by S. C. Storm
As he did every night, he told his mother he would do as she asked and keep his little brother or sister from harm. Unfortunately, he had not been able to keep his word to his mother. As she went into labor, the midwife saw there were complications. No one would allow him into her room. He could hear her screams as they filled the air. The fear that gripped him did not compare to the pain he felt when his father walked past and looked at him. There was no love in his eyes. There was no compassion. There was no pain. He simply said, “She is dead. The babe is a girl.”
After a while, the tears of a five-year-old boy passed. The loneliness sat in. No one had come to check on him. No one offered to take him upstairs. Nothing. He was alone. At least he thought he was, until he heard a muffled cry come from inside the room where his mother had passed. Carefully going over, he opened the door, peeping inside. Their nanny sat in the rocking chair he used to be rocked in, holding a bundle wrapped in a blanket. The only thing he could see was the patch of red hair showing at the top, the same hair as his mother’s. He looked over and saw his mother’s body lying on the bed, covered in a white shroud. Knowing she was gone, he moved closer to the babe. With a smile, the nanny held her down to him. That was when it happened. That was the moment when Deacon realized he would do anything to protect the little bundle his mother had died to bring into the world.
Pulling himself back to the present, he saw that Tessa’s car was outside neither Sebastian’s nor the Athertons’ homes. “Damn.” He sighed, pulling out his phone and dialing her once again. Still it went straight to voice mail. “You have to come back, little sister. You have to.” He turned the SUV around and headed for Crimson Island.
***
Crimson Island, Temptations
Making it to Temptations, Jasmyn followed her best friend Melody inside. The day had not been an easy one. Shortly after lunchtime, Melody had shown up at Jasmyn’s with a beer in hand. Ushering her inside, Jasmyn sat and listened as her friend told her what had happened when she visited Jason. She also saw the heartbreak cross Melody’s face as she spoke of the realization she had made. After all these years of loving Jason from afar, hoping to someday have a chance with him, Melody now knew it could never be. The pain had been more than she’d wanted to face sober. As the two friends sat talking, Melody had continued to drink. It had been no shock to Jasmyn when Melody announced she wanted to go out. She needed to unwind. Knowing her friend needed her, Jasmyn had agreed.
“I want to dance,” Melody announced as she stumbled slightly to her right.
Shaking her head, Jasmyn smirked. “You little drunk, maybe you should sit down for a few first.”
“I didn’t come here to sit. I came to dance, and I’m going to,” she snapped as she stumbled out onto the dance floor. It did not take her long to find an opening in the crowd and begin to move with the music.
Sighing, Jasmyn followed her friend, knowing she needed someone to keep an eye on her. Glancing around, she saw that most of the regular crowd was already there. Jason and Kane were in the back, shooting pool with Alexandra and Nia. Rayne was at the bar talking with Karina. But most notably to her, were the Athertons; Ryden and Rian were also in the back at the pool tables. Ryder was not too far away, busy talking with a very beautiful blonde vampire. By the way they chatted with the others, it was clear they were making friends quickly on the islands. For a moment, she wondered just how friendly. Shaking the thought, she let herself spare a glance at Ryder, then quickly looked away. Whom he talked with was none of her business. They had not seen or spoken to one another since things got a bit heated between them at her place. He had found out a secret she had long tried to keep from everyone. She wondered just how much him knowing of her lack of experience would affect things.
“Stop staring,” Melody attempted to whisper in her ear. “If I’m drunk and notice it, everyone else will.”
Cutting her eyes at her friend, Jasmyn growled low. “I was just seeing who was here.”
“Right. Keep telling yourself that.” Melody laughed as she turned back to sway with the music.
Shaking her head, Jasmyn followed as she put thoughts of Ryder in the back of her mind.
Noticing the new arrivals, Anton watched as they moved to the music. The human was obviously a keeper. Her blonde curls bounced as she moved her extremely shapely body. He could not deny her vivaciousness, or her ability to work her body in the most alluring of ways. Beside her was another of equal beauty. A wolf⸻a guardian to be exact. He could sense it from across the room. Taking in the sun-kissed tone of her skin, his first guess would be an island wolf. She was taller than the keeper, her curves subtle but still enticing. Her hair, a deep black, hung down her back almost reaching her very nice ass. He smiled as he watched the way they moved, complementing one another. Looking to Paul, he saw that he had also noticed them.
“Quite tempting, are they not?” Paul asked his brother as he killed the last of his vodka. His eyes had not left the pair since they hit the dance floor.
“That they are,” Anton answered, hearing his other brother Gerard moan. “I know you do not wish to play with a mutt, brother, so why don’t you find yourself something to do.” He got to his feet. Before the night was over, he planned on speaking with the Athertons. Till he was ready to acknowledge them, the two would provide perfect distractions.
“Which one do you want to have for the night, brother?” Paul smirked as he watched Gerard stalk off toward the bar.
“Honestly, it matters not,” Anton answered as he began to make his way across the dance floor. Nearing the dancing pair, he once again took in the movement of their bodies. He could already tell the keeper was drunk. With a shake of his head he reached out with his hand, letting his fingertips slowly run down the human’s arm. As she quickly turned he threw on his best smile. “Hello,” he said, immediately seeing her eyes widen.
Melody had to force herself not to gasp. The vampire standing before him was tall, muscular, and dreamboat attractive. His hair was dark and hung slightly in his face. His eyes were a deep blue and were almost impossible to look away from.
To say he was breathtaking would an understatement. Slowly, she worked her smile back into place. “Hi, yourself,” she returned as she noticed his fingers still tracing her arm.
“My name is Anton,” he told her as he glanced to his brother. “This is my brother Paul. We saw the two of you across the room and couldn’t resist coming over and saying hello.”
“I am damn glad you came,” Melody said as she looked at Paul. His looks were quite similar to his brother, with only a few exceptions. He was slightly shorter, his face hard, stern looking. His hair was cut short, and his muscles were, in her opinion, appetizing. Both brothers were simply amazing. “Hello, Paul, it’s nice to meet you. My name is Melody.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Melody,” Paul said with a slight bow of his head.
“A pleasure indeed,” Anton added as he glanced the wolf who was watching both him and his brother intently.
Melody caught Anton’s gaze. Turning, she immediately noticed that Jasmyn was on guard. “Jaz, say hi to Anton and Paul,” she demanded of her friend.
Giving Melody a look, Jasmyn smiled. “Hi, it’s nice to meet the two of you.”
“Jaz, is it?” Anton asked.
“Actually, it’s Jasmyn, but everyone calls me Jaz.”
“Ah, Jasmyn it is,” Anton added with a slight bow. Gesturing to his table, he smiled brightly. “Would you two join us for a drink?”
Not giving Jasmyn time to think it through, Melody snatched her hand. “We’d love to,” she answered as she followed behind the two of them.
Making it to Temptations, Deacon scanned the parking lot. He did not expect to see Tessa’s car there, but he had hoped. Once inside, he spotted the Fontenays. They were scattered about the club. Anton and Paul were in the company of Jasmyn, the wolf who had found the Athertons, and a human he immediately recognized as a keeper. He rolled his eyes. He didn’t wan
t to deal with the Fontenays any more than he had to. Knowing his father had decided to work with them annoyed him to no end. Still he could not dwell on his father’s schemes. No, finding his sister was far more important.
Looking toward the back of the room, he saw two of the Atherton brothers. He knew Ryder was in the room as well. He could sense him off to his left. He also felt his eyes boring into him. For the briefest of moments, he considered speaking to him, asking him for his help in locating Tessa. He knew, even after all these years, the Atherton brothers cared for his sister. This was something he needed to do on his own, however. The thought of him and Ryder mending fences was far-fetched. Their friendship had ended many years ago, and considering the circumstances, it would remain that way. His brothers, however, could answer questions he had. He made his way toward Ryden and Rian. “I am sorry to bother you, but have either of you seen or spoken to Tessa lately?”
Wondering about the tension he saw in Deacon, Ryden decided to answer. “No, we haven’t. Is she in trouble?”
“No, of course not,” Deacon answered with a shake of his head. “She left a note letting me know she was leaving. I do not like the idea of her out there on her own. I just wondered if she may have reached out to any of you to say good-bye.”
“No, she did not, but if I hear from her, I will make sure to let you know so you do not worry,” Ryden told him. He knew how close Deacon and his sister were. No matter how much he despised the way Deacon allowed himself to be at Richard’s beck and call, he knew Deacon loved his sister.
“Thank you,” Deacon said as he turned to leave.
“You know it may be a good thing that she is gone,” Rian interrupted, causing both his brother and Deacon to look his way. “What? I’m being honest. Richard is a dick to her. She doesn’t deserve that. Maybe she needs a break from him. She sure deserves it.”
“That may be true.” Deacon almost growled. “But she would not leave…me. She is my sister, and I do not like the idea of her out there alone, not with so many enemies in our midst. Just please let me know if you hear from her,” he added as he started to walk away.
“You are on Tempest, which is full of trackers, if you need them,” Rian suggested.
Glancing back at the younger Atherton, he nodded his head then kept walking. Glancing toward Ryder, he met his glare, then shrugged him off. All he was concerned with was finding his sister.
Listening to the vampire in front of him—a woman named Candace—ramble on, Ryder attempted to hide the contempt coursing through him at the sight of the Fontenays. The families had long known one another, but they had never been what you would consider friends. On the contrary, most days he and his brothers had to fake smiles and deal with them. Knowing their reputations, the sight of Jasmyn and her friend sitting with them made him somewhat wary. No, he had no control over what Jasmyn did, but he knew she had no idea what she could be getting into. Excusing himself, he ignored the go-to-hell look the blonde threw at him as he made his way over to his brothers. “I do not like this,” he told them as he motioned for another drink.
“You heard?” Ryden asked as he sunk another shot.
“Heard what?” Ryder inquired. Giving him a look, Ryder shrugged. “We all know how Anton and his brothers are. The only one of them worth a damn is Pierre. I do not like the idea of Jasmyn and her friend being in danger of their ways.”
Looking over to Anton and Paul, Ryden saw what his brother had noticed. They were not hiding the fact that they wanted to take the women home. Another fact that was blaringly obvious was just how drunk the keeper truly was. “I’m not a fan of it either, Ryder, but there is nothing we can do.”
“I know,” Ryder said as he continued watching. He saw that his brother Rian was just as angered as he was. “Anyway, what did Deacon want?”
With a sigh, Ryden told him what Deacon had said about Tessa as well as the rest of the conversation. “To say he was worried is an understatement.”
“I can see his point of view. Her being out there on her own is dangerous. Still, being away from Richard is most likely a comforting thought to her,” Ryder told them as he shook his head. “Perhaps we can think of a way to help find her.”
“That was the same thought I had.” Ryden nodded to the table. “I’ve beat Rian once again. Care to try your luck?” he asked, hearing his twin laugh as he picked up a stick.
Chapter 21
Bloodstone Island, Winthrop House
After briefing his partner about the goings on with the council and the Athertons’ seats, Richard finished his call. He got to his feet and began to pace. For some reason, he was anxious. Something was not sitting right with him. It was bad enough he was going to have to deal with the Athertons on the council, but there was more, something he was missing. His pieces were all aligned. Everyone knew their parts, but still he could sense something.
Deacon stood in the doorway watching his father without saying a word. He could easily see how unsettled the man was. He hated to abandon his father when he was needed, but he would not leave his sister unprotected. Everyone knew the reapers were on the move. Word of attacks were constantly being whispered about on the islands. He himself had heard of several vampires who had recently been killed as well as many vampire guardians taken in the line of duty. He could not fathom why Tessa would leave at such a dangerous point in time. Whatever her reasons, he had to tell Richard he was going after her, and he knew his father would not like it. “Father,” he said, letting his presence be known.
Turning, Richard shook his head. “I did not realize you were there, Deacon. For some reason, I have an uneasy feeling. Everything has been falling into place, with the exception of the Athertons joining the council, so I cannot pinpoint my restlessness.”
“Perhaps it has to do with your daughter.” Deacon sighed, seeing the look of anger that suddenly appeared on his father’s face. “She has taken off,” Deacon told him. He debated for a moment about mentioning the note, then decided not to. “I noticed her car was missing. I have checked each island. She is no longer on Tempest and will not answer her cell.”
“Damn her! I should have known she would be the cause of this unease. Things are finally going the way I want them, and she has to ruin it as usual.” He growled, going to the window. The thoughts of how she could undermine him crept into his mind. If Arthur or any other elder were to discover his and the other council member’s indiscretions with her, they would all be ruined. It was time for Tessa to meet her fate. He had kept her around far longer than he had planned. “Find her. Then bring her to me.”
“I was planning on going in search of her,” Deacon told him as he turned to leave the room. The tone of his father’s voice bothered him. “What do you plan to do when we return? She is an adult, Father.”
“No one, not even my grown children, disobey or disrespects me, Deacon. Now go. Find her and bring her to me,” he answered, clearly dismissing his son. Without another word, Deacon turned to leave the house. Locating his sister was the only thing on his mind.
***
Crimson Island, Temptations
“The two of you are quite intriguing,” Anton told Jasmyn and Melody as more drinks were delivered to their table. It was clear to him the wolf’s defenses were up. That was natural. He was noticing, however, that the more she drank, the more talkative she was becoming. He had found out which wolf family she was a part of. She was quite a bit like him and his brothers. She was one of the soldiers but not the pride and joy of the wolves. The keeper was quite similar. She knew one day she would step into the role of the Keeper Prime, yet she also knew she could never fill the shoes of the old woman at the resort.
“The two of you are too,” Melody told him as Jasmyn nodded in agreement. She kept her eyes on Anton the entire time she spoke to him. Although she was having a good time, she still caught herself glancing back to where the others were, wondering what Jason was doing. She would not let herself dwell though. Instead, she smiled brightly. “How abo
ut a dance?”
“How about you dance with Paul while I step over and say hello to some old friends,” Anton suggested as he motioned toward the Athertons.
“Sure.” Melody hopped to her feet. She reached her hand out to Paul, who took it and led her to the dance floor. She wrapped her arms around his neck as they began to move to the music.
“Would you like to accompany me over?” Anton asked Jasmyn.
Jasmyn glanced toward the back. Immediately, her eyes met those of Ryder’s. Looking back at Anton quickly, she shook her head. “No, go ahead. I’m going to wait here and finish my drink.”
“Of course,” he said, standing. Noticing the look that passed between her and Ryder, he leaned down, kissing her cheek lightly before walking away. Seeing the shocked look on the wolf’s face, he smiled to himself as he made his way over to the Athertons. “Hello, how are all of you?”
Having been distracted by Alexandra and Jason arguing over who was the better pool player, Ryden looked up when he heard Anton. “Glad you could make it, Anton,” he said, extending his hand. It had been many years since he had personally spoken to Anton or any of his brothers, of which he was glad. Word of their exploits seemed to travel the vampire world quite extensively. They were guardians who were good at what they did. Their methods left something to be desired, however. The only one of the brothers he or any of his family had ever been able to tolerate was the youngest, Pierre. Never had he acted in the same manner as his older siblings. Looking past Anton, he spotted Pierre by the bar, Paul on the dance floor, and Gerard talking with two women at a back table.
“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world, especially once I heard all of you had come out of hiding to ascend.” Looking to the other brothers, he said hello to them both.