Haunted (A Secret Salem Novel 3)

by J. N. Colon

  Miranda and Whitmore were a striking, regal couple and I could only hope to have a fraction of their elegance with Mac in the future.

  I knew she was only teasing Whitmore, but she wouldn’t have a problem if Mac and I really did officiate things tomorrow.

  “Awe Rubi.” Emmaline suddenly appeared, grabbing me in a tight hug. “You look amazing.” She pulled back, her wide azure eyes glistening and flaxen hair braided in an intricate updo. She touched my tiara with an echoing ping. And then she giggled.

  Okay. Emamline’s a little tipsy.

  “Thanks Emma.”

  “My pleasure princess.” Emmaline lifted the hem of her long, dazzling blue dress and curtseyed. Another roll of giggles tumbled out her mouth as she turned to Mac, pinching his cheek. “And I’m so proud of you for picking someone like Rubi and not a condescending ice queen.”

  It may have been my imagination, but her azure eyes flickered toward the Svenssons, their stunning blonde daughter in particular.

  “Rubi will keep you honest and not let you turn into an arrogant prick—because I was seriously afraid you were headed in that direction until she came along…”

  “Okay Emma,” Mac swatted her hand away as she went in for another pinch. “I get it. I might have turned into a douche without Rubi.”

  “Princess Rubi,” Tristan corrected, pinning me with his molten gold eyes.

  Emmaline whipped back around to face us. “Right. Princess Rubi.” She giggled again. “I just love saying that.”

  Tristan couldn’t hide his smile. “Come on giggly girl.” His hand enclosed on her arm, gently towing her away. “Let’s get something to eat.” With their flaxen hair, pale skin, tall frame, and striking features they could pass for twins—or at least brother and sister.

  Aspen looked down at her glass of champagne, her amber eyes glinting with mischief. “I want what she’s drinking.” She slinked after them. “Hey, Em, wait up.”

  “I should probably stop her.” Brant groaned. “I can’t believe I’m a one woman guy now.”

  Mac scoffed. “Oh please. You love it.”

  He flashed a grin before scurrying after Aspen, pinching her butt when he caught up.

  “How are you holding up?” Mac asked as he wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me close. His midnight hair had been combed back like Whitmore’s, but as if it had a naughty mind of its own, it continued to break free of control, falling in his smoldering jade eyes lined in inky lashes.

  Warmth spread through my insides knowing he was mine.

  “I’m fine,” I sighed.

  His expression turned incredulous.

  I groaned and buried my face in his chest careful not smear my makeup on his tuxedo. “My feet hurt from these stupid heels, my hair is tight, I’m tired of everyone watching us, and I’m freaking starving.” Right on cue my stomach growled. I guess the blood could only sate it so much. It wanted meaty goodness.

  Mac’s chuckle vibrated against my cheek. “We’ll get something.” When he started to move I held him back.

  His heady, wild forest scent washed over my senses, making my knees tremble. His hands burned through the silken material of my dress. Another, more primal urge flowed over me and my hunger was suddenly forgotten. All I could think about was stowing away somewhere alone with Mac.

  By the warming of his body I could tell he knew exactly what I wanted. And he was going to give it to me.

  He leaned down, brushing his soft lips against my ear. “Of course I won’t deny my princess anything, especially on the night of her coronation.” His breath was hot against my neck, sending electric shivers through my body.

  My heart beat erratically and skin flushed. “You sure?”

  This time his chuckle was dark and seductive instead of humorous. “Oh yeah. I know a place.” He nipped my neck before releasing my waist and grabbing my hand. “Let’s go.”

  I bit my lip to hide my smile as he led me through the throngs of vampires all nodding at us. I could hear some saying ‘awe they’re so cute’ while others said ‘I bet they’re going to sneak out for a little kissy-kissy, touchy-feely’.

  Oh man. My face turned fifty shades of red. Of course it wasn’t stopping Mac from pulling me through the room or me from following.

  Just when we were a few feet from the door three figures stepped in our way. The Svenssons.

  Damn.

  “Ah, McCollum.” Pretension heavily laced the man’s voice. “We were hoping to personally meet your lovely princess.”

  Mac flashed his political smile. “Yes Anton. Of course.” He motioned with his hand toward me. “This is Rubi, Rubi this is Anton, Veronica, and their daughter Sasha.”

  They all had sleek corn silk hair, light blue eyes that reminded me of glacier waters, and ice cold features. Veronica stood stick straight—probably from the massive stick stuck up her ass—and held her nose high. Anton looked like someone out of that show with caviar dreams and such. Sasha was the epitome of perfection with sleek blonde hair, a straight nose, round eyes, and pale pink lips. She was several inches taller than me and thinner. Her eyes were currently stuck to Mac.

  Ugh. I’m starting to miss Laney.

  Regardless of the frigged feelings they were emanating I smiled. “Hello Anton, Veronica, and Sasha. It’s nice to meet you.” I said it just like Miranda practiced with me.

  “So, McCollum how are the meetings with Nathan and Elijah. I heard the king was letting you sit in with them.”

  “Ah, well, they’re interesting…”

  Nathan and Elijah were Whitmore’s leaders in England. I’ve met them briefly and they seemed—ancient is the only word I can think of.

  A boisterous laugh resonated out of Anton. “I wouldn’t choose interesting for those two old bats.” He tossed his arm over Mac’s shoulders, forcing our hands apart. “I’ll let you in on a little secret Prince McCollum, give them some good scotch and they’ll liven up. Believe me. There was this one time…”

  I turned to find Sasha and her mother eyeing me.

  “Congratulations on your coronation Rubi.” Veronica’s voice was as icy as her appearance. “You’re so lucky to have captured the eye of the prince. It’s like you became a princess overnight.” Her gaze traveled over me with a glint of repulsion and hate. “Very lucky.”

  My cheeks were burning red and I fought to keep the trembling out of my voice. “I am lucky to have met Mac. All the Davenports really.” I absentmindedly played with the royal crest on my necklace. “I wouldn’t be here without them.”

  Veronica laughed, but there was little humor in it. “No. You’d be in southern Florida with your human family probably barbecuing a slab of beef.”

  Mmm. Beef. Sounds good.

  I shook myself, focusing on the insult she just delivered. “Actually, I was thinking more along the lines I’d be dead.” I smiled. “All three of them have managed to save me at least once.”

  Veronica ran a finger across her pearls. “Well, like I said, lucky.”

  “Is that a panther on your ring?” Sasha had finally spoken, her voice desolate of any real emotion.

  I glanced down at the ring Demy gave me. Emmaline and Aspen insisted I take it off tonight. I flat out said hell no. None of the shifters were here and I needed a piece of that pain in the ass tonight to remind me if I could handle him, I could handle these vampires.

  “Yes. My friend Demy gave it to me for my birthday.”

  Veronica’s brows lifted. “Demyan Dragoniv?”

  I nodded.

  If possible her nose lifted even higher, contempt curling her lips. “Shifters. I don’t trust them.”

  Sasha tilted her head. “I heard a rumor he was your lover.”

  “What!”

  “Sasha,” Veronica chastised. “Don’t bring up such brash things at Princess Rubi’s coronation.”

  “It’s not true.” There were rumors like that going around? Or did she make that up to ruffle my feathers?—because they were seriously tangled now.<
br />
  Veronica patted her daughter’s shoulder with a look of pride. “You know, Whitmore and I had discussed McCollum and Sasha’s future at length. She was going to make such a lovely princess.”

  Sickness oozed up my throat as I realized Mac could have ended up with this gorgeous ice queen. By the smug look on Veronica’s face she knew she’d gotten to me. I expected Sasha to be just as haughty, but she simply stared at me with a cool expression.

  Come on Rubi, put your big girl pants on—and your royal tiara—and put this hateful hag in her place.

  I swallowed hard. “Well, that was before me.” I twisted the royal ring around my finger to remind her Mac and I had already bonded. “And he’s very happy.”

  “Who’s happy?” As if on cue Mac returned to my side.

  I had a feeling Anton kept him occupied so these two could let me know not all vampires approved of me.

  “You.” I looked up at him, signaling with my eyes if he didn’t get me the hell away from the Svenssons I was going to tear out someone throat.

  He chuckled as he bent down and kissed me. Oh surprise! There was a little tongue. “You certainly do.” He winked, alerting me he had done it on purpose.

  I turned back to see the smug expression fall right off Veronica’s face.

  “Well, if you will excuse me I need to stow away in a dark, deserted corner with my princess... if you know what I mean.” He wiggled his eyebrows and started towing me away. “We’ll be gone for a while.”

  A mixture of humor at their faces and embarrassment lit my inside. “I can’t believe you said that.”

  Mac laughed as he pushed the double doors open. “What? They’re jerks. Who cares what they think?” Without warning he picked me up and tossed me over his shoulder, forcing a squeal out of me. “Besides, we’re the royal couple—we can do whatever the hell we want.”

  I scoffed. “No we can’t.”

  “Okay, but we can at least fool around whenever we want.”

  I snorted on a laugh.

  After disappearing for a while we returned to the party a little less kempt than before. Mac’s hair was disheveled and tuxedo rumpled while I completely gave up on my hair and let it down. At least my crown was still on. Most of the guests were either too toasted to care or thought it was cute.

  Mac pulled me onto the dance floor for a spin. Over the summer I took ballroom dancing lessons so I didn’t look like a complete weirdo while he was dashing as ever. At one point Mac dipped me, putting me eye level with one of the food tables. My stomach howled with hunger.

  Mac chuckled in my ear. “Go eat.”

  I groaned. “No. I’ll spill something or eat like a pig.”

  He kissed my cheek. “I’ll keep them occupied while you make a plate and slip into the hall to eat.”

  I pulled away, my brow lifting questioningly. “You sure?”

  “Yes. Now go before I drag you over there and start feeding you myself.”

  I grinned, spun, and headed toward the table, my single track mind zeroing in on my pray—meatballs.

  Once I had a plate piled high I snuck out the room into a little corner beneath the stairs. Guards were patrolling so I was safe. Plus, I’m a vampire now. I can fight back. Or at least bite back.

  I sat on a bench in the corner, stuffing my face. Fortunately I had a stack of napkins right next to me otherwise sauce would be all over my mouth. After I was done and sated with a full belly—thankfully the corset was holding it in—I washed my hands in the bathroom and checked my teeth for food.

  I practically skipped out the bathroom, happy as a fat house cat and ready for a nap. But that contented feeling quickly washed away as I felt a pair of eyes on me. It wasn’t the same feeling I got when I was about to see a ghost. This was something else—and yet something familiar.

  A shadow scurried back around the corner beneath the stairs. Stupidly I followed it. Once around I spotted a set of dark, impenetrable eyes I was hoping to never see again.

  The hunter Declan.

  Chapter 22

  I opened my mouth to scream, but his cocky expression suddenly turned panicked.

  “Wait, just wait,” he hissed, his palms lifted in surrender. “Listen.”

  Curiosity filled me enough to make me suck my scream back in. I glanced around, noticing the lack of other hunters. Why would he come to a place crawling with vampires alone? “How did you even get in here?”

  When he realized I wasn’t about to yell for the cavalry, his hands dragged through his chestnut hair, mixing golden highlights around. He was almost as tall as Demy with smooth tanned skin and taut muscles beneath his black tuxedo. “I’m posing as a member of the Vandemere family.” He gestured toward the expansive house and winked. “We own this place.”

  My brows met. I just assumed vampires owned it.

  I shook myself. That’s not the point here. I crossed my arms against my chest and let my fangs descend. “You have two minutes.”

  A smile twitched his lips as his dark eyes slowly drank me in. “It’s so strange, but I think vampirism suits you.”

  Memories of being held in the lab flashed through my mind, mostly Declan’s fingers traveling across my scar and lower. I shivered as my skin crawled. “Your time is running out,” I growled.

  “Do you feed strictly from cups and what not or do you feed from the source?” Declan sucked his bottom lip as if he was imagining me sucking his blood.

  What the hell? He’s supposed to be a hunter and hate me. Instead he’s fantasizing about me?

  “Declan, I will never bite you unless it’s to kill you.”

  His eyes flared. “Oh, say my name again Rubi.”

  Anger rolled through my insides. “Time’s up creep.”

  “Wait.” He came closer, smelling of expensive cologne and champagne. “Seriously. I’ll drop the games.” He dragged his fingers through his hair in frustration again. “You’re in danger Rubi.”

  I rolled my eyes. “I’m always in danger. And why do you care? Don’t you want me dead?”

  Declan flashed a crooked smile. “Not really. I’d rather see that pretty body under me than under the ground.”

  Ugh. “Seriously?”

  He waved a dismissive hand in the air. “You’re not safe. You should leave Mossgrove Academy.”

  “I don’t exactly trust you Declan. You could be setting a trap for me as soon as I follow your advice and leave school,” I pointed out.

  He tapped his chin in thought. “Fine. I knew you wouldn’t leave anyways. The only other thing I can tell you is 24, 18, 56, 13, 93.”

  “What?” Confusion swirled through me. “Are you screwing with me? What’s that supposed to mean?”

  He shook his head. “I can’t tell you that much. Just remember those numbers and in that order.”

  The door of the ballroom creaked open, spilling voices and classical music. “Rubi? You okay?”

  Mac.

  Declan’s dark eyes went wide and he held a finger over his lips pleadingly. I considered telling Mac, but I’d probably be chained to Rufus or Daedalus for a while and decided against it. Declan flashed a crooked smile before I darted around the corner toward Mac.

  “I’m fine.” I smiled and readied myself to lie. “Just ready to sleep.”

  ***

  The dim bedroom was lit by a few lamps and a warm fire crackling in the hearth. The walls were a deep burgundy with dark elaborate crown molding and floors dark oak. A cool breeze sifted through the air from the balcony door, fluttering the white gossamer curtains and bringing an earthy scent.

  Summer vacation has long been over and I should have already started my senior year, but the school believed the lie my uncle told them. I was sick with a bout of mono. Highly contagious.

  Of course anyone would believe a lie when compulsion was used.

  Actually I was deep in the Louisiana bayou in a mansion nestled in the woods. He was the only one who knew why. My mother realized something was amiss, but it was better she didn’t
know the details.

  It did make me sad she won’t have this to remember me by when I’m gone—because I know my end is near.

  I sighed and sank deeper into the soft bed, my body and mind exhausted from the ordeal, but happy she was healthy. My eyes fluttered closed.

  “Sara.” My friend’s baritone voice resonated gently through the air as he walked closer. I couldn’t hear his footsteps—always too quiet—but I could smell his scent of night jasmine. “Sara, you need to.”

  Reluctantly my eyes opened again, his tall frame, wide shoulders, and corn silk hair illuminated by the fire behind, shadowing his kind face. “Can I sleep first?”

  “No. This first.” He smiled warmly down at me while rolling the sleeve of his shirt up to reveal pale, muscled forearms. “You lost blood. You need it if you want to remain strong long enough...” He wouldn’t finish the words. It was hard for him to let go.

  I yawned. “But I’m not even a vampire, not all the way.” Part of me knew he was hoping I’d eventually have enough to turn, but that will never happen. That was not my path. He can’t protect me from this. If I don’t face my short future so many lives will be at stake and I can’t live an eternity with that guilt.

  I know what I have to do.

  He sat on the edge of the bed and caressed my cheek. “Still. You need to keep your strength up.”

  “Okay.”

  His fangs descended as silver gently stained his gray eyes and he bit into his wrist. He handed it to me, two droplets of crimson blood like holly berries on his pale skin. His sweet and salty taste exploded on my tongue, sating a thirst I wasn’t even aware of until this moment.

  “Thanks,” I said as he drew back. “I did need that.”

  He swiped blood off my bottom lip with his thumb.

  I bit my lip hesitantly. “Can I see her again?”

  Pain flashed in his face. “Are you sure?”

  I nodded. I knew I shouldn’t. I knew it would only make things harder, but I couldn’t resist.

  He left and returned, laying a pink, wriggling baby in my arms. My baby girl. “She’s so beautiful.”