Dangerous Sacrifice (The Harcourte Vampyre Society Book 6)

by Morgan Kelley

  “Katya, don’t kill him. I need him to control Jolie Harcourte. If you fail, you die.”

  She knew better than to upset him.

  “I’ll behave, Master.”

  And she would.

  For now...

  ∞ Chapter Thirty-Three ∞

  Gradius got the call. He knew exactly where Jolie was hiding. He knew where to find her, and he was going to take her back to Paris with him.

  “How do I know they’re there?” he asked. “How do I know this isn’t a trap?”

  “Have I lied to you yet?”

  He knew she hadn’t.

  “Very well. How do you know they’d hide there?” he asked.

  “They recently had a ceremony,” said the voice on the phone.

  “What kind of ceremony?” questioned Gradius. He wanted nothing more than getting his hands on this woman. Once he did, he’d kill her mates and move on.

  “It was a wedding,” was the reply. “There was a woman who did the ceremony. She hosted it at her house.”

  “So you think they are hiding there?” His mood improved greatly at the new lead. “What’s the address?”

  The voice on the phone wavered as if conscious had kicked in and minds were changing. “One-Twenty Old Creek road,” offered the voice right before the line went dead.

  Gradius was pacing a hole in his carpet as Katya came into the room. She was covered in blood from her plaything downstairs.

  “He knows nothing, Master,” she said, stripping off her leather gloves. “I worked him over to the point he was weeping. He doesn’t know where his sister is.”

  That was fine by him.

  They were ready to move.

  “We have new information,” he said, taking a seat. When he patted his lap, Katya headed his way. “She is hiding at this address.”

  Katya took the paper. Part of being Gradius’s guardian meant that she got to enjoy his body. The sex was always barbaric, brutal, and hotter than hell.

  “I’ll handle it.”

  “But first,” he said, as he kissed her roughly. She didn’t fight, and he liked that about his plaything.

  When he finished feasting from her mouth, he stared into her green eyes. “I want her found. I want the woman who helped them, and I want this ended. Am I clear?”

  She got it.

  He wasn’t happy.

  “I’ll send more Tueur immediately.”

  That was exactly what he wanted to hear.

  “You won’t fail me, will you, Katya?”

  She smiled sweetly at him. “Have I ever, Master? You know I enjoy making you happy.”

  She wiggled wantonly in his lap. He smelled like another woman, and she didn’t like that at all. She was his favorite pussy, and it had taken years to earn that.

  When he licked his lips, and his eyes bled black, she knew he was aroused. It was time to tease him more.

  “I’ll be going.” She went to stand, but his hand went to her arm. “Master?”

  He checked out the vampyre standing before him. Not only did she do a damn good job at protecting and torturing, but she was also his favorite sex toy.

  Well, almost his favorite.

  She reminded him of his brother’s pet—Jolie Harcourte.

  “Katya, I feel the need to hurt something, and you’re conveniently here,” he said growling low in his chest. “Satiate my need, and then you get me the woman.”

  He ripped his claws across her chest, tearing open the leather like wrapping paper on Christmas day. When he slammed her back and onto his desk, she stared up at him.

  “Katya.”

  “Yes, Master, hurt me,” she said as she braced for his blows.

  * * * H a r c o u r t e * * *

  Early Monday

  Morning

  Jolie had rested for as long as she dared. They needed to be ready to move, and that meant being prepared. As she and her mates planned the next strategy, they knew what they needed to do.

  “They aren’t coming with us.”

  Flynn was in agreement.

  “If they come, they’ll be at risk. We’re going to move with as few people as possible. We’ll send them back,” Jacques stated.

  Jolie agreed.

  “Percy and Mina will head back to the house. They’ll be safe now that the Tueur knows I’m here. They won’t bother the family. They’ve sniffed me out.”

  Sadly, she was right.

  “Tommy can go back to work. Someone has to watch the police force. We have betrayers there, and he’s got to police it for you.”

  She agreed. “Give him the information to contact the council. If a hunter comes, tell him to leave.”

  They’d made up their minds.

  “So, it’s just the four of us.”

  They knew it had to be that way. What was coming was a million times more dangerous. They were only as weak as the weakest link, and that was the family.

  From here on out, they moved alone.

  “We’ll tell him.”

  Jolie knew the battle was coming. Tommy Gress loved his partner. He’d want to fight beside him. Only they couldn’t risk Camille. She was with child.

  Then there was Cari.

  She was an innocent child. Her life should be filled with kittens and party dresses—not killers and Tueur.

  As they headed toward Kiera’s spare bedroom, they could hear them talking. Knocking on the door, Tommy opened it for them.

  “We were just discussing you,” he said. “Are we moving onto France next?” asked Gress, as he took Camille’s hand in his.

  They looked better, so that meant they’d worked out the drama.

  Flynn broke the news.

  “We are. You’re not.”

  “Mistress?” asked Camille, confused by what he was saying. “You need people to guard you. I know I’m not old or a killer, but I would die for you.”

  Jolie hugged her.

  “And that’s why you can’t come. I love you, Camille. I know you’re supposed to help me with the babies, but until Flynn can take out the head of the Tueur, you’re not safe.”

  “We can go,” Tommy offered.

  “We’re hunted, and I can’t risk you both or Cari. Let me rephrase that. I won’t risk you. I want you to head back to New Orleans. If you stay with us, you could get hurt.”

  Gress stared at her for a moment. “Are you sure that’s wise. I know Flynn is strong, but...”

  “She’s safer with fewer people around her. We can move faster. Let’s face it, Tommy. Jacques and Jolie are old. I’m a demon. We won’t be stopped. You and Camille are going to slow us down, especially with a child.”

  They all glanced over at Cari.

  Tommy didn’t buy it for a second. He knew what his friend was doing. He was giving them an out.

  “Thank you.”

  He hugged his partner.

  “You make sure you come back, Flynn. We’re cops. We need to be cops.”

  They didn’t tell anyone that when they killed the head of the Tueur, they’d be staying in Paris. Flynn had promised to take over for Death.

  He made a vow.

  “Sure, Tommy. The first beer is on me.”

  Tommy didn’t buy that either.

  He knew this could very well be goodbye. His best friend, his brother, his partner, might not make it back.

  Tommy hugged Jolie. “You be careful. You stay safe, and if you need us, the family will come. We’ll be on the first flight here to fight by your side.”

  She touched his cheek. “Percy is going to run the family until I can get back. You’re the cop. You get to make sure he’s running it the right way.”

  “I promise.”

  Jacques hugged Camille. “You tell Cari that we love her, and as soon as we can, we’ll see her again.”

  They would all miss her.

  “I will.”

  Flynn tossed him keys. “Get them out of here. Percy and Mina are going too.”

  Camille picked up Cari. “Mistress, thank you
. Without you, I wouldn’t have any of this.”

  Tears filled her eyes.

  “I’m hard to kill,” she vowed. “I’ll be back.”

  Flynn and Jacques took her hands in theirs. They knew how hard this was for her.

  “Next?” Flynn asked.

  “Kiera.”

  They knew what they needed to do.

  Heading into the other part of the cottage, they found Kiera in the kitchen alone.

  She looked distracted.

  “Are you feeling okay, Kiera?” asked Jolie, joining her at the table for some tea.

  “I have this uneasy feeling.”

  Truth be told, she couldn’t reach the man in her head. He’d vanished, and it was scaring her. Maybe he was dead.

  It made her want to cry, but she didn’t know why.

  “We need another favor, and I know I have no right to ask, but I will.”

  “What?”

  “I want you to pack a bag and take a vacation. We can send you anywhere you want, but I need you to leave.”

  Kiera looked at her as if she had lost her mind. “This is my home. Where would I go?”

  “Anywhere.”

  “I can’t, Jolie. I’m sorry, but this is my solace. I have a business to run. Why are you worried all of a sudden?” she asked.

  “If I’m being hunted, they will eventually find out that you hid me. I fear that it will get you killed. Please. Take a vacation.”

  Kiera shook her head. “I’ll be safe. I can guard my home,” she said patting her hand. “Are you leaving?”

  “Yes. I’ve sent the family home. We’re going on alone.”

  Kiera touched her hand. “You’re doing what’s right. I can feel it. They’ll be safe. Once they’re away from you, they’ll live. I promise.”

  That helped her relax.

  “My fate is here. I know I need to be here.”

  She was so stubborn.

  “Please.”

  “Jolie, go. You’re wasting time. You need to leave here. Our paths aren’t done yet. We’ll be crossing again. I can feel it in my heart.”

  She was right.

  Time was fleeting.

  “Thank you for all you’ve done, Kiera. I wish I could repay you.”

  “There’s no need, Jolie. I’m glad I’ve met you. Now let’s get you ready. It’s time you moved on from Ireland.”

  She was right.

  They could all feel it.

  It was time to leave, and fast.

  * * * H a r c o u r t e * * *

  It was hard to say goodbye.

  But somehow, she did it.

  Percy and Tommy took the women and left by vehicle. They would head to the opposite side of Ireland, wait a couple days, and head out.

  It might confuse the Tueur enough to buy them some time. As soon as they were gone, Jolie hugged Kiera and they headed on their way. They were flying out by private plane.

  Jacques had pulled some favors, transferred some money he’d had hidden in secret accounts, and got them out of the country.

  The Tueur, while long reaching, knew their present identities, they didn’t know all of them. Over all the years, they’d had a few, and some had died, some had disappeared, and some had retired.

  The only thing that remained constant was that they each had a hidden bankroll. Jacques set them up in case something like this had happened.

  He was grateful he had.

  Now it was time to head out.

  It was going to be a long trek, but they were glad to be on the move. They needed to get Jolie out of there, and fast.

  As they hit the airfield, she didn’t speak. The men in her life knew what was bothering her.

  Jolie wasn’t worried for her, she was worried about her family. They tried to reassure her over and over, but it was falling on deaf ears.

  Jolie had that sick feeling, and she couldn’t shake it.

  The entire flight, she was worried. Until the family returned to New Orleans, she’d be on edge.

  It’s simply what a primus did.

  This was her job.

  When they touched down, there was a vehicle waiting for them. Jacques had called up a car, and it was just like Flynn’s Hummer back home.

  They needed something to ground them.

  They didn’t know what the hell this ‘secret lair’ was going to be like. After all, it was forged by a demon so many thousands of years ago.

  Hell!

  It could be filled with skeletons for all they knew. If Death had kept it lying around, it had to be special.

  When they loaded up, Jolie sat in the back, her earbuds in as she listened to incredibly loud music.

  She needed to stop thinking.

  This was how she did it.

  Jolie watched the landscape pass as they climbed the mountain toward their new retreat.

  They weren’t kidding when they were assured this hideaway was secure.

  It certainly was that.

  The road, to the lair on the cliff, was steep and only one vehicle could be on the road leading up at one time.

  There was a sheer drop off on one side and a granite cliff on the other. A French goat wouldn’t even attempt this terrain. Then there was the drive time up the hill, it would definitely take a while to get where you were going but then that would be to their advantage.

  Once Vanth or Flynn felt someone attempting the road, they would have plenty of time to prepare.

  Or maybe escape.

  But to where?

  Jolie could feel her mates watching her, so she opened her eyes. It was time to stop hiding. It was time to prepare for what they were about to deal with in their new home.

  In Rinnon’s old home.

  “What are you thinking?” Jacques asked. “Are you worried we’ll fall off the cliff and plunge to our demise? Or are you worried that the Tueur will find us up here?” he asked.

  “I’m thinking about both,” admitted Flynn.

  “They could get to us, but they would be on foot, and that would buy us enough time,” Jacques offered.

  That was reassuring.

  “Does this fortress have a back door?” asked Jolie.

  They looked at Flynn.

  “No, but it also has a few secrets.”

  “Like?”

  “I wish I could remember. I don’t recall everything yet. My other half is only getting his memories back little by little.”

  They understood.

  “No one knows where we are. We’ll be safe.”

  They were glad Jolie wasn’t too worried.

  “We’re here,” Flynn said suddenly.

  There was a warm rush of energy flooding the vehicle. The second it did, Flynn’s eyes bled black and his fangs erupted from his mouth.

  “How do we find it?” Jolie asked.

  “I’m the key.”

  They stared at him.

  “What?” Jacques asked.

  “No one can enter without me. I’m the key.”

  They knew he meant Rinnon. It was clear that he was there instead of Flynn.

  “I don’t see it,” said Jolie, staring out the window. “Where is it?”

  Flynn opened the door. In front of them was nothing but vast openness and a pile of useless rocks. In fact, it felt out of proportion to the naked eye.

  “It’s here.”

  The two vampyres stared back and forth.

  They still couldn’t see it.

  Flynn touched both of their foreheads, and the second he did, they were able to see it.

  “Well, holy shit,” said Jacques as his mouth hung open. What stood in front of them was nothing less than a monstrous castle. It was built into the mountain, and was intimidating.

  Well, this answered the question of where a demon would hang his hat.

  “Wow,” said Jolie. “It’s…” She just stared. “It’s built of stone.”

  Flynn laughed. “I love this place,” he offered. “I remember it now.”

  They watched him move toward it
, and they followed. As he approached a blank wall of rock, he touched it.

  Immediately, the wall changed and there was a door.

  “What the…?” Jacques said.

  Jolie simply stood there.

  When he turned around, he was grinning. “Welcome home, family.”

  Sweeping Jolie up into his arms, he carried her inside. Where they thought it would look like the inside of the cave, it didn’t. It was amazing.

  “I don’t know what to say,” Jacques offered.

  Jolie did.

  “Is anyone else curious to explore it?” she asked.

  Flynn grinned, giving her a kiss. “I think we should. I need to reacquaint myself with her.”

  “Her?” they said together.

  “She has a life of her own.”

  They listened, and they could swear they heard the place breathing and a heartbeat. Flynn was right. This was a living entity, waiting for her master to return.

  It was special.

  It was part of him.

  “I need to wander,” Jolie said, running her hands across her belly. “I hope there’s a place to have a nursery.”

  “She will provide whatever you need.”

  Jacques couldn’t wait. This was going to be their home, and they might as well enjoy it.

  “We always did like an adventure.”

  “Where’s Vanth?” Jolie asked.

  “She’s in her room.”

  They looked over at him.

  “What?”

  “She has a room?”

  He laughed. It was deep, thick, and very masculine. “Like I said, it’s starting to come back to me.”

  As they headed down a long hall, the temperature got a little cooler. It was clear they were heading into the bowels of the mountain.

  “I like it,” Jacques said, admiring the art on the walls. It was old, and appeared to be placed there after Rinnon left.

  “Death kept it for me, so she likely picked out all the things in here.”

  Jolie held on as he carried her around.

  “You could put me down,” she offered.

  He whispered in her ear, “I could, but then I couldn’t feel my wife against my body. This is my luxury.”

  Her heart skipped.

  “I think the family room is this way,” he offered.