Bloody Ties

by Claire Marta

  The second his cock begins to pulse inside my tight spasming channel he quickly pulls out. Ripping off the condom he jerks off in his hand before emptying himself all over my bare chest.

  Breathing hard I remain exhausted and limp as his warm cum trickles down my breasts to meet the sheets beneath me.

  Silver eyes survey every inch of me with satisfaction.

  “I have to start making plans and I won’t let business wait.” Naked, blond curls tousled, he climbs from the bed heading to the bathroom. A moment later he’s back to toss me a towel.

  “You should get up have a shower and get to know your cousins a little better.” Damien suggests.

  “You mean you want to know what they’re planning and if they intend to deceive you in any way.” I reply, unable to keep annoyance from my voice. Carefully I begin to clean myself up.

  “I won’t let anyone threaten my family. Not the Chevaliers or you. Just remember that princess. You may be my wife and mate but if you betray me that won’t stop you dying, no matter how good I find your tight little holes.” he warns, his expression cold.

  Bowing my head I stop myself from automatically touching my abdomen. Keeping my pregnancy from him is already a betrayal. Marrying Damien was a mistake. What the fuck am I going to do? Who can I trust? There’s no way I can deal with this on my own.

  Not waiting for a reply he turns towards the bathroom without a backwards glance.

  Staring blindly down at the bed sheets I hear the shower switch on.

  CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

  Damien

  THREE FUCKING WEEKS. BESIDES slowly overtaking the “esteemed” family businesses we have nothing to show for these past few weeks. Lucius changes his location every few days, and Carr is tearing apart the boroughs looking for his missing daughter.

  If I were a patient man I’d just wait it out and let the two kill each other. Unfortunately that won’t happen any time soon.

  “How’s it going with you new wife, brother?” Phillip asks.

  “Don’t start.”

  “That bad? Look, I know you never wanted a mate or children, but it’s not a bad thing to have someone to share your life with.”

  “I’m not like you, brother. I don’t feel those types of things.”

  “Ahh, yes, the bitter bastard who rather spend the rest of his days alone than admit he ever needs someone for more than a hole to fill.”

  “Go to hell.”

  “Too bad I’m already there.” He quips back.

  I glare at him but don’t say anything.

  “Have you gotten to know her better? Gotten her to talk to you like a wife is supposed to talk to her husband? Or have you been an asshole this entire time.”

  I stay silent. “Right, asshole it is then.” He sighs, but doesn’t get to continue because he rest of our family—minus Ava—walks in for the meeting.

  “Is there a reason we’re having a family meeting without your wife?” Sheila asks. “I remember when you used to pull that shit when I first married Phillip. It did not make me a happy person. I wonder how Ava is going to feel?”

  “Are you feeling sympathetic for her now, sister?” Oscar asks.

  “You would know.”

  “I would, wouldn’t I?” He muses. “I have to agree here, Damien. She won’t like this.

  She’s still fragile. Haunted by what has been done to her and what you will do to her.”

  “I’m not going to do anything to her. She’s my wife now. She always will be. She needs to stop being so fucking scared of us.

  She should know by now that we’re not going to hurt her.”

  “You’ve threatened to kill her on multiple occasions.” Michael points out.

  “So? I threaten to kill all of you on a daily basis. Chances are that will never happen as I don’t see any of you ever betraying me.”

  “She doesn’t know that though. You don’t talk to her like that. It’s not easy coming from an environment like the one Carr had her in and then be in one like this.

  All she sees are people who want to use her.”

  “Do you have a hard on for my wife, Oscar?”

  “Not at all, brother. I’m just relaying what I see. And what I see is a scared girl who is married to her enemy.”

  “We’re not the enemy. Never have been.”

  “The princess doesn’t know that.”

  I do not have time for this. Sighing I close my eyes. “You want me to talk to her? Fine. I doubt it’ll make a difference. She won’t believe me and the only way I can prove it is by not killing her.”

  “You know in some ways I can sympathize with her. I wasn’t sure you lot liked me when I first married Phillip. And I was scared out of my mind. I was on guard all the time because I didn’t want to be vulnerable. Even when it was just Phillip and I.

  The princess and I are two different people, yes, however, I can see where she’s coming from.” Sheila says.

  “At the moment I have more pressing matters than getting my wife to trust me when I tell her that I won’t hurt her.”

  “Lucius has abandoned the manor entirely. He hasn’t been back since we left.” Michael offers. “He changes location and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to keep track. Those he has close to him will never turn.”

  “And Carr?”

  “He’s restless. He’s expanding his search. Using up all of his favors to search for us.”

  “Why can’t they do our jobs for us and kill each other?” I mutter.

  “Nothing’s that easy, brother.” Phillip replies.

  “If it were you wouldn’t want it anyway.” Sheila pipes in.

  “Yes, thank you both. Such helpful information.” I run a hand through my hair. Hair that has seen better days but I don’t have the time to actually do something with the fucking curls.

  “We need to draw the bastard out. I want Carr gone as soon as possible. We can’t return to the city, however, we can draw him out to a location of our choosing.”

  “What are you thinking?” Phillip asks.

  “You two still have that house on Long Island?”

  “Yes.”

  “Get it ready, in one week I want us there. We’re going to lead Carr here. Go do what needs to be done, I’ll gather the allies so we can have a meeting.”

  Everyone leaves except Sheila.

  “You’re playing with fire, brother. You don’t have to trust her, but get her to trust you. The next time we have a meeting, invite her. Show her that she’s apart of this family.

  We know you won’t hurt her. But she doesn’t know that.

  That’s not the type of marriage you want to have.

  I don’t know if you could ever love her, but I know you care. Probably more than you ever thought you would.

  Marriage is a tricky thing. I know you didn’t just tie yourself to this girl because you need her. You could easily take over Carr’s coven without her tied to you.

  She never had a family before. Now she does.

  Show her that.”

  Who would have thought fucking Sheila would be the one talking about this with me.

  With a flick of her hair she leaves the room.

  I pour a drink and sit down behind my desk.

  Knowing what I need to do and actually doing it are two different things. Especially when I never thought I’d be in this position.

  I know my family is right. Ava is apart of our family now, whether she knows it or not.

  I need her to trust me if this is going to work.

  Just because I won’t hesitate to end her life doesn’t mean it will be an easy thing. I don’t kill family just because they piss me off. That’s something that should be obvious, as all my siblings are still alive.

  I’ve never been in this position before. I have to handle her differently than everyone else.

  Too much is going on not to have my wife on my side.

  Ava

  “How are the nightmares?”

  Sitting across from Oscar
in the privacy of a room he’s claimed as his office I fiddle nervously with the bracelet around my wrist. “Not so many any more.”

  “That’s good to hear.” He tells me, leaning back in his leather chair. “And how are you and Damien getting on now that you’re married?”

  “Fine.” I can’t keep the note of bitterness from my creeping into my tone. Just over three weeks married and my new husband is still a stranger in my life. The only time we spend together is in bed and that doesn’t involve talking.

  “Obviously that’s not true.”

  Finally after everything my anger snaps. “You want to know Oscar? You want to know what it’s like being married to your brother? He spends more time with you and the rest of his family than he does with me.

  We never talk. Never have the time because he’s always plotting and scheming. The only place I do see him is in bed. Apparently all I’m needed for is sex because that’s all he wants every fucking night.” My laugh is void of humour.

  “He’s trying to make sure we all get our asses out of this in one piece.” Oscar points out.

  “And he can’t spare me ten minutes that doesn’t involve screwing me so hard I can’t even articulate words during or after?”

  Rising from the sofa I move towards the window.

  “I’m not married so I don’t really know shit about what goes on between a couple, but you need to start communicating because I think you have things to tell each other.” Oscar lets out a sigh.

  Standing stiffly, with my back to him, I briefly close my eyes. Could Oscar know? He’s been probing around inside my head so much I don’t know how he could have missed it. Yet he hasn’t said a word about my secret.

  It won’t matter soon anyway. There is a tenderness to my breasts and a fatigue that plagues me. Already I see changes in my body, though Damien has yet to notice. Not yet. It’s only a matter of time before my pregnancy announces itself.

  “You all hate me.” I mutter trying to swallow the lump in my throat as I feel my emotions become a jumble. “What’s the point.”

  “The point is you’re our sister now.” Oscar’s voice is soft and close. “You need to build some trust.”

  “Why should I give you trust when you don’t trust me? I’m terrified if I step out of line one of you will kill me.”

  “Sister, we won’t kill you if you don’t betray us. Damien took you as his mate. That’s something he’s never planned for. Never wanted.”

  That’s the second time Oscar has called me sister. Releasing a shaky breath I feel the unstable emotion thicken within me.

  “I’m just a means to an end. He wants to unite New York under the Rochester name.” Turning I give him a sombre look. “I’ve been aware of that for months.”

  “No.” Oscar shakes his head his face as serious as it can be. “We could have taken over your coven without you. He didn’t need to marry you for that to happen.”

  Frowning I wrap my arms comfortingly around my chest. If that was true why has Damien gone to such trouble to keep bringing me back? To get me to be his wife? He’s an arsehole. He doesn’t have a heart.

  “You need to stopping being frightened and let Damien in.” Oscar continues. “One of you has to take the first step.”

  Maybe he’s right. I’ve been so defensive and scared I haven’t given any of them a chance since the mating. Mangling my bottom lip with my teeth I sink back down into a chair.

  Can I risk it through? I need to keep my baby safe. Whatever happens that is my priority, with or without my husband.

  The sharp knock at the door interrupts us. Before Oscar can move it opens and Sheila comes breezing in.

  “I want words with our sister.”

  “We’re in the middle of a session.” Oscar growls back.

  Sheila smiles in response. “And you’re done for today.”

  Giving me a long searching look he thrusts a hand through his dark hair. “All right I think I’ve gotten through as much as I can. We can pick this up in a few days.”

  I nod, remaining silent.

  Being alone with Sheila after my fears of her murdering me because of my baby come swirling to the front of my mind.

  Oscar leaves us with a slightly concerned look.

  “How are you and Damien getting along?” She asks the moment we’re alone.

  “Fine.” I respond warily back.

  “Then why don’t I believe you? I know my brother. He’s an asshole. And you’re...well you.”

  I stare back at her not quite sure what she means. I know she doesn’t like me, that’s been obvious from day one. So it makes me wonder why we’re sitting here right now having a chat.

  “Don’t want to speak to me? That’s fine. I came here with a purpose and I hate wasted words. I’m sure you’re confused as to why Damien married you. He’s not the domestic type. That’s obvious.

  As it should be obvious that he could take this whole state by himself. So why you?

  It’s pretty simple, sister. He sees something in you. He sees the children they were under their father’s rule in you. Before they got smarter and actually did something to change their fate.

  You know, when I married Phillip I didn’t have it easy. I came from a family of thugs. Assassins. You’ve witnessed what I can do. You’ve seen two of my brothers. Can you believe that there are two more back in the city?

  Phillip loved me. Damien didn’t. Nor did Oscar and Michael. They excluded me from a lot of things until I proved that not only was I as good as them, but better.

  Tell me, sister. What are you going to do to prove yourself?”

  Prove myself? Is that what it takes to be accepted? Keeping my expression remote I take a second to think.

  “I’m going to kill my father. I’ve already decided it’s going to be me and I don’t give a fuck what any of you think. He dies by my hand after what he did to me...after how he murdered my mother.” My anger rises at the thought of Jonathan Carr. I want to see him grovel, beg before I watch him die.

  “Well,” a sadistic smile crosses Sheila’s lips. “I have to say, sister, I like you more already. Use that anger on Damien. He won’t punish you for it. He’ll respect you.

  Right now he thinks you need a savior. Prove him wrong.

  Make him listen to you. Arrogant bastard needs to see this side of you. Not the meek and mild-tempered one you’ve shown.

  Trust me. I managed to train one Rochester bastard. You can do the same.”

  I can’t stop the smile as it stretches my lips. Maybe Sheila isn’t so bad after all, in a psycho kind of way.

  “I think I can do that.” I tell her feeling myself sit a little taller. “My father always used to punish me for my temper.” I admit.

  “I know. They told me. I also know why you’re scared. You don’t have to be. Did we threaten to kill you? Yes. Are we going to? Highly unlikely.

  If you pay attention you’ll hear death threats get tossed around like endearments almost. It’s only because we care for our family so much that we don’t have any problems killing anyone who threatens it.

  You’re apart of us now.

  You don’t have to trust Damien. Most don’t. But respect him. Know that he won’t harm you.

  Unless you fuck us over you’re safe. I can promise you that. And a promise is not something I make lightly.”

  Could I get Damien to respect me? Make him realise I am not the subdued girl I’ve been since my rescue. I know I need to come out of the protective shell I’ve created around me. If they really do care about family as much as Sheila says and they do see me as part of it, then maybe my fears for my baby are unfounded.

  That thought makes my eyes widen. Do I have it wrong?

  “I can see your mind turning over there. You want Damien to respect you? Hit him. Cut him. Yell at him. Get him to see you.

  Stand up to the asshole. He doesn’t want a submissive.

  Why do you think he never wanted to marry?” Sheila stands. “One more thing before I go.r />
  I’ve been in therapy with Oscar for a long time. He’s good at keeping secrets, I should know, he’s kept many of mine.

  But that also means I know what he looks like when he’s keeping one.

  Whatever you’re hiding, make sure it’s the right thing to do. You’ll only hurt yourself in the end otherwise.

  I know that all too well.” And with a flick of her long red hair she leaves the room.

  CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

  Damien

  PLANNING IS GOING TO KILL ME. Not the actual war. The planning of it.

  So far it seems Carr has taken the bait and should be following our trail within the next four days or so.

  We’re halfway packed up with the essentials to move to the house Phillip and Sheila own on Long Island. I really hate losing this house, but desperate times and all that.

  I’m going over some logistics Michael written up for me when the door to the library opens and then slams shut. Raising my head I find my wife striding toward me.

  Checking the time I make note of the fact that she should be busy with Oscar right now.

  “Can I help you, princess?”

  “Yes you can. I want a fucking conversation for once and it isn’t going to wait.”

  “Well, you’re a demanding one, aren’t you?” Her attitude is cute. “Talk then. I’m trying to make sure we all don’t die when your father rains hell down on us in a few days.”

  Marching closer she slaps her hands down on the desk. “I want to know what’s going on. No more meetings without me. This is my father we are trying to get rid of and I want to be part of it. If someone is going to end that fucker’s life it’s going to be me.”

  If she had red hair and icicles for eyes I’d think this was twenty-seven years ago when Sheila slammed her way into my office a few weeks after she married Phillip. Well, now I know where my sister’s been this afternoon.

  “The plan is simple. He follows us here, he tries to kill us, and we kill him instead.” Leaning forward I place my arms on the desk. My face is so close to hers I can feel her breath across my cheek. “I don’t think you have the balls to get the job done.”

  “Oh I can get it done. After what he did to me I won’t even hesitate.” Her eyes are intent her voice low. “I’m going to make him pay for everything he’s ever put me through and if you or anyone else tries to stop me I will have no problem castrating you.”