The Usurper_A Shadow Realm Novel

by Candy Crum

  When they pulled into the driveway, Kailah’s expression turned angry. “Who’s that?” Amanda asked, pointing to the black Dodge Charger in the drive.

  Kailah sighed heavily. “That is someone you don’t need to worry about.”

  “One or both of them?” Amanda asked. “Because it looks like there’s two of them.”

  “Both of them,” Kailah replied angrily. “They’re Vampires.”

  Amanda’s eyes widened. “What? Why the fuck would they be at Rachel’s party? Didn’t she get attacked by Jeff, who’s—”

  Kailah nodded, interrupting her sister. “I know. Trust me. It’s all so messed up. But they are the ones that helped save her life. Technically, they aren’t bad. It’s just…” Kailah sighed again.

  “Let me guess… It’s a long story,” Amanda said. Kailah nodded in response. “The whole damn thing is a long story, of which, I’m only getting small pieces. Next time you’re involved in the apocalypse, do me a favor and start telling me shit from the beginning.”

  “Sure. I’ll do my best,” she replied, getting out of the car.

  They grabbed the bags and began walking around to the back porch. Rachel smiled when she saw us, jumping down the steps to come to meet us. She obviously felt much better. Brett was much slower, but he descended the steps and followed Rachel.

  His presence didn’t seem to bother her too badly, which was kind of a surprise. Certainly, a surprise she was grateful for. If Rachel had invited them, it was important to her, and Kailah just wanted to be there for her. She didn’t want to spend it bickering with the brothers.

  Because there wasn’t a harsh reaction to Brett’s presence, she didn’t feel the instant hatred to him. She wondered if maybe she was getting used to Vampires and their energy. She wanted to like them, especially with Rachel getting so close.

  “Hey, Kay!” Brett chirped.

  Even after the way she’d behaved the week before, he still acted genuinely happy to see her. She couldn’t help but wonder if he was a glutton for punishment, or if he saw something in her that she hadn’t yet shown them—like the fact that she wasn’t a rude, condescending bitch. He probably understands you more than you understand yourself, she thought. It somehow gave her comfort.

  “Hey, Brett,” Kailah responded with a smile. Oddly enough, it didn’t even feel forced.

  He was wearing a fitting, olive green, thermal-style shirt with dark colored, wide-legged jeans that fit him well around the hips and ass. He had good taste in clothing and knew how to wear it to suit his large frame. She had to give him that.

  “How are you feeling?” Brett asked. “Are we happy? Are we slightly murdery? On a scale of one to skinning me alive, how are we fairing today?” His amused and exaggerated expressions and body language made her laugh. He was actually pretty funny.

  “More than one, but I’m not exactly picking up the knife yet,” Kailah said with a smile.

  His expression turned excited as his arms lifted at his sides. “Hey! That’s progress! Slightly deathy. I can work with this.”

  She laughed again. “This is my younger sister, Amanda.”

  Kailah pointed to her sister, who had a slight grimace on her face and was clutching her stomach. She tried to force a smile, but Kailah could tell she was uncomfortable.

  “Hey, ladies.”

  As soon as Kailah heard Aeric’s voice, her nerves grated. Still, she managed to keep hold of it. I got this, she thought. I can do this.

  “She’s doing good, but slightly stabby,” Brett said, pointing to his brother. “That means be on your best behavior. I’m serious. Don’t antagonize her, or I’ll kick your ass myself. She’s trying.”

  Kailah liked Brett even more. He really did seem like a good guy. She still wasn’t sure about Aeric yet, though.

  “Hello, Aeric,” Kailah said flatly. “Give me a little while to adjust. I think I can do this without being an asshole today, and I’d really like to try.”

  His long black hair hung loose over his shoulders as it had the last time she’d seen him. He wore a white, V-neck undershirt that showed off his admittedly impressive chest and well-built arms. He wore khaki cargo pants and black boots. Like Brett, everything he wore accented his every feature. Both brothers were incredibly attractive, and she wondered if that was because of what they were, or if it had been natural.

  He nodded. “I’m on my best behavior today.”

  She forced a smile. Amanda cleared her throat, and Kailah looked over to see her starting to sweat a little as she stared at the ground. “I’m not feeling so well,” Amanda said softly to Kailah.

  Kailah’s heart sank. That was exactly how she felt around Vampires, though Amanda didn’t seem to be having quite the violent reaction she’d had. Everyone had been so sure none of Amanda’s Immortal genes were active in any way, but something was happening. Kailah quickly attributed it to stress and what had happened earlier.

  “Don’t feel bad, Sissa,” Kailah said softly. “That one over there makes me want to puke out my insides, too. Let’s get you inside.”

  Brett laughed loudly. “Oh, I’m glad I came. This should be good fun.”

  His positive attitude and sense of humor never ceased to amaze Kailah—even in the short time she’d known him. As she helped Amanda up to the porch, Aeric gently reached out to stop her.

  “Are you okay?” His eyes were intense as they studied hers. His humored expression at her last insult fell almost immediately and was replaced with something more serious.

  “Yeah. I’m fine,” she replied, trying like hell to keep the unnecessary rudeness from bubbling to the surface. She knew it would pass, and she would again be herself. It would just take time, like everyone kept saying.

  His eyes slightly narrowed. “At the risk of lingering too long and pissing you off, I have to ask again. Are you sure you’re okay? Did something happen? I smell…” He inhaled.

  “Well, I’d better get Amanda inside. I think she’s having a reaction to the fleas who came to dinner.” The second the words left her mouth, she bit her lip and closed her eyes in frustrated embarrassment. “I’m—”

  He nodded and interrupted her. “It’s fine. No worries. It’ll pass. Just let me know if I can help, okay?”

  “Thanks,” she said quickly before hurrying Amanda inside.

  “I see what you mean,” Amanda said. “They both seem nice enough, but there’s something there I just don’t like.”

  Kailah almost laughed.

  In the kitchen, Mary was preparing hamburger patties and steaks for the grill. “Hey, girls!”

  Kailah could immediately see the dark circles under her eyes, but otherwise, she looked pretty healthy. “How are you?” Kailah asked.

  Mary shrugged and smiled. “Great! Even better today. All my girls under one roof. Is she feeling okay?”

  Kailah shook her head. “She started feeling a little sick when we pulled up. I’m sure it’s nothing.”

  With Mary unaware of everything going on, Kailah wanted to leave it that way. She didn’t want to bring Mary into that if she didn’t have to.

  “We can put her in my bed. It’s nice and fluffy.” She quickly washed her hands and came to help.

  It didn’t take us long to set Amanda up like a queen in Mary’s bed. She was tucked in, had the TV on and the remote beside her. There was a trash can next to the bed in case she got sick, and a cool washcloth on her forehead to help with the headache that had come on. Mary gave her some Tylenol and a Zofran to settle her stomach. With everything Mary had going on, she had an arsenal of medications at her disposal.

  “How ya feeling now?” Kailah asked.

  Amanda smiled. “Spoiled.” The three of them laughed. “I’m good. I just hate this! I don’t want to be sick for Rachel’s party. I’m so sorry.”

  Mary waved it off. “Hey, don’t worry about it. I was almost certain it was going to be me! Apparently, someone had to take on the task. I’m sorry it was you, kid.”

  Amanda smiled
. “Well, I’m glad it wasn’t you. I’ll take one for the team this time.”

  Mary smiled and leaned down to kiss Amanda on the forehead. “Get some rest. You’ll feel better soon.”

  When Kailah and Mary made it back outside, the meat was already on the grill, and the table was already set.

  “Everything okay?” Rachel asked.

  Kailah nodded. “Yeah. I think she just had a reaction to something.” She looked pointedly over to the brothers, and Rachel nodding knowingly. “But I’m sure she’ll be fine in a bit.”

  They worked together to finish the grilling while Mary took frequent breaks. Though she was obviously feeling better than she had in previous weeks, she was still a little weak. Kailah couldn’t wait for her to have those tests and find out what was going on. She hoped for the best, but they were pretty certain they knew what was going to happen. And that was devastating.

  Bret, Rachel, and Mary all sat on one side of the picnic table, leaving Aeric and Kailah to sit on the opposite side. What in the fresh hell… Kailah thought. Whose bright idea was this?

  She sighed heavily and took her seat, determined to control herself. Wild emotions and mood swings had controlled her enough, and she wanted to take her life back.

  But that proved to be harder than expected.

  When each of the guys sat down with a plate full of food, Kailah smirked. “Oh, this should be good,” she mumbled. “Eat up, boys.”

  “Kailah!” Rachel grumbled, kicking her under the table.

  She fought the urge to yell out when Rachel’s foot struck her hard in the shin.

  We have no problem eating solid food. You’d know that if you would have stuck around for orientation with the rest of the class.

  Kailah stiffened as Aeric’s deep, accented voice fluttered through her mind. When she glared at him accusingly, he only winked.

  She smiled mischievously. “And how is your steak prepared?”

  There was a snort from across the table. “I knew this would get good,” Brett said. Rachel elbowed him, only making him laugh again.

  Aeric smiled. “I’m so happy you asked! It’s prepared with a garlic and onion seasoning,” he said, making sure to emphasize the word garlic. “I know you misheard and probably assumed I might have an allergy, but I assure you that I don’t. There are many things about me you don’t know yet, but you will. As for how it’s cooked, it’s lightly seared on each side making it the perfect texture on the outside and rare on the inside.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “So… bloody then.”

  He smiled. “Very.”

  “Is there something I’m missing here,” Mary asked as her eyes shifted back and forth between Kailah and Aeric.

  “No. They are just both assholes and like to be assholes to each other,” Rachel said.

  Kailah mouthed the word ‘sorry’ and focused on staring at her plate and cutting into the meat.

  Brett laughed lightly. When she looked in his direction, he was shaking his head. Don’t let him get to you. He’s really not such a bad guy. He’s actually a really great guy. Not as awesome as me, of course, but so-so. He winked.

  Kailah smiled and once again began to cut into her steak. Thunder cracked in the distance, and her head nearly jumped right off her shoulders from looking up so fast. Her eyes were wide, and her heart immediately began to flutter.

  “Please no. Not again,” she said.

  “What’s wrong?” Rachel asked. “What is it?”

  “Khia’s coming,” Brett said flatly. “We have to go. Now.”

  Kailah was really sick of hearing that phrase. Brett’s humor was completely gone, brows furrowed and jaw set. He was all business.

  “Mom, get inside,” Rachel said.

  “What’s happening?” Mary asked, obviously worried.

  “We’ll have to explain later,” Rachel said quickly.

  Brett stood and shook his head. “No. We have to leave.”

  “He’s right,” Aeric said. “Amanda’s vulnerable, the two of you are human, and Kailah doesn’t have control of her powers yet. This won’t end well, if we stall.”

  “She’s going to be pissed,” Kailah said. “This already happened once today.”

  “What?” Rachel asked, eyes wide.

  “And you didn’t say anything?” Brett asked.

  She shrugged. “I’m sorry! I thought Sayen would have told you!”

  “Well, she didn’t,” Aeric said. “You’re right. She’s going to be furious, which will only make her stronger.”

  “Kailah, you get Mary and Rachel to Rachel’s car. It’s faster than the Scion. I’ll drive them. You and Amanda ride with Aeric in the Charger,” Brett said.

  Kailah didn’t bother to argue. She ran inside to get Amanda, but an overwhelming presence kept her in place. Right then, she knew Khia was there. If she ran in to get Amanda, it would put her in direct line of danger again.

  “She’s here!” Kailah said. “It’s too late.”

  “Well, what do we have here?” Khia’s cold, accented voice came around the corner of the house. “Kailah, turning me away was hard enough, but this? Conspiring with Vampires?” The woman tsked. “You should be ashamed.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  Khia was in new clothing, and Kailah wondered if the others had been destroyed in the fight with Wendy. She wore long, white, wide-legged dress pants that probably cost more than Kailah’s life, silver strappy heels, and an expensive women’s jacket—also white—that reached down to her ankles and only buttoned down to her hips. If nothing else, she was certainly fashionable.

  “Leave now,” Aeric said coldly, stepping in front of Kailah.

  “Little boy, I don’t believe I’m here for you. But I can be if you want.” She smiled, and Kailah immediately saw the threat in it. “I think you should leave, parasite. I have business with my would-be usurper.”

  Kailah laughed. “That’s funny, considering you decapitated your own parents to take the throne.”

  Khia looked shocked, her eyes widening for a moment as a smile spread. “I see you have been given some information. Well, then allow me to ask you a question, dear girl. If I decapitated my own parents—exactly what do you think I’ll do to everyone here? I actually cared for them. Let that sink in.”

  Guilt flooded Kailah. She felt terrible for all the horrible things she’d said to Aeric and Brett. Even though she knew she’d never meant them, the part of her that stemmed from Khia had, and that bothered her.

  Find a way to get out of there, Sayen said.

  “Gods! That’s it. I’ve had enough of this,” Khia said. Her humor was gone, and now she was all business. Sayen had interfered with every attempt, and Khia had hit her limit. “You are the greatest thing I’ve ever had a hand in creating, but make no mistake, girl, I did have a hand in creating you. Time to come with me. Do so, and they live. Otherwise…”

  Kailah felt lightheaded. It was all so overwhelming, and she had no idea what to do or how to get her sister and friends out of there. She faltered a little, but in a flash, Aeric caught her.

  “How can you stomach letting him touch you?” Khia asked with disgust. She forced a shiver to emphasize her point. “Disgusting. Get your hands off her, leech. She might act like she tolerates you, but you make her sick. Don’t fool yourself. You know it’s true. She’ll never truly trust you.”

  Something in Kailah snapped at that moment. Brett stood in front of Rachel and Mary, placing himself between the humans, her friends, and the obvious threat, and Aeric placed himself between that threat and Kailah—the girl who had done nothing but be rude to him.

  Khia had basically spat at him the same insults she had, and she realized just how cold and terrible she’d been. Khia was wrong. Kailah did trust Aeric. She trusted him with her life.

  Aeric, can you hear me, Kailah said.

  Yes, he replied. Stalling isn’t working. We need to find a way out. We have to get Amanda.

  Thank you. No matter what she says or what happens, t
hank you for everything.

  His hand reached back and clasped hers. Nothing’s happening to you today, sweetheart. We won’t allow it.

  Lightning webbed across the sky as the temperature around them dropped more than twenty degrees. Brett and Aeric both took a step forward, and Khia laughed.

  “Really? You’re going to challenge me?”

  “Taima,” Kailah said quietly. “I could really use some help here.”

  Rachel and Mary both ran over to Kailah, and she made her they were behind her. Though she had no idea what she could withstand, she hoped it was more than the two behind her. If not, she hoped she lasted long enough to save them.

  She felt warmth in the area and looked over to see Taima standing there. He gave her a smile, but it was sad. “Focus on the hatred, child,” he said. She heard him plain as day. “Your power is with you. Use it.”

  Brett rushed forward first, a blur as he moved. Wind caught him and threw him back as Aeric ran. Khia raised her hand, and Aeric lifted off the deck. She swiped her hand to right as she telekinetically threw him over the deck and into a large tree. He hit the trunk so hard splinters exploded everywhere. Pops and cracks sounded out as the tree began to tip back. After a loud snap, the tree began to whine as it picked up speed and landed with a huge crash.

  Aeric was now on the ground, unmoving, and Khia focused in on Brett with a smile on her face. “One brother down, one to go,” she said. “Kailah, now that you’ve pissed me off, once I’m done with them, I’m killing your little friends and taking Amanda, too. She’s hiding something, and I’ll torture her until it surfaces. They should have warned you that I’m not someone to be toyed with.”

  Kailah felt tingling in her body, chills racing from head to toe. She felt the presence of something, many somethings. Looking around, she saw spirits all over. Her eyes were wide as she stared in wonder at dozens of faces. Khia had an army of spirits behind her, and Kailah knew that’s where her power came from.

  Use ‘em, Kay, Brett said in her head. We’ve got the rest.

  Khia laughed hard enough her head fell back and her hands went to her stomach. “Seriously? You want to challenge me?”