by Bethany Shaw
The wolves couldn’t kill him. They could however kill her. She spun around. A scream got lodged in her throat as she came face to face with a man. His eyes shone like a wolf’s, but he hadn’t transformed like the others.
He reached out and grasped her elbow, hauling her toward him. Cadence flicked her hand up and swung, connecting her palm with his cheek. She wrenched her arm free and kicked her uninjured foot out, catching her attacker in the groin.
Behind the man were wolves. They studied her with their ears pinned back, growling. She wasn't going down without a fight. Lightning sizzled overhead. They took a step back as a ball of fire formed in one hand and a bolt of lightning in the other. Lightning? She did a double take to make sure she wasn’t seeing things. This was something new and cool.
She stalked forward. Her pulse raced beneath her skin, and her heart roared in her ears. Bolts charged down from the sky, striking the ground next to the wolves.
Holy crap. I’m doing this. The weather. It’s me.
A bolt dropped from the sky, zapping one of them. The wolf yelped and jumped back. The rest remained in their position. She flicked her gaze to Zak who was fending off another group of wolves. It would be easy to harness her magic and take the entire pack out at once, but she didn’t want to do that.
“Leave!” she ordered.
The wolves cocked their head at her. She squeezed her fists and sent another flicker of lightning toward the ground, striking even closer to their bodies this time.
“I’m not asking again,” she hissed as a wave of dizziness swept over her. The energy flowing through her wavered, but she closed her eyes and forced it to churn through her. Her and Zak’s lives depended on her magic.
One of the wolves sat on its haunches, tilted its head back, and howled. The air quieted except for the rumble of thunder overhead. The wolves barked and growled as if having their own conversation.
She chanced a glance at Zak, watching as he backed toward her and placed his back against hers. The wolves barked and stumbled backwards before spinning around and disappearing into the brush.
“Do you think it’s safe?” she asked, wiggling her nose while trying to catch her breath. Warmth flooded onto her upper lip, and she wobbled on her feet.
Zak spun around and caught her before she fell. “Cadence,” he worried. His thumb swiped beneath her nose, coming back bloody.
Her knees gave out and she drew in a deep breath as darkness clawed at her vision. “I’m... I’m...”
“I’ve got you,” Zak soothed. He shoved hair behind her ear, then swept her into his arms.
“No... no blood,” she gasped out.
He gnashed his teeth, but nodded. “I’ll only heal you if your life depends on it,” he promised.
“Goo... good,” she mumbled as her eyes slid shut and the rolling abyss claimed her.
***
Zak glanced at the sun as it rose over the mountain peaks. The refuge they sought was only a few more miles. He’d be there in no time. His speed slowed as he adjusted Cadence in his arms.
She’d yet to regain consciousness. Her breathing was even and steady, or he’d have already broken his rule about blood. The place they were going would be chock full of vampire blood. Another could easily heal her if it came to it, but he would try all other options first. The thought of another vampire’s blood coursing through her veins caused him to growl... but he’d respect her wishes. It was his blood that she didn’t want, after all.
If he knew more about the bond, maybe it would ease her mind. But he’d never in a million years thought he would bond to another person. Love was a weakness. Cadence’s death was the one thing that would hurt him more than anything. He couldn’t lose her.
The injuries she suffered last night were bad but not severe — he didn’t think. Her wounds were superficial; it was the damage to her brain that was in question. Had she hurt her head too much while conducting her magic? He hoped she only needed a few days to recuperate. He clutched Cadence closer as footsteps crept toward him.
Inhaling, he let out a breath. Vampires. Oliver should do a better job of training his guards.
It was dangerous bringing Cadence to a home full of vampires, but his options were limited. Oliver already knew about their predicament, too.
A blur flashed in the distance, and he slowed his pace as he recognized his brother’s form.
“To what do I owe the pleasure?” Oliver asked as he came to a dead stop several feet in front of Zak.
“We need a place to stay for a few days,” Zak answered, inclining his head toward Cadence.
“Ah,” Oliver crooned. “I thought she looked familiar from the house. It appears you aren’t delusional as I suspected all those years ago. This is the same woman.”
“And she needs medical help,” Zak snapped.
“I’m afraid I don’t have much use for a doctor,” Oliver said, standing on his tiptoes to peer down at Cadence. “I haven’t needed one of them in a few centuries.”
“Summon one,” Zak ordered. A doctor might not be able to tend to any damage done by Cadence’s magic, but they could tend to her injured leg before infection set in.
“Of course. Though, I must ask. Why not give her your blood?”
“It’s a long story,” Zak mumbled.
Oliver grinned. “One I’m quite interested in hearing.”
“Not now.”
“Resisting the bond are we, Zakariah?” Oliver continued.
“Not now,” Zak snapped. Had he been that transparent the last time they’d met? Probably. Hell, he’d claimed her.
“Very well.” Oliver led them up the steps, entering the large villa before motioning Zak in. He turned to a young woman who was walking through the entry. “Go to the village and bring the best doctor back.”
“Right away.” The woman bowed and raced out the door without another word.
"What happened?" Oliver asked.
"Werewolves," Zak said. He was uncertain if Malcolm had anything to do with the attack or not. His father had been nowhere to be found, but it would be a big coincidence otherwise. “Father could be nearby.”
He’d sent Harrison and Melanie away to keep them safe only a day ago, and now he was putting his brother in jeopardy.
“I shall have my staff prepare for our departure. In the meantime, I’ll increase the guards around the villa. Will she be ready to leave in the morning?” Oliver asked.
“I hope so.” If she’d shown no improvement by then, he would consider blood.
“All right. I'll show you to a room.” Oliver motioned him to follow up the winding stairs that led to the second floor.
They walked down a long corridor before stopping in front of two French doors. Oliver opened the door and followed Zak inside.
Zak ignored his brother and strode to the bed, setting Cadence on the blankets. He pushed up her skirt to her knees and untied the makeshift bandage he’d applied to her leg last night.
“How bad is it?” Oliver asked, peering over Zak’s shoulder.
Zak sighed as he looked at the gnarled flesh. The wound was deep and ran from her ankle all the way up her calf.
“That looks painful,” Oliver said with a cluck of his tongue.
“Send the doctor up as soon as they arrive,” Zak ordered.
“Of course,” Oliver said, backing up to the door with his hands up. “I’ll let you know when they get here.”
Oliver narrowed his eyes and studied Zak for a long moment before exiting.
Zak huffed and went to the washbasin. After dipping a clean cloth in the water, he returned to the bed. He dabbed gently at the dried blood on Cadence’s face, wiping the grime away. She was going to be okay. She had to be.
***
Cadence blinked her eyes open and groaned. The mattress beneath her was plush. She let her eyes wander around the room while trying to sit up. The muscles in her body were stiff, and dizziness threatened to take her under again. She closed her eyes and drew in a breath. H
er head pounded and her body ached. She reached out to Zak, but found the bed cold and empty. It seemed that was becoming a habit of late. Where was he?
He’d obviously kept his word about no blood. It felt like someone had hit her with a car, except those weren’t invented yet. She sat up with a yawn, squeaking in surprise as she realized someone was sitting in a chair watching her. She clutched the blanket to her.
"Hello, darling," Oliver greeted as he leaned forward in his chair with a smile.
"Oliver?" Her eyes flicked around the room. Where was Zak?
"You look better," he said.
"Where's Zak?" she asked with narrowed eyes. Zak wouldn’t just leave her here with Oliver.
"Zak? He’ll be back shortly. Hunger calls, and he seemed quite determined not to drink your blood even though it clearly called to him." Oliver cocked his head to the side, studying her. "What's going on with you and my brother?"
"We're... together," she said, answering his question evasively. What was it he wanted to know?
Oliver chuckled. "I’d already figured that much on my own. I was referring to your ever-growing bond. Zakariah wouldn’t talk much about it. I’m curious. It isn’t like my brother to care for someone, especially a witch. Romantic interludes with witches are more my cup of tea."
Cadence looked to the door, wondering when Zak would return. Hopefully not long. Oliver was dangerous, unpredictable, and someone she didn’t want to trifle with. "Uh... I’m pretty sure he still thinks of me as a weakness. And our bond... we... uh... well, that’s not really any of your business.” She stumbled over her words with a frown. It wasn’t Oliver’s business at all. Why was he asking about it? “When will Zak be back?”
"Soon. I'm supposed to make sure nothing happens to you while he is gone. We’re in my villa, which is full of vampires." Oliver smirked. "Most of them have good control, but it's been a while since we had fresh blood in the house."
Cadence shuddered as her hand went to her neck. Her fingers clasped the chain of her necklace. She sighed, knowing it would offer her a little protection against the vampires... at least, she hoped. It was more geared to help against witches.
"Interesting necklace," Oliver said as he stood. He strode to the bed and took a seat next to her. “Zak gave this to you?” he asked, pointing to her pendant.
“Yeah. Why?” she asked, clutching the sapphire gem in her hand.
Oliver reached out like he was going to touch her, but dropped his hand back into his lap.
Cadence shifted under the covers, wishing the vampire would return to his chair. Zak she trusted, Oliver not so much.
“He must care for you a great deal to give you something so powerful,” Oliver said with a raised brow. His eyes roamed over her again, and she scooted away from him. Her body cried out in protest at her movements but she continued to shift to the end of the bed, needing as much distance as possible.
"Our relationship is... complex, and none of your business," she repeated.
"He cares for you," Oliver said again as he stood and walked to the window. "He was terrified for your wellbeing last night. I've never seen Zak so scared before in my life, let alone over another person."
Zak was scared for her? Her heart fluttered. Oliver was the second person to insinuate that Zak cared deeply for her. "I care for him too," she said, though she wasn’t sure why.
"Good.” Oliver grinned as he turned back to her. “You seem to be making Zak more fun and less angry, which is good since I'll be spending the next month with the pair of you," Oliver informed. "I quite enjoy a good time."
The door to the room creaked as it swung open. Zak eyed his brother before turning to Cadence.
“She’s in perfect condition, just as I promised,” Oliver told him, clapping his hands. “Well, minus the few cuts and bruises, but those were there before you left her in my care.”
Cadence frowned watching as Oliver sidestepped around his brother. Had Zak threatened him in some way? The confident, cocky guy from a moment ago was gone, leaving a frightened man in his wake.
"I trust you're feeling better," Zak said as he walked to the bed and sat down, taking one of her hands while he ignored Oliver completely.
"Yes, for the most part." Her head was pounding and her body ached, but she’d live. If she told him how she felt, he might insist she drink vampire blood. There was only one vampire she would drink from and they weren’t doing that at the moment, so she was going to have to suck it up for the time being. She could do it.
"Good. I wish to leave if you are up to it," he said.
Cadence nodded and sighed.
“Have your men prepare the carriage,” Zak told Oliver, acknowledging his brother for the first time since his return. Still, his gaze never strayed from Cadence.
“Right away.” Oliver bowed as he exited the room.
“We should get going. I don’t know if Malcolm is responsible for last night's attack, but it is a risk I will not take.” He pressed a kiss to her brow. “How is your ankle? Can you walk?”
He moved as she pushed the covers back. She placed one foot on the floor and then the other, rising to her feet. Pain sliced through her foot and calf but she hobbled forward, limping but managing to stay on her feet.
Her stomach heaved and she inhaled sharply, forcing her churning belly to calm. She let out a breath and met Zak’s eyes. “I’ll be okay,” she said. Hopefully that was the truth.
“Good. We’ve got a long journey, and if we’re attacked I need you ready,” Zak told her.
She nodded. Her magic had spiraled out of control last night. Her leg hurt a little, but it was nothing compared to the pounding in her head. What if she had done too much and caused herself severe damage? The pain was a constant reminder that she’d overstepped her magical abilities last night. She might not be able to tap into her magic again at all, and she wasn’t going to try now. They needed her magic. That wasn’t something they could afford to lose, but for the moment they’d have to go without it.
Chapter Sixteen
They rode in silence, which made the day drag. The carriage was small and cramped, and the cushions were unbearable. It had been a long time since he’d traveled like this. Now he understood why. The constant sway was making him tired, but he was too agitated by the cabin’s conditions to sleep. That wasn’t the case for everyone.
Cadence slipped in and out of slumber. Zak couldn’t help but wonder if she was as well as she said. The doctor had tended to her last night and said she should be fine unless infection set in. He had seemed capable while caring for her wound. However, even the best doctor couldn’t fix her brain if she’d hurt it while performing her magic. Harrison had been right about her powers. They were intense and unlike anything Zak had seen before in his life. That said something considering his age.
Oliver cleared his throat as he peered out the window, drawing Zak’s attention away from Cadence.
"This looks like a nice little village," Oliver said. He rubbed his hands together and licked his lips, and his eyes blazed. Then he tapped on the roof above his head. “Stop here, Martin.”
The carriage slowed to a crawl before coming to a halt.
"Behave, Oliver," Zak warned. “We haven’t traveled all this way to draw attention to ourselves now.”
"Oh come on, Zak. I won't kill anyone."
"Oliver," Zak said. His brother wasn’t known for his subtlety.
"Zak," Oliver teased with a roll of his eyes.
"Just let him go," Cadence whispered as she moved beside him. She slipped forward, grasping the bench and his leg to catch herself. Zak squeezed Cadence a little closer.
"I knew I liked you, darling." Oliver winked at her.
Zak peeked out his window and eyed the town. The homes were small, not like any of the accommodations they’d been staying in. He swore under his breath and pointed to a quaint cottage at the end of the street. "We'll be in this house,” he said. “Try not to attract too much attention to yourself, Oliver. We leav
e first thing in the morning.”
Cadence groaned as she sat up. Zak slipped out first and offered a hand back into the carriage. She slid her cool fingers into his, grimacing as he helped her out. Her feet stumbled, unsure of themselves, and he whisked her up into his arms.
“I’ve got you,” he told her. Zak spun back to the driver. “Be ready at sun up,” he instructed before moving toward the house.
"I'll see you in the morning," Oliver called, already halfway to his destination.
Zak shifted Cadence in his arms and picked up his pace as he caught sight of a young woman heading toward the home. Gaining access to the residence just got easier.
He approached; calling out in what he thought was the woman’s language. She turned and began to speak, but he stopped her, catching her gaze. He used his magic to encourage the girl to let them in for the evening.
The girl grumbled her consent and motioned them to the door. Zak didn’t wait for her, showing himself inside. It was a one-story cottage. A fire roared in the fireplace and stew cooked in a kettle. Good, Cadence would have something to eat tonight. He pushed past the kitchen and through the small house until he found a bedroom.
“How many languages do you speak?” Cadence asked as he set her down on the tiny bed.
“I’m fluent in all common languages,” he told her.
“I knew I should have listened to my advisor when they recommended taking a foreign language in college,” she grumbled.
Zak knelt down next to the bed and untied the bandage at her ankle. Cadence winced with a hiss. “It hurts?” he asked.
“A little.”
Zak swallowed and unrolled the fabric. The skin was puckered, but it wasn’t swollen or red. “It doesn’t appear to be infected,” he told her.
Cadence flopped back on the bed and grunted. “My head hurts like someone is constantly pounding on it with a hammer,” she whispered. “If Malcolm were to show up tonight... I don’t know what I’d do.”
“Your magic is the reason it’s hurting?” he asked. Her nose had bled during the scuffle last night, which was a telltale sign she’d overexerted herself.
“Yeah.” She licked her lips and twisted so she could meet his eyes. “I think... I think I want some of your blood. That is, if you’re okay with it.”