by J. N. Colon
“Then what’s it like besides seeing dead people?”
“It’s complicated.” I rubbed my temples. “I’m not really sure. It’s all confusing…” My voice trailed off because I caught sight of two people standing under a tree, talking closely. One of them was Mac. And the other was Laney.
I halted mid step, electricity beginning to spark down my spine. Just as Mac turned his head to find me Laney grabbed his face and planted her lips on his.
Son of a brisket!
Anger stained my body, clouding my vision crimson. That bitch! I knew it. I knew it this whole time. She was pretending to be all sweet and nice when she was really plotting to go after Mac when he was alone.
“Who the hell is that?” Paisley asked with a grimace.
“Someone who’s about to get their ass kicked,” I growled.
Mac forcefully pushed her off, her feet stumbling back. “What the hell Laney?”
My lips curled back as my fangs descended and eyes melted silver. A deep snarl snaked out my mouth, carrying toward the two of them.
Mac’s hands went up. “Rubi, wait. Just calm down…”
“Awe, is the little princess jealous the prince wants me?” she taunted.
Mac’s head snapped in her direction. “What?” he hissed. “I don’t want you Laney.”
A cruel smile slipped across her sweet face. “Your tongue wasn’t saying that a minute ago.”
That’s it. I snapped.
I felt Paisley’s hand on my shoulder, ineffectively trying to stop me before I went into vampire speed and slammed into Laney, knocking her into a tree with a vicious snarl.
Mac grabbed for me, but I slipped away.
“That’s all you got vampire?” Laney’s shoulders curled in and she landed on all fours as a leopard with long, sharp teeth and claws. A cat growl rolled out her mouth as she paced in front of me, her shinny coat glinted in the light of the moon. Her gray eyes were in slits, radiating malice as they glowed in the darkness.
She was sleek and majestic like her human form, but I still recognized the fake as Sweet’N Low girl underneath.
“Enough Laney.” Mac tried to get in between us, but I pushed him away, the red haze around my mind growing stronger.
“Daedalus! Rufus! Why the hell aren’t you helping me,” Mac yelled into the distance. “I know you’re out there.”
A chuckle of laughter drifted on the wind.
Mac tossed his hands in the air. “Oh. This is not funny!”
Ignoring him I waved Laney on. “Come and get me.”
She sprung forward, knocking me to the ground, slashing at my torso with her claws. I growled and easily flipped her over, trying to bite her neck. She wriggled out my gasp and pushed me down again. This time I used my feet to kick her, propelling her across the grass to strike another tree with a loud crack.
A venomous snarl filled the night.
“Rufus, Daedalus, you’re supposed to protect her!” Mac yelled. “You’re her royal guards.”
“She’s go to learn to fight eventually.” Rufus’s smooth voice echoed through the darkness.
“Rubi, stop.” Mac tried for me again, but this time Paisley blocked him.
“Sometimes a girl’s got to fight.” She flashed me a vicious grin that I matched.
Got that right.
Laney lunged for me again. I caught her around the middle and we hit the ground tumbling over each other. Paws, claws, and grass went flying. Her teeth flashed and sank into my shoulder.
Instead of screaming I growled and gripped her fury paw, twisting it until she howled in pain.
“Enough!” Mac yelled, but we continued to fight.
Another voice entered the fray I immediately recognized. Demy. “Laney. Get off NOW!”
She backed away, her gaze still deadly and ears pinned against her golden head. Demy’s gaze surveyed her, noticing my blood staining her teeth and whiskers. A deep growl slithered out his mouth, the pupils of his violet eyes forming slits as used some kind of invisible force over Laney. She sank down, whimpering and trembling before him and head on the ground in submission.
Demy was definitely an alpha.
Mac ran to me, hissing when he caught sight of my bloody injuries. “Get her out of here Demy before I rip her throat out.”
“Shift,” Demy ordered, his voice a rough growl.
Laney changed, standing up on her human legs. Her usual sleek blonde hair was matted with blood while her clothes were ripped and bloody in places. “It’s not my fault. She…”
A deep snarl curled Demy’s lips. “Did I tell you to talk Laney?” His gaze met Mac’s. “Is Rubi okay?”
“She’s bleeding!”
I huffed and stood. “I’m fine. I just need some blood.”
Anger flickered in Demy’s eyes as he surveyed my injuries, his jaw flexing tight.
“And Laney,” I growled. “Keep your hands off my mate!”
Her head snapped in my direction. “Why? He seems fine with you bumping uglies with Demy. You’re scent and lust is all over him.”
I lunged for her again, but Mac was ready, catching me around the middle.
Demy grabbed Laney’s shoulder and forced her to walk. He glanced back, sharing some kind of unspoken communication with Mac. He nodded and walked off.
“Wow Rubi, you get all the hot guys,” Paisley remarked dryly while trying to fight a smile.
“Come on Paisley,” Demy yelled over his shoulder. “Unless you want to stick around and be Rubi’s snack.”
Paisley grimaced and started after him. “No way. I’ve seen that girl eat. She’ll kill me.”
Mac took me back to his room and helped me clean up. Neither of us said anything until I was sitting on his bed in pajamas.
“I’m sorry,” I muttered, averting my gaze and picking at the ends of my hair.
“For what?”
“Everything.” I met his gaze as tears watered in mine. “I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t bite Demy.”
His dark brow arched. “Why?”
“I got close, but right before I thought about you being with Laney and it was agony.” I wiped tears with the back of my hand. “I don’t even want to bite him anymore. Well, I wouldn’t mind drinking his blood, but I’m not overwhelmed with the thought of it.”
A knowing smile lit his face. “We were hoping that would happen.”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
“Well, I was thinking it was simply your vampire instincts to bite and since you and Demy are so close of course it would be him.” He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. “I know you two have this connection. You’re attracted to each other.” When I opened my mouth to deny it he laid his finger on my lips. “But you’re mine heart, soul, and body. We’re bound and I was hoping your body when faced with another’s would remember that.”
My brows knit. “And Demy knew this?” I recalled the look of relief in his eyes when I backed away.
Mac nodded.
My mouth flew open in shock and I smacked him—mostly gently—on the back of his head.
“Hey!”
“What would have happened if I went through with it and bit him? Or maybe had sex with him!”
“Demy would have stopped.”
My brow arched questioningly.
His face paled at that thought. “Well, then I would have to be okay with it.” He swallowed hard. “You didn’t though right?”
I let a heavy pause hang in the air, making him squirm. “No. But we did kiss.”
Mac’s jaw flexed. “Well, I knew that would happen.”
I rolled my eyes and shook my head. “You’re something else Mac Davenport.”
He grinned. “But it worked. You aren’t lusting after Demy’s blood, are you?”
“No,” I pouted and decided to taunt him just a little. “But those kisses…” I licked my lips. “They were something… unforgettable really.”
Anger entered his expression and silver flecked his eyes. A growl tore out
his mouth before he crushed it against mine, kissing me in a possessive way that made me forget all about the Russian shifter.
Chapter 28
Mac’s fingers lazily danced over my naked back, tracing shapes and leaving trails of heat behind. My eyes fluttered open to see his brilliant jade eyes staring back at me from his pillow. His midnight hair was wild around his face and cheeks flushed. “Mmm. That feels good Mac.”
The corners of his lips twitched, threatening a smile. “I know,” he murmured. “Why do you think I’m doing it?”
My eyes narrowed infinitesimally. “If I had more energy I’d smack you.” I pursed my lips. “Or at least pinch your butt cheek really hard.”
A deep chuckle resonated out his mouth before he leaned forward and kissed my lone dimple. “Don’t worry. We vampires bounce back pretty fast. I’m sure you’ll be ready for another go in about…” He glanced behind him to check the clock on his bedside table. “Thirty minutes.”
That was probably true. I couldn’t get enough of him and I doubt I ever will. He’s like filet mignon smothered in buttery lobster with a side of bacon.
I absentmindedly licked my lips, causing his brow to arch questioningly.
“Or now… maybe?”
I snuggled closer, burying my face in the crook of his neck and nibbling teasingly on his skin. A shiver rippled through him, making me smile. “As tempting as that sounds, it’s late and Demy will be back soon.”
Mac’s hands rubbed circles on the small of my back before drifting lower and pulling me against his bare flesh. “Mmm. Demy won’t mind. In fact he’d probably enjoy it.”
I scoffed and drew back to see his cocky smile. “You really want to joke about that now after Demy and I almost…”
He cut me off by crushing his lips against mine. “Baby. I’m not worried about that anymore.” His teeth skimmed my bottom lip.
“Oh yeah?”
Mac pulled back to meet my eyes, his smoldering and flecking with silver. “You are mine Rubi.” The way he said it made me shiver. “And when you turn eighteen I’m going to marry you.”
I gasped at his words and knew by the intensity in his gaze he meant it. “Mac…I…” My voice faltered and pulse trembled. We were so young and yet we already belonged to each other more than most people in the entire world did. “I love you.”
“I love you.” He pulled my hands from beneath the covers, tugging on my royal ring. “I think it’s about time we put this on your left hand.”
A lump rose in my throat, preventing me from speaking so I simply nodded.
He switched my ring and did the same for his, clasping our hands together and kissing me. “Our parents are going to freak.”
I laughed. “Our dads our going to freak. Our moms will probably throw us a party.”
Mac laughed and pulled me against his chest. “I love you Rubi Davenport.”
I smiled at the way he said my name.
“I’m thinking I need to show you how much.” A growl rumbled deep in his chest. “And to show you just why you belong with me and no one else.”
“Mac, I know why…”
I didn’t get the chance to finish because he shifted on top of me, capturing my lips with his and took possession of my entire body… and heart and soul.
***
I got a note during health class to meet Whitmore in Dimitri’s office. It must be pretty important if he was pulling me out of class. On the way I was looking down at my phone texting Mac to see if he would be there when I slammed into someone.
“Whoa Rubi!” Demy’s hands gripped my shoulders while a crooked smile split his lips. “I know you love me, but you don’t have to knock me over. All you have to do is ask and I’ll gladly lie down for you.”
Crimson dusted my cheeks and mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. The last time we were alone he had laid down for me—on his bed with me. “I-uh-I…” What the hell was I supposed to say? Thanks for making out with me and offering to let me bite you?
Noticing my awkwardness, Demy sucked his teeth. “Don’t feel weird princess.” His arms encircled my waist, pulling me into his chest. “We talked about this remember.”
His earthy amber scent mixed with fire floated around me, calming me. Okay—and maybe making me a little thirsty, but not the all-consuming sensation I had before.
“It’s understandable,” he continued. “I’m hard to resist.”
I scoffed and tried to push him away, deep laughter vibrating from his chest.
“I’m only kidding. Sort of.”
“Demy, you’re ridiculous.” I sighed and relaxed in his arms again. I was so glad I could be around him without wanting to tear open a vein.
Electricity tickled my spine the same moment someone cleared their throat. I knew without looking Mac was behind us. I quickly pulled away from Demy, guilt tightening my stomach, expecting to see Mac scowling.
Instead he was grinning. “Wanna let go of my girlfriend now Demy.”
A smirk curled Demy’s lips as he winked. “Just keeping her warm for you.”
I rolled my eyes at him, but he only shrugged.
“Come here baby.” Mac grabbed for me and pulled me into his chest. “I guess my dad sent a note for you two.”
I nodded the same time Demy said, “Yep.”
“Well, let’s see what the big deal is.” Mac started towing me down the hall.
Just as we passed Demy I felt a pinch on my ass.
“Hey!” I turned around and his face was dead-panned, but those violet eyes were shimmering with amusement.
He held his palms up. “It wasn’t me. Maybe there’s ghost trying to get your attention.”
Mac shot him the finger. “Keep it up Demy and I’ll let her loose on your ass. Just look what she did to Laney.”
“Ugh! Why did you have to bring her up?” I could have gone days, weeks, years, without hearing that stupid name again.
Whitmore stood at the fireplace mantel in Dimitri’s office at Mossgrove while Mac and I sat on the leather couch and Demy perched on the desk.
“I’m 95 percent certain the ring belonged to Julian.”
Mac’s dark brows disappeared into his hair. “Julian Marius?”
Whitmore nodded.
“Do you know this vampire?” I asked Mac.
“No, but I’ve heard of him. He’s pretty old.”
Whitmore loosened his tie. “Yes, he is.”
“Where is he?”
“He’s been MIA for several decades,” Whitmore answered. “No one has seen him, at least not in the vampire world.” His gray eyes flashed to Demy.
He shrugged. “I don’t even know who you guys are talking about. My dad might though.” He slid off the desk and walked toward us. “Why would this old, powerful vampire be connected to a seventeen year old girl?”
“I doubt it was a romantic kind of relationship if that’s where your mind is headed.” Whitmore slipped around the couch toward the minibar. “After the death of his wife, Claudia, Julian resigned from being king and disappeared. He had no children and he was utterly heartbroken.” His eyes clouded over, remembering those years he thought Miranda was dead. Mac was probably the only reason he didn’t step down from his rule.
“Whitmore?”
His eyes shifted toward me questioningly.
“She’s not gone anymore.”
A ghost of a smile curled his lips. “You always know how to bring me out of a mood, don’t you?”
Demy patted my head like a dog. “It’s a gift of hers.”
I swatted his hand with a glare.
Whitmore’s gray eyes zeroed in on my left hand, specifically the sparkling ruby and silver ring on my. His gaze quickly shifted toward Mac, finding the new position of his as well. “Please tell me I’m imagining those rings on your left hands.”
My cheeks flushed and I scooted further down in my seat, waiting for Mac to answer.
He sat taller and cleared his throat. “It’s not your imagination D
ad.”
Whitmore crossed his arms against his chest while his gaze morphed into storm clouds, glinting with silver like lightning. “McCollum, you two are only seventeen…”
“We won’t be seventeen forever,” he interrupting.
Whitmore groaned while rubbing his temples as if he could push this topic away. “That’s not the point son.”
“No. It’s not, but I think we have bigger things to worry about in the present.”
“Yes, like her father staking you.”
Demy snorted on a laugh.
“You two are going to give me gray hairs I swear.”
Mac ignored them both and pulled me closer. “Do you think you can track Julian down Dad?” he asked, diverted the conversation.
Whitmore pursed his lips in thought. “Maybe. I haven’t tried before, but with all my resources it might work.”
I hoped so. If not, we were at a dead end. Sara’s not talking—or showing herself for that matter—and I have no one else to go on to find her descendent. My eyes flashed toward Demy. Without her the hunters could finish their plan to mass murder the shifters.
“Don’t think I’m forgetting about this new development.” Whitmore motioned his finger between Mac and me. “Her father is going to go ballistic.”
***
I sat in the common room of our dorm, staring listlessly at the television. It’s been days and there was no word from Whitmore on Julian’s whereabouts and I still hadn’t heard from Sara in my dreams or awake. Anxiety was pushing through my veins like a disease, my mind worrying over the shifters. My fingernails were practically nonexistent from gnawing on them.
Someone snapped their fingers in my face, shattering my daze and making me jump.
“Gees. What the…?” My eyes narrowed. “Madison. What do you want?”
Her expression was one of false innocence. “What? Can’t a friend simply want to talk?” She batted her lashes coyly.
“Since when are we friends?”
“I’m helping you, aren’t I?”
I glared, following her as she sat on the empty seat beside me. “No, actually you aren’t helping. You just pop in at inopportune times and usually taunt me.”