Reborn (Princess of the Blood Book 1)

by Jane Ederlyn

  They finally returned to the house. When Egon opened the door, his nose lifted and he inhaled. “I smell werewolves. I need to shift.” His voice was quiet but urgent.

  “Why?” she asked, her voice cracking.

  “I might have to fight, but don’t be scared. I won’t hurt you nor will I let anyone hurt you. I promise.”

  “I’m not scared.”

  “Of course not.”

  “Egon?”

  “I can’t let you go into the house without me. The sun has set, but I don’t know where Marie is or even if she’s up.”

  “She’s up. I feel it.”

  “Just stay at my side. You can talk to me. I understand even though I won’t be able to talk back. Got it?”

  She muttered an assent and although she tried to focus on something other than Egon undressing, she was affixed to his every move.

  He kicked off his shoes and pulled his shirt over his head. He threw it at her and she caught it mid-air and slung it over her shoulder. With a cheeky smile, he unzipped his jeans, stepped out of them, and threw them at her too.

  She managed to follow the abrupt but liquid transformation, and gasped at the sight of the massive, black and silver-streaked werewolf before her. Just like at the intersection.

  There was still so much of Egon in those yellow eyes. She wasn’t scared. On the contrary, she was struck by a sense of intimacy and awe. “Just like the movies.”

  He shook his head and motioned for her to follow.

  Chapter XXXVII

  Marie’s parched throat throbbed and every muscle ached. She retrieved a container of blood from the refrigerator and drained it, immediately reenergized by the rush of nourishment. She turned, and seeing Abby’s yellow Post-it, ‘with Egon’, stuck to the coffee machine, she sighed. After drowning another container, she set off on her routine sentinel.

  The night sky was clear and sparkled with specks of blazing stars. The air held none of last night’s chill. It was warm and caressed Marie’s skin like light steam rising from a heated bath. She inhaled deeply, letting it warm her from the inside out, and walked the parameter of the house, stopping to watch a squirrel race up an oak and the stir of falling leaves in its wake.

  She hated leaving, but most of all she hated the look on Abby’s face, as if she were the bad guy. She didn’t want to go, but there was a sticky and dangerous wrongness in the air that went beyond hot and cold. How could she get Abby to understand that? Something was wrong, and every unnatural fiber of her being screamed to take heed. They couldn’t stay and wait it out. Once she had second-guessed herself and lost Roxanne. She wouldn’t, couldn’t risk losing Abby, too.

  She finished surveying the back of the house and started past the main door and circular drive when a shadow caught her attention.

  Her eyes turned cold, like crystallized sherbet, and she hissed at the approaching silhouette. She did not recognize the form, but the familiar scent of werewolf was stirred in with another familiar scent she couldn’t place. It took Marie a moment to recognize the secondary scent. By the time the silky, all-black pelt of a creature emerged out of the trees, Marie understood her conundrum.

  Odin’s fiancée transformed from beast into a tall, black-haired woman, unconcerned by her display of nudity. She inched closer to Marie on human legs and snarled, sharp white teeth glinting in the darkness. Marie didn’t know the face nor did she care to, but the strong, musky scent of earth and roses was unmistakable. “State your business.”

  “You are my business.” Deena’s yellow eyes washed over Marie in a manner that was both curious and menacing.

  “Speak then, before your presence becomes completely unwelcomed.”

  “Unwelcomed? You, corpse, are the one that is not welcomed.” Deena’s eyes flashed, the amber glints like sparklers, and her voice lowered, causing her last words to spill out in a choked growl.

  Marie’s hands closed into fists. “Mind your manners. This is my home and you are being insulting,” she said through clenched teeth and then paused, needing to compose herself. She didn’t want this wolf woman to know her legitimate claim to Odin bothered her. Nor would she give her the satisfaction of admitting to recognizing her. Out of necessity, she had perfected hiding emotions until it was an art form. If she had fooled Anton, she could fool this bitch. “Who are you?”

  “I’m Deena. Perhaps you’ve heard of me? Odin’s fiancée.” Deena straightened, enjoying the height differential as she towered over Marie.

  “D’accord, I will note this information. Now leave.” Marie cocked her head to the right in a dismissive gesture.

  “Be warned, corpse.” Deena glanced around before locking her sight on the house behind Marie. A sinister smirk spread on lips wet with anticipation. “There is a price to pay for his infidelity.”

  “Perhaps you should bring that up with him. After all, he is still a free man, and I do not hold him prisoner. He has free will.” Marie’s eyes didn’t leave the other woman. “Be warned, I do not take kindly to this visit, your tone, or your empty threats.”

  “Empty threats? If you think my words are empty, then you are more foolish than I thought.” Deena laughed, a harsh, ugly cackle.

  Marie didn’t know how long she and Odin could be together, too much stood between them, but her werewolf deserved more than this creature as a mate.

  “Why are you here?”

  “I have a message from Stormda.”

  “What is it?” Marie asked nonchalantly despite her surprise.

  Deena tilted her head and batted her lashes, mocking Marie. “I only want what has been promised to me. A husband. Children. You were once a woman, I’m sure you can understand.”

  “I care nothing for what you want.”

  “You should. Stormda demands his son back. You wish to be left alone. You’re a barren corpse and Odin will eventually desire an heir and a mate of his own kind. If you think about it, we all want the same thing, and Stormda believes we can come to an agreement. He requests your appearance tonight. Don’t tell Odin. He’ll just whine and try to stop you, but you know what must be done.”

  “The wisdom of another meeting is debatable.”

  “Fool. I can see why you would enjoy his advances. Odin is quite the lover. Isn’t he, Marie? Just the size of his cock alone—”

  “You do not need to lecture me on Odin’s ability as a lover, nor of his thick cock, of which you seem not to satisfy if he searches for a cold corpse to sheath himself in.”

  Deena stiffened. “I wouldn’t care if he took a subservient wolf as a concubine. But choosing you over his kind is unimaginable. I suspect he will soon see the error of his ways. Either way, there is always a price to pay for disobedience. To hell with diplomacy.” She shifted into her wolf and howled.

  At the threat, Marie’s veins engorged, pushed against her skin, and popped out like a highway of slithering snakes. Her fangs elongated and locked into place. She unclenched her hands and her nails lengthened and sharpened into daggers.

  Marie hissed and Deena sprung at her, but a pale blond pelted wolf collided with her midair and they landed hard on the grass. In a quick motion, Deena flipped and returned to human. “Are you mad or stupid?” She growled at the other wolf, still lying on the ground.

  Lagmann shifted.

  Marie stepped back, scouring for other wolves. Just as her thoughts momentarily searched for Abby and her whereabouts, Egon came pounding into the scene. Marie smelled Abby but didn’t see her, and was relieved that she had the sense to stay unseen. Most of all, she was relieved that Odin and his friends had kept their promise.

  “It is good to see you, Lagmann,” Marie said. “Hello, Egon.”

  Lagmann nodded to Marie before turning to Egon. “Nothing to worry about here, brother.” He held out a hand to Deena. “I apologize, b
ut this is very irregular and—”

  Deena cut him off. “How dare you intervene in my business?” she fumed.

  “Apologies again, but please, I can’t allow this to ensue. Deena, come back to the compound with me. I’m sure they’ll be concerned if your presence is noted missing. We can offer you appropriate protection there.”

  Deena glared at Lagmann and sniffed the air, as if trying to determine whether his words were sincere or subterfuge in defense of Marie. “Why are you here, Lagmann? Do you watch this whore for Odin? Is that what he has turned you into, from esteemed counselor and warrior to corpse security?” She laughed bitterly, not sparing a glance at Egon, who hadn’t shifted back, awaiting a cue from Lagmann.

  “I am assigned to follow you, Deena. Your utmost safety is my concern and privilege.” Lagmann lowered his eyes in submission, but Marie caught his brief glance her way.

  “I need all of you to leave now,” Marie commanded.

  “Peace of mind is priceless. Isn’t it? I’ll tell him to expect you.” Deena shook her head, slid into wolf again, and leapt into the air, disappearing over the wall.

  I need a higher wall, Marie thought, and then laughed bitterly. A new gate wasn’t necessary because they were leaving.

  “What was that about?” Lagmann asked.

  “Stormda wants to talk to me tomorrow night,” she lied. “I guess he thinks I will show mercy on Odin’s fiancée and release him.”

  “I’m sorry, Marie.” Without waiting for a response, Lagmann shifted and left to pursue Deena.

  She had never needed anyone, not to make decisions or to provide affection. Her memories of life with Mathieu and her family sufficed, until now. Somehow, Odin dug his way under her skin and into her heart. But Stormda was obstinate and this was Roxanne all over again. If she stayed with Odin, Abby wouldn’t be safe. Ever.

  Anton would eventually call her back and she would have to go. Maybe not this century or the next, but eventually the clock would strike and she wouldn’t be able to ignore their bargain. The only uncertainty was how much precious time she had left with Odin, and thanks to Stormda, it was none.

  If they all left together, they’d always be looking over their shoulders waiting. He promised to protect them. But he also thought she was paranoid.

  “Oh Odin, mon loup, please forgive for what I must do.” She returned to the house slowly, as if the steps that drew her closer to home also drew her closer to the cold blade of a guillotine.

  The door bounced open and Abby jumped into Marie’s arms. “It’s okay. We’re leaving. We’re all leaving.”

  Marie patted her back. “Oui, ma chérie. We are leaving.”

  An hour later, Odin walked into a dark kitchen and dropped his briefcase on the table. Eager to get out of his expensive, but constrictive suit, he shrugged off his jacket and laid it over the back of a chair. When he turned, the energy in the room finally pricked his awareness. His eyes swept over everyone, noting their solemn expressions, and the stillness pervading the room. No dripping coffee machine, humming computers, or buzzing lights. Even the air-conditioner sounded dead. He pulled at his collar. “What’s with the long faces? Are you having a tantrum, Bee?”

  Egon stood. “Deena was here.”

  Odin darted a look at Marie. She seemed unaware of him, lost in thought. He glanced at Abby, but her expression was neutral, also lost in thought.

  “They had words,” Egon said.

  Marie pushed out of the chair and left the room.

  Odin ran an agitated hand through his hair. “Thanks, Egon,” he said and with purposeful strides, went after her.

  Marie walked across the house, down the hall and into the living room. Although Abby preferred the library, Marie favored this room with its fireplace and grand piano. When Odin entered, she was sitting on the piano bench, tapping keys with her left hand. After a quick survey of the room, he found an ottoman, moved it to the piano, and plopped down beside her.

  “I’ve never heard you play. Mozart?”

  She didn’t respond, just kept playing.

  “So, you met Deena?”

  Her hands stilled. “She is tall.”

  “She’s not you.”

  Marie turned toward him. “No, she is not.” She searched his eyes, thinking in that moment that they were the same color of the afternoon sky. She reached out and touched him, caressing the angles and contours of his face, saving the image to memory.

  He turned his face into her palm and kissed it.

  She flinched, with a feeling of déjà vu, and had to blink back tears. Her hand dropped, skimming the corded muscles of his neck, before landing to rest on his shoulder. He was so warm. She leaned in and replaced her hand with her lips, kissing his shoulder before turning her face up for a kiss.

  Egon entered into the room and coughed. “Sorry to interrupt, but I have to say something. I think Marie and Lagmann are right. We should leave immediately.”

  Marie cocked her head, watching for Odin’s response. What if they all left right now? What if she didn’t have to choose between her child and her lover?

  “As soon as I sign the contract, I’ll be ready to go.” He looked at his watch. “I’m meeting the Sullivans for dinner in an hour. They promised to sign off on all the paperwork then. After that, I’m free to go.”

  “Forget about the meeting. I think we need to go now.” Egon hovered at the doorway.

  “They’re buying my SoBe properties. I can’t be a no-show to a meeting I requested when they’ve flown in just for me.”

  She looked away, her stomach plunging as if she had swallowed a fistful of lead.

  Egon stepped further into the room. “Odin—”

  Marie raised her hand. “Egon, it’s all right. Odin feels that he needs to do this.”

  “Babe, I’m glad you understand. Listen, I chartered a plane for tomorrow night. I think we should go to Alaska.”

  “But my home is in New York.”

  “We can’t go there yet. It would be easier to hide in Alaska.”

  “Hide? I see.”

  “Just for a little bit.” Odin cupped her chin and brought her face up. “Okay?”

  She had her answer. There would be no relief from Stormda. Odin knew it as well as she did. She had choices, but none of them were good.

  She could hide with Odin and trust him and Egon to watch over Abby every minute of her mortal life. Eventually someone would let their guard down. All it took was one moment. Roxanne was proof of that. And Stormda and Deena would not give up. Could she risk a repeat of California?

  She could leave Odin and return to France . . . and to Anton, but Abby was in as much danger under Anton’s roof as she was in Stormda’s vicinity.

  She could kill Stormda. Odin would then be Alpha, but would he still see her as beautiful or a monster that killed his father?

  Or they could disappear. She and Abby could go back to New York. Back to their apartment. Back to their life. Or a new one. Stormda would get his son back and Deena her fiancé. And Abby would be safe.

  “All right,” she said, feeling less animate than the piano.

  “This isn’t like my father. He will tire of this game soon enough and we can go back to New York or France or wherever you want to go.”

  His words continued like a string of flashing warning lights.

  “Go on, finish your meeting.”

  He kissed her.

  “I do not like Deena,” she said into his mouth.

  “That makes two of us.”

  Egon sighed. “That makes three of us.”

  Odin chuckled. “If I’m not going to get any privacy, I may as well have a snack before dinner. What do we have?”

  As they all walked back into the kitchen, they were met by John. “Sorry, m
y appointments went late and I had to stop by my place. What’s going on?”

  “We’re leaving tomorrow,” Odin said.

  “Do I have a say in this?”

  “No,” Odin, Egon and Abby replied in unison.

  Marie stayed silent.

  “Egon why don’t you go to the apartment and bring over the suitcases and anything else I missed. I’ll meet you back here after the meeting.”

  “I don’t think—”

  “It’s all right, Egon,” Marie said. “I’m here.”

  “Yeah, me too,” John added.

  “Good, then it’s settled.” Satisfied, Odin turned his attention to the contents of the refrigerator.

  After Odin left, Marie retreated upstairs to prepare for her meeting. She stared at racks of designer dresses, shoes and handbags, feeling as if she had nothing to wear. What does someone wear to a fight? A dress wouldn’t do. Of course, there might not be a fight. Perhaps Stormda’s invitation was indeed a peace offering, another opportunity to make her see things his way? But she suspected he would attempt to intimidate her before he realized he was getting what he wanted.

  She settled on jeans. That was what modern women wore to all occasions. Decision made, she pulled out skinny, dark denims and wedge boots, followed by a white shirt with Chantilly lace detail and a hooded, black leather jacket. When she looked at herself in the mirror, she chuckled. “Underworld, here I come,” she said, then immediately sobered with the realization if Abby saw her dressed so out of character, she would know something was amiss. She couldn’t let her see her.

  She grabbed her phone and quietly escaped downstairs. Seconds after the Bentley roared to life and sped out of the garage, her cell rang.

  “Where are you going?” Abby asked, concern in her voice.