A Crown of Blood and Bone: Paranormal Romance (The Shadow Walkers Saga Book 1)

by Sloane Murphy

  “Maddie!” I hear Nate’s cry from behind me, and it gives me the boost I need. I place my hands on the Lycans head rather than dodging his blows and twist as hard as I can. The bones shatter and he drops to the floor. Before he even hits the ground, I spin to face the Dracul, my blood running down his face. The pain of my shoulder barely even registers as I dart forward and begin the dance again, him distracted by the scent of blood, I put him down too.

  The sound of a shotgun cracks out in the air, and my gaze whips to the direction of the noise. My dad and brothers emerging from the house, weapons in hand.

  It does not take long for the rogues still standing to flee, not all make it out, as my faction reigns their anger down upon them. Soon, silence fills the air once again, the disabled rogues shot, no longer a threat, the sounds of crying the only thing to break it.

  “Celeste,” Abel cries, dropping to his knees, her head in his lap, her throat ripped out, so is her heart.

  “Is everyone else okay?” I ask my dad as I reach him, but he shakes his head. I follow his line of sight, and see Gabriel on the ground, not getting back up, and next to him, unmoving, is Ben.

  “No,” I gasp, my feet moving before I take note, bringing me to the fallen elder. I don’t bother checking for a pulse, the hole in his chest tells me he’s not getting back up. The matching one in Gabriel breaks something inside me.

  “How the fuck did this happen?” I look to the Hunters around me, still standing, anger a matching look on every face. “And how the hell did we not know about rogues banding together in these numbers?”

  No one says a word as I look back down to Ben’s face. “This will not go unanswered,” my dad says, fiery rage heating his words. “We will mourn and give the fallen the respect they deserve in passing, but then. Then we hunt.”

  Twenty-Seven

  It’s taken two days to get to this point. To contact the loved ones of the fallen and make the necessary arrangements. The faction is up in arms about the loss of an elder, and my dad has been asked to step up in the interim.

  To cover and look over our territory on this continent.

  In those two days, I have been bitched at by my brothers, their emotions over-running, about being too calm, too still. What they don’t know is that the anger is there, deep in the pit inside me, but I hone it. As I have always done, to be unleashed when it is most needed. Which will come when we hunt.

  Bauer has already started putting feelers out, trying to find out some news on when the rogues from those two factions started working together, who leads them, and whether it was planned by the heads of those factions. He doesn’t know what I do. That Roman and Kain would never put my life at risk as it was at that barbeque, but still the question remains, if not them, then who?

  I told neither of them what happened, and yet, they both still knew. Blowing up my phone day and night for the last two days, while I’ve spent the time talking to funeral homes, arranging a plot for Ben, a cremation for Celeste and Gabriel as per Abel’s wishes, while the others bitched and moaned, getting very little done.

  Maddie looked as exhausted as I felt when I left my dad’s last night. I finally called it a day around midnight, crawling back to my apartment, to my bed. Which is exactly where I am now, trying to not feel about everything I lost when Ben’s life was taken. All the possibilities squandered. Because I don’t want to be a selfish, heartless bitch. But my friend is gone. I know I will see him again, but it will not be in this lifetime. Of that I am sure.

  The funerals are tomorrow, so I am taking today for myself. A day away from everyone, to just be. To embrace the fact that I survived and take care of myself. Just for one day. So, I climb out of bed and head to the bathroom and start to run myself a lavender and lily bubble bath.

  Sushi appears at my feet, so I pick him up and pet him, enjoying his quiet company. “I better get you some breakfast,” I say softly and pad my way through to the kitchen, going through the motions, almost feeling like I’m in the past, before I knew about Hunters and monsters and magic. When I’m done with Sushi’s breakfast, I pop some bread in the toaster, then put on the coffee machine, enjoying the stillness of the morning.

  I eat my breakfast while I wait for the tub to fill, and once it is, I sigh as I sink into the hot, steaming water. My hair piled on my head to keep it dry as I can, I lay back, and let the water relax the kinks and tensions of my muscles.

  Closing my eyes, I let myself drift off, and think of happier times. Trudging across Europe with Kain. Exploring ruins buried deep in the green forests with Roman. Living the life of luxury with Creek in England, amongst the royals who we had befriended on the battlefield.

  So much time, so many memories, and so much love. I wonder how I will manage to keep them all in this life. If they will learn to tolerate each other, possibly even befriend each other, or more because of their love for me. To keep me happy.

  I lose track of time, lost in my memories enjoying the peace they bring, and trying not to grow frustrated at the things that are missing, the things I still don’t know.

  The water cools, and my skin starts to prune, so I climb from the serenity of the water, and wrap myself in towels, drying off quickly before slipping into my gown. Padding into the kitchen, I open the refrigerator and gaze longingly at the cheesecake Fallon brought over yesterday. Ten in the morning is too early to eat cheesecake, right?

  I sigh and shut the door, a knock at my front door halting me in place. Roman would have likely broken in, Creek, Fallon, and the rest of my family would have used their key. I cross the apartment, opening the door and come face to face with Kain.

  “Hello, mon amour,” he says as he sweeps into the room, capturing my face in his hands and kissing me so sweetly, filled with so much love, it warms me to my core. “I have been so worried about you. I heard what happened and have been trying to find out what is going on, but even my sources are slow in returning. How are you feeling?”

  He pulls me into his arms, and I melt against him. Letting his warmth seep into me. “I’m okay, angry, sad, and confused, but I’m okay,” I tell him as I step back and pour myself a mug of coffee, offering him one at the same time.

  “You truly know nothing?”

  “I do not. You did not think me a part of it?” he asks, his eyes wide with hurt. His posture slips, and any reservations I might have had disappear completely.

  “Never. I know you would never put me in harm’s way or want to hurt me.”

  “Good, ma chérie. I would never, all I want to do is protect you. If I thought you’d let me, I’d have you on a plane before sundown, far away from this place and all that is coming.”

  “What do you mean?” I ask, confused.

  “I told you of rumors I heard, well, they speak of creatures I have not faced in my many centuries. Creatures of nightmare brought to life.” A shudder runs through me at his words.

  “Let’s hope that they’re just rumors to distract from the rogues banding together.” I sigh, feeling the weight of it all on my shoulders.

  “Have you heard anything about a material that Hunters are unable to heal from?” I ask as I twist the obsidian ring on my finger. “My dad was attacked, and I meant to ask, but I’ve been so wrapped up inside my own head, everything has just run away from me.”

  “Do not berate yourself, Remy. Others will try to pull you down with every opportunity as it is. You have been dealing with a lot, and once your awakening is complete, you’ll be surprised to realize this happens to you a lot. You love working out puzzles, you always have, so not having all the pieces of your own mind is enough to drive you mad. You get lost, so far down that rabbit hole, sometimes you do not emerge until the process is complete. You are doing well to be as present as you are. Many Hunters do not do as well. Why do you think yours brothers and your father are so lenient with you right now? They all struggled much worse than you. That you were able to hunt alone already is a testament to how much stronger than most you are.” He wraps me bac
k up in his arms, and holds me close, letting the words sink in.

  “As for this new weapon, I will speak to Luc, see what he can find.”

  “Thank you,” I breathe, taking comfort in his arms.

  “For you, I would break the world in two to discover all its secrets, so you should know.”

  “You say the strangest things,” I giggle. “But that’s part of why I love you.”

  I lift up and kiss him, showing him just how much I love him with my kiss.

  “Well, isn’t this just a pretty picture,” Romans voice fills my ears, but Kain holds me still in his arms.

  “Roman,” Kain says calmly, smiling at him.

  “It has been a while, old friend.” Roman replies, and my jaw about hits the floor.

  “Wait, you two are friends?” I ask, taking a step backward.

  “The years are long, and when you are gone, friendship is sometimes what gets us through waiting for you,” Kain responds.

  “Well, slap my ass and call me Sally.”

  “Don’t tempt me, princess,” Roman says, his eyes heating at the thought.

  “Oh hush,” I tell him “What are you doing here?”

  “The same as he is I imagine. Making sure you’re okay. I tried to reach you before, but since this is your first time at home, it’s the first time I’ve been successful.”

  “Sorry to inconvenience you.” I roll my eyes at him and Kain chuckles.

  “I am glad to see that some things never change.” I look to Kain, his smiling face makes me laugh.

  “Well, maybe if he could just tone himself down a little.” I say, sitting down. “But as you both can see, I’m fine. Today is a me day, a day of relaxing before the funeral tomorrow.”

  “I understand mon coeur, we shall leave,” Kain says, catching my hand and placing a kiss on it.

  “I’m not going anywhere, not until I have more information,” Roman grunts, I swear if I roll my eyes any harder, I’ll be able to see my brain.

  “What information?” I ask, trying to be patient.

  “I was worried about you, the news of Lycans and Dracul working together have packs up in arms. I’ve heard from ten of the twelve alphas across the world these last few days, each asking questions, none with any idea that this is why their rogue problem seemed to be dying down.”

  “I know no more than you at the moment, old friend. It would seem even the Hunters struggle for information. Why don’t we leave our heart in peace, and see what we can find out?”

  The key turns in my door and I panic, not knowing who could be walking in.

  “Calm, Princess. It’s the boy wonder,” Roman says as Creek enters my apartment, his face thunders when he takes in the room.

  “Well, isn’t this just fucking cozy,” the first words from his mouth and I sigh. I really need to change the locks.

  “Don’t you start, boy,” Roman growls as the door slams behind Creek.

  “Roman, anger will not help this situation,” Kain says, putting a hand on Romans shoulder, as if planting him in spot.

  “You’re seriously here with them, after everything?” Creek says to me, and I can feel the anger roll from him.

  “They had nothing to do with what happened. You know how I feel about them, why would they not be here?” I hold firm, refusing to back down, because despite his words before, knowing something, and seeing it are two very different things.

  “How do you know they had nothing to do with it?” he bites, and Roman growls again.

  “You mind your words, boy.”

  “Call me boy, once fucking more,” Creek snaps at him. “Oh, for fuck sake, take it down a level. I didn’t invite

  any of you here, today was meant to be a day for me to not stress the fuck out. But look at you. Each of you tell me that you love me, you understand that I cannot choose, and yet you cannot be in the same room without wanting to tear each other apart.”

  “Calm, my love,” Kain says soothingly, making his way to my side. “Creek, I assure you, neither Roman, nor I, had anything to do with the attack on your people. My word has been my creed for a long time, so take it as binding.”

  “And I’m just meant to take you at your word?”

  “You are. If anything, we are here to help. We each have resources, but if we pool them, imagine the possibilities.”

  Kain’s calm seems to reach out of him, and settle around the room, turning down the tempers of the other two.

  “Fine, fine.” Creek sighs, running a hand down his face, deflating before my eyes. “I came to make sure you were okay, you seemed so withdrawn the last few days. I guess I wasn’t the only one.”

  “You’re more alike than you realize,” I say with a small smile.

  “I don’t doubt that at all.” Kain returns my smile and moves to my side. “However, now that we know you are safe, Roman and I will take our leave. We have much to look into.”

  Roman looks at Kain, questioning him, but says nothing. “I guess I’m going,” he huffs to me. I stand and Kain kisses me, gently but with so much passion, it makes my toes curl. Roman must be able to smell it, because his chest rumbles and Kain steps back.

  Roman approaches me and takes me in his arms. “One day, very soon, I’m going to remove the scent of these two from you and make you mine.” His mouth devours mine and I whimper underneath him.

  He pulls away, and heads to the door, Kain in tow. “Until later, my love.”

  “Laters, Princess.”

  The door closes behind them, leaving me with Creek, who looks like he’s as turned on by their kisses as I am. He shakes his head, as if clearing his mind and clears his throat.

  “They’re… something else,” he says and I laugh lightly. “You could say that.”

  “I came here, really, to see if you would consider not joining the hunt that I know is going to happen. I’m more than aware that you can protect yourself, but now I know for sure that they are not behind it, I worry even more. I can’t lose you, Remy.”

  “Why? Why would you ask that of me, when you know better than most, who I am? Would you sit it out? Stand by when the ones that mean the most to you in the world risk their lives. If I asked, would you stand down?” He has the decency to look embarrassed, but I can see he still does not regret it.

  “I had to ask Remy. Your dad and brothers will feel the same. You have not completed your awakening, and that makes this so much more dangerous than it is for the rest of us.”

  “No, I will not stay behind, Creek. I know you mean well, I do, and I love you for it, but no. Dangerous or not, the people who died were my friends too. It is my right to join the hunt, and I’m taking it. Everyone speaks of the legend that is Remington Bennett, but no-one wants to let me become that person.”

  “That’s because, sometimes, when you did the things that made that legend, you lost yourself. Doing those things broke you, because even though your actions were justified, your heart has always been so big, and the guilt would eat away at you for the lives you did not save, or those who died at your hand, who were only following orders. Becoming that person isn’t something you ever wanted.” He says and I sigh, because I can feel the truth of his words, deep within that pit of instinct inside of me.

  “You might be right, but regardless, if a hunt happens, I will be there, alongside you and the others,” I tell him firmly, not willing to let this continue any further.

  “Okay. I don’t like it, but I’m not going to try and stop you. I asked, at least I will know that I tried.” He concedes, and I try not to look victorious.

  “Don’t sound so glum. We have the rest of the day to enjoy before the sadness of tomorrow.” I wink at him, wrapping my arms around his neck.

  “Now that, that is something I can get on board with.”

  Twenty-Eight

  Today is the day. After the shit show that has been the last few days since we laid our fallen to rest, tonight we hunt the ones who attacked us. I barely slept a wink last night thinking about it. To
rn between worlds. My argument with Creek the other day not helping matters, things are still a little tense between us, he really does not want me to join the hunt, and while he didn’t press too hard about it, my brothers and my dad are on his side. They had no qualms in letting me know just how much. Only Maddie sided with me, telling them to let me make my own choices, as they had the freedom to make their own. I take a deep breath and try to let go of the anger I’ve felt for the last few days at their nonsense.

  I hear the creak of floorboards, which has me reaching for the dagger under my pillow. I climb from the bed as quietly as I can, wishing I had worn something to bed last night. I slip on my shirt discarded on the floor from last night and make my way into the hall.

  "It's just me," Roman’s voice calls out and I straighten. "You have got to stop breaking in," I say as I walk into the kitchen and find him leaning against the counter, holding out a mug of coffee for me.

  "You need to get better security." He grins, and I take the mug from him.

  "Look at you, being all domesticated." I smile and his eyes slit.

  "There’s no taming a wild animal, princess." He grins, smug and provoking. I lean back against the doorframe, making my shirt part slightly, giving his wolf a peek of what could be his before I take a sip. Watching his hands clench around the lip of the counter, nearly shattering it into dust, it gives me more pleasure than I’d happily admit.

  I revel in these moments of control, few and far between, but guaranteed to get me wet in an instant, and he knows it. His nostrils flare, his silver eyes focused only on me as their pupils restrict into two slits, I know he can smell my arousal and it is making him lose the control he’s so desperately trying to cling to.

  "Why are you here? In my apartment, uninvited?" I ask, taking another sip of the sweet nectar, acting like he isn't devouring me with his eyes.

  "I came to ask you not to go tonight.” My arousal suddenly dies with his demand and he knows it.