by S. C. Storm
Watching his brother, Ryden smirked. His mind quickly went back to thinking about Richard and what he could be up to.
***
Moonstone Island
Lisa stood back watching Jason. Kane had called the wolves together to discuss the reaper problem and to assign patrols. While he was talking, Lisa had noticed Jason looked distracted. Thoughts of this morning came back to her. After Melody had left, Jason was quiet when he’d come back into the house. She had left soon after. Her attention was brought back as the wolves started leaving. Making her way to Jason, he started walking away. “Jas, hold up.”
Jason stopped and turned back to her. “I’ve got to get going. I’m on patrol tonight.”
“Yeah, so am I, but I think we have to talk.” Jason started to say something, but she put up her hand, stopping him. “Look, I don’t know what’s going on with you and Melody. I do know, that if there was a relationship between you two, last night wouldn’t have happened.”
Jason sighed. “There’s nothing between us.”
“But she wants there to be.”
“Yeah and I…” Jason thought for a second. “I just can’t though.”
Lisa put her hand on his arm. “Hey, I get it. You’ve got a lot going on. Being pure-blooded isn’t easy, not for you, not for me. It’s always in the back of my mind that, unless I mate with a full-blood, it ends with me. I hate the thought, but I know it’s true. For you, you not only have that, but you’re the Guardian Alpha. That’s a lot more on you.”
“Damn, Lis, hearing you put it like that makes it sound bad.”
“It’s not, Jas. It’s just the way our lives are,” Lisa said. “Look, it could happen between you and Melody one day.”
Jason shook his head. “I don’t see how.”
“You never know.” She leaned up and kissed him. “Don’t worry about it so much. If it’s meant to be, it will.”
Jason put his arms around her, holding her tight. “For you too, Lis.”
Lisa hugged him, then stepped away. “Yeah, someday. I’ve got to go.”
“Me too. Be careful out there,” Jason told her.
Lisa smiled cheekily. “Don’t I always?” Not waiting for an answer, she took off.
***
Obsidian Island, Atherton Estate
Ryden stood in front of the mirror, checking his attire one last time. Although he could care less what the other council members thought, he did want to represent his family properly. As he stood there, the past came back to him.
As the oldest of the Athertons, it had been Ryden’s duty to serve the king, and he did this with pride, knowing he was following in his father’s footsteps. Ryden had been brought into the elite guard at an early age. In no time, he’d soared through the ranks and became, as his father had been, one of the king’s personal guards. Most knew what their jobs had been. Any threat to the crown was to be eliminated before it became known to the kingdom. Mason Atherton had long been known as one of the most trusted men in the king’s court. Throughout his time at his side, Mason had eliminated many threats. Then, it has been his son’s turn, and he was just as good. Ryden’s own reputation had been building. He was quickly becoming the king’s lead assassin.
Ryden thought of another who had joined the guards at the same time, Edmund Winthrop. Where his brother Ryder had formed a friendship with Deacon, there was no such friendship between him and Edmund. From the time they were able to hold swords, he and Edmund had been rivals. It had been Edmund’s goal to be the best at everything, even if he’d had to cheat. Ryden had recognized that in him at an early age. Still, Ryden had never imagined something would happen between the two of them that would change so many lives.
Word of a plot to assassinate the king had reached the captain of the guards. Ryden, already one of the kings most trusted guards, had been taken aside and informed of the plot and the plan to kill the traitor. It was no surprise to him that it had been Edmund. To Ryden, Edmund’s downfall had come from his own foolishness. Although he had been good at what he did, he had still had a weakness: Women. He’d cared not if they were wed, betrothed, or merely not interested in him. He would persist, being known as a cruel man and lover who would take what would not be given to him.
Ryden recalled the night Edmund had crossed a line no man should have dared cross⸻his brother’s betrothed, Cassandra. Sebastian, Cassandra’s brother, had recounted the tale to Ryden, as what had been told to him by his sister.
On the night Ryden was to take down Edmund, Cassandra strolled home from a meet with her closest of friends. It had started to sprinkle. Cassandra hurried down the street, hoping to beat the approaching rain storm. With many on the streets not knowing what she was, she dared not teleport. Passing an alleyway, she’d realized someone was behind her. She’d looked back, seeing Edmund.
“Hello, Edmund, I did not realize that was you,” she said with a smile.
As Edmund stared at her, Cassandra knew what he was thinking. He wanted her. He had always wanted her. He had watched her grow from a child into a beautiful woman. He had sought her hand but was refused by her father. His reputation with the ladies had preceded him. Instead, her father had sought Deacon. Even his brother had been a second choice, however. The Myddleton patriarch had wanted Ryder Atherton for his daughter’s husband but had been refused. Edmund knew why. Ryder and his brother, Deacon, were as close as brothers, and Deacon had never hidden his feelings for Cassandra away. Cassandra knew all this.
Nervously, Cassandra’s eyes darted around, hoping someone was near, but the streets were empty. She could hear Edmund’s thoughts. In his mind, his father’s words played over and over. Never let someone take what you want. He wanted her, and no one would stop him. Staring, he took in her blue eyes and porcelain face. All his life he had seen her as perfection. He reached out and touched her cheek, then growled as she pulled back slightly. “Do not deny me, Cassandra. I’ve wanted you far longer than my brother. I feel as though I am owed my turn.”
Smelling the liquor on his breath, she sighed. “Edmund, please do not do this. This would cause more trouble than anyone would want,” she told him, trying not to anger him with a direct refusal. She had heard the stories of how he treated those who turned him away.
“I like trouble,” he growled as he pushed her against the wall. He pulled at her bodice as he pressed his forearm against her throat. He had not expected her to fight so. Yes, she was a vampire, but still he was stronger. She, however, was determined. Feeling her knee when it connected to his groin, he let out a groan. His grip loosened. Taking advantage, Cassandra pushed him away and took off at a run. Looking back, she saw him start after her and then stop. She calmed herself enough to finally vanish for home.
Inside the house, Cassandra was almost up the stairs when her brother appeared before her. “What has happened?” Sebastian asked.
Staring up at him, she searched her mind for a lie but could not. She had never lied to her brother and could not start now. Instead she collapsed against him, telling him of her encounter with Edmund. Although she could feel his anger, he said nothing. He did as any good brother would do and held her while she cried. Once her tears ended, he led her to her room and saw her in for the night. With a kiss to the top of her head, he shut her door and made his way out of the house.
Ryden had been standing in the shadows. A figure approached, and he knew it was Sebastian. He stepped out in front of him.
Nearing the spot where Cassandra had been attacked, Sebastian sensed he was not alone. “Ryden, what are you doing here?”
“Waiting for you,” he answered.
“You saw what he did?” Sebastian asked, his anger brewing.
“No, I came in search of him and overheard his bragging while he was in the pub. I had a feeling you would come, so I waited for you,” he told his friend. He could see the fury in Sebastian’s eyes and did not blame him. “You need to return home, Sebastian. It would be for the best. I promise you.”
�
�Ryden, what is happening? Tell me or I will go take my justice on that animal now,” Sebastian demanded with a growl.
Sighing, Ryden told him of the guard’s uncovering of a plot to assassinate the king. Seeing the realization in his friend’s eyes, he nodded. “Yes, Edmund is the one behind it. He apparently mentioned it to a bar wench several nights before. She in turn came to the castle to report his threats. His death has been ordered by the king. I’ve been told to shadow him and take him out before he can see the threats through.”
“He will die tonight. I will not wait.” Sebastian stepped forward again, but Ryden stopped him. “My sister deserves justice. You know this.”
Nodding, Ryden looked in his friend’s eyes. “Go home, Sebastian. I will do what must be done, but you cannot. You would be killed for taking the life of one of the king’s guard. Please, do as I ask. I promise you, Edmund will not see morning.”
Sebastian knew his friend was correct. He would be killed for murder, and Cassandra would blame herself. Grasping Ryden’s shoulder, he nodded. “I always knew he was a bastard, but I had no idea how deeply it ran. Do what you must.”
“Tessa,” Ryden sighed as he looked at the pub once more. “She will hate me.”
“No, I will make sure she knows the truth of everything. I promise you this, my brother,” Sebastian told him.
Ryden nodded, then watched as Sebastian vanished.
Staying in the shadows, Ryden waited. He knew that before dawn Edmund would make his way for home. He hoped, however, that none were foolish enough to accompany him. As the hours passed, he thought of the repercussions of what he was about to do. Ryder and Deacon’s friendship might never survive such a blow. The two of them had been inseparable since they were children. Then there was Tessa. Of all the Winthrops, she was the one he worried about the most. She had always been more like a sister to his brothers and himself. She scolded them when need be, was a shoulder if they needed one. She loved her brothers, it was clear to see, but they also knew there was a fear in her when it came to Edmund. Even Tessa knew of his monstrous ways and his lack of empathy for those he saw as beneath him. He hoped what he must do would not make her despise him.
Seeing Edmund emerge alone, he waited until Edmund neared him before he stepped out of the shadows showing himself. “We must talk, Edmund.”
Laughing, Edmund shrugged his shoulders. “I assumed the little trollop would send her big brother after me. What, did big brother Bastian run to his best mate for help?” Edmund sneered.
“No, Sebastian came here aiming to kill you, and I sent him away,” Ryden told him. He saw the look on Edmund’s face change then. “I came here by order of the king.”
Growling, Edmund crouched. “Do not think I am unable to kill you, Ryden. You may be one of his best, but I received the same training as you and your brothers.”
“This I know.” Ryden growled low. “Unfortunately, you did not receive the same sense of honor. You have plotted to kill your king. You have raped and abused scores of women. There is no good in you, Edmund. You deserve to die.”
“Perhaps you are right, but I do not think you are the man to do it.” Edmund roared as he rushed his adversary. He lunged at Ryden, taking him off his feet. He landed blow after blow, letting all his anger and frustration from his run-in with Cassandra flow through him. He would kill an Atherton before daybreak and be in his father’s good graces by noon.
Seeing the rage in Edmund’s eyes, Ryden knew he had the upper hand. He saw it when Edmund’s thoughts seemed to waver. Using his strength, he threw the man off him. Edmund was back to his feet quickly, but it did not matter. Ryden landed a kick to the side of his head, staggering him backward. Advancing on him, he landed several blows to Edmund’s face. The anger never left Edmund’s eyes. All the hate seethed from him as Ryden beat him into submission. Once Ryden had taken all he could, Edmund slumped on his knees, staring up. “You should have known someone would find out your plans, Edmund.”
“It was that bar whore who told, wasn’t it? I should have known she could not keep her mouth shut. No one can keep secrets anymore. No one like my father and myself, that is.” He looked up at Ryden once more. “Do what you must, but be prepared. You take my life, and he will make yours true hell. I promise you that.”
“I do not doubt he will.” Ryden sighed. “On behalf of the king, Edmund Winthrop, you are charged with treason. Your sentence is death,” Ryden announced as he produced his sword from its sheath and beheaded him where he knelt. Staring at the body of his fallen enemy, he knew what he must do. He had to be the one to tell Ryder and Sebastian himself. He could not leave them to wait on the announcement. They had to be prepared for what was to come. Collecting the body, he vanished for the castle to inform the king of the traitor’s death.
Hearing his brothers’ voices brought Ryden back to the present. He knew taking his father’s council seat was what brought on these memories. He also knew Edmund’s words had been correct. Richard had made life for the Athertons hell. After news of Edmund’s death had spread, Richard had sworn vengeance on Ryden. A few years later, their parents had been murdered as they traveled to a neighboring keep. It had been written off as bandits, however Ryden knew who was behind it. Most bandits did not choose to behead those they killed. The death of Edmund had also come between Ryder and Deacon for a time.
Shaking off the lingering memories, he collected himself. Taking a deep breath, he made his way down to the family room. He glanced up at the portrait hanging on the wall. His parents had both been guardians. Both descendants of the first⸻purebloods. Mason Atherton and Elizabeth Claremont had met in battle and had fallen in love quickly. Although the fight against the reapers had eventually slowed, their responsibilities had not. He had always wondered if it had been those responsibilities that had driven them apart, or if something else had happened that none of them were aware of. Either way, it had happened. Before their deaths, he had been able to see the distance between them. His father was withdrawn and his mother always appeared to be heartbroken. Perhaps that is what love was⸻pain and heartbreak.
“If it is, I have no want of it,” Ryder said as he entered the room. “Still, our parents were not the poster children for normal parents nor a normal relationship.”
“I know, but we will honor them with this ceremony tonight,” Ryden told his brother as Ryder poured the two of them a drink.
“And I am proud to do so, brother. Do not think otherwise, but you and I both know whatever happened between them affected us all more than we care to admit,” Ryder mumbled as he killed half his drink.
“Now is not the time to do this,” Rian said as he stepped into the room. “We all know mother and father had issues. They had been together a long time before having all of us. Time had taken its toll on them. Let it go.”
Ryder glanced over at him. “Of course, little brother, but I do have a thought to leave the two of you with,” he said, watching Ryden roll his eyes. “If time took its toll on them, why did they have us? Think about it. If you are falling out of love with your spouse, why would you drag children into it? In my opinion, the separation came after us. Something caused it.”
Staring at him, Rian started to speak when he heard the doorbell ring. They looked at one another, then headed toward the foyer to greet the arrivals. Rafael was there allowing the entire council to walk in, led by Arthur of course. Stepping forward, they greeted everyone and invited them to join them in the family room.
Once everyone was seated, Arthur made his way up to the head of the room, Mileena at his side. “Hello all.” He smiled, hearing them greet him. “Tonight, we are gathered to appoint Ryden and Ryder Atherton to their inherited council seats. For over a thousand years, this council has reigned as the ruling party of the vampire race. We have made laws, enforced said laws, ended disputes, as well as started some of our own.” He heard slight laughter from around the room. “The Atherton and Claremont families were two of the families chosen by the goddess to be a
t her side. They became her guardians, protectors of not only her power but the wondrous beings she created. Oddly enough, those two families found their way to one another. They became one. Standing before us are the fruits of that union. All three sons are destined to ascend. All three sons are destined to greatness. All three sons will defend the vampire race at all costs. Knowing this, it is with a heavy heart that I must drop more responsibility into their laps. Although, I do believe Sebastian should be the one at blame.” He laughed. Everyone joined in.
“Thanks a lot,” Ryder said to Sebastian, seeing him mock bow at everyone.
Clearing his throat, Yuri Orloff pulled himself up out of his chair. “Arthur, I know as the oldest vampire here you are head of this council. Still, I must say what is on my mind. Issues with other council members aside, I do believe this to be a mistake.” He paused to fight against the pain coursing through his body. Once he was able, he continued. “It has been many years since the vampires before us have done anything for the vampire race. Look at us. We are dying. Had they done as they were expected, this would not be happening. These seats would have never been vacated. They return and you suddenly place all your trust in them. I must say, for all to hear, I oppose these appointments. I do not think they have proven themselves worthy just by showing up.”
With a sigh, Arthur shook his head. “Your concerns will be remembered, Yuri. However, none of us can deny them their rightful place. It is the law, the law I am sworn to uphold. I hope someday you will realize it was the right thing to do.”
Nodding his head, Yuri slowly sat back down. “Please continue, Arthur. I have voiced my concern. I shall not interrupt anymore.”
Regaining his composure, Arthur continued. “As we all know, this council has always held true to the respect of the elders of our people,” he said, looking to Mileena. She stood and brought him the chalice. Slowly, he unwrapped the cloth from around it. Suddenly the smell filled the room. “The blood of the eldest living vampire,” he murmured as he held up the chalice. “Come forth, both of you.” Stepping forward, the twins knelt in front of Arthur, their heads bowed. “With honor, I bestow you with the strength and wisdom of our race. From this day forward you will place the vampire race before all else. Look upon the chalice.”