by Vicki Cross
“I wanted to say goodbye, Lou”
She immediately broke down into tears and I fought every muscle in my body to not run to her. Things were better this way. Lying to her was what she needed even if she didn’t think so. Protecting her from my father was all I could think about. It was the driving force of all my decisions and today would be no different.
“Go!” she shouted throwing her clutch at me. The clutch hit me across the chest and I watched it fall to the ground.
“Lou-,” I began still fighting the urge to hold her. I couldn’t take her tears. I should have never come back here. The memories of us laying naked on the couch together was plaguing my mind. Just the sight of her again was overwhelming. Being away from her wasn’t easy.
“Do you love her?” she cried. “The girl you’re leaving me for. I mean I’m not stupid Sebastian. We’ve spent enough time together that I know when you’re lying.”
I swallowed hard like there was a lump in my throat and took a small step back. I wasn’t prepared for this conversation. But the truth was what she was looking for.
“I need her,” I stated bluntly. It was the truth. Shay was important to my plan and the success of it was dependent upon Shay and I being bound to each other.
Lou shook her head and wiped the tears from her eyes. “That’s not what I asked”
“Lou don’t do this,” I pleaded hoping she wasn’t going to force my hand.
“You know that night at the clinic, I wasn’t sure you were alive. When I found you in the parking lot I just knew that I was meant to save you, you know? It’s weird, but I felt like all my years of college and medical school was leading me to that moment in the parking lot when I saw you there bleeding from what seemed like every part of your body.” She sobbed.
The lump in my throat was growing bigger and I wasn’t sure how much more I could take.
She licked her lips and took one giant step closer. “So I ask again, do you love her?”
“I care about her,” I replied, this time without hesitation.
She scoffed in disappointment. I turned away from her ready to say my goodbyes.
“Don’t come looking for me Lou.” I demanded.
“Coward!” she accused.
I raked a hand through my hair upset by her accusation. “If keeping you safe makes me a coward, then I’ll gladly accept that title.” I replied through clench teeth.
“Bullshit, Sebastian.” She retorted. “I’ll make sure I give your guys a wonderful show so they can report back to you every single man I’m with. Who knows, maybe I’ll let them watch.”
The anger inside me at the mention of her with another man made my blood boil. I wanted her punished badly for that. And when I could no longer fight the urge, I closed the distance and swept her into my arms and kissed her.
Surprising, she didn’t hesitate to kiss me back. Instead she wrapped her arms around my neck and I spun us around so that I could sit on the couch and have her on top of my lap.
She kissed me feverishly. Her wet lashes brushed across my cheek as she trailed kisses across my jawline and back to my lips again. Her touch awoke something inside of me and I didn’t hesitate to reach my hand up under her dress and push her panties to the side.
She bit my lip playfully and I let out a low groan. Everything about Lou made her a perfect fit for me. She matched my need with her own and when she could no longer take my fingers going deep inside of her quickly unzipped my pants and went straight for my cock. Her warm mouth found the head of my cock and I threw my head back in ecstasy. Her moans grew louder as she took more of me in with every sucking motion and she looked me in the eyes. Fuck those sexy brown eyes made me weak and I knew that I was going to fuck her the way I’ve been wanting to for the last six months.
I pulled her up off the floor sat her on my lap. I didn’t care to take the time for her to slide her panties off. Instead I pushed them to side and eased her down on me.
Lou bit her lip and gave me a smile that showed me her lust. Her big round eyes looked into mine as she grinded up and down. Being inside of her without a condom sent me over the edge. We were always careful to practice safe sex, but tonight I didn’t even let the thought cross my mind.
I grabbed her back the hips and helped eased her up and down feeling her wet juices sliding down my cock made me harder. The scent of our sex was intoxicating and she moaned against my lips before kissing me hard.
Letting out a low groan of pleasure I thrusted my hips upwards and she immediately tightened herself around me.
“Fuck,” I shouted as she tangled her hands into my black hair. Lou gave me another wicked smile and I thrusted harder. The sensation of her tight grip on my hair gave me even more pleasure and I felt the push to cum. She was becoming undone and I knew by the glossy look in her eyes that she was just as close as I was.
Lou moaned loudly as she bounced herself up and down my throbbing cock until she found her orgasm. The sound of her release made me release inside her and I instantly brought her into another kiss. She was right, I didn’t love Shay, I loved her.
She collapsed against my chest, her heavy breaths against my neck made me remember out nights together and I found myself smiling at the thought.
I closed my eyes for a brief moment and realized that something was wrong. I could sense my brother’s presence outside of Lou’s house and knew that whatever it was it was important. He knew better than to come here.
“Something wrong, I have to go” I whispered tilting her chin up to meet my gaze.
She searched my eyes and gave me a look that made me think she was going to protest. But when she didn’t I knew she could tell that whatever it was, it was important.
“I’m sorry that I’m leaving you like this,” I replied hating every bit of myself for what I was doing to her. She nodded biting back her tears and I kissed her again.
I quickly fixed myself before heading outside to meet with Eli.
“What is it?” I asked once the door shut behind me.
She looked up and I followed his gaze to Lou who was standing in the window looking at us.
He had never been formally introduced to Lou and I’m sure he had come to his own conclusions about her but now wasn’t the time to push that envelope.
“What is it?” I snapped.
He came back reality and faced me. “It’s Shay. She’s gone.”
Chapter 17
Shay
I’m dizzy as I start to come to. The world is black and I’m unable to see. I can feel the scratchy material that’s tied around my eyes. A bandana or blindfold of some sort. My arms are bound together at the wrist and the tightness of what I assume to be rope, digs steadily into my skin. I’m on something soft, a bed perhaps? I can feel the softness of the mattress surrounding me. My throat and lips are dry and so I try to swallow to coax my throat back to life. When I inhale, I can taste the smoke in the air. A sudden movement lets me know that I am not alone. Someone is here.
“Hello Shay,” Gabe calls out to me. I tremble at the sound of his voice echoing inside my ears.
“W-where am I?” my voice cracks from the dryness.
A deep rumble of laughter shakes my body and I can feel the weight in the bed shift. He’s coming closer. I’m still like a statue aware of his presence and his urge to come closer to me.
A hand touches my inner thigh and slowly trails up until it reaches my sex, I gasp at the touch and want to push him away, but I can’t.
“Shhhh,” he coos as he slowly drags his hand up towards my belly. “When you’re mine, you will give me an heir that I can be proud of,”
“I will give you nothing!” I spat out in disgust.
Gabe chuckles. “You will give me whatever I want,” he assures me grabbing my throat tight he lifts me up to him and I can feel the breath leave my body. “But what I won’t tolerate, is your disrespect,” he sneers. A sudden knock at the door causes him to let out a heavy sigh and he tosses me back down like a rag doll.
My breath is lost as I try to capture air back into my lungs.
“Enter,” he shouts.
The hinge on the door squeaks and I listen as each sound of a boot hitting the hard floor. His presence is strong and powerful much like Sebastian’s and I immediately know who it is.
“My King,” Gabe greets him.
He doesn’t say anything. Instead his footsteps are steady and strong as he makes his way closer to the bed. I swallow hard in fear.
“Take off her blindfold, I want her to see me.” The deep and sinister voice orders.
Gabe doesn’t hesitate, and I feel his hands behind my head untying the knot. When he removes the blindfold, I’m greeted with a bright light. The sun shines into the room casting a shadow by every part of the room it doesn’t touch.
I look up at the man before me. He reminds me of a much older Sebastian. His face is full and he has very few wrinkles, but his presences lets me know that he has been around a long time. But there is something about him. Gabe sat me up to face Sebastian’s father and I watched as his eyes looked over every inch of my body.
“The daughter of the Great Henry Dansfield.” He spoke giving me a disappointed look.
“Why am I here?” I questioned.
He raised his brow and gave me a quizzical look. “Well I thought it was obvious my dear. You’re here because Sebastian couldn’t do the one thing I asked him to do. Marry the Dansfield whore and unite our clans. And take back the power your father stole from me.” He seethed.
I chewed my lip trying my best to bite my tongue. “But it from what my sources told me, that he had fallen in love and didn’t really intend on forwarding my work, well let’s just say I was less than pleased.”
I shook my head in protest. “Sebastian is doing what is right.”
“No, my dear girl. He is fighting what is in his blood. You see, your father was the one spreading the notion that we could leave side by side with the humans. Our blood craves theirs. They’re the weaker species.”
“They’re not weak. You and your pathetic follower are weak and-,”
The back of his hand smacked me hard against the face causing me to nearly fall back. The pain from sent a warm tingling sensation across my face and held myself together to not cry. I couldn’t afford to be weak.
“And when I heard that Sebastian was moving up the binding, well…I knew it was for something special.”
I gave him a confused look unsure what he meant.
“I know my son. Couldn’t keep his hands off of you until the binding.” He smirked.
“I-I don’t know what you mean.” I stuttered.
His eyes trailed down to my belly and he reached out to touch it. “You have a life inside you my dear. A very powerful force. He could sense it like me and he pushed up the binding.”
The dizziness before came back and I needed to lay down. I couldn’t be pregnant. My fears were coming true.
“It’s just a shame that we won’t see that life inside of you develop.” He replied giving me a huge grin.
Tears slowly cascaded down my cheek as I could no longer fight them. I was pregnant with Jude’s child, and in the same breath I learned that they meant to take it from me.
“W-what are you doing to do to me?” I cried.
He smiled and looked up at Gabe and then back at me. “I’m going to show him how it feels to lose a child. But not to worry, I want Sebastian front and center for the binding.”
I wanted to yell and scream but I knew it would do me very little good. I was their prisoner, I could only hope that Jude and Sebastian were trying to find me. I closed my eyes and wished for Jude and for a second I swore I could hear the heel of his boots walking around me.
Jude
“Just listen to me, I’m going to be out of town for a few days so I need you to be in charge while I’m gone.” I told Wilson over the phone. I was packing my bags and preparing my truck to leave. Ever since that burn sensation of the mark, I couldn’t sleep or think of anything else. I needed to save her and my first order of business was finding Sebastian. I wasn’t sure how I would do it, but I wouldn’t rest until she was safe.
I gave Wilson a quick thank you before hanging up my cell phone and tossing it in my bag. All I needed now was my gun and I was set to go. I took one step forward and I suddenly, I was no longer inside my bedroom. A bright light shined in my face and when I turned away from it I saw Shay tied up and two men standing before her. My heart sank inside my chest and the mark burned my skin as if it was trying to tell me something. The heel of my boot was loud and heavy against the wooden floor and I reached for her but couldn’t touch her. Somehow the mark had brought me here.
“I want all the men watching for Sebastian. Have two men posted at each station” The older man said. “Do whatever you have to do to get him on his knees, just make sure he is alive when you bring him to me.”
“Yes, my King”
“Make sure Sebastian comes here to the North Camp. I want him to think we are vulnerable on the south side entrance. Post one of our strongest men there. He will see one and know that he can take him on. This will allow us to sit up two traps.”
“I understand. And what of the Princess?”
His yellow eyes fall upon Shay and he gives her a wicked smile. “Tomorrow you will bind her to you. Just don’t spoil the girl too much before your wedding night,” he chuckled.
“I will do my best, my King”
The king nodded “Once the storm passes tonight we will prepare the grounds. They will be wet so we must be careful with laying down our traps.
“Of course.” Gabe added.
“After the binding is done and Sebastian has watched his beloved bound to you. I will rip his child out of her before I kill him.” He let out a low weak laugh.
Shay winces at his laughter and her tears a flowing at an even pace. I can feel her fear and her worry. I wish I could touch her and let her know that I am here. The older man stands ups and slowly hobbles out of the room. I turned to face Shay again but I’m back in my room. Everything I saw was gone and I felt hopeless.
The Kings words echoed inside my mind. She was carrying Sebastian’s child. I felt sick and angry. It didn’t add up. Shay was a virgin when we were together…but she had been alone with Sebastian for nearly three weeks now. Who’s to say how long the pregnancy process is for a vampire.
I shook with anger and disappointment. But I didn’t let it get in my way. I couldn’t walk away from her now. I was her guardian, and I intended on protecting her no matter the cost. After this, I would move on and let her live her life with him.
“Shit” I yell kicking the at the chest on the floor. I didn’t have much time and needed more answers.
Where ever she was it was going to rain in a few hours, the sun was up so she is in the same time zone of me. She’s at a North camp, I muttered. The only person who could answer that question was Sebastian, which meant I needed to find him first.
I grabbed my bags as quickly as I could and headed downstairs. Once outside I saw him standing there beside my truck. It was Sebastian. He looked worried and upset but I didn’t care. Her disappearance was all his fault.
My bags slid from my hands as I closed the distance between us. Without a second thought I grabbed Sebastian on either side of his jacket right under the neck and shoved him up against my truck.
“Where were you? You were supposed to protect her!” I shouted pushing him harder.
He didn’t budge or move he only looked at me giving me the release I needed. He knew that it was his fault that she was gone. I could see the anger in his eyes as well. Not with me, but with the person that did this too.
I let him go reluctantly cursing under my breath as I did so. Now wasn’t the time to fight with him. If he cared about her like I thought, then we needed to work together.
“I deserve your anger but we need to work together to get her back safely. You’re her guardian and right now you’re the only link we ha
ve to her.”
I grabbed my bags from the ground and tossed them in the back of the truck. “I don’t know much,” I sighed in frustration. A few minutes ago I felt like I was in the room with her but I couldn’t understand much of what was going on.”
“You two are connected. The mark allows you see what she sees when you’re called upon. Tell me everything you heard and saw.”
I swallowed hard still upset but trying to get past my anger at least for now. Did he know he had gotten Shay pregnant? Was that his first order of business with her? I wanted answers to those questions but decided it was best to tell him everything at once.
“She’s being held at the north camp. I saw two men in the room with her. An older man that the other one kept referring to him as his King.”
Sebastian eyes widen. “My father,” he breathed in disgust but I kept going.
“They want you there for the binding. They know you are coming to find her. But there will be a lot of traps step up around the area. Your father will lead you to believe the south side of the camp is weak but that is where the men are waiting for you.” I continued.
“When will Gabe be bound to her?”
I guessed that Gabe was the other man in the room. “Tomorrow night after the rain storm hits.”
Sebastian nodded and thought for a brief moment. “Then I will do as he says. If he expects me there, then that will give you enough time to find her and get her to a safe area away from the camp.”
“Your father aims to kill you,” I retorted. No matter our differences, I couldn’t allow him to willing die when he had a child that needed him.
“I will handle my father and die if I have to.”
I shook my head. He didn’t know about the child and it would only be fair that I told him.
“Shay is pregnant…with your child,” I bit out bitterly. “She can’t lose you now.” It took a lot for me to say that but it was the right thing to do.
Sebastian smiled and I wanted to wipe the grin right off his face.
“No Jude you are mistaken. She is pregnant with your child. My father is unaware of any other man in her life. So he assumes that the life inside her is mine. I can assure you it is not.”