Blood Oath (#8, the Mystic Wolves)

by Belinda Boring

  Chewing on the beef stew I’d ordered, the flavors exploded across my tongue. I’d travelled the world countless times and sampled a variety of cuisines, but there was something to be said about my simple English meal. It filled my stomach with its heat as familiar fragrances wafted all around me.

  My mother had taken great pride in cooking the best stew in the parish—a recipe passed down from generation to generation. I personally enjoyed rabbit stew better with vegetables straight from our garden, but this was a great runner up.

  I wiped my mouth across the back of my hand, smiling over how naturally manners disappeared. Darcy would’ve scolded me had I done that around her. Hell, Vivien had chewed me out more times than I could recall, often chiding me for forgetting napkins were invented for a reason.

  When in Rome, however. I snorted over the thought.

  “Will you be needing anything else, sir,” the innkeeper’s wife asked, ladle poised should I nod and accept a third helping. There was a hunger that was barely satiated within me. It was odd not to have my blood lust lurking beneath the surface. I was enjoying being human again . . . for the moment.

  “If I take another bite, you’ll need to roll me to my room, Mistress,” I answered happily. Leaning back, I patted my belly in satisfaction. “Although, I’d hate to see it go to waste. You run a fine kitchen. I’ve not tasted a stew so delicious since my own mother’s.”

  She blushed over the compliment, fiddling with the hairs at the nape of her neck. “I appreciate your kindness, Mr. Lockhart. Perhaps you’d enjoy some company while you finish?” And once again she gestured to her only daughter who was currently wiping down tables toward the back of the dining area. She was pretty enough—the spitting image of her mother, yet younger, obviously. The young woman nonchalantly pushed the curls framing her oval face back, but froze and seemed to shrink inwardly when she looked from her mother to me.

  I wouldn’t have been surprised if this was a common occurrence for the young girl. While this was a respectable establishment without the reputation of neighboring places that offered entertainment for an extra coin or three, something whispered that this mother had the habit of seeking a suitor for her child.

  The trick was to refuse the offer without offending. Thankfully, it was a talent I had honed throughout my life. The last thing I needed was leaving behind disgruntled females slighted by my lack of interest.

  “Thank you for the offer, Madame. Unfortunately, I will be leaving for London at dawn and must retire to bed once I’ve finished my bath.” When the expectant smile dropped from her lips and her gaze narrowed, I hurried on. “Perhaps when I pass through next time, your daughter and I could talk?”

  There would be no other time. Should I ever grace this inn with my presence in the future . . . she would do best to hide her family and nail up the entrance.

  “Of course, sir. As you wish. I’ll have my Bethany begin boiling the water for you, then.”

  Nodding, I scooped another healthy mouthful of the meat and vegetables and silently chewed. I was exhausted—beyond exhausted. That was one of the benefits to becoming a vampire and being immortal. Human frailties and limitations ceased to matter with an endless source of energy at my disposal. There was nothing that blood couldn’t remedy and things like sleeping and eating were more personal choices than necessities.

  I don’t know how long I sat there in the process of eating and watching the different people coming and going. The closer I came to London, the greater variety of travellers appeared. Right now, it looked like a small family of gypsies was trying to barter for some food in exchange for wares they’d made. It struck me as odd they’d ventured into town instead of camping out in the surrounding area but it wasn’t my problem or concern.

  My sole focus lay on arriving at my final destination and playing along with this farce the Fates demanded of me. As each day passed, I felt more and more like an actor following the instructions of his director than myself. I hadn’t seen Klothos for a while—my conspirator, as I liked to call her. She was an odd one and I still hadn’t been able to figure out her intentions. While she appeared to be on my side, sympathetic to my situation, the young woman still held more power and control than I was comfortable with. While my heart said I could trust her somewhat, I’d learned to always be cautious.

  Friends could still betray you in the blink of an eye without warning. Sometimes it wasn’t the villain blustering loudly over how they planned to destroy you who posed the greater threat. I’d been burned too many times to be so blind and naïve.

  The truthfulness behind her kindness would eventually be revealed. It had plagued me from the moment we’d met. To this day, future or past, I was no closer to understanding her motives.

  She’d claimed she believed I deserved mercy and wanted to soften the blows delivered by her sisters. Only time would tell.

  Stifling a yawn, my plate finally empty as I mopped up the last of the gravy with a small piece of fresh bread, I rose from the table. All I could think about was getting up to my room and having a long soak in the tub.

  “Will you be retiring now?” The innkeeper called out, gesturing for his wife. She came hurrying out of the kitchens wiping her hands down her stained apron. “My Fanny will see you to your rooms.”

  A flash of worry skated over my skin as I looked about for her daughter. That was the last thing I needed—an unwelcome visitor in my room while I was indisposed. It was something often joked about amongst the men in my village . . . how unsuspecting travellers became saddled with unwanted brides because of devious parents setting up the fools. Honor and virtue were held in high esteem and I didn’t plan on being accused of stealing young Bethany’s because I wasn’t vigilant.

  I had a to stay the course . . . a script to follow. As long as I upheld my end of the bargain, the Fates would fulfill theirs.

  Holding up my hand, I gestured for her not to worry. “Please, don’t burden yourself with that. I know the way and, honestly, I’d hate to deprive your other customers of your company. Should I need anything, I’ll be sure to ring for it.”

  When I’d been up in my private lodgings earlier, I’d seen the bell hanging by the door, knowing it would bring someone immediately should I use it.

  Ah, life before cell phones and texting.

  “It’s no bother, I assure you,” Fanny started, her brow crinkled. “Or perhaps . . .” She snapped her fingers to draw the attention of her daughter. “Perhaps you’d rather Bethany help you prepare for your bath?”

  I almost choked over how persistent she was. Respectable or not, this reminded me of many nights spent in a whorehouse as an Enforcer, investigating crimes within the Supernatural community.

  I feigned another yawn. “I’ll be settling my bill in the morning before I leave. Thank you again for a fine meal.”

  Not giving her a chance to wheedle her poor daughter’s company on me further, I fled up the stairs to the back room I’d rented. Sure enough, a tub filled with steaming hot water graced the center of it. There was no more hesitation as I stripped, dropping my dusty clothes to the floor, and I let out a loud, appreciative groan. The temperature was sheer perfection!

  “Now if I could only speed this up,” I murmured to myself, sinking deeper until the water rested just below my chin. “The sooner I can get this over and done with, the sooner I can return to the future and my family.” I ignored the ache that started within my chest at the thought that I’d only just left my family behind—my parents, Lucinda, Vivien, and Verity. They had no idea that I was repeating my past and had moved on beyond them. It was still fresh for them . . . the horror of what I would become and the monster I would basically be unleashing was still in their near future.

  But there was no time for beating myself over it. I couldn’t afford the distraction. I had a price to pay and nothing could steer me from this course.

  I dipped beneath the water’s surface, completely immersing myself as though it could somehow cleanse me of my transgress
ions and thoughts. The heat soothed my muscles, causing me to slide a little more as I relaxed.

  The calm before the storm.

  A chance to breathe before my world exploded into violence, betrayal, lust, and deception.

  Coming up for air, the hot liquid sprayed from my mouth as I continued talking to myself. “Here’s hoping I don’t drown this time.” Considering I was currently taking a bath, the pun made me laugh. Bitterness tinged the edges of the sound.

  “I won’t let you,” came a soft, small voice from behind.

  Klothos.

  She’d returned.

  “Isn’t this a conflict of interest?” I countered, startled. If honoring my bargain with the Fates didn’t kill me, being human would. I hadn’t realized how much I relied on my vampiric hearing until it was gone. My heart hammered hard within my chest. Oh, the irony of suffering from a heart attack before finally confronting my demons wasn’t lost on me. There was something almost poetic about it.

  “I do as I please.” Klothos kept her distance, her eyes averted to give me some privacy. I’m sure she’d seen a naked man before but I took it as my cue to cut short my desperately needed soak.

  Grabbing the robe someone had draped over the wooden chair for me, I tied it closed and waited for her to continue. I hadn’t summoned her. She’d chosen to appear.

  Something was on her mind, that much was obvious. When she remained quiet, her gaze still cast to the floor, I broke the silence.

  “Is there a reason you are here?” I gestured to the tub. “At this particular time?”

  Her lips parted and then hastily closed. A soft blush crept across her beautiful features. “I didn’t mean to interrupt you, Devlin. I merely sought to see how you were doing.”

  Hmmm, curiosity had brought her here. “You know how I am. You and your sisters have front row seats to this performance.” I hadn’t meant the hard edge that darkened my reply. “I’m sure you’re aware of my thoughts and feelings.”

  As each second passed, I grew more awkward. She didn’t move and the night chill was starting to eat away at the warmth my bath had provided. Beads of water hung from the strands of my hair—cold. An idea surfaced . . . could I get sick now? Was that factored into the conditions?

  “Your health is secure, Devlin. Everything will play out, as it should. Do your part and your destiny remains intact.”

  Her words confused me. Did they ever speak clearly?

  “Why are you here?” I pressed. Eyeing her suspiciously, I folded my arms across my chest, mindful that my robe didn’t fall open. “It was my understanding that I would be doing this alone.”

  “I told you I would come if you called.”

  “Yet, I haven’t called you.” Studying her fine features, I looked for any telltale sign to reveal her true motives. I hadn’t survived this long by blindly trusting everyone.

  “I . . .” she stammered, suddenly seeming very unsure of herself. Something had ruffled her usually pristine feathers. If I hadn’t known better, Klothos would’ve passed as an insecure human right now.

  “Has something happened?” Gone were my suspicions as worry kicked in, setting me on high alert. I reached for my clothes and began dressing.

  “Oh no, please. There is nothing to fear. I merely came to wish you luck for tomorrow. You’re about to embark on an important part of your journey. You’ll be meeting with players who helped shape your future.”

  Yes, I would be meeting people whose kindness and assistance I would later repay with coldness and cruelty.

  All I could do was nod, my fingers quickly tucking my shirt into the top of my trousers.

  “And . . .” Again, her words drifted off.

  “And?”

  “And I wanted to apologize.”

  That was the last thing I expected to come from her mouth. My understanding was the gods and their minions never showed remorse for their dealings with man. To have Klothos here, away from her seat of power and sisters, apologizing . . . it left me speechless.

  She wrung her hands in front of her before abruptly stopping. It was as if she realized exactly who she was and that the mannerisms she was displaying were beneath her. Straightening her spine, Klothos visage changed from a stammering youth to that of a regal queen.

  “While I know I am one with my sisters and our word is absolute, I also recognize your request wasn’t a selfish one. You didn’t ask for riches or a chance to expand your authority on the world. You didn’t demand anything from us . . . other than restoring the lost lives of those you loved. This . . .” She swept her hands about and I sensed she didn’t just refer to the room but to the entire situation. “Didn’t have to be so lengthy. Payment didn’t require you coming so far back into your timeline. It . . .” Again, she seemed to search for the right words like these emotions were foreign to her. “It was wrong to expect you to endure all of this.”

  I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “So, you will intervene on my behalf? I have a pretty good idea the moment your sisters are asking me to face and, I promise, I will dig deeper than I ever have before and honor that. Anything for my niece . . . anything to make this right again.”

  Sadness descended over her that was practically palpable. Her hands trembled a bit as Klothos shook her head. “I regret that my sisters will not be persuaded.”

  “You’ve spoken to them already? For me?” I was positive my mouth hung open in surprise. This was definitely unexpected.

  “Of course! Unlike them, I haven’t allowed malice and superiority to taint my heart. I find no amusement in watching you suffer.”

  Her last comment gave me pause. In actuality, while it was hard to relive those initial days of fresh grief, had I truly suffered?

  “Truth be told, I enjoyed spending more time with Verity and getting to see my Lucy. I consider it a gift . . . something to help fortify me when the true test begins.”

  A smile curled her lips and it was like night and day. Klothos seemed to light up the room with her presence. “There’s something special about you, Devlin Lockhart, and the way you view the world. While others would complain about being a pawn in my sisters game, you handle it with grace.”

  I snorted in response. “Oh, I am no saint. I am just as impatient as the next person and still don’t understand why I can’t just go to Bath and face my demons. But . . . ” It was my turn to hold my hand up so she wouldn’t interrupt to correct me, “I understand that coming to you and your sisters would mean I no longer called the shots. I am completely at your mercy. I might not like it, but it is what it is. I will see this through to the bitter, and very bloody end.”

  Pride all but shone from her eyes. “Then I will try not to overly worry for you, young vampire. You will survive this.”

  “I will survive this,” I repeated.

  Cocking her head to the side as if she was hearing something from the beyond, the friendliness I just witnessed in her vanished. “Keep to your path. Do not alter it. Do not try to avoid what is to come.”

  Before I could assure her I would do as she asked, she disappeared.

  Strange.

  With my bath water too cold to enjoy, I checked my belongings and made sure everything was in order before climbing into bed.

  Tomorrow it all started in earnest. I would meet with Lady Hannah and she would steer me in the right direction.

  Sullivan Kilgrave. How that name haunted me still.

  Sully, my old friend, I quietly whispered.

  Closing my eyes, I let sleep pull me under.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  “You are late, Mr. Lockhart.”

  I’d forgotten what a formidable woman Lady Hannah was and how daunting she’d appeared to me when I first met her. I took in a deep breath and smiled.

  “I hope I haven’t kept you,” I apologized, bowing formally with respect. Given time, we would become better acquainted and she would come to refer to me as a dear friend. As for right now, I was a stranger.

  “I trust your journ
ey here was a pleasant one?” She gestured for me to take a seat in the airy drawing room her butler had ushered me into upon my arrival. My bags were discretely placed out of the way and, if everything went according to my memories, they would be placed in an upstairs guest room for the duration of my stay.

  Lady Hannah was a handsome woman. For whatever reason, one she never truly disclosed, she had never married. Rumor circulated it certainly wasn’t for the lack of suitors trying to worm their ways into her heart and immense fortune left by her deceased father. She seemed to enjoy her position in society and often boasted that she didn’t need the help of any man to survive in the world. She was well respected amongst her large circle of friends and many admired her sound advice. If anything, she seemed to thrive in the niche she’d carved for herself within London society.

  What most didn’t know was there was more to Lady Hannah than met the eye. She wasn’t merely a human, but carried a legacy handed down from generation to generation. She was the delegated matriarch within the Supernatural community and a respected seer. There was very little that escaped her notice. She saw all and knew how to extract people’s darkest secrets. It was why she was not only respected but feared by many.

  If you pleased her, favor smiled down on you.

  Should you anger her in any way? Well, those who risked her displeasure had slipped away in the night, never to be seen again.

  Studying her now, I was grateful for the aide she’d once given me. It was a funny sensation—to be thankful for help and, in the same breath, regret where that path would eventually lead. She did provide the way for me to honor my oath to Elynor, but also threatened the destruction of my very soul.

  “I’ve always enjoyed the road to London, Lady Hannah,” I answered respectfully, perched on the edge of my chair, sitting straight. She didn’t care for those with poor posture. Manners were of the upmost importance to her and I’d once made the mistake of forgetting mine.

  I would be wiser this time. For once, I had the benefit of foresight.