by J. N. Colon
I was in no hurry to get my license or a car. I needed professional help. Lots.
Instead I told my parents to make a donation to feed the hungry in my name. That was one cause I could get behind. I couldn’t stand to be hungry. To say they were shocked was an understatement. They thought I was finally following in their philanthropic shoes.
They really had no idea how bad my driving was.
I opened the small shiny box from Whitmore to find a beautiful necklace with the royal crest carved into a pendant. An ornate crown with actual little ruby stones was slashed down the center by an ancient dagger. A serpent with emeralds for eyes circled it, its forked tongue touching its tail. A smile curled my lips as I hugged him. “Thanks Whit.”
He squeezed my shoulder. “You’re welcome Rubi.” He kissed the top of my head. “We are so proud to have you in our family. I know you and McCollum will be great leaders one day.”
I swallowed the lump in my throat, hoping he was right.
Mac took the necklace from my hands and fastened it around my neck, dropping a gentle kiss on my cheek. “You’re doing great,” he whispered. “You only have to open one more gift.”
“Okay.”
His mother Miranda handed me a box, her jade eyes twinkling with joy. “Happy birthday sweetheart.” Polished auburn hair framed her delicate, porcelain face like a curtain. She was dressed simply in a flowing white top and dark denim, but it did nothing to dim the ethereal beauty she radiated.
It was hard to believe she was in captivity for the past five years, drugged and experimented on. Not an ounce of damage marred her flawless appearance. “Thanks.”
I unwrapped the beautifully carved mahogany box which would be a gift in itself. When I opened it I was stunned into silence. Inside on a pillow of red velvet laid a tiara.
Oh shit a tiara!
The small half circle of delicate silver reflected moonlight and I’m pretty sure those were diamonds twinkling like stars amidst a crimson sky.
The guests who could see the box’s contents all made noises of appreciation except my human friends who appeared perplexed, wondering why my boyfriend’s mother gave me a tiara.
Miranda leaned closer. “This was my very first one before I was a queen. It’s yours now Princess Rubi.”
My throat clogged and I could do nothing to prevent the tears from leaking down my cheeks. I’m not the most girly of girls, but you give any girl a tiara and call her princess and she’s bound to get a little teary eyed.
“Thanks Miranda,” I whispered and hugged her tightly, reveling in her lavender scent.
With a proud smile Mac held up the tiara to show the others down on the beach. Cheers emanated from the shifters and vampires while the humans sported questioning expressions which only deepened when a couple princess Rubi’s were thrown out. I tried to suppress my grimace at those.
“I think they’re making up for not being able to celebrate my birthday for the past five years,” Mac mused.
“Put it on Princess Rubi!” Tristian was down on the beach with his arms wrapped Adalynn, pinning her back against his chest.
I shot him a glare.
“Why do they keep calling her princess?” Terra Murray’s annoyed, jealous voice carried on the wind, melting a smile across my face.
Miranda patted my arm gently. “You don’t have to. We can wait for your coronation.”
I nodded. “Thanks.” My coronation, when I officially took my title as princess, was something I’ve been dreading for months. It will be ten times worse than my birthday party.
“Rubi,” Mac began with a grin. “Don’t worry about…” His words fell off as his body tensed and eyes widened. He suddenly yanked me to the side as something whizzed past me, stirring my hair. Glass broke and a loud crack resonated.
I turned back to see one of the floor to ceiling windows broken, glass still raining onto the deck, and an arrow stuck into the wall quivering.
A gasp tumbled out my mouth moments before another arrow flew.
Hunters!
Chapter 4
Chaos erupted around me. Screams, shouts, and snarls exploded through the atmosphere. I was yanked into the house by Mac and pressed against the wall toward the garage while his entire body covered mine.
Adrenaline and fear hemorrhaged through my veins, shaking my body. My mind was whirling fifty miles an hour. The hunters were nonexistent for months and now they chose my birthday to attack? And that arrow had been aimed at my heart and I’m guessing it had a silver tip. It was a kill shot. Apparently they’ve abandoned the idea of using my blood to create a weapon. They simply want me dead.
“My parents!” I screamed as my thoughts turned to them and all my human friends. I uselessly struggled in Mac’s iron grip.
“They’re fine Rubi. They won’t go after anyone human.”
I wasn’t convinced and even if they didn’t my friends were now in the middle of a supernatural fight with shifters, vampires, and hunters. They were probably terrified.
Rufus and Daedalus suddenly appeared next to us.
“We need to get Rubi out of here,” Rufus said, his betraying English accent trying to calm me.
I don’t want to be calm!
“Where did they come from?” Mac growled. “Guards were all over the beach.”
“A boat.” Daedalus pressed a finger to his ear, listening to whoever was on the other end of his earpiece. “A car is ready. We go now.”
Without giving me a chance to protest Mac picked me up, cradling me to his chest as he ran with my two royal guards, leaving everyone else behind.
***
My heavy eyes slowly opened to an unfamiliar room. The walls were a muted yellow with natural wood shutters on the windows and light wood floors. White gossamer curtains fluttered in front of an opened balcony with a rot iron railing. Light filtered in along with the fragrant scent of jasmine, lavender, and gardenia. A bamboo plant was in the corner while other greenery was dispersed around the room. I was in a four poster bed with sheer white curtains tied back and cream and gold bedding.
Confused at my surroundings I tried to move, but a weight was pressing on my left side. A steady light breath blew on the back of my neck and the scent of wild forest washed over me.
Mac was asleep in bed with me.
But where?
My muddled brain tried to fight against the fog curling through. My party, the hunters, running…
Oh crap.
All the memories came flooding back in a violent torrent.
Daedalus, Rufus, and Ava drove us to a private airport where we boarded a jet. No one would tell me where we were going. I was freaking out. It wasn’t until I spoke with my mom I finally stopped gnawing my nails to death.
Everyone was fine for the most part. My parents were on another plane not too far from us while Miranda and Whitmore were in a car driving. Jill, Eric, Jason, Jackson, and Terra were safely taken home and compelled.
I hated that their minds had to be messed with—not so much Terra—but I knew it was a necessity.
Some of the shifters were helping the royal guards search for hunters including Demy and his father. I hated that the most. Didn’t they deserve to be in a car or on a plane safe? Mac assured me they would be fine, but I began to gnaw on my nails again while my heart rioted in my chest.
Finally Ava convinced me to take some kind of sedative. She said it would only relax me. Big fat liar. I took the damn pill and before I knew it lights out! And now I’m waking up to a strange place with Mac sound asleep next to me.
“Everyone’s safe baby,” Mac mumbled.
I guess he wasn’t so sound asleep anymore now that my heart was doing a violent tap dance against my ribs. Ever since we exchanged those vows we were even more sensitive to each other.
I turned toward him and buried my face in his chest. “You sure?”
“Yes.” His arms tightened around me. “Our parents are downstairs. All safe and sound.”
“But where
are we?”
“One of the Dragoniv houses in Savannah.”
I pulled back to see his face. “Are Demy and his parents here?”
Mac nodded with a yawn. “Yep.”
A sigh tumbled out my mouth. It felt like a hundred pounds had been lifted off my chest and I could finally breathe again.
I started to roll out of bed, but Mac caught me and brought me back.
“Hey, where do you think you’re going?”
I laughed. “Don’t you want to find out what’s going on?”
His lips found my neck, making a trail of hot kisses. “I know what’s going on.”
“You do?” I tried unsuccessfully to keep the desire from my voice.
“They’re talking about us.” He rolled me over until I was on my back while he pressed me into the bed. “They’re deciding on what they’re going to do with us to keep you safe.”
My body arched into his of its own accord while my hands trailed under his shirt to feel his smooth back muscles bunching and twisted as he moved above me. “Don’t you want to have a say in the matter?”
“I will.” His tongue flicked out and tasted my bottom lip before sucking it into his mouth. “If I don’t like what they decide I’ll simply tell them hell no.”
I laughed, but it sounded more like a breathy whimper than anything. “And you think they’ll listen.”
Mac pulled back to peer into my face, his eyes dancing with silver flecks inside the jade irises. “You are my royal mate. We’re bonded. No one will tell me what to do with your safety anymore. Not your father and not even mine, the king himself, can overthrow my choices with you. They may think they can, but if put to the test my parents know it’s my right and my decision.”
Hot shivers rolled through my body Mac could easily detect. “Well, when you put it like that…”
Mac’s mouth crushed against mine, bruising my lips in a possessive kiss that said I was all his. And I really, really liked it. He could probably tell by the moan of pleasure that slipped out.
A knock suddenly resonated on the door. “All right you two love birds.” Demy’s voice floated through. “Time to come out. I know you’re already awake. I can hear all the lip smacking and heavy breathing.”
A growl snaked between Mac’s teeth. “Damn it Demy.” He didn’t make a move to get off me. “And don’t think I haven’t forgotten about you sneaking into Rubi’s bed the other night. I still owe you a black eye and several bruises for that.”
“Awe come on. I didn’t try to kiss her. Those are the rules remember.”
I rolled my eyes. “Just ignore him and continue kissing me.”
Mac smiled before brushing his lips against mine.
“My mom made breakfast,” Demy taunted. “I know you’re hungry Rubi. There’s steak and eggs…”
My stomach growled on cue. “Damn. He had to play the food card.”
Mac chuckled and finally slid off me. “We’ll be down in a second,” he called toward Demy.
“Works every time,” Demy mumbled as his footsteps sounded down the hall.
“There’s a bag of clothes and toiletries in the closet for you.” Mac yawned and rested back on the pillow. “You can shower first.”
My brow lifted questioningly. “Does my dad know we’re sharing a room and that you’re in it while I’m showering?”
A devilish grin split his lips. “Probably not.”
I tossed on a pair of light shorts and a green tank top and attempted to comb my snarled hair before we finally made it downstairs. Our parents were in a large kitchen that overlooked a beautiful courtyard with plants and flowers overflowing in every corner. I was tempted to go outside and explore, but the smell of breakfast was more tempting.
My parents were next to each other at a round wooden table. My mother was in a light blue bohemian skirt with a white peasant top. Her wavy blonde hair framed her peachy complexion and honey eyes that resembled mine. My dad was pushing up his glasses that kept sliding down his nose while talking animatedly, his hands gesturing wildly. His short black hair was mussed and he was sporting a five o’clock shadow. Each of my parents had oatmeal and fruit before them.
Whitmore and Miranda were next to them both looking gorgeous even in the stressful situation. Whitmore’s midnight hair was combed neatly away from his handsome face, making his gray eyes more visible. He wore a pale blue polo shirt and pressed slacks. Miranda was all soft in a fitted lilac t-shirt with linen pants. Her auburn hair glistened in the light of the sun streaming in through the courtyard.
Dimitri was next to Miranda in jeans and a white t-shirt that strained against his massive muscles. His wavy light brown hair was messy, but almost in that on purpose way, framing his amber eyes. Demy’s mother Natasha sat on his lap. She was a delicate little thing with a waifish appearance that was both stunning and intimating. Her sleek inky black hair reminded me of Demy’s except there was never a hair out of place. She had almond shaped hazel eyes that always held a smile.
Demy was leaning against the counter, devouring a giant piece of steak with his hands. It probably made most people grimace, but not me. No. My mouth was watering at the sight and smell of his steak.
“Demyan,” Natasha tsked when she caught sight of him. “Manners son.”
“Yes ma’am,” he mumbled with a mouth full of food and tossed the remaining steak on a plate, wiping his hands on a napkin.
My stomach growled again, alerting everyone to my presence. Demy’s violet eyes met mine as a smirk twitched his lips. “Someone’s hungry.”
I glared at him.
Mac kissed the top of my head. “She’s always hungry.”
“Hey,” I pouted.
Miranda stood and motioned me over. “Here sweetheart, take my seat.” When I started to protest she continued. “Nonsense.”
Mac led me over while Whitmore stood to relinquish his.
My mom leaned over and patted my hand. “How are you?”
I shrugged, trying not to think of how horrible my birthday ended. If I did I’d probably cry. Luckily I was so hungry it was difficult to think about anything other than food.
“I’m glad you’re okay Rubi,” my dad said, leaning over to squeeze my shoulder.
“Thanks dad.”
His dark eyes flickered between Mac and me, narrowing. “Say, you two seem nice and freshly showered. You wouldn’t have gotten dressed together… in the same room, now would you?”
“Dad!” I rolled my eyes and bit my tongue to keep from saying more.
Mac just sat silently next to me, averting his eyes to the table as he ran his finger over a chip in the wood.
“Marshall.” My mom and Mac’s spoke in unison.
My mother fixed him with a glare, her honey eyes burning gold. “Let them be. They’ve been through enough lately.”
My dad grumbled under his breath, visibly unhappy with the situation.
Miranda sat a plate before me piled high with food including the biggest, juiciest steak I’d ever seen.
I licked my lips and smiled widely, hoping drool wasn’t running down my chin. “Thanks.”
She handed Mac a smaller plate along with a giant glass of blood and patted his head.
He looked up at her and grinned. “Thanks mom.”
“You’re welcome Mac.”
“Momma’s boy,” Demy coughed.
Mac shot him the finger.
“Awe Demyan,” Natasha said in an over the top baby voice as she left Dimitri’s lap. “Don’t pretend like you don’t get me to do your laundry when you’re home or cook your meals or cut your hair.” She pinched his cheek.
His face turned red. “Mom! Cut it out.”
Laughter resonated through the room.
Dimitri waved his hands in the air as he chuckled. “Okay, okay. Back to business.” His amber eyes met Mac’s. “I’m guessing you want to know what the plan is for Rubi’s safety since the hunters are no longer hiding.”
Mac’s expression turned serious. �
�I would like to know what all of you have in mind. Once we hear it I’ll tell you if I agree with it.”
My dad scoffed incredulously. “If you agree? She’s my daughter kid.”
Mac’s finger twirled his ring around, catching my father’s gaze. “She will always be your daughter, but she’s my…”
“Oh, don’t even go where I think you’re about to go you teenage Casanova.” My dad made a move to stand, but Whitmore clamped his hand on his shoulder to keep him seated.
“As much as it irritates me to admit, McCollum does have a say in this matter,” Whitmore admitted, his gray eyes hardening on his son for a moment. “They’re far beyond a regular teenage couple. You know this Marshall.”
His jaw clenched so hard I could hear his teeth grinding. “But they’re only seventeen.”
Whitmore released his shoulder and sighed tiredly. “I know.”
I felt like I was watching a ping-pong match of wills between the three of them. With an annoyed grunt I shoved a piece of steak in my mouth. “Stop arguing over it and let’s hear what you came up with.”
“I second that.” Demy stalked over while a slow grin laced his lips and he rubbed his hands together. “It’s going to be an interesting semester.”
Chapter 5
Mac and I were transferring to Mossgrove Academy in Savannah, GA, the school Demy and the other shifters normally attend. The majority of the population was shifters, then vampires, and humans making up the lowest count. Since the number of supernatural students outweighed humans everyone thought I’d be safer. They also thought it would throw the hunters off for a while since they expected me to return to Highland.
Great. Another new school. At least I wouldn’t be alone this time.
Our senior year was starting in two days! Transferring wouldn’t pose a problem though. The headmaster isn’t supernatural, but he’s a longtime friend of the shifters.
My parents reluctantly left, a few vampires accompanying them back to Shelby where they would remain for the following week or so as an extra precaution. That definitely made me feel better as I watched them go.