by Amy Robyn
“We’re clear.” He says as we all make our way to the door. I stop them before we walk through.
“When we walk through this door. You will find grappling hooks. You will need to take turns climbing down them. Move your hands like this to get down.” I show them how to make it down so they do not burn their hands.
“If you try to just slide, it will burn your hands. We don’t have time to stop for injuries. Stay with me. If we lose you then you will never learn what you need to survive. I wouldn’t recommend not dallying.” I tell them as I throw the door open. They all flinch away from the light. I shake my head. What have they been told?
“Sunlight doesn’t hurt you. See.” I step out into the sunlight and let the rays shine down on me. The guy I first rescued sticks his hand out first and then when it doesn’t burn him he follows me out. The rest follow suit. I look down over the edge of the roof and see Zeke holding his arm and blood all around his fingers. It’s darkening his shirt sleeve and I frown as I help one of the fledglings grab ahold of the wire to start his decent. I follow him down and go over to Zeke.
“What happened?” I ask as I examine the wound. The bullet is lodged in his arm. I curse because I know it will not heal until it is removed.
“That asshole shot me before the tranquilizer took effect.” He points at a big huge man who has several darts sticking out of him. I frown as I bend down to look him over. He seems to be breathing okay but I worry that he might have gotten too much.
“It was his own fault for shooting one of our men.” Drake says as he joins me on the ground. I nod my head and look around at all the fledglings gathered around. Looks like some will need to bunk together. My house will be full for the first time. Overly so.
“Everyone stay with us.” I say as I start running. I go at half speed and still I need to slow down some. Some of the fledglings are weak from not being fed enough and some are so new that they have no idea of their abilities. It’s going to be a herculean task to train them all but I know we can do it.
Chapter 10.
As soon as the first car pulls in, I’m racing out the door. To my disappointment, it’s only Michael and a woman. He steps out of the car and runs around to the other side, so quickly it looks like more of a blur. He opens the door and lifts the woman out and carries her toward me.
“Is she okay?” I recognize her from the camera feed we watched last night. I wince as I remember how they jamming a needle into her stomach.
“She’ll be fine with some blood and rest.” He tells me as I open the door for him. He blurs his way from there up the stairs. Will I ever get used to being around vampires? Another car pulls up with only Terrance in it. I frown because these should have been full with fledglings along with two other cars. The other two cars pull in just behind Terrance. One is driven by Thomas and the other by Devin. My heart starts racing as I worry about William.
“Don’t worry, they are in a bus we rented.” Thomas says as he steps out. He must have seen how worried I was.
“There were more than we thought there would be. We have a dozen fledglings coming. Can you and the other women get the bags of blood out of the refrigerator for us.” Thomas asks and I smile.
“Of course,” I go back into the house where the other women are waiting.
“There are twelve fledglings coming and they need blood. Will you help me carry them?” Emmy has a hard time getting up.
“Not you, sweetie.” I tell her but she is already on her feet. She grunts and rubs her back.
“I’m pregnant not paralyzed.” She snaps and I put my hands up.
“I just know your back has been hurting.” She smiles at me.
“I’m sorry. I just keep getting these pains in my back occasionally, and they hurt like hell. It’s making me cranky.” I look over at Olivia whose eyes are bulging out as mine probably are too.
“Uhhh… honey I think you’re in labor.” I tell her and she shakes her head just before water pours out of her and on to the floor. She gasps and then groans as another contraction starts.
“Jesus, who do we call? Do you have a doctor?” She shakes her head but doesn’t say anything for a few more seconds.
“Drake and William were reading up on how to do it. We can’t trust humans to deliver. We have no idea what to expect. The doctors would do blood tests and things that will not come out normal.” She says in a panting breath. Damn it.
“I’m a doctor.” A timid voice says from the top of the staircase. I look up to see the woman that Michael brought in. Michael is holding her against him.
“You’re not strong enough yet sweetheart.” He tells her and she waves a hand at him.
“She needs me and I have delivered many babies.” She looks up at Michael pleadingly.
“Besides you can help me.” She tells him and Michael looks like he is going to fall over.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea. Drake is very possessive as most vampires are for their mates.” His eyes shine down on her with possession.
“We can help her.” I tell Michael and he finally nods his head though he doesn’t look happy about it. He helps her down the stairs and over to where Emmy stands panting.
“Let’s start off by timing your contractions.” She says before turning to us.
“Does one of you have a watch or a phone with a timer?” She asks and I reach into my back pocket for my smart phone. I pull up the timer application.
“Ready.” I tell her and she turns to Michael.
“We need a bed for her. You will need to lay down some plastic and a blanket over it, unless the mattress is dispensable.” Michael’s nose curls but he nods his head and races to a room to the right of the entryway. He comes back in a flash.
“I will go out and buy a new mattress for that room. It has never been a very comfortable bed anyway. I’m sure whoever gets that room will be thankful for a new one.” He runs his hand over his face in frustration.
“I can’t carry her and risk Drake seeing her in my arms.” He says. The woman glares at him.
“Just because she’s in labor doesn’t mean she can’t walk.” She snips at him.
“Men.” She says under her breath. All of us women chuckle.
“What is your name?” I ask her and she smiles at me. The woman is beautiful with her light mocha skin and long black hair. Her hazel eyes are almond shaped and large with long, sooty lashes. I’m sure she sent Michael to his knees.
“It’s Sapphire James.” She smiles and the rest of us introduce ourselves until Emmy grips my wrist and starts panting again. For such a tiny woman, she sure has a strong grip. Olivia leaves the room to get a mop to clean up the fluid that is still covering the floor.
“Breathe.” Sapphire tells Emmy. The contraction ends as the door opens and Drake comes rushing in with a bunch of men following in his wake. I start the timer
“Baby, is it time?” He looks around frantically until his eyes land on Emmy. He calms and so does Emmy. Her breathing evens out. Michael jumps in front of Sapphire and hisses at Drake. Drake rolls his eyes.
“Not another territorial vampire.” He says with a huff.
“Oh, like you should talk.” Emmy says as she chuckles. Drake smirks at her but when the pain starts again his look changes to worry. I push the timer button.
“Three minutes.” I tell Sapphire. She nods her head.
“Well let’s get you to the bed. I need to examine you.” Sapphire says.
“Wait. Who are you to examine my mate?” Drake says and Michael growls. Thankfully, William pushes through the crowd and gets between them.
“I am a doctor. I have delivered a lot of babies so unless there is a more qualified person here, you all need to move out of the way.” She says with her hands on her hips. Drake goes over and lifts Emmy into his arms.
“Lead the way Doc.” He says and she rolls her eyes at him. Emmy whimpers and Drake looks down at her and kisses her on the lips. They have such a beautiful relationship. I only hope that
mine is as strong as theirs someday. I look up at William and the look in his eyes as he watches me convinces me that we will. Maybe even stronger.
“I can examine you later if you like?” She says as she looks over at Olivia, who beams at her and nods her head. Suddenly, I am hit with such sorrow. I will never have children of my own. William wraps his arms around me and I forget my sorrow. It’s like he can sense that I need him. I turn in his arms and kiss him. I’m so glad he’s back and in one piece.
“It looks like things weren’t dull around here either.” He says with a smile. Like things are ever dull here. I like that about it. I came from a clinical, unemotional family, so this chaos is just what I needed. I only hope that I can be helpful to them. I’m not a doctor or a nurse. I only ever wanted to be a school teacher. I’m good at it.
“You are dilated to a seven already. How long have you been in labor?” Sapphire asks.
“I only just started when my water broke.” Emmy says as she pants. They have laid her in the bed and placed a blanket over her.
“She was complaining about back pain since late last night.” Drake chimes in. His eyes are overly large as he stares at Sapphire. Michael keeps growling though quietly. Sapphire pierces him with a glare.
“If all you’re going to do is growl, why don’t you head out and get that mattress for the fledgling who will have this room.” Sapphire tells Michael with her own growl.
“Fine.” He snaps back and leaves the room. William kisses my neck and whispers in my ear.
“It’s funny to watch the others finding their mates but the experience of it is so much more than I ever thought it would be.” He nuzzles my neck and I sigh. It was a pretty intense experience but most moments with William are.
“Everyone out of the room.” Drake growls as he helps get his mate get more comfortable. William chuckles but pulls me from the room. When Sapphire goes to leave, Drake stalls her.
“Not you please. She may need you and I have forgotten everything I read.” Drake says to her in a panic. Sapphire shakes her head but sits down in the chair beside the bed.
We shut the door behind us and William turns to the other vampires.
“Thomas, start showing the fledglings to their room once they have finished their blood. Make sure they have everything they need.” He tells Thomas before turning to Terrance.
“Please help him and make sure the security system you installed is up and going. I have a feeling that there might be retribution for what happened today. Michael will be back soon and when he is, lock us down.” He tells Terrance.
“Gabriel, can you dig the bullet out of Zeke and make sure he has enough blood to heal properly.” He tells Gabriel before turning to all the new fledglings.
“Welcome to Northridge. This will be your home for a while. You will need training in bloodlust, and how to use your new abilities. Some of you will need to bunk with each other, but it will only be for a short time. It’s time we expand.” He looks at each one of them.
“I will get to know all of you and I will ensure your safety but in return I expect you to follow my rules. You will have freedoms but they need to be earned by showing control. We can’t allow you to run around attacking humans. Understand me clearly. If you are out of control, one of us must put you down and none of us want to do that. We protect humanity above all else.” He says clearly.
“I am sure that given time, we will all be good friends. The council will be convening soon. We decide the laws of our people. I would like each of you to sit in a meeting and learn our laws. It is important that we have our own civilization and adhere to laws. They are there to protect you as well as humans.” He clears his throat and Gabriel steps up.
“You have all been through a traumatic ordeal and we understand that it may be difficult for you initially. We are here for you. Ask us questions and we will always answer them.” Gabriel says. William pats his shoulder.
“Now, go get the blood you need and rest. We will start your training in the morning.” William finishes before he lifts me over his shoulder and races to our room. It’s like the first time we met all over again. He sits me on my feet as he shuts the door behind us. I shake my head. I could grouse that I can walk. It is fun to give him a hard time but I have other things in mind. Pleasurable things. William must agree as he starts pulling the clothes off me. He is just as hurried as I am. I have a feeling it will always be this way. I couldn’t ask for a better life.
He stops and backs away from me for a moment and I look at him questioningly. He goes over to the wall where a painting is hanging. He moves the picture aside and I see the safe hidden behind it.
“The code is 1994.” He tells me as he opens the heavy door. Inside is a lot of papers and stacks of cash. He moves it all aside until his finds a small velvet pouch. He pulls it out and comes over to me. He pulls a ring out of the inside and I gasp. It is beautiful and very old. It’s the most stunning thing I have ever seen. He takes my hand and slides the ring on my ring finger. He sighs a contented sigh and kisses the top of it.
“This was my mother’s ring. All she ever wanted for me was for me to marry a good woman and start my own family. The fact that it fits perfectly just lets me know that I truly have found the right owner for it. The owner of my heart and soul and will soon carry my last name.” He says as he stares into my eyes. I can see my future within those light blue, though they seem almost silver right now, depths. He didn’t ask me to marry him, instead he told me that I would. I shake my head. Normally this kind of thing would annoy me but with William they are just who he is and I wouldn’t have him any other way.
“Take me to bed and make love to me.” I tell him and he lifts me gently into his arms. He lays me out on the bed as he presses himself against me.
“Always and forever.” He whispers in my ear. I smile knowing that he’s right. Thanks to meeting him, we do have a forever. I will show him every day that love can truly last forever.
Sneak Peek: Northridge Vampires, Michael
Chapter 1. Michael
I can’t get the image of her out of my head. Seeing her in pain made my gut hurt, it also made me want to hunt down the men who hurt her and destroy every one of them, painfully. I do not understand what it is that is pulling me toward this woman. This inane urge to be near her, to protect her. I will find her if it’s the last thing I do and I will ensure her safety. She will never know pain like that again. She has become my focus yet I do not understand why. Could an undeserving man, such as myself, have a mate? I do not deserve one.
I was created because of my own selfish desire, a desire for immortality and to destroy my enemies. Their blood and so many others are on my hands. I sought out my creator. I chose this life. I started out as a hunter. I loathed the vampires. I had been taught and trained at an early age how to recognize and destroy them. I rejoiced at every vampire kill. I was told that they were vile, evil creatures who prayed on human kind and yet I chose to become one. All it took was getting Tuberculosis for me to change camps.
I sought out the vampire we had been hunting and asked him to change me, promising that I would help him in his fight against the hunters. He changed me and I left the next day. I hid until word reached me that he had been destroyed. Now I can look back on the whole situation with different eyes. The vampire had been kind to me. He even allowed me to sleep in his bed while he took the floor and I took his gift and spat in his face. I am nothing more than a promise breaker and a liar. I have never forgiven myself for that and what I did afterward.
We had been battling with a neighboring village. They wanted our land and we wanted theirs. Yes, it was a very selfish time. You were not a man unless you had taken a life and I had taken several by an early age, not including vampires. Our neighboring village is who I blamed for my illness. Not one person from my village had gotten ill until we started battling. I wanted them all dead and I did just that when I was changed. I slaughtered them all. One right after another. Only leaving the women an
d children alive. I was the very monster we were seeking to destroy. Not the vampires. Me.
I can still see their faces, hear their cries, late at night as I lay awake in my bed. No, I do not deserve the riches of having a mate. I am a dishonorable vampire. The only person who knows all that I have done is William. He never judged me as he should have. All he has ever told me was that I needed to forgive myself, but how can I. I still feel their blood soaking into my flesh. It never matters if I have just bathed or not. I feel it all the way to my very soul. It is stained.
This woman is better off without me but I will find her and keep her safe. She deserves that much. She was so brave as she stared defiantly at the doctor and technicians. She’s deserving of everything I will ensure that she has. She will never know hunger or pain again. If she is my mate, I will give her the biggest gift she could ever ask for, I will not saddle her with me. I will give her freedom.
About Amy Robyn
Amy Robyn is a wife and a mother of three crazy boys. She also has three dogs she considers her children. She is currently living in Louisiana. She loves to sing karaoke and spend time with her family. She enjoys a good happy ending and that carries through in her books.
Other Books By Amy Robyn
Psionics: Gage
Psionics: Aaron
Psionics: Graham
Psionics: Dagger & James
Psionics: Forest
Psionics: Jenna
Psionics: Talon
Through The Eyes of Her Wolf