Marked by a Vampire (The Hybrid Coven Book 1)

by Angela Sanders

  Genevieve placed her hand on Dee’s knee. “It’s nothing to worry about, dear. Grace will be fine. Matthew has always been somewhat of a worrywart, but he means well. I believe he has taken a liking to your friend.”

  Dee snorted. “Well, that much is obvious by the way he looks at her. I don’t think Grace has picked up on it yet. I think he should probably lay off for a while, at least until she’s had time to adjust to her new life. Then again, I can’t answer for her.”

  “Matthew is an old soul. He’ll only protect her, never force himself into her life romantically,” Genevieve reassured her. “Now, back to Elizabeth. I spoke to her mother, Jaqueline, and once they’re finished with a few personal things, Elizabeth will be on her way here.”

  “It’ll be great to see her again,” Dee said. “It’s been a few months now. I want to see if she can teach me how to sense these vampires or if it’s just something I’m missing. She’s always been more advanced in magic and it’ll be good for Grace to meet her beforehand as well.”

  Genevieve nodded in agreement. “If the transformation awakened Grace’s powers as I suspect, then the four of us may be able to teach her how to find her center and locate the source of her magic. Of course, it will be sporadic at first, but it will be a start.”

  Just as Dee was about to respond, she and Genevieve heard a commotion upstairs. “Grace,” Dee muttered, and took off in a run upstairs to Grace’s room.

  When they arrived, the bedroom door was ajar and Matthew was standing in the far corner with his hands in the surrender position. Grace was on all fours on the bed, her back was arched like she was ready to pounce and her fangs were bared. Dee took a step back, not knowing what to think or how to react. This was all foreign territory for her and the person she was looking at was not her friend but something else entirely.

  “It’s the mark,” Matthew said, panting near out of breath. “She was resting and then went into a trance. She’s still not with us—she’s being controlled, but I don’t understand how. The plantation is protected.”

  “Shut up, hybrid! She is mine!” Grace growled in a foreign voice.

  Dee stepped into the room. “How do we wake her? What do we do?” she asked, fear in her voice.

  Genevieve put her arm in front of Dee. “Stand back. You do not know what she might do while being controlled by that vampire.”

  At the mention of a vampire controlling Grace, Dee lost it. She was pissed. “Oh, but I’m not helpless.” She’d had enough and no one, vampire or otherwise was going to control her friend—not if she could help it. Pushing Genevieve’s arm aside, she cast her magic out in a wild orange blast throwing Grace back down onto the bed, holding her in place. She thrashed around, but was unable to free herself.

  “Witch, you will regret touching my property!” the deep foreign voice bellowed. “You will be next!” Then Grace’s eyes rolled back into her head and all of sudden, her body went very still.

  Ignoring Donavon’s threat, Dee and the two hybrids walked slowly toward the bed, watching as Grace’s eyelids fluttered. She was moaning something incoherent, then tears slid down her face.

  “Grace, are you all right, my child?” Genevieve asked, clasping her hand in her own.

  For a moment, Grace didn’t speak. She knew something had taken over her body. Possession? Was that what had happened? But how? She was supposed to be safe. She cracked one eye open and peeked over at Genevieve and nodded.

  Dee was beside herself. She had to use magic on her best friend—she was left with no other choice, but that didn’t make her feel any better. It went against everything she stood for, then again, the whole day had been one, big revelation after another. Her heart was torn. She only hoped Grace would forgive her.

  Chapter 8

  “What happened?” Grace asked after several minutes.

  Matthew sat beside her on the left side of the bed. “Unfortunately, you went into another trance, but this time the vampire must have sensed your weakness from the transition. He was able to take over your mind even under our protective wards,” he explained.

  Grace took a deep breath. “I thought something like that might have happened. It felt like a possession or something. I had no control and I couldn’t push him out.” She sat back and adjusted her pillows, then continued, “I saw him, but I didn’t know he could see me until he said my name and called me to him. I couldn’t stop myself—it was as if I were being pulled by an invisible string. Then all I saw was darkness. When I woke up, I could still feel him in my mind. I feel violated.”

  Dee sat quietly in the chair next to the bed, waiting for her turn to speak. She was waiting for the question—the question of how—how was she pulled back. Grace turned to look at her, most likely sensing her apprehension and asked her what was wrong.

  Genevieve walked toward Dee and placed her hand on her shoulder in a show of support. Dee was grateful. She looked at her folded hands in her lap and said, “Grace, I’m sorry. I did something terrible. Something I never would’ve done if I’d thought I had a choice. I only hope you can forgive me.” She looked up with tears streaming down her face.

  “Dee, I’m alive and I’m sure whatever you did it was to save my life or someone else’s. It can’t be that bad,” Grace told her.

  “I had to use my magic on you while Donavon was in control of your mind. You looked feral, ready to attack and with fangs, Grace. I only did it to push him out and keep your body paralyzed until he was gone.”

  “And you honestly think I’d be mad at you over that? Did I die? No. Did you save me? Yes. Get over it and hug me, woman.” She opened her arms with a huge smile splitting her face.

  Dee jumped from her chair and bear hugged Grace, crying into her shoulder. “Okay, really. No crying or I’ll bite you. Fangs, remember?” Grace teased and pulled Dee back by her shoulders. “Seriously, get over it and thank you.”

  “Fine and you’re welcome,” Dee said, then sat back down laughing at the face Grace was making.

  Genevieve interrupted their banter. “All right, ladies. It’s time we let Grace in on our plan. Elizabeth should arrive in a little over an hour,” she said standing at the foot of the bed with her hands folded in front of her. “Grace, why don’t you get cleaned up first and meet us downstairs in twenty-five minutes. That’s if you’re feeling up to it, of course.”

  “Yes, ma’am. I’ll feel much better after I shower.”

  “I’ll stick around just in case she needs anything,” Dee added.

  “All right then. Matthew and I will have food brought in when you’re ready.” Then the pair turned and walked out of the door, closing it behind them.

  ***

  Grace was looking down, fidgeting with her blanket thinking about how Matthew had spoken to her in her mind. She wondered if it was some kind of hallucination or just part of the craziness that went on during the transformation.

  “Hey, what is it?” Dee asked, looking concerned. “You seem lost. Where did you go?”

  Grace let out a long breath. “I think I’m going crazy. Well, this whole day has been insane, but when I was transitioning I heard Matthew speak to my mind,” she replied nervously, looking up at Dee.

  “Okay. Well, I don’t know if that’s uncommon. Why not just ask him about it? Honey, welcome to the supernatural world. It’s full of all things strange and unusual.” She leaned over and hugged her. “You’ll get used to it eventually.”

  “You’re probably right. I’m just a mess of nerves right now. A shower would do me good.”

  “Yeah, about that. I love you, but you stink to high heaven.” Dee jumped off the bed giggling before Grace could throttle her.

  Grace threw the covers back and got up from the bed. “I’m taking my stinky ass to the shower. Do you mind picking me out something to wear from the wardrobe? Anything is fine.”

  “Sure thing,” Dee replied, making a shooing motion toward the bathroom. “You’ve only got twenty minutes. No time to diva it up. Get a move on.”


  “All right already, bossy.” Grace rolled her eyes and chuckled at Dee’s mothering. She was happy to have her there.

  Grace rushed through her shower and found that Dee had brought in a pair of jeans and a black tank top. After drying herself off, she removed the tags from another set of matching bra and panties and shook her head. She still wondered how Matthew or Anabelle knew her exact size, but wasn’t about to ask. She was leaving that one alone.

  She quickly towel dried her hair and threw her long blonde locks into a messy bun, then put on her clothes. Dee was waiting for her in the chair when she opened the door to her bedroom.

  “Took ya long enough,” she teased. “We’ve got two minutes to spare. Let’s go.” Dee got up and headed for the door.

  “Oh hush.”

  Grace slipped on a pair of Chucks and followed her out the door.

  Once they arrived downstairs in the family room, Mathew and Genevieve were in the middle of a heated discussion. Dee and Grace paused at the entryway, then looked to one another and shrugged. They had no idea what the hybrids were arguing about.

  Grace cleared her throat. “Are we interrupting something?” she asked, raising a brow.

  Matthew stopped midsentence and looked up, not realizing that they had walked into the room. “No, everything is quite all right. Please come in and have a seat. Lunch will be served in a few minutes,” he said, looking back at Genevieve pointedly.

  “Girls, if you like, we can eat in the dining room,” Genevieve suggested.

  This time Dee replied. “No, the family room is fine, thank you.”

  “So, what was that all about?” Grace asked Matthew, taking a seat on the couch opposite him.

  Matthew looked nervous and glanced toward Genevieve. “It’s fine, Matthew. Just tell her. She will find out eventually anyway,” Genevieve said, leaning back against the sofa with a cup of tea in her hand.

  Grace waited patiently while Dee sat down beside her. She honestly didn’t think she could take any more surprises today.

  “It’s about Donavon. We believe he may have a stronger connection to you than we originally thought.” He paused, then continued, “The trance—it was quite unusual, unlike anything we have ever witnessed. If we cannot unlink the two of you, we’re afraid these episodes will become more frequent.” He took a long drink of Scotch.

  “What the hell?” Dee shouted. “Are you serious? Even after everything she’s been through? Is there nothing we can do to protect her, magically I mean?”

  Grace just sat there staring at Matthew. She wasn’t even shocked. She was expecting something like that—the freakin’ vampire’s mark was gonna be the death of her, literally.

  Screw that mess. She was gonna fight and live.

  Grace interrupted before Matthew could answer and looked at her friend. “Okay, Dee. Enough. I just have to learn how to protect myself. Worrying about it won’t fix anything. We can talk it over with your friend once she gets here. Now, who’s hungry?” She threw out her hands and stood up with a toothy grin.

  That got a laugh out of everyone, even Genevieve. “You’re absolutely right, my dear. I’d like to think we could teach you how to hone your magic in one day, but that’s simply unheard of. However, there is one thing we can try,” she said, looking at Dee then back at Matthew.

  “Well, what is it? Don’t leave a girl hangin’.”

  Dee answered. “She’s talking about teaching you how to find your center and locate your true magic—what you were born with.” She smiled knowingly at Genevieve then back at Grace.

  “Let’s do it. What should I do? Draw a pentagram or something?” Grace asked, looking around the room.

  Everyone laughed and Genevieve answered kindly. “No, child. Our magic doesn’t work like that. It comes from within. It is not like what you see in movies. It requires concentration and prayer.”

  “Okay, how? And where? I’ll just sit next to the fireplace, is that all right?” Grace asked.

  Matthew had been observing the women as they talked about awakening Grace’s magic. Her innocence of the world around her only made him want her more. He couldn’t help but smile when she spoke and made light of her situation. He knew most people would have already given up, but not Grace. She was strong and independent, another quality he loved. Love? Where did that word come from? He shook his head to clear his thoughts.

  “The floor is fine,” Genevieve replied, then stood from the couch to take a seat next to her. Dee followed, doing the same.

  Matthew remained seated on the couch and leaned forward. “Grace, you will need to clear your mind. I know you have yet to pray to our ancestors, but they will hear you—they know your soul.”

  Grace nodded and took a deep breath. She had no idea how to pray to ancestors she didn’t know, so she thought about her birth parents who had been witches before they died. Then asked for their guidance. She thought about the extended family that she never knew who died long before she was ever born and went on from there.

  Genevieve and Dee sat on the floor, each taking one of Grace’s hands to create the circle. “Now, holding hands strengthens the magic within the circle,” Genevieve began. “Since this is your first time calling upon the ancestors, we will guide you through it.” She nodded toward Dee.

  “I’ll begin,” Dee said. “It’s only a short prayer, but it should get you started. Grace, repeat after me.”

  Grace cleared her mind and concentrated on nothing but talking to the ancestors. She prayed they would hear her and answer her call.

  Ancients and Ancestors we call upon thee

  Lend Grace your power

  And awaken what she cannot see

  So we have called it

  So shall it be.

  The trio recited the spell three times in harmony. After the third incantation was complete, all at once flames roared to life inside the fireplace and the lights in the room flickered. An unnatural breeze flowed through the room blowing loose strands of Grace’s hair around her face. She felt a strange sensation building inside of her abdomen, then it began rushing throughout her veins. A strong force threw her backward, breaking the circle and a bright, pink stream of fireworks exploded from her fingertips.

  Grace sat up and looked down at her hands. “Holy shit! It worked!” she shouted. The room was silent. When she glanced around, everyone was staring at her with their mouths gaping open. “What? Did I do it wrong?” She scrunched up her face hitching up her right shoulder.

  Dee coughed. “Uh, no. But damn. I didn’t expect that.” She pointed to the now-charred lounging chair near the back window.

  “Oh. Oops.” Grace shrugged with a half-smile.

  “Well, I believe you found your center and much more, my dear,” Genevieve said. “Don’t worry about the furniture. You were wonderful.” She smiled proudly, then leaned over and hugged her.

  Anabelle arrived wheeling in a large food cart. “I see someone has found her magic,” she said with a smile, looking down at Grace.

  Grace smiled back and waved. What else was she supposed to do? She had no idea how that magic erupted from her hands, but damn it was cool. She wanted to do it again, but hunger won out when she saw the spread of food Anabelle had brought in.

  “Yes, she did and it seems she is much more powerful than we thought,” Matthew replied.

  “Thank you for the food,” Dee said to Anabelle as she walked over to food cart.

  There was a meat and cheese tray and everything one needed to make a ginormous sandwich. A vegetable tray sat to the side with an assortment of dips and a fruit tray on the other end.

  “Yes, thank you, Anabelle. Would you like to join us?” Matthew asked.

  “That is very kind of you, but no. I’ve already eaten,” she replied. “I’ll be in the kitchen if anyone needs me.” She nodded to everyone, then turned and left the room.

  After everyone made their plates and sat down to eat, Grace wondered how Anabelle fit in the picture. She knew hybrids didn’t age, b
ut the older woman had said she was Matthew’s aunt. He was at least one hundred and seventy-something years old. She wasn’t sure how it was even possible.

  “Matthew, I have a question,” Grace began and sat her plate on the table. “Is Anabelle a hybrid or something else?” she asked. “I don’t mean to be rude. I’m just curious.”

  ***

  Matthew choked on his food, not expecting the question. It wasn’t a subject that ever came up and he wasn’t prepared to answer. He took a drink of water and cleared his throat. “It’s a long story, but Anabelle is not my aunt by blood, but by marriage,” he replied and Grace saw a flash of pain move across his eyes.

  “Oh, I’m sorry I intruded. I didn’t mean—”

  Matthew cut her off. “No, it’s all right. My wife, Jessica, has been dead for over twenty-five years now. She was killed by a rogue vampire—we couldn’t save her. He bled her dry before we could reach him,” he took a breath, then continued, “Anabelle has been with me since her death. Jessica was the only family she had left and I love her as my own. It’s by choice that she works here at the plantation,” he concluded, getting up from the sofa to make himself another glass of Scotch.

  Matthew hadn’t thought about his wife in a long time. He loved her with his whole heart and when she was killed, a part of him died as well. Years passed by in a blur of killing bloodthirsty vampires, and each time felt like he was avenging his wife’s death. Until one day it didn’t. He was empty inside—without purpose.

  He realized that it wasn’t until Grace came into his life that he felt alive again. That thought alone tore through every fiber of his being and he had no idea how to react. What was it about the woman that filled the gaping hole in his heart? Matthew felt her soul the moment he sensed her on the street—that wasn’t normal. He knew he needed to speak to Genevieve about it. She was not only his coven leader, but also his oldest and dearest friend.

  “I’m so sorry, Matthew,” Grace said, walking toward him. When she met him at the bar, she took his hand in hers and looked into his eyes. She looked like she was fighting back tears. The remorse she felt was apparent in her voice when she said, “Please forgive me.”