the truck to enter the directions into the GPS. A short while later they walked out with a sleeping vampire. Finn and Jackson carefully set the vampire in the back of the truck.

  “Good. Let’s get to the next town and get this shit over with. They loaded up and I talked with Vivi for a minute. Per usual, she agreed to meet us there. I stood outside and sent Scarlett a text:

  “Hey baby, we got the vampire! Now we’re on to the next town to hopefully capture the wolf. Vivi will take their blood and bottle it up for us, and then we’ll be back on our way. I love you. Please don’t be too upset with me.”

  “That’s great Rhett. I hope you’re all staying safe. I’m going fucking crazy. Our ceremony is tomorrow. Please hurry. I miss you. I’m having such a hard time containing my wolf. I love you so much!”

  “Same here, Scar. I’m making sure everyone stays safe. I’ll see you soon. Xoxo”

  I put my phone in my pocket and hopped in the truck. I can feel her emotions through the bond, but from this distance, we can’t communicate through it.

  Now, on to the next town. Another forty-five-minute drive. We arrived and were in shock at what we saw. A town slightly bigger than the last one we captured the vampire in. Another abandoned town. Things were on fire, leaking black clouds of smoke into the sky. The damage here is fairly new. But whatever humans were here are long gone. As soon as we rolled the windows down you could smell the death that rolled up on this town. And it was strong. There was a different scent, much stronger than the other ones. It was him. The first cursed wolf.

  “He’s here.” I said.

  “Yeah, I can smell him too.” Barret stated.

  I pulled the truck up alongside the street and parked it next to a gun shop. That will come in handy. Hopefully, there’s a few guns left to use.

  “Vivi’s here.” Finn said.

  “Yeah I figured. Finn, Jackson, go in the gun shop and look for a few guns if they have any. We might need them here. I sense a large number of sick wolves here. Probably guarding the cursed one.” They nodded and got out.

  “Barret, Dakota and I will assist you in looking around town. We need to be extra cautious. We can not get bitten. We also have to make this fast.” I commanded.

  “Agreed.” He said.

  We hopped out and instantly heard growling.

  “Vivi get in the truck and lock the doors!” Barret yelled. She did as he said.

  Sick and dying wolves came out of every building. Barely able to stand. Their skin and fur gone in spots. Their eyes void of life. It was hard to see. So many that are suffering. We need to end their misery. Jackson and Finn walked out with a few nine-millimeter handguns with some extra shells. They had them loaded and ready to use.

  “Good job guys. We will need these to slow them down.” No later than I said that, wolves started running at us. Next thing you know we were shooting in all directions. It didn’t take much to bring them down, but we didn’t want to do it in wolf form and risk getting too close to get bit. This was a good tactic and it was working. I finally reached the end of my clip, I didn’t have anymore on me. I was going to yell out to Jackson to toss me one, but it seems like we shot down all the wolves that were here. Twenty-eight wolves in total. Jesus, that could have been so bad. Good thing they were sick, otherwise the turnout would have been really bad.

  “Now we need to shift and smell out the cursed wolf. Shouldn’t be hard, he’ll smell really really bad.” I stated.

  We all shifted and began our search. We could smell him. The scent was there but was getting faint. He was traveling. He must have heard us arrive and all the gunfire taking place, he took off. The witches said he was still left with his humanity, but the urge to bite and attack was there. So he could feel the pain he was causing, just couldn’t do anything about it. He’s scared and doesn’t want to hurt people.

  We followed the scent through town with Vivi following us in the truck. Up ahead of us was a wolf in the distance, limping alongside the road. He noticed us coming and tried to pick up the pace. We got up to him and surrounded him. Poor guy was snarling and spitting bloody saliva at us. Gross. He’d shake his head and fur and skin would fly off. He lunged at us a few times. We couldn’t harm him and didn’t want to get close enough to get bit. So we figured we’d let him tire himself out, he looked like he was on his last leg.

  After about half an hour of this, the wolf collapsed in front of us. He was barely breathing. We all looked at each other and ran to the truck to shift and grab our clothes. While we were doing this, Vivi had hopped out and put the wolf into a sleep, just like the vampire.

  “We need to make sure the wolves back there are taken care of as well. Since there’s too many to bury, it’s probably best that we burn their bodies. I’ll collect the blood needed from this wolf and the vampire.” She said pulling out a small bowl and a knife, walking over to the wolf.

  “Jackson, stay here with her. Once she’s done getting the blood from these two, load up the wolf in the truck and bring it back into the middle of town. The rest of us will run back there and start picking up the bodies of the rest of the wolves. I’m sure they’ve all bled out by now.” I said while turning around and started running into town. Barret, Dakota, and Finn following behind me.

  We had gotten most of the wolves picked up and gathered in a pile. It was a horrible sight. Jackson pulled up with Vivi in the truck. They hopped out and walked up to us.

  “I’ve gathered the blood that you need from these too. The wolf didn’t have a lot of blood in his body left, so, unfortunately, I had to drain him and the vampire both. They were asleep so they felt no pain. Hopefully, they are peaceful in the afterlife, with no more pain, and suffering. Add them to the pile. I’ll set it on fire for you and then I’ll meet you guys back at the hotel.” She said with sorrow and regret written all over her face. It pains her to have to see living creatures this way. I don’t blame her.

  We picked up the remaining bodies, plus the cursed wolf and vampire. Carefully adding their bodies to the pile, Vivi walked up. She put both arms and held her palms out. With eyes closed, she said “Incendo.” A red mist soaked into the pile of bodies. The pile of bodies ignited in flames and burned quickly. The heat and the smell was strong and potent. We had to back up and get in the truck to avoid the smell. Vivi walked up to the truck, and I rolled the window down. “I’ll take make sure the fire is taken care of. I’ll meet you back at the hotel.

  We took off. It was about an hour and a half drive to Sioux Falls. By the time we got there, it was night time. We were exhausted. And of course, Vivi was waiting for us, leaning against the door to our room. Creepy woman, I swear.

  “You’ve been an amazing help, Vivi. We couldn’t have done this without you.” I said gratefully.

  “It’s my pleasure. Anything to restore peace among the factions and to help out old friends. I got your bottled blood to Amora and Sybil, you’ll need them to add yours and your mates’ blood once you’ve had your ceremony and have bonded fully.” She smiled.

  I’m glad she used her witchy magic to get it to them because I was wondering how we were going to get it past security at the Airport.

  “Now, I have to get home, my sisters are probably worried. Farewell friends. If you’re ever out this way again, don’t be strangers. Also, I was discussing some things with Amora and Sybil, you should be able to break the curse
without Celeste’s blood. Since Circee had to use her blood for the spell, there’s small amounts of her blood running through the blood of the wolf and vampire that were first cursed. It should be enough. If not, have Sybil get a hold of me. I should be able to help you from here without you having to travel more to find Celeste.” She waved and walked out behind the truck. When we looked around to see where she was headed, she was gone. I give up. I just wanted to see some cool witchy shit.

  “I’d say let’s catch some sleep, but we need to get back. The sooner the better. We have a ceremony tomorrow.” I said smiling, feeling triumphant. I really hope this works without having to find Celeste. I don’t want any trouble. We’ve come so far to have a setback.

  “Agreed! It’s time to party like there’s no tomorrow!” Jackson said excitedly. We went inside and packed our bags.

  It was a short wait to board our plane. Once we found our seats and put our bags in the overhead compartments, we all plopped down and relaxed. It wouldn’t be a long flight home, but we all decided to catch a few hours of sleep. Before closing my eyes, I needed to text my mate. She’s probably losing her mind.

  “Hey, baby. We were able to get the blood from the wolf and the vampire that was originally cursed. We are on our flight back to Michigan. I’m going to close my eyes and catch some sleep. The sooner I get to you the better. I’ve been away from you for way too long. But just so we’re clear, I don’t regret my decision of making you stay home. I love you. I’ll see you soon.”

  I sat there for a few minutes and she had texted back.

  I can’t wait to wrap my arms around you baby. I’m glad everything is going as planned so far. I love you so much. Get home to me. I’m horny and I need love. Muah!

  Oh my god, this woman will be the death of me. Flying home with half a boner, great. Thanks, mate. I put my phone away, closed my eyes, and drifted off to sleep.

  13

  The guys couldn’t get here soon enough. I was so excited for them to be back. Especially my Rhett. I tossed and turned all night. Sleeping in that bed alone is not okay. And it won’t be happening often. He’s lucky that I don’t make him sleep on the couch tonight. I’m still overly pissed that he didn’t take me. But I understand why he had me stay home. I’ve been up since seven a.m. Showered, picked out a cute outfit, and down in the kitchen having breakfast. Athena and Hazel were there, keeping me company. They miss their boys as much as I miss mine. Rhett texted me and said they landed and were on their way home, it’s now just a waiting game.

  Good thing our ceremony is set for eight tonight. I’m so excited to be married and fully mated to the love of my life. My mate is the best thing to have ever happened to me. It’s still mind-blowing that only in a couple months time, we’ve gone from finding out we’re mates, to saving species that might have gone extinct. It’s crazy how our world works.

  “Scar, I still can’t believe tonight’s the night that you wed to your mate. I’m still mind blown over it all. Things have changed so much. For all of us. I’m going to cry watching Barret walk you down the aisle. And thank you for having us stand with you in your wedding, it means so much. Even though we decided that since we were pups.” Athena giggled and cried at the same time.

  “Awe Thena, we both know that you threatened to kill me if I didn’t have you as my maid of honor. I would have chosen you no matter what. And now we have another amazing person to add, Hazel. My best friend and my new sister to be. I couldn’t be luckier, honestly.” I said as I walked over to the stool Athen was sitting on and pulled them in for a huge group hug. At that point, we were all a sobbing mess.

  Just then the door opened and we heard laughing. “Jesus Christ, what happened to you girls? What’s wrong!?” Rhett asked in concern.

  “Rhett!!” I yelled as let go of the girls and ran to my mate. Launching myself from the ground, into his arms. He quickly dropped his bags and caught me, holding me tight. He shoved his face into the crook of my neck and took a deep breath, inhaling my scent. I did the same. Instantly what anxiety we held, dissipated.

  “Fuck Scarlett, I missed you so much.” He said as he pressed his lips to mine. It felt so good.

  Setting me down, he still had his arm wrapped around me. Not letting me go. The girls were holding Jackson and Finn tight to themselves, just as we had done. Helping calm each others wolves. It was adorable. Our close-knit group, I couldn’t ask for more.

  “Where’s my dad?” I asked.

  “He went home with Dakota to see their mates. He also is going to contact Amora and Sybil to let them know everything is ready for tonight.” He smiled, leaning down to breathe more of me in.

  “Good. I’m so glad this is the beginning of the end of something dark. Do you need to lay down and get some rest baby?”

  “Yes, I’m going to catch a little more sleep. That way I can fully enjoy what is to come tonight. Would you like to join me?”

  “As much as I would love to doll, the girls and I are going to make sure everything is one hundred percent for tonight. All you boys have to do is dress up, show up, and be ready for some life-changing experiences. The ceremony will be held at my parent's packhouse in the backyard. So far everything is looking fabulous from what I’ve been told.”

  “That’s great! I’m looking forward to everything. Especially being fully mated to you baby. You’re mine. Forever. Now, I’m going upstairs and going right to bed. I’ll see you in a short while. I love you.” He leaned down and kissed me gently, then grabbed his bag and walked upstairs.

  Jackson and Finn did the same. They used the extra bedrooms upstairs so they didn’t have to walk to their homes. The girls and I spent the next couple of hours talking and finishing up little things that needed to be done for the ceremony. I was on the phone with my mother a few times. She was updating me on how things were going over there. She said the set up was done and it looked gorgeous. She continues to assure me that everything would be perfect for her baby girl, regardless of how rushed it seemed. I love her so much, she’s still taking care of me even though I’m grown.

  I looked at the clock, it read four P.M. Athena and Hazel left to go to my parents to help finish up any last-minute details, I stayed behind to clean up some things and finish packing whatever I needed for the wedding. I was under strict instructions to be gone before the guys woke up, they didn’t want the groom to see his bride before it was time. When I heard footsteps upstairs I quickly dropped what I was doing, grabbed my things and rushed out the door. I had left a note on the counter for Rhett, letting him know what was going on. I got in my truck and raced out of there before he could see me.

  I had to play some loud music to keep my adrenaline going on my drive there. I feel like my nerves would get the better of me if I had any free time to think to myself. I was actually getting nervous even though I feel like I’ve been with Rhett my whole life. Tonight was going to seal the deal and things were about to become real. I stomped on the gas with my lead foot and hauled ass to my parents. I made it there in record time. When I arrived, Hazel was by the garage, waiting for me. She grabbed my things from the truck and made sure I didn’t see the backyard until the time came.

  She rushed me up to my bedroom in my parent's house. She shut the door and dropped my bags.

  “Now. No talking to my brother at all. He knows not to mate link, text, or call you whatsoever. Everything needs to be a complete surprise for you both. They have their instructions. They’ll be here in an hour, at six. The rest of the time will be spent making you look like the goddess that you are. And him the badass that he is. He’s going to have a heart attack when he sees you girl. They’ll collect your blood once you two bond by sharing each other's blood, but the rest of the night will be all about the ceremony. Tomorrow is when the witches will finish all of this, but tonight, it’s about the two of you.” She smiled with tears in her eyes.

  “Thank you, Hazel. For welcoming me into your family and being so amazing. I’m so happy I’m gaining you as a sister.
You make me so happy!” I exclaimed, wrapping her into a hug then letting go.

  “Now, it’s time to get you all prettied up. I made sure to get all your make-up waterproof and smear-proof. So with all the crying, you’ll be doing, you’ll still look great. You haven’t seen your dress yet, but you will after you shower and have your hair and make-up done. It’s fucking gorgeous girl, let me just say that. Now, go shower!” Hazel shoved me into the bathroom and shut the door behind me. I heard her leave the room.

  I stripped my clothes and turned the hot water on in the shower. After it reached a desirable temperature I got in and started washing my hair. Then my body. I finished up washing myself and just stood there under the stream of hot water. Relaxing my muscles and enjoying the steam. I heard a knock on the door and heard Athena’s voice. She was telling me it was time to get out. I turned the water off and grabbed my towel, wrapping it around myself.

  I stepped out and started towel drying my hair with another towel off the rack. I dropped the towel from my body on the floor and put on my silk robe. I heard a huge ruckus from my bedroom. What the hell is all that noise? I walked out and saw Athena, Hazel, my mom, and Dakota’s wife Lainey from the salon. Damn, there are so many people in here. I was out of the bathroom no more than five seconds before I had been rushed to the vanity in my bedroom and plopped down in the chair. I had people in my face doing make-up. People tugging and pulling on my hair. The hairdryer was turned on creating the loudest noise ever. I never used that damn thing. Fuck I’m going to have a migraine before it’s all over.

  Next thing you know I had pain relievers shoved in my face with a cup of tea. Along with it sat a Red Bull to keep my energy going, courtesy of Athena. She’s the best. I felt my feet getting fucked with, someone was painting my toenails. Then my fingernails were being done. It felt like forever that I was being tortured. Thank god this happens only once a lifetime. I couldn’t go through this pain again. A thousand commands being thrown at me by all these people. It was starting to get to me. I was about to freak the fuck out when Athena yelled.