"We cannot continue our friendship. He is too jealous of our closeness. I can’t be a part of this and see you with him." He exited the room, leaving the door open.
His words hurt and I knew he was lying, I could taste it in the air. Why did I feel hatred pouring from his veins? Did he hate what I had become or what I did? I sat on the bed, watching the clock, waiting to make our next move. I was impatient and if I thought it possible, I would have left on my own. But I waited in the dark, alone. Revenge was just around the corner.
Chapter 30
It felt like the last few days I had done nothing but sleep, kill, feed and sleep some more. Oh, and get chased by half crazed werewolves out to kill me, oh, and become a vampire slash werewolf in less than three days. I looked at the alarm clock, it was 12:00 a.m. I must have dozed off brooding alone in the dark. Damn!
Dressing in a comfy pair of gray sweats and a t-shirt, I grabbed some white socks and sneakers and headed downstairs. Sevastian and Siön Baptiste were sleeping comfortably on the couches. Both covered in blankets and guns sprawled out over their chests. Voices talked quietly in the kitchen and I recognized Trevor. I entered the kitchen where Shadow and Trevor sat at the table drinking coffee.
I laughed. "You boys drink coffee?"
Trevor coughed on his drink, standing up. "Yes, Sam. Why? Do you find that funny?" He was angry and his voice could barely hide the fact that I upset him.
I walked over to him, wrapping my arms around his waist, placing my head in the swell of his back. He stiffened. I nuzzled my nose into his back and he let out a deep breath. "I am sorry, Trevor. I didn’t mean to be a smart ass."
He took a step forward, filling up an empty cup. "Good to know you can still be a pain in the ass, Sam." He filled the cup with coffee, two cream one sugar. A deep voice spread through the kitchen. "I don’t think the master would appreciate you touching what is his," he said.
I turned swiftly, staring Shadow in the face. He was lighter than he had been at the fortress. His eyes were colorful against his tanned skin. I couldn’t decide what color. He was taller than Trevor and bulkier.
"Just whose girl do you think you’re talking about here? I am my own woman, not anyone’s property." I could feel my skin burn with fury. How dare he presume.
"She is so right, my friend. Samantha is definitely her own woman. She belongs to no one." Laughter filled the room, sending fire burning through my body. Siön Baptiste floated in, wearing a long red silk robe. It parted, exposing his strong perfect legs and a smooth muscled chest. His eyes flickered, his smile taking my breath away. I don’t remember when I first realized I had been holding my breath, but was quickly rushed back into reality when he took my cup of coffee and began to drink. You don’t mess with a girl’s coffee.
I reached for the cup and he held it away. "That is the last cup," I growled.
His eyebrow lifted as his smile widened. "I am sure Trevor would be more than willing to make some more for us," he said, looking up over his cup in Trevor’s direction.
"Sure, why the hell not," Trevor mumbled.
I shook my head, stepping past Siön Baptiste to the coffee pot. "You are all a bunch of babies. I will make the damn coffee. Trevor makes it too strong anyway." His coffee was always too strong, but I drank it to please him.
He looked surprised as if he had been thinking the same thought. "I thought you liked my coffee?" he asked.
I tried to erase the frown as I contemplated his hurt expression. "I never liked the coffee. But you make one hell of a breakfast." I smiled, erasing all emotion from my face. Nothing I could say or do would ever change the wounded look in his face.
He stomped out of the room like a hurt child, but I couldn’t blame him. In only five short days, his life had been turned upside down. He couldn’t still be a cop as a vampire. His life had changed and I was to blame.
"My sweet, Trevor’s choice was his own." Siön Baptiste walked towards me, handing me the cup of coffee. He wouldn’t meet my gaze.
"I know." I plopped down in the chair, folding my head on my arms. "What should I do?" I sighed.
No one answered. Siön Baptiste just sat silently beside me. I heard Shadow exit the kitchen, leaving us alone. Siön Baptiste hands moved over mine. His thumb caressed my wrist, sending heat coiling in my stomach as he spoke, "We need to seek council. The elders will help."
I raised my head, watching his face. He wasn’t trying to read my mind but he had no idea what I was talking about. "I mean about Trevor."
He sighed. "There are things that are beyond my control. Trevor has made his choice and now he lives. He told Sevastian he would have chosen death over not being with you." He shrugged his shoulders. "I do not know what to say to appease you."
I felt empty. I pulled my gaze from Siön Baptiste and stared at the table. "We need to get Ty. What do you suggest?" I asked, attempting to change the subject.
He stood behind me, placing his hands on my shoulders. "We must contact the elders. We need backup."
I lifted my head, and leaned back into the chair as his hands massaged my shoulders relaxing me. "I want all of you, Samantha. Your heart, your body, and your love. I need to tell you something…," he paused and we both turned as Sevastian walked through the kitchen door.
Sevastian’s robe was black velvet flowing to the floor. His long auburn hair was tied neatly behind his head. The black of the robe brought out the green in his eyes so that they appeared to be real emeralds. His chest peeked out from the ruffles at the top of the robe. He was a knockout.
God, surrounded by gorgeous vampires what the hell was a woman to do.... RUN!
"Tazmaine is coming tonight." He looked at me, smiling. "We should prepare. If she senses any weakness, we will fail." He waved his hand at me.
I knew the comment was meant for me. I stood abruptly, pushing Siön Baptiste into the counter. I stalked over to Sevastian, standing before him. "Weakness? Say that to my face." My blood boiled as my power exploded in the room. The coffee pot exploded and the dishes rattled, I was pissed.
He took a step closer, bending his face directly over mine. "You are weak. In your present state." He added, "You have no control over your emotions or your power. You are a ticking time bomb, Samantha. You emanate sexuality and have no way to control it."
I pushed my finger into his hard chest, hitting him with all my might. "You pompous asshole." The power glided through the room, mingling with both men. As my power coursed over them, I fell to the ground. My legs gave out, as my body began convulsing in pain. Something bit back at my power and it was coming from the monster inside me. I felt my skin begin to break and seep as my bones began to move. "GOD!" I screamed.
Siön Baptiste and Sevastian hovered over, holding me between them, sending their power through me, calming the beast. The pain ceased as warmth crept through my skin.
"What was that?" My breathing was still rapid as the last remnants of pain left me.
"Weakness, my sweet," Siön Baptiste whispered.
Sevastian grabbed my shoulders. "Can you stand?"
"Yes, what was that?" I held onto his arms as he anchored me.
"You were attacked by a Lycanthrope. His blood is in you." He looked at Siön Baptiste as we all stood.
I scowled, shaking my head. "No kidding, really?" I asked sarcastically. Then it hit me. "Hold on. You’re telling me I am going to turn furry like those creatures?" They turned, both facing me, eyes foretelling my future. "Oh god, no they are awful." This was the worst news all night. "No way in hell. How can I stop it?" My anger flared its ugly head as I walked out of the room, leaving the men to follow me. "I will kill myself before I become a fucking monster." I ran up the stairs and walked into my bedroom. I searched the room and found my twin Berettas lying on a chair beside the bed. Tears ran down my face as I remembered the transformation of the werewolf. The way they tore Carl apart without any conscious. They were demonic creatures and I wanted them dead. I grabbed a gun, checked the clip and took the safe
ty off.
A hand reached across me grabbing the gun before I could move. Two hands grabbed my shoulder as the gun went flying, hitting the wall. Siön Baptiste shook me, jerking me close. "No, Samantha. I cannot allow any harm to come to you. Not now, not ever" he ordered, his anger evident.
I had to close my eyes, because I suddenly felt dizzy. "We need to meet Tazmaine tonight. She will know what to do," he whispered in my ear. "I am sorry if we upset you, my sweet."
"I am not weak." I stepped back, watching Siön Baptiste’s handsome face. "I want them all dead. I’ve seen what they can do. They are pure evil."
He ran his finger down my face. "They will pay for what they have done. I promise you that much." He pushed me to the dresser, making me look into the mirror. "You are most powerful for a baby vampire." He laughed.
I smiled. "A baby vampire, my ass. I am a bad mother fucking monster." I winked.
He walked to the door and brought back something in his hand. "An outfit, my dear, fitting for my queen." He slapped me on the butt and strutted out of the room. He quickly returned, walking to my chair, and took my guns. "Until I know you’re sane I will be holding these till the fighting begins." He smiled that dazzling flawless face my way, making me grab the dresser to steady my legs.
"Get out, Siön Baptiste, I can’t think when you’re around."
He grinned, shutting the door behind him.
I opened the bag Siön Baptiste had brought me. Of course, I thought to myself. Black leather pants, vest and jacket. He seemed to like me in leather. Wearing leather had its positive points too. Leather was more durable when being ripped to shreds by a werewolf. It also protects from the normal scraps and bruises someone might get when running from werewolves too.
Chapter 31
I walked down the stairs and sat on the couch across from Shadow and Trevor. "Where are Sevastian and Siön Baptiste?" I asked.
Trevor shrugged his shoulders while Shadow answered, "They are preparing for Tazmaine. She will be here shortly."
I nodded. "Who is Tazmaine?"
He laughed. I didn’t think Shadow could laugh but it was a friendly laugh. "You have gotten yourself into a predicament, haven’t you?" He smiled as he got up off the couch and walked into the kitchen.
Did he just say predicament I got myself in? I decided to ignore the comment and wait patiently. Trevor looked miserable, hastily averting my gaze from his. I was nervous while I sat waiting for what seemed an eternity. Twiddling my thumbs for at least ten minutes, I eventually gathered my legs up under me and sat Indian style on the soft sofa.
Siön Baptiste and Sevastian entered the room and the two of them were enough to make a woman cry. The masculinity and testosterone in the room just about blew me away.
"I do not want the elders to know where I live," I said, watching them both for a reaction. The thought of having these elders knowing where I lived upset me. I had an uneasy feeling about the elders and their motives.
Siön Baptiste put a hand on my shoulder, looking earnestly at Sevastian. "We cannot refuse the elders. Their word is law. We must accommodate Tazmaine."
A deep voice bellowed through the room. "I agree with the woman." Shadow appeared in the doorway, nodding his agreement. "Tazmaine is not to be trusted. You know as well as I do they will betray us all," he growled.
I watched Shadow carefully. He was a good inch taller than Siön Baptiste and every bit as powerful. His shoulders were broader and overall he was a larger, more intimidating man. The aura that surrounded him was of many colors swirling in a prism of radiant light. I couldn’t seem to focus clearly enough to determine just what color his aura projected most. When I first met Shadow his skin was pitch black but now he was flashing multiple colors all at once. Amazing! His long hair was held back against his neck in a ponytail. His eyes were the same colors of his aura, shimmering and swirling with anger.
I approached him slowly. This man was a predator and I had an overwhelming feeling there was more to him than everyone let on. "Listen, I appreciate the vote of confidence but I don’t need your help," I said calmly, facing him.
He leaned against the doorframe, frowning. "Siön Baptiste, keep your woman on a leash," he growled.
Your woman? I could feel my anger swell as I said, "You cocky son of a…" I paused turning to Siön Baptiste. His face was void of emotion. "I am not his woman." I waved my hands towards Siön Baptiste irritably.
Siön Baptiste stood motionless, looking from me to Shadow and back to me. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, attempting and failing miserably to hide his amusement.
Trevor coughed, laughing from across the room. I glared at him, trying to wipe the smug expression off his face. "Smug bastard!" he said.
"Shut up, Trevor," I said, tapping my foot nervously.
"You heard me?" he asked.
"Yes, now quiet," I answered.
"Samantha, you are talking in my mind."
I glanced at Trevor again and we both were astonished. My powers were increasing. Even as we sat arguing, I discovered a new hidden talent. I smirked, wondering if I could speak to everyone that way.
Shadow broke the silence. "You are his. He has made his claim on you."
Trevor moved towards him. He had played this protective role before and had no problems, but Shadow was a force to be reckoned with. He stood his ground, not afraid of the menacing look in Trevor’s eyes. "Siön Baptiste has no claim on her. She is a free woman to choose whom she wants," he hissed.
That silenced the room immediately. Trevor continued, now turning to Siön Baptiste. "I don’t give a damn what you say."
I couldn’t believe my ears. What was Trevor thinking? Get a little vampire blood in you and you go nuts.
Shadow moved in a blur of inhuman speed, tackling Trevor. He grabbed him by the neck, squeezing the life out of him. Shadow’s skin, once a multi-color, was now a midnight blue. "You will do no such thing," Shadow threatened.
Standing eyes wide-open, my mouth gaped as Trevor clutched Shadow’s neck, rolling and growling as they fought. Everyone was going mad. Something inside of me broke, fueling my power. The air in the room grew warm.
"STOP!" My voice and energy crashed into Shadow and Trevor, lifting them both off the floor.
The power boiled under my skin as I felt something creep within me. A creature of the night moved inside, trying to break free. Its eyes glowed demonic red. I could feel its desire to consume me, turning me to the dark side. I screamed, falling to the ground, shaking my head at the beast. The power receded dropping my hold on Shadow and Trevor. White lights flashed before me as I moved to the window. Everything moved in slow motion as the desire to jump out into the darkness overcame me. I could feel the desire to hunt and run through the woods seeking prey.
Siön Baptiste’s whisper floated through my mind, calming my anger. "You are okay, my sweet. Push the monster back. No one is hurt, control your anger." He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me to his chest. I could hear his heartbeat slowing and mine matching its soothing pulse.
"I don’t think I can take this anymore," I muttered. My world was crashing around me, changing by the minute and all I wanted to do was kill the people responsible.
Sevastian traipsed across the room, shaking his head. "We will take our chances and meet them at the Silver Fang"
"We have to go now," I said.
Everyone left the room but Siön Baptiste who still held me comfortably in his arms. "My beau l’orage, what am I to do with you." He paused, running his fingers through my hair. "You are very stubborn." He turned me so that I faced him.
Keeping my eyes on his chest, I tried to avoid his loving look. "I am not stubborn," I whispered, fire already burning inside from his closeness.
He laughed and it touched my face as he bent closer. His warm inviting breath purred tenderly in my ear. "I love you, Samantha Houston."
The words shot through me like a bullet while my knees buckled. My heart beat rapidly in my chest as butterflies swarmed
my stomach. "I can’t." The only words I could say.
He lowered his mouth over my lips, rubbing gently against mine. He kissed me, stealing my breath as an eruption of desire consumed us both. My hands moved to his back, pulling him closer. I only wanted to smell him, taste him, and feel him. Every doubt in my mind was erased as he probed deeper, devouring my mouth as if it was the last kiss we would ever share.
I pulled back, looking up at his beautiful face. "I have to work this out before we…" I stopped as the thought of ever losing this wonderful man caused a pain in my heart like never before. "You have to give me time, Siön Baptiste. I feel like we hardly know each other." I sighed, dropping my hands to my side. I couldn’t look into those eyes and not feel something. I cared for him deeply but love. Love was such a strong word.
He released his hold on me and walked to the mantle, leaning against the wall, folding his arms over his chest. "I can wait. I have waited an eternity for you and can wait longer if need be. I have no intention of walking away, not now, not ever." His accent was thick as he mumbled under his breath, "We must go."
Frozen in shock at the words he spoke, I just stared at the handsome man before me. He was the epitome of sexual masculinity. How could anyone resist?
"You have resisted quite well, I must say." He laughed, sending a shudder down my spine.
"You can read my mind? You have to stop doing that, Siön Baptiste."
Gliding back to my side, he held his hand out. I took it reluctantly and his eyebrows rose at my hesitation. "I will not bite. At least not without permission." He chuckled low and soft. I dropped my gaze as the memory of our encounter sent tingling sensations between my thighs.
God, he could still affect me hours later.
"You have the same effect, Samantha. You are a drug. I cannot have enough of you to satisfy my thirst." He chuckled in my mind, amused with me.
"GET OUT of my MIND!" I yelled, releasing his hand, walking to the front door. "They are all waiting, let’s go."
The Silver Fang Page 22